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In a busy world, we’re bombarded with noise. Whether it’s office chatter in the background or the sounds of a bustling airport, too much noise can not only put a damper on your productivity but also increase your stress levels with constant, overstimulating sound. That’s where noise-canceling headphones can help. Not just for audiophiles, noise-canceling headphones are essential for productivity, whether it’s at work, for travel, or even for health and wellness. Here’s everything you need to know about the must-have tech accessories, from the benefits to what to look for to our top picks for every budget.
How does noise reduction and noise cancellation work?
There are two types of noise reduction for headphones: passive and active. Passive noise reduction uses a physical barrier, like padded ear cups, to minimize noise. Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses advanced powered technology with microphones, processors, and speakers to essentially cancel out external noise. Even though ANC uses power, most ANC headphones have physical barriers that help reduce noise, so you can use them for the sole purpose of a quieter environment, even if the battery is dead.
The benefits of noise-canceling headphones
Noise-canceling headphones can make a big difference for productivity, travel, and overall wellness. They’re a surprisingly effective productivity tool. By blocking out external noise, they help with concentration. They’re also ideal for video calls, since they reduce background noise and make your voice clear. For travel, they drown out the noise of hectic airports and the low and constant drone of an airplane while you’re in-flight. For health and wellness, they’re great for creating a calm environment while meditating, zoning out in a busy gym, and for sleep, although there are noise-canceling earbuds designed just for this, too. They’re also better for your ear health, as the noise cancellation produces quality sound that doesn’t require cranking up the volume to drown out the external noise. And best of all, they improve your listening experience, whether you’re listening to music or an audiobook.
What to look for in noise-canceling headphones
When you’re shopping for noise-canceling headphones, there are a few things to keep in mind, like comfort, usage, battery life, and price. Of course, you want to make sure the headphones you choose are comfortable to wear, ideally for longer periods of time. Look for plush ear padding, a relaxed fit that isn’t too tight or too loose, and an adjustable headband. Use is something to consider, as a remote worker may have different needs than someone who primarily uses them at the gym. Battery life is also important, as ANC requires power to function. You also want more battery life for long workdays, commutes, and overall extended use without having to recharge. Then, there’s the price. Noise-canceling headphones come at various price points, from nearly $500 to under $50, so there’s something for everyone in any budget.
Premium noise-canceling headphones
Premium noise-canceling headphones can run you around $300 to over $500. But with the price comes the performance and brand notoriety to match. Brands like Bose, Sony, and Apple are at the forefront of the most popular noise-canceling headphones, but it’s not just a well-recognized name that they have to offer. They often have hefty price tags due to optimal noise-canceling technology, sound quality, and advanced features, like live translation and AI integration. They’re also built with premium materials, like lightweight yet durable plastic or aluminum and vegan leather, that provide style and comfort to the wearer.
While you get top-tier sound and noise cancellation, these headphones ironically can have a shorter battery life than cheaper options. Because of the advanced ANC technology, they use up more power and in turn, have shorter battery life; however, you still get around 20 to 30 hours per charge, which is more than enough to get you through a workday or commute.
Pricier noise-canceling headphones are best for frequent flyers, long commutes, and tech lovers who want the latest and greatest noise-canceling technology and sound performance, and don’t mind paying a premium price to get it.
Bose QuietComfort Noise-Canceling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones
Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones
Mid-range noise-canceling headphones
Listen, those premium headphone picks come with premium prices, and they’re not exactly the kind of purchase you make on the fly. So a mid-range pick around $150 to nearly $300 is perfect for anyone who wants great value at a more attainable price, making staying productive easy, even if you don’t want to splurge on more expensive headphones.
Consider mid-range noise-canceling headphones as the Goldilocks of the categories. While they might not have the latest technology that comes with newer models, their performance is very close to that of premium brands. They provide more than efficient noise cancellation technology, seamless Bluetooth connectivity, and comfort. Some of our mid-tier picks are even older models of newer versions, proving that you shouldn’t dismiss older versions just because a new and shiny option is available.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Headphones
Beats Studio Pro Premium Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones
Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 Adaptive Active Noise-Canceling Headphones
Budget noise-canceling headphones
Truth be told, there are so many noise-canceling headphones for under $100. They’re significantly more affordable than those mentioned above and can still get the job done in terms of reducing environmental sound. The lower price point is often due to less advanced ANC that more expensive options have, so there’s a slight drop in performance, but they’re still effective for regular use. The benefit? They actually have batteries that outlast premium and mid-range options. Battery life for budget noise-canceling headphones can range anywhere from 40 hours to 90 hours. That means you can use them for a few days to get maximum productivity before you have to recharge them.
Budget headphones are also likely made of cheaper plastic materials that can still be durable, but may not be to the extent of premium or mid-range options. However, the latter is also a benefit in some ways. Since they’re more affordable, you don’t have to worry about being too careful with them. They make a great option for sweaty gym sessions or tossing in a bag after a commute.
Raycon The Everyday Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Active Noise-Canceling Headphones
Tozo HT3 Hybrid Noise-Canceling Headphones
Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise-Canceling Headphones
JLab JBuds Lux ANC Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Canceling Headphones
Which noise-canceling headphones are best for you?
When you’re looking for the best noise-canceling headphones for you, comfort and battery life should be highly considered, but usage and price can set the options apart. Premium noise-canceling headphones are ideal for audiophiles, frequent flyers, commuters, and anyone who wants the latest technology and features. Mid-range noise-canceling headphones offer value, with close to premium performance and a cheaper price tag that’s great for all types of uses, from office workers to travelers. Budget-friendly noise-canceling headphones may not have the latest technology or as high of quality noise cancellation as expensive models, but their battery life and flexibility of uses make them a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
