How Noise Cancelling Headphones Can Improve Your Listening Experience

Noise cancelling headphones rely on microphones to listen for ambient sounds and produce an anti-noise signal that counteracts unwanted noises. They're ideal for blocking out rumbles as well as chatter from planes and trains, though they don't make much difference to the sound of the squealing brakes or your friend's animated conversations.

Active noise cancellation requires a good seal whether it's earbuds, over-ear headphones, or padding around the ears. We've also tested whether the headphones can block lower-frequency noises like traffic or train noise.

What is noise cancellation?

Noise cancelling helps listeners focus on their audiobook or music without distraction from the background noise. Noise cancelling headphones come with built-in microphones that block out external sounds before they get to your ears, effectively shutting out the outside world so that you can listen to your music or audiobook with peace.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is among the most commonly used headphone features available on ear earphones the market. It is available on many different brands of headphones with a variety of sizes and colors and even on some models that are budget-friendly. The principle behind the technology is quite simple: earcups or earbuds have miniature microphones which "listen" to ambient sound frequencies and then play back equal but opposing noise waves to block them before they reach your ears.

The crests and troughs of these waves cancel each one another in a process referred to as destructive interference, leaving nothing other than the music you're listening to. This is great for repetitive, monotonous sounds like the drone of an airplane engine, or that coworker Bob who can't seem to stop talking. It's less effective with high-frequency or sudden noises that are difficult to identify and block out. For example the pinging sound of a computer keyboard or the alarm beeping on your smartphone.

The padding of the earcup can be used to block out the sound. This is a great option for those who do not want to rely on batteries to provide their ANC functionality but still need to have a peaceful environment when working or at home.

It's worth noting that every pair of headphones requires some form of power, whether for battery or audio processing to function. While ANC can cut down on most external noises, headphones cannot create the illusion of a cone-shaped silence around your ears. If the sounds around you are loud enough, they'll get into your ears. This is why it's crucial to wear your headphones comfortably enough to not have any gaps in the fit, so you can get the full benefit of ANC.

How does it work?

The technology behind noise cancelling headsets is based on tiny microphones inside earcups or buds that listen to the sounds around you. They are then processed inside the headphones to produce an opposite sound wave that effectively blocks out the sound and blocks them from reaching your ears.

Air molecules oscillate, generating sound waves. This means that the sound waves have a height or amplitude. It is measured by the distances between peaks on an oscillating graph. Sound waves with higher amplitudes are taller, while those with shorter amplitudes are smaller. ANC headphones make use of this to create the opposite sound of the sounds that you hear around you.

ANC headsets have numerous features that block out ambient noises like feedback microphones and ANC chipsets. These chips use algorithms to invert incoming sound signals and then release an opposing signal, which is basically like launching anti-ballistic missiles to shoot down the incoming warheads (again think of the military-grade countermeasures in war films).

The ANC drivers in each ear cup generate these opposing signals. When the ANC is activated by pressing a button on your headset, the sound of the environment are reduced or even removed.

While the technology behind ANC is impressive, it does come with some tradeoffs. The additional electronics required to enable this technology can add weight and bulk to your headphones. They also consume more power, which could lead to a shorter battery life and possibly high-frequency hiss.

One other problem is that a lot of users have reported feelings of disorientation or a feeling of dizziness while wearing ANC headphones. This can be frustrating but is usually due to something else, not by ANC.

The good news is, more advanced ANC headsets are beginning to address these problems. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7, for example, offers various ANC modes such as "office", 'plane' and 'city', along with a slider that lets you customize the volume of external sound you want to pass through. Apple's latest AirPods Pro 2 also feature a similar function, with 'Ambient Aware mode that digitally adapts the level of ANC to your surroundings.

What are the best noise cancelling headphones?

Noise cancelling headphones can make a huge difference to your listening experience. They can aid in concentration at work or block out engine noise from planes and trains. They're also great for commutes or working at home and Philips earphones can be used with any kind of audio equipment including computers, tablets and smartphones. There are wireless ANC headphones for all budgets. They can be expensive however they're well worth the cost.

The most effective pair of noise cancelling headphones will be comfortable to wear for extended periods, with a good seal around your ears. The battery life should last at least 30hrs which is enough to last through your daily commute or working day. Check that the audio source is supported, whether it be Bluetooth or USB-C.

Over-ear headphones are typically more comfortable than the in-ear models. They feature a wider headband and padded cups that rest over your ears, which helps to keep them in place for longer. They also are more effective in blocking out background noise. There are exceptions, however, and the best noise-cancelling headphones for you will be determined by your preferences in music and lifestyle.

The majority of over-ear headphones offer some degree of noise isolation however the degree of reduction is going to differ greatly based on the design and how well they fit in your ears. A bad fit could let in more ambient sound, and it could even impact the quality of the bass. Try swapping out the stock tips of your headphones to see if this improves the fit and Philips Earphones reduces the background noise. This works with most earbuds.

In-ear headphones can be uncomfortable to wear for long listening sessions since they don't sit on your ears instead, but inside them. They may be more comfortable when you tilt them forwards or backwards to adjust their fit. They're also generally lighter, making them lighter to carry and more mobile. In our tests, we discovered that the majority of earbuds offer noise cancellation. However, it's not nearly as good as over-ear headphones.

What should I look for when purchasing headphones that block out noise?

The most effective noise cancelling headphones cut down on the background noise so that you can concentrate on your music without having to worry about your surroundings. To achieve this, they usually employ active noise cancellation (ANC), although not all ANC headsets are made to be equal. It is crucial to think about the type of ANC that you choose, whether it's over-ear or in ear and their quality of construction.

Over-ear and in-ear headphones are typically the more popular choices and both offer superior noise isolation. While over-ear headphones can be more comfortable during long durations, in-ear headphones provide more portability and are less bulky. Over-ear headphones are generally more expensive but often offer superior sound quality, while in-ear models are an affordable option with a solid sound quality.

Certain ANC headphones have different levels of ANC, giving you the ability to adjust the level to the circumstances in hand. You may choose to turn off ANC on an airplane, on public transport, or even at home but turn it back on when you are at work or home to keep out the whirrr of your PC's cooling fan or the lawn mower of your neighbor. Some headphones also feature the 'transparency' mode that lets some external noise through so that you can hear important ambient sounds, like traffic or conversations.

The best noise cancelling headphones are equipped with ANC and Bluetooth for wireless listening. Some headphones are compatible with the aptX or aptX HD Bluetooth codes, which give better audio quality than conventional Bluetooth.

There are ANC headphones that cost less than PS50. However the Bose QC35 II over-ear headphones provide the best value. They feature a fantastic ANC, which includes a slight pause in between tracks to let you hear your voice when you talk. The sound is clear and full of detail, and their ANC is top-quality.

Children's noise-canceling headsets are also recommended in the event that your child suffers from sensory overload or needs help processing auditory stimuli. They usually come in a wide variety of colors and designs targeted at children and even licensed by some popular cartoon or video game properties. They are more comfortable for children than traditional headphones, and they often have parental controls, such as volume-limiting features.