Best Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones Of 2018
1.Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Type: over-ear
Enclosure: closed-back
Noise canceling: yes
Wireless: yes (can also be used wired)
Bose QuietComfort 35 II are the best Bluetooth noise cancelling headphones that we’ve tested so far. They have a super comfortable over-ear design, easy-to-use controls with Google assistance built-in and a well-balanced sound quality that packs a good bass. Their noise cancellation feature is one of the best that we’ve measured and will easily block the ambient chatter of a bus ride or a noisy flight, especially if you’re listening to music. They also have a good wireless range, support NFC and can pair with 2 devices simultaneously, so you can quickly and seamlessly switch between your tablet and your phone.
They will last the whole day thanks to their 20+ hour battery life, and only take about 2 hours to charge fully which is pretty convenient. Unfortunately, their build quality doesn’t look quite as premium as their price would suggest. In this case, the Bowers and Wilkins PX are a more high-end-looking alternative to the QC35 II, with strong noise cancelling and lower leakage, but their sound quality is a bit inconsistent and they’re not as comfortable.
2.Sony WH-1000XM2
Type: over-ear
Enclosure: closed-back
Noise canceling: yes
Wireless: yes (can also be used wired)
If you have a particularly noisy commute and also like to EQ your headphones to match what you’re listening to, then the Sony WH-1000XM2 will be the better choice. They have a more high-end looking design than the Bose for the same price. They’re also comfortable but not as well padded or as easy to use. On the upside, they have a slightly stronger and more optimized noise cancelling performance.
They also have a longer 28-hour battery life and a more customizable sound thanks to the Sony| Headphones Connect app. With the app, you can adjust their level of noise isolation, room effects, sound profile and codec settings. They also support both aptX HD and LDAC for better audio reproduction with high-res files. Unfortunately, their sound quality isn’t as balanced as the Bose out-of-the box, but they have a strong noise isolation performance and would be a good option for most listeners
3.Jaybird X3
Type: in-ear
Enclosure: closed-back
Noise canceling: no
Wireless: yes
If you don’t mind in-ears and do not care much if your headphones block noise actively or passively, then get the Jaybird X3. They’re under $100, and their passive isolation is on par with some of the best noise cancelling headphones we’ve tested and will be enough for most commutes.
However, their in-ear design won’t be as comfortable for all users and they also have a proprietary charging connector that is a bit limiting if you forget it at home. Also, like most wireless in-ears, their mic is not great for making calls and since they are Bluetooth-only headphones like the QC30s, they will not be the best option for gaming and watching movies due to high latency
4.Bose QuietControl 30
Type: earbud
Enclosure: closed-back
Noise canceling: yes
Wireless: yes
If you need a compact noise cancelling option that isolates as well as the over-ears and prefer earbuds to in-ears, then the Bose QuietControl 30 are the perfect compromise. They cancel a lot of noise and they’re portable enough to carry around your neck at all times. They’re more comfortable than typical in-ear headphones, so you can wear them for hours and even fall asleep on long flights and not feel any soreness or fatigue thanks to their earbud fit.
They have a well-balanced sound quality, excellent noise cancelling, and really low leakage. This means you can further mask the ambient noise of your surroundings by playing your music a little louder without distracting the people around you, which also makes them a suitable choice for the office. Unfortunately, they do not have the best mic for making calls, their companion app is a little lackluster and not as customizable and their around the neck design is a little bulkier than similar headphones.
5.Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2
Type: over-ear
Enclosure: closed-back
Noise canceling: yes
Wireless: yes (can also be used wired)
Noise cancelling headphones can be a bit pricey, so if you do not want to spend more than $200 but refuse to compromise on sound quality and performance, get the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2. Their noise cancelling is not as strong as the Bose or the Sonys but still provides enough isolation for most commutes. On the upside, what they lack in isolation, they more than make up for with excellent battery life, ergonomic controls and a bass rich sound that will add excitement to any track and genre without drowning instruments and vocals.
They have one the best wireless ranges we’ve measured so you can use them with a fixed source like your PC. They also support aptX-LL (low latency) so if you have the right transmitter dongle, then you can use them for watching movies and gaming. Overall, they won’t isolate as well as the more premium recommendations, but they are the best wireless noise cancelling headphones you can get under $200.
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