Noise-Canceling Headphones

David Pogue of The New York Times puts to the test headphones that aim to reduce background noise.

The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones

PC Magazine

04.24.08

Dampen the din with these devices that actively block background noise, letting you hear only what you want to.

by Brian Bennett

pc_magazine512:http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2286762,00.asp

It's hard to escape noise; the modern world is full of it. Whether it's the drone of jet engines, the low rumble and metallic screech of commuter trains, or merely the distracting muttering crowds, life can be pretty damn loud. You might try to dismiss the din by slapping on a set of regular headphones and cranking up the volume of music, movies, or podcasts. This tactic may get the job done, but you're really only adding extra noise to the equation, and are probably damaging your hearing at the same time.

The best solution to save your sanity and your ears is to invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones so you can enjoy your audio at much lower volumes. These devices, rather than merely covering up unwanted noise, actively block it.

We most recently reviewed Sony 's MDR-NC40. Despite this set's relatively low price of $100, it pumped out surprisingly good audio quality with satisfying low bass. If you prefer earphones to larger, more cumbersome headphones, Sony...

Read more...

Philips Accessories and Computer PeripherialsPhilips HN 110 Folding Noise Canceling Headphones
CE (Philips Accessories and Computer Peripherials)
List Price: $74.31
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz
  • Ideal for airplane, train and bus use
  • Noise canceling feature reduces background nose in any environment
  • Closed-style, dynamic headphone with 40mm driver
AO SafetyPeltor H10A Professional Noise Canceling Earmuff
Home Improvement (AO Safety)
List Price: $33.94
Price: $16.36
You Save: $17.58 (52%)
  • Earmuff-style hearing protection; easy adjustment for different sizes
  • CSA approved; 29 dB hearing reduction
  • Hard plastic casing with soft ear molds, twin cup design minimizes resonance achieving maximum high and low attenuation
  • Includes 1 set of earmuff hearing protectors (2 ears)
PanasonicPanasonic RP-HC500 Noise-Canceling Headphones
CE (Panasonic)
List Price: $199.99
Price: $94.32
You Save: $105.67 (53%)
  • 92% noise reduction - 22dB at 200Hz
  • Plug adaptor for aircraft
  • Battery life: approx. 40H with AAA alkaline battery
  • When noise-canceling effect is off, can be used as normal headphones
Philips AccessoriesPhilips SHN9500 Active Noise Canceling Headphone
CE (Philips Accessories)
List Price: $159.99
Price: $82.33
You Save: $77.66 (49%)
  • Neodymium magnet produces a strong magnetic field for greater bass response and higher overall sound quality
  • Optimal fit in all ears with super soft rubber caps
  • Asymmetric cabling system that keeps the 1.2 meter cable tangle free
  • 24k Gold plated plug gives a more reliable connection for better quality audio
AUDIO TECHNICAAudio-Technica ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones
CE (AUDIO TECHNICA)
List Price: $219.95
Price: $119.70
You Save: $100.25 (46%)
  • ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint active noise-cancelling headphones effectively reduces environmental noise by up to 85% with or without audio
  • Ideal for travel and use with MP3, CD, DVD and in-flight entertainment systems
  • Provides superior audio quality with 40mm drivers with neodymium magnet systems in each earpiece for deeper bass, extended treble and higher fidelity
  • Fully integrated active noise-cancelling technology - no external modules needed
AO SafetyAO Safety WorkTunes i.3 AM/FM Hearing Protector, Silver and White #90569
Home Improvement (AO Safety)
List Price: $69.99
  • Hearing protector with noise reduction up to 22 dB plus stereo AM/FM or MP3 player input
  • Cuts noise by up to 22 dB
  • Built-in AM/FM stereo with antenna and toggle switch, plus input jack and patch cord for use with MP3 players
  • Gel/foam cushions maintain ear comfort; dB limiter protects against dangerous noise levels
JVCJVC HANC250 Noise Cancelling Headphones
CE (JVC)
List Price: $199.95
Price: $109.10
You Save: $90.85 (45%)
  • Advanced noise-cancelling design offers 85% noise reduction
  • Double-housing design for extra sound insulation
  • 40mm Neodymium driver
  • Memory Foam cushion earpads
CYBER ACOUSTICSCYBER ACOUSTICS ACM-8440 RETAIL ACTIVE NOISE CANCELING STEREO HEADPHONES W/TRAVEL POUCH
Single Detail Page Misc (CYBER ACOUSTICS)
List Price: $51.24
  • CYBER ACOUSTICS ACM-8440 NOISE CANCELLING STEREO HEADPHONE - CABLE - STEREO - 1 X 3.5MM MINI-PHONE
  • STEREO - OVER-THE-HEAD
SonySony MDR-NC6 Noise Canceling Headphones
CE (Sony)
List Price: $49.99
Price: $35.44
You Save: $14.55 (29%)
  • Reduces exterior noise by more than 70 percent (10 dB at 300 Hz) so you can hear music against a quieter background
  • Active noise reduction from 40 to 1,500 Hz using 1 AAA battery (not included); extended battery life approximately 30 hours
  • Compact size and folding design allows easy storage in a backpack, briefcase, or purse
  • Noise-canceling on/off switch; headphones work with or without power
SonySony MDR NC11A - Headphones ( ear-bud ) - noise canceling - white
CE (Sony)

Noise Canceling Headphones News



Tech Test Drive: Denon AH-NC732 headphones
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - 3 hours ago
The bottom line: The Denon AH-NC732s are a decent pair of noise-canceling headphones, but in terms of sound and comfort, they don't measure up to the


CNET News
Do Denon's new noise-canceling headphones beat Bose's Quiet
CNET News, CA - Oct 3, 2008
Bose has managed to persuade thousands of people to spend large sums of money on the company's QuietComfort 3 and QuietComfort 2 noise-canceling headphones.


Pocket-lint.co.uk
Sony shows off MDR-NC7 noise canceling headphones
Pocket-lint.co.uk, UK - Oct 9, 2008
The details may be scant but audiophiles should look out in the coming months for a new set of noise canceling headphones from Sony. The MDR-NC7 headphones

Review: Sony Noise Canceling Headphones Sound Like Silence
Wired Blogs - Oct 2, 2008
Okay, so what’s this gotta do with Sony’s Digital Noise Cancellation Headphones? That all depends on how you like the sound reproduction of the music you


Coolest Gadgets
Sony MDR-NC500D digital noise cancelling headphones
Coolest Gadgets, UK - Sep 25, 2008
Business travelers who travel a whole lot will definitely find that a pair of noise canceling headphones can go a long way in helping them maintain their