Here are the best noise cancelling headphones you can buy in 2022:
Sony WH-1000XM4
Key features
Noise cancellation type: Adaptive ANC Noise reduction: 25-30 dB Battery life: 30 hours Charging time: 5 hours of playback on a 10-minute charge Audio codec support: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC Ambient Sound Mode: Yes Companion app: Sony Headphones Connect Additional features: NFC and Multipoint connectivity, Alexa Voice Assistant integration, Speak-to-Chat, Precise Voice Pick-Up, Edge AI, DSEE Extreme™, Wearing Detection, Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing.
The award-winning Sony WH-1000XM4 is outfitted with industry-leading noise cancellation. The combination of intuitive controls, a robust battery life, and a sleek design makes these headphones the top pick for the best noise canceling headphones in 2022 and the best ANC headphones under $1000. Experience superior noise cancellation powered by the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1 chip. It can make up to 700 real-time adjustments per second, ensuring you’re always getting excellent sound quality. In-flight music listening is also improved with Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing. This feature monitors pressure changes during flights and adjusts audio quality accordingly. Music quality is superb with LDAC codec support, Edge AI, and DSEE Extreme™. These features recognize minute variations in vocals and instrumentation. They then work to upscale compressed audio files to a close-to-original state to deliver a clear, rich sound. The 360 Reality Audio feature boosts this further by giving the listener a more expansive, larger-than-life soundstage. Smart features like Speak-to-Chat and Wearing Detection are designed to pay attention to your movements and voice. Simply speaking or removing your headphones will automatically pause music playback. Touch controls also allow you to skip tracks, toggle volume, and take calls using simple hand gestures. The Sony WH-1000XM4 is also equipped with five microphones for noise cancellation and voice calls. Along with its Precise Voice Pick-Up feature, you’ll always get exceptional call clarity. One thing to note, though, is that the touch controls do take some time to get used to. You may accidentally skip tracks or make unwanted volume adjustments due to the touch controls’ sensitivity. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Jabra Elite 85h
Key features
The Jabra Elite 85h boasts a sleek yet sturdy build that’s made for the outdoors. Combined with superior noise cancellation and excellent sound quality, this places these headphones at the top of our best ANC headphones under $300 list. The Jabra Elite 85h features nano-coated internal components, which protect the headphones from dust and water damage. It also allows them to withstand temperatures ranging from -5 to 45 degrees celsius. Its SmartSound technology analyzes varying levels of background noise in any given setting. It then automatically makes customized adjustments to your ANC levels to provide you with the best quality sound wherever you are. The HearThrough feature also filters in ambient sound when you need it without taking off the device. The Jabra Elite 85h is equipped with eight microphones. Four of these mics are used by the ANC system, while its voice call technology uses six. This setup effectively reduces wind noise and other audio disturbances, giving you clearer call quality. The companion app, Jabra Sound+, lets you configure your voice assistant, fine-tune your music profiles, configure your call settings, customize your ANC settings, and more. However, users may experience issues when wirelessly connecting their headphones to their laptops. This is because the device and the Jabra Sound+ app aren’t optimized for PC use, but only for other Bluetooth devices like tablets and smartphones. Wired connections, however, have no issues. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Sony WH-H900N h.ear On 2
Key features
The Sony WH-H900N h.ear On 2 makes it to the top of our best ANC headphones under $200 list for delivering long-wearing comfort and first-rate audio quality. The headphones are High-Res Audio certified to bring you better-than-CD-quality sound. This is further enhanced with LDAC codec support and DSEE HX™ (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine). It preserves and restores compressed digital audio files to the way the producer intended them to sound like. All three features work together to give you rich and natural sound quality. Its touch sensor control panel allows you to take calls, access your voice assistant, and control your music using simple gestures. The Sony WH-H900N also comes with Ambient Sound and Quick Attention modes. They work by automatically lowering your music volume and filtering in ambient sound at the touch of a button. These are handy especially when commuting or if you need to speak to someone quickly. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
Key features
Noise cancellation type: Hybrid ANC Noise reduction: 35 dB Battery life: 60 hours (ANC off), 40 hours (ANC on) Charging time: 3 hours for a full charge (5 minutes for 4 hours of playback) Audio codec support: SBC and AAC Ambient Sound Mode: No Companion app: No Additional features: High-Res Audio certified, BassUp technology, Auto Off
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 makes it to the top of our best ANC headphones under $100 list for providing users with substantial noise cancellation and outstanding audio quality at a modest price. These Hi-Res Audio certified headphones come with 40 mm dynamic drivers capable of reproducing frequencies ranging from 16Hz to 40kHz. They’re powered by Anker’s BassUp technology, which analyzes low frequencies and amplifies them, giving you a punchier bass output. Its powerful battery also has a 60-hour capacity, allowing you to play over 600 songs in one charge. The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is outfitted with hybrid ANC, which minimizes unwanted background noise by 90%. This makes them great for blocking out the sound of airplane engines on long-haul flights. The rotating ear cups, foldable headband, and memory foam padding make them comfortable for prolonged use as well. According to Anker, their BassUp technology can increase bass output by 100%. But this can be a bit too overpowering at times. Ultimately, this is more of a preference issue that will vary per individual. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
TaoTronics TT-BH085
Key features
Noise cancellation type: Feedback ANC Noise reduction: 28 dB Battery life: 40 hours (ANC off), 25 hours (ANC on) Charging time: 45 minutes for a full charge (5 minutes for 2 hours of playback) Audio codec support: SBC and AAC Ambient Sound Mode: No Companion app: No Additional features: None
Simple and straightforward, the TaoTronics TT-BH085 provides decent sound quality, long battery life, and reliable noise cancellation without burning a hole through your wallet. This easily puts it at the top of our best ANC headphones under $50 list. The feedback ANC can reduce noise by up to 28 dB, one of the highest reduction ratings in its class. This allows you to have improved audio clarity without having to turn up the volume to ear-damaging levels. Downtime also isn’t an issue with these headphones. Its robust battery can give you up to 40 hours of playing time and can be topped off faster than your favorite Netflix series. Rotatable ear cups and adjustable headband, coupled with memory foam padding, allows you to keep them on for hours. While the TaoTronics TT-BH085 does well in noise cancellation and sound quality, there’s the question of its sturdiness. The headphones have been known to break down after a few months of use. One might say it’s to be expected, given its price point. It’s also possible that the manufacturers economized on build quality to deliver more on its sound and ANC capabilities. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Bose 700
Key features
The Bose 700 headphones aren’t just pretty to look at; they’re designed to give you long-lasting durability, comfort, and extensive noise cancellation. These headphones are from the makers of Active Noise Cancellation themselves. So it’s no surprise to have these as one of the best ANC headphones for travel. The 11 different ANC settings of the Bose 700 gives you full control over the amount of ambient noise you want to hear or not. If you need to quickly speak to someone, you can easily switch from full noise cancellation to Conversation Mode without needing to remove your headphones. The headphones are also outfitted with eight microphones – six are dedicated to noise cancellation, and two for accurate voice-pick. Together, they can give you clearer calls even in noisy environments. Easily access your messages, music, and voice assistant with its built-in voice control feature, which is great for those always on the go. These headphones also come with One Touch Spotify access, a convenient feature that allows you to resume your last listening session by tapping and holding the right ear cup. Moreover, its premium design features include a stainless steel headband with ultra-soft gel padding and protein leather ear cushions. The tilted ear cups are designed to conform to your unique anatomy, making them easy to wear during long-haul trips. But despite the great advantages, the Bose 700 may sometimes lack in volume. But what it lacks in volume, it makes up for with crisp, well-balanced sound quality. Additionally, some may take issue with the non-foldable headband. However, the headphones do come with a hard carrying case, which makes storage easy. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Sennheiser HD 4.50
Key features
Noise cancellation type: Hybrid ANC Noise reduction: 30 dB Battery life: 25 hours (ANC off), 19 hours (ANC off) Charging time: 2 hours for a full charge (No Quick Charging feature) Audio codec support: aptX Ambient Sound Mode: No Companion app: Sennheiser Smart Control Additional features: NoiseGard™, multipoint connectivity, voice assistant integration, touch sensor control panel
The Sennheiser HD 4.50 combines reliable noise cancellation and excellent sound quality with functional design. These headphones are perfect when you need to buckle down, keep distractions away, and focus on your studies. The Sennheiser Hd 4.50 is our top pick for the best noise cancelling headphones for studying! NoiseGard™ noise cancellation reduces noise by as much as 30 dB, allowing you to focus on what matters, whether it’s work or music. A touch panel located on the outside of the ear cup allows you to switch tracks, adjust volume levels, and take calls. Voice assistant integration and multipoint connectivity will enable you to connect to two devices simultaneously and seamlessly access certain features using voice commands. They also help minimize the time spent tweaking on your phone or tablet. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the headphones may be too tight for those with bigger proportions. The ear cups are also on the smaller side. As such, they don’t seal the ears completely, which can affect noise cancellation. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
PuroQuiets
Key features
Noise cancellation type: Feedforward ANC Noise reduction: 22 dB Battery life: 35 hours (ANC off), 23 hours (ANC off) Charging time: 3 hours for a full charge (No Quick Charging feature) Audio codec support: SBC and AAC Ambient Sound Mode: No Companion app: No Additional features: 85dB volume limit, daisy-chain sharing option, built-in microphone
In addition to being comfortable and stylish, the PuroQuiets are also thoughtfully designed to protect children’s ears from noise exposure damage. That alone puts these headphones at the top of our best noise-canceling headphones for kids list. The PuroQuiets have passive noise reduction of up to 22 dB and active noise cancellation that reduces up to 78% of unwanted noise. A built-in volume limiter also keeps the volume at a safe 85dB, which safeguards your child against developing noise-induced hearing loss. These wireless headphones are outfitted with Bluetooth 5 connectivity, which gives them freedom of movement without worrying about getting tripped up or tangled in wires. The aluminum casing is also great against accidental drops or spills that can sometimes happen with active kids. The daisy-chain cable gives you the option to connect two separate headphones to the same device, which can be handy for online learning. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Kokoon Sleep Headphones
Key features
Noise cancellation type: Feedforward ANC Battery life: 13 hours Charging time: 1.5 hours for a full charge (No Quick Charging feature) Audio codec support: SBC and AAC Ambient Sound Mode: No Companion app: Kokoon Relax Additional features: Wearing detection, EEG brainwave sensors, motion sensor, disturbance sensor, Kokoon audio library, sleep tracker, in-line microphone, accelerometer, washable ear cushions
The Kokoon Sleep Headphones help you create your cocoon of peace. It comes with a variety of features that help monitor your sleeping habits and customize your listening experience so that you can sleep more comfortably. In addition to its built-in active noise cancellation, the headphones are outfitted with large, over-ear earcups that provide good passive noise cancellation as well. Add to that the secure, comfortable seal created by flexmould silicone ear cushions and you can expect a relaxing rest away from all the noise. The Kokoon Relax app comes with a library of relaxing sounds and music to help lull you to sleep. It also comes with meditation exercises and other clinically validated tips about reducing stress and sleeping better. The app also monitors your sleep habits with help from EEG biosensors in the ear cups. These track movements and disturbances as you sleep and provide you with detailed sleep data at the end of each session. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Bose QuietComfort® 35 II Gaming Headset
Key features
Noise cancellation type: Hybrid ANC Noise reduction: 27 dB Battery life: 40 hours (wired), 20 hours (wireless) Charging time: 2.25 hours for a full charge (15 minutes for 2.5 hours of playback) Audio codec support: SBC and AAC Ambient Sound Mode: Yes Companion app: Bose Connect app Additional features: Multipoint connectivity, detachable boom mic w/ noise cancellation, voice assistant integration, universal compatibility (PC, mobile, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox), optional PC desktop controller
The 2-in-1 Bose QuietComfort® 35 II showcases an excellent combination of function, style, and durability, perfect for casual music listening and competitive gaming. With this recent upgrade from the regular Bose QC35, Bose paved its way to the top of our best noise cancelling headphones for gaming list! The Hybrid ANC comes with three different levels to take care of unwanted background noise. Furthermore, the volume-optimized EQ drivers give you unparalleled sound quality that heightens game playing and music listening. These headphones were built for gaming with universal compatibility across all platforms including PC, mobile, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox. Its detachable boom mic is Discord and TeamSpeak-certified, and expertly blocks out noise for better communication with the rest of your team. The optional PC desktop controller allows you to adjust the master volume on apps with the spin of a dial and provides mic monitoring to helps you regulate the volume of your own voice during gameplay. With the Bose QC35II, you get a truly impressive premium build made with impact-resistant materials. The headphones are reinforced with corrosion-resistant stainless steel, while the ear cushions are made from ultra-soft protein leather. The headband is also wrapped in Alcantara, a tough, suede-like material used in cars and yachts. Something to point out, however, is that the detachable mic only works in wired mode. The headphones also only support SBC and AAC codes, and not the more advanced aptX codecs which one would expect from headphones in this price range. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Plantronics Savi 8220 Headset
Key features
Noise cancellation type: Feedforward ANC Battery life: 13 hours talk, 50 hours standby Charging time: 3 hours for a full charge (No Quick Charging feature) Audio codec support: G726, G722, Broadvoice32, OPUS/CELT 16kS, OPUS/CELT 48kS Ambient Sound Mode: No Companion app: Plantronics Hub software Additional features: DECT™ 6.0 technology, SoundGuard DIGITAL, Close Conversation Limiting, multipoint connectivity, multi-platform compatibility
The Plantronics Savi 8220 Headset improves office productivity and multitasking with a range of features that give you more flexibility and reliability for calls. These headphones are equipped with SoundGuard DIGITAL, a sound limiting technology that uses unique algorithms to protect your hearing. These algorithms include Enhanced anti-startle protection and G616 anti-startle protection, which guards against sudden increases in sound and ensures noise levels remain below 102 dB SPL (sound pressure level). The Plantronics Savi 8220 gives you good freedom of movement in the workplace with a connectivity range of 55m (180 ft) in a typical office setting. Its 3-way connectivity feature allows you to connect to 3 devices at once, such as your mobile phone, desk phone, and computer. It also supports many popular voice platforms so that you can switch smoothly between connections. Privacy isn’t an issue with the Close Conversation Limiting feature. This works in tandem with the ANC to minimize background noise so that all call participants can only hear the person speaking. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
How to Choose the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are essentially designed to cancel out unwanted noise. However, not all headphones are equally good at this due to differences in specs. To understand its value, it’s important to know what you want out of a pair of ANC headphones. And to do this, you need to examine your personal preferences, lifestyle habits, and budget. As you can see, choosing ANC headphones isn’t always a straightforward matter. To address this, we’ve compiled a list of essential buying factors for noise-canceling headphones. Hopefully, with this as a reference, you’ll be able to choose the best pair for you. Here’s what you can expect from ANC headphones in the different price ranges:
Build quality: Cheaper headphones are usually made from cheaper plastics that feel less sturdy and durable. In contrast, more expensive headphones are made from premium materials like ultra-lightweight carbon fiber, corrosion-resistant steel, memory foam, and natural leather. Most also have flexible hinges and reinforced padded headbands. Sound quality: Cheaper headphones use low-cost drivers that produce audio that isn’t as crisp or clear. Conversely, expensive headphones use larger drivers that support more codecs. This gives them a wider frequency range and allows them to deliver high-quality, immersive audio. Active Noise Cancellation: Some budget headphones are prone to audio distortions like hissing. In comparison, the ANC on high-end headphones is significantly more intuitive, and highly adjustable. Additional features: In addition to the standard On/Off ANC switch, budget ANC headphones don’t come with any other extra features. However, more expensive models come with several advanced features such as Fast Charging, Ambient Sound mode, Quick Attention mode, voice assistant integration, smart sensors, touch panels, and companion app support.
Passive noise isolation uses physical barriers, like foam or silicone, to seal and isolate the ears from unwanted noise. Active noise cancellation, which will be the focus of this article, uses an internal system to cancel out ambient noise. There are four different types of active noise cancellation:
Feedback ANC: The noise-canceling microphone is located on the inside of the earcup, in front of the headphone speaker. It’s able to hear sound signals the same way the listener does. Feedforward ANC: The noise-canceling microphone is located outside the earcup, where it can pick up ambient noise before the listener does. Hybrid ANC: This setup combines the benefits of feedforward and feedback ANC and can cancel out noise on a broader range of frequencies. Adaptive ANC: AI-powered noise cancellation monitors the listener’s environment and continually makes subtle sound quality adjustments.
Ambient Mode
Ambient Mode is a feature found in many mid-range and high-end adaptive ANC headphones. It gives the listener the option to filter in ambient noise at the push of a button. It also allows them to tune into their surroundings without taking their headphones off. It’s a helpful feature for travelers who need to listen for boarding calls and transit advisories.
Multiple ANC levels
Some premium headphones have multiple ANC levels. This affords users the option to customize their noise cancellation settings further. Most headphones typically have three levels (low, medium, high). Other models, like the Bose 700, have as many as 11 levels. These levels can take you to full noise cancellation or full ambient noise transparency. Now, when it comes to sound quality, it all depends on the users’ preferences. But it’s usually a matter of accuracy and the sound profile. If you can’t test the headphones yourself before making a buying decision, it’s best to look at the user reviews. You can also check if the headphones support the same Bluetooth codecs as your audio source. Bluetooth codecs are responsible for compressing and decompressing audio signals to transport them wirelessly from the source to your headphones’ speakers. There are different types of codecs and some of the most recommended are: AptX HD and AptX LL. These promises fewer audio delays and better accuracy. Another thing to check is the sound signature. This refers to the combination of frequencies that your headphones amplify or decrease. It’s responsible for how rich, warm, flat, or bright the sounds produced by your headphones are. This one depends highly on your preferred music genre. If you’re listening to jazz or classical music, we recommend going for a flat sound signature. But, if you prefer pop or rock, go for a v-shaped sound signature. Nowadays, most ANC headphones can last for 15-40 hours. But in addition to extended playback, it’s also essential to factor in charging time. Many ANC models have a Quick Charge feature that will give you 2-4 hours of playback on just 5-10 minutes of charging.
Weight: Ideally, you’ll want to go for more lightweight models of around 0.55 lbs or less. Headphones weighing 0.75 lbs or more are already considered heavy. Clamping force: This refers to how tightly the headphones fit around your head. It tends to be subjective because people have different head sizes and shapes. But find headphones that aren’t too tight that it’s squeezing your head, but not to loose that it won’t sit still. Padding: A padding that’s too thick can overly compress the ears, affecting your listening experience. On the other hand, shallower padding may not provide enough breathing space between your ears and the headphone hardware. Adjustability: Headphones that can be customized to a user’s proportions are often the ones that fit the best. So, make sure to look for ones with rotatable ear cups and flexible headbands.
