It’s safe to say that most of us want to suppress unwanted background noise before it even starts. Which means that you’ll want to invest in a solid—and high-quality—pair of noise canceling headphones. (Are earbuds more of your thing? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered right here.)
I’m a fan of over-ear headphones for deep work and creative projects (aka, working on my novel). For me, they’re comfortable to wear for prolonged periods like reading and writing, plus they drown out ambient noise and unwanted sounds with finesse.
Not to mention, I love the surround sound-style feel of listening to music with headphones so it feels as if I’m really immersed in my current Spotify playlist.
While I reach for noise canceling headphones in my daily life, they also come in handy on commutes and travel (by train or plane). And they’re an essential when it comes to adding a little bit more tranquility into my day whether I’m at home or on the move.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 100% independently owned and operated
We launched Soundly.com in 2022 to create a better starting point for the hearing health experience.
Instead of selling hearing aids directly, we spend our time reviewing products, publishing clearly organized information, and building modern tools to make the process of accessing hearing health easier. Learn more.
Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our research process here.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 100% independently owned and operated
We launched Soundly.com in 2022 to create a better starting point for the hearing health experience.
Instead of selling hearing aids directly, we spend our time reviewing products, publishing clearly organized information, and building modern tools to make the process of accessing hearing health easier. Learn more.
Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our research process here.
Featured in this article
Why choose noise canceling headphones?
Simply put, noise canceling is a personal preference. If you’re easily distracted by outside noise or over-stimulated, noise cancellation is a must-have feature when it comes to headphones or earbuds. To add to that—even if the above doesn’t apply to you—having that feature on deck is helpful in any environment you might be in. Whether you’re taking calls in busy coffee shops, on a walk, or want to isolate ambient noises in your home, it’s an important feature to have (and odds are, you probably use it more than you realize.)
💫 What does an audiologist have to say about noise canceling headphones? According to Dr. Amy Sarow, lead audiologist at Soundly, “Noise cancellation is another great feature that also makes it easier for children [and adults] to listen at safe levels, without the urge to turn volume up over the background noise.”
What is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?
Noise cancellation is a popular term thrown around in headphone round-ups. So what is it really? And don’t all headphones have this feature?
Basically Active Noise Cancellation—also known as ANC—is a system that utilizes relies on built-in microphones which picks up both external and internal sounds, an ANC chipset that inverts these soundwaves, and an internal speaker that emits counteractive waves to cancel out external noise—a process akin to mathematical equilibrium.
Want a more direct example? Think of it as a math equation in which you’ll add +2 from outside to -2 from the inside, resulting in zero (i.e., a balanced silence). Which means that your headphones with ANC technology work to quell sound waves as they come in while increasing in-ear sound that’s filtering in.
You might be wondering: Aren’t all headphones with noise cancellation created equal? While the proprietary technology is available, how the headphones are designed (fit and function) and how that technology is disseminated to your ears can vary wildly.
What should I look for in earbuds with ANC?
Of course, you’re on the hunt for an everyday pair of headphones with active noise cancellation so that is non-negotiable. But there’s more features to keep in mind.
Here’s a few things to consider in your next pair of noise canceling headphones:
- Price: A budget assists in ensuring that you remain within the appropriate price range when selecting earbuds that align with your lifestyle and requirements.
- Connectivity: Connectivity stands as a vital feature facilitating smooth, enjoyable, and convenient transitions between tasks and during listening sessions.
- Noise cancellation: While this may be the primary feature you're searching for, it remains crucial. This mode enables streaming of audio at safe volume levels and ensures a clear, consistent channel for calls, listening, and other activities.
- Passive noise cancellation: The minimization of external noise is accomplished through the physical construction of the earbuds, rather than relying on electronic methods. This encompasses the design of the ear cups and a secure fit, aiding in the attenuation of ambient noise.
- Adaptive active noise cancellation: The microphone and speakers automatically adapt to your environment.
- Transparency mode: Stay connected to your surroundings effortlessly, even while on a call or with the earbuds in place.
- Adjustability: Options and settings allowing you to manually adjust the background noise level to your preference, either directly or through a companion app.
Finalized your budget? Now you’re ready to read on and get our five best recommendations for noise canceling headphones.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, noise-canceling headphones are a handy sidekick for anyone who needs to drown out—or amplify—the busyness of life. Whether it's for deep work sessions, immersive music experiences, or simply finding tranquility in a noisy world, these headphones can be a sanctuary for the ears. With features like active noise cancellation, personalized sound adjustments, and comfortable designs, they cater to various preferences and budgets, ensuring that everyone can find their perfect sonic refuge. Consider brands like Bose, Seinnheiser, Apple, and more brands. So, whether you're delving into a novel, taking calls, or simply seeking a moment of peace, investing in noise canceling headphones can be a transformative experience for your auditory well-being.
