The best Chinese noise canceling headphones. Guide to Noise Canceling Headphones

Modern types of headphones are designed to best meet user needs. Now you can listen to modern music in the subway, while driving, while jogging in the morning, and even under water. A separate class of sound-reproducing devices are headphones with active noise reduction, which provide complete isolation from the outside world.

The operating principle of these devices is quite simple; their manufacture is based on the simplest theoretical data. The propagation of sound is represented as the movement of waves; only a sound wave can be reproduced in mirror reflection. This action is called inverting the sound wave.

How it works? Headphones with active noise reduction have a design that is distinctive from other types of devices. On the inner surface of the case there are precision microphones that constantly measure the level of external sound flow. Then the data is transmitted to the speaker through inversion.

Those waves that do not have a beneficial effect act in antiphase. Through this movement, excess noise is dampened, and the main sound stream remains undistorted.

Device Features

There are no features that prohibit the use of noise-canceling headphones. These devices are very simple and practical even with active everyday use.

You just need to remember that purchasing noise-canceling headphones from an unofficial manufacturer may cause the device to quickly break down. The microphones located inside the headphones must meet modern technical standards, otherwise their service life will be very short. Today, the audio device market is saturated with low-quality fakes, the passive price of which is not too far from the cost of the original headphones.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main positive aspect of using a noise-canceling system is complete isolation from external stimuli. The user can calmly enjoy his favorite music, for example, while going to work, without hearing surrounding sounds. But, as it turned out, such headphones do not work the same for everyone and have a number of disadvantages:

1. The occurrence of headaches. There is a category of users for whom the isolation of sound flow causes constant headaches.
2. Constant irritant. Isolated sound becomes irritating when listened to for long periods of time, which is why many noise-canceling headphones have a function to turn off the isolation from the external sound stream.

Also, such a system crosses the principle of “quiet rooms”, when isolation from external sounds leads to unpleasant sensations, and often to headaches and nausea.

The need to purchase noise-canceling headphones

This type of headphones works flawlessly in crowded places. For example, on a bus, on an airplane, on a subway, where the conversations of individual people turn into a general hum that interrupts even the sound of the most powerful headphones. But not all users use these devices exclusively for listening to music. Some play audio lessons or audio books that require constant concentration and focus.

Therefore, noise-cancelling headphones are indispensable when you need to concentrate on the material being received. Of course, no one excludes complete absorption in your favorite music, which is why you usually buy headphones.

Best models

The rating of the most reliable devices should start with a full-size model designed for noise suppression. The necessary functionality and wireless connection to the playback device make the Bose QuietComfort 35 II very popular and durable headphones. The high-capacity rechargeable battery allows you to enjoy your favorite music even longer.

• Wireless connection via Bluetooth module
• Dynamic device
• Power-on indication via LED
• There is a standard 35 mm mini jack connector and a detachable 12 m cable, making the model look like wired headphones
• Device operating time up to 20 hours
• Convenient volume control located directly on the headphone body

• Noise reduction at a high level.
• Ergonomically comfortable design, the headphones are practically not felt when worn.
• Large battery capacity means longer operation.

• When pairing with devices Apple sometimes errors occur.
• During prolonged operation, additional noise appears in the background.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II model is recognized by users as high-quality and reliable, and is very popular among all categories of sound fans.

Budget over-ear headphones closed type, which provides a good level of noise reduction. A capacitive battery will ensure longer operation of the device. The design of the case is not only convenient, but also attractive in appearance.

• Reproduction of frequencies in the range from 4 to 40000 Hz
• The operating time of the device is up to 30 hours, for a full charge no more than 4 hours are enough
• Sensitivity is 103 dB/mW
• Volume control in the form of a touch sensor is located directly on the headphone body

• Maximum functionality.
• The presence of a convenient Smart Listening function, which automatic mode adjusts the sound without user intervention.
• Attractive and convenient design.

• Not very convenient location touchpad, you can accidentally touch it with your hand.
• Headphones quickly drain the device they are connected to.

Sony WH-1000XM2 is the ideal combination of quality, reliability and modern functionality needed by a practical user.

The best over-ear noise-canceling headphones with plenty of additional functions. Sound reproduction occurs through a dynamic operating principle. Simple design and long service life.

• Wireless connection via Bluetooth module version 40
• Additionally installed microphone
• The device's standby time is up to 360 hours; a full charge requires no more than 3 hours.
• Supports 4 different profiles

• Produce high-quality and rich sound. This model is often placed on the same level as wired devices.
• Good noise reduction.
• Ergonomic design. They are practically not felt on the head.

• There is no way to disable the noise reduction function.
• The microphone quality is poor, which does not allow the device to be used as a conversational headset.

The Sennheiser Momentum Over-Ear Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (M2 AEBT) are ideal for users who prefer quality over sleek and modern design.

Review of stand-alone in-ear headphones. The design provides active noise suppression. The manufacturer uses only high quality components that have a long service life.

• Wireless connection via Bluetooth module version 41
• Headphones with microphone
• Sensitivity is 101 dB/mW
• The operating time of the device is 10 hours
• A standard mini jack 35 mm connector is provided
• High quality oxygen-free copper is used in the production of wires

• Good bass level.
• High-quality assembly and reliable components.

• Low level of active noise cancellation.
• The microphone quality is not good enough.

Sony WI-1000X is durable, lightweight and easy to carry. The headphones are suitable for active users who prefer music with rich bass. Can be used for phone.

Inexpensive over-ear headphones (plugs) with an attractive design and convenient design. Good noise reduction and dynamic operating principle make this model one of the first.

• Wireless headphones Connection via Bluetooth module version 40
• Additionally installed 2 microphones
• The weight of the device is only 213 grams
• High quality accumulator battery with large capacity
• Dual profile support

• The ear pads are of high quality, made entirely of leather.
• Sound transmission occurs at a high level.
• Comfortable to wear, do not create inconvenience even during active activities.

• Low-quality fakes are common. These earbuds should only be purchased from the manufacturer.
• Automatic shutdown in too short a time period.

The Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless model is the last in the top 5 and is the ideal combination of price and quality, capable of serving the user for a fairly long period of time.

Today, almost half of the assortment in the audio department of any store is equipped with an active noise reduction system. Some say that this is the best invention since the advent of headsets, while others are sure that this is just another ploy to pump out money.

Let's figure out together whether you need to pay attention to such a feature when choosing headphones.

What is it and how does it work

Active Noise Cancellation is a way to eliminate unwanted noise by overlaying specially generated sound.

Active noise reduction works as follows. The system captures the noise you want to cancel through an external microphone and emits a sound wave with the same amplitude but a mirror image of the original sound's phase. The noise wave and the generated sound mix and cancel each other out.

This method of dealing with noise when listening to music allows you to abandon complete sound insulation or excessively increase the volume. These two methods were previously actively used to suppress unnecessary sounds.

The first patents in this area began to appear back in the 30s of the twentieth century, but it came to real application only half a century later. Active noise cancellation technology was originally used in the aviation and defense industries. Only a few years ago it entered the consumer market.

Is it effective

Many people mistakenly consider the active noise reduction system a marketing ploy. Yes, the system will not protect you from all noise, but it performs its direct function properly.

It is generally accepted that a person is able to perceive sounds in the range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Most modern noise cancelers cope well with noise from 100 Hz to 1 KHz. This is quite enough to save the listener from conversations of other people, traffic noise and wind.

We perceive fluctuations in the range below 100 Hz not only with the ear, but also with the body; here, no noise reduction in headphones will help. As for the upper range, the system is capable of turning high-frequency squeaks or whistles into a calm hiss.

With good noise-canceling headphones, you can feel like you are in a quiet room, even if you are on a noisy street.

Useful features of active noise cancellation

Manufacturers thought, since the headphones are equipped with an external microphone, why not provide the ability to use it for its intended purpose.

Some models allow you to temporarily disable noise reduction and broadcast sound “outside” to your headphones. This way you can communicate with your interlocutor, move safely, or simply perceive information from the outside world without removing your headphones.

Another advantage of models with active noise reduction is the presence of a built-in amplifier. It is with its help that “anti-noise” is generated for the operation of the system, but in addition to this, the amplifier is capable of producing higher quality sound.

Is everything really that smooth?

The active noise reduction system also has its drawbacks. The main one is that these headphones are not suitable for everyone. Don’t worry, the percentage of those for whom the technology is contraindicated is quite low. About 3% of users, when using active noise reduction for a long time, begin to complain of headaches.

Their cause is active noise suppression system intolerance syndrome. It is similar to seasickness, when our brain thinks that the body is at rest, but the vestibular system sends opposite signals.

Likewise, when suppressing noise, it seems to the brain that we are in a quiet place, and the senses send signals that are unusual for this.

Another negative factor is increased pressure on the eardrums, because in addition to music and noise, “anti-noise” enters our ears. This can cause disruptions in the nervous system and lead to headaches.

What are the alternatives?

At the moment, active noise reduction is the most technologically advanced solution. This feature cuts out up to 95% of extraneous sounds when listening to music. This uses a whole chain additional elements and this affects the cost of headphones and headsets with active noise cancellation.

As a counterbalance to this technology, you can use passive noise reduction. It is achieved by sealing the human ear from external noise through massive ear pads in over-ear headphone models or flexible ear pads that can take any shape in vacuum models.

All other things being equal, such headphones are cheaper and simpler in design, which means they are more reliable in operation.

What to choose in the end

First, you need to go to the nearest electronics store with exhibition samples and visually verify the operation of the active noise reduction system. A simple comparison of headphones with and without such a system will immediately give results.

To avoid falling into the so-called “risk zone,” it is better to ask a friend or acquaintance to test the model.

This is how yet another technology, previously in service with the military, is deeply penetrating our lives.

Interest in noise-canceling headphones in Russia is emerging very slowly; many generally look at accessories with disdain, saying that it’s all a stupid waste of money. I bought a smartphone, I need to spend money on the rest. This approach can be compared to how novice drivers calculate the cost of a car, they say, here’s a car, it costs (let’s say) one hundred thousand. I can afford it. But what about the cost of gas, maintenance, insurance, parking, fines? You need to think about this right away. It's the same story with accessories. If you're a frequent flyer, it's important to take care of your brain. What destroys it? It is destroyed by noise. Children are crying, adults are talking or singing songs, a neighbor is trying to communicate. Noise-canceling over-ear headphones are perfect protection. You make it clear to your neighbors that you don't want to talk. You are escaping the noise. You are in a good mood, your brain is saved. So is this worth spending money on? Certainly! Let me note that such headphones will save you not only on an airplane, but also in the office, on public transport, and at home, if you need to listen to music in peace, even if neighbors on all sides are starting renovations. And I’ll say right away that even the best headphones with an ANC (Active Noise Control) system will not be able to perform miracles and completely protect you from very high volumes, something will leak out. But in any case, your ears and head will suffer much less.

And one last thing. I personally tested all of these headphones and recommend them all to you - noise reduction will come in handy during New Year's trips. By the way, this is also a good, useful gift.

Headphones

Parrot Zik

Parrot has already shown the second generation Zik, I had a chance to see this model live, listen to it, it’s impressive - however, I can’t say anything about the start of sales. But it's not too late to buy the first generation Zik. The model is extremely successful and will be especially interesting for those who are looking for advanced solutions. At the end of the day, the Bose QC25 are just headphones, nothing more. And Zik is a software and hardware complex, sensors for controlling playback with finger touches, applications for iOS or Android, connection via Bluetooth or using a cable. I recommend reading the review if you are thinking about buying, this applies to other headphones too.

pros: design, effective noise reduction system, excellent sound quality, interesting smartphone application, comfortable to wear for a long time, touch control and so on - you can find out more in the review.

Minuses: These are quite large headphones, but that's hardly a big drawback.

Price: 12,500 rubles.

Bose QC25

The most modern headphones of the Quiet Comfort series, a review will appear on the website very soon. I have only positive impressions, I think that this best headphones with noise canceling on the market - AAA battery life is about 35 hours, perfectly cuts out all scary sounds on the plane, convenient remote control, excellent sound quality and delivery package. But you probably won't like the price. Not entirely obvious advantages include the durability of the headphones; the ear pads and cable can be changed, so the QC25 will last you for years. This applies to QC15 too.

pros: design, sound quality, great job noise reduction systems, operating time, delivery set, work with any devices. Well, the Bose QC25 are also very comfortable!

Minuses: not found.

Price: 14,000 rubles.

Bose QC15

Good old headphones that replaced the very popular QC3 model. Classic Bose design, excellent noise reduction system, very comfortable, even if you wear them for several hours without taking them off, you won’t feel tired. But the sound quality here is not the most outstanding - not bad, but without frills. With prolonged use, you can change the ear pads and cable; these parts are removable. Good package.

pros: The most important thing is that these are good noise-canceling headphones for the money, comfortable and simple, and will work for years until you get tired of them.

Minuses: If the battery is low and there is no spare, the QC-15 can be put back into the case.

Price: You can find it on sale for 11,000 rubles, or even cheaper.

Bose QC20

There was an interesting story related to QC20. One day we were filming videos on Taganka, and a friend came to see us. During the break, he asked for help with choosing in-ear headphones - he said that, in principle, he hated headphones, listened to music at home on speakers or in the car, and that it was unlikely that I could surprise him. And he said that he would fly to Vladivostok tomorrow on business. The flight is long. I decided to recommend QC-20, I opened the package myself, showed and told everything - the sellers had already left. Then the magic began, the friend walked around the store with his mouth open, did not hear anything, did not respond to his name. Then he enthusiastically began to tell us what a cool model it was, and how quiet everything was, and how he didn’t hear our voices, music, or anything at all. And it’s great that these are not large on-ear headphones. In general, I bought it. And I said a long time ago, even in the review, that the QC-20 has no analogues.

pros: miniature size, long battery life (16 hours), excellent sound quality, noise reduction system works great, works with any device.

Minuses: alas, the battery is located in a separate unit, the unit is on a cable, some may not like this - although it weighs little and is not too noticeable.

Price: 15,000 rubles.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro

An extremely interesting model in terms of price-quality ratio, Plantronics managed to make something in between Bose and Parrot, adding its own look to this narrow niche. One of the main features is that there are Play/Pause sensors, when the headphones are on your head and the music is playing, as soon as you take them off, the music stops playing. Rotating jog wheels on the cups will help you adjust the volume and rewind the track. The noise reduction system works great, the sound quality is not bad, but for me, Studio 2 has more interesting music. But these are personal impressions, BackBeat Pro may be ideal for you.

pros: long operating time (24 hours), good quality sound, effective noise reduction system, Bluetooth 4.0 support, cable connection possible, work with any device. I like the unique feature of muting the microphones, when you begin to clearly hear everything that is happening on the street - it was designed specifically to talk to people without removing the headphones.

Minuses: impressive size (but otherwise it was impossible to combine everything described above in one).

Price: about 10,000 rubles.

Beats Studio 2/Beats Studio 2 Wireless

Many people disparage Beats, but at the same time they didn’t even spend ten minutes listening to Studio 2 - and it’s worth doing. Unlike the Bose QC15, the sound quality here is really interesting. But the noise reduction system is not as effective. The operating time is about 20 hours, you will need to charge microUSB cable(as for some other models this year) and two hours of time. There is a wireless model, it costs a little more, but it can be used with or without a cable. Yes, one more thing, these are the most famous headphones in the world at the moment.

pros: Great design, foldable design, comfortable to wear, long working time, good sound quality, wireless version can be used in two ways, with or without cable.

Minuses: There are too many fakes on the market, buy only from trusted places.

Price: about 13,000 rubles.

Sony Xperia Z3/Z2 + Sony MDR-NC31EM

In this article it was impossible to do without this set; you can use the MDR-NC31EM headphones with any Sony equipment with a 5 pin connector, the current one is Sony Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. Don't forget to turn on the noise reduction system in the settings. Powered by the phone's battery, but this has little effect on the operating time; you will hardly notice that the headphones are eating up time. But what you will notice is the silence.

pros: compact, noise reduction system works well, good sound quality.

Minuses: The noise canceling system only works with Sony devices, not everyone likes to stuff ear tips into their ears.

Price: about 3,000 rubles.

Well, don’t forget about the easiest way to combat noise - earplugs are sold at any pharmacy. Just fifty rubles and you can sleep peacefully during the flight.

Listening to music on headphones outside the home is always a struggle between chaotic external noise and that very beautiful sound, organized by pitch and time, which we call music. Whether you will hear more of the rumble of a railway carriage or the sound of your favorite composition directly depends on the degree and quality of noise reduction of your headphones. How can you get rid of external noise and, most importantly, is it worth doing? Let's figure it out.

Where and when do you need noise reduction?

Noise-cancelling headphones are usually recommended for use on long trips. A typical advertising poster shows a well-dressed middle-aged man in business class on an airplane. I haven’t been in business very often, but I can say for sure that in economy class on international flights, you always come across a couple of people putting noise canceling headphones on their heads immediately after takeoff. And in those moments when I forgot mine, I always sincerely envied such people. If you think about it, an airplane or, say, a train is far from the only reason to use noise-canceling headphones. The subway can be no less noisy, and just being on a busy city street, it’s difficult to listen to music while ignoring the noise of cars passing by. An even more interesting story is the use of such headphones indoors. For what? Well, let's say, you can listen to music at home and not hear the TV running. And in an office that buzzes like a beehive during the day, you can work calmly and concentratedly in silence and comfort. And let your colleagues envy your peace of mind!

Essence of the question: Noise-cancelling headphones are useful in a lot more situations than you might think.

Lifehack: Do you want to remain in silence and solitude when there is noise and chaos around? Get good noise canceling headphones. There is no better way to “turn off the sound” for a while.

PROTECT YOUR EARS

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• 1. Rating of in-ear headphones
• 2.QCY QY7 Black-Green
• 3. Xiaomi Mi ANC Type-C In-Ear Earphones
• 4. Plantronics BackBeat GO
• 5. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC40BT
• 6. Sennheiser CXC 700
• 7. Rating of full-size headphones
• 8. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC50IS
• 9. JBL E65BT
• 10. Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 SE
• 11. Sony WH-1000XM2
• 12. Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) PX

No music lover can imagine his life without good headphones. And if you often listen to music on the street or on public transport, then such a headphone criterion as active noise reduction becomes one of the most important. And today, noise-canceling headphones are in the spotlight.

Rating of in-ear headphones

This will be the traditional top 10 best noise-canceling headphones, which includes both full-size headphones and miniature in-ear headphones.

QCY QY7 Black-Green

Price: 1274 rubles.

QCY QY7 Black-Green - not bad budget headphones with a nice design. The accessory is classified as wireless and works via Bluetooth. At the same time, the headphones can boast of a good degree of autonomy - a full charge lasts for 6.5 hours of listening to music. The sound is reproduced in the range of 20-20000 Hz. Of course, the sound of the QCY QY7 Black-Green is far from top-end, but for its price category very worthy. But this model, alas, does not differ in outstanding noise-canceling properties.

Xiaomi Mi ANC Type-C In-Ear Earphones

Price: 2890 rubles.

Unlike the model above, Xiaomi Mi ANC have a wider frequency range of 20 - 40000 Hz, as well as clearer and cleaner sound. They are connected via a connector USB Type-C. Active noise cancellation dampens almost all low and mid frequencies, so you can enjoy music even in the subway. Overall, good headphones at a reasonable price that will delight you with pleasant sound. But there are some drawbacks - not a single equalizer works with these headphones.

Plantronics BackBeat GO

Price: 4000 rubles.

Plantronics BackBeat GO features a miniature design and light weight, making these headphones almost invisible on your ears. At the same time, the accessory provides excellent sound quality, as well as the level of noise reduction, even in comparison with more expensive models. However, the compactness and wireless type played a cruel joke on the headphones - when actively listening to music, a full charge lasts only 4 hours. If low autonomy does not bother you, then Plantronics BackBeat GO will give you many pleasant moments.

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC40BT

Price: 9200 rubles.

In second place are some more wireless headphones Audio-Technica ATH-ANC40BT. The headset provides high sound quality and even produces quite noticeable bass, especially if you play with the equalizer. The active noise cancellation system does a good job of muffling low and mid frequencies. I am pleased with the autonomy - the charge is enough for 8 hours of active listening to music. One more distinctive feature This model also has the ability to connect via cable, however, in this case the noise suppression system will not work.

Sennheiser CXC 700

Price: 10,490 rubles.

And finally, the best-in-class Sennheiser CXC 700 in-ear headphones. Their advantages include clear sound with high-quality lows and the most pronounced bass among similar accessories. Digital system active noise cancellation also works better than its closest competitors. Among other things, the Sennheiser CXC 700 is one of the most ergonomic and comfortable models. As a minus, we can note that they are not the most expressive high frequencies, however, against the backdrop of the overall sound quality this is not so critical.

Rating of full-size headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC50IS

Price: 6990 rubles.

Inexpensive wireless headphones Audio-Technica ATH-ANC50IS provide sound at frequencies of 20 - 20,000 Hz. The gadget is of the wireless type and has a high degree of autonomy - up to 40 hours of operation. The model features both good passive noise insulation and a decent active noise reduction system. True, high noise is blocked an order of magnitude worse. But the main disadvantage of the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC50IS is not the most reliable design; these headphones are quite easy to break.

JBL E65BT

Price: 7000 rubles.

JBL E65BT is a wireless model that will appeal to fans of large headphones that sit comfortably on the head and ears. As for the sound, the range of 20 - 20,000 Hz is more conducive to high-quality lows, although the final result does not cause any particular complaints. Noise reduction is on point. We are pleased with the high degree of autonomy - with noise reduction turned on, a full charge of the device lasts for 15 hours of continuous operation. Fast charging in stock.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 SE

Price: 14990 rubles.

Another headphone from Plantronics, but this time a full-size type. BackBeat Pro 2 SE demonstrate good surround sound, which is facilitated by deep lows and pronounced highs. Noise cancellation is not perfect, but it is at a good level and is in no way inferior to other models in this price category. It is worth noting that the battery lasts for 24 hours, and the automatic pause function allows you to save battery life.

Sony WH-1000XM2

Price: 27999 rubles.

The Sony WH-1000XM2 has everything a quality headphone should have. This is excellent sound in the range of 4 - 40000 Hz with a special wire for listening to audio high resolution. This is one of best systems active “smart” noise reduction with individual settings, allowing you to enjoy excellent sound even at high altitudes. This is a minimalist design with high autonomy. But the model is priced accordingly.

Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) PX

Price: 29990 rubles.

The Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) PX headphones have virtually no competitors. The gadget provides best-in-class sound with an almost perfect frequency balance, which is complemented by an intelligent noise reduction system that adapts to different conditions external environment. With these headphones, nothing can distract you from listening to music either in a subway car or on an airplane. In addition, the device boasts an ergonomic design and good battery life. The only drawback that can be noted is their considerable cost. This concludes the 2019 rating, which included only the best headphones with active noise cancellation. We hope that it helped you resolve the difficult issue of choosing a headset, and that the headphones themselves will please you both with their sound and their ability to protect you from the noise of the world outside the ear pads.