Best Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
If you commute on noisy public transport or work in a noisy office with noisy colleagues, noise cancelling headphones can provide the sonic buffer you require to keep your focus. We looked at the comfort, the sound quality, and the ability to block high-frequency continuous noises 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 great choice when it comes to high-end ANC. The first model to be released in 2016 in the WH-1000XM5 model, it is one of the top options for anyone who wants to listen to their favourite music or podcasts without distractions. This latest model of the series is its first major revision and offers many exciting features. The headphones are also environmentally friendly, with no plastic packaging. They provide excellent noise cancellation and crystal clear audio.
The WH-1000XM5 is the only one that can match its noise cancellation capabilities when it is enabled. Strapping a pair to your head creates a cone of silence that will block out engine sounds on subways and trains as well as the whirr of HVAC systems, and even the sounds of neighboring conversations. They're also among top ANC headphones to block out low-frequency drones and bass hums.
Another excellent feature is Ambient Sound Control, which alters the balance of the acoustic depending on the surrounding environment. For example, if you're at home listening to your favourite album the WH-1000XM5 can switch to an immersive listening experience. If you're walking along a busy street they will change to more focused profiles to help you be more aware of your surroundings.
The WH-1000XM5's ear cups have touchscreen-sensitive gesture controls on the right that can be used to play, pause, and change tracks. You can also make use of a voice assistant to find content, alter volume, and make hands-free calls. The headphones have an impressive frequency response and provide an impressive, full stereo image. They also feature a group delay that's extremely precise, which helps maintain an even soundstage.
The WH-1000XM5s can be connected to two devices simultaneously. This is especially helpful when you're using your laptop to listen to music while you make calls with your phone. They come with a built-in microphone and an USB-C port to charge. The headphones come with an audio cable that can be used for direct playback. Battery life is solid at around 30 hours, which can be enough to last the week of commuting, or the long distance flight.
Bose QuietComfort 45
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is the latest update to the premium headphones manufacturer's flagship model. It will be available in September 2021 and undercuts the new Sony WH-1000XM4 as well as its 700 sibling by about PS320, $329 or $439 AUD. It is the best active noise cancellation and features such as voice assistant support with automatic pausing, as well as an automatic pausing when you take off the headphones. The design is also a lot more comfortable than previous models. There are a few things to keep in mind, however. The buttons on the back of the ear cups are now touch-sensitive and require pressure to activate, which means it might be hard for some people to adjust to. And while you can adjust ANC and toggle an "aware" mode that allows ambient sound but you can't completely shut off the audio.
The headphones are an excellent option for anyone who is looking for a pair of high-end headphones to wear in trains or on a plane or at home when working. They have an extended battery life, superior noise cancellation, and clear audio. They also come with multipoint Bluetooth which means they can be connected to two devices simultaneously and jump between them with just a touch. They also have their own application, which isn't as customizable as other models, but has plenty of useful features.
The QC45s have a very efficient active noise cancellation mode. In my tests it was somewhat loud at times. The passive EQ modes are, however, more balanced and let you have greater control over the sound signature of your music. If you're listening to songs that have lots of cymbal sparkle you may find your headphones slightly grating, but this is easily fixed by dropping 3-20kHz in the EQ settings of your music player.
Although some may be disappointed by the omission of some features, like adjustable ANC/transparency, an EQ, and a small dip in call quality The QC45s overall are a great choice for anyone looking for top-tier ANC at a reasonable price. They are also comfortable to wear for long periods of time and come with fast-charging via USB-C ports.
Shure Aonic 50
Shure's Aonic 50 headphones are premium headphones that focus on audio. They feature a 50mm dynamic driver, and are packed with high-resolution codes that provide the best possible Bluetooth music playback. The headphones have a well-balanced sound, with rich detail in all frequencies. They also have a natural feeling of space and positioning.
The headphones are heavier than the ones they compete with at 334g, but they're comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The headband rests on the top of your head, without applying too much pressure. Additionally, the earcups are well-padded, making them very comfortable. They are also extremely portable. They can fold flat and be stored in the accompanying carrying case.
There's a basic set of controls arranged around the right earcup, including volume, playback and power/pairing. A slider at the top allows you to switch between noise-cancelling, a neutral mode, and what Shure calls 'Environment Mode'. The Environment Mode lets more outside noise to pass through. This could be useful when you want to be alert to your surroundings. The controls are well-designed but there's a small lag between pressing them and the actions they take (i.e. if you play the button while on a phone you'll probably end up blasting your ears with music, instead of calling up your mom). The phones don't come with microphones, but they do have an audio response provided by Google Assistant. Their mics can also be used to filter out background noise when on the phone.
They operate on a single battery that lasts for up to 20 hours, which will be plenty for most people. They include an USB cable that connects to your phone for charging, which isn't as convenient as using Bluetooth however it's a solid feature to have and ensures you can listen to your music back when you're charging. They're also compatible with most audio devices that have a 2.5mm port, so you can use them even when you're on the move.
Monoprice BT-600ANC
The Monoprice BT-600ANC Bluetooth over-ear noise cancelling headphones have all the features you require in a pair of wireless headphones at a fraction of the price. They feature premium Qualcomm aptX HD Audio, a cutting-edge form of Active Noise Cancelling and a portable folding design that makes them easy to store in a backpack or carry bag. The headphones are great for students and commuters, because they feature a long-lasting battery which allows you to listen all day long. The headphones also feature easy-to-use touch controls that allow users to swipe or tap to alter the volume or skip tracks.
The BT600ANC headphones have an elegant design that reminds us of the Monoprice M1000ANC headphones we reviewed last year. They're matte gray and barely branded and aren't noticeable in public but they have a soft comfortable fit that will appeal to most ears. The small size of these headphones as well as the carrying case included make them ideal for taking on the road.
They are lightweight and have excellent passive isolation with the ear cups encased in leatherette. The headband provides plenty of adjustability and is soft without being bulky or slouchy. The headbands are wide enough to accommodate glasses wearers. They are comfortable for the majority of people.
Monoprice ANC is a great choice, and it does not sound as loud as other brands. noise cancelling headset with mic have a slight boost of 100-200Hz to provide a fuller sound for bass notes. The opening of Good 4 U, by Olivia Rodrigo, shows a full response. However they have a noticeable drop-off in the upper frequencies above 10kHz so cymbal and shaker sounds won't be as clear and clear as they are on other headsets.
There are three ANC modes to switch through high, medium and low. high. The low mode is good for suppressing most ambient noise, but it does not block out traffic and loud conversations. The medium setting can be used in most environments. The high setting will keep you insulated from everything but your music. The touch-sensitive controls on the earcups are a little difficult to use at first. Swiping up or down on the pad controls the volume, while tapping or moving left or right switches the track. Double-taping can be used to pause the music or answer the phone. It takes some time to get used to this system but once you are, you will find it extremely useful.