The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

If you're fighting the roar of jet engines or simply want to block out the noise of your HVAC at home, you need the most effective noise-cancelling over the ear noise cancelling headphones (i loved this)-ear headphones. The new Sony WH-1000XM5s are among the latest leaders in active noise cancellation and their predecessors are equally excellent.

We've considered the adjustable ANC, touch controls and on-ear detection (for pausing music when you take off your headphones). Our top picks feature high-resolution audio, comfortable earcups and ear cups that are spacious.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony flagship headphones offers significant improvements over the previous models, offering enhanced noise cancellation and superior audio quality. Its impressive ANC creates an enveloping cone over your head, blocking out the most shocking amount of low-frequency sound. The ear cups block out sounds that fall in the mid-to-treble spectrum including chatter from the passengers and creaking metal.

Contrary to some noise cancelling headphones that sound hollow or unnatural, the WH1000XM5s are extremely natural sounding. They're able to reproduce the rise and fall of Billie's drums with astonishing depth, while keeping edges clean and pristine. They're a joy to listen to on a commute or long flight.

A capacitive touch-surface on the right earcup handles the most common controls, including play/pause, volume up/down, skip forwards/backwards and skip. It can also end or Over the ear noise cancelling headphones answer calls and switch between ANC mode and ambient sound. You can also press and hold the power key for several seconds to hear a voice telling you how much battery capacity is left.

The QN1 microphone is another notable improvement to the XM5s. It is designed to capture high quality audio while recording podcasts and videos. The microphone is more sensitive and has a wider audio range than the previous models making it easier to recognize your own voice.

Other features from the XM4s are been incorporated into the XM5 and include an adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance based on your surroundings. The 'Wearing Detection" feature detects when the headset is removed and stops playing video or music. It will resume it as soon as they return to. It's compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine, which upscales compressed music to near hi-res quality.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

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

Sony has improved the WH1000XM4s of the most recent version by adding padding to the headband and moving the microphones outwards. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions.

You can also switch between five different sound settings depending on the surrounding. Sony headphones come with an app that allows you to customize your EQ settings. They're an excellent choice for those who travel, and the app allows you to track your activity and automatically optimize their settings on the fly.

The WH-1000XM4 has also improved its noise cancellation. It's now more effective due to its increased sensitivity and better filtering of low frequencies. This can be verified by looking at graphs like the one shown above. Higher peaks mean that more sounds are being canceled out. The WH1000XM4s also do better at reducing low-frequency noises such as the hum from an air conditioner, or the constant rumble from an airplane engine.

The WH1000XM4s have a number of excellent features, including a 30-hour battery life and a USB-C charging port. They also have Quick Alert, which lets users touch the right earcup in order to deflect the sound and activate the transparency mode; Speak to Chat stops media when you speak (and works well, though it can sometimes fail to register taps) and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can detect and analyze the surrounding environment to provide superior audio.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

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

The QC35 II is a great pair for mixed-use Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless Headphones - Long Battery Life headphones. They provide a comfortable fit as well as a neutral sound profile that is default. They also provide outstanding noise isolation. They are ideal for travel or in noisy settings and last for more than a full day on a single battery charge. They also work 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 or read your smartphone notifications.

They have a large opening in the ear padding that can fit most ears and shapes. They are extremely light. The hinges of the housings can be folded down to make them easier to pack into a bag or backpack. The controls are placed on the right-hand side of the headphones and are easy to use. A series of taps will control playback, including the ability to rewind and skip songs.

We heard The Beatles' Let It Be and the drum beats and piano. The QC35 II deliver crisp, clear sound that is well-rounded and detailed. They reveal subtleties in the vocals, for instance Paul McCartney's erratic timing as he builds up to the chorus, or Gerard Way's snarl when he laments teenage individualism on teens.

The QC35 II is compatible with the majority of smart assistants and can connect to two devices simultaneously. The QC35 II also come with an accessory case for carrying and a USB cable that charges quickly.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is known for making high-quality headphones that are priced at a reasonable price. The WH-CH720N budget headphones are no exception. They have many of the same features of the flagship WH1000XM5 headphones, but in an affordable design. They also come with a decent amount of active noise cancelling for a reasonable price.

Like the WH-1000XM5 headphones, these cans feature 30mm dynamic drivers which provide plenty of bass and clear high frequencies. They have a balanced sound that works well with different genres of music. They also feature a huge, encompassing soundstage.

The WH-CH720N headphones use buttons for controls instead of the gestures and touch controls of the XM5 headphones. This could be a a disadvantage, as the buttons are initially confusing. The controls are strategically placed and have clear labels. Double pressing of the+' button pause and play audio. A single press reduces the volume. When you press and hold the button the button, voice assistants will be launched and calls are rejected.

These headphones last for up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is the highest battery life we've seen in headphones that are over ear headphones noise cancelling-ear. They have a standby mode to save battery.

The WH-CH720N headphones are connected to Android phones and iOS devices using Bluetooth. They support LDAC which allows them to play high-quality audio on compatible devices. They are also compatible with PlayStation consoles with an analog 1/8"TRS cable. They can also be used on 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 is a follow-up to the success of its predecessor however, it's not a half baked update. They feature a more sleek design and a brand-new application. They fulfill their promise of high-end build quality and sound that accurately conveys artistic intent. They're also extremely comfortable and a treat to wear throughout the day.

They don't offer the same noise cancellation features as the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH1000XM5, however, they're effective at blocking out ambient sounds so that you can focus on your music or podcasts. They have a six-strong microphone setup (four to cancel noise and two for voice pick up) and a new algorithm that cuts ambient sound by 30dB. They are also among the only a few Bluetooth headphones we've tested that can be used passively and allow users to listen to their music without the need to power the drive units.

The B&W Music app is also compatible, a free download which provides a variety of features to complement the excellent noise cancellation. The Quick Action button can be programmed to activate the voice assistant on your device and cycle through three environmental settings, and display battery life. Annoyingly, you have to press and hold the button to activate it - one press would be more efficient and intuitive.

The PX7 S2 are an remarkable pair of headphones that will please the majority of music fans. They're not quite as appropriate for the high-quality music of genres such as rock and metal, which tend to favour heavy bass and muddy low frequencies as they are for classics, folk, and Acoustic music, but they can still impress those who appreciate audiophile credentials that's also practical and convenient.