The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

When you're trying to block out the roar of jet engines or simply want to block out the sound of your HVAC system at home, you'll need the most effective noise-cancelling over-ear headphones. The WH1000XM5s from Sony are the best in active sound cancellation. Their predecessors were also fantastic.

We've considered the adjustability of ANC control buttons, touch controls, and on-ear detection (for pausing music when you take your headphones off). Our top picks feature high-quality audio and comfortable, spacious earphones.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony flagship headphones is a significant upgrade over the previous models, offering improved quality of audio and noise cancellation. Its remarkable ANC creates a virtual cone on top of your head, suffocating the most shocking amount of low-frequency sound. The earcups block out noises in the mid-treble range including chatter from the passengers and creaking metal.

Contrary to some noise cancelling headphones that can sound hollow or unnatural, the WH-1000XM5s sound very natural. They can render Billie Eilish’s drums with remarkable detail and keep the edges clean and pristine. They're great to listen to during the commute or during a long flight.

A capacitive touch-surface in the right earcup controls the most common controls, such as play/pause, volume up/down and skip forwards/backwards. It can also end and answer calls, and switch between ANC mode and ambient sound. You can also hold the power key for several seconds to hear a voice telling you how much battery life is left.

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

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

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH1000XM4s from Sony are the most recent version of their top-of-the-line over-ear headphones. They provide top-quality performance however they don't come with the same active noise canceling headphones cancellation as the WH1000XM5s. In addition to stronger Bluetooth and a better noise cancelling algorithm, the WH1000XM4s have a brand new audio chip that can boost music files to HD quality and more advanced voice controls.

Sony has improved the WH1000XM4s with the most recent 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 select between five different sound settings based on the surrounding. You can also customize your EQ settings by using the Sony headphones app. The app lets you keep track of your activities and then automatically adjust the settings. They are a great choice for those who travel.

Another major improvement is the WH-1000XM4's sound cancellation which has been made more effective by enhancing the sensitivities and improving how it filters out low frequencies. You can check this out by studying a graph similar to the one above, where higher peaks indicate more sounds are being cancelled out. The WH-1000XM4s also better attenuate low-frequency sounds, such as the hum of an air cooling unit or the constant rumble of an airplane engine over any other pair of noise-canceling headsets we've tested.

The WH1000XM4s come with a variety of amazing features, including a 30 hour battery life and a USB-C charge port. They also come with Quick Alert, which lets users touch the right earcup in order to deflect the sound and Noise canceling headphones activate transparency mode; Speak To Chat stops media when you raise your voice (and works well, although it can sometimes fail to register taps) and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can analyze and detect your environment to deliver better audio.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II headphones (or QC35 Wireless 2018, as they're also known) were released in September 2017. They've been replaced by the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 701, which will be released in 2021. However, they are still popular and affordable.

The QC35 II are a great pair of mixed usage wireless headphones that provide a comfortable fit and a neutral sound profile and exceptional noise isolation. They can be used for travel or in noisy environments and last for more than a full day with a single charge. They can also be used with a variety of smart assistants and can be activated with the use of a specific button. You can ask the assistant to play music, answer trivia or read notifications from your smartphone.

They have a large opening in the ear padding that can accommodate a variety of ear shapes and sizes and are lightweight. The hinges on the housings fold down, making them easy to pack into a bag or backpack. The controls on the right side of the headphone are easily placed and feel good to use. A series of taps can control playback, including skipping and rewinding songs.

We were listening to The Beatles' Let It Be as well as the drum beats and piano. The QC35 II delivers crisp, clear audio with a well-rounded and detail sound. They reveal subtleties in the vocals, such as Paul McCartney's inconsistent timing when he's building to the chorus, or Gerard Way's snarl as he sighs about the lack of individuality among teens.

The QC35 II is compatible with the majority of smart assistants and is able to 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 is a household name for its great headphones for a low cost. The budget-friendly WHCH720N headphones from Sony are no exception. These headphones carry over many of the features that make flagship WH-1000XM5 headphones great however, they have an affordable design. They also provide a good amount of active noise cancellation for a reasonable price.

Similar to the WH1000XM5 headphones, these headphones feature 30mm dynamic drivers which provide great bass and crisp high frequencies. They also have a balanced tuning to make them sound great with a variety of genres of music. They also have a large soundstage that helps you feel immersed in your listening.

The WH-CH720N headphones utilize buttons for controls instead of the touch controls and gestures of the XM5 headphones. This could be a bit of an issue, since the buttons are initially confusing. Fortunately, the headphones have clear labels and the controls are arranged intelligently. Double pressing of the+' button pause and play audio. A single press lowers the volume. By pressing and holding the button the button, voice assistants are activated and calls are canceled.

These headphones can last for up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is the highest battery life we've seen in over-ear headphones. They also come with a standby mode that can help conserve battery.

Bluetooth allows users to connect the WH-CH720N headphones to Android and iOS devices. They are compatible with LDAC which allows them to play high-quality audio on compatible devices. The headphones also work with PlayStation consoles using an analog 1/8"TRS cable. They can also be connected to computers using the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect App lets you customize your headphones 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 not an unfinished update that rides on its coattails. They feature a more sleek design and a brand new application. They fulfill their promise of high-end build quality and sound that accurately communicates artistic intent. They're also extremely comfortable and a treat to wear all day long.

They don't offer the same noise canceling headphones cancellation capabilities as the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH1000XM5, but they're effective in blocking out background noises so that you can focus on your podcasts or music. They use a six-strong microphone setup (four for noise cancelling and two for voice pick up) and a new algorithm that cuts ambient sound by 30 decibels. They're also one of 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 with no power being applied to the drive units.

The B&W Music app is also compatible with a free download that provides a variety of features that compliment the excellent noise cancellation. The Quick Action button can be set to activate your device's voice assistance to cycle through three environmental settings, and show battery life. It's a pain to press and hold the button for a while - pressing it once would be easier and more intuitive.

The PX7 S2 is an excellent pair of headphones that will delight lovers of music. The PX7 S2 are not suitable for demanding music genres such as metal and rock, which favor bass-heavy productions and muddy low-frequency as they are to classical, folk and acoustic. However, they'll still impress those who appreciate the audiophile credential, which is also practical and easy to use.