Noise-Cancelling Headphones – The Top 8
The number of people working from home is increasing more than ever because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It comes with many benefits such as choosing whatever outfit you want and taking little breaks for snacks. But it also comes with many challenges as well and one of the biggest ones is to keep yourself from the hubbub that your family members create.
The best way to achieve it is to use a nice pair of noise-cancelling headphones because they allow you to concentrate on your work in the best possible way. In this article, we have compiled the best available noise-cancelling headphones to make your world more peaceful. So, without any further ado, let’s jump into it.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4: Best Overall
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are undoubtedly the best quality noise-cancelling ones available in the market. They come with a comfortable and lightweight design with cutting-edge features such as multipoint pairing, auto play/pause functionality, conversational awareness, and DSEE Extreme upscaling. Moreover, they’re also equipped with LDAC codec for 990 kbps bitrate transfer, and 360 Reality Audio format by Sony for the best quality spatial audio experience.
Features
- Closed acoustic design
- 4HZ to 40kHz frequency response
- Weigh 253 grams
- 30 hours of battery life
Pros
- Offer multipoint pairing
- Equipped with DSEE Extreme upscaling
- Improved noise-cancellation
Cons
- No water resistance
2. Apple AirPods Max: Best for the Members of Apple Ecosystem
Apple AirPods Max headphones are undoubtedly one of the best ones available in the market. They offer an unbelievable audio quality experience with the leading ANC technology. Moreover, they’re specially developed for the members of the overall Apple ecosystem because of their seamless compatibility. If you’re an android user then they will be no more than just premium quality headphones. That’s because you won’t be able to enjoy the features unique to the Apple ecosystem.
Features
- Closed acoustic design
- Weigh 350 grams
- 20 hours of battery life
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- Unbelievable audio quality
- Brilliant iOS features
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Ineffective carrying case
- Limited features for Android users
3. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700: Best for Making Calls
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is yet another brilliant option and it’s known to be the best product of its category by Bose so far. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that efficiently blocks environmental sounds, then this product can be your best option. It allows you to use the noise-cancelling feature while listening to music as well as while making calls. It’s not a very common feature and it stands out Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.
Features
- Closed acoustic design
- Weigh 254 grams
- Support Alexa voice control
- 30 feet Bluetooth range
- 20 hours of battery life
Pros
- Offer lively and rich sound
- Outstanding noise-cancellation
- Sleek and elegant design
Cons
- A little expensive
- Battery life could be better
4. Sony WH-1000XM3: For Music Lovers
Sony WH-1000XM3 is the predecessor of Sony WH-1000XM4 and it ruled the realm of noise-cancelling headphones for many years. Although the newer version offers many extra features, Sony WH-1000XM3 still remains a great option. These headphones come with Sony LDAC and aptX HD that allow you to enjoy music using your smartphone without using a wire. Moreover, they also offer Alexa and Google Assistant support.
Features
- Weight 254 grams
- Closed acoustic design
- 4HZ to 40kHz frequency response
- 30 hours of battery life
Pros
- Excellent noise-cancelation
- Gigantic battery
- Great sound quality
Cons
- The newer version is available
5. Shure AONIC 50: Best for audiophiles
Shure AONIC 50 headphones are for those people who like a more pronounced design because of their sporty look. Although you won’t find a plethora of features with this pair of headphones, they offer great quality sound. It makes Shure AONIC 50 one of the best options for audiophiles.
Features
- Weigh 334 grams
- 20 hours of battery life
- Extremely high-quality sound
- Closed acoustic design
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Convincing sound
- Great ANC (Active Noise-Cancelation)
Pros
- No touch controls
6. Jabra Elite 85H: For people on Budget
Jabra is one of the most popular audio equipment brands and offers many impressive products. But the best one so far is Jabra Elite 85H which comes with plenty of personalisation options and terrific style. These ANC headphones offer premium quality of both sound and build. If you’re on a budget and looking for a great alternative to the best Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones then Jabra Elite 85H can be a great option.
Features
- Weigh 294 grams
- Closed acoustic design
- Solid build that can last long
- 10HZ to 20kHz frequency response
- Battery life 36 hours
Pros
- Leading battery life
- Great looking headphones
- Amazing ANC performance
Cons
- Doesn’t support multiple high-end codecs
- Less-punchier bass
7. Bose QuietComfort 35 II: Best for Commuters and Travellers
Bose QuietComfort 35 II is pretty much similar to its earlier version known as Bose QuietComfort 35. The only difference is that the new version supports Google Assistant. You receive the best noise-cancelling experience that Bose offers with incredible comfort and great sound quality. With these headphones, you will find a great balance between different features to satisfy your listening needs.
Features
- Closed acoustic design
- Weigh 308 grams
- 20 hours of battery life
- Support google assistant
Pros
- Clear and broad sound stage
- Great ANC experience
- Excellent quality
Cons
- Outlook isn’t exciting
8. Bowers and Wilkins PX7 Wireless: Best for Stylish People
If you’re looking for a pair of great quality headphones that offer excellent ANC with stylish looks then consider Bowers and Wilkins PX7 Wireless. They offer brilliant sound quality, sophisticated and advanced features such as aptX Adaptive and high-quality 24-bit streaming. These features allow Bowers and Wilkins PX7 Wireless to deliver improved stability along with premium aesthetics.
Features
- Closed acoustic design
- Weigh 310 grams
- 10HZ to 30kHz frequency response
- 30 hours of battery life
Pros
- Great aesthetics
- Extremely great sound quality
- Robust Bluetooth connection
- Competitive battery life
Cons
- Very expensive
- Doesn’t support collapsible earcups
Final Words
We believe that noise-cancellation has become one of the most important features of all top-of-the-line headphones. Make sure that you buy the one that suits your needs by design, price, features, and battery life. We hope this article will help you to find the best noise-cancelling headphones you’re looking for.
References:
- https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-noise-cancelling-headphones
- https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-noise-cancelling-headphones/
- https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/headphones/best-noise-cancelling-headphones
- https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-noise-canceling-headphones/
- https://www.techradar.com/news/audio/portable-audio/best-noise-cancelling-headphones-1280490
Written by The Original PC Doctor on 11/09/2021.