You probably would have heard the term "noise cancellation", and assume it cancel outside noise when listening to audio content with your headphone - which is right!
Even if you get the tightest headphones in the world, it won't be able to cover terrible sounds such as Car horns, or an airplane engine (you know how disturbing that sounds!)
To prevent higher-noise from reaching your ear, some audio equipment companies, e.g. Bose, solve the problem by using a technique called Active Noise Control.
In this noise-canceling headphone guide, I'll work you through the understanding of Noise Cancelling headphones, why they are useful, their drawbacks, and would sum up by recommending the best noise-canceling headphone.
Let's dig in... :)
- What Are Noise Cancelling Headphones?
- 1. Bose QuietComfort 35 II
- 2. Sony Noise WH1000XM3
- 3. Sony Noise WH-CH700N
- 4. Bowers & Wilkins PX
- 5. COWIN E8 [Upgraded]
- 6. Bose QuietComfort 25 - Apple Devices (Wired)
- 7. Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2
- 8. JBL Live 650 BT NC
- 9. Philips NC1
- 10. Sennheiser HD 4.50
- One Last Thing!
What Are Noise Cancelling Headphones?
It would blow your mind how noise cancellation works...
Breaking it down...
Sound travels in waves; a wave is the representation of vibrations when a vibration occurs, the waves move alternating curves in the opposite direction - that vibration is responsible for the sound you hear.
Look at it this way, when waves occur in the ocean, they have crest (highest point), and a trough (the fall), let's apply that to a sound wave:
The distance between the resting point (bottom of a wave), and the crest (highest point) determines the loudness of audio, its called the amplitude. The number of times the waves pass by a specific point, determines the frequency, the higher the frequency of the wave, the higher the pitch and vice versa.
These are some of the things the microprocessor needs to build a complete waveform of a sound, the more accurate it build the sound, the better the calculation.
So, How Does it Cancel The Noise?
Inside a pair of a noise-canceling headphone, there are microphones designed to pick up unwanted noise from your surrounding.
It builds the waveform, - passes it to the digital signal processor which analyses the sound. The digital signal processor neglects a non-unwanted noise. Its function is to analyze an unwanted noise.
Having done that, the digital signal processor generates the opposite sound wave; this is where the important stuff work:
When the unwanted sounds that the headphone build from the original audio are played 180-degrees out of phase with the opposite sound wave, they cancel each other out.
That's how it works so to speak, the solution to noise cancellation isn't perfect, but it is very close, and as it owns drawbacks/limitations.
Let's look at the...
The Drawback of a Noise-Cancelling Headphones
It is designed to cancel regular outside noises like a car horn, or a drone of an aircraft engine. The reason is that it is easy to figure out regular noises, unlike a human voice where sounds change rapidly.
You might have guessed that you need some sort of power to run this type of headphone correctly. Without adequate power, an active noise-canceling headphone won't be able to function properly.
They are more expensive than regular headphones due to the nature of how they are built.
In some cases where the noise is unbearable, it might reduce the audio quality and add hissing sound.
Having said all that, let's look at the usefulness of using Noise-cancelling Headphones...
Which are...
- The ability to listen to audio material without the need of raising the volume too high.
- It helps to achieve better noise isolation from ambient sound.
- As a sleeping aid for people with chronic sleeplessness - or people whom outside noise such as snoring, cars honking impact their ability to sleep.
You can see Noise-canceling headphones isn't just for canceling ambient sounds; they can also help in various ways.
Time to make your choice and selection of a Noice Cancelling headphones.
I have carefully sifted through 100's of them, and I am recommending you the best ones below, read through the description, and also check out the user review.
1. Bose QuietComfort 35 II
No doubt, Bose is one of the first choices among audiophiles. With over 2,900 customer reviews, cranking over 4+ rating, then you know this is worth every penny.
QuietComfort 35 comes bundled with lots of jaw-dropping features such as Alexa-enabled voice control, which can be used for voice access to music, information, videos, and more.
It also benefits from the power of three levels of world-class noise cancellation for better listening and a more accurate noise cancellation optimization.
Moreover, the Bose listens to the type of music you're playing and automatically optimizes the level.
Alternatively, you can use the Bose Connect app to adjust the level of noise cancellation. Note that the option is only available on iPhone and iPad, and an Android version is said to be available very soon.
If you want to eliminate those annoying background noise, then this is the best choice for you.
I find the built-in microphone useful, think of how you can cancel outside noise, and still make calls with HQ built-in microphone (Awesome!)
Lastly, one of the features I find interesting is the ability to hear audio from two sources at the same time as your Bluetooth. This feature is handy in cases where you need to connect both your iPhone/iPad and Laptop at the same time.
Features
- Battery life up to 20 hours
- Bundled with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
- Control Boss with Connect app
- USB charging cable
- Audio cable
- Carrying case
Check Bose QuietComfort 35 II Price at Amazon
2. Sony Noise WH1000XM3
I don't have the grudge to say one is better than others; they both have advantages and disadvantages. My current preference is the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, even with that said; everything comes down to your taste.
Sony presents you with a smart listening powered by SENSE ENGINE which adaptively controls the noise Cancelling levels, whether you're are walking on a crowded street, hiking, or traveling in an airport.
It Detects your activity, and automatically adjust levels. This feature can be controlled with Sony Headphone Connect App; Available on both Android and iPhone from the Play store.
It's no surprise WH1000XM3 is build to last longer with less charge, you have up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge. That's not all, you have an option to charge via USB-C (which is extra faster than a regular USB).
To sum up, Amazon Alexa is built into Sony WH1000XM3 which can be used for hands-free voice access to music, videos, information, and more.
Check Sony Noise WH1000XM3 Price at Amazon
3. Sony Noise WH-CH700N
One of the features I look out for in Headphones is hands-free calling, you have the option built-in in Sony WH-CH700N + a built-in microphone, speak to your love once without taking your smartphone out of your pocket.
Don't worry; you aren't alone! You can customize your preferred settings with the Sony Connect App. Adjust levels, and customizable EQ settings directly from your smartphone; packed with lots of preset to tune into your current mood.
Check Sony Noise WH-CH700N Price at Amazon
4. Bowers & Wilkins PX
One of the key features of PX is the built-in sensors that intuitively respond to you. Wear it on your head, and it automatically switches one; remove PX, and it'll return to standby mode as if it works with your body system.
Check Bowers & Wilkins PX Price at Amazon
5. COWIN E8 [Upgraded]
If you are part of the COWIN E7 or E8 family, then you should know they did a great job on E7/E8 Noise cancellation headphones. COWIN stepped up the game with an elegant version - the E8 updated which is even better than the previous version with lots of features.
Some of the features include - the upgraded Ear cushions, which is comfortable around your ear,
with pillow-like softness on the headband and protein ear cushions.
Much better noise cancellation for traveling, crowded places, and anything in between.
Additionally, you get a whopping 20-hour playtime in Bluetooth or NC mode for 2-3 hours charging.
While this is great, women and teenagers are advised to wear them for a shorter period; it's heavy.
Check COWIN E8 Price at Amazon
6. Bose QuietComfort 25 - Apple Devices (Wired)
Quietcomfort 25 is a lightweight, comfortable ANC headphone which is engineered to sound as accurate as possible, while also reducing noise around you. One of the features I find interesting is the ability to control your music with remote (only applicable to Apple devices).
Also, you can control your music and calls with an inline mic.
Check Bose QuietComfort 25 Price at Amazon
7. Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2
The reason I will ever buy an ANC headphone is if it's easy to use and have longer battery life. Plantronics Cancelling Backbeat is a calm and focused headphone, which has lots of features. e.g. To hear conversations going on around you; you simply activate the open-listening mode and vice versa.
Alternatively, it comes bundled with smart sensors. When you remove Plantronics, it automatically pauses the music and resumes when you put them back on.
Also, you enjoy 24-hours of wireless music or calls before switching to cable. Another feature you shouldn't overlook is the ability to enjoy streaming up to 100 meters away from your class 1 Bluetooth smartphone.
Check Plantronics Backbeat Price at Amazon
8. JBL Live 650 BT NC
JBL Live comes bundled with Voice Assitant, which can be used to play your favorite tune, check the weather, text your loved ones by simply tapping the ear cup to activate the Voice Assistant (Google Voice Assistant or Amazon Alexa).
Another feature I love so much about this product is the ability to switch from one Bluetooth device to another with less effort. Let's say you are having fun with a video on your tablet, and at the same time your mobile phone is ringing, you can simply switch with no hassle. (Pause one, and use the other)
Also, you don't wanna miss the JBL Headphone App. It let you personalize your listening experience by tweaking the JBL sound preferences.
Another point you shouldn't overlook is the battery life of JBL 650. You enjoy 30 hours with ANC turned off (who does that in a noisy environment), or 20 hours with Bluetooth and ANC on. Moreover, you can enjoy an additional 2 hours battery life with a quick 15-minute charge.
https://youtu.be/nFNJ0-Pjhj8
Check JBL Live 650 Price at Amazon
9. Philips NC1
If you read the introduction guide on this page, I made mention of how an Active Noise Cancellation Headphone incorporates different microphones to capture noises.
NC1 by Philips implemented four microphones inside and outside the ear cans to capture noises as accurately as possible for advanced processing. This means as an end-user, you would enjoy a great level of noise-canceling, while also not sacrificing any frequency range for better performance.
No hassle with folding - NC-1 is designed to be lightweight, and compact, making folding in multiple ways easy. The decision is yours on you preferred to fold your headphone, be it in the pocket or your travel bag.
Additionally, you have the option to switch between music and calls with the powered in-line control, NC-1 is recommended for people looking for something lightweight, and crystal clear audio.
Check Philips NC1 Price at Amazon
10. Sennheiser HD 4.50
Sennheiser is known for its professional-grade headphones, after numerous requests from users on superb ANC headphones. Sennheiser introduced its NoiseGard active noise cancellation, which is implemented in HD 4.50.
Apart from HD 4.50 being affordable, it also has a long battery life that lasts up to 19 hours with the NoiseGard protection switch on, and 25 hours with it turned off.
While some users complained about the headband breakage, It is still superb if handled with care.
Check Sennheiser HD 4.50 Price at Amazon
One Last Thing!
I hopefully guided you through buying noise-cancellation headphones, and I recommended different ones.
If you aren't familiar with or don't know much about Active Noise Cancellation headphones, or setting one up, just go through the manual bundled with your headphone, and you should be good to go.
Good luck with good ANC headphones, and I hope they last longer for you :)