Best Noise Cancelling Headphones to Block Out Voices

When you put on your headphones to spend quality time and listen to music, all you can hear is the loud voices of your neighbors.

Such a disturbance! Right?

Even in the home, your siblings shout out of their lungs to annoy you sometimes.

What will you do?

Well, noise-canceling headphones can resolve your issues.

You will be relieved from all the surrounding noise in your environment.

Therefore, I am suggesting the ten best noise-canceling headphones to block out the voices of other people.

If you’re interested in a quality suggestion that you can’t go wrong with then have a look at this pair from Bose:

You can explore these headphones, and choose one to listen to your favorite song without hearing unpleasant noises.

Best Noise-Canceling Headphones to Block Out Voices: Broad Review

I know you are impatient to know which ten headphones I have listed for you.

That’s why I have provided a comparison table below to give you a brief idea about them.

So, take a glimpse of it first.

Are you confused after seeing the table?

I mean, which one would be the best pick for you, right?

This limited information is not enough for you to reach a decision right away.

Hence, I will describe each of these headphones’ key specs, features with pros and cons, so that you can get a broad idea about them.

First, I will start with my top-rated ANC headphones.

1. Top Recommendation: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 — Over-Ear

★★★★★

While talking about headphones that block human voices, how can we forget the mighty brand “Bose”?

The 11 levels of active noise cancellation let you have fun with your music, podcasts, videos, and calls without any diversion.

Before going deeper, check the key specs instantly.

Key Specifications

• Color: Soapstone, Silver Luxe, Triple Black.
• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours.
• Charging Time: Up to 2.5 hours.
• Charging Cable: USB-C type.
• Fast Charging: 15-minute charge for up to 2.5 hours
• Microphone: Total 8.
• Bluetooth Range: Up to 33 ft.
• Codec Support: SBC, AAC.
• Item Dimensions: 2 x 6.5 x 8 inches.

This headphone has a revolutionary microphone system. Even if you are in a noisy or windy environment, your voice will sound crystal clear during calls.

It produces deep and full bass with a crisp sound.

Some headphones can’t deliver distortion-free audio at high volume.

But, you will be happy to know that this headset can deliver exciting and lifelike sound at every volume level.

The 20 hours of wireless playtime and fast charging feature is like frosting on the cake.

There is a simple touch control placed on the right earcup of Bose 700.

You can manage volume, calls, and music with this touch control.

This headset is the first Bose headphone featuring touch control.

The low-profile buttons let you control the power, noise-canceling preset, and activate voice assistant without reaching your phone.

Besides all these excellent traits, this headset also has IPX4 water resistant features.

You can wear them while doing heavy gym workouts, and the sweat won’t damage the headset.

Are you worried about comfort?

Don’t worry!

The ear cushion of this headset is made from plush protein leather, so you can wear them comfortably for a long time.

By now, you understand the excellence of Bose 700 and the reason why it secured the first place.

I think they raise the bar of competition with all their superb characteristics.

Now, move on to the next headset.

2. Hi-fi Sound: Apple AirPods Max

★★★★★

Did you hear a quote that says, “The best things in life are free, the rest are too expensive.”

Apple AirPods Max is the perfect example in this sense.

The dynamic driver of this headphone offers hi-fi audio. And the memory foam ear cushions make sure that you get a perfect fit.

Before knowing all the details about this headset, let’s take a look at its key specs.

Key Specifications

• Color: Green, Pink, Silver, Sky Blue, Space Gray.
• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours.
• Charging Port: Proprietary.
• Microphone: Yes.
• Driver Type: Dynamic.
• Driver Size: 40mm.
• Bluetooth Codec Support: SBC, AAC.

This Bluetooth headset has a clear, pleasant sound profile that can satisfy most listeners.

While watching movies in your bedroom, the spatial audio will give you a theatre-like experience.

Even if you live in a place where the traffic noise is unbearable, or any construction noise is bothering you, these headphones can indeed block out those noises.

In short, you can enjoy your tv shows or music to the fullest.

But, sometimes, we need to be aware of our surroundings, like hearing flight announcements or any emergency alarm.

In such a situation, you can switch to the transparency mode, which will process external noise and pump it to your ears.

While this mode is on, you will be able to know what’s going on around you without turning off your headset.

You can share audio between two sets of AirPods Max on your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, or Apple TV.

From the package of these headphones, you will get a carrying case. Just put the headset in the case and take them anywhere without any hassle.

The pairing capabilities of AirPods Max are praiseworthy too. It will automatically connect to Apple devices with a one-tap setup.

Take the device near the headset and tap the connect button, and it will be connected.

Another cool feature is the sensor.

If you remove the headphone from your head, the audio will be paused automatically. And when you put them back, audio resumes.

I will say, even though this headphone is a little expensive, it’s worth every penny considering all these cool features.

As you can’t use a wired connection with Apple Airpod Max, you can go for my next option that supports wireless and wired both.

3. Incredible Codec Support: Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

★★★★

When you want to get a premium wireless studio-quality headphone, Shure AONIC 50 will make you fall in love with them.

The sound is being engineered from decades of professional experience.

Let’s see its key specs now.

Key Specifications

• Color: Black, Brown, White.
• Drivers: 50mm neodymium.
• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours.
• Battery Type: Lithium-Ion.
• Connector: USB-C, 3.5mm jack.
• Codec Support: aptX HD ,Qualcomm aptX, , aptX Low Latency audio, AAC, Sony LDAC,and SBC.
• Product Dimensions: 10.75 x 10.75 x 3.19 inches.
• Bluetooth Range: Up to 10m.
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 22 kHz.
• Resistance: 39 ohms.

This noise-canceling headset can easily block out talking when concentrating on making beats in your studio.

It’s also appropriate to use in a busy office environment.

If you are a frequent traveler, you will appreciate the 20 hours of battery life which means you can take this on a long international flight.

Even though it’s a wireless headset, you can connect the 3.5 mm audio connector to any device along with an airplane entertainment system.

It has reliable connectivity, and I can ensure that you will never experience any dropouts or connection-related issues.

The earpads fold flat, making them portable, and come with a carrying case too.

When speaking about codec, Shure has gone out of its way to cover as many as possible, which you won’t get with Apple Airpod Max.

So, if you are an audiophile, you will appreciate this headset as they offer high-quality Bluetooth codecs that support optimal wireless audio.

Shortly, this headset will give you the best experience whether you are an audiophile or beatmaker in the studio.

It has a Shure plus play app for iOS and Android devices to adjust noise canceling and environment mode.

While writing about ANC headphones, I can never skip a brand like Sony, which mustered this feature like a pro.

4. Best Budget Option: Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones

★★★★★

The WH1000XM3 is another impressive noise-canceling headphone from Sony.

This industry-leading ANC headphone comes with a mic for hands-free calls and Alexa voice control.

Here, get an idea about their key specs.

Key Specifications

• Color: Black, Silver.
• Product Dimensions: 7.31 x 2.94 x 10.44 inches.
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours.
• Quick Charge: 10-minute charge for 5 hours playback.
• Design: Foldable.
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
• Driver Type: Dome.
• Driver Size: 40mm.
• Impedance: 40 ohms.
• Bluetooth Range: Up to 10m.
• Microphone: Yes.
• Sensitivity: 104.5 dB.
• Transducer: Dynamic.

Sonys’ microphone can filter out the background noise during calls while the Shures’ mic does an average job in this matter.

Sony XM3 has a superb mid-accuracy with good treble.

If you love heavy bass, then this headset is suited for you. You can listen to genres like electronica, dubstep with lots of extra thump and growl.

The build quality is praiseworthy too. The headband design is robust and flexible and can endure few accidental drops.

Thirty hours of extra-long battery life keeps you listening to music instead of charging them now and then.

It offers virtual surround sound technology that lets you control sound positioning in a 360-degree atmosphere.

The touch control is also convenient for easy access on volume, music track, activating voice assistant, and taking phone calls.

And of course, you can adjust the ambient sound according to your activity to block outside noises, even human speech.

If you need to make continuous busy calls, then nothing can compare to Sennheiser.

5. Best for Business Calls: Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless – NoiseGard

★★★★★

The PXC 550 Bluetooth headphone is compatible with Sennheiser premium quality music player, CapTune, a powerful sound tuning app.

You can freely adjust the feel of your music based on your preference.

It’s time to check out the key specs.

Key Specifications

• Transducer Principle: Dynamic, Closed-back.
• Color: Black.
• Item Dimensions: 5.91 x 3.15 x 7.87 inches.
• Charging Time: 3 hours.
• Frequency Response: 17 to 23,000 Hz.
• Impedance: Active: 490 ohms/ Passive: 46 ohms.
• THD: <0.5% (1 kHz, 100 dB).
• Warranty: Limited 2 years.
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours.

Both Sennheiser PXC 550 & Sony WH1000XM3 have the same battery life.

However, this headset comes with a triple microphone that gives exceptional vocal clarity, which is incomparable to the other headphones.

Thus, you can rely on this headset to make your important business calls.

The lightweight and comfortable design is the perfect combination for your long listening sessions.

Are you worried about its portability?

No fear, my dear!

The fold-flat collapsible design allows the headset to compact inside the travel case.

So, take the headphones with you whenever you are commuting.

This headset has an ANC switch that provides three modes ( maximum, user setting, off ). You can choose any of the modes that you want.

If your neighbors have a loud pool party with loads of DJ songs, put on these headphones. It will block out all the noises.

What a relief! Right?

This headphone is stable and won’t fall off from the head during physical activity.

All the above headsets are over-ear style. But if you prefer the on-ear style, then the next headphone is for you.

6. Get Stylish: Marshall Mid ANC Active Noise Cancelling On-Ear

★★★★

In case you are looking for an on-ear lightweight headphone then Marshall Mid ANC can be the best pick for you.

They don’t feel tight on the head either.

You will find an easy-to-operate button on the left earcup for controlling volume, power/pairing, playback, track navigation, and call management.

Explore their key specs without delay.

Key Specifications

• Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.7 x 6.3 inches.
• Color: Black.
• Charging Time: 3 hours.
• Play Time: 20 hours (ANC enabled with Bluetooth).
• Driver Size: 40mm dynamic.
• Warranty: Limited 1 year.
• Wireless Range: Up to 30 ft.
• Charging Cable: Micro USB.

Note that you will have Bluetooth APTX with Marshall Mid ANC which is not available in Sennheiser PXC 550.

Anyway, Marshall Mid ANC has two built-in passive noise-reducing microphones that permit you to have conversations and record voices through your device.

The custom 40mm dynamic driver provides robust sound and the right amount of bass.

If you look for headphones from the market that cost the same as Marshall Mid ANC, some of them will not do as good as Marshall in terms of noise cancelation.

So, it is one of the best noise-canceling headphones within their budget.

When the ANC mode is off, you will have up to 30 hours of playback time.

With Bluetooth headphones, I have always faced video-syncing issues.

However, the aptX technology of Mid ANC brings out the perfect lip sync while watching movies.

When using the headset wirelessly, the empty 3.5mm jack lets you share audio with someone else.

That means you can enjoy a movie date at home with your loved one.

And, of course, the ANC mode assures no hoarse voice can interfere while you are enjoying your moment.

What did you think when Microsoft first came up with headphones?

Many people were surprised, including me.

Nevertheless, let’s see what impact Microsoft could create in this field.

7. Overall Performance: Microsoft Surface Headphones

★★★★

Though Bose and Sony raised the standard high for ANC headphones, Microsoft had surprised people with the solid sound and average noise cancellation.

This headset is inexpensive and still offers some good features.

Take a look at the key specs quickly.

Key Specifications

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
• Color: Gray.
• Power Source: Battery.
• Dimensions: 8.03 x 7.68 x 1.89 inches.
• SPL: Up to 115 dB.
• Compatibility: Windows 10, iOS, Android, macOS.
• USB Cord Length: 1.5 meters.
• Audio Cable Length: 1.2 meters.
• Average Battery Life: 18 hours.
• Hardware Platform: PC.

Unlike Marshall Mid, Microsoft surface headphone supports USB Type C connection.

This headset can block out up to 30dB for active noise cancelling and 40dB for passive noise cancelling.

The ear cups are big enough and can cover up most ear shapes, even big ears.

Audio pauses when you take off your Microsoft surface headphone.

As some Bluetooth headphones don’t provide wire support, Microsoft made a good decision by giving both wired and wireless options.

So, you can play Xbox & PS4 games with this headset using a wired connection without having latency issues.

When you are lying on your bed lazily, the smart assistant Cortana can do everything for you.

All you need to do is ask something like “Hey, Cortana, play my favorite music.” And it will start playing right away.

She will also answer calls, check your schedule, remind you about a task and send an email.

She is such a sweetheart!

Anyway, this headset comes with a hard case to protect the headphone from scratches and water splash.

Are you searching for a wireless headphone that has a Bluetooth range of more than 10m?

Then, my following headset is your desired one.

8. Fantastic Bluetooth Range: Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

★★★★

I will call this headset the ultimate affordable headphone with advanced noise cancellation technology to block out voices.

And thanks to its dual drivers that let you hear every detail of your beloved songs.

How about you examine the key specs first.

Key Specifications

• Color: Black, Blue, Pink.
• Driver (Full Range): 2 x 40 mm.
• Play Time: Up to 40 hours ( ANC On).
• Play Time: Up to 60 hours ( ANC Off).
• Fast Charging: 5-minute charge gives 4 hours of listening.
• Impedance: 16 Ω.
• Codec Support: AAC, SBC.
• Frequency Response: 16Hz – 40kHz
• Charging Port: USB-C.
• Microphone: Two.
• Soundcore App: Yes.
• Battery Life: Up to 40 hours (ANC On).

Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 has a more comprehensive Bluetooth range (15 m) than Microsoft Surface headphones (10 m).

This headset can produce 40 kHz of improved clarity in thumping bass and the sound quality is also great with crisp treble.

The dual noise detecting microphone can filter out 95% of low-frequency environmental sounds.

While a five minute-charging allows 4 hours of listening, it also offers 60 hours of playtime with ANC mode off.

The earcups are made with ultra-soft protein leather and memory foam padding.

It will fit snugly over your ear and will assure long-term listening comfort.

There are three levels of ANC available in this headset. You can switch between them with the help of the Anker Soundcore App.

So far, I have discussed eight headphones. Let’s go for the ninth one.

9. Best Choice for Low Price: Mixcder E9 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

★★★★

Mixcder E9 does an excellent job in terms of bass performance.

The 500 mAh rechargeable battery gives you more than one day of playtime.

Have a look at the key specs.

Key Specifications

• Color: Black, Pacific Blue.
• Dimensions: 7.6 x 6.61 x 3.39 inches.
• Play Time: Up to 30 hours.
• Driver: Dual 40mm large drivers.
• Fast Charging: 5-minute charge for 2 hours playtime.
• Charging Time: One hour.
• Audio Cable: 3.5mm.
• Charging Cable: Micro USB.
• Design: Foldable.

While Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 can filter out 95% low frequency, the Mixcder E9 can filter 97%.

The large drivers provide a balanced soundstage.

You can go for this headset if you need budget headphones, mainly to avoid a noisy environment.

It does a decent job blocking out background noise.

This headphone has a great control system. The buttons are large and clicky.

You can easily play/pause music, and take calls via the power button. Holding the volume button will skip tracks.

There is a dedicated ANC switch on the left earcup, which is separate from the power button.

It has the latest Bluetooth technology, which promises stable connection and higher execution.

My 10^th headphone is the least heavier and cheaper among all.

Let’s know its features.

10. Best Comfort with Lightweight: Srhythm NC25 Active Noise Cancelling Stereo Headphones

★★★

This headset is ultra-light, and has 90°-170° multi-angle flexible rotating earcups.

It has an upgraded dual noise reduction sensor.

Now, have a quick look at the key specs.

Key Specifications

• Color: Coral Orange, Matte Black, Mint Green.
• Charging Port: USB-C.
• Charging Time: 1 to 2 hours.
• Noise Reduction Depth: 20-25 dB.
• Microphone: Yes.
• Battery Life: 50+ hours/ 1000 mAh.
• Dimensions: 5.71 x 3.15 x 8.27 inches.
• Multi-Point Connection: Max. 2 devices.
• Driver Size: 40mm.
• Microphone: Yes.

Srhythm NC25 has a 50 ms ultra low latency game mode which you don’t get in Mixcder E9.

To turn on the game mode, you need to press the multi-function button three times.

You can easily play online multiplayer games like PUBG with it.

It also has over-voltage protection 12-36V technology that assures safety during headphone charging.

By the way, Srhythm NC25 (6.35 ounces) is lighter than Mixcder E9 (9 ounces), which makes this headset super comfy to wear for a long time.

Long time listening with headphones can cause a mild headache.

 This headset supports voice assistants like Siri and Google assistant.

Though it can silence up to 90% of machinery sound, the human voice can not be eliminated entirely.

This headset is relatively cheaper than the other headphones I mentioned, and it does an average noise cancelling job considering the price.

Finally, I am done with the discussion of the best noise-canceling headphone to block out voices.

Now, think quietly and choose the best one for you.

In the beginning, you got to know my top recommended headset.

But, if you are not satisfied with it, I have my best choice list for you.

Best Choices

Based on the features, I think the below headsets are more well-suited to block surround noises.

1. Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones
2. Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless – NoiseGard
3. Apple AirPods Max

Are you thinking about purchasing a headphone instantly?

Don’t rush to reach a decision, or you may end up with an unworthy product.

Stay with me to learn the choosing procedure of noise-canceling headphones here.

How to Pick The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphone to Block Out Human Voices

I will suggest you consider the below fact while choosing a headset to block out noises.

Go for Over-Ear Headphone

There are three types of headphones in the market—On-Ear, In-Ear, and then Over-Ear.

The most efficient ANC is found in Over-Ear type headphones. The earcups will seal your ear, and the earpads act as a barrier.

Although in-ear and on-ear headphones are decent in noise cancelation, they are not as good as over-ear.

Active Vs. Passive Noise Cancelation

As some people don’t know the difference between active and passive noise-canceling headphones, they always make the mistake of choosing the right one. 

They hurriedly purchase the headphone seeing the noise cancelling feature. Whether it is active or passive, they don’t care about it.

ANC-enabled headphones come with this feature exclusively to block out the outside noise completely.

While on the other hand, the passive noise cancelling headphone reduces the noise with the help of the earpads shape and material.

They act as an object between your ear and the noise.

As the thick ear pads with memory foam seal the area around your ear, it passively lessens the noise you hear.

In short, they can’t cancel the noise entirely like ANC headphones.

So, always consider going for a headphone that has an active noise canceling feature.

Noise Cancellation App & ANC Mode

Many headphones work with free apps where you can alter the ANC performance according to your environment.

They are also convenient to control.

Most ANC headsets have an ambient mode that allows you to hear your surround sound without removing your headphone.

It will be wise to go for those headsets. You can control whether to listen to the outside sound or not.

Therefore, make sure the headphone has ANC On/Off mode so you can easily switch up to the best-suited mode whenever you want.

However, comfort is another fact that you should not compromise.

Comfortability & Fit

If you purchase a headphone that doesn’t fit your ear shape well, then there is no way it will give you long term comfort.

And when the earpads have a poor fit, you will have to adjust them now and then.

While you will adjust them, the outside noise can reach your ear.

In the end, there is no benefit of getting an ANC headphone as you need to struggle with the proper fitting.

Sound Profile

In some ANC headphones, the sound quality is not good, and the audio distorts a lot.

It doesn’t make any sense that you purchased an ANC headphone, but it sounds terrific. Right?

It will seem like you will hear awful audio with the headset on instead of hearing background noise.

What a pity!

Anyway, you should check whether the headphone sound has an outstanding performance while still providing noise-free listening.

Well, that’s all about the guideline on selecting the best headset to block out voices.

When you consider these points, you won’t end up with headphones that don’t meet your expectations.

And if you want to learn about noise-canceling headphones in-depth, then you can check out this article.

Conclusion

In the end, I hope you can find the best noise-canceling headphones to block out voices.

And don’t forget to follow the buying guide before you purchase your desired headphone.

Lastly, have a good day.

Frequently Asked Questions: