Best Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

If you commute on noisy public transportation or work with chatty colleagues, noise cancelling headphones can provide the sonic buffer you need to stay focused. We evaluated comfort, sound quality and the ability to block out the high-frequency continuous sounds such as restaurant chatter and incidental sounds like ringing phones or keyboards clacking.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's WH1000XM5 headphones are a great choice for high-end ANC. The WH-1000XM5 was first released in 2016 and is a great option for anyone who wants to listen to their favorite music or podcasts without distractions. The latest version of the series is its first major overhaul and comes with a variety of exciting features. The headphones are also eco sustainable, without plastic packaging. They offer excellent noise cancellation and crisp audio.

When it is enabled, the WH1000XM5's noise cancelling capabilities are unbeatable. Strapping on a pair of headphones creates an enveloping silence which blocks out the sounds of trains and subway engines as well as other conversations. They're also among top ANC headphones for blocking out low-frequency drones and bass hums.

Ambient Sound Control is another fantastic feature. It alters the acoustic balance in the headphones in accordance with the surroundings. If you're at home listening to your favorite music the WH1000XM5 will change to an experience that is more immersive. If you're walking on the street, they'll change to an energised profile to help you be more aware of the surrounding.

The WH-1000XM5's ear cups have touch-sensitive gesture controls on the right side that can be used to play, pause, and change tracks. You can also utilize a voice assistant in order to find content, alter volume and make calls hands-free. The headphones offer a rich stereo image and a consistent frequency response. They also have an incredibly precise group delay. incredibly accurate, which helps maintain an even soundstage.

The WH-1000XM5s is able to be connected to two devices simultaneously. This is especially helpful when you would like to listen to music on your laptop while making phone calls with your smartphone. They come with a built-in microphone and USB-C ports for charging. The headphones include an audio cable that can be used for direct playback of analog. Battery life is solid at about 30 hours, which is enough to get you through the week of commuting, or an extended flight.

Bose QuietComfort 45

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is the most recent update to the premium headphones maker's flagship model. It was introduced in September 2021, and it is priced lower than the Sony WH1000XM4 by approximately PS320 or $329 or 439 AU$ compared to its 700-dollar sibling. It has the most active noise cancellation and features like voice assistant support with automatic pausing, as well as an automatic pause when you remove the headphones. The design is more comfortable than previous models. However, there are a few things you should know. Some people might find it difficult to adjust to the buttons that are touch-sensitive on the sides of the earcups, which require pressure to activate. You can adjust ANC and toggle an "aware" mode that lets in ambient sound but you can't completely shut off the sound.

The headsets are still an excellent choice for anyone looking for a pair of high-end headphones to wear in a plane or train or at home while working. They come with an extended battery life, superior noise cancellation, and clear audio. They also feature multipoint Bluetooth which means that they can be paired with two devices simultaneously and jump between them with a flick of a button. They also have an app that's not as flexible as some of their competitors but it still has a lot of useful features.

The QC45s also come with an active noise cancelling mode which is extremely effective. It can be a little too loud at times. The passive EQ modes are however more balanced and allow you to have greater control over the sound signature of your music. If you are listening to music that has lots of cymbal shimmer you may find your headphones slightly grating, but it is fixable by reducing 3-20kHz in the EQ settings of your music player.

The QC45s provide top-quality ANC at a reasonable price. Some users may be disappointed with the absence of some features, such as adjustable ANC/transparency, EQ, and a slight drop in quality of calls. They are also comfortable to wear for long periods of time and come with fast-charging via USB-C ports.

Shure Aonic 50

Shure's Aonic 50 headphones are premium headphones that focus on audio. Their drivers utilize a massive 50mm dynamic driver and they're packed with high-resolution codecs to deliver the Best over ear headphones noise cancelling possible music playback over Bluetooth. The headphones offer a balanced sound with rich detail throughout the frequency spectrum and have a natural sense of space and Local positioning to them and allow you to feel the reverberation of each note and the reverberation of sounds around you.

They're a little heavier than the competition at 334g but they still feel comfortable enough to wear for long listening sessions. The headband is placed on top of the head without putting too much pressure on it, and the earcups have been well-padded to make them comfortable. They're also quite mobile - they fold down and can be stored in their carrying case that comes with them which is an added bonus.

Around the right earcup are standard controls, including volume, playback and power/pairing. You can switch between neutral mode and what Shure calls "Environment Mode" with a slider close to the top. Environment mode allows more ambient noise to be heard, which could be useful when you need to keep track of your surroundings. The controls are great however there's some delay between pressing the buttons and what happens (i.e. If you play the play button while on a call, you'll likely end up blaring your ears with music, instead of calling up your mom). The phones don't have microphones, but they have an audio response from Google Assistant. Their mics can also be used to filter out background noise while on the phone.

The battery should last up to 20 hours for the majority of people. The USB cable is included to charge your phone. It's not as user-friendly as Bluetooth, but you still get to listen to your music as you charge. They also work with audio devices that have 2.5mm ports, Local which means you can travel with them.

Monoprice BT600ANC

The Monoprice BT600ANC Bluetooth beats noise cancelling over ear headphones cancelling over ear headphones offer all the features you would want in a pair for just a fraction of the cost. They feature high-quality Qualcomm aptX HD Audio, a cutting-edge type of Active Noise Cancelling, and an easy-to-fold design that makes them easy to store in a backpack or carry bag. They are ideal for commuters and students, as they have a long-lasting battery which allows you to listen all throughout the day. The headphones also feature comfortable touch controls that allow you to swipe or tap to alter the volume or skip tracks.

The BT600ANC headphones have an uncluttered design that reminds us of the Monoprice M1000ANC headphone that we have reviewed last year. They are matte gray and not branded, and aren't noticeable in public but they have an incredibly soft and Local comfortable fit that will appeal to most ears. The small size of these headphones as well as the carry case included make them ideal for taking on the road.

The earcups are covered in leatherette, and offer excellent passive isolation. The headband provides a lot of adjustability, and it is soft without feeling too bulky or soft and slouchy. The headbands are wide enough to accommodate glasses wearers. They are suitable for most people.

Monoprice ANC is a great choice, and it doesn't sound tinny as some other brands. They have a slight boost between 100 and 200Hz, which provides an even more full sound to bass notes. This is evident in the opening of Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo with a full and clear response. However they have a noticeable drop-off in the higher frequencies that go above 10kHz, meaning that the shaker and cymbal sounds won't be as clear and clear as other headsets.

There are three ANC modes to choose from: low, medium and high. The low setting is great for reducing ambient noise, but it will not block out traffic or loud conversations. The medium setting is appropriate for most environments, while the high setting keeps you from all other sounds, except your own. The touch-sensitive controls on the earcups are a little difficult to use at first. Swiping up and down on the pad controls volume and the pad's pressure or swiping it left right changes tracks. Double-taps can also be used to pause or answer a call. It takes some time to get used to but once you have the hang of it, you'll be able to use it.