If you’re a frequent flier or spend hours on commuting every week, then it’s likely that you spend a lot of time listening to music. Consumers are going crazy for noise cancelling headphones at the moment, and for good reason. After all, you should be able to fully immerse yourself in your favourite tunes, podcasts, and films without loud volume damaging your ear drums.
The best wireless noise cancelling headphones suppress ambient noise and significantly improve the listening experience. They don’t just passively block out sound by covering your ears. Instead, they use active noise cancelling (ANC) to target and destroy surrounding frequencies – so you only hear what you’re listening to. You can block out ambient noise from busy streets, chatty co-workers, and noisy planes and just enjoy your favourite song.
Choosing the best wireless noise cancelling headphones isn’t easy. Nowadays there are so many on the market to choose from. Lucky for you, we’ve selected 10 of the best wireless noise cancelling head phones of 2021 to help streamline your research. We’ve chosen these wireless head phones based on audio quality, battery life, comfort, and, of course, noise cancelling capability. We’ll take you through out selection of 20 head phones, discuss some of the key considerations before buying, and answer some FAQs to give you the full lowdown on excellent wireless noise cancelling head phones.
The 10 Best Bluetooth Headphones of 2021
1. COWIN E7 PRO
The COWIN E7 professional wireless noise cancelling headphones offer significant noise reduction, perfect for travel, work, and anywhere else. Advanced noise cancellation technology can any background noise that might disrupt your listening experience.
This pair of head phones features high quality sound through 45mm large-aperture drivers which provide deep and accurate bass response. The built-in microphones allow for hand-free calls, free of wires. Bluetooth 4.0 promises a quick and stable connection no matter where you are. What’s more, these best wireless noise cancelling headphones provide 30 hours of battery life! That’s 30 hours of non-stop listening, making them ideal for travelling.
The superior soft ear cushions mean that listening is never uncomfortable. The light-wight around-ear fit makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, like in the office or on long train rides. These are available in a variety of colors, choose from: black, white, pink, purple, blue, red, and green.
If you’re looking for mid-range, quality wireless noise cancelling head phones, then the Cowin E7 Pro ticks all the right boxes. What’s more, they’ve been recognised as some of the best headphones you can buy at this pricepoint for years, a testament to their quality sound and durability.
Best Features
- 30 hour battery life
- Extremely comfortable ear cushions
2. Mpow H19 IPO
The Mpow H19 noise cancelling headphones are some of the best on the market for their affordable price point. These head phones feature an attractive design and a variety of convenient features like Bluetooth 5.0 and quick charging time.
These wireless noise cancelling headphones result in a 90% reduction in ambient noise and excellent sound quality, so you can listen to your favourite tune for hours on end. They also feature a built-in CVC 8.0 noise-reducing microphone that’s compatible with Android and iPhone smartphones and tablets, and other Bluetooth enabled devices. This makes them ideal for uninterrupted work calls in busy office environments.
The quick charging technology is one of the best features of these wireless noise cancelling headphones. You can listen to music for up to 2 hours after a quick 10 minute charge, and the build in rechargeable battery provides up to 35 hours of non-stop, high quality playtime in wireless mode.
Mpow head phones only weight 240g, making them extremely lightweight and ideal for long periods of listening. The memory foam earcups mold to the shape of your ears, and they can be adjusted to fit the shape of your head. The 40mm large-aperture drivers deliver great audio quality and bass response. The powerful sound, long battery life, and noise cancelling technology make these head phones a great inexpensive option.
Best Features
- Quick charging
- Lightweight
3. Bose QuietComfort 35
Bose is a household name when it comes to the best quality wireless head phones. The Bose noise cancelling QuietComfort 35 head phones are no exception. These Bose noise cancelling headphones utilise world-class cancellation technology for the best listening experience, wherever you are.
They’re Alexa enabled for voice control, which makes accessing music, podcasts, and everything else more convenient. These are some of the best noise cancelling headphones as they provide excellent sound quality every time. They offer hassle-free Bluetooth pairing, a noise rejecting dual microphone system, and balanced audio performance at any volume level.
What’s more, these Bose noise cancelling headphones are Bose AR enable, allowing users to experience an audi-only version of augmented reality to take your listening experience to another level. These Bose noise cancelling headphones are available in black, silver, and rose gold.
Best Features
- Alexa voice control feature
- Long battery life
4. Sony WH-CH710N Ear Headphones-Noise cancelling
These Sony WH-CH710N can cancel out the world with smart dual noise sensor technology that automatically adapts to your environment. These head phones are quick charging and the long-lasting battery can provide up to 35 hours of listening time.
They offer great sound quality with 30mm driver units, and provide a solid audio performance for their price point. The Sony WH-CH710N feature large, heavily cushioned earpads designed for the user’s comfort. They’re also super lightweight considering their bulky appearance, so you can wear them for long periods of time without becoming uncomfortable.
Sony WH-CH710N head phones feature touch controls and premium Bluetooth 5.0 connection for a stable listening experience at all times. The head phones support AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs, but not AptX. What’s more, the stylish matte design of these Sony WH-CH710N wireless head phones is available in classic black or white.
When it comes to great sound quality and superior comfort, the Sony WH-CH710N noise cancelling head phones are guaranteed to impress and sound better than you could imagine.
Best Features
- Long-lasting battery life
- Stylish matte design
5. iTeknic Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
The iTeknic noise cancelling headphones feature upgraded noise cancelling technology to reduce noise in seconds, no matter where you are. Whether you’re in a flight cabin, in the city centre, or in a buzzing office you can rest assured that you can enjoy an uninterrupted listening experience with the iTeknic Bluetooth wireless best noise cancelling headphones.
These affordable ear headphones feature a built-in 500mAh battery that offers 30 hours of playtime when charged for less than 1 hour. You can enjoy your favourite songs and podcasts with great Hi-Fi sound and accurate bass response. The 90-degree revolving earpads feature soft protein pads for optimal comfort. These ear headphones also feature a built-in CVC double micrphone, ideal for taking calls in the office. Bluetooth 5.0 offers a steady connection at all times for the best hands-free calling experience possible.
Best Features
- Affordable price point
- Great battery life
- Stylish design
6. Sony WH1000XM3 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony is an undisputed champion of active noise-cancelling headphone technology, and it’s easy to see why. We’ve already covered the Sony WH-CH710N in this guide, and now it’s time for the Sony WH-100XM3 to take centre stage.
These wireless head phones offer extraordinary noise cancelling ability and a generous battery life of 30 hours. They can cancel out any noise, whether it’s a loud office room or a busy street outside, you can guarantee you won’t have a clue what’s going on outside of your tunes. These are some of the best noise cancelling head phones for listeners willing to pay a premium price for premium quality.
These head phones feature a built-in mic for hands-free calls and can be used with Alexa for voice access to music and more. The touch controls make these head phones easy to navigate, and you can simply cover the right ear cup to turn down music immediately if you need to have a conversation. With these head phones you’re in control. You can adjust the ambient sound based on your activity, for the best noise cancellation possible.
What’s more, their sleek design and pillowy comfort make them some of the most attractive headphones featured in this guide. These are definitely some of the best noise cancelling headphones available if you have the budget.
Best Features
- Personalization options via the app
- Attractive design
- Great battery life
7. Panasonic RB-M700B Deep Bass
The Panasonic RB-M700B head phones offer wireless listening and quality sound, securing them a place as some of the best noise cancelling headphones on the market. The long-lasting battery life provides 20 hours of playtime on a full charge, and 90 minutes after a quick 15-minute charge. Noise cancelling technology means you can listen anywhere without being disturbed, and enjoy your sound down to every last beat.
The bass reactors in each ear can be set to low, medium, high, or off to enhance the audio experience. The head phones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable connection, and they support AAC and SBC codecs.
The Panasonic RB-M700B offers a comfortable fit with plush memory pads, making them ideal for hours spent in the office or extended travel journeys. The sleek design is available in a simple black or white design that focuses on comfort, and they come with a detachable cord for wired listening.
Best Features
- Comfortable fit
- Stylish design
- Long-lasting battery life
8. Panasonic Retro – Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
Stylish retro design, voice assistant control, and long-lasting battery life are just some of the features that make these some of the best wireless noise cancelling headphones on the market.
One of the best features of these headphones is their quirky retro design. If you feel a sudden, inexplicable urge to purchase a vinyl and a record player – you can blame it on the headphones. Activate your smartphone’s voice assist functions to control volume, choose music, switch tracks, and answer calls. You can switch on active noise cancelling when you find yourself in a loud place and tune out all the background noise you don’t want to hear.
The dual 40mm driver units deliver powerful sound, with acoustic bass control and enhancer. The Panasonic Retro are some of the best noise cancelling headphones as they offer long-lasting battery life for up to 24 hours of playtime – enough to listen to all your favourite tracks and albums.
The stylish retro design is available in 3 colors (matte black, indigo navy, and vanilla white) that can compliment any look and give you a unique 70’s flair.
Best Features
- Retro design
- Comfortable
9. FMLOVES ANC Headphones
These affordable best noise-cancelling headphones from FMLOVES provide great comfort levels, long-lasting battery life, and a built-in microphone. They use the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology for uninterrupted connection at all times. They can eliminate up to 85% of background noise with advanced noise cancelling technology, making them ideal for the workplace or the gym.
These FMLOVES headphones provide up to 30 hours of non-stop playtime in Bluetooth and ANC mode, and over 80 hours in ANC wired mode. There’s no need to worry about missing out on your favorite tunes as you travel! The dual 40mm drivers deliver great sound quality and thumping bass.
The adjustable headband and soft earpads make these headphones super comfortable and ideal for wearing over long periods of time. You won’t get sore ears after a few hours of listening, making them a great travel headset. What’s more, their sleek and stylish exterior isn’t too bulky and will match perfectly with any outfit.
Best Features
- Affordable price point
- Comfortable and stylish design
10. Panasonic Premium Noise Cancelling Over-the-Ear Stereo Headphones
The Panasonic RP-HC800 are premium best noise cancelling headphones that are the perfect choice for frequent travelers or commuters. These headphones solidly block out ambient noise, and the noise cancelling feature is powered by a single AA battery.
These professional-looking headphones provide exceptional noise cancelling performance. Whether you’re in the gym, at work, or on the go you’ll be able to enjoy your listening experience fully. The 40mm drivers deliver rich bass tones, and they can be wired or wireless depending on the experience you want.
Moreover, these headphones are super comfortable with cushioned earpads and a wide, soft, adjustable headband. The folding design is ideal for popping in your bag when finished, and their lightweight design makes them the ideal travel companion headset.
Best Features
- Elegant design
- Effective noise cancelling technology
Buyers’ Guide: Considerations for Finding the Best Headphones with Noise Cancellation
Active Vs Passive Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation
Active noise-canceling head phones like the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 get their name because they feature built-in technology which enables them to actively seek out ambient sounds. Once they’ve found those sounds they can effectively cancel them before they reach your ears. Active noise cancellation headphones have microphones in their earcups that generate opposite sound frequencies to cancel out ambient noise. This means that you only hear the music. These kinds of headphones also feature built-in batteries which power the noise-cancelling mics.
Passive
On the other hand, passive noise-canceling is mostly used a marketing term, and could more accurately be described as noise-isolating. With these headphones, it’s their shape that naturally blocks out sound. If you’ve ever put on a pair of over-head headphones then you’ve likely experienced passive noise cancelling happening in action. These don’t have powered microphones or built-in technology that looks for ambient frequencies to destroy. There are plenty of other things that can be described as passive noise-canceling; essentially anything that covers your ears does this to a certain extent!
Battery Life
Battery life is an important factor when choosing your noise cancelling head phones, or any piece of technology for that matter.
Before you make a purchase decision you should do your research to find out how long the battery life on a particular pair of head phones lasts. You don’t want to have to charge them more than once a day. There are plenty of headphones on the market like the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, and most of the headphones featured in this guide for that matter, that provide 30 hours or more of battery life. That’s more than enough to get you through a day in the office or a long plane ride if you’re a frequent flier. After all, there’s nothing worse than being in the zone with your favorite song only for your headphones to switch off before a great chorus!
Another thing to consider is whether the headphones are quick charging. Some headphones like the Sony WH-CH710N noise cancelling headphones 700 from Bose allow you to charge for a short period and get enough battery to last up to 90 minutes. So if you’re in a rush before work in the morning and you forgot to charge your headphones overnight, you can just pop them on to charge for 15 minutes and get enough battery juice to last your commute.
Design
The design of your head phones can be more important to some people than to others. Of course, most overhead head phones will look quite similar, but you can decide if you prefer a compact or bulky design. You’ll need to consider where you’re going to use the head phones, and whether you’ll need to fit them into a small bag when you’re on the go. Color can be an important factor for some people too. Many head phones are only offered in classic black and white, however, there are some options like the COWIN E7 which come in many different colors.
Comfort
How much does comfort matter with wireless headphones? A lot! In fact, this is an essential consideration when choosing the best wireless noise cancellling headphones to suit you.
You’ll need to ensure that your headphones are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. You don’t want to choose a pair of headphones that are going to start hurting your ears or causing you a headache after a few hours. Headphones that have cushiony earpads and adjustable bands will allow you to adjust the headphones to fit your head and ears.
If you aren’t able to test a pair of headphones then look closely at reviews to see what other users have reported about their experiences.
Also, consider why you’re buying wireless noise cancelling headphones in the first place. If you want wireless connection and good sound quality, but want headphones that are a bit more portable, you can try smaller models like Apple’s Airpods Pro. Apple Airpods Pro also come with a portable charging case ideal for popping in your pocket or small bag.
Adaptable Noise Cancellation
One of the coolest innovations of some of the best wireless ANC headphones is their ability to tailor their performance to their surroundings. Basically, you can adjust their noise cancellation abilities to your environment.
Sony WH-1000XM4 does this brilliantly. If you’re in a particularly loud environment, these head phones can adapt to cancel out more noise. This means that you can enjoy your music and block out ambient noise without raising your volume to unsafe levels.
Voice Control and Additional Features
Take these features into account when choosing your head phones. Some head phones like the Bose QuietComfort 35 and the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 (again!) feature built-in voice assist, allowing you to use Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant to control your listening. This feature can be super convenient, as you can change songs, adjust volume, and answer calls without pressing any buttons.
Some models offer additional features such as being able to cup your headphone to hear surrounding sound quickly as well. These should all be taken into consideration when deciding on a pair of head phones to give you the best, most convenient listening experience.
Sound Quality
Perhaps the most important factor when buying a pair of head phones is sound quality. If you’re always listening to music or chatting away on a call, then you’ll want to ensure you’re investing in excellent quality sound. Luckily, most wireless best wireless noise cancelling headphones provide this. If you’re a bass-lover then you’ll want to choose a pair of head phones with great bass response. It always pays to read the specs and check the reviews to see if you’re really getting what it says on the packet.
Price Point
As with most purchases, your price point can play a major role in which head phones you choose. Models from more expensive manufacturers like Bose and Sony are likely to include more features than cheaper models like iTeknic. The sound quality is also going to be better the more money you pay. However, there are plenty of affordable models on the market that provide a great listening experience and high-quality wireless noise cancelling technology
Durability
As with any tech gadget you buy, the best wireless noise cancelling headphones should last a long time. Be sure to check out the reviews and see what people say about their durability. Just because a pair of overhead head phones are big and bulky, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to be longer-lasting.
FAQs
What are the best wireless noise cancelling headphones 2021?
Choosing the absolute best noise cancelling head phones of 2021 isn’t an easy feat. There are so many on the market today that feature good noise cancelling technology, comfortable design, and excellent sound quality. However, there are some brands that are simply experts in their field.
Another factor to take into consideration is your budget. For example, a premium pair of noise cancelling head phones is more likely to offer extra features like voice control and adaptable control. However, there are plenty of great quality cheaper options too.
If you’re on a budget then we recommend the Mpow H19 IPO head phones which offer quick charging, an attractive design, and an affordable price. If you’ve got a bigger budget to spend then the Bose QuietComfort 35 are a great option.
Is it worth buying noise cancelling headphones?
If you’re a serious music fan; or you become frustrated when background noise interrupts your favorite song; or you have to make a lot of phone calls from the office and are constantly asking people to repeat themselves; then yes, excellent noise cancelling head phones are definitely worth it! Make sure you invest in the best ones to suit your needs.
It all depends on when and how you use your head phones. For those who travel a lot, excellent noise cancelling technology has been a hit for a while now. People want to enjoy a great listening experience from the skies without irritating cabin noise, and only the best noise cancelling head phones make this possible. They’re also popular among commuters who spend hours on public transport each day and want to block out the sounds of early morning traffic, or annoying passengers.
In recent years the quality of noise cancelling technology has greatly improved, along with their ability to block out everyday commotion and provide the best immersive listening experience.
What are the best noise Cancelling headphones for flying?
Flying can be uncomfortably loud at the best of times, and especially during take-off and landing, or if there’s a crying baby on board. So what are the best active noise cancelling head phones for flying?
As the pioneers of noise cancelling technology, Bose is always a go-to brand if you’re looking for the best noise cancelling headphones for flying. Check out their various models which feature adaptable noise cancelling, which is ideal if you’re flying and want to keep your volume at a safe level.
Are wireless head phones better than wired?
It all comes down to your priorities. When it comes to sound quality, wired head phones are guaranteed to be better. When it comes to convenience, we’d go for wireless. Wires can be super annoying if you’re at the gym or out and about. It used to be that wireless head phones provided significantly lower quality sound, however, manufacturers have been working to counter this and many have achieved their goals. Big names in the business like Bose and Sony offer great quality sound with all the convenience of wireless noise cancelling headphones.
What’s more, nowadays plenty of models have the option for both wireless and wired listening, so why not choose a pair that allows you to do both?
Final Thoughts
Investing in excellent noise cancelling head phones can make a big difference to your day to day listening experience. ANC headphones allow you to immerse yourself in what you’re listening to and shut out the world, at least for a little while! Be sure to do your research, especially if you’re thinking of spending a lot on a pair of these head phones. All of the models we’ve covered in this guide are great choices that are guaranteed to make your ears extremely happy indeed.
