We’re going to talk about a product to give you peace. This sounds like the perfect definition of something I couldn’t live without active noise-canceling headphones.

You may not know this, but I’m a classical music fan, and I like to be able to listen to my music whenever I want, preferably in the most comfortable way possible. It’s a pleasure for me to be able to isolate myself when I’m forced to be around people at the office, on public transportation, on a plane, etc.

What do you need to know about noise-canceling headphones?

Active and passive

All headsets can provide passive noise reduction depending on the materials used. Nothing other than headphones that sit well in the ear and hurt after 2 hours offer noise reduction.

The best in passive noise reduction are noise-canceling headphones because they are specifically designed for this purpose. They use layers of very dense foam and other types of sound-absorbing materials. The problem is that this makes them heavy and not necessarily very comfortable to wear.

That brings us to active noise-canceling headphones. They will “erase” low-frequency waves much more effectively. The technology in the headphones will analyze the outside noise and send you the opposite sound, making it seem quieter. Of course, this technology also works when you listen to music.

How do active noise-canceling headphones work?

Your headphones consist of 4 main parts:

Microphone

A microphone inside the headphones “listens” for outside sounds that cannot be passively blocked.

Noise cancellation circuit

An electronic circuit, also placed inside the headset, detects the microphone input and generates a “fingerprint” of the noise, noting the frequency and amplitude of the incoming wave. It then creates a wave 180 degrees out of phase with the waves associated with the noise (this is where it creates the negative wave, if you will).

Speakers

the “reverse sound” created by the noise cancellation circuitry is sent to the headset speakers along with the ambient sound to erase the noise through “destructive” interference, it’s a bit long, but it’s really impressive technology. Moreover, the sound you want to listen to (like your favorite Kaaris music) will not suffer because only the external sound will be impacted.

A battery

And that’s where the term “active” noise reduction comes from because it’s from the energy of the battery that the system will be able to produce the noise cancellation effect. The source of this energy is a rechargeable battery.

Thanks to all these little technologies, the headphones can effectively reduce noise. Virtually all ambient noise will be blocked. I can assure you that when there is a lot of noise out there, and you put the headphones on, you can hear the difference, and that’s when you think you’re glad you have headphones like this on your ears.

Their range, comfort, and listening quality will differentiate active noise-canceling headphones from each other. Your music might sound a little more muffled, depending on the model. In any case, and whatever brand you use, I advise you to try these headphones at least once: the expression “to try it is to adopt it” works perfectly.

I don’t think you’ll return to regular headphones once you’ve tried noise reduction. For some people, it helps them be less tired, and when they get home, they don’t feel like a watermelon.

 

Sony Wh-1000Xm3

So I’m sorry, I have to start with this one, even though it’s the most expensive on the list. This is my current headset, and it is the best on the market, without a doubt. It outperforms all its competitors in every way and is even better than the 1000xm2.

Pros

• The audio performance is exceptional, both in high and low frequencies
• Active noise reduction is the best on the market
• Minimal unwanted noise compared to 1000xm2
• The application included additional settings
• Excellent design, nice finish, and available in several colors
• Increasing the sound or changing music via a touch button on the headset is possible.

Cons

• The most expensive on the list.
• The cable could be better if you don’t use Bluetooth because you can’t control the sound or music via a button on the wire.

Bose Quiet Comfort35II

Obliged to put the direct competitor just below. The Bose brand is too expensive for some people, but you have to admit that they are very strong in the field. This headset is a good example, but I don’t consider it as good as Sony. Also, the headphones have the same flaw as Sony’s, so it can’t even take the lead on that. But it is mainly in the high-frequency sound quality (already excellent) that we notice inferior to the wh-1000xm3.

Pros

• A very powerful sound, the quality is there.
• The active noise reduction is equivalent to that of Sony.
• Possibility of accessing the Google Assistant by voice.
• The design is sleek, and the Bose brand is well known in the field.

Cons

• The cable does not have a button to control sound or music.
• The noise reduction has some problems when you listen to loud music.
• The sound can sound a bit off for purists on certain frequencies.

Marshall Mid

With these Marshall headphones, we start to become more affordable in terms of price, but of will inevitably leave on the quality. The headphones are much smaller and, therefore, will not necessarily cover the entire ear. Then, the noise reduction and the sound emitted are not really at the rendezvous, but a headphone at this price and for the first purchase for this type of product can give a taste of noise reduction. Also, if you’re not constantly in noisy environments, these headphones will do the trick if you’re used to regular headphones.

Pros

• Small and easy to carry. The design is by Marshall, and every detail has been meticulously thought out. The bass is excellent. The price is friendly.

Cons

• Noise reduction is not perfect. The sound could be better for purists.

Beats Solo Pro

How do you list the best headphones without having at least one Beats headphone in the ranking?

While not the best in the ranking, these headphones are still solid in the world of active noise-canceling headphones. The sound is more than correct, both in highs and lows. What will sin here is the noise reduction that offers a kind of slight breath that is not necessarily the most pleasant when you pay attention, and you do not necessarily listen to the music at a very extreme. Moreover, we can not navigate the songs via the headset.

Pros

• Very powerful sound, both in the high and low frequencies. The noise reduction is very solid.
• Possibility of control by voice if you are on iPhone. The design is signed Bose and does not disappoint. Available in several nice colors.

Cons

• Although effective, active noise reduction offers a slight noise that is a little unpleasant if you are careful.
• No navigation button.
• It is expensive for what it is anyway, not the best value.

Plantronics BackBeat Go 810

The Plantronics brand is a little less known, but it is an excellent player on the market regarding headsets. If you work in a company, there is an excellent chance that your employer has chosen this wholesaler for your headsets and calls because it is a trusted brand.

As far as this headset is concerned, it is relatively low-end but still offers everything you would expect from a headset with active noise reduction: Great sound, good noise reduction, and controls on the headset that work perfectly. In short, it’s a good choice if you don’t have the budget to go high-end.

Pros

• Excellent sound with very intense bass.
• Comfortable to wear, it covers the ear well.
• The controls at the ears are very effective.
• The price is reasonable.
• The Plantronics brand is as trustworthy as the others.

Cons

• The design can be improved. The bass may not appeal to everyone because it is too intense.
• Noise reduction has a little noise if you don’t listen to the music loud enough.

Conclusion

That’s it for this top, I hope it will help you find your happiness, and if you know people who already have a headset of this type, I invite you to shout very loudly in their ears to see if it works.

Finally, if you don’t like to carry headphones everywhere, this list of the best active noise-canceling headphones might interest you.