The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

You need the best noise-cancelling over-ear headphones, whether you want to block out the hum from your HVAC system or you want to fight the sound of jet engine noises. The latest Sony WH-1000XM5s have become the new kings of active noise cancellation, and their predecessors are equally excellent.

We've analyzed the adjustability of ANC and touch controls, as well as on-ear detection for pausing music when your headphones are removed. Our top picks have high-resolution audio, comfortable ear cups and large earcups.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony's flagship headphones is a major improvement Over Ear Wireless Headphones Noise Cancelling its predecessor, with better noise cancellation and enhanced audio quality. Its impressive ANC performance creates an illusion of silence that covers your head and blocks out a shocking amount of low-frequency noise. The ear cups block out noises in the mid-treble range like chatter from passengers and creaking metal.

The WH-1000XM5s sound natural, in contrast to noise cancelling headphones that sound hollow. They can reproduce the beats of Billie Eilish in stunning clarity, while keeping the edges clean and clear. It's an absolute pleasure listening to them on long flights or during commutes.

A capacitive touch-screen on the right earcup handles the most commonly used controls, such as play/pause, volume up/down, skip forwards/backwards and skip. It can also stop and answer calls and switch between ANC mode and ambient sound. You can also press and hold the power button for a few seconds to hear a voice telling you how much battery life is left.

Another significant improvement to the XM5s is its new QN1 microphone, which is designed to capture high-quality audio when recording podcasts and videos. The microphone is more sensitive than the previous models and also has a wider audio range which makes it easier for you to hear your voice.

The XM5 also carries certain features that were XM4's like the adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance based on your surroundings. The "Wearing Detection" feature detects when the headset is removed, and will pause music or video. It will then resume it as soon as the headset is put back on. It's compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine, which enhances compressed music to close to hi-res quality.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH1000XM4s of Sony are the latest version of their top-of-the-line over-ear headphones. They offer class-leading performance, even though they don't have the same active noise cancellation features as the WH1000XM5s. The WH-1000XM4s feature a more powerful Bluetooth connection and an improved noise cancellation algorithm. They also have an upgraded audio chip that enhances music to HD quality and has advanced voice controls.

The most significant improvement in this new generation is that Sony has made the WH-1000XM4s softer than before by putting padding around the headband and moving the microphones to the outside of the ears. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions.

They're also more flexible, allowing you to switch between five sound modes depending on the environment. Sony headphones come with an app that allows you to customize your EQ settings. They're a great choice for travelers, and the app lets you track your activity and automatically adjust their settings on the fly.

Another big improvement is the WH1000XM4's noise cancellation, which has been improved by adding more sensitivities and improving how it blocks out low frequencies. This can be verified by looking at graphs such as the one shown above. Higher peaks mean that more sounds are being canceled out. The WH-1000XM4s also better attenuate low-frequency sounds such as the hum of an air conditioner or the constant rumble of a plane engine than any other pair of noise-canceling headphones we've tested.

The WH-1000XM4s are still equipped with a an impressive set of features which include a battery that lasts up to 30 hours, and a USB-C charging port built-in. They also have Quick Alert, a feature that lets you tap the right earcup and dampen music to activate transparency mode. Speak to Chat, for instance it stops media when you speak (and it works well, although sometimes it fails to recognize taps), as well as Sony's Smart Listening Technology, which can detect your environment and provide better sound.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II (or QC35 Wireless 2018) are over-ear headphones which were released in September 2017. While they have been succeeded by the 2021-released Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 They are still popular and affordable, and are worth a look if you're looking for a noise cancelling headphone.

The QC35 II are a great pair of wireless headphones that provide an incredibly comfortable fit and a neutral sound profile, and outstanding noise isolation. They can be used in noisy settings as well as while on the move and last for more than a day on one charge. They are also compatible with most smart assistants and can be activated by pressing 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 ear padded that can fit most ear shapes and sizes and are lightweight. The hinges on the housings fold down and make them easy to pack into a bag or backpack. The controls are located on the right-hand side of the headphones and are easy to use. Playback can be controlled by tapping the buttons, including rewinding or skipping songs.

For an example of the quality you can expect from these Bose headphones we played The Beatles' Let It Be and listened to the drum beats and over ear wireless headphones noise cancelling piano notes. The QC35 II deliver crisp, clear audio that is smooth and precise. They dig up subtleties in the vocals, for instance Paul McCartney's erratic timing when he's building to the chorus or Gerard Way's snarl as he laments teenage individualism on Teenagers.

The QC35 II can be connected to up to two devices at once and are compatible with all smart assistants. The QC35 II comes with a carry bag as well as a USB charging cable.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony has a reputation for building excellent headphones that are priced at a reasonable price. The budget-friendly WHCH720N headphones by Sony aren't any different. These headphones have many of the same features of the WH1000XM5 flagship headphones, but in a more budget friendly design. These headphones offer a lot of active noise cancellation for the price of a small.

Similar to the WH-1000XM5 headphones these headphones have 30mm dynamic drivers that provide plenty of bass and clear high frequencies. They have an even sound that blends well with various genres of music. They also feature a huge, encompassing soundstage.

The WH-CH720N headphones use buttons for controls instead of the gestures and touch controls of the XM5 headphones. This could be a bit of an issue as the buttons can be confusing at first. Luckily, the headphones have clearly labeled controls and are arranged intelligently. Double presses of the '+' button can pause and play audio. A single press reduces the volume. When you press and hold the button the button, voice assistants will be launched and calls are canceled.

These headphones can last up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is among the best over ear headphones noise-cancelling battery performance we've seen on over-ear headphones. They have a standby function to conserve battery.

The WH-CH720N can be connected to Android phones and iOS devices via Bluetooth. They are compatible with LDAC which lets them play high-quality audio on compatible devices. They also work with PlayStation consoles with an analog 1/8" TRS cable. They can also be used as wired headphones on a PC with the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect App lets you personalize your headphones with 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. They sport a sleeker style and a new application. They deliver on their promise of high-end build quality and sound 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 good job of keeping out ambient noises and ensuring that you're able to focus on your music, podcasts, or gaming handheld without interruptions. They feature a six-microphone setup (four for noise cancellation and two for voice-recording) and a new algorithm that cut down on ambient noise by 30dB. They're also one of only a handful of Bluetooth headphones we've tested that can be used in a passive manner, allowing users to listen to their content without the need to power the drive units.

They also work with the B&W Music app, a free download that offers a wide range of features that go along with the great noise cancelling. The Quick Action button can be set to activate your device's voice assistance, cycle through the three environmental settings and display the battery's life. The annoying thing is that you have to press and hold the button - a single press would be easier and more intuitive.

The PX7 S2 are a very impressive pair of headphones, which should delight most music lovers. They're not appropriate for the high-quality music of genres like metal and rock that are known to favor bass-heavy production and muddy low frequencies as they are to classics, folk and Acoustic music, but will still be awe-inspiring to those who appreciate audiophile cred which is also practical and easy to use.