Best Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
Noise cancelling headphones are an excellent way to maintain focus regardless of whether you're on a noisy train or in a workplace filled with chatty colleagues. best over the ear headphones noise cancelling looked at comfort, sound quality, and the ability to block high-frequency continuous sounds like restaurant chatter, or incidental noises of short duration such as ringing phone or clacking keys.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony's WH1000XM5 headphones are a top choice when it comes to premium ANC. The WH-1000XM5 came out in 2016 and is a great option for anyone who wants to listen to their preferred music or podcasts without distractions. This latest iteration of the line marks the first major overhaul since its initial release and offers many exciting new features. The headphones are also environmentally friendly, and do not come with plastic packaging. They offer excellent noise cancellation and clear audio.
When enabled, the WH-1000XM5's noise cancelling capabilities are unbeatable. Strapping a pair to your head creates a veritable cone of silence that will block out engine sounds in trains and subways, the whir of HVAC systems, and even neighbouring conversations. These headphones are also among the best ANCs for blocking out low-frequency drones, bass hums, and other sounds.
Ambient Sound Control is another great feature. It adjusts the acoustic balance of the headphones depending on the surrounding. If you're at home listening to your favourite music the WH1000XM5 can switch to a more immersive experience. If you're walking along the street, they'll switch to a more focused profile to make you more aware of the surrounding.
The ear cups of the WH-1000XM5 feature touchscreen-sensitive gesture controls on the right side that can be used to play, pause and switch tracks. You can also make use of a voice assistant to search for content, alter volume, and make hands-free calls. The headphones provide a full stereo image and a consistent frequency response. They also feature a group delay that is extremely precise and helps to maintain an even soundstage.
Another plus is the possibility of connecting the WH-1000XM5s to two devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful if you want to listen to music on your laptop and make phone calls using your phone. They come with a built-in mic and a USB-C charging port. The headphones include an audio cable that can be used for direct analog playback. Battery life is solid at approximately 30 hours, which can be enough to last one week of commute or a long-haul flight.
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 it is less expensive than the WH-1000XM4 from Sony and its 700 counterpart by approximately PS320, $329 or 439 AUD. In terms of functionality it comes with top-of-the-line active noise cancellation and features such as voice assistant support and automatic pausing when you remove the headphones. The design is also more comfortable than previous versions. But there are a few things you should know. Some users may find it difficult to adjust to the buttons that are touch-sensitive on the backs of the ear cups, which require pressure in order to activate. You can adjust ANC and toggle an "aware" mode that allows ambient sound but you can't completely shut off the sound.
The headsets offer top-quality performance and are a great purchase for anyone who is looking for a high-end pair of headphones to wear on a plane, train or when working from home. They feature an extremely long-lasting battery, superb noise cancellation, and clear sound. They also have multipoint Bluetooth, which means they can be paired with two devices simultaneously and jump between them with just a touch. They also have an app that isn't quite as flexible as some of their competitors but it still has numerous useful features.
The QC45s come with a highly effective active noise cancellation mode. In my testing it could be somewhat loud at times. However the passive EQ modes are better balanced and offer greater control over your music's sound characteristic. If you are listening to music with lots of cymbal sparkle you may find your headphones grating slightly, but this is easily fixed by reducing 3-20kHz in the EQ of your music player.
Although some may be disappointed at the absence of some features, such as adjustable ANC/transparency or an EQ, and a small decrease in the quality of calls Overall, the QC45s are an excellent choice for those looking for top-quality ANC at an affordable price. They are also comfortable to wear for hours and have fast charging with USB-C ports.
Shure Aonic 50
Shure's Aonic 50 are a premium pair of headphones that place an emphasis on sound quality. Their drivers use a huge 50mm dynamic driver and they're equipped with high-resolution codecs that deliver the best possible audio playback through Bluetooth. The headphones have a balanced sound, with rich detail throughout the frequency range. They also have a natural feel of space and positioning.
The headphones are heavier than other models at 334g, but they're still comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. The headband rests on top of your head without applying too much pressure. Additionally, the earcups are padded to make them very comfortable. They're also quite portable - they fold flat and can be put away in their carrying case that comes with them, which is an added bonus.
The earcups on the right side are the standard controls, including playback, volume and power/pairing. A slider near the top allows you to switch between noise-cancelling, a neutral mode and what Shure calls "Environment Mode". Environment mode allows more noise from outside to pass through and can be helpful for those who need to be aware of your surroundings. The controls are great however there is some time between pressing the buttons and what happens (i.e. If you press the play button while on a call, you'll likely end up blasting your ears with music, instead of calling up your mom). They don't have any built-in microphones for voice command support, but they do feature an audio response from Google Assistant and their mics are excellent at removing background noise from conversations.
The battery should last up to 20 hours for the majority of people. The USB cable is included to charge your phone. It's not as user-friendly as Bluetooth however, you get to listen to your music while you charge. They also work with audio devices that have 2.5mm ports, so you can take them on the road.
Monoprice BT600ANC
The Monoprice B-600ANC Bluetooth over ear noise cancelling headphones have all the features you want in a pair of wireless headphones for just a fraction of the cost. The headphones feature high-quality Qualcomm HD Audio and Active Noise Cancelling. They are also portable with a foldable design and are easy to store inside bags or backpacks. They are a great choice for students or commuters and have a long battery life that allows you to listen for the entire the day. The headphones also have easy-to-use touch controls that allow users to swipe or tap in order to change the volume and skip tracks.
The BT-600ANC headphones sport a minimalistic design that is reminiscent of the Monoprice M1000ANC headphone that we reviewed last year. The headsets are a matte gray, barely branded, and do not really stand out in the crowd. However, they have a soft and comfortable fit that will appeal for most ears. Their compact size and carrying case make them perfect for travel.
They are lightweight and offer excellent passive isolation with the ear cups encased in leatherette. The headband provides a lot of adjustability, and it is soft without feeling too bulky or slouchy. The headbands are large enough to accommodate glasses wearers. They are comfortable for the majority of people.
Monoprice's ANC is effective and doesn't sound tinny like other brands. They offer a slight boost around 100-200Hz to provide a fuller sound for bass notes. This can be heard in the opening of Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo with a clear and clear response. However they have a significant drop-off in the upper frequencies above 10kHz so cymbal and shaker sound won't be as crisp and clear as other headsets.
There are three ANC modes to choose from high, medium and low. high. The low mode is good for reducing ambient noise, but won't block out traffic or loud conversations. The medium setting is appropriate for most environments, while the high setting will keep you away from all noise, except for your music. The touch-sensitive controls on the earcups can be a bit difficult to operate at first. Swiping up or down on the pad regulates the volume, and tapping or shifting left or right alters the track. Double-taps can be used to stop the music or answer to a phone call. It takes time to get used to the system however once you get used to it, you will find it very useful.