The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

When you're trying to block out the sound of jet engines, or just want to block out the noise of your HVAC at home, you need the best noise cancelling over-ear headphones. The new Sony WH-1000XM5s are among the latest kings of active noise cancellation, and their predecessors are also fantastic.

We've analyzed the adjustability of ANC and touch controls as well as on-ear detection for paused music when headphones are removed. Our top picks have high-resolution audio and comfortable, spacious ear cups.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony flagship headphones offers a significant upgrade over their predecessors, with improved noise cancellation and superior audio quality. Its impressive ANC creates an enveloping cone over your head, blocking out an astonishing amount of low-frequency sounds. The earphones also block mid- and treble-range sounds like chatter from passengers or the creaking of metal, as well as clanging dishesware.

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

The most commonly used controls are controlled by a capacitive touchscreen surface on the right earcup that can play/pause and volume up/down, as well being able to skip forwards and backwards. It also lets you end or answer calls and switch between ANC mode and ambient sound. You can also press and hold the power button for a few seconds to hear a prompt of remaining battery life.

Another significant improvement to the XM5s model is its new QN1 microphone, which is designed to capture high-quality audio while recording videos and podcasts. The microphone is more sensitive and has a wider audio range than earlier models which makes it easier to pick up your own voice.

Other features from the XM4s are been transferred to the XM5 including its adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance based on the environment. The 'Wearing Detection" feature detects when the headset is removed, and will pause music or video. It will then resume it as soon as the headset is put back on. It also works with Sony's DSEE Extreme engine, which claims to upscale compressed music to near-high-resolution quality.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH1000XM4s from Sony are the latest version of their top-of-the-line over-ear headphones. They feature top-of-the-line performance, even though they don't come with the same active noise cancellation that is available on the WH1000XM5s. In addition to stronger Bluetooth and a more efficient noise-canceling algorithm, the WH-1000XM4s also feature a new audio chip that can boost music files to HD quality and more advanced voice controls.

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

You can also choose between five different sound settings based on the environment. 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 allows you to track your activity and automatically optimize their settings on the fly.

The WH-1000XM4 has also improved its noise cancellation. It is more effective due to the higher sensitivity and better filtering of low frequencies. You can check this out by looking at a graph like the one above, with higher peaks indicate that more sounds are being blocked out. The WH1000XM4s are also superior at reducing low-frequency noises such as the hum from an air conditioning unit, or the constant rumble of a plane engine.

The WH1000XM4s are equipped with a range of excellent features, including a 30-hour battery life and a USB-C charge port. They also feature Quick Alert, which lets users touch the right earcup in order to deflect music and activate transparency mode; Speak To Chat can pause media when you raise your voice (and works well, though it sometimes fails to detect taps) and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can analyze and detect your environment to deliver superior audio.

3. bose over the ear headphones noise cancelling 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. They've been replaced by the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 701 to be released in 2021. However they're still very popular and affordable.

The QC35 II are a great pair of wireless headphones that provide an incredibly comfortable fit and a neutral sound profile, and outstanding noise isolation. They are ideal for travel or in noisy settings and last more than a full day on a single charge. They are also compatible with a variety of smart assistants and can be activated with a dedicated button. You can ask them to play music and answer trivia questions or read your smartphone notifications.

The padding around the ears is large and can fit most types of ear. They are also lightweight. The hinges on the housings fold down making them easy to fit into backpacks or bags. The controls on the right side of the headphones are well placed and feel good to use. Playback can be controlled with a series of taps that allow you to rewind or skip 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 drum beats and piano parts. The QC35 II delivers crisp, clear audio with a well-rounded and detail sound. They are able to detect subtleties like Paul McCartney's unsteady timing as he builds to the chorus or Gerard Way's snarl as his lyrics praising teenage-personalism in teenagers.

The QC35 II can be connected to up to two devices at once and is compatible with the majority of 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 is known for making excellent headphones at a relatively affordable price. The budget-friendly WHCH720N earphones from Sony are no exception. They carry a lot of the features that make the flagship WH-1000XM5 headphones great, but with an affordable design. These headphones offer a lot of active noise cancellation at an affordable price.

Like the WH-1000XM5 headphones, these headphones have 30mm dynamic drivers that deliver plenty of bass and clear high frequencies. They also have an even tuning to make them sound great with various genres of music. They also have a wide soundstage that helps you get a sense of being immersed in the music.

The WH-CH720N headphones have buttons instead of the gestures or touch controls employed by the XM5 headphones. This could be a bit of an issue as the buttons initially seem confusing. Luckily, the headphones come with clear labels and the controls are arranged intelligently. Double pressing of the+' button pause and play audio. A single press reduces the volume. By pressing and holding the button the button, voice assistants will be launched and calls are rejected.

With ANC enabled the headphones will last for around 35 hours before running out of power. This is one of the most efficient battery performance we've seen in over ear wireless headphones noise cancelling-ear headphones. They also have a standby mode to help conserve 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-res audio on compatible devices. They also work with PlayStation consoles that use an analog 1/8" TRS cable and can be used as wired headphones on a PC using the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect app lets you customize your headphones with an EQ slider and presets, multipoint connectivity, and secure listening.

5. B&W PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is a follow-up to a successful predecessor, Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones but it's not an unfinished upgrade. They feature a more sleek design and a brand new application. They live up to their promise of high-end build quality and sound that accurately communicates artistic intent. They are also extremely comfortable 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, but they're effective of blocking out ambient noise to let you concentrate on your podcasts or noise cancelling Over ear headphones music. They feature a six-strong mic setup (four for noise cancelling and two for voice pick up) and a revised algorithm that reduces ambient noise by 30 decibels. These are also one of only a few Bluetooth headphones we've tested that can be used passively and allow users to listen to their content without powering up the drive units.

They also work with the B&W Music app, a free download that offers many features to complement the excellent noise cancelling over ear headphones (simply click the up coming website) cancellation. The Quick Action button can be set to activate the voice assistant on your device, cycle through the three environmental settings and display the battery's life. It's annoying to have to press and hold it for a while. A single press is more intuitive and easier.

The PX7 S2 is an audiophile pair that will delight music lovers. They're not as well suitable for the raucous music of genres like metal and rock that tend to favor heavy bass and muddy low frequencies, like they are to classics, folk, and acoustic music, but will still be awe-inspiring to those who appreciate audiophile credentials that's also practical and convenient.