The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear HeadphonesIf you're fighting the roar of jet engines or just want to block out the sound of your HVAC system at home, you need the best noise cancelling over-ear headphones. The WH1000XM5s from Sony are the top of the line in active noise cancellation. The predecessors were fantastic.
We've taken into account adjustability of ANC control buttons, touch controls, and on-ear detection (for pausing music when you take off your headphones). Our top picks have high-resolution audio, comfortable Around Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones cups and ear cups that are spacious.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The fifth generation of Sony's flagship headphones is a major improvement over the previous model, featuring improved noise cancellation and audio quality. Its impressive ANC creates an enveloping cone over ear headphones with noise cancelling your head, blocking out an astonishing amount of low-frequency sounds. The earcups block noises in the mid-treble range like chatter from passengers and creaking metal.
In contrast to other noise cancelling headphones that can sound hollow or unnatural, the WH-1000XM5s are very natural-sounding. They are able to render Billie Eilish’s drums with remarkable clarity and keep the edges clean and pristine. They're a joy to listen to during a commute or long flight.
The most common controls are controlled by a capacitive touch surface located on the right ear cup, including play/pause and volume up/down, as well as skip forwards and backwards. It can also end and answer calls and switch between ANC mode and ambient sound. Alternatively, you can hold and press the power button for several seconds to hear a voice prompt of remaining battery life.
Another significant improvement to the XM5s is the new QN1 microphone, which is designed to capture high-quality audio while recording podcasts and videos. The microphone is more sensitive and has a wider audio range than previous models which makes it easier to recognize your own voice.
The XM5 has also brought over ear noise cancelling headphones certain features from the XM4s, such as the adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance based on the environment. Its 'Wearing Detection feature now detects when you take off the headset and stops playing video or music and resumes it once you put them back on. It also works with Sony's DSEE Extreme engine, which claims to enhance the quality of compressed music to a near-hi-res resolution.
2. Sony WH-1000XM4
The WH-1000XM4s are the latest iteration of Sony's industry-leading over-ear headphones, and although they don't have the same amount of active noise cancellation as the WH-1000XM5s, they provide superior performance. The WH-1000XM4s boast a stronger Bluetooth connection and an improved noise cancellation algorithm. They also have a new audio chip which increases the sound quality to HD quality, and advanced voice controls.
Sony has upgraded the WH1000XM4s of the most recent version by adding padding to the headband, and also moving the microphones forward. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions.
They're also more versatile with the ability to switch between five different audio modes based on the surroundings. Sony headphones come with an app that allows you to alter your EQ settings. The app allows you to monitor your activity and then automatically adjust the settings. They are an excellent choice for travelers.
Another major Around ear noise cancelling Headphones improvement is the WH-1000XM4's noise cancellation which has been improved by enhancing the sensitiveness and improving the way it blocks out low frequencies. You can check this out by studying a graph similar to the one above, with higher peaks indicate that more sounds are being blocked out. The WH-1000XM4s are also better at reducing low-frequency sounds, such as the hum of an air conditioning unit or the constant rumble of an airplane engine than any other pair of noise-canceling headphones that we've tested.
The WH1000XM4s come with a variety of amazing features, including a 30-hour battery life and a USB-C charge port. They also come with Quick Alert, which lets you touch the right earcup in order to deflect music and activate transparency mode; Speak to Chat pauses media when you speak (and works well, although it may not always register taps), and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can analyze and detect your environment to deliver better audio.
3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II
The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II (or QC35 Wireless 2018) are over ear noise cancelling headphones wireless-ear headphones that were launched in September 2017. They've been replaced by the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 701, which will be released in 2021. However they remain popular and affordable.
The QC35 II are a great pair of mixed usage wireless headphones that provide a comfortable fit with a neutral sound profile and excellent noise isolation. They are ideal for travel or in noisy environments and last more than a day on a single charge. They are also compatible with a variety of smart assistants and are activated via a dedicated button. You can ask them to play music and answer trivia questions or read your smartphone notifications.
They have a large opening in the around ear noise cancelling headphones padded that can accommodate a variety of ears and shapes. They are extremely light. The hinges on the housings fold down and make them easy to put in backpacks or bags. The controls on the right side of the headphones are intuitively placed and feel good to use. Playback is controlled by tapping the buttons, including rewinding or skipping songs.
We listened to The Beatles' Let It Be, as well as the piano and drum beats. The QC35 II deliver crisp, clear audio that's full-bodied and detailed. They can detect subtleties such as Paul McCartney’s inconsistent timing as he builds to the chorus, or Gerard Way's snarl as he rants about the teen-like persona in teenagers.
The QC35 II is compatible with the majority of smart assistants and can connect to two devices at once. The QC35 II comes with a carry bag as well as a USB charging cable.
4. Sony WH-CH720N
Sony is known for making top-quality headphones at a affordable price. The budget-friendly WHCH720N headphones by Sony are no exception. These headphones come with many of the same features as the flagship WH1000XM5 headphones, but with a more budget friendly design. They also come with a decent amount of active noise cancelling at a low price.
These headphones have powerful drivers that measure 30mm in size. They deliver crisp high frequencies and plenty of bass. These headphones have an even sound that blends well with a variety of genres of music. They also have an expansive, immersive soundstage.
The WH-CH720N headphones have buttons instead of the touch controls and gestures of the XM5 headphones. This is a more of a problem, as the buttons are at first difficult to understand. Luckily, the headphones come with clearly labeled controls and are placed intelligently. A single pressing of the '-' button reduces the volume, and double pressing pauses and plays audio. When you press and hold the button the button, voice assistants will be launched and calls are canceled.
The headphones can last for up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is one of the Best over ear headphones noise cancelling battery performance we've seen on over-ear headphones. They have a standby mode to conserve battery.
The WH-CH720N headphones can be connected to Android phones and iOS devices via Bluetooth. They are compatible with LDAC which lets them play high-resolution audio on compatible devices. They are also compatible with PlayStation consoles that use an analog 1/8"TRS cable. They can also be used on computers with the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect app lets you personalize your headphones with an EQ slider and presets, multipoint connectivity, as well as secure listening.
5. B&W PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is a follow-up to a successful predecessor and isn't an unfinished upgrade. They feature a more sleek design and a new application. They deliver on their promise of top-quality build with audio that faithfully expresses artistic intention. They are also extremely comfortable to wear all day.
They don't have the same noise cancellation features as the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II, or the Sony WH1000XM5, however, they do a good job in blocking out background noises so you can concentrate on your podcasts or music. They feature a six-microphone setup (four for the noise cancellation and two for voice-recording) and a redesigned algorithm that reduce ambient sound by 30dB. They are also among the only a handful of Bluetooth headphones that we've tested that can be used as passive headphones which allows users to listen to their content without the need to power the drive units.
The B&W Music app is also compatible with the free download that includes a variety of features that complement the great noise cancellation. The Quick Action button can be programmed to activate the device's voice assistant, cycle through the three environmental settings and display battery life. It is annoying to have to press and hold it for a while. A single press is more intuitive and easier.
The PX7 S2 is a pair of headphones that will delight music lovers. They're not quite as appropriate for the high-quality music of genres such as rock and metal that tend to favor bass-heavy productions and muddy low frequency, like they are to classical, folk and Acoustic music, but can still impress those who appreciate audiophile credentials that's also practical and comfortable.
