Guide to Choosing the Best Noise Canceling Headphones

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 17, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Ultimate Guide to Choosing Best Noise Cancelling Headphones (2022)

There is nothing worse than hearing the constant roar of an airplane engine, the sounds of a snoring neighbor beside you, or the sounds of a crying child this list goes on, as there are so many unpleasant sounds in this noisy world. How to choose the right headphones to avoid all these?

At such moments you simply dream of teleporting away from extraneous noises to a silent place, where you can enjoy your favorite music. And while teleport machine is still in the plans, there is a great replacement noise cancelling headphones.

If you need something universal for traveling, working in a noisy environment or simply enjoying your favorite music in peace and quiet noise cancelling headphones are your go-to choice.

But how to choose the right headphones? Which ones are the best for you and your needs?

If you cant decide, dont worry. Weve got you covered with everything you need to know when buying noise cancelling headphones.

How Do Noise Cancelling Headphones Work?

Today many headphone models boast being noise cancelling, but some do it better than the others. And companies are often inconsistent while labeling their headphones as noise cancelling depending on the context.

Thats why its important to understand what is noise cancellationand how do noise cancelling headphones work before your purchase.

Explore how noise cancelling headphones work and provide solution in case of unwanted noise.

Types of Noise Cancellation

Generally, there are 3 types of noise cancelling headphones:

Headphones with passive noise cancellation
Headphones with active noise cancellation
Headphones withadaptive noise cancellation

Often times these terms are confused with each other. However, there are some significant differences concerning how they reduce noise and for what purpose they are used. And its essential to have some basic understanding of their distinctions to make the right choice.

Passive Noise Cancelling Headphones

This is the most common type of noise cancellation available in headphones. These devices are often also referred to as noise isolating. In this case, the physical features of headphones like shape, design and used materials act as a gate for noise, blocking it from reaching your ears. Those big bulky headphones youve seen are made exactly for noise isolating purposes. They fully cover your ears with the extra padding to drown out outside noises.

If youre choosing among headphones with passive noise cancelling, you just need a pair with good-fitting headphone cushions that form a strong seal around your ears. The better is the seal, the more noise they block out.

Passive noise cancelling headphones are the best for isolating irregular and high-frequency sounds. If you work in a busy open office and have colleagues who like to chatter about the last episode of their favorite TV show noise isolating headphones are a must-have for you.

These headphones are very effective in cancelling the ambient noise; the only problem is that theyre incredibly large. If you dont like having a bulky device on the top of your head, then have a look at noise isolating earbuds.

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) Headphones

These headphones also use their shape and design to mute external noise, but they go a step further and use advanced technology to actively cancel noise. These headphones have a small built-in audio processor, which detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and then cancels noise by generating a mirror anti-noise signal. In result, the ambient noise magically disappears, and you hear a significantly cleaner sound.

Active noise cancelling headphones are most useful for removing constant noise from lower ranges, like white noise and other low-frequency sounds. Its helpful in muting sounds like airplane engine noise, traffic, any constant humming, and even some human chatter. If you do a lot of traveling or commuting, then headphones with ANC will be a great choice for you to have some peace and quiet on the way.

However, ANC headphones require a battery to activate their noise cancelling feature. This affects both the weight of the device as well as its price. Most models of active noise cancelling headphones are heavier and more expensive than other headphones. When ANC function is turned off or in case the battery runs out, they continue to work as regular headphones.

Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones

This type of noise cancellation is a relatively new term in the headphones industry. Often the companies put the label adaptive, while in reality these headphones use regular active noise cancelling function.

So how is the adaptive noise cancellation different? Adaptive technology adjusts the strength of cancellation based on the level and type of the surrounding noise. Basically noise cancellation is high (stronger) when background noise is loud, and the opposite the amount of noise cancellation is small when background noise is low.

In some of the headphones you should activate the adaptive noise cancelling mode. Often you even can fine tune the settings and set your desired level of noise cancelling via companion apps. Other models come with an automatic adaptive technology, tailoring the strength of noise cancellation to the ambient noise level in real-time. However, be aware that the higher is the amount of noise cancellation the more aggressively it cleans the sound, negatively impacting its voice quality.

Why would you need an adaptive noise cancellation? Its very useful when you need to hear external sounds but still keep the general level of background noise low. For instance, while the flight attendant makes an announcement when the plane is about to land, or when your colleague appeals to you in a noisy office.

What Type of Noise Cancellation is Right for You?

There is no simple answer to this question. The type of noise cancellation that is right for you, in fact, depends on how youll be using the device and in what situations. The usage cases of noise cancelling headphones vary from listening to music or watching a movie, making a call or working in a noisy office, or simply wearing the headphones to block out ambient noise.

A better question would be to ask yourself: What do I need noise cancelling headphones for? The answer to this question will help you decide.

How to Pick the Right Headphones?

Here are some of the things you should pay attention to when buying noise cancelling headphones:

Tip 1: Decide the type of noise cancelling headphones you want

Do you want passive or active noise cancelling headphones? Or maybe the ones with an adaptive mode? Do you want full-sized headphones or earbuds? Wired or wireless? The choice mostly comes up to your own needs and comfort.

Tip 2:Decide how much are you ready to pay for noise cancellation feature

The noise cancelling label usually adds up to the price tag of the headphones. And the better the noise cancellation, the more it costs. After all, its a trade-off between the quality of audio and noise cancelling feature. If you want to have both great audio and great noise cancellation, then you should be ready to pay for it too.

Bonus Tip: Noise cancelling during calls

If you need good noise cancellation for your calls, but you dont want to spend hundreds of dollars on buying expensive headphones, then you can simply use the ones that you already have together with Krisp app,which will remove all background noise during your calls. It hit a record on Appsumo Deals as well.

[demo]

This way your regular headphones are updated with noise cancelling function, your conference calls get by without a single noise, and your pocket is full with the money saved.

More tips on how to make conference calls more successful.

Tip 3: Check battery life, accessories and other specifications

When choosing the model of headphones, pay attention to other features and characteristics of the pair. Like all devices, the headphones differ not only in design, but also in supplementary functionality. Some models come with additional accessories like headphone case, which may be very handy.See if your desired pair has replaceable batteries. Finally, check whether the seller gives you a warranty, and if headphones can be restored or replaced, just in case. Make sure to check all these details before your purchase.

Tip 4:Check if headphones keep your privacy

Have you ever sat near a person with headphones whose music sounded on the whole bus? You definitely dont want to be that person. So when buying new headphones, check whether they dont leak sound and can keep your privacy.

Leakage can happen due topoor built-in quality or loose fitting and be disturbing to people near you, especially if youre listening to something loud. So if you plan to use the headphones in crowded places, choose headphones made from durable materials that fit snugly on your ears.

Tip 5:Try on the headphones

Make sure to try on the headphones. For good sound isolation and noise cancellation, its necessary that the headphones tightly cover your ears. Although most headphones are adjustable and flexible, still its always better to try them on before buying. Some brands offer woman and man fits as well.

This way you dont have to guess whether the headphones will suit you or not, and after that find out that they put pressure on your ears or, on the contrary, fall down. Take your time, walk a bit in the store and get the feel of the headphones. Do you like it?

Now you know everything on how to choose the right headphones that suit you and your needs.

What are your tips for buying headphones? Share in the comments

The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2024

In a category like noise-cancelling headphones, it's ironically not as simple as the noise the headphones help you blot out.

I ran a handful of the market's top current contenders through my everyday paces, and here are my picks.

Lifewire / Jason Schneider

TL;DR: Bose is yet again king in the noise canceling department, and now the QuietComfort Ultras bring style and polish to the modern landscape.

If you're interested in noise cancellation for your headphones, first and foremost, Bose is likely already on your radarand the brand has taken its prowess to the next level with the QuietComfort Ultra headphones.

Designed to look quite similar to its breakout noise canceling success, the QC45s, the QC Ultras kick it up a notch with shockingly pristine noise isolation and adaptive, active cancellation. You get a silent soundstage, perfect for Bose's well-rounded approach to sound.

Lifewire / Jason Schneider

To my ears, the sound quality is a little heavy on the lower mids, but it makes up for it with richness and definition at the top end.

But the bass isn't heavy-handed, and I found it particularly effective when listening to my go-to folk and roots music playlists. It provided enough body for a driving groove and enough detail for soft, acoustic instruments.

I also like that the Bose app offers customization, where you can focus on the higher-end definition, boost the bass, and more. Considering that the modern Bluetooth version at play here comes with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive compatibility, it's pretty clear that sound quality is a crucial focus for the QC Ultras.

Bose QC Ultra with its case and cables.

Lifewire / Jason Schneider

But Bose is also known for a whole suite of other bells and whistles, and I find these to be the real kicker for me when sliding the QC Ultra headphones to the top of the list. Bose is always known for premium design and build quality.

Still, something about the Ultras feels truly premiumfrom the no-click, sliding headband adjustment to the mega-plush earcups and delicate clamping force, all the way to the eye-catching two-tone design.

Lifewire / Jason Schneider

The battery life is proper in the middle of the road, affording up to about 24 hours of use on a single charge.

The padding itself feels just a bit stuffy during long listening sessions, but the look, feel, sound, and precious silence offered by these headphones make them a no-brainer for the ANC-focused buyer.

Who else recommends it? The Sound Guys, Wired, and What Hi-Fi all give the Bose QC Ultra high marks for its premium quality and noise-cancelling prowess.
What do buyers think? Nearly 1200 Amazon customers have praised the Bose QC Ultra headphones' comfort, style, and sound quality (including noise cancellation).

Lifewire / Jason Schneider

TL;DR:Beats by Dre is back on the top with their full-featured, decidedly "flagship" Studio Pro headphoneswith solid noise cancellation.

Cons

Clamping force is a bit strong
Sound quality could be more defined
Softshell case isnt as protective as harder counterparts

Beats by Dre has earned its place in the history of over-ear headphones, popularizing their original Studio headphones' design and punchy performance. While there were several years in there where Beats hadn't released a true competitor to the top dogs in the ANC space, the Studio Pros are an impressive return to form.

Though not the absolute pinnacle, the noise cancellation on deck provided a nice, pleasant soundstage. While many high-end AND headphones can deliver an uncomfortable, pressurized feel to their ANC, the Studio Pros felt naturaleven if they let a bit more transient background noise, such as low talking or car horns, pass through.

Lifewire / Jason Schneider

I was also surprised to hear the stock sound quality onboard was decidedly even, bucking the trend that Beats headphones = bass. I found the richness and detail pleasing and natural for everything from Top 40 to indie folk and even podcasts and audiobooks.

What takes that sound up a notch is that the Studio Pros' USB-C port doubles as both the charging input and a USB-based DAC for lossless audio on compatible computers and smart devices. Beats has even baked in three EQ adjustments on the USB-C DAC mode that let you mold the sound for bass, even response, and spoken word.

While the Beats don't feature the official Apple chip for AirPods-level connectivity, they sport certifications for both Apple and Google Fast Pair.

Lifewire / Jason Schneider

The Studio Pro's look and feelare familiar, harkening back to that OG design language known and loved by early Beats fans. While I got my hands on a pair of black colorways, the deep brown and navy blue options seem particularly striking.

What I liked about the form factor is that the Studio Pros fold up to about the smallest I've seen in a modern headphone and come with an ultra-portable neoprene pouch; not as protective as a hardshell case, but undeniably more portable.

In shortwhile the Studio Pros are a touch muddier, a touch less capable on the ANC front, and have a clamping force that's slightly less pleasant than competitorsfor its full array of wired and wireless connectivity and its excellent portability, I think many listeners will be pleased.

Who else recommends it? YouTubers like MKBHD and LTT's Mac Address love the Beats Studio Pros, and other publications like Engadget and CNET also recommend them.
What do buyers think?Nearly 6,000 Amazon customers have awarded the Studio Pros an impressive 4.5+ stars for their design and build quality.

How I Test Headphones

Many headphone reviewers take a supremely techy approach to reviewing their products, opting for binaural microphone setups and painstakingly testing frequency response and nuances in a lab (RTINGs is excellent at this). I take more of an everyday approach when reviewing headphones, ensuring they fit into my life, sound good, feel good, and meet my expectations.

Those expectations come from more than three decades of formal musical training, almost half that in live studio production and countless headphone reviews on Lifewire. All of that converges into a blend that has me evaluating headphones atwhat I think isthe ideal cross-section of features and performance for the average consumer.Jason Schneider

Noise-canceling headphones must achieve their principal feature well, but they are expected to do much more.

When I put these headphones through their paces, I brought them to outdoor walks on busy streets, onto loud, rumbly commuter trans for noise bed management, and even to an office to drown out background talking. When assessing noise cancellation, I look for:

Adaptive noise cancelling and premium sound quality
Comfort and feel
Connectivity and reliability

Active noise cancellation is a huge part of the equation, but it's also about what those headphones do with that clean, quiet soundstage.

There's also no shortage of extra features you should consider with this categorypremium build, high-end Bluetooth connectivity, companion apps that expand functionality, unique stylistic choices, and so much more.

What to Look For in Noise-Canceling Headphones

If youre in the market for a pair of noise-canceling headphones, chances are youre looking for more than just removing noise. Sure, that is a crucial consideration, but youre also looking for headphones that sound great, match your visual style so you can wear them around in your everyday life, come with portability in mind, and connect seamlessly and efficiently to your device. Thats a lot to ask of a pair of headphones, so heres how three key categories break down so you can find a balance.

Noise Cancellation and the Sound Quality That Goes With It

The active noise cancellation tech will be paramount hereits in the category name! Different headphone manufacturers take different approaches. Sonys WH line, for instance, goes for a brute-force remove everything mentality.

This can be good for some, but Bose and Apple have an adaptive approach that helps to muffle transient sounds like talking and sharp bursts from your environment.

These brands are also great at adapting the behavior of their noise-canceling to match different types of environments.

But its not just the ANC that matters; what the headphones do with that ANC matters. Bose brings tons of richness and lifelike balance to the soundstage of its QuietComfort Ultra headphones, while Apple has doubled down on its immersive sound approach in the pricey AirPods Max.

Three pairs of noise-canceling headphones we tested.

Lifewire / Jason Schneider

Comfort and Wearability

A pair of headphones is only as good as the length of time you can wear them. Bose, Sony, and even the newly rebooted Beats Studio Pro all take the favored approach of bringing a light, primarily plastic build that wont weigh you down, plus leather-esque ear cups that feel premium and cushy.

Beats Studio Pro.

Lifewire / Jason Schneider

Apples AirPods Max goes for a more maximal, all-metal build thats admittedly heavy but works great for some people. How the headphones look is an important consideration but is admittedly subjective, so I lean more toward how they feel on your head.

After all, if you cant wear them for long commutes or plane rides, then they arent going to get the mileage youd expect at their premium price tag.

Reliability and Connectivity

Most headphones in this category leverage Bluetooth connectivity to deliver their audio, and as such, they need to have a solid approach to codecs and transmission. Bose can sometimes deliver hiccups in this category, though they are easily overcome.

The Beats Studio Pros, on the other hand, feature enhanced quick-pairing functions for Apple and Android devices, as well as a built-in USB-C audio driver that provides high-res performance when used with supported devices.

In general, its good to look at the Bluetooth version in use (the latest is Bluetooth 5.3), whether theres a platform-specific chipset involved (like with Apples AirPods Max), and how easy the headphones are to connect and disconnect.

Noise-Canceling Headphones We Tested