Have you ever been in a situation where you go to buy a new pair of noise-cancelling headphones and suddenly, the shopkeeper asked you what type of noise cancellation you wanted?
Maybe you are aware of active or adaptive type, but the fact is, there are many different types of noise cancellation headphones, and all of them have their own attributes.
So, what are they and how can you find the one that suits your preferences?
That’s what I am going to discuss here. I have mentioned the top types of noise-cancelling headphones in this guide.
So understand them, as it will assist you in making an informed purchase decision.
What is Noise-Cancellation?
It is the method or process of reducing the unwanted ambient sounds, often called noise, which can be controlled physically or by applying electronic technology.
Physically by altering the headset’s design, and electrically by using devices that help in achieving noise cancellation. Headsets that come with these features are known as noise-cancelling headphones.
Types of Noise-Cancelling Headphones
There are multiple types of noise-cancelling headphones on the market. All of their types are listed below with their unique features that they bring to your table. So, without wasting any more minutes.
Let’s just jump to the type list.
1. Passive Noise-Cancelling Headphones
This type of noise cancellation is achieved through physical design rather than electronic technology. Headphones are designed to naturally reduce your background sound using high-quality cushioning, tighter ear seals, and adjustable headbands that ensure a comfortable fit according to your head size.
These features help you block out external noise by creating a physical barrier between the ears and the surrounding environment, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Examples:
- Bose Quietcomfort 35 ii
- Sony WH-1000XM4
- Sennheiser HD 660S
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
- Bose QuietComfort 25
2. Active Noise-Cancelling (ANC) Headphones
Active Noise Cancellation is based on the phenomenon of destructive interference. These headphones have microphones that capture your background sound, and a sound wave-producing chipset analyzes and generates sound waves that are the exact inverse of the captured noise.
When these two opposing sound waves meet, they interfere with each other, effectively canceling each other out. This process, known as destructive interference. This minimizes the noise, allowing you to focus on your music or audio content.
Examples:
- Sony WH-1000XM5
- Bose 700 NC
- Jabra Elite 85h
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
- Sony WH-XB910N Extra Bass
3. Adaptive Noise-Cancelling Headphones
It is one of the advanced types of noise reduction in some headsets. It works the same as active noise canceling does, but adaptive technology takes this a step further by constantly adjusting the level of noise cancellation in response to your changing environment.
Further, it is achieved through built-in sensors that monitor your surrounding environment and intelligent algorithms that analyze the sound and adjust the noise cancellation parameters more effectively.
Additionally, it allows the headphones to optimize noise cancellation for different environments quickly, such as when you switch from a less noisy to a noisier place.
Examples:
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
- Soundcore Space One
- Sennheiser Accentum Plus
- Cambridge Audio Melomania P100
- AKG N700NC M2
4. Hybrid Noise-Cancelling Headphones
It is also based on the principle of destructive interference, but its way of working is different then other types of noise cancellation. It uses two microphones, the first one that is outside and captures the environmental sounds, and the second microphone that captures the leftover sound.
Moreover, its anti-noise waves are thrown in 180 degrees through speakers. It ensures all the interrupting noise is canceled out before reaching you and helps you to have a clear hearing, and cuts you off from the surroundings to stay focused.
Examples:
- Soundcore Space One
- BOSE Noise Cancelling 700
- Cambridge Melomania P100
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra
5. Adjustable Noise-Cancelling Headphones
You might make a little guess after reading a word, adjustable. Yes, you are right. This technology allows you to customize the level of noise reduction based on your environment and preferences. Whether you are in a quiet room and want to hear surrounding sounds or in a noisy place and need full isolation.
These headphones let you tune the intensity of the noise cancellation. This flexibility ensures you a personalized listening experience, which makes them perfect for a variety of situations, from travel to work or relaxation.
Examples
- Sony WH-1000XM4
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- Dyson OnTrac
- Soundcore Life Q30
- Sennheiser Accentum Plus
6. Transparent / Ambient Noise Mode Headphones
If you are also the one who works in an office or frequently interacts with others but does not want to remove your headphones? Then you may check out headsets that come with transparency mode. This feature allows you to listen to and engage with all the surrounding sounds clearly without removing the off.
Whether you need to answer a colleague or listen to announcements, this mode makes it possible without constantly removing or adjusting your headphones. Another problem this feature solves for you is the need to constantly put the headphones on and take them off, which can be quite inconvenient.
Examples
- QuietComfort Earbuds
- Sony WH-CH720N
- Jabra Enhance Plus
- Sony WH-1000XM5
- Sony WF-C700N
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right type of noise-canceling headphones depends on your specific needs and usage scenarios. Whether your priority is comfort, sound quality, or the ability to adapt to various environments, there is a perfect option for everyone. The list I have created helps you in understanding the key features of passive, active, adaptive, adjustable, and transparent noise-canceling headphones.
This can enhance your listening experience and block out the distractions of the world around you. I am sure now you can pick the best headphones that fit your needs in 2025.
