Noise Cancelling Headphone Reviews
Noise canceling technology is exactly what the name implies: hushing ambient noise by creating anti-noise in anticipation of the noise at your ear. (That’s quite a mouth full, but it’s better than an ear full.) Obviously, headphones can’t eliminate noise, but noise canceling can significantly reduce the interference of sounds like air conditioning systems. Below is a summary of our noise cancelling headphone reviews:
Noise canceling headphones are available in a range of size/type, quality and of course, price. The biggest advantage of these over normal headphones is ear health. Since you don’t have to crank up the volume to drown out other sounds, you can listen at lower settings, thus reducing ear fatigue and the likelihood that you’ll need to be fitted for hearing aids in the future. You’ll also pick up more low-level detail in your music.
This comparison of noise cancelling headphones is limited to just headphones as opposed to earbuds and ear canal earphones. Our noise cancelling headphone ratings are limited to 5 stars at the top, because frankly, we just don’t want to count any higher. Know that first of all, you’re probably not going to get away with spending less than about $150 for a decent NC headphone and you can easily spend upwards of $350 or more. Now, that your calculator is set, lets look at some comparisons.
Consistently ranked high (4 stars) are the Bose QuietComfort 15 and 3. The QuietComfort 3 is smaller and more compact, so if you’re not a savvy shopper it can cost more than the 15. QuietComfort is the perfect description for the 15. It is super comfortable and offers the sound quality Bose is famous for. Its silencing capabilities are tops, bar none. These are an improvement on and a replacement for the QC3. It folds up for compact storage in its own carrying case. The only down side here is the price – $300; but then, Bose is famous for that, too. The sound quality of the QuietComfort 3 is almost indistinguishable from the 15’s. But shrinking that technology will run you at least as much if not more than the 15. Both carry the 30-day home trial Bose is also famous for.
Coming is with 3 ½ stars is the Sony MDR-NC500D, their high end (and high priced – $300) full-size noise canceling headphones. As is typical of Sony, it’s loaded with features that Sony-lovers have come to expect from their products. The most compelling feature is the feedback noise cancellation mic, which is located near the ear, rather than on the outside of the earcup. This allows the unit to more accurately analyze the sounds that are directed at the eardrum as opposed to estimating what incoming sounds will actually reach the eardrum, (the feedforward method.) The “D” designation tells you there is digital technology involved. These headphones use a digital equalizer combined with a software engine to cancel ambient noise and reduce ear stress. Some feel the bass is mushy, but were impressed with the high details and the mid ranges.
Sennheiser PXC-300
Also at 3 ½ stars and half the price (around $150) is the Sennheiser PXC-300. These featherweight noise canceling headphones really comfortable and provide sound quality that approaches some full-size models and comes with a sturdy travel pouch and 2-year warranty. The smaller size ear cushions, while not covering the entire ear, are so extraplush they block out a significant amount of noise all on their own. Even though they exert a fair amount of pressure on the ear, they’re still comfortable even in hot weather. While the PXC-300’s sound is clearly detailed with superior bass definition, the maximum volume is somewhat limited compared to other headphones. However, this could be a plus for those of you wishing to preserve your hearing.
This concludes our noise cancelling headphone comparison. We haven’t revealed all the details or all the makes and types, but we think we’ve given you a pretty good place to start.
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