8 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones in Australia | Best of Tech 2023

If you want to avoid all the noise and improve your listening experience, noise-cancelling headphones are the way to go. Despite being more expensive than regular headphones, noise-cancelling headphones use active noise cancellation (ANC) technology to reduce or block out ambient sound and general background noise. This makes it ideal for both students and employees working in open-plan workplaces as it not only allows you to immerse yourself in your music but also helps you concentrate better in noisy environments. The best noise-cancelling headphones allow people to enjoy their preferred music, movies, and tasks in complete silence. With an extensive variety of noise cancelling headphones, which then is the best noise cancelling headphones in Australia? In our Best of Tech series, we introduce the 8 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones in Australia, providing quality recommendations based on your lifestyle and budget needs.

This post was last updated on 05 January 2023.

8 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones in Australia

1. Sony WH-1000XM4

Premium sound quality with Dual Noise Sensor technology

Sony WH-1000XM4 are the best headphones to buy if you have the money and want a premium pair of headphones for modern life. The newest noise-cancelling headphones from Sony feature various upgrades that set them apart from other ANC models. They include two microphones on each ear cup that pick up sound and cancel it out, making them some of the best noise cancelling headphones on the market in terms of sound quality. What we love about these noise-cancelling headphones is that they feature an effective ambient noise sensor and can automatically adjust how much ambient noise to let in based on your location. Moreover, it has on-ear controls and offers a battery life of up to 30 hours when the noise cancelling is turned on. Their updated design relieves pressure for all-day comfort, and they can be paired with multiple devices at the same time.

Why buy this: 

• Industry-leading noise canceling headphones with Dual Noise Sensor technology
• Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (10 min charge for 5 hours of playback)
• Speak-to-chat technology automatically reduces volume during conversations
• Superior call quality with precise voice pickup
• Seamless multiple-device pairing
• Adaptive Sound Control provides a personalized listening experience

2. Sennheiser HD 450SE

Cost-effective and superior quality

The Sennheiser brand is synonymous with exceptional audio quality and cost-effective indulgence when it comes to sound. However, this does not mean you must break your pocket to get a pair of headphones. Sennheiser HD 450SE wireless headphones are reasonably priced and feature a comfortable and high-quality design, ANC (active noise canceling), NFC for simple pairing, and long battery life. Additionally, they have a closed back and over-ear design that folds into a tidy bundle for convenient storage. These make them perfect for commuting and traveling in general. The HD 450SE also has a 2.5mm jack for a wired connection, which is helpful if you run out of power or need to connect your headphones to an in-flight entertainment system. They can be fully charged in around two hours using USB-C power charging.

Why buy this:

• Active noise cancellation for uninterrupted listening pleasure
• Superior wireless sound with deep dynamic bass and high-quality codec support including AAC, AptX Low Latency
• 30-hour-battery life with USB-C fast charging
• Intuitive controls
• Bluetooth 5.0 technology for effortlessly reliable connectivity

3. Srhythm NC25

Cancels up to 90% of noise

Cancel the noise with the Srhythm NC25’s amazing ANC, which silences 90% of stable low-frequency background noise. It features a built-in 1000mAh battery that prevents your headphones from turning off, allowing you to listen to your favorite music for up to 50 hours on a single charge. The NC25’s super comfortable ear pads and swiveling ear-cups make it ideal for long sessions. Furthermore, it has a dual 40 mm driver and HD high-resolution sound quality that is quite impressive. It’s also lightweight and folds up small for easy storage while traveling.

Why buy this: 

• Digital Active Noise Cancelling Technology (ANC) silences up to 90% of machine noise
• Provides high-resolution audio in silence
• Long-lasting battery with built-in 1000mAh battery
• Up to 50 hours of playtime
• Foldable, lightweight, and ergonomic design
• Features low latency gaming mode

4. Bose QuietComfort 45

Exceptionally comfortable and suitable for all-day wear

Bose QuietComfort 45 beats out most of the competition for the price if you want a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that you can wear, activate noise-cancelling on your commute or at your desk, and shut out the outside world for up to 24 hours. You can choose from two ANC modes available: Quiet for traditional noise cancellation and Aware for ambient listening. The headphones are Bluetooth 5.1 compatible, with AAC and SBC codec support, and the Bose Music app for Android and iOS allows for simple pairing. Moreover, they are both luxurious and durable thanks to their impact-resistant nylon and plush synthetic leather material, including their minimal clamping force design. Aside from that, they’re easy to use and incredibly comfortable to wear for a long period of time.

Why buy this:

• Exceptionally comfortable and suitable for all-day wear
• High-fidelity audio 
• Two modes are available: Quiet and Aware Mode
• Up to 24 hours of battery life 
• Quick 15-minute charge offers 3 hours of playtime

5. JBL Live 460NC

Packed with smart features

JBL Live 460NC headphones offer unlimited listening with the renowned JBL Signature Sound and a comfortable ergonomic design for an all-day listening experience. Their Adaptive Noise Cancelling feature works together with the Smart Ambient feature, allowing you to be aware of your surroundings while listening to music. Meanwhile, TalkThru amplifies speech so you can easily take calls without taking off your headphones. Furthermore, the padded headband and pillow-soft earcups make the headphones lightweight and comfortable. You can also enjoy up to 50 hours of playtime with ANC turned off, 40 hours with ANC turned on, and 4 hours of charge in 10 minutes. Besides that, the convenient audio cable allows you to keep listening to music even when the battery runs out.

Why buy this: 

• Features JBL Signature Sound with Adaptive Noise Cancelling 
• Ambient Aware technology increases ambient sounds
• Automatically pause and play when you take your headphones off and on
• Up to 50 hours of battery life
• Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice assistant functionality

6. Anker Soundcore Life Q20

Perfect for travel

If you’re searching for a reliable entry-level pair of active noise cancelling headphones, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 ANC is an excellent choice. This pair of headphones has a hybrid active noise cancelling system that can detect and block out a wider range of low and mid-frequency noises, including those made by engines on cars and planes. They are also lightweight and extremely comfortable thanks to their plastic construction and ultra-plush leatherette ear cups and headband. The memory foam earcups mold gently around your ears, while the rotating joints of the headband automatically adjust the angle of the earcups to fit the shape of your head. If you travel a lot, you’ll appreciate the headphones’ rotatable ear cups and capability to fold up for storage and transport.

Why buy this:

• Custom oversized 40 mm dynamic drivers produce high-resolution audio
• Reduces ambient noises by up to 90%
• 100% stronger bass
• Up to 30 hours of non-stop playtime in wireless ANC mode
• Universal comfort

7. Lankey Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones

Works well in both wired and wireless mode

Whether you’re in a noisy street, a crowded subway or bus, or a plane cabin with a roaring engine, the Lankey Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones allow you to immerse yourself in the music world without noise. The Active Noise Cancelling technology reduces everyday sounds by up to 95%, and the noise reduction depth reaches 30db, leaving you focused and uninterrupted. These headphones work well in both wired and wireless modes, so you can use them as wired headphones when the battery dies. Furthermore, they include Bluetooth 5.0 technology, which guarantees a quicker and more stable connection with your Bluetooth devices, including wider compatibility with only 3 seconds to connect. You’ll also appreciate the super soft, pressure-relieving earpads, which evenly distribute pressure and increase ear pad contact for a secure fit. Besides this, the soft memory foam and extended earpads keep you comfortable all day.

Why buy this:

• Immersive virtual surround sound
• Up to 50 hours of playtime and 2 hours of quick charging time
• Engineered with CVC 8.0 noise-canceling microphone and Bluetooth 5.0 technology
• Comfortable and ergonomic design
• Lightweight and foldable

8. SoundPEATS A6

Highly durable and foldable for easy transport

SoundPEATS A6 Bluetooth headphones effectively reduce more than 90% noise with the Hybrid ANC Technology. These headphones have a 40 mm dynamic driver built in, which provides clear stereo sound and strong bass. Additionally, Bluetooth 5.0 technology assures low power consumption and more stable connectivity. If you’re in a rush, you’ll find it convenient that the headphone’s USB-C charging technology guarantees 5 minutes of charging for 4 hours of playback and fully charges in 45 minutes for 38 hours of playtime. The wireless headphones with 90° rotating ear cups are suitable for all-day use and can be folded into a compact size for easy transport. The memory foam earmuffs can also completely cover your ears to reduce pressure on them.

Why buy this:

• Reduces more than 90% noise effectively with the hybrid ANC technology
• Crystal-clear sound and deep bass
• Fast-charging with USB-C technology 
• Durable and foldable
• Ergonomic design and superior fit

We hope that our guide on the 8 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones in Australia has helped you to choose the best noise-cancelling headphones in Australia. Please share this with your family and friends if you have found it useful.

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