It’s hard to find the perfect pair of noise cancelling headphones. You want something that is comfortable, lightweight and provides you with the excellent sound quality for hours on end. With so many options available, it can be difficult to weed out the best from the rest.
I know this because I have been in your shoes before. That was until I came across these three pairs of active noise cancelling earphones below that will make sure you never go through what I did again!
Sony WH-1000xM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones – $205
Overview:
If you want something a little more affordable, these are the noise cancelling headphones for you. The Sony WH-1000xM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones feature a space-age design and are very comfortable to wear for long periods of time on your head and in your ears (depending on whether or not you choose the wire version).
I found that the over-ear covers fit perfectly around my large ears providing me with excellent sound quality throughout their range. The battery life is about 24 hours which should be enough juice for you if you are traveling.
With 40mm drivers, you can expect clear highs and mid-range frequencies that make listening to podcasts and audiobooks a breeze. The noise cancelling feature works extremely well (I have tested these out on the airplanes) provided that there isn’t too much chatter going on around us.
If there is just one person talking the headphones will do their job and cancel the sound out while still providing crystal clear call quality thanks to the built-in microphone. Finally, they also come with active noise control which is great if you want an extra layer of silence in your ears when traveling or walking about the city streets.
Overall: If I were asked whether or not I would recommend these headphones, I would say yes with one caveat. This may sound controversial to some of you but I don’t recommend that you use these at the gym or while working out.
These headphones will not stay put on your head and can come off if they are pulled from behind strongly enough.
What We Like: Durable design; noise cancelling works great for blocking out background chatter; quality construction; comfortable for long periods of time. Check out the Sony WH-1000xM3 headphone on Amazon.
Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones – $348.00
Overview:
The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones are another great pair of noise cancelling headphones but at a much higher price point (of course). T
The biggest difference between this model and the Sony WH-1000xM3 above is that these have much heavier ear covers making them more suitable for use when running, working out, or anytime you want to wear them on your head.
The sound quality is excellent however I do not find that they have quite as much clarity as Sony’s model listed above.
Also, there are no controls on the earphones themselves so if you want to adjust volume or change songs you will need to use your phone or other portable devices.
Even with these minor disadvantages, it is still a fantastic product and an overall great option when compared to the rest of the market.
Overall:
If I were asked whether or not I would recommend these headphones, I would say yes without any hesitation. Sure, they are expensive but if you want something that is going to last for years and provide you with solid quality music and podcasts time and again, these are a great option for you.
What We Like: Detachable wires (wireless); very comfortable to wear on your head; excellent noise cancelling; overall solid construction. Check it out on Amazon!
Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black) Review – $299
Overview: The Shure Aonic 50 Wireless are a fantastic option when looking to upgrade from the earbud model that is bundled with most phones and devices these days.
These are advertised as being great for live performances, recording in the studio, and commuting on public transportation due to their sound isolation capabilities.
Main Features:
The noise cancelling technology prevents outside noise from interfering with whatever happens to be playing on your device - Their sound noise cancelling feature also helps provide a more comfortable listening experience over long periods of time.
The manufacturer includes an array of different-sized ear tips and silicone sleeves that can be switched out depending on what works best for you when wearing them.
Overall: If I were asked whether or not I would recommend these headphones, I would say yes only if you want something that is going to last for years and provide you with solid quality music and podcasts time and again, these are great option for you.
What We Like: Sound isolation complements their already solid sound quality; silicone sleeves and different sized ear tips allow you to customize their fit depending on how/where you intend to use them. Check it out on Amazon !
What Needs Improvement: None
Sony MDR-1000X True Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Review – $278
Overview: The Sony MDR-1000X True Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are a fantastic option when looking for the perfect set of Bluetooth headphones. They are sleek, extremely comfortable, and have enough battery life to last you a full flight from San Francisco to New York (the longest flight offered by United Airlines).
These can be used with any Bluetooth-enabled device such as your iPhone, Android phone, PC/Laptop, or PS4/ PS5 and Xbox One. If that wasn’t enough, they also come with built-in microphones so you can take calls in style while out and about!
Main Features:
Advanced Noise Cancellation technology allows users to enjoy their music without having to worry about outside noise.
Battery life is rated at up to 20 hours for use on a single charge; includes a charging case which provides a further 10 hours of battery life for headphones when out and about.
The built-in microphones make it easy to take calls even if you are on the go.
What We Like: Great sound quality; prolonged battery life; charging case helps extend your battery life even more. Check it out on Amazon!