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...

PanasonicPanasonic RP-HC500 Noise-Canceling Headphones
CE (Panasonic)
List Price: $199.99
Price: $93.91
You Save: $106.08 (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
PANASONICPANASONIC Noise Canceling Headphones RPHC300
CE (PANASONIC)
List Price: $199.95
  • Large, 1.4 drivers with Neodymium rare-earth magnets for rich, powerful sound
  • 8Hz - 22Hz frequency response
  • Foldable for storage and travel
  • Detachable cord
JVCJVC HANC100 Noise Cancelling Headphones
CE (JVC)
List Price: $99.95
Price: $43.76
You Save: $56.19 (56%)
  • 75% Noise reduction
  • Full Adjustable Headband
  • Folding design
  • Retractable Cord system
audio-technicaAudio Technica Noise-Canceling In-Ear Headphones - Black (ATH-ANC3)
CE (audio-technica)
List Price: $149.99
  • Includes - Extension cable 0.5 m (1.6') with 3.5 mm (1/8), stereo mini-plug, airline adapter, AAA battery, carrying case, and ear pieces (S/M/L size rubber tips)
  • Advanced electronics cancel up to 85% (20 dB) of background noise
  • Innovative ANC circuitry delivers an exceptionally pure audio signal in noise cancelling mode
  • Ideal for use with all audio sources, including MP3 & other portable players
SonySony MDR-NC60 Noise Canceling Headphone w/ Accessory Bundle
CE (Sony)
  • Sony MDR-NC60 Noise Canceling Headphone
  • Energizer AAA Batteries - 4 Pack
BOSEBose® QuietComfort® 2 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones
CE (BOSE)
  • Offers unmatched combination of noise reduction technology, audio performance and comfortable fit
  • Patented Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphone technology fades background distractions
  • Now with enhanced audio performance and styling
  • Lightweight and comfortable; convenient fold-flat design
ShureShure E2c Sound Isolating Earphones
CE (Shure)
List Price: $99.99
  • Sound Isolating in-ear design - Hear only what you want to hear
  • Portable and lightweight design - weighing only one-ounce
  • Personal fit kit to contour to your ear size
  • Built in High-Energy in-ear speaker technology
BOSEBose® QuietComfort® 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones
CE (BOSE)
List Price: $349.00
  • Compact, on-ear design forms a gentle seal to help block unwanted noise and deliver high-quality audio
  • Bose® Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphone technology electronically identifies and reduces noise
  • Lightweight for hours of comfortable listening
  • Rechargeable battery offers approximately 25 hours of run time
JVCJVC Inner Ear Noise Cancelling Headphone
CE (JVC)
List Price: $79.95
Price: $48.70
You Save: $31.25 (39%)
  • 80% Noise Reduction
  • Contoured canal design
  • Maximum sound isolation
  • Monitor Function
Philips Accessories and Computer PeripherialsPhilips SHN5500/37 Noise Canceling Behind-The-Head Headphone
CE (Philips Accessories and Computer Peripherials)
List Price: $49.99
  • Noise canceling headphones
  • 65% Active Noise Reduction
  • Neodymium magnet
  • 1.2 meter single-sided cable

Noise Cancelling Earphones News




CNET News
Sony bows new Walkman with noise-canceling
Sync, Canada - Aug 29, 2008
Sony's just-launched NWZ-S730F -- ok, so the name needs a bit of work -- ships with 13.5mm EX noise-cancelling earbuds that Sony says are capable of
Sony Walkman NWZ-S730 series (NWZ-S738, NWZ-S736) announced infoSync World
Sony announces new B-, E-, and S-Series Walkmans CNET News
Sony raises the curtain on new WALKMAN(R) players that deliver Canada NewsWire (press release)
Earthtimes (press release) - here's how!
all 53 news articles


Time Out Chicago
Sound choice
Time Out Chicago, IL - Sep 1, 2008
These noise-canceling headphones are smaller and slimmer than their predecessors yet pamper your eardrums with deep, rich sounds. They’re powerful enough to

Personal Technology
La Verne Community News, CA - 3 hours ago
Most Bluetooth devices also have noise cancelling microphones which eliminate the wind and car noise for the person on the other end of the call.


SlashGear
Sound Lives Stereo Earphones let you rock out and keep
SlashGear, AZ - Aug 29, 2008
The Sound Lives Stereo Earphones by Thanko are USB-powered and let you listen to your music in peace. They also feature a noise canceling function.

Plantronics and Dolby Deliver Enhanced PC Game Play
TMCnet - 5 hours ago
Gamers can now have fingertip audio and voice direction and a telescoping, noise-canceling microphone provides more accurate positioning for voice clarity.