Noise-cancelling headphones are one of the most popular types of cans, and for good reason. They block out ambient noise that can distract from you enjoying your favourite tunes. While they're particularly useful for air travel and daily commutes especially via public transport - they're also great at isolating you from at-home noise pollution, whether that be the whoosh of your HVAC system, the whir of your computer's cooling fans, or your neighbour's lawn mower.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) identify sound waves associated with noise and electronically generate an inverse sound wave that cancels it out. Here's what we mean: a sound wave is similar to the ripples in a pond. Toss a pebble in the pond, then introduce ripples of the opposite pattern, and you'll smooth the pond's surface. Active noise cancellation (ANC) works in a similar manner. Microphones mounted on the headphone analyse ambient sound waves and then produce inverse sound waves that will cancel them out.
As you might expect, the ANC technologies from some manufacturers are incredibly effective; others, less so. We've tested models from AKG, Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, JBL, Libratone, and Sony and found them to be very good.
Adaptive noise cancellation is the most sophisticated type of ANC. It operates on the same principles, but adapts to your surroundings to apply more or less of the effect and to even bring in sounds from the outside world. Some adaptive noise-cancelling solutions even take into account how fast you're moving, the air pressure around you, and whether you're likely in a plane, taking a walk, or holding a conversation. Many operate in conjunction with a mobile app on your smartphone.
Some individuals find that ANC headphones exert pressure on their ears, creating a similar sensation to being under water. If you find ANC headphones to be uncomfortable, you'll prefer a model with good passive noise cancellation. That type of headphone deliver other benefits, too: They're the least likely to colour the music you're listening to, and they don't need batteries. On the other hand, not all headphones with passive noise cancellation are wireless.
1. SONY WHF-1000XM5
Price: £379 from fave.co/3NtO1r6 See page 58 for our in-depth review.
2. BOWERS & WILKINS PX7 CARBON EDITION
Price: £249 from fave.co/3H4XOkQ The PX7 Carbon Edition headphone from audio titan Bowers & Wilkins is a special version of the PX7 headphone the company introduced in late 2019. It features the same carbon fibre construction, but with a new finish. We didn't have an opportunity to review the original PX7, so we welcomed the chance to give this new edition an in-depth listen.
These premium active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones carry over the same 43.6mm drivers, 30-hour battery life, and software features for a list price of £349. They are only slightly cheaper than Sony's WH-1000XM5. Sony's offering is our current top pick, but the PX7 are more comfortable to wear, and they deliver more accurate audio reproduction. Their higher list price, however, can be attributed mostly to luxury.
Premium fit and finish
From a design perspective, the PX7 Carbon Edition adds just a bit more class to the original PX7. The original Space Grey and Silver finishes look refined and classic, but the new model's Carbon finish, combined with the diamond-cut detailing around the B&W logo plates on the ear cups, take the design up a notch - for some people. I find it to be a
