Your musical freedom: TOP wireless headphones with active noise cancellation

The Sony logo on the equipment is a business card of a quality product that you can buy without fear. Sony MDR-ZX770BN headphones are no exception.

The model is available in two colours: black and blue. It looks restrained, without frills. It sits on the head tightly and securely. The steel slider in the headband makes it easy to adjust the position of the bowls, which, by the way, are also swivel.

The model turned out to be universal. This is both a headset for telephone conversations and wireless headphones with good sound over the entire frequency range of 8 – 22000 Hz. However, using them right out of the box, you start to doubt about the sound. But this is only because the aptX codec is disabled by default. It is not easy to turn it on, you will have to dance "with a tambourine" for a couple of minutes. But then the sound quality improves noticeably, unless, of course, your smartphone or laptop supports the aptX standard.

Taking care of its users, Sony has not ignored the numerous owners of Apple devices who listen to music on iTunes. The headphones support AAC format.

In addition to the wireless connection, the MDR-ZX770BN can also be listened to via cable. Here it is removable, 1.2 m long, and comes complete. It is better to take it with you in case the battery runs out. And this will happen after 10 – 13 hours of listening with ANC turned on. Charging, on average, will take 2 hours.

As for the "shumodava", he is, to put it mildly, weak. Removes ambient sounds by only 30 – 40%. For example, a loud conversation is heard clearly up close, although strangled, and the monotonous hum does not disappear, but it seems more smoothed out. Noise reduction can be forcibly disabled, but every time you restart the headphones, it will turn on automatically again.

All the openings and regulators are located on the lower rims of the bowls, and when you get used to what is located where, you orient yourself quickly in the management. What do we have "on board"? Buttons: switching on, switching modes "talk-pause-rewind", noise reduction; status indicator, volume control up to 100 dB, microUSB connectors for charging and mini-Jack for audio cable. There is even a RESET in case the wireless connection freezes completely.

In addition to Bluetooth, the model supports NFC, as indicated by the corresponding icon on the outside of the bowls. To ensure that the headphones serve properly, do not get dusty and do not lose their aesthetic appearance for a long time, a soft case on a drawstring is provided with them.

With all the advantages and disadvantages of Sony MDR-ZX770BN, they can be called very good in terms of the balance of sound quality, ergonomics and price (about 250 USD). But for those who expect really good noise reduction from headphones, and not for show, it's better to find another model.

The German musical grandee never ceases to delight fans with cool new products. Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones are a qualitatively new level of wireless sound.

Usually, if in the case of wireless headphones, out of three components: good sound, affordable price and noise reduction, you can choose only two, then with the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC the situation is somewhat different.

Firstly, the model is cheaper than many of its closest competitors, by about 30 – 40 USD. Secondly, it has a very good NoiseGard active noise reduction system, which almost completely cuts off a quiet monotonous hum, and cuts off all loud sounds above 60 dB. That is, you will not hear the hum of a working laptop in them, and a sharp loud car signal will be heard twice as quiet as it actually is.

Well, and thirdly. The sound of these headphones is very good. The scene is legible, detailed, the high ones do not cut the ear, the basses do not mumble, clogging everything with themselves, and the middle is read throughout the range. To some, the bass may not seem enough, but it's a matter of taste. The frequency balance of the model is definitely on top. The Germans did not fail with the microphone either. He is omnidirectional, so he almost does not catch his breath when talking.

You can connect headphones via Bluetooth, NFC and via cable. The quality of wireless sound is provided by the aptX codec. Listening to music traditionally by wire, headphones can be turned on so that the sound goes through the DAC and NoiseGard works, then even more power and clarity is added.

The model was also pleased with its battery life. The stated 19 hours of continuous operation in Bluetooth and NoiseGard mode are most likely true. We didn't mark the time specifically, but we calmly used the headphones for almost a week until they sat down.

In addition to the technical component, the manufacturer has not forgotten about ergonomics. Despite the fact that the model is made entirely of plastic, it is reliable and durable. The design is foldable, the headband is adjustable and easily curled, the ear pads are soft, pleasant to the touch. The only drawback that we saw in the entire assembly is the control buttons. They really look too cheap against the general background.

The model is equipped with a compact, convenient case with a zipper, so that it will always be protected on the road.

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC is a "masthave" for music lovers leading an active lifestyle.

Bose QuietComfort 25 headphones are an improved continuation of the model that has become a cult among music lovers Bose QuietComfort 15 , so we did not dare to ignore it, even though our "old man" is traditional and does not support wireless connection.

The model, first of all, is valuable with an excellent active noise reduction system. On the plane, train, bus, during long trips, wearing these headphones, you will be able to concentrate on work, and then sleep peacefully. Shumodav cuts all sharp loud sounds, eliminates the hum, monotonous noise by almost 90%. If you put on a QC25 in a flying plane, and then take it off after a few minutes, you immediately want to go back to "silence".

In addition to active noise reduction, the headphones have an Active EQ equalization system, which makes the sound of music of different styles as comfortable as possible.

In order for all this to work, you will need only one AAA battery, which will last for 35 hours. But even when she sits down, the headphones do not disconnect and continue to work from the cable, however, without electronic "improvers". Actually, the included headphones can be used simply to suppress noise, without connecting to a signal source.

As for the sound, compared to QC15, it has improved markedly. The scene has become more detailed and saturated. Active EQ has three modes: "active", "more low" and "classic". They all sound completely different, and it will not be possible to achieve a balanced sound. But everyone will find their own.

Bose has always been good with the build quality, and this model did not disappoint either. Everything is very comfortable, pleasant to the touch, compact, folds, twists, turns. The depth of the bowls is comfortable, nothing presses on the ears. The ear pads are replaceable. Cable too. Since the headphones also serve as a headset, the remote control is located on the cable.

The kit, not counting audio and charging cables, includes a compact case, lined with velour inside, and an adapter for the aircraft. The case is very cute and practical, with an outer pocket where you can put, for example, tickets.

Bose QuietComfort 25 is a great travel option for headphones, but given the lack of Bluetooth and the price of almost 450 USD, buying them, you will have to choose what is more important — perfect silence or wireless sound.

The JBL brand is part of the Harman concern and is a benchmark in the field of portable sound. The Everest Elite 750 NC headphone model belongs to the PRO line and is amazing in everything from appearance to price.

Everest Elite 750 NC is really as good as Everest is high.

Let's start with ergonomics. The headphones are compactly folded, the bowls are rotated, the headband is soft, with convenient adjustment. However, on the head, the design may seem somewhat cumbersome, due to the fact that the bowls seem to consist of two halves: an external plastic and directly ear pads. So, some will have to get used to such "duality".

The adaptive active noise reduction system handles with external sounds by a solid five. She chooses what and how to muffle it. Moreover, the noise clipping level can be forcibly adjusted via the My JBL Headphones mobile app. It is better to turn on Low mode for a quieter environment when you need to hear, for example, conversations of colleagues, and High when stronger filtering is required — in the subway, plane, etc.

As for the sound, the proprietary TrueNote technology solves everything here — a kind of analogue of the calibration of acoustic systems for the features of the room, and in our case, the human ear. Only JBL knows how it works, but the sound is really very comfortable, without distortion, and surprisingly deep. TrueNote is activated by the Smart button located in the same place as all other control buttons — on the edge of the earphone. Somewhere not far from them there is a built-in microphone, protected from the effect of breathing. The interlocutor will hear you quite clearly, even if you run.

It would be surprising if, with such an arsenal, the manufacturer saved on the battery life of the device. The headphones work from one charge for up to 20 hours with the ANC turned off and up to 15 with the ANC turned on. The result is not the best, but not bad either. For example, the same Bose QuietComfort 35 , which consider 750 NC to be the closest competitor, pull the same amount.

According to the configuration, we were pleased with a convenient case, a cable with a remote control and a USB charging cord. Little things, but nice.

JBL Everest Elite 750 NC is a perfectly balanced stereo headset in all respects. Although the price could have been more modest.

Hybrid headphones from Denon AH-GC20 are a status model for those who often spend time on the road.

According to the company itself, the ergonomics of headphones was developed painstakingly experimentally — "the features of the structure of the ears and heads of more than 4,000 people from different countries and cultures were studied in order to understand what everyone needs to enjoy the best sound and comfort." And it is readily believed. The headphones are really very comfortable and practical. The bowls turn and fold compactly. On the headband slider, made of metal alloy, there is a marking so that you can evenly adjust the position of both bowls.

The model has an active noise reduction system, although the passive one itself does a good job. Already only due to dense, soft, enveloping ear pads, sound insulation is very decent. And paired with ANC, noise clipping turns out to be almost perfect. There are practically no conversations in the vicinity, sharp sounds are cut, it becomes much more comfortable to "live" in an airplane, metro. But, in fairness, it is worth noting that in the same almost "exemplary" Bose QuietComfort 35 ANC is still implemented better.

Everything is complicated with sound. It is ambiguous. The headphones sound noticeably better through the cable than via Bluetooth, and even better through the cable with ANC disabled. aptX for wireless connection and AAC codec support they don't save the situation much, but a single device and the quality of the reproduced file are essential. In general, with the AH-GC20, you need to look for your own sound. These headphones will open up to anyone who is ready to experiment.

But you won't have to experiment with the quality of voice transmission via hands free. Thanks to the Clear Voice Capture function, the audibility is almost perfect in a relatively quiet place.

15 hours at 80% volume with noise reduction enabled — this is the result of the model's operation from one full battery charge. With the ANC turned off, the indicator increases to 20 hours.

It would be surprising if Denon left AH-GC20 buyers without a convenient case, audio and charging cable, as well as an adapter for the aircraft. Everything you need for traveling is included. And it's nice.

In general, the Denon AH-GC20 is quite a competitive model in the niche of top—end closed headphones with active noise reduction. Perhaps the only thing that remains unclear for us is why, despite the status of the model and the cost of almost 400 USD, it does not have a voice prompt system.

Trendy B&W PX are the undisputed leaders in the niche of wireless headphones with active noise reduction, as well as the company itself in the production of Hi—Fi class speakers.

The control of the model is completely intuitive, thanks to the built-in sensors. It is enough to put on headphones and turn on. Remove it, and they will return to standby mode. Lift one bowl or hang them around your neck, and the PX will pause, continuing to play music only when you put them back on your head. B&W PX are responsive to your requests.

The wear–resistant nylon on the outer sides of the headband and bowls is designed to increase the practicality of the device, and the elliptical shape of the ear pads provides comfort during prolonged use. By the way, the ear pads are easily removable, as they are mounted on magnetic platforms. The bowls rotate horizontally, but the design itself does not fold, so the case comes with a roomy enough, similar to a bag.

The active noise reduction system is implemented at a high level. It is adaptive and allows you to choose not only 3 noise filtering modes: Office – City – Flight, but also to adjust the volume of the external environment. The most powerful cut—off mode is Flight. When it is turned on, it becomes so quiet that silence at first even begins to "press" on an unprepared ear.

BOWERS & WILKINS are famous for developing and producing speakers themselves. The PX has excellent 40mm reference drivers that provide a very detailed sound stage with excellent frequency balance. And so that all this is not lost when listening via Bluetooth, the model supports AAC and aptX™ HD — the latest technology for wireless streaming of 24-bit audio. Whether it is supported by your phone or tablet is another matter. In general, the RH sounds equally juicy, both through the cable and without it.

Well, for a snack, we add that the model shows the best results in its class in terms of battery life — 22 hours in wireless mode, with the noise reduction system turned on.

But you can charge it only from a USB Type C cable, which has not yet found such wide popularity as microUSB. But through the included cable, you can not only charge the device, but also listen to music and update software. However, a standard 3.5 mini-Jack audio cable is also included.

Despite the considerable price of more than 500 USD, the B&W PX headphones are really worth the money and are practically devoid of any disadvantages. Definitely a "must have".