In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and quiet can feel impossible. Whether you’re commuting, working, or just trying to relax at home, unwanted noise seems to be everywhere. That’s where noise-cancelling headphones come in. These technological marvels use sophisticated microphones and audio processing to block out distractions, creating a personal oasis of sound wherever you go.
This Ultimate Guide to Noise-Cancelling Headphones in 2024 will explore everything you need to know about this must-have technology. From understanding the different types of noise cancellation to deciphering key features and exploring the best models on the market, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision and find the perfect pair of headphones to elevate your listening experience.
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4, while not the newest model in Sony’s lineup, remain a favorite for their exceptional noise cancellation and impressive sound quality. Released in 2020, they continue to hold their own against newer competitors.
Noise Cancellation: The noise cancellation on the XM4 is top-notch, effectively silencing distractions like traffic, office chatter, and airplane noise. Sony’s QN1 processor and dual noise sensor technology work together to analyze and adapt to ambient sounds, creating a serene listening experience.
Sound Quality: Expect a balanced and enjoyable sound signature with the XM4. The 40mm drivers deliver clear highs, detailed mids, and punchy bass. While they don’t offer the absolute widest soundstage, the audio quality is excellent for most genres.
Features: The XM4 boasts a suite of convenient features, including:
- Speak-to-Chat: Automatically pauses music and activates transparency mode when you start speaking.
- Wearing Detection: Music pauses when you take the headphones off and resumes when you put them back on.
- Multipoint Connection: Connect to two devices simultaneously for seamless switching.
Battery Life: Enjoy up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled, making them suitable for long flights and commutes.
Overall: Though newer options exist, the Sony WH-1000XM4 remain a strong contender for the best noise-cancelling headphones in 2024, offering exceptional noise cancellation, well-rounded sound, and a comfortable fit at a potentially more appealing price point compared to their successors.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are a premium choice for those seeking a combination of style, comfort, and exceptional noise cancellation.
One of the standout features of the 700s is their adjustable noise cancellation, allowing you to personalize the level of ambient sound you want to let in. Whether you need complete silence for work or prefer some awareness of your surroundings, these headphones deliver.
The audio quality is undeniably Bose, with a focus on balanced and clear sound. While they may not satisfy extreme bass lovers, the overall listening experience is enjoyable for a variety of genres.
The 700s also excel in call quality. Equipped with a sophisticated microphone system, they effectively isolate your voice, ensuring crystal-clear communication even in noisy environments. This makes them an excellent choice for both work calls and casual conversations.
While the Bose 700s come with a higher price tag, their premium features, elegant design, and comfortable fit make them a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about noise cancellation and audio quality.
Apple AirPods Max
Apple’s foray into the over-ear, noise-canceling headphone market brought us the luxurious AirPods Max. Released in 2020, these headphones boast premium materials and impressive audio quality.
Active Noise Cancellation on the AirPods Max is highly effective, using microphones to block out external noise. Transparency mode is equally impressive, allowing you to hear your surroundings without taking off the headphones.
While not as portable as some competitors due to the lack of a foldable design, the AirPods Max offer seamless integration with Apple devices, making them a compelling option for Apple users seeking a premium audio experience.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless headphones are a premium option that delivers exceptional sound quality and effective noise cancellation.
Pros:
- Superb audio performance with deep bass and clear highs
- Adjustable active noise cancellation (ANC) to suit your environment
- Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions
- Sleek and stylish design
Cons:
- Pricey compared to some competitors
- ANC performance, while good, isn’t the absolute best in the market
The Momentum 3 Wireless headphones are a great choice for those who prioritize sound quality above all else. They offer a truly immersive listening experience with rich detail and powerful bass. The ANC is effective in blocking out most ambient noise, making them suitable for commuting and travel. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or need the absolute best noise cancellation available, there might be more suitable options for you within this guide.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 are a strong contender in the high-end noise-canceling headphone market. These over-ear headphones boast exceptional sound quality, making them a favorite among audiophiles.
Adaptive noise cancellation effectively silences distractions, while the ambient pass-through feature allows you to hear your surroundings without taking off the headphones.
Comfort is another highlight, with plush earcups and a well-padded headband. Battery life is also impressive, offering up to 30 hours of playtime.
However, the PX7 might feel slightly bulky for some users, and the price point is relatively high compared to some competitors.
Jabra Elite 85h
The Jabra Elite 85h headphones, while released back in 2019, still hold their own in today’s competitive market, offering a compelling blend of comfort, features, and performance.
What we like:
- Exceptional comfort for extended wear
- Well-balanced sound profile suitable for various genres
- Impressive battery life, perfect for long journeys
- Effective noise cancellation for a peaceful listening experience
What to consider:
- Noise cancellation, while good, isn’t the most powerful compared to newer models.
- Design may feel slightly bulky for some users.
Overall: The Jabra Elite 85h remains a solid choice for those seeking comfortable noise-canceling headphones with a balanced sound signature and long battery life. While newer options might offer slightly better noise cancellation, the 85h’s combination of features and performance makes it a worthy contender, especially at its often-discounted price.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 remain a strong contender in the noise-canceling headphone arena, even in 2024. These headphones provide an incredible value proposition, delivering impressive noise cancellation and well-balanced sound quality at a fraction of the cost of premium competitors.
Highlights:
- Exceptional battery life (up to 40 hours with ANC on)
- Comfortable fit for extended wear
- Customizable ANC and sound profiles through the app
While they may not reach the audiophile heights of some high-end options, the Life Q30 offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, making them a fantastic choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking effective noise cancellation and enjoyable sound.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 are a premium pair of noise-canceling headphones that deliver a luxurious listening experience.
Design and Comfort: Renowned for their stylish designs, Bang & Olufsen doesn’t disappoint with the H9. They boast a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic with premium materials like leather and aluminum. The earcups are plush and comfortable for extended wear.
Sound Quality: The Beoplay H9 headphones provide a rich and immersive sound experience. Expect well-balanced audio with crisp highs, a detailed midrange, and punchy bass.
Noise Cancellation: The active noise cancellation (ANC) on the H9 is effective at blocking out unwanted noise, creating a serene listening environment.
Features: These headphones are packed with features, including touch controls for playback and calls, transparency mode to hear your surroundings, and voice assistant support. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 25 hours of playtime with ANC enabled.
Overall: If you’re looking for a premium pair of noise-canceling headphones with stunning design, exceptional sound, and a comfortable fit, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 are an excellent choice, though they come at a premium price.
Philips PH805
The Philips PH805 headphones offer a compelling blend of features for their price point. These over-ear headphones boast active noise cancellation (ANC) technology to minimize distractions, making them suitable for travel and commuting.
Sound quality is generally well-regarded, with a balanced sound signature that doesn’t overly emphasize bass. However, audiophiles seeking the absolute best sound reproduction might explore higher-end options.
Comfort is another strong suit of the PH805, thanks to their lightweight design and plush earcups. They also provide a long battery life, allowing for extended listening sessions without needing a recharge.
While not the most feature-packed model available, the Philips PH805 deliver solid ANC performance, comfortable wear, and decent sound quality, making them a value-for-money choice in the noise-cancelling headphone market.
Shure AONIC 50
Shure, a renowned name in audio equipment, delivers impressive noise cancellation with the AONIC 50. These headphones boast adjustable noise cancellation, allowing you to control the level of ambient sound you want to let in.
Sound quality is where the AONIC 50 truly shines. Expect a balanced audio profile with clear highs, detailed mids, and punchy bass. They support multiple codecs including aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC, ensuring high-fidelity audio streaming.
Comfort is paramount, and the AONIC 50 doesn’t disappoint. The earcups are spacious and the headband well-padded, making them suitable for long listening sessions. Battery life is excellent, offering up to 20 hours of playtime with ANC activated.
While not the most affordable option, the Shure AONIC 50 present a compelling choice for discerning listeners who prioritize exceptional sound quality and effective noise cancellation in a premium package.
