Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Buying Noise-Canceling Headphones

Active noise-canceling headphones are designed to eliminate distractions from traffic, vehicles, screaming kids, and coworkers. When shopping, you’ll see flashy ads and bold claims. You’ll also find models priced from about $50 all the way to $500. And, just like any product you buy, there are comfortable models, and some that advertised as comfortable actually are not!

There will always be “nice to have” options for sound quality, battery, noise cancelling, and price. Comfort will ultimately be the deciding factor for beginners. And rightfully so, active noise cancelling headphones should be the most comfortable headphones you can buy.

Unfortunately, there isn’t one pair of head phones that solves everyone’s needs. Someone that needs head phones for business travel, and someone that needs them for studying, and someone that works from home all have different expectations. Because of this, the most important thing you need to know before you buy is what your personal needs are during the week.

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What are Noise-Canceling Headphones?

Noise-canceling headphones use dual mics to capture external sound and apply inverted sound wave technology to cancel the sound out before it reaches the wearer. Many noise-canceling models also have passive noise isolation with soft ear cup pads that reduce some external sound.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology uses built-in microphones to listen to the surrounding sounds and generates a sound wave that cancels that sound. When ANC is enabled, it allows the user to hear all surrounding sounds, but at a substantially lower volume level.

Using ANC in a loud, busy café would be ideal to block out the hum from the air conditioning unit, the background chatter, and activity from the coffee machine.

Because ANC uses hardware to eliminate noise, it is designed to cancel specific types of sound. While other sounds may block ANC, it works best on consistent background noise such as engine hum, machine hum, air conditioner hum, even road noise.

ANC headphones may be some of the best headphones on the market, but it’s more about what is most important to the user. Headphones fall short if they prioritize design features over the functionality of the technology.

Difficulty concentrating

Difficulty concentrating. Everyone thinks of headphones as entertainment devices, but some use them to manage their environments. A student living in an apartment with roommates and dealing with noise from both appliances and the hallway can use Noise Canceling (ANC) to focus when studying.

More comfortable listening

More comfortable listening. When people have background noise, it can sometimes push users to increase the volume to hear the content over competing sounds. With ANC, you can listen to your content comfortably.

Open and shared workspaces

Open and shared workspaces. The Nature of a Coworking Space, an Open Office, or even a Shared Room means you’ll have conversations and calls, and movement. ANC will create a consistent listening environment when there is no true silence.

Personal quiet time

Personal quiet time. These times aren’t always for listening to content. ANC can create a quiet environment for relaxation, and focus while reading.

How to Choose the Right Pair

Finding a good pair comes down to lifestyle. Learning how to match your lifestyle headphones is more important than price.

1. Start with where you’ll use them

1. Start with where you’ll use them. Understanding the type of environments you’ll be spending most of the time in can help you determine what features you should prioritize. If you’ll be using headphones for work in an office, you may be more concerned with mic quality and comfort. If you’ll be using headphones for frequent travel, battery life and ANC strength may be more important. Don’t buy travel-focused headphones if you rarely travel.

2. Prioritize comfort over minor spec differences

2. Prioritize comfort over minor spec differences. It’s futile to compare specs because if the headphones don’t feel right after 45 minutes, then none of that information matters. You should look for the addition of ear cushions, an adjustable headband, and other weight distribution measures. These aspects determine whether you’ll use them daily.

3. Set realistic expectations for ANC

3. Set realistic expectations for ANC. ANC is reliable for consistent background noises such as fan noises and engine noises. However, sudden noises and talking sometimes still gets through. Setting these expectations gives you the ability to determine for yourself how accurate marketing claims on ANC are and how accurate ANC reviews are.

4. Match battery life to your routine

4. Match battery life to your routine. For some headphone users, battery life is important because it can impact the use case of the headphones. If you’re traveling or engaging in a long workday, battery life affects how long you can use the headphones. They should be capable of lasting the workday without a charge.

5. Don’t overlook the microphone

5. Don’t overlook the microphone. While headphones may be great for listening to audio, they’re not great for sounding clear when used for work calls or online interactions. When thinking of buying headphones, the microphone quality is just as important as the sound quality when used for audio and work calls.

6. Think about your preferred sound signature

6. Think about your preferred sound signature. Headphones are made for many different uses, and some sound signatures may appeal to different types of people. For example, some users may prefer bass when listening to music, and some may prefer a vocal signature for listening to audio and podcasts.

7. Controls

7. Controls Volume control, track skipping, call taking, and mode swapping need to be easy to use on a regular basis. If you have gloves, then physical controls maybe better than touch controls.

8. Build Quality

8. Build Quality Headphones take a lot of abuse. Check hinge quality, cushioning, included accessories, and whether or not a carrying case is provided. They should have a good protective case since they are designed to fold and used often.

9. Value Analysis

9. Value Analysis Focus on features. The most expensive option doesn’t mean it’s the best. Consider what you actually need instead of which costs the most and which features you will likely never use.

10. Similar Review Analysis

10. Similar Review Analysis Take reviews with a grain of salt. A musician and a commuter will use a pair of headphones with a different level of scrutiny. In case reviews only show one negative aspect, go to a bunch of different sources.

Checklist

• What activities or environments will I use the headphones in the most?
• Will I be using the headphones for multiple hours?
• Do I take calls regularly?
• How much battery life do I need?
• What kind of sound signature do I prefer?
• How much Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) do I need
• Am I paying for overbuilt features?

The best noise cancelling headphones shouldn’t cost the most, but should have the best price for performance especially when you consider that they are designed to be used most often in your usual place with convenience in mind.

Expert Tips

Ear-cup seal is important

Ear-cup seal is important. ANC is not as strong when an imperfect seal is made with the ear cups. There may be gaps made by hair, glasses or just a poor fit. When you can, try on headphones in stores. Yes, the fit is just as important as the internals of the device.

Try ANC without music

Try ANC without music. It’s best to determine how well ANC performs without music, since that lets you focus on the ANC effect. In contrast, music may cover any changes in noise cancellation, meaning you may not be able to test how well ANC can block low frequencies (such as from jet engines).

Having the most ANC is not always the best

Having the most ANC is not always the best. Full ANC may feel best, but there are plenty of situations where you would need to listen to hear alerts. It would also be good to have Awareness/transparency modes so you can be in full ANC for most circumstances, but turn it off when you need to be Aware.

Long-term use is way more important than short-term

Long-term use is way more important than short-term. You really need to see if the headband creates pressure or the ear cups heat because you can lose the enthusiasm for a new purchase in 3 hours even if you had no problems in the first 5 minutes.

Battery issues matter

Battery issues matter. ANC headphones are designed to be used wirelessly, but many also allow wired listening even if the battery has died. This is an important consideration for frequent travelers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Focusing too much on ANC strength only — all of the ANC features you want won’t matter if your headphones are uncomfortable or have bad microphones.
• No comfort — a great sounding pair can get really uncomfortable after an hour or two if it is not fitted properly.
• Expecting complete silence — ANC diminishes certain sounds. It won’t magically remove conversations or sudden sounds.
• No use case consideration — travelers/commuters vs. home workers use headphones very differently and have different needs.
• Only battery life — check the battery life of the headphones, but really evaluate your router and consider charging/wired alternate options.
• Ignoring mic quality — even a great sounding pair can have poor call quality.
• Judging quality by price — features are more important than price in comparison.
• One review — multiple reviews, particularly from the evidently like minded, help a lot!

Pros and Cons

Pros

Pros: Less background noise on transportation/study/work, increased focus, call mic, versatility across commute/work/study travel, transparency/ambient modes.

Cons

Cons: Long sessions with active noise cancellation can become uncomfortable; sudden noises/conversations may still not be blocked; higher price range for models with ANC; premium features may not be worth the cost for unused options; variable performance across different environments; learning curve for companion apps.

Finally, comfort is a huge factor, but budget, intended use case, sound preferences, and prioritization should also be considered to truly make the most of this purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Noise Cancelling Headphones Worth it?

Are Noise Cancelling Headphones Worth it?

Yes. However, not if the background noise is a rarity. If you never really travel or work at a loud office, then I don’t think Noise Cancelling Headphones would be worth it for you.

Do Noise Cancelling Headphones Preserve my Hearing?

Do Noise Cancelling Headphones Preserve my Hearing?

No. Noise Cancelling Headphones would not protect your hearing. Noise Cancelling Headphones are a convenience. For environments that require legitimate hearing protection, please use ear protection that is designed for that purpose.

Are Noise Cancelling Headphones better than Noise Cancelling Earbuds?

Are Noise Cancelling Headphones better than Noise Cancelling Earbuds?

In regard to sound isolation, not really. However, with comfort, over ear headphones win. Earbuds are less cumbersome, but people can quickly get tired of over the ear headphones.

Do All Noise Cancelling Headphones require music to be played?

Do All Noise Cancelling Headphones require music to be played?

Most are able to lower background noise with no music being played which is helpful for focusing. Check the manufacturer’s specifications in order to know for sure rather than assuming active noise cancelling for all models.

Pressure in my ears with Noise Cancelling Headphones?

Pressure in my ears with Noise Cancelling Headphones?

Some people do feel pressure or fullness with Noise Cancelling Headphones. Usually that is a psycho-perception response to less low frequency sound. Give another brand a try for comfort or look for different model features.

Are noise cancelling headphones good for sleeping?

Are noise cancelling headphones good for sleeping?

As far as headphone styles go, over ear models tend to be bulkier. Earbuds tend to shift, so they may not be the best choice for many people. If your main goal is to sleep, I would suggest purchasing something specifically designed for that purpose.

Do noise cancelling headphones work for snoring?

Do noise cancelling headphones work for snoring?

Headphones with active noise cancelling technology may help reduce the volume of the snoring, but can not fully eliminate snoring. Technologically advanced active noise cancellation and a good overall fit can help more than a cheaper pair of headphones.

Can I use noise cancelling headphones on the plane?

Can I use noise cancelling headphones on the plane?

Absolutely. Air cabin noise is ideal for active noise cancelling headphones. Before you get on the plane, charge your headphones, and find out how you are going to connect to the entertainment system. Wired headphones might be a good backup just in case.

How long do noise cancelling headphones last?

How long do noise cancelling headphones last?

The lifespan of headphones depends on the build quality and how carefully you take care of them. Eventually, all the headphones will begin to come apart. Comfort will start to decrease and will cost you long term value.

Should I buy over ear or on ear headphones?

Should I buy over ear or on ear headphones?

Over ear noise cancelling headphones provide better noise cancelling technology, and are more comfortable, but they are larger and take up more space. On ear headphones are smaller and come at the cost of more pressure on your eardrums.

Conclusion

Buying the right pair of noise-canceling headphones is about understanding how and where you’ll actually use them and not about the headphones with the ‘best’ ANC or highest price.

ANC is useful only part of the time and shouldn’t be your sole reason for buying a pair. Comfort, sound quality, battery, mic performance, and the overall build should be on your list of considerations too.

Realistic expectations are important and should be set because ANC lessens background noise, but doesn’t silence everything, and even more expensive pairs don’t necessarily provide a better experience overall. Think about your most common listening situation and prioritize the features you think you will actually enjoy then, with a little independent research, try on some headphones before buying.

At the end of the day the best noise canceling headphones are the ones that suit your budget, are as comfortable as possible, and can perform well in your day to day environment.