nytimes AI citations

Noise-cancelling headphones use active noise control technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. Here's how they work and what to consider: **How they work:** - **Active noise cancellation (ANC)** uses microphones to detect external sounds, then generates sound waves that are phase-inverted (opposite) to cancel them out - Most effective against consistent, low-frequency sounds like airplane engines, air conditioning, or traffic - Less effective against sudden, high-frequency sounds like voices or alarms **Key benefits:** - Reduced listening fatigue in noisy environments - Better audio quality at lower volumes - Improved focus and concentration - Great for travel, commuting, or noisy workspaces **Popular options across price ranges:** - **Premium**: Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort series, Apple AirPods Max - **Mid-range**: Sony WH-CH720N, Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless - **Budget**: Anker Soundcore series, Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7B **Things to consider:** - Battery life (ANC drains battery faster) - Comfort for extended wear - Sound quality with and without ANC - Whether you prefer over-ear or in-ear style - Price point and features you actually need Are you looking for recommendations for a specific use case, budget range, or have questions about how the technology works?

Noise-cancelling headphones work by combining passive isolation (the physical design blocking some sound) with **active noise cancellation (ANC)** technology. Tiny microphones pick up ambient noise, and the headphones generate an inverted sound wave that cancels out the unwanted sound. This makes them especially effective for steady, low-frequency sounds like airplane engines or traffic. They improve listening comfort, reduce the need for high volume (protecting hearing), and can help with focus in noisy environments [https://www.howtogeek.com/712714/how-do-noise-cancelling-headphones-work](https://www.howtogeek.com/712714/how-do-noise-cancelling-headphones-work) [https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-do-noise-cancelling-headphones-work](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-do-noise-cancelling-headphones-work).

The best noise cancelling headphones of 2025, according to expert reviews, include: - **Sony WH-1000XM6:** Currently considered the top noise cancelling over-ear headphones, they offer excellent sound quality, industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), comfortable fit, and customizable features through the Sony app. Ideal for travel and commuting with long battery life.[1][2][3] - **Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones:** Known for intense noise cancellation and immersive audio technology, they block out sounds effectively and provide rich, refined sound quality. They also feature adaptive ANC that adjusts to surroundings.[2][3] - **Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3:** Stylish headphones with great sound quality and decent noise cancelling, though slightly less effective at ANC than Sony's flagship model.[4][2] - **Dali IO-8:** High-end audiophile headphones with excellent noise cancelling and premium build quality, offering musical and expressive sound with impressive battery life.[2] These headphones represent the best options for noise cancelling performance combined with audio quality and comfort in 2025. Among them, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is often recommended as the current leader for most users.[3][1][2] [1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XDNcVJS6x8) [2](https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/headphones/best-noise-cancelling-headphones) [3](https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/best/by-feature/noise-cancelling) [4](https://www.t3.com/tech/headphones/ive-tested-all-of-2025s-best-noise-cancelling-headphones-but-keep-returning-to-bowers-and-wilkins-px7-s3) [5](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-noise-canceling-headphones/) [6](https://uk.pcmag.com/headphones/3341/the-best-noise-cancelling-headphones) [7](https://www.techradar.com/news/audio/portable-audio/best-noise-cancelling-headphones-1280490) [8](https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/tech/best-noise-canceling-headphones-1235398146/) [9](https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1mk3go6/best_anc_overear_headphones_in_2025/)