The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

Whether you're battling the roar of jet engines or simply want to block out the sound of your HVAC system at home, you need the most effective noise-cancelling headphones for over-ear use. The new Sony WH-1000XM5s are the new top of the line in active noise cancellation, and their predecessors are also fantastic.

We've considered the adjustable ANC, touch controls and on-ear detection (for pausing music when you take off your headphones). Our top picks include high-quality audio and comfortable, spacious earphones.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony flagship headphones is significant improvements over their predecessors, with enhanced noise cancellation and superior audio quality. Its impressive ANC performance creates a virtual cone of silence over your head and blocks out a shocking amount of low-frequency noise. The earphones also block mid- to treble range sounds like passenger chatter or the creaking of metal, as well as the clanging of dishware.

Contrary to some noise cancelling headphones that sound hollow or unnatural, the WH1000XM5s are very natural-sounding. They can render the beats of Billie Eilish in stunning detail while keeping the edges clean and clear. They're great to listen to on an airplane ride or on a commute.

The most common controls are operated by a capacitive touch surface located on the right earcup that can play/pause and volume up/down, aswell as skip forwards/backwards. It also allows you to call and end calls as well as switch between ANC and ambient sound mode. Alternatively, you can hold and Bose Over Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones press the power button for a few minutes to hear a voice message indicating the remaining battery life.

Another notable improvement over the XM5s is its new QN1 microphone that is designed to capture high-quality audio when recording videos and podcasts. The microphone is more sensitive and has a wider audio range than the previous models, making it easier to hear your own voice.

The XM5 has also carried over certain features from the XM4s, such as the adaptive ANC system which automatically optimizes performance based on the environment. The 'Wearing Detection" feature detects when the headset is removed, and will pause video or music. It will then resume it once the headset is put back on. It also works with Sony's DSEE Extreme engine, which claims to enhance the quality of compressed music to a near-hi-res resolution.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s are the most recent iteration of Sony's industry-leading over ear headphones, and although they don't have as much active noise canceling as the WH-1000XM5s, they provide superior performance. In addition to having stronger Bluetooth and an improved noise-canceling algorithm, the WH-1000XM4s have a brand new audio chip that boosts music files to HD quality and has more advanced voice controls.

Sony has upgraded the WH1000XM4s of the latest version by adding padding to the headband, and also moving the microphones forward. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions.

You can also switch between five different sound settings based on the environment. You can also adjust your EQ settings with the Sony headphones app. The app lets you monitor your activity and then automatically adjust the settings. They are a great option for those who travel.

Another significant improvement is the WH-1000XM4's sound cancellation, which has been improved by increasing the sensitiveness and improving the way it filters out low frequencies. You can test this by taking a look at a graph similar to the one below, where higher peaks indicate more sounds are being cancelled out. The WH1000XM4s are also superior in reducing low-frequency noises, like the hum of an air conditioner, or the constant rumble of the engine of a plane.

The WH-1000XM4s are still equipped with a many great features, including a battery that lasts up to 30 hours, and an integrated USB-C charging port. They also have Quick Alert, which lets users touch the right earcup to dampen the music and turn on transparency mode; Speak To Chat pauses media when you raise your voice (and works well, although it can sometimes fail to register taps) and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can analyze and detect the surrounding environment to provide superior audio.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

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

The QC35 II is a great pair for mixed-use wireless headphones. They provide an incredibly comfortable fit and neutral sound profile that is default. They also provide exceptional noise isolation. They can be used in noisy areas or when traveling, and they last for more than a day on one charge. They are also compatible with most smart assistants and can be activated by pressing the use of a specific button. You can ask them to play music and answer trivia questions or even read notifications from your smartphone.

The padding around the ears is wide and will fit most ears. They are also lightweight. The hinges on the housings fold down, making them easy to put in backpacks or bags. The controls are placed on the right-hand side of the headphones and are easy to use. A series of taps will control playback, including the ability to rewind and skip songs.

We were listening to The Beatles' Let It Be, as well as the drum beats and piano. The QC35 II delivers crisp, clear audio with a well-rounded and detail sound. They dig up subtleties in the vocals, such as Paul McCartney's erratic timing when building up to the chorus, or Gerard Way's snarl when he laments the individualism of teenagers. teens.

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

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is renowned for making high-quality headphones that cost a small amount. The budget-friendly WHCH720N earphones from Sony are no exception. These headphones come with many of the same features of the flagship WH1000XM5 headphones, but in a more budget friendly design. These headphones provide a lot of active noise cancellation, but at a low cost.

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

The WH-CH720N headphones use buttons instead of the touch controls and gestures of the XM5 headphones. This can be a a disadvantage, as the buttons initially seem confusing. Luckily, the headphones come with clear labels and the controls are arranged intelligently. Double press of the '+' button pause and play audio. A single press reduces the volume. Pressing and holding the button activates voice assistants and blocks calls.

The headphones can last up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is the highest battery life we've seen in over-ear headphones. They have a standby function to conserve battery.

bluetooth over ear headphones noise cancelling allows users to connect the WHCH720N headphones to Android and iOS devices. They are compatible with LDAC which allows them to play high-quality audio on compatible devices. They're also compatible with PlayStation consoles that use an analog 1/8" TRS cable and can be used as wired headphones on a computer with the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect App lets you customize your headphones using an EQ slider, presets and multipoint connectivity.

5. B&W PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is a follow-up to a wildly popular predecessor and isn't a half baked update. They sport a sleeker style and a brand-new application. They live up to their promise of top-quality build and sound that accurately communicates artistic intent. They're also extremely comfortable and enjoyable to wear all day.

They don't have the same noise cancellation features as the Bose over ear noise cancelling headphones QuietComfort 35 Series II, or the Sony WH1000XM5, but they do a good job of blocking out ambient noise so that you can focus on your music or podcasts. They feature a six-microphone setup (four for noise cancellation and two for voice-recording) and a revised algorithms that reduce ambient sound by 30dB. They're also one of the few Bluetooth headphones we've tested that can be used in passive mode, allowing users to listen to content on their own, without putting power to the drive units.

The B&W Music app is also compatible, bose over ear noise Cancelling headphones a free download which offers a range of features that compliment the great noise cancellation. This includes a Quick Action button that cycles through three modes for environmental use and displays battery life. It can be configured to launch your device's voice assistant. It's annoying to have to press the button and hold it. A single press would be more intuitive and simple.

The PX7 S2 is a pair of headphones that will delight lovers of music. The PX7 S2 headphones aren't suitable for extreme music genres like metal and rock that favor bass-heavy productions and muddy low frequency as they are for folk, classical and Acoustic. However, they will still impress those who appreciate audiophile credentials, and are practical and convenient.