Of all the headphone types available, those with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) are among the most popular. These headphones offer the ability to block out external noise, allowing you to fully enjoy your music or focus on your work. With such a wide range of choices, selecting the perfect pair can be daunting. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best ANC headphones you can buy in 2024.
Whether you’re looking to invest in high-end noise-canceling headphones or seeking a more budget-friendly option, this buyer’s guide has something for everyone. Let’s explore the top ANC headphones available this year.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5 (Best Overall)
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones are the company’s latest and greatest offering in the ANC headphone market. These headphones feature a refreshed design and improved ANC technology, delivering a delightful listening experience. The sound signature is known for its exceptional quality.
One standout feature of the WH-1000XM5 is its support for the LDAC codec, which allows for high-quality wireless audio transmission over Bluetooth. Additionally, these headphones offer highly effective active noise cancellation and an Ambient mode that lets you hear the world around you when needed.
The Sony Headphone Connect app, available for both iOS and Android, provides sound customization options and access to features like 360 Reality Audio. With a battery life of up to 30 hours, as claimed by Sony, and fast charging capabilities, the WH-1000XM5 headphones are designed for long listening sessions. The available colors for these headphones are black and silver.
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Flagship)
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is a flagship model from Bose, renowned for its high-quality audio products. These headphones feature a new design compared to previous generations and are priced at over $400, reflecting their premium status.
One standout feature of the QuietComfort Ultra is Bose’s CustomTune technology, which customizes the audio based on the user’s ear shape. This personalized sound profile is designed to provide optimal sound quality for each individual user.
The headphones offer up to 24 hours of battery life and feature adjustable active noise cancellation. The cushions on the QuietComfort Ultra are praised for their comfort, made from protein leather. These headphones charge via Type-C and include high-quality microphones for clear calls.
While the QuietComfort Ultra supports Bluetooth codecs AAC and SBC, the limited codec support is not a significant drawback given their exceptional ANC performance. Overall, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is among the best ANC headphones available today.
3. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is a great deal for those looking for top-notch ANC headphones in 2024. Originally priced at $379, they can now be found for under $300, offering excellent value for their performance. While Bose also offers the base QuietComfort headphones, the NC700 provides a more affordable option.
Released as one of Bose’s highest-end offerings in 2019, the NC700 delivers premium audio quality and reliable ANC performance. They boast a 20-hour battery life and support quick charging, providing 3.5 hours of playback with just a 15-minute charge via the Type-C port.
The headphones feature a sleek design with a metal headband and a sliding hinge for easy adjustment. Out of the box, the sound is well-balanced, suitable for a wide range of music genres. Additionally, the NC700 includes high-quality microphones for clear calls, ensuring you remain audible during conversations.
Comfort is somewhat subjective, so it’s advisable to try out both the NC700 and QuietComfort models in person, if possible. The headband design of the NC700 may feel better to some users compared to the traditional QuietComfort-style headband, but preferences may vary.
4. Apple AirPods Max (Ideal for Apple Users)
The Apple AirPods Max is Apple’s premium over-ear offering with Active Noise Cancellation. Like other products in the AirPods lineup, the AirPods Max seamlessly integrates with your Apple ecosystem, including iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, and other devices.
Featuring Adaptive EQ, the AirPods Max adjusts the sound profile based on how they fit around your ears. They are available in several colors, including Green, Pink, Silver, Sky Blue, and Space Gray.
In terms of sound quality, the AirPods Max delivers high-fidelity audio, especially for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem. These ANC headphones are equipped with a 40mm Apple dynamic driver. Additionally, they offer a transparency mode, allowing you to hear the outside world when needed, which is the opposite of ANC.
The AirPods Max also supports Spatial Audio, providing an immersive audio experience. While the battery life is 20 hours, which may be shorter than some other options, it remains a top choice for Apple users.
5. Sennheiser Accentum (Budget Pick)
Sennheiser introduced the Accentum headphones in late 2023, offering an appealing price point of under $200. These headphones stand out as our budget pick for ANC headphones. Impressively, the Accentum headphones provide up to 50 hours of battery life, equating to over two full days of listening time. Additionally, they feature a fast-charge capability, providing 5 hours of playback time in just 10 minutes.
In terms of audio quality, the Sennheiser Accentum boasts 37mm drivers tuned to deliver the brand’s signature sound. The headphones are designed with well-cushioned ear cups and a silicon-lined headband for comfort. The Sennheiser Accentum headphones also come with a dedicated app called Smart Control, allowing you to customize the sound to your preference. Furthermore, they include an ANC feature with a transparency mode that lets you hear your surroundings when needed.
6. Beats Studio Pro Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Beats Studio Pro headphones provide a more cost-effective option compared to the AirPods Max, making them a convenient choice for users within the Apple ecosystem. These headphones provide ample active noise cancellation, effectively blocking out background noises.
Additionally, the Studio Pro features a transparency mode, allowing you to hear background noises while listening to music. With a built-in DAC, Beats claims the Studio Pro offers high-fidelity lossless audio.
The Beats Studio Pro provides 24 hours of battery life with ANC enabled and 40 hours without it. The headphones support Fast Fuel, offering 4 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging. They feature a Type-C port for charging and can also be connected via a 3.5mm jack to utilize the lossless audio feature. The Ultraplush ear cups are made with memory foam and engineered leather covering, ensuring comfortable wear for extended periods.
7. Sony WH-CH720N (Budget Pick)
Sony’s WH-CH720N ANC headphones are a great budget-friendly option for those in the market for ANC headphones. These headphones feature 20 adjustable levels of ANC, powered by Sony’s Integrated Processor V1.
Additionally, the WH-CH720N headphones offer an Ambient Sound mode, allowing you to listen to music while staying aware of your surroundings. They are incredibly lightweight at just 192 grams, ensuring comfort even during long listening sessions.
In terms of battery life, the Sony WH-CH720N ANC headphones provide up to 35 hours of listening time with ANC enabled. They charge via Type-C and support quick charging, providing an hour of playback time with just a 3-minute charge.
When it comes to Bluetooth codec support, these headphones offer AAC and SBC but do not support LDAC, which is common for budget-friendly options. Available in black and white variants, the Sony WH-CH720N ANC headphones are a solid choice for those looking for affordable ANC headphones from Sony.
8. 1MORE SonoFlow SE (Most Affordable ANC)
1MORE offers a wide range of audio products, including in-ear monitors (IEMs) designed for audiophiles. Among their lineup, the SonoFlow stands out as an excellent and affordable option for ANC headphones. While there are cheaper alternatives available, the SonoFlow offers decent active noise cancellation performance.
Comfort is a key feature of the 1MORE SonoFlow SE, weighing only 240g, making it comfortable for extended wear. These headphones boast an impressive battery life of 50 hours with ANC enabled, and an even longer 70 hours without noise cancellation activated. Charging is convenient with a Type-C port, and just 5 minutes of charging provides 5 hours of playback time.
9. Razer Barracuda Pro (Premium Gaming ANC)
The Razer Barracuda Pro is a great choice for gamers seeking versatile ANC headphones. Featuring Razer Hyperspeed wireless technology, these headphones offer lower latency than even the best Bluetooth codecs available.
While they come with a dedicated Type-C dongle for Razer Hyperspeed, they also support Bluetooth connectivity. The headphones are equipped with a beamforming microphone for clear communication. With a battery life of up to 40 hours, the Razer Barracuda Pro ensures you can enjoy extended gaming and listening sessions without interruption.
10. Razer Opus X (Budget Gaming ANC)
The Razer Opus X offers an affordable option for ANC headphones, particularly suitable for mobile gamers. Although lacking Hyperspeed Wireless like other gaming headphones, the Opus X provides 60ms low latency support over Bluetooth.
With active noise cancellation enabled, the battery life lasts for 30 hours, extending to 40 hours without ANC. Charging is done via Type-C, and weighing just 270 grams, these headphones are lightweight and comfortable for extended use. The earpads are constructed with nylon and protein leather for added durability and comfort.
These are some of the top ANC headphones you can purchase. With active noise cancellation, you can immerse yourself in work, gaming, or music without distractions. Share your favorite in the comments below!
0 Comments