Noise Cancelling Headsets - What to Look for When Buying a Noise Canceling Headset

If you’re looking to get a really good pair of noise cancelling headphones, then this is the article you need to read. We will start by comparing in-ear earphones to over-the-ear headphones, followed by a look at the main features to keep an eye out for. We will then finish with a look at the main brands and their product ranges.

Ear Buds vs Over-the-Ear Headphones

Obviously the main benefit to choosing the ear bud style of headphone is that they are small and easy to carry around with you. This makes them a great choice for people who are on the move a lot. However, the down-side to these types of headphones is that their sound quality is not quite as good as over-the-head style headphones, particularly in the bass.

Over-the-ear headphones are bigger and clunkier than earbuds, making them less convenient for travelling. The good thing is though, with higher-end models, they tend to be foldable, which partly eliminates the travelling problem; and it has to be said, the sound quality is a lot better with this type of headphones, especially with the higher-end models.

Features to Look for in Noise Cancelling Headsets

Noise Reduction: if you’re looking for true noise cancelling headphones, then check the stated noise reduction capability. This is something that very much varies from product to product, so take a look at what previous customers have to say.
Comfort: your headphones should be comfortable to wear, so check what previous customers have to say about this.
Weight & Foldability: an easily foldable pair of headphones is great for travelling, for example when on a long plane flight. You will also want them to be nice and light.
Sound Quality: you don’t just want your headphones to be good at cutting out external sound. You also want them to be good at reproducing high quality sound.
Cord Length: how far away from the sound source are you likely to want to be? If you’re going to be on a train with your MP3 player then you don’t need a long cord, but if you’re planning to lay on your bed far away from your TV and watch late night TV shows with your headphones then the cord needs to be long.

The Best No-noise Headset Makes & Their Products

Sennheiser: $15-$1,400. Undoubtedly the best brand of noise cancelling headphones. An awfully decent selection of headphones spread across a very broad price range.
Sony: $14-$240. A good choice of headphones at reasonable prices.
Bose: $70-$300. A good choice of noise cancelling headsets.
Philips: $53-$195. A decent collection of headsets at reasonable prices.
JVC: $16-$150. A good selection of headphones at reasonable prices.
Audio Technica: $60-$220. A variety of very reasonably priced headphones.