Best Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

If you commute on noisy public transit or work in an office with chatty colleagues, noise cancelling headphones can provide the sound buffer you need to remain focused. We analyzed the quality of sound, comfort and the ability to block out high-frequency continuous noise like restaurant chatter, and short-duration incidental sounds like ringing phone or clacking keyboards.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's WH1000XM5 headphones are an excellent option for premium ANC. The first model to be released in 2016 in the WH-1000XM5 model, it is among the top choices for those who wants to enjoy their favourite music or podcasts without distractions. This latest iteration of the line marks the first major overhaul since its initial release and comes with a variety of new and exciting features. Alongside sleek design and sustainable efforts (including the absence of plastic packaging) the headphones offer excellent beats noise cancelling over ear headphones cancellation, clear audio, and a natural-sounding ambient audio.

If enabled, the WH-1000XM5's noise cancellation is unbeatable. The strapping of a pair on your head creates a cone of silence that will block out the sound of engines on subways and trains, the whir of HVAC systems, and even neighboring conversations. These headphones are also among the most effective ANCs to block out low-frequency drones, bass hums, and other noises.

Ambient Sound Control is another fantastic feature. It alters the acoustic balance in the headphones depending on the surrounding. For instance, if at home listening to your favourite album the WH-1000XM5 can switch to an immersive listening experience. On the other side in the event that you're walking down a busy street it will change to an enhanced sound profile to provide you with more awareness of your surroundings.

The earcups of the WH1000XM5 have a an earpiece that can be controlled by gestures on the right side. This can be used to change tracks or play music, as well as pause and pause. You can also use the voice assistant to adjust volume or search for content, and make hands-free phone calls. The headphones offer a rich stereo image and a consistent frequency response. They also feature an incredibly precise group delay. incredibly accurate and helps to maintain an even soundstage.

Another great feature is the ability to connect the WH-1000XM5s to two devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful if you are looking to listen to music on your laptop and make phone calls from your phone. They have a built-in mic and USB-C charging port. The headphones come with a cable that permits direct playback of analog. Battery life is solid at around 30 hours, which can get you through the week of commuting, or an extended flight.

Bose QuietComfort 45

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is the latest version of the premium headphones manufacturer's flagship model. It launched in September 2021, and it is less expensive than the new Sony WH-1000XM4 and its sibling 700 by around PS320, $329 or $439 AUD. It is the best active noise cancellation, and comes with features such as voice assistant support as well as automatic pausing and pausing when you take off the headphones. The design is also much more comfortable than previous versions. However, there are a few things you should know. The buttons on the back of the ear cups are now sensitive to pressure and require pressure to activate, so it may be difficult for some people to adjust to. You can adjust ANC, and toggle a "aware" setting that allows ambient sounds to be heard. However, you cannot remove the audio.

The headphones are an excellent option for those searching for high-end headphones to wear in a plane or train, or at home while working. They have a long battery life, excellent noise cancellation and clear audio. They also come with multipoint Bluetooth which allows them to be paired to two devices at once and switch between them by pressing one button. They also have a dedicated application, which isn't as customizable as other models, but offers a variety of useful features.

The QC45s have an active noise cancelling mode that's very efficient. It can be too loud at times. The passive EQ modes are however more balanced and let you have more control over the ear headphones with noise cancelling the sound quality of your music. If you are listening to music that has lots of cymbal shimmer you may find your headphones slightly grating. However, it is fixable by dropping 3-20kHz in your music player's EQ.

While some might be disappointed by the omission of some features, such as adjustable ANC/transparency or an EQ, and a small drop in call quality The QC45s overall are a great choice for those looking for top-quality ANC at a low cost. They are also comfortable to wear for a long time and have fast charging with the USB-C port.

Shure Aonic 50

Shure's Aonic 50 are a premium pair of headphones with an emphasis on sound quality. They feature a 50mm dynamic driver and are stuffed with high-resolution codes that provide the best possible Bluetooth music playback. The headphones have a balanced sound, with deep detail throughout the frequency range. They also have a natural feel of space and location.

They're a little heavier than other brands at 334g, but they are comfortable enough for long listening sessions. The headband rests on top of your head without putting too much pressure and the earcups are cushioned, making them very comfortable. They're also quite lightweight - they fold flat and can be stored in their carry case which is a nice touch.

The earcups on the right side are the usual controls, such as playback, volume, and power/pairing. You can switch between noise-cancelling mode, neutral mode, and what Shure calls "Environment Mode" with a slider close to the top. The Environment Mode lets more outside sounds to pass through. This can be beneficial when you want to be aware of your surroundings. The controls are excellent, but there is some delay between pressing the buttons and when it happens (i.e. If you press the play when you're on a phone call, you may end up blasting music into your ears instead of calling mom. They don't come with built-in microphones for voice command support, but they do feature an audio response from Google Assistant and their mics are excellent at removing background noise in phone conversations.

They run on one battery that lasts for up to 20 hours, which will be plenty for most people. They include the USB cable to connect to your phone for charging however it's not as easy as using Bluetooth however it's a useful feature to have and ensures you can play your music back when recharging. They're also compatible with all audio devices with a 2.5mm port, so you can use them while you're on the move.

Monoprice BT600ANC

The Monoprice BT-600ANC Bluetooth over-ear noise cancellation headphones include all the features you require in a pair of wireless headphones at just a fraction of the cost. They include high-quality Qualcomm aptX HD Audio, a cutting-edge version of Active Noise Cancelling as well as an easy-to-fold design that makes them easy to store in the backpack or carry bag. They are a great option for students or Over The Ear Headphones With Noise Cancelling commuters and come with a long battery life that allows you to listen all the day. The headphones also come with comfortable touch controls that allow you to swipe or tap to adjust the volume or skip tracks.

The BT-600ANC headphones have an elegant design that recalls the Monoprice M1000ANC headphone that we have reviewed last year. They are matte gray and not branded, and don't stand out much in public, however they feature an incredibly soft comfortable fit that will appeal to the majority of ears. Their small size and carrying case make them perfect for travel.

They are lightweight and offer excellent passive isolation thanks to the ear cups encased in leatherette. The headband is also soft and offers plenty of adjustability, without feeling too slouchy or bulky. The headbands are large enough to fit glasses-wearers. They are comfortable for the majority of people.

Monoprice's ANC is a great sounding product and doesn't sound tinny as other brands. They have a slight boost between 100-200Hz, giving a fuller sound to bass notes. This is evident in the first track of Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo with a clear and clear response. However, they have a steep drop-off in the upper frequencies that go above 10kHz, meaning that cymbal and shaker sound won't be as crisp and clear as on other headsets.

There are three ANC modes to choose from three modes: low, medium and high. The low mode is ideal for suppressing most ambient noise, but will not block out traffic or loud conversations. The medium setting will work in a variety of situations. The high setting will keep you safe from all other noises, except your music. The earcups with touch-sensitive controls are a bit difficult to use at first. Swiping up and down on the pad controls volume and the pad's pressure or moving it left or right alters the tracks. You can also double-tap to stop or answer a phone. It takes some practice to master, but once you have the hang of it you will find it very useful.