Best Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
Noise cancelling headphones are a great method to keep your focus, whether you're in a noisy train or in a workplace filled with chatty colleagues. We evaluated the comfort, sound quality, and the ability to block out high-frequency continuous noise like restaurant chatter and short-duration incidental sounds like ringing phone or keyboards clacking.
Sony WH-1000XM5
When it comes to premium ANC headphones, Sony's flagship WH-1000XM5 is a go-to. The WH-1000XM5 came out in 2016 and is a great choice for anyone looking to listen to their preferred music or podcasts without distractions. This latest version of the series is its first major redesign and features a number of exciting new features. In addition to sleek design and sustainable efforts (including no plastic packaging) the headphones offer excellent noise cancellation, clear audio, and a natural-sounding ambient audio.
If enabled, the WH-1000XM5's noise cancellation is unbeatable. Attaching a pair of headphones to your head creates a veritable cone of silence that can block out engine noises on subways and trains as well as the whirr of HVAC systems, and even neighboring conversations. These headphones are also some of the best ANCs for blocking out low-frequency drones, bass hums, and other sounds.
Another excellent feature is Ambient Sound Control, which alters the balance of the acoustic depending on the surrounding environment. For over the ear noise cancelling headphones , if you're at home listening to your favorite album, the WH-1000XM5 will switch to a more immersive listening experience. If you're walking along an avenue that is busy, they will change to more focused profiles to help you be more aware of your surroundings.
The earcups of the WH-1000XM5 have touch-sensitive controls on the right side, which can be used to play, pause, and switch tracks. You can also make use of the voice assistant to adjust volume as well as search for content and make calls using hands-free technology. The headphones boast amazing frequency response and provide an immersive, full stereo image. They also have an incredibly accurate group delay, which ensures an even soundstage.
Another nice touch is the possibility of connecting the WH-1000XM5s with two devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful when you're using your laptop to listen to music while taking calls with your phone. They have a built-in mic and USB-C charging port. The headphones come with a cable that allows for direct analog playback. The battery life is around 30 hours. This could last for up to a week, or even a long trip.
Bose QuietComfort 45
The Bose QuietComfort 45, the top model of the premium headphones manufacturer, is the most recent update. It was launched in September 2021 and is priced lower than the new Sony WH-1000XM4 as well as its sibling 700 by around PS320, $329, or 439 AUD. In terms of features, it offers top-tier active noise cancelling and features like voice assistant support as well as automatic pause when you take off the headphones. The design is also more comfortable than the previous versions. There are some things to be aware of, however. Some people may find it difficult to adjust to the touch-sensitive buttons on the back of the earcups that require pressure in order to activate. You can adjust ANC and switch on an "aware" setting that allows ambient sounds to be heard. However, you cannot turn off the audio.
The headphones are an excellent option for anyone who is looking for a pair of premium headphones to wear on a plane or train, or at home while working. They have an extended battery life, excellent noise cancellation and clear audio. They also come with multipoint Bluetooth which means they can be connected to two devices simultaneously and switch between them at just a touch. They also have an app that's not as customizable as other competitors but it still has numerous useful features.
The QC45s also come with an active noise cancelling feature which is extremely effective. In my tests it was somewhat loud at times. The passive EQ modes, however, are more balanced and let you have more control over the sound quality of your music. If you listen to music that contain lots of cymbal sparkle you might notice that your headphones are grating. This can be easily resolved by lowering 3-20kHz on the equalizer of your music player.
While some might be disappointed at the absence of certain features, such as adjustable ANC/transparency or EQ, and a slight decrease in the quality of calls, overall the QC45s are an excellent choice for anyone looking for top-tier ANC at a reasonable price. They are comfortable to wear and have a USB-C charging port.
Shure Aonic 50
Shure's Aonic 50 are a premium pair of headphones that place an emphasis on sound quality. Their drivers feature a massive 50mm dynamic driver, and are equipped with high-resolution codecs that provide the highest quality music playback via Bluetooth. The headphones offer an even sound and rich clarity across the frequency range and they have a natural sense spatiality and position and allow you to feel the reverberation of each note and the reverberation of music around you.
They're a little heavier than other brands at 334g, but they are comfortable enough for long listening sessions. The headband is positioned on the top of the head without putting too much pressure and the earcups are well-padded to make them comfortable. They're also pretty portable - they fold flat and can be stored in the carry case that's a nice touch.
Around the right earcup are standard controls, such as playback, volume, and power/pairing. You can toggle between neutral mode, and what Shure calls "Environment Mode" by using a slider at the top. The Environment Mode permits more outside sound to leak through. This can be beneficial if you need to stay conscious of your surroundings. The controls are excellent however there's some time between pressing the buttons and what happens (i.e. If you press play while on a phone call, you could end up blasting music in your ears, instead of picking up mom. The phones don't have microphones, but they have an audio response by Google Assistant. Their mics are also great for filtering out background noise while calling.
The battery should last up to 20 hours for most people. They do include a USB cable that connects to your phone for charging but it's not as convenient as using Bluetooth however it's a useful feature to have and ensures you can listen to your music back after charging. They're also compatible with a lot of audio devices with a 2.5mm port, so you can use them while you travel.
Monoprice BT-600ANC
The Monoprice BT600ANC Bluetooth noise cancelling over-ear headphones come with all the features you would want in a pair, but at just a fraction of the cost. They feature premium Qualcomm aptX HD Audio, an advanced type of Active Noise Cancelling as well as an easy-to-fold design that makes them easy to store in bags for backpacks or in a carry bag. They are ideal for students and commuters, since they come with a long-lasting battery that allows you to listen all throughout the day. They also come with convenient touch controls that let you swipe or tap to alter the volume, skip tracks and answer calls.
The BT600ANC headphones have an elegant design that is reminiscent of the Monoprice M1000ANC headphone we looked at last year. The headsets are gray in color, barely branded, and aren't particularly noticeable in public. However, they do have an incredibly soft and comfortable fit that is suitable for most ears. Their compact size and carrying case make them perfect for travel.
The headphones are light and offer excellent passive isolation due to the ear cups wrapped in leatherette. The headband provides plenty of adjustability and is soft without feeling too bulky or soft and slouchy. The headbands are wide enough to fit glasses-wearers. They will fit most people.
Monoprice ANC is a great choice, and it does not sound as loud as other brands. They offer a slight boost around 100-200Hz that creates a richer sound for bass notes. This is evident in the first track of Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo with a full and clear response. However they have a significant drop-off in the upper frequencies, so the shaker and cymbal sound won't be as crisp and clear as on other headsets.
There are three ANC modes to choose from three modes: low, medium and high. The low setting is ideal for blocking out the majority of ambient noise, but it won't stop traffic or loud conversations. The medium setting is appropriate for most environments, while the high mode will keep you away from everything except your music. The control buttons on the earcups are a bit difficult to operate at first. Swiping up or down on the pad controls the volume, while tapping or shifting left or right alters the track. Double-taps can be used to pause the music or answer the phone. This system takes some practice to get used to but once you have the hang of it, you will find it very useful.