Escape from the bustling surroundings and immerse yourself in a realm of pure audio bliss – that’s the promise of noise-canceling headphones. A quality pair of noise-canceling headphones emerges as the ultimate sanctuary for your senses. Whether you’re a daily traveler, seeking respite from the urban orchestra, an office warrior, or simply a soul in need of a vacation from the constant hum of life, these technological marvels might just be your ticket to auditory liberation.
Noise cancelation isn’t just about the promise of auditory escape; it’s a harmonious blend of technology and comfort. Beyond the rhythmic play of sound waves, the perfect pair of noise-canceling headphones snugly wraps your ears, inviting you into a realm of extended usage without discomfort. These headphones sport Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) and many other interesting and useful features.
Diversity is the spice of life, and headphone designs are no exception. We’ve examined hundreds of candidates through the lenses of sound quality, noise-canceling prowess, enduring battery life, extended comfort, and those delightful extra features that make every penny count.
Regardless of your budget, style preferences, or audio cravings, we’re on a mission to help you find the perfect harmonious companion for your ears. Our picks are woven from the threads of value, design, and of course, the soul-stirring quality of sound.
So, fellow music pilgrim, as you stand at the crossroads of noise and serenity, remember that your ticket to auditory liberation awaits. These noise-canceling headphones are more than gadgets; they’re keys to a world where every note, every whisper, and every crescendo is yours to savor without intrusion. It’s time to immerse yourself in a symphony of silence and rediscover the music you love – uninterrupted, uninhibited, and unequivocally yours.
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5
In the realm of active noise-canceling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 stands as a true virtuoso. At the forefront of the active noise-canceling arena, the WH-1000XM5 boasts an exceptional combination of impeccable sound and unparalleled noise cancellation. Sony, renowned for its audio prowess, has meticulously crafted a dynamic duo that seeks to redefine auditory pleasure. While the XM4 and QC45 showcase remarkable noise-canceling capabilities, the XM5 ascends the throne by offering a slightly superior sonic encounter.
With a soundstage that spans the horizon, the XM5 artfully blends resounding bass depths with crystalline highs. This fusion creates an immersive sonic journey that resonates deep within the soul, ensuring that every note played or sung reaches you with an intensity that’s both captivating and evocative.
Key to the Sony WH-1000XM5 experience is the versatility it offers through its companion app. This app isn’t just a peripheral, but rather an intricate tool for crafting your personal audio haven. Sony grants users a deeper level of control with an adjustable equalizer, enabling you to fine-tune your headphones to match your precise auditory inclinations. This emphasis on customization elevates the XM5 above the competition.
Sony’s commitment extends to Android users, who are greeted with the embrace of the high-end LDAC codec. This codec isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the conduit to high-resolution streaming services. LDAC ensures that every nuance of a song, from the delicate whisper of a guitar to the powerful crescendo of vocals, is delivered with breathtaking fidelity, effectively capturing the essence of the recording studio.
Delving into the core of these headphones, the XM5 embraces a 30mm driver, a departure from its predecessor’s 40mm iteration. Alongside this, the XM5 opts for a design that refrains from complete folding, a choice that might raise eyebrows. The dynamic range and spatial resonance that characterized the XM4 remain intact, a testament to Sony’s commitment to maintaining a sonic experience that’s both familiar and innovative.
Yet, the true pinnacle of the WH-1000XM5 experience lies in its unrivaled noise cancellation prowess. Sony’s expertise in this arena has allowed the XM5 to create an oasis of silence amidst the cacophony of the world. From muting the drone of an air conditioner to obliterating the hum of an engine, the XM5 transports you to a realm where every note, every beat, and every pause is yours to savor, unmarred by external distractions.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 provides seamless Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, automatic ear detection, intuitive touch controls, and the mesmerizing Sony 360 Reality Audio. The headphones retail for Rs. 34,990. Click here to buy.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
Sennheiser continues to redefine excellence in the realm of headphones with the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. These cans are more than a gadget; they’re a symphony of technology and design, boasting remarkable battery life, a versatile app, an extensive range of features, intuitive controls, and a sound profile that will leave you nodding in musical ecstasy. Notably, their adept noise cancellation adapts seamlessly to your surroundings, promising an auditory haven.
While the aesthetics might be a touch understated, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless speaks volumes through its performance. Departing from its slightly unconventional anchored aluminum headband, Sennheiser has embraced a more business-like design featuring black plastic and fabric elements. However, any initial reservations about the design are swiftly forgiven once you do these headphones.
A successor to the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless, these headphones have evolved in various facets. Their predecessors were lauded for their exceptional sound quality, impressive feature set, built-in Tile tracking for added security, and active noise cancellation (ANC). Yet, the battery life left room for improvement. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless addresses this concern with an astounding battery life of 60 hours, even with ANC activated. To put things into perspective, popular models like the Sony XM3, XM4, and XM5 offer only 30 hours of battery life.
In the realm of sound, the Momentum 4 excels. Its audio quality resonates with a delightful balance, delivering resonant bass depths and crisp highs that envelop your senses. The true marvel lies in its adaptive noise cancellation, a feature that can be tweaked to perfection. Imagine controlling ANC with a mere ‘pinch’ of the right ear cup, similar to the gesture used to zoom in and out of photos on a smartphone. This personalized control over noise cancellation enhances the auditory experience, immersing you in your chosen sonic realm.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless also stands out for its versatility. Supporting the aptX Adaptive codec, these headphones provide an avenue for indulging in Hi-Res audio content with superior sound quality. They promise an audio experience that remains true to the renowned Sennheiser sound signature, while also embracing innovation and modernity.
In a landscape dominated by giants, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless emerges as a formidable contender. While its aesthetic might appear modest, its performance and features pack a punch. The headphones are priced at Rs. 34,990. Click here to buy.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 emerge as a brilliant choice among noise-cancelling headphones, offering an exceptional blend of design, performance, and functionality.
At the heart of the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 lies a unique approach to noise cancellation. Traditionally, noise-cancelling technology was tailored to enhance music clarity by blocking environmental sounds. However, Bose goes a step further by extending noise-cancellation to phone calls as well, creating an immersive auditory bubble that encapsulates both music and conversations. This distinctive feature earns the Bose 700 the prestigious title of the best noise-canceling headphones for making calls.
The auditory experience delivered by these headphones is undeniably exceptional. A lively and vibrant character is infused into the sound, creating a well-balanced soundstage that captivates with its richness.
When faced with the choice between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, the former wins on the fronts of price and battery life. However, the Bose 700 holds its own ground, especially for individuals who prioritize immersive audio experiences and frequent phone calls. While the Sony WH-1000XM4 might take the crown as an all-rounder, the Bose 700 is a clear winner for those seeking a harmonious blend of noise cancellation and call clarity.
An aspect that truly shines is the touch controls, which boast impeccable sensitivity and responsiveness. Whether you’re an Android aficionado or an iOS enthusiast, the playback controls function seamlessly, ensuring a consistent user experience across devices.
While battery life might not stand out as a headline feature, it’s important to note that the Bose 700 headphones still outperform many competitors in the market. With approximately 21 hours and 25 minutes of battery life with active noise cancellation and Bluetooth enabled, the Bose 700 strikes a balance between endurance and performance.
Ultimately, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 carve a niche of their own in the bustling landscape of noise-cancelling headphones. Their unique feature set, compelling audio performance, and commitment to enhancing call quality make them a force to be reckoned with.
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is available for Rs. 34, 500. Click here to buy.
AirPods Max
Apple’s debut into the world of headphones has resulted in the AirPods Max, a product that boasts top-tier noise-canceling capabilities and an unmistakable Apple aesthetic.
Undoubtedly, the AirPods Max shines as a premier noise-cancelling option. The hybrid active noise-cancelling technology ensures optimal sound isolation. Moreover, the implementation of Adaptive EQ, a feature previously seen in the AirPods Pro, takes personalization to the next level. This technology adjusts the frequency response in real time based on your surroundings and how the headphones fit, enhancing the audio experience by adapting to the environment.
Unsurprisingly, the audio performance of the AirPods Max remains on par with the reputation of Apple products. Their sound quality surpasses that of more budget-friendly alternatives, delivering a sonic experience that’s engaging and rich. However, it’s important to note that the headphones exclusively support SBC and AAC codecs, omitting high-bitrate options like LDAC.
The AirPods Max possesses an array of features that contribute to its appeal, including active noise cancellation, superior audio quality, and a distinctive design that sets it apart from its competitors. During testing, these attributes left a lasting impression. However, there are caveats to consider. Their premium pricing and lack of support for Hi-Res Audio codecs might be off-putting for audiophiles seeking the ultimate auditory experience.
Despite its exceptional audio performance and cutting-edge ANC, the AirPods Max’s premium price tag raises questions about value. For Android users, the headphones remain high-performance devices with a unique design, but the steep price might be a deterrent. Yet, for those who are deeply ingrained in the Apple ecosystem, possess a substantial budget, and prioritize user-friendliness and advanced features, the AirPods Max offers unparalleled ease of use and seamless integration. With active noise cancellation and Bluetooth enabled the AirPods Max delivers a battery life of approximately 21 hours and 25 minutes.
The integration with Apple devices and services seamlessly continues a trend seen in the AirPods Pro, ensuring a cohesive user experience for Apple enthusiasts. The AirPods Max’s list of pros includes exceptional audio performance characterized by rich lows and crisp highs, high-quality active noise cancellation that particularly excels in managing low-frequency sounds, a stunning and unique design that distinguishes it from the crowd, Adaptive EQ for personalized audio, and the convenience of hands-free Siri access.
However, it’s essential to address the cons. The lack of user-adjustable EQ limits customization, and the placement of buttons may lead to misfires when adjusting the fit. The included Smart Case, while stylish, offers minimal protection for the headphones.
Ultimately, the AirPods Max caters to a specific audience: devoted Apple users who seek a seamlessly integrated experience across their devices and services. While they might not surpass the Sony WH-1000XM4 in terms of ANC and overall value, the AirPods Max stands as a premium option that capitalizes on Apple’s ecosystem and aesthetic.
The AirPods Max is priced at Rs 59, 900. Click here to buy.
Bose QuietComfort 45
Bose continues its legacy of delivering excellent noise-cancelling headphones with the Bose QuietComfort 45, a successor to the well-received QC 35 II. Sharing a familiar design, the QC 45 impresses with its top-tier active noise cancellation (ANC), comfortable build, and user-friendly controls. While it offers significant advancements, some limitations prevent it from claiming the top spot in a competitive market.
A standout feature of the QC 45 is its exceptional ANC capabilities, setting a new benchmark for Bose’s noise-canceling technology. It outperforms its predecessors, making it a solid choice for those seeking uninterrupted listening experiences. However, a drawback is the inability to fully disable ANC, preventing users from using the headphones solely as a wireless pair without ANC. This limitation might deter some who value versatility in their headphones.
In terms of sound quality, the QC 45 presents a sculpted audio profile with pronounced bass and crisp highs. While this tuning might suit most listeners, purists and audiophiles seeking accurate sound reproduction might find the sound signature less appealing. Bose has addressed this concern by introducing a custom EQ feature that enables users to adjust the treble to their liking, enhancing the listening experience for those with specific preferences.
Comfort remains one of the strongest attributes of Bose headphones, and the QC 45 doesn’t disappoint. The well-padded synthetic leather ear cups and cushioned headband contribute to extended wearing comfort, ideal for long listening sessions or travel. The headphone’s weight distribution and ergonomic design minimize fatigue, enhancing overall usability.
Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity ensures a stable wireless experience with a reach of up to nine meters before encountering any connection issues. However, it’s worth noting that the QC 45 lacks support for higher-end Bluetooth codecs like aptX, relying on SBC and AAC implementations instead. While this might be a slight drawback for audiophiles, the improvements in these codecs over time offer commendable audio quality.
The Bose QuietComfort 45 maintains Bose’s reputation for delivering exceptional ANC headphones with comfortable designs and user-friendly controls. Its class-leading noise cancellation and sculpted audio profile make it a strong contender for noise-cancelling enthusiasts. While some limitations like the inability to fully disable ANC and the sound signature might deter some, the QC 45 remains a recommended choice for those seeking comfort, effective ANC, and overall audio performance.
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is priced at Rs. 29, 990. Click here to buy.
FAQs
Do noise-cancelling headphones completely eliminate all noise?
No, noise-canceling headphones reduce consistent low-frequency noises like engine rumble, but they might not fully eliminate complex or sudden sounds like conversations or loud music.
What is adaptive noise cancellation?
Adaptive noise cancellation is a feature that adjusts to real-time environmental sounds, including shifts in your head’s position. This can be beneficial for some users but distracting for others. Apps now offer options to switch between adaptive and manual modes based on preference.
How to choose between headphones and earphones?
When choosing between headphones and earphones, over-ear headphones provide the most effective ANC due to their tight seal and earpad barrier. On-ear models offer good noise reduction while being more comfortable and portable.
