Noise-canceling headphones: rating and reviews. Best over-ear wireless noise-canceling headphones Noise-canceling headphones rating

Noise-cancelling headphones are aimed at listeners who want to isolate themselves from the outside world and immerse themselves in the world of music. These headphones can cancel out the noise around you so you can listen to your favorite albums or audiobooks, or just enjoy the silence.

We've rounded up 5 active noise canceling headphones and below are our recommendations for the best options you can buy today.

Rating of the best headphones with active noise cancellation

The best noise canceling headphones are the Sony WH-1000XM2. They're just as good at canceling noise as the MDR-1000X in loud environments, outperforming the Bose QuietComfort 35 in this department.

The WH-1000XM2 boasts several improvements over previous model: A more consistent sound profile, softer ear pads, and app support for plenty of customization options. Yes, they are not as comfortable or practical for everyday use as the QC35, but this model offers the best noise-canceling performance of any on-ear headphones.

If comfort is one of your top priorities, then consider buying the Bose QuietComfort 35. They're more comfortable than the Sony WH-1000XM2, and delivered excellent performance in most test categories, making them a versatile headset for everyday use in noisy environments.

They don't offer as much noise isolation as the WH-1000XM2, and the supported app doesn't offer the same number of customization options, but they're much easier to use and provide a better overall experience.

In the mid-price range, we can suggest you the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headphones. They are cheaper and have better overall performance than the JBL Elite 700. They are also superior to the Sennheiser HD 4.50, but do not offer the same noise isolation.

They are able to suppress noise in moderately loud environments, and this is also the most best option in the price-quality ratio.

If you need the most best headphones with active noise cancellation, then you need the JBL Everest Elite 700. They provide better noise isolation than the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 and come with one of the best companion apps.

The app is easy to use and intuitive, and provides control over noise cancellation and audio quality.

When might extraneous sounds bother you? IN public transport- for example, in the subway. This is the most common case when there is an irresistible desire to get headphones. We recommend paying attention to those that have an active noise reduction system. They create so-called “white noise”, which drowns out all surrounding sounds. ABOUT best models read this kind below.

The best reinforcement headphones with noise reduction system

Sony XBA-NC85D: no noise, perfect sound

Now Sony is not the only, but the most famous manufacturer of reinforcement headphones. Even musicians performing at concerts use its products. Last but not least, their choice falls on such devices because of the excellent noise reduction system - the sound of a raging crowd is practically inaudible to the musician. A good headphone of this kind is the Sony XBA-NC85D.

They look good, and each driver in them is responsible strictly for a certain frequency range. Due to this, the headphones sound great - you will definitely like the sound picture. The entire structure weighs only 6 grams. Separately, it should be noted that the wires here are made of oxygen-free copper, and the connector is gold-plated.

Advantages:

• Great sound;
• The kit includes a case;
• The headphones are very light;
• The noise reduction system works flawlessly;
• Gold plated connector;
• Airplane adapter available.

Flaws:

• Astronomical price tag;
• There are only three pairs of replaceable ear pads included.

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DACOM Armor: the jogger's choice

More often in-ear headphones either tear or fail due to water getting inside them. No such problems can happen with DACOM Armor. This is a headset that has some protection against water. Of course, you shouldn’t swim in it, but the accessory is not afraid of rain or sweat. The headphones are held on the head by a tiny cord painted in a bright color.

Connection to a smartphone is carried out via Bluetooth 4.1. As expected, the user can manage calls - the corresponding buttons are used for this. As for the active noise reduction system, which our selection is devoted to, it copes with its task, if not perfectly, then quite well.

Advantages:

• Cute design;
• There is moisture protection;
• The Bluetooth 4.1 standard is used;
• Decent time battery life;
• Implemented call management;
• Stays well in the ears;
• Adequate price tag.

Flaws:

• The weight may seem heavy and the design may not be flexible enough;
• The sound cannot be called ideal.

Meizu EP51: optimal Bluetooth headphones

This is the best wireless headset that the Chinese company Meizu could create. It has a fairly long cord that can be painted in one of six colors. On the cord there is a decent-sized remote control, inside of which there is a tiny battery. The entire structure weighs 15.3 g - this is a very insignificant parameter.

Charging the battery takes two hours. As for battery life, it all depends on the method of using the headset. After all, you can just listen to music or talk with your interlocutor. Well main feature The product is supported by the aptX profile, thanks to which sound is transmitted over the air in CD quality.

Advantages:

• You can manage calls;
• aptX profile supported;
• Minimum weight;
• Bluetooth 4.0 is used;
• Relatively low price tag;
• Several color options.

Flaws:

• The buttons on the remote control are pressed too hard;
• The shape of the ear pads is not suitable for some people.

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Philips SHB5850: when the weight is close to the minimum

How much can you reduce the weight of a wireless headset? The Philips SHB5850 example shows that you can keep it to 12 grams. At the same time, the quality of the headphones cannot be called insufficient at all. The device can be painted in different colors - there are at least five options in total.

Active noise cancellation here does a very good job of blocking out sounds in the subway. It should also be noted that with such a small weight, the headset has a good lithium-polymer battery - you can listen to music continuously for ten hours! Some complaints can only be caused by the Bluetooth module - when driving, signal dropouts occur from time to time.

Advantages:

• Good sound with noticeable low frequencies;
• The weight is practically not felt;
• Almost record-breaking battery life;
• Not too high a price tag.

Flaws:

• There are no fastenings;
• Unstable Bluetooth signal;
• The upper frequencies are felt rather weakly.

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The best wired noise-cancelling headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS: solid hard workers

Many of the headphones reviewed today come in a variety of colors. The first exception to the rule is the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS headset. You can only purchase it in black. But it sounds great - the creators tried to squeeze out all the possibilities from the dynamic type.

However, some people may find the headphones to be quiet. This is due to the high impedance (it is 32 Ohms) - many smartphones simply cannot pump up such headphones. That is why the creators added a special system here that runs on an AAA battery - it independently amplifies the sound, at the same time improving the performance of the noise reduction system.

Advantages:

• The noise reduction system dampens up to 20 dB of external sounds;
• Built-in amplification system;
• The kit includes a case;
• Wonderful sound.

Flaws:

• The price tag turned out to be quite high;
• The rubber pads may seem too short;
• Bulky battery pack.

Sennheiser CXC 700: high and undeniable quality

These are one of the most expensive in-ear headphones, which are made of a dynamic type. Inside they are traditional membranes. But they sound no worse than drivers built into reinforcement models. This is explained by a special cable and an amplifying unit (it works using an AAA battery).

The manufacturer assures that the harmonic coefficient here does not exceed 0.5%. This means that you won’t notice much distortion even if you work in the field of music and feel like a professional. Although you can find contrary reviews online, which claim that the product sounds lousy.

In terms of design, these headphones are nothing ordinary - they look like ordinary earplugs that are sold in any Chinese electronics store. The manufacturer himself offers to connect his creation to professional equipment - for this he even included an adapter for a 6.3 mm jack in the kit.

Advantages:

• The headphones operate using their own amplifier;
• Low harmonic distortion and high sensitivity;
• The kit includes a 6.3 mm adapter;
• Airplane adapter included;
• Long cable (1.4 m).

Flaws:

• Having a battery pack can be annoying;
• Not everyone can afford it;
• Noise reduction does not work well.

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Bose QuietComfort 20i: Elegant headphones for iPhone

All the headphones reviewed today work well with any smartphone. But none of them are optimized for iPhone - they offer only basic functionality on Apple devices. The exception to the rule is the Bose QuietComfort 20i headset. Using the buttons on her remote control, you can call Siri, manage calls and solve other tasks.

These headphones are not wireless. However, they still contain lithium ion battery. How so? And everything is very simple. It is this battery that powers the active noise cancellation system. We recommend that you have no doubt about its quality. Also, the battery pack acts like an amplifier. The cable length here is 1.32 m, which is often quite sufficient. But there are few replaceable ear pads in the kit - only three pairs.

Advantages:

• Nice appearance;
• Very good sound;
• Noise reduction works using a built-in battery;

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, Harm from headphones: impact on human hearing

Today, almost half of the assortment in the audio department of any store is equipped with an active noise reduction system. Some say that this is the best invention since the advent of headsets, while others are sure that this is just another ploy to pump out money.

Let's figure out together whether you need to pay attention to such a feature when choosing headphones.

What is it and how does it work

Active Noise Cancellation is a way to eliminate unwanted noise by overlaying specially generated sound.

Active noise reduction works as follows. The system captures the noise you want to cancel through an external microphone and emits a sound wave with the same amplitude but a mirror image of the original sound's phase. The noise wave and the generated sound mix and cancel each other out.

This method of dealing with noise when listening to music allows you to abandon complete sound insulation or excessively increase the volume. These two methods were previously actively used to suppress unnecessary sounds.

The first patents in this area began to appear back in the 30s of the twentieth century, but it came to real application only half a century later. Active noise cancellation technology was originally used in the aviation and defense industries. Only a few years ago it entered the consumer market.

Is it effective

Many people mistakenly consider the active noise reduction system a marketing ploy. Yes, the system will not protect you from all noise, but it performs its direct function properly.

It is generally accepted that a person is able to perceive sounds in the range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Most modern noise cancelers cope well with noise from 100 Hz to 1 KHz. This is quite enough to save the listener from conversations of other people, traffic noise and wind.

We perceive vibrations in the range below 100 Hz not only with the ear, but also with the body; no noise reduction in headphones will help here. As for the upper range, the system is capable of turning high-frequency squeaks or whistles into a calm hiss.

With good noise-canceling headphones, you can feel like you are in a quiet room, even if you are on a noisy street.

Useful features of active noise cancellation

Manufacturers thought, since the headphones are equipped external microphone, then why not provide the opportunity to use it for its intended purpose.

Some models allow you to temporarily disable noise reduction and broadcast sound “outside” to your headphones. This way you can communicate with your interlocutor, move safely, or simply perceive information from the outside world without removing your headphones.

Another advantage of models with active noise reduction is the presence of a built-in amplifier. It is with its help that “anti-noise” is generated for the operation of the system, but in addition to this, the amplifier is capable of producing higher quality sound.

Is everything really that smooth?

The active noise reduction system also has its drawbacks. The main one is that these headphones are not suitable for everyone. Don’t worry, the percentage of those for whom the technology is contraindicated is quite low. About 3% of users, when using active noise reduction for a long time, begin to complain of headaches.

Their cause is active noise suppression system intolerance syndrome. It is similar to seasickness, when our brain thinks that the body is at rest, but the vestibular system sends opposite signals.

Likewise, when suppressing noise, it seems to the brain that we are in a quiet place, and the senses send signals that are unusual for this.

Another negative factor is increased pressure on the eardrums, because in addition to music and noise, “anti-noise” enters our ears. This can cause disruptions in the nervous system and lead to headaches.

What are the alternatives?

At the moment, active noise reduction is the most technologically advanced solution. This chip cuts off up to 95% extraneous sounds when listening to music. In this case, a whole chain of additional elements is used and this affects the cost of headphones and headsets with active noise suppression.

As a counterbalance to this technology, you can use passive noise reduction. It is achieved by sealing the human ear from external noise through massive ear pads in over-ear headphone models or flexible ear pads that can take any shape in vacuum models.

All other things being equal, such headphones are cheaper and simpler in design, which means they are more reliable in operation.

What to choose in the end

First, you need to go to the nearest electronics store with exhibition samples and visually verify the operation of the active noise reduction system. A simple comparison of headphones with and without such a system will immediately give results.

To avoid falling into the so-called “risk zone,” it is better to ask a friend or acquaintance to test the model.

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• 1. Rating of in-ear headphones
• 2.QCY QY7 Black-Green
• 3. Xiaomi Mi ANC Type-C In-Ear Earphones
• 4. Plantronics BackBeat GO
• 5. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC40BT
• 6. Sennheiser CXC 700
• 7. Rating of full-size headphones
• 8. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC50IS
• 9. JBL E65BT
• 10. Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 SE
• 11. Sony WH-1000XM2
• 12. Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) PX

No music lover can imagine his life without good headphones. And if you often listen to music on the street or on public transport, then such a headphone criterion as active noise reduction becomes one of the most important. And today, noise-canceling headphones are in the spotlight.

Rating of in-ear headphones

This will be the traditional top 10 best noise-canceling headphones, which includes both full-size headphones and miniature in-ear headphones.

QCY QY7 Black-Green

Price: 1274 rubles.

QCY QY7 Black-Green are good budget headphones with a nice design. The accessory is classified as wireless and works via Bluetooth. At the same time, the headphones boast a good degree of autonomy - a full charge lasts for 6.5 hours of listening to music. The sound is reproduced in the range of 20-20000 Hz. Of course, the sound of the QCY QY7 Black-Green is far from top-end, but for its price category it is very decent. But this model, alas, does not differ in outstanding noise-canceling properties.

Xiaomi Mi ANC Type-C In-Ear Earphones

Price: 2890 rubles.

Unlike the model above, Xiaomi Mi ANC have a wider frequency range of 20 - 40000 Hz, as well as clearer and cleaner sound. They are connected via a connector USB Type-C. Active noise cancellation dampens almost all low and mid frequencies, so you can enjoy music even in the subway. Overall, good headphones at a reasonable price that will delight you with pleasant sound. But there are some drawbacks - not a single equalizer works with these headphones.

Plantronics BackBeat GO

Price: 4000 rubles.

Plantronics BackBeat GO features a miniature design and light weight, making these headphones almost invisible on your ears. At the same time, the accessory provides excellent sound quality, as well as the level of noise reduction, even in comparison with more expensive models. However, the compactness and wireless type played a cruel joke on the headphones - when actively listening to music, a full charge lasts only 4 hours. If low autonomy does not bother you, then Plantronics BackBeat GO will give you many pleasant moments.

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC40BT

Price: 9200 rubles.

In second place are another wireless headphones Audio-Technica ATH-ANC40BT. The headset provides high quality sound and even produces quite noticeable bass, especially if you play with the equalizer. The active noise cancellation system does a good job of muffling low and mid frequencies. I am pleased with the autonomy - the charge is enough for 8 hours of active listening to music. Another distinctive feature of this model is the ability to connect via cable, however, in this case the noise suppression system will not work.

Sennheiser CXC 700

Price: 10,490 rubles.

And finally, the best-in-class Sennheiser CXC 700 in-ear headphones. Their advantages include clear sound with high-quality lows and the most pronounced bass among similar accessories. Digital active noise cancellation also performs better than its closest competitors. Among other things, the Sennheiser CXC 700 is one of the most ergonomic and comfortable models. As a minus, we can note that the high frequencies are not the most expressive, however, against the backdrop of the overall sound quality, this is not so critical.

Rating of full-size headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC50IS

Price: 6990 rubles.

Inexpensive wireless headphones Audio-Technica ATH-ANC50IS provide sound at frequencies of 20 - 20,000 Hz. The gadget belongs to wireless type and has a high degree of autonomy - up to 40 hours of operation. The model features both good passive noise insulation and a decent active noise reduction system. True, high noise is blocked an order of magnitude worse. But the main disadvantage of the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC50IS is not the most reliable design; these headphones are quite easy to break.

JBL E65BT

Price: 7000 rubles.

JBL E65BT is a wireless model that will appeal to fans of large headphones that sit comfortably on the head and ears. As for the sound, the range of 20 - 20,000 Hz is more conducive to high-quality lows, although the final result does not cause any particular complaints. Noise reduction is on point. We are pleased with the high degree of autonomy - with noise reduction turned on, a full charge of the device lasts for 15 hours of continuous operation. Fast charging available.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 SE

Price: 14990 rubles.

Another headphone from Plantronics, but this time a full-size type. BackBeat Pro 2 SE demonstrate good surround sound, which is facilitated by deep lows and pronounced highs. Noise cancellation is not perfect, but it is at a good level and is in no way inferior to other models in this price category. It is worth noting that the battery lasts for 24 hours, and the automatic pause function also allows you to save battery.

Sony WH-1000XM2

Price: 27999 rubles.

The Sony WH-1000XM2 has everything a quality headphone should have. This is excellent sound in the range of 4 - 40000 Hz with a special cable for listening to high-resolution audio. This is one of best systems active “smart” noise reduction with individual settings, allowing you to enjoy excellent sound even at high altitudes. This is a minimalist design with high autonomy. But the model is priced accordingly.

Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) PX

Price: 29990 rubles.

The Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) PX headphones have virtually no competitors. The gadget provides best-in-class sound with an almost perfect frequency balance, which is complemented by an intelligent noise reduction system that adapts to various environmental conditions. With these headphones, nothing can distract you from listening to music either in a subway car or on an airplane. In addition, the device boasts an ergonomic design and good battery life. The only drawback that can be noted is their considerable cost. This concludes the 2019 rating, which included only the best headphones with active noise cancellation. We hope that it helped you resolve the difficult issue of choosing a headset, and that the headphones themselves will please you both with their sound and their ability to protect you from the noise of the world outside the ear pads.

In the vast majority of cases, the average music lover has enough of ordinary and high-quality or, as an option, overhead models in order to escape from the outside world and enjoy the inner one along with some marvelous composition.

But there are cases when only noise-canceling headphones will help, and they will not just help, but will improve your well-being and make life much easier. You don’t have to look far for examples - have you tried relaxing in a reserved seat with a fun company next door? Or sleep during a long flight for 8-10 hours? In a rumbling bus or minibus, rest also becomes a problem. Therefore, noise-cancelling headphones are, as often happens, the only option to calm your nerves and calmly escape from the hustle and bustle of the world around you. As soon as you put one of the models described below on your head, the long-awaited happiness of silence and peace comes in the company of your favorite music or radio station.

So, let's try to figure it out. Noise-canceling headphones: what are they, which models deserve attention, what is good for the office and what for the home? Let us designate the most successful models in the form of a rating, taking into account the opinions of experts in this field and reviews of ordinary owners.

1. Bose QC 25
2. Bose QC 20i
3. Sennheiser MM 550-X Travel
4. Denon AH-NCW500
5. Jabra Evolve 80 UC

Bose QC 25

It’s not for nothing that this model is nicknamed “The Big Noise Killers.” The manufacturer positions it as an innovative device with the maximum level of noise reduction. Judging by the specifications, the model is capable of cutting out 95% of external noise.

The Bose QC 25 Noise Canceling Headphones are considered an active system and run on a single AAA battery. It lasts for about 30-odd hours. It is also worth noting that the model has excellent ergonomics and fits perfectly on the head. The cups fit snugly around the ears, making almost no pressure felt.

The owners in their reviews appreciated the deep and enveloping bass, as well as the presence of a beautiful and compact case. Also, buyers were quite satisfied with the passive noise reduction system if the battery ran out. Some are put off by the price of the gadget, but judging by expert reviews, the balance of price and quality is maintained at the proper level.

In addition to the case, the package includes a built-in and convenient remote control remote control, as well as a detachable cable that is compatible with all Apple devices and some gadgets on the Android platform. Many owners have labeled the QC 25 as noise-cancelling headphones for the subway.

Estimated price - 23,000 rubles.

Bose QC 20i

If the previous respondent can be called the best among invoices and full-size models, then QC 20i is among the in-ear ones. And here the nickname “Little Noise Killers” is appropriate. Just like the 25th model, the QC 20i noise-canceling headphones can operate in active and passive mode. To maintain the active mode, there is a built-in battery that lasts for approximately 15 hours.

Some owners in their reviews complain about the not very convenient case where the battery is stored, calling it an “eyesore,” but after several days of use the feeling of discomfort disappears. Users liked the ergonomics of the gadget - the headphones do not fall out and fit comfortably.

Opinions of experts and owners

In terms of sound, the device pleased me: powerful and clear bass, bright highs and well-balanced mids. The only thing that owners note as a minus in their reviews is the lack of “honest” sound, because many musical compositions turn out to be slightly embellished in the output. This is especially noticeable in the high and low frequency ranges. In this regard, it remains to recommend a test drive of the gadget before purchasing, so as not to be disappointed after the purchase. In addition, the high price does not make the purchase frivolous.

The device syncs perfectly with all products Apple and some devices on the Android platform. The overwhelming majority of gadget owners position the model as noise-canceling headphones for the office: small, comfortable and practical.

Sennheiser MM 550-X Travel

This model can be called a high-quality station wagon in retro style. Sennheiser 550 series noise-cancelling headphones look like something from the 80s, but, unlike older models, they work perfectly.

In terms of its acoustic characteristics, this model is ahead of the QC 25 in some respects: “correct” sound, balanced bass and “meatiness”. The only thing where the MM 550 series loses is in noise reduction: 90% to 95% for the QC 25.

Owner reviews

Among the undeniable advantages, owners in their reviews note the absence of wires and for a long time autonomous operation in active mode. Also, among other positive features, there are other distinctive nuances that these noise-cancelling headphones have. The review showed that the gadget fully supports SRS WOW HD technology, which means that the owner of the device will enjoy excellent spatial sound.

Among other things, the model fits perfectly on the head and allows you to spend a lot of time doing your favorite activity without any discomfort. Well, the last point that can become critical when choosing headphones is a replaceable battery - a very rare quality even among expensive analogues.

Estimated price - 30,000 rubles.

Denon AH-NCW500

This is a relatively compact model of noise-canceling headphones, which differs from the mass of others in its rather interesting control system. The gadget is equipped with a durable plastic case, which perfectly matches the leather inserts.

The control system needs to be mentioned separately. The universal button for switching tracks, start and pause is located on both parts of the headphones. In addition, on one of the ear pads there is a very convenient volume control in the form of a ring.

As for the active noise reduction mode, it is noticeably weak here when compared with the previous participants in the rating. However, while working or relaxing, you will not hear the copier running or the noise from the air conditioner. The active noise reduction mode will drain the battery in about 10 hours in wireless mode, and after that you can connect the wires and work with the passive system.

Users' opinions

The owners speak very warmly about the model in their reviews. Almost everyone was satisfied with the noise-canceling characteristics coupled with excellent sound. The gadget is especially good at bass and high frequencies, which accurately and “truthfully” convey all the information to the listener. Some complain about slight dips in the midrange, but this is noticeable in a number of rare compositions.

Estimated price - 15,000 rubles.

Jabra Evolve 80 UC

The brand is still famous for its Bluetooth headsets, which have completely conquered the business segment. In the new Evolve line, the company focused on the same area, that is, it developed another high-quality gadget for business.

This model is the only one of all those reviewed that can be called a headset. Other competitors have a microphone, but it is built into the earpiece and located relatively far from the mouth, while the Evolve models are equipped with a specially articulated boom for greater convenience. And if in the first case we have mediocre transmission quality due to the distant location, then in the second - everything is exactly the opposite.

By and large, we can say that the Jabra Evolve 80 UC is not only a full-fledged headset, that is, “two in one”. Owners have repeatedly noted this pleasant feature in their reviews, and dispatchers and streamers spoke especially warmly about it. Also, many owners were pleased with the Do Not Disturb mode. If it is activated, the ear pads light up red, thereby notifying others that the user is busy. The battery life of the gadget is quite acceptable and varies within a day. There are also no questions about the sound - everything is almost perfect, and there were no critical comments.

Estimated price - 20,000 rubles.