Ask HN: Best noise cancelling headphones for developers
Do you use noise cancelling headphones? If so, which are the best ones? I am mainly interested in the noise cancelling feature.
Ask HN: What are the best noise cancelling headphones? 3 months ago, 11 comments https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14226574
while here there are other options named
Ask HN: Which headphones do you use while working? 4 months ago, 36 comments https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13978072
1. Sony MDR-1000x
2. Bose QC35(or Bose QC25)
3. Senheiser PXC-550
Apparently, the Sony MDR-1000X has now beaten the Bose on noise cancellation. It has a lot of cool features, such us letting you turn off the noise canceling by touching the right earphone (I believe) and touch controls. In addition, it beats the Bose with amazing sound quality. Caveat: Expensive, if bought new. There is a build/quality issue at the moment -- where the plastic in the earphone is developing cracks. So buyer beware.
The Bose QC35 is/was the standard noise cancellation. I personally think this may be the best recommendation since it has been proven to be a quality product, very comfortable to wear. I personally chose the QC25 over the wireless version (to save money) and also because the QC35 battery is non-replaceable, after certain years if it dies, you cannot replace it and you are out of luck. Whereas, the QC25 batteries are AAA that you can get anywhere. It is wired version, but I am happy with it. Caveat: I own the ATH M50X, and let's just say Bose sound quality is a couple of notches below. But, if you don't know any better, you probably won't notice.
The Senheiser PXC-550 has also been getting really great reviews and has pretty comparable noise cancellation as Bose (a notch below). Great sound quality. Lots of cool features like the Sony. Caveat: More expensive than Bose if bought new. I don't like that you have to position the headphones a certain way to turn it off. Could be problematic if you are thinking of just putting the headphone in your book bag without putting it in its case
Been using it for 3 years now, no complaints (one for office and other for home)
https://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-BackBeat-PRO-Special-Canc...
https://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-BackBeat-Wireless-Canceli...
https://www.etymotic.com/consumer/earphones.html
I've been using them for over ten years and only had to replace a pair once. I use the mc5's which are there lower tier option.
If you have ear comfort issues you can also get custom made ear molds.
They really block out so much sound it's amazing. I prefer IEM's to headphones because of the weight and heat from headphones (my ears get hot when covered).
Well, that is until I got an iPhone 7+, which doesn't have a headphone jack. I hate, loathe, and despise Bluetooth audio, but I can't live without my battery case, and headphones don't work over micro USB.
So, Bose QC35s it is. At least they've got the best ANC I've ever had, and the Bluetooth audio is slightly less horrible than anything else I've tried.
Sigh.....
Some people say QC35 are a little bit better some say MDR-100x are better. I can only talk about the seconds and I highly recommend them.
In addition, they have some cool touchable control on the right side. I didn't like it at the beginning but now when I use other headphones I find myself trying to touch them to pass the song or lower the volume..
in my opinion the best option is actually isolation and to that end a pair of earbuds with a set of custom fit tips could be a good option, i have some myself on a pair of etymotic er4 and theyre spectacular, complete isolation from outside sound and comfortable enough to wear for 8 straight hours
As far as the actual headphones, I currently have UE 900s IEMs which are serving me well but I would probably compare other brands nowadays were I to buy again.
I found the triple-flange silicone tips worked much better for me.
YMMV, etc.....