The best active noise-cancelling headphones take listening to music to the next level by eliminating outside noise, allowing you to immerse yourself in the song you're playing. Whether used at home or on the go, they are a must for any self-respecting music lover.
Many reputable brands now manufacture different models of headphones with active noise reduction, making it challenging for buyers to decide on a particular pair.
So, we've prepared an article about the three best noise-cancelling headphones. We decided to present three headphones rather than just one since all three products offer spectacular performance but have a distinct look and different functions.
Choose the one that best suits you based on your personal preferences.
How noise cancelling headphones work
First things first, if you've never tried headphones with active noise cancellation, you can rest assured that they provide unparalleled sound isolation because they can literally eliminate all ambient noise.
These headphones have built-in microphones to analyze ambient noise and create "noise-cancelling" frequencies that are mixed with your music. This effectively cancels out sounds coming from your environment.
They differ from traditional over-ear headphones, which have physical barriers, such as ear pads that block ambient sound, and rely on passive noise cancellation.
BoseSoundSport Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Bose's new SoundSport Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 were eagerly anticipated by audio aficionados and fans of the American brand for good reason. After the little marvel that QuietComfort 35 II headphones still are today, Bose had no choice but to deliver to maintain its place among the top manufacturers of noise-canceling headphones.
Bose has equipped the 700 with an all-new noise reduction system that enhances the experience by, among other things, digitally processing the incoming signals and converting them into audio, all using the Bose NC chip.
The headphones are equipped with six microphones dedicated to the noise cancellation system to be even more sensitive to external sounds than its predecessor. It also has two additional microphones for voice pickup.
Another new feature is that you can choose from ten levels of noise cancellation. You can go from ultimate isolation to total transparency. Choose zero level and the system won't cancel the noise, it acts as a slight veil of sound that lets you hear your surroundings. However, go to level ten and discover the extreme sound blocking capabilities of these headphones.
In our opinion, this sound cancellation system alone makes the SoundSport Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 qualify as the best noise-cancelling headphones.
But that's not all! For the ultimate hands-free experience, the headphones provide voice control and are compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa. That said, its touch-sensitive controls are still very pleasant to use. Plus, they deliver clear and direct sound in the true Bose tradition.
In short, the SoundSport Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 honors the QC 35! And chances are that Bose will remain a household name in noise cancelling headphones for many years to come.
Features
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Battery life: 20 hours
- Charging mode: USB-C
- Built-in microphone and controls: Yes
Advantages
- Advanced noise cancellation technology
- Comfortable and elegant
- Pure and direct sound
- Intuitive touch controls
Sony WH-1000XM4
Like the Bose SoundSport Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is a worthy heir to another famous pair of high-end headphones: the 1000XM3. But while they look very much like their predecessors, the WH-1000XM4 headphones are a product packed with even more possibilities.
Now it can connect to any Bluetooth source while staying connected to your smartphone. It also features Google Assistant & Alexa voice commands, while its touch controls allow you to turn on the headset and manage listening and active noise reduction. It also features Quick Attention, which can automatically reduce the volume of your music to keep up with a conversation without removing the headset from your head.
The sound quality of the headphones is fantastic, with a signature sound that strongly emphasizes the bass. Some may not like it, but Sony has thought of everything! You can reduce the emphasis on bass by switching to "clear bass" mode.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphone battery is one of its strong points. You can use them continuously for 30 hours, even with the noise reduction function activated. The battery can also be recharged faster than most models because of its compatibility with fast charging.
The WH-1000XM4 is a successful update of the popular 1000XM3. It fully deserves its spot in the running for the title of best active noise-cancelling headphones.
Features
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Battery life: 30 hours
- Charging mode: USB-C
- Built-in microphone and controls: Yes
Advantages
- Dynamic, detail-rich sound
- Long-lasting battery
Sennheiser Momentum Wireless
If you're not a fan of Sony or Bose brands, you'll be happy to know that Sennheiser also offers a premium headphone with active noise reduction: the Momentum Wireless.
True to the reputation of Sennheiser products, these headphones offer precise audio reproduction that makes listening dynamic. The headphones are slightly "bassy", but the other frequencies are still present. Even if you listen to your music at high volume, no saturation will disturb your ear.
Its multipoint Bluetooth is really handy if you use it with multiple devices, and its wired input allows you to use it even when the battery is dead. In fact, it can offer up to 17 hours of listening time with the noise cancellation function activated and recharges via USB-C.
Where Sennheiser's Wireless Momentum headphones may fall slightly behind the competition is in the area of active noise reduction. Their NoiseGard Hybrid system is slightly less advanced than the ones offered on Bose or Sony models.
Nevertheless, if you tend to listen to music in environments that aren't too noisy, these Sennheiser headphones are just as good a choice as the other two presented above.
Features
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Battery life: 17 hours
- Charging mode: USB-C
- Built-in microphone and controls: Yes
Advantages
- Fantastic design
- Guaranteed comfort
- Stunning sound
Why not try before you buy?
This wraps up our presentation of three products that we believe deserve the title of Best Active Noise Cancelling Headphones.
To really appreciate the sound quality and the manufacturing quality of these headphones, why not stop by the store and try them out? You'll also be able to check out the many other models with ambient noise cancellation and get personalized advice from our Fillion experts.
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