The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
You need the best noise-cancelling over-ear headphones regardless of whether you wish to block out the hum of your HVAC system or need to block the sound of jet engine noises. The latest Sony WH-1000XM5s have become the new top of the line in active noise cancellation and their predecessors are equally excellent.
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-quality audio and comfortable, spacious earphones.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The fifth generation of Sony's flagship headphones is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, with better noise cancellation and improved audio quality. Its remarkable ANC performance creates an enveloping cone of silence that covers your head and blocks out a shocking amount of low-frequency sounds. The earphones block out mid- to treble range sounds such as passenger chatter or the creaking of metal, as well as the clanging of dishware.
Unlike some noise cancelling headphones, which can sound hollow or unnatural, the WH-1000XM5s are very natural-sounding. They can reproduce the rise and fall of Billie's drums with incredible depth, while keeping edges clean and pristine. It's a pleasure to listen to them on a long flight or commute.
The most popular controls are controlled by a capacitive touchscreen surface on the right ear cup such as play/pause, volume up/down as well being able to skip forwards and backwards. It also lets you make calls end and answer as well as switch between ANC and ambient sound mode. 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 is its new QN1 microphone that is designed to record high-quality audio when recording podcasts and videos. The microphone is more sensitive than previous models and has a larger audio range which makes it easier for you to hear your voice.
The XM5 also carries certain features from the XM4s including the adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance in accordance with your surroundings. The "Wearing Detection" feature detects when the headset is removed and stops playing music or video. It will resume it when they are put back on. It also works with Sony's DSEE Extreme engine, which claims to upscale the quality of compressed music to a near-hi-res resolution.
2. Sony WH-1000XM4
The WH1000XM4s of Sony are the most recent version of their top-of-the-line over-ear headphones. They feature top-of-the-line performance, even though they don't have the same active noise cancellation as the WH1000XM5s. The WH-1000XM4s have a stronger Bluetooth connection as well as an improved noise cancellation algorithm. They also come with a new audio chip which increases the sound quality to HD quality, as well as advanced voice controls.
Sony has upgraded 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.
They're also more flexible, allowing you to switch between five different modes of sound depending on the environment. Sony headphones come with an app that allows you to modify your EQ settings. over the ear headphones with noise cancelling 're a great choice for those who travel, and the app lets you track your activities and automatically adjust their settings on the fly.
Another big improvement is the WH1000XM4's noise cancellation, which has been made more effective by adding more sensitivity and improving how it eliminates low frequencies. You can test this by taking a look at a graph similar to the one above, with higher peaks indicate that more sounds are being blocked out. The WH1000XM4s are also better in reducing low-frequency noises, like the hum of an air conditioning unit, or the constant rumble of a plane engine.
The WH-1000XM4s are still equipped with a many great features, including batteries that last up to 30 hours and a USB-C charging port built-in. They also have Quick Alert, which lets you tap the right earcup to reduce the music and turn on the transparency mode; Speak to Chat stops media when you speak (and works well, though it can sometimes fail to detect taps), and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can analyze and detect the surrounding environment to provide better audio.
3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II
The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II headphones (or QC35 Wireless 2018, as they are also known) 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 is a great pair of wireless headphones for mixed-use. They offer an incredibly comfortable fit and neutral sound profile that is default. They also provide exceptional noise isolation. They are suitable for travel or in noisy environments and last for more than a full day on a single battery charge. They can also be used with a variety of smart assistants and are activated by an individual button. You can ask the assistant to play music, answer trivia or even read your notifications from your smartphone.
The padding around the ears is a good size and can accommodate a variety of ear shapes. They are also lightweight. The hinges on the housings fold down making them easy to put in bags or backpacks. The controls on the right side of the headphone are easily placed and comfortable to use. Playback can be controlled by a series of taps which include rewinding or skipping songs.
We were listening to The Beatles' Let It Be as well as the drum and piano beats. The QC35 II deliver crisp, clear audio that's smooth and precise. They can pick up subtleties like Paul McCartney's unsteady timing as he builds to the chorus, or Gerard Way’s snarl when his lyrics praising teenage-personalism in Teenagers.
The QC35 II can be connected to up to two devices simultaneously and are compatible with all smart assistants. The QC35 II comes with a carry bag and a USB charging cable.
4. Sony WH-CH720N
Sony is a brand known for producing top-quality headphones at a low cost. The WH-CH720N budget headphones are not a different. They carry many of the features that make premium WH-1000XM5 headphones so great, but with a more budget-friendly design. They also offer a decent amount of active noise cancelling for a reasonable price.
These headphones have dynamic drivers of 30mm that provide crisp high frequencies and ample bass. They offer an unbalanced sound that works well with a variety of genres of music. They also have a huge, encompassing soundstage.
The WH-CH720N headphones come with buttons instead of the touch controls or gestures employed by the XM5 headphones. This is a bit of a downside because the buttons can be confusing at first. Fortunately, the headphones have clearly labeled controls and are arranged in a smart way. A single pressing of the button with the '-' reduces the volume, and double presses pauses and plays audio. When you press and hold the button the button, voice assistants will be launched and calls are canceled.
With ANC turned on the headphones will last about 35 hours before they run out of power. This is among the most efficient battery performance we've seen on over-ear headphones. They also feature a standby mode to help conserve battery.
The WH-CH720N headphones are connected to Android phones and iOS devices via Bluetooth. They are compatible with LDAC which lets them play high-resolution audio on compatible devices. The headphones are also compatible with PlayStation consoles that use an analog 1/8"TRS cable. They can also be used on computers 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 the success of their predecessor, but are not an unfinished update riding on its own. Featuring a sleeker look and a new application that delivers on the promise of high-end build quality with audio that is that accurately conveys artistic intention. They're also incredibly comfortable and are a delight to wear all day long.
Although they aren't as good as the noise cancellation of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH-1000XM5, they do a very excellent job of blocking out ambient noises and ensuring that you can focus on your music, podcasts or gaming handheld without interruptions. They feature a six-strong mic setup (four for noise cancelling and two for voice pick up) and a redesigned algorithm that reduces ambient noise by 30 decibels. They're also among the few Bluetooth headphones we've reviewed that can be used in passive mode, allowing you to listen to your content on their own, without putting power to the drive units.
They're also compatible with the B&W Music app, a free download that delivers an array of features to complement the excellent noise cancelling. It includes a Quick Action button that cycles through the three environmental modes that display battery life and can be configured to activate your device's voice assistant. 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 audiophile pair that will delight music lovers. They're not as well suited to the demanding music of genres like rock and metal, which tend to favour bass-heavy productions and muddy low frequencies, like they are to classics, folk, and Acoustic music, but can still impress those who appreciate the audiophile ethos that's also practical and convenient.