Noise-cancelling headphones have become an essential accessory for many people, whether you’re commuting to work, working from home, or just looking to enjoy your music in peace. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right pair of noise-cancelling headphones that fit your needs and budget. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2023 to help you make an informed decision.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the successor to the highly regarded WH-1000XM4 and is one of the best noise-cancelling headphones available on the market. The headphones are equipped with Sony’s latest noise-cancelling technology that blocks out ambient noise to give you an immersive listening experience. The headphones also have a comfortable design, making them ideal for long listening sessions. The battery life of the headphones is also impressive, offering up to 30 hours of playback time.
Pros:
- Excellent noise-cancellation capabilities, making it great for use in noisy environments or during travel.
- High-quality sound with clear mids and highs, and powerful bass.
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, with soft ear cushions and a padded headband.
- Long battery life, with up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge.
- Advanced features, such as touch controls, voice assistance, and support for hi-res audio.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to some other wireless headphones on the market.
- Some users may find the touch controls to be too sensitive or difficult to use.
- No support for aptX or LDAC, which are high-quality Bluetooth codecs used by some other wireless headphones
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a high-quality wireless headphone with excellent noise-cancellation and sound quality. However, its high price tag and lack of certain advanced features may make it less appealing to some users.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is another popular choice among noise-cancelling headphones. The headphones are equipped with three levels of noise cancellation that can be adjusted according to your preference. The headphones are also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your music and other smart devices with your voice. The battery life of the headphones is up to 20 hours.
Pros:
- Outstanding noise-cancellation capabilities, which block out a wide range of external sounds.
- High-quality sound with balanced mids and highs, and good bass response.
- Comfortable to wear for long periods of time, with soft ear cushions and a lightweight design.
- Easy-to-use controls for adjusting volume, track selection, and noise-cancellation settings.
- Long battery life, with up to 20 hours of playback on a single charge.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to some other wireless headphones on the market.
- No support for hi-res audio or advanced Bluetooth codecs, such as aptX or LDAC.
- Some users may find the sound signature to be too neutral or lacking in bass.
Overall, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is a top-performing wireless headphone with excellent noise-cancellation and comfort. Its high price tag and lack of certain advanced features may make it less appealing to some users, but for those who prioritize noise-cancellation and comfort, it is a great option to consider.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless is a premium pair of noise-cancelling headphones that delivers excellent sound quality and active noise cancellation. The headphones are designed to provide a comfortable fit, and the earpads are made from soft leather that conforms to your ears. The headphones also have touch controls that allow you to adjust the volume and playback. The battery life of the headphones is up to 17 hours.
Pros:
- Premium build quality with a combination of metal, leather, and soft-touch materials.
- Excellent sound performance with balanced and detailed sound signature, and deep bass response.
- Effective noise-cancellation, which can be adjusted to different levels using the companion app.
- Intuitive touch controls for adjusting volume, track selection, and noise-cancellation settings.
- Long battery life, with up to 17 hours of playback on a single charge.
- Support for aptX and AAC Bluetooth codecs.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to some other noise-cancelling headphones on the market.
- Ear cups can be a bit small for some users, which can lead to discomfort over long listening sessions.
- Limited number of ANC settings compared to some other headphones in its class.
Overall, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless is a premium noise-cancelling headphone with excellent build quality and sound performance. Its high price and potential comfort issues may make it less appealing to some users, but for those who prioritize premium materials and sound quality, it is definitely worth considering.
Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max is a new addition to the noise-cancelling headphone market and has quickly become a popular choice among Apple users. The headphones are equipped with Apple’s H1 chip that provides seamless connectivity with other Apple devices. The headphones also have a unique design and come in five different colors. The battery life of the headphones is up to 20 hours.
Pros:
- Premium build quality with a sleek and modern design.
- Excellent active noise-cancellation that can adapt to your environment in real-time.
- Impressive sound quality, with a well-balanced sound signature and great detail in the mids and highs.
- Intuitive controls that are easy to use, including the Digital Crown for adjusting volume and switching between noise-cancellation modes.
- Good battery life, with up to 20 hours of playback on a single charge.
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to other high-end headphones on the market.
- Can be heavy and uncomfortable for some users, especially during long listening sessions.
- Lack of customization options, including EQ settings or the ability to use different audio codecs.
- No support for multi-device pairing, meaning you need to manually switch between devices.
Overall, the Apple AirPods Max are a well-designed and high-performing pair of headphones that deliver excellent noise-cancellation and sound quality. However, their high price and potential comfort issues may make them less appealing to some users. Additionally, their lack of customization options and inability to pair with multiple devices at once may be a deal-breaker for some users who value versatility and control.
Jabra Elite 85h
The Jabra Elite 85h is a versatile pair of noise-cancelling headphones that can be used for both music and calls. The headphones are equipped with eight microphones that provide excellent noise cancellation for calls. The headphones are also durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. The battery life of the headphones is up to 36 hours.
Pros:
- Excellent active noise-cancellation that effectively blocks out background noise.
- Impressive battery life, with up to 36 hours of playback on a single charge.
- Good sound quality with a customizable EQ, allowing you to adjust the sound signature to your liking.
- Comfortable to wear, with soft earpads and a lightweight design.
- Voice assistant integration, allowing you to access your phone’s voice assistant with the touch of a button.
Cons:
- Bulky design that may not be appealing to everyone.
- Limited connectivity options, with no support for aptX or LDAC codecs.
- No 3.5mm headphone jack, which may be a drawback for some users who prefer wired connectivity.
- The control buttons can be somewhat unintuitive to use, and the touch controls may not work as well in colder temperatures.
Overall, the Jabra Elite 85h are a solid pair of headphones that deliver excellent noise-cancellation and sound quality, as well as impressive battery life. However, their bulky design and limited connectivity options may be drawbacks for some users. Additionally, the controls can take some getting used to, and the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack may be a deal-breaker for some users who prefer wired connectivity.
Choosing the right pair of noise-cancelling headphones is a personal choice that depends on your needs and preferences. The headphones mentioned above are some of the best noise-cancelling headphones available on the market and are worth considering. It’s essential to consider factors such as battery life, sound quality, and comfort when choosing a pair of noise-cancelling headphones to ensure that you get the best experience.
