Traffic on your daily commute to work, followed by the constant chatter at the office, and even when you're home, there's the neighbour's dog barking, your sibling gaming, and Dad watching videos on Facebook (at full volume, of course). If noise seems to follow you around everywhere, it might just be time to upgrade to headphones with ANC.
Whether you're new to ANC in headphones or just want to know which pair is worth your hard-earned money, we've put together what ANC does, what to check before you buy, and three of our noise-cancelling headphones for different budgets.
What is ANC and How Does It Work?
ANC, or Active Noise Cancellation, uses tiny microphones on the headphones to listen to the sound around you. The headphones then play a signal that is the exact opposite of that noise, and the two cancel each other out before they reach your ears.
Hybrid ANC takes this further by using microphones both outside and inside the earcups, which helps it catch more noise. It works best on steady, low-pitched sounds like traffic, engines, and air conditioners. The cushioned earcups add another layer of passive isolation on top.
What to Look for in Noise Cancelling Headphones
Now that you know ANC headphones work, let’s take a look at the factors that make them worth your money:
1. ANC strength
Check how much noise it cuts, usually shown as a dB (decibel) figure, and whether you can switch between modes. Look for an ambient mode too, so you can hear announcements or traffic when you need to, or an adaptive system that adjusts to your surroundings.
2. Battery life
ANC uses power, so compare playtime with ANC on and with ANC off. If only the ANC-off number is listed, that's the best-case figure and expect a lower playtime when using ANC.
3. Comfort
Long flights, back-to-back meetings, and gaming sessions need soft ear cushions and a light build that prevents ear fatigue. Foldable cups that pack easily into a bag is another win for portability.
4. Call quality
Look for mics with ENx (Environmental Noise Cancellation) tech, so your voice stays clear on calls even when you're outdoors or in loud spaces.
5. Connectivity
Besides Bluetooth compatibility, look for a low-latency mode that helps with lag-free gaming and video streaming. Also, consider dual or multi-device pairing, which lets you switch between your phone and laptop.
Best ANC Headphones for Every Budget
Want ANC in headphones? These are our top picks for this year:
1. Rockerz Plus 550 ANC: Best ANC Headphones Under ₹3000
A first pair of ANC headphones shouldn't need a big budget. The Rockerz Plus 550 ANC brings 40dB Hybrid ANC, 40mm drivers, and a battery that outlasts the work week, all under ₹3000.
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40dB Hybrid ANC: Cuts down traffic, office hum, and chatter, with Ambient and Normal modes for when you need to hear what's around you.
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Up to 80 Hours of Playback: That's weeks' worth of music, and even with ANC running, you get 57 hours of playtime.
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ENx Tech for Calls: With background noise filtered, you get to enjoy cleaner calls when you step out of the office and into traffic.
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40ms Low Latency: Keeps videos and games in sync with low-latency mode, ensuring your audio and video match the pace.
2. Rockerz 551 ANC Pro: Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under ₹5000
For people who spend most of their day on calls and commutes, the Rockerz 551 ANC Pro pairs 42dB Hybrid Adaptive ANC with dual mics ENx technology, so you can listen better and be heard clearly, too.
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42dB Hybrid Adaptive ANC: Strong noise reduction that adapts to your surroundings, with switchable Hybrid and Adaptive modes.
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Up to 72 Hours of Playback: That's enough for a long-haul flight and a few days after it. And even with ANC turned on, you get 40 hours of battery life.
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Dual Mics with ENx Tech: With the dual-mic ENx setup effectively reducing background noise, your meetings and calls stay clear, even from a noisy street.
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40mm Drivers: You also get good old boAt Signature Sound in a foldable build that packs easily for those commutes.
3. Nirvana Eutopia 2 ANC: ANC Headphones Under ₹6000
For audiophiles and gadget geeks, the Nirvana Eutopia 2 ANC pairs a whopping 45dB Adaptive Hybrid ANC with dual drivers and LDAC support. It's built for people who want their headphones to sound as good as they block noise.
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45dB Adaptive Hybrid ANC: Adjusts to your environment, so a train, a café, and a quiet room each get the right amount of cancellation.
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Up to 80 Hours of Playtime: An 800mAh battery offers you weeks' worth of Hi-Res Audio, and 50 hours of playback even with ANC on. When in a hurry, a 10-minute charge gives up to 12 hours of listening.
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Studio-Grade Sound: Dual drivers (40mm + 10mm), Hi-Res Audio with LDAC support and 3D Spatial Audio come together so no note or footstep goes unheard in music and movies.
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AI-ENx Tech for Calling: This ENx tech not only cancels background noise, but it also highlights your voice so you're heard loud and clear on every call.
Summing Up
ANC in headphones is one of those features you don't think about until you've tried it, and then can't go without. Pick the pair of ANC headphones that fit your budget and the places you listen most, and let the world fade out.
FAQs
1. Do headphones with ANC have less battery life?
Yes, ANC draws power, so you can expect a lower playback time than the one listed. That said, there's no dearth of headphones which offer long playback even with ANC mode on, including the Rockerz Plus 550 ANC with 57 hours.
2. Can ANC headphones block all noise?
No. ANC in headphones works best on steady, low-pitched sounds like traffic, engines, and air conditioners, and does less for sudden or sharp sounds such as voices. Cushioned earcups block some of the rest passively.
3. Are Bluetooth headphones with ANC good for calls?
Yes, if they have noise-reducing mics or ENx technology. Bluetooth headphones like Rockerz Plus 550 ANC and Rockerz 551 ANC Pro, for instance, use ENx tech, while the Nirvana Eutopia 2 ANC uses AI-ENx to keep your voice clear.
4. Which are the best ANC headphones under ₹5000?
The Nirvana Eutopia 2 ANC is one of the best noise-cancelling headphones at the price point, as it offers 45dB Hybrid Adaptive ANC that adapts to your surroundings.
5. Does boAt offer any warranty on its noise-cancelling headphones?
Yes. All boAt headphones carry a 12-month warranty, regardless of whether they have noise cancellation or not. Just make sure to register your headphones on the official website to claim the warranty.
