A great noise-canceling headphone is an indispensable choice if you want to reduce the noise outside. It is also a handy way to focus more on your work.
High-end products often cost more than $200 or more. But after researching and researching, I found that some models work well on a more limited budget.
Here are the top 10 noise-canceling headphones according to my experience.
Let’s explore it now!
1. Bose 700
Important Specifications
- Dimensions: 2 x 6.5 x 8 inches
- Item Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Manufacturer: BOSE
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What We Like
- Colorful
- Very durable
- Easy to use
- Great sound quality
Things To Consider
- Difficult to charge
- Unstable connection
Product Highlights
I have owned a pair of Bose 700 headphones for many years. I chose this model because I like the design and its ability to replace the battery quickly.
First, the noise cancellation of this device is top-notch. I tested different levels of noise cancellation and its ability to hold the NC button. It took me about 1.5 seconds to completely turn off the music and its noise cancellation functions.
Bose also offers touch controls that work very well: Double tap to play/pause, swipe to increase volume, or skip tracks.
Long battery life is a big plus. With a charge time of about 15 minutes, this device allowed me to use it continuously for more than 3 hours.
2. Sony WH-1000XM5
Important Specifications
- Dimensions : 8.85 x 3.03 x 10.36 inches
- Item Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Manufacturer: Sony
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What We Like
- Long battery life
- Prestigious brand
- Great sound quality
- Good volume control
Things To Consider
- Plastic smell
Product Highlights
Sony has made a series of established products and keeps making them better.
So, I decided to look at this brand and choose to buy the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Many think this product is quite inconvenient because it cannot be folded. In the long run, the thin and very durable case is an added bonus to that limitation.
I also wish Sony did something to make the headphones power on and connect faster. The truth is that when I want to connect it to two devices, it takes me about 10 seconds to do so.
Although the noise cancellation is good, if there is silence between tracks, it still lets the noise through. Of course, while it can’t block 100% perfectly, it’s probably the best I’ve ever had.
I also like the simple packaging that comes with the devices; they are plastic-free and waste-free. I think this is an excellent way to be eco-friendly, and I applaud the brand for that.
3. B&O Beoplay H95
Important Specifications
- Dimensions: 7.8 x 7 x 2 inches
- Item Weight: 11.4 ounces
- Manufacturer: Bang & Olufsen
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What We Like
- Comfortable to use
- Pure and amazing sound
- Good noise cancellation
- Great physical off switch
- H95 with multipoint connection
Things To Consider
- Expensive
Product Highlights
I love classical music and would love to be able to record music in my style.
I spent over many months researching noise-canceling headphones on the market and consulting other classical musicians. Ultimately, I chose Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 over-ear headphones.
I use it to listen to classical art songs like lieder. The sound quality I get from it is very realistic and engaging.
The bass is solid and has just enough quantity to meet my needs. The recordings I have made are perfect with a high degree of accuracy.
The USB-C and USB-A cables provided by the manufacturer help recharge the H95 battery or a wired connection to a computer.
I once tried the H95 on a phone call. On the other end of the line, the sound quality is good enough for an adult to handle a conversation better.
4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Important Specifications
- Dimensions: 2 x 5.5 x 7.7 inches
- Item Weight: 9 ounces
- Manufacturer: BOSE
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What We Like
- Very comfortable
- Smooth operation.
- Perfect noise canceling
- High build quality
- Easy pairing and management
Things To Consider
- Expensive
Product Highlights
I use the Bose QuietComfort Ultra in Bluetooth connection mode for projects at work. It’s great because I can focus my full attention on work despite any noise around.
I have also successfully joined several Zoom media calls. Its connectivity is seamless, and everyone hears what I say clearly. The product is excellent in terms of build quality, and I think I can keep this headset for a long time.
The device comes with different volume controls. And you need to plug it into the USB-C port on the back of your computer for charging.
Finally, I wish Bose would make more affordable headsets with a mic without wires or external drivers.
5. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
Important Specifications
- Dimensions: 7.45 x 9.2 x 2.5 inches
- Item Weight: 2.33 ounces
- Manufacturer: Bowers & Wilkins
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What We Like
- Great battery
- Fast charging
- Good call quality
- Reduce a lot of noise
- Fast performance, high efficiency
Things To Consider
- Poorly padded cover
Product Highlights
The design of the PX7 S2 follows traditional Bowers & Wilkins standards. It has graceful headband sleeves extending to the aluminum upper earcups with a lovely brand logo.
Thanks to being made from carbon fiber material, it is also a lot lighter than some other models of its kind. The structural integrity is not compromised but is effective. I believe this product can stand the test of time well.
The earpads and lower part of the design appear to be some kind of high-quality leatherette. Therefore, to the touch, I find it very soft.
On the left earcup is a single button responsible for controlling the ANC. I can easily switch between the ANC levels to best suit the ambient noise.
The PX7’s battery life is super good with the USB-C charging method. I get up to 30 hours of playback on a quick full charge.
6. Apple AirPods Max
Important Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.64 x 3.28x 7.37 inches
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
- Manufacturer: Apple
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What We Like
- Very comfortable
- Works smoothly
- High-build quality
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Easy pairing and management
Things To Consider
- Expensive
Product Highlights
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear is a premium product. Every aspect of the headset goes through a perfected, fine-tuned, and solidified process.
I found it a little difficult the first time I put it on. But after I adjusted the headband and got used to the fit, it was great. I have been using this product for hours on end without any issues of discomfort.
In terms of sound quality, it’s perfect for ordinary consumers like me. However, this product does not meet all your wishes if you are an audio enthusiast. It doesn’t officially support lossless audio.
With the well-balanced weight, I don’t see this version putting much weight on my head. I think this is a big plus of the device’s versatility and portability.
7. JBL Live 660NC
Important Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.93 x 3.94 x 7.48 inches
- Item Weight: 9.3 ounces
- Manufacturer: JBL
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What We Like
- Affordable
- Ease of use
- Good volume control
- Super high sound quality
- Good sound reproduction
Things To Consider
- Quite small
Product Highlights
I bought the JBL Live 660NC as a mid-range brand choice that offers a sense of security.
The sound quality is excellent with movies and TV streaming. I watched Dune on HBO Max with it, and it was a memorable audio experience.
This device has a perfect, reasonably neutral listening profile. It reproduces music well, and all the essential mids are clean and clear.
The bonus I get when investing in this model is the extraordinary battery life. I’ve never had a headset hold its charge for this long.
The last time I charged it was on Sunday morning, now, it’s Thursday night, and I still have 70% battery life left. To my surprise, I used them for at least an hour or two every night.
The last word, if you have a super big head, this headset is not for you. Fortunately, I have a slightly small charge, and these fit on top of my head.
8. Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
Important Specifications
- Item Weight: 10.2 ounces
- Dimensions: 9.88 x 9.61 x 2.8 inches
- Manufacturer: Microsoft
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What We Like
- Solid and durable build quality
- Wide range of connectivity
- Good touch controls
- Very comfortable to use
Things To Consider
- It takes quite a while to get used to
Product Highlights
New Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 is an absolute pleasure listening to music and making online calls for me.
The first impression of this product is in its case. The case design is perfect with a slim, sturdy profile and looks very eco-friendly.
The size of the headset is very comfortable and spacious. Its clamp is also not too heavy unless your head size is not suitable.
The cushioning material is excellent but can absorb dust. So, I recommend that you take care to store this device in case it is not in use, and it is best to clean it from time to time.
Next comes the rotary dial, which is impressive and has good touch controls.
Last but not least is connectivity. It has Bluetooth 5, so the connection range shouldn’t be an issue. In particular, it can connect to two devices simultaneously, such as a phone and a tablet.
9. Urbanista Miami Wireless Bluetooth
Important Specifications
- Dimensions: 7.87 x 2.95 x 9.45 inches
- Item Weight: 10.9 ounces
- Manufacturer: Urbanista
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What We Like
- Great battery life
- Easy to set up and use
- Highly efficient ANC feature
Things To Consider
- Very short charger
Product Highlights
I bought Urbanista Miami Wireless Over-Ear to listen to music and podcasts in my home office. Bluetooth was easy to set up and seemed to work fine, and it only took a few seconds for it to finish pairing with my phone.
The volume of this device is also excellent, and I think it is quite a pleasant experience. However, adjusting the volume through the phone requires a few steps, which is not smooth.
The ANC feature is what makes a memorable impression on me. This device includes an ambient sound mode to soften the noise-canceling effect.
Accordingly, it is easy to see that this is the perfect choice for the needs of working in the office.
It also has an on-ear detection system to stop the audio/video when you remove either earbud from your ear. For a little extra, I opted for black, which looks great. However, this makes it relatively easy to display fingerprints.
10. Nuraphone Wireless Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones with Earbuds
Important Specifications
- Dimensions: 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches
- Item Weight: 10.6 ounces
- Manufacturer: nura
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What We Like
- Deep bass quality
- Affordable price
- Easy volume control
- Good noise cancellation
Things To Consider
- Not recommended in the long run
Product Highlights
I’ve always wanted to feel exceptional bass, which is great that I made the right choice. Nuraphone Over-Ear does the job well for a relatively reasonable price.
One thing to note, this product requires charging for at least 1 hour before setting up and starting to use. Indeed this is not too big of a problem compared to the immersive audio experience it brings.
This model allows me to feel every inch of deep bass in my ears. This headset is 100% for those who love the bass sound with the ideal depth.
Buying Guides
So how do you get the best headphone? You can consider the helpful buying criteria I’ve listed below.
Type
Noise-canceling headphones include three main types:
- Headphones with passive noise cancellation: The most popular and best style for isolating high-frequency and abnormal sound. The only problem is that they are enormous and will likely cause discomfort to your head.
- Headphones with active noise cancellation: Unlike passive, this one takes it further. It uses advanced and modern technology with active noise cancellation. It also includes a small built-in audio processor to remove persistent noise from the lower frequency bands, such as white noise.
- Headphones with adaptive noise cancellation: This type has a more robust canceling performance when the background noise is loud and vice versa. However, that hurts the voice quality of the device.
Evaluate sound quality
Each device’s ability to process components of the music spectrum is different.
Therefore, they are often accompanied by certain types of sounds. That’s why I recommend you try on headphones before you buy to find the best sound.
Battery life
Many wireless headphones offer excellent performance and great sound. If you choose to purchase these versions, make sure you check their battery life.
The longer the battery life, the longer you can use the headset without recharging it. This selection criterion is useful when you often have long trips.
FAQs
How effective are noise-canceling headphones?
As the name suggests, these versions do a great job of blocking out any background noise. They also quickly dampen sounds in busy streets or shops and even repetitive or prolonged noises.
Do noise-canceling headphones help to study?
Sure. Since they help block out background noise, you’ll have more opportunities to focus on your studies.
Can you damage noise canceling?
Noise canceling is safe and does not harm the user in any way. Yet, these devices can still damage your hearing if you don’t set the volume to a reasonable level.
Does noise canceling one use more battery?
The short answer is yes. These versions typically use 20-30% more power in noisy environments, requiring more batteries.
Can I sleep with noise-canceling headphones?
If it’s a headset that connects via Bluetooth because they do not come with a cord, it will be very safe for you to sleep.
Final Words
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the ideal pair of headphones that I recommend to you above. If you want to consider an affordable option, don’t skip the JBL TUNE 750BTNC – Wireless Over.
If you have found the version you like best, leave a comment below to let me know. Thank you for following!