The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
You need the best noise-cancelling over-ear headphones for your needs, whether you need to block out the hum of your HVAC system or you want to fight the background noise of jet engines. The new Sony WH-1000XM5s are the new leaders in active noise cancellation and their predecessors were equally excellent.
We've taken into consideration the adjustments for ANC as well as touch controls and on-ear detection (for pausing music when you take off your headphones). Our top picks feature high-quality audio, comfortable earcups and large earcups.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The fifth generation of Sony's flagship headphones is a major upgrade over its predecessor, with better noise cancellation and improved audio quality. Its impressive ANC creates an enveloping cone over your head, suffocating an astonishing amount of low-frequency sounds. The earcups block out sounds in the mid-to-treble range like chatter from passengers and creaking metal.
Contrary to some noise cancelling headphones that can sound hollow or unnatural, the WH-1000XM5s are very natural-sounding. They can render Billie Eilish’s drums with remarkable detail and keep the edges clear and clean. It's a pleasure to listen to them on long flights or during commutes.
A capacitive touch-surface in the right ear cup handles the most frequently used controls, including play/pause, volume up/down, skip forwards/backwards and skip. It also allows you to make calls end and answer and switch between ANC and ambient sound mode. You can also hold the power button for a few minutes to hear a voice warning of the battery's remaining life.
Another notable improvement over the XM5s is the new QN1 microphone, which is designed to capture high-quality audio when recording podcasts and videos. The microphone is more sensitive than previous models and has a larger audio range that makes it easier to hear your voice.
The XM5 has also carried over some features from the XM4s like the adaptive ANC system which automatically optimizes performance in accordance with your surroundings. The "Wearing Detection" feature detects when the headset is removed and stops playing music or video. It will then resume it as soon as the headset is put back on. It also works with Sony's DSEE Extreme engine, which claims to boost the quality of compressed music to a near-hi-res resolution.
2. Sony WH-1000XM4
The WH1000XM4s by Sony are the most recent version of their industry-leading over-ear headphones. They offer class-leading performance although they don't come with the same active noise cancellation that is available on the WH1000XM5s. In addition to stronger Bluetooth and a better noise cancelling algorithm, the WH-1000XM4s have a brand new audio chip that boosts music files to HD quality and has more advanced voice controls.
Sony has improved the WH1000XM4s in the latest generation by adding padding to the headband and also moving the microphones forward. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions.
They're also more flexible and allow you to switch between five different modes of sound depending on your environment. You can also adjust your EQ settings by using the Sony headphones app. The app lets you monitor your activity and then automatically adjust the settings. They are a great option for travelers.
Another significant improvement is the WH1000XM4's noise cancellation, which is now more effective by adding more sensitiveness and improving the way it blocks out low frequencies. You can examine this by looking at a graph like the one above, with higher peaks indicate that more sounds are being cancelled out. The WH-1000XM4s can also be more effective at reducing low-frequency sounds like the sound of an air cooling unit or the constant rumble of an airplane engine more than any other pair of noise-canceling headsets we've test.
The WH1000XM4s are equipped with a range of excellent features, including a 30 hour battery life and a USB-C charging port. They also come with Quick Alert, which lets users touch the right earcup to dampen the music and turn on transparency mode; Speak to Chat stops media when you speak (and is effective, even though it sometimes fails to register taps) and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can analyze and detect your surroundings to provide superior audio.
3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II
The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II (or QC35 Wireless 2018) are over-ear headphones that were launched in September 2017. Although they've been replaced by the 2021-released Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, they remain popular and affordable and are well worth considering if you're looking for a noise cancelling headphone.
The QC35 II is a great pair of headphones that can be used for both mixed and regular use. They provide a comfortable fit as well as a neutral sound quality by default. They also provide outstanding noise isolation. They are suitable for traveling or in noisy environments and last for more than a day on a single battery charge. They are also compatible with most smart assistants, and are activated by an individual button. You can ask them to play music or answer trivia questions, or read your smartphone notifications.
The padding around the ears is large and will fit most ear shapes. They are also light. The housings' hinges can be folded down to make them easier to pack into a bag or backpack. The controls on the right side of the headphones are intuitively placed and feel good to use. A series of taps can control playback, such as skipping and rewinding songs.
We listened to The Beatles' Let It Be as well as the piano and drum beats. The QC35 II delivers crisp, clear audio with a well-rounded and detail sound. They are able to detect subtleties such as Paul McCartney’s inconsistent timing as he builds up to the chorus or Gerard Way's snarl as his lyrics praising teenage-personalism in teenagers.
The QC35 II is compatible with the majority of smart assistants. It can connect to two devices at once. The QC35 II also come with an accessory case for carrying and a USB cable that can be charged quickly.
4. Sony WH-CH720N
Sony has a reputation for making high-quality headphones that cost relatively little. The budget-friendly WHCH720N headphones from Sony are no exception. They have many of the same features as the flagship WH1000XM5 headphones, but in an affordable design. They also offer a decent amount of active noise cancellation at a very low cost.
Similar to the WH-1000XM5 headphones these headphones have 30mm dynamic drivers that deliver great bass and crisp high frequencies. They have a balanced sound that works well with different genres of music. They also have a huge, encompassing soundstage.
The WH-CH720N headphones utilize buttons for controls instead of the touch controls and gestures of the XM5 headphones. This could be a an issue as the buttons are initially confusing. The controls are strategically placed and are clearly labeled. Double pressing of the+' button pause and play audio. A single press reduces the volume. Pressing and holding the button activates voice assistants and rejects calls.
These headphones last up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is the most efficient battery performance we've ever seen in over-ear headphones. They also feature a standby mode to assist in preserving battery.
Bluetooth allows users to connect the WHCH720N headphones to Android and iOS devices. They support LDAC which allows them to play high-resolution audio on compatible devices. The headphones also work with PlayStation consoles using an analog 1/8"TRS cable. They can also be connected to a computer with the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect App lets you personalize your headphones with an EQ slider, presets, and multipoint connectivity.
5. B&W PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 follow on from a successful predecessor but aren't an unfinished update that rides on its own. They sport a sleeker style and a brand new application. They live up to their promise of high-end build quality with audio that faithfully expresses artistic intention. They're also incredibly comfortable and a treat to wear throughout the day.
They don't offer the same noise cancellation features as the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II, or the Sony WH1000XM5, but they do a good job at blocking out ambient sounds so that you can focus on your podcasts or music. They have a six-strong microphone setup (four for noise cancelling and two for voice pick-up) and a new algorithm that reduces ambient noise by 30dB. They're also among the few Bluetooth headphones we've tested that can be used in passive mode, allowing you to listen to your content on your own with no power being applied to the drive units.
The B&W Music app is also compatible with the free download that provides a variety of features that compliment the excellent noise cancellation. The Quick Action button can be set to turn on the device's voice assistant and cycle through three environmental settings, and show battery life. The annoying thing is that you have to press and hold the button to activate it - a single press would be easier and more intuitive.
The PX7 S2 are a very remarkable pair of headphones that will please the majority of music fans. The PX7 S2 aren't so well-suited to the extreme music genres like metal and rock that favor bass-heavy productions and muddy low-frequency as they are for folk, classical and acoustic. However, they will still impress those who value audiophile credentials, and are practical and convenient.