Buying Guide
How to Buy Noise Cancelling Headphones
This short guide helps you pick noise cancelling headphones that suit your use, comfort needs and budget. It pulls practical points from real product features so you can decide quickly and confidently.
What to consider before you buy
Think about how you will use them. Commuting and flying reward strong noise cancellation and long battery life. Office use benefits from transparency or ambient modes so you hear announcements and conversations. For home listening or studio use prioritise sound detail and wired Hi-Res options.
- Comfort: look for memory foam or plush cushions and a light headband if you wear them for hours.
- Battery life: expect 35 to 100 hours depending on model and whether ANC is on; quick-charge features can give several hours from a few minutes of charging.
- Portability: foldable designs and a carry pouch help when travelling.
- Price: models in this selection sit roughly in the low to mid price range, so balance features against durability and aftercare.
Types and which suits you
- Over-ear with active noise cancellation: best for maximum isolation on planes and trains and for longer listening sessions.
- On-ear wireless: lighter and more compact, suitable if you value portability over the deepest bass or isolation.
- Hybrid ANC models: use internal and external microphones to reduce low frequency noise effectively; choose these for travel and noisy commutes.
- Wired-friendly or Hi-Res capable: choose these if you want lossless audio via an AUX or USB-C connection.
Important features and specifications to check
- ANC performance: hybrid ANC typically blocks the most low frequency noise; check manufacturer claims but also reviews for real-world results.
- Driver size and sound tuning: many quality mainstream models use 40mm drivers; look for app-based EQ if you want to tailor sound.
- Multipoint Bluetooth: lets you connect two devices at once, handy for juggling phone calls and laptop audio.
- Codec support and wired options: if you care about maximum fidelity, ensure there is a wired input or USB-C audio and support for higher quality codecs where relevant.
- Microphone and call clarity: beamforming mics and voice pickup tech matter if you use them for calls.
- Build and extras: check weight, foldability, wireless charging and whether a travel pouch is included.
Where to buy, common mistakes and expert tips
Where to buy
- Online: best for comparing specs, prices and user reviews quickly. Check return policy and delivery times.
- High street stores: try models for fit, weight and comfort before committing. A short listen will reveal comfort and clamp pressure issues.
- Buying on style or bass claims alone without checking comfort or ANC effectiveness.
- Ignoring the wired option if you value Hi-Res audio or long flights with limited charging.
- Overlooking microphone quality when you need clear calls.
- Relying solely on a single five star review; look for consistent feedback across many reviews.
- Test for comfort for at least 10 minutes where possible.
- Prioritise fast-charge and real battery figures over marketing numbers.
- Use the companion app, if available, to fine tune sound and update firmware.
- If you travel often, favour strong ANC, sturdy folding design and reliable multipoint pairing.
Final Thoughts
Choose a model that matches your primary use: travel and commuting need strong ANC and long battery life, office work benefits from ambient modes, and critical listening needs wired Hi-Res options. Try before you buy where possible, check return policies and prefer models with app support and fast charging for the best day-to-day experience.
