Last Updated on January 15, 2021 by Husain Parvez
Nothing comes close to the best noise cancelling headphones for iPhone in terms of an isolated audio experience. Here’s a detailed guide to help you pick the very best wireless noise cancelling headphones for iPhone right now.
The audio technology available to us these days has come a long way since the days of vinyl records and Sony Walkman players. Gone are the days of being tethered to a disc player, which limited your ability to enjoy just a few tracks. All thanks to the smartphone revolution, the collective music library of millions of songs is available for streaming wirelessly, thanks to services such as Pandora and Spotify. It was the transfer of audio from analog to digital technology that paved way for wireless audio devices such as headsets and speakers, which connected to smart devices via Bluetooth.
Although Bluetooth audio technology has existed for decades, complete lossless audio, along with special features such as ANC (active noise cancellation) has only recently made its way to wireless audio. Most hardcore audiophiles continued to prefer wired headphones for noise cancellation, but ever since Apple ditched the 3.5mm jack from the iPhone, an increasing number of users have taken the leap and adopted the best noise cancelling headphones for iPhone and iPod. The increasing demand all across the world has led to an increase in the top noise cancelling headphones market, which was once ruled by only a select few.
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for iPhone
While most mid-range headphones in the market offer some form of noise isolation, only the audio aficionados that don’t weigh their music experience in terms of money will be willing to spend the higher price. Owing to plenty of competition in the space, ANC headphones for iPhone have also been priced down by big-time brands such as Bose and Sony, while the emergence of several affordable names has given audiophiles all around the world, something to be excited about. If you’re among those who apricates and enjoy the artful goodness of music in its raw form, here’s a list of the best Bluetooth noise cancelling headphones for iPhone that will knock your socks off.
- Sony WH-1000XM4 – Overall Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for iPhone
- Sony WH-1000XM3 – Budget Best ANC iPhone Headphones
- Skullcandy Crusher ANC – Stylish iPhone Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Jabra Elite 85h – Best Looking iPhone Noise Cancellation Headphones
- Master And Dynamic MW65 – Best Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones for Audiophiles
- Philips PH805 ANC – Cheapest Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Bose NC700 – Top Noise Cancelling Headphones with Smart Features
- Sennheiser PC 550-II – Premium Affordable Adaptive Noise Cancellation Headphones
- Treblab Z2 – Best ANC Fitness Headphones for iPhone
- Anker Soundcore Life Q30 – Best Affordable Noise Cancelling iPhone Headset
Sony WH-1000XM4 – Overall Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for iPhone
Sony has revolutionized how a perfect pair of Bluetooth headphones should be, let alone perfecting the Active Noise Cancellation technology for people to enjoy their music on busy commutes. The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the latest iteration from Sony from their highly coveted line of WH-1000XM series, bringing improvements in the sound quality and ANC technology bundled in a perfect package with a robust set of features and build quality.
Build Quality and Comfort:
Although the Sony WH-1000XM4 does not come with fancy and over the top premium leather embellishments, the headphones have sturdy build quality with matt finished plastics and well-cushioned headband plush earcups for a comfortable listening experience for longer hours.
Features: The headphones feature Active Noise Cancellation, Alexa Voice Control, seamless multiple-device pairing, wear detection, dedicated ANC button, and touch media controls. With thirty hours of battery life and USB-C charging, these are among the best overall ANC Bluetooth headphones on the market.
Sound Quality:
The Bluetooth headphones are tuned with Sony’s signature sound stage and clear output vocals, instruments, and adequate bass for bass lovers. Sony’s headphone apps allow users to customize EQ and ANC settings to their liking. As for call clarity, there are no complaints to report.
Connectivity and Codecs:
The headphone features Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC fast pairing with supported devices. For codecs, the headphone comes equipped with SBC, LDAC, and AAC, which is ideal for iPhone users.
Sony WH-1000XM3 – Budget Best ANC iPhone Headphones
Although the WH-1000XM3 is replaced by the new and improved WH-1000XM4’s, the previous iteration of ANC headphones are still a viable option, as these can be bought at a discount through Amazon sales. When they were released, the WH-1000XM3 was the industry leader and praised for its ANC quality, sound quality, and build quality. Strangely, the WH-1000XM3 features more codec support than the latest version of the headphones. None the less, at the end of the day, you will get the best bang for the buck with both the ANC Bluetooth Headphone options.
Build Quality and Comfort:
The Sony WH-1000XM3 has sturdy build quality with matt finished plastics and plush headband and earcup cushioning. They are lightweight and offer excellent comfort for long listening sessions.
Features:
The headphones feature Voice Assistant controls, ANC, and touch media controls. The headphone has a battery life of up to thirty hours with USB-C charging.
Sound Quality:
The headphone features 40mm drivers, which deliver excellent sound quality and Sony’s signature sound stage. Users can tweak around for custom EQ and ANC settings for their perfect listening experience with the dedicated app.
Connectivity and Codecs:
Sony’s XH-1000XM3 uses Bluetooth 4.2 technology and has NFC pairing. For Codecs, the headphone comes with SBC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, SBC, and AAC.
Skullcandy Crusher ANC – Stylish iPhone Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over the years, Skullcandy has proved that they are not just a fashion-centric gadget maker. Skullcandy has put out some of the best blends of eye-catching earphones and headphones, backing it up with robust build quality, packed with features, good sound quality, and all in somewhat affordable price ranges. The Skullcandy Crusher ANC perfectly embodies their fashion-centric approach to boring headphones with a set of features that are available only to more expensive and premium options in the ANC headphone market for iPhone. The headphone comes in with Black, Tan, and Deep Red colorways.
Build Quality and Comfort:
The Crusher ANC is a bit on the bulkier side, and some may find them tiring after a while. But, the plush headband and earcup provide much-needed comfort and good sound isolation with the thick earcups.
Features:
The Crusher ANC has built-in media controls, adjustable sensory bass, Digital Active Noise Cancellation, and has a battery life of up to twenty-four hours with USB-C charging. The headphone also comes with built-in with a Tile tracker to keep track of your headphones.
Sound Quality:
The Crusher ANC with its 40mm drivers outputs explosive bass and clear vocals. Users can tweak ANC and EQ setting from the Skullcandy app for a tailored listening experience.
Bluetooth and Codecs:
Skullcandy Crusher ANC features Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity and also has an old school audio jack. For codecs, the headphone has SBC and aptX HD.
Jabra Elite 85h – Best Looking iPhone Noise Cancellation Headphones
There are no discrepancies in the premium headphone segment when it comes to traditional headphone design with a mundane color and looks. But if you are looking for premium ANC Bluetooth headphones that do have a modern design, premium built quality with luxury materials, and a robust feature set, the Jabra Elite 85H is one of the best viable options out there for premium ANC Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone. The Elite 85H is the perfect companion for air travel with its exceptional ANC capabilities, and these headphones come bundled with a carrying case, audio cable, USB-C cable, and a flight adaptor when you cant use your Apple Music when there is no option left other than watching a movie on the plane screen.
Build Quality and Comfort:
The Elite 85H has a premium build quality with textured earcup housing and premium quality headband. The plush headband and earcups offer excellent comfort and cushion for long listening hours. The earpads offer excellent sound isolation, which is much needed for ANC headphones.
Features:
The Jabra Elite 85H features Smart Active Noise Cancellation, which detects ambient noises and auto selects ANC settings. The headphone comes equipped with eight microphones, which enhance the ANC quality and call clarity. With thirty-six hours of battery life and USB-C fast charging, you can rest assured you won’t run out of juice. It also has water resistance.
Sound Quality:
The Elite 85H has premium sound quality with Jabra’s in house signature tuning and acoustics. The ANC and EQ settings can be tweaked from the Jabra app.
Bluetooth and Codecs:
The headphone comes with Bluetooth 5.0 and A2DP for connectivity. For code support, the Elite 85H supports AAC and SBC, which are ideal for iPhone users to have excellent audio quality through Bluetooth connection.
Master And Dynamic MW65 – Best Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones for Audiophiles
The Master and Dynamic MW65 is one of the most premium Bluetooth Headphones money can buy. The MW65 uses the most premium materials for housing and headband. The leather headband and lightweight anodized aluminum give it a sturdy build and premium touch and feel. Although the headband and earcup cushion ratio may seem off, the leather headband with the combination of plush earcups offers good comfort for extended hours. The Master And Dynamic MW65 also comes with Flight Adapter and a USB Wireless Dongle, a carrying case audio cable, and a USB-C TOUSB-C cable for the ANC headphones.
Build Quality and Comfort:
The MW65 comes with premium quality materials like leather and lightweight anodized aluminum. Although the casing uses lightweight aluminum, they are still a bit heavier than the other plastic build counterparts. But, it makes up with its plush replaceable earpads, which offer excellent comfort and sound isolation.
Features:
The headphone features Dual Mode Active Noise Cancellation for music as well and calls clarity. The headphone offers twenty-four hours of battery life with USB-C charging. The built-in media controls are easy to identify and use.
Sound Quality:
With custom 40mm Beryllium drivers, the MW65 produces exceptional sound quality and clarity. The ANC and EQ settings can be tweaked with the companion app for customizing your preferences.
Bluetooth and Codecs:
The Master and Dynamic come equipped with Bluetooth 4.2 for connectivity. For codec, the MW65 comes with aptX and AAC support for iPhone users.
Philips PH805 ANC – Cheapest Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Philips has a great line up of home audio speakers and solution. But when it comes to headphones and earphones, Philips has been an underdog, but with the Philips PH805 ANC, the company has made felt its presence in the ANC Bluetooth Headphone market. The Philips PH805 ANC fits perfectly in between more premium headphones and budget headphones. These headphones deliver good performance when it comes to ANC performance and also deliver good sound quality for music and call clarity.
Build Quality and Comfort:
The Philips PH805 ANC Bluetooth headphones have the decent build quality, with a sturdy headband and plush head cushioning and earpads. The earcups are tilted slightly inwards for a better fit on the ear.
Features:
The PH805 ANC features Active Noise Cancellation with echo cancellation, Voice Assistant, and touch media controls. The headphones have a battery juice of up to thirty hours.
Sound Quality:
The PH805 ANC comes packed with 40mm Neodymium drivers, which deliver strong bass and supports Hi-Res Audio.
Bluetooth and Codec:
For connectivity, the headphone comes with Bluetooth 5.0 The headphones have SBC for codec support.
Bose NC700 – Top Noise Cancelling Headphones with Smart Features
There is no introduction when it comes to popularity, quality, and premium quality headphones from Bose. And the Bose NC700 is currently the flagship offering from the company. The Bose NC700 ticks all the boxes for the most premium as well as feature-rich feature set with its Active Noise Cancellation technology, minimalistic design, and crisp and clear vocals. One downside to the sleek design is that the headphones offer only twenty hours of playback time, which is less than what other competitors offer in the same or lower price range.
Build Quality and Comfort:
The Bose NC700 has a premium build quality with a lightweight steel band and good cushioning support. The earcups are tilted for comfort for long listening sessions.
Features:
The Bose NC700 features eleven levels of Active Noise Cancellation, which adapt to the ambient noise. The headphones have touch controls and a battery life of up to 20 hours with USB-C charging. The headphones also feature Alexa voice calling, which can make calls to other Bose NC700 users.
Sound Quality:
The NC700 has the signature Bose sound stage with crisp and clear vocals and good bass and treble. Call clarity is also good with the ANC technology and microphones.
Bluetooth and Codecs:
The NC700 comes with Bluetooth 5.0 technology. For the codecs support, the headphone supports ABC and AAC for iPhone users.
Sennheiser PC 550-II – Premium Affordable Adaptive Noise Cancellation Headphones
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II embodies the Sennheiser company featuring all of their best technologies and the signature Sennheiser sound stage, minimalistic design for which they are critically acclaimed and praised for. The Sennheiser PXC 550-II also comes with a carrying case and a Flight adaptor for those who may want Sennheiser PXC 550-II for their go-to pick for traveling in an airplane with ANC features a must.
Build Quality:
The headphones have the good build quality, with a sturdy headband and plush headband, and earpad cushioning. It has a minimalistic design and black on a black color scheme.
Features: The Sennheiser PXC 550-II features Adaptive Noise Cancellation technology, which adapts to the ambient noises. For media controls, the earcup houses touch media controls. The headset offers thirty hours of playback time on a single charge with Micro USB charging. The earcups also have an auto on/off feature and pause functionality with Smart Pause.
Sound Quality:
The Sennheiser offers superior sound quality and delivers Sennheiser legendary sound quality with clear and crisp vocals, instruments, and treble as well as bass. The ANC and EQ settings can be changed through the companion app for iPhone users.
Bluetooth and Codecs:
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II comes with Bluetooth 4.2 technology and NFC pairing. For Codecs, the headphones support aptX, aptX Low Latency, and AAC codec for iPhone users.
Treblab Z2 – Best ANC Fitness Headphones for iPhone
The Treblab Z2 is the first budget option for ANC Bluetooth Headphones on this list. And if you are looking out for an ANC Bluetooth Headphone for the gym, cutting out all the “gym” noises, the Treblab Z2 is the perfect ANC Bluetooth Headphone for you on a budget. The lightweight headphones won’t take a toll on your comfort, and they are also IPX4 water and sweat resistant. They also feature Codec support that even more premium headphones on this list that don’t come with and has USB-C charging.
Build Quality and Comfort:
The Treblab Z2 has good plastic build quality for the price range, and the lightweight combined with a plush headband and earpad cushioning, they are perfect for workouts and at the gym.
Features:
The Bluetooth headphones feature Active Noise Cancellation, physical media controls, and thirty-five hours of playback time with USB-C charging. The headphone is IPX4 water and sweat certified.
Sound Quality:
The Treblab Z2 offers punchy bass and clear vocals for sound quality. The ANC kicks in according to the ambient surroundings. Overall, the sound delivery and ANC are adequate for gym use.
Bluetooth and Codec:
The headphone features Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX support. The built-in microphone has cVc 6.0 technology for clear voice clarity.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 – Best Affordable Noise Cancelling iPhone Headset
Aker makes some of the best mobile accessories and power banks and strives to build quality and bang for buck features. The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 follows the same path of striving to offer excellent Bluetooth Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation to the masses in a budget yet good quality package.
Build Quality:
For a budget Bluetooth Headphone with ANC, the Life Q30 has a good build quality and has a plush headband and earpads for comfort.
Features:
The Life Q30 features three levels of Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode. They also have hybrid ANC. The Life Q30 headphones have a battery life of up to sixty hours without ANC and feature charging over USB-C. It also has a multi-device pairing feature.
Sound Quality:
The Life Q30 has good sound quality output with 40mm drivers that deliver crisp vocals and outputs good bass.
Bluetooth and Codecs:
The headphones have Bluetooth 5.0 with Hi-Res Audio support. For Codecs, the headphone supports SBC and AAC for iPhone users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the best noise cancelling headphones for iPhone worth buying?
For any audiophile who places music quality above everything else, getting a pair of noise cancellation headphones is a no-brainer. Whether you are looking to get ANC headphones for iPhone to stay completely in the zone during your morning workout, need the peace and quiet it offers for a good night’s sleep, or want to enjoy the true tones and deep bass of the music tracks, getting a noise cancelling headset for iPhone is worth buying.
Which are the cheapest ANC headphones for iPhone?
If you ever wanted to get the premium active noise cancellation experience on a budget, there’s no way to enjoy it better than the TaoTronics Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation Headphones for iPhone. Reducing ambient noise up to 30dB for a truly immersive experience, the 40mm dynamic audio drivers deliver a surreal audio experience, paired with Bluetooth 5.0 technology to unlock the limit of lossless connectivity.
Are noise cancellation earbuds for iPhone better than ANC headphones?
While dedicated earbuds for iPhone such as the AirPods Pro do offer active noise cancellation, the feature is fairly limited. Rather than removing noise entirely, they tend to reduce it, whereas larger over the ear headphones tend to fare better when cancelling out even ambient noise in the background. Depending on whether you value the portability of earbuds, or the dedicated ANC feature of the best noise cancelling headphones for iPhone, the choice is a fairly personal one to make at the end.
Final Words
There is no denying the fact that the iPhone has an aura around it that seems to attract most premium users, and those are the same people willing to go the extra mile for an audio experience like no other. Combining the ability of the iPhone to stream music seamlessly, with the powerhouse listening devices with active noise cancellation, is a recipe for wonders. While Apple has introduced the AirPods Pro with active noise cancellation, it does not step up to the plate when compared with some of the best noise cancelling headphones for iPhone we have mentioned in the list above.
If you are using a pair of noise cancellation headphones for iPhone that we have not listed here, but certainly deserve an honorary mention, do let us know in the comments section.
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