We test and review headphones based on an independent 9-point methodology. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
If you find outside noise too distracting to listen to your music or to get your work done, you need the best noise-cancelling headphones.
Browse between the best noise-cancelling headphones in 2023 and finally enjoy some peace.
We test and review headphones based on an independent 9-point methodology. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
Here’s a quick round down:
| Rating | Price | Battery (with ANC) | Type | Foldable | Mic & Controls | More info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sony WH-1000XM5
Best overall
 |
4.4
|
Under $380
|
40.5 hours (Bluetooth 5.2)
|
Over-ear
|
 
|
 
|
|
|
Apple AirPods Max
Best Apple
 
|
4.5
|
Under $550
|
20 hours (Bluetooth 5.0)
|
Over-ear
|
|
|
|
|
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Runner-up
 
|
4.5
|
Under $380
|
20 hours (Bluetooth 5.0)
|
Over-ear
|
|
|
|
|
4.4
|
Under $320
|
17 hours (Bluetooth 5.0)
|
Over-ear
|
|
|
||
|
4.3
|
Under $180
|
34 hours (Bluetooth 5.3)
|
Over-ear
|
|
|
||
|
Sony WF-1000XM4
Best true wireless
 
|
4.4
|
Under $280
|
8 hours + 16h in case (Bluetooth 5.2)
|
True wireless
|
|
|
|
|
Apple AirPods Pro
True wireless alternative
 
|
4.8
|
Under $250
|
5 hours + 24h in case (Bluetooth 5.0)
|
True wireless
|
|
|
|
|
4.7
|
Under $330
|
24 hours (Bluetooth 5.1)
|
Over-ear
|
|
|
||
|
Anker Soundcore Life Q30
Best under $100
 
|
4.6
|
Under $80
|
60 hours (Bluetooth 5.0)
|
Over-ear
|
|
|
It’s difficult to find the best noise-cancelling headphones for your needs with all the options. All brands claim their noise-canceling headphones are the best.
But often that’s not the case. That’s why we created this guide to help you with your buying decision.
Remove the unwanted ambient noise in comfort, style, and while enjoying great sound quality.
Below you’ll find the best noise-cancelling headphones you can get today that will protect you from background noise on a plane, in the office, or anywhere else.
Related:
Want the best noise-cancelling earbuds?
Or get the alternative, the best noise-isolating headphones.
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
BEST NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES
Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market.
While competitors might beat them in some frequencies, the XM5’s offer the most balanced noise cancellation out of all.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.2
Driver size:
30mm dynamic
Frequency range:
4-40.000Hz
- Fun sound that can become natural after EQ
- Modern, comfortable & stable design
- Class-leading active noise cancellation performance
- Excellent battery life of more than 40 hours (with ANC)
- The best call quality in consumer BT headphones
- Not the most detailed sound
- Too much plastic for the price
Listen to the Sony WH-1000XM5 ANC test:
The audio performance is full-bodied and punchy, while the midrange sounds balanced and natural, with a pleasant warmth. Treble provides good sparkle and no sibilance but could use more detail.
Slightly improved over Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones, the XM5 offer a very balanced noise-canceling performance, meaning that all frequencies are reduced to the same degree.
The ambient sound mode also improved compared to XM4, now boosting external noises more realistically. Furthermore, the new model proves to be the best Bluetooth headphones with a mic.
You get many interesting features inside the Headphones Connect app. Like a multipoint feature that helps you connect the headphones to two devices simultaneously.
Sony WH-1000XM5 have a more modern design, providing overall good comfort and stability.
Check similar alternatives among the best bass headphones.
2. Apple AirPods Max
SECOND-BEST NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES
Luxurious noise cancellation headphones for Apple enthusiasts.
AirPods Max are made from a single piece of aluminum and offer exceptional audio quality and ANC.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.0
Driver size:
40mm dynamic
Frequency range:
n/a
- Excellent, smooth sound
- Excellent ANC and realistic Transparency mode performance
- Tons of features (for Apple users)
- Premium build with replacable earpads
- Exceptional Bluetooth range
- Good battery life (23h with ANC)
- Degraded user experience on Android devices
- Uneven clamping force
- Included Smart case is useless
Listen to the Apple AirPods Max ANC test:
Apple’s new AirPods Max have a slight boost in sub-bass, well-balanced midrange, and sparkly treble.
Their audio performance is very airy, and you can boost the soundstage with Dolby Atmos (Spatial Audio). The latter is only accessible for iOS users.
Max’s unmistakable form factor fits beautifully on your head without creating unnecessary pressure. Fabric earpads are quickly swappable thanks to the use of magnets. The carrying case, on the other hand, is a joke.
Their noise cancellation performance deserves to be in the top spot. It’s on par (if not even better) with the best on the market, muting most of the noise around you.
In contrast, Transparency mode enables you to hear your surroundings with incredible realism.
3. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
BEST NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES FROM BOSE
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 with a customizable cancellation intensity.
Bose are pioneers in ANC system technology. Their modern wireless headphones are high fidelity and support controls with a voice assistant.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.0
Driver size:
n/a
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Balanced sound
- Excellent active noise cancelling
- Comfortable fit
- Good build quality
- Unique design
- Non-foldable design
- Pricey
- Not the clearest bass
The audio quality is clear, and the frequency response is full across bass, mids, and highs. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are going to keep demanding users happy.
You can also use your voice to control Alexa or Google Assistant; both are supported by Bose 700 headphones.
Up to 11 different settings for the active noise cancellation (ANC) inside the Bose Connect app means you can choose how much ambient sound you want to hear. The four-microphone system is highly effective when the over-ears pick up ambiance to cancel out.
They are exceptionally comfortable, too, so you can wear them on intercontinental plane flights or long working hours in the office.
Plus, the closed-back design provides good passive noise isolation from external noise, like the best noise-isolating headphones.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
BEST NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES FROM SENNHEISER
Best noise cancellation headphones for comfort.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are an option to make the audiophiles drool. If you are looking for an uncompromising sound, the Momentum 4 Wireless could be for you.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.2
Driver size:
42mm dynamic
Frequency range:
6-22.000Hz
- Detailed, balanced sound
- Companion app with custom EQ
- Improved comfort with well-padded headband
- Outstanding battery life of up to 60 hours
- Modern design that you happily wear in public
- Active noise cancellation isn't on par with competitors
While the Momentum series is known to have a more fun sound signature, the Momentum 4 Wireless lean more towards neutral. With a bit of tweaking, their audio performance is rather impressive.
High-end headphones come with premium features. Good noise cancellation is one of them, eliminating most of the annoying engine hum or chatter in the cafeteria.
They have an exquisite build, with a mixture of metal, pleather, and fabric. Unfortunately, they don’t fold in like previous Momentums.
To reduce audio lag when watching movies, the ANC headphones have aptX Adaptive support. No LDAC Bluetooth codec, unfortunately.
A companion app offers a valuable array of options, from custom EQ, Transparent Hearing, and control customizer.
5. Edifier WH950NB
Best noise-cancelling headphones for less than $200.
Edifier, especially the premium models, never disappoints with features. The active noise cancellation in the WH950NB can easily match the best in business.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.3
Driver size:
40mm dynamic
Frequency range:
20-40.000Hz
- Clear sound quality with natural bass response
- Comfortable design with memory foam earpads
- Great active noise cancellation that rivals the best
- Fairly durable build quality with hard-shell carrying case
- Overwhelming number of features
- Limiting custom EQ settings
- Ineffective Game Mode
Listen to the Edifier WH950NB ANC test:
WH950NB have a smooth response with a balanced sound signature. Playing with a custom EQ, you can further improve the sound by making it even more natural.
Headphones are big but lightweight and thickly padded from all sides. They feel like a pillow on your head, and you can even replace the ear pads once they stiffen up.
Noise-canceling performance is excellent, especially for the price, being somewhat on par with competition from Sony and Bose.
The battery life of 34 hours is pretty good for a full-sized headphone, and can also charge up very quickly (in only 1.5 hours). You get a standard set of audio codecs, with an addition of Sony’s LDAC for higher-quality transmission.
6. Sony WF-1000XM4
BEST TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS FOR NOISE CANCELLATION
Best true wireless earbuds with exquisite audio performance.
WF-1000XM4 are surprisingly comfortable and technically capable TWS in-ear headphones with superb sound, noise cancellation, and ambient-aware mode.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.2
Driver size:
6mm dynamic
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz (20-40.000Hz with LDAC)
- Audiophile-grade sound quality
- Unique, sweatproof design
- Great battery life
- Excellent active noise cancellation and ambient mode
- Feature-rich app
- In-depth custom EQ
- Comfortable hybrid ear tips
- No official ear tip replacements
- Limited touch control customization
- Poor microphone performance in loud places
- Too bulky to fit smaller ears
Listen to the Sony WF-1000XM4 ANC test:
A more consumer-oriented tuning from XM3 is replaced by a more balanced, natural frequency response. The sound is detailed and nicely controlled, with full custom EQ in the Sony app.
Active noise cancellation is also better than on the previous model. The new hybrid ear tips do most of the work, with a memory foam layer to create a tight seal in your ear canals.
Even the comfort is superior this time around, despite the earbuds having a bit of bulky housing. You can also use WF-1000XM4 for exercising since they come protected with an IPX4 rating.
As always, the Sony app comes with tons of features, from control customization, EQ, different sound profiles, ambient sound mode and ANC intensity, and 360 Audio.
Check their predecessor since they’re still an excellent buy: Sony WF-1000XM3 review
7. Apple AirPods Pro 2
BEST NOISE CANCELLING TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS FROM APPLE
The best noise-cancelling headphones in the Apple ecosystem.
These feature-packed true wireless headphones offer excellent noise-cancellation and seamless integration in the iOS/macOS system.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.3
Driver size:
n/a
Frequency range:
n/a
- More balanced sound than original AirPods Pro, with greater detail
- Familiar comfy design with extra (4) pair of ear tips
- Outstanding ANC & Transparency mode performance
- Seamless connectivity with Apple devices
- Low battery life of around 6 hours per charge (ANC off)
- More expensive than first gen in some regions
AirPods Pro 2 are tuned to have a well-balanced frequency response, with very little excitement in their presentation. They’re easy to listen to, regardless of the music genre, but they lack deep bass.
They have much-improved features over the original AirPods Pro, especially thanks to the new H2 chip. The latter is responsible for making active noise cancellation and Transparency mode even better than ever before.
Earbuds also automatically pause and play the music when you take one out, and scan your inner ear for a more personalized EQ.
They’re super comfortable and offer a reasonably secure fit, too, with shallow silicone tips that don’t protrude too much into the ear canal.
In-ears come with a wireless charging case and stable connection and can easily switch between other iOS devices. With an IPX4, these earbuds are ready to hit the gym.
Check out their extremely similar predecessor, Apple AirPods Pro review.
8. Bose QuietComfort 45
Comfortable Bose noise-cancelling headphones.
If you are looking for Bose quality, plus exceptional comfort, but don’t want to pay a hefty bill for the 700’s, the QuietComfort 45 are a great alternative.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.1
Driver size:
n/a
Frequency range:
n/a
- Balanced sound
- Lightweight & comfortable design
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Good battery life
- No custom EQ
- You can't completely turn off ANC or ambient mode
The sound quality is pretty much on the same level as the QC 35 II but with a few minor tweaks. They’re still relatively balanced and smooth, suitable for any music genre, from hip-hop to rock.
This time around, the ANC performance received a noticeable boost. It is on par with the best out there, making the 45s a compelling buy.
Furthermore, Bose made their wireless noise-cancelling headphones slightly comfier than the predecessor, which was already very comfortable.
These Bose headphones are also more efficient with better battery life, lasting 24 hours on full charge with ANC enabled.
You can’t entirely turn off the ANC or ambient boost mode for some reason, and you can’t tweak EQ inside the app.
9. Anker Soundcore Life Q30
BEST NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES UNDER $100
Best budget noise-cancelling headphones under $100.
Anker audio products are always offering very good value. Soundcore Life Q30 are no different.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 review
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.0
Driver size:
40mm
Frequency range:
16-40.000Hz
- Excellent sound quality (after EQ)
- Great ANC with 3 modes
- Comfortable fit
- Companion app with EQ
- Outstanding battery life
- The bass isn't very fast
- Looks bulky on your head
Listen to the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 ANC test:
The best thing about Life Q30 sound is that they can hit a sweet spot for both bass lovers and audio purists. Stock tuning is a bit heavy on low-end, but they can sound fairly neutral after some EQ.
Even the previous Q20 model is good at actively canceling noise, but the Q30 make a step further. They can compete with the best ones, which is impressive considering their lower price tag.
You can even toggle between different ANC modes or enable transparency mode when you need to hear your surroundings.
The new design is a bit chunkier compared to the Q20. Thankfully, it possesses the same excellent comfort and class-leading battery life, offering 60 hours of playtime.
Find more best headphones under $100.
Here, we covered the best active noise-cancelling headphones for a higher list price. For more affordable options, see the best noise cancelling headphones under $100.
Honorable Mentions
10. Sony WH-1000XM4
Still an excellent option if you don’t mind missing a little better ANC and longer battery life from WH-1000XM5 and only want excellent sound quality and noise-cancelling performance.
11. Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
For bassheads who want active noise cancellation, Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 are an excellent choice.
12. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i
Overall, for a great listening experience and easy touch controls, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i are a great option.
13. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Big wireless earbuds with great stability and ear tips that don’t go deep into the ear canal.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds can very effectively reduce noise of a jet engine or air conditioner.
14. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro:
Wireless pair of noise-cancelling earbuds with the highest IP rating. They have a well-balanced frequency response, with 2 dynamic drivers in both earbuds.
Their ANC isn’t the best, but it’s good enough for eliminating plane engines.
15. Jabra Elite 85h
Over-ear cans with great call quality, clear sound, and strong battery life on a single charge.
A special nano-coating makes the internals water-resistant (check the best waterproof Bluetooth headphones).
For a bit cheaper alternatives, see the best Bluetooth headphones under $100.
What is Noise Cancelling
Noise cancellation technology actively removes distracting background noises like engine hum, air conditioning, traffic noise, people’s chatter, and so on.
It uses a set of microphones and electronics to record a 180-degree surrounding noise. Then, electronics invert the noise’s phase and send the opposite signal to your ears. Before you can hear it, both sounds cancel out.
Noise cancellation is most effective at constant low-frequency sounds, like the humming of a plane engine. This makes them the first choice for travelers as they need to hear what is going on around them while enjoying the illusion of a more peaceful environment.
You can read more about what you can expect from noise-cancelling headphones below.
More: Is active noise cancellation better than passive noise isolation?
How does noise cancelling work?
Noise-cancelling headphones use microphones to record ambient noise. Then the noise signal is sent to dedicated electronics, which creates 180-degree opposite sound waves.
The drivers send the new signal to your ears, and before both reach the goal they cancel each other.
Are noise-cancelling headphones worth it?
While noise-cancelling headphones have some disadvantages, like higher cost and worse battery life, they can help improve your life for the better.
Not only do they reduce annoying ambient noises and help you concentrate, but consequently protect your hearing since you don’t have to raise the headphones’ volume.
Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of noise-cancelling headphones:
Advantages of noise-cancelling headphones
Cancels out noise
Cancellation of lower and some middle-frequency noises. Noise cancellation works well enough to give you the illusion of a quieter environment, which makes listening to your favorite music much more enjoyable.
At the same time, you can use noise-cancelling headphones just to remove the noise without any music. Perfect headphones for when you need to rest your head.
Protects you hearing
We tend to crank up the volume when there’s loud background noise that overpowers our music. Since ANC reduces unwanted sounds, you don’t have to raise the volume as much. Consequently, you inflict less damage on your hearing.
Better listening experience
Only when you listen to music in a quiet room can you fully experience headphones’ sound quality. As soon as unwanted noises start creeping in, the details get less sharp, and you no longer hear every nuance in the song.
That’s why noise cancelling can help improve the sound quality simply by reducing annoying elements from the environment.
Improves quality of life
Best noise-cancelling headphones that can fully reduce surrounding noise can positively impact your well-being by reducing stress and helping you concentrate during work.
Some people can also have trouble sleeping with lots of distracting noises around them, like traffic or snoring. ANC headphones help them provide a sensation as if they’re sleeping in a quiet room.
Disadvantages of noise cancelling headphones
Higher cost
Noise-cancelling headphones tend to cost more, especially the higher-end ones. All the technology, microphones, and more sophisticated design cost money.
To get decent noise-cancelling headphones, you’ll have to pay money for which you would get regular headphones with better comfort, better build quality, and especially better sound.
Lower sound quality
This mostly impacts budget headphones which tend to change the sound completely when you turn on the ANC. Some might even produce an audible background hiss (white noise).
Normally, more premium headphones aren’t having the same issues, or at least not to the same extent. Nevertheless, audiophiles still like to avoid using active noise-cancellation technology when listening to music.
Noise-cancellation needs power
ANC (active noise-cancelling) technology needs additional power to run its processing chipset. That’s why it’s normal to see a big difference in battery life with and without noise cancellation enabled.
Sometimes it can result in a battery lasting half as much, which is a pretty significant hit. Did you forget to charge the battery? No ANC for you.
Sensitive to wind noise
One of the known problems of noise cancellation is strong winds. When strong winds are blowing and making sounds, your microphones pick it up and make a whole mess of the sound. Like the wind you hear when making calls.
This is why noise-cancelling headphones are not recommended for use in the outside world and are extremely frustrating in that situation.
“Pressure” on ears
Some of the best budget noise cancelling headphones can make you feel like your ears are under pressure. It’s an uncomfortable feeling. But thankfully, modern high-end models have fixed this issue.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Noise Cancelling Headphones
Do noise-cancelling headphones block all noise?
Noise-cancelling headphones only block lower and midrange frequencies. Even the best ANC headphones are struggling with higher frequencies. Only some high-end models can successfully tackle noises like human speech, and even they can’t do a perfectly good job.
Why can I still hear noise with noise-cancelling headphones?
You can still hear noise because no ANC technology can perfectly cancel all audible frequencies. Constant sounds are also easier to cancel than rapidly changing ones, like speech.
Are noise-cancelling headphones better than earplugs?
Noise-cancelling headphones are better than earplugs because earplugs don’t reduce lower frequencies. On the other hand, it’s much easier to sleep with earplugs, and they are still the best solution for hearing protection (operating with loud machines or visiting concerts).
Is noise cancelling bad for you?
Active noise cancellation poses no harm to you or to your hearing. It actually helps protect your hearing and, by eliminating surrounding sounds, helps you to concentrate and be more productive.
Learn more in our extensive article about whether noise cancelling is safe or not.
Matija Ferjan is a seasoned audio enthusiast reviewing headphones since 2015. He has personally tested hundreds of headphones and earbuds. He’s an active member of the Headphone Audio community and a true nitpicker, always looking for the “best-value-for-money” headphones.
20 Comments
Don
I have the Parrot Zik headphones, (not the 2.0). I am not an audiophile in any sense of the word. I only use these at work and the noise canceling is good. The sound is good. I like the base but it is not as heavy as the Studio’s. I like the controls and I’ve not had any complaints about the clarity of the microphone while on the phone. The only drawback is while they feel comfortable to start, they start to hurt after about an hour. I have to keep adjusting the strap and ear positions. The battery life may be short but I can’t wear them long enough to drain the battery.
Denny Crane
Odd not to see the Phillips Fidelio NC1 somewhere in the top 15.
Mike
Know nothing about this stuff but asked to find noise cancelling blue tooth earphones so iPhone can be used on a noisy tractor while cultivating. Assume microphone quite important as well for not picking up high ambient noise of tractor and machinery. Suggestions greatfully received.
Thanks
Headphones Addict
The best noise cancelling technology of any brand is from Bose. You can pick one of their models, you can go for on-ear or in-ear models depending on your preference. No other company comes close to noise cancelling effectiveness so this is your best choice.
For comfort pick the bigger, on-ear model as you barely feel them and are really made for long term use.
Glen
Please could someone suggest a good option for children traveling on a long hall flight.
Noise cancelling good audio quality headphones have changed my flying experience. Now I’m keen for my children to have the benefit.
Paul
I wouldn’t be so cavalier about the Quiet Comfort 35’s lack of support for AptX. It’s kind of a glaring omission… and will definitely affect the future proofing of this pair. Especially considering Apple will likely support the standard to keep audiophiles at bay if/when they drop the headphone port from the next gen iPhone. If I’m gonna shell out $350 for a wireless headset today, I def want it to support the highest quality sound for years to come.
Raph Atienza
Surprisingly the Bose QuiteComfort 35 does support AAC over Bluetooth which is excellent if you use an iOS device. Yes I have checked. Apple’s new Airpods also use Bluetooth and AAC codec.
With an older Macbook Pro 13″ non-retina I have to force it via Xcode & Bluetooth Explorer in OS X El Capitan. The Macbook does however support APT-X (I do not know why here and not on an iPhone but at least AAC support is there.)
Raph Atienza
Oh and yes it is not stated on their Bose’s website, on the box, or anywhere. You have to check using a Mac. Why manufacturers hate publishing the codecs supported by their products via bluetooth is beyond me. Might be because a lot of normal users don’t care? I have no idea.
Tiger
Does any of these bluetooth headphones with noise cancelling also support music sharing/”shareme”? I’m looking for a set that will let me pair two bluetooth headphones, so that me and my wife can listen to the same audio source and watch a movie together on the ipad when travelling.
xlsmile
Thanks for the reviews. I guess, one headset’s gone missing from the list of best 2017 NC headphones – Sennheiser PXC 550. I have both QC 35 and PXC 550, and while Sennheiser is on a par with Bose in terms of noise cancelling, it beats the latter in all other aspects, even in NC features (NC off, NC on, NC adaptive mode, no background hissing noise when NC on). Cheers!
Headphonersaddict
You’re right. We are just looking at PXC550 we are probably going to replace the PXC480 model even though the 550 is a bit more expensive.
xlsmile
Yeh, would be relevant replacement. Cheers!
Aston
I have tested Sony MDR ZX770BN (along with others) as a replace for my current China ANC headphones. I must say the ZX770BM has one of the worse passive noise isolation. They are noticeably worse then my current $50 ones. With ANC on they works quite well, but much NC potential is wasted by poor sound isolation. As the total NC is a sum of passive and active NC, Sony’s NC is weaker then other cheap headphones with better passive noise isolation.
10 Star
Bang for buck my Golzer Banc 50 are fantastic. For sub $100 wireless ANC headphones you can’t go wrong. What seems a little odd is that if you look at the Naztech vs the Golzers…they look like they have the EXACT same cans? The only difference is the headband. I’m sure the cans are sourced from the same supplier. by both companies. So the sound quality, battery life, ANC…etc should be exactly that of the Golzers…Can anyone verify this?
Headphonersaddict
You are right. The models are very similar, probably done by the same manufacturer or just following the same design. A lot of budget companies do that. Some features and tuning might still be different though.
Leonard Priebe
Noise-canceling headphones comes in two types, Passive Noise Cancellation and Active Noise Cancellation. For Passive noise cancellation technology relies on the physical design of the earcups. The fit and the shape of the earcups determine the extent of the headphone’s power to block ambient noise. Compared to the prior, active noise canceling headphones rely upon its electronic circuitry to provide noise cancellation. ANC is about generating ‘anti-noise’ that mirrors and cancels the ambient noise.
Headphonersaddict
You re quite right, except what you call “passive noise cancellation” is actually called “passive noise isolation” It doesn’t really cancel any noise, just isolates it from outside. 🙂
Leonard Priebe
oh, I mishear that one.. thanks! 🙂
WyteNukles
Good write-up. There are too many powered things in my life as it is, and I avoid having to charge anything. I use a wired Xbox controller, for example. I don’t have a Fitbit for that reason – you have to charge it. I won’t be buying Bluetooth anything unless it’s stationary and plugs into the wall. Even my iPod Nano remains plugged in for power because I don’t want to worry about the battery running out. Also along that line is any kind of ANC battery. Not worth it to me. Can you speak about Digital Noise Cancelation? DNC avoids batteries altogether (granted it may use my phone’s battery, but that’s at least sharing a charge that I’ve already succumbed to). I can’t use noise isolation in my environment because there are times I need to hear around me, but I definitely need some type of NC at other times. Switching on and off is a must, and purchasing multiple headsets is overkill IMHO. I think the DNC option is the only non-battery option but seems like this may be Sony only.
Headphonersaddict
I think the “digital noise cancelation” is just another way of saying “active noise cancelling”. Battery is still required. Now you do have headphones that don’t have their own battery but instead use the power from your Sony smartphone. Though this only works if you have a compatible Sony smartphone which limits your options.