On the train to work, on the plane to holiday, or simply to shut out the world, noise cancelling headphones can be the key to your sanity. Shutting out the world is easier said than done, though. The best noise cancelling earphones help but can also be expensive.
Choosing the best noise cancelling headphones
Before you splurge on what you think are the best noise cancelling headphones, here is what you really should be looking out for in them.
Noise cancelling technology: There is active and passive noise cancelling technology. Active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones generate sound waves to cancel out ambient noise. Passive noise cancelling headphones rely on physical design and materials to block out external sounds. ANC is generally more effective.
Driver: Larger drivers generally produce deeper bass while smaller drivers offer better treble and midrange clarity.
Frequency Response: A wide frequency response range means that the headphones can accurately reproduce both deep bass and crisp treble tones.
Battery: ANC requires a lot of power so choose noise cancelling earphones that can switch between ANC and regular modes. A bigger battery generally means a heavier device.
Connectivity: Bluetooth gives the convenience of wireless connectivity but wired noise cancelling headphones save size and weight because they do not have batteries. Newer Bluetooth versions offer better and faster connection.
Comfort: Comfort is crucial, especially if you plan to wear the headphones for extended periods. For on-ear headphones, look for cushioned ear pads and an adjustable headband. With in-ear earphones, soft, form-fitting material and tip size matter.
Weight & Portability: If you plan to use them on the go, look for foldable or collapsible designs in over-ear headphones, and a compact case with in-ear earphones. Lighter models are more comfortable.
Call quality: Consider the quality of the built-in microphones and their noise-reduction capabilities.
Additional features: Extra features such as ambient sound modes (hear-through mode), multi-device pairing and mobile apps make for a better overall experience.
Best noise cancelling headphones in Singapore
Here are the best noise cancelling headphones in Singapore based on the criteria above, but also taking into account price and build quality. They are listed alphabetically rather than in any particular order. Choose the best one for how you would use your noise cancelling headphones.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30
- ANC: Yes
- Driver: Dynamic, 40 mm
- Frequency Range: 16-40,000 Hz
- Bluetooth Version: 5.0
- Battery Life: Up to 40 hours with ANC, up to 60 hours with ANC off
- Weight: 263 g
- Others: Customisable EQ with Soundcore App
Buy now from S$130 on Lazada Shopee
Apple AirPods Max
- ANC: Yes
- Driver: Dynamic, 40 mm
- Frequency Range: 5-21,000 Hz
- Bluetooth Version: 5.0
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
- Weight: 385 g
- Others: Smart Case, Adaptive EQ
Buy now from S$735 on Lazada Shopee
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX
- ANC: Yes, adaptive
- Driver: Electro-dynamic Neodymium driver, 40 mm
- Frequency Range: 20-22,000 Hz
- Bluetooth Version: 5.1
- Battery Life: Up to 35 hours with Bluetooth & ANC; Up to 40 hours with Bluetooth
- Weight: 285 g
- Others: Connect 2 active devices concurrently
Buy now from S$799 on Lazada Shopee
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95
- ANC: Yes, adaptive
- Driver: Electro-dynamic titanium driver, 40 mm
- Frequency Range: 20-22,000 Hz
- Bluetooth Version: 1
- Battery Life: Up to 38 hours with Bluetooth & Adaptive ANC; Up to 50 hours with Bluetooth
- Weight: 323 g
- Others: 2-device connectivity, B&O app, Aluminium carrying case
Buy now from S$1,529 on Lazada Shopee
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
- ANC: Yes
- Driver: 40 mm
- Frequency Range: 10-20,000 Hz
- Bluetooth Version: 4.1
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
- Weight: 240 g
- Others: Airline adapter, NFC
Buy now from S$359 on Lazada Shopee
Bose QuietComfort 45
- ANC: Yes
- Driver: 40 mm
- Frequency Range: Not revealed
- Bluetooth Version: 5.1
- Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
- Weight: 445 g
- Others: Airline adapter
Buy now from S$349 on Lazada Shopee
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
- ANC: Yes, Adjustable
- Driver: Dynamic, 40 mm
- Frequency Range: Not revealed
- Bluetooth Version:0
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
- Weight: 254 g
- Others: Airline adapter, Bose Music App
Buy now from S$549 on Lazada Shopee
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
- ANC: Yes
- Driver: Dynamic, 42 mm
- Frequency Range: 6-22,000 Hz
- Bluetooth Version: 5.0
- Battery Life: Up to 17 hours
- Weight: 305 g
- Others: Multi-connect, fast auto-connect
Buy now from S$776 on Lazada
Sony WH-1000XM4
- ANC: Yes
- Driver: Dynamic, 40 mm
- Frequency Range: 4Hz-40,000Hz
- Bluetooth Version: 5.0
- Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
- Weight: 272 g
- Others: Multi-device pairing, HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1, Adaptive Sound Control
Buy now from S$359 on Lazada Shopee
Sony WH-1000XM5
- ANC: Yes
- Driver: Dynamic Neodymium driver, 30 mm
- Frequency Range: 4 Hz-40,000 Hz
- Bluetooth Version: 5.2
- Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
- Weight: ~250 g
- Others: HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1, Integrated Processor V1
Buy now from S$384 on Lazada Shopee
