Ultimate Guide to Choose the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones in 2023

Hey there! So, you know how annoying it can be when the constant hustle and bustle of construction or heavy traffic gets in the way of enjoying your favourite tunes? Well, that’s where noise-cancelling headphones come to the rescue! These nifty gadgets work wonders by blocking out all that background noise, giving you some much-needed peace and quiet to focus or relax.

Whether you’re a frequent traveller, dealing with a noisy workplace, or simply craving some undisturbed music time, noise-cancelling headphones are the ultimate choice for you.

Now, I get it; choosing the perfect headphones in Nigeria might seem like a daunting task. But fear not! At A3Techworld, we’ve got your back. We’ve put together all the essential info you need to make the right decision when purchasing noise-canceling headphones.

Understanding noise-cancelling headphones

If you’re a commuter or want to listen to your music anywhere other than a soundproofed room, there is no better upgrade you can get than noise-cancelling headphones. Many people believe that in order to get better sound quality, they need to spend more, but that might only be half true: you need to also prevent noise that could compromise or overpower your music before it reaches your ears. 

How Do Noise Cancelling Headphones Work?

Today many headphone models boast being noise canceling, but some do it better than others. And companies are often inconsistent while labelling their headphones as noise cancelling depending on the context.

That’s why it’s important to understand what is noise cancellation and how noise-cancelling headphones work before your purchase.

What are the 3 major types of noise cancelling?

Hey, you know what? When it comes to noise cancellation, there are three main types – active, passive, and adaptive. It can be a bit confusing sometimes because they all aim for the same goal, but the way they do it is different. Understanding how each one works can really help us figure out which type is perfect for what we need.

Passive Noise Cancelling Headphones

Alright, let’s talk about the most common type of noise cancellation you can find in headphones. You might hear people call them ‘noise isolating’ headphones too. Basically, these headphones have a cool trick up their sleeves. Their physical design, shape, and materials work together like a gate to keep noise from getting to your ears. You know those big, bulky headphones you see around? Yep, they’re the ones! They cover your ears entirely and have extra padding to block out all the annoying sounds from the outside world.

So, if you’re thinking of getting headphones with passive noise cancelling, all you gotta do is pick a pair with nice-fitting cushions that create a solid seal around your ears. The better the seal, the more noise they’ll keep out.

The great thing about these headphones is that they excel at cutting off irregular and high-frequency sounds. Picture this: you’re stuck in a busy open office where your colleagues can’t stop chatting about the latest episode of their favourite TV show. That’s when these noise-isolating headphones come to the rescue, a real must-have!

But, I gotta be real with you – there’s a little catch. These headphones can be quite bulky, and not everyone loves that feeling on top of their head. But fret not! There’s a solution for those who prefer something less obtrusive – noise-isolating earbuds.

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) Headphones

These headphones take it up a notch when it comes to blocking out external noise. Not only do they use their unique design to muffle sounds, but they also employ advanced technology for active noise cancellation. Inside these headphones, there’s a tiny audio processor that picks up and analyzes incoming noise patterns, then cleverly generates an opposite “anti-noise” signal to cancel it out. The result is like magic – the background noise vanishes, leaving you with a remarkably clearer sound experience.

Active noise-cancelling headphones work wonders in eliminating continuous low-frequency sounds, such as white noise, traffic, droning engines, and even persistent chatter. They’re a perfect companion for frequent travellers or daily commuters who crave some peaceful moments on their journeys.

But here’s the catch: active noise cancelling requires a power source, which means these headphones need a battery to fuel their noise-cancelling prowess. This might impact the device’s weight and cost. As a result, most ANC headphone models are bulkier and pricier compared to regular ones. However, the good news is that when the ANC feature is turned off or the battery runs out, they function just like regular headphones.

Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones

Adaptive noise cancelling, as the name suggests, is a clever tech that adjusts itself based on the surrounding sounds. This sophisticated technology digitally adapts to the noise in your environment. Some audio companies even offer the option to manually control the noise cancellation level, often referred to as Transparency mode. Different brands have their own unique take on this technology, such as Bose’s Aware mode. This feature proves useful in various situations; for instance, someone leaving work to head to a nearby coffee shop might want to hear the traffic and construction noise around them for safety reasons.

5 Key Features to Consider Before Buying Noise-Canceling Headphones

But with the wide variety of noise-cancelling headphone models on the market, choosing a solid noise-cancelling set that meets your needs can be tricky. So, what technology and features should you be looking for to maximize sound and tune out of the world?

Picking the Right Headphone Style

Headphones come in different shapes and sizes, and these variations impact factors like audio quality, comfort, and the effectiveness of active noise cancellation. So, which form factor suits you best? Well, that depends on your personal preferences.

In-ear headphones, also known as earbuds, are lightweight and highly portable. They come in both wired and wireless varieties. Unlike over-ear headphones, earbuds can provide some passive noise cancellation by forming a seal in your ears.

On the other hand, over-ear headphones and earpads excel in sound isolation, bass response, and overall audio quality due to their larger drivers. They often have extra padding for added comfort and boast better battery life compared to smaller options. However, they are bulkier, taking up more space than earbuds.

A middle ground exists with on-ear headphones, which do not fully cover your ears. As a result, their audio quality might not match the other options, and they typically lack active noise cancellation (ANC). So, if noise cancellation is a priority for you, it’s better to steer clear of on-ear headphones.

Battery Life and Charging

Considering how much you’ll be using your headphones daily is crucial since it determines how often you’ll need to recharge them. The good news is that the battery life of rechargeable wireless headphones has significantly improved over time. Premium models now offer playback times that can last more than a day on a full charge. Additionally, over-ear headphones generally boast better battery life due to their larger size.

If your headphones come with a charging case, you’ll need to return them to the case for recharging every few hours. Some cases support fast charging, providing you with hours of playtime after just a few minutes of charging. However, both the charging case and the earbuds should have decent battery life to ensure they last long enough.

Keep in mind that certain features, like active noise cancellation, high volume levels, and other advanced functionalities, can be significant battery drainers, potentially reducing the overall battery life of the headphones. It’s essential to consider how you’ll use the headphones and balance the usage of these features to optimize battery performance.

Sound Quality

Evaluating the quality of sound is a crucial aspect to consider when it comes to headphones. Ideally, you’d want to try them out in person to truly experience a wide range of media. However, if that’s not possible, you can rely on online reviews and YouTube videos for insights. Understanding the sound signature of the headphones can also be beneficial.

To assess the sound performance, it’s a good idea to listen to various music genres and a mix of high and low-frequency sounds. By doing so, you can spot any potential flaws. It’s especially helpful to test the headphones with songs you’re familiar with and often listen to. You might want to give our headphone-testing playlist a try! Additionally, pay attention to the volume and watch out for any rattling or buzzing sounds, as they might indicate an issue.

Comfort and Fit

One of the most crucial aspects of headphones is their comfort level because you’ll be wearing them for long periods. Ensuring a good fit is essential, especially with ANC headphones known for potentially causing ear pain. Some headphones may feel too loose or tight, leading to discomfort after extended use. If possible, try them on in a store to gauge how they feel on your ears.

A loose fit can result in sound leakage, disturbing those around you. If you’re considering in-ear headphones, getting a good seal is important to keep them in place and prevent them from falling out. This will also enhance passive noise cancellation, reducing the need to crank up the volume to the max.

Many over-ear headphones come with adjustable headbands and rotating earcups, and some brands offer special sizes for men, women, and children. However, keep in mind that some headphones might fit differently after being broken in, so it’s helpful to read reviews from others who have tried them.

Price and Value

Finally, let’s talk about the price range, as noise-cancelling headphones can be a bit pricier than standard pairs, especially if you’re looking for specific features. Premium noise cancellation and top-notch audio quality do come with a cost.

Considering your budget is essential before diving into your headphone search. Prioritize the features that matter most for your specific needs. This will help you narrow down the available options and find a pair that ticks all the boxes without breaking the bank. If your budget is limited, exploring secondhand or refurbished options might be worth considering. Just be sure to thoroughly check their warranty and condition to ensure you’re getting a reliable product. With a bit of research and careful consideration, you can find headphones that strike the perfect balance between price and value for your requirements.