Do you work from home, and your neighbors are very noisy? Do you have an opposition to prepare and need the most absolute silence? In that case, you should get some noise-canceling headphones. They will save your life in the long run!
Noise-canceling headphones are a lifesaver for many workers. Especially if they work in environments where noise can end up being a problem. The same happens with students who want to concentrate to the maximum and cannot do so due to the environment. Do not worry if you are in that situation, since we are going to help you choose the best noise-canceling headphones.
How to choose the best noise canceling headphones
There are a large number of headphone models that offer noise cancellation, both active and passive. Nowadays, almost all of the ones you will find will be wireless . Although it is true that some have a cable so that you can connect them directly to the specific device , we recommend that you bet on eliminating ties.
Getting rid of cables and opting for bluetooth connectivity will bring you many benefits in the long term. One of them is that you will not depend on the length of a cable, but you will be able to move comfortably throughout the room. If you need to get up or go to another room, you won’t have to remove your headphones. You can take them with you without losing the connection, and continue listening to the music or podcast that you have chosen.
Taking into account what your specific needs are before buying any device will help you get it right. You should ask yourself if you are going to need many hours of autonomy , if you prefer them to be in-ear headphones or a headband, among many other qualities. We are going to analyze them in detail, so that all our doubts are dispelled before the purchase.
Active and passive noise cancellation: what are the differences
First of all, we need to differentiate between active noise cancellation and passive noise cancellation .
Passive noise cancellation: a help
This consists of isolating acoustically, and what you are looking for is that the external sound does not enter our auditory system. To achieve this type of cancellation, insulating materials are used between the earphone housings and our ears. It is a useful, simple and cheap technology . However, it is not enough by itself to completely isolate us from ambient noise. Because it attenuates the sound, but it does not cancel it.
While it is true that passive noise canceling headphones can be useful in low noise circumstances, in others they will not be of much use. The so-called ambient noise will continue to penetrate our ears, albeit partially.
Normally, the headphones that have this technology are usually the so-called supraaural or headband . It should be noted that we can find headphones that have passive cancellation and active cancellation. They combine both insulation technologies and guarantee less ambient noise.
When are headphones that only have passive noise cancellation good? Well, when we seek to protect ourselves from the outside , but continue listening to things like the car engine or the telephone. They allow us to concentrate better but leave a door open to sound, in order to keep us in touch with our surroundings.
Active noise cancellation or ANC
On the other hand, we find the so-called ANC or active sound cancellation. This is a technology that works actively to completely eliminate outside noise. To do this, he follows what is known as wave interference theory . Sound is still a low-frequency wave, and as such follows the principle of superposition . This principle states that when two or more waves meet at a particular point, the wave that is created is the sum of all those found. And how does this cancel the sound? Very simple: to that artificial wave we add the original wave, and this results in the cancellation of the sound .
When we buy headphones , what we will hear will be the sum of music and ambient noise. However, if they have ANC , they will have the ability to cancel out ambient noise using an artificially created wave. It seems complex, but the result is exceptional: you will work or study without interruptions.
To completely or partially cancel the sound, the headphones need microphones . Through these, they process all the ambient sound and generate a wave that is capable of canceling them. Normally, active noise cancellation can be activated and deactivated at will in the headphones.
Other features to consider
We already know how the two types of noise cancellation work, but there are more features to consider before choosing the best headphones. For example, if you prefer them to be in-Ear or headband-shaped. Headband-shaped headphones have certain advantages . The most striking of them is that they usually bring with them passive cancellation as well as active cancellation, since their shape isolates much more.
If what you are looking for is to avoid any type of ambient noise, headband headphones will be the best for this. However, they are heavier and can end up being much more uncomfortable. In this sense, you must weigh what you need. The comfort and lightness of in-ear headphones, or the extra isolation of supra-aural headphones?
Likewise, it is important that you look for the microphone to also have ambient noise cancellation. In this way, you can make video calls even in noisy places and the microphone will only pick up your voice. It is a technology that is not very affordable, but it is worth investing in if we are talking about work.
Autonomy and connectivity: key factors
The connectivity of the headphones, as well as the charging method, are fundamental factors when deciding. Normally, you will find headphones with bluetooth . Some may include the Jack port option but, as we have pointed out before, it is better to always look for the wireless option. In this way, you will avoid the hassle that cables can become.
The battery and the autonomy of this are, without a doubt, one of the most important points. In this sense, it varies quite a bit if we opt for in-ear headphones with a case or headband ones. If we choose the first, we will always have the extra support that the charging case entails. Introducing the headphones inside we will obtain a few more hours of battery in just a few minutes, and this can save us in a few moments. However, over-ear headphones will likely require you to plug them directly into power.
How many hours of autonomy are considered good? You may be wondering. Well, you should know that the high-end models offer up to five hours of continuous listening. If they have a case, it increases until reaching practically thirty hours . It also depends on whether you constantly use active noise cancellation , since this consumes battery. After five hours, you can consider noise-cancelling headphones to be good.
The parameters change if we talk about helmets: they can last up to twenty hours in a row . That is why it is a factor to take into account when deciding. If you need to last as long as possible, you will probably prefer to opt for headphones instead of headphones with a case.
Sound quality and sensitivity are critical
Lastly, two things to consider are sound quality and sensitivity . Sensitivity is measured in decibels of sound pressure per milliwatt. It refers to the efficiency with which a headset can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic one. As a general rule, you will find values between 80 and 125 dB .
When choosing one sensitivity or another, you must take into account which output device is going to be used. For example, a smartphone has a low output level; we should use headphones with high sensitivity so that the sound has better quality. The same happens with mp3 or tablets, which have low power. From 90 dB, we will obtain a good combination and we will listen to quality music.
Three in-ear headphones with active noise cancellation
Having clear all the aspects that we must take into account to buy the best noise-canceling headphones , we can continue! We have made a selection of three in-ear headphones with active noise cancellation, from different ranges so that you can choose the one that best suits you.
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 Pro: the cheapest
We start with the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 Pro headphones , the cheapest you’ll find in this section. Their price is between fifty and sixty euros, depending on where you buy them and when. And its specifications are very interesting. First of all, you should know that they have deep noise cancellation of up to 35 dB . They have microphones with which they effectively cancel out ambient noise. They also have an option to adapt this cancellation, but it is only available for Xiaomi smartphones . Despite everything, you can use them with any device except for this functionality.
You can connect them intelligently with two devices. In other words, they will be connected to both and you will be able to work from one or the other as you prefer. To pair them you will only have to open the case and configure the Bluetooth. They are controlled by touch, and are compatible with voice control.
The battery promises up to 28 hours of battery life, thanks to a low-power chip it contains. With a single charge they will last up to six hours of music playback , a figure that is not negligible. In addition, they have a fast charge that will allow you to listen to music for three hours with a charge of only ten minutes. You can use wireless chargers, since it is compatible with these headphones.
Apple AirPods Pro with wireless charging
If you have an Apple phone, AirPods Pro are probably the best option for you, mostly for compatibility. However, you can use them on any phone or computer, regardless of the brand. These also have a charging case through MagSafe with which you can charge them wirelessly.
Again, we find headphones with active noise cancellation that will allow you to disconnect from the outside. They incorporate a great novelty with respect to the previous ones, and that they have spatial audio and adaptive equalization. If you are a fan of music, these are details that you will notice in the quality. Using sensors, you can control music and answer calls with ease. And they are waterproof! The battery offers more than 24 hours of audio playback with the case, and up to five hours continuously without it.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro: up to 28 hours of autonomy
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro are another favorite when it comes to buying noise-cancelling headphones . Especially since the ANC technology they incorporate is intelligent, that is, they automatically detect ambient noise. This makes them very comfortable to work in any space. In addition, they provide great insulation from the environment. Even in noisy places you can easily concentrate on your work.
The autonomy of the battery is five hours , but with the case you will get up to 28 hours of freedom. They are very light, and allow you to answer calls using their touch controls. Their design makes them ergonomic and very comfortable to use. If you have a Samsung device, you will be able to configure absolutely every detail thanks to its application . If not, you will have to comply with the factory established patterns, although we can assure you that they are more than enough.
Three noise-cancelling over-ear headphones
You don’t like in-ear headphones, and prefer more traditional headphones? In that case, we have also chosen three different models so you can choose the ones you like best. Continue reading!
PowerLocus with active cancellation: the most economical
The PowerLocus brand has one of the cheapest active noise canceling headphones on the market. In addition, you can choose what color you prefer, to be able to personalize them to the fullest.
Its specifications are very interesting, especially considering its price:
- They have a range of up to 70 hours of music playback. And if your battery runs out, they incorporate a Jack cable so you can connect them to any device. No more running out of music because you didn’t charge your headphones!
- They are compatible with all operating systems .
- Its design is very comfortable in the ears. In addition, they fold so you can take them with you without taking up much space.
- ANC technology will allow you to cancel out all the noise from outside, focusing on what really matters.
Everything to Sony: quality at a good price
Sony is one of those brands that everyone trusts. And, in the case of these wireless noise-cancelling headphones , with good reason.
The battery lasts up to thirty-five hours , and it has a fast charge function for times of trouble. Its design allows you to take them with you easily, since the pads are rotatable. In addition, these pads are especially soft so that they never hurt your ears. The noise cancellation function has artificial intelligence as well as a noise sensor, which will easily eliminate all distractions.
Bose headphones with noise cancellation and integrated microphone
And finally, one of the jewels in the crown: the renowned Bose 700 headphones . They are one of the most famous in this sector, since they are the ones that offer the greatest noise cancellation. They not only have active noise cancellation , but also passive thanks to their materials.
They have a total of eleven levels of noise cancellation . The sound quality they offer is difficult to match, and they also have a high-quality microphone . Thanks to this, you will be able to make video calls even in a coffee shop and only your voice will be heard. The battery also leaves nothing to be desired, with its twenty hours of autonomy . They also work by touch, so you can access all the functions quickly. That yes: they are not cheap.
Which are our favorites?
It is difficult to choose just one of the headphones that we have mentioned in our buying guide. However, weighing all the specifications, as well as the price, we would surely stick with the Samsung Earbuds Pro. Its benefits would allow us to completely isolate ourselves from ambient sound and work without interruptions. The battery they offer is one of the best, especially if we combine it with the case. Also, do not forget that their small size makes them easy to transport. Although we can find other headphones with greater noise cancellation , such as Bose, the price is not the same. And these headphones are more than enough to work without noise in any environment.
