Never again will you have to deal with tangled cables and silence on the road: Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones are undoubtedly one of the hottest things right now, not least thanks to mobile phone manufacturers increasingly abandoning the wired headphone jack. True, the choice of models is huge - we will show you what to look for when buying and recommend which headphones are right for you.
Our partner HEAD acoustics assessed noise reduction in the laboratory using a special mannequin head (Image: HEAD acoustics).
Active Noise Canceling Headphones: Buying Tips
Those looking for Bluetooth headphones should first decide on a few important points to wisely narrow down their choice: Should it be a device with active noise cancellation, or will a passive one be enough for you? Which model do you prefer: On-Ear, Over-Ear or In-Ear? If in-ear headphones (In-Ear) suit you better, which ones will you choose: completely wireless (“true wireless”) or still with a “collar”? There are a lot of options, the choice mainly depends on your preferences and the potential scenario for using the headphones.
Active noise cancellation is necessary when you want to listen to music at low volume levels in a noisy environment. All of the models discussed in this article feature active noise cancellation (ANC): they are equipped with microphones that sense ambient noise and create out-of-phase sound waves to drown out the noise for the listener, or, in the best case, cancel it out completely. This, of course, works when playing music, but often changes the sound quality.
This might be interesting:
- Test of in-ear headphones with active noise cancellation: choosing the best models
JBL Live Pro+
4.7/5
9 reviews
Buy Yandex Market
average price
RUB 9,990
Characteristics
- design: in-channel
- connection: Bluetooth 5.0
- charging: USB Type-C
- number of microphones: 3
- working time: 7 h
- sensitivity: 102 dB
In eighth place in my ranking are the JBL Live Pro+, in-ear wireless headphones with a sophisticated design that won the CES 2021 Innovation Awards. In addition to active noise cancellation, they are equipped with Smart Ambient technology , which allows you to hear others without taking out your headphones.
They provide normal sound quality thanks to the standard frequency range (20–20,000 Hz) and sensitivity of 102 dB. Each earbud has three microphones equipped with echo cancellation technology, so they transmit clear, clear speech, even when talking on the street or in a public place. After a 3-hour charge, the headphones with a 55 mAh battery can work for 7 hours. When using the case, the operating time increases to 28 hours (it contains a 500 mAh battery). The charge level of the headphones is displayed on the case when open .
Pros:
- Miniature headphones and case.
- Long working time.
- Convenient shape. They don't fall out.
- Stable connection without interruptions.
- Good sound quality.
- The noise reduction is not bad.
- Responsive controls.
Minuses:
- Standard ear pad size (not suitable for everyone).
- When used with an iPhone, some users found the controls awkward.
JBL Live Pro+ cost 9,900 rubles . Users indicate that the noise reduction is inferior to some models (especially expensive ones), but taking into account the overall performance and sound quality, the headphones justify their price. Due to complaints about the poor packaging and not the right size of ear pads for everyone, only 75% of users recommend JBL Live Pro+ for purchase.
Reviews on Yandex.Market
What is the meaning of ANC: the pros and cons of active noise cancellation
But even over-ear headphones with the best ANC system - the Sony WH-1000XM3 - cannot completely block out ambient noise. Smooth, deep, buzzing sounds almost completely disappear for the listener. The mids and higher frequencies, which generally have less energy than the bass range and are therefore less disruptive, are still detectable by the listener, but they are more like a quiet rustle.
In terms of ANC performance, there are significant differences between different headphone models, although you can get good noise isolation even in the mid-range for around RUB 11,000. But, if this feature is fundamentally important to you, then you should purchase one of the models that received at least a “Good” rating in our test.
If you're looking for headphones with the best noise cancellation, the design is secondary. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM3 over-ear headphones and the Bose QuietControl 30 in-ear headphones have a similarly effective ANC system. Both headphone models do an excellent job of noise cancellation.
Bose QuietControl 30
What to look for when choosing
Microphone position
Microphone placement directly affects the quality of noise reduction. If it is located inside the earcups, the device will work more efficiently in the low-frequency spectrum. This system is suitable for use on an airplane or public transport. High frequencies are better suppressed by a microphone placed outside. Effective when used in the office or home. Advanced models use a hybrid noise reduction model. It combines an external and internal microphone.
Construction type
One of the main selection parameters is the type of construction. The following types are distinguished:
Earbuds are the most common type and are inserted directly into the ear.
In-channel - the landing is much deeper than in the previous type. Inserted directly into the ear canal. They have improved sound concentration and sealing. On-ear - in this design, the sound source is located outside the auricle. Attached using an arched headband or ear hook.
Full-size – cover the ear completely; the sound source, as in the previous case, is located outside the auricle. They are distinguished by good noise insulation and high-quality sound.
Playback frequency range
The average range is from 20 to 20,000 Hz. There are models with indicators in the range of 7-40000 Hz. The wider the range, the better the sound.
Important! The tips of in-ear headphones must be in close contact with the ear canal. The ear pads of full-size headphones are soft and fluffy.
Wearing comfort: the headphones must fit correctly
However, some people find unnatural silence unpleasant and perceive it as pressure on their ears. Because closing the ear makes the pressure equalize worse, which leads to the so-called occlusion effect. In addition, many ANC models have background noise, which can interfere with listening to quiet passages of music. A negative influence on listening to music can be, for example, the wind, which, when blowing into the microphones, creates obvious noise or scratching sounds in the headphones.
Also, if you wear a hood or ride on a bus, active noise-canceling headphones may not perform the best. Because if the headphones are pressed against something, or they are partially displaced, the sound changes and begins to twitch, which does not happen with ordinary headphones. In such situations, you can usually turn off the noise canceling system. Some models also allow you to use ANC without having to turn on Bluetooth on your headphones. This can save battery power if you just want to take a break, or if you connect headphones using a cable.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WH-1000XM3 are the most comfortable on-ear headphones
How it went and what was presented
How to properly test noise reduction in headphones when you are sure of it?? @ngoryainov is flying next
Publication from iPhones.ru (@iphones_ru) Oct 26, 2021 at 2:57 PDT
We were taken to Helipark Podushkino for a formal presentation, then an introduction to the models and the helicopter flight itself.
AirPods could be thrown into the trash upon arrival. The noise from the helicopters on the site was such that even at maximum volume it was impossible to hear the music.
In this contrast I felt excitement. Well, it can’t be that the noise canceling in these new Sony headphones is so cool. In extreme cases, there must be something wrong with the sound. Miracles don't happen.
This is what was announced at the official part.
You can't replace the battery because it's built-in
Activated noise cancellation on many models often quite seriously reduces the maximum battery life. But, unfortunately, almost all models have built-in batteries, and the user cannot replace them.
Beats requires about 7,500 rubles for a battery replacement, other well-known manufacturers such as Sony, Bose and Sennheiser promise to name the cost of replacement after considering each individual case, so a faulty battery outside the warranty period may be the reason for the absolute inability to use the headphones. All the more important is good battery life, so that even after a few years when the maximum battery capacity decreases, you can still enjoy the performance of your headphones.
We consider it bad practice that devices that could last at least ten years, or even more, turn out to be disposable products. But it should be noted that all of the on-ear headphones and two models among the in-ear headphones tested can work via a cable, and many allow you to listen to music connected via a wire, even when their battery is low.
This might be interesting:
- Test of full-size headphones with active noise cancellation: choosing the best
Over-ear headphones with better battery life
Over-Ear and On-Ear headphones cover your ears completely or press them from above. They have significantly better battery life in the test, on average their time is about 1500 minutes or 25 hours of continuous music playback, some models even lasted more than 2000 minutes and this is with the ANC system activated.
Thus, with moderate use of three hours a day, charging the device just once a week is sufficient. Additionally, compared to similarly priced In-Ear model options, Over-Ear headphones often have fuller, spatially deeper sound.
At best, Over-Ear models can be worn for hours without feeling tired; at worst, they begin to put pressure on the ears, jaw and skull. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that they are comfortable to wear only conditionally, since people have different head shapes. Therefore, we recommend that, if possible, you “test” not only listen to the headphones, but also (ideally) wear them for a while, and carefully monitor your sensations - whether they are pinching somewhere, a slight pressure, almost imperceptible in the first minutes , after a while can quite spoil the enjoyment of music.
Over-Ear headphones keep your ears warm in winter, but in summer they start to sweat a little. When traveling, they are not as convenient to stow in your bag as in-ear headphones. But many models can be folded and stored in a small case - many manufacturers supply such hard cases. On-Ear headphones are slightly more compact than Over-Ear models, and are well suited for travel and short listening to music. But if you like to listen to music for a long time, then after a while the pressure on your ears may begin to bother you.
Over-Ear headphones can last 20 hours or even more when constantly listening to music.
HUAWEI Free Buds Pro
4.6/5
253 reviews
Buy Yandex Market
average price
11,270 rub.
Characteristics
- design: in-channel (closed)
- connection: Bluetooth 5.2
- number of microphones: 3
- charging: USB Type-C, wireless
- working time: 7 h
- emitter type: dynamic
In second place in the TOP are HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro – in-ear wireless headphones. Their noise reduction is one of the best among the models under consideration, according to testing by experts. It is most effective in the low frequency range. In a noisy place, people's voices will be heard, but the noise of cars and the roar of the crowd will be completely excluded. As the surrounding noise increases, suppression modes dynamically change. HUAWEI has a soundproof mode, in which you can talk to people or listen to announcements without removing the headphones.
Any of the headphones can operate in mono mode . For talking on the phone, there are 3 microphones and a bone patency sensor that improves voice transmission. A special feature of HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro is headphone control . The choice of noise reduction and sound transmission modes is possible by squeezing the “leg” of the earphone. Some modes can be removed from the list or configured in the application to call the voice assistant for this touch.
The volume is adjusted by sliding your finger along the stem. All control and configuration methods can be viewed in the application, and there is also a simulator here that allows you to practice control. HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro work for 7 hours (20 hours in the case) . It takes 1 hour to charge the case, and 0.6 hours for the headphones.
Pros:
- High-quality noise reduction. Dynamic noise reduction.
- Good, deep sound.
- Interesting and responsive sound controls.
- Clear voice when speaking. Good rejection of extraneous noise.
- Good landing. They do not fall out when moving.
- They hold a charge for a long time.
Minuses:
- Some users are not suitable (fall out). Few sizes of ear pads included.
- The headphones are difficult to remove from the case, especially with gloves.
- There are not enough supported codecs.
HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro cost 10,800 rubles . The headphones are equipped with high-quality noise reduction, soundproofing, large speakers and microphones with many technologies to improve voice transmission: their own noise reduction, voice amplification mode, bone conduction sensor, like in the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live. But when compared with Samsung, HUAWEI have more interesting controls, better voice transmission during a call, are equipped with a larger number of ear pads (3 pairs), require less time to charge, but also work somewhat less. 89% of users recommend the model as optimal for a relatively low price.
Reviews on Yandex.Market
Touch or button: headphone control
In terms of ergonomics, in addition to wearing comfort, there are other significant differences. Some of the tested Over-Ear models have buttons on the earbuds themselves, with which you can switch tracks or adjust the volume. Other models are equipped with touch panels, where you can control the operation of the headphones using taps and swipes. Both control methods have both pros and cons: when working with button-controlled headphones, we were less likely to make mistakes. But at the same time, some may feel that such control requires extra effort - pressing a certain button twice to go to the next track, or even three times to return to the previous one, like the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.
On the Sony WH-1000XM3 (as on the XM2), to increase the volume, swipe up, to decrease the volume, swipe down, to go to the next track, swipe forward, to the previous track, swipe back. You can start or stop playing music by double tapping on the right earphone. Although everything seems simple and intuitive, during testing we constantly had problems with controls. While trying to increase the volume, we accidentally skipped to the next track because we weren't moving our finger strictly vertically, but with a slight horizontal slant. We also weren’t always able to turn music playback on and off right away.
The Sennheiser PXC550 also has the danger of turning a track on or off by mistake, because the headphones only respond to light pressure. Ultimately, however, it is a matter of taste and habit which option you prefer, so we do not rate this item.
The BoseQuietComfort 35 II is controlled using mechanical buttons, while Sony uses touch panels
The best wireless dynamic earbuds
DACOM Armor: the jogger's choice
Most often, in-ear headphones either tear or fail due to water getting inside them. No such problems can happen with DACOM Armor. This is a headset that has some protection against water. Of course, you shouldn’t swim in it, but the accessory is not afraid of rain or sweat. The headphones are held on the head by a tiny cord painted in a bright color.
Connection to a smartphone is carried out via Bluetooth 4.1. As expected, the user can manage calls - the corresponding buttons are used for this. As for the active noise reduction system, which is the subject of our selection, it copes with its task, if not perfectly, then quite well.
Advantages:
- Cute design;
- There is moisture protection;
- The Bluetooth 4.1 standard is used;
- Decent battery life;
- Implemented call management;
- Stays well in the ears;
- Adequate price tag.
Flaws:
- The weight may seem heavy and the design may not be flexible enough;
- The sound cannot be called ideal.
Meizu EP51: optimal Bluetooth headphones
This is the best wireless headset that the Chinese company Meizu could create. It has a fairly long cord that can be painted in one of six colors. On the cord there is a decent-sized remote control, inside of which there is a tiny battery. The entire structure weighs 15.3 g - this is a very insignificant parameter.
Charging the battery takes two hours. As for battery life, it all depends on the method of using the headset. After all, you can just listen to music or talk with your interlocutor. Well, the main feature of the product is its support for the aptX profile, thanks to which sound is transmitted over the air in CD quality.
Reviews Review
Advantages:
- You can manage calls;
- aptX profile supported;
- Minimum weight;
- Bluetooth 4.0 is used;
- Relatively low price tag;
- Several color options.
Flaws:
- The buttons on the remote control are pressed too hard;
- The shape of the ear pads is not suitable for some people.
7 Best Bose Headphones
Philips SHB5850: when the weight is close to the minimum
How much weight can you reduce on a wireless headset? The Philips SHB5850 example shows that 12 grams can be achieved. At the same time, the quality of the headphones cannot be called insufficient at all. The device can be painted in different colors - there are at least five options in total.
Active noise reduction here does a very good job of blocking sounds in the subway. It should also be noted that with such a small weight, the headset has a good lithium-polymer battery - you can listen to music continuously for ten hours! Some complaints can only be caused by the Bluetooth module - when driving, signal dropouts occur from time to time.
Reviews Review
Advantages:
- Good sound with noticeable low frequencies;
- The weight is practically not felt;
- Almost record-breaking battery life;
- Not too high a price tag.
Flaws:
- There are no fastenings;
- Unstable Bluetooth signal;
- The upper frequencies are felt rather weakly.
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