Best Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

If you travel on a noisy public transit or work in an office with chatty colleagues, noise cancelling headphones can provide the sonic buffer you need to remain focused. We evaluated the quality of sound, comfort and the ability to block out continuous high-frequency sounds such as restaurant chatter and incidental sounds like ringing phones or keyboards clacking.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's WH1000XM5 headphones are a top option for high-end ANC. The WH-1000XM5 was first released in 2016 and is an excellent option for anyone who wants to listen to their favorite music or podcasts without distractions. The latest edition of the series is the first major redesign since its first release and offers many new and exciting features. The headphones are also environmentally sustainable, without packaging made of plastic. They provide excellent noise cancellation and clear audio.

When it is enabled, the WH1000XM5's noise cancellation is unbeatable. The act of putting on a pair headphones creates a cone of silence, which blocks out the sounds of trains and subway engines and also neighboring conversations. These headphones are also among the best ANCs to block out low-frequency drones, bass hums, and other sounds.

Another feature that is great is Ambient Sound Control, which adjusts the headphones' audio balancing according to the surrounding environment. For instance, if at home listening to your favorite album the WH-1000XM5 will change to a more immersive listening experience. On the other the other hand when you're walking along the streets, they'll switch to a more focused sound profile to give you greater awareness of your surroundings.

The WH1000XM5's earcups have an earpiece that can be controlled by gestures on the right side. It can be used to change tracks, pause and play music. You can also make use of the voice assistant to adjust volume as well as search for content and make phone calls that are hands-free. The headphones boast remarkable frequency response and provide a full, rich stereo image. They also feature a group delay that's extremely precise, which helps maintain a consistent soundstage.

Another great feature is the possibility of connecting the WH-1000XM5s with two devices at the same time. This is especially useful if you're using your laptop to listen to music while you make phone calls using your smartphone. They come with a built-in mic and USB-C charging port. They also come with a cable for direct analog playback. The battery life is around 30 hours, which can last for a week of commuting or an extended flight.

Bose QuietComfort 45

The bose over the ear headphones noise cancelling QuietComfort 45, the flagship model of the premium headphones manufacturer, has received the latest version. It was introduced in September 2021 and it is priced lower than the Sony WH1000XM4 by around PS320 or $329 or $439 when compared to its 700-related sibling. In terms of functionality it comes with top-of-the-line active noise cancellation, as well as features like voice assistant support as well as automatic pause when you take off the headphones. The design is more comfortable than the previous versions. There are some things to note, though. The buttons on the back of the ear cups are now touch-sensitive and require pressure to activate, which means it may be difficult for some people to adjust to. And while you can adjust ANC and toggle an "aware" mode that lets in ambient sound, you cannot completely shut off the sound.

The headsets are still an excellent option for anyone who is looking for a pair of high-end headphones to wear in trains or music on a plane or music at home while working. They have an extended battery life, excellent noise cancellation and clear audio. They also come with multipoint Bluetooth which means that they can be linked to two devices at the same time and switch between them with just a touch. They also have an app that's not as customizable as other competitors but it still has many useful features.

The QC45s feature a highly effective active noise cancellation feature. In my testing it was a bit too loud at times. However, the passive EQ modes are more balanced and offer greater control over your music's sound signature. If you listen to music that have a lot of cymbal sparkle, you may find that the headphones are grating. This is easily corrected by lowering 3-20kHz on the equalizer of your music player.

The QC45s are top-quality ANC at a fair price. Some users may be disappointed by the absence of some features, such as adjustable ANC/transparency, EQ, and a slight drop in call quality. They are comfortable to wear and come with a USB-C charging port.

Shure Aonic 50

Shure's Aonic 50 are a premium pair of headphones with an emphasis on audio quality. They feature a 50mm dynamic driver and are stuffed with high-resolution codes to deliver the best possible Bluetooth music playback. The headphones offer a balanced sound, with deep detail throughout the frequency range. They also have a natural feeling of space and positioning.

They're a bit heavier than other brands at 334g but they still are comfortable enough for long listening sessions. The headband is positioned on the top of the head without putting too much pressure on it, and the earcups are well-padded to make them comfortable. They're also very mobile. They fold flat and easily be stored in the carrying case.

There's a standard set of controls located around the right earcup including volume, playback, and power/pairing. The slider on the top lets you change between noise cancellation, a neutral mode and what Shure calls "Environment Mode". The Environment Mode lets more outside noise to pass through. This could be useful when you want to be alert to your surroundings. The controls are great however there's some delay between pressing the buttons and when it happens (i.e. if you play the button while on a phone you'll probably end up blaring your ears with music, instead of calling up your mom). They don't have any built-in microphones for voice commands support however they do come with an audio response from Google Assistant and their mics are great at removing background noise from conversations.

The battery should last up to 20 hours for most people. The USB cable is included to charge your phone. It's not as user-friendly as Bluetooth however, you can listen to music while you recharge. They also work with audio devices that have 2.5mm ports, which means you can travel with them.

Monoprice BT-600ANC

The Monoprice BT600ANC Bluetooth noise-cancelling over ear headphones come with all the features you need in a pair for just a fraction of the cost. They feature high-quality Qualcomm aptX HD Audio, a cutting-edge form of Active Noise Cancelling, and the ability to fold down for portable use that makes them easy to store in bags for backpacks or in a carry bag. The headphones are a great choice for students or commuters. They come with a long battery life that allows you to listen all the day. The headphones also come with easy-to-use touch controls that allow users to swipe or tap in order to change the volume and skip tracks.

The BT-600ANC headsets sport an elegant design that is like the Monoprice M1000ANC headphones we reviewed last year. They're matte gray and aren't branded at all. They don't stand out much in the crowd, but they offer an incredibly soft and comfortable fit that appeals to most ears. Their compact size and carrying case make them perfect for travel.

The earcups are covered with leatherette, which provides excellent isolation via passive. The headband offers plenty of adjustability and is soft without being bulky or slouchy. The headbands are large enough to accommodate glasses wearers. They are suitable for most people.

Monoprice ANC is a great choice and does not sound as tinny as other brands. They offer an a little boost between 100-200Hz that creates a richer sound for bass notes. This can be heard in the opening of Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo with a full and clear response. However they have a noticeable drop in the higher frequencies that go above 10kHz, meaning that cymbal and shaker sounds won't be as crisp and clear as other headsets.

It is possible to switch between three ANC modes including medium, low and higher. The low setting is great for blocking out the majority of ambient noise, however it won't keep out traffic or loud conversations. The medium setting will work in most environments. The high setting will shield you from everything but your music. The control buttons on the earcups are a little difficult to use initially. Swiping up and down on the pad controls the volume and tapping the pad or swiping it left right switches tracks. Double tapping can be used to stop the music or answer the phone. It takes time to get used to this system but once you are, you will find it extremely useful.