The updated QN1 processor works according to an accelerated algorithm for reducing ambient noise, while consuming a very small amount of energy. And the adaptive sound control function automatically adjusts the playback volume, depending on the noise of the place you are in.
The two buttons on the left hand cup are awkwardly placed.
These stylish noise-cancelling headphones allow you to completely immerse yourself in music. Their built-in battery is enough for 30 hours of continuous sound, and if the battery runs out at the most inopportune moment, you can always use the quick charge option. The model has a folding design and will be the best choice for travellers.
Over-Ear, Full-size
104.5 dB
20 - 40000 Hz
Bluetooth, NFC, Audio cable
30 hours
Unique automatic personal NC, and Atmospheric Pressure optimisation, Adaptive Sound Control, High-quality audio with DSEE HX™ and LDAC, 10 minutes quick charge (for 5 hours of work), built-in microphone, Swivel foldable structure, Carry case with cable
1 year
The headphones are built with the latest Apple W1 processor, which works incredibly efficiently and makes it easy to connect the gadget to various Apple devices. That being said, Android devices are also supported. For wired connections, the kit includes a RemoteTalk cable with built-in controls.
Not the best bass out there.
The Beats Studio3 lets you listen to music and stay connected for work all day long, even while on the go. At the same time, the Pure Adaptive Noise Canceling technology will actively block external noise. Soft ear cushions provide excellent ventilation, and the flexible swivel headband provides a comfortable fit for anyone.
Over-Ear, Full-size
not specified
20 - 20000 Hz
Bluetooth, Audio cable
Up to 22 hours
Pure ANC technology, Fast Fuel: 10-minute charge gives 3 hours of play, Carrying case, 3.5 mm Remote Talk cable, USB charging cable included
1 year
With one click of a special button, you can launch the voice assistant on your smartphone to find out the desired route, turn on your favorite track, or contact people from your contact list. At the same time, the hands-free function lets you keep your hands free while talking on the phone.
Doesn't come with a carry bag or case.
The Sony WH-CH710N is a stylish pair of headphones with rounded shapes. They are equipped with Dual Noise Sensors, which transmit audio in both directions, allowing you to more clearly capture and block out ambient sounds. The model supports a connection via Bluetooth, a cable, and NFC technology for one-touch connection.
Over-Ear, Full-size
94 dB/mW
20 - 20000 Hz
Bluetooth, NFC, Audio cable
Up to 35 hours
Automatic Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancelling function, Dual Noise Sensor Technology, 10 minutes Quick charge for 60 minutes of playback, Built-in voice assistant,hands-free calls, Connection Cable, USB Cable included
1 year
The large aperture 40mm drivers deliver rich Hi-Fi sound with deep bass. And double-clicking on the volume down key will give you the opportunity to choose one of five equalizer modes.
A bit bulky.
The VANKYO C751 over-ear headphones will allow you to enjoy your favourite music and have phone conversations without extraneous noise or interference. The headset works in wireless and wired mode and is compatible with the Airplane Adapter Plug, which is so important for anyone who travels frequently.
Over-Ear, Full-size
not specified
20 - 20000 Hz
Bluetooth, Audio cable
Up to 30 hours
Foldable Headband, 10-minute quick charge for 2 hours listening, pressure-relieving memory-protein ear pads, Carrying bag, 3.5mm Aux cable
2 years
Thanks to the fast 5-minute charge function, you can enjoy your favourite tracks for as long as 2 hours of continuous play.
The case is rather bulky.
The Hi-Fi noise-cancelling headset gives you a clean, perfectly balanced Hi-Fi Sound. The headphones sit on the head very comfortably, without causing discomfort even after prolonged use. The headband is adjustable for a better fit.
Over-Ear, Full-size
not specified
not specified
Bluetooth, Audio cable
Up to 30 hours
Active Noise Cancellation, microphone, Quick 5-minute recharge, Professional Protein Ear pad, 90° swivel ear cups, adjustable headband, Foldable, Carrying Case, 3.5 mm Audio Cable, Charging Cable included
18 months
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Sony WH-1000XM3
Immerse Yourself in Music
One of the greatest benefits of listening to music on high-quality headphones is that you get to surround yourself with only the sounds of your favourite tunes while drowning out all other distracting outside noises. This is especially the case with noise cancelling headphones, as they mute outside noises that can distract you from the high fidelity listening experience that they provide. Unfortunately, not all headphones work so well at removing all outside noises, even ones that claim to be noise cancelling, which means that you still tend to get distracted during your listening experience.
The Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are stylish headphones that allow you to completely immerse yourself in music by removing all outside distractions. Their built-in battery is enough for 30 hours of continuous sound, and if the battery runs out at the most inopportune moment, you can always use the quick charge option to extend your listening time. The model has a folding design that is quite compact when fully folded, and will be the best choice for travellers or for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in their favourite music while on the go.
Advanced Processor
Many people may wonder exactly how noise cancelling technology works. Well, this can vary between different models of noise-cancelling headphones. This particular model, though, uses the updated QN1 processor, which works according to an accelerated algorithm for reducing ambient noise, while consuming a very small amount of energy. Along with this, the adaptive sound control function automatically adjusts the playback volume, depending on the noise of the place you are in, which enables the headphones to give you music at the most optimal volume for clear listening, preventing you from having to make any manual adjustments.
Plenty of other features are packed into these incredible noise-cancelling headphones. Included is a built-in microphone that lets you control the headphones through voice input, thanks to the compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. You can also control them through your smartphone through the Headphone Connect App, giving you the ability to adjust the equalizer along with the volume. The built-in Bluetooth even lets you connect to multiple audio inputs wirelessly, giving you plenty of choice with how to use them. Simply put, this model from Sony is one of the best noise-cancelling headphones that money can buy.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £201.44 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07GDR2LYK |
Beats Studio3
Big Name in Headphones
When many people think of wireless headphones, one of the best and most well-known brands out there are Beats. As to how much better they are than most other brands out there, that can be up for debate, but what isn't up for debate is the fact that they offer a premium headphone experience that is sure to please virtually any user.
First off, it should be known that Beats headphones are a premium brand, meaning that while you're getting high-quality headphones, you're also paying premium prices for them. However, many people consider the premium aspects to be well worth the money. All of that said, this particular set is very reasonably priced, especially when compared to some of the other premium brands out there.
So, what exactly do you get with these noise-cancelling headphones? You get high-quality sound with more than adequate noise-cancelling abilities that will last you all day, thanks to the efficient design and high battery life. Furthermore, you won't have to deal with earaches if you do use them all day, since the ear cups are very softly padded and provide an extremely comfortable fit. And when we say all day, we really mean it, as the battery can last for up to 22 hours on a single charge.
Advanced Headphone Technology
Much of the performance of these headphones is due to their use of the Apple W1 processor as well as their high-performance Bluetooth technology, which gives the headphones some very advanced tech while allowing them to operate on minimal battery power. This means you should have no trouble at all connecting these headphones wirelessly to any Apple iPhone or iPad. Of course, they're not just limited to working with Apple products, so those who use Android or other mobile devices with Bluetooth connectivity should have no problems with connecting as well.
Noise-cancelling headphones are often attractive to those who wish to block out external noises, so headphones that aren't good at doing this won't be of much use to those who are looking for this specific feature. Thankfully, the Beats Studio3 has excellent noise-cancelling abilities, due to the Pure Adaptive Noise Canceling technology that will actively block external noise. For those using these headphones for long periods of time, you will definitely be pleased with the ventilated ear cups. Should you run low on battery power, you can utilise the Fast Fuel feature to give your headphones a quick 10-minute charge, which will give them enough juice for up to 3 hours of playback time. Overall, those looking for a premium noise-cancelling headphone experience can give these a try and find out why the Beats brand name is so well-known.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £299.95 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B085299XQ1 |
Sony WH-CH710N
Premium Yet Affordable
Let's face it - most noise-cancelling headphones are usually going to cost you a pretty penny. As such, the vast majority of models out there are generally marketed as being premium headphones, and will often include many features that one would expect from a premium device. The Sony WH-CH710N Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones are no different, as they offer the full premium experience. How they differ from most other models, though, is that they don't come at a premium price. This very affordable noise-canceling headphone set gives you just about everything you want, and certainly doesn't skimp on the noise-canceling abilities.
At first glance, the Sony WH-CH710N is a stylish pair of headphones with rounded shapes that are both eye-pleasing and comfortable to wear. They are equipped with Dual Noise Sensors, which transmit audio in both directions, allowing you to more clearly capture and block out ambient sounds. The model supports a connection via Bluetooth, a cable, and NFC technology for one-touch connection, so you aren't limited in regards to connectivity options, which in turn increases the number of devices that you can use these headphones with. This is a far cry from many of the more expensive models that toss out everything else just for wireless connectivity.
Hands-Free Operation
One of the great features of these headphones is the ability to completely control them without having to use your hands. With one click of a special button, you can launch the voice assistant on your smartphone to find out the desired route, turn on your favourite track, or contact people from your contact list. At the same time, the hands-free function lets you keep your hands free while talking on the phone, which can be especially important while you're on the go. Of course, it is not always convenient to use a voice assistant, in which case the small controls on the headphones will allow you to easily adjust the volume without having to hunt around for the controls.
As for the build quality, these headphones are generally pretty good. They might seem a bit flimsy at first, but with use you'll be surprised at how durable they are. Furthermore, they are very lightweight and are quite comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, which is great as these headphones provide up to 35 hours of battery life on a single charge. This means that you can actually use these headphones for several days before needing to recharge them. About the only thing missing here is a carrying case or bag, although this is a small complaint considering the overall quality that you get for a very reasonable price.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £84.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B086LLYK4S |
VANKYO C751
No More Distractions
Listening to music can be a liberating experience, but this can often be spoiled when outside factors are distracting you from being able to lose yourself in your favourite tunes. That is one of the main reasons why noise-cancelling headphones have become so popular, and it is why the VANKYO C751 Over-Ear Wireless Headphones are a perfect example of this. These wireless over-ear headphones actively work to reduce and cancel out any outside noise that will distract you from your favourite music, letting you immerse yourself in the wonderful melodies of your choice while maintaining a peaceful, distraction-free atmosphere.
Just as with many of the other products on this list, these headphones have more going for them than just cancelling noise. Although they are made to work wirelessly, those who prefer or need a hard-wired connection can also use them in wired mode, so those who are using an audio output device without Bluetooth can still use these quite effectively. Furthermore, the built-in microphone lets you take calls with ease, with the headphones working almost like your own little soundproof room that lets you concentrate on the phone call without letting outside distractions interrupt you from important conversations.
Excellent Sound Quality
To go along with the noise-canceling technologies in these headphones, you also get excellent sound quality that is aided by the built-in hardware. The large aperture 40mm drivers deliver rich Hi-Fi sound, giving you true-to-life sound quality that will make you think you're in the middle of a live performance rather than listening to pre-recorded music. The deep, booming bass also gives your favourite music the extra kick it needs to go over the top, making your listening experience much more pleasurable. Simply put, you will not be disappointed with the sound quality provided by these headphones.
Not only do you get excellent sound quality, but many other quality-of-life features are included to make these headphones a pleasure to use. The volume controls are easy to use, and what's more, clicking on the volume down button twice will give you access to one of five built-in equalizers, which will let you choose the right profile for making your favourite tunes sound their best. The built-in battery gives you up to 30 hours of operating time, so you won't need to worry about recharging them constantly. And even if your headphones do run out of juice, a 10-minute quick charge can give you up to 2 hours of listening time in a pinch. All together, these features add up to one of the best noise-free listening experiences you can buy.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £50.99 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B0868MDSL5 |
Boltune BT-BH010S
Perfectly Balanced
Reading through the various pros and cons of many of the various noise-canceling headsets that are available will quickly reveal that when it comes to such headsets, there is almost always some kind of trade-off that you need to deal with. Many that have great sound reproduction and noise-canceling capabilities may be uncomfortable to wear, whereas those that are comfortable may not be able to compete with others in regards to their audio capabilities. Of course, this isn't true of all noise-canceling headphones, and the Boltune BT-BH010S Active Noise Cancelling Headphones are a great example of this. These headphones provide a great balance in all aspects of their use, delivering excellent sound quality, great noise-reduction capabilities, ample comfort, and even great battery life.
First things first, most people probably want to know how these work in regards to sound quality and noise-canceling. We are pleased to report that both of these aspects are fabulous. The headphones provide excelling Hi-Fi sound thanks to the high-performance stereo codec that is integrated into the unit. Along with this, the noise cancellation works excellent, actively working to reduce all outside non-musical noise that may interfere with the enjoyment of your music. Should you prefer to be more aware of your surroundings while using these headphones, though, there is the option to turn off the noise cancellation, giving you a choice of when and when not to use this feature.
Fast Charging
With wireless headphones, one of the most important aspects to consider is the battery life, and with this model you will definitely not be disappointed. In fact, the battery life and charging features of this model really help set it apart from other headphones. Providing up to 30 hours of battery life, which is at least on-par with most of the other top models, what will really amaze people is how fast they charge. You can charge up the headphones to full battery capacity in less than an hour, letting you use them for quite a long time without having to wait forever for them to charge. Even more, though, is the fast-charging feature, which lets you charge it for only 5 minutes, which will give you up to 2 hours of use should you need to use them immediately.
What about the comfort of these headphones? Again, there won't be anything here to disappoint you. The headphones rest quite comfortably on the head, providing a secure grip but without causing discomfort with prolonged use. The protein earpads will feel nice when wearing it, and the swivelling earcups let you customise their positioning for the most comfortable use. The only complaint we can find with this set is that the carry case that comes with the headset is rather bulky, but this is really a minor complaint. All things considered, these headphones provide the perfect balance of functionality and comfort.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07XC9XCGC |
What Are Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Headphones are an appliance, which has its pros and cons with millions of people using it every day. However, noise-cancelling headphones can bring listeners to an absolutely new level of sound experience! What's so special about noise-cancelling headphones? Unlike other headphones, they isolate all unwanted noises, preserving the original sound. With a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, you no longer need to turn up the volume to hear the music through environmental sound. Wearing noise-cancelling headphones, you can listen to clear sound in any place you want even if it is a crowded place or public transport.
What Features to Compare
Type
Roughly, all headphones can be divided into two main types: in-ear and over-ear. Which headphones are better? There is no simple answer. All depends on your preferences. In-ear models are usually much smaller and compact than their over-ear peers. Plus, they are definitely the best bet if you wear glasses. Yet, if you are looking for the best noise-cancellation possible, we suggest you considering over-ear headphones. Such models can reduce even loud low-frequency noises such as a humming sound of a plane engine.
Sound Features
When it comes to sound, there are several specs to evaluate, among which the crucial ones are sensitivity (measured in dB/mW) and frequency range (measured in Hz). The frequency range may vary a bit from a model to model, but the optimal one is from 15-20 Hz to 18-22 kHz which is within the human-perceivable range. Sensitivity is responsible for the volume of the sound produced by the headphones in response to an input signal of a given power. Roughly speaking, the higher the sensitivity is, the louder headphones will sound. For safe listening to music via your headphones, the volume shouldn't exceed 85 dB for 8 hours of listening with about 95 dB for 1 hour maximum and 100 dB for no longer than 15 minutes.
Operation Time
Just like common headphones, noise-cancelling headphones can connect to the sound source via a cord, Bluetooth or via NFC. However, what differs them from non-noise-cancelling headphones is that for active noise cancellation they use a battery and, thus, the operation time for these earphones usually amounts to around 10 hours. Basically, this time is pretty good and can be enough to provide non-stop listening experience for a long time. However, if you often go on long trips, several more hours on top of those 10 is a welcome feature. Also, many noise-cancelling headphones use a regular headphone connection cable.
Additional Features
Many of us would love to have not just a basic-functionality pair of headphones but something more hi-tech, something with additional features. Headphones can have a built-in microphone which allows answering a phone even without taking it out of your pocket. Some sets can be connected to several devices at a time wirelessly and, for example, allow you to watch a movie and talk to a friend. As for the carrying convenience, even a simple carrying bag can add to users' experience by making the transportation more convenient. So, we recommend reading our review to choose the best pair to cut yourself off from the outside world and dive into the world of sound!
Did you know?
The Problem.
There are lots of people who try to block an outside noise by cranking up the volume when listening to music or doing a phone call in headphones. But isn’t it harmful to our hearing? It obviously is. Such way of suppressing an ambient noise makes harm to our eardrums which can lead to a permanent hearing damage.
The Modern Solution.
Nowadays, there are much less harmful and effective solutions allowing you to enjoy your music without hearing the environmental noise. One of such solutions, an ANC technology (active noise control or active noise cancelling) became rather popular only recently despite the fact it was invented many years ago. The theoretical base for performing an active noise cancellation is quite simple and is based on the interference of sound waves. ANC headphones are equipped with microphones (that determine the level and parameters of ambient noise) and dedicated drivers, which create waves of the same amplitude with those of environmental noise but with their phase inverted (in antiphase). There is a mutual decrease in the resulting amplitude of these waves interfering with each other, in other words, the waves cancel each other. It is simple in theory to achieve the silence in such a way but when it comes to practice it is much more complicated. The idea of using a noise cancellation technology belongs to Paul Luega, a doctor of philosophy and medicine, who got a patent for applying wave interference principles in 1934. Active noise cancellation was actively used in aviation in 1950’s. Lawrence Vogel's systems were used to suppress noise in helicopters and aeroplanes. In 1957, Willard Meeker created the first over-ear headphones with active noise reduction system which were also used in aviation. The Meeker system was able to suppress noise in the range from 50 to 500 Hz with attenuation of 20 dB. In 1986, the first serial headphones with an active noise cancelling system were released by BOSE. The gadget was developed by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager and was also used in aviation where extraneous engine noises interfered with communication of pilots. In 1989, the company adapted the technology for domestic use carrying out the development of the specialised solutions at the same time.
Unresolved Issues.
This technology has lots of advantages but is not perfect. It uses active components that require a power source for their operation. The problem of necessity and use of additional power source was grappled with many companies providing various engineering solutions such as increasing the battery capacity, using specialized units with standard batteries, and using additional power circuitry and pins in portable audio players which resulted in the development of non-standard connectors (common for SONY headphones and players). However, the ANC technology use has some by-effects. Among the reviews on NC-headphones, you can find out reports that the ANC long use causes various side effects, for example, headache, physical discomfort during listening to music as well as psychological discomfort. According to some statistical research, about 5-7% of people who regularly use headphones can’t stand devices with an ANC implemented. The reason is that during the life a person adapts to a certain noise level. When you are listening to music in noise-cancelling headphones, your brain has to adapt to a new sound and noise level which can lead to a fatigue. Thus, being a breakthrough the ANC technology has its pros and cons, which, however, makes listening less harmful and more convenient for people who use their headphones in a crowded and noisy environment.
FAQ:
Q: What is noise cancelling technology?
A: Such technology (NC for short) reduces unwanted sound using active noise control. Noise cancellation lets you listen to music in crowded space, transport or elsewhere clearly without any outside noise. Nowadays, NC headphones can even be used as a sleeping aid by people who suffer from insomnia.
Q: What is the difference between active noise cancellation and passive noise isolation?
A: Active noise cancellation technology mostly reduces the amplitude of low-frequency sound waves (due to unpredictable reinforcement and cancelling of high-frequency sound waves) while passive noise isolation just blocks ambient noise in the whole perceivable range with the help of ear pads and ear tips covering your ear.
Q: What is an operating range in relation to wireless headphones?
A: It is a maximum distance you can be away from any of your Bluetooth devices used as a signal source and still receive sound signal on your wireless headphone.
Q: Do headphones made from different materials sound different?
A: For sure, the case material plays its part while choosing headphones. For example, models with plastic ear cups are typically cheaper and are usually equipped with cheaper and less sophisticated audio drivers and other components. Because of this, they produce a thinner or more artificial sound than their more expensive peers. In contrast, metal body headphones are sturdier than plastic ones and can provide a better performance as their cases resonate less with the driver and add less distortion to the sound. Which results in crisper and smoother sound than you usually get from headphones encased in plastic. As for the headphones with wooden ear cups, this material also has some benefits in terms of resonance and case vibrations and falls between plastic and metal. As a rule, wooden headphones are more pricey than plastic and metal ones. However, the material of headphones case is not that important as the material of diaphragms of their drivers, which together with drivers' technology contributes most to the resulting sound.
Q: What are advantages of noise-cancelling headphones?
A: The main advantage of noise-cancelling headphones is a very effective outside noise isolation and cancelling. With such headphones, you can do your work or other activities and enjoy your playlist in any noisy environment. You are free to listen not only to music but also to audio books which may turn out not only a very educational but relaxing occupation too. People who don’t use headphones with noise cancelling technology often have to raise the volume higher in order to reduce outside noises, but this can be dangerous and may harm your hearing. ANC technology is a perfect invention to prevent the problems with hearing by enabling you to listen to your music at lower volume while preserving a high-quality sound.
Q: What are disadvantages of noise-cancelling headphones?
A: The biggest disadvantage of ANC model,s from the customer point of view, is their price. A set of ANC headphones may cost around 10 times as much as other non-ANC peers. Also, such type of headphones requires an additional power for their operation. Some of these gadgets use replaceable internal batteries and some built-in rechargeable batteries. You also have to keep in mind that even ANC technology can’t block all the ambient noise, providing the attenuation of up to 90% of the noise.
Sources:
1. Headphones Buying Guide, Best Buy.
2. Daniel Nissenbaum How to buy the best headphones, Which?
3. Tara Tuckwiller Wireless Headphone Buying Guide, ConsumerSearch. November 29, 2016.
4. Whitson Gordon How to Choose the Perfect Pair of Headphones, Lifehacker. November 5, 2011.
5. Choosing the Right Wireless Headphones, eBay. March 3, 2016.
6. How to buy headphones in 2017, CNET.
7. Alan Henry How do I choose the best noise cancelling headphones, Lifehacker. March 6, 2013.
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