Top 5 Noise-cancelling headphones for music lovers

Last Updated on March 24, 2023

Noise-cancelling headphones have become increasingly popular among music lovers in recent years. These headphones have the ability to block out external noise, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in their music. But what exactly are noise-cancelling headphones, and what makes them so effective?

First, it’s important to understand that there are two types of noise-cancelling headphones: active and passive. Passive noise-cancelling headphones use physical materials to block out noise, such as thick padding or ear cups that completely cover the ears. Active noise-cancelling headphones, on the other hand, use technology to cancel out external noise.

Active noise-cancelling headphones work by using tiny microphones on the outside of the ear cups to pick up external noise. The headphones then use a built-in amplifier and speaker to create sound waves that are the exact opposite of the external noise. These sound waves cancel out the external noise, creating a quiet environment for the listener.

But why are noise-cancelling headphones so important for music lovers? For one, they allow you to fully immerse yourself in your music without any distractions. Whether you’re listening to a favorite album at home or trying to block out noise on a busy commute, noise-cancelling headphones can provide a peaceful and distraction-free listening experience.

In addition, noise-cancelling headphones can also improve the sound quality of your music. When external noise is present, it can interfere with the audio quality of your music, making it difficult to hear certain parts of a song. With noise-cancelling headphones, you can enjoy your music without any interference from outside noise.

When it comes to choosing noise-cancelling headphones, there are a few things to consider. First, you’ll want to think about the level of noise cancellation you need. Some headphones offer more advanced noise cancellation technology than others, so you’ll want to find a pair that meets your specific needs.

You’ll also want to consider the overall sound quality of the headphones. While noise cancellation is important, it’s also important to make sure the headphones deliver high-quality sound. Look for headphones that offer a balanced and clear sound with good bass response and minimal distortion.

Finally, consider the comfort and fit of the headphones. Noise-cancelling headphones can be heavy and bulky, so it’s important to find a pair that fits comfortably and securely on your head. Look for headphones with cushioned ear cups and an adjustable headband to ensure a comfortable fit.

Here are five noise-cancelling headphones products with some details:

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

Source – Google

These headphones are a top pick among noise-cancelling headphones. The noise cancellation is excellent, and the headphones also offer a comfortable fit for long listening sessions. The QC35 II has built-in Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can easily access your voice assistant for hands-free control of your music and other smart devices. You can also use the Bose Connect app to manage the headphones’ settings and software updates. The sound quality of the QC35 II is also impressive, with clear highs and a balanced bass. The headphones have a battery life of up to 20 hours, and they also come with an audio cable for wired listening.

Pros
  • Adds a dedicated button for Google Assistant
  • Works in wired mode with included cord
  • Class-leading noise cancellation
  • Highly immersive experience
Cons
  • Battery isn’t replaceable
  • No auto play/pause
  • Google Assistant doesn’t work well with iOS devices

Sony WH-1000XM4

Source – Google

These headphones are another popular choice for noise-cancelling headphones. The advanced noise-cancelling technology effectively blocks out external noise, and the headphones also offer excellent sound quality. The WH-1000XM4 has a long battery life of up to 30 hours, and it also has fast charging capabilities, giving you 5 hours of listening time with just a 10-minute charge. The headphones are also compatible with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa, and they can be controlled with touch or voice commands. Additionally, the headphones have a Speak-to-Chat feature that automatically pauses the music when you start speaking, allowing you to have a conversation without having to take off the headphones.

Pros
  • Powerful custom ANC
  • Dynamic sound with loads of detail
  • Intuitive app-based controls
  • Sensational sense of timing
  • Support for two simultaneous Bluetooth connections
  • Immersive sound with punchy bass
  • 30 hours of battery life
Cons
  • Still high price
  • No IP rating
  • No aptX or aptX HD support
  • Multipoint support is buggy for now
  • USB-C port cannot be used for audio
  • 360 Reality Audio is still limited
  • Samey design might put people off upgrading

Apple AirPods Pro

Source – Google

These wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation and a comfortable in-ear design. The AirPods Pro has a Transparency Mode that allows you to hear the world around you while still enjoying your music. The earbuds come with three different sizes of ear tips to ensure a comfortable and secure fit, and they are also sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for exercise and outdoor activities. The AirPods Pro has a battery life of up to 4.5 hours of listening time, with a total of 24 hours of listening time with the charging case. The earbuds also offer wireless charging and hands-free “Hey Siri” voice activation.

Pros
  • Impressive noise cancellation for the size
  • Really great audio quality
  • Modern, functional design
  • Acceptable battery life
  • The pressure-sensitive stem is great
  • Still comes with super portable charging case
Cons
  • Silicone tips feel like they could wear out easily
  • Still feel very iOS-focused
  • Charge via lightning cable
  • No companion app
  • Expensive

Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless

Source – Google

These over-ear headphones offer premium sound quality and customizable noise cancellation with three different modes. The Momentum 3 Wireless has a sleek design with real leather and stainless steel, giving them a luxurious look and feel. The headphones have a Smart Pause feature that automatically pauses the music when you take them off and resumes when you put them back on. The Momentum 3 Wireless has a battery life of up to 17 hours, and it also has fast charging capabilities, giving you 1.5 hours of listening time with just a 10-minute charge. The headphones also come with a carrying case for easy transport.

Pros
  • Great audio
  • Folds up small for easy storage and travel
  • Very comfortable
  • Tile and NFC integration
  • Great passive noise isolation
  • AptX LL, aptX, and AAC
  • App-based controls
  • Look and feel the money’s-worth
Cons
  • Woeful battery life versus the competition
  • Noise reduction isn’t as good as Sony and Bose
  • Audio passthrough switch a little fiddly
  • No in-line mic/remote on 3.5mm cable
  • Quite big

Jabra Elite 85h

Source – Google

These noise-cancelling headphones offer advanced noise-cancelling technology with eight microphones for effective noise blocking. The headphones also have a Smart Sound feature that automatically adjusts the noise cancellation based on your environment. The Elite 85h has a battery life of up to 36 hours, and it also has fast charging capabilities, giving you 5 hours of listening time with just a 15-minute charge. The headphones also have a customizable EQ for personalized sound preferences, and they are water-resistant for added durability. Additionally, the headphones have a mute button that allows you to easily mute calls without having to take off the headphones.

Pros
  • Class-leading battery life (36-hour)
  • Feature-packed app
  • One-button access to Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri voice assistants
  • Custom EQ and ANC modes
  • Better design than some of the competition
  • Great sound reproduction
Cons
  • No power button
  • May not fit large heads
  • Cloth surfaces collect dust and debris

Conclusion

Noise-cancelling headphones can be a game-changer for music lovers looking for a distraction-free listening experience. With advanced technology and high-quality sound, these headphones offer a peaceful and immersive way to enjoy your favorite tunes. When shopping for noise-cancelling headphones, consider your specific needs for noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort to find a pair that works best for you.

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