The 27 best active noise cancelling brands
Beats by Dr. Dre, Apple and Sony lead our ranking of 27 active noise cancelling brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Active Noise Cancelling brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
Beats by Dr. Dre
Bass-heavy tuning and tight pairing with Apple devices make these popular for gym sessions and commutes.
Website: beatsbydre.com |Brands like Beats by Dr. Dre
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
Apple
Adaptive transparency on the AirPods Pro lets outside sound through when you need it, with the case charging over USB-C or MagSafe.
Top products: AirPods Pro 3· AirPods Pro 2· AirPods 4
Website: support.apple.com |Brands like Apple
Popularity 9.4/10
-
3
Sony
Class-leading noise cancelling on its over-ear models, with multipoint Bluetooth and detailed app-based equaliser controls.
Top products: WH-1000XM6· WH-1000XM5
Website: sony.com |Brands like Sony
Popularity 9.0/10
-
4
JBL
Lively, bass-forward sound at moderate prices, with the Quantum range aimed squarely at gamers who want ANC.
Top products: Quantum 810· Tune 670NC· Live 770NC
Website: jbl.com |Brands like JBL
Popularity 7.4/10
-
5
Bose
Benchmark noise cancelling and a comfortable, lightweight fit, which is why the QuietComfort line is a frequent-flyer favourite.
Top products: QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)· QC25· QC20
Website: bose.com |Brands like Bose
Popularity 7.0/10
-
6
soundcore
Anker's audio sub-brand, with ANC earbuds and headphones priced well below most premium rivals.
Top products: Space One· Q20i· Sleep A30
Website: us.soundcore.com |Brands like soundcore
Popularity 4.9/10
-
7
JLab
Affordable hybrid ANC headphones with long battery life and simple controls that need no app.
Top products: JBuds Lux ANC
Website: jlab.com |Brands like JLab
Popularity 4.5/10
-
8
Skullcandy
Youthful, colourful headphones and earbuds, with the Hesh line offering over-ear ANC at a lower price.
Top products: Hesh 540 ANC· Icon ANC· SESH ANC
Website: skullcandy.com |Brands like Skullcandy
Popularity 4.3/10
-
9
Sennheiser
Tuned for natural, detailed sound, and the Accentum line adds active noise cancelling to its over-ears.
Top products: Accentum Wireless
Website: en-us.sennheiser.com |Brands like Sennheiser
Popularity 3.6/10
-
10
Samsung
Galaxy phone owners get automatic switching and Samsung app controls on its noise cancelling earbuds.
Top products: Galaxy Buds2· Galaxy Buds4
Website: samsung.com |Brands like Samsung
Popularity 3.3/10
-
11
Jabra
Rugged, sport-oriented earbuds with strong call microphones, popular with office workers and runners.
Top products: Elite 7 Active· Elite 4 Active
Website: jabra.com |Brands like Jabra
Popularity 3.0/10
-
12
Cowin
Inexpensive over-ear ANC headphones, with the E7 a common pick for commuting and travel.
Website: cowinaudio.com |Brands like Cowin
Popularity 2.4/10
-
13
TOZO
Low-cost true wireless earbuds with ANC, and the NC20 Pro adds a touchscreen case.
Top products: NC20 Pro· NC9· HT2
Website: tozostore.com |Brands like TOZO
Popularity 2.3/10
-
14
QCY
QCY is committed to producing audio equipment that delivers an outstanding audio experience. You may select from various TWS portable sport and Bluetooth headsets, as well as TWS headphones. This audio technology provides your ears with CD-quality music. It supports...
Popularity 2.2/10
-
15
Plantronics
Plantronics is built with the confidence of the future. Plantronics has been in business since 1969. They have made their appearance on the moon too! Don't believe us? The brand developed the headsets that were used by the crew to...
Website: plantronics.com |Brands like Plantronics
Popularity 2.1/10
-
16
BASEUS
The rise in technology resulted in the development of several electronic devices to be used daily. Devices like chargers, cables, earphones, and several other equipment were bought into development. Baseus came up with high-quality and reliable accessories for all your...
Website: baseus.com |Brands like BASEUS
Popularity 2.0/10
-
17
Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins is the award-winning British loudspeaker and sound system designer, manufacturer, and retailer. It was founded in 1966 by David Bowers and Roy Wilkins. Founded over 55 years ago, they have grown from an audiophile loudspeaker manufacturer to...
Website: bowerswilkins.com |Brands like Bowers & Wilkins
Popularity 2.0/10
-
18
Altec Lansing
Altec Lansing, an American audio brand, sells wireless speakers, computer speakers and headphones. Its Bluetooth speakers include waterproof models for outdoor use, and its earphones are built for everyday listening on the go. Computer speakers serve desk setups, while the...
Website: alteclansing.com |Brands like Altec Lansing
Popularity 1.9/10
-
19
JVC
Entertainment is a field that has always been in progress, and it still continues to find something new every day. JVC brings you the ultimate way to take entertainment to the next level. High-quality entertainment systems for cars and homes...
Website: us.jvc.com |Brands like JVC
Popularity 1.9/10
-
20
Technics
Feel the beat, re-create it and remember. Technics is for music lovers who want to Rediscover Music. Technics is dedicated to bringing you the world's most musical and musical experience. With Technics, music lovers everywhere can rediscover the joy of...
Website: technics.com |Brands like Technics
Popularity 1.8/10
-
21
Philips
Credibility and reliability go connected at the hip with the most innovative health and well-being brand, Philips. There are presumably very few people who have yet not given a shot at this brand, for it has been the most promising...
Website: usa.philips.com |Brands like Philips
Popularity 1.7/10
-
22
Monster
Based in California, Monster makes headphones, HDMI cables, AC adapters and computer chargers. Its headphones form the most visible part of the line, and the cables and chargers serve home theater and computer setups. Shoppers comparing cables should check the...
Popularity 1.6/10
-
23
Edifier
Edifier offers a wide selection of speakers and earphones for any occasion and has a long history spanning more than 20 years in the audio industry. Edifier offers premium-quality audio equipment for home, workplace, or personal use at reasonable costs....
Website: edifier.com |Brands like Edifier
Popularity 1.6/10
-
24
Bang & Olufsen
Bang & Olufsen has been looking at the future and dealing with the future of sound since 1925. They have retraced the pace of history to ensure that their products develop over time. The designs they make for their gadgets...
Website: bang-olufsen.com |Brands like Bang & Olufsen
Popularity 1.5/10
-
25
HP
The Hewlett-Packard Company was founded when completely electronic computers did not exist. It was 1939, and the only printers were industrial-sized. Its defining feature was its health care plan for its employees and its use of an open office floor...
Website: 192.168.0.1. |Brands like HP
Popularity 1.4/10
-
26
Pioneer
Car owners who want better sound can look to Pioneer, a Japanese electronics maker with a strong car audio line. Its lineup includes car stereos and amplifiers that power speakers for stronger output. Pioneer also offers parts such as transmission...
Popularity 1.4/10
-
27
Logitech
Logitech, a Swiss company that began in 1981, makes computer keyboards, wireless mice and other computer accessories. Its early products included the laser mouse and the cordless infrared mouse. Its designs serve home and office users who want reliable wireless...
Website: logitech.com |Brands like Logitech
Popularity 1.4/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beats by Dr. Dre | beatsbydre.com | /beatsbydre | beatsbydre | @beatsbydre | – |
| Apple | support.apple.com | – | – | @AppleSupport | – |
| Sony | sony.com | – | – | – | – |
| JBL | jbl.com | /JBLIndia | harmanindia | @harmanindia | HarmanIndiaChannel |
| Bose | bose.com | /Bose | bose | @Bose | Bose |
| soundcore | us.soundcore.com | /SoundcoreAudio | soundcoreaudio | @soundcoreaudio | Soundcore |
| JLab | jlab.com | /jlabaudio | jlabaudio | @jlabaudio | JLabAudio |
| Skullcandy | skullcandy.com | /Skullcandy | skullcandy | @skullcandy | SKULLCANDYTV |
| Sennheiser | en-us.sennheiser.com | /SennheiserUSA | sennheiser | @SennheiserUSA | – |
| Samsung | samsung.com | /SamsungUS | samsungmobileusa | @SamsungUS | – |
Active Noise Cancelling Buying Guide
If you are someone who enjoys listening to music or watching movies, you may have experienced the frustration of unwanted background noise interfering with your listening experience. Active noise cancelling headphones can be a solution to this problem. In this buying guide, we will discuss everything you need to know before purchasing a pair of active noise cancelling headphones.
What is Active Noise Cancelling?
Active noise cancelling (ANC) is a technology that uses microphones and electronics to cancel out background noise. A microphone on the earcup of the headphone picks up the external noise and sends it to a digital signal processor, which creates an “anti-noise” signal in real time. This anti-noise signal is then played back through the headphone’s speaker, cancelling out the external noise.
Benefits of Active Noise Cancelling
There are several benefits of using active noise cancelling headphones:
- Improved Sound Quality: ANC technology can significantly improve the quality of your listening experience by reducing or eliminating external noise interference.
- Protect Your Hearing: With ANC technology, you do not need to turn up the volume to overcome external noise, which can help protect your hearing in the long run.
- Reduce Stress: If you are often in noisy environments, such as airplanes or trains, ANC headphones can help reduce your stress levels by creating a quieter listening environment.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Before purchasing a pair of active noise cancelling headphones, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:
Price Range
Active noise cancelling headphones can range from as low as $50 to as high as $500. The price of a pair of ANC headphones is typically determined by the quality of the components used, the level of noise cancellation, and the brand name.
If you are on a tight budget and want to buy a pair of ANC headphones, you can find some decent options in the $50 to $100 price range. However, if you are an audiophile or want the best possible noise cancelling performance, you may need to spend upwards of $300 or $400.
Type of Headphones
Active noise cancelling technology can be found in a variety of headphone types, including over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear. Each of these types has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Over-ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones are generally considered the most comfortable option and provide the best noise isolation. With ANC technology, they can offer excellent noise cancelling performance. However, they are bulky and can be difficult to transport.
On-ear Headphones
On-ear headphones are smaller and more portable than over-ear headphones. They are suitable for people who want a combination of noise cancelling performance and portability. However, they may become uncomfortable after long periods of use due to the pressure they put on the ears.
In-ear Headphones
In-ear headphones are the smallest and most portable option. They are perfect for people who are always on the go and need a compact solution for their noise cancelling needs. However, they may not provide the same level of noise cancelling as over-ear or on-ear headphones, and some people find them uncomfortable to wear.
Noise Cancellation Level
Not all active noise cancelling headphones are created equal. Some headphones offer better noise cancelling performance than others. The level of noise cancellation can be affected by several factors:
- Quality of ANC Technology: The quality of the ANC technology used in the headphones can affect the level of noise cancellation. High-end headphones will usually have better ANC technology than low-end headphones.
- Headphone Type: Over-ear headphones typically offer better noise cancellation performance than on-ear or in-ear headphones.
- Fit: The fit of the headphones can affect the level of noise cancellation. Headphones that fit snugly around the ears can provide better noise isolation than those that do not.
- Source of External Noise: The type of external noise can affect the level of noise cancellation. ANC technology works best with constant, low-frequency noise, such as airplane engine noise or traffic noise. It may not work as well with high-frequency noise, such as chatter or music.
When purchasing active noise cancelling headphones, it is important to read reviews and look for headphones that offer a high level of noise cancellation.
Battery Life
Most active noise cancelling headphones require a battery to power the ANC technology. The battery life can vary depending on the headphones’ brand and model. Some headphones can last up to 20 hours on a single charge, while others may only last a few hours.
When purchasing ANC headphones, it is important to consider the battery life and make sure it meets your needs. If you plan to use your headphones for long periods of time, look for headphones with a longer battery life.
Brand Reputation
Active noise cancelling headphones are available from a variety of brands. Some brands are known for their high-quality audio and ANC technology, while others may offer lower-quality products.
When selecting a pair of ANC headphones, it is important to consider the brand reputation. Look for brands that are known for their audio quality and noise cancelling performance, and read reviews from other customers to get an idea of their experiences with the headphones.
Conclusion
Active noise cancelling headphones can significantly improve your audio experience by cancelling out unwanted background noise. When selecting a pair of headphones, it is important to consider factors such as price range, type of headphone, noise cancellation level, battery life, and brand reputation. By taking these factors into account, you can find the perfect pair of active noise cancelling headphones to fit your needs and budget.