Best Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise cancelling headphones are an excellent way to maintain focus no matter if you're on a noisy train or in an office filled with chatty colleagues. We examined the comfort, audio quality, and the ability to block high-frequency continuous sounds like restaurant chatter, or short-duration incidental noises like ringing phone or clacking keys.

Sony WH-1000XM5

If you're looking for premium ANC headphones, Sony's flagship WH-1000XM5 is a go-to. It was first released in the year 2016 in the WH-1000XM5 model, it is one of the top options for anyone who wants to listen to their favorite music or podcasts without distractions. This latest iteration of the line marks the first major update since its original release and comes with a variety of new and exciting features. In addition to a sleek design and noise Cancelling headphones wireless sustainability efforts (including no plastic packaging) the headphones offer excellent noise cancellation, crisp audio, and natural-sounding ambient audio.

The WH-1000XM5 is the only one that can match its noise cancellation when enabled. Strapping a pair to your head creates a veritable cone of silence that will block out engine sounds on subways and trains and the whirring of HVAC systems, and even the sounds of neighboring conversations. They're also among top ANC headphones at blocking out low-frequency drones and bass hums.

Another excellent feature is Ambient Sound Control, which alters the acoustic balancing based on the surrounding environment. For instance, if you're at home listening to your favorite album, the WH-1000XM5 will switch to an immersive listening experience. On the other the other hand, if you're walking on an area with lots of traffic, they'll change to an enhanced sound profile to provide you with greater awareness of the surroundings.

The ear cups of the WH-1000XM5 feature touchscreen-sensitive gesture controls on the right side which can be used to play, pause, and change tracks. You can also use the voice assistant to adjust volume, search for content and make calls using hands-free technology. The headphones have an remarkable frequency response and provide a full, rich stereo image. They also have an extremely precise group delay, which allows them to maintain a consistent soundstage.

The WH-1000XM5s can be linked to two devices at once. This is especially helpful when you are looking to listen to music on your laptop while making phone calls from your smartphone. They come with built-in microphones and a USB-C charging port. The headphones include a cable that permits direct playback of analog. Battery life is solid at about 30 hours, which is enough to be enough to last a week of commuting or a long-haul flight.

Bose QuietComfort 45

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is the latest update to the premium headphones manufacturer's flagship model. It was released in September 2021 and it undercuts the new Sony WH1000XM4 by around PS320 or $329 or $439 when compared to its 700-related sibling. It has the most active noise cancellation and features such as voice assistant support as well as automatic pausing and pause when you take off the headphones. The design is also more comfortable than the previous versions. However, there are some things to be aware of. Some users may find it difficult to adjust to the buttons that are touch-sensitive on the sides of the earcups, which require pressure in order to activate. While you can adjust ANC and toggle an "aware" mode that allows ambient sound however, you are not able to completely shut off the audio.

The headsets offer top-quality performance and are a great purchase for anyone who is looking for the best over ear headphones noise-cancelling headphones to wear on a train, plane or even while working from home. They feature a long battery lifespan with excellent Noise Cancelling Headphones Wireless cancellation as well as clear audio. They also come with multipoint Bluetooth which means that they can be connected to two devices simultaneously and jump between them with the press of a button. They also have a dedicated app, which isn't quite as customizable as other models, but provides plenty of useful features.

The QC45s have a very effective active noise cancellation mode. In my testing it could be somewhat loud at times. However the passive EQ modes are more balanced and offer more control over the music's sound characteristic. If you listen to music that contain lots of cymbal sparkle, you may find that the headphones are grating. This is easily corrected by lowering 3-20kHz on the equalizer of your music player.

The QC45s offer top-notch ANC at a reasonable price. Some might be disappointed with the absence of certain features like adjustable ANC/transparency and noise cancelling headphones Wireless EQ, as well as some slight decreases in quality of calls. They are comfortable to wear and come with an USB-C charging port.

Shure Aonic 50

Shure's Aonic 50 are a premium pair of headphones that place an emphasis on sound quality. Their drivers use a huge 50mm dynamic driver and are packed with high-resolution codecs to give the best quality music playback over Bluetooth. The headphones have a balanced sound, with deep detail in all frequencies. They also have a natural feel of space and position.

They're heavier than the competition at 334g but they still feel comfortable enough to wear for long listening sessions. The headband is positioned on top of the head without putting too much pressure and the earcups are properly padded to make them comfortable. They are also very portable. They can fold flat and be stored in the carrying case.

There are a standard assortment of controls that are arranged on the right earcup, including volume, playback, and power/pairing. The slider on the top allows you to change between noise cancellation, a neutral mode and what Shure calls 'Environment Mode'. The Environment Mode allows more outside noise to pass through. This can be beneficial when you want to be alert to your surroundings. The controls are excellent however there's some delay between pressing the buttons and what happens (i.e. If you press the play button while on a phone call, you could end up blasting music in your ears instead of calling mom. The phones do not have microphones, but they do have an audio response provided by Google Assistant. Their mics are also great for filtering out background noise when on the phone.

The battery should last up to 20 hours for most people. They include an USB cable that connects to your phone for charging, which isn't as convenient as using Bluetooth however it's a solid feature to have and means you can play your music back when recharging. They also work with audio devices with 2.5mm ports, so you can take them with you on the road.

Monoprice BT-600ANC

The Monoprice B-600ANC Bluetooth over ear noise cancelling headphones include all the features you require in a pair of wireless headphones at less than the cost. They include premium Qualcomm aptX HD Audio, an advanced form of Active Noise Cancelling as well as the ability to fold down for portable use that makes them easy to put in a backpack or carry bag. They are a great option for commuters or students and have a long battery life that allows you to listen for the entire day. They also come with convenient control buttons that let you swipe or tap to alter the volume, skip tracks, and answer calls.

The BT600ANC headphones have an uncluttered design that is reminiscent of the Monoprice M1000ANC headphone we looked at last year. The headsets are a matte gray barely branded, and do not really stand out in the crowd. However, they do have an extremely soft and comfortable fit that is suitable for most ears. The compact size of these headphones and the included carrying case make them ideal for travel.

The headphones are light and offer excellent passive isolation due to the ear cups encased in leatherette. The headband has plenty of adjustability, and it is soft without being too bulky or too slouchy. The headbands are wide enough to accommodate glasses-wearers. They will fit most people.

Monoprice ANC is very effective, and it does not sound as loud as other brands. They have an a little boost between 100-200Hz to provide a fuller sound for bass notes. This is evident in the first track of Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo with a full and clear response. They have a dramatic drop in the higher frequencies above ten kHz, so cymbals and shakers won't sound as clear and crisp.

You can switch between three ANC modes that are low, medium and higher. The low setting is perfect for blocking out most ambient noise, but it won't keep out traffic or conversations that are loud. The medium setting can be used in a variety of situations. The high setting will keep you insulated from everything except your music. The touch-sensitive controls on the earcups can be a bit difficult to use initially. Swiping up or down on the pad regulates the volume, and tapping or shifting left or right alters the track. Double-taping can be used to pause the music or answer to a phone call. It takes a while to get used to the system, but once you do you will find it to be extremely useful.