The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

Whether you're battling the roar of jet engines or simply want to block out the noise of your HVAC at home, you'll require the best noise cancelling over-ear headphones. The new Sony WH1000XM5s are the best in active sound cancellation. The predecessors were fantastic.

We've looked at the possibility of adjusting ANC and touch controls as well as on-ear ear detection for pausing music when your headphones are removed. Our top picks have high-quality audio as well as comfortable, spacious ear cups.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony flagship headphones is a significant upgrade over their predecessors, with enhanced noise cancellation and audio quality. Its remarkable ANC performance creates a virtual cone of silence over your head and blocks out a surprising amount low-frequency noise. The earcups block noises in the mid-treble range, such as passenger chatter and creaking metal.

In contrast to other noise cancelling headphones that can sound hollow or unnatural, the WH1000XM5s are very natural-sounding. They're able to reproduce the rising and falling of Billie Eilish's drums with remarkable depth, while keeping edges clean and clear. It's a pleasure to listen to them on an extended flight or on a commute.

A capacitive touch-surface 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 answer and end calls, and switch between ANC and ambient sound mode. Alternately, hold the power button for several seconds to hear a voice message indicating the remaining battery life.

Another notable improvement over the XM5s is the new QN1 microphone that is designed to record high-quality audio when recording videos and podcasts. The microphone is more sensitive and has a larger audio range than earlier models which makes it easier to pick up your own voice.

The XM5 also carries some features from the XM4s, such as the adaptive ANC system which automatically optimizes performance based on the environment. The "Wearing Detection" feature detects when the headset is removed and stops playing video or music. It will then resume it once they return to. It's compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine, which enhances compressed music to close to high-res quality.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s are a new version of Sony's top-of-the-line over-ear headphones. And even though they don't offer as much active noise cancellation as the WH-1000XM5s, they still offer class-leading performance. The WH-1000XM4s have a stronger Bluetooth connection as well as an improved noise cancellation algorithm. They also come with an upgraded audio chip that increases the sound quality to HD quality, and advanced voice controls.

The biggest improvement in this latest generation is that Sony has made the WH-1000XM4s more comfortable than ever before by putting padding around the headband and moving the microphones towards the outside of the ears. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions.

You can also switch between five different sound settings based on the surrounding. Sony headphones have an app that allows you to modify your EQ settings. They're a great choice for travelers and the app lets you monitor your activities and automatically adjust the settings as you go.

Another significant improvement is the WH-1000XM4's sound cancellation that has been improved by increasing the sensitivity and improving how it eliminates low frequencies. This can be verified by looking at graphs such as the one shown above. Higher peaks indicate that more sounds are being blocked out. The WH-1000XM4s can also be more effective at reducing low-frequency sounds like the hum of an air conditioner or the constant rumble of an airplane engine over any other pair of noise-canceling headphones that we've tried.

The WH-1000XM4s continue to have a great set of features, including the battery that can last up to 30 hours, and a built-in USB-C charging port. They also have Quick Alert, which lets users touch the right earcup to reduce the sound and activate the transparency mode; Speak to Chat stops media when you raise your voice (and works well, though it can sometimes fail to register taps), and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can detect and analyze your surroundings to provide better audio.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

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

The QC35 II is a great pair of wireless headphones for mixed-use. They provide an incredibly comfortable fit and neutral sound quality by default. They also offer exceptional noise isolation. They can be used in noisy settings or when traveling, and they last for more than a day on a single charge. They are also compatible with the majority of smart assistants. They can be activated with the use of a specific button. You can ask the assistant to play music, answer trivia questions or read notifications from your smartphone.

The padding around the ears is wide and earbuds can fit most ears. They are also lightweight. The hinges of the housings can be folded down to make them easier to pack into a bag or backpack. The controls on the right side of the headphones are well placed and comfortable to use. Playback is controlled by tapping repeatedly that allow you to rewind or skip songs.

We were listening to The Beatles' Let It Be and the piano and drum beats. The QC35 II deliver crisp, clear sound that is well-rounded and detailed. They are able to detect subtleties such as Paul McCartney’s unsteady timing as he builds to the chorus, or Gerard Way's snarl as he rants about the teen-like persona in teenagers.

The QC35 II is compatible with the majority of smart assistants. It can connect to up to 2 devices at once. The QC35 II comes with a carry bag and a USB charging cable.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony has a reputation for making high-quality headphones that are priced at a reasonable price. The budget-friendly WHCH720N headphones from Sony aren't any different. They have many of the same features of the WH1000XM5 flagship headphones, but in a more budget friendly design. They offer a great deal of active noise cancellation, but at a low cost.

These headphones have dynamic drivers of 30mm that deliver crisp high frequencies and a full bass. They also have an even tuning to make them sound great with various genres of music, and they have a large soundstage that lets you be immersed in your music.

The WH-CH720N headphones have buttons instead of the gestures or touch controls that are used by the XM5 headphones. This is a bit of a downside, as the buttons can be confusing at first. The controls are strategically placed and clearly labeled. A single pressing of the button with the '-' reduces the volume, and double presses pauses and plays audio. When you press and earbuds hold the button the button, voice assistants will be launched and calls are rejected.

The headphones can last up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is one of the best battery performance we've seen on headphones with over-ears. They also have a standby mode to help conserve battery.

The WH-CH720N can be connected to Android phones and iOS devices via Bluetooth. They are compatible with LDAC which allows them to play high-res audio on compatible devices. They're also compatible with PlayStation consoles that have an analog 1/8" TRS cable. They can also be used as wired headphones on a computer with the included USB dongle. The Sony WH-CH710N Wireless Headphones - White - Noise Cancelling 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, but it's not a half baked update. With a sleeker design and a new app and a new app, they fulfill the promise of top-quality build, delivering audio designed to faithfully express artistic intent. They are also extremely comfortable to wear all day.

While they're not as effective as the noise cancellation of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH-1000XM5, they do a very good job of keeping out ambient noises and ensuring that you are able to concentrate on your music, podcasts, or handheld gaming without distractions. They feature a six-strong mic setup (four for noise cancellation and two for voice pickup) and a new algorithm that reduces ambient noise by 30 decibels. They're also among the few Bluetooth headphones we've reviewed that can be used in a passive mode, which allows you to listen to your content on your own without putting power to the drive units.

They're also compatible with the B&W Music app, a free download that offers an array of features that complement the superior noise cancelling. The Quick Action button can be set to activate your device's voice assistance to cycle through three settings for the environment and show battery life. The annoying thing is that you have to press and hold the button for a while - a single press would be easier and more intuitive.

The PX7 S2 is a pair of headphones that will delight lovers of music. The PX7 S2 headphones aren't as well suited to challenging music genres like metal and rock that favor bass-heavy productions and muddy low frequencies as they are for classical, folk and Acoustic. However, they'll still be awe-inspiring to those who appreciate audiophile credentials that is also practical and easy to use.