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The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

You need the best headphones for noise cancellation for your needs, whether you need to block out the hum of your HVAC system or you need to block the background noise of jet engines. The new Sony WH1000XM5s are the kings of active sound cancellation. The predecessors were excellent.

We've looked at the possibility of adjusting ANC and touch controls as well as on-ear ear detection for paused music when headphones are removed. Our top picks feature high-quality audio as well as comfortable, spacious earphones.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony's flagship headphones is a significant upgrade over the previous model, featuring better noise cancellation and improved audio quality. Its impressive ANC creates a virtual cone over your head, suffocating the most shocking amount of low-frequency sound. The earphones also block out mid-treble and high-treble sounds like chatter from passengers as well as the sound of creaking metal and the clanging of dishware.

The WH-1000XM5s sound very natural, unlike some noise cancelling headsets that sound hollow. They can reproduce the beats of Billie Eilish in stunning clarity while keeping the edges clean and over ear headphones noise cancelling pristine. It's an absolute pleasure listening to them on a long flight or commute.

The most common controls are controlled by a capacitive touch surface on the right earcup, including play/pause and volume up/down, aswell as skip forwards and backwards. It can also answer and end calls as well as switch between ANC and ambient sound mode. Alternatively, you can press and hold the power button for a few minutes to hear a voice warning of the battery's remaining life.

The new QN1 microphone is a significant improvement over the XM5s. It was designed to record high-quality audio while recording podcasts and videos. The microphone is more sensitive than previous models and has a greater audio range that makes it easier for you to pick up your voice.

Other features from the XM4s have been incorporated into the XM5 and include an adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance based on the environment. Its 'Wearing Detection' feature now detects when you remove the headset and stops playing video or music, and restarts it once you put them back on. It's compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine, which increases the quality of compressed music to nearly high-res quality.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s are a new version of Sony's market-leading over ear Headphones noise cancelling ear headphones, and even though they don't feature as much active noise cancellation as the WH-1000XM5s do, they provide top-of-the-line performance. The WH-1000XM4s boast a stronger Bluetooth connection as well as an improved noise cancellation algorithm. They also have a new audio chip which upscales music to HD quality, and advanced voice controls.

Sony has upgraded the WH1000XM4s of the most recent version by adding padding to the headband, and moving the microphones outwards. This makes them more comfortable to listen to for long periods.

You can also switch between five different sound settings based on the surrounding. Sony headphones come with an app that lets you to customize your EQ settings. The app lets you track your activity, and then automatically adjust the settings. They are an excellent choice for those who travel.

Another major improvement is the WH-1000XM4's sound cancellation that has been improved by increasing the sensitivity and improving how it filters out low frequencies. This can be tested by looking at graphs similar to the one shown above. Higher peaks indicate that more sounds are being canceled out. The WH-1000XM4s are also better at reducing low-frequency sounds, such as the sound of an air conditioning unit or the constant rumble of an airplane engine than any other pair of noise-canceling headphones that we've test.

The WH-1000XM4s are still equipped with a an impressive set of features, including batteries that 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 raise your voice (and works well, although it may not always register taps) and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can recognize and analyze your environment to deliver superior audio.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II headphones (or QC35 Wireless 2018, as they're also known) were released in September 2017. They have been replaced by the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 701 that will be available in 2021. However they're still very popular and affordable.

The QC35 II is a great pair for mixed-use wireless headphones. They provide a comfortable fit and a neutral sound profile that is default. They also provide exceptional noise isolation. They can be used for traveling or in noisy environments and last more than a full day with a single charge. They also work with most smart assistants, and can be activated with an individual button. You can ask the assistant to play music, answer trivia questions or read your smartphone notifications.

The padding around the ears is large and can accommodate a variety of ears. They are also light. The hinges on the housings fold down and make them easy to pack into backpacks or bags. The controls are located on the right-hand side of the headphone and are simple to use. Playback can be controlled with a series of taps, including rewinding or skipping songs.

For a good example of the quality you can expect from these Bose headphones, we played The Beatles' Let It Be and listened to drum beats and piano notes. The QC35 II delivers crisp, clear audio that is well-rounded and detail sound. They can detect subtleties like Paul McCartney's irregular timing as he builds up to the chorus or Gerard Way’s snarl when his lyrics praising teenage-personalism in teenagers.

The QC35 II is compatible with the majority of smart assistants. It can connect to up to two devices at once. The QC35 II also come with an accessory case for carrying and a USB cable that can be charged quickly.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is a household name for its top-quality headphones at a low price. The budget-friendly WHCH720N earphones from Sony are no exception. They have many of features that make the flagship WH-1000XM5 headphones great but in a more budget-friendly design. They also provide a good amount of active noise cancellation for a reasonable price.

Similar to the WH-1000XM5 headphones these headphones have 30mm dynamic drivers which provide great bass and crisp high frequencies. They have an even sound that blends well with a variety of genres of music. They also feature a huge, encompassing soundstage.

The WH-CH720N headphones have buttons for controls instead of the touch controls and gestures of the XM5 headphones. This can be a bit of an issue as the buttons initially seem confusing. Luckily, the headphones have clear labels and the controls are placed intelligently. One pressing of the button with the '-' lowers the volume, and double presses pauses and plays audio. When you press and hold the button the button, voice assistants are activated and calls are turned down.

These headphones can last up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is the highest battery performance we've ever seen in over-ear headphones. They also feature a standby mode to aid in conserving battery.

The WH-CH720N headphones noise cancelling can be connected to Android phones and iOS devices via Bluetooth. They are compatible with LDAC which allows them to play high-quality audio on compatible devices. They also work with PlayStation consoles that use an analog 1/8" TRS cable and can be used as wired headphones on a PC using the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect app lets you personalize your headphones using an adjustable EQ slider and presets as well as multipoint connectivity, and safe listening.

5. B&W PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is a follow-up to the success of its predecessor however, it's not an unfinished update. They sport a sleeker style and a brand new application. They deliver on their promise of premium build-quality and sound that accurately communicates artistic intent. They're also incredibly comfortable and are a delight to wear all day long.

While they're not as effective as the noise cancellation of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH-1000XM5 however, they do a excellent job of blocking out ambient noises and ensuring that you're able to focus on your music, podcasts or gaming on your handheld without distractions. They use a six microphone setup (four for the noise cancellation and two for voice pick-up) and a new algorithm which reduce ambient sound by 30dB. They're also one of the few Bluetooth headphones we've reviewed that can be used in passive mode, allowing users to listen to content on your own without putting power to the drive units.

They're also compatible with the B&W Music app, a free download that offers a wide range of features that go along with the great noise cancellation. It includes a Quick Action button that cycles through three modes for environmental use, displays battery life and can be configured to launch your device's voice assistant. It's annoying to have to press the button and hold it. A one-press would be more intuitive and simple.

The PX7 S2 is a pair of headphones that will please music lovers. They're not as well suitable for the raucous music of genres like metal and rock that tend to favor heavy bass and muddy low frequencies, as they are for classics, folk and Acoustic music, but can still impress those who appreciate the audiophile ethos which is also practical and easy to use.