Choosing a pair of the best noise canceling headphones is the perfect way to disconnect from a noisy and chaotic world of 2020.
Looking for a way to make your daily commute more serene and enjoyable? Properly implemented Active Noise Cancellation (CRA) can drown out all but the most aggressive sounds, whether it’s the absurd conversation going on in the bus seat in front of you or the familiar squeals and growls of all subway passengers.
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Of course, many of the considerations when choosing one of the best noise canceling headphones in 2020 are the same as you would investigate when getting a standard set. The good news is that these days you don’t have to settle for inferior audio quality or compromise on comfort to get a great CRA.
Best noise canceling headphones of 2020
We consider a massive field of today’s best noise canceling headphones and select our top.
Sony WH1000XM3
These incredibly stylish and lightweight headphones deliver strong, high-quality sound quality and noise cancellation derived from 40mm Liquid Crystal Polymer drivers. In addition to being pleasing to the eye, these headphones also have hidden touch sensor controls so you can play, pause, skip, turn the volume up or down, and more by simply tapping the right earbud.
They’re also designed to be comfortable and can be worn all day. The battery life of these headphones is incredible with up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge. If you need to recharge quickly, you can get 5 hours of playback after charging for just 10 minutes.
While a little expensive these headphones are sure to satisfy the headphone lover in your life who demands good noise cancellation and sound quality.
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Sony WH-XB900N
Because they handle bass very well, the new WH-XB900N have a clear position in Sony’s largest line of noise canceling headphones. Now, normally, the “extra bass” in headphones is a recipe for muddying the sound, and we generally don’t recommend it uncontrollably (that’s why many Beats products suffer).
But the XB900Ns are an exception, especially since they provide Sony’s proven, active digital noise cancellation, resulting in artifact-uninhibited sound bass and lossy compression. They also transmit frequencies across the entire 20-20,000 Hz human auditory spectrum.
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The sound quality, while not on par with Sony’s flagship headphones, will work for most mainstream music, especially considering the added bass. But it’s not just about sound quality.
You’ll get up to 30 hours of use on a single charge, which is about 10 hours longer than most prime options. These also include NFC and Bluetooth connectivity, plus built-in voice assistance and even intuitive touch controls. Plus, they’re sleekly designed with smooth, matte textures, and comfortable foam and leather ear cushions, making them look as premium as you’d expect.
Jabra Elite 85h
Jabra, a brand historically known for its Bluetooth mobile phone peripherals, has made a name for itself by selling high-end Bluetooth headsets. Elite 85 are over-the-ear headphones with a variety of attractive features that could make them the right choice for you.
Even compared to industry leaders like Bose and Sony, its sound quality checks many demands. Its frequency range, for example, ranges from 10Hz to 20kHz (higher than the theoretical range that humans can actually hear). With 40mm drivers and a solid seal around the ear, they should also drop decent bass.
However, the most interesting thing is that these headphones are compatible with Jabra’s SmartSound technology. With eight built-in microphones, they can examine your surroundings to ensure comfortable sound levels.
This, in combination with noise canceling technology, should be enough, right? Well, with over 36 hours of battery life depending on usage, the Elite 85h is also categorically among the best in terms of battery life. All of this, combined with built-in compatibility from Alexa and Google Assistant, rain resistance and a two-year warranty, make the Jabra Elite 85h a solid pair of Bluetooth headsets.
Skullcandy Crusher
There is a growing trend among gaming peripherals and accessories to add tactile feedback to previously passive devices. Skullcandy generously embraces the sensory feedback vogue with its Crusher headphones, which are not content to deliver jaw-dropping bass.
Combined with excellent sound and playback quality, tremendous bass, and adequate noise cancellation, Crusher immerses listeners in the most dramatic moments of games, songs, and movies.
Buy Skullcandy Crusher Wireless Over-Ear Headphone – Black from Amazon