Top 5 Best Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
When choosing a pair of wireless noise cancelling headphones, we generally avoid tiny ear-buds and would prefer the more substantial over-ear and sometimes on-ear headsets. Here are some of our favourite and best wireless headphones with advanced noise cancelling tech.
Over-ear and on-ear headphones with noise cancellation are not only more comfortable, they have that added closed design that in-ear or ear-insert profile do not offer. Typically, in-ear or earbud models come with a noise isolating design. That is to say that they physically block out the sound. Unless you find a pair with active noise canceling feature, noise isolating is not exactly noise cancelling.
When choosing the right wireless headphones, look for clarity and accuracy in the music. Ensure that you get sufficient volume and when cranked up high, the sound does not crack and that the low range does not feel flat. It is also worth trying them out to ensure that you get a comfortable fit. Every head is different, every headphones are different too.
Advanced noise cancellation headphones come with algorithm based active noise cancellation with high sensitivity to the surrounding noise. Some go as far as to offer you full customisation via mobile app allowing one to tune the headphone to exactly the way they like. There are even those with voice assistant ready such as the ability to access Alexa and Google Assistant.
Wireless headphones often come with the ability to connect via a cable should you run out of juice. They also double as headset to let you take or make calls without reaching for the phone.
Top 5 Best Wireless Headphones with Noise Cancellation
If you want the best sound from a wireless headset, some serious music listening, we thoroughly recommend one of these over-ear or on-ear models with noise cancellation.
1. Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones – Over Ear, Alexa Enabled
Now with Alexa built-in, you can use the on-board microphone to talk to the voice activated assistant to access your music, information and even control your smart home devices. The Bose QuietComfort 35 has consistently delivered on excellent sound quality and comfort.
Bose is one of the best headphone manufacturers around, and with its advanced noise cancellation technology perfected over the generations of QuietComfort headphones, the QC35 is leading the pack.
The battery life is one of the best, lasting up to 20 hours, but could be better especially when the competitors are catching up. When wired, get up to 40 hours of play time. You also get three levels of noise cancellation, high, low or off and with its dual microphone noise rejecting system, take clear phone calls even in noisy environment. Use the Bose Connect app to customise your noise cancellation level, access music sharing, manage Bluetooth connection and personalise your headset to suit you.
Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II on Amazon
For
- Amazing sound quality
- Effective noise cancellation
- Alexa voice assistant
- Clear voice calls
- Comfortable and light
Against
- Mechanical buttons and slide switch
- Good 20 hours battery but could be better
- Uninspiring design
- Plastic construction
2. Bowers & Wilkins PX Wireless – Over Ear
Premium look, sleek design and solid construction, the Bowers & Wilkins PX wireless headphones with adaptive noise cancelling tech is bound to turn heads and commuters doing a double take to check out those sexy shiny metallic curves, accents and back plates (soft gold model).
The over-ear headphone pumps out amazingly nice and clean sound to match its good looks. It does this using the same 40mm full range drivers from the company’s P9 signature headphones. It also has a clever trick up its sleeve with on board motion sensors.
The motion sensitive headset pauses and plays your music when you lift up an ear cup. Take it off and put it down on the table and it automatically goes to sleep. Pick it up again and it resumes playing automatically. The onboard battery offers up to 22 hours of play time. The metallic accents are available in space grey or soft gold and the headphone is fold flat. A quilted carry pouch is offered.
Bowers & Wilkins PX Wireless on Amazon
For
- Distinctive design
- Clever motion sensor means you don’t have to fiddle with controls
- Amazing build quality and well thought out design
- Adaptive noise cancellation using B&W own algorithm
- 22 hours battery life
Against
- Narrow ear pads but comfortable
- Mechanical buttons if you need to fiddle with controls
- Space grey not as glitzy if you prefer to blend in
3. Sony WH-1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones – Over Ear
The WH-1000X is similar to the original MDR-1000X, a high end over-ear noise cancelling headphone with High Resolution audio support. It also comes with advanced features like activity recognition, gesture control via the touchpad and QN1 HD Noise Cancelling processor. It works pretty well in blocking out the noise, switch over to ambient mode and it will let some surrounding noise like traffic.
The audio quality is one of the best with low and punchy bass accompanied by detailed and clear highs. Overall, an all round performer from its 40mm drivers and the processing process of the DAC and amplifier. Even with all that technology, the pair of headphones will last up to 30 hours per charge and when it runs flat, a quick 10 minute charge offers up to 5 hours playback.
Sony WH-1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones on Amazon
For
- Touchpad controls is a welcome from mechanical buttons
- Good low range sound as you would expect from Sony
- Premium noise cancellation tech with
- Atmospheric Pressure Optimiser to balance the frequency for jet setters
- Foldable design with soft shell case
- 20 hours with S-Master HX processing, 30 hours without. 38 hours wired with noise cancellation
Against
- Big and chunky over-ear headset but comfortable
- Uninspiring champagne or black
- Swipe and touch gesture pads needs getting use to
4. Sony WH-CH700N Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones – Over Ear
The budget alternative to the Sony WH-1000X, the Sony WH-CH700N is a favourite among budget conscious users. Available in black, blue or gray, the over ear headset comes with active noise cancellation backed by artificial intelligence. The wide ranging sound is delivered by a pair of 40mm dome drivers. Deep bass is a given as you would expect from Sony.
It also offers ease of connectivity with NFC compatible devices. It also has a very long battery life of 35 hours and supports quick charging. A short 10 minute charge will give you a full hour’s playtime. And, if you can’t find anywhere to charge, use it in wired mode.
Use the Sony Headphones Connect App to customise your listening preferences with digital soundfield modes, custom EQ and Virtualphones Technology simulated audio. The later includes outdoor stage, club, hall or area style sounds.
Sony WH-CH700N Wireless Noise Canceling Headphone on Amazon
5. AKG N60NC Wireless – On Ear
Quite recently Samsung has partnered with AKG to offer the company’s headphones to their customers. One of those options is the mid-range AKG N60NC headset. Most active noise-cancelling and wireless headphones do not come cheap but the AKG N60NC on-ear wireless headphones with active noise cancellation is an affordable option.
AKG N60NC Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones on Amazon
Not only does it produces good quality sound, the wireless headphone supports lossless audio playback with aptX and AAC technology via Bluetooth. The headphone also support incoming calls with onboard microphone. With a full charge, you can get up to 15 hours playtime with Bluetooth and Active Noise Cancellation turned on. Included with the fold flat headset is a carry pouch, tangle free fabric cable with mic and remote, airline adapter and USB charging cable.
For
- Good quality AKG Signature Sound at an awesome price
- Foldable and compact design
- 15 hours playback with Bluetooth and Active Noise Cancellation, 30 hours playback with just ANC
- Lossless wireless audio playback with AptX for superior audio quality
Against
- Battery life on wireless could be better
- Noise cancellation is alright but not great
- Lacking in the low range leaving you wanting more if you prefer your music with punchy bass
BONUS
Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones by dre – Over Ear
Beats Studio 3 Wireless Headphone with Noise Cancellation comes with Pure adaptive noise cancelling technology that actively blocks external noise. The real-time audio calibration ensures you get premium listening experience. On a full charge, you can expect up to 22 hours of battery life, enough for a full days use.
It uses Apple W1 chip for better wireless Bluetooth connectivity and power efficiency. Finally, it also supports quick charge. A 10-minute power top-up will let you use the headphone for a whole 3 hours. Plus, there are plenty of colours to choose from with the iconic Beats headphone design.
Various colour choices to make this truly your own. The headphone is sweat and water resistant and offers superb Bluetooth range with Apple W1 chip.
Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones on Amazon
- Premium sound with fine-tuned acoustics and Pure Adaptive Noise Canceling
- Fast fuel charging support
- Advanced venting and signature ergonomic pivoting for better fit
- Up to 22 hours with ANC Up to 40 hours without ANC
- Colour Options: Blue, Defiant Black-Red, Gray, Matte Black, Red, Shadow Gray, White, Desert Sand, Crystal Blue, Midnight Black, 76ers Blue, Celtics Black, Lakers Purple, Raptors White, Rockets Red, Warriors Royal, Neymar Jr.
Senheiser HD 4.50 BTNC – Over Ear
This noise cancelling headphones from Senheiser is not only reasonably price but comes with Bluetooth 4.0 wireless with aptX for premium HiFi quality sound over the air. It also features NFC for quick paring with compatible devices. But that’s not all, it features dual omnidirectional microphones to take incoming calls. The headphone is foldable for ease of storage on your travels.
There is nothing fancy about the headphones just simple buttons for call and track controls hence the lower price. Still, the HD 4.50 Wireless pumps out powerful, detailed and balanced sound with plenty of dynamic bass for your listening pleasure. The onboard battery offers up to 19 hours playtime per charge with up to 25 hours with NoiseGard disabled. When the battery runs out, use the cable and continue to listen to your tunes in passive mode.
Senheiser HD 4.50 BTNC on Amazon
Senheiser PXC 550 Headphones – Over Ear
A higher model with 5 hours more battery life and Bluetooth 4.2, the Senheiser PXC 550 headphone is a dynamic closed pair with over ear cups, capable of a wider range response frequency and up to 30 hours of battery life. The stylishly designed PXC 550 comes with an ergonomic, compact and foldable headset for comfort and best sound quality.
Here is a premium model that comes with touch sensitive controls but at a price. Costing more than double the Senheiser HD 4.50 above, it has an intuitive user control via touch with voice prompt feedback, automatic power switching and smart pause.
A touchpad on the right ear-cup provides volume, play, stop, pause and track skipping control. Touching the ear-cup allows you to take an incoming call. The headset turns on and seamlessly connects to Bluetooth as you unfold them and automatically pauses audio when removed.
Pairing is also easy with NFC. The 30 hours battery life is amazing but should you run flat, use the remote cable to listen passively or connect with the USB charging cable and the Senheiser PXC 550 will act as a USB sound card for improved fidelity. Use the CapTune app to personalise your listening and stream music.
