The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

Whether you're battling the engine noise of jet engines or simply want to block out the sound of your HVAC system at home, you need the most effective noise-cancelling headphones for over-ear use. The new Sony WH1000XM5s are the kings of active noise cancellation. Their predecessors were also fantastic.

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

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 SoundPEATS A6 Hybrid ANC Bluetooth Headphones: Shop Now! creates a virtual cone on top of your head, What Is Noise Cancelling Headphones suffocating the most shocking amount of low-frequency sound. The ear cups also block out mid-treble and high-treble sounds like chatter from passengers or the creaking of metal, as well as clanging dishware.

The WH-1000XM5s sound natural, unlike some noise cancelling headsets that can sound hollow. They can reproduce Billie Eilish’s drums with remarkable clarity while keeping the edges clean and pristine. They're an absolute pleasure to listen to during a commute or long flight.

A capacitive touch-screen on the right ear cup handles the most frequently used controls, such as play/pause, volume up/down, skip forwards/backwards and skip. It can also end and answer calls, and switch between ANC mode and ambient sound. You can also hold the power button for several seconds to hear an audio message telling you how much battery life you have left.

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

Other features of the XM4s have carried over to 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 will pause video or music. It will then resume it as soon as the headset what Is noise cancelling headphones put back on. It's compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine, which upscales compressed music to near hi-res quality.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH1000XM4s by Sony are the most recent version of their top-of-the-line over-ear headphones. They feature top-of-the-line performance, even though they don't feature the same active noise cancellation as the WH1000XM5s. The WH-1000XM4s boast a stronger Bluetooth connection as well as a more efficient noise cancellation algorithm. They also come with an upgraded audio chip that upscales music to HD quality, as well as advanced voice controls.

Sony has improved the WH1000XM4s with the latest version by adding padding to the headband and moving the microphones outwards. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions.

You can also choose between five different sound settings based on the surroundings. Sony headphones come with an app that allows you to modify your EQ settings. The app allows you to keep track of your activities and then automatically adjust the settings. They are a great choice for those who travel.

The WH-1000XM4 has also improved its noise cancellation. It is now more effective thanks to the greater sensitivity and improved filtering of low frequencies. You can test this by studying a graph similar to the one below, where higher peaks indicate more sounds are being blocked out. The WH1000XM4s are also superior at reducing low-frequency noises such as the hum from an air conditioning unit, or the constant rumble of an airplane engine.

The WH1000XM4s come with a variety of amazing features, including a 30 hour battery life and a USB-C charge port. They also have Quick Alert, a feature that lets you press the right earcup and then dampen music to enable transparency mode. Speak to Chat, meanwhile it pauses the media when your voice is raised (and it works, although sometimes it fails to recognize taps) in addition to Sony's Smart Listening Technology, which can detect your surroundings and provide better sound.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II headphones (or QC35 Wireless 2018, as they're also referred to) were released in September 2017. Although they've been replaced by the 2021-released Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 They are still popular and affordable and are worth considering if you're looking for an active noise cancelling headphone.

The QC35 II is a great pair of headphones that can be used for both mixed and regular use. They provide a comfortable fit and a neutral sound profile by default. They also provide exceptional noise isolation. They can be used in noisy settings as well as while on the move and last for more than a day on a single charge. They are also compatible with most smart assistants and can be activated with the use of a specific button. You can ask the assistant to play music, answer trivia questions or read your smartphone notifications.

The padding around the ears is wide and will fit most types of ear. They are also light. The hinges on the housings fold down making them easy to fit into a bag or backpack. The controls on the right side of the headphones are well placed and comfortable to use. Playback can be controlled by tapping repeatedly that allow you to rewind or skip songs.

For an example of the quality you can expect from these Bose headphones we played The Beatles' Let It Be and listened to drum beats and piano notes. The QC35 II delivers crisp, clear audio with a smooth and detailed sound. They uncover subtleties in the vocals, for instance Paul McCartney's irregular timing when building up to the chorus, or Gerard Way's snarl as he laments the individualism of teenagers. Teenagers.

The QC35 II is compatible with the majority of smart assistants. It can connect to up to two devices at once. The QC35 II also come with an accessory case for carrying and a USB cable that is quick to charge.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is known for building excellent headphones that cost a small amount. The WH-CH720N budget headphones are not a different. They carry a lot of the features that make premium WH-1000XM5 headphones so great but in an affordable design. These headphones provide a lot of active noise cancellation for a low cost.

These headphones feature powerful drivers that measure 30mm in size. They provide crisp high frequencies and plenty of bass. They also feature an even tuning that makes them sound great with various genres of music. They also have a large soundstage that lets you be immersed in your music.

The WH-CH720N headphones utilize buttons instead of the gestures and touch controls of the XM5 headphones. This could be a an issue as the buttons are initially confusing. Luckily, the headphones come with clear labels and the controls are arranged in a smart way. One press of the '-' button lowers the volume, and double presses stop and play audio. Pressing and holding the button will launch voice assistants and blocks calls.

The headphones can last for up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is the best battery performance we've ever witnessed in over-ear headphones. They have a standby function to help conserve battery.

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

5. B&W PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is a follow-up to a successful predecessor however, it's not a half baked update. With a more modern design and a new app, they deliver on the promise of high-end build quality, delivering audio that is designed to accurately express artistic intention. They're also incredibly comfortable and are a delight to wear throughout the day.

While they don't match the noise cancellation of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH-1000XM5 but they do a good job of removing environmental sounds and ensuring you can focus on your music, what is noise cancelling headphones podcasts or handheld gaming without distractions. They use a six-strong microphone setup (four to cancel noise and two for voice pick up) and a new algorithm that reduces ambient noise by 30dB. They're also one of only a few Bluetooth headphones we've tested that can be used as passive headphones which allows users to listen to their music without powering up the drive units.

They're also compatible with the B&W Music app, a free download that delivers many features that go along with the great noise cancelling. The Quick Action button can be set to activate your device's voice assistance to cycle through three environmental settings, and display the battery's life. Annoyingly, you have to press and hold the button - pressing it once would be more efficient and intuitive.

The PX7 S2 are an remarkable 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 are known to favor heavy bass and muddy low frequencies, as they are to classics, folk, and Acoustic music, but will still be awe-inspiring to those who appreciate the audiophile ethos which is also practical and easy to use.