Wireless noise-cancelling headphones can make train noise, office chatter and sounds at home less noticeable. However, not every model is right for every situation. A low price may seem appealing, but comfort, battery life or controls can disappoint in practice.
Look out for these three common pitfalls:
With active noise cancellation, often abbreviated to ANC, microphones pick up surrounding sounds so they can be reduced electronically. Don’t just look for the term “noise cancelling”; check which settings are available too.
Adjustable ANC levels are useful if you use your headphones in different environments. According to the product description, the Sony WH-CH720N offers 20 levels of noise-cancelling adjustment through the Sony app. An ambient or aware mode is also useful when you want to hear an announcement, colleague or traffic.
Always stay aware of your surroundings when cycling, driving or operating machinery. Noise-cancelling headphones can make surrounding sounds less audible.
For travel headphones, battery life with active noise cancellation switched on is often the most relevant figure. The Sony WH-CH720N is listed with up to 35 hours with noise cancelling and up to 50 hours without. The Sony WH-1000XM5 product information lists 30 hours with noise cancelling and 40 hours without.
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Long battery life reduces the chance of running out of music during a flight, working day or train journey. Actual playback time depends on volume, Bluetooth features and settings.
Wireless over-ear headphones fully cover your ears. This can provide passive noise isolation, but the headphones still need to fit well. Check the weight, and look at how adjustable the headband is and the shape of the ear cushions.
For working from home, Bluetooth multipoint is useful. It lets you connect your headphones to, for example, a laptop and smartphone. You can then answer an incoming call more easily without having to reconnect manually each time.
Bluetooth versions and codecs affect compatibility. Check whether your smartphone or laptop supports the codec listed too. A model with LDAC or aptX Lossless won’t automatically deliver the same results with every device.
Why it suits this user: These lightweight over-ear Bluetooth headphones are ideal for everyday listening, working from home and travelling, without the need to step up to a heavier model.
The product information lists battery life separately with and without noise cancelling: up to 35 and 50 hours respectively. Multipoint connectivity is also included.
192 grams, USB-C, Bluetooth 5.2, active noise cancellation and connectivity with two devices.
Why it suits this user: A good choice for listeners who value customisable features, high-quality Bluetooth codecs and headphones for travelling or focused work.
The stated battery life distinguishes between 30 hours with noise cancelling and 40 hours without. The headphones also have a 3.5mm socket for wired listening.
Bluetooth 5.2, multipoint, LDAC support, USB-C and a weight of 250 grams.
Why it suits this user: An option for users who want to combine active noise cancellation, spatial audio, multipoint and both wireless and wired connections.
The product description states 30 hours of listening time with active noise cancellation and includes a fast-charging function. According to the description, multipoint must be enabled through the Sonos app.
Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C audio, 3.5mm cable, active noise cancellation and a weight of 312 grams.
Why it suits this user: The two ULT sound modes are designed for listeners who want extra emphasis on bass when listening to music, travelling and going about their day.
The product details list battery life separately: 30 hours with noise cancelling and 50 hours without. The foldable design is handy for travelling.
Multipoint, USB-C, 3.5mm socket, active noise cancellation and ambient sound modes, and fast charging.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety requirements.
Yes. Active noise cancellation can reduce constant sounds, such as engine and travel noise. The effect varies by model and fit. Voices and announcements may still be audible, so use an aware or ambient mode when you want to keep hearing important sounds.
Playback time per charge varies by model and settings. Always check the figure with noise cancellation switched on. The lifespan of the built-in battery depends on factors including charging habits and usage. Headphones with USB-C, fast charging and, if available, an audio cable are more practical when the battery runs flat.
Multipoint only works if both the headphones and the devices you’re using support the feature. Check the manufacturer’s instructions too. Some models require you to enable multipoint in a companion app first. According to the product information, this applies to the Sonos Ace, for example.