The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for 2020

Should Noise Cancellation Add Hiss?

Some ANC adds an audible hiss—like white noise—to the signal. It doesn’t sound awful, but it serves to mask the high frequencies that the circuitry is less good at eliminating. ANC works far better on lows and mids than it does on highs, so getting some of the high-frequency noise reduced passively is essential. The hiss adds another layer that can enhance the sense of quiet you get, but is actually somewhat deceiving.

You’ll know if there’s hiss or not when you enable ANC in a very quiet room. If it’s there, the hiss will have the opposite effect of noise cancellation in this scenario—it’ll be louder than the quiet room itself. Most hiss will not be a deal breaker, and when the music is playing, it won’t even be audible. But generally speaking, the better the noise cancellation, the less it will add any hiss at all.

Here we should also note that some people feel pressure inside their ears when using powerful ANC, while others don’t notice a thing. It’s worth trying on multiple pairs of headphones in a store before you invest in an expensive product that can potentially cause you discomfort.

On-Ear, In-Ear, and Over-Ear Noise Cancellation

The most effective ANC is typically found in over-ear (circumaural) headphones. The earcups can create a seal around the ear, and the earpads act as a barrier. That said, the less-common on-ear ANC models can still eliminate plenty of surrounding noise, are often considered far more comfortable, and are usually more compact and easier to stow away.

In-ear ANC has also improved quite a bit in recent years. In-ear models also have perhaps the greatest advantage in terms of passive isolation—the eartips seal off your ear canal, so high frequencies are more or less eliminated before you turn the ANC on. The advantages one style may present over another are less about ANC performance at this point, and more about personal preference and comfort.

Wired vs. Wireless Noise Cancellation

It makes sense that wireless ANC basically replaced wired models on the market—this is largely what has happened to the headphone industry as a whole. It’s also likely because most of the wireless ANC headphones available can also be used with an included cable, and often with the ANC enabled. You’ll want to check if the model you’re interested in has this option if it’s a priority.

However, some wireless ANC models suffer from a notable issue: The ANC has an audible effect on the audio when enabled. We always make sure to point out which headphones suffer from this issue, and whether the effect is so minor that it can be dismissed as irrelevant. Any model that has a profoundly different sound signature when ANC is enabled has basic design shortcomings, and you won’t find us giving it a high rating.

For more, see our story on The Best Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earbuds.

Noise Cancellation Apps

Many noise-cancelling headphones work with free apps that can alter the ANC’s performance to better suit your environment. And most ANC models feature an ambient mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings and talk with someone nearby without removing the headphones. It’s a useful, nearly ubiquitous feature, but some manufacturers have taken it an extra step and allow you to blend ANC levels with ambient levels to your preference. When this is available, it’s usually accomplished with a slider in an app.

How Much Should You Pay for Noise-Cancelling Headphones?

Noise cancellation circuitry isn’t cheap. If a model has been around for more than a year or two, you might find some deals, but it’s rare that a quality pair of headphones will sell for less than $200. If they do, the ANC on offer is probably solid for the price, but not on the same level as the top-tier options. If you’re you’re looking for the best of the best, be prepared to pay around $350 to $400. The exception is in-ear models, which can have solid ANC at lower prices, like the $250 Apple AirPods Pro.

If noise cancellation isn’t a big deal for you, you can focus on other characteristics with our lists of the Best Wireless Headphones, the Best Earphones, and the Best Headphones overall. And if you’re shopping on a tight budget, check out the Best Headphones Under $50.

Once you’ve found the right pair of headphones, make sure to take good care of them. To start, read up on our 5 Easy Tips to Extend the Life of Your Headphones and 6 Ways You’re Using Your Headphones Wrong.

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About the Author

Will Greenwald has been covering consumer technology for a decade, and has served on the editorial staffs of CNET.com, Sound & Vision, and Maximum PC. His work and analysis has been seen in GamePro, Tested.com, Geek.com, and several other publications. He currently covers consumer electronics in the PC Labs as the in-house home entertainment expert, reviewing TVs, media hubs, speakers, headphones, and gaming accessories. Will is also an ISF Level II-certified TV calibrator, which ensures the thoroughness and accuracy of all PCMag TV reviews. See Full Bio