Good noise-cancelling headphones

[tdimdad]

Which noise-cancelling headphones would you recommend, please, as my next pair?

I currently have Sony WH-1000XM3 which I really like for most parts. They have dutifully followed me for 4.5 years now and start to look like they might enjoy quieter home life soon. The electronics and speakers still work like new and structurally they are very solid, but the ear muffs are soon gone.

Some comments about the current ones to frame what I'm after.

• I really like the sound quality when listening to music (classical, relaxation/ambiance and pop) or audiobooks. As an avid music listener (streaming Tidal master-quality tracks or Spotify highest quality), this is a must.
• A big shortfall is the quality of the microphones. Oftentimes people complain that my voice is very soft and remote when I call them on the phone using the headset. This I'd love to get fixed and use the headset for calls, too.
• The headset also has this funky ambient sound control (three settings and a temporary activation by pressing the right ear cup) but I haven't used it really ever so to me it's an unnecessary feature. I'm always on the NC mode.
• The abilty to use a wired connection is a must. When flying, I connect the headset to my phone or the entertainment system with the cable.
• Long battery life. Even after all these years, the battery lasts "for ages" which is awesome.

I'd prefer over the ear but if you have been surprised by a set of earbuds, I'm open to those, too. The phone is an Android and I prefer my apples edible or drinkable so I'm afraid that drops one brand off a list.

Which headphones would you recommend as the next pair, please?

 

[Human]

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-noise-canceling-headphones/

 

[Matt_01]

I had to replace my B&O H9 last year and it was not a planned replacement, someone thought their need for my headphones was greater than mine I was travelling at the time and just wanted a new pair and did not have time to look at many other brands so just went with what I had used previously. I was able to pick up a set of B&O H95 in Vancouver for around 25% off the RRP as they had no stock and I was willing to take the display stock. I find them to be excellent and a big improvement on the H9, you can adjust the amount NC controlled on the left side, volume, pausing and song advancement etc is controlled on the right side. You can use their app to change the sound settings and it works in BT or wired mode.

On the down side about 6 months uf using them I noticed that the pause (right side touch function) started to have an intermittent of not working as expected. I just took them into B&O in Adelaide and they were replaced without much fuss. The other thing in AU they are very expensive if you can pick a set up overseas it will be most likely cheaper.

 

[dairyfloss]

Which noise-cancelling headphones would you recommend, please, as my next pair?

I currently have Sony WH-1000XM3 which I really like for most parts. They have dutifully followed me for 4.5 years now and start to look like they might enjoy quieter home life soon. The electronics and speakers still work like new and structurally they are very solid, but the ear muffs are soon gone.

Some comments about the current ones to frame what I'm after.

• I really like the sound quality when listening to music (classical, relaxation/ambiance and pop) or audiobooks. As an avid music listener (streaming Tidal master-quality tracks or Spotify highest quality), this is a must.
• A big shortfall is the quality of the microphones. Oftentimes people complain that my voice is very soft and remote when I call them on the phone using the headset. This I'd love to get fixed and use the headset for calls, too.
• The headset also has this funky ambient sound control (three settings and a temporary activation by pressing the right ear cup) but I haven't used it really ever so to me it's an unnecessary feature. I'm always on the NC mode.
• The abilty to use a wired connection is a must. When flying, I connect the headset to my phone or the entertainment system with the cable.
• Long battery life. Even after all these years, the battery lasts "for ages" which is awesome.

I'd prefer over the ear but if you have been surprised by a set of earbuds, I'm open to those, too. The phone is an Android and I prefer my apples edible or drinkable so I'm afraid that drops one brand off a list.

Which headphones would you recommend as the next pair, please?

Have you thought about replacing the earpads on the Sony WH-1000XM3s, if that is the only (main) reason to change? Apparently quite easy to do, and there are many recommended aftermarket options for you, e.g.: https://www.amazon.com.au/Professional-WH1000XM3-Pads-Cushions-Replacement/dp/B082B4WPNS?th=1

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[tdimdad]

Have you thought about replacing the earpads on the Sony WH-1000XM3s, if that is the only (main) reason to change? Apparently quite easy to do, and there are many recommended aftermarket options for you, e.g.: https://www.amazon.com.au/Professional-WH1000XM3-Pads-Cushions-Replacement/dp/B082B4WPNS?th=1

Well, well, what do you know! I did google whether the earpads can be replaced but came back with skinny results and unconfident. And here you are...

This is what I'll do as the first step. I prefer extending the useful life of my gadgets where possible. From upgrading computer motherboards in the 90's to new batteries on the phone, earpads will be the flavour of the month now. Thanks for the link! This buys more months or even years before it's time to replace the whole headset.

BTW, the CNET article linked above by @Human mentions that Sony has improved the voice call quality in their latest model. This is promising.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Well, well, what do you know! I did google whether the earpads can be replaced but came back with skinny results and unconfident. And here you are...

This is what I'll do as the first step. I prefer extending the useful life of my gadgets where possible. From upgrading computer motherboards in the 90's to new batteries on the phone, earpads will be the flavour of the month now. Thanks for the link! This buys more months or even years before it's time to replace the whole headset.

BTW, the CNET article linked above by @Human mentions that Sony has improved the voice call quality in their latest model. This is promising.

FWIW: I replaced the pads on my Sonys with no issues. Very easy.

 

[tdimdad]

I had to replace my B&O H9 last year and it was not a planned replacement, someone thought their need for my headphones was greater than mine I was travelling at the time and just wanted a new pair and did not have time to look at many other brands so just went with what I had used previously. I was able to pick up a set of B&O H95 in Vancouver for around 25% off the RRP as they had no stock and I was willing to take the display stock. I find them to be excellent and a big improvement on the H9, you can adjust the amount NC controlled on the left side, volume, pausing and song advancement etc is controlled on the right side. You can use their app to change the sound settings and it works in BT or wired mode.

On the down side about 6 months uf using them I noticed that the pause (right side touch function) started to have an intermittent of not working as expected. I just took them into B&O in Adelaide and they were replaced without much fuss. The other thing in AU they are very expensive if you can pick a set up overseas it will be most likely cheaper.

That's the wrong way to lose your gear. Sorry to hear you got hit by that!

B&O is known for their excellent sound quality. I've had the pleasure to listen to music through their bookshelf or floor speakers and the fidelity of the sound pleases the ear. Don't give me any ideas of buying anything like this - I might not want to take them off...

 

[dairyfloss]

Well, well, what do you know! I did google whether the earpads can be replaced but came back with skinny results and unconfident. And here you are...

This is what I'll do as the first step. I prefer extending the useful life of my gadgets where possible. From upgrading computer motherboards in the 90's to new batteries on the phone, earpads will be the flavour of the month now. Thanks for the link! This buys more months or even years before it's time to replace the whole headset.

BTW, the CNET article linked above by @Human mentions that Sony has improved the voice call quality in their latest model. This is promising.

Just promise to get this colour, so we will know who you are if ever we see you on some form of the world's transport!


Cheers,
Matt.

 

[tdimdad]

Just promise to get this colour, so we will know who you are if ever we see you on some form of the world's transport!

I did see the colour and they are very funky. But yet, decided to stay mainstream. Boooooring, I know.
But at this rate, you'll recognise me from the oldest NC headphones still around...

 

[NM]

don't underestimate the value in replacing the ear cushions. I have done that a few times with my Bose QC15s. Obviously this won't address the microphone challenges, but if everything else is good then its an inexpensive option.

 

[Denali]

Bose QC, we bought 2 sets late last year and Ive stood in front of my husbands office shouting and he couldnt hear me.

I know after 25yrs he has learned to tune me out but not that much.

I wear them almost full time when in the office.

 

[tdimdad]

Bose QC, we bought 2 sets late last year and Ive stood in front of my husbands office shouting and he couldnt hear me.
I know after 25yrs he has learned to tune me out but not that much.

Noise cancellation at its best?

[I shall show myself out...]

 

[tdimdad]

Shiny... Thanks @dairyfloss for the idea!

 

[Denali]

Nice,. I could never figure out how to change them and use to take them to the Bose store to get it done.

 

[k_sheep]

I'm trying to find wired noise cancelling earbuds. They don't seem to exist anymore.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I'm trying to find wired noise cancelling earbuds. They don't seem to exist anymore.

Useless. Bose used to make them. I still have a pair that I don’t use anymore.

 

[stopthecap]

I bought a pair of the Apple Pro 2 and wow, the noise cancelling is so incredible i can sleep on the plane without any external noise. The advantage of in ear are that i can sleep with them in also.

I do own a pair of Sony over the ear with NC but find it hard to sleep with them in,

 

[MDC]

I bought a pair of the Apple Pro 2 and wow, the noise cancelling is so incredible i can sleep on the plane without any external noise. The advantage of in ear are that i can sleep with them in also.

I do own a pair of Sony over the ear with NC but find it hard to sleep with them in,

I find the same and use my Bose QC's when I'm awake and in ear ones when I'm sleeping. I recently switched over to Beats Fit Pros because they stay in my ear better than the AirPods Pro.

 

[stm1sydney]

I'm trying to find wired noise cancelling earbuds. They don't seem to exist anymore.

I use Bose QC20 which are pretty good, not great at NC compared to over-ear, but pretty good. In-ear is also great for when sleeping on your side. I get a good 10-12 hours out of the battery for NC which is enough for a long flight and of course they are still usable as earphones when the battery runs out. And they are very compact and light compared to over-ear.

I think they are no longer made but you can pick them up on ebay or facebook marketplace.

 

[tgh]

Visiting Dil (Us based /city centric) freaked out at a bee in our kitchen , loudly warning me of the clear and present danger.
I grabbed a tissue and gently relocated it to the relief of all…….