Looking for headphones that’ll help you tune out the world and fully immerse yourself in your music or podcasts? You’ve come to the right place! Choosing between noise isolating and noise cancelling models is key to finding your best fit. While they may seem similar at first glance, noise isolating and noise cancelling headphones differ in how they block out ambient sounds, each providing distinct advantages.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear picture of what sets them apart, so you can choose the best headphones for your needs.
What is noise cancellation?
In most cases with headphones and earbuds, noise cancellation is “active”, which is why you see manufacturers describe it as “active noise cancellation”, or ANC, for short. This technology uses built-in microphones, which are usually designed for voice-related features like hands-free calls or voice assistant access, to detect and reduce ambient noise. These microphones actively listen to surrounding sounds and play a critical role in reducing how much background and ambient noise leaks into your ears.
How active noise cancellation works
The built-in microphones in noise cancelling headphones capture sounds from your surroundings and send them to a digital signal processor, which analyzes the sound waves. This processor then creates opposing sound waves that align with the original sound’s peaks and troughs, effectively “cancelling” the unwanted noise. The results can vary, which is why you may see differences in performance depending on the brand, model, or price point of the headphones.
Limitations of noise cancelling headphones
ANC performs best with low, constant frequencies (like the hum of a bus engine) but may struggle with sharper, high-pitched sounds like voices or sirens. That is because sound waves come in a wide range of frequencies, which can be challenging for headphones to address evenly. On average, noise-canceling headphones can reduce noise by about 20-40 dB, focusing more on muffling deep, constant sounds rather than sharp, sudden noises.
Some brands are getting better at broadening the scope of how they cancel noise. This progress makes ANC headphones increasingly versatile, whether you’re working, traveling, commuting, exercising, or simply relaxing.
Best use cases for noise cancelling
Noise-cancelling headphones excel in loud environments where background noise can be distracting—think airplanes, bustling offices, or coffee shops. With ANC, you can focus on your favourite tunes or podcasts without frequent interruptions, making them a great choice if you want a quieter listening experience in noisy settings.
What is noise isolation?
Noise isolation is a passive way of reducing external sounds, achieved through the headphones’ physical design. Over-ear models fully encompass the ear, while in-ear models use snug ear tips that fit in the ear canal, forming a physical barrier that blocks ambient noise.
Unlike ANC, noise-isolating headphones don’t use electronics to reduce sound; it’s all about the fit and materials. If your headphones fit securely, they’ll effectively block external noise without needing any power.
Limitations of noise isolating headphones
A proper seal is crucial for optimal performance; if the fit is loose, sound leakage can occur, reducing the headphones’ ability to block external noise. While noise-isolating headphones excel in quieter environments, they may struggle to effectively dampen consistent, low-frequency sounds like the hum of an airplane or the rumble of heavy traffic. With the right fit and a tight seal, however, you can get some impressive noise isolation.
Best use cases for noise isolation
Noise-isolating headphones are a great option for reducing ambient sounds in quiet settings like at home or at the office, where a physical seal is enough to block distractions. They’re often more affordable and maintain consistent sound quality, making them a great choice for audiophiles and anyone wanting a simple, reliable way to enjoy audio without interruptions.
Key differences between noise-isolating and noise-cancelling headphones
Effectiveness
Noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds have an inherent advantage because the actual noise-cancelling technology is another layer on top of the passive isolation you would want. It’s important to bear in mind that a lack of a tighter passive seal will also impact how effective noise cancellation performs. You also have to consider that blocking out too much background noise can be dangerous, particularly out on the street where you may want to know your surroundings.
Sound quality
In the past, noise-isolating headphones would’ve held the advantage in sound quality because of a more audible “hiss” in ANC headphones or earbuds. That hissing sound is far less pronounced today, though it’s not completely gone, either. This could affect how good music, podcasts, and audiobooks sound to you. However, it’s a highly subjective point.
Either way, a tighter seal is key to getting the most out of the sound. You may not need noise-cancellation to listen to music in quieter settings but you will if you want to enjoy it in noisier places. Since most headphones and earbuds let you turn noise-cancellation off and on, you could listen to audio content in either context.
Battery life
There is no question ANC affects battery life. That’s why manufacturers will often note two battery life figures—with ANC on, and ANC off. Battery life is always longer when you leave noise-cancellation off, though many brands have made big strides in improving overall battery life so that you get many hours of playback, regardless of whether ANC is on or not.
Volume levels are the biggest determining factor in how long the battery will last. Raise the volume consistently and the battery won’t last as long. This happens with or without noise-cancellation but there’s no denying that louder content with noise-cancellation will draw more power every time.
| Feature | Noise cancelling headphones | Noise isolating headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Active noise cancellation (ANC) | Passive noise isolation |
| How it works | Uses microphones to detect and cancel noise | Forms a physical barrier to block noise |
| Effectiveness | Best at reducing low-frequency sounds | Effective at blocking a range of frequencies |
| Sound quality | May alter sound quality due to processing | Generally maintains sound quality |
| Battery life | Requires power (battery-dependent) | No battery needed |
| Cost | Typically more expensive | Often more affordable |
Noise isolating vs. noise cancelling: Which one should you choose?
Choosing between noise isolating and noise cancelling headphones ultimately depends on your intended use. Here are some considerations to guide your decision:
For everyday use
If you’re primarily using headphones in casual, quieter settings, noise-isolating headphones may offer just what you need. They effectively reduce distractions and are often more affordable. However, if you frequently encounter noisy environments or need deep focus, noise-cancelling headphones may be worth the investment. Many ANC models also feature ambient or transparency modes, letting you stay aware of your surroundings when needed, such as at the gym or while commuting.
For travel or loud environments
If you frequently travel or find yourself in noisy environments such as airplanes, noise-cancelling headphones can significantly enhance your listening experience by reducing ambient noise. This is especially the case when the ambient noise is a low hum like on an airplane or train. The investment may be worthwhile for the added comfort and immersion. Removing ambient noises through active noise cancellation can also help people fall asleep in noisy environments.
Budget considerations
Noise isolating headphones tend to be more affordable than their noise-cancelling counterparts. If you’re on a tight budget but still want to enjoy music without distractions, look for high-quality noise isolating options. For those willing to invest more for advanced features, noise-cancelling headphones offer superior noise reduction. Pricing can vary considerably for either type. However, good sound and performance are available at all levels.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, your choice between noise isolating and noise cancelling headphones depends on your listening environment and lifestyle. Noise cancelling headphones offer advanced technology for a quieter experience in noisy settings, while noise isolating headphones provide simple, effective sound blocking without the need for power.
When shopping for headphones, consider the environments you’ll use them in most frequently and decide based on your budget and audio needs. Now that you know the difference between the two, you should easily find the right headphones for you.
I find that the ANC ones often add some white noise “hiss” that can be distracting