What Noise-Canceling Headphones Should I Get?

by Jon Chase on February 3, 2010 at 12:45 PM

A reader writes: I travel a lot for work and the wimpy iPod earphones just don't hack it against the whine of airplane engines and, worse, seatmates. I'm looking for a reliable, comfortable, easily portable pair of noise-canceling headphones that won't break the bank. I don't have time to research them all, so just tell me what to get!

Dear Reader: Like DVRs, iPhones and Slingboxes, noise-canceling headphones are one of those special breeds of gadgetry that inspire instant and rabid fandom in their new owners; they wonder how they ever survived without them. So we're positive you're going to be happy with your upgrade to the sound of silence.

When it comes to headphones, audio jargon is bandied about rather casually and that can be confusing. But here's the gist of your 'phone options: ones that cancel or greatly reduce noise by physically blocking it out with padding and insulation (more properly called noise-isolating); and ones with "active" noise cancellation that use clever electronics to take external sound and replace it with white noise. We like the latter because they typically block out far more sound and lack the bulk that makes it feel like you're wearing giant, heavy, sweaty pillows on your head.

You'll also need to choose between in-ear, supra-aural (on-ear), and circum-aural (over-ear) models. Since you specified that you wanted headphones, we won't recommend earbuds. Still, we want to point out that in-ear models, which are inserted deep into your ear canal, create a seal between the outer world and your inner ear, and thus naturally provide a ton of sound-proofing without any electronic assistance (although there are active versions, as well). The downside is that a fair number of people find them uncomfortable and, well, gross, since they require intimate and regular contact with juicy gobs of ear wax.

As for headphones, you've doubtlessly been tempted by Bose's celebrated Quiet Comfort line. Don't be. We'd opt for JVC's venerable HA-NC250 instead. For sure, Bose's cans do an excellent job of knocking out unwanted sound and are very comfortable. The problem for us is that sky-high $300-plus price tag, when you consider all they're lacking: a non-proprietary battery; the ability to work without power; and the ability to play audio without having to simultaneously use electronic noise-canceling. The NC-250s offer all of the noise cancellation, and for about a third of the price (JVC lists them at $200, but they can be found for less online). They also fold flat to easily fit into a carry-on bag, include a travel case, come with an airline adapter, and have a removable cord in case you want to unplug your tunes and just use the noise-canceling function while you catch some Zs. With a 50-hour life on a single AAA battery, the NC-250s should provide you with undisturbed sound wherever you travel. Plus, you can use them as regular headphones when the battery does die.

Bon voyage!

Tags: features, justtellmewhattoget, jvc ha-nc250 headphones, JvcHa-nc250Headphones, noisecanceling, top

Comments

jimFeb 4th 2010 4:45PM

Neutral

?? My Bose use a single AAA battery. The cord is removable, should I only wish to cancel noise. True, they have to be "on" to work, but I carry a spare, rechargeable battery in my case, and they fold flat. How hard is that?

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JayFeb 4th 2010 5:18PM

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I've been researching comparisons between these headphones recently and it seems you left out a HUGE factor: Sound Quality. If you visit an apple store and listen to anything in those $300 Bose QC15s, it's like holy sh%t that sounds amazing....the people over at cnet seem to agree...these JVC headphones apparently fall short. Kinda like upgrading to a new tv and getting something with a picture quality that falls somewhere between standard def and hi-def....just spend the extra $100 for the stunning audio experience

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Richard BarrFeb 5th 2010 11:17AM

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The Apple store/online sales sells noise canceling headphones called "Beats by Dr. Dre." Yes, a stupid name but the best headphones I've ever experienced. First, there is a tight seal over the ear when you wear them so noise canceling is truly phenomenal. Second, the sound quality qualified for what I would call a new experience. The bass thumped my body and I felt like I was at a live concert. I'd been a Bose user for years and, trust me, there's no contest. The phone's price is competitive with Bose, batteries are two AAA but they last a very long time.

And now for the gimmicks. One, there is a moot feature when you press a large disc built in flush to the headphones. Two, it comes with a special cord that allows you to answer a call on your cell phone with no interference from the music.

Again, these headphones are not to be believed and they are not being marketed so no one knows about them except Apple/Ipod geeks.

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JonFeb 8th 2010 9:46AM

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As with anything speaker-related, I would recommend personal auditions. Bose has quite the reputation, but many people (including myself) think that is because of effective marketing, not actual science and quality.

If you listen to headphones, you will hear differences between certain brands. You need to hear YOUR music on the headphones to know whether or not you are getting the performance that you want.

I could sit here and tell you that Headphone A is the greatest sounding headphone in the history of history, and listening to it is the equivalent of a panda crapping a rainbow in your brain, but if after listening to it, YOU don't think so, then all of my hype means NOTHING.

Do yourself a favor, and before dropping a chunk of change - LISTEN.

And Richard - the Beats by Dre are made by Monster Cable, and they are being hawked pretty hard. I have heard them - impressive. But Monster Cable is probably the second worst company when it comes to marketing voodoo and overpriced stuff.

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TholzelFeb 13th 2010 2:48PM

Neutral

Forget nosie-cancelling earphones, for which you need a sprarte roll-on bag to carry. Instead go for the Sony noise-cancelling earBUDS--$139. You get 90% noise cancelling and a slector switch for the type of nosie to be cancelled--aircraft, bus or ofice. And, of course you can use the noise-cancelling alone, or turn it off. AAA Battery life a rated 100 hrs.

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CliffFeb 19th 2010 1:38AM

Neutral

I agree with half of Jon's comments: listen for yourself, and try to audition for at least 10 to 30 minutes. I've worn out two old Sony actives that were in the ear, and my first purchase, the first Sony over-the-ear, sounded okay at the time, but turned out to be uncomfortable after about a half hour (all before Bose came out). My Bose headset slide broke, the ear seals started flaking black stuff and then I discovered the sony digital: built in NiMH that's rechargable and backup power with 2 AAA when you forget to charge up. Try 'em if you can find them. The noise reduciton is phenomenal and sound reproduction as good as my mid-range Sennheisers.

I disagree with Jon's assessment of Monster as marketing voodoo, a common phrase, seems to not have relevance to their products: my power unit protected my HDTV and audio equipment from a surge a few weeks ago, saved me LOTS of dough, which is why I replaced it with a similar model.

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