People are gradually abandoning wires in headphones, and smartphone manufacturers are moving away from 3.5 mm jacks. The mass consumer is switching to Bluetooth headphones and there are fewer and fewer adherents of super-quality sound over a wire with a separate Hi-Fi player. This fact cannot be ignored and it was decided to rank the best on this moment full-size Bluetooth headphones with full stuffing: good sound, active noise cancellation, native applications and preferably support for aptX, aptX HD, LDAC codecs. These at the moment are Sony WH-1000XM3, Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Bowers & Wilkins PX. All three couples were visiting the editorial office for some time. gg and were actively used with a couple of modern smartphones Sony Xperia XZ2 and LG G6 with support for all of the above codecs. First, a couple of paragraphs of theory.
What is Active Noise Cancellation?
We will not go into detail, for this there are specialized resources and huge articles on this topic, so those who wish to delve into the materiel can easily google it. The principle of operation of the active noise reduction system is the interference of sound waves. In such headphones, additional microphones are installed that determine the level of background noise and additional speakers that create waves with the same amplitude and inverted phase. As a result of wave interference, they "extinguish" each other and we do not hear external noise in the headphones. Of course, this is in theory, but in practice it is not so easy to create a perfectly matching wave in antiphase, and all ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) systems are not perfect. The first idea for such an application of wave interference was proposed back in 1934 by the American scientist Paul Lug. Of course, the first application was military: in the 50s, this system was used to reduce noise in the cockpits of aircraft, and the first headphones with active noise reduction (also aviation) in 1957 were made by Willard Meeker. The very first production model was released in 1986 by Bose (and again for aviation). For "consumer" use, the system was adapted in 1989. Now there are a huge number of models with an active noise cancellation system, in different form factors, so there is plenty to choose from.
What is aptX, aptX HD, LDAC and why is it needed?
A certain part of lovers of high-quality sound is in no hurry to abandon wires for obvious reasons: if you miss the quality of DACs, amplifiers and all other electronic piping that are needed to obtain a high-quality analog signal at the output, there are also losses in the transmission of a digital signal from a source (smartphone, in most cases) to the headphones. This is largely due to the limited bandwidth of Bluetooth. And here these very codecs come to the rescue - algorithms for encoding (and subsequent decoding) of this very signal in order to obtain the maximum bitrate as a result. The first and most common codec is SBC, which only supports up to 328 kbps. The most common now are aptX and aptX HD developed by Qualcomm, which provide a bit rate of 352 and 576 kbps, respectively. The most advanced in terms of quality is Sony's LDAC, which can deliver up to 990 kbps. But it has one significant disadvantage in the form of low prevalence: for work, both a smartphone (or player) and headphones must support LDAC. And if the first one is not so problematic: the codec was included in the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) starting from Android 8.0 Oreo, then I have not seen third-party wireless headphones with LDAC support. Below is a diagram with a visual comparison of existing codecs:
Higher bitrate does not guarantee better sound quality (there are many more factors, up to how well the recording itself was made). Well, now let's move on to today's trio of headphones, which, according to our editors, can rightfully be called the "best noise-canceling headphones."
Sony WH-1000XM3
The Sony WH-1000XM3 was announced at IFA 2018 in Berlin. To date, these are the top and most technologically advanced noise-canceling wireless headphones from the Japanese giant, with support for aptX, aptX HD and LDAC, touch and button controls, active noise cancellation and a bunch of additional features. A good margin in terms of parameters indicates that the model will not lose its relevance not only in 2020, but also in the next few years.
What do they look like and what's in the box?
Supplied in a large box of black thick cardboard in a white cover with an abundance of printing. Comes with headphones, hard case, cable for wired connection, USB cable for charging, adapter for aircraft and instructions / warranty:
Sony WH-1000XM3 is made of textured matte plastic. The headphones look minimalist and very stylish, without any extra decorative elements. The design is foldable, and the cups can be unfolded for a comfortable fit around the neck. On the left cup there are two mechanical buttons (turning on and adjusting noise isolation modes, you can assign a Google Assistant call to it) and an NFC tag, on the right - Touchpad. The ear cushions and the inner part of the headband are made of leatherette with soft foam filler. The cups are moderately large and fixed very movably for ease of use.
The headset is not too heavy, and the shape and size of the ear cups are optimal and the ears fit completely inside. The clamping force is sufficient for a secure fit, but the headphones do not press. Sony WH-1000XM3 can be used for hours without any discomfort (it can only be caused by the active noise reduction system, just like in other models, this is already from the category of the body's specifics). Management is implemented interesting, but not perfect. Of the physical buttons, there are only power and ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) buttons, the rest is controlled using the touch panel on the right cup. Horizontal movements switch tracks, vertical movements to adjust the volume, and touch is responsible for Play / Pause or answering a call. Of the interesting features - you can temporarily turn off the music and the noise reduction system by placing your palm on the right cup, this will be useful if you need to chat with someone for a couple of phrases. The headphones seemed to me very convenient to use, but, as practice has shown, not everyone likes the touch panel and it takes some getting used to. For charging, the usual progressive USB-C port is used.
There is a Sony Haeadphones Connect proprietary application that displays basic information (charge level, codec used, transmission quality, etc.) and allows you to very flexibly customize the headphones to your liking. This applies to both the internal pressure noise reduction system and the sound itself: there is an equalizer, surround sound emulation, a DSEE HX enhancer, which (in theory) "finishes" what is lost during compression in MP3. There is an adaptive mode in which the headphones determine the location and type of activity (rest, walking) and adjust the ANC themselves depending on the situation:
The headphones are very good in terms of sound quality: it is adequately balanced in terms of frequencies, there are no significant peaks or dips. Very sensible detailing of low and medium frequencies, the top is slightly smoothed. There is enough bass, but they do not climb into the middle frequency range and drown out everything else. The mid frequencies are not failed, but the connection between the Hi-Fi player and smart wired headphones is far from detailed, of course. The manufacturer deliberately smoothed out the upper frequencies for universality in terms of the audience (there are really a lot of high-frequency fobs). As for codecs, the difference between the ancient SBC and LDAC is very well felt (of course, when listening to high-quality tracks in FLAC, for example): mids and highs become more detailed and controlled. With the help of branded equalizers and enhancers, you can customize the sound as you like to suit your personal tastes. The built-in microphone copes with its task without any problems, the interlocutor is perfectly audible even on the street.
Of course, Sony focuses on the noise-canceling capabilities of its Sony WH-1000XM3 headset: it is implemented really well. According to Sony, the headset is able to adapt ANC to a specific person, using data on the shape and size of the head, hair length and the presence or absence of glasses. For those who have not used such gadgets before, it is worth understanding that absolute silence cannot be achieved in real conditions, but in this case, the noise is really reduced to a minimum. According to the results of experiments on experimental acquaintances who were not familiar with active noise cancellation before, an extremely unusual feeling of vacuum is experienced in the first seconds, especially if ANC is turned on without music (this moment applies to all headphones with active noise cancellation). I didn’t have to use a headset on the plane, but the Sony WH-1000XM3 copes with subway noise perfectly. An additional plus of this solution is that there is no need to increase the volume, which we like to do in transport or on the street with ordinary headphones.
Sony promises 30 hours with noise cancellation enabled, 38 hours without it, and 40 hours with noise cancellation without music. The headset was used for 2-3 hours a day with noise reduction and music, in this mode it lasted a week, so everything is fine with battery life. Plus, fast charging is supported: they promise that 10 minutes of charging will provide 5 hours of listening to music. The headset fully charges in about 4 hours.
Headphones Sony WH-1000XM3
Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM3 are headphones that cannot be over-praised. These are the best wireless noise-cancelling headphones on the market, giving the user maximum control over both noise-cancelling options and sound profiles via an app. This model contains all the technological developments of Sony, which have been improved for many years. A large number of possible settings and impeccable sound, together with a high battery life (you can charge the headphones once a week, while fast charging is supported), leaves no chance for competitors.
buy on amazon 
Editor's Choice
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is the manufacturer's current flagship wireless over-ear headphone model. As you might guess, this is an updated version of the Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones, which could be said to be the best wireless headphones with active noise cancellation, but I will not draw any analogies as I did not use the first generation and cannot physically compare. In addition to active noise reduction, the model is interesting in that it has official support for Google Assistant. Neither Ukrainian nor Russian has been brought into Google Assistant yet, but everyone who is interested and curious can use English.
What do they look like and what's in the box?
Packaging and delivery set are similar to the previous model of our article. A box of medium size, outside - an outer "wrapper" made of soft white cardboard with printing, inside - a black box made of hard cardboard. The set includes headphones, a hard case, a charging cable, a wired connection cable and a small instruction booklet:
Headphones are made of plastic and metal (frame), foldable design, like the Sony WH-1000XM3. The cups are swivel, their outer part is plastic and painted with matte paint. It looks expensive and beautiful, but it collects prints. On the outer parts of the cups are microphones for active noise reduction and Bose logos. There is a slider switch on the right earpiece to turn on and create a Bluetooth pairing mode. On it, in front, there is a conversational microphone and an NFC tag. Behind - three mechanical playback control buttons with two LEDs side by side. Bottom - MicroUSB for charging. The left earpiece has a wired connector and a large Google Assistant call button. It can be reassigned, which I immediately did, as a result, with its help, the noise reduction modes were switched. On the inside of the headband there is a soft Alcantara insert. The ear cushions are soft, inside - memory foam, outside - leatherette. Inside the cups are the designations of the left and right earpiece. The headset turned out to be light, despite this, it does not feel cheap or unreliable. We have visited the black version, there is also a silver one.
How convenient is it to use?
The headset is very light and comfortable, headband downforce is optimal. Bose QuietComfort 35 II can be used for hours without taking off, no discomfort is felt. The auricles fit completely inside the ear pads. Nothing presses, does not interfere, the headset perfectly takes the shape of the head. The ears do not sweat, although it is not yet summer and there are suspicions that in the heat this may change a little, but it is worth checking in practice. In general, of the trinity of heroes of the article, Bose QuietComfort 35 II seemed to me the most comfortable. It is very easy to get used to the control: there are only three buttons on the right earpiece. The two extreme ones are responsible for the volume, the middle one is multifunctional: click - Play / Pause, double click - the next track, triple - the previous track, is also responsible for receiving / rejecting a call. The design of the headphones is foldable for easy transportation, and a microUSB connector is used for charging.
There is a proprietary Bose Connect application in which you can change the name of the headset, switch between sources, adjust the level of noise reduction, reassign the Google Assistant button, view current data on charge, volume and the track being played (including information from Google Music is pulled up) and enable voice prompts . There is already a Russian-language localization, albeit crooked, with a funny accent:
What about sound, noise cancellation and battery life?
Perhaps the weakest point of the headset is the sound. No, it's not bad (especially considering it's a Bluetooth headset). In general, for its category of gadgets, the sound is quite suitable, but worse than the other two models in this material. The frequencies are slightly raised low frequencies but not critical. Otherwise, there are no pronounced peaks or dips, but detailing over the entire frequency range suffers a lot: some “blurring” and blurring is felt. In terms of sound, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is best suited for creating background music, rather than attentive and thoughtful listening to music, which is quite forgivable. It's worth mentioning that Bose is fundamentally still not using aptX or aptX HD. It is sad.
Given Bose's expertise in active noise cancellation, it's no surprise that the QuietComfort 35 II's noise canceling works great. According to this indicator, the Bose and Sony models are comparable: you can listen to music comfortably and comfortably even in a noisy subway. In total, there are three noise reduction modes: maximum (just for the metro and other noisy places), medium, which is quite suitable for walking. Plus, active noise cancellation can be simply turned off. There were no complaints about the built-in microphone, it performs its functions without problems both indoors and outdoors.
Estimated hours of operation wireless mode with noise canceling function is 20 hours. In real conditions, this indicator very significantly depends on the volume, and I got about 17 hours, which is also very good. One charge will probably last you a week of commuting to and from work. Charges in about 2 hours.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Updated model of popular active noise canceling headphones
Lightweight and very comfortable over-ear Bluetooth headphones with Active Noise Canceling and three modes of operation. Equipped with NFC for quick connection smartphone and support Google Assistant. To turn it on, there is a separate Action button, which can be reassigned in the settings.
Buy on Amazon 
13 860 UAH
Bowers & Wilkins PX
Despite a very long track record and a history that dates back to 1966, Bowers & Wilkins was in no hurry to release noise canceling headphones, while competitors already have a bunch of models. Finally, the company decided to take this step and Bowers & Wilkins PX became the first model from the British manufacturer with an active noise reduction system.
What do they look like and what's in the box?
Bowers & Wilkins PX comes in a large, beautiful white box with images of the headphones themselves and information about the main advantages. Inside - headphones, a soft carrying case, a 3.5 mm cable for a wired connection, a Type-C to Type-A cable for charging and connecting to a PC, and a small instruction book:
Bowers & Wilkins PX are perhaps the most interesting and unusual in terms of design and appearance in our selection today. The design combines massive metal parts: the headband frame is completely made of metal, the outer parts of the cups are also metal, on them there are Bowers & Wilkins logos. Around the metal inserts on the cups and on the top of the headband is nylon, which (theoretically) should be significantly more durable than leatherette or plastic. As stated on the official website, the ear pads and the inside of the headband are made of leather. Another constructive and interesting feature is the cable that connects the ear cups. It is in a fabric braid and is located in an open groove on the cup mounts. The size of the headband is smoothly adjustable. The only not very convenient moment of the design: the cups rotate, but the headphones cannot be folded for transportation. Bowers & Wilkins PX is available in two versions: blue-gold and grey-black:
How convenient is it to use?
Of the entire collection, the Bowers & Wilkins PX took me the longest to get used to: at first it seemed that the headband was too tight, and there was too little padding in the ear cushions. After a while, these strange sensations go away. Cups and ear pads optimal size and the ears fit completely inside them. Despite the noticeable weight in the hands, it does not strain the head even with prolonged use. All controls are located on the upper earpiece. Behind - long buttons for volume control and Play / Pause (it also serves to switch tracks forward and backward by double and triple pressing, respectively). Below is the button to turn on active noise cancellation and the power slider and switch to Bluetooth connection mode. At the bottom of the right earpiece is a 3.5mm jack for wired connection and a USB Type-C connector, for which special thanks. The headset can be used directly from a PC using the supplied cable, and using a Type-C cable on both sides, it can be connected directly to modern smartphones (it will be especially important for models without a 3.5 mm jack). Management is simple and clear. I didn’t really like only the power-on slider: it seemed to me that it was a bit tight.
The branded application is designed to configure the headset and looks quite minimalistic. But for some reason it takes a long time to start and connect to the headphones. There is a battery indicator, the ability to update the firmware, reset, noise reduction and sensor settings. The noise reduction system (Ambient Noise Filter) has three modes of operation: office, city and flight, for each of them you can adjust the pass-through of voices. Another interesting feature is the donning sensors: the headset automatically pauses the music if you take it off. The sensitivity of the sensors is also configurable:
What about sound, noise cancellation and battery life?
The Bowers & Wilkins PX uses 40mm dynamic drivers which are angled. The aptX and aptX HD codecs are supported, which is very pleasing (fortunately, there are smartphones with support for these codecs at hand). The sound in PX pleasantly pleased: it is balanced and not clamped, while driving and detailed, as far as it is possible in Bluetooth headphones. There is no outright smearing in the mids or highs, and they are not failed. There is enough bass, it adds the necessary density and impact, but does not strive to climb into the middle and push it back. The imaginary scene is very good, given the class of headphones. High frequencies are present in full, as one would expect, they are softened a little for high-frequency phobes, but without fanaticism. When using noise reduction, the sound does not become more muffled, which really suffers from many models of such headsets.
It seemed to me that the noise cancellation just a little falls short of its competitors, but this can only be noticed in the noisiest places, and even this difference is minimal. As mentioned above, the software has three operating modes: office, city and flight. In addition to the intensity of noise reduction, voice pass-through can be adjusted for each of these modes. This will be useful, for example, in the terminal of an airport or railway station, so as not to miss the desired announcement.
The headset is powered by a built-in 850 mAh battery, they promise 22 hours of operation on a single charge (via Bluetooth, with active noise reduction). I got about 20 hours.
Bowers & Wilkins PX
Bowers & Wilkins' first noise canceling Bluetooth headset
A very unusual and interesting Bluetooth headset in terms of design with a pleasant sound, support for aptX, aptX HD codecs and an active noise reduction system.
Pairing with a smartphone is properly supported using NFC. The chip is located in the left capsule, made in the form of a touchpad. This allows you to adjust the volume so you can skip the parts you don't like. A light tap interrupts the music to accept phone call, which by the way works for both sides in excellent quality.
The slide switch in the upper right corner of the right capsule activates or deactivates two different levels of noise protection. Level II is the highest level, where everything that is possible is hidden. There is another level between this and off mode: here the PXC 550 automatically adjusts to ambient noise, but not as effectively. In general, noise cancellation is almost at the same high level as Sony headphones.
The touchpad built into the right capsule responds instantly, which again makes it easier to work. However, it relies even more on "tapping" than the Sony: while a light tap is for playing and pausing music, a double tap activates the talk-through feature.
In terms of music reproduction, the Sennheisers are, as expected, in the same league as the Sony headphones, only the voice is slightly different. So there is a very slight drop in the mid-range for Sony listeners, where the Sennheiser dissolves a little better, but sometimes delivers a little more sharpness at higher frequencies.
The Sennheiser PXC 550 has different sound modes - "Club", "Cinema" and "Speech" - they differ only in nuances. I liked the sound best when they are off. What Sennheiser particularly likes is the fact that there are barely audible differences in sound whether noise protection is on or off.
Sennheiser also convinced that they are actually not inferior in noise reduction to either s.Sony or Bose. In addition, they are much cheaper and therefore offer very good value prices and quality.
In the dry matter
All four headsets presented in the rating are very good, each in its own way, and which one to choose is already a personal matter. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, there is no clear favorite: Sony WH-1000XM3 seemed to me the most interesting in terms of sound and the most technologically advanced, plus it lasts the longest on a single battery charge. On the other hand, touch control and a huge number of settings will not appeal to everyone. Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Bowers & Wilkins PX are simpler and more understandable in terms of control. The Bose model (according to personal impressions) turned out to be the most convenient, but the sound is slightly inferior to the other two models, and the absence of aptX, aptX HD is somewhat surprising. Bowers & Wilkins PX is the most unusual and interesting model in terms of design with a pleasant sound, but it lags behind a little in the implementation of the noise reduction system. It seems to me that each of the above models will be a good buy for those who are looking for a flagship Bluetooth headset. Surely other manufacturers also have something to show in this category, write options for your "top" in the comments.
| Sony WH-1000XM3 | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Bowers & Wilkins PX | Sennheiser PXC 550 | |
| Emitters | Dynamic, 40 mm | Dynamic | Dynamic, 40 mm | Dynamic |
| Frequency response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (over cable) | The manufacturer does not indicate | 10 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 17 Hz - 23000 Hz |
| Acoustic design | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Impedance | 41 ohm | The manufacturer does not indicate | 22 ohm | 46 ohm |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB | The manufacturer does not indicate | 111 dB | 110 dB |
| Charging connector | USB Type-C | microUSB | USB Type-C | microUSB |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Codec support | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | aptX, aptX HD |
| NFC | There is | There is | Not | There is |
| The weight | 255 g | 235 g | 335 g | 227 g |
Noise-canceling headphones are aimed at listeners who want to protect themselves from the outside world and immerse themselves in the world of music. These earphones are able to cancel the noise around you, so you can listen to your favorite albums or audiobooks, or just enjoy the silence.
We've rounded up 5 active noise-cancelling headphones and below are our recommendations for the best ones you can buy today.
Rating of the best active noise canceling headphones
The best noise canceling headphones are the Sony WH-1000XM2. They cancel noise just as well as the MDR-1000X in loud environments, in which they outperform the Bose QuietComfort 35.
The WH-1000XM2 boasts several improvements over the previous model: a more consistent sound profile, softer earpads, and app support that provides plenty of customization options. Yes, they are not as comfortable or practical for everyday use as the QC35, but this model offers the best noise-cancelling performance of any on-ear headphones.
If comfort is one of your top priorities, then consider purchasing the Bose QuietComfort 35. They are more comfortable than the Sony WH-1000XM2, and performed well in most test categories, making them a versatile headset for daily use in noisy environments.
They don't offer as good noise isolation as the WH-1000XM2, and the supported app doesn't offer the same amount of customization options, but they're much easier to use and provide better overall playback quality.
In the middle price category we can offer you the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headphones. They are cheaper and have better overall performance than the JBL Elite 700. They also outperform the Sennheiser HD 4.50 but don't offer the same noise isolation.
They are able to suppress noise in moderately loud environments, and they are also the best option in terms of price-quality ratio.
If you want the very best active noise canceling headphones then you need the JBL Everest Elite 700. They provide better noise isolation than the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 and come with one of the best companion apps.
The app is easy to use and intuitive, and gives you control over noise reduction and sound quality.
If you're on a very tight budget but still want active noise canceling headphones that provide decent isolation and sound quality, then we recommend the Cowin E7.
They don't offer the best noise isolation, but they sound good and are sold at a relatively low price for wireless noise canceling headphones. The Bluedio T4s have slightly better performance when it comes to sound quality and build quality, but battery life leaves a lot to be desired.
Today, almost half of the assortment in the audio department of any store is equipped with an active noise reduction system. Some say that this is the best invention since the appearance of headsets, while others are sure that this is just another ploy to pump out money.
Let's figure out together whether you need to pay attention to such a feature when choosing headphones.
What is it and how does it work
Active noise cancellation is a way to eliminate unwanted noise by overlaying specially generated audio.
Active noise cancellation works as follows. The system captures the noise to be suppressed through an external microphone and emits a sound wave with the same amplitude but a mirror image of the phase of the original sound. The noise wave and the generated sound mix and cancel each other out.
This way of dealing with noise when listening to music allows you to abandon the complete noise isolation or excessive volume increase. It is these two methods that were previously actively used to suppress unnecessary sounds.
The first patents in this area began to appear as early as the 30s of the twentieth century, but the real application came only half a century later. Active noise canceling technology was originally used in the aviation and defense industries. It only hit the consumer market a few years ago.
Is it effective
Many mistakenly consider the active noise cancellation system a marketing ploy. Yes, the system will not protect against all noise, but it performs its direct function properly.
It is generally accepted that a person is able to perceive sounds in the range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Most modern "noise cancelers" do a good job with noise from 100 Hz to 1 kHz. This is quite enough to save the listener from other people's conversations, traffic noise and wind.
We perceive fluctuations in the range below 100 Hz not only with the ear, but also with the body, here no noise reduction in the headphones will help. As for the upper range, the system is able to turn a high-frequency squeak or whistle into a calm hiss.
Good noise-canceling headphones can make you feel like you're in a quiet room, even on a noisy street.
Useful features of active noise reduction
Manufacturers thought, since the headphones are equipped with an external microphone, why not provide for the possibility of using it for its intended purpose.
Some models allow you to temporarily turn off noise reduction and broadcast sound “outside” to the headphones. So you can communicate with an interlocutor, move safely or simply perceive information from the outside world without removing your headphones.
Another advantage of models with active noise reduction is the presence of a built-in amplifier. It is with its help that “anti-noise” is generated for the operation of the system, but besides this, the amplifier is able to produce better sound.
Is everything so smooth
The system of active noise reduction has its drawbacks. The main one is that these headphones are not suitable for everyone. Do not worry, the percentage of those for whom the technology is contraindicated is quite low. About 3% of users with prolonged use of active "noise canceling" begin to complain of headaches.
Their cause is the intolerance syndrome of the active noise suppression system. It is similar to seasickness, when our brain thinks that the body is at rest, and the vestibular apparatus sends the opposite signals.
So when suppressing noise, it seems to the brain that we are in a quiet place, and the senses send signals unusual for this.
Another negative factor is the increased pressure on the eardrums, because in addition to music and noise, “anti-noise” enters our ear. This can cause disruptions in the nervous system and lead to headaches.
What are the alternatives
At the moment, active noise cancellation is the most technologically advanced solution. This feature cuts off up to 95% extraneous sounds when listening to music. This uses a whole chain of additional elements and this affects the cost of headphones and headsets with active noise cancellation.
In contrast to this technology, you can put passive noise reduction. It is achieved by sealing the human ear from external noise through massive ear cushions in on-ear models or flexible and shaped ear cushions in vacuum models.
Ceteris paribus, such headphones are cheaper and simpler in the device, which means they are more reliable in operation.
What to choose in the end
First you need to go to the nearest electronics store with exhibition samples and visually verify the operation of the active noise reduction system. A simple comparison of headphones with and without such a system will immediately give the result.
In order not to fall into the so-called "risk zone", it is better to ask a friend or acquaintance for a test model.
This is how another technology, previously in service with the military, tightly penetrates our lives.
Rating of the top 3 best noise canceling earplugs
Noise Cancellation vs Noise Isolation – Is Noise Cancellation Better?
There are misconceptions about noise cancellation and noise isolation. Below we will try to explain the difference.
Noise suppression
Noise cancellation is an active system that uses a microphone and external power. The microphone picks up ambient noise, and the control chip creates a sound with similar characteristics, but opposite in wave phase, and sends this sound to the headphones. The same sound with opposite phases extinguishes itself, and you just have to listen to music and enjoy the silence.
Such a system performs well at suppressing low-frequency noise, such as the constant hum of an engine.
When Active Noise Canceling works, you seem to be transported to a quieter place, but this technology does not remove all ambient noise.
The echoes of the human voice, loud music and any other noises with unstable frequencies cannot be isolated, so you will hear them constantly. As a rule, a combination of active noise cancellation and passive noise isolation provides the best result.
Noise isolation
Passive noise isolation does not need complex systems - it drowns out noise by isolating it. For example, the tight-fitting ear cushions of full-size headphones play a significant role in blocking out all external noise. In-ear headphones seal the ear canal with their shape, so sound waves are transmitted along an air column isolated from the environment.
Well-isolated headphones can block up to 37 dB of noise, which provides complete blocking of a quiet human voice.
Passive noise isolation blocks out all outside sounds, from stomping neighbors to screaming children. This makes them useful when you crave privacy.
On the other hand, complete sound isolation can be dangerous in public places, because during a walk on the street it can be important to know what is happening around you.
What can you expect from noise canceling headphones?
Noise-canceling headphones will eliminate most background noise without canceling out high-frequency sounds such as human voices and traffic.
As soon as you press the button to activate the noise reduction, some of the background sounds will simply disappear, creating the illusion of a quieter environment.
So noise-cancelling headphones are perfect for when you want to get rid of the rumble of the engine while still allowing you to hear sounds that warn you of important things. For example, about a flight delay at the airport or about the approach of a car on the street.
What does 95% noise reduction mean?
Typically, the effectiveness of noise cancellation is measured in specific, low-frequency, low-noise environments, as it is under these conditions that active noise cancellation technology achieves its best performance.
This does not mean that active noise cancellation with 95% efficiency will remove 95% of background noise. They will only suppress frequencies at various levels. As such, ANC ratings should be treated with some skepticism, as they do not demonstrate the true effectiveness of the technology.
Review of the top 7 best in-ear headphones with noise canceling technology
Best Bose QuietComfort 20 Earplugs
The Bose QuietComfort 20 is undeniably the best active noise canceling earbuds available today.
Not everyone likes Bose products, but it is worth recognizing that they have achieved impressive results in the field of sound suppression and are today the leaders in this direction in the audio equipment market.
Noise suppression
If you want to magically eliminate background noise and immerse yourself in the world of music, but still hear high-frequency sounds, you will not find anything better than the Bose QuietComfort 20.
The noise canceling in earbuds seems to work even better for high frequency noise than competing headphones (with this technology). They are so good that they will save you both the rumble of aircraft turbines and some of the noise of automobile traffic, and muffle the shrill human voices and the loud chirping of birds.
They may not completely get rid of these sounds, but they do it better than all the other models on this list.
In addition, the QC 20 has a special mode called "Attention", which reduces the amount of noise reduction for those times when you need to hear other people around you.
The battery, which is needed for noise reduction, is unfortunately non-removable, but it lasts for 16 hours, after which it can be charged using USB. The lithium-ion battery can withstand up to 500 charge cycles, after which its capacity begins to decrease. Thus, if you use the noise reduction mode for about 10 hours on average, then you will have enough trouble-free battery life for a year and a half.
Design reliability
The construction quality is good, despite the plastic "plugs". Silicone ear pads are pleasant to the touch and fit snugly. The cables are protected by a sufficient layer of rubber and are hardly the weak link in this design.
Comfort
With its lightweight design and quality silicone ear cushions, the Bose QuietComfort 20 is extremely comfortable.
Included with the headphones, you are provided with three different sizes of ear cushions, which will allow you to comfortably place “plugs” in the ears of almost any person. And while the ear cups are comfortable, they feel a bit short, which reduces their passive noise isolation and fit stability. However, as soon as you find the best level of fit, noise isolation will hardly disappoint you.
Peculiarities
The microphone is located on the cable and works as expected, allowing you to easily answer calls without interrupting the noise canceling mode.
No less ergonomically located control compositions and mode of operation of noise reduction. Please note that Attention mode is guaranteed to work only with the required OS type - iOS or Android.
sound
As for headphones with active noise cancellation - the sound is not bad, but it cannot be compared with conventional audiophile models.
Sound seems to be better when noise canceling is on than when it's off. In the latter case, the mids are less pronounced, so it makes sense to activate active noise cancellation as often as possible.
In general, the sound can be described as typical Bose - with an accentuated bass and slightly shaded treble. However, the sound turned out to be more balanced than in previous models, where the mids were even worse.
Bottom line, if you value noise cancellation over sound quality (typical of people on the move), the Bose QuietComfort 20 will appeal to you. After all, if you're looking for the very best in noise canceling technology packed into a small and comfortable pair of headphones
Bose QuietComfort 20 is waiting for you.
Advantages:
- Best noise cancellation in its class
- sufficient comfort with a stable fit;
- strong assembly;
- ideal "plugs" for travelers;
- sound quality that rivals the best active noise-cancelling headphones.
Flaws:
- price;
- sound quality deteriorates when noise canceling is turned off.
AKG K391 NC Active Noise Canceling In-Ear Headphones
Noise suppression
Compared to the Bose model above, the AKG K391 still has some room for improvement, but overall it delivers a decent level of noise cancellation.
They perform well on board airliners and on the seats of public transport, successfully drowning out low hums, white noises and other background noise, while he is not able to cope with the voice.
The battery is even more durable than on the Bose, and lasts about 40 hours on a single charge.
Design reliability
The construction is made of aluminum and the build quality is top notch. Aluminum ear cups, thick rubberized wires securely attached to the battery and noise canceling devices - you will have to work hard to find flaws in the design.
Convenience
AKG K391 NC has a closer to vacuum headphones design, while the Bose QuietComfort 20 is more like an on-ear headphone. Therefore, they stay in your ears exactly until the moment you begin to actively move, which makes them not the best choice for sports training. The ear pads can be replaced with foam rubber ones to improve comfort, although the original silicone ones are very good.
Peculiarities
The microphone works great when taking calls, and you can easily connect to any iOS and Android devices. Don't expect studio quality from it, but it's fine for talking to a friend.
sound
Any audiophile will surely agree that the AKG K391 NC sounds better than the Bose SoundQuiet 20 as the sound is more balanced.
Whereas the Bose have more pronounced bass and treble, the AKG has a more balanced sound profile. It also cannot be compared to typical audiophile devices, although the sound quality is already closer to them than that of Bose.
With the noise reduction mode turned off, the sound sharply loses detail, but as soon as it is turned on, the sound picture changes dramatically for the better: the highs become clear and pronounced, acquire a warm tint, the middle is not darkened, and the basses become elastic and clear.
Bottom line, if you don't want to spend a ton of money on the Bose QuietComfort 20, but want similar noise-canceling performance with a high build quality and improved sound profile, go for the AKG K391.
Advantages:
- noise cancellation is better than average;
- high build quality;
- balanced sound.
Flaws:
- a little bulky due to the battery;
- The sound is still not up to standard headphones.
The best wireless headset with microphone and active noise cancellation Phiaton BT 220 NC
Noise suppression
According to the developers, the noise reduction efficiency is 95%. In spite of beautiful number, the Bose QuietComfort 20 still beats the Phiaton, especially when it comes to suppressing high-frequency sounds.
Active Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones - Battery lasts up to 16 hours, depending on usage. Bluetooth 4.0 works as well as older versions, and can receive a signal within a radius of 10 meters. Wireless headphones have built-in AptX technology for best quality, just make sure your device supports it (iPhone does not).
The Phiaton BT 220 NC can be used in a variety of ways - both with Bluetooth and active noise cancellation, and as regular wired headphones using a micro USB cable.
Design reliability
There is nothing special in the design. They don't look flimsy, but they don't hold up well to moisture and are mostly made of plastic, which makes them very light though.
Convenience
Due to their light weight, they are very comfortable. As soon as you choose the right size of ear pads, you will forget that you are wearing them.
Peculiarities
Wired connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0 and AptX technology, a microphone (working in Bluetooth mode only), and multipoint connectivity that allows you to connect up to two devices at the same time.
sound
The sound is excellent, perhaps even better than the Bose QuietComfort 20, but only if you gravitate towards balanced sound. The highs are very "crispy" and detailed, the mids are not darkened, and the basses are elastic, but clearly not accentuated.
In the end, if you're looking for comfortable, lightweight, affordable wireless headphones with good sound, check out the Phiaton BT 220 NC.
Advantages:
- 95% noise reduction;
- convenience due to lightness;
- 16-hour battery life;
- Bluetooth 4.0 with AptX;
- possibility of wired connection;
- balanced clean sound.
Flaws:
- strong wind spoils the sound when the noise canceling mode is turned on.
Sony MDRNC13 - Sony's latest in-ear headphones with active noise cancellation
Noise suppression
This technology is less effective here compared to products from Bose or Phiation, but it works well. They perform well when you need a noise canceling mode, but you still want to hear the surrounding sounds. As Sony claims, they have 87% noise reduction.
But what surprised the Sony MDRNC13 was the battery capacity, which is enough for 100 hours! It uses standard AAA batteries. None of the "earbuds" with noise cancellation are not able to work for so long on a single charge.
Design reliability
The design of the product is made of high quality plastic. The Sony MDRNC13 shouldn't be taken to the gym or expected to last for years, but they won't fall apart if used daily.
Convenience
The headphones are quite large, but since they are made of plastic, they do not weigh very much and provide a comfortable fit even on long flights.
Peculiarities
The Sony MDRNC13 does not come with a microphone for phone calls, but can work with any tablet or smartphone.
sound
The sound quality has a typical picture for Sony - weakly present bass and clear highs. In general, the sound is not bad, but does not stand up to comparison with more advanced counterparts.
Bottom line, if you want quality earbuds from Sony with impressive battery capacity, the Sony MDRNC13 is a great choice.
Advantages:
- effective 87% noise reduction;
- Sony branded quality;
- light and comfortable;
- impressive battery capacity;
- good balanced sound.
Flaws:
- Bose and Phiaton have better noise cancellation
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 - the most popular noise canceling earbuds
In our opinion, this model offers the best value solution among all active noise canceling headphones at the moment.
For less than $100, you get sturdy in-ear headphones with high-quality sound that's better than many $200 models in this segment.
Noise suppression
According to Audio-Technica, these headphones cancel out up to 90% of noise, which is true, so they can be compared to Bose QuietComfort 20 and Phiaton earbuds in terms of noise cancellation.
The battery life on a single charge is 60 hours thanks to the capacious AAA batteries.
Design reliability
Products under the Audio-Technica brand can hardly be of poor quality, even despite the plastic. In any case, you should not be afraid that the headphones will break after a few weeks.
Convenience
The ATH-ANC23 are lightweight yet have a bulky design. But that doesn't make them uncomfortable. On the contrary, as soon as you choose the right size of ear pads, they will seem more convenient to you than many vacuum plugs.
Peculiarities
The headphones do not have a separate microphone, as the microphones are already built into the ear cups.
sound
That's what Audio-Technica is good at, especially considering the cost. These are definitely the best in-ear headphones with active noise cancellation in terms of sound quality. It is felt that the sound profile is concentrated around the middle. The tops are usually clean, but can get rough at times. Lows have clear and percussive bass.
Thus, if you want the best earplugs with active noise cancellation technology, then the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 is definitely your choice.
Advantages:
- excellent 95% noise reduction;
- good build;
- affordable;
- high quality sound;
- 60-hour work on one battery.
Flaws:
- For the money it's hard to find something better.
Active Noise Canceling Headphones for Sony Xperia MDR NC31EM
Before reading the review, please note that the Sony MDR NC31E is only compatible with Sony gadgets that support noise reduction - these are smartphones and tablets Xperia series(Z2, Z3, Z4, etc.)
Noise suppression
According to the manufacturer, this value reaches an impressive 98%, however, in our opinion, the Bose QuietComfort 20 has better noise reduction. On the other hand, NC31E has various modes noise reduction: air travel, public transport and office. In addition, there is no need to worry about the battery, since there is no battery in the headphones, and active noise cancellation is powered by the connected device.
Design reliability
The Active Noise Canceling Headphones for the Sony Xperia are made of plastic with rubber-coated wires that are prone to tangling as the cable on the left side is shorter than the right. The build quality is consistent with the Sony brand, but can not boast of anything special.
Convenience
Swapping out the bundled ear pads for Comply foam pads will allow you to reach a new level of comfort, as the standard ear pads are nothing compared to most models of this type.
Peculiarities
The noise canceling mode works because the microphones are built into the headphones, and the connected Xperia series device is responsible for generating the waves.
sound
The sound quality is very good. The sound profile is balanced and there is clearly no heavy bass. In general, exactly the sound that you would expect from regular headphones for $50.
Bottom line, if you're looking for affordable noise canceling headphones for your Sony Xperia, the MDR NC31E will come in handy.
Advantages:
- noise reduction with a level above average;
- there is no bulky "box" with a battery and noise reduction device;
- available;
- unique design;
- good sound.
Flaws:
- only works fully with Sony Xperia series devices.
TaoTronics TT-BH06 Best Budget Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Noise suppression
After evaluating previous samples of active noise canceling headphones, we believe that the TT-BH06 has the worst performance. Yes, noise cancellation works, but it's much worse than the more expensive counterparts, which, in principle, is quite expected for $20 headphones.
The built-in battery allows you to enjoy the available noise reduction mode for 5 hours.
Design reliability
Of course, the fortress of these headphones is not the highest. The manufacturer claims that the device is waterproof, but you should definitely not hope for a long service life. On the other hand, the TaoTronics support department is ready to replace any product that suddenly stops working for unknown reasons.
Convenience
Finding the right fit takes some getting used to, as the headphones have a built-in battery that makes them heavier. In general, they can be worn for about an hour before you get tired of them. If you are lucky with the shape of the ear canal, then you will surely find these headphones comfortable, and if not, then get ready for the constant loss of "plugs" during any active activities.
Peculiarities
Bluetooth 4.1 allows you to connect to any wireless device, and the communication range is up to 10 meters. In addition, TaoTronics can use AptX audio enhancement technology. A built-in microphone is also available, which is convenient for phone calls.
sound
The sound quality, oddly enough, surprises. Of course, he is far from his dear colleagues, but a fairly balanced sound with a minimum of bass is quite suitable for those who want to enjoy music on a long journey.
So for $20 you can't find a better one. wireless headset than TaoTronics TT-BH06.
Advantages:
- very low price tag;
- definitely worth the money;
- heaped enough;
- responsive support.
Flaws:
- noise reduction technology is worse than all the above models;
- nothing special stands out.
Updated: 13.02.2019 11:25:05
Judge: Vladislav Samoshkin
*Overview of the best in the opinion of the editors of the site. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
Increasingly, people are using headphones outside their homes. And what do they face, for example, in public transport? That's right, with extraneous noise. The hum in the subway is capable of interrupting the music, especially if a person uses not "plugs", but overhead headphones. This problem is solved by the active noise reduction system. However, in many models it does not work adequately - the music is complemented by some extra sounds that irritate the surrounding people more. That is why we decided to tell you about those headphones where the noise reduction system is implemented in the best way. Well, the models we reviewed also sound almost perfect.
Rating of the best active noise canceling headphones
Very expensive headphones belonging to the full-size type. This means that they completely cover even the largest ears. This allows you to save yourself from external noise even without activating the corresponding function. Penetrate through the body of the cups will be only the most loud sounds- for example, the rumble in an airplane or people talking on the phone in the subway. It is to muffle such sounds that the active noise reduction system is used. It works with the help of two microphones, there are no complaints about the quality of the implementation of this function. This is one of the few models that performs perfectly even without turning on the music - some buyers only activate noise cancellation to fall asleep on a train or plane, because complete silence contributes to this.
Like most of the headphones reviewed here, a model called the Bose QuietComfort 35 uses Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to a smartphone. The first synchronization is carried out as quickly as possible - this process speeds up the NFC chip. Unfortunately, there is no support for the aptX codec here, so don't even hope for perfect sound. The worst impressions remain from the upper frequencies. Pleased that there is a 3.5 mm input for the audio cable. But the sound quality with a wired connection does not grow too much. Many buyers say that they would like such expensive headphones to sound noticeably better.
It cannot be denied that in certain moments the audio cable can still save. We are talking about those cases when the user forgets to charge the battery built into the headset. If the battery is fully charged, then you can count on 16-20 hours of sound.
The product is quite heavy. But what other full-size headphones weigh less than 310 grams? And do not forget that this representative of our rating included microphones - they allow you not only to escape from external noise, but also to talk on the phone. It is interesting that a pair connection is implemented here. Another interesting "chip" is the shutdown timer. Some other functions are also available to the user - you should look for them in the Bose Connect application.
You will definitely like the large size of this headset. Due to the fact that the ears completely fit inside, soon the feeling that something is worn on the head completely disappears. Perhaps, taking the Bose QuietComfort 35 is just for the sake of the ideal design. No wonder the name of the accessory contains the word "comfort". But try to find a copy for relatively little money - you should not spend more than 25 thousand rubles on such headphones, which are asked for by default.
Advantages
- Comfortable fit on the head;
- Possible to connect by wire;
- There is an NFC chip;
- Includes case;
- Enhanced functionality with the Bose Connect app.
Flaws
- Long recharging;
- High frequencies are strongly raised;
- Active noise cancellation does not help when talking on the phone;
- Voice notifications are in English only.
Another full-size headphones in our ranking. Considered by many experts to be the benchmark in the world of products enhanced with active noise cancellation. Indeed, one cannot but admit that this function works best here. As soon as you turn on noise reduction, any sounds in the subway, plane or anywhere else cease to exist for you. You can even walk near the marshalling yard on the railway, where wagons collide with each other.
This model connects to a smartphone or other portable device via Bluetooth. At the same time, Sony has introduced support for the AptX and AptX codecs here. If the smartphone can work with such codecs, then you can hear the sound in CD quality. That is, you will not have any reason to listen to MP3 music - you will immediately hear all the unpleasant nuances of the compression effect.
A nice bonus is the NFC chip, which significantly speeds up synchronization. Much more useful is the gold-plated 3.5mm jack. It allows you to use the headphones even if their battery is dead. Also, the audio cable will regularly be used by those people who have at their disposal a simple smartphone, devoid of a sound processor and support for the AptX codec. The length of the complete cable is 1.2 m, which is enough in most cases.
Inside the cups used here are the usual 40 mm membranes. Also somewhere inside the headphones is a very capacious battery. A full charge can last up to 35 hours. At least that's what the manufacturer claims. In practice, it all depends on the quality of the Bluetooth signal, the volume of the noise around and, of course, the volume of the sound. But in any case, you will find close to record-breaking battery life.
An interesting feature of the product is fast switching to the ambient sound mode. This allows you to ride a bicycle with headphones - you will definitely hear the signal of an approaching car or the shout of a passerby.
Based on our description, it would seem that the headset is ideal. Unfortunately, no headphones with active noise cancellation can be called such a word. This representative of this rating is too expensive - in Russian stores they ask for at least 30 thousand rubles for it. Also confusing is the fact that when using bass boost and some other useful features there is a transition to the outdated SBC codec. Another drawback will be noticed by people using headphones outdoors at sub-zero temperatures - the sensor on the right ear simply refuses to work in such conditions! Not everyone will like voice notifications about each change in the noise reduction level - you can’t turn them off, there is no such item even in the proprietary application. By the way, the running program devours the battery charge of the smartphone very much - this is also annoying.
Advantages
- There is an NFC chip that speeds up synchronization;
- Good sound quality;
- Stable work via Bluetooth;
- An audio cable connection is possible;
- There is support for the AptX codec;
- Atmospheric pressure optimization implemented;
- Through the application, you can use additional functionality;
- There is a cover included.
Flaws
- Some voice alerts are annoying;
- Recharging takes three hours;
- In the cold, the touch control stops working.
It must be admitted that externally, this representative of the rating of the best active noise-cancelling headphones differs from its competitors. The plastic headband here is complemented by metal frames, to which the cups are already attached. The latter are full-sized - the ears literally drown in them. External noise is almost inaudible even if you just put on this accessory. Well, if you use active noise reduction, then you will only hear some kind of jackhammer working very close to you. By the way, here this function uses as many as four microphones!
The manufacturer managed to greatly facilitate the design. 258 grams are felt on the head only at first. Sennheiser also decided to release several versions of these headphones - they differ in the color of the case. And it is impossible not to note the price tag - Russian stores ask for this model no more than 22 thousand rubles.
Headphones are connected to a portable device via Bluetooth 4.0. If it has support for the AptX codec, then you can enjoy sound close to CD quality! However, it also depends on several other factors - for example, on the presence of a full-fledged DAC in the smartphone and the format of the file being played. It should be noted that there is also an NFC chip, which significantly speeds up pairing with the device.
This model can be used as a headset. However, do not expect pairing and support for other similar technologies - the manufacturer saved on this. It's good that at least voice dialing works here. Also, the headphones allow you to control music playback - for this, the corresponding mechanical buttons on one of the cups are used.
The product includes a very capacious battery. Buyers write that a full charge is enough for 22 hours of work - this is an excellent result. But if the charge runs out, then this is not the end! There is an audio jack, thanks to which a wired connection is made. It should be noted that the sound is transmitted through the cable in the best quality - this is noticeable.
The active noise canceling system works here all the time. This is the main difference between this representative of the rating and most competitors. On the one hand, someone may want to turn it off, but will not get this opportunity. On the other hand, this feature works so well that it hardly affects the sound quality. By the way, this is a rare case when active noise cancellation continues to work even with a wired connection.
Perhaps the headphones turned out to be very solid, they deserve the money spent on them. Problems can only arise in people with large ears - it is likely that they will find the fit of the headset uncomfortable. This is due to the small diameter of the ear cushions used here.
Advantages
- There is an NFC chip;
- Stable Bluetooth connection;
- Can be connected via cable;
- Three body colors to choose from;
- The active noise canceling system works almost perfectly;
- Convenient folding design;
- There is support for the AptX codec;
- Not very heavy;
- High quality mechanical keys.
Flaws
- Not very large diameter ear pads;
- Noise canceling cannot be turned off;
- The price is still high;
- Management may seem inconvenient.
Another Bluetooth headphone that supports a wired connection. They belong to the consignment type. The size is very large, and in appearance you can immediately say about maximum reliability. It is unlikely that such headphones will break even after falling to the floor from a height of human growth. The disadvantage of this design is a lot of weight - it reaches 335 grams.
Like the other headphones reviewed in this article, the Bowers & Wilkins PX headset is in fact wireless. Inside it is a battery with a capacity of 850 mAh. The manufacturer claims that its full charge is enough for 22 hours of battery life. In practice, this parameter is highly dependent on the codec used, the sound volume, and some other factors. But in any case, even 15 hours is a great result, allowing you to not use the charger for a whole week (unless you are listening to music all day).
The microphone here is used not only to implement an active noise reduction system. With it, you can talk using mobile communication- the interlocutor will hear you very well. Synchronization with a smartphone is carried out via Bluetooth 4.1. It is insanely pleasing that the manufacturer has endowed these headphones with support for the AptX HD codec. If you have at your disposal flagship smartphone, then it is likely that he will transfer music to the headset in CD quality! For owners of simple devices, we recommend to refuse wireless method connection using the supplied cable. In this case, you will hear the maximum that the 40 mm membranes used here are capable of.
The headphone electronics are endowed with three environmental filters, which allows the active noise cancellation system to work as accurately as possible. But experts note that in this regard, the product is still inferior to the models discussed above. By the way, the manufacturer recommends downloading its application in order to use additional functionality - it does not work perfectly on all smartphones.
Advantages
- Includes case;
- Bluetooth operation possible;
- Long battery life;
- Implemented support for AptX HD codec;
- Good sound quality;
- Nice physical buttons.
Flaws
- The headphones turned out to be quite heavy;
- No folding mechanism;
- The application is still far from ideal.
This representative of our rating differs from competitors in a lower price. You can buy these headphones for 12-15 thousand rubles, depending on the online store you choose. At the same time, this model in many respects almost does not differ from more expensive products. It also works via Bluetooth. There is also a 3.5mm audio jack on its body, allowing you to use a wired connection if the battery runs out. There is even support for the AptX codec! In a word, the buyer can definitely count on high sound quality, no matter what connection method he uses. Of course, provided there is a good sound source. It is foolish to try to connect such a headset to a simple mobile phone to listen to compressed MP3 files.
It is curious that the NFC chip is built into the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2. This means that pairing can be accelerated - connecting to a smartphone will take only a couple of seconds. As for battery life, the manufacturer claims 24 hours. We make an adjustment for increasing the sound volume and some other factors, as a result of which we get 18-20 hours. Excellent result!
Charging the battery takes three hours. While this is the standard for such headphones. No doubt, some models support fast charging, but usually they either do not have active noise cancellation or sound lousy - at least not good enough to get into our rating.
Despite the capacious battery inside, the headphones weigh 289 g. Not bad for a full-size design! Please note that the manufacturer endowed his creation with very soft ear cushions, as a result of which the headset can boast of a tight fit. However, some people write in reviews that even too dense - this model puts pressure on their ears. But it is extremely difficult to refuse it, since in this price segment it is almost impossible to find other noise-canceling headphones that would sound as good.
Advantages
- Included is a simple case;
- There is support for the AptX codec;
- Bluetooth works without any problems;
- Built-in NFC chip;
- Very long battery life;
- Not very high cost.
Flaws
- Ergonomics do not suit everyone;
- Too long informational messages;
- Sensors for removing headphones from the head should be turned off immediately;
- Some copies are still deprived of the noise reduction system.
Another fairly inexpensive headphones that made it to our rating, including thanks to the support for the AptX codec. If you connect the headset to a good smartphone via Bluetooth, you can appreciate the sound quality. Of course, it is recommended to listen only to files in FLAC and ALAC formats.
These headphones do not have to be used exclusively in wireless mode. On one of the cups there is an audio jack to which the bundled cable is connected. In wired mode, the headphones can work indefinitely. Bluetooth, on the other hand, consumes the charge of the built-in battery - it lasts for about a dozen hours of sound.
The headset belongs to the full-size type. This means that its ear cushions completely fit the ears. Well, the active noise cancellation system allows you to hide from extraneous sounds.
In this case, you can only be upset about the materials used. Too much plastic is involved in the manufacture. Yes, thanks to this, the product turned out to be very light - its weight does not exceed 200 grams. But there are questions about reliability. Perhaps we still do not recommend such a purchase to those people who are not a model of accuracy.
Advantages
- Well-functioning active noise cancellation system;
- Long battery life;
- A detachable cable is used;
- Stable synchronization via Bluetooth;
- Low cost;
- There is support for AptX;
- Light weight;
- Convenient folding mechanism;
- Good sound quality.
Flaws
- The design cannot be called particularly reliable;
- Recharging can not be called transient.
The most accessible representative of our rating. For this Bluetooth headset, they ask for about 10 thousand rubles, and sometimes it can be purchased at a lower price. At the same time, the product belongs to the full-size type, and inside its cups are the usual 40 mm speakers. There is also a microphone here - it is with its help that the active noise reduction system works. The microphone can also be used for phone calls. But you may run into problems in a noisy environment - the interlocutor in such conditions will hear extraneous sounds rather than your voice.
Despite the not very high cost, the accessory looks expensive. An unprepared person may well think that you bought headphones for several tens of thousands of rubles. It also cannot be said by sound that the manufacturer tried to save money in any way. The bass in the music is well felt, while they do not drown out the upper or mid frequencies. These headphones will definitely make you switch from MP3 to higher quality music file formats.
Not to mention the quality build. It is felt that such a headset should definitely survive an accidental fall onto a hard surface from a height of human growth. The good news is that it is not necessary to use headphones paired with a smartphone exclusively through a Bluetooth connection. On the case there is a familiar connector for an audio cable, which allows you to get wired headphones in case of a dead battery. However, such situations rarely happen, because the built-in battery lasts for 20-25 hours of sound. But here there is also support for the AptX codec! This means that the sound quality when connected wirelessly is almost the same as what you hear when using a cable. Of course, this is only true when the music is taken from a smartphone that also supports AptX.
The Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones come with a carrying case that could come in handy. To recharge the headset, a micro-USB connector is used. We did not add this fact to the list of shortcomings, since the outdated micro-USB is still used in the vast majority of wireless headphones.
Advantages
- Good sound quality;
- The price tag cannot be called overpriced;
- Excellent noise suppressor performance;
- Very long battery life;
- Stable Bluetooth connection;
- Comfortable fit;
- Wired connection possible;
- Includes case;
- Implemented support for AptX.
Flaws
- Very long recharging;
- When talking, the microphone picks up too much external noise.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, active noise cancellation technology is still far from ideal. Even in those headphones, which are described in this article, a real music lover will feel an admixture of extraneous sounds. It remains to be glad that the activation of noise reduction is not required too often, and when the function is turned off, the headphones show their best side.