Are Noise Cancelling Headphones Really Worth It?

m8 on 30/12/2016 - 14:21
Last edited 30/12/2016 - 14:29 by 1 other user

I had a discussion with an ol' mate the other day about noise cancelling headphones.

Recent deal on QC 35 have them at 400 dollarydoos and we talked about whether it was worth it. When do you need or desperately want the outside noise to be omitted. I could only think of flights and perhaps on the train (the old tinny ones at best). Other than that, I can't justify forking out that much for those two environments. I could get a decent frequency response from the HD 201 from Sennheiser from 21Hz-18kHz which I bought just yesterday from Bing Lee for about $24.

Help me out here. Is there another purpose i'm missing out on?

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • urahara on 30/12/2016 - 14:26
    +2

    Totally worth it mate :) While working I just put them on and focus on my work. You've no clue how helpful they are.

    • m8 on 30/12/2016 - 14:29

      Thanks for the response, mate. What type of work environment are you in? Is it noisy? Do you play music through them or you just use it to filter out the noise?

      • urahara on 30/12/2016 - 14:57

        I use them to play, but even putting them on reduces the noise around significantly.
        I only came to know how significant it was once I used them (before that I was somewhere where you are :))

        • urahara on 30/12/2016 - 14:57

          I'll recommend Sony h.ear since they are on discount

    • Diji1 on 30/12/2016 - 18:02
      +6

      Your lack of understanding about simple things is mind boggling. You're recommending open headphones, which have almost no isolation as a design feature, for people that want noise cancelling headphones for noisy environments.

      Idiotic.

      • [Deactivated] on 30/12/2016 - 22:54

        Your lack of understanding about simple things is mind boggling.

        Why? Because I don't agree that noise cancelling headphones are worth it? Read the OP's title again. The only one who is idiotic is the one making personal attacks with no knowledge of headphones. Just another bandwagon keyboard warrior looking for likes.

        As someone who owned the bloody headphones, I think it's fair that I comment.

        • theclearout on 30/12/2016 - 23:13

          Nah, for as long as it's posted…you're a (profanity)

      • alchew on 30/12/2016 - 22:55

        I love this reply it actually made me laugh out loud

        • [Deactivated] on 30/12/2016 - 22:57

          Laugh until the heavens can hear you.

          Here's someone who prefers open air to noise cancelling or closed back headphones.

        • alchew on 31/12/2016 - 01:50

          @fredz: I actually don't have any opinion on the matter I've never owned noise cancelling head phones and don't really care for them all that much, it was just that the way the reply was phrases was rather hysterically comical

      • blimpyboy on 31/12/2016 - 00:11

        I can't be sure, but it seems to me that OP was trying to work out whether paying the money for noise cancelling headphones would be worth it, compared with spending similar money on non-noise-cancelling headphones. And it seems like fredz answered that question.

        And if so, I agree with fredz. I speak from experience: I own a two pairs of Bose noise cancelling headphones, and I don't think they're very good. It's not that they don't cancel noise at all - they do. It's just that for the money they typically cost I could have bought regular over-the-ear headphones without active cancellation, but with much better sound quality.

        Also, I read an article a while back which said that passive noise cancellation (such as foam, in-ear rubber inserts, etc.) are far more effective in cutting down noise than active noise cancellation (where a microphone and audio wave cancellation is used). So for this reason too I'd probably recommend against the Bose QC35s.

    • Baebs on 30/12/2016 - 22:17

      whoosh

      • [Deactivated] on 30/12/2016 - 22:53

        Try reading the OP's post again. There was nothing 'woosh' about my post.

  • cBcBootsy on 30/12/2016 - 15:01
    +2

    try earphones! I'm using this ATM and they work great for the price.

    https://www.pccasegear.com/products/24531?gclid=Cj0KEQiAhZPD…

    • kerodean on 30/12/2016 - 19:15
      +1

      I did a review on those here they're great for the price

  • scupper on 30/12/2016 - 17:42

    They're indispensable when mowing the lawn. You can always go for canal phones. They can be quite effective at noise reduction too.

    • Shahrasb on 30/12/2016 - 22:05
      +2

      Not just when you are mowing the lawn yourself mate. See, I work at my home office and any noise cancelling pair of headphones help me concentrate away from neighbor's barking dog, persistent edger noise while he manicures his hedges, kids playing on their scooters, my own ticking ceiling fan, and the list continues. When I put them on, I feel I am a professional in a suit answering customers over the phone working on their inquiries like clockwork. ;)

      Now, that's a different story when it comes to sound quality or even hifi reproduction of audio. None of the noise cancelling headphones are audiophile grade to my knowledge, as they tend to disrupt normal acoustics and natural order of things by the nature of what they are doing. As an audio enthusiast, I find the whole spectrum muddled up listening to higher quality sources when NC is on. Then again, all of these headphones are closed-back making them incapable of performing as open ones would do. Momentum 2.0's (haven't tested Sony 1000X yet) are probably as far as you would get in terms of audio perfection, at least with our current level of technology.

      NC cans/IEMs have also got quite low impedance, so as to make them easy to drive using your portable devices w/o resorting to more sophisticated inline amps.

    • Joney on 31/12/2016 - 07:31
      +2

      Remember noise cancelling headphones provide no actual ear protection. You should wear proper ear muffs/plugs when around noisy machines.

  • Diji1 on 30/12/2016 - 18:03
    +2

    Some people will increase the volume to drown out background noise which may damage your ears. If there's no background noise they listen with the volume lower.

  • enzioFirenze on 30/12/2016 - 18:11

    they are definitely worth it, I love my 25 and 35 when I'm travelling, may it be train, bus or plane. If I want to sit down and really listen to music though, I use my M50x.

  • try2bhelpful on 30/12/2016 - 19:55
    +1

    If you don't want to go the whole noise cancelling headphones part then get some good in-ear blockout ear buds. You might want to buy these as well:
    http://www.complyfoam.com/

    I have a couple of pairs of Bose earphones, and some blockout earphones, and I do like both. Read the reviews and work out what suits you best.

    If you want to trial the "Bose" headphones then buy them from a Bose store and you can return them within the first 30 days if you don't like them.

  • RobMel on 30/12/2016 - 21:46
    +1

    Use them on the train or when flying. Absolutely essential.
    The cancel or low to mid range frequency and a bit higher.

  • onetwothreefour on 30/12/2016 - 22:42

    So the next question is what are some good noise canceling headphones?

  • Iggemo on 30/12/2016 - 22:50

    tbh it doesnt sound like u need em m8

    i dunno if you've tried the bose qc25 or 35s but it's like magic, when u put them on and switch them on, it's like there's a forcefield blocking all the noise out, totally amazing

    that being said, i have no use for them

    my wife though, she is incredibly sensitive to noise and so she desperately needs them

    but your OP sounds like you dont really have that need so.. shrugs maybe not for you? I mean, if you arent bothered by external noise currently, dont buy NC headphones, just buy an awesome set of far better quality for much cheaper price

  • SnakeDoctor on 30/12/2016 - 23:02

    Definitely on a plane; the only time I use mine.

  • basl on 30/12/2016 - 23:07

    Flying for work or > 3 times a year = Then yes spend $350 on a decent pair
    Flying for leisure < 3 times a year = Don't worry about it

  • String name on 31/12/2016 - 00:13

    Is it worth it - good ones can block the sound of people doing the "horizontal dance" in the room next door. Defintely worth it!

  • Randxyz123 on 31/12/2016 - 00:14

    Absolutely worth it. On planes , trains, and if you want some privacy if you are working at home.

    I have the BOSE QC25s and on my next overseas trip I will purchase the QC35s as I have ordered my 7 plus so I figure it's a good excuse to get a upgrade.

  • voiletmay on 31/12/2016 - 07:51

    They are wonderful for:

    1. Concentrating on work

    2. For people with sound sensitivity - eg. autism, misophonia.

    3. Blocking out your snoring husband - I ruined 5 x pairs this way LOL (they were the $30 ones you could buy at officeworks). I just use Bunnings orange ear muffs now, they are a lot more rugged, but hard to sleep in LOL

    I also think both earbud types and cup types are good (we hae both in bose). The earbud types for public transport, the cup types for concentrating at your desk.

    • Iggemo on 31/12/2016 - 10:26

      geez that's a good idea haha my snoring bothers my wife at times too - i bought her a pair of QC25s just cos she's sensitive to sound (not to do with snoring) not sure if she could sleep in them tho.. also, some ppl report getting headaches/nausea after wearing them for a while (wifey is one such person)

  • johninmelb on 31/12/2016 - 16:28

    Methinks there is just a lot of confusion about those who want to listen to music, and those who want to tone down the noise levels a bit. We just get pseudo-audiophiles denigrating those who only want a bit of peace and quiet.

    I'm in the second camp, I just want relief from noise. I have Bose QC15's, and I couldn't be happier. Yes, I paid a lot for them, though to be fair, I bought them on special and had a few Myer vouchers to use, which brought the cost down considerably.

    They work for me on planes, dulling the engine drone right down. The audio quality for in-flight entertainment, or videos on my tablet is more than acceptable for me. BUT, I am just an average Joe, not a perfectionist.

    As I cannot afford Biz class on the plane, sleeping with them is not an issue. I can't sleep on planes - especially in cattle class.

    I also use them at home when I am in my office using my computer, and my partner is watching TV. Blocks out the noise brilliantly. However, again to be fair, I should point out, he does not have the TV on high volume, as he knows it annoys me.

    I cannot use those foam ear plugs, even though I know they would help, especially on the plane. I just cannot get the bloody things in my ear. I've tried everything, but they just don't seem to fit or stay in my ears. I need to find some sort of alternative - as my partner snores.

    As for the original question, in my personal view, NC headphones are worth the money.

    But it is very subjective, and like all subjective discussions, it brings out the loonies who think their view is the right one.

    There is no right view, we all have to make individual decisions based on our requirements. My Bose QC15's meet my requirements, therefore the views of the so-called experts who rubbish Bose, know what they can do. I couldn't give a sxxt what you think.

  • pebee47 on 31/12/2016 - 16:28

    I am a tinnitus sufferer, so I bought a pair equivalent to QC's because I was travelling Perth/Syd/Perth 2 or 3 times a year.
    IMO the 1st leg of the first trip made it all worthwhile.
    They. Just. Work.
    And worth every penny/cent/lira/yen you might pay. Cheaper than travelling Business Class to avoid the white noise
    Say no more

  • iridiumstem on 31/12/2016 - 16:51

    In my opinion, buying a headphone is basically paying for the experience it brings. Features and such might come into it, but they are as valuable as you value them. So whether they are worth the price tag really depends on you.

    So since my dad travels a lot on plane for work, my partner and I forked out to get him a QC25 (before QC35 was out). I didn't like how it sounded but he enjoyed it and I am sure he would use the noise cancelling feature lot more than I would. So yeah, depends on the person.

    • voiletmay on 31/12/2016 - 18:08

      Um.. yeah, I've never actually listening to anything using noise cancelling headphones. I always use them just to shut out noise LOL!!

      It never even occurred to me to listen to anything with them LOL!! So I guess for me their sound quality (or lack of it) is not important at all.

      • iridiumstem on 31/12/2016 - 19:01

        Eh? Whether it sounds nice really depends on the person. So I didn't like them doesn't mean anything other than I didn't like them.

  • Foxtail on 01/01/2017 - 09:53

    Had my Bose 15's? for years, worn out few sets of ear pads, lost count of how many long haul flights I've used them on, would not travel without them, as said worth every cent.

  • m8 on 02/01/2017 - 12:09

    Really appreciate the comments, guys. I really do see the worth for blocking out noise with loud noise environments. Though since I'm at a desk job living in a quiet suburbian area where my wife doesn't snore, perhaps I should be fine without them.
    HAPPY NEW YEARS

  • Meowcat on 03/01/2017 - 21:59

    I use my qc 35s daily and it makes a 55min train commute bareable, even enjoyable.

    Also good for shutting off to the world when trying to get a nap before a night shift.

    As mentioned above the audio qual isn't top tier, but the noise cancelling means it is for a noisy enviroment if you know what i mean

  • [Deactivated] on 04/01/2017 - 20:13

    Yeah, the noise cancelling headphones are really a blessing as I always put them on while working to omit the sounds of those gigantic machines working for construction near my office.

  • bibekl on 02/06/2017 - 14:26

    Not worth it mate. First my beats studio 2.0 broke and then i decided to get sony mdx1000r, guess what, same thing happened after couple of months.

    Go for cheaper ones mate.

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