7 Key Features to Consider Before Buying Noise

Buying noise-canceling doesn't have to be tricky.

Noise-canceling headphones are a worthwhile investment when the never-ending commotion of nearby construction or raging traffic prevents you from enjoying your favorite playlist. Noise-canceling headphones reduce background noise and isolate you for much-needed quiet or focus time.

But with the wide variety of noise-canceling headphone models on the market, choosing a solid noise-canceling set that meets your needs can be tricky. So, what technology and features should you be looking for to maximize sound and tune out of the world?

Before anything else, it's important to understand the types of noise-cancellation technologies. Both active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise cancellation (PNC) aim to block out external noise. However, they go about it very differently.

Passive noise cancellation or noise-isolating headphones filter out ambient noise physically. The over-ear PNC headphones rely on thick cushioned earpads that fit snugly over your ears, whereas the in-ear ones plug into your ears and create a seal around them to reduce background noise.

On the other hand, active noise cancellation uses internal microphones to analyze the structure of incoming sounds. A tiny speaker then emits the same tone but inverts it to cancel out the incoming noise effectively. The instantaneous processing speed of digital signal processing (DSP) makes this possible.

If you prioritize high-quality sound and noise isolation in loud environments, go with ANC headphones. However, if you are on a budget, prefer a more natural sound, and primarily need noise isolation in quieter environments, PNC headphones are what you need.

Headphones come in various styles, affecting the sound quality, comfort, and even the impact of active noise cancellation. The form factor you select depends entirely on your personal needs.

In-ear headphones or earbuds are generally lighter, smaller, and more portable than full-sized headphones. They come in various wired and wireless styles. Unlike over-ear headphones, earbuds provide a passive aid to active noise cancellation technology because they act like a seal for your ear.

Over-ear headphones and earpads are known for their sound isolation, superior bass response, and sound quality because of their large drivers. In addition, they often feature generous padding and better battery life than smaller alternatives. However, they take up more room than a pair of earbuds.

On-ear headphones are a hybrid of the above two and don't cover each ear entirely. Because of the loose fit, on-ear headphones don't sound as good as other options and typically don't have ANC. If your priority is noise cancellation, avoid these.

When it comes to headphones, evaluating sound quality is obviously important. To enjoy a broad range of media, you should ideally test the headphones in person. However, if this is not the case, you can always refer to online reviews and YouTube videos. Having a good understanding of headphone sound signature will also help.

Try listening to multiple genres and a mix of high, and low-frequency sounds to identify potential flaws. It is recommended to test the headphones with songs you listen to frequently because of the familiarity. You could take our headphone-testing playlist for a spin! Also, test out the volume and look out for rattling or buzzing sounds which could point to a problem.

Headphones must be as comfortable as possible because you'll have them in or over your ears for hours on end. A good fit is vital, as ANC headphones are known to cause ear pain. Some headphones can feel loose or too tight and heavy after long periods. If possible, try on the headphones in a store to see how you feel about them.

Loose-fitting headphones can cause sound leakage and disturb others around you. If you're considering in-ear headphones, you need a good seal to ensure they stay in place and don't fall out. This will also help passive noise cancellation, and you'll find that you don't always need to have the headphones at max volume.

Most over-ear headphones have adjustable headbands and rotating earcups, while some brands offer special sizes for men, women, and children. Unfortunately, some headphones fit differently after they are broken into, so reading others' reviews can be helpful.

You should consider how long you will use your headphones daily as you will have to keep recharging them. The battery life of rechargeable wireless headphones has come a long way, with premium models having playback time for more than a day when fully charged. In addition, over-ear headphones tend to have better battery life because of their larger size.

If the headphones use a charging case, you'll have to put them back in the case every couple of hours. Some cases support fast charging and give you hours of playtime within a few minutes. However, both the charging case and the buds should have decent battery life to last long.

Remember that active noise cancellation, high volumes, and other advanced features are big battery drainers and drastically reduce battery life.

Apart from the obvious factors, such as comfort and sound quality, you'll want to look out for some advanced features. For example, some headphones include different noise-canceling modes, allowing you to fine-tune the listening experience. Transparency mode is another common feature and allows you to listen to sounds around you temporarily.

Most noise-cancellation headphones also have voice integration with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa for hands-free control on the go. Newer models come with high-quality mics that boost voice assistant integration, ANC, and calling, even in noisy settings.

Depending on the model, the headphones might also include touch controls and accessibility options. This allows you to switch between ANC modes, skip songs, or answer calls without accessing your smartphone.

Your price range is the final factor to remember, as noise-canceling headphones can be a bit more expensive than a standard pair depending on the features you are looking for. After all, they come at a price if you care about premium noise cancellation and audio quality.

Depending on your budget, prioritize which headphone features are essential for your use case before you begin your search. This will help you narrow available options to one that fits all your requirements. Depending on your budget, you can also browse secondhand or refurbished options. However, check their warranty and condition thoroughly.

Noise-canceling headphones are great, but you need to know exactly what you want. Some might prefer the convenience of earbuds, while others might enjoy the performance of over-ear headphones.

ANC headphones often cost much more than standard models, but that doesn't mean you must break the bank or compromise on sound quality. Before you decide which type of headphones are best for you, identify how noise-cancellation technology can improve your life.

Hashir is an established tech journalist who covers Mac and iOS at MakeUseOf. He started his writing journey in 2020, and has since then been contributing to top-tier technology publications like MakeTechEasier, PCGuide101, and MacBook Journal. In his free time, Hashir polishes his jabs at the local boxing club, preparing for the robot apocalypse.