The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

You need the best headphones that block out noise, whether you want to block out the hum of your HVAC system or want to fight the background noise of jet engines. The new Sony WH1000XM5s are the kings of active noise cancellation. Their predecessors were also great.

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

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony's flagship headphones is a major upgrade over its predecessor, offering better noise cancellation and improved audio quality. Its remarkable ANC performance creates a virtual cone of silence that covers your head and blocks out a surprising amount of low-frequency sounds. The earphones also block mid-treble and high-treble sounds such as passenger chatter or the creaking of metal, as well as clanging dishware.

In contrast to other noise cancelling headphones that sound hollow or unnatural, the WH1000XM5s are very natural-sounding. They can reproduce the beats of Billie Eilish in stunning clarity while keeping the edges clean and clear. They're a joy to listen to during the commute or during a long flight.

A capacitive touch-surface in the right earcup handles the most frequently used controls, such as play/pause, volume up/down, skip forwards/backwards and skip. It also lets you make calls end and answer as well as switch between ANC and ambient sound mode. Alternatively, you can press and hold the power button for a few minutes to hear a voice message indicating the remaining battery life.

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

Other features of the XM4s have been incorporated into the XM5 and include an adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance based on the environment. The "Wearing Detection" feature detects when the headset is removed and pauses music or video. It will then resume it when they are put back on. It's also compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme engine, which claims to boost compressed music to near-hi-res quality.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s are the most recent version of Sony's market-leading over ear headphones noise cancelling wireless [new post from Ypperfect]-ear headphones, and although they don't have as much active noise canceling as the WH-1000XM5s, they still provide superior performance. The WH-1000XM4s boast a stronger Bluetooth connection as well as an improved noise cancellation algorithm. They also have an audio chip that enhances music to HD quality, as well as advanced voice controls.

The biggest improvement in this new generation is that Sony has made the WH-1000XM4s more comfortable than ever before by adding padding around the headband and shifting the microphones towards the outer edges of the ear. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions.

They're also more versatile, allowing you to switch between five audio modes based on the surroundings. Sony headphones come with an app that lets you to customize your EQ settings. The app allows you to keep track of your activities and then automatically adjust the settings. They are a great option for travelers.

Another big improvement is the WH-1000XM4's noise cancellation that is now more effective by enhancing the sensitivity and improving how it filters out low frequencies. This can be verified by looking at graphs such as the one above. Higher peaks indicate that more sounds are being canceled out. The WH-1000XM4s are also better at reducing low-frequency sounds such as the sound of an air conditioner or the constant rumble of a plane engine more than any other pair of noise-canceling headsets we've tested.

The WH-1000XM4s have a great set of features, including a battery that lasts up to 30 hours, and an integrated USB-C charging port. They also feature Quick Alert, which lets you touch the right earcup to dampen music and activate transparency mode; Speak to Chat stops media when you raise your voice (and works well, although it may not always detect taps) and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can detect and analyze your surroundings to provide better audio.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

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

The QC35 II are a great pair of mixed usage wireless headphones that provide a comfortable fit and a neutral sound profile and exceptional noise isolation. They are suitable for travel or over ear Headphones noise cancelling wireless in noisy environments and last for more than a day with a single charge. They are also compatible with most smart assistants and can be activated by pressing an individual 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 large and can accommodate a variety of types of ear. They are also lightweight. The housings' hinges 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 intuitively placed and comfortable to use. Playback can be controlled by tapping repeatedly, including rewinding or skipping songs.

For an example of the quality you can expect from these Bose headphones we played The Beatles' Let It Be and listened to drum beats studio 3 wireless bluetooth noise cancelling headphones and piano parts. The QC35 II delivers crisp, clear audio that is well-rounded and detailed sound. They dig up subtleties in the vocals, for instance Paul McCartney's irregular timing as he builds up to the chorus or Gerard Way's snarl as he laments teenage individualism on Teenagers.

The QC35 II can be connected to up to two devices simultaneously and are compatible with all smart assistants. The QC35 II also come with a carry case and a USB cable that charges quickly.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is a household name for its excellent headphones at a relatively affordable cost. The budget-friendly WH-CH720N headphones from Sony are not a different. They have a lot of the features that make the flagship WH-1000XM5 headphones great however, they have an affordable design. They offer a great deal of active noise cancellation at an affordable price.

Like the WH-1000XM5 headphones, these headphones feature 30mm dynamic drivers that provide ample bass and crisp high frequencies. They offer an unbalanced sound that works well with a variety of genres of music. They also feature a huge, encompassing soundstage.

The WH-CH720N headphones feature buttons instead of the touch controls or gestures that are used by the XM5 headphones. This is a little more of a problem, as the buttons are at first difficult to understand. Luckily, the headphones have clearly labeled controls and are placed intelligently. A single press of the button with the '-' reduces the volume, and double pressing pauses and plays audio. Pressing and holding the button activates voice assistants and blocks calls.

With ANC turned on, these headphones can last about 35 hours before running out of juice. This is the best battery performance we've ever seen in headphones that are over-ear. They also come with a standby mode that can assist in preserving battery.

The WH-CH720N headphones are connected to Android phones and iOS devices using Bluetooth. They support LDAC which lets them play high-quality audio on compatible devices. They also work 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 by using an EQ slider, presets, and multipoint connectivity.

5. B&W PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 follow on from the success of their predecessor, but aren't an unfinished update that rides on its coattails. With a sleeker design and a new app that delivers on the promise of high-end build quality, delivering audio that accurately conveys artistic intention. They are also extremely comfortable to wear throughout the day.

While they don't match 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 can 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 redesigned algorithm that cuts ambient sound by 30dB. They're also one of only a few Bluetooth headphones that we've tested that can be used as passive headphones and allow users to listen to their media without the need to power the drive units.

The B&W Music app is also compatible with the free download that includes a variety of features to complement the great noise cancellation. This includes a Quick Action button that cycles through the three environmental modes that display battery life and can be configured to launch your device's voice assistant. Annoyingly, you have to press and hold the button to activate it - pressing it once is more convenient and intuitive.

The PX7 S2 is an excellent pair of headphones that will delight music lovers. They're not suited to the demanding music of genres like rock and metal that are known to favor bass-heavy production and muddy low frequencies, like they are to classics, folk and Acoustic music, but they will still impress those who appreciate audiophile cred that's also practical and comfortable.