Noise-cancelling headphones provide our oases of integrity from stress.
Ultimate, of course, is a soundscape that does away with the cityscape and goes straight back to the original, primordial wholeness. But the shrill noises of the city lose out to the ingenuity of headphone manufacturers, which have long realised that we need to be able to escape out of our ears.
Australians are turning to noise-cancelling headphones, and in particular, the wireless Bluetooth variety, in droves. This guide will help you sift through the noise to identify the best Bluetooth headphones in Australia.
We’ve gathered the best Bluetooth headphones in Australia across a number of categories to help you make an informed choice.
Noise Cancellation Essentials
And even in headphones with dense isolation foam, innovative sound waves and software algorithms create a cocoon that shuts out the ambient world.
Really immerse yourself in your music, and cut out the noise from the conversation around you, the screaming aeroplane engines, and the stadium or city traffic. Keep the peep from the in-laws at bay, switched from your tunes to their babbling Navy Seals.
Bluetooth Headphones: The Cordless Revolution
Just slip on a pair of Bluetooth headphones – the epitome of well-worn Aussie fashion – and enjoy.
These little boxes free you from the physical constraints of your physical music library while maintaining the fidelity you’d expect from a docked system.
Australia’s Premier Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Let’s explore the top contenders in the Australian market for these compact marvels.
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 reigns supreme among audiophiles, boasting unparalleled active noise cancellation (ANC).
Expect:
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Supremely Comfortable Fit
- Good Battery Life
- Budget Pricing.
Included are a:
- Carrying Case
- An In-flight Plug Adaptor
- USB Type-C cable
- Headphone cable.
Famed for its Dual Noise Sensor technology for best-in-class noise cancellation, it delivers sound quality on a sonic scale driven by Edge-AI.
It’s clear why they’re Sony’s most celebrated headphones to date.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Bose leads the premium market in active noise-cancelling, and the Bose 700 series does not let the brand down.
Featuring a sleek, modern design and multiple ANC settings, these headphones redefine luxury listening.
- Adjustable Noise Cancellation: Tailor your audio environment with 11 levels of noise cancellation.
- High-Fidelity Audio: Experience deep, full-bodied sound with precise detail and balance at any volume.
- Voice Pickup: A special microphone minimises surface and wind noise for true-to-life voice.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
This is the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, which is great if you’re an audiophile and you want something that sounds really good, has great active noise cancellation and great battery life.
Record battery life: 60 hours! Thanks to its in-line mic that can automatically keep you up to date about your remaining battery time, you’ll never have to miss a call again – at least not from electronic gadgets.
- Comfortable Design: The all-new high-definition design prioritises comfort for extended wear.
- Connectivity: Equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, seamless wireless connections.
- Packaging: Unbox the device with things such as a carry case, USB-C cable, some audio cables, including ones with 3.5mm and 2.5mm jack, and an aeroplane adapter.
Here are the top three sales as of late 2023. Now, how do we compile our buyer’s guide? Here’s the main consideration.
A Buyer’s Guide: Noise-Cancelling Headphones in Australia
Sound Quality
Above all, prioritise sound quality. Seek headphones that deliver uncluttered, crisp audio.
In the best noise-cancelling headphones, low and high frequencies are balanced for a complete spectral picture, which includes the full weight of details in a recording. Look for models that have high-impact drivers for full frequency response, as well as a balanced noise-cancelling profile.
Some models feature customisable equalisers to fine-tune your listening experience.
Comfort
For headphones that will be worn for a long time, soft pads are a major plus.
Choose memory foam ear pads to mould to your ear, and make sure the headband is fully adjustable. The lighter the headphones, the less they’ll weigh with wear.
Most importantly, the ear cup shape is based on the shape of your ears. So, you also need to watch out for that.
Battery Life
The Bluetooth iteration will matter greatly for your headphones’ battery life: the longer you can listen wirelessly on a single charge, the better. Aim to find the longest battery life possible.
The best noise-cancelling headphones offer up to 40 hours of battery. Some support rapid charging, offering several hours of playback with a few minutes of charge.
Connectivity
It’s 2013. Connectivity is a necessity, not an option; your Bluetooth buds should reliably and quickly connect to your gadgets.
Look for the latest Bluetooth versions for the best range and efficiency. Multiple-device connectivity plus support for various high-resolution Bluetooth codecs (AAC, aptX, LDAC) will give you the best wireless audio experience.
SUMMARY
We hope this guide has helped you understand the hallmarks of the best noise-cancelling headphones in Australia – the brands to look out for, the features that matter – and you now feel empowered to spot headphones that offer true audiophile sound, comfort, reliability and resilience, and ultimately improve your quality of life. They might seem like luxuries, but they will soon become very useful. Happy hunting!