The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

You require the most effective noise-cancelling over-ear headphones, whether you want to block out the hum of your HVAC system or are looking to combat the sound of jet engine noises. The new Sony WH-1000XM5s have become the new kings of active noise cancellation, and their predecessors are also excellent.

We've considered the adjustability of ANC control buttons, touch controls, and on-ear detection (for pausing music when you take off your headphones). Our top picks have high-resolution audio, comfortable earcups and spacious ear cups.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony flagship headphones is a significant upgrade over the previous generation, featuring improved quality of audio and noise cancellation. Its impressive ANC performance creates a virtual cone of silence Over Ear Headphones Noise Cancelling Bluetooth your head and blocks out a surprising amount of low-frequency sounds. The earcups block sounds that fall in the mid-to-treble spectrum, such as passenger chatter and creaking metal.

The WH-1000XM5s sound very natural, unlike other noise cancelling headsets that can sound hollow. They are able to render Billie Eilish’s drums with remarkable detail while keeping the edges clean and clear. They're great to listen to on a commute or long flight.

The most common controls are operated by a capacitive touch surface on the right ear cup, including play/pause and volume up/down, as well as skip forwards/backwards. It can also stop or answer calls and switch between ANC mode and ambient sound. Alternatively, you can hold the power button for a few seconds to hear a warning of the battery's remaining life.

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

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

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s are a new version of Sony's top-of-the-line over-ear headphones. And even though they don't feature as much active noise canceling as the WH-1000XM5s do, they offer class-leading performance. The WH-1000XM4s have a stronger Bluetooth connection as well as an improved noise cancellation algorithm. They also feature an audio chip that enhances music to HD quality and has advanced voice controls.

The most significant improvement in this latest model is that Sony has made the WH-1000XM4s softer than before by putting padding on the headband and moving the microphones towards the outer edges of the ear. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions.

You can also select between five different sound settings depending on the environment. You can also customize your EQ settings by using the Sony headphones app. The app lets you keep track of your activities and then automatically adjust the settings. They are an excellent choice for those who travel.

The WH-1000XM4 also has improved its noise cancellation. It's more effective due to its increased sensitivity and better filtering of low frequencies. This can be verified by looking at graphs like the one above. Higher peaks mean that more sounds are canceled out. The WH1000XM4s also do better at reducing low-frequency noises such as the hum from an air conditioning unit or the constant rumble of a plane engine.

The WH-1000XM4s continue to have an impressive set of features, including the battery that can last up to 30 hours and an integrated USB-C charging port. They also have Quick Alert, which lets you tap the right earcup to dampen the music and turn on transparency mode; Speak to Chat can pause media when you speak (and works well, though it can sometimes fail to register taps) and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can recognize and over Ear headphones noise cancelling bluetooth analyze your environment to deliver better audio.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

The bose quietcomfort 35 ii over ear noise cancelling bluetooth headphones QuietComfort 35 Series II (or QC35 Wireless 2018) are over-ear headphones which 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 an active noise cancelling headphone.

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

The padding around the ears is a good size and can accommodate a variety of ears. They are also lightweight. The hinges of the housings can be folded down to allow them to be easily packed into a bag or backpack. The controls on the right side of the headphones are intuitively placed and feel good to use. A series of taps can be used to control playback, including rewinding and skipping songs.

We listened to The Beatles' Let It Be, as well as the piano and drum beats. The QC35 II deliver crisp, clear audio that is well-rounded and detailed. They can pick up subtleties like Paul McCartney's inconsistent timing as he builds to the chorus, or Gerard Way’s snarl when his lyrics praising teenage-personalism in Teenagers.

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

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is known for building excellent headphones that are priced at a reasonable 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, but with an affordable design. These headphones offer a lot of active noise cancellation for an affordable price.

Like the WH-1000XM5 headphones, these headphones feature 30mm dynamic drivers which provide ample bass and crisp high frequencies. They also have a balanced tuning to make them sound great with various genres of music. They also have a large soundstage that allows you to get a sense of being immersed in the music.

The WH-CH720N headphones utilize buttons instead of the touch controls and gestures of the XM5 headphones. This can be a bit of an issue as the buttons are initially confusing. The controls are intelligently placed and clearly labeled. One pressing of the button '-' lowers the volume, and double pressing pauses and plays audio. When you press and hold the button, voice assistants are launched and calls are rejected.

These headphones last for up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is the highest battery performance we've ever seen in over-ear headphones. They also feature a standby mode to help conserve battery.

The WH-CH720N headphones are connected to Android phones and iOS devices via Bluetooth. They support 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 personalize your headphones with an adjustable EQ slider, presets, multipoint connectivity, as well as secure listening.

5. B&W PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 follow on from a successful predecessor but aren't an unfinished update riding on its own. They have a sleeker design and a new application. They deliver on their promise of high-end build quality and sound that accurately communicates artistic intent. They're also extremely comfortable and are a delight to wear throughout the day.

They don't have the same noise cancellation capabilities as the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH1000XM5, however, they do a good job in blocking out background noises so that you can focus on your podcasts or music. They have a six-microphone setup (four for the noise cancellation and two for voice-recording) and a redesigned algorithm that reduce ambient sound by 30dB. They are also among the only a few Bluetooth headphones that we've tested that can be used as passive headphones and allow users to listen to their music without powering up the drive units.

The B&W Music app is also compatible with the free download that includes a variety of features to complement the excellent noise cancellation. The Quick Action button can be set to activate the voice assistant on your device and cycle through three environmental settings and display the battery's life. The annoying thing is that you have to press and hold the button - pressing it once would be easier and more intuitive.

The PX7 S2 is an audiophile pair that will delight lovers of music. They're not as well suited to the demanding music of genres like metal and rock that tend to favor bass-heavy productions and muddy low frequencies, as they are to classical, folk and Acoustic music, but will still be awe-inspiring to those who appreciate audiophile cred that's also practical and comfortable.