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Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Reviewed
Whether you are a student, love to travel, or simply can not handle the noise and need to tune out sometimes, you will find that a pair of these headphones will do just the trick! The best noise-canceling headphones are really comfortable—so comfortable you can doze off in them even when you travel—and are easy to use, lightweight and reliable. If you are tired of dealing with noise and want to tune out then you should definitely consider investing in a pair of these headphones.
Take a look at our list of the best noise-canceling headphones below to learn more!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
Make sure you take the time to think about how you want and need to use your noise-canceling headphones to ensure you find the right ones.
Sometimes all we want is tune into our own world and leave the rest behind. Fortunately, there is a way to lock out the whole world and listen to soul-feeding music that can make you a better person.
If you want to watch a recently released movie or listen to your motivational audiobook and podcast without constant distractions from the world outside, you should invest in cutting-edge technology noise-canceling headphones that will give you the superior audio performance and the sound blocking ability you are looking for.
Effectiveness
When it comes to noise-canceling headphones, their effectiveness comes down to how they work as well as sound quality.
Unpleasant sounds can take a toll on you and make you lose your mind. Luckily, there is a way to block all these unpleasant voices and focus only on what you want to hear. There are various headsets to help you completely tune out any unwanted audio from your world, allowing you to focus on soft music that helps you calm your nerves, even if it is short enough to last you the entire duration of the flight.
Manufacturers of these gadgets have been using improved technologies to make better, superior products, and this has led to the overwhelming number of new noise-canceling headphones on the market. Active noise canceling designs work to drown out background noise before it hits your ear. Also, designs in the frame of the ear cuff also help to drown out noise as well.
Comfort
While performance is important, they also need to feel light and comfortable as well.
How you feel when you put them on or after you remove them will determine whether you will enjoy wearing them. Some feel fine when worn but can leave the ears hurting after they are taken off. When shopping for your ideal headset, you should consider how it feels when you put them on or remove them after listening to music.
The level of comfort is largely based on the material used to make the gadget and the design of the headset. How they sound will greatly determine whether you would enjoy using them or not. It is worth noting that the quality of sound varies from one brand to another. However, do take your time to choose noise-canceling headphones that will deliver the sound quality you are looking for.
Durability
Durability is essential to finding the right noise-canceling headphones for your needs, especially if you use them for work or on a regular basis.
Most noise-canceling headphones do not last and become broken or dysfunctional after a while. This is perhaps why most people buy new ones often. If you are going to invest a lot of money in a product, you have to be sure it will serve you for longer.
Durability is a very important factor that largely depends on the material used. If the product feels cheap, then there is a good chance it is. To get your money’s worth, take your time to select a high-quality product that will deliver high performance and outlast most other cheaper options on the market. You might also want to check whether it has a warranty in place to guarantee quality.
Sound Quality
When you use these noise-canceling headphones to listen to music, you want that music to sound great!
Noise-canceling headphones sample the loud sound nearby and choose to play an inverted version in the listener’s ears, thereby blocking out all the noise in the immediate surroundings. They tend to be very effective at doing this, but the most obvious downside is that they can be a little more expensive than other variations. This is a very important factor to consider when shopping for these items.
In the same regard, they tend to consume more power than other variations, and this means you will need batteries for them. Fortunately, they tend to have long-lasting batteries to take you through the whole period of flying. However, full-size ones are better than the earpad option when it comes to blocking out the unnecessary sound.
On the other hand, sound isolation, which is often confused with the former, works by blocking the noise outside by erecting a physical seal around the ears to ensure the music remains in whereas the ambient noise stays outside. While they might not be as effective as the former, their battery consumption is often low. In fact, they don’t require a battery to function.
11 Best Noise Canceling Headphones
1. Bose QuietComfort
Bose QuietComfort 25 is one of the best-performing noise-canceling headphones from the company, with more comfort and superior sound. Putting these on change everything around you, as the music is deep and balanced. It also produces powerful sound while remaining so quiet that virtually every note sound can be heard clearly. The wired design will make you enjoy your air travel as the airplane roar fades away gently.
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Designed to work with Apple gadgets, these noise-canceling headphones will connect to the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. The hands-free feature allows complete control over various music functions to enhance the listening experience.
Effectiveness
These noise-canceling headphones will feel very soft on your ears and will allow you to connect to your iPod and other iPhone products to enhance your jogging or traveling experience. The price is modest for what you get and makes this a great investment for those looking for the very best in quality and performance.
Comfort
The lightweight design and pillow-like softness make them very comfortable to wear. They cushion the ear after a custom fine-tuned fit achieved by rotating the ear cups which delivers some of the finest quality of sound available today.
Durability
These headphones are at the top of the list of a lot of other noise-canceling headphones. They are built to last and very few users report any durability issues. If you take care of these headphones they will certainly take care of you!
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality and noise canceling capabilities, these headphones absolutely do their job. Whether you want to sit in silence or just listen to what you are playing, these noise-canceling headphones are the perfect pair for the job.
2. Marshall Monitor II
Marshall may not be a brand that has immediate brand recognition, but they have been in the sound business since the mid-1960s. The Monitor II may cost more than some of the more affordable options out there on the market, but if you are serious about your sound, this is a great opinion. Marshall was founded by a British percussionist, so they know a thing or two about premium sound.
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Users love that this option is lightweight, incredibly comfortable, and offers a crisp and clear sound that even the most stringent audiophile will appreciate.
Effectiveness
The very first thing that we noted about this design from Marshall is that it has a battery life that can’t really be matched from any other brand. With the active noise canceling turned on, users can enjoy up to 30 hours of wireless play. To put that into perspective, more affordable options only provide sound 5 hours with this feature turned on.
Comfort
A control pad located on one of the ears allows users to adjust the volume, and even start and play their music on their phone when connected via Bluetooth.
Durability
This option boasts a pretty steep price tag, but it is well worth it for those that are serious about sound.
Sound Quality
It holds a charge for longer periods of time when compared to other brands, and the sound is sharp and crisp, even when set at a high volume. It comes with a cloth carrying case, a wired headphone outlet (to save on battery life), as well as a charging cable.
3. Beats
These noise-canceling headphones offer the most convenience when you are on the go, running or working out. The advantage it has over other brands is its capability to have a longer battery life of up to 22 hours and an additional fast charge battery feature. Moreover, you can enjoy its first class Bluetooth connection that is from the W1 Apple chip installed in the gadget.
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The brand allows you to easily switch from your iOS system, straight from being on a phone call to using sound on your MacBook, whether you have iOS 10 or 11 with much convenience and ease. The quality of design and performance is easy to see with just one use!
Effectiveness
The brand guarantees up to 22 hours of battery life of their noise-canceling headphones which is extremely convenient during long days of working out and even runs, in the morning and evening. Moreover, the fast charge feature enables it to have up to 3 hours of battery life after only 10 minutes of charging it.
Comfort
It is great for runners and listeners who would like to have complete control over their devices, laptop or phone. It is convenient for switching schedules on a busy day and allows you to enjoy a long battery life without the worry of losing out on the full experience making it worth every penny.
Durability
These are another pair of durable headphones, although you won't want them to get wet or submerge them in the water of course. Make sure to check the weather if you want to head outside with these.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, these noise-canceling headphones deliver crisp sound if you want to listen to something and also block out the noise if you want to catch some zzz's in a crowded place.
4. Anker Soundcore Life Q20
If you want something that can really perform without draining your bank account, this option from Anker is a great choice. We love that it has features that actively drown out about 90 percent of ambient noises around you, and there is a long line of pleased customers to verify this fact.
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The most notable feature of this design from Anker is that it effectively cancels out the noise around you. At this price point, it may not have the greatest speakers, but for non-audiophiles, the sound is surprisingly crisp and fresh. Plus, users are able to crank them pretty high without sound distortion.
Effectiveness
If you have no need to drown out the world around you, this option works without active noise-canceling for up to 40 hours non-stop when the volume is set to about 60 percent or less.
Comfort
They are super comfortable to wear for long periods of time and bost a battery life that will get you through the better part of your day.
Durability
When set at a higher volume, the battery life is slightly shorter. When the active noise-canceling feature is turned on, battery life is just about 5 hours or less.
Sound Quality
If you are in the market for something that is super effective at drowning out the world around you while still offering crisp and clear sound, this is a great option. It doesn’t have as powerful speakers as something from Bose, but most users won’t be able to tell the difference. Plus, it comes in at a super affordable price point that won’t break the bank.
5. Esonstyle
This brand and model reduces distracting ambient noise. With just a flick of a switch, the user could manage to reduce noise by up to 90 percent. These noise-canceling headphones are great for those who want to remain disconnected from the city traffic noise that can be a nuisance and cause headaches. Users also get superior sound quality via wireless Bluetooth connectivity. Retractable headband design allows for easy storage.
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The foldable, compact design makes it stress-free to store the gadget when not in use. When you are done with your routine morning runs, just fold and store it in its convenient storage pack (included).
Effectiveness
If you want a more affordable pair of noise-canceling headphones then you will love these because they still effectively block out the noise and deliver a crisp sound to your ears when you use them.
Comfort
They allow longer and comfortable periods of listening, thanks to the soft synthetic leather and protective silicone padding. The retractable design also makes it easy to store. In addition, they are very affordable.
Durability
These are some durable headphones that are made of really durable yet flexible material--so you don't have to sacrifice comfort whenever you use them.
Sound Quality
The soft synthetic leather used to make the ear cups make the headset comfortable to wear. This Esonstyle model is made of protective silicone padding to cushion your ears and ensure they feel comfortable as you listen to music.
6. Sennheiser
This second generation wireless headset features wireless Bluetooth technology to eliminate the stressful wires that come with wired headsets. The active noise-canceling headphones virtually get rid of unwanted ambient sound to produce the ultimate enhanced audio experience that every user is looking for. Joggers and runners will particularly like this because of larger ear cups that cover the entire ear and cancel the noise from the rest of the world.
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The iconic design is both stylish and durable, thanks to the premium materials used to make the headband and ear cushions. The truly wireless design eliminates the need for complex wiring. The price can be slightly above average but it is worth the cost.
Effectiveness
While these noise-canceling headphones look a little bulky, don't let that fool you. They cover your ears completely without sacrificing comfort and are pretty effective at blocking out all of the noise. It is important to note, however, that some users report they can still hear the noise if they aren't playing any music.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, most users find these noise-canceling headphones to be really comfortable and well-cushioned. One thing to point out, however, is that some users don't love the adjustable band--so this will really be a matter of your own personal preference, so make sure to take that into consideration before getting these.
Durability
Leather-covered ear cushions coupled with stainless steel headband deliver style while assuring durability. The iconic design gives the overall feel of fashion, style, and elegance.
Sound Quality
If you are looking for wireless freedom to help you focus on other activities such as running and jogging, these noise-canceling headphones will enable you to wirelessly connect to Bluetooth-enabled devices to listen to high-quality music.
7. Sony MDR100ABN
The Sony MDR100ABN/B delivers breathtaking sound via wireless Bluetooth technology. Lockout all the noise using digital buttons. The product also combines high-resolution sound compatibility with long-listening comfort and striking design to deliver real value for money. The easy, one-touch connectivity makes it ideal for athletes who want to listen to music while jogging without background sound distractions or annoying cables and wires but pure authentic sound to make people lose themselves in the music.
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If you are a fan of smart listening, this Sony model will deliver smart listening features that adapt to the surrounding areas by performing active sound canceling based on your immediate surroundings. Adaptive technology will change how you listen to your favorite music. You will never want to go back to your old headphones again!
Effectiveness
Whether you are at the airport or reading at the coffee shop, these noise-canceling headphones will actively listen to your immediate environment and deliver a custom-made listening experience based on the environment. The cost can be a bit high but the sound quality and powerful control features will compensate for that.
Comfort
If you are looking for a comfortable pair of noise-canceling headphones, these are certainly it. These headphones offer additional cushioning for optimal comfort and the band is sturdy but it doesn't hit you in the wrong places. Some users report that it fits them too loosely, but for the most part, there are no comfort issues reported when it comes to these headphones.
Durability
In terms of durability, these are some of the best. Yes, they are definitely on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for with these for sure. If you want something you can rely on for years to come then these are absolutely the headphones for you.
Sound Quality
Users have an opportunity to listen to music at its best. Stream your favorite music live via Bluetooth connectivity and enjoy listening all day long. It also allows you to focus on music and lock out all the noise so you can enjoy each and every note in perfect clarity.
8. Sony
The Sony WH1000XM2 allows users to listen to their favorite music playlist in peace. It features powerful adaptive sound control, enabling smart listening and delivering a personalized listening experience. Downloading the Sony I Headphones Connect app allows you total control over your ambient sound settings. The equalizer enables the user to adjust sound levels. Take trips stress-free by losing yourself in rich-bass music without background interference.
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This application places more control over the device on your hands so that you can determine your listening experience. The equalizer allows you to achieve customized or desired sound levels which makes it easy to get the perfect experience each and every time you use these noise-canceling headphones.
Effectiveness
The ability to auto-detect the listener’s immediate environment and provide the most appropriate listening experience makes the Sony WH1000XM2 a powerful choice. While the user might have to part with a few hundred dollars, this will be compensated by the rich sound.
Comfort
These noise-canceling headphones are some of the most comfortable on our list. They can be adjusted to your head size, although some users report they slip around a bit. Overall, we found very little against the overall comfort of the headphones.
Durability
These headphones are expensive and you can tell that the durability makes them worth every penny. If you are clumsy or leave your headphones lying around a lot then you will definitely want to add these to your maybe list.
Sound Quality
The Sony WH1000XM2 features adaptive sound control by auto-detecting your activity based on background noise to balance canceling levels accordingly. It will adapt to your surrounding area to deliver a superior listening experience, regardless of whether you are at the airport, in a quiet cafeteria, or on a crowded street.
9. Plantronics
Enjoy immersive audio with this on-demand headset. From natural mid-tones to crisp highs and rich bass, there is no limit to what you could get with Plantronics. A single charge could last you 24 hours and the strong, stable Bluetooth connectivity allows you to wirelessly stream audio from up to 330 feet away. With just a touch of a button, you could block the rest of the world from interfering with your enjoyment while jogging.
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These noise-canceling headphones are loaded with smart sensors to pause and play your music when you remove or put your headset back on. You don’t have to worry about the music playing continuously and draining your battery while indeed no one is listening.
Effectiveness
Loaded with smart sensors to pause your music when you remove them from your head and resume playback when worn over the head, this Plantronics product is the real deal. The cost is quite modest compared to other noise-canceling headphones that are on the market.
Comfort
These headphones seem to be a hit or miss when it comes to comfort since they run on the larger side. If you can try these on we suggest that you do just to make sure that they are a good fit for you.
Durability
While these noise-canceling headphones are certainly not the most durable on our list, they will definitely hold up to the test of time--so if you want a pair you can rely on for years to come, these are a good pair to consider--just make sure you take care of them.
Sound Quality
It is now possible to escape from the rest of the noisy world with Plantronics signature audio. Whether you enjoy crisp high notes or rich bass, you will find all in one place-right here with these state of the art noise-canceling headphones that are designed to help you enjoy each and every note.
10. Bowers & Wilkins
These noise-canceling headphones have a ton of great features, amazing sound, and cancel out just about any and all noise, but they do come at quite a high price. They know when you put them down and stop playing music automatically. If you lift one of the ear cups sound in that ear stops but keeps playing in the other. The sound quality is also excellent and the battery lasts a long time as well.
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These noise-canceling headphones are good for travelers and/or people working in noisy offices who want to cancel out the sound. They are a very expensive option but their quality and how well they do their job is second to none.
Effectiveness
They are very smart and adapt to the ambient sounds in your environment and even know when you've taken them off and put them down which signals them automatically to turn off the music.
Comfort
How these feel when you're wearing them was about the only complaint we could find. Several reviewers found them difficult to wear at first but found that they broke in over time. A couple of others wore them for a few weeks but didn't notice a difference and returned them.
Durability
Especially if you wear glasses these might not fit that well. Longevity and build quality are excellent, however.
Sound Quality
Excellent, some of the best out there. One reviewer who described themselves as a headphone collector said these were the favorite pair that he had ever owned.
11. Nuraphone
These noise-canceling headphones are another premium option with great sound and some amazing features. The company boasts that these learn and adapt to your listening preferences and users agreed that they did a good job of this. For the most part, they are comfortable although they're a bit heavy which could affect that over time. They also have a nice design that is sleek and classy without being gaudy and attention-grabbing.
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These are best used by travelers who want the best money can buy, and who like the unique feature which combines an in-ear earbud that produces the highs and melodies with a cupped driver the creates the bass.
Effectiveness
The company claims that they learn how the user likes to listen to music over time and reviews back this up.
Comfort
These are a bit heavy and may cause some discomfort at the top of the head when worn for an extended period of over 4 hours.
Durability
They are made with high-quality materials and level of fit and finish so they will stay with you for the long run.
Sound Quality
The unique two-way design creates an excellent listening experience. The battery lasts a long time as well. The big drawback is the high price tag, and a couple of users liked them but didn't feel they were worth as much as they paid.