Best Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

Whether you commute on noisy public transportation or work with noisy colleagues Noise cancelling headphones provide the sonic buffer you need to stay focused. We looked at the comfort, the audio quality, and the ability to block high-frequency continuous sounds like restaurant chatter, or incidental noises of short duration such as the ringing of a phone or clacking keys.

Sony WH-1000XM5

If you're looking for premium ANC headphones, Sony's WH1000XM5 is a go-to. The first model to be released in 2016 the WH-1000XM5 is one of the top choices for those who wants to listen to their favourite music or podcasts without distractions. The latest edition of the series is the first major update since its first release and comes with a variety of exciting new features. In addition to sleek design and sustainable efforts (including the absence of plastic packaging) The headphones that Block out Noise provide excellent noise cancellation, crisp audio, and a natural-sounding ambient audio.

The WH-1000XM5 is the only one that can match its ability to cancel out noise when activated. Strapping on a pair of headphones creates an enveloping silence which blocks out the sound of subway trains and subway engines, as well as neighboring conversations. These headphones are also some of the best ANCs for blocking out low-frequency drones, headphones that block out noise bass hums, and other sounds.

Another excellent feature is Ambient Sound Control, which adjusts the headphones' balance of the acoustic depending on your environment. For instance, if at home listening to your favorite album the WH-1000XM5 will change to an experience that is more immersive. On the other the other hand, if you're walking on an area with lots of traffic the WH-1000XM5 will switch to a more focused sound profile to give you more awareness of your surroundings.

The WH1000XM5's earcups have touchscreen controls that are sensitive to gestures on the right side. It can be used to switch tracks and play music. You can also pause or pause the music. You can also use the voice assistant to adjust volume or search for content, and make hands-free phone calls. The headphones boast an impressive frequency response consistency and provide an impressive, full stereo image. They also have an accurate group delay, which allows them to maintain an even soundstage.

The WH-1000XM5s can be connected to two devices at once. This is particularly useful for laptop users to listen to music while taking phone calls using your smartphone. They have a built-in mic and USB-C ports for charging. They also come with a USB-C cable for direct analog playback. The battery life is around 30 hours, which will last for one week of commute or the long distance flight.

Bose QuietComfort 45

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is the latest update to the premium headphones maker's flagship model. It was introduced in September 2021, and it's priced lower than the Sony WH1000XM4 by approximately PS320 / $329 / $439 when compared to its 700-related sibling. In terms of functionality it comes with top-of-the-line active noise cancellation, as well as features such as voice assistant support and automatic pause when you take off the headphones. The design is also a lot more comfortable than previous models. There are a few things to be aware of, however. The buttons on the side of the earcups are now touch-sensitive and require pressure to activate, which means it may be difficult for some people to get used to. And while you can adjust ANC and toggle an "aware" mode which allows ambient sounds but you can't completely shut off the sound.

Nevertheless, the headsets deliver excellent performance and are a great purchase for anyone who is looking for a high-end pair of headphones to wear on a plane, train or when working from home. They have a long battery life with excellent noise cancellation as well as clear audio. They also have multipoint Bluetooth, which means they can be connected to two devices at the same time and switch between them with just a touch. They also have an app that isn't quite as flexible as some of their competitors but it still has a lot of useful features.

The QC45s have a very effective active noise cancellation mode. It can be a little too loud at times. The passive EQ modes, however, are more balanced and allow you to have greater control over the sound quality of your music. If you listen to songs that have a lot of cymbal sparkle it is possible that your headphones are irritating. This can be easily fixed by lowering the frequency of 3-20kHz on your music player's equalizer.

The QC45s provide top-quality ANC at a fair price. Some might be disappointed with the absence of certain features like adjustable ANC/transparency, EQ, and a slight drop in call quality. They are also comfortable to wear for a long time and feature fast-charging with the USB-C port.

Shure Aonic 50

Shure's Aonic 50 are a premium pair of headphones that place an emphasis on audio quality. They use a 50mm dynamic driver and are stuffed with high-resolution code to provide the highest quality possible Bluetooth music playback. The headphones have a balanced sound with rich detail throughout the frequency range and they have a natural sense of space and location which allows you to feel the vibrancy of every note and the movement of sounds around you.

The headphones are a bit heavier than other models at 334g, but they're still comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The headband sits on the top of your head without putting too much pressure on it and the earcups have been properly padded to make them comfortable. They're also very lightweight. They can fold flat and be stored in the carrying case.

There are a standard assortment of controls that are arranged around the right earcup including volume, playback, and power/pairing. A slider near the top allows you to switch between noise-cancelling, neutral mode, and what Shure calls "Environment Mode". The Environment Mode lets more outside sounds to pass through. This could be useful for those who need to remain alert to your surroundings. The controls are great, but there is some delay between pressing the buttons and what happens (i.e. if you play the button while on a call you'll probably end up blasting your ears with music, instead of calling up your mom). They don't have any built-in microphones for voice command support however, they do have an audio response from Google Assistant and their mics are great at removing background noise in phone conversations.

They are powered by one battery that can last for up to 20 hours, which will be plenty for most people. They do include a USB cable to connect to your phone for charging however it's not as easy as using Bluetooth but it's a solid feature to have and ensures you can play your music back after charging. They are also compatible with audio devices that have 2.5mm ports, so you can take them on the road.

Monoprice BT-600ANC

The Monoprice BT600ANC Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones over ear headphones offer all the features that you want in a pair at a fraction the price. The headphones come with high-quality Qualcomm HD Audio and Active Noise Cancelling. They are also portable, folding, and easy to store inside a backpack or bag. They are a great option for students or commuters and have a long-lasting battery that allows you to listen all day. They also come with convenient touch controls that let you swipe or tap to change the volume, skip tracks, and answer calls.

The BT600ANC headsets have a minimalistic look that is like the Monoprice M1000ANC headsets that we looked at last year. They're a matte gray color and not branded, and don't stand out much in public but they have a soft comfortable fit that appeals to the majority of ears. Their small size and carrying case make them perfect for travel.

The ear cups are covered in leatherette and provide excellent passive isolation. The headband is also comfortable and provides plenty of adjustability without feeling too slouchy or bulky. The headband is large enough to fit glasses wearers, which means they will work for most people.

Monoprice's ANC is effective and doesn't sound tinny like other brands. They offer a slight boost around 100-200Hz to provide a fuller sound for bass notes. This is evident in the opening of Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo with a full and clear response. They have a steep 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 switch through three modes: low, medium and high. The low mode is good for reducing ambient noise cancelling wireless headphones, but will not block out traffic or loud conversations. The medium setting works in most situations. The high setting will shield you from all other noises, except your music. The earcups with touch-sensitive controls are a little difficult to operate at first. Swiping up or down on the pad regulates the volume, and tapping or moving left or right switches the track. You can also double-tap to pause or answer a call. It takes a while to get used to this system however once you get used to it, you will find it very useful.