Active noise cancelling (ANC) uses tiny microphones to listen to the sound around you, then plays an opposite sound to cancel it out. It works best on steady, low-pitched noise such as engines, air conditioning and the hum of a train.
What it doesn't do: it is much weaker against sudden or high-pitched sounds such as voices, a dog barking or a door slamming. That is why headphones with good padding and a snug fit still matter, as this physical blocking is called passive isolation.
| Worth it? | |
|---|---|
| Daily commute (train, bus, tube) | Yes |
| Flights | Yes |
| Open-plan office or noisy home | Yes |
| Quiet home listening | Not usually |
| Running outdoors | Often not, as you may want to hear traffic |
Trade-offs: ANC models usually cost more and use some battery to run the noise cancelling. A few people find ANC gives a slight feeling of pressure in the ears. If you can, check the return policy, then try it yourself.
We picked well-reviewed ANC options on Amazon UK, plus one pair without ANC. We haven't tested them ourselves. This comparison is based on the Amazon listings and customer ratings, so check the latest price and details before you buy.
1. Over-ear ANC: Soundcore Q20i
Hybrid noise cancelling at around £30, with a 4.6 rating from more than 75,000 buyers.
Check Price on Amazon2. Over-ear ANC, Sony: WH-CH720N
Sony's noise-cancelling over-ear headphones, with a 4.5 rating from more than 16,000 buyers. Costs roughly double the Soundcore.
Check Price on Amazon3. Earbuds with ANC: Soundcore P30i
Adaptive noise cancelling earbuds with a 4.4 rating from more than 20,000 buyers.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Soundcore Anker P40i — £34 (4.4★, 17,701 reviews)
4. No ANC: Sony WH-CH520
If you listen mostly in quiet places, these have no noise cancelling and a 4.6 rating from more than 46,000 buyers.
Check Price on Amazon