How to Choose the Best Over the Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise cancelling headphones are an excellent way to enhance your listening experience, whether you're working from home or commuting by public transport. They create a sound barrier between your ears and the outside sound. What are the best way to choose the right pair for you?

There are two main kinds of noise cancelling headphones which are passive noise isolation and headphones noise cancel active noise cancellation. The first utilizes earcups that have thick padding that are tightly fitted to block out outside noises, while the other uses built-in mics to create opposing sound waves to cancel background noise.

Comfort

Noise cancelling headphones are an excellent method to block out the hum of the world, whether you're in a crowded public transport system, trying to sleep on a flight that's booked to capacity or battling noisy colleagues. They also allow you to enjoy your music at a relaxed level without putting any strain on your ears, and many of our top picks have light-weight designs that are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Noise cancellation is usually accomplished by using active sound-reduction technologies that produce opposing sound waves to cancel background noise. While you can find cheaper headphones that use passive noise isolation--which is the process of sealing the ear cups or earbuds to block out noises that aren't needed, the top models we've tested utilize active sound cancellation to offer an unbeatable break from the monotony of everyday life.

To achieve the best results, you'll want to ensure that your headphones fit snugly and are well-designed. Also, you should ensure that they aren't leaking which can cause annoyance to those who are around you. To truly experience a full audio experience, you'll require headphones that support the high-resolution Bluetooth codec LDAC. It allows them to playback hi-res music at 96kHz/24 bit resolution, making them the ultimate audiophile's device.

A lot of new models can fold which makes them compact and practical for travel. If you're looking for headphones for travel that have an adjustable design, the Bose QC45 we reviewed is an excellent choice. If you're a frequent traveler the Sennheiser HD450BT is a fantastic pair of headphones that can be folded down to fit into your bag for carry-on.

Most of the models we have reviewed are wireless and some come with built-in microphones for hands-free calling. The app allows you to control the audio and noise cancellation settings, which is perfect for those who want to adjust their headphones on the move. Some wireless models include docking stations that allow on the going listening, while others come with a portable case which gives you hours of battery power when you're away from home or working.

Sound Quality

The quality of sound is a major deal for most music lovers particularly when it comes to headphones. Noise cancelling headphones are a great option to block out any external noise.

If you're going to spend a significant amount of money on a pair of headphones, it only makes sense that they'll be able to play your tunes as well as possible. Fortunately that's the case, as ANC headphones have developed in sound quality, their sound has improved over ear noise cancelling headphones time. This has resulted in some of the most powerful headphones that today can rival any top-tier audiophile headsets.

Of course, the quality of sound you'll experience will largely depend on how you listen to music and what your preferences are. Some people will prefer an open and warm sound that's rich in bass while others may prefer high-fidelity headphones that convey every nuance of a song or album.

Noise cancellation is a personal preference. While ANC does an excellent job in removing dull sounds such as the whooshing of an airplane or the roar of traffic, it isn't able to remove dynamic sounds that change in frequency and intensity such as human voices or instruments.

If you're looking for the best passive isolation, a pair headphones with ANC that is high-quality is a good option, whether they are headphones for earbuds or over-ear. You can achieve remarkable isolation with no active noise cancellation by using Comply memory foam tips, or similar products. These will mold to the shape of your ears.

Most ANC headphones are equipped with a variety of Bluetooth codes that allow you to connect with the audio source you prefer. For example the Sony WH-1000XM4s have both LDAC and DSEE Extreme support to ensure that you'll be able listen to your music in high-resolution and stunning detail. Sinead's sibilant cry and her ferocious chorus come through when she sings Nothing Compares 2 U.

Noise Cancellation

Noise cancelling headphones are an excellent option to create a barrier between you and the outside world. They basically listen to the sounds that you hear, and use built-in microphones to "read" those sounds, allowing only the audio you wish to hear through. They are ideal for people who commute, work from home, or in any situation where background sounds can be distracting or even annoying.

Noise cancelling headphones use an active noise cancellation to perform their magic. The tiny microphones in your earbuds and earcups are listening to the sounds you are exposed to. They then emit exactly the opposite frequency that will then collide to cancel out the unwanted noises. It's more complicated and relies on the sensitivity of your headphones as well as the design of the headphones, and the quality audio processing. But the bottom line is that they can cut down the sound of the engine of an airplane, or animated conversations with your coworkers.

The top over-ear ANC headsets we tested aren't able to completely block out background noises however, they do a good job at blocking them. For the most immersive listening experience, look into an ANC pair that has adaptive noise cancellation. It enhances ANC to a new level by continuously monitoring ambient sounds, countering the background noise in real-time, and maintaining the audio you want to hear (including hands-free calls) in a steady volume. This advanced technology is demonstrated in the Sony WH1000XM5s.

Aside from the aforementioned noise-canceling features, many pairs of over-the-ear ANC headphones also have additional useful and interesting features that will make listening more enjoyable. Look for features such as touch controls and high-quality audio codec support, and support for voice assistants such as Siri or Google Assistant. Wireless Bluetooth is essential for hands-free audio playback as well as convenient audio playback. A portable charging case will also keep you connected when you travel.

A passive mode is an excellent feature. It allows you to disable the noise-canceling circuitry and listen with the same degree of isolation that regular headphones provide. This is a handy trick for those who want to hear the world around you or haven't got enough battery power to charge your Headphones noise cancel.

Value

If you are listening to music or taking calls, a quality pair of headphones will make you feel as if you are in a soundproofed space. Noise cancelling headphones are more expensive, but they offer superior audio quality and block out distracting background noise. Because of this, they're worth the extra investment for those who spend long periods of time at home in the office or traveling.

The Sony WH1000XM5 headphone is packed with useful features. They are incredibly sound cancellation capabilities and come with an in-built microphone that can produce natural clear, clear audio during calls and DSEE Extreme Audio Upscaling. The ANC system does a great job of blocking out sounds from outside, though they struggle to shield you from bass-range noises like passing trains or traffic.

They are also lightweight and folds down into a compact D-shaped package which can be put into a carrying case, making them ideal for use on the road. They support multiple voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and they have the ability to automatically stop your music when you remove them from your ears. They can also be used with an audio wire to listen to your favorite podcasts or videos in noisy environments.

The Razer Opus Wireless headphones are an excellent value for money. In addition to having an ANC system that is reliable they also have a transparency mode that turns on the external microphones of the headphones so that more of your surrounding noise can pass through. The headphones have a built in USB-C charging port, which means they can be used even while charging. They also have a low latency connection over Bluetooth which is essential to play games on mobile devices and watch videos.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless headphones. They do an excellent job in blocking out distracting noises, from the rumble of bus and plane engines to the high-pitched sound of computer fans. They can last up to 32 hours on a single charge. They also have an auto-off timer to reduce power consumption.