4 Dirty Little Secrets About The Headphones Noise Cancelling Industry

Which Over the Ear Headphones Are the Best?

Whether you're on the train or at work the noise-cancelling headphones can be the perfect solution for anyone who loves to listen. Which are the best, though?

With a new design that is a step up in sound quality, and a wealth of features, Sony's newest flagship headphones offer great value. These headphones are able to capture every detail, from Sinead's bridge that trembles to the booming chorus.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony is a pro at noise cancellation, and its WH1000XM5 headphones are the best iteration of this line. A few well-thought-out enhancements Over ear headphones Noise cancelling wireless the XM4s make this model an excellent all-round pair of headphones, specifically for commuters and over ear Headphones noise cancelling wireless travelers. They're comfortable and feature multipoint technology to connect how to noise cancelling headphones work two devices simultaneously, and are the most advanced ANC Sony has made to date. They are lightweight and can run up to 27 hours without charging. That's enough time for a week of commutes or long-haul flights.

The WH-1000XM5s sport a sleek minimalist design. They are made of recycled and recyclable plastic, known as acrylonitrile butadiene (ABS). Branding is minimal, though there is the tiny 'Sony' logo on the hinge of each earcup. The earcups and headbands are made of soft, plush materials that is comfortable for all heads apart from the biggest. The earcups can be adjusted so that they fit you perfectly.

In contrast to previous models, which focused on reducing low-frequency noise, the XM5s amplify sound waves at high frequencies to cancel out background noise. This improves overall sound quality and helps to reduce cabin and engine noise on flights. The XM5s has another processing unit to improve noise cancellation on planes. The audio app can also adjust the sound environment you are listening to according to air pressure data.

The WH-1000XM5s also has an integrated voice assistant that is easy to use, and it works with Alexa as well as Google Assistant, Siri, and many more. The XM5s can be connected with other Sony audio devices for stereo separation and multi-room music. They support Bluetooth high-bitrate streaming audio using Sony's LDAC however they do not support aptX or HD.

2. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

If a company has been manufacturing headphones for longer than Sennheiser, you expect class-leading sound quality and a comfy fit. With their latest headphones, dubbed Momentum 4 Wireless, they provide both. They've updated the design to eliminate some of the distinctive elements that gave the earlier models their aviator headset look and have also enhanced the active noise cancellation by using their advanced Adaptive Noise Cancellation technology. They've rated the headphones to last for 60 hours of listening time with ANC enabled, which doubles the battery life of their major competitors.

They're also a lot more mobile than the previous model as they fold down and are smaller overall. They're made of synthetic PU leather for the replaceable ear pads and headband that feel comfortable on my head even if I wear them all day at work. There isn't a lot of clamping force that holds them in place, so they should remain comfortable on flights and even during longer workouts.

The sound is clear and well-balanced There are a few high-pitched peaks in the mid- and high-mid that cause a slightly muddy sound in mixes. The bass is overemphasized, which adds a little impact and thump to genres such as EDM or hip-hop. It's not a huge deal, but some listeners may find it irritating. The high-mid also isn't balanced, bringing vocals and instruments forward in the mix, but at the expense of bringing out some sibilants.

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless comes with all the usual features including bluetooth wireless connectivity, a transparent mode which blends outside sounds into your music to increase awareness and mobile app support for custom and preset EQ options. You can also use a 3.5mm cord to connect your phone. They can utilize SBC, AAC, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codecs to connect to your device and they're able to cut down latency by up to a quarter of a second which is fantastic.

3. B&W PX7 S2

Since their introduction in the year 2000, the original PX7s have been featured on numerous lists of the best Bluetooth headphones, topping them in many instances due to their outstanding ANC and excellent sound quality. The PX7s, like most wireless headphones, were getting old and needed a new look. Hence the PX7S2. B&W did not just alter the design, but also made improvements to ANC and added voice-calling features.

The PX7 S2 headphones are very lightweight, which makes them comfortable for long listening sessions. The design of the PX7 S2 is basically the same as the model before it. This includes the cool oval aluminium top-plate that is used for the earcups, the hook-like accent that slides rather than clicks when you expand the headband and the physical buttons. The earcups are smaller however, and the headband is a bit less bulky overall.

The software from B&W lets you adjust the EQ settings for the bass and treble. However you do not have as much control as you do with more expensive headphones. A Quick Action button on the left earcup switches between modes for the environment and can be set within the Bowers & Wilkins Music app to summon the voice assistant on your device.

The PX7 S2 is a great choice for all musical styles. It has a large soundstage, and good separation of different sound elements. It shines especially on selections featuring acoustic instruments such as Rachmaninoff's Cello Sonata in G Minor Op. 19, by pianist Yuja Wang and cellist Gautier Capucon, with acoustic instrumental tones that give the feeling of air. It can handle heavier fare as well. The bass punch and midrange clarity on Entombed’s garage/deathn'roll crossover curiosity, To Ride and Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth, give a wall of noise while keeping things clear to discern vocal nuances like Lars-Goran Petrov’s gritty growl.

4. Bose QuietComfort 35

Bose was among the first companies to introduce active noise cancelling headphones into the mainstream. They held a stranglehold for years but now they have to compete against newer headsets which offer more features and a better sound quality. However the QuietComfort 35 is still a great choice for anyone who wants to hear their podcasts or music without being disturbed by constant noises and rumbles.

They're also comfortable to wear and feature a an excellently balanced default sound profile. The ANC does a fantastic job of eliminating background noise, but it tends to emphasize lower frequencies more than the latest headphones, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5.

If you're looking for a pair that can be used to listen to audiobooks or podcasts The QC35s come with an impressive passive noise cancellation mode which reduces ambient noise while ensuring you are completely insulated from the sounds of the surrounding environment. The QC35s let you connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time and "audio-share" which allows you to listen to something with one pair of headphones and answer an incoming phone call on the other pair.

The Bose Connect app is decent but doesn't provide the full EQ options that other headphone apps. The QC35s are also available in wired mode, however the sound quality is drastically reduced and battery life isn't as great as wireless models.

The QC35s are an Bose product, and it might not be for all. Other brands offer more sleek designs. You can add some personalization to your headphones by purchasing a cover with decals from companies like SlickWraps or Skin Sticker. Later this year you'll be able to customize the color of the earcups as well as the headband, just like with the QC25 model from earlier.

5. Sony WH-1000XM3

Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones - Black - Noise Cancelling's WH1000XM3 headphones are the best wireless headphone that has active noise cancellation you can buy today. They're more expensive than Anker Soundcore Q20 Wireless but they isolate more background noise. The app is also better and comes with a variety of sound-related options for customization.

The XM3's excellent audio quality is among their biggest draws and they've been improved since their launch to offer the best performance. They have a little bit more detail in the frequency spectrum. Their noise cancelling is more effective at all levels of volume. They also have upgraded features like Quick Attention mode and Speak-to Chat. The new feature, Adaptive sound control, automatically adjusts the amount of external sound allowed in based on where you are and what you're doing.

However, they are not without shortcomings. The treble can sound occasionally a bit overpowering and the midrange is slightly receding. They do have the potential to boost the bass too much on some tracks, making them sound too heavy and full. But that's something you can address in the headphone settings or through EQ adjustments in the Sony app.

The XM3s make a great pair of headphones, particularly for commuters or frequent travelers. They are more comfortable, look and feels premium, and are durable over the JBL Live 650 BTNC wireless. They also have a better battery and one of the most effective noise cancelling features available. They're also more flexible and better-equipped for mobile use than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Wireless, despite having less impressive noise isolation. They're not waterproof, and that could be a deal breaker for some.