The best full-size wireless noise canceling headphones. Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones Wireless Noise Isolating Headphones

Noise for residents of metropolitan areas everywhere. Conversations, the rumble of cars, construction tools and equipment, the ringing of mobile phones, the sounds of animals - all this not only pollutes the general background, but sometimes psychologically puts pressure on a person.

For example, you go on a trip or a business trip, but in the transport a baby is crying angrily, a dog is barking, or someone, not taking too much into account with others, allows himself to speak out about everything that comes to his mind, and even in raised tones.

If you want to drown out the whimpering of a crying baby, "turn off" other unwanted sounds from your perception, then good headphones will come in handy. "Good" in this context means that they will have the maximum level of noise reduction.

The first thing you need to remember about noise-canceling headphones is that they work in a fundamental way: they block out noise first and then allow you to enjoy high quality sound.

With that said, we offer you a selection of active noise canceling headphones that deserve your attention and are worth buying. Harmonize your world by adjusting background noise with these great headphones.

Best of the Best: Bose QuietComfort 35

Acoustic noise canceling headphones from Bose. The well-known brand is synonymous with high quality sound and superior quality. Not surprisingly, this world-famous company introduced the world to unique noise-canceling headphones.

Bose's QuietComfort 35 headphones may be too expensive for most people, but they are by far the most comfortable and effective noise canceling headphones. They come in classic black or white, but other color combinations are also available.

Headphones fold into a convenient bag for storage or travel. Sure, they don't come cheap, but Bose's noise-canceling technology has been perfected over the decades. It remains the pinnacle in this segment of modern technology.

Best Sound: Monoprice Hi-Fi Active Noise-Canceling Headphone

These are not the cheapest noise canceling headphones on the market, but they offer the best combination of performance and price. You can find noise-canceling headphones for as little as $300, but they're unlikely to work as advertised.

The Monoprice Hi-Fi headphones promise excellent noise cancellation performance. Active Noise Canceling technology blocks ambient noise up to 22dB and runs on AAA batteries, promising up to 50 hours of use.

It is equipped with a three-pin remote control that allows you to use them with your mobile device or apps. The design itself is pretty boring. There is no Bluetooth compatibility, but when it comes to their main function, in the category of noise cancellation, these headphones are impeccable.

Extend your pleasure: Bose QuietControl 30

As mentioned, when it comes to noise canceling technology, Bose is the unbeatable leader. Simply because the company has been working with sound since the 1980s, has vast experience and a lot of proven and new technologies. The company also separately engaged in the development of special equipment for noise reduction.

It is thanks to Bose that we can use the best headphones with optimal noise-canceling properties. But the QuietControl 30 offers more than just high performance, reliability and style.

These in-ear headphones provide a high level of comfort. Some people find in-ear headphones generally uncomfortable for extended use, so for those users we recommend the QuietComfort 35. They are so comfortable you won't even feel them. In any case, there will be no discomfort. Even if you will be using them for a long period of time.

Best Comfort: Sennheiser PXC 480

When it comes to comfort, the most comfortable shape for headphones is the over-ear design. These headphones cover the entire ear, extending slightly beyond the shell area, which prevents the pressure that may be experienced by those who wear headphones directly on their ears or inside them.

These in-ear devices feature soft materials that provide added comfort while reducing noise levels. Durable, durable materials ensure the reliability and durability of active noise canceling headphones. They also have a unique TalkThrough feature that allows users to chat without removing their headphones.

Stylish: Wireless BOHM Bluetooth

These are pretty small headphones that are affordable for almost everyone. Unlike many other noise canceling headphones, BOHM includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows you to enjoy sound for up to 18 hours.

From two high-quality stereo speakers, you can expect high-quality sound with strong bass. As an added bonus, the headphones are Bluetooth compatible, meaning you don't need wires. The active headphones come in two equally stylish color tones, but we recommend brown or gold for the ultimate wow effect.

In addition to great interiors, BOHM headphones offer you amazing comfort. They are equipped with light leather ear cups and have a soft headband. There's even an inline remote and microphone that lets you make hassle-free calls on the go. Stress-free music listening guaranteed.

Best Sound: V-MODA Crossfade Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

The V-MODA Crossfade Wireless Headphones look like something out of science fiction. The two-tone industrial style will make you look like a DJ from the future. But they are not just stylish.

They sound great. These headphones have a 50mm dual-diaphragm driver that delivers crystal-clear sound that separates the bass guitar from the mids and highs of melodies.

These headphones will allow you to connect to a wired or wireless network depending on your circumstances. Let's say you have a smartphone without a jack and need wireless headphones, but you use wired headphones with a work laptop. V-MODA Crossfade can handle both devices and you will be able to sync your headphones with two devices at the same time if you use your phone and tablet at the same time.

These headphones can stream music wirelessly for approximately 12 hours on a single charge. But you can still use them wired if the battery dies. Headphones are available in black, chrome, red, white colors.

Boosted Sound: Paww WaveSound 3 Bluetooth

WaveSound 3 headphones are designed primarily for travel. They are equipped with a travel case, special design elements designed for flying in an airplane or traveling on trains.

They include an aircraft adapter designed to connect to some in-flight surveillance systems. They block out noise in the cab, removing up to 23 dB of unwanted outside noise. In addition to clear sound reproduction and noise cancellation, WaveSound 3 has a built-in microphone for calls (please don't do this on an airplane!).

Lightweight and durable metal construction will sit comfortably on your head. Sound connoisseurs say that the WaveSound 3 headphones are great at handling noise, offering great sound for your favorite songs, especially when traveling by train.

Best Design: AKG N60 Headphones

Portable, lightweight and with an attractive design, the AKG N60 headphones are perfect for those on the go. With 30 hours of battery life and USB charging, this device will appeal to those who are not sitting still.

The AKG N60 is made of plastic wrapped in high quality leather that extends over the earcups. Active noise cancellation is present, but the real appeal of these headphones is in the sophisticated design. At the sonic highs, the mids are very clear and the lows have great depth, detailed bass.

Outcome

All of these models offer varying degrees of noise reduction, but always perfect sound and user-friendliness. Choose your type of headphones, download great songs, and fill your world with your sound.

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 make a rating of the best full-size Bluetooth headphones at the moment 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 same 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 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. Includes headphones, hard case, cable for wired connection, USB-C cable for charging, airplane adapter 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 there is a touch panel. 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.

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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 won’t draw any analogies as I didn’t use the first generation and I can’t 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. In terms of frequencies, low frequencies are raised a little, but not critically. 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.

Claimed battery life in wireless mode with noise cancellation 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 to a smartphone and supports Google Assistant. To turn it on, there is a separate Action button, which can be reassigned in the settings.

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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. The cups and ear cups are the right 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 take a phone call, which works great for both parties, by the way.

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 for money.

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

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 through 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-canceling headphones are ideal for travel 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 certain, 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.

Disadvantages:

• 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 in 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

The AKG K391 NC has a more over-ear design, while the Bose QuietComfort 20 is more on-ear. 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 high build quality and an improved sound profile, go for the AKG K391.

Advantages:

• noise cancellation is better than average;
• high build quality;
• balanced sound.

Disadvantages:

• 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%. Despite the nice figure, the Bose QuietComfort 20 still beats the Phiaton, especially when 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.

Disadvantages:

• 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.

Disadvantages:

• 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.

Disadvantages:

• 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 noise canceling-enabled Sony gadgets - these are Xperia series smartphones and tablets (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, the NC31E has various noise canceling modes: 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 rubberized 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 the Comply foam ear 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.

Disadvantages:

• 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 your 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 won't find a better wireless headset than the TaoTronics TT-BH06.

Advantages:

• very low price tag;
• definitely worth the money;
• heaped enough;
• responsive support.

Disadvantages:

• noise reduction technology is worse than all the above models;
• nothing special stands out.

A year and a half ago, I had an argument with a colleague from another site. We discussed rumors that the iPhone 7 will not have a headphone jack, and my argument was this: they say that Apple will revive the entire acoustics industry and motivate manufacturers to better develop wireless headphones.

I already thought I had lost. In addition to Apple itself in the face Beats, almost no one tried to make a really good product: not just wireless headphones with bells and whistles, but rather cool, comfortable and functional. And most importantly - better than before.

The surprise came from where I did not expect. Sony took and made as many as 3 models of wireless headphones, which are mandatory, without any “buts” you have to try it for yourself. Wear, listen, be surprised.

Why did the idea of ​​testing surprise me?

Publication from website (@site) Oct 26, 2017 at 2:49 PDT

A couple of weeks ago Sony invited journalists to an unusual event. No, just to make a presentation of new headphones in the office, like everyone else.

We were invited get on a helicopter and test not only the flagship model of the new headphones - Sony WH-1000XM2, but also their noise reduction.

Here it is worth making an important digression.

I've tried a dozen different noise-canceling headphones, from earplugs to full-size ones. And they all had one of two drawbacks:

• either they played mediocre or ok but not good.
• or their noise cancellation didn't work well.

There is nothing unusual about this. Herself noise reduction technology - the most complex system, which includes so many factors that making a universally excellent model of headphones that is not inferior to simply wireless counterparts at the same price was almost impossible for a long time.

It is necessary to ensure that the ideal were: design, passive noise reduction, speakers, microphones, ear cushion materials, air outlets. The "brains" of the headphones - the processor that corrects the sound, should work at 5 points and adapt to the surrounding conditions very quickly, accurately.

Therefore, I went to test Sony's new products without any special expectations, except perhaps with surprise. How much should a company be sure in such a sophisticated gadget to allow a hundred people to test them in a helicopter - probably the noisiest form of transport, even worse than a liner?

How did it go and what was presented

We were taken to Helipark Podushkino– for a formal presentation, then acquaintance with the models and the helicopter flight itself.

AirPods upon arrival could be thrown into the trash. The noise from the helicopters on the site was such that even at maximum volume the music could not be heard.

In this contrast, I felt excitement. Well, it can't be that noise canceling in these new Sony headphones so cool In extreme cases, something must be wrong with the sound. Miracles don't happen.

Here is what was announced at the official part.

The new line of Sony W headphones - and everything is smart

Publication from website (@site) Oct 26, 2017 at 2:21 PDT

A fan of the brand in the past, so deep down I wanted the W in the model indices to stand for "Walkman". In fact, this is Wireless, that is, “wireless”.

At the presentation, 3 new models of Bluetooth headphones with active noise reduction were shown at once - and all of them have gone on sale by today.

The common feature of this line is an interesting technology smart listening.

It changes the noise reduction algorithm according to what you are doing. Depending on the specific situation, headphones can either muffle all the noise, or vice versa reproduce all the surrounding sounds - to help you better navigate in space.

The latter is really important in the city. Walking on busy streets with headphones can be dangerous, which is why many of you (myself included) use AirPods or EarPods with their lack of noise cancellation.

So it's very cool that in the W series you can choose whether to hear noise or not.

Here are some smart scenarios that the headphones detect and activate on their own in Smart Listening mode:

• Travel: 100% noise reduction, 0% ambient sounds.
• Expectation: 50% noise reduction, 50% ambient sounds
• Walk: 70% noise reduction, 30% ambient sound

At any time, you can change the proportion of reproduction of ambient noise and the proportion of noise reduction, as well as change other settings through the proprietary Headphones Connect application.

And these headphones recognize the level of atmospheric pressure is a factor influencing the perception of sound. If you are at high altitude (on an airplane, for example), the headphones will change the acoustic picture to achieve better sound quality and soften the effect of height on the impression of the media library.

It turns out that the W series is initially adapted to all situations in which you may need noise reduction - train, flight, street, subway, office.

And at the same time, it allows the opposite - to hear MORE ambient noise so as not to miss your name in line, the voice of a colleague, an approaching car or an announcement from a subway station. Noise reduction and noise amplification, all in one.

Sony WI-1000X. Earplugs, always with you

Headphones necklace. All electronics are hidden under the collar and hang around the neck, and "gags" on a short wire are inserted into the ears.

Control buttons, charging port and indicators are on the necklace. The fit is comfortable, the weight is small - 70 grams.

The headphones themselves are two-driver: there are 9-mm dynamic and balanced reinforcing speakers. According to the impressions - a good rich sound with a moderate bass (you can feel the impact), but at the same time bright high frequencies. Medium at the middle level, in this range one can feel the digital amplification and the work of the “improver”, which puts emphasis on some signals instead of others.

Operating time - 10 hours with continuous music playback and 17 hours just in standby mode.

Other interesting features: NFC, support aptX HD(alas, iPhones are in flight), wired mode - via an audio cable, a 3.5 mm cable from the kit. The range of the headphones in wireless mode is standard, 10 meters.

Headphone necklaces - mainstream of the wireless world, because it is convenient to use them: you won’t lose them anywhere, you don’t have to look, it’s easy to remove the “gags” themselves and put them back on. Sony, however, managed to add excellent noise reduction to them. Against this background, BeatsX similar in design look pathetic.

Sony WF-1000X

Where today without true independent wireless headphones! Sony has finally entered this segment of the market, and their very first model hit the mark.

First of all These are really comfortable headphones. The biggest problem with independent wireless "ears" is how crookedly they are inserted and poorly held. In the case of the WF-1000X, it took me 5 seconds to poke both and get full soundproofing and a “vacuum” effect that is not lost when walking (another popular jamb of such models).

I walked in them for 15 minutes, I did not feel any discomfort.

Secondly, super sound quality! After AirPods, this is just an incomparable upgrade. Good mids. The bass is powerful and punchy. The highs are slightly muffled against the background of the rest. But how cool is all this in combination with noise reduction! You don't have to turn up the volume to hear something. And there are no wires hanging.

Playback control - through taps and swipes on the earpiece, a simple system.

Thirdly they look good. Again, unlike other models in this class, the WF-1000X doesn't stick out far to the side like you're an android robot. And they don't hang down like they put a toothbrush in their ear. Personally, I liked the beige model more, it looks advantageous on everyone.

Battery life is a bit weak after AirPods. 3 hours on a single charge with continuous music playback. And 8 hours of standby time with noise cancellation (35 hours without it). The headphones are charged in a portable case (weighs 70 grams), for everything about everything for an hour and a half.

The case is enough for 3 full charges. There is a Fast Charging function - 15 minutes of charge is enough for 75 minutes of listening.

I would recommend listening to this model for those who have not bought AirPods yet. And if you don't like the fit or sound of Apple's wireless earbuds, the WF-1000X is the place to start looking. The sound is too good to miss. Well, there is noise reduction!

Sony WH-1000XM2

Here she is, the star of the day. Full-size wireless headphones with Sony's top noise-canceling technology. A whole bunch of bells and whistles and "improvers" of the highest class, after which the price of the model ceases to seem high.

I don’t even know where to start, the sea of ​​emotions. Here I will talk about technology.

These are closed-type headphones with dynamic dome emitters on neodymium magnets. 40 mm drivers reproduce a very high frequency range: from 4 to 40,000 Hz.

Iron is serious. Wireless audio processed by technology DSEE HX- the ideological successor of aptX, which improves the quality of compressed music files and recovers lost data due to the nature of the Bluetooth connection.

The result is that these headphones sound even cooler in wireless mode than in wired mode. There is a small digital “mark” on the sound: unusually sharp, bright detailing of different frequencies that the system considers important at a particular moment in the track.

I can describe the sound quality for a long time. For example, the bass here is multifaceted, strong, but not buzzing. It is equally good both in instrumental tracks and in heavy metal-cuts - thanks to the work of electronics. And what good ones are high here, with the effect of presence!

Overall conclusion - WH-1000XM2 sound cooler than anything with noise cancellation that I have ever heard.

There is support for the LDAC codec - it allows you to improve the sound quality when playing uncompressed audio files.

Working hours - 30 hours! That is, one charge is enough for a week of daily use on the road or for the entire round-trip flight. Well, you can always connect the cable, having lost, however, excellent Sony software bells and whistles available in wireless mode.

Ear pads from skin, body made of plastic with a matte finish and metal inserts. Management is carried out through the touch panel on one of the headphones: swipes and taps familiar to everyone. The scheme takes some getting used to, as for me this is the only (small) drawback of the model. Buttons taxied and will steer.

There is an awesome feature instant muting music and playback of ambient sounds: you put your hand on the right earpiece - and you sharply hear everything that is happening around. This allows you to answer a question from others or listen to an announcement without removing your headphones. Works flawlessly.

This is an awesome thing, but it costs 27,990 rubles.

Well, how is noise reduction in a helicopter?

🚁 We flew in a helicopter with Sony WH-1000Xm2 headphones and tested active noise cancellation. In short: 🔥! You sit in almost complete silence, but in fact there is noise and whistling in the cockpit 😌 respect to #sony for proving the coolness of these “ears” instead of a buzzshit 👍 @ngoryainov is still impressed 😳 #1000x #headphones

With active noise cancellation, they cost like premium models compared to regular headphones. But if you commute to work daily by public transport, then they are worth it. Even the most gloomy morning in the subway does not seem so unbearable anymore, when you can enjoy a couple of your favorite tracks without distracting extraneous sounds. What's more, you don't have to turn up the volume, which is detrimental to your hearing, to drown out the noise.

Thankfully, the sound quality of active noise canceling headphones has improved a lot in recent years. Now you do not need to choose what is more important for you - good sound or the absence of annoying noises.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST POWERED NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES

If you decide to purchase such headphones, then you need to immediately pay attention to a few points.

The first thing to decide is whether you want an in-ear model (noise-canceling earplugs), large over-ear or on-ear headphones, or maybe you are looking for bluetooth headphones. In in-ear headphones, all the elements necessary for noise reduction are located in a special case, which is attached to the wire in wired models or attached to the back of the neck and to the collar in wireless models. In full-size models, such as the company's popular headphones, noise-canceling elements are located in the headphones themselves. It's much more convenient.

One of the features of the headphones was that until you turn on noise reduction, there will be no sound. Thus, when the battery runs out, the headphones become useless. Fortunately, the new wireless model has been finalized. Now, when the battery is low, you can connect the headphones via cable and continue to listen to music, but without noise cancellation. Some other models have the same features, while others do not. Keep this in mind if you know that you often do not have the opportunity to recharge your headphones during the day.

Battery life has also improved. Nowadays, you can easily find a model that works without recharging up to 20 or even up to 50 hours. Many models come with branded chargers, while others run on good old AA/AAA batteries.

Some headphones are equipped with technologies that will allow you to hear what is happening around you if necessary: ​​you can temporarily turn off noise reduction or reduce its intensity. Headphones like , you can adjust the level of active noise cancellation, while others, like , have a smart mode that allows you to hear the sounds of the world around you using a special microphone.

Active noise canceling headphones use microphones that pick up ambient sounds. Then, using some technical devices, the headphones create a phase-reversed wave. Waves in the process of interference mix into a new wave and cancel each other out. The result cannot be called 100%, but this technology can largely get rid of repetitive sounds. The system targets sounds such as the rumble of an airplane, the noise of an air conditioner or fan, and to a lesser extent the sound of traffic. If you use active noise cancellation in combination with music, you will not hear most ambient sounds.

The sound quality and comfort levels of the latest active noise canceling headphones have been taken to a new level. In early models, there was a strange and annoying hiss and an unpleasant pressure was felt. The sound quality of the latest models is comparable in brightness and energy to the sound of headphones without noise reduction.

1 place.

Main characteristics:

• Full size headphones;
• Adjustable active noise cancellation;
• aptX Bluetooth.

The Sony MDR-1000X are the best active noise canceling headphones available right now. They block out most of all ambient noise. What's more, they are wireless and support aptX Bluetooth. Smart technology allows you to adjust the level of transmission of ambient sounds, for example, not to miss an important announcement at the airport. Particularly noteworthy is the "Quick Listen" mode, which temporarily drowns out the music and transmits ambient sounds to the headphones. Now you do not need to take off your headphones every time to exchange a word with a friend. Management is carried out with one touch of the cup. They are comfortable and the battery lasts a long time. The sound quality of the MDR-1000X is simply excellent.

2nd place.

Main characteristics:

• Full size headphones;
• Active noise cancellation;
• bluetooth.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 has the same excellent active noise canceling performance as the QuietComfort 25, but with the added bonus of being a Bluetooth-enabled wireless model. This makes the QuietComfort 35 even more comfortable and the battery lasts a decent amount of time.

3rd place.

Main characteristics:

• Full size headphones;
• Active noise cancellation;
• Passive listening mode.

Sony MDR-100ABN h.ear on Wireless combine modern urban design, functionality and excellent performance of active noise reduction. The price for them is quite affordable, so they have already pressed many competitors. These on-ear headphones completely cover the ears, but they are very comfortable. They support Bluetooth aptX and their own LDAC codec, which is useful if you use a player or . The battery lasts for 20 hours, which is a lot, and if the battery runs out, you can connect headphones using a cable and a 3.5 mm jack.

4th place.

Main characteristics:

• Full size headphones;
• Active noise cancellation;
• Passive listening mode.

The latest AKG N60 commute headphones are definitely worth checking out. Noise suppression is good. In addition, they are compact and convenient. To some, their price may seem overpriced, but when compared with competitors, everything makes sense.

5th place.

Main characteristics:

• Full size headphones;
• Active noise cancellation;
• 24 hours battery life.

The Plantronics BackBeat PRO is a great pair of over-ear headphones with a battery life of up to 24 hours of continuous use, and with the noise canceling turned off, the headphones will keep you happy for up to 60 hours. The sound quality of this model is excellent, the noise cancellation works effectively, and the controllers are easy to use. The only downside is convenience. Cups could be softer.

6th place.

Main characteristics:

• Full size headphones;
• Active noise cancellation;
• 3-button remote control for iOS and Android.

The Bose QuietComfort 25 are a great pair of noise canceling headphones, especially for city dwellers. They have a more youthful design than most models in the QuietComfort collection, and the noise cancellation works great. However, they do not stand up to comparison with the AKG N60.