The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

You need the best headphones that block out noise for your needs, whether you need to block out the hum of your HVAC system or are looking to combat the background noise of jet engines. The latest Sony WH-1000XM5s have become the new top of the line in active noise cancellation and their predecessors are equally excellent.

We've taken into consideration the adjustability of ANC, touch controls and on-ear detection (for pausing music when you take your headphones off). Our top picks include high-quality audio and comfortable, spacious ear cups.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony flagship headphones is an impressive improvement over the previous models, offering improved noise cancellation and superior audio quality. Its remarkable ANC performance creates an illusion of silence over your head. It also blocks out a shocking amount of low-frequency how does noise cancelling headphones work. The ear cups block out noises in the mid-treble range, such as passenger chatter and creaking metal.

The WH-1000XM5s' sound is very natural, unlike some noise cancelling headsets that sound hollow. They can reproduce the drums of Billie Eilish with astonishing clarity while keeping the edges clean and clear. It's an absolute pleasure listening to them during long flights or during commutes.

The most commonly used controls are operated by a capacitive touch surface located on the right earcup such as play/pause, volume up/down, as well being able to skip forwards and backwards. It can also call and end calls and switch between ANC and ambient sound mode. Alternatively, How Does Noise Cancelling Headphones Work you can hold the power button for a few seconds to hear a prompt of remaining battery life.

Another notable improvement on the XM5s is the new QN1 microphone, which is designed to capture high-quality audio while recording podcasts and videos. The microphone is more sensitive than the previous models and has a larger audio range that makes it easier to hear your voice.

Other features of the XM4s have been transferred to the XM5 and include an adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance based on the environment. Its 'Wearing Detection is now able to detect when you take off the headset and stops playing videos or music and then restarts it when you put them back on. It's compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine, which enhances compressed music to close to hi-res quality.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s are a new version of Sony's market-leading over ear headphones, and even though they don't offer as much active noise cancellation as the WH-1000XM5s do, they provide superior performance. The WH-1000XM4s have a stronger Bluetooth connection as well as an improved noise cancellation algorithm. They also feature an audio chip that enhances music to Premium Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless Headphones with ANC quality, and advanced voice controls.

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

You can also switch between five different sound settings depending on the surroundings. Sony headphones have an app that lets you to alter your EQ settings. They're an excellent choice for those who travel and the app lets you monitor your activities and automatically adjust the settings as you go.

The WH-1000XM4 also has improved its noise cancellation. It is more effective due to the greater sensitivity and improved filtering of low frequencies. It can be evaluated by looking at graphs such as the one above. Higher peaks mean that more sounds are being blocked out. The WH1000XM4s are also superior in reducing low-frequency sounds such as the hum from an air conditioner or the constant rumble of an airplane engine.

The WH1000XM4s are equipped with a range of amazing features, including a 30-hour battery life and a USB-C charging port. They also feature Quick Alert, which lets you touch the right earcup to dampen the sound and activate transparency mode; Speak To Chat can pause media when you speak (and works well, although it may not always register taps) and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can recognize and analyze your environment to deliver better audio.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II (or QC35 Wireless 2018) are headphones for over-ear use that were launched in September 2017. While they have been succeeded by the 2021-released Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, they remain popular and affordable and are worth a look for a noise-cancelling active headphone.

The QC35 II is a great pair of wireless headphones for mixed-use. They provide a comfortable fit as well as a neutral sound profile by default. They also provide outstanding 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 also work with the majority of smart assistants. They can be turned on by a dedicated button. You can ask the assistant to play music, answer trivia or even read your notifications from your smartphone.

They have a wide opening in the padding around your ears that can fit most types of ear sizes and shapes. They also are lightweight. The hinges on the housings fold down, making them easy to fit into backpacks or bags. The controls are on the right-hand side of the headphones and are easy to use. Playback can be controlled with a series of taps, including rewinding or skipping songs.

We were listening to The Beatles' Let It Be and the piano and drum beats. The QC35 II deliver crisp, clear audio that is full-bodied 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 when he laments teenage personalism in teenagers.

The QC35 II can be connected to up to two devices simultaneously and are compatible with most smart assistants. The QC35 II also come with a carry case and a USB cable that is quick to charge.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony has a reputation for making high-quality headphones that cost a small amount. Its budget-friendly WH-CH720N headphones are not a different. These headphones come with many of the same features of the flagship WH1000XM5 headphones, but with a more budget friendly design. These headphones provide a lot of active noise cancellation at a low cost.

These headphones feature powerful drivers that measure 30mm in size. They offer crisp high-frequency sound and a full bass. They also feature an even tuning that makes them sound good with different genres of music, and they have a large soundstage that allows you to be immersed in your music.

The WH-CH720N headphones use buttons for controls instead of the gestures and touch controls of the XM5 headphones. This is a bit of a downside since the buttons can be confusing at first. Luckily, the headphones have clearly labeled controls and are placed intelligently. One pressing of the '-' button reduces the volume, and double presses stop and play audio. By pressing and holding the button, voice assistants are launched and calls are rejected.

These headphones can last up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is the highest battery performance we've ever seen in headphones that are over-ear. They also have a standby mode to assist in preserving battery.

The WH-CH720N can be connected to Android phones and iOS devices using Bluetooth. They are compatible with LDAC which allows them to play high-resolution audio on compatible devices. The headphones are also compatible with PlayStation consoles using an analog 1/8"TRS cable. They can also be connected to computers 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 follow on from an extremely successful predecessor, but aren't an unfinished update that rides on its coattails. Featuring a sleeker look and a brand new app, they deliver on the promise of top-quality build, delivering audio that is designed to accurately 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 however, they do a excellent job of blocking out the sounds of the environment and ensuring you are able to concentrate on your music, podcasts, or gaming on your handheld without distractions. They have a six-strong microphone setup (four to cancel noise and two for voice pick up) and a redesigned algorithm that reduces ambient sound by 30 decibels. They're also one of the few Bluetooth headphones we've tested that can be used in passive mode, allowing users to listen to content on their own, without putting power to the drive units.

They're also compatible with the B&W Music app, a free download that delivers many features to complement the excellent noise cancellation. This includes the Quick Action button that cycles through three different modes of environmental and displays battery life. It can be set to launch your device's voice assistant. It's annoying to have to press and hold it. A single press is more intuitive and easier.

The PX7 S2 are an impressive pair of headphones, which will delight all music lovers. They're not as well suited to the demanding music of genres like rock and metal, which tend to favour bass-heavy productions and muddy low frequencies as they are for classics, folk, and Acoustic music, but they will still impress those who appreciate the audiophile ethos which is also practical and easy to use.