Sony is well established as a top supplier in the field of portable headphones, especially when it comes to noise cancelling. Of course, this also includes the continuing development of their models. For example, the in-ear Bluetooth neckband headphones WI-1000X receive an update and become the WI-1000XM2.
When we tested them in 2019, we discovered that Beyerdynamic’s Lagoon ANC Traveller were impressive headphones with practical noise cancelling. After a firmware update, their noise reduction performance should now have improved even more.
With the RZ-S500W, Panasonic enters into the market for True Wireless in-ears with noise cancelling, and they make the bold claim that their debut product in this field has market-leading noise cancellation built in. And at a price of under 180 Euros - we are certainly listening very closely.
Behind fledgeling headphone manufacturer Mu6 is a Chinese development team who, by their own account, have years of experience in noise cancelling. You’d be right to be curious, as their new Space 2 model, modern over-ear headphones with Bluetooth 5, offer impressive functionality at an attractive price. They have a clear aim: with these products, Mu6 seek to target a similar market to Sony, Bose and Sennheiser.
The renowned Hamburg manufacturer of pens, leather goods and watches Montblanc has introduced its first branded headphones, the MB 01, which are designed to provide high-quality sound for use when travelling. This portable wireless model supports audio codecs including aptX Adaptive as well as the AAC format, they have built-in device control and Google Assistant is integrated, they also offer functions for the suppression and improved perception of external noise.
Admittedly, the name of these circumaural wireless headphones with active noise cancelling may sound a bit bulky, but that shouldn't prevent anyone from listening to the TT-BH085 more closely, because their features, workmanship and sound are quite remarkable for the price range of "around 50 Euros".
These Club 950NC foldable over-ears from JBL are powerfully tuned, quick-charging, have active noise suppression and, in addition to functional device control, offer a large button for interaction with voice services such as Google Assistant or Amazon's Alexa. Sound and system adjustments are also possible via these wireless headphone's app connection, while Ambient Aware and TalkThru technology can be used to enhance external perception or communication if required.
The Miiego Boom ANC is an ear-cup wireless headphone with active external noise cancellation. So far, so good, but the Boom ANC also wants to be athletic! An over-ear headphone for an everyday workout is something I find difficult to imagine, but the Danish company Miiego said: "It works!" So, we took a closer look at the "4-in-1" headphones for "sport, relaxation, travel and the office".
With Echo Buds, Amazon presents some interesting true-wireless earbuds. They feature active noise reduction – licensed by Bose – and integrate very well with their system via voice control. As a bonus, they are very reasonably priced.