Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise Cancelling Headphones are designed to block out ambient background noise that can interfere with listening experiences. There are a few different types of noise cancellation: Passive, Active (aka ANC), Adaptive and Adjustable Noise Cancellation.

Headphones with Passive Noise Cancelling use the seal and design of the earcups or earbuds as physical barriers to dampen and block out external sound. All other types of Noise Cancelling take advantage of Passive Noise Cancelling in addition to their other technology.

Some brands such as Sony, Bose and JBL utilise Active Noise Cancellation using built-in microphones to detect background noise frequency then emitting an inverse soundwave that cancels out the noise.

Adjustable Noise Cancellation Headphones can have their levels of Noise Cancellation manually adjusted, while Adaptive Noise Cancellation adjusts levels automatically in real time for optimal results as in some Sennheiser Headphones.

Noise Cancelling Headphones are great for blocking out unwanted ambient noise and enjoying an undisturbed listening experience wherever they are. Active Noise Cancelling technology counteracts low frequency noise while well designed ear cups use Passive Noise Cancelling to reduce mid and high frequency sounds.

When the noise of the world is blocked out or dampened it becomes easier to listen to music, podcasts and more on lower volumes. Listening to loud music is a major cause of hearing loss so making it easy to listen on low volumes without having favourite songs drowned out will help prevent this noise induced hearing loss. Noise Cancelling Headphones can also help reduce stress by allowing better focus while working or relaxing and eliminating noisy environments.

Note that ANC Headphones have not been tested or certified for hearing protection so they are not a substitute for certified protective earmuffs or earplugs if required.

Depending on the model, Active Noise Cancelling Headphones can reduce background noise by up to 45 decibels or 30 decibels on average. This is enough to turn a noisy train into a quiet library in terms of ambient sound. Varying degrees and approaches to noise reduction means different models may be better suited to different situations.

Busy coffee shops and offices produce a variety of noises that cover a wide range of the frequency spectrum, from chatter and laughter to the hum of an air conditioner or louder sounds made by printers and copiers. These environments are well suited for Noise Cancelling Headphones.

Active Noise Cancelling is becoming more common in Earbuds, which are moderately effective at reducing high and mid frequency noises. These are a great option for reducing noise without eliminating it which can be safer in situations like traffic, where being aware of surroundings is helpful.

Active Noise Cancelling technology has been in larger sized Headphones for a while now and is making its way into smaller On Ear Headphones and Earbuds. Whilst smaller sized headphones and earbuds are easier to carry around with you, larger sized Over Ear Headphones are better at providing additional Passive Noise Cancelling by forming a physical seal around the ears.

When buying Wireless Headphones and Earbuds consider how they'll be used by deciding how long they should run for off a single charge. Wireless Headphones generally have a much better battery capacity than Earbuds from sheer size differences between their batteries.

Wireless Warbuds with Noise Cancelling on should play audio for 5 hours or more whilst Headphones with ANC should last 8 to 10, with some running for 20 or even 30+ hours. Earbuds with carry cases can fully charge the buds a few times however there is downtime between use as they can't be used while charging like most Headphones.