Top 10 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones in 2021 Reviews
We all know how noisy a plane cabin, city traffic or busy office can be. Sometimes it gets so noisy that listening to music via headphones becomes completely impossible. Well, that’s where noise canceling headphones come into play. These units are designed with noise canceling technologies and ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) systems to totally eliminate background noise in order to provide you with a quiet environment for unforgettable auditory experience.
The technologies enable the headphones to get rid of ambient noise, so you can listen to music as well as to successfully make and answer calls. The headphones make a great purchase for those traveling by air on a regular basis. They are also an excellent purchase when you commute through busy traffic everyday or work in a busy place like a construction site. In the following top 10 best noise cancelling headphones reviews, we discuss the best brands, so you can easily make up your mind on what to go for.
Table Best Noise-Canceling Headphones
Contents
- 1. COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- 2. Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones – Black
- 3. Mpow H5 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- 4. Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones – Black
- 5. TaoTronics Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- 6. Plantronics Wireless Noise Cancelling Backbeat – Headphones
- 7. Mpow 035 Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs, with a Carrying Bag
- 8. Sennheiser HD 4.50 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation BUY NOW FROM AMAZON
- 9. TOWAYS Hiercool Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones – Black
- 10. iTeknic Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
1. COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
There are a lot of things we like about the COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones. First, we are impressed with their professional active noise cancelling technology. The technology is effective and significantly reduces noise at work, travel or anywhere in between. By totally canceling background, the technology allows you to focus on what you want to hear and to enjoy your favorite songs. Because it is advanced and built with convenience in mind, this technology can work both in wireless and wire mode.
Also, the headphones feature the proprietary 40-millimeter large-aperture drivers that enable it to produce a deep and accurate bass response. Having said that, expect the headphones to provide you with crisp and powerful sound while eliminating the ever-annoying background noise. Another great feature of these headphones is the high-end built-in microphone that combines with the NFC technology to allow for hands-free calls. The NFC pairing, aided by voice prompts, ensures a stable and quick connection with Bluetooth-enabled devices. Moreover, these headphones are built with comfort in mind. They come equipped with 90-degree swiveling earcups and professional protein earpad to provide you with the comfort you need for long hours of listening.
Talking of long hours of listening, the noise canceling headphones have a built-in 600mAh battery that offers 30 hours playtime on a single charge at Bluetooth Mode. It makes the headphones very reliable during those long hours of travel. Although the battery offers 30 hours playtime, it is not recommended to leave the headphones on your ears throughout that period. Be keen to take them off every 2 – 3 hours to relax your ears. The 18-month warranty means your headphones are fully backed for worry-free use. The manufacturer also promises to provide you with quick response and friendly customer service to ensure great user experience.
- Headphones sit very comfortably on the head
- The price is hard to beat
- They fit the head nicely
- The sound quality is good
- The build quality is solid enough
- Customer service provides help when needed
- The noise canceling feature works, but it’s not good enough
2. Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones – Black
When you hear the word “Bose”, you know you are in for a great set of sound systems. The manufacturer does things their own ways – and it works a treat. That being said, their QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones have what it takes to provide you with great sound anywhere, anytime. The headphones are designed to work optimally with a good number of Apple devices such as iPad, iPod, and iPhone. Therefore, if you love quality sound and have an Apple device, this is your chance to get what you deserve.
Ideally, as expected with Bose headphones, these ones have all the features that promote comfort and convenience. First, they are lightweight to avoid putting pressure on your head, especially when you wear them for a long time. Second, they provide a comfortable around-ear fit and third, they have pillowy-like softness on-ear cushions and headband. Going by that, it is obvious that the design of these headphones is better and probably the most convenient. Another feature that further convinces us that these headphones more than deserve a place in these reviews is the advanced noise reduction technology, which eliminates all forms of background noise, including airplane cabin noise, busy office, and city traffic. By so doing, the technology allows you to focus on what matters, which is your music, videos or movies.
The Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Headphones also deliver clean bass, crisp percussion, and clear vocals. Their sound quality is high-end, and will no doubt make your music much better than ever before. The manufacturer provides a compact case, which is lightweight yet very rugged to keep the headphones well protected while you are traveling. Furthermore, these headphones come equipped with inline mic/remote to let you control your calls and music on Apple devices.
- Headphones deliver great sound quality
- The noise-canceling technology is top-notch
- Headphones are very comfortable
- They come with a case for optimum portability
- The battery life is great
- Are not wireless, but they work for what they are designed for
3. Mpow H5 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
If there is a company that can go toe to toe with Bose in manufacturing top-quality noise-canceling headphones, it is Mpow. The manufacturer has done a lot of justice to these headphones that anyone looking for premium headphones should definitely consider them. They are equipped with active noise cancelling technology that enables them to effectively reduce the noise of plane cabin, hubbub or city traffic. In other words, the technology eliminates background noise to let you enjoy immersive auditory experience even when the surrounding is very noisy.
Another important thing Mpow has done to these headphones is to ensure that they are durable. According to the manufacturer, these headphones will stand the test of time. This is because they have updated the material of the headband that has successfully passed the 10000+ bending tests. The manufacturer has also improved the clamping force of the headphones to ensure better comfort. Other things the company has done that help improve comfort are making the headband adjustable, so it can fit different head sizes and equipping the headphones with 90-degree swiveling earcups and professional protein earpads. Also, the manufacturer has made these headphones with lightweight materials only to further promote comfort and convenience.
The 30-hour ultra-long battery means you will be able to enjoy great auditory experience throughout your traveling period. The 30 hours are equivalent to 360 songs, which are more than enough if you are traveling by plane or commuting to work. These headphones combine dual 40-millimeter drivers with CSR Bluetooth chip to provide you with bright treble and balanced midbass. They also boast a built-in CVC 6.0 microphone that improves call quality. Despite working so well and having a reputable manufacturer behind them, the headphones have an insanely low price point.
- The noise reduction system works really well
- Great for the price
- They produce great sound and deep bass
- Headphones feel and fit great
- The battery life is exceptional
- Headphones look very expensive
- The microphone is not the best, but it’s useable
4. Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones – Black
The price of these noise canceling headphones is nowhere near the prices of the brands we have reviewed so far. But with high price comes high expectations, and we think Sony has got it right. They have equipped the headphones with industry-leading ANC that lends a personalized and virtually soundproof experience. They have also equipped these headphones with built-in Alexa to allow for hands-free voice access to information, music, and more. Simply tell Alexa what you want and it will be done in no time – very convenient, right?
Another exciting feature Sony has included is the Quick Attention Mode. To activate it, simply cover the right ear cup to turn down the music for instant and easy conversation – very convenient again, right? Besides, these headphones will provide you with smart listening by letting you adjust the ambient sound to your activity in order to experience the best noise cancellation ever. The headphones also have touch controls that make them extremely easy to operate. Whether you want to control music tracks/volume, take phone calls or activate your voice assistant, the touch controls will come in handy.
The convenience of these headphones is further justified by a battery that takes just 10 minutes to charge but delivers up to 5 hours of playback and 30 hours on a single charge. The ergonomically-redesigned foldable earphones make the headphones comfortable to wear, thereby, making listening of favorite music a breeze. The headphones produce incredibly clear HiRes audio that you will find impressive whether you are at work, at home or on an airplane. They come with a carry case to make them easy to carry on the go; a charging cable for convenient charging, and an audio cable for a wired connection.
- The noise-canceling technology is outstanding
- Headphones have built-in Alexa
- Available in two color options (black and silver) to choose from
- Comfort is very good
- The carrying case is a great addition
- The sound quality is superb
- The microphone quality on phone calls leaves a lot to be desired
5. TaoTronics Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
TaoTronics is another company doing well as far as producing noise-canceling headphones is concerned. Their active noise-cancelling headphones are equipped with all the features you have always wanted. They have improved noise cancellation technology that will literally immerse you in a world of good music even in a noisy environment. With that being said, these headphones are great for anyone who travels regularly by plane or likes listening to music while using a lawn mower or a leaf blower. The headphones also produce captivating bass and hi-fi sound; thanks to their 40-millimeter large-aperture drivers.
Their battery charges in only 5 minutes to provide you with 2 hours of full sound. And when they are fully charged, they offer up to 30 hours playtime. This is very convenient in the sense that when you want to listen to music in a quiet environment, these headphones will always be there. Still on convenience; the headphones have Bluetooth 5.0, which ensures steady connection throughout the listening experience. Also, there is a built-in CVC 6.0 microphone, which ensures crisp, clear calls with zero ambient noise.
The headphones are built with comfort in mind. And this is seen through features like an adjustable headband that enables them to perfectly fit all head sizes; pillow-soft protein cushions and rotatable ear cups. These features promote unrivaled comfort, thereby, allowing you to wear the headphones for an extended period. And when you are done listening to music, simply fold the headphones and put them inside the included carrying case for easy storage. The headphones also come with a user guide to provide you with instructions on how to use it; charging cable for convenient charging, and audio cable for wired connection. They are reasonably priced, considering their quality and the features they are packed with.
- Comfortable enough to be worn for hours
- The case is of nice quality and offers good protection
- The price is inexpensive
- Noise cancellation technology is excellent
- The headphones are sturdy and seem to be well built
- The ANC can sometimes alter or ruin listening. It works fairly well though
6. Plantronics Wireless Noise Cancelling Backbeat – Headphones
We like the sentiments of Plantronics about technology. According to them, technology should be simple, personalized, and intuitive. Well, it is such views about technology that enables Plantronics to create high-quality noise cancelling headphone sets like the one we are set to review here. The headphones are simple to operate because of their simplicity. You are, therefore, highly unlikely to have an issue with them. They come equipped with powerful speaker drivers that deliver the perfect balance of natural mid-tones, crisp highs, and rich bass. They also produce immersive and high-res sound to make even the worst music sound good.
Another feature that enhances the audio quality of these headphones is the ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) feature. When switched on, it minimizes ambient noise, and, by so doing, it allows you to enjoy your music to the fullest while traveling or working. With 24-hour battery power, the headphones will allow you to talk or listen continuously for up to 24 hours. All you need is a single full charge and you are good to go. These headphones also feature smart sensors that pause music automatically when they are removed from the ears. And when the headphones are put back on, they resume playback.
There are a lot of things you will enjoy when you have these headphones. For instance, you will be able to connect up to two devices simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly. You will also be able to stream audio up to 330 feet (100 meters) from Class 1 Bluetooth devices not to mention using open-listening mode to hear surroundings without taking the headphones off your ears. These headphones are packed with a number of unique and impressive features. Best of all, their price is not exaggerated like Bose or SONY brands. They, therefore, make a wonderful purchase for anyone who simply does not want to sacrifice audio quality for the price.
- Headphones have fantastic looks
- The headband has perforated mesh for incredible breathability and comfort
- The faux leather on the cups has a nice feel
- Ambient sound mode is handy
- Voice prompts are super clear
- The noise-canceling feature is average
7. Mpow 035 Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs, with a Carrying Bag
Mpow is here again, but this time, with a set of safety ear muffs. Like their noise-canceling headphones, Mpow’s safety ear muffs are doing well in the market. And these ones are no exception. They are versatile, and, therefore, have a wide range of applications, including but not limited to shooting, operating machinery, hunting, sports events, studying, concerts, and festivals. They are virtually important for those activities that put you at risk of losing your hearing. Research shows that hearing loss is on the rise, and we are certain that you do not want to be part of those statistics. That’s why you should consider these safety ear muffs.
The ear muffs are not just called “safety ear muffs” for no reason. They have two layers of professional noise dampening foam, a unique double-shell, and a high sealing solid cup. All these combine to enable the ear muffs to offer a high SNR of 34dB for noise canceling. Additionally, these safety ear muffs are ANSI S3.19 & CE EN352-1 Certified. They are lab tested as well as certified to European and US standards. That being said, the ear muffs are professional and totally safe to use.
Since you are likely to wear them for long hours, the earmuffs are designed with a retractable headband. You can, therefore, effortlessly adjust the headband for a customized fit. Ideally, the headband is made of stainless steel; hence, do not expect it to last as long as possible. Another feature that makes these ear muffs comfortable to wear is the lightweight construction, which ensures that no pressure is exerted on your head by the headband. When you are not using the ear muffs, simply take advantage of their foldable style for effortless storage in the included travel drawstring bag.
- Great for someone working in a noisy place
- Ear muffs are delivered promptly
- Ear muffs fit the ears perfectly
- The foldable design is well thought out
- They come with a carrying bag
- They do not block noise as advertised, but for the price, they are a great option
8. Sennheiser HD 4.50 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation
BUY NOW FROM AMAZON
Most manufacturers focus so much on equipping their headphones with lots of features that they forget to back them with a warranty. Well, the warranty gives buyers peace of mind knowing that should they receive a defective product then they will be assisted to resolve the issue in no time. Therefore, the fact that these wireless headphones come with a 2-year warranty means they should not be taken for granted. Best of all, the warranty does not seem to hike the price of these headphones in any way. You should, however, note that the warranty will be voided if you do not buy from an authorized Sennheiser dealer.
The headphones further give you confidence in using them, considering that they are packed with innumerable features. They have proprietary drivers that deliver powerful, well-balanced, and detailed sound with unbelievable dynamic bass. Having said that, expect to have a great time listening to your favorite music from these headphones. They also feature Bluetooth 4.0 technology, which in turn, features aptX codec compatibility to provide wireless freedom of movement as well as outstanding sound quality. Besides, the manufacturer has equipped them with NoiseGuard active noise cancellation system that eliminates the undesired ambient sound. Needless to say, the headphones will work a treat on a train, plane or noisy street.
Pairing these headphones with your device is incredibly easy. And that’s because of the NFC (Near Field Communication). Once you have paired them, sit back and enjoy up to 19 hours of battery life with the NoiseGuard Active Noise Cancellation system engaged and up to 25 hours of battery life with the active noise cancellation technology switched off. The soft leatherette-covered ear pads offer optimum wearing comfort to allow for long listening sessions. Plus there are intuitive controls that make the volume easy to adjust, tracks easy to change, and incoming calls easy to manage.
- Headphones have a nice and pretty clean sound profile
- The battery life is really impressive
- Comfortable for long hours of listening
- The price is reasonable
- Bluetooth connectivity is well done
- Headphones do not fit large ears quite perfectly
9. TOWAYS Hiercool Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones – Black
Not so many people know TOWAYS, but this does not mean they fall short in making top-rated products. Their headphones deserve a shout out because they are well made and perform nicely. With industry-leading ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) technology, these headphones are great for those who enjoy listening to music yet always find themselves in noisy places. The ANC eliminates distracting surrounding noises to ensure calming and private listening. Best of all, the ANC technology is very easy to use. Simply flick the switch, and the ambient noise will be effectively turned down to a mere whisper. The noise-canceling feature works well both in wireless and wired modes.
Moreover, these headphones deliver a world-class sound that makes the bass more pronounced and productive. They also boast mid and high ranges that are very clear and well balanced. Considering their audio quality, these headphones will not produce distorted sound even when the volume is turned on. Additionally, the headphones come equipped with large 40mm speaker drivers, which combine with neodymium magnets to provide stereo Hi-Fi sound as well as a deep, accurate bass response. Going by that, we can confidently say that these headphones deliver audio quality that is perfect enough to rival even the best brands in the market.
The Bluetooth of the headphones is reliable and connects seamlessly to all Bluetooth-enabled devices up to 10 meters (33 feet) away. This helps to improve convenience by allowing you to listen to music from your smartphone even when you are not near it. These headphones also feature a 3.5mm aux port and come with a cable to make them possible to connect to any 3.5mm jack port devices. They are comfortable to wear; thanks to comfort-supporting features like the adjustable and stretchable headband, which ensures a better fit and the memory-protein earpads that simulate the texture of human skin.
- The headphones come with a nice case for easy storage
- They are easy to pair to Bluetooth-enabled devices
- The noise cancellation feature works as advertised
- Headphones have a good amount of bass
- Ear cushions and head cushion are soft and comfortable
- The Bluetooth range could be longer
10. iTeknic Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Last but not least, our reviews present you with the iTeknic Active Noise Cancelling Headphones. Featuring ANC technology, these headphones effectively minimize the noise caused by the city traffic, busy office or plane cabin. By so doing, they make it possible to enjoy music anywhere anytime. Best of all, the noise canceling technology of these headphones works well both in wired and wireless mode. Another good thing with the noise canceling technology is that it does not eliminate human voice. You will, therefore, be able to listen to instructions passed in the cabin before, during, and after the flight.
Like other highly rated headphones, these ones come equipped with a duplet of 44-millimeter drivers to allow them to stream incredibly top quality audio with powerful, deep bass. So, get ready to enjoy your music to the fullest. What’s more, the headphones are backed by a 12-month warranty plus 12-month free warranty extension, which you get for simply being an iTeknic Member. The manufacturer also promises friendly customer service to make sure your experience with these headphones is nothing but the best. The battery of the headphones provides up to 3 – 4 hours of full sound when charged for just 5 – 8 minutes and up to 30 hours playtime when fully charged, which takes around 0.8 – 1 hour.
You will be able to stream music uninterrupted with these headphones. And that’s because they have Bluetooth connection 5.0 technology and CVC 6.0 microphone that ensures crisp and clear calls with zero ambient noise. Additionally, these headphones are built with comfort in mind. They have 90-degree swiveling ear cups, adjustable headband, and extremely soft protein ear pads. The headphones are also lightweight, so you can wear them for long without feeling any sort of pressure. When you are not using the headphone set, simply fold its headband and then keep it in the included carrying bag.
- Solid and comfortable for maximum user satisfaction
- Headphones produce clear sound
- They have a long battery life
- The price point is low
- The battery recharges faster than expected
- The bass is not as great as those of top-ranked brands. It is acceptable though
In addition to canceling out background noise, noise-canceling headphones have features like 40mm/44mm speaker drivers and powerful Bluetooth technologies that help improve their audio quality. This means they will immerse you in a fantasy world full of good, endless music. Before writing this piece, we did in-depth research to make sure you get nothing but accurate information about each product.
