The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

If you're fighting the sound of jet engines, or simply want to block out the sound of your HVAC system at home, you'll require the most effective noise-cancelling headphones for over ear headphones with noise cancelling (similar webpage)-ear use. The new Sony WH1000XM5s are the top of the line in active noise cancellation. Their predecessors were also great.

We've analyzed the adjustability of ANC and touch controls and also on-ear detection to stop music when your headphones are removed. Our top picks have high-quality audio as well as comfortable, spacious earphones.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony's flagship headphones is a major upgrade over the previous model, featuring better noise cancellation and improved audio quality. Its impressive ANC performance creates an illusion of silence that covers your head and blocks out a surprising amount low-frequency sounds. The earphones also block out mid- to treble range sounds such as passenger chatter or the creaking of metal, as well as clanging dishesware.

Contrary to some noise cancelling headphones that sound hollow or unnatural, the WH-1000XM5s sound very natural. They can reproduce the rise and fall of Billie Eilish's drums with incredible depth and clarity, while also keeping edges clean and clear. They're an absolute pleasure to listen to on the commute or during a long flight.

The most popular controls are operated by a capacitive touch surface located on the right ear cup, including play/pause and Over Ear Headphones With Noise Cancelling volume up/down, aswell as skip forwards and backwards. It also lets you end or answer calls and switch between ANC mode and ambient sound. You can also hold the power button for a few seconds to hear an indicator of how much battery capacity is left.

The QN1 microphone is another notable improvement to the XM5s. It was designed to capture high-quality audio while recording podcasts and videos. The microphone is more sensitive than the previous models and also has a wider audio range, making it easier to hear your voice.

Other features from the XM4s have been incorporated into the XM5, such as its adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance based on the environment. The 'Wearing Detection" feature detects when the headset is removed and stops playing music or video. It will then resume it once they are put back on. It also works with Sony's DSEE Extreme engine, which claims to boost compressed music to near-high-resolution quality.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s are the most recent iteration of Sony's industry-leading over ear headphones, and even though they don't offer as much active noise canceling as the WH-1000XM5s, they still offer class-leading performance. The WH-1000XM4s boast a stronger Bluetooth connection and an improved noise cancellation algorithm. They also have a new audio chip which upscales music to HD quality, and advanced voice controls.

The biggest improvement in this latest generation is that Sony has made the WH-1000XM4s softer than before by putting padding around the headband, and moving the microphones closer to the outside of the ear. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions.

They're also more flexible and allow you to switch between five sound modes depending on your environment. Sony headphones come with an app that allows you to customize your EQ settings. The app lets you track your activity, and then automatically adjust the settings. They are a great option for those who travel.

The WH-1000XM4 also has improved its noise cancellation. It's now more effective thanks to the greater sensitivity and improved filtering of low frequencies. You can check this out by looking at a graph like the one below, where the higher peaks mean that more sounds are being blocked out. The WH-1000XM4s can also be more effective at reducing low-frequency sounds such as the hum of an air cooling unit or the constant rumble of an airplane engine more than any other pair of noise-canceling headsets we've test.

The WH-1000XM4s are still equipped with a many great features such as the battery that can last up to 30 hours, and a USB-C charging port built-in. They also have Quick Alert, a feature that lets you press the right earcup to dampen music to activate transparency mode. Speak to Chat, meanwhile it stops media when your voice is raised (and it works great, although sometimes it fails to register taps) in addition to Sony's Smart Listening Technology, which can detect your environment and provide better sound.

3. bose quietcomfort 35 ii over ear noise cancelling bluetooth headphones QuietComfort 35 Series II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II headphones (or QC35 Wireless 2018, as they're also referred to) were released in September 2017. Although they've been replaced by the 2021-released Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, they remain popular and affordable, and are worth a look if you're looking for a noise cancelling headphone.

The QC35 II is a great pair of wireless headphones for mixed-use. They provide an incredibly comfortable fit and neutral sound profile that is default. They also provide exceptional noise isolation. They can be used for traveling or in noisy environments and last for more than a day on a single battery charge. They are also compatible with a variety of smart assistants and are activated via a dedicated button. You can ask the assistant to play music, answer trivia or even read your notifications from your smartphone.

They have a wide opening in the ear padded that can fit most ears and shapes. They are extremely light. The hinges of the housings can be folded down to make them easier to pack in a bag or a backpack. The controls on the right side of the headphones are well placed and comfortable to use. Playback can be controlled by tapping the buttons that allow you to rewind or skip songs.

To show the quality you can expect from these Bose headphones, we played The Beatles' Let It Be and listened to piano parts and drum beats wireless noise cancelling headphones. The QC35 II delivers crisp, clear audio with a well-rounded and detailed sound. They can pick up subtleties like Paul McCartney's irregular timing as he builds up to the chorus, or Gerard Way's snarl when his lyrics praising teenage-personalism in Teenagers.

The QC35 II is compatible with the majority of smart assistants and is able to connect to two devices at once. The QC35 II also come with a carry case and a USB cable that can be charged quickly.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is known for making excellent headphones at a relatively affordable price. The budget-friendly WHCH720N headphones from Sony aren't any different. These headphones carry over many of the features that make flagship WH-1000XM5 headphones great, but with an affordable design. They offer a great deal of active noise cancellation for an affordable price.

Similar to the WH-1000XM5 headphones these headphones have 30mm dynamic drivers that deliver great bass and crisp high frequencies. These headphones have an even sound that blends well with various genres of music. They also feature a large, immersive soundstage.

The WH-CH720N headphones come with buttons instead of the touch controls or gestures that are used by the XM5 headphones. This is a little bit of a downside because the buttons are at first difficult to understand. Luckily, the headphones have clearly labeled controls and are arranged in a smart way. Double presses of the '+' button pause and play audio. A single press lowers the volume. Pressing and holding the button launches voice assistants, and also rejects calls.

These headphones last up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is one of the best battery performance we've seen in over-ear headphones. They also feature a standby mode to assist in preserving battery.

The WH-CH720N headphones can be connected to Android phones and iOS devices using Bluetooth. They support LDAC, which lets them play high-quality audio on compatible devices. They are also compatible with PlayStation consoles using an analog 1/8"TRS cable. They can also be connected to computers using the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect App lets you personalize your headphones with an EQ slider, presets and multipoint connectivity.

5. B&W PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is a follow-up to a successful predecessor and isn't an unfinished upgrade. They sport a sleeker style and a brand new application. They live up to their promise of top-quality build, delivering audio that faithfully conveys artistic intent. They're also incredibly comfortable and enjoyable to wear all day long.

While they're not as effective as the noise cancellation of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH-1000XM5 but they do a good job of keeping out environmental sounds and ensuring you're able to focus on your music, podcasts, or handheld gaming without distractions. They use a six-strong microphone setup (four for noise cancelling and two for voice pick-up) and a revised algorithm that reduces ambient sound by 30 decibels. They're also among the few Bluetooth headphones we've reviewed that can be used in a passive mode, which allows you to listen to your content on your own without putting power to the drive units.

They also work with the B&W Music app, a free download that provides an array of features that complement the superior noise cancellation. The Quick Action button can be programmed to activate the voice assistant on your device, cycle through the three environmental settings, and show battery life. It's a pain to press and hold the button to activate it - one press would be more efficient and intuitive.

The PX7 S2 is a pair of headphones that will delight music lovers. They're not appropriate for the high-quality music of genres such as rock and metal that are known to favor bass-heavy productions and muddy low frequency, as they are to classics, folk and acoustic music, but will still impress those who appreciate audiophile credentials that's also practical and comfortable.