Best Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

Whether you commute on noisy public transport or work with chatty colleagues, noise cancelling headphones can provide the sonic buffer you need to remain focused. We looked at the comfort, sound quality, and the ability to block high-frequency continuous noises such as restaurant chatter or short-duration incidental noises like the ringing of a phone or clacking keys.

Sony WH-1000XM5

If you're looking for premium ANC headphones, Sony's WH-1000XM5 is a top choice. It was first released in the year 2016 the WH-1000XM5 is one of the top choices for anyone who wants to listen to their favorite music or podcasts without distractions. This latest iteration of the line marks the first major redesign since its first release and comes with a variety of new and exciting features. Alongside sleek design and environmental efforts (including the absence of plastic packaging), the headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation, clear audio, and a natural-sounding ambient audio.

The WH-1000XM5 has no rival in its noise cancellation capabilities when it is enabled. The act of putting on a pair headphones creates an enveloping silence which can block out the sound of subway trains and subway engines and immerse In pure sound with anker q20i also neighboring conversations. These headphones are also some of the best ANCs for blocking out low-frequency drones, bass hums and other sounds.

Another feature that is great is Ambient Sound Control, which adjusts the headphones' audio balancing according to the environment you're in. If you are at home and listening to your favourite music the WH1000XM5 can switch to an experience that is more immersive. If you're walking along an avenue that is busy, they will switch to a more focused profile to make you more aware of the surrounding.

The WH-1000XM5's ear cups have touch-sensitive gesture controls on the right side that can be used to play, pause, and switch tracks. You can also utilize a voice assistant in order to search for content, change volume and make calls hands-free. The headphones boast amazing frequency response consistency and provide an immersive, full stereo image. They also have an incredibly precise group delay, which allows them to maintain the same soundstage.

The WH-1000XM5s can be linked to two devices at once. This is particularly useful if you would like to listen to music on your laptop and make phone calls using your phone. They have a built-Immerse In Pure Sound With Anker Q20I microphone and USB-C ports for charging. They also come with a USB-C cable to playback direct analog. Battery life is solid at around 30 hours, which is enough to last for the week of commuting, or a long-haul flight.

Bose QuietComfort 45

The Bose QuietComfort 45, the most popular model from the premium headphones manufacturer, is the most recent version. It was released in September 2021, and it's priced lower than the Sony WH1000XM4 by about PS320 / $329 / $439 when compared to its 700-related sibling. It offers the best budget noise cancelling headphones active noise cancellation and features such as voice assistant support, automatic pausing and automatic pause when you take off the headphones. The design is more comfortable than the previous versions. There are a few points to keep in mind, however. The buttons on the back of the ear cups are now touch-sensitive and require pressure to activate, which means it may be difficult for some to adjust to. And while you can adjust ANC and switch to an "aware" mode which allows ambient sounds but you can't completely shut off the audio.

The headphones are an excellent choice for those seeking a pair of premium headphones to wear on a plane or train or at home while working. They have a long-lasting battery, excellent noise cancellation, and clear audio. They also have multipoint Bluetooth, which means they can be connected to two devices at the same time and switch between them at a flick of a button. They also have a dedicated application, which isn't as customizable as some competitors but has plenty of useful features.

The QC45s also come with an active noise cancelling mode which is extremely efficient. In my tests it was a bit too loud at times. However the passive EQ modes are better balanced and give you more control over your music's sound signature. If you're listening to music that has a lot of cymbal shimmer, you might find the noise-cancelling headphones grating slightly, but this can be easily corrected by dropping 3-20kHz in the EQ settings of your music player.

While some may be disappointed at the absence of some features, such as adjustable ANC/transparency, the EQ, as well as a slight drop in call quality, overall the QC45s are a great option for anyone looking for top-tier ANC at an affordable price. They are comfortable to wear and come with a USB-C charging port.

Shure Aonic 50

Shure's Aonic 50 are a premium pair of headphones that place an emphasis on audio quality. Their drivers utilize a massive 50mm dynamic driver and they're packed with high-resolution codecs to deliver the best possible audio playback through Bluetooth. The headphones have a balanced sound with rich detail across the frequency spectrum and have a natural sense space and location, so that you can feel the vibrancy of every note and the reverberation of music around you.

The headphones are a bit heavier than their competitors at 334g, but they're comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. The headband sits on the top of your head without putting too much pressure and the earcups are well-padded, making them very comfortable. They are also extremely portable. They can fold flat and be stored in the accompanying carrying case.

On the right earcup are the usual controls, such as playback, volume and power/pairing. You can switch between neutral mode, and what Shure calls "Environment Mode" by using a slider at the top. Environment mode allows more noise from outside to pass through and can be helpful in situations where you have to be aware of your surroundings. The controls are great however there is some delay between pressing the buttons and what happens (i.e. If you press play when you're on a phone call, you might end up blasting music in your ears instead of calling mom. They don't have any built-in microphones for voice commands support however they do come with an audio response from Google Assistant and their mics are great at removing background noise in phone conversations.

The battery should last up to 20 hours for the majority of people. The USB cable is included to charge your phone. It's not as convenient as Bluetooth but you get to listen to your music while you charge. They're also compatible with most audio devices that have a 2.5mm port, which means you can use them when you travel.

Monoprice BT600ANC

The Monoprice BT-600ANC Bluetooth over ear noise cancelling headphones have all the features you require in a pair of wireless headphones at less than the cost. The headphones come with high-quality Qualcomm HD Audio and Active Noise Cancelling. They are also portable foldable, lightweight, and easy to store inside the bag or backpack. They are ideal for students and commuters since they come with a long-lasting battery which allows you to listen for the entire throughout the day. They also come with convenient control buttons that let you swipe or tap to alter the volume, skip tracks and answer calls.

The BT-600ANC headphones sport a minimalistic design that reminds us of the Monoprice M1000ANC headphones we have reviewed last year. They are matte gray and aren't branded at all. They aren't noticeable in the crowd, but they offer a soft, comfortable fit that appeals to most ears. The compact size of these headphones and the carry case included make them ideal for travel.

The ear cups are encased with leatherette, which provides excellent isolation through passive. The headband is also soft and offers plenty of adjustability without being too heavy or bulky. The headbands are large enough to accommodate glasses-wearers. They are comfortable for the majority of people.

Monoprice ANC is a great choice, and it does not sound as tinny as other brands. They offer a slight boost around 100-200Hz that creates a richer sound for bass notes. This is evident in the first track of Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo with a full and clear response. However they have a noticeable drop-off in the upper frequencies, so the shaker and cymbal sounds won't be as crisp and clear as on other headsets.

You can cycle through three ANC modes that are low, medium and higher. The low mode is good for suppressing most ambient noise, but will not block out traffic or loud conversations. The medium setting is appropriate for most situations, and the high mode keeps you from all noise, except for your music. The earcups with touch-sensitive controls are a little difficult to use at first. Swiping upwards and downwards on the pad controls volume and tapping the pad or swiping it left right switches tracks. You can also double-tap to play a pause or answer a call. It takes a while to become familiar with this system however once you get used to it, you will find it very useful.