Cut out the noise

As city sounds escalate from a pleasant hum-drum to the unbearable, our top headphone picks might just give your eardrums the reprieve it deserves

Listening to music on a pair of quality headphones can be a deeply personal and satisfying experience. This experience is doubly true for a pair of headphones that can do Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The joy of tuning out the surrounding noise and focusing on a piece of music, a podcast or even a conversation with a friend feels like magic.

One of the main uses of these headphones has been against an aeroplane’s high powered engine noise during air travel endure

Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N aims to strike the perfect balance between affordability and performance, bringing some premium features to a budget-oriented audience. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the Sony XM5, it still packs a robust feature list, making it a strong contender in its price range.

One of the standout features is its impressive 50-hour battery life, which ensures you can enjoy your music for days without recharging. When active noise cancellation (ANC) is enabled, you still get a respectable 35 hours of playback. While not as advanced as in higher-end models, the ANC itself is effective enough to reduce background noise.

The WH-CH720N also supports SBC and AAC codecs, offering solid sound quality across different devices. Weighing in at just 192 grams, these headphones are exceptionally lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for long listening sessions. However, they don’t fold, making them inconvenient. Despite this they deliver an impressive blend of features and performance, making it great value for it price.

Rs 9,000

BoAt Nirvana 751

BoAt has been making a splash in the Indian audio market with its affordable yet dependable products, and the NIRVANA 751ANC over-ear headphones are a prime example of this. Priced under R5000, these headphones stand out by offering Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a feature rarely found in this price range.

A major highlight of the NIRVANA 751ANC is its remarkable 65-hour battery life, ensuring you can enjoy your music for days without worrying about recharging. Even with ANC activated, you can still get up to 54 hours of playback, making them perfect for long trips. Plus, the fast charging capability means that just 10 minutes of charging can give you an extra 10 hours of listening time.

These headphones offer wireless and wired connectivity, thanks to Bluetooth 5.0 and an included AUX cable, giving you flexibility depending on your preference. The 40mm drivers deliver a sound that leans towards the bass-heavy side, which some might find enjoyable for music genres that thrive on deeper lows. However, the call quality could be better, but considering the price, the overall sound quality is quite satisfactory.

The build quality reflects the budget-friendly price tag, feeling a bit less premium compared to other headphones on the list. However, for those seeking affordable ANC headphones with decent performance, the NIRVANA 751ANC is a solid choice.

Rs 3,499

JBL Tune 760NC

The JBL Tune 760NC wireless headphones are another compelling option for anyone seeking quality sound and effective noise cancellation without breaking the bank. As part of JBL’s well-respected lineup, these over-ear headphones deliver a listening experience that aligns closely with the popular Harman sound curve, making them a crowd-pleaser for both casual listeners and more discerning audiophiles.

What stands out about the Tune 760NC is its impressive battery life with up to 50 hours of playback time with ANC off, and 35 hours with ANC on. A quick 5-minute charge can give you an extra 2 hours of listening time — perfect for when you’re in a hurry.

Comfort-wise, the synthetic leather earpads and lightweight design make them easy to wear for extended periods. The plastic build might not scream luxury, but it’s practical, contributing to the headphones’ light weight and portability.

Sonically, the Tune 760NC offers a balanced sound profile with a slight emphasis on bass. It also offers surprising clarity that’s often missing in budget-friendly wireless headphones. Overall, the JBL Tune 760NC offers a strong performance, making it a solid choice.

Rs 4,499

Anker Soundcore Q30

The Anker Soundcore Q30 stands out by offering a remarkable combination of sound quality, active noise cancellation, and battery life. The Soundcore has been around for a few years now and there are a few more options from this company. However, the Life Q30 has gained a reputation for delivering exceptional value.

One of the most impressive features of the Life Q30 is its battery life. With up to 40 hours of playback time with ANC on and a staggering 60 hours with ANC off, these headphones are built to last through even the longest listening sessions. Plus, they support fast charging, providing four hours of playback with just a 5-minute charge.

The Life Q30’s design prioritizes comfort, with lightweight materials and soft ear cups that make them suitable for extended wear. Despite the plastic construction, which is typical at this price point, the build quality feels durable and well-made. When it comes to sound, the Life Q30 offers a balanced audio profile with a slight emphasis on bass, making it ideal for bass lovers. While they may not satisfy audiophiles, the sound quality is more than adequate.

Active noise cancellation is another highlight, effectively reducing ambient noise in various environments, whether you’re on a busy street or a noisy aeroplane. The headphones also feature a transparency mode, easily activated by holding your palm over the right ear cup, which allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. Overall, the Soundcore Q30 offers an outstanding mix of features and performance at an unbeatable price.

Rs 7,999

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