NOISE Cancelling Headphones- best quality?

[jetlagger]

I know this topic has been done before, with Bose getting the lions share of mention.
Just wanted an update on any other brands/models that perform well for inflight.
My B&O just aren't up to scratch any more.
Thanks in advance..

 

[2impulsiv]

I can only comment on the Bose head phone but from what my brother in-law has said, his Dr Dre Beat's are great.

Next time he is over I'll do a comparison and post my thoughts..

As for the Bose quiet comforts I was stocked when they arrived. I got them from the QFF store for 64,000 points. Well worth the points that's for sure. They work well at home when the other (better) half starts nagging. Does not cancel all noise but cuts out that much it's unbelievable! They are extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time too. Only bad point I have with them in the size of the cable, I feel that it's too small in diameter and could easly be damaged.

Cheers.

 

[TiredOldFlyer]

Fairly subjective - tried many in in-store locations and got more and more confused. Finally purchased Audio - Technica ATH ANC7B after reading several reports on the web.
Not nearly as expensive as some and work fine.

 

[richie9x]

I have Sony MDR-NC60 headphones, which i purchased from a Sony shop in KL in 2007. At the time I did quite a bit of research and these seemed to get the best reviews at the time. They have served me well. I have no experience with other noise cancelling headphones so hard for me to compare. But they do make a noticeable difference. I find that having them on with no audio helps me sleep on overnight flights.

 

[leilajake]

Hubby and l have been using Etymotic In Ear headsets for some years now. We just bought the HF3 "in ear" ones, which also double as headsets with our iPhones. Nice feature of these is that Etymotic has released a free iPhone/iPod app called Awareness so that even though they are noise canceling, if the mic detects a certain decibel level it will pause whatever is playing on your device and "let thru" the sound. So when a cabin crew member speaks to you, or the crew do a PA announcement you will hear it with out having to remove the ear buds from your ear. I am quite sure that there is an android version of the awareness app. They are also great for walking/running as if a car comes up behind you, you can hear it.

 

[The Rok]

BOSE Quite Comfort for me, I like them, and think they are comfortable to wear which is important for on ear headphones.

 

[jetlagger]

Thanks so much for the feedback... Still keeping my options & budget open..
Nice to hear your expriences..

 

[cosi]

+1 for Bose

I would have NO hesistation if God forbid, I lost them, in immediately purchasing another pair

 

[JohnM]

Hubby and l have been using Etymotic In Ear headsets for some years now. We just bought the HF3 "in ear" ones, which also double as headsets with our iPhones. Nice feature of these is that Etymotic has released a free iPhone/iPod app called Awareness so that even though they are noise canceling, if the mic detects a certain decibel level it will pause whatever is playing on your device and "let thru" the sound. So when a cabin crew member speaks to you, or the crew do a PA announcement you will hear it with out having to remove the ear buds from your ear. I am quite sure that there is an android version of the awareness app. They are also great for walking/running as if a car comes up behind you, you can hear it.

These sound good but when I search, they are described as noise-isolating, not noise-cancelling.

 

[Deleted member 9370]

+2 for Bose.

 

[JohnM]

I have a set of Bose over-ear. They are indeed excellent.

Only downside is the bulky case.

 

[Limewood]

I have a set of Bose over-ear. They are indeed excellent.

Only downside is the bulky case.

Not that large, I noticed on my last long haul so many pax in J had Bose Confort 15, so in HNL bought a set, best thing I did. in my case have small 8cm thin bag breifcase on wheels with adjust handles, keep my iPad, Bose headphones, leads and a jumper in there, just perfect.

 

[DTM1]

Bose QC15 - absolutely awesome. I much prefer the around rather than the on ear (QC3). I bought mine in the US last year with the Aussie $ at 1.09. With tax, still worked out to about 25% cheaper than buying them here.

 

[Cynicor]

I have a set of Sennheiser PXC 450s that just arrived. They seem decent but no flights upcoming so I will have to let you know how they go...

 

[SeatBackForward]

I have these Sony noise cancelling earphones (MDR-NC13):

They're not top of the range, but they do a good job for the price you pay for them, they're light, easily fit into any bag space, and the best feature, I can lie down, and even be on my side and still be using them. The better quality over-ear ones would be uncomfortable to be lying on your side with.

 

[Andyc]

I certainly agree with Bose QC15 being excellent.

My advice is that if you do decide to go with Bose, buy them from Amazon. You'll have to redirect through a freight forwarder (I use myus.com) but they're only US$299!

 

[Origin]

Bose have reduced the price from $499 AUS to $399 AUS. Still not as cheap as $299US though. Probably realised $499 was a total ripoff !!

 

[bigjobs]

All depends on how much of an audiophile you are. Bose will do the job for most.

 

[jetlagger]

Thanks to all for your kind reviews! Looks like Bose is the best option, shall try to look at the best pricing on my next os journey..
Cheers

 

[BensAdventures]

I own a pair of now discountinued Jabra noise cancelling headphones that got amazing reviews at the time, and I've trashed them all around the world over the past 4 years! When I had to buy a pair for both my parents recently, I again researched high and low, and whilst the Bose kept coming out on top on most sites, almost always close behind was the Audio Technica ANC7B. I used them last year when I friend was borrowing my set, and they were great. I got a pair in HK for less then $100 as I recall! Bargain!!