
There are times when we all want to break free-from outside noise, and noise-cancelling headphones handle this task perfectly! With the ability to actively identify and eliminate ambient sound, these headphones create a peaceful environment for you.
And over the past few years, noise-cancelling headphones' performance and feature sets have transformed significantly. Now, with these headphones, you can find a host of other smart features as well, such as touch controls and voice assistant integration to make your audio experience more superior and enjoyable. So, ready to discover the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2024?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Best Overall See at AmazonSony WH-1000XM5
Best Premium See at AmazonJBL Live 660NC
Best Mid-Range See at AmazonAnker SoundCore Life Q20 Wireless Headphones
Best Budget See at AmazonSennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones
Best Battery See at Amazon- See More
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones
Best for iOS See at Amazon
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Best OverallBose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
It doesn't get better than this.
With electrifying sound quality and class-leading noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless headphones are the best overall noise cancellation headphones in the market right now.
Pros & Cons- Top ANC
- Rich bass
- Bose signature sound quality
- No USB-C audio
What we like most about these headphones is their CustomTune technology. Using this feature, Bose QuietComfort Ultra adapts its sound and noise cancellation to your specific hearing and surroundings. And this adaptability makes it an excellent choice for various settings, from commuting on a busy train to relaxing at home.
Besides, for even more personalization, you can fine-tune the settings using touch controls or the Bose Music app. Alongside these features, the QuietComfort Ultra delivers rich, balanced audio with deep bass and crisp highs, resulting in a great listening experience. Since we are talking about Bose, do check out their PC speakers as well!
Best PremiumSony WH-1000XM5
Clean design.
If you don't mind spending a bit more to get the best features - this headphone set is for you! Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones showcase a "noiseless design" aimed at minimizing wind noise and are packed with features that justify their premium status.
Pros & Cons- Superior noise-cancellation
- High-quality sound
- Fast charging
- Pricey
We were impressed by the Sony WH-1000XM5's powerful new driver and its support for DSEE Extreme and Hi-Res audio, which provides awe-inspiring audio quality. Besides, these headphones come with two processors controlling eight microphones. This offers unprecedented noise cancellation.
What's even best? The headphones also feature a unique "Speak-to-Chat" function that automatically pauses your music when you start talking, making them ideal for conversations in noisy environments.
Best Mid-RangeJBL Live 660NC
Bang for buck.
What's not to love about headphones that offer premium features at the mid-range price point? Equipped with JBL's signature sound technology, JBL Live 660NC Wireless headphones deliver a satisfying audio experience with effective noise cancellation—all at a wallet-friendly price point!
Pros & Cons- Comfortable fit
- Decent ANC
- Parametric EQ
- Narrow ear cups
Overall, JBL Live 660NC Wireless headphones are a stylish and comfortable choice for everyday use. Their minimalistic design features a lightweight, foldable headband and soft, cushioned earcups - that means you can wear them for an extended period of time.
And when it comes to noise cancellation, the JBL Live 660NC Wireless headphones don't disappoint either. Their Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) feature has been rated well for its ability to dampen ambient sounds. They also come with a companion app that includes a parametric EQ for sound customization.
Best BudgetAnker SoundCore Life Q20 Wireless Headphones
Value at its best.
If you're looking for budget-friendly headphones set that prioritize functionality and comfort, the Anker SoundCore Life Q20 Wireless headphones are a solid option with a simple, no-frills design.
Pros & Cons- Active noise cancellation
- Good isolation
- Comfortable fit
- Limited customization
However, despite being budget-friendly and having a less flashy appearance, Anker SoundCore Life Q20 Wireless headphones don't compromise on quality. The headphones provide good noise isolation.
And although they may not block out the low-end noises completely, their SoundCore Life Q20's ANC is effective against mid to high-frequency sounds. Plus, the headphones come with a basic pouch for light protection, which makes them easy to carry every day.
Best BatterySennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones
Never run out of battery!
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are a blend of minimalist design and high-end functionality. Their 60-hour of playtime guarantees you never have to compromise on your headphone usage.
Pros & Cons- 60-hour battery
- Better ANC
- Excellent sound
- Occasional connectivity issues
These headphones boast powerful 42mm drivers that deliver a rich, detailed sound with deep bass and clear highs. They also feature advanced active noise cancellation technology that effectively blocks out ambient noise.
The Momentum 4 Wireless headphones support Bluetooth 5.2 for stable and reliable connectivity, to ensure a seamless listening experience. They also offer a convenient touch interface for effortless control over music playback, volume, and call management. Here are some more headphones to consider in our list of the best over-ear headphones!
Best for iOSApple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones
Apple never disappoints.
The Apple Airpods Max Wireless headphones exude luxury and precision engineering. They feature a sturdy build with a stainless steel frame wrapped in a soft-touch material and come in a variety of colors.
Pros & Cons- Super comfortable
- Excellent build
- Balanced sound
- Only 20-hour battery life
The Apple AirPods Max Wireless headphones are a premium choice for Apple users. They boast best-in-class active noise cancelling and a spatial audio feature that creates a cinema-like experience.
The headphones have a transparency mode for when you need to hear your surroundings and support automatic switching between iOS devices. While they lack a 3.5mm headphone jack, they make up for it with exceptional build quality and sound performance.
FAQ
Are noise-cancelling headphones better than normal headphones?
For the best noise cancellation, noise-canceling headphones are the clear winner. However, some high-end standard headphones can offer superior sound quality, especially for audiophiles, and might be a better choice if noise cancellation isn't your top concern.
Which type of noise cancellation is best?
The two different types of noise cancellation technologies are passive and active. Passive noise cancellation relies on the physical design and materials of the headphones to block out sound, while active noise cancellation uses microphones and advanced algorithms to detect and counteract ambient noise. Generally, active noise cancellation is more effective at eliminating low-frequency sounds.
NextBest Gaming Headsets Of 2024
These headsets will give you the sound clarity you need for clear communication.
Posts