Frequently Asked Questions About Noise-Canceling Headphones
What are noise-canceling headphones?
Noise-canceling headphones are different from noise-isolating headphones in that they actively use technology to try and cancel unwanted external noise. They use a series of chips, algorithms, and microphones to capture the unwanted noise and play an opposing sound wave in real-time to cancel out the noise effectively.
Isolating headphones are different. They try and reduce the external volume by blocking that sound via insulation. They use a combination of padding, an enclosed design, and a pressurized seal against the head to reduce noise but not actively cancel it.
Both headphones can effectively reduce the number of decibels that reach your ears from intrusive sources. Noise-canceling headphones are better than regular headphones when dealing with prolonged and consistent noises like airplane engines and crowd noise. For that reason, they are one of the most common headphones commuters and travelers seek.
For more information about the technology, you want to read this article about how noise-canceling headphones work, but if you are just here for a list of the best headphones this year, keep reading below.
Where do ANC headphones work best?
Contrary to popular belief, Headphones with ANC do not cancel out all external noise. They work to reduce consistent and predictable noise. This makes them perfect for flying as the algorithm can latch on to that constant hum of the engines and block it out almost entirely. However, if someone suddenly shouts or drops something, you will probably hear it because the cancelation algorithm can catch up to implement a canceled sound wave.
Without a doubt, the best use case for ANC headphones is when you are traveling. As mentioned above, flying is where this type of headphone truly excels. In truth, these headphones will be a great addition if you decide to take a train or a bus, and they are also great at reducing city hum.
Another use case where people find ANC extremely beneficial is in the office, where noisy co-workers can be distracting but easily drowned out.
Do Noise-canceling Headphones Work Without Music?
Some of them do, but it depends on the manufacturer. Many brands take the lack of music input signal as a queue to turn the headphones off to conserve battery life. We recommend you check before purchasing if it’s possible to use the headphones with noise-canceling only.
Do Noise Canceling Headphones Damage Hearing?
No, they do not and in practice, they could be safer than regular headphones. The biggest factor in whether headphones or speakers damage your hearing will be how loud you play your music.
Many people already listen to music that is far beyond safe levels. This gets exacerbated when there is a lot of external noise. If you hear a lot of noise in your environment, the natural reaction may be to raise the volume to compensate. ANC headphones remove that external noise, making you less likely to increase the volume as a response.
Do ANC headphones block out voices?
If someone is next to you and speaking one-on-one, you will most likely still be able to hear what they say. It may sound a little muted or distorted, but you should be able to follow a conversation for the most part.
If you are talking about the collective voices of groups in a large room, hall, or office, then yes, this should be blocked out or at least reduced.
This is because noise-canceling headphones more successfully cancel consistent noise in set frequency bands with more erratic direct speech. If someone is speaking to you, the sounds are less predictable and, therefore, harder to tune out for the algorithm.
This does have advantages in cases where someone is trying to get your attention. Similarly, in a busy city, you might not hear the rumble of traffic, but you would listen to a horn blast.
Do I need Noise Canceling Headphones?
The most common question we get asked is regarding this technology. The answer is dependent on how and where you listen to music. Suppose you are in any place with a lot of external noise. You will benefit greatly from noise-canceling headphones in cities, offices, airports, cafes, and even libraries. You will feel less tired and more relaxed at the end of the day.
If you work or live in an environment with little ambient sound, I suggest you get a set of audiophile headphones and enjoy the music.
Updates:
This list of the best noise cancelling headphones has been updated and is current as of October 2025
