Noise-cancelling headphones are designed to reduce distracting background noise while working reliably with your smartphone, laptop or tablet. In practice, however, wireless headphones can vary considerably in comfort, battery life, call quality and app features.
If you focus only on a high decibel rating or a well-known brand name, you may miss important details. Three common buying mistakes are particularly easy to make:
Over-ear headphones surround your ears and provide an extra barrier against outside noise through their passive isolation. They’re often well suited to the office, flights and long listening sessions, but can be larger and heavier.
In-ear headphones sit directly in your ear canals. Multiple ear tips in different sizes are important to ensure the earbuds fit securely and provide an effective passive seal. A lightweight design can be practical for sport or varied everyday activities. Comfort is personal, though, so you shouldn’t judge it by the product name alone.
When choosing noise-cancelling headphones, look for a transparency or ambient mode as well as ANC. It lets in surrounding sounds, which can be useful when crossing a road, at a station or in the office.
For calls, multiple microphones and digital voice processing are worth considering. Terms such as beamforming and ENC describe technical methods for capturing your voice and reducing background noise. Call clarity still depends on your surroundings, fit, network and software.
Check the battery life with and without ANC. A quick-charge feature can be more useful day to day than a high maximum battery life. Multipoint Bluetooth is also handy if you want to connect your headphones to your work computer and smartphone at the same time.
For music lovers, LDAC, aptX Lossless and Hi-Res Audio are possible extra features. They require compatible devices and may need to be enabled in the app. A 3.5 mm cable or USB-C audio can also come in handy when the battery runs out or you prefer a wired connection.
Why this product suits this profile: These compact in-ear headphones combine ANC, Bluetooth 6.0 and LDAC with a stated total battery life of up to 54 hours with the charging case. They’re a good fit for commuters and anyone who wants to save space in their rucksack.
The five included ear tips help you find a more personalised fit and seal. Battery life is listed separately for the earbuds and the charging case.
Dual-driver system, multipoint connectivity, IP55 rating and low latency in gaming mode.
Why this product suits this profile: These over-ear headphones are designed for music lovers and professionals who want to combine ANC, LDAC, multipoint Bluetooth and comprehensive app controls.
The product specifications list battery life separately with ANC on and off. There’s also a wired 3.5 mm connection.
LDAC support, multiple microphones, app EQ, quick charging and simultaneous connection to two devices.
Why this product suits this profile: These foldable Bluetooth headphones are well suited to travel and the office if you want compact storage, over-ear comfort and long battery life.
The specifications distinguish between up to 40 hours with ANC and 60 hours without it. According to the manufacturer, the foldable FlexiCurve design makes the headphones more compact to pack.
Adaptive noise cancellation, quick charging, stated LDAC support and a padded headband for longer listening sessions.
Why this product suits this profile: At a stated weight of 192 grams and with up to 35 hours of battery life with ANC, these headphones appeal to anyone looking for a lightweight pair to wear regularly throughout the working day.
The product description gives battery life figures with ANC both on and off, as well as a three-minute quick-charge feature. Multipoint makes it easier to switch between your laptop and smartphone.
Low stated weight, Ambient Sound mode, DSEE, multipoint Bluetooth and a 3.5 mm connection.
We’ve put together a comprehensive, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.
Active noise cancellation picks up surrounding sounds through microphones and produces an opposing signal. It can often reduce steady low-frequency sounds, such as those from train or aircraft engines. Voices and irregular noises may still be audible.
Battery life depends on the battery, charging cycles, volume, software and whether noise cancellation is switched on. When deciding what to buy, use the manufacturer’s battery life figure with ANC enabled. If the battery is built in, it’s also important to protect it from heat and moisture and use the right charging accessories.
There are usually no ongoing costs for using Bluetooth and ANC alone. You may incur extra costs for optional apps, paid software features, replacement ear pads or new charging accessories. For translation features, check whether they require an internet connection or a service that may become chargeable later.