The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

Whether you're battling the engine noise of jet engines or just want to block out the sound of your HVAC system at home, you'll require the best noise cancelling head phones cancelling over-ear headphones. The WH1000XM5s from Sony are the top of the line in active noise cancellation. Their predecessors were also excellent.

We've considered the adjustability of 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 and comfortable, spacious earphones.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony's flagship headphones is a major upgrade over its predecessor, with better noise cancellation and improved audio quality. Its impressive ANC performance creates an enveloping cone of silence that covers your head and blocks out a shocking amount of low-frequency sounds. The earcups block sounds that fall in the mid-to-treble spectrum like chatter from passengers and creaking metal.

The WH-1000XM5s' sound is very natural, unlike other noise cancelling headsets that sound hollow. They're able to render the rise and fall of Billie Eilish's drums with incredible depth and clarity, while keeping edges clear and crystal clear. They're an absolute pleasure to listen to during the commute or during a long flight.

The most popular controls are operated by a capacitive touch surface located on the right earcup, including play/pause and volume up/down as well as skip forwards/backwards. It can also stop and answer calls, and switch between ANC mode and ambient sound. Alternately, hold and press the power button for a few seconds to hear a message indicating the remaining battery life.

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

The XM5 has also carried over certain features that were XM4's, such as the adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance in accordance with your surroundings. Its 'Wearing Detection' feature now detects when you take off the headset and pauses music or video and resumes it when you put them back on. It's also compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme engine, which claims to enhance compressed music to near-hi-res quality.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH1000XM4s by Sony are the latest version of their top-of-the-line over-ear headphones. They provide top-quality performance although they don't have the same active noise cancellation that is available on the WH1000XM5s. Alongside the improved Bluetooth and an improved noise-canceling algorithm, the WH1000XM4s have a brand new audio chip that can boost music files to HD quality and has more advanced voice controls.

The biggest improvement in the latest model is that Sony has made the WH-1000XM4s softer than before by adding padding around the headband, and moving the microphones closer to the outside of the ear. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions.

You can also switch between five different sound settings depending on the environment. You can even tailor your EQ settings by using the Sony headphones app. They're a great option for travelers, and the app lets you monitor your activity and automatically optimize the settings as you go.

Another major improvement is the WH-1000XM4's sound cancellation which is now more effective by increasing the sensitivity and improving how it filters out low frequencies. It can be evaluated by looking at graphs such as the one shown above. Higher peaks mean that more sounds are canceled out. The WH1000XM4s are also superior in reducing low-frequency noises, like the hum of an air conditioner or the constant rumble from a plane engine.

The WH-1000XM4s are still equipped with a a great set of features, including the battery that can last up to 30 hours, and Noise Cancelling Wireless headphones an integrated USB-C charging port. They also have Quick Alert, which lets users touch the right earcup to reduce music and activate the transparency mode; Speak to Chat stops media when you speak (and works well, although it can sometimes fail to detect taps), and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can analyze and detect your surroundings to provide superior audio.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

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

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

They have a wide opening in the ear padding that will fit most ears and shapes. They are extremely light. The hinges of the housings can be folded down to make them easier to pack in a bag or a backpack. The controls on the right side of the headphone are easily placed and comfortable to use. A series of taps will control playback, like rewinding and skipping songs.

For a good example of the quality you can expect from these Bose headphones we played The Beatles' Let It Be and listened to the drum beats and piano parts. The QC35 II deliver crisp, clear audio that's well-rounded and detailed. They can detect subtleties such as Paul McCartney’s unsteady timing as he builds up 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 two devices at once. The QC35 II also come with a carry case and a USB cable that is quick to charge.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is a brand known for producing excellent headphones at a relatively affordable cost. Its budget-friendly WH-CH720N headphones are not a different. They carry many of the features that make the flagship WH-1000XM5 headphones great, but with an affordable design. They offer a great deal of active noise cancellation, but at an affordable price.

These headphones have high-performance drivers of 30mm that deliver crisp high frequencies and a full bass. They also have an even tuning to make them sound good with different genres of music. They also have a wide soundstage that lets you feel immersed in your listening.

The WH-CH720N headphones use buttons for controls instead of the touch controls and gestures of the XM5 headphones. This could be a bit of a disadvantage, as the buttons can be confusing at first. The controls are strategically placed and clearly labeled. A single press of the '-' button lowers the volume, while double presses pauses and plays audio. When you press and hold the button the button, voice assistants are activated and calls are canceled.

With ANC activated, these headphones can last for about 35 hours before running out of juice. This is the best battery performance we've ever seen in over-ear headphones. They have a standby function to help conserve battery.

The WH-CH720N headphones can be connected to Android phones and iOS devices via Bluetooth. They are compatible with LDAC which lets them play high-quality audio on compatible devices. They also work with PlayStation consoles with an analog 1/8" TRS cable. They can be used as wired headphones on a PC with the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect App lets you customize your headphones by using an EQ slider, presets, and multipoint connectivity.

5. B&W PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 follow on from an extremely successful predecessor, but are by no means a half-baked update riding on its coattails. They sport a sleeker style and a brand-new application. They fulfill their promise of top-quality build, delivering audio that faithfully expresses artistic intention. They are also extremely comfortable to wear all day.

Although they aren't as good as the noise cancelling headset with mic cancellation of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH-1000XM5 but they do a good job of removing the sounds of the environment and ensuring you are able to concentrate on your music, podcasts, or handheld gaming without distractions. They use a six microphone setup (four for noise cancellation and two for voice-recording) and a revised algorithms that cut down on ambient noise by 30dB. They're also one of only a handful of Bluetooth headphones we've tested that can be used passively which allows users to listen to their content without the need to power the drive units.

They also work with the B&W Music app, a free download that provides a wide range of features that go along with the great noise cancelling. The Quick Action button can be programmed to activate your device's voice assistance, cycle through the three environmental settings, and display battery life. It's a pain to press and hold the button to activate it - one press is more convenient and intuitive.

The PX7 S2 are a very remarkable pair of headphones which will delight all music lovers. The PX7 S2 are not so well-suited to the demanding music genres such as metal and rock that favor bass-heavy productions and muddy low frequencies as they are to folk, classical, and Acoustic. But, they will still impress those who value audiophile credentials, and are practical and convenient.