Best Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

Whether you commute on noisy public transportation or work in a noisy office with chatty colleagues, noise cancelling headphones noise cancel can provide the sonic buffer you need to stay focused. We examined the comfort, the sound quality, as well as the ability to block high-frequency continuous sounds like chatter in restaurants or incidental sounds of short duration like the ringing of a phone or clacking keys.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's WH1000XM5 headphones are a great choice for high-end ANC. The WH-1000XM5 came out in 2016 and is an excellent option for anyone who wants to listen to their favorite podcasts or music without distractions. The latest edition of the series is the first major redesign since its initial release and offers many exciting new features. Alongside a sleek design and sustainability efforts (including the absence of plastic packaging), the headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation, crisp audio, and a natural-sounding ambient audio.

When it is enabled, the WH1000XM5's noise cancelling capabilities are unbeatable. Attaching a pair of headphones to your head creates a cone of silence that can block out engine noises on subways and trains as well as the whirr of HVAC systems, and even the sounds of neighboring conversations. These headphones are also some of the best ANCs to block out low-frequency drones, bass hums and other sounds.

Ambient Sound Control is another great feature. It adjusts the acoustic balance of the headphones based on the environment. If you're in your home and listening to your favorite music the WH1000XM5 can switch over to an immersive experience. If you're walking down a busy street they will switch to an energised profile to help you be more aware of the surrounding.

The earcups on the WH1000XM5 feature a touch-sensitive gesture control on the right side. It can be used to change tracks or play music, as well as pause and pause. You can also use a voice assistant to search for content, change volume, and make hands-free calls. The headphones boast an amazing frequency response consistency and offer a full, rich stereo image. They also have a group delay that's incredibly accurate and helps to maintain an even soundstage.

The WH-1000XM5s is able to be connected to two devices simultaneously. This is especially useful for those who want to listen to music on your laptop while making phone calls with your smartphone. They have built-in microphones and a USB-C charging port. The headphones include an audio cable that can be used for direct analog playback. The battery lasts for about 30 hours. This could last for up to a week, or even a long flight.

Bose QuietComfort 45

The Bose QuietComfort 45, the flagship model of the premium headphones manufacturer, is the latest update. It was launched in September 2021 and is priced lower than the new Sony WH-1000XM4 as well as its 700 counterpart by approximately PS320, $329, or $439 AUD. It offers the best active noise cancellation and features such as voice assistant support, automatic pausing and automatic pause when you remove the headphones. The design is also more comfortable than earlier models. There are a few points to be aware of, however. The buttons on the side of the earcups are now touch-sensitive and require pressure to activate, which means it could be difficult for some people to get used to. While you can adjust ANC and switch to an "aware" mode that lets in ambient sound however, you are not able to completely shut off the sound.

The headsets are still a great buy for anyone who is looking for a pair of premium headphones to wear on the train or plane or at home when working. They come with an extended battery life, excellent noise cancellation and clear audio. They also come with multipoint Bluetooth which allows them to be paired with two devices simultaneously and switch between them by pressing one button. They also have their own app, which isn't as customizable as some competitors but offers a variety of useful features.

The QC45s have a very efficient active noise cancellation mode. It can be too loud at times. The passive EQ modes are however more balanced and let you have more control over the sound signature of your music. If you are listening to music that has a lot of cymbal shimmer, you might find the headphones slightly grating. However, it is fixable by reducing the frequency range of 3-20kHz within the EQ settings of your music player.

While some might be disappointed with the absence of some features, such as adjustable ANC/transparency, EQ, and a slight decrease in the quality of calls Overall, the QC45s are a great option for those looking for top-quality ANC at a reasonable price. They are comfortable to wear and come with an USB-C charging port.

Shure Aonic 50

Shure's Aonic 50 are a premium pair of headphones that place an emphasis on sound quality. They feature a 50mm dynamic driver, and are packed with high-resolution codes that provide the highest quality Bluetooth music playback. The headphones have a well-balanced sound, with rich detail across all frequencies. They also have a natural feel of space and over-ear noise Cancelling headphones positioning.

The headphones are a little heavier than their competitors at 334g, but they're comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The headband is positioned on the top of your head without putting too much pressure, and the earcups have been well-padded to make them comfortable. They're also quite mobile - they fold down and can be stored in their carrying case that comes with them that's an excellent feature.

There's a basic set of controls that are arranged on the right earcup, including playback, volume and power/pairing. The slider on the top allows you to switch between noise-cancelling, a neutral mode, and what Shure calls 'Environment Mode'. Environment mode allows more outside noise to pass through, which could be useful when you need to stay aware of your surroundings. The controls are well-designed however there is a slight lag between pressing them and the action they perform (i.e. if you play the play button while you're on a call, you'll likely end up blasting your ears with music rather than picking up your mom). The phones don't have microphones, but they have an audio response provided by Google Assistant. Their mics are also great for filtering out background noise when you're calling.

They operate on one battery that can last for up to 20 hours, which will be enough for the majority of people. The USB cable is included to charge your phone. It's not as user-friendly as Bluetooth however, you get to listen to music while you charge. They are also compatible with audio devices that have 2.5mm ports, which means you can take them with you on the road.

Monoprice BT600ANC

The Monoprice BT600ANC Bluetooth noise-cancelling over ear headphones come with all the features you need in a pair for less than half the cost. They feature high-quality Qualcomm aptX HD Audio, an advanced version of Active Noise Cancelling, and an easy-to-fold design that makes them easy to store in the backpack or carry bag. These headphones are great for students and commuters, as they have a long-lasting battery which allows you to listen for the entire day long. They also come with convenient touch controls that allow you to swipe or tap to change the volume, skip tracks, and answer calls.

The BT600ANC headsets have an uncluttered design that's reminiscent of the Monoprice M1000ANC headsets we reviewed last year. They're a matte gray color and barely branded and aren't noticeable in public but they have an incredibly soft comfortable fit that appeals to most ears. Their small size and carrying case make them ideal for travel.

The ear cups are covered with leatherette, which provides excellent isolation via passive. The headband is soft and has plenty of adjustability, without being too heavy or bulky. The headbands are wide enough to accommodate glasses wearers. They are comfortable for the majority of people.

Monoprice's ANC is reliable and doesn't sound tinny like other brands. It has a slight boost between 100 and 200Hz, which provides a fuller sound to bass notes. The first track, Good 4 U, by Olivia Rodrigo, shows a full response. They have a steep drop off in the upper frequencies above ten kHz. therefore shakers and cymbals won't sound as clear and crisp.

You can cycle through three ANC modes that are low, medium and higher. The low setting is great for reducing ambient noise, but will not block out traffic or loud conversations. The medium setting is suitable for most situations, and the high mode keeps you from everything except your music. The earcups have touch-sensitive controls that take some getting used to. Swiping upwards and downwards on the pad controls the volume, while tapping the pad or swiping it left right changes tracks. Double-taps can be used to stop the music or answer to a phone call. It takes a while to get used to this system but once you are, you will find it to be extremely useful.