The Definitive Guide to Choosing the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for You

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Ah, noise cancelling headphones, a true marvel in the realm of audio technology! They have become quite the game-changer in our hectic, noise-polluted world.

There's no denying that technology has come a long way and finding the best noise cancelling headphones may feel like an overwhelming task.

Collage of inzone headphones, C700N headphones, wh-1000xm5 headphones, wf-1000xm4 headphones

 

Don’t worry—we are here to help! Our definitive guide is packed with useful information about how noise cancelling headphones work, what features to look for when shopping, and our top picks to get you started.

Whether your needs range from peace and quiet while travelling on public transit or total sound isolation at home or in the studio, we are sure you will find the perfect fit in no time at all!

 

How does noise cancelling technology work?

There are two primary types of noise cancellation: Active and Passive Noise Cancelling.

Passive Noise Cancelling headphones relies on physical barriers like denser foam to block out external sounds, whereas the Active Noise Cancelling headphones utilises electronic wizardry that actively listens to the sounds around you and produces an opposite sound wave to cancel it out.

Think of it like being in a tug-of-war match with two teams - the sound wave is on one side, and the anti-sound wave is on the other. When they pull against each other, they cancel each other out, leaving you with peaceful silence.

To achieve this in your headphones, tiny microphones are strategically placed on each side to pick up on ambient noise, which is then neutralised with an opposite sound wave.

The more microphones a headphone has, the better it gets at picking up the noise that it needs to filter out.

But here's the tricky part - it's difficult to get the anti-sound wave to perfectly match the external noise in time to block it out effectively. It's like trying to fit a puzzle piece in the right spot and if you're just a little bit off, it won't quite work.

That's why headphones with a more powerful processor that can work at higher processing speeds will be able to match the sounds more quickly.

Now that you know how noise cancelling technology works, let's help you find the best option.

 

 

Choosing the best Noise Cancelling headphones for you

  1. Type of environmental noise based on your lifestyle

 Firstly, decide where and how you plan on using them; will they be primarily used when working out in the gym, for taking calls at a cafe or for travelling and commuting?

This will help you understand the type of environmental noise you're trying to block out, such as vacuum cleaner noise at home, chattering of co-workers or commuters on the train, renovation works noise, or traffic noise. Knowing this will help you identify the most important features you want in your noise cancelling headphones.

  1. Over-ear or in-ear?

 Over-ear headphones are larger and more conspicuous, the ability to envelop the ear makes it great at passive noise cancelling and overhead headphones can also be seen as a trendy accessory. However, In-ear headphones are smaller and more portable and usually preferred by those who are always on the go.

  1. Sweat resistance?

 Identifying your activities also helps to determine if sweat resistance is necessary. As you can expect, in-ear headphones with sweat resistance will be ideal for you if the headphones will be accompanying you to the gym.

  1. Battery life

 Battery life is also important to consider - Active Noise Cancellation features do require batteries to function. Do you need your battery to last multiple days or are you happy to charge them often? This may be important especially if you're planning to bring them for long outdoor trips and hikes where you may not have access to charging stations. Some headphones even have a quick charge function, which you may appreciate if you’re running low on battery in an inconvenient place.

  1. Budget

Finally, carefully consider your budget for this purchase. The right headset for you should efficiently cater to your needs without breaking the bank!

Now that you've got a clear idea of what you need and how much you're willing to spend, you're on your way to finding the perfect noise cancellation headset that fits the bill.

 

 Top Picks

Delving into Sony's impressive Active Noise Cancelling headphones line-up can feel like a thrilling treasure hunt as you discover the perfect audio accessory tailored to your unique preferences.

WF-C700N: Noise Cancelling Essentials in an Affordable & Fashionable Package


If you're just dipping your toes in and seeking something affordable yet fashionable, look no further than Sony's award-winning WF-C700N Truly Wireless in-ear headphones.

 

At a mere $199, these sleek, pocket-friendly gems won't break the bank while adding that extra flair to your everyday ensemble.

 

 

Available in black, white, and two new trendy colours – Sage Green and Lilac Purple – these earbuds are a top choice for stylish students looking to elevate their auditory experience without sacrificing personal style.

It is also splash-proof and sweat-proof so working out in these earbuds will not be a problem.

 

WH-1000XM5: Best Award-winning Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

hardwarezone best noise cancelling headphones wh-1000xm5

 

“Taking everything into consideration, Sony bags the award in our books because it offers a true flagship-class experience without that insane price tag. It's by no means perfect, and there's certainly room for improvement, but taken as a whole, the WH-1000XM5 is a gadget worthy of your everyday needs.” Hardwarezone.com – Read the full article here

Imagine owning a pair of noise cancelling headphones that adapt to your surroundings and lifestyle, making them perfect for those with high standards and demanding needs.

With two processors controlling eight microphones, the WH-1000XM5 Adaptive Noise Cancelling headphones boasts best in class Active Noise Cancellation features that can indeed enhance your auditory experience, whether you're walking through the bustling streets or waiting at the airport for your next flight. As we said, the more microphones a headphone has, the better it gets at picking up the noise that it needs to filter out.

 

With its ambient sound mode, you can conveniently stay aware of your surroundings, while Quick Attention allows you to instantly pause your music with just a tap when you need to chat with the friendly barista or helpful cabin crew.

 

One standout feature is the Atmospheric Pressure Optimization, which ensures top-notch sound quality during your comfortable plane ride. But it doesn't end there! The personal NC Optimizer tailors the noise cancelling to your unique features - including your face shape, hairstyle, and whether or not you're wearing glasses - for a truly personalized experience.

And as a stylish cherry on top of all these fantastic features, the WH-1000XM5 now comes in a sleek Midnight Blue. Don't miss out on this award-winning auditory experience that’s sure to keep you entertained in comfort on your long flights.

 

WF-1000XM5: The Best Noise Cancelling* In-Ear Headphones, Now Even Better

The newly released WF-1000XM5, Sony's most top of the line headphones are even smaller and lighter than its predecessor.

These headphones contain two proprietary processors that are designed to cancel external noise even better than before. They also feature a new high-performance driver called Dynamic Driver X for even better sound quality, as well as dual feedback microphones.

You can watch your favourite shows with your partner together without distraction - especially helpful when trying to hear dialogue - no subtitles needed.

To increase the clarity and naturalness of your voice during calls even in loud environments, the headphones use an AI-driven noise reduction algorithm that harnesses Deep Neural Network (DNN) processing and bone conduction sensors that isolates your speech.

The WF-1000XM5’s Noise Isolation Earbud Tips continue to provide passive noise cancellation in a fresh new design and exclusive material that promises to decrease pressure on your ears and increase comfort.

The headphones also provide 8 hours of battery life, and the case can store an additional 16 hours of charge. There's also a quick charge feature that gives you 60 minutes of playtime after just 3 minutes of charging. Put these on and get ready to enjoy the day without interruptions!   

If you want superior noise cancellation technology coupled with a fashion-forward style for daily use, these headphones are the perfect fit.

 

LinkBuds S: Ultra-small Lightweight Noise Cancelling In-Ear headphones

These ultra-small, lightweight and super fit Noise Cancelling, truly wireless headphones weigh in at only 4.8g. But don't let the size deceive you, the LinkBuds S earbuds give you the best of both worlds.

When you want to interact with the world around you, Sony's got you covered with their transparent ambient sound. And when you need to focus, the high quality noise cancelling will block out any distractions.

Sony kept the size down by both developing a compact driver and integrated the Bluetooth® Audio SoC (System on Chip) and high quality noise cancelling processor, all in one single chip.

It even has the best call quality!

 

Plus, the LinkBuds S automatically switches between Ambient Sound Mode and noise cancelling depending on where you are and what you're doing with Adaptive Sound Control.

And the best part? The Quick Attention feature allows you to still hear what's going on around you without taking them off.

For those who love to stay active, the Linkbuds S are the perfect choice. With a lightweight design, they fit securely and comfortably in your ears so you can focus on your workout without worrying about them slipping out.

Plus, they are sweat resistant and come with an ergonomic fit kit, allowing you to tailor the earbud size and shape to your ear. So, if you want the most advanced noise cancelling technology in an ultra-light and comfortable package, then Sony LinkBuds S is the way to go.

These buds even come in a distinctive blue marble-patterned colour called Earth Blue featuring parts of the body and case made using recycled resin materials!

 

 WH-CH720N: Hardworking and Lightweight Over-ear Headphones

If you're just getting started with noise-cancelling headphones and want something reliable at a reasonable price, then the WH-CH720N is the perfect choice. These headphones are a practical and pared-down version of the more intense WH-1000XM5.

But just because they're stripped down doesn't mean they can't pack a punch. This pair of headphones are equipped with Sony's top-of-the-line processing chip, giving you WH1000XM5 superpowers such as its Wind Noise Reduction Technology and Ambient Sound features.

Not only does the WH-CH720N have excellent noise cancelling technology, but they're also incredibly comfortable. At only 192g, they're the lightest noise cancelling headphones you can find! You can wear them for hours on end without feeling weighed down.

Best of all? The battery life lasts an impressive 35 hours, so you won't have to worry about constantly recharging.

Don't let the technical jargon intimidate you - these headphones are easy to use and perfect for both casual listeners and audiophiles alike.

 

INZONE H9: Wireless Noise Cancelling Gaming Headset

The INZONE H9 headset is a game-changer (pun intended) with its spatial sound and noise cancelling features. It's like having a superpower that allows you to hear every movement and sneaky attack in the game world, helping you eliminate surrounding noise, whether it's shouting from other gamer, your robot vacuum cleaner or your neighbour learning a new instrument.

The 360 Spatial Sound feature is like having your own personal radar, detecting where your opponents are and how far away they are. If that's not enough, the INZONE Hub software and 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer app offer even more customisation options for your ear shape.

 

And if you ever need to be aware of what's going on around you, simply switch to Ambient Sound mode with our Adaptive Noise Cancellation feature.

This sleek and stylish headset is Discord-Certified, which means you can be confident that it is optimized for the ultimate voice, video, and text communication experience. Connect with your friends and teammates effortlessly and enjoy seamless voice chat while you dominate the virtual battlefield.

Gone are the days of fumbling with buttons and struggling to adjust settings mid-game. The INZONE H9 headphones' effortless controls boasts a user-friendly design complete with ergonomic buttons and dials that intuitively respond to your every move. Seamlessly navigate between functions and tailor your gaming experience with ease.

Get ready to step into the zone with the INZONE H9 gaming headset.

Found the headphones that best suit your lifestyle?


Not only are there many styles and sizes available out there, but each pair offers unique sound cancellation technology for whatever type of environment you're in.

To make sure you're making the right decision, go ahead and check out this nifty comparison chart on their noise cancelling features and other factors below!

 

WF-C700N

WF-1000XM5

LinkBuds S

WH-CH720N

INZONE H9

WH-1000XM5

Type

In-ear

In-ear

In-ear

Headband

Headband

Headband

Passive Noise Cancellation*

-

Yes, unique polyurethane foam tips seal to your ear canals

-

Yes

Yes

Yes, soft fit leather fits snugly around the head with less pressure on the ears while keeping out external sounds

Active Noise Cancellation*

Yes

Yes, industry-leading

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes, industry-leading

High-Resolution Audio

-

Yes

 

-

-

Yes

Sony's Top of the line Processing Chip*

-

Yes, with  Integrated Processor V2 and HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e

Yes, Integrated Processor V1

Yes, with Integrated Processor V1

-

Yes, with  Integrated Processor V1 and HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1

Wind Noise Reduction Technology*

Yes

Yes, Dynamic Driver X, dual feedback microphones

Yes

Yes

-

Yes

Personal NC Optimizer*

-

-

-

-

-

Yes

Ambient Sound Mode*

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing*

-

-

-

-

-

Yes

Quick Attention*

-

Yes

Yes

-

-

Yes

Sweat Resistant*

Yes, IPX4

Yes, IPX4

Yes, IPX4

-

-

-

Battery Life

10hrs, additional 18hrs with charging case

8hrs, additional 16 hours with case

6hrs, additional 14 hrs with charging case

35hrs

32 hours

30hrs, Quick 3 min charge for 3 hours extra

Weight

4.6 (per side)

5.9 (per side)

4.8g (per side)

192g

330g

250g

Colours

Black , White, Sage Green, Lilac Purple

Silver, Black

Earth Blue, Ecru, White, Black

Blue, White, Black

White

Black, White, Midnight Blue

 

 

Check out the latest promotion price for all Noise Cancelling Headphones now!