Silencing the World: The 5 Finest Noise-Canceling Headphones

Wardah Erum
7 min readJul 31, 2023

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Are your computer fans extremely shrill and loud? Is your office getting renovated? Do you work remotely with two noisy kids jumping around you? You are not alone in facing this dilemma. This consumer forecast supports it. There will be a 6.67% increase in the global average consumption of headphones between 2023 and 2028.

If you are constantly subjected to noise, then you are more than likely to fall among the 711 million people by 2050 with hearing impairment. Whether you are looking for wired, wireless, over-ear, closed-back, or Bluetooth headphones, we have got you covered.

Here are 5 top tried and tested noise-cancelling headphones that will make your life quieter, cozier, audibly sound, and more productive.

Your Best Bet

  • Best Sound Quality: Bose Headphones 700
  • Best Value for Money: Anker Life Q30 Hybrid
  • Best Wireless Battery: Beats Headphones Solo3
  • Best Wired Option: Logitech H390 Headset
  • Best Technology: Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones

1. Bose Headphones 700

Looking for harmony in silence? Bose 700 is all that you need. Its 11 levels of active noise cancellation feature flabbergasted me. This lets you enjoy music, videos, podcasts, and calls without any distractions.

If you are missing your loved one, just call them using these headphones. The unrivaled voice pickup will amaze you, even in noisy and windy environments. The crisp, crystal-clear, deep, and full-bass voice recognition will bedazzle you.

It is hands-free and easily connects to voice assistants. So, now you can stay connected to navigation, music, and more without reaching for your phone. If you have sinusitis like me and end up getting a headache after using a headphone, then get comfort from its premium design as it is easy on the sinuses. If you are looking for budget-friendly headphones, then these are not for you.

Pros

  • Wireless
  • Hands-free
  • Bluetooth ranges up to 10m

Cons

  • Premium price range
  • Non-collapsible design
  • High-volume noise leakage

2. Beats Headphones Solo3

Unlock the power of peaceful sound with the help of Beats Solo3 headphones. I always struggled to find seamless pairing capabilities in my headphones. But these headphones effortlessly connect to my iOS or Android devices. This makes them compatible with a wide range of smartphones and tablets.

Furthermore, these headphones have the Apple W1 chip and Class 1 wireless Bluetooth connectivity. Now you can mow the lawn while taking calls and changing songs. With up to 40 hours of battery life, you can use these headphones with great ease every day. Its fast-fuel feature surely beats the other headphones out there.

If you use hearing aids or cochlear implants (CI), I recommend Beats Solo3 wireless over ear headphones as your gym buddy. As it perfectly grips the head and the CI devices. Conversely, if you like to roam around the house while wearing your headset, the Bluetooth connectivity issues will be irksome.

Pros

  • Foldable
  • Streamlined design
  • Multiple-function controls

Cons

  • Low build quality
  • Lacks advanced features
  • Bluetooth connectivity issues

3. Anker Soundcore Life Q30

If you are on a budget and do not compromise on quality, then the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 is one of the best headphones for you. These wallet-friendly headphones boast a hybrid active noise-cancellation feature that adapts well to your surroundings, filtering up to 95% of low-frequency ambient sound.

Apart from this, if you are always on the lookout for high-resolution headphones for the best music experience, then your search ends right here. Thanks to its 40-mm drivers. The highly flexible diaphragms will bring 40 kHz music to your ears with improved clarity.

Not only did I like that the buttons have good tactile feedback, but I also found the Bluetooth multi-point connection extremely handy. Now, you can switch from a phone call to streaming on the computer in a jiffy. It takes up considerable space and slips off easily. So, if you are looking for noise-cancelling headphones for your travels or as a gym mate, then this is not for you.

Pros

  • Lightweight build
  • Hi-resolution sound
  • Multiple noise-cancellation modes

Cons

  • Bulky
  • Prone to slip
  • Impractical power button

4. Logitech H390 Wired Headset

The Logitech H390 is your go-to for the best bang for your buck if you are searching for a headphone with mic. Get it right away if you want headphones for work and pleasure simultaneously. It’s highly compatible and works well with Windows Vista, Windows 7 or later, Chrome OS, or MacOS X (10.2.8 or later).

Do you have sweaty ears like me? Get your sonic sanctuary with its perfectly cushioned, non-heating plush ear cups. The adjustable headband makes your comfort level beyond amazing. At such a low price, this headset gets crowned as one of the best noise-cancelling headphones. Its immersive sound quality is equally on point.

The only thing amiss is for the glass-wearers. I got pretty uncomfortable when I wore them with my glasses on. Alternatively, without glasses, they are pure bliss.

Pros

  • Broad compatibility
  • Convenient in-line controls
  • Seamless communication

Cons

  • Wired connection
  • No surround sound
  • Unsatisfactory customer support

5. Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones

Sony has truly outdone itself with its WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones. It has Industry-leading noise cancellation with dual noise sensor technology. If you remove it to run errands, it will automatically detect the removal and pause right away. This way, you won’t miss a single beat.

Undoubtedly, there is one feature that I can praise all day long: speak-to-chat. Once enabled, the headphones will detect you as soon as you utter a single word and automatically pause the music. This will allow you to have smooth conversations without removing your headphones.

If you are a die-hard Harry Potter fan, then experience your own magical powers through its highly sensitive touch sensor. You can now control volume, skip tracks, pause, play, answer phone calls, or activate your voice assistant with the power of a single touch. You will be sorely disappointed if multi-point Bluetooth is what you are eyeing.

Pros

  • Long battery life
  • Intuitive smart features
  • Superb sound quality
  • Comfortable fit

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Bulky design
  • Complex controls
  • Limited water resistance

Buying Guide

Life can get crazy loud sometimes, right? Welcome to the ultimate guide for noise-cancelling headphones! Do not worry; these bad boys will save your ears from the chaos. Let’s dive in and find the perfect pair for you!

  1. Battery Life: Don’t Let Your Mood Drain

Nobody likes his headphones to die mid-ride. Look for a pair that can rock your world for at least 20 hours or more on a single charge.

2. Sound Quality: Let the Music Pop

Crisp highs, punchy lows, and bumping bass are what get an audiophile high. Check out the headphones with high-quality drivers and fancy audio tech.

3. Fit and Comfort: Jam Without the Headache

Fit and comfort are essential. Look for cushy ear cups and an adjustable headband that’ll let you rock the headphones all day without a headache. If you suffer from sinusitis, then never ignore this aspect!

4. Wired vs. Wireless: Choose Your Freedom

There are two types: wired and wireless headphones. Now it’s up to you whether you want to jam with the cord attached to your device or whether you’re all about that freedom.

5. Smart Features: Your Personal DJ

Now, let’s talk smart. If you are a tech–savvy person, then look for fancy tech like touch controls, speak-to-chat, and adaptive sound control. These features are like having a 24/7 personal DJ.

6. Price Tag: Worth Pondering

Lastly, watch out for the price tag. High-quality noise-cancellation headphones can be a bit pricey. But remember, it’s your investment in a peaceful sleep. So, set your budget without skimping on quality.

Bottom-line

You are now armed to the teeth with the knowledge of finding the perfect noise-cancelling headphones for yourself. So, rock and roll and drown out the noise. What are the features that you want in your dream headphones that are the ultimate noise killers? Please let me know in the comment section below.

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