Noise canceling phone headphones. The best over-ear wireless noise-canceling headphones. The best wired noise-cancelling headphones

New generation headphones with active noise cancellation allow you not only to avoid monotonous background noise, but also to get rid of the ever-tangled wires.

Airlines typically provide business class passengers with a “welcome kit,” which includes earplugs. Indeed, the monotonous hum of powerful aircraft engines can be unbearable; it prevents you from falling asleep or enjoying your favorite music. No plug headphones (or even closed ones) can cope with it - passive noise isolation does not do a very good job of preventing the spread of low-frequency sound that is characteristic of both airplanes and other modes of transport. But headphones with active noise cancellation can come to the rescue.

Bring down the noise

The principle of active noise cancellation itself has been known since the 1930s, but the first working prototypes, intended for airplane and helicopter pilots, appeared in the late 1950s. True, they turned out to be too cumbersome and were not widespread. It wasn't until the late 1980s, when electronic components became small enough, that Bose made the first practical active noise-canceling headphones.

The idea behind active noise cancellation is quite simple. Sound is a wave of rarefaction and compaction, and where there is a wave, interference can be used. By creating an inverted wave (exactly in antiphase) at the right point (in the ear, as close to the ear canal as possible) and at the right time, you can completely extinguish the original one. This is exactly how active noise cancellation works: there are microphones inside the headphones that measure the level of background noise. This signal is inverted and transmitted to the speaker, which ensures the appearance of a wave in antiphase to the noise (when playing music, you also need to take into account the “useful signal” - subtract it from the measured noise).

The main problem with active noise reduction systems is related to inaccurate phase matching. Even a small phase shift results in serious distortion. Therefore, active noise reduction works well with monotonous and low-frequency noise (the wavelength of low-frequency sound is long, and therefore the phase difference is small) and poorly with high-frequency and sharp irregular noises - screams, speech, music. The latter have to be dealt with using passive noise insulation. Often in headphones with active noise reduction you can hear a quiet hiss - this is precisely a consequence of the inaccuracy of the phase shift of high-frequency noise.

No confusion

The creators of headphones with active noise cancellation also sought to get rid of the ever-tangling and inconvenient wires. All of these devices operate via the Bluetooth protocol, which allows you not only to transmit high-quality stereo sound (although, of course, audiophiles will not agree with this) using the A2DP profile (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) and the new improved AAC and AptX codecs, but also to control the player of your mobile device (for this, the AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) profile is used). The headphones are also wireless headsets that support the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) and Headset Profile (HSP), which allows you to make and receive calls when connected to smartphones. You need Just keep in mind that noise reduction only works in one direction, that is, your interlocutor will hear all the noise around you. By the way, all headsets in our test are equipped with NFC identification, so connecting them to mobile devices that support this technology is very easy. simple - just touch the point with the NFC icon on the headphones with the same smartphone.

And all wireless headphones are equipped with wires - according to airline regulations, the use of wireless devices during a flight is prohibited. Just plug the wire into the corresponding headphone jack, and Bluetooth will turn off automatically. In addition, most models, even when the batteries are completely discharged, continue to work like regular wired headphones.

How we tested

The smartphone used for the test was a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N900). Sound processing in headphones (equalizer, effects) was forcibly disabled using proprietary utilities or control keys. The player was set to the Flat equalizer profile. The headphones were tested in wireless and wired modes. Operating time is based on wireless music listening with noise reduction enabled.

Nokia Purity Pro by Monster (BH-940)

Bluetooth: Ver. 3.0 NFC: yes Operating time: 24 hours Noise reduction: 6/10

Ergonomics? When unfolded they turn on automatically. Sensors turn on noise canceling as soon as you put the headphones on and automatically turn them off a few minutes after you take them off. Controls are mechanical buttons. In general, apart from the small size of the buttons, the headphones did not cause any complaints; everything is quite convenient. For wire connection, a standard 3.5 mm three-pin connector is used.

Sound I would like to call the sound spectacular: the bass is elastic and intelligible, the drums are biting, like a slap in the face, the voices are clear, without distortion. Increasing the volume does not cause distortion. Unfortunately, all this works only while the headphones are connected to the player by wire. When playing via Bluetooth, interference appears, and the crystal brightness gives way to a primitive “blurredness”. A good compromise is a wire for home, Bluetooth for a noisy street.

Pros: comfortable ergonomics; excellent sound over the wire; long battery life

Minuses: lack of a proprietary application for management and configuration; lack of battery charge indication (on a smartphone or headphones); average level of noise reduction

Sennheiser MM 550-X Travel

Bluetooth: Ver. 2.1 NFC: yes Operating time: 8 hours Noise reduction: 5/10

Ergonomics This is one of two models in our review that have a dedicated audio pass-through button. When pressed, the speakers switch to transmitting sound from external microphones. The quality of sound transmission in headset mode is frankly poor, since the microphones are too sensitive and transmit even the slightest noise, and they are audible not only to the interlocutor, but also to you (noise reduction does not work).

Sound These headphones have very high quality speakers. For example, cymbals sound more natural on them than on any other, but only if only cymbals are playing at the moment. But as soon as the musicians give it a blast, the sound is filled with distortion in such quantities that it becomes difficult to recognize the singer’s voice. It’s a pity, but the headphones from the famous company demonstrate complete impotence when listening to almost any music, both wirelessly and with it.

Pros: good ergonomics; built-in surround sound processor; removable battery

Minuses: poor sound quality (both as headphones and as a headset); lack of a proprietary application for management and configuration

Creative AURVANA Platinum

Bluetooth: Ver. 3.0 NFC: yes Operating time: 12 hours Noise reduction: 8/10

Ergonomics The headphones have three noise reduction modes: “Airplane”, “Street” and “Office”, they are switched manually (from other manufacturers - automatically). They are comfortable as a headset, although the microphone placement may not be the best - the interlocutor heard interference from surrounding noise. It's also worth noting that noise cancellation turns on and off independently of the headphones, which can drain your battery quickly.

Sound The developers wanted to transport the listener to an imaginary listening room, secluded, safe, and cozy. Electronics are always involved in sound processing (with or without wires), filling it with a slight reverberation to simulate space. This approach is good for acoustic blues or chamber pieces. Music with a powerful rhythm section is drowned in loud, inaudible bass, “blurred” by reverberation. The sound is interesting, but not for everyone.

Pros: good noise reduction (both passive and active)

Minuses: sound quality is average; buttons are difficult to find; lack of a proprietary application for management and configuration

Sony MDR-ZX750BN

Bluetooth: Ver. 3.0 NFC: yes Operating time: 13 hours Noise reduction: 6/10

Ergonomics The ear pads of the headphones are small in size, so it would be more correct to classify them not as closed, but as over-ear. However, they are in no way inferior to their competitors. The control buttons on the bottom end of the headphones are convenient, although they are not always easy to find. The voice quality in headset mode is excellent. Noise reduction has three modes, which turn on automatically after analyzing the surrounding sound environment. You can turn on noise reduction manually, but only in “street” mode.

Sound Wow! With a small-looking driver, these headphones are an uncompromising choice for bass players. The built-in amplifier is configured for powerful, loud, but very intelligible bass. At the same time, high frequencies are reproduced quietly and very carelessly. Sony can be safely recommended to fans of dance music, electronics, hardcore, as well as those who want to memorize the parts of Duff McKagan or Flea. There is no point in connecting a wire - without a built-in amplifier, the headphones are practically powerless.

Pros: good wireless sound; good speech transmission as a headset

Minuses: buttons are difficult to find; lack of a proprietary application for management and configuration

Parrot Zik

Bluetooth: Ver. 2.1 NFC: yes Operating time: 6 hours Noise reduction: 8/10

Ergonomics? Philippe Starck design, white leather and gold plating. And the noise reduction level is very good. For control, the manufacturer left two small mechanical buttons recessed into the body - power and noise reduction; other commands are issued using the touch panel. It's actually not very convenient. The sensors automatically pause the music when you take off your headphones. When used as a headset, the interlocutor can clearly hear the surrounding noise, despite the many microphones, which, in theory, should neutralize this effect.

Sound The sound of these headphones is tempting to call unnatural. The built-in amplifier, which does not turn off, enhances the highest and lowest frequencies, muffling the mids. This is a long-known way to make the sound a little more cheerful, but a sophisticated listener cannot buy this trick. However, Parrot also has a strong side: it is the only model that is completely free of interference when listening via Bluetooth.

Pros: excellent noise reduction; convenient utility for management and configuration

Minuses: short battery life; average sound quality; inconvenient touch controls

Samsung Level Over

Bluetooth: Ver. 3.0 NFC: yes Operating time: 15 hours Noise reduction: 8/10

Ergonomics Two mechanical buttons, power and noise reduction, the rest is controlled using the touch panel, which, in our opinion, is not very convenient due to vulnerability from accidental touch. The model works well as a headset. There is a proprietary utility for managing headphones with many options for customizing and processing sound. Additional features (voice control) are available for some Samsung Galaxy smartphones. By the way, this is the only model in the review that has a hard case included.

Sound This model impresses with its power reserves. She can easily throw a disco even in a subway car. It has a catchy sound, although less honest than Monster. Adding to the fun is the slightly enhanced upper mids, which add punch to the drums. Overall, this is a universal, comfortable, well-protected model for all occasions. There is no point in using a wire; without “safety electronics” the sound of the model is much duller.

Pros: excellent noise reduction; convenient utility for management and configuration; good sound; hard case included

Minuses: inconvenient touch controls

Plantronics Backbeat Pro

Bluetooth: Ver. 4.0 NFC: yes Operating time: 24 hours Noise reduction: 7/10

Ergonomics The volume is adjusted using a ring (it’s hard to imagine a more intuitive way). It's hard to miss the control buttons. Sensors automatically pause when you take the headphones off and resume playback when you put them on, gradually increasing the volume. This is the second model in the review that has a dedicated pass-through button. But it works in a very interesting way: the music is not turned off completely, but only muffled, the speakers switch to external microphones, and the quality of sound transmission is very close to “live”.

Sound The element of these headphones is complex arrangements. Enhanced high frequencies enhance the clarity of background instruments. It's interesting to listen to them, the volume reserve is pleasing, although the insufficiently powerful amplifier produces unintelligible, albeit loud, bass. Headphones are suitable for lovers of jazz, blues and classical music. Listening to rock and electronics on them is a bit boring. We did not feel any difference between listening with and without wire.

Pros: excellent ergonomics and controls; good sound; battery charge indication; long battery life

Minuses: A hard case would be nice to have included

First, let’s get rid of a popular misconception among headphone lovers: no, not all in-ear headphones are noise-canceling just because they are inserted into the ear canal and have sound-blocking inserts. In fact, it is sound insulation, which is essentially passive noise suppression. True noise-canceling headphones have a special active device that destroys input noise rather than simply blocking it. The effect is deeper and more complex than from conventional headphones.

Most manufacturers don't take on noise canceling headphones due to the technological complexity. With small headphones it is difficult to carry out a similar process, and if something works, the result is far from brilliant. In addition, the active noise cancellation device adds weight and awkward volume to the headphones, breaking the concept of lightweight headphones that you can always carry with you. Only a handful of companies manage to produce a product like this, so putting together a selection of the 5 best noise-cancelling in-ear headphones was a no-brainer.

AKG K 391 NC headphones – a powerful player

Pros: convenient remote control and microphone
Minuses: weak bass
Most manufacturers focus on noise suppression, sacrificing sound quality. AKG goes the other way, creating great headphones that also reduce external noise. At least in a certain world. The headphones themselves are much lighter than their counterparts, but despite their modest size, the quality of transmission of even complex audio tracks leaves audiophiles satisfied. The model is equipped with a wired control panel and a microphone, which is rare and therefore pleasant; the headphones become convenient not only for passive listening to music. Another nice thing is that the headphones fit a wide range of phones and other devices. The small, streamlined noise-canceling device charges via USB, but since the noise-canceling quality is mediocre, more features could be added.

Price: from 4,390 rub.

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 headphones – the main thing is the price

Pros: Rich, full sound development
Minuses: uncomfortable convex shape of the headphones
The generally expensive Audio-Technica (especially their larger models) decided to release an inexpensive ANC23 model, and whatnot. An amazingly low price and a more than tolerable level of noise reduction, which also reduces both constant noise and harsh sounds. As the headphones work, they increase the sound without actually making it louder. The sound is brighter, drowning out the background hiss produced by the noise-canceling system, drowning out the chatty neighbor, car engine, and noisy children. The downside is the need to use an AAA battery and the inability to recharge, as well as a massive device the size of a lighter, on a wire that will easily rip the headphones out of your ears if it is not caught.

Price: from 4,690 rub.

Bose QuietComfort 20/20i headphones - the holy grail

Pros: play music even if the noise canceling device's battery is low
Minuses: there are cheaper headphones with better sound
We don't want to pick favorites, everyone has their own opinion, but if you're looking for the best small headphones that cancel out noise as well as their larger brothers, the QuietComfort 20 and 20i are the best options for you. However, the price for silence is steep. First of all, it should be noted that the difference between the 20 and 20i is in compatible devices. 20i is for Apple devices, and 20 is for everyone else. Powered by a rechargeable lithium battery that lasts for over 16 hours, the noise cancellation is unmatched in the headphone market. The earbuds are suitable for long flights and do not cause any pain when landing. The typical Bose sound effects are present, but they won't throw you out of your chair.

Price: from 14,800 rub.

Sony MDR-NC13 headphones – overrated

Pros: Surprisingly rich bass for in-ear headphones
Minuses: suppresses only constant noise
First of all, it’s worth saying that prices may vary from store to store, so you might want to shop around for the best price before purchasing. NC13 is an unusual product that not everyone likes. Attached to the headphones themselves are a pair of tiny microphones that pick up outside noise to more effectively cancel it out. In addition, there is a 13.5 mm driver behind the headphones, which also does noise cancellation, but it looks strange and can scare both you and anyone who glances at your head. The noise cancellation is quite high quality, although it could be better, but when the noise canceler is turned on, the noise canceler does not affect the quality of the music at all, which sets these headphones apart from their counterparts, the sound in which changes when the noise canceller is turned on.

Price: 4,750 rub.

PHIATON 220 NC headphones – a wireless miracle

Pros: Syncs with two Bluetooth devices
Minuses: inconvenient controls
These headphones are not only compatible with Bluetooth, but also equipped with an excellent working NFC system, and synchronization with the device occurs instantly with a click, and there is no need to tinker with the Bluetooth connection. The 14.3mm drivers support a range of 10Hz to 27kHz, delivering clear sound without metallic highs or muddy lows. The look is sleek, stylish and modern, but the aesthetics hide a few issues. The technical component is, of course, good, but due to it the headphones weigh more, and you still need Bluetooth and ANC devices. This negates the beauty of wireless headphones - no wires are needed, but you need a large device that has to be attached to clothing. Noise cancellation is good, but not perfect, and there is a hiss that creeps through the music when the noise canceler is turned on. The overall impression is better than individual aspects.

Price: 13,100 rub.

Bashkankova Anna

Today, almost half of the assortment in the audio department of any store is equipped with an active noise reduction system. Some say that this is the best invention since the advent of headsets, while others are sure that this is just another ploy to pump out money.

Let's figure out together whether you need to pay attention to such a feature when choosing headphones.

What is it and how does it work

Active Noise Cancellation is a way to eliminate unwanted noise by overlaying specially generated sound.

Active noise reduction works as follows. The system captures the noise you want to cancel through an external microphone and emits a sound wave with the same amplitude but a mirror image of the original sound's phase. The noise wave and the generated sound mix and cancel each other out.

This method of dealing with noise when listening to music allows you to abandon complete sound insulation or excessively increase the volume. These two methods were previously actively used to suppress unnecessary sounds.

The first patents in this area began to appear back in the 30s of the twentieth century, but it came to real application only half a century later. Active noise cancellation technology was originally used in the aviation and defense industries. Only a few years ago it entered the consumer market.

Is it effective

Many people mistakenly consider the active noise reduction system a marketing ploy. Yes, the system will not protect you from all noise, but it performs its direct function properly.

It is generally accepted that a person is able to perceive sounds in the range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Most modern noise cancelers cope well with noise from 100 Hz to 1 KHz. This is quite enough to save the listener from conversations of other people, traffic noise and wind.

We perceive fluctuations in the range below 100 Hz not only with the ear, but also with the body; here, no noise reduction in headphones will help. As for the upper range, the system is capable of turning high-frequency squeaks or whistles into a calm hiss.

With good noise-canceling headphones, you can feel like you are in a quiet room, even if you are on a noisy street.

Useful features of active noise cancellation

Manufacturers thought, since the headphones are equipped with an external microphone, why not provide the ability to use it for its intended purpose.

Some models allow you to temporarily disable noise reduction and broadcast sound “outside” to your headphones. This way you can communicate with your interlocutor, move safely, or simply perceive information from the outside world without removing your headphones.

Another advantage of models with active noise reduction is the presence of a built-in amplifier. It is with its help that “anti-noise” is generated for the operation of the system, but in addition to this, the amplifier is capable of producing higher quality sound.

Is everything really that smooth?

The active noise reduction system also has its disadvantages. The main one is that these headphones are not suitable for everyone. Don’t worry, the percentage of those for whom the technology is contraindicated is quite low. About 3% of users, when using active noise reduction for a long time, begin to complain of headaches.

Their cause is active noise suppression system intolerance syndrome. It is similar to seasickness, when our brain thinks that the body is at rest, but the vestibular system sends opposite signals.

Likewise, when suppressing noise, it seems to the brain that we are in a quiet place, and the senses send signals that are unusual for this.

Another negative factor is increased pressure on the eardrums, because in addition to music and noise, “anti-noise” enters our ears. This can cause disruptions in the nervous system and lead to headaches.

What are the alternatives?

At the moment, active noise reduction is the most technologically advanced solution. This feature cuts out up to 95% of extraneous sounds when listening to music. In this case, a whole chain of additional elements is used and this affects the cost of headphones and headsets with active noise suppression.

As a counterbalance to this technology, you can use passive noise reduction. It is achieved by sealing the human ear from external noise through massive ear pads in over-ear headphone models or flexible ear pads that can take any shape in vacuum models.

All other things being equal, such headphones are cheaper and simpler in design, which means they are more reliable in operation.

What to choose in the end

First, you need to go to the nearest electronics store with exhibition samples and visually verify the operation of the active noise reduction system. A simple comparison of headphones with and without such a system will immediately give results.

To avoid falling into the so-called “risk zone,” it is better to ask a friend or acquaintance to test the model.

This is how yet another technology, previously in service with the military, is deeply penetrating our lives.

When might extraneous sounds bother you? In public transport - for example, in the subway. This is the most common case when there is an irresistible desire to get headphones. We recommend paying attention to those that have an active noise reduction system. They create so-called “white noise”, which drowns out all surrounding sounds. Read about the best models of this kind below.

The best reinforcement headphones with noise reduction system

Sony XBA-NC85D: no noise, perfect sound

Now Sony is not the only, but the most famous manufacturer of reinforcement headphones. Even musicians performing at concerts use its products. Last but not least, their choice falls on such devices because of the excellent noise reduction system - the sound of a raging crowd is practically inaudible to the musician. A good headphone of this kind is the Sony XBA-NC85D.

They look good, and each driver in them is responsible strictly for a certain frequency range. Due to this, the headphones sound great - you will definitely like the sound picture. The entire structure weighs only 6 grams. Separately, it should be noted that the wires here are made of oxygen-free copper, and the connector is gold-plated.

Advantages:

Great sound;
The kit includes a case;
The headphones are very light;
The noise reduction system works flawlessly;
Gold plated connector;
Airplane adapter available.

Flaws:

Astronomical price tag;
There are only three pairs of replaceable ear pads included.

Recommendations: 5 best active headphones
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DACOM Armor: the jogger's choice

Most often, in-ear headphones either tear or fail due to water getting inside them. No such problems can happen with DACOM Armor. This is a headset that has some protection against water. Of course, you shouldn’t swim in it, but the accessory is not afraid of rain or sweat. The headphones are held on the head by a tiny cord painted in a bright color.

Connection to a smartphone is carried out via Bluetooth 4.1. As expected, the user can manage calls - the corresponding buttons are used for this. As for the active noise reduction system, which is the subject of our selection, it copes with its task, if not perfectly, then quite well.

Advantages:

Cute design;
There is moisture protection;
The Bluetooth 4.1 standard is used;
Decent battery life;
Implemented call management;
Stays well in the ears;
Adequate price tag.

Flaws:

The weight may seem heavy and the design may not be flexible enough;
The sound cannot be called ideal.

Meizu EP51: optimal Bluetooth headphones

This is the best wireless headset that the Chinese company Meizu could create. It has a fairly long cord that can be painted in one of six colors. On the cord there is a decent-sized remote control, inside of which there is a tiny battery. The entire structure weighs 15.3 g - this is a very insignificant parameter.

Charging the battery takes two hours. As for battery life, it all depends on the method of using the headset. After all, you can just listen to music or talk with your interlocutor. Well, the main feature of the product is its support for the aptX profile, thanks to which sound is transmitted over the air in CD quality.

Advantages:

You can manage calls;
aptX profile supported;
Minimum weight;
Bluetooth 4.0 is used;
Relatively low price tag;
Several color options.

Flaws:

The buttons on the remote control are pressed too hard;
The shape of the ear pads is not suitable for some people.

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Philips SHB5850: when the weight is close to the minimum

How much can you reduce the weight of a wireless headset? The Philips SHB5850 example shows that 12 grams can be achieved. At the same time, the quality of the headphones cannot be called insufficient at all. The device can be painted in different colors - there are at least five options in total.

Active noise reduction here does a very good job of blocking sounds in the subway. It should also be noted that with such a small weight, the headset has a good lithium-polymer battery - you can listen to music continuously for ten hours! Some complaints can only be caused by the Bluetooth module - when driving, signal dropouts occur from time to time.

Advantages:

Good sound with noticeable low frequencies;
The weight is practically not felt;
Almost record-breaking battery life;
Not too high a price tag.

Flaws:

There are no fastenings;
Unstable Bluetooth signal;
The upper frequencies are felt rather weakly.

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The best wired noise-cancelling headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS: solid hard workers

Many of the headphones reviewed today come in a variety of colors. The first exception to the rule is the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS headset. You can only purchase it in black. But it sounds great - the creators tried to squeeze out all the possibilities from the dynamic type.

However, some people may find the headphones to be quiet. This is due to the high impedance (it is 32 Ohms) - many smartphones simply cannot pump up such headphones. That is why the creators added a special system here that runs on an AAA battery - it independently amplifies the sound, at the same time improving the performance of the noise reduction system.

Advantages:

The noise reduction system dampens up to 20 dB of external sounds;
Built-in amplification system;
The kit includes a case;
Wonderful sound.

Flaws:

The price tag turned out to be quite high;
The rubber pads may seem too short;
Bulky battery pack.

Sennheiser CXC 700: high and undeniable quality

These are one of the most expensive in-ear headphones, which are made of a dynamic type. Inside they are traditional membranes. But they sound no worse than drivers built into reinforcement models. This is explained by a special cable and an amplifying unit (it works using an AAA battery).

The manufacturer assures that the harmonic coefficient here does not exceed 0.5%. This means that you won’t notice much distortion even if you work in the field of music and feel like a professional. Although you can find contrary reviews online, which claim that the product sounds lousy.

In terms of design, these headphones are nothing ordinary - they look like ordinary earplugs that are sold in any Chinese electronics store. The manufacturer himself offers to connect his creation to professional equipment - for this he even included an adapter for a 6.3 mm jack in the kit.

Advantages:

The headphones operate using their own amplifier;
Low harmonic distortion and high sensitivity;
The kit includes a 6.3 mm adapter;
Airplane adapter included;
Long cable (1.4 m).

Flaws:

Having a battery pack can be annoying;
Not everyone can afford it;
Noise reduction does not work well.

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Bose QuietComfort 20i: Elegant headphones for iPhone

All the headphones reviewed today work well with any smartphone. But none of them are optimized for iPhone - on Apple technology they offer only basic functionality. The exception to the rule is the Bose QuietComfort 20i headset. Using the buttons on her remote control, you can call Siri, manage calls and solve other tasks.

These headphones are not wireless. However, they still contain a lithium-ion battery. How so? And everything is very simple. It is this battery that powers the active noise cancellation system. We recommend that you have no doubt about its quality. Also, the battery pack acts like an amplifier. The cable length here is 1.32 m, which is often quite sufficient. But there are few replaceable ear pads in the kit - only three pairs.

Advantages:

Nice appearance;
Very good sound;
Noise reduction works using a built-in battery;

People are gradually abandoning wires in headphones, and smartphone manufacturers are abandoning 3.5 mm jacks. The mass consumer is switching to Bluetooth headphones and there are fewer and fewer adherents of high-quality sound over a wire with a separate Hi-Fi player. This fact cannot be ignored and it was decided to make a rating of the best full-size Bluetooth headphones at the moment with all the stuffing: good sound, active noise reduction system, own applications and preferably support for aptX, aptX HD, LDAC codecs. These currently include the Sony WH-1000XM3, Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Bowers & Wilkins PX. All three couples were guests at the editorial office for some time gg and were actively used with a pair of modern smartphones Sony Xperia XZ2 and LG G6 with support for all of the above codecs. First, a couple of paragraphs of theory.

What is active noise cancellation?

We won’t go into detail; there are specialized resources for this and huge articles on this topic, so those who want to go deeper into the hardware can easily google it. The operating principle of an active noise reduction system is the interference of sound waves. These headphones have additional microphones that detect the level of background noise and additional speakers that create waves with the same amplitude and inverted phase. As a result of the interference of waves, they “cancel” each other and we do not hear external noise in the headphones. Of course, this is in theory, but in practice, creating a perfectly matching wave in antiphase is not so easy and all ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) systems are not ideal. The first idea for such an application of wave interference was proposed back in 1934 by the American scientist Paul Luge. Of course, the first application was military: in the 50s, this system was used to reduce noise in airplane cabins, and the first active noise-canceling headphones (also for aviation) were made by Willard Meeker in 1957. The first production model was released in 1986 by Bose (and again for aviation). The system was adapted for “consumer” use in 1989. Now there are a huge number of models with an active noise reduction system, in different form factors, so there is plenty to choose from.

What is aptX, aptX HD, LDAC and why is it needed?

A certain part of high-quality sound lovers are in no hurry to give up wires for obvious reasons: if you miss the quality of DACs, amplifiers and all the other electronic components that are needed to obtain a high-quality analog signal at the output, there are also losses when transmitting a digital signal from the source (smartphone, in most cases) to headphones. This is largely due to the limited bandwidth of Bluetooth. And here these same codecs come to the rescue - algorithms for encoding (and subsequent decoding) this very signal to obtain the maximum bitrate as a result. The first and most common codec is SBC, which only supports up to 328 kbps. The most common now are aptX and aptX HD developed by Qualcomm, which provide bitrates of 352 and 576 kbps, respectively. The most advanced in terms of quality is LDAC, developed by Sony, which can provide up to 990 kbps. But it has one significant drawback in the form of low prevalence: to work, both the smartphone (or player) and headphones must support LDAC. And if the first one is not so problematic: the codec was included in AOSP (Android Open Source Project) starting with Android 8.0 Oreo, then I have not seen wireless headphones with LDAC support from third-party manufacturers. Below is a diagram with a visual comparison of existing codecs:

A higher bitrate does not guarantee better sound quality (there are many other factors, including how well the recording itself was made). Well, now let’s move on to today’s trio of headphones, which, in the opinion of our editors, can rightfully bear the title of “the best noise-canceling headphones.”

Sony WH-1000XM3

Sony WH-1000XM3 was announced at IFA 2018 in Berlin. Today, these are the top and most technologically advanced wireless noise-canceling headphones from the Japanese giant, with support for aptX, aptX HD and LDAC, touch and button controls, active noise reduction and a bunch of additional features. A good margin of parameters indicates that the model will not lose its relevance not only in 2020, but also in the next few years.

What do they look like and what's in the box?

Supplied in a large box made of black thick cardboard in a white cover with plenty of printing. Includes headphones, hard case, cable for wired connection, USB-C cable for charging, airplane adapter and instructions/warranties:

Sony WH-1000XM3 is made of matte plastic with a texture. The headphones look minimalist and very stylish, without any unnecessary decorative elements. The design is foldable, and the cups can be unfolded for convenient placement on the neck. On the left cup there are two mechanical buttons (turning on and adjusting noise isolation modes, you can assign a call to the Google Assistant to it) and an NFC tag, on the right there is a touch panel. The ear pads and the inside of the headband are made of leatherette with soft foam filling. The cups are moderately large and are fixed very movably for ease of use.

The headset is not too heavy, and the shape and size of the cups with ear pads are optimal and the ears fit completely inside. The clamping force is sufficient for a secure fit, but the headphones do not press. The Sony WH-1000XM3 can be used for hours without any discomfort (it can only be caused by the active noise reduction system, just like in other models, this is something specific to the body). The controls are interesting, but not perfect. Of the physical buttons, there are only power and ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) buttons; the rest of the control is done using the touch panel on the right earcup. Horizontal movements switch tracks, vertical movements adjust the volume, and touching is responsible for Play/Pause or accepting a call. Among the interesting features - you can temporarily turn off the music and the noise reduction system by placing your palm on the right cup; this will be useful if you need to exchange a few phrases with someone. I found the headphones very easy to use, but, as practice has shown, not everyone likes the touch panel and takes some getting used to. The usual progressive USB-C port is used for charging.

There is a proprietary Sony Haeadphones Connect application, which displays basic information (charge level, codec used, transmission quality, etc.) and allows you to very flexibly customize the headphones to your liking. This applies to both the noise reduction system with internal pressure and the sound itself: there is an equalizer, surround sound emulation, and the DSEE HX enhancer, which (in theory) “completes” what was lost during MP3 compression. There is an adaptive mode in which the headphones detect the location and type of activity (rest, walking) and adjust the ANC themselves depending on the situation:

The headphones are very good in terms of sound quality: it is adequately balanced in frequency, there are no significant peaks or dips. Very sensible detailing of low and mid frequencies, the highs are slightly smoothed out. There is enough bass, but it doesn’t penetrate the mid-frequency range and drowns out everything else. The mid frequencies are not weak, but the combination of a Hi-Fi player with sensible wired headphones is far from being detailed, of course. The manufacturer deliberately smoothed out the upper frequencies for versatility in terms of the audience (there are really a lot of HF-phobes). As for codecs, the difference between the ancient SBC and LDAC is very clearly felt (of course, when listening to high-quality tracks in FLAC, for example): mid and high frequencies become more detailed and controlled. With the help of proprietary equalizers and enhancers, you can tune the sound to suit your personal tastes. The built-in microphone copes with its task without any problems, the interlocutor can hear perfectly well even on the street.

Of course, Sony focuses on the noise cancellation capabilities of its Sony WH-1000XM3 headset: it is implemented really well. According to Sony, the headset can adapt ANC to a specific person, using data about the shape and size of the head, hair length and the presence or absence of glasses. For those who have not used such gadgets before, it is worth understanding that absolute silence in real conditions is impossible to achieve, but in this case the noise is really reduced to a minimum. According to the results of experiments on experimental acquaintances who were not previously familiar with active noise cancellation, in the first seconds they experience an extremely unusual feeling of vacuum, especially if ANC is turned on without music (this point applies to all headphones with active noise cancellation). I didn't have to use a headset on the plane, but the Sony WH-1000XM3 copes perfectly with subway noise. An additional advantage of this solution is that there is no need to increase the volume, which we like to do in transport or on the street with regular headphones.

Sony promises 30 hours of operation with noise reduction turned on, 38 hours without it, and 40 with noise reduction and no music. The headset was used for 2-3 hours a day with noise reduction and music, in this mode it lasted a week, so with battery life everything is fine. Plus, fast charging is supported: they promise that 10 minutes of charging will provide 5 hours of music listening. The headset takes about 4 hours to fully charge.

Headphones Sony WH-1000XM3

Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM3 are headphones that cannot be praised enough. These are the best wireless noise-canceling headphones on the market, giving the user maximum control over both noise-canceling options and sound profiles via the app. This model contains all the technological advances of Sony, which have been improved over the years. A large number of possible settings and impeccable sound along with high battery life (you can charge the headphones once a week, while fast charging is supported) do not leave any chance for competitors.

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Editor's Choice

Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II

Bose QuietComfort 35 II is the manufacturer's current flagship model of wireless over-ear headphones. As you might guess, this is an updated version of the Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones, about which one could say that these are the best wireless headphones with active noise cancellation, but I will not draw any analogies since I did not use the first generation and cannot physically compare. In addition to active noise reduction, the model is interesting because it has official support for Google Assistant. Neither Ukrainian nor Russian languages have been introduced into Google Assistant yet, but everyone who is interested and curious can use English.

What do they look like and what's in the box?

The packaging and delivery are similar to the previous model in our article. The box is medium in size, on the outside there is an outer “wrapper” made of soft white cardboard with printing, on the inside there is a black box made of hard cardboard. The set includes headphones, a hard case, a charging cable, a cable for a wired connection and a small instruction brochure:

The headphones are made of plastic and metal (frame), the design is foldable, like the Sony WH-1000XM3. The cups are rotating, their outer part is plastic and painted with matte paint. It looks expensive and beautiful, but it collects fingerprints. Microphones for active noise reduction and Bose logos are located on the outer parts of the cups. To turn on and create a Bluetooth pairing mode, there is a slider switch on the right earphone. On the front there is a conversational microphone and an NFC tag. On the back there are three mechanical playback control buttons with two LEDs next to them. Bottom - MicroUSB for charging. The left earphone has a connector for a wired connection and a large button for calling Google Assistant. It can be reassigned, which I did right away; as a result, it was used to switch noise reduction operating modes. The inside of the headband has a soft Alcantara insert. The ear pads are soft, the inside is memory foam, the outside is leatherette. Inside the cups are the designations of the left and right earphones. The headset turned out to be light, despite this, it does not feel cheap or unreliable. We have a black version, but there is also a silver version.

How convenient is it to use?

The headset is very light and comfortable, the clamping force of the headband is optimal. Bose QuietComfort 35 II can be used for hours without removing it without any discomfort. The ears fit completely inside the ear pads. Nothing presses, does not interfere, the headset perfectly adapts to the shape of the head. The ears do not sweat, although it is not summer yet and there are suspicions that this may change a little in the heat, but it is worth checking in practice. In general, of the trio of heroes in the article, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II seemed to me the most comfortable. It’s very easy to get used to the controls: there are only three buttons on the right earpiece. The two extreme ones are responsible for the volume, the middle one is multifunctional: click - Play/Pause, double click - next track, triple click - previous track, also responsible for answering/hanging up a call. The design of the headphones is foldable for easy transportation, and a MicroUSB connector is used for charging.

There is a proprietary Bose Connect application, in which you can change the name of the headset, switch between sources, adjust the noise reduction level, reassign the Google Assistant button, view current data on the charge, volume and track being played (including pulling up information from Google Music) and enable voice prompts . There is already a Russian-language localization, albeit crooked, with a funny accent:

What about sound, noise cancellation and battery life?

Perhaps the weakest point of the headset is the sound. No, it's not bad (especially considering that it's a Bluetooth headset). In general, for its category of gadgets, the sound is quite good, but worse than the other two models in this material. In terms of frequencies, the low frequencies are slightly raised, but not critically. Otherwise, there are no pronounced peaks or dips, but detail suffers greatly across the entire frequency range: some “cloudiness” and smearing is felt. In terms of sound, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is optimal for creating a musical background, rather than attentive and thoughtful listening to music, which is quite forgivable. It's worth mentioning that Bose fundamentally still doesn't use aptX or aptX HD. It is sad.

Given Bose's track record of active noise cancellation, it's no surprise that the QuietComfort 35 II's noise reduction works great. In this regard, the Bose and Sony models are comparable: you can listen to music comfortably and comfortably even in a noisy metro. There are three modes of noise reduction: maximum (just for the metro and other extremely noisy places), medium, which is quite suitable for walking. Plus, active noise cancellation can simply be turned off. There were no complaints about the built-in microphone; it performs its functions without problems both indoors and outdoors.

The stated operating time in wireless mode with noise reduction function is 20 hours. In real conditions, this figure depends very significantly on the volume, and I got about 17 hours, which is also very good. One charge will probably be enough for a working week of travel to and from work. Charges in about 2 hours.

Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II

An updated model of popular headphones with active noise cancellation

Lightweight and very comfortable full-size Bluetooth headphones with an active noise reduction system with three operating modes. Equipped with NFC for quick connection to a smartphone and supports Google Assistant. To enable it, there is a separate Action button, which can be reassigned in the settings.

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13,860 UAH

Bowers & Wilkins PX

Despite a very long track record and history that dates back to 1966, Bowers & Wilkins was in no hurry to release noise-canceling headphones, while its competitors already had a bunch of models. Finally, the company decided to take this step and Bowers & Wilkins PX became the first model from the British manufacturer with an active noise reduction system.

What do they look like and what's in the box?

Bowers & Wilkins PX comes in a large, beautiful white box with images of the headphones themselves and information about the main advantages. Inside are headphones, a soft carrying case, a 3.5 mm cable for a wired connection, a Type-C to Type-A cable for charging and connecting to a PC, and a small instruction booklet:

Bowers & Wilkins PX are perhaps the most interesting and unusual in terms of design and appearance in our selection today. The design combines massive metal parts: the headband frame is completely made of metal, the outer parts of the earcups are also metal, and have Bowers & Wilkins logos on them. Around the metal inserts on the cups and on the top of the headband is nylon, which (theoretically) should be much more durable than leatherette or plastic. According to the official website, the ear pads and the inside of the headband are made of leather. Another constructive and interesting feature is the cable that connects the headphone cups. It is braided with fabric and located in an open groove on the cup mounts. The size of the headband is adjustable smoothly. The only not very convenient design point: the earcups rotate, but the headphones cannot be folded for transportation. Bowers & Wilkins PX is available in two versions: blue-gold and gray-black:

How convenient is it to use?

Of the entire selection, it took me the longest to get used to the Bowers & Wilkins PX: at first it seemed that the headband was too tight and there was too little padding in the ear pads. After some time, these strange sensations go away. The cups and ear pads are the optimal size and the ears fit completely inside them. Despite the noticeable weight in your hands, it does not strain your head even after prolonged use. All controls are located on the top earpiece. On the back are long buttons for volume control and Play/Pause (it also serves to switch tracks forward and backward by double and triple pressing, respectively). Below is a button to turn on active noise cancellation and a power slider and switch to Bluetooth connection mode. At the bottom of the right earphone there is a 3.5 mm jack for a wired connection and a USB Type-C connector, for which special thanks. The headset can be used directly from a PC using the included cable, and using a Type-C cable on both sides, it can be connected directly to modern smartphones (this will be especially true for models without a 3.5 mm jack). The controls are simple and intuitive. The only thing I didn’t really like was the inclusion slider: I thought it was a little tight.

The proprietary application is designed to configure the headset and looks quite minimalistic. But for some reason it takes a long time to start up and connect to the headphones. There is a battery indicator, the ability to update firmware, reset, noise reduction and sensor settings. The noise reduction system (ambient noise filter) has three operating modes: office, city and flight, for each of them you can adjust the pass-through of voices. Another interesting feature is the wear sensors: the headset automatically pauses the music if you take it off. The sensitivity of the sensors is also adjustable:

What about sound, noise cancellation and battery life?

The Bowers & Wilkins PX uses 40mm dynamic drivers that are angled. The aptX and aptX HD codecs are supported, which is very pleasing (fortunately, there are smartphones at hand that support these codecs). The sound in the PX was pleasantly pleasing: it is balanced and not compressed, while driving and detailed, as much as possible in Bluetooth headphones. There is no outright muddiness in the mids or high frequencies and they are not failed. There is enough bass, it adds the necessary density and impact, but does not try to climb into the middle and push it back. The imaginary scene is very good, taking into account the class of headphones. High frequencies are fully present, as one would expect, they have been softened a little for HF-phobes, but without fanaticism. When using noise reduction, the sound does not become duller, which is what really affects many models of similar headsets.

It seemed to me that the noise reduction is just a little short of its competitors, but this can only be noticed in the noisiest places, and even this difference is minimal. As mentioned above, the software has three operating modes: office, city and flight. In addition to the intensity of noise reduction, for each of these modes you can adjust the pass-through of voices. This will be useful, for example, in an airport or train station terminal, so as not to miss the desired announcement.

The headset is powered by a built-in 850 mAh battery and promises 22 hours of operation on a single charge (via Bluetooth, with active noise cancellation). I got about 20 hours.

Bowers & Wilkins PX

Bowers & Wilkins' first noise-canceling Bluetooth headset

A very unusual and interesting Bluetooth headset from a design point of view with pleasant sound, support for aptX, aptX HD codecs and an active noise reduction system.

Pairing with a smartphone is properly supported using NFC. The microcircuit is located in the left capsule, made in the form of a touchpad. This allows you to control the volume so you can skip parts you don't like. A light tapping interrupts the music to accept a phone call, which, by the way, works for both parties in excellent quality.

A slide switch in the upper right corner of the right capsule activates or deactivates two different levels of noise reduction. Level II is the highest level, where everything that is possible is hidden. There is another layer between this and the off mode: here the PXC 550 automatically adjusts to ambient noise, but not as effectively. Overall, noise reduction is almost at the same high level as that of Sony headphones.

The touchpad built into the right capsule responds instantly, which again makes work easier. However, it's even more reliant on "tapping" than the Sony's: while a light tap is for playing and pausing music, a double tap activates the talk-through feature.

In terms of music reproduction, the Sennheisers are, as expected, in the same league as the Sony headphones, just with a slightly different voice. So there's a very slight drop off in the midrange for Sony listeners, where the Sennheiser dissolves a little better but sometimes provides a little more punch at higher frequencies.

The Sennheiser PXC 550 has different sound modes - “Club”, “Cinema” and “Speech” - they differ only in nuances. I liked the sound best when they are turned off. What Sennheiser especially likes is the fact that there are barely audible differences in sound whether the noise reduction is on or off.

Sennheiser was also convinced that they are actually not inferior in noise reduction to either s.Sony or Bose. In addition, they are much cheaper and therefore offer very good value for money.

Bottom line

All four headsets presented in the rating are very good, each in its own way, and which one to choose is a personal matter. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, there is no clear favorite: the Sony WH-1000XM3 seemed to me the most interesting in sound and the most technologically advanced, plus it lasts the longest on a single battery charge. On the other hand, not everyone will like touch controls and a huge number of settings. Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Bowers & Wilkins PX are simpler and more intuitive in terms of control. The Bose model (according to personal impressions) turned out to be the most convenient, but the sound is slightly inferior to the other two models, and the lack of aptX and aptX HD is somewhat surprising. Bowers & Wilkins PX is the most unusual and interesting model in design with pleasant sound, but it lags a little behind in the implementation of the noise reduction system. I think each of the above models would be a good buy for those looking for a flagship Bluetooth headset. Surely other manufacturers also have something to show in this category, write options for your “top” in the comments.

	Sony WH-1000XM3	Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II	Bowers & Wilkins PX	Sennheiser PXC 550
Emitters	Dynamic, 40 mm	Dynamic	Dynamic, 40 mm	Dynamic
Frequency range	4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (via cable)	Manufacturer does not indicate	10 Hz - 20,000 Hz	17 Hz - 23000 Hz
Acoustic design	closed	closed	closed	closed
Impedance	41 ohm	Manufacturer does not indicate	22 Ohm	46 Ohm
Sensitivity	103 dB	Manufacturer does not indicate	111 dB	110 dB
Charging connector	USB Type-C	MicroUSB	USB Type-C	MicroUSB
Bluetooth version	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 4.1	Bluetooth 4.1	Bluetooth 4.2
Codec support	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC	SBC	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD	aptX, aptX HD
NFC	Eat	Eat	No	Eat
Weight	255 g	235 g	335 g	227 g