One of the main reasons to wear headphones in the first place is to only hear what you want to hear. Most of the time that will be when you are listening to music, but people also use them to listen to audiobooks and even to drown out unwanted noise in places like an airplane, bus, or train. They are great if you are riding in a car with others and want to block out noise, unless you are driving, of course.
This is exactly what noise-canceling headphones can do for you whether you use them for listening to music or for other reasons. When you use noise-canceling headphones to hear music, it is not necessary to turn the volume up as high to drown out any background noise that might still come through with ordinary headphones.
How Do Noise-Canceling Headphones Work?
Noise-canceling headphones work by using microphones to pick up any low-frequency noise and eliminates it before it gets to your ears. A noise-canceling headset generates a sound that is phase-inverted by 180 degrees to any unwanted noise and what takes place is that the two sounds cancel each other out.
There are two types of noise-canceling headphones, either passive or active. Any headphones can block at least some passive noise reduction. The material of the headphones block some sound waves especially when it comes to those noises of a higher frequency.
Circum-aural headphones are the best when it comes to maximizing noise-filtering properties. These headphones are made using layers of high-density foam or some other noise absorbing material. This type of construction also makes the headphones heavier, but it also reduces noise by 15-20 decibels. This is why you want to purchase active noise-canceling headphones as opposed to passive.
Are More Expensive Noise-Canceling Headphones Better?
As with any products, quality can vary a great deal. Sometimes you can spend more and get a product that may not be as good as a less expensive one. However, you do usually get what you pay for if you do a little research and check out product reviews before you make a purchase.
Just as with anything else, the quality of noise-canceling headphones can vary. You can spend as little as $100 or $500 depending on your budget. Listed below are some of the best noise-canceling headphones for $300 or under. The reviews for each product are good, so that research has already been done for you!
Sony Noise Canceling Headphones WHCH710N
These wireless, Bluetooth headphones are an over the ear headset with a microphone for phone-call. They sell for $128 and have great reviews. The noise cancellation of these headphones will automatically sense your environment with their dual noise sensor technology. You will get long-lasting listening pleasure for up to 35 hours of battery life and they are quick charging as well.
They are smartphone compatible so you can be hands-free when taking or making calls with your voice assistant feature. You get wireless Bluetooth streaming with NFC One-touch technology. With 30mm driver units, you will hear much more detail. They have adjustable sliders that will provide you with ultra-comfortable design. They have a USB type C connection.
Vankyo Hybrid Active Noise Canceling Headphones VANKYO C751
These headphones seem to be a great value at $69.96 and they have excellent reviews. They have industry-leading noise-canceling technology. They are great for online classes, working from home, commuting, and travel. They reduce ambient noise by up to 90% in most cases. They come with Bluetooth 5.0 with an ultra-fast and very stable connection. Comes with a microphone for hands-free calls. You will get Hi-Fi audio sound with strong bass.
You will get 30 hours of playtime with USB-C turbo. Quick charge for 10 minutes to get 2 full hours of playtime. They are very comfortable to wear with a foldable design for convenience. Very soft ear pads that won’t cause pressure. Comes with a carrying bag for easy storage.
Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II
Even though these headphones sell for $279, they are made by Bose so that’s the kind of price you might expect. Bose is well known for its high-quality audio products. It’s just expected from Bose that you would get 3 levels of the best noise-canceling technology for the very best listening experience in any environment.
They come equipped with Alexa-enabled voice access so you can easily choose music, information, and a lot more. They come with 1.2 m audio cable. The noise-rejecting dual-microphone system will give you a clear voice pick-up and sound. It has easy Bluetooth pairing capabilities. The headphones come with Bose connect app for personalized settings, access to future updates, and more.
Mpow Noise Canceling Headphones H17
If you are really on a tight budget, then these Mpow headphones might be what you are looking for at only $39.99, yet they still have very good reviews. A full charge can allow you up to 45 hours of playtime! Charge on a 10-minute quick charge and get 2 full hours of playtime. These active noise-canceling headphones reduce distracting low-frequency background noise that you might experience on a plane, during a commute, or in your office.
Soft and comfortable ear pads make wearing them a pleasure. The headphones are lightweight at only 7.2 ounces. Fully customizable fit with swivel, adjustable ear pads. They are also foldable for easy carrying convenience. Bluetooth works with smartphones, tablets, MP3s, iPods, etc. A built-in CVC 6.0 microphone for hands-free calling. The microphone works in Bluetooth mode only.
Boltune Active Noise Canceling Headphones
This is another very affordable headphone option that sells for only $48.94, but still has very good reviews for the low price. Not everyone can afford to spend hundreds of dollars, but you still want a quality product for the money you do spend. You will get 30 hours of playtime in less than an hour to charge. Comes with Bluetooth 5.0 technology.
Excellent choice in a headphone for noise reduction anywhere you might be. Very comfortable ear pads provide for pleasant long term wear. A built-in CVC 6.0 microphone allows for hands-free calling. Enjoy wired or wireless mode depending on what you need at the time.