Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has become a must-have feature in headphones in 2024, especially with the rise of work-from-home and study-from-home setups. Whether you're on a noisy commute, in a bustling office, or simply trying to focus at home, ANC can make a world of difference. The technology has come a long way, and manufacturers are now leveraging AI to enhance its effectiveness. Many top-tier ANC headphones now come equipped with dedicated chips designed specifically to optimize noise cancellation. Additionally, multi-microphone setups have become the norm, capturing more ambient noise for more effective cancellation. This is crucial because ANC works by detecting external sounds and generating inverse sound waves to neutralize them—so the more accurate the sound capture, the better the cancellation. At Digit Test Labs, we've put countless ANC headphones through their paces, and the Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out as the best. It offers unmatched noise cancellation, superb sound quality, impressive battery life, and a host of advanced features. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is a strong contender, offering excellent noise cancellation in its own right.
- 1.
- Exceptional Active Noise Cancellation, Supremely comfortable, LDAC codec support, Great battery life, Convenient features like Multipoint and Quick Attention
- Slightly boosted bass and low mids, Less portable than before, No IP rating
The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers premium noise-canceling capabilities, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking immersive audio experiences. With advanced noise-canceling technology, it adapts to your environment to provide crystal-clear sound, whether in a bustling city or a quiet room. The headphones feature a sleek, minimalist design with plush ear cushions that ensure comfort during extended listening sessions. Equipped with 30-hour battery life and quick charging, they’re perfect for all-day use. The WH-1000XM5 also includes intuitive touch controls and voice assistant compatibility, allowing seamless control over your music and calls. With high-resolution audio support and a custom EQ, the sound is tailored to your preferences, delivering deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. Additionally, the headphones offer superior call quality with advanced voice pickup technology. The WH-1000XM5 is a perfect blend of style, comfort, and cutting-edge audio technology.
- 2.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are designed to deliver a truly immersive audio experience with top-tier noise cancellation. Featuring Bose’s world-class noise-canceling technology, these headphones effectively block out external noise, allowing you to focus entirely on your music or calls. The QuietComfort Ultra also boasts high-fidelity audio with deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, ensuring every note is delivered with precision. The headphones are built with comfort in mind, featuring plush ear cushions and a lightweight design for long-lasting wear. With up to 24 hours of battery life, these headphones are perfect for all-day listening. They also include intuitive touch controls, voice assistant compatibility, and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to switch between devices. Whether you’re traveling, working, or relaxing at home, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers an unparalleled audio experience in a sleek, stylish package.
- 3.
- Balanced and crisp sound, Classy design, Incredible battery life, aptX and aptX adaptive support
- Doesn’t fold up, ANC doesn’t match some competitors, No IP rating
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are crafted for audiophiles seeking exceptional sound quality and comfort. These over-ear headphones feature Sennheiser’s signature sound, delivering deep bass, detailed mids, and crystal-clear highs, making your music come alive. With advanced adaptive noise cancellation, the Momentum 4 ensures an immersive listening experience by effectively minimizing ambient noise. The headphones boast a modern, ergonomic design with soft, cushioned ear cups that provide comfort during extended use. With an impressive battery life of up to 60 hours, you can enjoy your favorite tracks for days without needing to recharge. The Momentum 4 also offers intuitive touch controls, voice assistant support, and seamless Bluetooth connectivity for easy device pairing. Whether you’re at home or on the go, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones provide a perfect blend of high-quality sound, noise cancellation, and premium comfort.
- 4.
- Soft padding and materials used to make it great for extended use
- Sound signature favours popular musical genres in India
- ANC is great for the price
- Microphone could be made to work better in challenging conditions
The JBL Tour One M2 headphones are designed for those who demand high-quality sound and cutting-edge features. With JBL’s legendary sound signature, these headphones deliver powerful bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, ensuring an immersive audio experience. The Tour One M2 features adaptive noise canceling, which intelligently adjusts to your surroundings, providing a tailored listening experience whether you’re on a plane or in a noisy office. These headphones also offer an impressive 50-hour battery life, ensuring you can listen to your favorite tracks all day long without interruption. The design is sleek and modern, with soft ear cushions that provide comfort during extended wear. Additionally, the Tour One M2 includes touch controls, voice assistant compatibility, and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to switch between devices effortlessly. The JBL Tour One M2 is the perfect companion for audiophiles and professionals alike.
- 5.
The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones offer a perfect blend of comfort, noise cancellation, and superior sound quality. Featuring Bose’s advanced noise-canceling technology, these headphones effectively block out unwanted noise, making them ideal for travelers and commuters. The QuietComfort 45 delivers a balanced audio experience with deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, ensuring every detail of your music is heard. The headphones are designed for long listening sessions, with plush ear cushions and a lightweight frame that provides a comfortable fit. With up to 24 hours of battery life, you can enjoy your music all day long without needing to recharge. The QuietComfort 45 also includes intuitive controls for easy music and call management, as well as voice assistant compatibility. Whether you’re on the go or relaxing at home, the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones provide an exceptional audio experience.
- 6.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are a top choice for those seeking high-quality audio and advanced noise-canceling technology. With industry-leading noise cancellation, these headphones effectively block out external noise, allowing you to focus on your music or calls. The WH-1000XM4 delivers a rich, immersive sound experience with deep bass, clear mids, and detailed highs. Designed for comfort, the headphones feature plush ear cushions and a lightweight frame, making them ideal for long listening sessions. With up to 30 hours of battery life, you can enjoy uninterrupted music all day. The WH-1000XM4 also offers touch controls, voice assistant compatibility, and seamless Bluetooth connectivity with multiple devices. The headphones include adaptive sound control, which adjusts the sound based on your activity, ensuring a personalized listening experience. Whether you’re traveling or working, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones provide unparalleled audio quality and comfort.
- 7.
The Soundcore by Anker Space One Active headphones offer a great balance of sound quality, comfort, and affordability. These headphones feature active noise-canceling technology, which helps to minimize external noise and enhance your listening experience. The headphones are designed with comfort in mind, featuring soft ear cushions and an adjustable headband for a snug fit during extended listening sessions. With a battery life of up to 40 hours, you can enjoy your music without frequent recharging. The Space One Active also includes easy-to-use controls for managing your music and calls, as well as voice assistant compatibility for added convenience. Whether you’re commuting, working, or relaxing, the Soundcore by Anker Space One Active headphones provide a high-quality audio experience at an accessible price.
- 8.
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus headphones are designed for those who value premium sound quality and comfort. These wireless headphones feature Sennheiser’s renowned sound signature, delivering deep bass, detailed mids, and crisp highs, ensuring an immersive listening experience. The Accentum Plus also includes active noise-canceling technology, which effectively reduces ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your music or calls. The headphones are designed with comfort in mind, featuring soft ear cushions and a lightweight frame that provides a secure fit for extended wear. With up to 50 hours of battery life, you can enjoy your favorite music for days without needing to recharge. The Accentum Plus also offers intuitive touch controls, voice assistant compatibility, and seamless Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to switch between devices. Whether you’re on the go or at home, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus headphones provide a perfect blend of high-quality sound and comfort.
- 9.
- Ultra-portable form factor
- Premium build and design
- Excellent representation of mids and highs, and stereo seperation
- Clamping force might be tricky for some
- Lacklustre bass response
The Marshall Major V headphones offer a blend of iconic design and modern audio technology. Known for their distinctive style, these headphones feature Marshall’s signature aesthetic with a rugged build and timeless appeal. The Major V delivers powerful sound making it perfect for rock, blues, and other music genres. The headphones are designed for comfort, featuring cushioned ear pads and an adjustable headband that ensures a secure fit during extended listening sessions. With an impressive 60-hour battery life, the Major V allows you to enjoy your music for days without needing to recharge. The headphones also include easy-to-use controls for managing your music and calls, as well as voice assistant compatibility. Whether you’re a fan of Marshall’s iconic look or simply seeking high-quality sound, the Marshall Major V headphones are a great choice for music lovers.
- 10.
- Fantastic Active Noise Cancellation for the price, Well-built with a comfortable fit, Good sound
- Plastic body, Only SBC and AAC codecs are supported, Slow charging
The Sony WH-CH720N headphones offer a great mix of quality, comfort, and functionality, perfect for everyday use. These headphones feature Sony’s advanced noise-canceling technology, which effectively reduces ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your music or calls. Designed with comfort in mind, the headphones are lightweight and feature soft ear cushions that provide a snug fit for long listening sessions. With up to 35 hours of battery life, you can enjoy your favorite tracks all day without needing to recharge. The headphones also include intuitive controls for easy management of your music and calls, as well as voice assistant compatibility. Whether you’re commuting, working, or just relaxing at home, the Sony WH-CH720N headphones offer a reliable and high-quality audio experience.
Follow Us
Satvik Pandey
Satvik Pandey, is a self-professed Steve Jobs (not Apple) fanboy, a science & tech writer, and a sports addict. At Digit, he works as a Deputy Features Editor, and manages the daily functioning of the magazine. He also reviews audio-products (speakers, headphones, soundbars, etc.), smartwatches, projectors, and everything else that he can get his hands on. A media and communications graduate, Satvik is also an avid shutterbug, and when he's not working or gaming, he can be found fiddling with any camera he can get his hands on and helping produce videos – which means he spends an awful amount of time in our studio. His game of choice is Counter-Strike, and he's still attempting to turn pro. He can talk your ear off about the game, and we'd strongly advise you to steer clear of the topic unless you too are a CS junkie. View Full Profile
