The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

You need the best noise-cancelling over-ear headphones regardless of whether you wish to block out the hum from your HVAC system or are looking to combat the roar of jet engine noises. The new Sony WH1000XM5s are the top of the line in active noise cancellation. The predecessors were excellent.

We've considered the adjustability of ANC and touch controls, as well as on-ear ear detection for pausing music when your headphones are removed. Our top picks feature high-resolution audio and comfortable, spacious ear cups.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony flagship headphones provides significant improvements over their predecessors, with enhanced noise cancellation and audio quality. Its impressive ANC creates a virtual cone on top of your head, absorbing an astonishing amount of low-frequency sounds. The earcups block out noises in the mid-treble range like chatter from passengers and creaking metal.

In contrast to other noise cancelling headphones, which can sound hollow or unnatural, the WH-1000XM5s sound very natural. They can reproduce the beats of Billie Eilish in stunning detail, while keeping the edges clean and pristine. They're an absolute pleasure to listen to during the commute or during a long flight.

The most popular controls are controlled by a capacitive touchscreen surface on the right earcup such as play/pause, volume up/down, aswell as skip forwards and backwards. It can also call and end calls, and Best active noise cancelling over ear headphones switch between ANC and ambient sound mode. You can also hold the power key for several seconds to get an audio message telling you how much battery capacity is left.

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 than previous models and also has a wider audio range which makes it easier for you to pick up your voice.

The XM5 has also brought over some features from the XM4s including the adaptive ANC system which automatically optimizes performance in accordance with the environment. Its 'Wearing Detection is now able to detect when you remove the headset and stops playing video or music and then restarts it when you put them back on. It's compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine, which increases the quality of compressed music to nearly high-res quality.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH1000XM4s by Sony are the latest version of their top-of-the-line over-ear headphones. They provide top-quality performance although they don't have the same active noise cancellation as the WH1000XM5s. The WH-1000XM4s boast a stronger Bluetooth connection and an improved noise cancellation algorithm. They also have an upgraded audio chip that increases the sound quality to HD quality, as well as advanced voice controls.

Sony has improved the WH1000XM4s in the latest version by adding padding to the headband, and extending the microphones to the outside. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions.

They're also more versatile and allow you to switch between five audio modes based on the environment. You can even tailor your EQ settings using the Sony headphones app. They're a great choice for those who travel and the app allows you to track your activity and automatically optimize the settings as you go.

The WH-1000XM4 also has improved its noise cancellation. It's now more effective due to its higher sensitivity and better filtering of low frequencies. You can examine this by studying a graph similar to the one above, where higher peaks indicate that more sounds are being cancelled out. The WH1000XM4s are also superior in reducing low-frequency noises, such as the hum from an air conditioning unit or the constant rumble from a plane engine.

The WH1000XM4s come with a variety of amazing features, including a 30 hour battery life and a USB-C charging port. They also have Quick Alert, a feature that lets you press the right earcup to dampen the sound to activate transparency mode. Speak to Chat, meanwhile, pauses media when you speak (and it works however it sometimes does not recognize taps) in addition to Sony's Smart Listening Technology, which can detect your environment and provide better sound.

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. They have been replaced by the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 701, which will be released in 2021. However they're still very popular and affordable.

The QC35 II are a great pair of wireless headphones that offer a comfortable fit and a neutral sound profile and exceptional noise isolation. They are suitable for travel or in noisy settings and last for more than a day on a single charge. They are also compatible with the majority of smart assistants and are activated via a dedicated button. You can ask them to play music or answer trivia questions, or read your smartphone notifications.

They have a wide opening in the ear padding that can fit most ear shapes and sizes and are light. The hinges on the housings fold down making them easy to put in bags or backpacks. The controls are located on the right-hand side and are easy to use. Playback can be controlled with tapping repeatedly which include rewinding or skipping songs.

We listened to The Beatles' Let It Be, and the drum beats and piano. The QC35 II delivers crisp, clear audio that is well-rounded and detail 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 he rants about the teen-like persona in teenagers.

The QC35 II can be connected to up to two devices simultaneously and are compatible with all smart assistants. The QC35 II comes with a carry bag and USB charging cable.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is a household name for its great headphones for a affordable price. The budget-friendly WHCH720N headphones by Sony are no exception. They carry many of features that make the top WH-1000XM5 models so good however, they have a more budget-friendly design. They also provide a good amount of active noise cancellation at a low price.

These headphones feature powerful drivers that measure 30mm in size. They provide crisp high frequencies and plenty of bass. These headphones have an unbalanced sound that works well with different genres of music. They also have a huge, encompassing soundstage.

The WH-CH720N headphones feature buttons instead of the gestures or touch controls used by the XM5 headphones. This is a little of a drawback because the buttons can be confusing at first. Luckily, the headphones have clear labels and the controls are arranged in a smart way. One pressing of the button with the '-' lowers the volume, while double presses stop and play audio. Pressing and holding the button launches voice assistants and rejects calls.

These headphones last up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is among the best Active noise cancelling over ear headphones battery performances we've seen in over ear headphones noise cancelling bluetooth-ear headphones. They have a standby function to save battery.

Bluetooth allows users to connect the WH-CH720N headphones to Android and iOS devices. They support LDAC, which lets them play high-quality audio on compatible devices. They're also compatible with PlayStation consoles that have an analog 1/8" TRS cable and can be used as wired headphones on a PC with the included USB dongle. The Sony headphones noise Connect app lets you customize your headphones with an adjustable EQ slider and presets as well as multipoint connectivity, and safe listening.

5. B&W PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 follow on from an extremely successful predecessor, but aren't a half-baked update that rides on its own. With a sleeker design and a new application and a new app, they fulfill the promise of high-end build quality with audio that is that accurately conveys artistic intent. They're also incredibly comfortable and a treat to wear throughout the day.

They don't offer the same noise cancellation features as the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II, or the Sony WH1000XM5, but they're effective at blocking out ambient sounds so you can concentrate on your music or podcasts. They use a six microphone setup (four for noise cancellation and two for voice pickup) and a redesigned algorithm that cut down on ambient noise by 30dB. They're also one of only a handful of Bluetooth headphones we've tested that can be used in a passive manner and allow users to listen to their content without having to power up the drive units.

The B&W Music app is also compatible with the free download that provides a variety of features that complement the great noise cancellation. The Quick Action button can be set to turn on the device's voice assistant, cycle through the three settings for the environment and display battery life. It is annoying to have to press and hold it. A one-press would be more intuitive and simple.

The PX7 S2 is an audiophile pair that will please music lovers. The PX7 S2 aren't suitable for challenging music genres like metal and rock, which favor bass-heavy productions and muddy low frequencies as they are for classical, folk, and Acoustic. But, they will still impress those who value audiophile credentials that is also practical and easy to use.