The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
When you're trying to block out the sound of jet engines, or just want to block out the hum of your HVAC system at home, you'll need the top noise cancelling headphones for over-ear use. The new Sony WH-1000XM5s are the new kings of active noise cancellation and their predecessors were equally excellent.
We've taken into account adjustability of ANC control buttons, touch controls, and on-ear detection (for pausing music when you take your headphones off). Our top picks have high-resolution audio, comfortable ear cups and spacious ear cups.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The fifth generation of Sony's flagship headphones is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, with better noise cancellation and enhanced audio quality. Its remarkable ANC creates an enveloping cone over your head, absorbing the most shocking amount of low-frequency sound. The earcups block sounds that fall in the mid-to-treble spectrum like chatter from passengers and creaking metal.
Contrary to some noise cancelling headphones that can sound hollow or unnatural, the WH-1000XM5s are extremely natural sounding. They can reproduce the rise and fall of Billie's drums with astonishing depth and clarity, while keeping edges clear and pristine. They're great to listen to during a commute or long flight.
A capacitive touch-surface on the right earcup controls the most frequently used controls, including play/pause, volume up/down, and skip forwards/backwards. It also allows you to make calls end and answer as well as switch between ANC and ambient sound mode. You can also press and hold the power button for several seconds to hear a voice telling you how much battery capacity is left.
Another significant improvement to the XM5s is the new QN1 microphone that is designed to record high-quality audio when recording videos and podcasts. The microphone is more sensitive than the previous models and has a larger audio range which makes it easier to hear your voice.
Other features of the XM4s have carried over to the XM5, such as its adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance based on the environment. The 'Wearing Detection" feature detects when the headset is removed and stops playing music or video. It will resume it when they are put back on. It also works with Sony's DSEE Extreme engine, which claims to upscale compressed music to near-hi-res quality.
2. Sony WH-1000XM4
The WH1000XM4s by Sony are the latest version of their top-of-the-line over-ear headphones. They provide top-quality performance however they don't feature the same active noise cancellation as the WH1000XM5s. In addition to stronger Bluetooth and a better noise cancelling algorithm, the WH-1000XM4s also feature a new audio chip that boosts music files to HD quality and offers more advanced voice controls.
The biggest improvement in the latest generation is that Sony has made the WH-1000XM4s more comfortable than ever before by putting padding on the headband and moving the microphones closer to the outside of the ear. This makes them more comfortable to listen to for long periods.
You can also switch between five different sound settings depending on the environment. You can even tailor your EQ settings with the Sony headphones app. The app lets you track your activity, and then automatically adjust the settings. They are a great option for those who travel.
The WH-1000XM4 also has improved its noise cancellation. It is now more effective due to the higher sensitivity and better filtering of low frequencies. You can check this out by studying a graph similar to the one above, with higher peaks indicate more sounds are being blocked out. The WH1000XM4s are also better in reducing low-frequency noises, such as the hum from an air conditioning unit or the constant rumble of a plane engine.
The WH-1000XM4s continue to have a great set of features which include the battery that can last up to 30 hours and a built-in USB-C charging port. They also feature Quick Alert, which lets you touch the right earcup in order to deflect music and activate the transparency mode; Speak to Chat can pause media when you speak (and works well, although it can sometimes fail to register taps), and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can analyze and detect your surroundings to provide better audio.
3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II
The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II (or QC35 Wireless 2018) are over-ear headphones which were released in September 2017. While they've been replaced by the 2021-released Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, they remain popular and affordable and are worth a look if you're looking for an active noise cancelling headphone.
The QC35 II are a great pair of wireless headphones that provide a comfortable fit and a neutral sound profile and excellent noise isolation. They can be used for traveling or in noisy environments and last more than a full day with a single charge. They can also be used with the majority of smart assistants and are activated by a dedicated button. over the ear headphones with noise cancelling can ask the assistant to play music, answer trivia or read notifications from your smartphone.
The padding around the ears is a good size and can fit most ear shapes. They are also light. The hinges of the housings can be folded down to make them easier to pack into a bag or backpack. The controls on the right side of the headphones are well placed and comfortable to use. Playback can be controlled by tapping the buttons, including rewinding or skipping songs.
We heard The Beatles' Let It Be, as well as the piano and drum beats. The QC35 II deliver crisp, clear sound that is full-bodied and detailed. They uncover subtleties in the vocals, for instance Paul McCartney's erratic timing as he builds up to the chorus, or Gerard Way's snarl while he sighs about the lack of individuality among teens.
The QC35 II can be connected to up to two devices at once and are compatible with most smart assistants. The QC35 II also come with a carry case and a USB cable that charges quickly.
4. Sony WH-CH720N
Sony is renowned for producing high-quality headphones that cost a small amount. Its budget-friendly WH-CH720N headphones are no exception. They carry many of the features that make the top WH-1000XM5 models so good however, they have a more budget-friendly design. They also provide a good amount of active noise cancellation for a reasonable price.
These headphones have high-performance drivers of 30mm that deliver crisp high frequencies and plenty of bass. They offer an unbalanced sound that works well with different genres of music. They also have an expansive, immersive soundstage.
The WH-CH720N headphones feature buttons instead of the gestures or touch controls employed by the XM5 headphones. This could be a a disadvantage, as the buttons are initially confusing. The controls are strategically placed and are clearly labeled. One press of the button with the '-' lowers the volume, while double presses stop and play audio. Pressing and holding the button launches voice assistants and rejects calls.
The headphones can last for up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is one of the most efficient battery performance we've seen on over-ear headphones. They also feature a standby mode to aid in conserving battery.
The WH-CH720N headphones are connected to Android phones and iOS devices via Bluetooth. They are compatible with LDAC which lets them play high-resolution audio on compatible devices. The headphones are also compatible with PlayStation consoles using an analog 1/8"TRS cable. They can also be used on a computer with the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect app lets you customize your headphones with an adjustable EQ slider and presets as well as multipoint connectivity, as well as secure listening.
5. B&W PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 follow on from the success of their predecessor, but are not an unfinished update that rides on its coattails. Featuring a sleeker look and a brand new app that delivers on the promise of high-end build quality and sound that is designed to faithfully express artistic intention. They're also incredibly comfortable and a treat to wear throughout the day.
They don't offer the same noise cancellation capabilities as the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II, or the Sony WH1000XM5, but they're effective in blocking out background noises so that you can focus on your music or podcasts. They have a six-strong microphone setup (four for noise cancellation and two for voice pick up) and a new algorithm that cuts ambient sound by 30 decibels. They're also one of only a handful of Bluetooth headphones that we've tested that can be used passively and allow users to listen to their music without having to power up the drive units.
They also work with the B&W Music app, a free download that provides many features to complement the excellent noise cancelling. The Quick Action button can be programmed to activate the device's voice assistant and cycle through three environmental settings, and show battery life. The annoying thing is that you have to press and hold the button for a while - pressing it once is more convenient and intuitive.
The PX7 S2 is an audiophile pair that will delight music lovers. The PX7 S2 aren't so well-suited to the extreme music genres like metal and rock that favor bass-heavy productions and muddy low frequencies as they are to classical, folk and acoustic. However, they'll still be awe-inspiring to those who appreciate audiophile credentials, and are practical and easy to use.