What's Next In Noise Cancelling Headphones
Best Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
If you commute on noisy public transport or work with chatty colleagues Noise cancelling headphones provide the sonic buffer you need to stay focused. We examined comfort, sound quality, as well as the ability to block high-frequency continuous sounds like restaurant chatter, or incidental sounds of short duration like ringing phone or clacking keys.
Sony WH-1000XM5
If you're looking for premium ANC headphones, Sony's flagship WH-1000XM5 is the best choice. The WH-1000XM5 was first released in 2016 and is an excellent choice for anyone looking to listen to their preferred music or podcasts without distractions. The latest edition of the line marks the first major redesign since its original release and offers many new and exciting features. The headphones are also eco friendly, with no packaging made of plastic. They provide excellent noise cancellation and crisp audio.
The WH-1000XM5 has no rival in its ability to cancel out noise when activated. The act of putting on a pair headphones creates a cone of silence, which can block out the sounds of trains and subway engines and also neighboring conversations. They're also among the top ANC headphones for blocking out low-frequency drones and bass hums.
Ambient Sound Control is another great feature. It adjusts the acoustic balance of the headphones depending on the surrounding. If you're in your home and listening to your favourite music, the WH1000XM5 will switch to an immersive experience. If you're walking on an avenue that is busy, they will switch to more focused profiles to help you be more aware of your surroundings.
The ear cups of the WH-1000XM5 feature touchscreen-sensitive gesture controls on the right that can be used to play, pause and switch tracks. You can also utilize the voice assistant to adjust the volume as well as search for content and make phone calls that are hands-free. The headphones offer a rich stereo image and a consistent frequency response. They also have a group delay that is extremely precise and helps ensure a consistent soundstage.
Another nice touch is the ability to connect the WH-1000XM5s with two devices simultaneously. This is especially useful for laptop users to listen to music while taking phone calls using your smartphone. They have a built-in microphone and USB-C ports for charging. The headphones come with an audio cable that can be used for direct analog playback. The battery life is around 30 hours. It can last for one week or more, and even a long trip.
Bose QuietComfort 45
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is the latest update to the premium headphones maker's flagship model. It was launched in September 2021, and it undercuts the new Sony WH1000XM4 by around PS320 or $329 or $439 when compared to its 700-related sibling. It offers the best active noise cancellation, and comes with features such as voice assistant support, automatic pausing and automatic pause when you remove the headphones. The design is also a lot more comfortable than previous models. But there are a few things to know. The buttons on the back of the ear cups are now touch-sensitive and require pressure to activate, so it may be difficult for some people to get used to. You can adjust ANC and toggle an "aware" mode which allows ambient sounds but you can't completely shut off the audio.
The headsets offer outstanding performance and are an excellent buy for anyone looking for an expensive pair of headphones to wear on a train, plane or while working from home. They feature a long battery life, excellent noise cancellation and clear audio. They also have multipoint Bluetooth which allows them to be paired to two devices at once and switch between them by pressing one button. They also have a dedicated application, which isn't as customizable as some competitors but has plenty of useful features.
The QC45s come with a highly efficient active noise cancellation mode. In my testing, it can be slightly loud at times. However, the passive EQ modes are more balanced and give you more control over your music's characteristic. If you listen to songs that contain high levels of cymbal shimmer you might notice that your headphones are irritating. This can be easily fixed by lowering 3-20kHz on your music player's equalizer.
While some may be disappointed at the absence of some features, like adjustable ANC/transparency and EQ, and a slight drop in call quality, overall the QC45s are an excellent choice for those looking for top-quality ANC at a low cost. They are also comfortable to wear for a long time and come with fast-charging via a USB-C port.
Shure Aonic 50
Shure's Aonic 50 headphones are premium headphones that put a lot of emphasis on audio. Their drivers feature a massive 50mm dynamic driver and are packed with high-resolution codecs to provide the highest quality audio playback through Bluetooth. The headphones provide a balanced sound with rich clarity across the frequency range and they have a natural sense of space and positioning to them and allow you to feel the reverberation of each note and the movement of sounds around you.
The headphones are a little heavier than their competitors at 334g, but they're comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The headband is placed on top of your head without putting too much pressure and the earcups are cushioned, making them very comfortable. They're also quite lightweight - they fold flat and can be stored in their accompanying carrying case which is an added bonus.
There's a basic set of controls that are arranged on the right earcup, including volume, playback and power/pairing. A slider near the top lets you switch between noise-cancelling, a neutral mode, and what Shure calls 'Environment Mode'. Environment mode allows more outside noise to be heard and can be helpful for those who need to keep track of your surroundings. The controls are well-designed but there's a small lag between pressing them and the action they perform (i.e. If you press the play while on a call, you may end up playing music in your ears, instead of picking up mom. They don't have any built-in microphones for voice commands support however they do come with an audio response from Google Assistant and their mics are great at removing background noise in phone conversations.
The battery can last up to 20 hours for most people. over ear noise cancelling headphones is included to charge your phone. It's not as convenient as Bluetooth but you have the ability to listen to your music while you recharge. They're also compatible with a lot of audio devices that have a 2.5mm port, meaning you can use them even when you're traveling.
Monoprice BT600ANC
The Monoprice BT-600ANC Bluetooth over-ear noise cancelling headphones include all the features you need in a pair of wireless headphones for just a fraction of the cost. They feature high-quality Qualcomm aptX HD Audio, a cutting-edge version of Active Noise Cancelling, and the ability to fold down for portable use that makes them easy to store in a backpack or carry bag. They are ideal for students and commuters, because they feature an extremely long-lasting battery that lets you to listen throughout the throughout the day. The headphones also have convenient touch controls, which allow you to swipe or tap in order to adjust the volume or skip tracks.
The BT-600ANC headsets have an elegant design that is similar to the Monoprice M1000ANC headphones we reviewed last year. They're a matte gray color and barely branded and aren't noticeable in public, however they feature a soft, comfortable fit that will appeal to most ears. The small size of these headphones and the carrying case included make them ideal for travel.
The ear cups are encased in leatherette, and offer excellent isolation via passive. The headband provides plenty of adjustability and is comfortable without feeling heavy or soft and slouchy. The headband is large enough to accommodate glasses wearers, which means they will work for most people.
Monoprice ANC is a great choice, and it does not sound as tinny as other brands. They have a slight increase between 100-200Hz, giving a fuller sound to bass notes. The opening track of Good 4 U, by Olivia Rodrigo, shows a full response. They have a dramatic drop in the upper frequencies above ten kHz. so cymbals and shakers won't sound as clear and crisp.
There are three ANC modes to choose from three modes: low, medium and high. The low setting is great for blocking out most ambient noise, however it won't keep out traffic or loud conversations. The medium setting is ideal for most environments, while the high setting will keep you away from all other sounds, except your own. The earcups feature touch-sensitive controls which take some getting used to. Swiping up or down on the pad controls the volume, while tapping or swiping left or right changes the track. Double-taps can also be used to stop or answer a phone. It takes some time to get used to the system however once you get used to it, you will find it extremely useful.