If you’re a true music lover, you probably know the difference between over-ear and on-ear headphones. While they look a bit the same design-wise, both offer different features and uses.
On-ear headphones are usually more compact than over-ear designs. They have smaller ear cups and produce less detailed bass and sound.
Over-ear headphones come with a bulky design and thick headphones. They typically have large ear cups to fully cover the users’ ears, producing better and high-quality sounds.
It’s no wonder that more and more people are looking to get their hands on the best wireless over-ear noise-canceling headphones right now!
Luckily, nowadays plenty of headphone brands are releasing new wireless over-ear headphones with active noise-canceling technology.
While the passive noise isolation only prevents unwanted ambient noise from entering your ear canal, a true noise noise-canceling technology blocks them out completely.
It also offers many benefits such as protecting your hearing, reducing your stress level, improving the quality of your sleep, and many more.
That’s why, in this article, we’re going to show you 10 of the best wireless over-ear noise-canceling headphones money can get this year.
Let’s check it out!
Best Wireless Over-ear noise-canceling Headphones
Here’s the list of some of the best wireless over-ear headphones with a true noise-cancelation feature you can get in 2021!
1. Sony WH-1000XM4
Released back in August last year, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is arguably one of the best over-ear headphones with noise-canceling technology.
With a price of $350, Sony has upgraded its noise-canceling tech from the old system-on-a-chip (SoC) for a new processor called the Sony QNe1.
This processor constantly samples ambient audio surrounding the user and reactively adjusts the level of noise cancellation. This smart technology surely boosts your listening experience.
With your permission, the Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 can also detect your location geolocation access. It will then apply your preferred level of noise-cancellation based on where you are.
This feature is very useful for people who go around places every day. When it’s activated, a chiming tone plays when you reach a location and the listening mode adjusts accordingly.
Design-wise, the WH-1000XM4 comes in a lightweight style. It only weighs around 254 grams and is available in two different colors of silver and black.
Sony claims the headphones can last for about 30 hours with the ANC on and 38 hours without. A full charge takes around 3 hours with the included USB charging.
Other features worth noting include the speak-to-chat feature that automatically pauses music when you’re having conversations and a 360 reality audio support for immersive listening.
2. Master & Dynamic MW65
If you’re looking for a high-quality premium headphone with noise-canceling technology, the MW65 from Master & Dynamic might be a good choice.
Released back in 2020 with a price tag of $500, the MW65is built with premium materials of lightweight anodized aluminum and fine leather for extra comfort.
The headphones are also available in a few colors and variations users can choose from. Users also get to choose the colors of the leather: either black, brown, navy, or grey.
In terms of colors, the headphones come with three options: gunmetal, silver metal, and black metal. It weighs 245 grams and provides an optional 3.5 mm audio cable for extended listening.
When it comes to noise-canceling technology, the MW65 offers two ANC (active noise-canceling) modes for clearer and immersive sounds: high power & low power.
The high power approach supports three different modes: city streets, airplanes, and very noisy environments. While low power supports two modes: lower noise, and windy environments.
Additionally, when the user deactivates the active noise-canceling technology, the MW65 will automatically switch to a passive noise isolation mode.
One of the best features of the headphones is their long battery life. Master & Dynamic claims MW65 will last up to 24 hours of use. A full charge only takes about an hour, too.
3. Bowers & Wilkins PX7
Another option for high-end headphones with noise-cancellation technology is the PX7 from Bowers & Wilkins. Released in October 2020, the headphones are currently on sale for $399.
PX7 comes with an adaptive noise-canceling technology that automatically responds to the environment. It’s available in three different colors of space grey, silver, and carbon.
The headphones use microphones to detect unwanted sounds and block them out with the inverse sound waves. The noise-cancellation also comes with a low and automatic mode.
Weighing at 302 grams, the PX7 offers easy-to-use controls, voice assistant support, and instant pairing. It also has a sleek hard case with plenty of storage for traveling.
Additionally, it also provides an automatic pause sensor that stops the music when one of its ear cups is lifted and resumes when it puts back on,
In terms of battery life, the PX7 is also no joke. Bowers & Wilkins claims the headphones can provide up to 30 hours of battery life on a full charge.
Despite being released two years ago, the headphone can still stand tall among other competitors to this date thanks to their timeless design and future-proof features.
Priced at $379, it comes with two different color options: black and luxe silver. It weighs around 252 grams with a sleek and clean design made of (materials).
The headphones 700 comes with an Active Noise Cancelling technology that uses microphones both inside and outside the ear cups to monitor the surrounding sounds.
Then, the headphones will produce opposite signals and waves to block out the sounds, letting you enjoy a noise-free listening experience.
Additionally, the headphones 700 also supports an acoustic headphone structure that uses external ports to vent the earcups and maximize the acoustic space inside for a better sound.
The headphones 700 also offer sound control that’s available only from Bose, including 11 settings that range from full noise canceling to full transparency modes.
When it comes to battery life, the headphones offer up to 20 hours of listening time. Even better, a 15 minutes short charge is claimed to provide up to 2 hours of power.
Other features worth noting are the one-click trigger conversation mode, touch sensors with multiple gestures, voice assistant command, and one-touch Spotify launch.
5. Apple AirPods Max
Being one of the leading brands in the smart gadgets industry, last year Apple also released over-ear headphones with a noise-canceling feature.
Priced at $550, the Apple AirPods Max headphone offers five different color options of pink, sky, green, space gray, and also silver. It also comes with a free engraving of your choice.
Design-wise, the Apple AirPods Max is designed with the ultimate comfort in mind. It is lightweight at only $284 grams and comes with an acoustic seal that fits all ear shapes.
When it comes to noise-canceling tech, the AirPods Max uses the Active Noise Cancellation that counters external sounds, allowing you to immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.
Users can easily switch between sounds and noise-canceling modes. There’s also a Digital Crown rotating button that gives you access to multiple controls on the side of the headphone.
Apple claims the AirPods Max can be used for up to 20 hours of listening with the noise-cancellation mode enabled. A full charge takes around 2 to 3 hours.
Additionally, the AirPods Max also comes with other useful features such as spatial audio with head tracking that uses the built-in gyroscopes to track your head motion.
This allows the headphones to deliver and anchor the best quality sounds to your ears every time, no matter how much you move around.
6. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 3 Wireless
If you’re looking for stylish looking noise-canceling headphones, the Momentum 3 wireless released by Sennheiser in 2020 is worth a try.
At a price of $350, the Momentum 3 wireless headphones feature a genuine leather head strap and premium earcups, delivering superior comfort for its users.
The headphones also come with sturdy matte steel arms and durable covers that make them the perfect choice for travel and other outdoor adventures.
Weighing at 305 grams, the headphones offer two different colors users can choose from the regular black and sandy white.
In terms of noise-cancellation, Momentum 3 wireless comes with 3 ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) modes controlled through the Sennheiser Smart Control app.
Sennheiser claims the headphones can last up to 17 hours per single charge with the noise-cancellation mode activated.
Additionally, the Momentum 3 wireless headphones also come with a simple and intuitive 3-button interface, 2 years of warranty, and a 3.5 mm audio cable for extended listening.
7. Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
If you’re looking for high-quality mid-range noise-canceling headphones, you’re in luck! In May last year, Microsoft launched the Surface headphones 2.
Priced at only $250, the Surface headphones 2 come in two classic Microsoft headphone colors: light grey and matte black.
Just like the original Surface headphones, these new ones also come with a lightweight design (290 grams) and comfortable ear pads for all-day use.
Despite being a mid-range noise-canceling headphone, the Surface headphones 2 comes with 13 levels of active noise cancellation. From transparent mode to full noise-canceling.
When it comes to battery, Microsoft states that a 2-hour full charge on the Surface headphones 2 can last up to 18.5 hours of music listening and 15 hours of a voice call.
Other features worth mentioning are its pause and resume sensor, the ability to tap or voice to skip tracks, hands-free assistance, and a 1-year limited hardware warranty.
8. Jabra Elite 85h
Another option for mid-range headphones with noise-cancellation technology is the Jabra Elite 85h. Despite being released two years ago in 2019, they are still one of the options to date.
With a wide range of colors to pick from (titanium black, copper black, gold beige, and navy), the prices of Jabra Elite 85h headphones vary from $200 to $250 depending on the variant chosen.
Design-wise, the Jabra Elite 85h is built from durable, nano-coating materials. They’re lightweight at 296 grams and also come with a 2-year warranty against water and dust
In terms of noise-canceling tech, the Jabra Elite 85h uses Digital Hybrid ANC (active noise canceling) technology. It uses 4microphones to detect and block unwanted sounds.
Additionally, the headphones are also equipped with passive noise cancellation, wind noise protection, noise reduction on outgoing calls, as well as adaptive audio for clear listening.
Jabra claims the Elite 85h can last up to 36 hours with the ANC on and 41 without it. A full charge only takes around 2.5 hours while a 15 minutes charge can give an extra 5 hours.
9. Anker Soundcore Life Q35
If you’re looking for affordable over-ear headphones with a noise-canceling feature, the Life Q35 from Anker Soundcore is one of the best picks right now.
With a $130 price tag, the headphones which were released back in February 2021 come in two fun color options of blue and pink.
The design of the Life Q35 is sleek with a glossy finish and light materials. It weighs around 272 grams with a lightweight build and memory foam padded ear cups and headbands.
There’s also a built-in sensor that detects when the headphones are removed from your ears and instantly pauses and resumes audio.
When it comes to noise-canceling technology, the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 comes with a multi-mode noise-canceling innovation.
There are two microphones on each ear cup that detect and filter out distracting noise around you. Users can also easily switch between the transport, outdoor, and indoor modes freely.
Battery-wise, Soundcore claims the Life Q35 can last up to 40 hours of playtime on a single charge. What’s even better, a quick 5 minutes charge can give users extra 4 hours of playback.
Other features worth noting include the tap to talk feature, NFC pairing, 11 different white noise sounds to choose from, and total control and customization through the Soundcore app.
10. Shure AONIC 50
The last noise-canceling headphones on the list are the AONIC 50 from Shure released back in April 2020. On sale for $299, the headphones are included in the mid-range levels.
The Shure AONIC 50 comes in three different colors: black, brown, and white or tan. weighing at 334 grams, the headphones look kind of bulky with a leather handle.
However, they come with a comfortable and portable design that can be folded flat for more convenience, This makes it easier for users to travel and move around.
When it comes to noise-cancellation technology, the Shure AONIC 50 has an adjustable noise cancellation option. Easily switch between full cancellation to environmental mode.
Battery-wise, Shure claims the AONIC 50 can last up to 20 hours on a single charge. Users can also easily customize features and modes through the ShurePlus app on their phones.
Wrapping Up!
There you have it. In this article, we’ve rounded up our pick of the best wireless over-ear headphones with noise-cancellation technology to get this year.
There are many benefits of having noise-canceling headphones. One of which is the ability to focus on the task at hand without being distracted by the noise all around.
We hope this article can help you make an informed decision in choosing the best pick for your needs. Good luck and happy listening!
Charles Kent
He always tries new things on his gadget, which makes him love to share his knowledge. He is always excited to show off his latest findings and to tell others about the great features of his gadget. He loves to share his excitement with others and to help them learn about new technology.
