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 want to fight the roar of jet engine noises. The newest Sony WH-1000XM5s have become the new kings of active noise cancellation and their predecessors are also fantastic.

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

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony flagship headphones provides an impressive improvement over the previous generation, featuring enhanced noise cancellation and audio quality. Its impressive ANC performance creates an enveloping cone of silence over your head and blocks out a surprising amount low-frequency noise. The ear cups also block out mid- and treble-range sounds like chatter from passengers, creaking metal and the clanging of dishware.

Contrary to some noise cancelling headphones that can sound hollow or unnatural, the WH1000XM5s are extremely natural sounding. They can reproduce the rise and Headphones Shop fall of the drums of Billie Eilish with remarkable depth and clarity, while keeping edges clear and crystal clear. It's an absolute pleasure listening to them during long flights or during commutes.

The most common controls are controlled by a capacitive touch surface on the right ear cup that can play/pause and volume up/down, as well being able to skip forwards and backwards. It can also end and answer calls, and switch between ANC mode and ambient sound. You can also press and hold the power button for several seconds to hear an audio message telling you how much battery life is left.

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

Other features from the XM4s are 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 pauses music or video. It will then resume it when they are put back on. It's compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine, which upscales compressed music to near high-res resolution.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH1000XM4s by Sony are the most recent version of their industry-leading over-ear headphones. They provide top-quality performance, even though they don't have the same active noise cancel headphones cancellation features as the WH1000XM5s. The WH-1000XM4s feature a more powerful Bluetooth connection as well as an improved noise cancellation algorithm. They also have a new audio chip which upscales music to HD quality and has advanced voice controls.

Sony has improved the WH1000XM4s with the most recent version by adding padding to the headband, and also moving the microphones forward. This makes them more comfortable to listen to for long periods.

You can also switch between five different sound settings depending on the surrounding. Sony headphones have an app that lets you to modify your EQ settings. They're a great option for those who travel, and the app lets you monitor your activity and automatically optimize the settings as you go.

The WH-1000XM4 has also enhanced its noise cancellation. It is more effective due to the increased sensitivity and better filtering of low frequencies. It can be evaluated by looking at graphs like the one shown above. The higher the peaks, more sounds are being blocked out. The WH-1000XM4s can also be more effective at reducing low-frequency sounds such as the sound of an air conditioner or the constant rumble of an airplane engine more than any other pair of noise-canceling headphones that we've tested.

The WH1000XM4s come with a variety of excellent features, including a 30 hour battery life and a USB-C charging port. They also come with Quick Alert, a feature that lets you press the right earcup and then dampen the sound to activate transparency mode. Speak to Chat, for instance, pauses media when you speak (and it works great but sometimes it fails to register taps), as well as Sony's Smart Listening Technology, which can detect your environment and provide better 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. They were replaced with the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 701, which will be released in 2021. However, they are still popular and affordable.

The QC35 II is a great pair of wireless headphones for mixed-use. They offer an incredibly comfortable fit and neutral sound profile by default. They also provide exceptional noise isolation. They can be used in noisy areas or while traveling and they last for more than a day on a single charge. They also work with the majority of smart assistants. They can be activated with a dedicated button. You can ask them to play music and answer trivia questions or read your smartphone notifications.

The padding around the ears is wide and can accommodate a variety of ears. They are also lightweight. The hinges on the housings fold down, making them easy to pack into bags or backpacks. The controls are located on the right-hand side of the headphone and are simple to use. A series of taps can control playback, such as the ability to rewind and skip songs.

To show the quality you can expect from these Bose headphones, we played The Beatles' Let It Be and listened to the drum beats and piano notes. The QC35 II deliver crisp, clear audio that is well-rounded and detailed. They are able to detect subtleties, like Paul McCartney's inconsistent timing as he builds up to the chorus, or Gerard Way’s snarl when he laments teenage personalism in 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 an accessory case for carrying and a USB cable that charges quickly.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is known for making high-quality Headphones Shop that cost relatively little. The WH-CH720N budget headphones are not an exception. These headphones have many of the same features of the flagship WH1000XM5 headphones, but with an affordable design. These headphones provide a lot of active noise cancellation at a low cost.

These headphones feature dynamic drivers of 30mm that provide crisp high frequencies and plenty of bass. They have an even sound that blends well with various genres of music. They also have a huge, encompassing soundstage.

The WH-CH720N headphones have buttons for controls instead of the gestures and touch controls of the XM5 headphones. This is a bit of a downside since the buttons can be confusing at first. Luckily, the headphones have clear labels and the controls are arranged in a smart way. Double pressing of the+' button pause and play audio. A single press lowers the volume. Pressing and holding the button will launch voice assistants and blocks calls.

With ANC enabled the headphones will last for about 35 hours before they run out of juice. This is the highest battery performance we've ever witnessed in headphones that are over-ear. They come with a standby feature to save battery.

The WH-CH720N can be connected to Android phones and iOS devices using Bluetooth. They are compatible with LDAC which allows them to play high-res audio on compatible devices. They also work with PlayStation consoles that use an analog 1/8" TRS cable. They can also be used as wired headphones on a PC using the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect app lets you personalize your headphones using an adjustable EQ slider, presets, multipoint connectivity, and safe listening.

5. B&W PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is a follow-up to the success of its predecessor and isn't an unfinished upgrade. They sport a sleeker style and a brand-new application. They deliver on their promise of high-end build quality, delivering audio that faithfully communicates artistic intent. They are also extremely comfortable to wear all day.

While they don't match the noise cancellation of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH-1000XM5, they do a very good job of removing the sounds of the environment and ensuring you are able to concentrate on your music, podcasts or gaming on your handheld without distractions. They have a six-strong microphone setup (four to cancel noise and two for voice pick-up) and a revised algorithm that reduces ambient sound by 30 decibels. They're also one of the few Bluetooth headphones we've reviewed that can be used in a passive mode, which allows you to listen to your content by themselves, without putting power to the drive units.

They're also compatible with the B&W Music app, a free download that delivers many features that complement the superior noise cancelling. The Quick Action button can be set to turn on the voice assistant on your device to cycle through three settings for the environment and display the battery's life. It's a pain to press and hold it. A one-press would be more intuitive and easier.

The PX7 S2 are an impressive pair of headphones which will delight all music lovers. They're not quite as suitable for the raucous music of genres such as rock and metal that tend to favor bass-heavy production and muddy low frequencies like they are to classics, folk, and acoustic music, but will still impress those who appreciate audiophile credentials that's also practical and convenient.