Best Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

If you travel on a noisy public transport or work in an office with chatty colleagues, beats wireless noise cancelling headphones cancelling headphones can provide the sonic buffer you need to stay focused. We evaluated the comfort, sound quality, and the ability to block out continuous high-frequency sounds such as restaurant chatter and incidental sounds such as ringing phones or keyboards clacking.

Sony WH-1000XM5

When it comes to the best ANC headphones, Sony's WH1000XM5 is a top choice. The first model to be released in 2016 in the WH-1000XM5 model, it is among the top options for anyone who wants to enjoy their favourite music or podcasts without distractions. The latest version of the series marks its first major redesign and offers many exciting features. The headphones are also environmentally friendly, and do not come with plastic packaging. They provide excellent noise cancellation and crystal clear audio.

If enabled, the WH-1000XM5's noise cancelling is simply unmatched. Attaching a pair of headphones to your head creates a cone of silence that can block out the sound of engines in trains and subways and the whirring of HVAC systems, and even neighbouring conversations. They're also among the best ANC headphones to block out low-frequency drones and bass hums.

Another great feature is Ambient Sound Control, which adjusts the headphones' acoustic balancing based on the environment you're in. For example, if you're at home listening to your favourite album the WH-1000XM5 will change to a more immersive listening experience. If you're walking down an avenue that is busy, they will change to an energised profile to help you be more aware of your surroundings.

The WH1000XM5's earcups have an earpiece that can be controlled by gestures on the right side. It is able to change tracks, pause and play music. You can also use the voice assistant to adjust the volume, search for content and make calls using hands-free technology. The headphones boast an amazing frequency response consistency and provide an immersive, full stereo image. They also feature a group delay that's incredibly accurate, which helps maintain an even soundstage.

Another nice touch is the possibility of connecting the WH-1000XM5s with two devices at the same time. This is especially useful if you're using your laptop to listen to music while you make phone calls using your smartphone. They come with a built-in microphone and a USB-C port for charging. They also come with a cable to playback direct analog. The battery lasts for about 30 hours. It can last for up to a week, or even a long trip.

Bose QuietComfort 45

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is the latest update to the premium headphones manufacturer's flagship model. It was introduced in September 2021, and it undercuts the new Sony WH1000XM4 by around PS320 or $329 or AU$439 compared to its 700-sibling. In terms of functionality it comes with top-of-the-line active noise cancellation and features such as voice assistant support as well as automatic pause when you remove the headphones. The design is also a lot more comfortable than earlier models. There are some things to keep in mind, however. The buttons on the side of the earcups are now touch-sensitive and require pressure to activate, so it could be difficult for some people to adjust to. While you can adjust ANC and switch to an "aware" mode which allows ambient sounds, you cannot completely turn off the audio.

The headphones are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a pair of premium headphones to wear on a plane or train or at home while working. They come with a long battery life, excellent noise cancellation and clear audio. They also have multipoint Bluetooth which means they can be connected to two devices at the same time and switch between them with the press of a button. They also have their own app, which isn't quite as flexible as other apps, but has plenty of useful features.

The QC45s also come with an active noise cancelling mode that's very effective. In my testing, it can be a bit too loud at times. The passive EQ modes are however more balanced and let you be more in control of the sound signature of your music. If you're listening to music with lots of cymbal shimmer you may find your headphones grating slightly, but this is easily fixed by reducing 3-20kHz in your music player's EQ.

While some may be disappointed by the omission of certain features, like adjustable ANC/transparency and EQ, and a slight dip in call quality Overall, the QC45s are an excellent choice to anyone who wants top-quality ANC at a reasonable price. They are comfortable to wear and come with the USB-C charging port.

Shure Aonic 50

Shure's Aonic 50 headphones are premium headphones that place an emphasis on audio. Their drivers utilize a massive 50mm dynamic driver and they're packed with high-resolution codecs to deliver the best possible audio playback through Bluetooth. The headphones provide a balanced sound that is full of detail throughout the frequency range and they have a natural sense of space and positioning to them and allow you to feel the vibrancy of every note and the movement of music around you.

The headphones are heavier than their competitors at 334g, but they're comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The headband rests on the top of your head without putting too much pressure and the earcups are well-padded, making them extremely comfortable. They're also very mobile. They fold flat and can easily be stored in the carrying case.

On the right earcup are the usual controls, such as playback, volume, and power/pairing. The slider on the top lets you switch between noise-cancelling, a neutral mode and what Shure calls "Environment Mode". Environment mode allows more ambient noise to be heard and can be helpful for those who need to keep track of your surroundings. The controls are good, but there is some time between pressing the buttons and when it happens (i.e. when you play the button while on a phone you'll probably end up blaring your ears with music, instead of calling up your mom). The phones do not have microphones, however they do have an audio response provided by Google Assistant. Their mics can also be used to filter out background noise while on the phone.

The battery can last up to 20 hours for most people. They do include an USB cable to connect to your phone to charge but it's not as convenient as using Bluetooth but it's a great feature to have and ensures you can listen to your music back when charging. They are also compatible with audio devices that have 2.5mm ports, which means you can travel with them.

Monoprice BT-600ANC

The Monoprice BT600ANC Bluetooth over-ear noise cancelling headphones come with all the features you require in a pair of wireless headphones for a fraction of the price. The headphones are high-quality Qualcomm HD Audio and Active Noise Cancelling. They are also lightweight with a foldable design and are easy to put in bags or backpacks. The headphones are an excellent choice for students or commuters and have a long-lasting battery that allows you to listen all day. They also have convenient control buttons that let you swipe or tap to alter the volume, skip tracks, and answer calls.

The BT600ANC headphones have an uncluttered design that recalls the Monoprice M1000ANC headphone we looked at last year. The headsets are a matte gray and are not branded at all, so they do not really stand out in public. However, they offer an extremely soft and comfortable fit that is suitable for most ears. The small size of these headphones and the carry case included makes them perfect for traveling.

The earcups are covered in leatherette and provide excellent passive isolation. The headband has lots of adjustability, and it is soft without feeling bulky or slouchy. The headband is wide enough to accommodate glasses wearers, which means they'll work for a majority of people.

Monoprice ANC is very effective and doesn't sound tinny as some other brands. It has a slight boost between 100-200Hz, giving an even more full sound to bass notes. This is evident in the opening of Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo with a clear and clear response. However they have a noticeable drop-off in the upper frequencies above 10kHz so the cymbal or shaker sounds won't be as crisp and clear as other headsets.

There are three ANC modes to choose from high, medium and low. high. The low setting is great for suppressing most ambient noise but does not block out traffic and loud conversations. The medium setting is appropriate for most environments, and the high setting will keep you isolated from all other sounds, except your own. The earcups are equipped with touch-sensitive controls which take some time to become familiar with. Swiping upwards and Wireless downwards on the pad controls the volume, while tapping the pad or swiping it left right switches tracks. Double-taping can be used to stop the music or answer a phone call. It takes some practice to master, but once you get the hang of it, you'll find it very useful.