Choosing the best noise-cancelling headphones can be a bit overwhelming given the variety of options available. Determining the effectiveness of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in headphones involves several steps and specialized equipment. Here’s a simplified overview of the process:
How ANC Levels Are Determined
- Microphone Placement: Headphones with ANC have microphones placed both inside and outside the ear cups. These microphones pick up ambient sounds and the sounds inside the ear cups.
- Noise Measurement: The headphones are tested in a controlled environment using a head and torso simulator (HATS) or similar test fixture. Background noise is generated, often using pink noise or specific noise profiles like airplane cabin noise.
- Passive Attenuation Measurement: First, the noise level is measured without the headphones to establish a baseline. Then, the headphones are placed on the test fixture, and the noise level is measured again to determine how much noise is blocked passively by the headphones’ design and materials.
- Active Attenuation Measurement: With the ANC turned on, the noise level is measured again. The difference between the passive and active measurements indicates the effectiveness of the ANC.
- Frequency Range Analysis: The effectiveness of ANC is often analyzed across different frequencies. ANC is typically more effective at reducing low-frequency noises (like engine hum) than high-frequency noises (like human speech).
Ranking ANC Scores
The ranking of ANC scores is typically done by specialized reviewers and testing organizations. Here are some key players:
- Review Websites and Magazines: Websites like HeadphonesAddict, Rtings, and major tech magazines conduct detailed reviews and rankings of ANC headphones. They use a combination of lab tests and real-world usage to evaluate performance.
- Consumer Reports: This organization conducts independent testing and provides scores based on various criteria, including ANC effectiveness.
- YouTube Reviewers: Many tech reviewers on YouTube perform detailed comparisons and rankings of ANC headphones, often using their own testing setups to measure noise cancellation performance.
- Manufacturer Testing: Some manufacturers also provide their own ANC performance data, though this is typically less trusted than independent reviews.
Let’s break down some of the top models in different price ranges to help you find the best fit for your budget.
High-End Options
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- ANC Score: 8.5/10
- Price: Around $329
- Type: Both wired and wireless
- Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
- Pros: These headphones offer excellent noise cancellation, a comfortable design, adjustable ANC levels, and are foldable for easy storage.
- Cons: While the sound quality is good, it might not satisfy audiophiles. The microphones can be buggy in noisy environments, and they can’t be used in wired mode without battery power.
- Sony WH-1000XM5
- ANC Score: 10/10
- Price: Around $298
- Type: Both wired and wireless
- Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
- Pros: Known for superior sound quality and excellent noise cancellation, these headphones also have a long battery life and a comfortable fit.
- Cons: They are quite expensive, and the touch controls can be a bit finicky. Additionally, the wired mode requires the headphones to be powered on for the best sound quality.
Mid-Range Options
- Apple AirPods Pro 2
- ANC Score: 7/10
- Price: Around $170
- Type: Wireless only
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours per charge, 30 hours with the case
- Pros: Rich audio performance, excellent ANC, seamless integration with Apple devices, compact and portable.
- Cons: Battery life could be better, not the best fit for all ear shapes.
- Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
- ANC Score: 7.5/10
- Price: Around $169.99
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours per charge, 32 hours with the case
- Pros: Great for active users, good noise cancellation, secure fit, durable design.
- Cons: Sound quality is good but not exceptional, and the battery life is average.
- Sony WH-CH720N
- ANC Score: 8/10
- Price: Around $129.99
- Type: Both wired and wireless
- Battery Life: Up to 35 hours
- Pros: Good balance of sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort. Lightweight with a long battery life.
- Cons: Build quality is not as premium as higher-end models, and sound quality, while good, may disappoint.
Budget Options
- Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
- ANC Score: 7/10
- Price: Around $129.99
- Type: Wireless only
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours per charge, 32 hours with the case
- Pros: Excellent value for money, good ANC, solid sound quality, and a comfortable fit.
- Cons: The build quality is not as premium, and the battery life is decent but not outstanding.
- EarFun Air Pro 4
- ANC Score: 6.5/10
- Price: Around $57
- Type: Wireless only
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours per charge, 52 hours with the case
- Pros: Very affordable, these headphones provide decent noise cancellation and good sound quality for the price.
- Cons: The battery life is shorter, and the build quality is basic.
- 1More SonoFlow SE
- ANC Score: 7.8/10
- Price: Around $99
- Type: Both wired and wireless
- Battery Life: Up to 50 hours
- Pros: Strong sound and ANC performance, customizable EQ, and multipoint technology to pair with two devices simultaneously.
- Cons: Build quality is less premium, and the design is quite basic.
Key Features to make priority
When choosing noise-cancelling headphones, consider the following features:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Look for headphones with effective ANC to block out ambient noise. High-end models like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM5 offer the best ANC.
- Sound Quality: Audiophiles might prefer models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 for their superior sound quality.
- Comfort and Fit: Ensure the headphones are comfortable for long periods. Over-ear models like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra are generally more comfortable for extended use.
- Battery Life: Consider how long the headphones can last on a single charge. High-end models typically offer longer battery life.
- Portability: If you travel frequently, look for foldable designs and compact cases for easy storage.
- Integration with Devices: If you use Apple devices, AirPods Pro 2 might be the best choice due to their seamless integration.
Bottom Line:
Ultimately, the best noise-cancelling headphones for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. High-end models like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM5 offer the best performance but come at a higher price. Mid-range options like the Apple AirPods Pro 2, Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2, and Sony WH-CH720N provide a good balance of performance and cost. For those on a budget, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro, EarFun Air Pro 4, and 1More SonoFlow SE offer great value without breaking the bank.
Keep on working, great job!