The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

Whether you're battling the sound of jet engines, or just want to block out the sound of your HVAC system at home, you'll require the most effective noise cancelling wireless headphones-cancelling headphones for over-ear use. The latest Sony WH-1000XM5s have become the new leaders in active noise cancellation and their predecessors were also fantastic.

We've taken into consideration the adjustments for ANC as well as touch controls and on-ear detection (for pausing music when you take your headphones off). Our top picks have high-resolution audio and comfortable, spacious ear cups.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony's top headphones is a major upgrade over its predecessor, with better noise cancellation and Noise cancelling headphone sale improved audio quality. Its impressive ANC creates an enveloping cone over your head, blocking out a surprising amount low-frequency sound. The ear cups block out noises in the mid-treble range including chatter from the passengers and creaking metal.

The WH-1000XM5s sound natural, unlike some noise cancelling headsets that can sound hollow. They are able to render the beats of Billie Eilish in stunning detail, while keeping the edges clean and pristine. They're an absolute pleasure to listen to during the commute or during a long flight.

The most popular controls are operated by a capacitive touch surface on the right earcup such as play/pause, volume up/down as well being able to skip forwards and backwards. It also allows you to call and end calls, and switch between ANC and ambient sound mode. Alternatively, you can hold and press the power button for a few seconds to hear a voice warning of the battery's remaining life.

The new QN1 microphone is a significant improvement over the XM5s. It is designed to record high-quality audio when recording videos and podcasts. The microphone is more sensitive than the previous models and has a larger audio range which makes it easier to pick up your voice.

Other features from the XM4s are carried over to the XM5 and include an adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance based on your environment. Its "Wearing Detection is now able to detect when you remove the headset, and then pauses videos or music and resumes it when you put them back on. It also works with Sony's DSEE Extreme engine, which claims to upscale the quality of compressed music to a near-hi-res resolution.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s are the latest version of Sony's top-of-the-line over ear headphones, and even though they don't offer as much active noise canceling as the WH-1000XM5s, they still provide top-of-the-line performance. In addition to stronger Bluetooth and a more efficient noise-canceling algorithm, the WH-1000XM4s also have a brand new audio chip that upscales music files to HD quality and offers more advanced voice controls.

Sony has upgraded the WH1000XM4s in the latest generation by adding padding to the headband and extending the microphones to the outside. This makes them more comfortable to listen to for longer periods of time.

You can also choose between five different sound settings based on the environment. Sony headphones come with an app that lets you to customize your EQ settings. They're a great choice for travelers and the app lets you monitor your activities and automatically adjust their settings on ear noise cancelling headphones the fly.

The WH-1000XM4 has also improved its noise cancellation. It is more effective due to the increased sensitivity and better filtering of low frequencies. You can test this by studying a graph similar to the one above, where higher peaks indicate that more sounds are being blocked out. The WH-1000XM4s can also be more effective at reducing low-frequency sounds like the hum of an air conditioner or the constant rumble of an airplane engine more than any other pair of noise-canceling headsets we've tested.

The WH-1000XM4s have a great set of features, including batteries that last up to 30 hours and an integrated USB-C charging port. They also feature Quick Alert, which lets you tap the right earcup to dampen music and activate transparency mode; Speak to Chat stops media when you raise your voice (and is effective, even though it may not always detect taps) and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can recognize and analyze your surroundings to provide superior audio.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II headphones (or QC35 Wireless 2018, as they are also known) were released in September 2017. They have been replaced by the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 701 to be released in 2021. However they're still very popular and affordable.

The QC35 II is a great pair for mixed-use wireless headphones. They provide a comfortable fit as well as a neutral sound profile that is default. They also provide outstanding noise isolation. They can be used in noisy areas as well as while on the move and last for more than a full day on one charge. They also work with most smart assistants, and are activated via a dedicated button. You can ask them to play music and answer trivia questions or read your smartphone notifications.

They have a large opening in the padding around your ears that can fit most types of ear sizes and shapes. They also are extremely light. The hinges on the housings fold down making them easy to put in a bag or backpack. The controls on the right side of the headphones are well placed and comfortable to use. Playback is controlled by tapping the buttons that allow you to rewind or skip songs.

We were listening to The Beatles' Let It Be, and the drum and piano beats. The QC35 II delivers crisp, clear audio with a well-rounded and detailed sound. They reveal subtleties in the vocals, for instance Paul McCartney's irregular timing as he builds up to the chorus or Gerard Way's snarl as he sighs about the lack of individuality among teens.

The QC35 II is compatible with the majority of smart assistants and is able to connect to up to 2 devices at once. The QC35 II comes with a carry bag as well as a USB charging cable.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is known for producing high-quality headphones that cost relatively little. The budget-friendly WHCH720N earphones from Sony aren't any different. These headphones come with many of the same features as the flagship WH1000XM5 headphones, but with a more budget friendly design. These headphones offer a lot of active noise cancellation at an affordable price.

These headphones feature high-performance drivers of 30mm that provide crisp high frequencies and a full bass. These headphones have an even sound that blends well with different genres of music. They also feature a large, immersive soundstage.

The WH-CH720N headphones come with buttons instead of the gestures or touch controls used by the XM5 headphones. This can be a a disadvantage, as the buttons are initially confusing. Luckily, the headphones have clearly labeled controls and are arranged intelligently. Double pressing of the+' button pause and play audio. A single press lowers the volume. Pressing and holding the button launches voice assistants, and also rejects calls.

The headphones can last up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is the best battery performance we've ever witnessed in headphones that are over-ear. They have a standby function to save battery.

Bluetooth allows you to connect the WH-CH720N headphones to Android and iOS devices. They support LDAC which allows them to play high-resolution audio on compatible devices. They also work with PlayStation consoles with an analog 1/8" TRS cable. They can be used as wired headphones on a PC with the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect App lets you customize your headphones by using an EQ slider, presets and multipoint connectivity.

5. B&W PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is a follow-up to a successful predecessor however, it's not an unfinished upgrade. With a more modern design and a brand new app, they deliver on the promise of high-end build quality, delivering audio that accurately conveys artistic intent. They're also incredibly comfortable and enjoyable to wear all day long.

While they don't match the noise cancellation of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH-1000XM5 but they do a excellent job of blocking out environmental sounds and ensuring you're able to focus on your music, podcasts, or gaming handheld without interruptions. They have a six-microphone setup (four for the noise cancellation and two for Noise cancelling Headphone sale voice pickup) and a revised algorithms that cut down on ambient noise cancelling Headphone sale by 30dB. These are also one of only a few Bluetooth headphones we've tested that can be used as passive headphones, allowing users to listen to their media without having to power up the drive units.

They're also compatible with the B&W Music app, a free download that offers an array of features that go along with the great noise cancellation. This includes a Quick Action button that cycles through three modes for environmental use and displays battery life. It can be configured to activate your device's voice assistant. It's annoying to have to press and hold it. A one-press would be more intuitive and simpler.

The PX7 S2 is an audiophile pair that will delight music lovers. They're not suited to the demanding music of genres such as metal and rock that tend to favor bass-heavy production and muddy low frequencies as they are for classical, folk and Acoustic music, but can still impress those who appreciate audiophile cred which is also practical and easy to use.