Myths are commonly birthed from the confusion and false information that comes from a lack of understanding. In some cases, all it takes is a short conversation or even a single text message to set things straight. In others, understanding is harder to come by. It’s especially hard when understanding is tied to complicated technological ideas, such as those necessary to make noise-canceling headphones work. Here’s a look at what these impressive, convenient headphones are and are not capable of doing.
Myth 1: Noise-canceling headphones eliminate all sound
The myth that noise-canceling headphones eliminate all sound sprouted from the desire for noise cancellation that truly eliminates all unwanted sounds.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Noise cancellation only blocks some sounds — mainly low-frequency sounds like your dishwasher running or the droning of someone talking next to you on the bus. Especially loud sounds can also break through your headphones as can heavy winds whipping through the microphones in charge of detecting the sound to be eliminated.
Myth 2: Active noise cancellation degrades audio quality
A common misconception is that active noise cancellation interferes with your music, leading to lower-quality sound or causing interference. This myth springs from the fact that active noise canceling functions by generating a “counter noise” to the sounds you want to block out.
However, this noise operates on a different frequency than your music. So, while there is technically a new sound mixed in with your music, you can’t hear it and it doesn’t affect the music.
Myth 3: Active noise cancellation is dangerous
Technically, there’s a kernel of truth to this myth. Eliminating sounds makes it much easier to be caught unawares by otherwise hearable dangers or, to be less drastic, to miss the “now boarding” call for your plane.
Health-wise, there are concerns floating around that active noise cancellation damages your hearing over time or has health-affecting radiation.
To the first point, active noise cancellation does not damage your hearing. In fact, according to the National Library of Medicine, lowering the decibels you take in can prevent a rise in blood pressure.
As far as radiation is concerned, there is no radiation in noise-canceling headphones. This myth likely springs from the fact that your laptop, tablet and phone do emit radiation. However, according to the Food and Drug Administration, this radiation only causes slight heating and nothing dangerous, such as cancer.
FAQ
Q. What’s the difference between noise isolation and active noise canceling?
A. Noise canceling is achieved using one or both of two methods:
Noise isolation functions essentially like earplugs. By using cushioned ear cups in headphones or rubber on earbuds, a seal is formed that works to block unwanted sound from entering your ear canal. It is much cheaper than active noise canceling and doesn’t require a power source. However, you can’t switch it off if you need to let sound in, and it isn’t as effective as active noise cancellation.
Active noise cancellation is what most people think when they hear “noise-canceling headphones.” It works by using microphones to detect sound and generates a new sound that cancels out the first sound. It is more effective than noise isolation and can typically be turned off and on at will. Better active noise canceling even has tiers, so you can choose how much is blocked out. However, it requires a battery and is usually expensive.
What you need to buy for listening to music with noise cancellation
Best wired noise-canceling headphones
These are an excellent introduction to noise-canceling headphones, thanks to their low cost and ability to cancel up to 95% of your surrounding distractions. The noise-canceling feature requires a AAA battery, but it lasts for up to 80 hours of canceling and doesn’t drain when the feature isn’t enabled.
These headphones are all about comfort and feature heavily padded ear cups that isolate noise and an easily adjustable headband. Additionally, they can also fold up for storage, and they have a built-in microphone and music control buttons easily accessible on the cord. Color options include red, black and turquoise.
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These headphones have extra-large drivers to enable high-resolution audio, strong bass and pristine clarity. The ear cups are padded with memory-protein cotton and are elliptical to better fit the natural shape of the ear and keep more noise out. They come in all black or with silver accents.
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Best wireless noise-canceling headphones
Apple’s most powerful iteration of its line of headphones and earbuds is a must-have for every music-loving Apple fan. The active noise canceling keeps you focused on your music, while a transparency mode lets some noise in for situations where it’s integral to hear.
These are perfect for those constantly on the go. They have an excellent 30-hour battery life and the ability to quick-charge for only 10 minutes once dead to get five more hours of battery. They also pack in five microphones, so you can take a call without taking them off.
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If you frequently use an AI assistant, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, consider these headphones. With touch controls on the ear cup, you can instantly speak to them, and Bose’s microphone system ensures there are no misunderstandings from garbled audio.
Best noise-canceling earbuds
Whether you’re an Apple fan or not, it’s difficult to find a better pair of earbuds with both active noise canceling and noise isolation. Throw in quality features like water resistance, a wireless charging-compatible case, spatial audio and three included tip sizes, and it’s hard to find a better pair of earbuds.
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When you don’t need anything fancy to block out some noise, these earbuds are better than most. Plus, they come with a carrying case and six pairs of tips, so it would be surprising if one doesn’t fit perfectly.
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Beats headphones and earbuds have been power players in the audio space for years, and these earbuds, which feature a mix of noise isolation and active noise canceling, continue to carry the standard.
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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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