Best Premium Noise Canceling Headphones
Looking for the best premium noise canceling headphones in 2024? In this guide, we review the top five noise canceling headphones that deliver the ultimate listening experience. Whether you’re after industry leading ANC, crystal clear audio quality, or all day comfort, brands like Sony, Apple, Bose, Sennheiser, and Bowers & Wilkins have you covered. From the feature-packed Sony WH-1000XM5 to the luxurious Apple AirPods Max, we break down battery life, build quality, and price to help you choose the best premium model. Read on for in-depth reviews and recommendations.
5. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
- Sound Quality: Known for superb sound quality, with Sennheiser’s signature balanced sound and high-resolution audio support.
- Noise Cancelling: Excellent active noise cancellation that competes with top brands.
- Battery Life: Unmatched battery life of up to 60 hours with ANC on. Fast charging gives 6 hours of playback after a 10-minute charge.
- Comfort: Comfortable fit with soft earcups and lightweight construction.
- Wired/Wireless: Wireless with Bluetooth 5.2, also includes a 3.5mm jack for wired listening.
- Waterproof: Not waterproof.
- Price: Around $299
4. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
- Wired/Wireless: Wireless (Bluetooth 5.0) with support for aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and AAC. Includes a USB-C to 3.5mm cable for wired listening.
- Sound Quality: Exceptional sound quality with angled 40mm drivers designed to deliver a natural, immersive soundstage. Great stereo imaging.
- Noise Cancelling: Effective ANC, though not as strong as some competitors. Includes a transparency mode for ambient awareness.
- Battery Life: 30 hours of battery life with ANC on. A 15-minute quick charge provides up to 7 hours of playback.
- Waterproof: Not waterproof.
- Comfort: Premium comfort with a refined design, comfortable headband, and memory foam earcups.
- Price: Around $399.
3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- Wired/Wireless: Wireless (Bluetooth 5.0) with an option for wired use via 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable.
- Sound Quality: Excellent sound quality, though it only supports SBC and AAC codecs, which limits high-res audio capabilities.
- Noise Cancelling: Features 11 levels of ANC with impressive performance, even for wired listening.
- Battery Life: 20 hours of battery life with ANC enabled. Fast charging gives 3.5 hours of playback after a 15-minute charge.
- Waterproof: Not waterproof.
- Comfort: Comfortable fit with a stainless-steel headband and soft silicone-covered foam earcups.
- Price: Around $379.
2. Sony WH-1000XM5
- Wired/Wireless: Wireless with Bluetooth 5.2, supports wired connection via 3.5mm audio jack.
- Sound Quality: Delivers high-resolution audio, especially effective for low-end frequencies. Equipped with 30mm drivers for clearer highs and deeper bass.
- Noise Cancelling: Industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) with adaptive sound control that adjusts based on surroundings.
- Battery Life: Up to 30 hours with ANC on, and 40 hours with ANC off. Fast charging gives 5 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging.
- Waterproof: Not waterproof.
- Comfort: Soft-fit synthetic leather earcups and lightweight build for comfortable extended use.
- Price: Around $399
1. Apple AirPods Max
- Wired/Wireless: Wireless (Bluetooth 5.0) with no 3.5mm audio jack, though you can use a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter.
- Sound Quality: High-quality sound with custom 40mm dynamic drivers. Supports spatial audio with dynamic head tracking.
- Noise Cancelling: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) with transparency mode.
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours with ANC and spatial audio on. Charges via Lightning cable; five minutes of charging gives about 1.5 hours of playback.
- Waterproof: Not waterproof or water-resistant.
- Comfort: Breathable knit mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions for long wear.
- Price: Around $549
In conclusion, if you’re searching for the best premium noise canceling headphones in 2024, these five models stand out for their exceptional sound quality, top-tier noise cancellation, and premium build materials. From the Sony WH-1000XM5 with its superior ANC and long battery life to the Apple AirPods Max, which offer seamless integration with iOS devices, each of these headphones delivers a high end experience tailored to different preferences. Whether you prioritize comfort, design, or advanced features like spatial audio, there’s a model here that’s sure to enhance your listening. Investing in any of these premium options ensures you’re getting some of the best technology available today.
