The best full-size wireless noise canceling headphones. Choosing noise canceling headphones Bluetooth noise canceling headphones

Interest in noise canceling headphones in Russia appears very slowly, many generally look at accessories with disdain, they say, all this is a stupid waste of money. I bought a smartphone, the rest needs to be spent on. This approach can be compared to how novice drivers calculate the cost of a car, they say, here's a car, it costs (say) one hundred thousand. I can afford it. But what about gas, maintenance, insurance, parking, fines? You need to think about this right away. It's the same story with accessories. If you fly often, it's important to protect your brain. And what destroys it? It is destroyed by noise. Children cry, adults talk or sing songs, a neighbor tries to communicate. On-ear noise canceling headphones - perfect protection. You let your neighbors know that you don't want to talk. You are escaping the noise. You are in a good mood, your brain is saved. So is this worth spending money on? Of course! I note that such headphones will save you not only on the plane, but also in the office, and on public transport, and at home, if you need to listen to music calmly, even if neighbors from all sides have started repairs. And I will say right away that even the best headphones with the ANC (Active Noise Control) system will not be able to perform miracles and completely protect you from very high volume, something will leak out. But in any case, your ears and head will suffer much less.

And the last thing. I tested all these headphones personally and I recommend everything to you - during New Year's trips, the noise reduction will come in handy. By the way, this is also a good, useful gift.

Headphones

Parrot zik

Parrot has already shown the second generation Zik, I had a chance to see this model live, listen to it, it is impressive - however, I can not say anything about the start of sales. But now it is not too late to buy the first generation Zik. The model is extremely successful and will be especially interesting for those who are looking for advanced solutions. In the end, the Bose QC25 is just a headphone, nothing else. And Zik is a software and hardware complex, sensors for controlling playback with fingertips, applications for iOS or Android, connection via Bluetooth or using a cable. I recommend reading the review if you are thinking about buying, this applies to other headphones too.

pros: design, effective noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, interesting smartphone app, comfortable to wear for a long time, touch control and so on - you can find out more in the review.

Minuses: these are quite large headphones, but this can hardly be called a big drawback.

Price: 12,500 rubles.

Bose QC25

The most modern headphones of the Quiet Comfort series, a review on the site will appear very soon. I have only positive impressions, I think these are the best noise canceling headphones on the market - the AAA battery life is about 35 hours, all scary sounds are perfectly cut off on the plane, a convenient remote control, excellent sound quality and package contents. But you are unlikely to like the price. The not-so-obvious pluses include the durability of the headphones, the ear pads and cable can be swapped out, so the QC25 will last you years. This also applies to QC15.

pros: design, sound quality, excellent operation of the noise canceling system, operating time, delivery set, work with any device. Well, the Bose QC25 is also very convenient!

Minuses: not found.

Price: 14,000 rubles.

Bose QC15

Good old headphones that replaced the very popular QC3. Classic Bose design, excellent performance of the noise canceling system, very comfortable, even if you wear them for several hours without taking off, you will not feel fatigue. But the sound quality here is not the most outstanding - not bad, but no frills. With prolonged use, you can change the ear pads, cable, these parts are removable. Good delivery package.

pros: The most important thing is good noise canceling headphones for your money, comfortable and simple, will last for years until you get bored.

Minuses: If the battery is dead and there is no spare, the QC-15 can be put back in the case.

Price: you can find it on sale for 11,000 rubles, and even cheaper.

Bose QC20

There was an interesting story related to QC20. Once we were filming videos on Taganka, and a friend came to see us. During the break, he asked for help with the choice of plug-in headphones - he said that, in principle, he hates headphones, listens to music at home on the speakers or in the car, and that I can hardly surprise him. And he said that he would fly to Vladivostok tomorrow on business. The flight is long. I decided to advise QC-20, I opened the package myself, showed everything and told me - the sellers had already left. Then the magic began, a friend walked around the store with his mouth open, did not hear anything, did not respond to the name. Then he enthusiastically began to tell what a cool model it is, and how quiet everything is, and how he did not hear our voices, music, nothing at all. And it's great that these are not big on-ear headphones. In general, I bought it. And I said for a long time, back in the review, QC-20 have no analogues.

pros: miniature size, long battery life (16 hours), excellent sound quality, noise canceling system works great, works with any device.

Minuses: alas, the battery is located in a separate block, the block is on the cable, some may not like it - although it weighs little and is not too noticeable.

Price: 15,000 rubles.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro

An extremely curious model in terms of value for money, Plantronics managed to do something in between Bose, Parrot, add its own look to this narrow niche. Of the main features - there are Play / Pause sensors, when the headphones are on the head, the music is playing, it is worth taking them off and the music stops playing. The rotating jog wheels on the ear cups will help you adjust the volume and rewind the track. The noise cancellation system works great, the sound quality is good, but for me, Studio 2 has more interesting music. But this is a personal experience, maybe BackBeat Pro will be perfect for you.

pros: Long working time (24 hours), good sound quality, effective noise canceling system, Bluetooth 4.0 support, cable connection possible, work with any device. I love the unique feature of mute the microphones, when you begin to clearly hear everything that happens on the street - made specifically to talk to people without removing the headphones.

Minuses: impressive size (but otherwise it was impossible to combine everything described above in one).

Price: about 10,000 rubles.

Beats Studio 2 / Beats Studio 2 Wireless

Many are dismissive of Beats, but they didn't even take ten minutes to listen to Studio 2 - which is worth doing. Unlike the Bose QC15, the sound quality is really interesting here. But the noise cancellation system is not as effective. The operating time is about 20 hours, for charging you will need a microUSB cable (as for some other models this year) and two hours of time. There is a wireless model, it costs a little more, but at the same time it can be used with or without a cable. Yes, one more thing, these are the most famous headphones in the world at the moment.

pros: great design, foldable, comfortable to wear, long working time, good sound quality, the wireless version can be used in two ways, with and without a cable.

Minuses: there are too many fakes on the market, buy only in trusted places.

Price: about 13,000 rubles.

Sony Xperia Z3 / Z2 + Sony MDR-NC31EM

In this article, it was impossible to do without this set, you can use the MDR-NC31EM headphones with any Sony equipment with a 5 pin connector, from the current one it is Sony Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. Do not forget to turn on the noise canceling system in the settings. It is powered by the phone's battery, but it has little effect on the operating time, you will hardly notice that the headphones are eating up time. But what you will notice is the silence.

pros: compact, noise canceling system works well, good sound quality.

Minuses: The noise canceling system works only with Sony devices, not everyone will like to shove ear tips in their ears.

Price: about 3,000 rubles.

Well, do not forget about the easiest way to deal with noise - earplugs are sold in any pharmacy. Only fifty rubles, and you can sleep peacefully during the flight.

In the overwhelming majority of cases, ordinary and high-quality or, as an option, overhead models are enough for an ordinary music lover in order to distract from the outside world and enjoy his inner one, coupled with some marvelous composition.

But there are times when only noise canceling headphones will help, and not only will help, but will improve health and make life much easier. You don't have to go far for examples - have you tried to relax in a reserved seat with a cheerful company next door? Or sleep on a long flight for 8-10 hours? In a rumbling bus or minibus, rest also becomes a problem. Therefore, noise canceling headphones are, as is often the case, the only option to calm your nerves and calmly distract yourself from the hustle and bustle of the world. It is worth putting on one of the models described below, and the long-awaited happiness of silence and tranquility in the company of your favorite music or radio station comes.

So, let's try to figure it out. Noise canceling headphones: what are they, which models deserve attention, what is good for the office and what is for the home? Let's designate the most successful models in the form of a rating, taking into account the opinions of specialists in this field and the reviews of ordinary owners.

Bose QC 25
Bose QC 20i
Sennheiser MM 550-X Travel
Denon AH-NCW500
Jabra Evolve 80 UC

Bose QC 25

This model was nicknamed "Big Noise Killers" for a reason. The manufacturer positions it as an innovative device with the maximum level of noise cancellation. According to the specification, the model is capable of cutting off 95% of external noise.

The Bose QC 25 Noise Canceling Headphones are considered an active system and operate on a single AAA rechargeable battery. It is enough for about 30-odd hours. It is also worth noting that the model has excellent ergonomics and fits perfectly on the head. The cups grip the ears sensibly, due to which the pressure is practically not felt.

The owners in their reviews appreciated the deep and enveloping bass, as well as the presence of a beautiful and compact case. Also, buyers were quite satisfied with the passive noise reduction system if the battery is dead. Some are scared off by the price of the gadget, but judging by the reviews of experts, the balance of price and quality is maintained at the proper level.

In addition to the case, the package includes a built-in and convenient remote control, as well as a detachable cable that is compatible with all Apple devices and some gadgets on the Android platform. Many owners have designated the QC 25 as a subway noise canceling headphone.

Estimated price - 23,000 rubles.

Bose QC 20i

If the previous respondent can be called the best among the overhead and full-size models, then the QC 20i is among the in-channel models. And here the nickname "Little Noise Killers" is appropriate. Just like the 25th model, the QC 20i noise canceling headphones can work in active and passive modes. To maintain an active mode, a built-in battery is provided, which lasts about 15 hours.

Some owners in their reviews complain about the not very convenient case where the battery is stored, calling it a "eyesore", but after several days of work, the feeling of discomfort disappears. Users liked the ergonomics of the gadget - the headphones do not fall out and sit comfortably.

Opinions of experts and owners

In terms of sound, the device pleased: powerful and clear bass, bright highs and well-balanced mids. The only thing that the owners in their reviews mark as a minus is the lack of "honest" sounding, because many musical compositions at the output turn out to be slightly embellished. This is especially noticeable in the high and low frequency ranges. In this regard, it remains to recommend a test drive of the gadget before buying, so as not to be disappointed after the purchase. In addition, the high price does not allow making the purchase frivolous.

The device perfectly synchronizes with all Apple products and some Android devices. The owners of the gadget overwhelmingly position the model as noise-canceling headphones for the office: small, comfortable and practical.

Sennheiser MM 550-X Travel

This model can be called a quality all-rounder in retro style. The Sennheiser 550 Series Noise Canceling Headphones look like '80s hello' but, unlike older models, work great.

In terms of its acoustic characteristics, this model outperforms the QC 25 on some points: "correct" sound, balanced bass and "meatiness". The only thing that the MM 550 series loses to is in the quality of noise reduction: 90% to 95% for the QC 25.

Owner reviews

Among the indisputable advantages, the owners in their reviews note the absence of wires and a long battery life in active mode. Also, among other positive features, there are other distinctive nuances that these noise canceling headphones have. The review showed that the gadget fully supports the SRS WOW HD technology, which means that the owner of the device will have excellent surround sound.

Among other things, the model sits perfectly on the head and allows you to spend a lot of time at your favorite activity without any discomfort. Well, and the last point that can become critical when choosing headphones is a replaceable rechargeable battery - a very rare quality even in expensive analogs.

Estimated price - 30,000 rubles.

Denon AH-NCW500

This is a relatively compact model of noise canceling headphones, which differs from the mass of others in a rather interesting control system. The gadget is equipped with a sturdy plastic case that perfectly matches the leather inserts.

The control system should be mentioned separately. The universal button for switching tracks, start and pause is located on both parts of the headphones. In addition, a very convenient volume control in the form of a ring is located on one of the ear pads.

As for the active noise reduction mode, it is noticeably weak here when compared with the previous participants in the rating. However, during work or play, you will not hear the copier working or the noise from the air conditioner. Active noise canceling mode will drain the battery in about 10 hours in wireless mode, and then you can connect the wires and work with the passive system.

User opinion

The owners in their reviews speak very warmly of the model. Almost everyone was satisfied with the noise canceling characteristics, coupled with excellent sound. Especially well the gadget is given bass and high frequencies, which accurately and "truthfully" convey all the information to the listener. Some people complain about small dips in the middle frequencies, but this is noticeable in a number of rare compositions.

Estimated price - 15,000 rubles.

Jabra Evolve 80 UC

The brand is still famous for its Bluetooth headsets, which completely conquered the business segment. In the new Evolve line, the company has focused on the same area, that is, it has developed another high-quality gadget for business.

This model is the only one of all those reviewed, which can be called a headset. Other participants in the rating have a microphone, but it is built into the earpiece and is located relatively far from the mouth, while the Evolve models are equipped with a specially designed boom with a hinge for greater convenience. And if in the first case we have a mediocre transmission quality due to the distant location, then in the second - everything is exactly the opposite.

By and large, we can say that the Jabra Evolve 80 UC is not only a full-fledged headset, that is, “two in one”. The owners in their reviews have repeatedly noted this pleasant feature, and dispatchers and streamers spoke about it especially warmly. Also, many owners were pleased with the "Do not disturb" mode. If it is activated, then the ear pads light up red, thereby notifying those around you that the user is busy. The battery life of the gadget is quite acceptable and fluctuates within a day. There are also no questions about the sound - everything is almost perfect, and there were no criticisms.

Estimated price - 20,000 rubles.

Today, almost half of the assortment in the audio department of any store is equipped with an active noise cancellation system. Some say that this is the best invention since the appearance of headsets, while others are sure that this is just another trick for pumping money.

Let's figure out together whether you need to pay attention to a similar feature when choosing headphones.

What is it and how does it work

Active noise cancellation is a way to eliminate unwanted noise by overlaying specially generated sound.

Active noise cancellation works as follows. The system captures the noise that needs to be suppressed through an external microphone and emits a sound wave with the same amplitude but mirrored phase of the original sound. The wave of noise and generated sound mix and cancel each other.

This method of dealing with noise when listening to music allows you to abandon complete noise isolation or excessive volume increase. These two methods were previously actively used to suppress unnecessary sounds.

The first patents in this area began to appear in the 30s of the twentieth century, but the real application came only after half a century. Active noise canceling technology was originally used in the aviation and defense industries. It only hit the consumer market a few years ago.

Is it effective

Many people in vain consider the system of active noise cancellation as a marketing gimmick. Yes, the system will not protect against all noise, but it performs its direct function properly.

It is generally accepted that a person is able to perceive sounds in the range from 20 Hz to 20 KHz. Most modern "noise suppressors" do a good job with noise from 100 Hz to 1 kHz. This is quite enough to save the listener from other people's conversations, traffic noise and wind.

We perceive fluctuations in the range below 100 Hz not only with the ear, but also with the body, here no noise cancellation in the headphones will help. As for the upper range, the system is able to turn high-frequency squeaks or whistles into a calm hiss.

With good noise canceling headphones, you can feel like you are in a quiet room, even when you are on a noisy street.

Useful tricks of active noise cancellation

The manufacturers thought, since the headphones are equipped with an external microphone, why not provide for the opportunity to use it for its intended purpose.

Some models allow you to temporarily disable noise canceling and broadcast sound “outside” to the headphones. So you can communicate with your interlocutor, move around safely, or simply take in information from the outside world without taking off your headphones.

Another advantage of models with active noise suppression is the presence of a built-in amplifier. It is with its help that "anti-noise" is generated for the operation of the system, but besides this, the amplifier is able to produce better sound.

Is it really that smooth

The active noise cancellation system also has its drawbacks. The main one is that these headphones are not suitable for everyone. Do not worry, the percentage of those for whom the technology is contraindicated is quite low. About 3% of users with prolonged use of active "noise reduction" begin to complain of headaches.

Their cause is the active noise suppression system intolerance syndrome. It is similar to motion sickness, when our brain thinks that the body is at rest, and the vestibular apparatus sends opposite signals.

Similarly, when noise is suppressed, it seems to the brain that we are in a quiet place, and the senses are sending unusual signals.

Another negative factor is the increased pressure on the eardrums, because in addition to music and noise, “anti-noise” enters our ear. This can cause malfunctions in the nervous system and lead to headaches.

What are the alternatives

At the moment, active noise cancellation is the most technologically advanced solution. This feature cuts off up to 95% of extraneous sounds when listening to music. In this case, a whole chain of additional elements is used and this affects the cost of headphones and headsets with active noise cancellation.

In contrast to this technology, you can put passive noise cancellation. It is achieved by sealing the human ear from external noise using massive ear cushions in on-ear models or flexible and flexible ear cushions in vacuum models.

All other things being equal, such headphones are cheaper and easier in the device, which means they are more reliable in operation.

What to choose in the end

First, you need to go to the nearest electronics store with exhibition samples and visually make sure that the active noise cancellation system is working. A simple comparison of headphones with and without such a system will immediately give the result.

In order not to fall into the so-called "risk zone", it is better to ask a friend or acquaintance for a model for a test.

This is how another technology, previously in service with the military, penetrates into our lives.

Listening to music with headphones outside the home is always a struggle between chaotic external noise and that beautiful sound, organized in pitch and timing, which we call music. Whether you will hear the rumbling of a railway carriage or the sound of your favorite composition to a greater extent depends on the degree and quality of noise cancellation of your headphones. How can you get rid of external noise, and most importantly, and is it worth doing? Let's figure it out.

Where and when is noise reduction needed?

Noise canceling headphones are generally recommended for long trips. A typical advertising poster is a well-dressed middle-aged man in a business class plane. I haven't been in business often, but I can say for sure that in economy class on international flights, a couple of people are sure to come across a couple of people putting on noise-canceling headphones on their heads right after take-off. And in those moments when I forgot mine, I always sincerely envied such people. If you think about it, an airplane or, say, a train is far from the only reason to use noise canceling headphones. The metro is no less noisy, and just being on a busy city street, it is difficult to listen to music, ignoring the noise of passing cars. An even more interesting story is the use of these headphones indoors. What for? Well, let's say at home you can listen to music and not hear a working TV. And in the office, which buzzes like a beehive during the day, you can work calmly and with concentration in conditions of silence and comfort. And let your colleagues envy your calmness!

Essence of the question: Noise canceling headphones are relevant in a much wider variety of situations than you thought.

Life hack: Do you want to stay in silence and loneliness when there is noise and chaos around? Get some good noise canceling headphones. There is no better way to "turn off the sound" for a while.

Run your ears

This article has been read 27,377 times

Ranking the top 3 best noise canceling earplugs

Noise Canceling vs Noise Isolation - Is Noise Canceling Better?

There are misconceptions about noise cancellation and noise isolation. Below we will try to explain the difference.

Noise reduction

Noise Cancellation is an active system that uses a microphone and external power. The microphone picks up ambient noise, and the control chip creates sound with similar characteristics, but opposite in wave phase and directs this sound to the headphones. An identical sound with opposite phases extinguishes itself, and you just have to listen to music and enjoy the silence.

This system works well for suppressing low-frequency noise, such as constant engine hum.

When Active Noise Cancellation works, you seem to be transported to a quieter place, but this technology does not remove all the ambient noise.

Human voice echoes, loud music and any other noises with inconsistent frequencies cannot be isolated, so you will hear them all the time. As a rule, the combination of active noise cancellation and passive noise isolation provides the best result.

Noise isolation

Passive noise isolation does not need complex systems - it drowns out noise, isolating it. For example, the tight-fitting ear cushions of full-size headphones play a significant role in blocking out all external noise. In-ear headphones with their shape seal the ear canal, so sound waves are transmitted through an air column isolated from the environment.

Sound-isolating headphones can block up to 37dB of noise, providing complete blocking of low human voices.

Passive noise isolation blocks all outside sounds - from neighbors stomping to screaming children. This makes them useful when you crave privacy.

On the other hand, complete sound insulation can be dangerous in public places, as it can be important to know what is happening around you while walking on the street.

What can you expect from headphones with noise canceling technology?

Headphones with noise canceling technology eliminate the majority of background noise without suppressing high-frequency sounds such as human voices and traffic.

As soon as you press the noise canceling button, some of the background sounds will simply disappear, creating the illusion of a quieter environment.

Thus, the noise canceling headphones are ideal for travel when you want to get rid of the rumble of the engine, while they allow you to hear the sounds that alert you to important things. For example, about a flight delay at the airport or about an approaching car on the street.

What does 95% noise reduction mean?

Typically, noise canceling performance is measured under specific, low-frequency, low-noise conditions, as this is where Active Noise Cancellation achieves its best performance.

This does not mean that active noise cancellation with 95% efficiency will remove 95% of background noise. They will only suppress frequencies at different levels. Thus, the ratings of active noise cancellation should be treated with some degree of skepticism, as they do not demonstrate the true effectiveness of this technology.

Review of the top 7 best in-ear noise canceling headphones

Best Bose QuietComfort 20 Earplug Headphones

Bose QuietComfort 20 is arguably the best active noise canceling earplug headphone available today.

Not everyone loves Bose products, but we must admit that they have achieved impressive results in the field of sound suppression and today they are leading in this direction in the audio equipment market.

Noise suppression

If you want to magically get rid of background noise and plunge into the world of music, but still hear high-frequency sounds - you will not find anything better than Bose QuietComfort 20.

The earplugs' noise cancellation seems to work even better for high frequency noise compared to competing headphones (with this technology). They are so good that they will save you from the hum of aircraft turbines and some of the noise of traffic, and will muffle the shrill human voices and the loud chirping of birds.

They may not completely rid you of these sounds, but they do it better than all the other models on this list.

In addition, the QC 20 has a special mode called Attention, which reduces noise cancellation for when you need to hear other people around you.

The battery, which is needed for noise cancellation, is unfortunately non-removable, but it lasts 16 hours, after which it can be charged via USB. The lithium-ion battery can withstand up to 500 charge cycles, after which its capacity begins to decrease. Thus, if you use the noise canceling mode for about 10 hours on average, then you will have enough battery life for a year and a half.

Construction reliability

The build quality is good, despite the plastic plugs. The silicone ear cushions are pleasant to the touch and fit snugly. The cables are protected by a sufficient layer of rubber and they are hardly the weak link in this design.

Comfort

Bose QuietComfort 20 is extremely comfortable with its lightweight design and quality silicone ear cushions.

The set with the headphones provides you with three different sizes of ear cushions, which will allow you to comfortably place the "plugs" in the ears of almost any person. And while the ear pads are comfortable, they look a little short, which reduces their passive noise isolation and fit stability. However, as soon as you select the best level of fit and sound insulation you are unlikely to disappoint.

Peculiarities

The microphone sits on the cable and works as expected, allowing you to easily answer calls without interrupting noise canceling.

No less ergonomically located control of compositions and the mode of operation of noise reduction. Please note that Attention mode is guaranteed to work only with the required OS type - iOS or Android.

Sound

As for active noise canceling headphones, the sound is not bad, but it cannot be compared to regular audiophile models.

Sound seems to be better when noise cancellation is on than when it is off. In the latter case, the mids are less pronounced, so it makes sense to activate active noise cancellation as often as possible.

In general, the sound can be described as typical Bose - with accentuated bass and slightly shadowed high frequencies. However, the sound is more balanced than in previous models, where the mids were even worse.

All in all, if you value noise cancellation over sound quality (typical of people who are constantly on the move), then Bose QuietComfort 20 will be to your liking. After all, if you're looking for the very best piece of noise canceling technology embedded in a small and comfortable pair of headphones

Bose QuietComfort 20 is waiting for you.

Advantages:

best noise reduction in its class;
sufficient comfort with a stable fit;
strong build;
ideal plugs for travelers;
Sound quality that rivals the best active noise canceling headphones.

Disadvantages:

price;
sound quality deteriorates when noise canceling is turned off.

AKG K391 NC in-ear headphones with active noise canceling

Noise suppression

Compared to the Bose model above, the AKG K391 still has room to grow, but overall the device provides a decent level of noise suppression.

They perform well on board airliners and on public transport seats, successfully drowning out low hums, white noises and other background interference, while it is unable to cope with the voice.

The battery is even more tenacious than the Bose, and will last about 40 hours on a single charge.

Construction reliability

The construction is made of aluminum and the build quality is excellent. Aluminum ear cushions, thick rubberized wires securely fastened to the battery and noise cancellation devices - you have to try to find flaws in the design.

Convenience

AKG K391 NC has a design closer to vacuum headphones, while Bose QuietComfort 20 is more like on-ear headphones. Therefore, they stay in your ears exactly until the moment you begin to actively move, which makes them not the best choice for sports training. The ear cushions can be replaced with foam ones to improve convenience, although the original silicone ones are very good.

Peculiarities

The microphone works great for taking calls, and you can easily connect to any iOS and Android device. Don't expect studio-quality recordings from him, but it will do for a conversation with a friend.

Sound

Any audiophile would agree that the AKG K391 NC sounds better than the Bose SoundQuiet 20 as it sounds more balanced.

Whereas Bose have a pronounced bass and treble, AKG has a more balanced sound profile. It also cannot be compared to typical audiophile devices, although the sound quality is closer to them than Bose.

With the noise reduction mode turned off, the sound suddenly loses detail, but when you turn it on, the sound picture changes dramatically for the better: the highs become clear and pronounced, acquire a warm hue, the middle is not darkened, and the bass becomes elastic and clear.

All in all, if you don't want to spend a ton of money on the Bose QuietComfort 20, but want similar noise canceling performance with high build quality and an improved sound profile, go for the AKG K391.

Advantages:

better than average noise reduction;
high build quality;
balanced sound.

Disadvantages:

slightly bulky due to the battery;
the sound still falls short of regular headphones.

Best wireless headset with microphone and active noise canceling Phiaton BT 220 NC

Noise suppression

According to the developers, the noise reduction efficiency is 95%. Despite the beautiful figure, the Bose QuietComfort 20 still beats the Phiaton, especially when suppressing high-frequency sounds.

Headphones earplugs with active noise cancellation connected via Blutooth - the battery is designed for 16 hours, depending on the nature of use. Bluetooth 4.0 works no worse than older versions, and can receive a signal within a radius of 10 meters. Wireless headphones have built-in AptX technology for better quality, just make sure your device supports it (iPhone doesn't).

Phiaton BT 220 NC can be used in different ways - both with Bluetooth and active noise canceling, and as regular wired headphones using a micro USB cable.

Construction reliability

There is nothing special about the design. They do not look flimsy, but they do not tolerate moisture well and are made mainly of plastic, which, however, makes them very light.

Convenience

Their lightness makes them very comfortable. As soon as you choose the correct size of ear cushions, you will forget that you are wearing them.

Peculiarities

Wired connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0 and AptX technology, microphone (only working in Bluetooth mode), and multipoint connection that allows you to connect up to two devices at the same time.

Sound

The sound is excellent, perhaps even better than the Bose QuietComfort 20, but only if you gravitate towards a balanced sound. The highs are very crisp and detailed, the middle is not darkened, and the bass is firm, but clearly not accentuated.

After all, if you're looking for a comfortable, lightweight, affordable wireless headphone with good sound, the Phiaton BT 220 NC.

Advantages:

95% noise reduction;
convenience due to lightness;
16-hour battery life;
Bluetooth 4.0 with AptX;
possibility of wired connection;
balanced clear sound.

Disadvantages:

strong winds spoil the sound when noise canceling is on.

Sony MDRNC13 - Sony's latest active noise canceling in-ear headphones

Noise suppression

This technology is less effective here compared to products from Bose or Phiation, but it works well. They perform well when noise canceling is needed, but you still want to hear ambient sounds. As stated by Sony, they have 87% noise reduction.

But what surprised the Sony MDRNC13 was the battery capacity, which lasts for 100 hours! This uses conventional AAA batteries. No noise canceling earbuds can last that long on a single charge.

Construction reliability

The design of the product is made of high quality plastic. You shouldn't take the Sony MDRNC13 to the gym or expect years of service from them, but they won't fall apart when used on a daily basis.

Convenience

The earbuds are quite large, but since they are made of plastic, they don't weigh very much and provide a comfortable fit even on long flights.

Peculiarities

Sony MDRNC13 is not equipped with a microphone for telephone communication, but can work with any tablet or smartphone.

Sound

The sound quality has a typical Sony picture - weak bass and clear highs. In general, the sound is good, but it does not hold up to comparison with more advanced cousins.

As a result, if you want quality Sony earplugs with impressive battery capacity, the Sony MDRNC13 is a great choice.

Advantages:

effective 87% noise reduction;
Sony branded quality;
lightweight and comfortable;
impressive battery capacity;
good balanced sound.

Disadvantages:

Bose and Phiaton have the best noise cancellation

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 - Most Popular Noise Canceling Earplugs

In our opinion, this model offers the best cost solution among all active noise canceling headphones at the moment.

For less than $ 100, you get sturdy in-ear headphones with high-quality sound that is better than many $ 200 models in this segment.

Noise suppression

According to Audio-Technica, these headphones suppress up to 90% of noise, which is really true, so they can be put on a par with Bose QuietComfort 20 and Phiaton earbuds in terms of noise cancellation efficiency.

The battery life is 60 hours on a single charge, thanks to the capacious AAA batteries.

Construction reliability

Audio-Technica branded products can hardly be of poor quality, even with the plastic. In any case, don't worry about the earbuds breaking after a few weeks.

Convenience

ATH-ANC23 are lightweight, but have a volumetric design. But that doesn't make them uncomfortable. On the contrary - as soon as you choose the correct size of ear pads, they will seem to you more comfortable than many vacuum "plugs".

Peculiarities

The headphones do not have a separate microphone as the microphones are already built into the ear cushions.

Sound

This is where Audio-Technica is good, especially when you consider the cost. These are definitely the best in-ear active noise canceling headphones in terms of sound quality. The sound profile is felt to be concentrated around the middle. The tops are usually clean, but they can get rough at times. The low end has a crisp and punchy bass.

Thus, if you want to get the very best "earplugs" with active noise canceling technology, then the choice is definitely worth stopping at the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23.

Advantages:

excellent 95% noise reduction;
good build;
affordable;
high quality sound;
60 hours of operation on one battery.

Disadvantages:

for that kind of money, it's hard to find something better.

Active Noise Canceling Headphones for Sony Xperia MDR NC31EM

Before reading the review, please note that Sony MDR NC31E is only compatible with Sony gadgets that support noise canceling - these are smartphones and tablets of the Xperia series (Z2, Z3, Z4, etc.)

Noise suppression

According to the manufacturer, this value reaches an impressive 98%, however, in our opinion, the Bose QuietComfort 20 has better noise reduction. On the other hand, the NC31E has various noise canceling modes: air travel, public transport and office. In addition, there is no need to worry about the battery, as there is no battery in the headphones, and the active noise cancellation is powered by the connected device.

Construction reliability

The Active Noise Canceling Headphones for Sony Xperia are made of plastic with rubberized wires that are prone to tangling as the cable on the left side is shorter than the right side. The build quality matches the Sony brand, but nothing special to boast.

Convenience

Replacing the supplied ear cushions with Comply foam cushions will allow you to achieve a new level of comfort, since the standard ones cannot be compared with most models of this type.

Peculiarities

The noise canceling mode works because the microphones are built into the headphones and the connected Xperia series device generates the waves.

Sound

The sound quality is very good. The sound profile is balanced and there is clearly no heavy bass. All in all, exactly the sound you would expect from regular $ 50 headphones.

All in all, if you're looking for affordable noise canceling headphones for your Sony Xperia, the MDR NC31E will come in handy.

Advantages:

noise reduction with a level above average;
no bulky "box" with a battery and noise canceling device;
available;
unique design;
good sound.

Disadvantages:

only works with Sony Xperia series devices.

TaoTronics TT-BH06 Most Budget Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

Noise suppression

After evaluating previous active noise canceling headphones, we find the TT-BH06 to be the worst performer. Yes, noise cancellation works, but much worse than that of more expensive counterparts, which, in principle, is quite expected for $ 20 headphones.

The built-in battery allows you to enjoy the available noise canceling mode for 5 hours.

Construction reliability

Of course, the strength of these headphones is not the highest. The manufacturer claims that the device is waterproof, but you definitely shouldn't hope for a long life. On the other hand, TaoTronics support department is ready to replace any product that suddenly stops working for unknown reasons.

Convenience

Finding a suitable seating position takes habit as the earbuds have a built-in battery that makes them heavier. In general, they can be worn for about an hour before you get tired of them. If you are lucky with the shape of the ear canal, then you will surely find these headphones comfortable, and if not, then get ready for the constant loss of "plugs" during any active actions.

Peculiarities

Bluetooth 4.1 allows you to connect to any wireless device, and the communication range reaches up to 10 meters. In addition, TaoTronics can use AptX audio enhancement technology. A built-in microphone is also available, which is convenient for phone calls.

Sound

The sound quality, oddly enough, is surprising. Of course, he is far from his dear colleagues, but a fairly balanced sound with a minimum of bass is quite suitable for those who want to enjoy music on a long journey.

So for $ 20, you can't find a better wireless headset than the TaoTronics TT-BH06.

Advantages:

very low price tag;
definitely worth the money;
heaped up enough;
responsive support service.

Disadvantages:

noise reduction technology is worse than all of the above models;
nothing special stands out.