In the overwhelming majority of cases, ordinary and high-quality in-ear headphones or, alternatively, overhead models are enough for an ordinary music lover in order to escape from the outside world and enjoy their inner, along with some marvelous composition.
But there are times when only noise-canceling headphones can help, and not just help, but improve well-being and make life much easier. You don’t have to look far for examples - have you tried to relax in a reserved seat with a fun company in the neighborhood? Or sleep during a long flight for 8-10 hours? In a rumbling bus or minibus, rest also becomes a problem. Therefore, noise-canceling headphones are, as often happens, the only option to calm your nerves and calmly escape from the hustle and bustle of the world around you. It is worth putting one of the models described below on your head, as the long-awaited happiness of silence and peace comes in the company of your favorite music or radio station.
So, let's try to figure it out. Noise Canceling Headphones: What Are They?models deserve attention, what is good for the office and what for the home? Let's designate the most successful models in the form of a rating, taking into account the opinions of experts in this field and the reviews of ordinary owners.
Best Noise Canceling Headphones (Rating):
- Bose QC 25
- Bose QC 20i
- Sennheiser MM 550-X Travel
- Denon AH-NCW500
- Jabra Evolve 80 UC
Bose QC 25
This model is called the "Big Noise Killers" for a reason. The manufacturer positions it as an innovative device with the maximum level of noise reduction. Judging by the specification, the model is able to cut off 95% of external noise.
The Bose QC 25 Noise Canceling Headphones are considered an active system and operate on a single AAA battery. It lasts about 30+ hours. It is also worth noting that the model has excellent ergonomics and fits perfectly on the head. The ear cups wrap snugly around your ears, so you don't feel any pressure.
Owners in their reviews appreciated the deep and enveloping bass, as well as the presence of a beautiful and compact case. Also, buyers were quite satisfied with the passive noise reduction system if the battery ran out. Some are scared off by the price of the gadget, but judging by the reviews of experts, the balance of price and quality is maintained at the proper level.
In addition to the case, the package includes a built-in and convenient remote control, as well as a detachable cable that is compatible withall Apple devices and some gadgets on the Android platform. Many wearers have labeled the QC 25 as subway noise canceling headphones.
Estimated price - 23,000 rubles.
Bose QC 20i
If the previous respondent can be called the best among overhead and full-size models, then the QC 20i is among the in-ear ones. And here the nickname "Little Noise Killers" is already appropriate. Just like the 25th model, the QC 20i noise-canceling headphones can work in active and passive mode. To maintain the active mode, a built-in battery is provided, which lasts for about 15 hours.
Some owners in their reviews complain about the not very convenient case where the battery is stored, calling it "an eyesore", but after a few days of work, the feeling of discomfort disappears. Users liked the ergonomics of the gadget - the headphones do not fall out and sit comfortably.
Expert and owner opinions
In terms of sound, the device pleased: powerful and clear bass, bright high frequencies and well-balanced mids. The only thing that the owners note in their reviews as a minus is the lack of an “honest” sound, because many musical compositions at the output turn out to be slightly embellished. This is especially noticeable in the high and low frequency ranges. In this regard, it remains to recommend a test drive of the gadget before buying, so as not to be disappointed after the purchase. In addition, the high price does not allow you to make a purchase frivolously.
The device syncs perfectly with all Apple products and some Android devices. The vast majority of gadget owners position the model as noise-canceling headphones for the office: small, comfortable and practical.
Estimated price - 20,000 rubles.
Sennheiser MM 550-X Travel
This model can be called a quality station wagon in retro style. Sennheiser's 550-series noise-cancelling headphones look like "hello from the 80s" but, unlike the older models, work great.
According to its acoustic characteristics, this model outperforms the QC 25 in some areas: "correct" sound, balanced bass and "meatiness". The only thing the MM 550 series loses in is noise reduction: 90% to 95% for QC 25.
Owner Reviews
Among the undeniable advantages, the owners in their reviews note the absence of wires and long battery life in active mode. Also, among other positive features, there are other distinctive nuances that these noise-canceling headphones have. The review showed that the gadget fully supports SRS WOW HD technology, which means that the owner of the device will have excellent spatial sound.
Among other things, the model sits perfectly on the head and allows you to spend a lot of time doing your favorite activity without any discomfort. Well, the last point that can become critical when choosing headphones is a replaceable batterybattery - a very rare quality even for expensive counterparts.
Estimated price is 30,000 rubles.
Denon AH-NCW500
This is a relatively compact model of noise-canceling headphones, which differs from the mass of others in a rather interesting control system. The gadget is equipped with a strong plastic case, which perfectly echoes the leather inserts.
The management system should be mentioned separately. The universal button for switching tracks, start and pause is located on both sides of the headphones. In addition, one of the ear pads has a very convenient volume control in the form of a ring.
As for the active noise reduction mode, it is noticeably weak here when compared with the previous participants in the rating. However, while working or relaxing, you will not hear the copier running or the noise from the air conditioner. The active noise canceling mode will drain the battery in about 10 hours in wireless mode, and then you can connect the wires and work with the passive system.
Opinion of users
The owners in their reviews speak very warmly about the model. Almost everyone was satisfied with the noise-canceling characteristics, coupled with excellent sound. Bass and high frequencies are especially good for the gadget, which convey all the information to the listener with high quality and “truthfully”. Some people complain about small dips in the mids, but this is noticeable in a number of rare songs.
Estimated price - 15,000 rubles.
Jabra Evolve 80 UC
Brand beforeis still famous for its Bluetooth headsets, which have completely conquered the business segment. In the new Evolve line, the company has focused on the same area, that is, it has developed another high-quality business gadget.
This model is the only one of all that can be called a headset. Others on the list have a microphone, but it's built into the earcup and relatively far from the mouth, while the Evolve models are equipped with a specially articulated boom for greater convenience. And if in the first case we have a mediocre transmission quality due to a distant location, then in the second - everything is exactly the opposite.
By and large, we can say that the Jabra Evolve 80 UC is not only noise-canceling headphones, but also a full-fledged headset, that is, “two in one”. The owners in their reviews have repeatedly noted this pleasant feature, and dispatchers and streamers spoke especially warmly about it. Also, many owners were pleased with the Do Not Disturb mode. If it is activated, the ear pads light up in red, thereby notifying others that the user is busy. The battery life of the gadget is quite acceptable and fluctuates within a day. There are no questions about the sound either - everything is almost perfect, and there were no critical remarks.
Estimated price - 20,000 rubles.