The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

You'll need the top headphones that block out noise regardless of whether you wish to block out the hum of your HVAC system or want to fight the sound of jet engine noises. The new Sony WH-1000XM5s are the new kings of active noise cancellation, and their predecessors are also excellent.

We've taken into account adjustments for ANC as well as touch controls and on-ear detection (for pausing music when you take your headphones off). Our top picks have high-quality audio, comfortable ear cups and large earcups.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony flagship headphones is an impressive improvement over the previous models, offering enhanced noise cancellation and superior audio quality. Its remarkable ANC creates a virtual cone over your head, blocking out an astonishing amount of low-frequency sounds. The ear cups block out noises in the mid-treble range including chatter from the passengers and creaking metal.

Contrary to some noise cancelling headphones that sound hollow or unnatural, the WH-1000XM5s sound very natural. They can render the beats of Billie Eilish in stunning detail while keeping the edges clean and clear. They're great to listen to on a commute or long flight.

The most common controls are operated by a capacitive touch surface located on the right ear cup, including play/pause and volume up/down as well as skip forwards/backwards. It also allows you to call and end calls as well as switch between ANC and ambient sound mode. You can also press and hold the power button for several seconds to get a voice telling you how much battery capacity is left.

Another significant improvement to the XM5s is the new QN1 microphone that is designed to capture high-quality audio while recording podcasts and videos. The microphone is more sensitive than the previous models and has a greater audio range, making it easier for you to pick up your voice.

The XM5 also carries certain features that were XM4's, such as the adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance in accordance with your surroundings. Its 'Wearing Detection' feature now detects when you take off the headset, and then pauses videos or music and resumes it once you put them back on. It's compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine, which upscales compressed music to near high-res resolution.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH1000XM4s of Sony are the latest version of their industry-leading over-ear headphones. They provide top-quality performance however they don't feature the same active noise cancellation as the WH1000XM5s. In addition to stronger Bluetooth and a better noise cancelling algorithm, the WH-1000XM4s also have a brand new audio chip that boosts music files to HD quality and has more advanced voice controls.

The biggest improvement in the latest generation is that Sony has made the WH-1000XM4s more comfortable than ever before by adding padding around the headband and shifting the microphones closer to the outer edges of the ears. This makes them more comfortable to listen to for longer periods of time.

They're also more flexible and allow you to switch between five modes of sound depending on the environment. You can also adjust your EQ settings with the Sony headphones app. They're an excellent choice for travelers and the app allows you to track your activities and automatically adjust the settings as you go.

The WH-1000XM4 also has improved its noise cancellation. It's now more effective due to its higher sensitivity and better filtering of low frequencies. It can be evaluated by looking at graphs like the one shown above. Higher peaks mean that more sounds are being blocked out. The WH-1000XM4s can also be more effective at reducing low-frequency sounds, such as the sound of an air cooling unit or the constant rumble of a plane engine over ear wireless headphones noise cancelling any other pair of noise-canceling headphones that we've test.

The WH1000XM4s are equipped with a range of great features, including a 30-hour battery life and a USB-C charge port. They also have Quick Alert, which lets you touch the right earcup to dampen music and activate the transparency mode; Speak to Chat stops media when you raise your voice (and works well, although it may not always detect taps), and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can analyze and detect your environment to deliver better audio.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II (or QC35 Wireless 2018) are over-ear headphones that were released in September 2017. They have been replaced by the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 701, which will be released in 2021. However, they are still popular and affordable.

The QC35 II is a great pair for sennheiser noise cancelling headphones mixed-use wireless headphones. They provide an incredibly comfortable fit and neutral sound profile that is default. They also offer exceptional noise isolation. They can be used in noisy settings as well as while on the move and last for more than a full day on one charge. They are also compatible with a variety of smart assistants and are activated by a dedicated button. You can ask the assistant to play music, answer trivia or read notifications from your smartphone.

The padding around the ears is wide and will fit most types of ear. They are also lightweight. The housings' hinges can be folded down to make them easier to pack in a bag or a backpack. The controls on the right side of the headphone are easily placed and feel good to use. A series of taps will control playback, such as skipping and rewinding songs.

For a good example of the quality you can expect from these Bose headphones We played The Beatles' Let It Be and listened to piano parts and drum beats. The QC35 II delivers crisp, clear audio that is well-rounded and detail sound. They uncover subtleties in the vocals, for instance Paul McCartney's erratic timing when he's building to the chorus or Gerard Way's snarl while he laments the individualism of teenagers. Teenagers.

The QC35 II is compatible with the majority of smart assistants and is able to connect to up to two devices simultaneously. The QC35 II comes with a carry bag as well as a USB charging cable.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is a household name for its excellent headphones at a relatively low price. The WH-CH720N budget headphones are not an exception. They have many of the same features of the flagship WH1000XM5 headphones, but in an affordable design. They also provide a good amount of active noise cancellation at a very low cost.

Like the WH-1000XM5 headphones, these headphones feature 30mm dynamic drivers that deliver ample bass and crisp high frequencies. They offer an unbalanced sound that works well with different genres of music. They also have an expansive, immersive soundstage.

The WH-CH720N headphones utilize buttons for controls instead of the touch controls and gestures of the XM5 headphones. This could be a a disadvantage, as the buttons initially seem confusing. Luckily, the headphones have clear labels and the controls are arranged in a smart way. One pressing of the button with the '-' lowers the volume, and double presses pauses and plays audio. By pressing and holding the button the button, voice assistants are activated and calls are turned down.

With ANC enabled, these headphones can last for about 35 hours before running out of power. This is the best battery life we've seen in over-ear headphones. They also come with a standby mode that can assist in preserving battery.

The WH-CH720N can be connected to Android phones and iOS devices using Bluetooth. They are compatible with LDAC which lets them play high-quality audio on compatible devices. The headphones noise also work with PlayStation consoles using an analog 1/8"TRS cable. They can also be used on computers using the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect App lets you customize your headphones using an EQ slider, presets, and multipoint connectivity.

5. B&W PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is a follow-up to a wildly popular predecessor, but it's not an unfinished update. With a more modern design and a new app, they deliver on the promise of top-quality build and sound that is designed to faithfully express the artist's vision. They're also incredibly comfortable and a treat to wear all day long.

While they're not as effective as the noise cancellation of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH-1000XM5 however, they do a excellent job of blocking out ambient noises and ensuring that you can focus on your music, podcasts, or gaming handheld without interruptions. They use a six-strong microphone setup (four to cancel sennheiser noise cancelling Headphones and two for voice pickup) and a redesigned algorithm that reduces ambient noise by 30 decibels. They are also among the only a few Bluetooth headphones that we've tested that can be used passively which allows users to listen to their media without the need to power the drive units.

The B&W Music app is also compatible with the free download that offers a range of features that complement the outstanding noise cancellation. This includes the Quick Action button that cycles through three modes for environmental use and displays battery life. It can be set to launch your device's voice assistant. It is annoying to have to press and hold it. A one-press would be more intuitive and simpler.

The PX7 S2 is an excellent pair of headphones that will delight music lovers. They're not quite as suitable for the raucous music of genres such as rock and metal, which tend to favour bass-heavy productions and muddy low frequencies, as they are for classical, folk and Acoustic music, but they will still impress those who appreciate audiophile cred which is also practical and easy to use.