From active noise cancellation to battery life and sound quality — everything to know before buying headphones.
Noise-cancelling headphones have become one of the most popular everyday gadgets in recent years. But the sheer variety of models makes the choice difficult; in this guide we walk through, step by step, what to look for when buying.
The most important factor is the quality of active noise cancellation (ANC). Good headphones use built-in microphones to measure ambient sound and generate an inverse wave to cancel the noise. The more microphones and the more processing power, the deeper the silence you experience.
The second factor is sound quality and support for advanced codecs such as LDAC and aptX. If you listen to high-resolution music, pay close attention to these codecs. Battery life also matters; modern models typically offer between 24 and 40 hours of continuous playback.
Finally, do not underestimate comfort and weight. A headphone you will wear for hours should put little pressure on your ears and head. Our advice is to define your budget and primary use case before buying, so the decision becomes much simpler.