The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

When you're trying to block out the sound of jet engines, or just want to block out the hum of your HVAC system at home, you need the most effective noise-cancelling over-ear headphones. The latest Sony WH-1000XM5s are the new leaders in active noise cancellation and their predecessors are also excellent.

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

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony's flagship headphones is a major improvement over the previous model, featuring better noise cancellation and improved audio quality. Its impressive ANC creates an enveloping cone over your head, suffocating a surprising amount low-frequency sound. The ear cups also block out mid- to treble range sounds like passenger chatter or the creaking of metal, as well as clanging dishware.

Contrary to some noise cancelling headphones that sound hollow or unnatural, the WH1000XM5s are very natural-sounding. They can render Billie Eilish’s drums with remarkable detail, while keeping the edges clear and clean. It's enjoyable listening to them on a long flight or commute.

A capacitive touch-screen on the right earcup controls the most common controls, including play/pause volume up/down, and skip forwards/backwards. It can also call and end calls and switch between ANC and ambient sound mode. Alternately, hold the power button for several seconds to hear a voice prompt of remaining battery life.

The new QN1 mic is another significant improvement over the XM5s. It was designed to record high-quality audio when recording videos and podcasts. The microphone is more sensitive than the previous models and also has a wider audio range that makes it easier for you to pick up your voice.

Other features from the XM4s are been transferred to the XM5, such as its adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance based on the environment. The "Wearing Detection" feature detects when the headset is removed, and will pause video or music. It will then resume it once 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 WH-1000XM4s are the latest version of Sony's market-leading over-ear headphones, and even though they don't feature as much active noise cancellation as the WH-1000XM5s, they still provide superior performance. The WH-1000XM4s have a stronger Bluetooth connection and an improved noise cancellation algorithm. They also come Immerse Yourself with Anker's Q30 ANC Headphones an audio chip that upscales 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 more comfortable than ever before by putting padding on the headband and moving the microphones towards the outer edges of the ear. This makes them more comfortable to listen to for longer periods of time.

They're also more versatile with the ability to switch between five sound modes depending on the environment. Sony headphones have an app that lets you to customize your EQ settings. The app allows you to keep track of your activities and automatically optimize the settings. They are a great choice for Experience Superior Sound with VOCLO A9 Headphones travelers.

Another major improvement is the WH-1000XM4's noise cancellation, which is now more effective by increasing the sensitiveness and improving the way it eliminates low frequencies. You can check this out by studying a graph similar to the one below, where higher peaks indicate that more sounds are being cancelled out. The WH1000XM4s are also Experience Superior Sound with VOCLO A9 Headphones - https://www.headphonesshop.uk, in reducing low-frequency sounds such as the hum from an air conditioning unit, or the constant rumble from a plane engine.

The WH-1000XM4s are still equipped with a a great set of features, including a battery that lasts up to 30 hours, and an integrated USB-C charging port. They also have Quick Alert, a feature that allows you to tap the right earcup and dampen the sound to activate transparency mode. Speak to Chat, meanwhile it stops media when you speak (and it works well but sometimes it does not recognize taps) in addition to Sony's Smart Listening Technology, which can detect your surroundings and deliver better audio.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II (or QC35 Wireless 2018) are headphones for over-ear use that were launched in September 2017. While they've been replaced by the 2021-released Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 They are still popular and affordable and are well worth a look if you're looking for a noise-cancelling active headphone.

The QC35 II are a great pair of wireless headphones that offer a comfortable fit, a neutral default sound profile and exceptional noise isolation. They can be used in noisy environments as well as while on the move and last for more than a day on a single charge. They also work with a variety of smart assistants and can be turned on by an individual button. You can ask them to play music, answer trivia questions or even read notifications from your smartphone.

They feature a wide opening in the padding around your ears that will fit most ear shapes and sizes and are extremely light. The housings' hinges can be folded down to make them easier to pack into a bag or backpack. The controls are located on the right-hand side of the headphone and are easy to use. Playback can be controlled by tapping the buttons, including rewinding or skipping songs.

We were listening to The Beatles' Let It Be, and the drum and piano beats. The QC35 II delivers crisp, clear audio with a well-rounded and detailed sound. 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 is compatible with the majority of smart assistants. It can connect to up to two devices simultaneously. The QC35 II also come with the carry case as well as a USB cable that charges quickly.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is a household name for its excellent headphones at a relatively affordable price. The budget-friendly WH-CH720N headphones from Sony are no exception. They have a lot of the features that make premium WH-1000XM5 headphones so great however, they have an affordable design. These headphones offer a lot of active noise cancellation at the price of a small.

These headphones feature high-performance drivers of 30mm that deliver crisp high frequencies and a full bass. They also feature an even tuning that makes them sound great with various genres of music, and they have a wide soundstage that allows you to get a sense of being immersed in the music.

The WH-CH720N headphones have buttons for controls instead of the touch controls and gestures of the XM5 headphones. This is a more of a problem since the buttons are at first difficult to understand. The controls are intelligently placed and have clear labels. A single pressing of the button '-' reduces the volume, and double presses stop and play audio. Pressing and holding the button will launch voice assistants, and also rejects calls.

These headphones can last up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is the best budget noise cancelling headphones battery performance we've ever seen in headphones that are over-ear. They have a standby mode to help conserve battery.

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

5. B&W PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is a follow-up to a wildly popular predecessor, but it's not an unfinished upgrade. They feature a more sleek design and a brand-new application. They fulfill their promise of top-quality build with audio that faithfully conveys 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 excellent job of blocking out ambient noises and ensuring that you can focus on your music, podcasts or handheld gaming without distractions. They have a six-microphone setup (four for noise cancellation and two for voice pick-up) and a redesigned algorithm that reduce ambient sound by 30dB. These are also one of only a few Bluetooth headphones that we've tested that can be used in a passive manner and allow users to listen to their music without powering up the drive units.

The B&W Music app is also compatible, a free download which includes a variety of features that compliment the outstanding noise cancellation. The Quick Action button can be programmed to activate the device's voice assistant, cycle through the three environmental settings and show battery life. Annoyingly, you have to press and hold the button for a while - pressing it once would be easier and more intuitive.

The PX7 S2 is an excellent pair of headphones that will please music lovers. The PX7 S2 headphones aren't as well suited to challenging music genres like metal and rock which favour bass-heavy productions and muddy low-frequency as they are to classical, folk and Acoustic. However, they will still be awe-inspiring to those who appreciate audiophile credentials, and are practical and convenient.