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The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

You'll need the top headphones that block out noise, whether you want to block out the hum of your HVAC system or you want to fight the background noise of jet engines. The newest Sony WH-1000XM5s are among the latest kings of active noise cancellation, and their predecessors are also fantastic.

We've taken into consideration the adjustable ANC control buttons, touch controls, and on-ear detection (for pausing music when you take your headphones off). Our top picks have high-resolution audio, comfortable ear cups and spacious ear cups.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony flagship headphones offers an impressive improvement over their predecessors, with enhanced noise cancellation and audio quality. Its remarkable ANC creates a virtual cone on top of your head, suffocating a surprising amount low-frequency sound. The ear cups also block mid- and treble-range sounds like chatter from passengers, creaking metal and clanging dishware.

The WH-1000XM5s' sound is very natural, unlike some noise cancelling headsets that sound hollow. They're able to reproduce the rise Bang And Olufsen Beoplay HX - Premium Bluetooth Headphones fall of the drums of Billie Eilish with incredible depth, while keeping edges clean and clear. They're a joy to listen to during the commute or during a long flight.

A capacitive touch-surface on the right earcup controls the most frequently used controls, including play/pause volume up/down, and skip forwards/backwards. It can also answer and end calls and switch between ANC and ambient sound mode. You can also hold the power button for a few seconds to hear a message indicating the remaining battery life.

The QN1 microphone is another significant improvement over the XM5s. It is designed to capture high-quality audio when recording videos and podcasts. The microphone is more sensitive and has a wider audio range than earlier models which makes it easier to recognize your own voice.

The XM5 has also carried over some features from the XM4s, such as the adaptive ANC system which automatically optimizes performance in accordance with your surroundings. Its "Wearing Detection' feature now detects when you remove the headset and stops playing videos or music and resumes it when you put them back on. It's also compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme engine, which claims to upscale compressed music to near-high-resolution quality.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH1000XM4s of Sony are the latest version of their industry-leading over-ear headphones. They provide top-quality performance however they don't feature the same active noise cancellation features as the WH1000XM5s. The WH-1000XM4s feature a more powerful Bluetooth connection and an improved noise cancellation algorithm. They also come with an audio chip that upscales music to HD quality, and advanced voice controls.

Sony has improved the WH1000XM4s with the latest generation by adding padding to the headband and extending the microphones to the outside. 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 modify your EQ settings. The app allows you to track your activity, and then automatically adjust the settings. They are an excellent choice for those who travel.

The WH-1000XM4 has also enhanced its noise cancellation. It is now more effective due to its increased sensitivity and better filtering of low frequencies. It can be evaluated by looking at graphs similar to the one shown above. The higher the peaks, more sounds are being canceled out. The WH1000XM4s are also superior in reducing low-frequency noises, like the hum of an air conditioner or the constant rumble from an airplane engine.

The WH1000XM4s have a number of excellent features, including a 30-hour battery life and a USB-C charge port. They also come with Quick Alert, which lets you tap the right earcup to reduce music and activate the transparency mode; Speak to Chat pauses media when you speak (and is effective, even though it can sometimes fail to detect taps), and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can analyze and detect your surroundings to provide better audio.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II headphones (or QC35 Wireless 2018, as they are 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 of headphones that can be used for both mixed and regular use. They offer a comfortable fit and a neutral sound profile by default. They also provide exceptional noise isolation. They can be used in noisy environments or when traveling, and they last for more than a day on a single charge. They are also compatible with a variety of smart assistants and are activated via the use of a specific button. You can ask them to play music, answer trivia questions or even read notifications from your smartphone.

They feature a wide opening in the ear padding that will fit most ears and shapes. They are light. The hinges on the housings fold down and make them easy to pack into backpacks or bags. The controls on the right side of the headphones are well placed and feel good to use. Playback can be controlled by tapping repeatedly, including rewinding or skipping songs.

To show the quality you can expect from these Bose headphones we played The Beatles' Let It Be and listened to the drum beats and piano parts. The QC35 II delivers crisp, clear audio that is well-rounded and detailed sound. They reveal subtleties in the vocals, like Paul McCartney's erratic timing as he builds up to the chorus, or Gerard Way's snarl as he sighs about the lack of individuality among teens.

The QC35 II can be connected to up to two devices simultaneously and is compatible with the majority of smart assistants. The QC35 II comes with a carry bag and a USB charging cable.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is renowned for building excellent headphones that cost relatively little. The budget-friendly WHCH720N earphones from Sony are no exception. These headphones come with many of the same features as the flagship WH1000XM5 headphones, but with an affordable design. They also provide a good amount of active noise cancelling at a low price.

Like the WH-1000XM5 headphones, these headphones feature 30mm dynamic drivers that provide ample bass and crisp high frequencies. They offer an unbalanced sound that works well with a variety of genres of music. They also feature a huge, encompassing soundstage.

The WH-CH720N headphones use buttons for controls instead of the touch controls and gestures of the XM5 headphones. This is a of a drawback, as the buttons can be a bit confusing at first. Luckily, the headphones come with clear labels and the controls are arranged intelligently. Double press of the '+' button will pause and play audio. A single press decreases the volume. When you press and hold the button, voice assistants are launched and calls are canceled.

The headphones can last up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is one of the most efficient battery performance we've seen on headphones with over-ears. They have a standby function to save battery.

The WH-CH720N headphones can be connected to Android phones and iOS devices using Bluetooth. They are compatible with LDAC, which lets them play high-quality audio on compatible devices. They're also compatible with PlayStation consoles with an analog 1/8" TRS cable. They can also be used as wired headphones on a PC with 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, as well as secure listening.

5. B&W PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is a follow-up to the success of its predecessor however, it's not a half baked update. They feature a more sleek design and a new application. They deliver on their promise of top-quality build with audio that faithfully communicates artistic intent. They're also extremely comfortable and are a delight to wear all day long.

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 of blocking out ambient noise so you can concentrate on your music or podcasts. They feature a six-microphone setup (four for noise cancellation and two for voice-recording) and a redesigned algorithm that cut down on ambient noise by 30dB. They're also one of the few Bluetooth headphones we've tested that can be used in a passive mode, music allowing you to listen to your content by themselves, without power being connected to the drive units.

They also work with the B&W Music app, a free download that provides an array of features to complement the excellent noise cancelling. The Quick Action button can be set to activate the device's voice assistant, cycle through the three environmental settings and display the battery's life. 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 delight music lovers. They're not as well appropriate for the high-quality music of genres like rock and metal that are known to favor bass-heavy productions and muddy low frequencies, as they are to classical, folk and acoustic music, but will still impress those who appreciate audiophile credentials that's also practical and comfortable.