. When it comes to finding the best noise-cancelling headphones for the money, the market offers a variety of options. Noise-cancelling headphones have come a long way, evolving from a niche product for frequent travellers into a mainstream accessory prized for their ability to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. Whether you’re commuting, working from home, or simply looking to enjoy your music in peace, there’s likely a perfect pair out there for your needs.
In this guide, we’ll focus on several of the top-rated and well-priced noise-cancelling headphones available on Amazon Australia, discussing their features, performance, and value for money.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones are often regarded as one of the best options in the market for noise-cancelling performance, offering cutting-edge technology that makes them worth the investment.
Key Features:
- Advanced Noise-Canceling Technology: The WH-1000XM5 builds on Sony’s strong reputation with industry-leading noise cancellation that adapts to your surroundings.
- Battery Life: These headphones offer up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, making them ideal for long-haul flights or extended periods of work.
- Comfortable Design: Featuring soft ear pads and a lightweight build, these headphones are designed for comfort during prolonged use.
- Sound Quality: Sony is known for delivering a balanced, crisp sound with deep bass, and these headphones are no exception.
- Adaptive Sound Control: The headphones can automatically adjust their settings based on your activity (e.g., walking, sitting, commuting).
Why They’re Worth It:
Sony’s noise-canceling technology is top-notch, effectively drowning out background noise without sacrificing audio quality. The long battery life and adaptive sound control make them an excellent option for daily use or travel. Despite their premium price point, the value they offer justifies the cost for those who prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
Bose has long been a leader in the noise-cancelling headphone space, and the QuietComfort 45 continues that legacy with superior noise reduction and comfort.
Key Features:
- Acclaimed Noise Cancellation: Bose’s noise-canceling performance is world-renowned, providing a truly quiet environment by blocking out even low-frequency sounds like airplane noise or the hum of an air conditioner.
- Comfort for Extended Wear: The QuietComfort 45 is lightweight with plush ear cups, making them one of the most comfortable pairs of headphones available.
- 24-Hour Battery Life: Offering up to 24 hours of battery life, these headphones can easily get through a full day of use.
- Simple Controls: The QC45 provides easy-to-use physical buttons for adjusting volume, controlling playback, and activating voice assistants.
- Customizable Noise-Cancelling Levels: You can adjust the level of noise cancellation, choosing from different modes based on your environment.
Why They’re Worth It:
For those who value comfort as much as noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort 45 is hard to beat. Their superior fit, combined with excellent noise reduction and long battery life, makes them a strong contender, especially for frequent travelers or anyone needing headphones for long-term wear.
3. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones
Sennheiser is known for its audiophile-grade sound, and the Momentum 4 Wireless brings high-fidelity audio performance to the noise-cancelling headphone category.
Key Features:
- High-Quality Sound: Sennheiser headphones are known for their precision sound, and the Momentum 4 delivers a rich, detailed audio experience.
- Active Noise Cancellation: While not as advanced as Sony or Bose, the noise cancellation on the Momentum 4 is still highly effective in most environments.
- Battery Life: A standout feature is the incredible 60-hour battery life, making them perfect for long journeys or extended use without needing to recharge.
- Comfortable Design: Like other premium headphones, the Momentum 4 is designed for comfort with memory foam ear pads and a lightweight construction.
- Touch Controls: Intuitive touch-sensitive controls on the ear cups allow you to adjust volume, skip tracks, and take calls easily.
Why They’re Worth It:
The Momentum 4 excels in sound quality, making it ideal for audiophiles who want great noise cancellation but also prioritize high-fidelity music reproduction. The exceptional battery life is a major advantage for users who don’t want to charge their headphones frequently. These are a fantastic choice for those who value audio performance alongside noise-cancelling technology.
4. Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
Jabra is often recognized for producing great all-rounder headphones, and the Elite 85h is no exception, offering solid noise cancellation, excellent battery life, and a durable design.
Key Features:
- Active Noise Cancellation: The Jabra Elite 85h includes SmartSound technology that adapts the noise-canceling level depending on your surroundings.
- 36-Hour Battery Life: The battery life is impressive, offering up to 36 hours of playtime on a single charge with active noise cancellation turned on.
- Water-Resistant Design: These headphones are built to withstand a bit of rough handling, including being water-resistant, which is great for commuters who might get caught in the rain.
- Sound Quality: Jabra’s sound profile is balanced, with good bass and clear mids, making them versatile for different music genres and podcasts.
- Durable Build: These headphones are built to last, featuring tough, high-quality materials and a foldable design for portability.
Why They’re Worth It:
For those looking for a more rugged pair of noise-cancelling headphones that can handle daily wear and tear, the Jabra Elite 85h offers great value. Its sound quality, adaptive noise cancellation, and water resistance make it a reliable companion for commuting, travelling, or daily use. Plus, the price point is often more competitive than other premium brands, making them a strong contender for those on a budget.
5. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise-Canceling Headphones
Anker’s Soundcore Life Q30 headphones are an affordable option for those who want decent noise cancellation without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation: The Q30 offers surprisingly effective noise cancellation for the price, especially in more controlled environments like offices or libraries.
- 40-Hour Battery Life: The headphones offer up to 40 hours of playtime with noise cancellation on, and up to 60 hours with it off.
- Comfortable Fit: The soft memory foam ear cups and adjustable headband make these headphones comfortable for extended wear.
- Sound Quality: While not at the level of the more premium brands, the Q30 delivers a pleasant audio experience with good bass and clear highs.
- Affordable Price: One of the best aspects of the Soundcore Life Q30 is its budget-friendly price, making it accessible for most users.
Why They’re Worth It:
For those on a budget, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 offers a lot of value. While it doesn’t compete with higher-end models from Sony or Bose, it provides solid performance at a fraction of the price. The long battery life, decent noise cancellation, and comfortable fit make it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to experience noise-cancelling technology without a significant investment.
6. Apple AirPods Max
For Apple fans looking for seamless integration with their devices, the AirPods Max brings Apple’s design expertise and ecosystem integration to the noise-cancelling headphone market.
Key Features:
- Active Noise Cancellation: Apple’s active noise cancellation is highly effective, offering a comparable experience to other high-end models.
- Spatial Audio: A unique feature of the AirPods Max is spatial audio, which delivers an immersive sound experience for compatible content.
- Battery Life: Offering up to 20 hours of listening time with both noise cancellation and spatial audio enabled, the battery life is good, though not as long-lasting as some competitors.
- Premium Build Quality: The AirPods Max stands out for its sleek, premium design, including memory foam ear cups and a stainless-steel frame.
- Integration with Apple Devices: Like other Apple products, these headphones integrate seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, and Macs, providing an unmatched user experience for Apple ecosystem users.
Why They’re Worth It:
The AirPods Max is an excellent choice for those invested in the Apple ecosystem who want the convenience of features like spatial audio and quick device pairing. While they are on the pricier side, the superior build quality and seamless user experience make them a worthwhile consideration for Apple enthusiasts looking for high-end noise-cancelling headphones.
7. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 Noise-Canceling Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins is a brand synonymous with luxury sound, and the PX7 S2 headphones combine premium noise cancellation with stellar audio performance.
Key Features:
- High-End Noise Cancellation: The PX7 S2 offers great noise cancellation, blocking out most ambient noise effectively.
- Audio Performance: Known for audiophile-quality sound, Bowers & Wilkins delivers a dynamic and detailed sound profile that’s perfect for serious music listeners.
- 30-Hour Battery Life: The battery lasts up to 30 hours on a single charge, which is more than sufficient for most users.
- Luxurious Build: The headphones are designed with premium materials, including carbon fiber components, which add both durability and a high-end feel.
- Fast Charging: With a quick 15-minute charge, you can get up to 6 hours of playtime. This makes them convenient for users on the go.
Why They’re Worth It:
The PX7 S2 is perfect for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality above all else. While the noise cancellation is strong, the real selling point is the luxurious sound and build quality. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for a premium experience, these headphones offer excellent value for the money.
Conclusion
When choosing the best noise-cancelling headphones, it’s important to consider what features matter most to you. For instance, frequent travellers might prioritize the industry-leading noise cancellation of the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 45. Audiophiles will likely gravitate towards the high-fidelity sound of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 or Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2. Those on a budget may find the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 offers excellent value.
