Posted by woow
Posted on September 02, 2017
You might associate noise-canceling headphones with frequent travelers who use
them on airplanes, but they are far from the only ones who can benefit from a pair. Whether you choose regular over-the-ear headphones or in-ear buds, they can be ideal for drowning out the sounds of a busy coffee shop or even a noisy air conditioner at home.
A good pair will also serve as a great set of headphones even when your music isn't competing with background noise. Here are some of the best from the high-end to budget-minded, whether you're looking for earbuds or larger headphones.
1
Bose QuietComfort 20
Amazon | $250
Bose's headphones may not be everyone's top pick when it comes to the best sound overall, but they're as close to a consensus choice as you'll find when it comes to noise canceling. The company's QuietComfort 20 wired earbuds continue to hold their own five years after being introduced, and remain a favorite of PCMag, and others. If you prefer a wireless pair, you can step up to the Bose QuietComfort 30 for an extra $50, which will give you ten hours of use on a charge.
2 Phiaton BT 100 NC
Amazon | $79
While you can get surprisingly good sound from some decidedly inexpensive headphones, you'll likely be disappointed if you opt for some of the really inexpensive headphones that are marketed as noise-canceling. That said, there are plenty of more affordable options. Phiaton's BT 100 NC is The Wirecutter's top budget pick, and have the added benefit of being water-resistant in addition to wireless.
3
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS
Amazon | $79
Audio-Technica is a generally safe choice when it comes to all sorts of audio gear, and the company's ATH-ANC33iS in particular are worth considering if you place a bit higher priority on good sound than good noise-cancellation. Another option for the real bargain hunters out there is Audio-Technica's previous ATH-ANC23 model, which can still be had for $45.
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4
Bose QuietComfort 35
Amazon | $349
Just like its noise-canceling earbuds, Bose's noise-canceling headphones are not cheap but are unlikely to disappoint. The company's wireless QuietComfort 35 headphones will give you some of the best noise-canceling performance around, along with about 20 hours of use from the (non-replaceable) rechargeable battery. If a wire isn't too much of an inconvenience, however, you can save a fair bit and still get great sound and noise-cancelation from Bose's QuietComfort 25 ($279).
5
Sony MDR-1000X
Amazon | $298
One pair giving the Bose QC35s a run for their money it's Sony's MDR-1000X. Digital Trends gives the Sony the overall edge in their review, noting that while Bose offers slightly better noise-cancelation, the MDR-1000X has "a slight upper hand in terms of overall fidelity." It also doesn't hurt that they've dropped in price since their debut, and now cost $50 less than the QC35 (which don't often go on sale).
6
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Amazon | $200
At $200, it's certainly a stretch to call Plantronics' BackBeat Pro 2 headphones budget-minded, but they are at least a somewhat more affordable choice. They're also pretty widely well-reviewed, with both CNET and PCMag praising the headphones' full sound and solid noise cancelation, although both found the latter to be just a bit lacking compared to the likes of Bose and Sony.
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7
Monoprice SonicSolace
Amazon | $70
Monoprice's headphones have long been a favorite of the budget-minded. The same is true for this noise-canceling variety. The company's SonicSolace headphones are wireless and have a rechargeable battery that will give you about eight hours of use with the noise-canceling turned on (or 16 with it off). You expectedly won't get the same degree of noise cancelation as headphones costing three times as much, but less-demanding users may find that this pair delivers all they need.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/g2569/best-noise-canceling-headphones/
