Noise Cancelling Headphones/Earbuds

[Mr Pointy]

I have a pair of Bose QC25 noise cancelling over-ear headphones & while they have been good I'm fed up with the cable & want a wireless set now. Lot of people seem to use in-ear buds like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or the Sony WF-1000XM5/6 but how does the noise cancellation compare with an over-ear versions like the Bose QC Ultra or the Sony WH-1000XM5/6 version?

It seems as if the over-ear type would block noise better as they are covering the ear but is this actually the case?

[shtu]

If you otherwise like the QC25s, you can get bluetooth adapters, eg,

https://www.amazon.com/YOCOWOCO-Upgraded-Wireless-...

You can probably find them cheaper that that.

[GetCarter]

Over ear will always be better at noise cancelling.

[AC43]

GetCarter said:

Over ear will always be better at noise cancelling.

If you can get a good seal with earbuds they're pretty awesome. In the past I've used aftermarket tips but the ones that ship with Samsung Galaxy Pro 2s fit my ear pefectly.

I have Sennheiser over ears with nc but haven't used them for years as the buds are so good at it.

[numtumfutunch]

If you're using them to grab some zzzz's on a plane over ear are less likely to fall out and disappear under the seats around you

I have both, over ear good for the gym or holiday when I am carrying other stuff, buds are good for walking around or listening to stuff on the train when you're travelling light as they with their case are a lot less bulky. Obvs

The noise cancelling on over ear is a lot better

Cheers

[craigjm]

Mr Pointy said:

I have a pair of Bose QC25 noise cancelling over-ear headphones & while they have been good I'm fed up with the cable & want a wireless set now. Lot of people seem to use in-ear buds like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or the Sony WF-1000XM5/6 but how does the noise cancellation compare with an over-ear versions like the Bose QC Ultra or the Sony WH-1000XM5/6 version?

It seems as if the over-ear type would block noise better as they are covering the ear but is this actually the case?

you will get a slightly better effect because they are covering the ears. I have a set of QC Ultra and they annoy me because in some conditions they are amazing but in others like on the tube the other day they were utter st. I remember trying the Sony equivalent at the time and didnt think they were great. On my old wired bose quiet comfort in ears I had bespoke tips and that was great but stuff like that doesnt really work these days with them charging in cases because you are forever taking the tips off so would just lose them.

[mmm-five]

I use Airpods Pro 2 when I'm travelling light or just listening to music, but QC35s when I'm on the plane as they're more comfortable for longer periods and are better at hiding the engine drone.

Never tried the Sony equivalent of the QC35s, but I've heard the sound quality was better (i.e. treble not as muffled when listening to music), and the newer models of both have improved signficantly.

Edited by mmm-five on Monday 2nd March 19:34

[OverHonda]

I went for a previous version of the Sennheiser Momentum over-the-ear wireless. Mine were '2's, think they are up to version 4 now.
https://uk.sennheiser-hearing.com/collections/wire...

Mine could be used via bluetooth, but I end up using them wired most of the time!

Preferred them to a set of Bose I tried.

[eein]

I have the latest Sony ear buds and over ear noise cancellers and use both regularly during air travel. The noise cancellation is no contest, even though buds have got better, the over ear is leagues better. On flights I have switched between them for hours at a time when watching movies, listening to music, gaming and with nothing playing for pure noise suppression.

However over ear are big and bulky, my ears get warm after a few hours and they are not great for sleeping. I mostly use the buds when walking about airports because you can hear more going on around you without having to change the mode.

Although for sleeping on planes I use putty style ear plugs and then eye patches with built in speakers that cost £20 - this combination is the best for cutting noise while still being able to side sleep on my head.

[gregs656]

Echoing the previous comments somewhat but I have stopped using my over ear Sonys for travel and switched to ear buds.

The noise cancelling on ear buds is not as good, but they are so much easier to travel with and I find them more comfortable for long periods.

I use the ear buds everywhere else and quite often switch the ANC off, it is very good even if it's not up to the standards of over ears.

[sideways sid]

I've had various Bose and others over the years.

Couldn't get on with the Sony XM4/5 buds and found the Panasonic product much better in terms of noise cancelling.

If you're happy to move away from big brands, I tried some UGreen Max5c wireless noise-cancelling Over-Ears a while back and bought some immediately. Excellent sound quality and noise-cancelling, and comfortable enough to leave on for a few hours. The battery seems to last forever too. And they were £19 on Amazon. They have no obvious branding. Really impressed with them, but especially given the price.

I'll be away tomorrow for a few days with 2x3.5 hour flights and will only take these and leave the buds at my desk.

[ADJimbo]

+1 for the UGreen Hybrid Active as well. I’ve been really impressed with them for such a price-point.

That said, I am fast becoming a convert to the UGreen brand. From a simple charging lead to other IT stuff, I have yet to be disappointed with the quality of any product I’ve purchased.

[Shaoxter]

Airpods Pro 3, you'll never bother with the bulky over ear headphones again.
And this is coming from an Android user and certified Apple hater.

[Leicester Loyal]

mmm-five said:

I use Airpods Pro 2 when I'm travelling light or just listening to music, but QC35s when I'm on the plane as they're more comfortable for longer periods and are better at hiding the engine drone.

Never tried the Sony equivalent of the QC35s, but I've heard the sound quality was better (i.e. treble not as muffled when listening to music), and the newer models of both have improved signficantly.

Edited by mmm-five on Monday 2nd March 19:34

Pretty much this for me.

Had my QC35 ii for about 8 years now and still going strong, been on countless holidays, used at work, used on the gaming pc etc.

The Sony equivalent are slightly better, my missus has them. They also have a built in mic whereas the QC35 ii don't (newer models might have though?)

All depends what you're using them for for me, if it's aeroplane then overear. If it's gym and sitting around the house listening to podcasts, then Airpod Pro 2s.

[RizzoTheRat]

If your happy with your QC25s then definitely take a look at Bose's newer models. I've had a pair of QC35ii's for years and they're great. I liked them so much I got my Mrs a pair as well, and I got a pair of QC25's for the office. I used to use sound isolating earbuds but I found the over hear headphones a lot more comfortable for wearing for a long time.

[Mr Pointy]

Thanks everyone, that's all been very helpful. I do use them mainly on long flights so I'm going to try that Bluetooth adapter linked to above on my QC25s & then get a non-NC (ie cheaper) set of buds to use for occasional calls in the office.

[RizzoTheRat]

Leicester Loyal said:

The Sony equivalent are slightly better, my missus has them. They also have a built in mic whereas the QC35 ii don't (newer models might have though?)

Are you sure yours are QC35ii? I quite often use mine for phone calls, although they do seem to pick up a bit more background noise than my SoundPeats earbuds

[Leicester Loyal]

RizzoTheRat said:

Leicester Loyal said:

The Sony equivalent are slightly better, my missus has them. They also have a built in mic whereas the QC35 ii don't (newer models might have though?)

Are you sure yours are QC35ii? I quite often use mine for phone calls, although they do seem to pick up a bit more background noise than my SoundPeats earbuds

Yeah definitely QC35ii, maybe it has a mic but wasn't very good, I haven't tried it for years but it can't have been good or I'd have used that rather than the Playstation standard ones I use on the gaming pc.

Just googled and yeah they have a mic, so apologies I was wrong in the OP.

Purchased in beginning of 2018, still going strong now. Only thing I replaced were the cushions on the ears after about 4/5 years.

[gregs656]

Mr Pointy said:

Thanks everyone, that's all been very helpful. I do use them mainly on long flights so I'm going to try that Bluetooth adapter linked to above on my QC25s & then get a non-NC (ie cheaper) set of buds to use for occasional calls in the office.

I would get ANC buds - you might be surprised how much use you get out of them.

[jj.]

Mr Pointy said:

Thanks everyone, that's all been very helpful. I do use them mainly on long flights so I'm going to try that Bluetooth adapter linked to above on my QC25s & then get a non-NC (ie cheaper) set of buds to use for occasional calls in the office.

I use a Bluetooth adapter with my QC15's, mainly for flights, connects perfectly and works happily without charge for at least 4 films + some music (as tested earlier in the year on a flight). Think it cost me £20 from Amazon. I was happy with my QC15's didn't really see a reason to change (especially based on the cost for new Bose).
jj