The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

Whether you're battling the roar of jet engines or just want to block out the noise of your HVAC at home, you'll require the most effective noise-cancelling over-ear headphones. The latest Sony WH-1000XM5s have become the new top of the line in active noise cancellation and their predecessors were also fantastic.

We've analyzed the adjustability of ANC and touch controls as well as on-ear detection for pausing music when your headphones are removed. Our top picks have high-quality audio, comfortable ear cups and spacious ear cups.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The fifth generation of Sony flagship headphones offers a significant upgrade over the previous models, offering enhanced noise cancellation and superior audio quality. Its impressive ANC performance creates a virtual cone of silence that covers your head and blocks out a surprising amount of low-frequency noise. The earcups block out noises in the mid-treble range like chatter from passengers and creaking metal.

The WH-1000XM5s sound very natural, unlike other noise cancelling headphones that sound hollow. They are able to render Billie Eilish’s drums with remarkable detail and keep the edges clean and pristine. They're an absolute pleasure to listen to on the commute or during a long flight.

The most commonly used controls are controlled by a capacitive touchscreen surface located on the right earcup that can play/pause and volume up/down as well as skip forwards and backwards. It also lets you end or answer calls and switch between ANC mode and ambient sound. You can also hold the power key for several seconds to hear an audio message telling you how much battery capacity is left.

Another notable improvement on the XM5s is the new QN1 microphone that is designed to capture high-quality audio while recording videos and podcasts. The microphone is more sensitive than previous models and also has a wider audio range which makes it easier for you to pick up your voice.

The XM5 has also brought over certain features that were XM4's including the adaptive ANC system which automatically optimizes performance in accordance with your surroundings. Its 'Wearing Detection feature now detects when you remove the headset and pauses videos or music and resumes it as soon as you put them back on. It's compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine, best over ear Noise cancelling headphones which upscales compressed music to near high-res quality.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH1000XM4s of Sony are the most recent version of their industry-leading over-ear headphones. They feature top-of-the-line performance however they don't feature the same active noise cancellation features as the WH1000XM5s. Alongside the improved Bluetooth and a more efficient noise-canceling algorithm, the WH1000XM4s boast a new audio chip that upscales music files to HD quality and has more advanced voice controls.

The biggest improvement in the latest generation is that Sony has made the WH-1000XM4s more comfortable than ever before by putting padding around the headband and moving the microphones closer to the outer edges of the ear. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions.

You can also select between five different sound settings based on the surrounding. You can also customize your EQ settings by using the Sony headphones app. The app lets you monitor your activity and automatically optimize the settings. They are a great option for travelers.

Another big improvement is the WH-1000XM4's noise cancellation that has been made more effective by adding more sensitivities and improving how it filters out low frequencies. You can examine this by studying a graph similar to the one above, where higher peaks indicate more sounds are being blocked out. The WH-1000XM4s can also be more effective at reducing low-frequency sounds such as the hum of an air cooling unit or the constant rumble of a plane engine over any other pair of noise-canceling headsets we've tested.

The WH-1000XM4s have a great set of features such as the battery that can last up to 30 hours, and an integrated USB-C charging port. They also have Quick Alert, which lets you tap the right earcup in order to deflect the music and turn on transparency mode; Speak To Chat can pause media when you raise your voice (and works well, though it may not always detect taps), and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can detect and analyze the surrounding environment to provide better audio.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II headphones (or QC35 Wireless 2018, as they are also known) were released in September 2017. They were replaced with the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 701 to be released in 2021. However, they are still popular and affordable.

The QC35 II is a great pair of wireless headphones for mixed-use. They offer an incredibly comfortable fit and neutral sound profile that is default. They also provide outstanding noise cancelling headset with mic isolation. They can be used in noisy settings or when traveling, and they last for more than a full day on a single charge. They also work with a variety of smart assistants and can be turned on by an individual button. You can ask the assistant to play music, answer trivia questions or even read your notifications from your smartphone.

The padding around the ears is wide and can fit most types of ear. They are also lightweight. The housings' hinges can be folded down to make them easier to store into a bag or backpack. The controls are on the right-hand side of the headphone and are easy to use. A series of taps will control playback, like the ability to rewind and skip songs.

To show the quality you can expect from these Bose headphones We played The Beatles' Let It Be and listened to the drum beats and piano parts. The QC35 II deliver crisp, clear audio that is well-rounded and detailed. They can detect subtleties, like Paul McCartney's unsteady timing as he builds up to the chorus or Gerard Way’s snarl when his lyrics praising teenage-personalism in Teenagers.

The QC35 II is compatible with the majority of smart assistants. It can connect to up to 2 devices simultaneously. The QC35 II also come with an accessory case for carrying and a USB cable that is quick to charge.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony is known for making top-quality headphones at a affordable price. The budget-friendly WH-CH720N headphones from Sony are not an exception. These headphones have many of the same features of the WH1000XM5 flagship headphones, but with an affordable design. They also offer a decent amount of active noise cancellation for a reasonable price.

These headphones have dynamic drivers of 30mm that provide crisp high frequencies and plenty of bass. They also have an even tuning to make them sound great with various music genres, and they have a large soundstage that allows you to get a sense of being immersed in the music.

The WH-CH720N headphones utilize buttons instead of the touch controls and gestures of the XM5 headphones. This could be a an issue, since the buttons can be confusing at first. Luckily, the headphones have clear labels and the controls are placed intelligently. Double presses of the '+' button pause and play audio. A single press decreases the volume. By pressing and holding the button the button, voice assistants are activated and calls are canceled.

The headphones can last for up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is the best over ear Noise cancelling headphones battery life we've seen in headphones that are over-ear. They come with a standby feature to conserve battery.

Bluetooth allows you to connect the WH-CH720N headphones to Android and iOS devices. They support LDAC which allows them to play high-quality audio on compatible devices. They're also compatible with PlayStation consoles that have an analog 1/8" TRS cable and can be used as wired headphones on a computer using the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect App lets you customize your headphones by using an EQ slider, presets and multipoint connectivity.

5. B&W PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 follow on from a successful predecessor but aren't a half-baked update that rides on its coattails. They sport a sleeker style and a brand-new application. They deliver on their promise of premium build-quality and sound that accurately conveys artistic intent. They're also incredibly comfortable and enjoyable to wear throughout the day.

While they're not as effective as the noise cancellation of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH-1000XM5 however, they do a good over ear noise cancelling headphones job of keeping out ambient noises and ensuring that you're able to focus on your music, podcasts or handheld gaming without distractions. They use a six microphone setup (four for the noise cancellation and two for voice pick-up) and a revised algorithms that cut down on ambient noise by 30dB. They are also among the only a few Bluetooth headphones we've tested that can be used as passive headphones, allowing users to listen to their media without powering up the drive units.

They also work with the B&W Music app, a free download that offers an array of features to complement the excellent noise cancelling. This includes the Quick Action button that cycles through three different modes of environmental and displays battery life. It can be configured to launch your device's voice assistant. It's annoying to have to press the button and hold it for a while. A one-press would be more intuitive and simpler.

The PX7 S2 are a very impressive pair of headphones, that will please the majority of music lovers. They're not quite as suitable for the raucous music of genres like metal and rock that tend to favor bass-heavy production and muddy low frequency, like they are to classical, folk and acoustic music, but will still be awe-inspiring to those who appreciate audiophile credentials that's also practical and convenient.