In today’s bustling world, the tranquillity offered by noise-cancelling headphones is a blessing. Whether it’s the daily commute, a busy office, or a flight across continents, these innovative devices can transform cacophonous chaos into peaceful solitude.
But with so many options available, where to begin?
In this article, we’ll guide you through our selection of the best noise-cancelling headphones, ensuring you find the perfect pair for your needs and budget.
In a hurry?
Here are our three favourite noise-cancelling headphones and why we love them:
| Sennheiser Accentum Wireless ANC Headphones | At a budget-friendly price point, these noise-cancelling headphones have a 50-hour battery life and aptX HD Bluetooth 5.2 support. | Check the current price |
| Bowers & Wilkins PX8 Wireless Headphones | These wireless headphones boast intelligent technology and angled carbon cones for improved clarity and accuracy. There's also 24-bit high-resolution DSP. | Check the current price |
| Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones | These premium-quality headphones have an integrated USB DAC for 24-bit/192kHz-resolution audio playback. You can also use the Focal control app for EQ adjustment. | Check the current price |
Why we’ve chosen these headphones
We’ve chosen these headphones based on a range of factors. Principally, we want to make sure there’s something for everyone. This selection provides options for those on a tighter budget without sacrificing sound quality, those who want reliability and longevity, and those looking for high-end headphones that will reveal superior detail and musicality.
As such, headphones will be considered and compared relative to their price bracket.
Reading this article, you’ll discover that every set of headphones has its own characteristics. However, they all employ noise-cancelling technology to effectively neutralise ambient noise and deliver clear and uninterrupted playback, regardless of your environment.
Finally, we’ve also taken into account comfort. A set of headphones might sound amazing, but it’s no good if you’re left feeling sore and fatigued after just half an hour of listening. We want our selection of headphones to be comfortable for extended listening sessions, with features like adjustable headbands, cushioned ear cups, and a lightweight structure with just enough pressure to keep them on wherever you are.
It also doesn’t hurt if they look the part, too.
So without further ado, let’s take you through our selection of the best noise-cancelling headphones.
The best noise-cancelling headphones
1. JBL Tune 760NC Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones
Key features
- Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Two built-in microphones for phone call clarity
- Multi-point connection with two devices
Pros
- Battery life up to 35 hours ANC on (and 50 hours with ANC off), with a short two-hour charge
- Good accuracy across the frequency range
- Great value for money and a good starting point under £100
Cons
- Overall plasticky quality, though at the benefit of keeping cost and weight low
The JBL Tune 760NC Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones are great for budget-conscious individuals needing reliable, everyday use. The ANC is pretty effective at silencing environmental noise, making it ideal for public transport.
That being said, at this price point it’s unlikely you’re going to find anything that completely eliminates the outside world and, likewise, the Tune 760NC may struggle with very bass-heavy sounds like roadworks or plane engines. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t provide you with above-average immersion and we’re confident in their ability to achieve an uninterrupted listening experience in most environments.
Noise cancellation aside, one of their standout features is the well-balanced and neutral frequency response, characteristically enjoyable for JBL. While there is a slight emphasis on bass, it doesn’t overpower. The accuracy of the mid and treble is commendable and you’ll find vocals are well-defined, which is a boon for podcasts and audiobooks.
The battery life of JBL’s Tune 760NC checks a lot of boxes for us too, providing up to 50 hours of playback when ANC is turned off and about 35 hours when on. So, unless you wear them from the moment you step into work until the moment you leave, you won’t have to worry about running out of power for at least a week or so.
Comfort and portability are good too. The body feels a little bit plasticky, but this keeps both cost and weight to a minimum so it’s a worthwhile trade-off without sacrificing sound quality.
Overall, the JBL Tune 760NC Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones offer great value for money, fusing impressive sound quality and battery life into a portable design.
2. Sennheiser Accentum Wireless ANC Headphones
Key features
- Bluetooth 5.2 wireless connectivity and aptX HD support
- Sennheiser Smart Control App compatible with five-band EQ
- Hybrid ANC technology, with easily switchable Transparency Mode
Pros
- Balanced sound output for pleasing audio quality
- Long-lasting battery life for uninterrupted use
- Comfortable, lightweight and high-quality feel
Cons
- Look quite plain for the price
It’s a crowded market at this price point, but the Sennheiser Accentum Wireless ANC Headphones make a case for themselves as one of the best value-for-money noise-cancelling headphones. Even while living in the shadow of the class-leading Sennheiser Momentum 4, at almost half the price and with similar convenience features, these headphones carve out their own niche.
Like our previous pick, these will appeal to those looking for an above-average-sounding pair of everyday headphones, with aspirations for high-fidelity audio.
Using the Accentums, you’ll experience better wireless sound quality thanks to Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX HD support. Plus, they’re even compatible with Sennheiser’s Smart Control App. If you’re into a specific genre of music, this gives you a bit of extra personalisation with five-band EQ sound modes. It’s not necessarily high-end adjustment, but it’s suitable for experimenting with playback.
You can also use the app to switch between ANC and transparency mode, which filters through environmental sound without you having to remove your headphones.
Speaking of noise cancellation, let’s not forget why we’re here.
The Sennheiser Accentum creates a snug seal around your ears and is comfortable for extended periods. As a result, the active noise cancellation performs well. Again, we’re still in a relatively budget-friendly price range, so some of the extremes may sneak in, but commendable nonetheless.
As a step up from our previous pick, these headphones provide you with up to 50 hours of playback with Bluetooth and ANC activated. That’s staggeringly good and even features a 10-minute quick charge for five hours of playtime if you’re in a rush.
If there is one downside, we just wish they looked a bit more exciting. The design feels practical; they’re minimalist without being stylish which is odd for Sennheiser. Overall though, the Accentum is an adept pair of ANC headphones with excellent battery life and a feature set that gives you great control.
3. Yamaha YH-L700A Wireless ANC On-Ear Headphones
Key features
- ‘Advanced Active Noise Cancellation’
- Listening Care, Listening Optimiser, and Voice Assistant-compatible
- 34-hour battery life (with ANC and 3D Sound Field turned off, 11 hours when on)
Pros
- 3D Sound Field provides a spatial audio experience
- Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX Adaptive for low latency wireless connectivity
- Typical for Yamaha, the sound quality is excellent with a good level of detail
Cons
- Underwhelming battery life, especially when 3D Audio and ANC is activated
As we approach the midrange, we’re set on the Yamaha YH-L700A Wireless ANC On-Ear Headphones as our entry point. If you want to explore the potential of hi-fi and noise cancellation, these are a great appetiser.
The Yamaha YH-L700A stands out with its unique blend of spatial audio technologies, namely 3D Sound Field. Drawing on decades of home cinema experience, Yamaha can replicate the acoustics of various environments including “Concert Hall” and “Cinema” amongst others. It’s clever audio trickery and enhances both music and movies with a greater sense of space and depth.
If you’re someone who enjoys catching up on shows during your commute, this feature will be especially attractive, as it’s almost like having a personal surround sound system on the train or bus.
To drown out environmental noise, Yamaha have developed something called Advanced Active Noise Cancellation, which is designed to minimise the adverse effects on music of ANC during playback. It’s certainly impressive, but perhaps not the main draw of these headphones and like our previous picks, you’d probably still register the extremes of noise.
That being said, the YH-L700A does feature an ambient mode, meaning you can filter through sound without having to completely turn off your music. There are also a few other quality-of-life features, including Listening Optimiser and Listening Care, which essentially offer real-time equalisation based on your listening conditions.
One thing to consider is that while the Yamaha YH-L700A look great, they can feel a little large. They’re comfortable and promise excellent build quality, but they might feel a little loose on smaller heads.
While the price point is higher than a pair of standard ANC headphones, the unique features and sound of the Yamaha YH-L700A are worth the investment and are a good choice for those looking to dip their toes into the world of higher-quality noise cancellation.
4. Denon AH-GC30 Premium Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Key features
- Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD support and dual device connectivity
- Low resonance 40mm FreeEdge drivers exclusive to Denon
- Free Denon Audio app control
Pros
- Adaptable noise cancellation featuring three modes to pick from
- Exceptional sound quality with Hi-Res certification
- Dual microphones improve voice call quality
Cons
- Very stiff competition at this price point
Denon’s expertise in hi-fi and home theatre technology is widely recognised and, for many, sets the standard for reliable sound quality with a comprehensive feature set.
So does that expertise extend to the world of solo listening?
The Denon AH-GC30 Premium Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones make a definite statement. The sound quality is strong for the asking price, with Hi-Res Audio certification and built-in support for AAC and aptX HD Bluetooth, which ensures greater compatibility and sound reproduction.
Aside from wireless performance though, these headphones offer three noise cancellation modes: ‘Aeroplane’, ‘City’, and ‘Office’. As the names imply, these customise the intensity of isolation to suit various common environments. There’s also an ambient mode that you can activate with a quick tap on the earcup, which we think is easier than trying to find a small button when you’re in a hurry.
As part of the Globe Cruiser range, Denon have specially designed these headphones to be travel companions, and that’s reflected in the build quality. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and fold away for easy portability in the included carry case.
The AH-GC30s highlight Denon’s dedication to providing superb sound quality. With a comfortable design, hands-on EQ management through the Denon Audio app, and notable, slightly warm sound quality, these headphones are ideal for frequent travellers seeking uncompromised audio.
5. Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Key features
- Professionally engineered noise isolation
- 45-hour wireless battery life
- 50mm dynamic neodymium magnet drivers
Pros
- Outstanding battery life for noise-cancelling headphones at this price point
- Customisable noise cancellation levels via ShurePlus PLAY mobile app
- Suitable for both everyday and studio use
Cons
- Slightly larger build than average headphones, but still comfortable
First and foremost, when talking about the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones, you have to mention their professionally engineered ANC, with adjustable levels of intensity available via the ShurePlus App.
Their standout feature, however, is the remarkable battery life.
With up to 45 hours of wireless performance, you can indulge in prolonged listening sessions without recharging. If you’re just using them for work or commuting, they can easily last a week or more without having to be plugged in.
Speaking of commuting, these headphones come with an Environment Mode too. This allows you to hear your surroundings without having to take the headphones off, which is very convenient, and is a feature that will pop up throughout our list – but it’s always good to see at this price point.
Comfort remains a priority for these headphones, making them ideal for extended listening sessions without fatigue thanks to the large, rotatable earcups. The design coupled with faux leather cushioning ensures a universally comfortable fit, despite them being slightly larger and weightier than average headphones.
All in all, the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 stand as an excellent choice for those seeking a premium feel without making a huge investment. They provide an acoustic performance suitable for both casual listeners and studio-grade monitoring.
6. DALI IO-6 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Key features
- Bluetooth 5.0 w/ aptX HD support, as well as USB-C and 3.5mm jack connectivity
- Large diameter 50mm free edge paper fibre cone full-range drivers
- Playback controls integrated into the central panel of the headphone cup
Pros
- Natural DALI sound quality, with excellent detail reproduction
- Controlled bass is impressive, without being overwhelming
- High build quality, chic Scandinavian design, and comfortable padding
Cons
- Sacrifices the DALI IO-4’s 60-hour battery life for Active Noise Cancellation
Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries; that alone should tell you what to expect next. DALI have diversified their high-fidelity speaker catalogue by redistributing some of that industry knowledge into headphones. Our next pick, the DALI IO-6 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones are a shining example of this venture.
They house a class-leading 50mm free-edge paper fibre cone that delivers authenticity and transparency, making them a delight for music lovers who appreciate DALI’s natural sound reproduction. On paper though, that doesn’t look too different from their lower costing sibling, the DALI IO-4.
So why the price jump?
Apart from some minor add-ons like the travel case, the main addition, of course, is noise cancellation.
DALI’s IO-6 headphones do a commendable job of filtering out external disturbances. With the initial foundation laid by some fairly considerable passive noise cancellation, turning on ANC silences background noise without harming the overall sound quality.
And that’s the main point of these headphones: detail comes first.
While there is a transparency mode to bypass the passive noise cancellation, active noise cancellation is fairly binary. It’s either on or off, with no scale of intensity. While some may view that as a downside, if you’re in the market for a top-notch pair of headphones that sound and feel premium, with ANC as a bonus, these are for you.
Their minimalist Danish design also sets them apart from the competition. They have a comfortable fit and excellent build quality, with up to 30 hours of battery life for easy extended use.
Definitely worth a look.
7. Bowers & Wilkins PX8 Wireless Headphones
Key features
- Flagship wireless headphones
- Angled Carbon Cones
- 24-bit high-resolution DSP for quality Bluetooth streaming
Pros
- Advanced noise cancellation with four dedicated microphones
- Comprehensive app control
- Luxurious build-quality and comfortable to wear
Cons
- Pricier than a lot of wireless noise-cancelling headphones
Our next pick is the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 Wireless Headphones. As the flagship wireless headphone model from Bowers & Wilkins, there’s much to admire about the PX8 as we move into the higher end. The exceptional performance combined with the use of premium materials and advanced technology makes these headphones a standout choice.
The Angled Carbon Cones ensure high-resolution sound, setting a new reference point for the brand (which already had a pretty high bar to beat with the PX7 S2). This new material, coupled with advanced DSP, guarantees a sonic experience that is nothing short of breathtaking. Whether it’s the intricate details in a symphony or the bass in a rock song, the PX8 delivers with poise.
Onto noise cancellation. This is another set of headphones that offer exceptional sound quality with praiseworthy ANC. It’ll effectively filter out any background noise you may hear in common office or commuter environments, ensuring that your music isn’t marred by disturbances.
Despite these many features, comfort has not been compromised. The PX8 is comfortable enough for long hours of listening, making it ideal for those who travel frequently or those who like total immersion in music.
Quality comes at a price though and the PX8 is pricier than many other wireless noise-cancelling headphones on the market. Nevertheless, for those who value sound quality and are willing to invest in a premium audio experience, the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 is certainly worthwhile.
8. Focal Bathys Wireless Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Key features
- 40mm ‘M’-shaped dome drivers
- Supports lossless-quality audio up to 24-bit/192kHz
- 30 hours of battery life in Bluetooth ANC mode
Pros
- Clarity and natural imaging with excellent detail retrieval
- Multiple connectivity options for music, including via USB-C
- Lightweight design for long listening sessions without fatigue
Cons
- The earcups swivel for the travel case, but don’t fold away for increased portability.
The Focal Bathys Wireless Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones are a terrific diving point for anyone exploring the realms of premium noise cancellation and their release in late 2022 certainly made waves. The inclusion of 40mm ‘M’-shaped dome drivers greatly diminishes distortion and enhances sound quality, creating an audio experience characterised by exquisite clarity and natural, dynamic imaging.
The active noise cancellation feature, which includes three switchable silence modes, allows you to customise the level of background noise passthrough. This feature ensures an immersive listening experience, regardless of your environment.
With up to 30 hours of battery life in Bluetooth ANC mode, uninterrupted music enjoyment for extended periods is guaranteed. In addition, the headphones offer multiple ways of connecting to your audio source, including Bluetooth 5.0, a 3.5mm audio jack cable, and an integrated USB DAC for high-resolution audio playback.
Comfort hasn’t been overlooked, either. The lightweight design, combined with the real leather, microfiber, and aluminium headband, ensures a comfortable fit even for long listening sessions.
The Focal Bathys Wireless Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones are a great example of French acoustic design. They offer enhanced sound quality, versatile connectivity options, and comfort. There’s a lot to love about these headphones and if you’re interested in finding out more, why not take a look at our blog post dedicated to them or check out the link below?
9. Mark Levinson No 5909 ANC Headphones
Key features
- Bluetooth 5.1 wireless audio with a 30-hour battery life (ANC on)
- 40mm beryllium-coated drivers
- High-resolution certified wireless playback quality
Pros
- Reference-quality sound with a luxurious design
- Exceptional Adaptive Noise-Cancelling technology
- Impeccable build, great noise cancellation
Cons
- These are high-fidelity headphones. As such, relative bulkiness limits portability
Mark Levinson, renowned for their dedication to delivering premium audio experiences, brings us the No 5909 ANC Headphones. These hi-res wireless headphones embody the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence, offering unparalleled audio quality and innovative features.
The 40mm beryllium-coated drivers ensure hi-res, reference-quality audio that is detailed and dynamic. Coupled with an incredibly competent Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, these headphones provide customisable ambient noise reduction, making them ideal for hi-fi listening in just about any environment.
The compatibility with the Mark Levinson Headphones app opens up possibilities for sonic fine-tuning according to your personal preferences. However, it’s not just about performance; while they might at first appear a little unassuming, they score high on aesthetics and build quality once you get a chance to wear them.
As well as a generous playback time of up to 30 hours (ANC/BT active), the build quality is just bulky enough to ensure good grip without becoming a hindrance, with ear cups that thoroughly isolate sound. Whether you’d take something this expensive on your daily commute, however, is a different matter completely.
All in all, there’s a sense of sophistication you just don’t see in the mid-range. If you’re someone with the budget to accommodate a pair of wireless headphones at this price point, the Mark Levinson No 5909 ANC Headphones should be on your shortlist.
10. DALI IO-12 True Hi-Fi Wireless Headphones
Key features
- Wired and wireless connectivity, with Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX HD & Adaptive
- Patented 50mm Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) based driver technology
- 35-hour battery life with a charge time of less than two hours
Pros
- Superior sound quality akin to high-end wired headphones
- Extremely comfortable for long listening sessions
- Supports 16 – 24 bit audio, with 32, 44.1, 48, and 96 kHz sample rates
Cons
- Some users may be deterred by the lack of EQ customisation
As our final pick of best noise-cancelling headphones, the DALI IO-12 True Hi-Fi Wireless Headphones are nothing short of a masterpiece. Referred to by their creators as “true hi-fi speakers for your head”, they’ve been engineered using the same sound principles as DALI’s full-size loudspeakers.
This dedication to audio fidelity results in a listening experience more akin to high-end wired headphones than any other Bluetooth pair on the market.
The key to this superior sound quality is DALI’s patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) driver technology. This feature significantly reduces distortion, ensuring that every voice and instrument is beautifully rendered, regardless of volume.
As this is the second pair of DALI headphones we’ve mentioned, it’s worth noting that the ANC technology in the IO-12 goes a step further than its predecessor, the IO-6. With new noise-cancelling algorithms, larger, more generously padded ear cups, and a greater seal around the ear, the IO-12 successfully suppresses environmental noise.
Every rose has its thorns, though. The premium price tag of the DALI IO-12 will raise expectations for many and likely discourage others. Likewise, the design may not appeal to everyone’s taste, as it has quite a bulky silhouette despite its lightweight design.
There’s also no control app for customising EQ. DALI acknowledge this as a deliberate choice, explaining that their philosophy revolves around providing easy access to high-quality music without the need for an app, meaning – despite the price point – these headphones offer a user-oriented experience no matter who’s wearing them.
Overall, the DALI IO-12 True Hi-Fi Wireless Headphones are ideally suited for music lovers who value superior sound quality and effective noise cancellation above all else. They might be an investment, but when it comes to delivering a truly immersive and high-fidelity listening experience, they’re worth every penny.
What is noise cancellation?
Noise cancellation, whether analogue or electronic, serves as a means to block out unwanted ambient sounds; that being the sound in your surroundings, whether you’re at home, on the move, or at work. This technology creates a truly immersive experience when listening to music, free from the interruption of external noises.
There are various intensities of noise cancellation, each providing a different degree of isolation. This is ideal for scenarios where you want to concentrate on your music or podcasts, but still need to be aware of hazards or people in your vicinity.
The two primary forms of noise cancellation are active and passive. Passive noise cancellation involves physical measures to block out sound waves. This can include features like sound-absorbing materials and tight-fitting ear cups. While effective to an extent, passive noise cancellation doesn’t completely eliminate all background noise.
Active noise cancellation, on the other hand, employs more advanced technology to counteract ambient noise. Microphones are used to detect external sounds, which are then analysed by the headphones. The headphones produce an “opposite” sound wave to actively cancel out the unwanted noise. Importantly, it shouldn’t be confused with ear protection.
The result is a significant reduction in external sound which is tailored for listening to music or audio entertainment in environments like noisy buses, trains, or aeroplanes.
It’s important to note that while ANC is more effective at reducing unwanted background noise, it requires power to function and may have an impact on battery life, and as a result, how often you’ll need to charge your headphones.
For a deeper understanding of the differences between passive and active noise cancellation, check out our article on passive vs active noise-cancelling for a detailed comparison. By choosing headphones with the right kind of noise cancellation, listeners can enjoy their favourite music in a truly immersive way.
Are noise-cancelling headphones right for me?
Even if your headphones aren’t actively cancelling noise, they may still have a deal of passive dampening. As mentioned previously, passive noise cancellation works by physically blocking out sound through features like ear sealing and specialised materials. On the other hand, active noise cancellation takes advantage of onboard microphone technology to counteract ambient noise.
Depending on the environment and personal preference, one form might be more suitable than the other, and you may not always need ANC activated to silence your surroundings, especially if you’re usually only in environments with low-to-moderate levels of noise.
Furthermore, it’s worth considering the battery life of the headphones, especially if they’ll be used wirelessly. Active noise-cancelling technology consumes a lot of power and, when combined with Bluetooth connectivity, can significantly reduce the overall listening time before you have to charge them again.
A longer battery life is therefore advantageous to those planning to use this feature regularly. However, it could also come with a higher price tag.
Once you’ve blocked out the noise, it’s just you and the music. So, let’s talk about sound quality.
Some might prefer high-fidelity sound that is analytical and true to the original recording, while others might prefer a warmer, smoother tone. Trying out different headphones with a variety of music genres can help identify personal preferences.
It’s worth mentioning that active noise cancellation can potentially affect the overall sound quality. So, if possible, try making a shortlist of headphones and testing them out in a showroom first.
Expensive headphones usually come with more comfortable padding, better noise cancellation, and higher sound quality, but there are many affordable options available that offer good all-around performance and are also easier to travel with. At the end of the day, the choice is all yours.
FAQs
Which brand offers the best noise cancellation?
The brand that offers the best noise cancellation is closely contested. For example, headphones from manufacturers like Sennheiser, Shure, Bowers & Wilkins, and JBL have all received shining reviews for their effective noise-cancelling capabilities whilst catering to a range of budgets.
Is it worth it to buy noise-cancelling headphones?
Noise-cancelling headphones are a worthwhile purchase for many people. These headphones are ideal for those who frequently work or travel in noisy environments as they effectively block out external noise. This allows for an immersive audio experience and can increase focus and productivity.
What are the disadvantages of noise-cancelling headphones?
The disadvantages of noise-cancelling headphones are the price and power requirements. Active noise cancellation requires more energy than standard headphones, which could mean more frequent charging.
Final thoughts
From entry-level to high-end premium options, we hope we’ve showcased the capabilities of some of the best noise-cancelling headphones currently available. Remember, each set of headphones brings something unique to the table and the right choice for you depends on personal preferences, needs, and budget.
If you’re still unsure or want to explore more, your journey doesn’t end here.
Our guide to earbuds vs headphones could be the deciding factor in your search for perfect solo listening. We’ve also provided some valuable insight into why your Bluetooth headphones might keep cutting out, so you can enjoy wireless listening without feeling tied down.
Want to have your say? Leave a comment below. We’re also eager to read your insight and questions.
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