Welcome to our list of best noise cancelling headphones put together based on the opinions of users on Reddit.
When you are traveling, either by flight, train, or any public transportation and want to enjoy your trip while listening to your favorite playlist, or a podcast, enjoy peaceful sleep, or just want to block the outside noise then noise cancelling headphones are the way to go.
The ANC (Active noise cancellation) headphones block the ambient environment noise from traffic, aircraft engines, and wind which have low and consistent frequencies by using a microphone that listens to the sounds outside and inside of the headphones and inverts the outside sound waves canceling the noise and neutralizing the sound waves.
There are many noise-canceling headphones out there and, in the list, below are the top 6 recommendations according to Reddit users starting from the lowest to the highest rated.
The rating depends on many factors from comfort, battery life, price, appearance, their noise–canceling abilities with regards to their price, and also other unique features incorporated making each one better than the other.
6. SENNHEISER PXC 550 – II
Starting our list at number six according to the Reddit users is the Sennheiser PXC 550.
This is a high-value pair of ANC headphones with the latest Bluetooth standards and enhanced audio and smart capabilities.
Instead of focusing on the appearance and incorporating some software tweaks, the producer focused more on the performance making this pair of headphones loved by many, considering the functions with respect to their affordable price.
It has a stale fit making it very comfortable especially for gym users or anyone who want to block out noise while walking on a busy street.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Speaker type | Dynamic, 32 mm |
| Ear Coupling | Around–ear headphone |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB SPL (passive: 1kHz/1v RMS) |
| Weight | 227g |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 compliant |
| Battery life | 20 hours (ANC + A2DP), 30 hours (ANC + Wired) |
Special Features: provides unrivaled speech clarity, Smart control App, Smart Pause autopilot
PROS
- Detachable audio cable included
- Good battery life
- Well-balanced sound profile
- Comfortable and very stable fit
CONS
- Not most portable although they are foldable
- Limited maximum volume
5. SENNHEISER HD 280 PRO
If you are looking for affordable ANC headphones for mixing and recording with a durable build, then this is the headphone for you.
They are made out of plastic, kind of tight on the head, and are not the most comfortable pair to keep for long hours.
It is the best for DJs Mixing and musicians recording in a studio or any person working in a gig.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Speaker type | Dynamic, closed |
| Ear Coupling | Circumaural |
| Sensitivity | 113 dB SPL |
| weight | 285 g |
PROS
- Good Value
- Lightweight
- Great bass sound
- Durable
CONS
- Unattractive design
- Uncomfortable especially after a couple of hours
4. APPLE AIRPODS MAX
These are the absolute best for any apple device. They are one of the most expensive noise-canceling headphones one can buy on the market at the moment.
The headphones are light and very comfortable for the user. They have flawless wireless connectivity and seamless integration with apple’s devices.
They pair with any Apple device you are using and will switch when you move from one device to another.
They are also more attractive with a stainless-steel frame and memory foam ear pads.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Size | 7.37* 6.64* 3.28 inches |
| Weight | 384.8 g |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (ANC on) |
| Bluetooth connectivity | 5.0 |
Special features: Spatial Audio; Audio Sharing, compatible with all Apple devices
PROS
- Clear and pleasing sound profile
- Excellent extra features for iOS
- Decent battery life
- Produces high-quality audio
CONS
- Very expensive
- Limited features for Android users
- Does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack
- Smart case does not offer enough protection
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3. AKG N90Q
They are very popular in the market for so many reasons but the main one is the legendary world greatest Grammys winner Quincy Jones, who collaborated with the AKG to produce this beautiful masterpiece.
The first thing you will notice about them is their aesthetically pleasing appearance which is very noticeable from afar with their well-blending colors, black and gold.
They also come in an all-black color for those who like a monochromatic look. They are designed from good quality leather and aluminum framework.
The headphone is designed to merge an audiophile-level sound with the noise–canceling aspect.
When you purchase them, they come very well packed in a neatly made metal box and a battery pack.
In the box, they are accompanied by an airplane adapter, a 3m straight cable, a power case, a 1.2m audio cable with microphone, and remote for android and windows users, a charging cable, a travel leather pouch, microfiber cleaning cloth and user’s guideline document.
They are one of the most expensive headphones on the market with AKG’s new TruNote technology feature which helps one to customize the sound specifically to their ear preference.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Size and Weight | 5.11 * 1.34* 1.57 inches, 460g |
| Cable Length | 3m and 1.2m detachable cables |
| Connection | 3.5 mm jack |
| Battery Life | 11 – 12 hours (music playtime) |
Special Features: TruNote technology, Tone control, Stage control, USB and HD audio, and built-in DAC
PROS
- Excellent built that makes it reasonably comfortable to wear
- Great sound
- Aesthetically attractive
- Highly effective at isolating outside noise
- Very durable
CONS
- Very expensive
- Heavy and bulky
2. BOSE QuietComfort 35 II (BOSE QC35 II)
They are pretty light and arguably the most comfortable set of noise-canceling headphones that you can buy with great audio quality and are available in black and silver colors.
They are known for being the first headphones to integrate Google assistant by using a button on the QC35 II which you press to access it instead of accessing directly from the phone screen of your device.
You can also use your voice to control your music and read your notifications and you can program it for other functions too. iOS users can also easily access Siri on their devices
It muffles wind, noise in a crowded place, and other low and mid frequencies and ambient sounds.
You can also hear your voice in the headphone while on a call which prevents you from raising your voice.
They have a circular ear cup that completely covers your ears, blocking out most of the outside noise, and are very comfortable making them good for use when you want a quiet sleep.
Although it was released a few years ago and now there is Bose QC45 and Bose Noise Cancelling 700 released afterward, it remains the best and most recommended headset by many Reddit users.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Size and weight | 17 * 8.1 * 18 cm, 236g |
| Color | Black and Silver |
| Ear Coupling | Over – ear |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth v4.1 |
| Battery life | 20 hours (with ANC), 40 hours (wired use) |
Special Features: Built-in microphone, Built-in Audio control, Foldable, Voice Assistants, Voice prompts, and Clear calls.
PROS
- Customized controls
- Has a very strong connection
- Google Assistant
- Can be used in passive mode
- Very Comfortable
CONS
- Expensive
- Battery is not replaceable
- Boring design
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1. SONY WH1000XM3
According to many Reddit users, this is the best noise-canceling headphone.
It was released in late 2018 and regardless of that it still beats many ANC headphones with many advantages; this says a lot about the Sony WH1000X model 3.
It is very light and much more comfortable with a great noise–canceling performance.
It competes with Bose headphones in every aspect but it seems to be a favorite to many. Its design contours comfortably on your head with very soft ear cups.
It is best for all kinds of users from commuters to air travelers and also casual listeners. The only exception is gamers but they are still great compared to others.
They are very appealing to the business class customers that Sony normally targets with their products.
This headphone is not designed to be flashy like many headphones but focuses more on how it fits on the user with a USB type C cable.
Best for both low frequencies and high frequencies such as people talking and music playing, reducing noise from a buzz that is disturbing to a more manageable buzz that is comfortable to your ears.
Their capability to allow some noises into the headphones allows announcements made over the PA systems in trains and planes to be heard with the Ambient Noise mode on.
It also allows you to quickly pipe in audio without taking off the headphones by reducing the inside volume and using the microphone to locate the outside sound of each ear cup when the Quick Attention mode is turned on.
You can also use them to access Google Assistant and Alexa when you tap the noise–cancellation button.
iOS users can also access Siri which lets you control your smartphone apps without having to unlock the screen.
That said, let’s dive into some of the specs of the Sony WH1000xm3, together with its pros and cons.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Weight | 255g |
| Ear Coupling | Over Ear |
| Available colors | Black and White |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (ANC on), 38 hours (ANC off) |
| Cable Type | USB C-type |
Special Features: Quick attention, Ambient sound mode, all-day power, and quick charging, volume control touch sensor, Atmospheric Pressure Optimization, and High-quality audio with DSEE HX and LDAC
PROS
- Very comfortable
- Good sound quality
- Portable
- Excellent noise–canceling
- Long Battery life
CONS
- Expensive
- Not very durable
- Not good for sports and gaming
Conclusion
There are loads and loads of noise cancelling headphones on the market and picking one is never easy. This list was grafted based on ratings of users who have purchased and individually tried and tested each and every one of them. It is only but a guide to help ease your selection and I sure hope it does help you out. Go out there and buy yourself an excellent product or two. Chao!