The best top 5 noise cancelling headphones in 2020
The Bose 700
These are the best noise cancelling headphones for you.
The best noise cancelling headphones are the ones that grant the gift of peace and quiet. In a world of noisy planes, screaming children, and loud talkers, they silence your surroundings and allow you to enjoy music the way it was meant to be heard – loud, clear, and most importantly, uninterrupted.
Though the benefits shouldn’t just stop there. Noise cancelling headphones are a serious investment, so you want to get your money’s worth and snag a pair that promises great sound, lengthy battery life, and reliable comfort. Any extra accessories or special features (e.g. ambient listening, adaptive EQ,) only add to their value.
There is plenty of variety in the category, from plush ANC cans to wireless earbuds. To help you choose wisely, we’ve reviewed dozens of noise-cancelling headphones in various styles, including budget and premium models, to choose the right fit for you.
What are the best noise cancelling headphones?
The Bose 700
The Bose 700 Noise Cancelling Headphones is the best noise cancelling headphones overall, as it offers superb ANC performance both when listening to music and making calls. It has an ultramodern design with sleek aesthetics, along with responsive physical and touch controls. Sound quality is also noticeably better than the company’s previous flagship mode, the QuietComfort 35 II, another great category option that shouldn’t be overlooked and is currently available at a lower price point.
Sony WH-1000xM3
Coming in a close second is the Sony WH-1000xM3, which rivals the Bose 700 in battery life, sound quality, and special features. Sony’s new QN1 processor is the horsepower behind the headphones’ phenomenal audio processing and noise cancellation. Those looking for something identical in a smaller package should look at Sony’s WH-1000xM3 wireless earbuds; they offer best-in-class noise cancellation and remarkable sound.
Apple’s AirPods Pro
Apple’s AirPods Pro is currently the best noise cancelling wireless earbuds. It delivers surprisingly good ANC and has a Transparency mode to let in ambient sound (when you want it). Apple’s pearly danglers are also water-resistant and sweat-resistant, making the AirPods Pro an ideal workout partner.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
QuietComfort 35 II was considered the gold standard in noise cancelling headphones. But just because the QC35 II has been overthrown by a sleeker, more advanced version doesn’t make mean it can’t still silence sound better than 90% of its competition. And with its recent price drop, you can snatch up this critical darling for $50 less.
Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC
the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC is a clear-cut winner against similarly-priced headphones in the category. While the NoiseGuard technology isn’t as dynamic as what you’ll find in Bose or Sony’s noise cancelling headphones, the HD 4.50 ensures a quiet commute on the road and doesn’t affect the sound profile.
Despite being an older model, the 4.50 BTNC has some advanced features that keeps it relatively new such as NFC and a side-tone button that lets you hear your voice in the headphone as you talk. It’s definitely worth the listen at under $100.
How to choose the best noise cancelling headphones that suits you ?
The first item to check off the list when shopping for the best noise cancelling headphones is active noise cancellation, which shouldn’t be confused with passive noise cancellation. What are the differences?
ANC uses advanced circuitry and microphones to pick up noise signals and create inverse waves that cancel out these sonic disruptions, whereas PNC physically isolates high-pitched sounds through the headphone design and materials. Most headphones advertised with noise cancellation are categorized under ANC.
Next up is battery life. Noise cancelling headphones have a reputation for sucking up lots of power, so you’ll want a pair that holds a charge long enough to get you through a long business flight or weekly commutes. ANC wireless headphones offer anywhere between 15 to 40 hours, while noise cancelling wireless earbuds are rated for 4.5 to 8 hours.
ANC technology can compress sound and reduce dynamics, which may affect audio performance when turned on. In some cases, you’ll notice a background hiss when listening to music. However, there are noise cancelling headphones out there that limit these disruptions to deliver full, crisp sound.
Design is just as important when selecting the best noise cancelling headphones. Over-ear headphones tend to give the best noise cancellation, though some of the more recent Bluetooth on-ear and in-ear models are proving to be just as effective.
