What Are The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones?
In a bid to find out what are the best noise cancelling headphones available, we reviewed some of the more popular models in our selections using 4 important criteria such as sound quality, cost, comfortability, cost & portability. In our opinion, these prequisites are what the best noise cancelling headphones should possess.
So, what are the best noise cancelling headphones, or rather, the popular headphones that we reviewed? Without further ado, here's the list in the order of our preference :
- Bose QuietComfort 3
Bose QuietComfort's series has been regarded as BMW of the best noise cancelling headphones designed ever. And they certainly didn't disappoint with the later release of the QuietComfort 3. Despite the smaller on-the-ear headsets than the earlier generation, the noise cancellation is not compromised. In fact, it's better! So much so that the classical music we ran through the headset sounds amazing beautiful.
The softness of the leather materials were tender on the ears, making it as comfortable as it looks. It would have been perfect if the headphone uses a less propretary rechargeable battery though. So, for long haul travellers, unless you get another spare battery from Bose, or charge the headset fully (and last for 20 hours) before you get on the flight, your noise cancelling experience may be disrupted. After all, once the battery's dead, so does the music. - JVC HA-NC250
Great sound for a great price. Yes, one of the best noise cancelling headphones we offer here. for those of you who've a smaller budget but don't want to compromise too much on the noise cancellation and compactness of the headset, go for the JV HA NC 250 series.
Built in with adjustable arms, easily swivable ear cups and more cushy leather materials, these noise cancelling headphones significantly offer a more comfortable fit than its previous models. It's quite good in the noise cancelling department and can eliminate even low frequency noises efficiently. And when you run music through it, certain higher frequency noises were less audible too. The best part? Music can still be played even if you turn off the noise cancellation. And the sound quality? Awesome! Crisp and clear on the details, backed by a tight solid bass. - Sennheiser PXC 300
Costing at retail price of $199, this gadget is extremely comfortable on the ears. So comfortable that you can literally sleep while wearing it! Certainly one of the best noise cancelling headphones. The smaller on-the-ear design also folds down to half the sizes of other best noise cancelling headphones you see nowadays. And even if battery life runs out, you can easily replace them with 2 AAA sizes batteries to retain the noise cancelling function. Otherwise, music can still be played even when the battery dies.
Things we didn't like about it? For a start, the noise cancelling functions built in a specific coded unit that can't be detached from the headset. Which kind of made it bulky especially if you've turned off the noise cancelling. Secondly, it can't really eliminate really loud engine noises that much as compared to the other models. - Sony MDR-NC500D
This newer over-the-ear release by Sony clearly has the high end market in mind and aspires to be one of the best noise cancelling headphones around. Costing at a hefty retail price of $399, it offer superior noise cancelling function through the use of advanced feedback noise cancelling technology that is controlled by a digital equalizer & software. The sound quality of the upbeat music we ran through it was superb too. Solid bass and great details. Although the noise cancellation had to be turned on at all times, Sony offers more options for the batteries. You can choose between the built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery or battery pack that accepts 2 AAs connected in an extra code. Alternatively, you can also choose to run it using the included power adapter.
It didn't score too well in the comfort department though. The somewhat oblong shape of the ear cups and the tight fit was pretty uncomfortable when wore for a slightly longer period of time. Although Sony includes an excellent hard shell carrying case with your purchase, it was considerably bigger than some of the models we reviewed earlier.
If you'll like to check out the best prices for some of these products, check out the noise cancelling headphones for sale here.
And we certainly hope the above answered your question of "what are the best noise cancelling headphones"!