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Audio
Noise-Cancelling Headphones, Measured
Noise-cancelling claims are hard to verify by ear. We measured attenuation in decibels across the frequencies that actually bother people — aircraft rumble, office hum and street traffic — on six popular pairs.
How We Tested
Our test bench
- Low-frequency attenuation measured from 50 to 300Hz.
- Mid-range chatter attenuation measured from 1 to 3kHz.
- Battery endurance with noise cancelling switched on.
- Clamp force and a six-hour comfort log on each pair.
What The Microphone Heard
The top pair cut cabin rumble by 31dB, making a simulated plane cabin noticeably quieter. Two pairs weakened sharply once mid frequencies came in, which is why voices still cut through — ANC is a low-frequency tool, whatever the adverts claim.
| Pair | Low-freq ANC | Mid ANC | Battery | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over-ear pro | 31dB | 12dB | 38h | 9.0 |
| Mid over-ear | 26dB | 9dB | 30h | 8.3 |
| Budget on-ear | 17dB | 4dB | 22h | 7.0 |
Buying tip
- Buy ANC for planes and commuting, where it excels. To block nearby voices, a good seal and some music does more than any chip.
Our verdict
9.0/10
The over-ear pro cut low-frequency noise by 31dB, lasted 38 hours with ANC on and stayed comfortable past six hours. The reference point for measured noise cancelling.
What we liked
- Strong low-frequency attenuation
- Long ANC battery life
- Comfortable over long sessions
Worth knowing
- Weaker against mid voices
- Bulky to carry
Where to buy
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