5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones of 2022

Most music listeners prefer a total shutout from the outside world when listening to music. However, music listeners aren’t the only ones in this category. Most people who use a headphone pair don’t want the interruption of background noise.

Focusing on the music, podcast, or even an audiobook without distracting noise is essential. So, what about headphones and earbuds that offer this listening experience? The essence of noise-cancellation is to improve your listening experience.

The best earbuds and headphones all have active noise-cancelling functions. Active Noise-Cancellation (ANC) is a feature that sets the best headphones apart from other headphones. These listening devices prevent the intrusion of loud noise and ambient sounds. They also serve as the perfect focusing tool to prevent you from getting distracted.

One advantage of noise-cancelling devices is their improved sound quality. Imagine listening to music while using public transportation without the accompanying loud noise. With these devices, you can block out traffic noise and chatter. Thus giving you room to focus on what you’re listening to. It sounds like a sweet experience.

Now, read on to learn about the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2022.

Factors to Consider when Picking Noise-cancelling Headphones

In picking the best noise-canceling devices, you must consider essential factors. Such factors cover the price, brand, comfort, features, and functions of ANC headsets.

Sometimes, popular brands such as the Sony Headphones, Bose Headphones, and Earbuds aren’t the right fit for you. It is important to look for the factors influencing your buying choice.

Here are important factors to take note of in buying these devices:

• Brand
• Sound Quality
• Noise-cancellation ability
• Comfort
• Battery Life

Brand

There are go-to brands for noise-cancelling devices. Headphone brands such as Sony and Bose are popular brands for earbuds and headphones. Most ANC headphones reviews recommend a Sony or Bose headphone as the best choice.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose Noise-cancelling Headphones 700 are two of the top-rated ANC headsets. These two ANC headsets are in all top noise-cancellation headphones reviews. But they aren’t the only inclusions. Here are some of the popular ANC headsets from Bose and Sony:

List of Bose Headphones

• Bose QuietComfort 45
• QuietComfort 35ii
• Bose QuietComfort Wireless Earbuds
• SoundSport Free (Wireless Earbuds)
• Sports Open Earbuds
• Bose Sport Earbuds

List of Sony Headphones

• Sony WH-1000XM3
• WH-1000XM4
• Sont WH-1000XM5
• Sony WF-1000XM3 (Wireless Earbuds)

Sound Quality

Sound quality matters greatly. You can’t use ANC headphones with poor sound performance. If you ever find yourself with such a device, you would wish for the intrusion of ambient noise.

Anyway, most quality ANC headsets have effective sound quality output. It all comes down to preference. Some headphones brands produce the highest quality when it comes to sound. An example of such a brand is Bang &Olufsen.

Bang & Olufsen produces the best headsets with clear and large spectrum sounds. Each headphone excels in a particular type of sound. It boils down to preference, and your listening choice determines your pick.

Adaptive noise-cancellation feature fine-tunes the listening experience of the user. It adjusts the background noise to the sound produced from the headphone pair. This feature exists in higher models of ANC headphones.

Noise-Cancellation Ability

Generally, devices with noise-cancellation functions differ from noise-isolation devices. A noise-isolation headphone blocks noise through physical means. Such physical means can be ear cup seals. These ear cups seal your ears to reduce background noise. But this feature offers limited use.

noise-cancelling headphones actively use a feature called Digital Signal Processor (DSP). DSP cancels noise by listening to outside noise and producing an opposing sound wave that distorts this noise. This phenomenon is termed Destructive Interference.

The noise-cancellation performance of headphones gets affected by microphones and the DSP model. They work together to listen to outside noise and generate the opposing sound wave. Sony and Bose headphones produce top-rated ANC headphones.

Comfort

In past years, ANC headphones used to be uncomfortable and bulky. Now, ANC headphones are more comfortable and weigh less.

The comfort of your ANC headphones determines how long you will keep them on. You’d be inclined to use it less if you find it uncomfortable. Spending much money on a device you’d hardly use isn’t advisable.

An ANC headphone that feels like a plush pillow around your ears is comfortable. But people have different heads and ear choices. Also, they have preferable choices too. If you prefer harder ear pads, there are available models for your taste.

Moreover, the portability of these headphones is important. Foldable headphones are more compact while traveling. Most ANC headphones are foldable, while others have fixed designs. The cases of these ANC headphones also matter. The style and sturdiness of these cases determine how you pack them.

Battery Life

Compared to older headphones, the headphones of today have better battery life. This occurrence is due to the improvement in Lithium-ion battery tech. Today’s headphones have longer battery life and faster charging.

ANC is a feature that consumes the battery heavily. Ensure you check out the battery life of your potential ANC headphone. Also, check out how long it takes to charge and its average daily use.

5 Best ANC Headphones of 2022

The top 5 best ANC headphones of 2022 all have superior sound quality. They combine the essential features and have great quality. Here is a list of the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2022:

1. Sony WH-1000XM4
2. Bose Noise-cancelling Headphones 700
3. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
4. Bose QuietComfort 35ii
5. Bose QuietComfort 45

1. Sony WH-1000XM4

• 35,342 Ratings
• Availability: In stock (Ships outside the U.S.)
• Price: $278 on Amazon

Product Description

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is one of the top-rated noise-cancelling headphones on the market. This over-ear headphones pair by Sony got released in 2020. Its ANC function is excellent, and its sound performance is top-notch.

Moreover, its LDAC technology optimizes your Bluetooth performance without interruptions. The Sony Headphones Connect app lets you adjust noise-cancellation settings. It also provides Equalizer customization for sound performance.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 houses a proximity sensor that reacts to your use. It automatically detects when you take off the headphone pair and adjusts the playback. This feature optimizes battery life.

With its adjustable noise-cancellation, high and mid-frequency sounds are blocked out. Also, it performs well at high altitudes and adjusts sound according to your head shape. This performance is due to its atmospheric pressure optimization and secure fit.

Its Speak-to-chat feature exhibits conversational awareness. It utilizes five built-in microphones to detect your voice and pauses audio. These microphones also improve hands-free calling.

Specifications

• Brand – Sony
• Model Number – WH-1000XM4
• Physical Dimensions – 7.27 x 3.03 x 9.94 inches
• Weight – 254 grams
• Audio Cable Dimensions – 1.2 meters
• Water Resistant – No
• Headphone Type – Over-ear headphones (Circumaural)
• Battery Type – Lithium-ion
• Battery Life – 30 hours (ANC activated), 38 hours (ANC disabled), 200 hours (Waiting time with ANC disabled)
• Charging Time – 3 hours
• Fast Charging – Yes (10 minutes of charging gives 5 hours of battery life)
• Active Noise-Cancellation – Yes (HD Noise-cancelling Processor QN1)
• Sound Drivers – 1.57-inch (40mm) dome-type
• Wireless – Yes
• Connection Type – Bluetooth 5.0
• Ambient Sound mode – Yes
• Voice Assistant – Yes
• Touch Controls – Yes
• Microphone – Yes

Features

• Pad Type – Foam Anti Pressure Pads
• Sound Control – SENSE ENGINE, Virtual, Sound position, Adaptive
• Frame Type – Rotating
• ANC Technology
• LDAC Technology
• Carrying Case
• Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE)

Pros

• Excellent noise-cancelling with in-app
• Great Audio Performance with punchy bass
• Pairs up to 2 devices simultaneously (Bluetooth multipoint)
• Long-lasting battery to life
• Speak-to-chat mode feature is good
• Comfortable design
• The auto-pause function is superb (conversational awareness)
• Compact foldable hinges

Cons

• It is expensive
• It is not water-resistant
• Phone Calls quality isn’t flawless
• Same design as its predecessor
• Less battery strength than its predecessor
• Double-tap pause function glitches sometimes
• A bit less comfortable than its predecessor

Verdict

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the highest-rated headphone for sound performance and noise-cancellation. Its extra features and improved tech offers a great listening experience. Moreover, its refined sound and great battery life make it a go-to choice for most audiophiles.

2. Bose Noise-cancelling Headphones 700

• 24,295 Ratings
• Availability: In stock (ships outside the U.S.)
• Price: $299.99 on Amazon

Product Description

The Bose Noise-cancelling Headphones 700 is one of the best ANC headphones on the market. The over-ear headphones pair got released by Bose in 2019.

Moreover, its adjustable ANC and excellent sound performance make it a great choice. With Bose High-Fidelity Audio, you have the perfect listening experience.

Bose manufactures headphones with superior noise-cancellation. The Bose Noise-cancelling Headphones 700 offers 11 levels of noise-cancelling. Also, Bose headphones’ voice pickup feature offers the best voice calls experience. Additionally, Bose’s adjustable equalizer gives you a choice to fine-tune your good taste.

Its leather cushion pad gives you the most comfort for all-day use. Enjoy longer listening sessions with its stylish, lightweight design. Bose Headphones offer easy accessibility with their capacitive touch sensors. Access to Siri, Google

Assistance and Alexa are at your fingertips. Extra features such as Bose SimpleSync and Spotify Tap Playback give easy access to an audio database.

These Bose Headphones offer up to 20hrs listening time with a single charge. Also, it delivers 2 hours of listening time on a 15-minute charge.

Specifications

• Brand – Bose
• Model Number – 794297-0100
• Physical Dimensions – 2 x 6.5 x 8 inches
• Weight – 254 grams
• Audio Cable Dimensions – 1.06 meters
• Water Resistant – no
• Headphone Type – Over-Ear headphones (Circumaural)
• Battery Type – Lithium-Ion
• Battery Life – 20 hours
• Charging Time – 2.5 hours
• Fast Charging – Yes (15-minute charge gives up to 3.5 hours)
• Microphones – 6 for ANC and 4 for Voice pickup (shares 2 microphones with ANC )
• Active Noise-Cancellation – Yes
• Wireless – Yes
• Connection type – Bluetooth v5.0
• QuietComfort range (connection) – up to 10 meters

Features

• Transparency Mode
• Bose Music App
• Capacitive Touch Controls
• Voice Control for Amazon Alexa
• Bose SimpleSync Technology
• Spotify Tap Playback

Pros

• It offers tons of extra features
• Comfortable and stylish design
• Adjustable and great ANC
• Simultaneous multi-device pairing
• It offers superb voice-calls quality
• Superior audio quality to Bose QuietComfort 35ii

Cons

• Lacks foldable hinges
• It is expensive
• Music App needs more features
• Average battery life compared to its competitors
• It isn’t water-resistant
• Heavier than the Bose QuietComfort 35ii

Verdict

The Bose Noise-cancelling Headphones 700 is a solid pick for an ANC headphones pair. Also, the Bose Headphones offer great sound performance and a superb ANC. With Bose’s innovative ANC, this is a desirable pick for audiophiles. You simply can’t go wrong with this choice.

3. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

• 24,477 Ratings
• Availability: In stock (ships outside the U.S.)
• Price: $194.94 on Amazon

Product Description

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is a true wireless earbuds pair. These wireless earbuds got launched by Bose in 2020. The Bose Earbuds offer impressive sound quality and excellent noise-cancellation.

Most Bose headphones have great noise-cancellation. Clearly, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds aren’t an exception. Its Quiet and Aware Mode work together to adapt your listening experience to your present surroundings.

With the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds High-Fidelity Audio feature, your music experience heightens. The Bose Earbuds offer a crisp, balanced sound for your listening experience. Also, you get the option to fine-tune the sound with its volume-optimized equalizer.

These Bose Earbuds provide the StayHear Max ear tips to make your listening sessions comfortable. Moreover, it is an added feature of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds noise-cancellation. Clearly, your listening experience takes utmost priority.

The noise-cancelling earbuds offer water resistance and long battery life to keep you on the go in all conditions.

Specifications

• Brand – Bose
• Model Number – 8312662-0010
• Physical Dimensions – 1.99 x 3.42 x 1.34 inches
• Weight – 8.5 grams each (Earbuds) 76 grams(case)
• Water Resistant – Yes (IPX4 rating)
• Headphone Type – True Wireless Earbuds/In-ear headphones
• Wireless – Yes
• Battery Type – Lithium-Ion
• Battery Life – 6 hours
• Charging Time – 2 hours (Earbuds), 3 hours (Charging Case)
• Fast Charging – Yes (15 minutes for 2 hours of listening time)
• Charging method – USB-C or Qi-certified wireless charging pad
• Connection Type – Bluetooth v5.1
• QuietComfort Range (Connection) – 9 meters
• Microphones – 4
• Active Noise-Cancellation – Yes

Features

• High-Fidelity Audio
• Quiet mode & Aware Mode
• Bose Music App
• Auto Play/Pause

Pros

• Offers one of the best ANC among true wireless earbuds
• Its Transparency Mode blends with its ANC mode
• Wireless Charging and USB-C
• Excellent sound
• Comfortable and secure fit
• It is splash-resistant
• Good battery life and fast charging
• Offers Auto Play/Pause feature

Cons

• This Bose Headphones type is expensive
• Its case is bulky
• The earbuds are slightly large
• No multi-device pairing (Bluetooth Multipoint)
• No SBC and AAC Bluetooth codec
• Limited on-ear controls
• Limited ambient noise reduction

Verdict

The QuietComfort Earbuds is one of the top-rated true wireless earbuds. It offers top-notch audio quality and superb ANC. Moreover, the QuietComfort Earbud is a good alternative to the Sony WF-1000XM4. With high prices powered by its high-end features, the QuietComfort Earbuds are a solid buy.

4. Bose QuietComfort 35ii

• 58,971 Ratings
• Availability: In stock (ships outside the U.S.)
• Price: $279.99 on Amazon

Product Description

The Bose QuietComfort 35ii headphone pair offers superior ANC. Also, it provides an adequate sound performance. This particular Bose Headphones pair got released in 2017. It offers excellent ANC to prevent unwanted noise interruptions. The Bose QuietComfort Headphone pair offers wired and wireless connections.

Also, the wireless headphone pair comes with decent battery life for longer listening sessions. With a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35ii headphones, access to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant comes easier. Moreover, its lightweight design makes it a great Bose headphones pair. Its plush ear cushions are perfect for all-day listening.

Specifications

• Brand – Bose
• Model Number – 789564-0010
• Physical Dimensions – 3.2 x 6.7 x 7.1 inches
• Weight – 253.3 grams
• Audio Cable Dimensions – 1.2 meters
• Water Resistant – Yes (IPX4)
• Headphone Type – Over-Ear (Circumaural)
• ANC – Yes
• Battery Type – Lithium-Ion
• Battery – 20 hours (ANC enabled), 40 hours (Wired use)
• Connection Type – Bluetooth
• Microphones – Yes
• Folding Frame
• Wireless Headphones – Yes

Features

• Volume-Optimized EQ
• Acoustic Noise-cancelling
• Voice prompts

Pros

• Comfortable Design
• Excellent noise-cancellation
• Easy accessibility to Google Assistance with on-ear controls.
• Controls are customizable
• Excellent wired audio connection

Cons

• Lacks a stylish design
• It is expensive
• The cable lacks an inline remote
• Lacks Auto Play/Pause feature

Verdict

The Bose QuietComfort 35ii is a great headphone pair choice. Its comfortable and sturdy design is an eye-catching feature. Particularly, this Bose Headphones pair provides a good sound performance listening experience. Its high prices powered by its high demand proves it is a good choice for you.

5. Bose QuietComfort 45

• 3,995 Ratings
• Availability: In stock (ships outside the U.S.)
• Price: $227 on Amazon

Product Description

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a great pair of Bose headphones. It got launched in 2021 as the latest Bose Headphones pair. Bose Headphones and Earbuds deliver the greatest noise-cancelling function among headsets. Clearly, this isn’t an exception. Its neutral sound profile provides a balanced tune for audiophiles.

This Bose Headphones pair comes with a stylish and comfortable design. Its smooth cushion pads and custom cat metal work for your longer listening experience. Also, with its adjustable EQ, you can personalize your audio to your taste.

Furthermore, you get to listen all day with its 24 hours battery life. This Bose headphones pair offers you control over outside noise. With its Quiet Mode, you can cancel noise fully. Additionally, its Aware Mode allows you to listen to your environment.

Specifications

• Brand – Bose
• Model Number – 866724-0100
• Physical Dimensions – 3 x 7.24 x 6 inches
• Weight – 241 grams
• Water Resistant – No
• Headphone Type – Over-ear (Circumaural)
• ANC – Yes
• Wireless headphones – Yes
• Battery Type – Lithium-Ion
• Battery Life – 24 hours
• Charging Time – 2.5 hours (USB-C)
• Fast Charging – Yes (15-minute charge gives up to 3 hours of listening time)
• Connection Type – Bluetooth v5.1
• Connection Range – up to 9 meters
• Microphone – Yes ( 6 microphones)

Features

• High-Fidelity Audio
• Ambient Aware Mode
• Noise-Rejecting Mic System
• Adjustable EQ

Pros

• Comfortable and Lightweight Design
• Multi-device pairing
• Excellent Noise-cancelling
• Improved Aware Mode
• Offers a wired and wireless connection

Cons

• Lacks a water-resistant build
• Lacks an on-ear detection sensor
• It is expensive
• Lacks extra features
• Sound performance isn’t up to par with headsets in its price range
• No feature for turning off ANC mode; you can only do so by putting on Aware mode

Verdict

The Bose QuietComfort 45 offers the best ANC amongst headsets. But its sound performance isn’t the greatest quality in its class. Clearly, this Bose headphones pair offers a sturdy design and long battery life. Its ease of use and comfort make it a good recommendation. If you’re big on sound performance, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is a better choice.

Honorable Mentions

Here are some great headsets with ANC that didn’t make our list:

• Bose SoundSport Free
• Bose Sports Open Earbuds
• Bose Sport Earbuds
• Apple Airpods Pro
• Sony WH-1000XM5
• Sony WF-1000XM3
• Sony WF-1000XM4

Conclusion

Wireless headphones and earbuds are the popular choices on the market. Most people prefer a wireless listening experience. Moreover, ANC headphones and earbuds offer the best listening experience.

Luckily, the top-rated of these devices fits all of your choices. It is up to you to make the right choice in buying an ANC headset. Ensure you pick an ANC headset that suits your taste and budget. Good luck with your choice!

FAQs

Are ANC headsets effective at noise-cancellation?

Some ANC headsets aren’t worth their high prices. However, some of them offer excellent sound performance and good ANC value.

Can ANC headsets affect your hearing?

ANC headsets can’t damage your hearing as they are harmless in their use.

What ANC headsets offer spatial audio?

The Apple Airpods Pro is an ANC headset that offers this sound feature.