In a world filled with distractions, noise-cancelling headphones have become an essential companion for anyone seeking a moment of peace and quiet. Whether you’re commuting through bustling city streets, working in a noisy office, or simply trying to enjoy your favorite music at home, the right pair of headphones can transform your listening experience. The UK market offers a diverse range of options, from budget-friendly models to premium choices loaded with advanced technology. This guide will explore the best noise-cancelling headphones available in the UK, highlighting their features, performance, and overall value. Whether you prioritize sound quality, comfort, battery life, or additional features like ambient modes, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we delve into the top contenders that promise to help you escape the noise and immerse yourself in your audio world.
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones in UK
Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones represent a significant advancement in the world of active noise canceling (ANC) devices. Following the success of its predecessors, the WH-1000XM5 takes the crown with new drivers, innovative features, and a sleek design, making it a standout choice for travelers and office environments alike.
Sony’s commitment to noise attenuation is evident in the WH-1000XM5. The headphones offer superior isolation from external sounds, physically blocking unwanted noise before it reaches your ears. This passive noise blocking, combined with enhanced ANC performance, makes for a quiet, immersive listening experience. In our tests, the WH-1000XM5 outperformed previous models and competitors like the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700, particularly in the low-end frequencies where engines and street noise are most prominent. These headphones effectively reduce ambient noise by up to 30dB, transforming loud environments into peaceful sanctuaries.
Comfort is another highlight of the WH-1000XM5. The soft, vegan leatherette padding ensures a snug fit without causing discomfort, even during prolonged use. The redesigned headband and friction rod adjustment system add to the overall ergonomic experience, making these headphones suitable for long listening sessions.
In terms of battery life, the WH-1000XM5 impresses with nearly 32 hours of playback with ANC on, and a remarkable 53 hours with ANC off. Quick charging provides an additional 180 minutes of playback with just three minutes of charging, ensuring you’re never without your tunes for long.
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out as one of the best ANC headphones on the market, combining excellent noise canceling capabilities with comfort and extended battery life. Whether you’re commuting, working, or simply enjoying your favorite music, these headphones deliver an unparalleled audio experience.
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Philips Fidelio L3 Headphones
The Philips Fidelio L3 noise-cancelling wireless headphones are packed with features, housed in sleek packaging, and come with a fairly unnecessary app. But beyond the gimmicks, these headphones deliver impressive performance at their price point.
Initially, the Fidelio L3 felt a bit tight, almost like a vice on my head. However, the comfort improved significantly over time. The earcups and headband are wrapped in Muirhead Cairngorm leather, which is incredibly smooth and far less sweaty than synthetic materials. This real leather enhances the long-term listening experience, making it more comfortable. Even the carrying case is covered in genuine hide, adding a touch of luxury.
The headphone frame is made of aluminum, giving it a sturdy, old-school design that I grew to appreciate. Despite weighing 360g, the Fidelio L3 is relatively easy to carry around, though not ideal for jogging.
Philips boasts Hi-Res Audio certification, but the aptX HD Bluetooth is more noteworthy, promising near CD-quality sound if paired with a compatible device. There’s also an option for a wired connection with a 2.5mm to 3.5mm lead, which slightly enhances sound quality.
The Fidelio L3 features 40mm dynamic drivers, delivering a detailed and balanced sound. The ANC Pro+ adaptive noise-cancelling system effectively filters out unwanted noise using external and internal microphones. The headphones also have an awareness mode for staying in touch with your surroundings when needed.
Controls are conveniently located on the ear cups, with the left housing the power and pairing button and USB-C charging socket. The right ear cup has buttons for toggling ANC, awareness mode, and voice assistant, along with a touch-sensitive plate for volume and track adjustments.
Listening to the Fidelio L3, I was pleasantly surprised by its sophisticated and detailed sound, rivaling many wired hi-fi designs. It delivers a tonally even and refined audio experience, free from boominess or harshness.
Overall, the Philips Fidelio L3 stands out as a sophisticated and refined mid-price wireless noise-cancelling headphone. With excellent build quality, good comfort, useful features, and fine sound, it’s an excellent choice for many users.
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones mark a significant leap in design and functionality from their predecessors. Their new structure combines elements from the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and QuietComfort 45s, resulting in a sleek aluminum yoke and dual-hinge design. This makes them not only durable but also lightweight at 254 grams, enhancing portability with a compact carrying case. However, watch out for the hinge, which can occasionally pinch your fingers.
Comfort is a standout feature, with Bose designing these headphones to fit a wide range of head types. While they might clamp a bit more than Sony’s WH-1000XM5, I found them comfortable for extended wear. The black version, however, is prone to smudges.
Control-wise, the QC Ultra Headphones mix physical buttons with a capacitive touch volume strip, making them user-friendly. The multifunction button toggles between noise cancelling, awareness mode, and Immersive Audio, Bose’s new spatial audio feature with head tracking. This feature notably widens the soundstage, adding a multi-dimensional layer to your audio.
Sound quality is impressive, with the QC Ultras offering cleaner and more revealing audio compared to the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, thanks to enhanced digital processing. Their noise-cancelling capability is top-notch, rivaling both Sony and Apple, and the voice-calling performance is excellent, even in noisy environments.
Overall, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are a sophisticated choice, excelling in comfort, design, and audio quality.
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Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones
Made from soft, matte plastic, these headphones are surprisingly resistant to fingerprints. The plush ear cups provide comfort for hours, though the leatherette material can get warm over time. However, the hard, grippy plastic headband can tug at your hair, which may be a minor inconvenience for some users.
Designed with portability in mind, the Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones fold compactly and come with a hardshell carrying case, which is essential given the headphones’ slight stiffness and susceptibility to strain from minor torsion. These headphones support both SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs and feature Apple’s W1 chip, ensuring seamless connectivity across iCloud devices. Android users will find the pairing process straightforward as well, with no noticeable audio-visual lag on either platform.
The ANC functionality, though not top-tier, is adequate. The headphones excel at physically blocking out noise, making the overall noise-canceling effect decent. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 22 hours with ANC on and 40 hours without. During testing, the headphones lasted over 10 hours at full volume with ANC activated.
For long flights or commutes, comfort, battery life, and sound quality are crucial. The Beats Studio3 Wireless delivers on these fronts, making them suitable for extended use. The integrated microphone is handy for voice calls, although it performs best in quiet environments due to some muffling and background noise distortion.
Overall, the Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones are a solid choice for those seeking good ANC, comfort, and reliable battery life, particularly within the Apple ecosystem.
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Marshall Monitor II ANC
The Marshall Monitor II ANC headphones impress with their exceptional noise isolation, robust build quality, and iconic design, making them an excellent choice for commuters and frequent flyers. Their compact foldable design and intuitive playback control knob enhance usability, while the transparency mode proves invaluable for staying aware of your surroundings without removing the headphones.
Marshall, renowned for its legendary guitar amplifiers, has expanded its consumer audio lineup to include the Monitor II ANC headphones. These headphones seamlessly blend the brand’s classic design with modern ANC technology. The tactile golden knob for playback controls offers a surprisingly satisfying user experience, allowing easy adjustment of music and volume.
The headphones also feature a dedicated ANC button, which pauses your music and amplifies environmental sounds, perfect for catching announcements on public transport. The connectivity is reliable, thanks to Bluetooth 5.0 and a 3.5mm jack, ensuring compatibility with various devices.
However, the Monitor II ANC falls short in codec support, offering only the standard SBC, which may disappoint those seeking high-quality Bluetooth audio. This limitation affects the experience with high-resolution streaming services and can introduce subtle audio lag during video playback.
Despite these drawbacks, the Marshall Monitor II ANC headphones stand out with their exceptional build, intuitive controls, and effective noise isolation, making them a worthy choice for fans of the classic Marshall design.
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JLab JBuds Lux ANC Headphone
The JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones are an affordable option with several premium features, making them a decent choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, their bass-heavy sound and tight fit may not suit everyone. The JBuds Lux ANC headphones offer active noise cancellation that works well in standard mode, effectively blocking out background noise, making them ideal for commutes or office use. However, the ambient mode, called “Be Aware,” falls short, introducing a tinny sound that can be more annoying than helpful.
Battery life is a strong point, with up to 70 hours of playback without ANC and 40 hours with it. The headphones also feature a user-friendly app for customization, though it lacks detailed battery percentage indicators.
Comfort is subjective; while some users find them cozy, others may experience discomfort due to their tight fit, especially during extended use or vigorous activities. The sound profile is heavily bass-focused, which might appeal to bass enthusiasts but could be off-putting for those seeking a more balanced audio experience.
Overall, the JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones provide good value with their noise cancellation and long battery life, but potential buyers should consider their sound preference and comfort needs before purchasing.
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Skullcandy Hesh ANC Headphone
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC headphones offer an affordable entry point into the world of active noise canceling (ANC) headphones. With a simple, understated design, they appeal to those who prefer functionality over flashy aesthetics. The headphones are constructed from plastic, featuring memory foam cushions on the band and ear pads wrapped in faux leather, which provide a snug yet comfortable fit. However, users with larger ears might find the ear pads too small, measuring just 40mm by 60mm.
The right ear cup houses all the controls and inputs, including a row of buttons for media playback and call management, as well as a USB-C port and headphone jack. Unlike some higher-end models, the Hesh ANC relies solely on tactile buttons rather than touch controls. The headphones come with a 3.5mm jack cable and a short USB-A to USB-C cable, along with a basic fabric carrying pouch for protection.
Battery life is impressive, with Skullcandy advertising 22 hours of playback, a claim supported by real-world testing which showed nearly 23 hours of consistent use. Quick charging is a notable feature, providing three hours of listening time from just a 10-minute charge.
In terms of performance, the Hesh ANC does a commendable job at noise cancellation, effectively blocking out low-frequency sounds like a droning air conditioner. However, it struggles with isolating higher frequency incidental noises. Achieving a good fit is crucial for optimal ANC performance.
The sound profile of the Hesh ANC is bass-heavy, which will appeal to fans of genres like EDM and hip hop. While the boosted bass can enhance certain tracks, it may overwhelm the mid and high frequencies in others. Tracks with prominent bass lines, like “Last Nite” by The Strokes, sound balanced and enjoyable, but songs with intense sub-bass, like “Lose Yourself to Dance” by Daft Punk, may come across as overly bassy.
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Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphone
The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones are a solid choice for commuters and travelers. These over-ear headphones are designed with comfort in mind, featuring a lightweight build and well-padded ear cups that don’t clamp too tightly. This ensures a pleasant listening experience even during extended use, such as long bus rides or flights. The battery life is impressive, offering over 38 hours of continuous playtime, which can extend up to 50 hours with ANC off. Quick charging is another plus, providing an hour of playback with just a three-minute charge.
While the WH-CH720N headphones don’t fold for easier portability and lack a carrying case, their swivel ear cups allow them to lay flat, making them somewhat easier to store or wear around the neck. The design is sleek and comes in three monochromatic color options: Black, Blue, and White, each featuring a subtle brand name on the headband.
In terms of performance, the active noise cancellation (ANC) system on the WH-CH720N effectively reduces ambient noise, though it’s particularly adept at minimizing higher-pitched sounds rather than low-frequency engine rumbles. This makes them more suitable for handling the noise of urban environments rather than heavy machinery or loud engines.
These headphones support multi-device pairing and are compatible with Sony’s companion app, which provides access to a graphic EQ and sound presets, allowing for a customizable audio experience. The sound quality is balanced, with a tendency towards a bass-heavy profile that suits most modern music genres.
Overall, the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones are a reliable and comfortable option for those looking for long battery life and effective noise cancellation, although they may not offer the same level of noise isolation as Sony’s higher-end models like the WH-1000XM4 or WH-1000XM5.
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Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones are an excellent budget-friendly option for those seeking active noise cancellation (ANC) without breaking the bank. Though they lack cutting-edge features and use an outdated USB port, they perform admirably for their price point. Anker has targeted the budget ANC segment with the Soundcore Life Q20, making it one of the most affordable options available.
The Life Q20’s design is utilitarian, focusing on basic functionality without unnecessary frills. Control is straightforward, with buttons on the bottom of the ear cups handling all basic functions—no app needed. The headphones are comfortable, with soft padding that doesn’t press too hard on the ears, making them suitable for extended use. However, they can get warm, especially in hot weather, so occasional breaks are recommended.
Battery life is a standout feature, with the Q20 lasting nearly 52 hours on a single charge. This excellent performance ensures they can keep up with long commutes and extended listening sessions. If the battery runs out, the headphones can be used with a standard 3.5mm TRS cable.
The ANC on the Life Q20 effectively reduces low-frequency noise between 20-1,000Hz by about 75%, making them a good entry-level option for noise cancellation. While they can’t compete with high-end models, they offer decent performance for the price. The sound profile is bass-heavy, with emphasized sub-bass and a slight boost in the 2-5kHz range, enhancing perceived clarity. However, the 150-600Hz range is under-emphasized, which can make certain tracks sound unbalanced, especially those with prominent low-end elements.
Overall, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide solid ANC and impressive battery life at an affordable price, making them a great choice for budget-conscious buyers.
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JBL Live 660NC Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
The JBL Live 660NC Wireless headphones are a solid mid-range option for casual use, making them ideal for office work and commuting. They share a similar design and features with the JBL Live 460NC on-ear model, offering a comfortable fit and good build quality. The headphones feature active noise cancelling (ANC), alongside ‘Ambient Aware’ and ‘Talk-Through’ modes that let you stay aware of your surroundings without removing them.
While the battery life is impressive and suitable for long journeys, the ANC struggles with low-frequency noise, such as bus or plane engine rumbles. The headphones also support voice assistants and Google Fast Pair for seamless connection with Android devices.
Sound quality is decent, with a bass-heavy profile that remains balanced, allowing vocals to come through clearly. However, the upper bass can sound a bit muddled with ANC activated, while the overall sound lacks some brightness. For bass enthusiasts, the Live 660NC delivers satisfying depth, making them a worthy choice for JBL fans seeking a reliable and affordable option.
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