The Absolute BEST Noise-Cancelling Headphones in 2021

TL;DR

After testing various top-of-the-line models, the Apple AirPods Max is the best noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones, although pricey. For those not heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is recommended for its excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, and features.

Transcript

• Thanks to Brilliant for sponsoring this video and supporting my channel. Hi, my name is Thomas Frank and I am in the market for some new noise canceling headphones because after about four years of use, my trusty, Bose QC35 gen1's are finally dying on me. The battery is running out quicker and quicker these days, and there are some new models on ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👂 The Apple AirPods Max stands out for its exceptional sound quality, seamless integration with Apple devices, and excellent noise cancellation performance.
• 💪 Sony WH-1000XM4 is recommended for its great noise cancellation, sound quality, and bass, making it a strong alternative for non-Apple users.
• 👂 Bose QC35 offers exceptional comfort but falls short in terms of sound quality and noise cancellation compared to newer models.
• 🖤 Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 provides decent noise cancellation but lacks comfort and sound quality compared to other options.
• 💨 The AirPods Max's transparency mode is superior to other models, while the Sony WH-1000XM4's Bluetooth multipoint is the fastest.
• 🔃 Portability-wise, the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QC35 are the most compact.

Questions & Answers

Q: Are the AirPods Max worth the higher price compared to other options?

Yes, despite the higher price, the AirPods Max offer exceptional sound quality, noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple devices. However, if you're not heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is recommended as a more affordable alternative.

Q: Are the Bose QC35 headphones still a good choice?

Yes, the Bose QC35 headphones are still comfortable and offer decent noise cancellation. However, compared to newer models, the battery life on the QC35 may be lacking.

Q: Which headphones have the best sound quality?

The Apple AirPods Max offers the best overall sound quality, with excellent soundstage and clarity. However, if you prefer bass-heavy audio, the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 perform better in that aspect.

Q: Which headphones have the best noise cancellation?

The AirPods Max offers the best noise cancellation, followed closely by the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose 700. The Bose QC35 and Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are also good, but not as impressive as the other models.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video reviews and compares five noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones: Bose QC35 gen1 (trustworthy but lacking battery life), Bose 700 (comfortable with good noise cancellation but poor sound quality), Apple AirPods Max (expensive but exceptional sound quality and noise cancellation), Sony WH-1000XM4 (great sound quality and noise cancellation, more affordable option), and Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 (uncomfortable and underwhelming sound quality).

• Comfort is prioritized in the headphones, with the Bose QC35 and AirPods Max being the most comfortable options.

• The AirPods Max offers the best sound quality, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 excels in bass quality. The Bose 700 disappoints in sound quality.

• Noise cancellation performance is superior in newer models, with the AirPods Max offering the best active noise cancellation. The Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose 700 also perform well in noise cancellation.

• Portability is a tie between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QC35 due to their folding mechanism, while the AirPods Max and Bose 700 have larger cases.

• Additional features include Bluetooth multipoint (Sony WH-1000XM4, Microsoft Surface Headphones 2, and Bose 700), auto-pause (AirPods Max, Sony WH-1000XM4, and Microsoft Surface Headphones 2), and transparency mode (AirPods Max excels, others are average).