If you’ve ever tried to listen to your favorite playlist only to be drowned out by honking, airplane engines, or other distracting sounds, you might want to consider some headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC). Whether you’re working in a noisy coffee shop, getting ready for a flight, or trying to focus at home, a good pair of headphones with ANC will block out those distracting noises so you can fully immerse yourself in your music, podcasts, or songs. that new audiobook you’ve been dying to finish.
Noise-cancelling headphones are designed for all kinds of situations, and each model will be slightly different. Some have plush memory foam ear cushions and an adjustable headband for all-day comfort, ideal for long listening sessions. It’s also worth considering a pair of headphones that offer several hours of battery life that will keep your music going from morning meetings to evening workouts. If you’re after top-notch sound quality and smart features like customizable ANC, there’s a pair to suit your needs.
How to choose the best noise canceling headphones for you
Design
When shopping for a pair of wireless headphones, the first thing you need to decide on is the style. Do you prefer in-ear headphones or over-ear headphones? For the purposes of this guide, I’m focusing on the over-ear style because that’s what most noise-canceling headphones are today. Sure, you can find on-ear models with ANC, but over-the-ear, active noise-canceling headphones are more effective at blocking out outside noise because your ears are completely covered.
There are also for gamers gaming headphones It’s noise-canceling—some even have detachable microphones, so they can double as over-ear headphones. However, for the purpose of this article, we will be focusing on noise canceling headphones rather than headphones. Look for models with a comfortable headband and memory foam ear cups so you can wear them for long periods without discomfort.
Type of noise cancellation
Next, you may want to look at the type of ANC that a range of headphones offer. You’ll come across terms like “hybrid active noise cancellation” or “hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation,” and there are key differences between the two. The hybrid ANC setup uses built-in microphones and outside the device to detect and cancel external noise. By analyzing input from both microphones, the hybrid system can handle more noise than “regular” ANC, but does so at a constant level that doesn’t change.
Adaptive ANC takes the hybrid setup a step further by continuously adjusting noise cancellation for changes in your surroundings and any leakage around the earcups’ filling. Adaptive noise cancellation also works better with wind noise, which can kill your vibe when using the headphones outdoors. For the purposes of this best headphones list, I’m only reviewing products with hybrid ANC or adaptive ANC setups, as these are the most effective at blocking out noise and improving your overall listening experience.
Personalization
You’ll also want to check if the ANC system on a prospective headset offers noise cancellation or preset levels. These can help you dial in the amount of ANC you need for different environments, while also helping to save battery life. For example, Master & Dynamic has ANC presets that provide both maximum noise blocking and more efficient power-saving cancellation. Other companies may add sliders to their add-ons that allow you to adjust the ANC level as desired. Some high-end models even allow you to fine-tune the ANC for certain types of environments.
How we test noise-canceling headphones
The main way we test headphones is by wearing them as much as possible. I prefer to do it within a week or two, but sometimes deadlines don’t allow for that. During this time I listen to mixed music and podcastsbut also when using the headset to receive voice and video calls.
Since the battery life for headphones can be 30 hours or more, I drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent). For longer battery counts, I’ll usually turn the headphones off a few times and leave them on while I’m browsing. This simulates real-world usage and saves me from having to constantly monitor the process for more than 24 straight hours.
I use the headphones in a variety of environments, from noisy coffee shops to quiet home offices, specifically to test ANC performance. I use them during air travel when my schedule allows because airplane noise is a huge distraction for both work and leisure. Even if I can’t get on a flight, white noise machines, bathroom fans, vacuum cleaners, etc. I will simulate a constant hum with I also note how well each device blocks out human voices, which is a major stumbling block for many ANC headphones.
ANC-related features are another thing to consider. Here, I thoroughly review the utilities, testing each feature while working with the software. It is double-checked for any improvements or regressions left over from previous models. If the headphones I’m testing are an updated version of the previous model, I’ll spend time reacquainting myself with the old set. That’s the case for the closest competition for every new set of headphones I’ve looked at.
The best noise canceling headphones of 2024
Other noise-canceling headphones we’ve tested
AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max are premium, well-designed headphones that include all the best features you find in standard AirPods: solid noise cancellation, spatial audio, and easy access to Siri. However, their starting price of $550 makes them almost too expensive even for those with Apple devices. There are better options for less.
Sonos Ace
The Sonos Ace it’s a great debut for the company’s first headphones. The combination of elegant design, excellent sound quality and home theater tricks creates a unique formula. However, ANC performance is good and basic functionality still works for many users.
Beats Studio Pro
The Studio Pro it lacks basic features like auto-pause, and multi-point connectivity is only available on Android. Moreover, they are not very comfortable for people with larger heads. However, overall sound quality has been improved and voice performance on calls is well above average.
Frequently asked questions about noise canceling headphones
Does noise cancellation block out all noise?
Noise cancellation doesn’t block out all noise, though it does reduce the volume of most external sounds dramatically.
Is there a difference between wired and wireless noise canceling headphones?
In terms of sound quality, if you have two headphones with similar specifications – one wired and one wireless – the difference will be very little. However, wireless headphones offer more comfort, allowing you to move more freely with your headphones, which is why they often feature noise canceling to minimize external sounds.
Does noise cancellation affect sound quality?
ANC adds some weight to sound quality, but the effects often don’t outweigh the benefits. Noise cancellation reduces ambient noise, allowing you to focus more on sound details. And for audiophiles, there may be a slight difference in sound fidelity when ANC is turned on.
