7 best active noise canceling headphones

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Increasingly, people are using headphones outside their home. And what do they encounter, for example, in public transport? That's right, with extraneous noise. The hum in the subway is capable of interrupting music, especially if a person uses not 'plugs', but on-ear headphones. The active noise cancellation system solves this problem. However, in many models it works inadequately – the music is supplemented with some extra sounds that annoy the people around them more. That is why we decided to tell you about those headphones where the noise canceling system is implemented in the best way. Well, the models we have considered also sound almost perfect.

Rating of the best active noise canceling headphones

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best active noise canceling headphones	1	Bose QuietComfort 35	RUB 23,990
	2	Sony WH-1000XM3	RUB 29,000
	3	Sennheiser Momentum Over-Ear Wireless (M2 AEBT)	RUB 17,990
	4	Bowers & wilkins px	RUB 26,990
	5	Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2	RUB 11,790
	6	Phiaton BT 330 NC	RUB 10,990
	7	Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC	RUB 9 190

Bose QuietComfort 35

Rating: 4.9

Very expensive full-size headphones. This means that they fully cover even the largest ears. This allows you to escape from external noise even without activating the corresponding function. Only the loudest sounds will penetrate through the body of the cups – for example, the hum on the plane or people talking on the phone on the subway. It is to muffle such sounds that the active noise reduction system is used. It works with two microphones, there are no complaints about the quality of this function. This is one of the few models that shows itself perfectly even without turning on the music – some buyers only activate noise cancellation to fall asleep on the train or plane, because complete silence contributes well to this.

Like most of the headphones reviewed here, a model called the Bose QuietComfort 35 uses wireless technology Bluetooth to connect to a smartphone. The first synchronization is carried out as quickly as possible – this process is accelerated by the NFC chip. Unfortunately, there is no support for the aptX codec, so don't even hope for perfect sound. The worst impression is from the high frequencies. The good news is that there is a 3.5mm audio input here. But the sound quality with a wired connection does not increase too much. Many buyers state that they would like to see such expensive headphones sound noticeably better.

It must be admitted that at certain moments the audio cable can still save you. These are cases when the user forgets to charge the battery built into the headset. If the battery is fully charged, then you can count on 16-20 hours of sound.

The product is quite heavy. But what other full-size headphones weigh less than 310 grams? And do not forget that this representative of our rating includes microphones – they allow not only to escape from external noise, but also to talk on the phone. Interestingly, pairing is implemented here. Another curious feature is the shutdown timer. Several other functions are available to the user – you should look for them in the Bose Connect app.

You will definitely love the large size of this headset. Due to the fact that the ears completely fit inside, soon the feeling that something is on the head completely disappears. Perhaps the Bose QuietComfort 35 is worth taking for the perfect design. It is not for nothing that the name of the accessory contains the word 'comfort'. But try to find a copy for relatively little money – you should not spend more than 25 thousand rubles on such headphones, which are asked for them by default.

Advantages

• Comfortable fit on the head;
• Stable work on Bluetooth;
• Wire connection possible;
• There is an NFC chip;
• The set includes a cover;
• Enhanced functionality with the Bose Connect app.

disadvantages

• Long charging time;
• High frequencies are strongly raised;
• Active noise cancellation does not help while talking on the phone;
• Voice notifications in English only.

Sony WH-1000XM3

Rating: 4.8

Another full-size headphones in our ranking. Many experts consider this to be the benchmark in the world of active noise cancellation products. Indeed, we must admit that this function works best here. It is worth turning on noise cancellation, as any sounds in the subway, airplane or anywhere else cease to exist for you. You can even walk near the sorting hump on the railroad, where cars collide with each other.

This model connects to a smartphone or other portable device via Bluetooth. At the same time, Sony has introduced support for the AptX and AptX codecs here. If the smartphone is able to work with such codecs, then you will be able to hear the sound in CD quality. That is, there will be no point in listening to MP3 music – you will immediately hear all the unpleasant nuances of the compression effect.

An NFC chip that significantly speeds up synchronization can be considered a pleasant bonus. The gold-plated 3.5mm jack looks much more useful. It allows you to use headphones even if their battery is dead. Also, the audio cable will be regularly used by those people who have at their disposal a simple smartphone, devoid of a sound processor and support for the AptX codec. The length of the complete cable is 1.2 m, which is enough in most cases.

Inside the cups used here are the familiar 40 mm membranes. Also somewhere inside the headphones is a very capacious battery. A full charge can last 35 hours. At least, the manufacturer claims this figure. In practice, it all depends on the quality Bluetooth – the signal, the volume of the noise around and, of course, the volume of the sound. But in any case, you will find close to record battery life.

An interesting feature of the product is the fast switching to the ambient sound mode. This allows you to ride a bike with headphones – you will definitely hear the signal of an approaching car or the shout of a passer-by.

Based on our description, it might seem like the headset is perfect. Unfortunately, this word cannot be called any headphones with active noise canceling. This representative of this rating is too expensive – in Russian stores they ask for at least 30 thousand rubles. Also embarrassing is the fact that when using bass boost and some other useful functions, there is a transition to the outdated SBC codec. Another drawback will be noticed by people using headphones outside in sub-zero temperatures – the sensor on the right ear simply refuses to work in such conditions! Not everyone will like the voice notifications about each change in the noise reduction level – you cannot turn them off, there is no such item even in the proprietary application. By the way, the running program very much devours the battery charge of the smartphone – it is also annoying.

Advantages

• There is an NFC chip that speeds up synchronization;
• Good sound quality;
• Stable work on Bluetooth;
• Audio cable connection is possible;
• Very long battery life;
• There is support for the AptX codec;
• Optimization of atmospheric pressure has been implemented;
• Through the application, you can use additional functionality;
• The set includes a cover.

disadvantages

• Some voice prompts are annoying;
• Recharging takes three hours;
• In the cold, touch control stops working.

Sennheiser Momentum Over-Ear Wireless (M2 AEBT)

Rating: 4.8

It must be admitted that outwardly this representative of the rating of the best headphones with active noise canceling differs from its competitors. The plastic headband here is complemented by metal frames, to which the cups are already attached. The latter are full-sized – the ears are literally drowning in them. External noises are almost inaudible even if you just put on this accessory. Well, if you use active noise cancellation, then you will only hear some kind of jackhammer working very close to you. By the way, here this function uses as many as four microphones!

The manufacturer managed to lighten the design a lot. 258 grams are felt on the head only at first. Also, Sennheiser decided to release several versions of these headphones – they differ in body colors. And one cannot fail to note the price tag – Russian stores ask for no more than 22 thousand rubles for this model.

Headphones are connected to a portable device via Bluetooth 4.0. If it has support for the AptX codec, then you can enjoy sound that is close to CD quality! However, this also depends on several other factors – for example, on the presence of a full-fledged DAC in the smartphone and the format of the file being played. It should be noted that there is also an NFC chip, which significantly speeds up pairing with the device.

This model can be used as a headset. However, do not expect pairing and support for other similar technologies – the manufacturer saved on this. It's good that at least voice dialing works here. Also, the headphones allow you to control music playback – for this, the corresponding mechanical buttons on one of the cups are used.

The product includes a very capacious battery. Buyers write that a full charge is enough for 22 hours of work – this is an excellent result. But if the charge has dried up, then this is not the end! There is an audio jack here, through which a wired connection is made. It should be noted that the sound is transmitted through the cable in the best quality – this is noticeable.

The active noise cancellation system works here in a constant mode. This is the main difference between this rating representative and most competitors. On the one hand, someone may want to disable it, but will not get this opportunity. On the other hand, this function works so well that it practically does not affect the sound quality. By the way, this is a rare case when active noise cancellation continues to work even with a wired connection.

Perhaps the headphones turned out to be very solid, they deserve the money spent on them. Problems can only arise in people with large ears – it is likely that they will find the headset uncomfortable to fit. This is due to the small diameter of the ear pads used here.

Advantages

• There is an NFC chip;
• Stable connection via Bluetooth;
• Connection by cable is possible;
• Three body colors to choose from;
• Active noise canceling works almost perfectly;
• Convenient foldable design;
• There is support for the AptX codec;
• Not very heavy;
• Long battery life;
• Quality mechanical keys.

disadvantages

• Not very large diameter of the ear cushions;
• It is impossible to turn off the noise reduction;
• The price is still high;
• The controls may seem awkward.

Bowers & wilkins px

Rating: 4.8

Another Bluetooth is a headphone that supports a wired connection. They are of the overhead type. The size is very large, and in appearance you can immediately say about the maximum reliability. It is unlikely that such headphones will break even after falling to the floor from a height of human growth. The disadvantage of this design is its heavy weight – it reaches 335 grams.

Like the other headphones discussed in this article, the Bowers & wilkins px headset is in fact wireless. Inside it is an 850 mAh battery. The manufacturer claims that a full charge is enough for 22 hours of battery life. In practice, this parameter is highly dependent on the used codec, sound volume and some other factors. But in any case, even 15 hours is an excellent result, allowing you not to use the charger for a whole week (unless you are listening to music all day).

The microphone is used here not only for the implementation of the active noise reduction system. With it, you can talk using a mobile connection – the interlocutor will hear you very well. Synchronization with a smartphone is carried out using Bluetooth 4.1. It is incredibly happy that the manufacturer has endowed these headphones with support for the AptX HD codec. If you have a flagship smartphone at your disposal, then there is a good chance that it will transfer music to your headset in CD quality! For owners of simple devices, we recommend that you abandon the wireless connection method by using the supplied cable. In this case, you will hear the maximum that the 40 mm membranes used here are capable of.

The electronics of the headphones are equipped with three environmental filters, which allows the active noise canceling system to work as accurately as possible. But experts note that in this regard, the product is still inferior to the models discussed above. By the way, the manufacturer recommends downloading its application in order to use additional functionality – it does not work perfectly on all smartphones.

Advantages

• The set includes a cover;
• Work on Bluetooth is possible;
• A detachable cable is used;
• Long battery life;
• Implemented support for the AptX HD codec;
• Solid sound quality;
• Nice physical buttons.

disadvantages

• The headphones are quite heavy;
• No folding mechanism;
• The application is still far from ideal.

Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2

Rating: 4.7

This representative of our rating differs from competitors in a lower price. You can buy these headphones for 12-15 thousand rubles, depending on the online store you choose. Moreover, in many respects, this model does not differ from more expensive products. She also works on Bluetooth. It also has a 3.5mm audio jack on its case, allowing you to use a wired connection if the battery runs out. There is even support for the AptX codec! In a word, the buyer can definitely count on high quality sound, no matter what connection method he uses. Of course, provided you have a good sound source. It is foolish to try to connect such a headset to an unpretentious mobile phone to listen to compressed MP3 files.

Curiously, the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 has an NFC chip built into it. This means that pairing can be accelerated – connecting to a smartphone will take only a couple of seconds. As for the battery life, the manufacturer claims 24 hours. We make allowances for increasing the sound volume and some other factors, resulting in 18-20 hours. Excellent result!

Recharging the battery takes three hours. While this is the standard for such headphones. No doubt, some models support fast charging, but usually they either do not have active noise canceling, or they sound lousy – at least not good enough to get into our rating.

Despite the large battery inside, the headphones weigh 289g. Not bad for a full-size design! Please note that the manufacturer has endowed his creation with very soft ear cushions, as a result of which the headset is able to boast a snug fit. However, some people write in reviews that it is even too dense – this model puts pressure on their ears. But giving up on it is extremely difficult, since in this price segment it is almost impossible to find other noise canceling headphones that would sound as good.

Advantages

• The set includes a simple case;
• There is support for the AptX codec;
• Wired connection possible;
• Bluetooth works without any problems;
• Built-in NFC chip;
• Very long battery life;
• Not very high cost.

disadvantages

• Ergonomics does not suit everyone;
• Informational messages that are too long;
• It is better to turn off the sensors for removing the headphones from the head;
• Some examples are still devoid of a noise reduction system.

Phiaton BT 330 NC

Rating: 4.6

Another fairly inexpensive headphones that made it into our rating, including thanks to the support for the AptX codec. If you connect the headset to a good smartphone at Bluetooth, then you can appreciate the sound quality. Of course, it is recommended to listen exclusively to files in FLAC and ALAC formats.

These headphones do not need to be used exclusively in wireless mode. One of the cups has an audio jack, to which the supplied cable is connected. In wired mode, the headphones can work indefinitely. Bluetooth consumes the charge of the built-in battery – it lasts for about a dozen hours of sound.

The headset belongs to the full-size type. This means that her ear cushions completely fit her ears. Well, the active noise cancellation system allows you to hide from extraneous sounds.

In this case, you can only get upset about the materials used. Painfully, a lot of plastic is involved in the manufacture. Yes, thanks to this, the product is very light – its weight does not exceed 200 grams. But questions about reliability arise. Perhaps we still will not recommend such a purchase to those people who are not an example of accuracy.

Advantages

• Well-functioning active noise cancellation system;
• Long battery life;
• A detachable cable is used;
• Stable synchronization on Bluetooth;
• Low cost;
• There is AptX support;
• Low weight;
• Convenient folding mechanism;
• Good sound quality.

disadvantages

• The design cannot be called particularly reliable;
• Recharging cannot be called fleeting.

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Rating: 4.5

The most accessible representative of our rating. For this Bluetooth – the headset is asked for about 10 thousand rubles, and sometimes it can be purchased at a lower price. At the same time, the product belongs to the full-size type, and inside its cups are the usual 40 mm speakers. There is also a microphone – it is with its help that the active noise canceling system works. Also, the microphone can be used for phone calls. But you may run into problems in a noisy room – the interlocutor in such conditions will hear more extraneous sounds than your voice.

Despite the not very high cost, the accessory looks expensive. An untrained person may well think that you bought headphones for several tens of thousands of rubles. In terms of sound, it cannot be said that the manufacturer tried to save in any way. Bass in music is well felt, while they do not drown out the high or middle frequencies. These headphones will definitely make you switch from MP3 to higher quality music file formats.

It should be noted the high-quality assembly. One feels that such a headset should definitely survive an accidental fall onto a hard surface from a height of human growth. The good news is that it is not necessary to use the headphones in tandem with a smartphone exclusively via Bluetooth – connection. On the case there is a familiar connector for an audio cable, which allows you to get wired headphones in case of a flat battery. However, such situations rarely happen, because the built-in battery lasts for 20-25 hours of sound. But there is also support for the AptX codec! This means that the sound quality when connected wirelessly is almost the same as what you hear when using a cable. Of course, this is only true if the music is taken from a smartphone that also supports AptX.

The Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC earbuds come with a case that can come in handy. The micro-USB connector is used to recharge the headset. We did not include this fact in the list of shortcomings, since the outdated micro-USB is still used in the vast majority of wireless headphones.

Advantages

• Good sound quality;
• The price tag cannot be called overpriced;
• Excellent squelch performance;
• Extremely long battery life;
• Stable connection by Bluetooth;
• Comfortable fit;
• Wired connection possible;
• The set includes a cover;
• AptX support has been implemented.

disadvantages

• Very long recharging;
• The microphone picks up too much external noise when speaking.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, active noise canceling technology is still far from ideal. Even in those headphones that are described in this article, a real music lover will feel an admixture of extraneous sounds. It remains to be glad that the activation of noise canceling is not required too often, and when the function is turned off, the headphones show themselves at their best.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.