Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones: The Ugly Facts About Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

These headphones fold up and can be easily put in a travel bag. They attenuate ambient noise well and offer voice calling and support for Apple Siri or Google Assistant. They also have LDAC and DSEE Extreme support for hi-res audio.

They do a great job of reducing high-frequency, continuous noise (restaurant chatter, traffic) but don't eliminate all background sounds which is crucial to ensure that hearing is safe.

Comfort

One of the most important elements of a good pair of headphones is how comfortable they are to wear. Over-ear headphones are generally more comfortable than in ear headphones since their cups fit around the ears instead of resting on them. Many models have comfortable, well-fitting earcups that are made from soft materials. These earcups aren't sweaty or hot after long listening sessions. Some of the top models even have a cushioned headband for extra comfort.

Some over-ear headsets also have a noise-canceling microphone that lets you make calls using hands-free technology. This is a fantastic feature for busy people who need to make a lot of phone calls during the day. These headsets are also able to block out ambient sound, making them ideal for business travelers. Some headsets have an option that can be used to reduce the sound of your phone when on a call.

Over-ear headphones typically offer a better sound quality than in-ear models. The earcups cover a greater area of the eardrum and produce more acoustic quality. Some of the best headphones on this list produce the full range of audio frequencies. They also provide impressive bass, which makes your music have a deep, rich feel.

In addition to providing superior sound quality, headphones that are over-ear are more durable than in-ear headphones and are generally lighter. This is a great advantage for those who have to wear headphones on long flights and commutes.

Most ANC headphones have an rechargeable battery that can be used when listening to charge your device. These headsets can provide you with 20 hours of uninterrupted listening time and enough to last for the majority of trips. It is crucial to keep in mind that the volume you choose can have a significant impact on your battery life.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 has been among our most stylish over-ear headphone tests. They combine subtlety and flair in a unique manner that features die-cast aluminum arms with diamond-cut bright metal detailing and comfortable Nappa leather headbands. They also come with a great EQ that can be tuned to your individual preferences in listening and are equipped with a built-in voice assistant that lets you control your headphones using your favorite digital assistant.

Noise-canceling

The best noise cancelling headphones create an sonic cushion that is comfortable between your ears and the outside world. A great pair of headphones can help you concentrate in a noisy office and block out distracting noises when you exercise, unwind on a train or plane ride, or tune out the sounds of your noisy home. The most recent models are designed to deliver top-quality audio and superb noise cancellation that enhances the audio experience.

The experts at Good Housekeeping's lab employ a variety of tests and metrics to evaluate the quality of sound and comfort capabilities as well as the noise cancellation capabilities of earbuds and headphones. We test the way they fit your head and ear, how light they are, and how sensitive to external noise. We also test the length of time you can wear them for without feeling uncomfortable, and also consider their promised battery life.

Depending on what you value, you can choose between active or passive noise cancelling headphone models. Passive models depend on the design of your headphone ear cups or buds to seal out any sound from the outside and active models depend on technology that electronically or digitally reduces ambient sound by creating opposite sound waves that cancel out the unwanted noise. This technology is often present in over-ear headphones but it can also be found in earbuds with true wireless technology.

Certain manufacturers provide the amount of ambient sound they can block out in decibels. While this metric is useful to compare however it's not the most important aspect to consider when looking for a new pair of headphones. Read our guide on how to choose the perfect headphones for your budget and needs.

We've reviewed several over-ear and in-ear headphones from some of the most trusted brands. They include Bose, Sony, Bowers & Wilkins and many more. Each one has distinctive characteristics that could make them more or less effective than others, but our top choice is Sony's WH-1000XM5. This pair provides a blend of sound quality, comfort and superb noise cancellation.

Battery life

Some buyers might be worried about the battery life of headphones that block out noise. The electronics and battery needed to power active noise control can add weight and bulk to the headphones. The headphones also need to be charged periodically and this can limit the time you can use them. There are several ways to prolong the battery's life. For  noise cancelling headphones with mic , some brands offer fast-charging technology that can allow you to get up to 18 hours of music playback before needing a recharge. You can also choose headphones that are earbuds instead of over-ear. They have a longer battery life, but do not hinder ambient sound as much.

The Sony WH-1000XM5s is the newest pair of flagship over-ear headphones by a brand that's been producing top-quality headphone for many years. This model's fifth generation comes with some notable enhancements, including class leading ANC and a stunningly smooth audio quality. In addition, it boasts a range of useful features, including Speak-to -Chat mode, Quick Attention mode, and wear detection.

Another option for those looking to get the best value out of their headphones is the Edifier WH950NB. These premium headphones are a stylish and comfortable option that come in a chic case. They also feature the USB-C port, which allows you to listen while charging, which means you will never run out of battery. They feature a superb frequency response, as well as the sound quality is clean. This works well with many genres of music.

A pair of headphones over-ear that provide the best mix of comfort, ANC performance, and audio quality is the Bose NC 700. These premium headphones come with elegant design, comfortable touch controls and support for virtual assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant. The premium cans have a 24 hour ANC playtime on one charge. If you choose to use the fast-charge feature that gives you three additional hours of music with just 15 minutes of charging.

The HiFiMan Sundara headphones have a good overall sound quality with clear mids and a deep bass. The headphones don't have the most booming highs, and their lower-frequency response may be a little off when compared to our target curve. These headphones are perfect for those who prefer to listen to their favorite music at their own pace, whether they're on the bus or at work.

Sound quality

The best noise cancelling headphones improve your music listening experience by providing a sound buffer between you and your surroundings -- even on a noisy commute or while at work. We want a wide clear, clear soundscape that has clear highs and a dazzling bass depth. We also like headphones that allow you to alter the bass's balance and treble according to your personal preferences.

Passive noise cancellation works by using earcups that are cushioned to protect your ears and block out sounds from reaching the eardrums. Active noise cancelling headphones, which are more contemporary to technology, utilize built-in microphones to monitor your environment and then emit an inverse audio signal that cancels out the exterior noise. ANC is more efficient than passive noise cancellation, which blocks out sounds at a range or frequencies. It is more effective with continuous, monotonous sounds instead of brief bursts or high-frequency sounds (like engine noise or voices).

The headphones cannot completely block out ambient noise however, our top picks are great at reducing low-frequency noises while still allowing you to enjoy your music. They also block out a large amount of higher-frequency sounds like the rumble of airplane engines or the sound of people chatting in the terminal. However, they allow through some lower mid-range noises like wind and traffic.

The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones performed well in our tests. Vocals and instruments were clearly separated, and the bass was a hefty and full without obscuring the other audio elements. The headphones are comfortable to wear and the Bose Headphones App for iOS or Android allows users to fine-tune the EQ. The Sony WH1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones, 5th generation, are a more recent model with a premium design and a stunning audio quality. They are extremely comfortable to wear and feature many useful features, including Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention mode and DSEE Extreme Upscaling. However, they do not have water resistance or can be folded flat for transportation.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly alternative, the Sony WH-CH720N over-ears offer a similar audio quality and superb noise cancellation for less than half the cost of the XM5s. They do not have ambient-sound control nor DSEE Extreme scaling, but they have a long battery life and a EQ that can be adjusted. They block out most low-frequency sounds, and allow a decent amount of sound to be heard. However, they cannot compete with Bose headphones when it comes to cutting out high-frequency sounds, such as voices or sibilant tones.