The best noise canceling headphones for 2022

Frequent trips and flights, a long stay in a crowded noisy place, the monotonous activity of system units in the office - sometimes the surrounding sounds become simply unbearable. That is why there is an urgent need to purchase a device that can eliminate extraneous noise and give the nervous system a sense of balance and comfort. Products of which leading brands may be of interest to the consumer from this point of view will be considered in this article.

Criteria for choosing noise canceling headphones

When choosing a device with a noise reduction mode, the consumer is guided by the following key points:

• the effectiveness of eliminating extraneous sounds;
• headphone sound settings;
• battery life indicator;
• ergonomics and build quality of the product, its equipment.

The best noise canceling headphones

Overhead models

Bower & Wikins PX

The design of the product is durable and comfortable. Bower & Wikins PX fits organically on the head, forming a sufficient distance between the auricle and the speaker. On the inside, both the headband and the ear pads are made of soft leather. The outer surface of these elements is covered with nylon. The design does not fold, but the flexibility of the headband and rotating cups make it easy to store and move the device.

The main feature of the bluetooth headphones in question is to provide good sound quality through the aptXHD codec. The device borrows acoustic design from the P9 Signature: the drivers responsible for the sound are placed in such a way that it goes directly to the center of the auditory opening. The sound parameters are adjusted, the bass sounds powerful and deep. It should be noted that Bower & Wikins has worked hard to eliminate the shortcomings of their technology or minimize them, because it's no secret that when you turn on the noise reduction mode, the saturation and sound volume are lost. The new device has 3 noise reduction modes: office (minimum), city, flight (maximum). Plus - a special mode with which the user can hear that he is being told something. If you remove or lift the headphones, the music will automatically stop, and, conversely, continue if you put them on your ears. The device enters a power-saving sleep mode when placed on a shelf.Under normal conditions, the headset can operate up to 50 hours, with continuous music playback, the discharge will occur in 22 hours. Switching modes is possible in one of the ways: using the button located on the side of the earcup or using the application.
The headset connects to electronic devices via bluetooth, as well as via a 3.5 mm jack. The USB type-C port is useful for listening to music on your phone (computer) or charging the device.

The average price of the model is 26,000 rubles.

• comfort during operation;
• excellent quality of transmitted sound;
• effectiveness of noise reduction modes;
• high rate of battery life;
• aptX HD support.

• aptX HD codec is available on a limited list of electronic devices;
• decent price.

Sony WH-1000XM3

Sony has created this model for those who often have to travel in noisy vehicles like airplanes, trains, subways.

The manufacturer offers a potential consumer to choose the color of wireless noise-canceling headphones from the available options: black and silver. In general, the product is ergonomic, the presence of the structure on the head does not cause any discomfort in any position. The model is completed with a fabric cover with an additional branch for a wire.

Management is carried out through the touch panel located in the right earpiece.
The peculiarity of the headset is its "ability" to adapt to its owner, given the size of the head, the presence of glasses, the length of the hair. The QN1 chipset is responsible for noise reduction: it makes it possible to adjust the noise reduction parameters for different types of noise.In addition, the company's development of the LDAS codec, which provides audio encoding for wireless transmission, has found application in the device. It should be noted that the functioning of LDAS depends on the parameters of the source (it is regulated by the application settings on the device).

Headphones can be used with a program from Sony: the first time you connect, you should touch the NFC icon on the headset. The program selects the sound and quality of the connection. It is also able to determine whether the user is in a static position or moves in space, and, accordingly, changes the settings and mode of operation.
The charging connector is USB Type C. The on / off button when the device is running reports the charge level. Operating time from one charge up to 30 hours (taking into account the use of the noise suppression mode). The device is fully charged in 3 hours, but thanks to the support of fast charging, in case of an emergency, 10 minutes will be enough to ensure operability for 5 hours.

The average cost of a product is 25,500 rubles.

• excellent noise reduction;
• high level of autonomy, implementation of fast charging;
• easy management.

• sound quality with LDAC codec;
• bugs in the mobile app.

Sennheiser HD 4.5

The product from Sennheiser is made in the traditional reserved German style. The main materials from which the product is made are leatherette and matte plastic, pleasant to the touch. The folding design is distinguished by high-quality assembly, the absence of backlash. The headband is equipped with a leatherette padding. The ear pads are made from the same material. Headphones are considered full-size, but the owners of large ears say that they are too tight for them. The adjustment range for the head parameter is sufficient.

The gadget is controlled by means of the power (pairing) keys, switching (stopping) tracks, adjusting the volume (activating noise reduction). There is a minijack connector and a microUSB port. The NFC module is located on the left bowl. Pairing with a smartphone is carried out without problems.

The headphones support the aptX codec, which indicates that a Bluetooth-compatible device will transmit sound at the level of a good MP3: for most users, this is quite enough.
The Sennheiser HD 4.5 BTNC can also be connected to an electronic device via a mini-jack cable (a backup option in case of discharge).

Another key feature is the presence of an active noise reduction system. Like many other Bluetooth headphones, the model is equipped with a microphone, and therefore it can be used as a headset.
The built-in battery provides a working state of the device up to 25 hours.

The average cost is 11,000 rubles.

• quality of body materials;
• good sound;
• the presence of NFC;
• excellent battery life.

• insufficient cup sizes;
• primitive carrying case.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

The model from the leading manufacturer is simple in design, elegant and comfortable. In addition, it is sufficiently durable: twisting and bending the headset in different directions does not damage it. However, for better protection, it is better to use a branded carrying bag, which is included in the package.

On the body of the device there are buttons for changing the volume level, a power key, a 3.5 input and a micro-USB connector.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II supports Google Assistant, which in a matter of seconds will execute any user command.And the Bose Connect+ app will help you remap the function of the action key to adjust active noise cancellation (high or low levels, as well as the off position).

By the quality of the connection and communication, the device shows a high level of reliability.

When listening to musical compositions, one should note the loudness and clarity of the vocals, pleasant bass, the purity of low and medium frequencies and the possible flat sound of high frequencies.

The level of active noise cancellation is excellent. This is important for those who travel daily by public transport.
The level of autonomy is considerable: the manufacturer claims 20 hours of continuous operation. In practice, this indicator is confirmed.

The average cost of a product is 21,000 rubles.

• convenient, practical accessory with a minimalist design;
• excellent noise reduction;
• comfortable work with Google Assistant;
• simultaneous connection to two gadgets;
• the presence of a protective cover.

• considerable cost.

JBL E65BTNC

The headset has a classic design. Cups with leatherette cushions inspire a sense of reliability. The headband repeats the outlines of the head, covering it more tightly, eliminates external sounds before active noise reduction is turned on, which the model in question has, given the letters NC in the product labeling. Another pair of letters BT indicates that the headphones can be connected via Bluetooth. Studies show that the most acceptable connection range for the device is about 10 m. It should not be forgotten that the Bluetooth connection is inextricably linked with the implementation of the active noise cancellation function (only possible when a headset is used without wires).It works decently, there are no complicated tricks for managing it (just turn the noise reduction mode on or off). As for sound, it should be noted that the famous JBL sound is somewhat simplified when listening to music over a wireless channel with activated noise reduction. The situation changes dramatically when using wires: the sound stage becomes clear and filled with colors. This information may be useful for those who wish to listen to music in the best sound quality.

The autonomy indicator cannot but rejoice: with the noise isolation mode on, the battery will last about 15 hours, with it turned off, up to 20 hours. In addition, just a couple of hours is enough to fully charge the battery. That is, to enjoy your favorite tracks for 20 hours, 2 hours of charging is enough. This is one of the reasons why the device is chosen for travel and for long journeys in vehicles.

The average price is 7500 rubles.

• folding headband;
• effective suppression of extraneous noise;
• the optimal ratio of autonomy and cost.

• deterioration in sound quality when the noise canceling mode is activated.

Intracanal models

Huawei ANC3

The main part of the body of the model is a special plastic with metal inserts. The design of the product consists of several elements, including silicone caps. The medium length cord (1.2 m) is encased in a silicone braid.

The present remote control will allow you to adjust the volume, as well as control the playback of tracks. In addition to 2 standard keys, there is another one that activates the ANC option: it will help you answer the call and change the noise reduction mode.

In general, the device looks stylish, fits comfortably in the ears, and thanks to the noise reduction system, the user will be isolated from extraneous sounds.

In the headset from Huawei, a USB Type-C connector has been used, through which it is connected to a device (tablet, smartphone, etc.). The ANC system is equipped with 3 modes:

• "journey" - useful to those who are often forced to travel in vehicles (airplanes, metro, trains);
• conventional - designed for operation in the bustle of the street, shopping centers, places of public catering or leisure activities;
• aware - will find application in office premises or the waiting room.

The equipment of the model includes dynamic drivers and effective diaphragms: thanks to them, the high-frequency transmission becomes clearer, and the bass is deeper.
Earplugs can be a good choice for a smartphone owner who needs a mobile accessory with high-quality sound transmission and noise reduction effect.

The price of the model is from 2930 to 4641 rubles.

• ergonomic design, reliable fastening through the original "lugs";
• microphone quality for voice transmission;
• active noise canceling system, excellent frequency response.

• connects only to devices with USB Type-C;
• not protected from moisture.

Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC

Structurally, the considered model is in-ear headphones. Their cord, in order to prevent tangling and for greater convenience, is partially dressed in a fabric braid. The microphone and remote control are separated. The latter is compact but functional.It has round-shaped keys with which you can adjust the volume, get instant access to certain functions of mobile devices. On the side is a 2-position switch that implements the activation of the noise reduction mode.

Specially shaped earbuds with an extended sound tube are the body of the headphones. It is made of metal and painted matt black. At the end of the sound channel tube, 13 mm ear pads are attached (the package includes three additional ones for 10, 11, 13 mm, as well as Comply superior comfort ear pads with a soft foam structure and memory effect).

Sound drivers are enclosed in an ergonomic case: dynamic in response to the low-frequency range, reinforcing - for the transmission of high frequencies. In general, the device provides a pleasant sound, the sound is clear regardless of the volume level, there are no wheezing and rattling. It has a sufficient volume margin, and therefore, even in a noisy environment, there is no need to use the maximum setting. There is no need to increase the volume excessively because activated noise reduction will help to eliminate extraneous sounds in public places: the sounds of working mechanisms, gusts of air are cut off, but human voices remain available for perception (this will help the owner of the gadget not to miss the necessary metro or minibus stop). Having picked up comfortable ear pads, the user will be able to enjoy their favorite music on a noisy street or while in a vehicle.

The Razer headset is practical and compatible with most USB 3 Type-C mobile devices.In addition, it will also find application as a mobile game: the fidelity of the virtual sound stage can be easily achieved by it. The quality level of the microphone as a mobile headset is acceptable.

The average cost of the product is 7390 rubles.

• good sounding dual drivers;
• effective noise reduction system;
• product design and ergonomics;
• equipment.

• price;
• incompatibility with some smartphones due to the presence of a USB-C connector.

Xiaomi AirDots Pro

According to the generally accepted opinion, Air Pros are very close to the concept of sensational Airpods: they also have a good autonomy indicator, similar in format to a charging case, presence sensors in the ears. But they also have certain differences.

Both the headphones and the charging case are made of white or black plastic. The lid of the case and the headphones placed inside are held by magnets that provide a tight fit. Therefore, it is not so easy to remove airdots from the box with gloved fingers, but it also prevents the possibility of accidental shaking. On the right side of the case there is a key for synchronizing the headset with the device, on the bottom there is a standard USB port. The dimensions of the case are not entirely comfortable: it is rather big, and besides, it has a sharp edge on top, which can cause discomfort when worn in tight clothes. The barrel-shaped headphones themselves may not look highly aesthetic, but they fit comfortably in the ears, do not fall out in case of active movement with the right size of the ear pads, which makes them comfortable for sports.

During the initial connection to synchronize with the gadget in the phone menu, select the Bluetooth settings, Mi True Wireless Earphones and open the case with the headset. Pairing will take place. Subsequent connections will be made automatically - it will be enough to remove the kegs from the box and connect the bluetooth. Headset type - in-ear. The device is equipped with a touch control panel located on the back side. Taps on it allow you to manage calls, play music, call the voice assistant on your phone. The IR sensor detects the presence of headphones in the ear: even when one of them is removed, music playback stops temporarily. Noise suppression microphones are located on the side surface of each plug, and conversational microphones can be found below.

If you have two earplugs in your ears, hold down the touchpad button for 3 seconds to activate Active Noise Canceling mode. But the panel does not control the volume and cannot scroll through music tracks (as Airpods can).
As for the sound quality - AirDots reproduces it well, but not expressively. Using the headset as a communication tool will be effective even in windy weather or near a road with vehicles, given the available ANC noise reduction system.

One of the features of the model is moisture protection (IPX4 standard) - this feature will be of interest to athletes, travelers - all those who are on the move: thanks to the presence of such protection, the device will not fail due to sweat.

Continuous use from one charge - up to 3 hours. It takes an hour to fully charge the case.

The cost of a model from China is from 3600 to 7990 rubles.

• good build quality;
• comfortable and secure fit;
• the presence of moisture protection;
• stability of synchronization with an electronic device;
• the presence of a Type-C connector.

• lack of a proprietary application for setting up a headset;
• voice alerts are voiced in Chinese;
• mediocre noise reduction;
• dimensions and configuration of the case and headphones.

Summarizing

The rating presented above is based on feedback from the owners of this product and the existing demand for the model. Of course, the selection of headphones for a particular user is an individual process. Each parameter, be it sound, microphone volume, ease of wearing the design, is subjective. But, perhaps, one of the models popular among consumers will be useful to the reader of this article.