The sound of car engines, planes, and other public transport, the background chatter in cafes, barking dogs, crying babies, and the hum of appliances—there are many invasive sounds that can ruin a good song or an important Zoom meeting.
If you’re looking for ways to suppress the racket and distractions of everyday life, now is a good time to finally check out that pair of headphones in your online shopping cart. If you’re still undecided, we’ve compiled a list of the best headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) to help you choose.
The Best Sound-Cancelling Headphones of 2024
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Bose over-the-ear wireless headphones provide an adjustable level of active noise cancellation from 0 to 10, enabling you to customise the amount of sound cancellation based on your preference.
The device has a great microphone, lightweight design and slick touch controls, allowing for a comfortable and versatile consumer experience. Additionally, the NCH 700 is made of materials that go beyond just plastic. Its headband features a metal construction, providing increased durability and reducing the risk of splits and shatters. It can also connect to two devices simultaneously. This means that you can listen to music or podcasts on your iPad and take a call on your mobile device at once.
While the NCH 700 is known for its innovative features, it’s not without its flaws. Although it works great with mobile phones, connecting them to a PC and your phone at the same time can cause audio problems. In terms of sound quality, the NCH 700’s performance is considered outstanding but not as good as other releases from competitors, such as Sony and Monoprice.
Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless
Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless is a budget-friendly sound-cancelling headphone that features an ANC system that intelligently detects your current environment and adjusts its noise-cancelling performance accordingly.
The Space Q45 is made of plastic and features pleather ear cups that make it comfortable to wear. The ear cups are adjustable and foldable for easy storage in their support case. While this pair is considered handy, the plastic doesn’t seem resistant to scratches and marks.
Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max offer active noise-cancelling technology, especially for low-frequency rumble. They perfectly shut out all the background noises that can disrupt your listening experience. The device’s transparency mode enables you to hear ambient sounds when necessary. This feature can be activated simply by pressing a single button.
Unlike other Apple headphones, which come in one specific colourway, the Apple AirPods Max come in five different colour options. Moreover, the AirPods Max bracket is well-built and adjustable to perfectly suit the user’s head size. The AirPods Max’s surround sound for movies and television shows and the automatic switching between Apple gadgets make it a good buy.
While the Apple AirPods Max is considered one of the best noise-cancelling headphones available on the market, its weight and high price compared to other options in its class might be less appealing to some users.
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 offers supreme noise reduction capability and rich sound quality. Although succeeded by the Sony WH-1000XM5, the WH-1000XM4 is still a hot pick for audiophiles due to its pronounced features such as multipoint pairing, conversational awareness, DSEE Extreme upscaling, and autoplay using a built-in sensor.
Just like the Apple AirPods Max, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is offered at a steep price. The over-ear headphones have no aptX support and also look the same as their predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM3.
When selecting the best noise-cancelling headphones, consider your individual needs and preferences. Take your time to explore the options and find the headphones that best suit your lifestyle and provide good sound quality for years to come.