The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

You'll need the top noise-cancelling over-ear headphones, whether you want to block out the hum from your HVAC system or you need to block the sound of jet engine noises. The newest Sony WH-1000XM5s are among the latest top of the line in active noise cancellation, and their predecessors are also fantastic.

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

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony's top headphones is a major improvement over its predecessor, offering better noise cancellation and enhanced audio quality. Its impressive ANC creates a virtual cone on top of your head, blocking out the most shocking amount of low-frequency sound. The earphones block mid-treble and high-treble sounds like passenger chatter, creaking metal and clanging dishware.

Contrary to some noise cancelling headphones, which can sound hollow or unnatural, the WH1000XM5s are extremely natural sounding. They can reproduce the rise and fall of Billie's drums with astonishing depth, while keeping edges clean and pristine. It's an absolute pleasure listening to them on long flights or during commutes.

A capacitive touch-surface on the right ear cup handles the most commonly used controls, such as play/pause, volume up/down, and skip forwards/backwards. It can also end or answer calls and switch between ANC mode and ambient sound. Alternately, hold and press the power button for several seconds to hear a message indicating the remaining battery life.

Another notable improvement on the XM5s model is its new QN1 microphone, which is designed to record high-quality audio when making podcasts and videos. The microphone is more sensitive than the previous models and has a greater audio range which makes it easier for Noise cancelling over ear Headphones you to hear your voice.

The XM5 has also carried over certain features from the XM4s like the adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance in accordance with your surroundings. The "Wearing Detection" feature detects when the headset is removed and pauses music or video. It will then resume it once they are put back on. It's compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine, which increases the quality of compressed music to nearly hi-res quality.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH1000XM4s of Sony are the latest version of their top-of-the-line over-ear headphones. They feature top-of-the-line performance, even though they don't have the same active Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones cancellation features as the WH1000XM5s. The WH-1000XM4s feature a more powerful bluetooth over ear headphones noise cancelling connection as well as an improved noise cancellation algorithm. They also feature an audio chip that upscales music to HD quality and has advanced voice controls.

The biggest improvement in this latest model is that Sony has made the WH-1000XM4s softer than before by putting padding around the headband and shifting the microphones closer to the outside of the ears. This makes them more comfortable to listen to for longer periods of time.

They're also more flexible, allowing you to switch between five different modes of sound depending on the surroundings. Sony headphones have an app that lets you to alter your EQ settings. They're a great option for those who travel, and the app lets you track your activity and automatically adjust their settings on the fly.

Another significant improvement is the WH1000XM4's noise cancellation which has been made more effective by increasing the sensitivity and improving how it blocks out low frequencies. You can check this out by taking a look at a graph similar to the one above, where higher peaks indicate that more sounds are being blocked out. The WH1000XM4s are also superior in reducing low-frequency sounds such as the hum from an air conditioner or the constant rumble from an airplane engine.

The WH1000XM4s are equipped with a range of amazing features, including a 30-hour battery life and a USB-C charge port. They also come with Quick Alert, which lets you tap the right earcup to reduce the sound and activate transparency mode; Speak To Chat stops media when you raise your voice (and is effective, even though it can sometimes fail to detect taps), and Noise cancelling over ear headphones Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can analyze and detect the surrounding environment to provide superior audio.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II (or QC35 Wireless 2018) are earbuds which were released in September 2017. They have been replaced by the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 701, which will be released in 2021. However they remain popular and affordable.

The QC35 II is a great pair for mixed-use wireless headphones noise. They offer a comfortable fit and a neutral sound profile by default. They also offer exceptional noise isolation. They can be used for travel or in noisy settings and last for more than a day with a single charge. They can also be used with most smart assistants, and can be activated with a dedicated button. You can ask them to play music, answer trivia questions or read your smartphone notifications.

They feature a wide opening in the ear padding that will fit most types of ear sizes and shapes. They also are light. The hinges of the housings can be folded down to allow them to be easily packed into a bag or backpack. The controls are located on the right-hand side and are simple to use. Playback is controlled by a series of taps that allow you to rewind or skip songs.

We were listening to The Beatles' Let It Be, as well as the drum beats and piano. The QC35 II delivers crisp, clear audio that is well-rounded and detailed sound. They can detect subtleties like Paul McCartney's irregular timing as he builds up to the chorus or Gerard Way's snarl as he rants about the teen-like persona in teenagers.

The QC35 II is compatible with the majority of smart assistants and is able to connect to up to 2 devices simultaneously. The QC35 II comes with a carry bag and a USB charging cable.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is a brand known for producing top-quality headphones at a affordable price. The WH-CH720N budget headphones are no exception. These headphones carry over a lot of the features that make the top WH-1000XM5 models so good however, they have an affordable design. These headphones offer a lot of active noise cancellation at the price of a small.

Like the WH-1000XM5 headphones, these cans feature 30mm dynamic drivers which provide plenty of bass and clear high frequencies. These headphones have an unbalanced sound that works well with a variety of genres of music. They also have a large, immersive soundstage.

The WH-CH720N headphones use buttons for controls instead of the gestures and touch controls of the XM5 headphones. This could be a bit of an issue as the buttons are initially confusing. Luckily, the headphones come with clear labels and the controls are arranged intelligently. Double press of the '+' button pause and play audio. A single press lowers the volume. Pressing and holding the button will launch voice assistants, and also rejects calls.

These headphones can last for up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is among the best battery performance we've seen on over-ear headphones. They have a standby mode to conserve battery.

The WH-CH720N can be connected to Android phones and iOS devices via Bluetooth. They are compatible with LDAC which allows them to play high-quality audio on compatible devices. They are also compatible with PlayStation consoles with an analog 1/8"TRS cable. They can also be connected to computers using the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect app lets you customize your headphones with an EQ slider and presets, multipoint connectivity, and 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 sport a sleeker style and a brand-new application. They deliver on their promise of premium build-quality and sound that accurately communicates artistic intent. They are also extremely comfortable to wear throughout the day.

Although they aren't as good as 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 can focus on your music, podcasts, or gaming handheld without interruptions. They have a six-microphone setup (four for the noise cancellation and two for voice pick-up) and a new algorithm that cut down on ambient noise by 30dB. They're also among the few Bluetooth headphones we've reviewed that can be used in a passive mode, allowing users to listen to content by themselves, without putting power to the drive units.

The B&W Music app is also compatible, a free download which includes a variety of features to complement the great noise cancellation. The Quick Action button can be set to turn on the voice assistant on your device and cycle through three environmental settings and display battery life. Annoyingly, you have to press and hold the button - one press would be easier and more intuitive.

The PX7 S2 are an impressive pair of headphones, that will please the majority of music enthusiasts. The PX7 S2 are not suitable for extreme music genres like metal and rock, which favor bass-heavy productions and muddy low frequencies as they are for classical, folk and Acoustic. However, they'll still impress those who appreciate audiophile credentials, and are practical and comfortable.