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If you’re searching for your next pair of headphones, chances are you’re coming across a lot of technical terms that sound very similar but are just different enough to confuse you. Do I want to cancel noise or block noise? And is there really a difference? The answer is “Yes”. Knowing the right terms to search for is essential and will lead you to the right tech, the best product to get the job done and, hopefully, the experience you seek. Whether you want to tune in and focus or drown out the world, we’re here to put you on the right path.
There’s a magnitude of technical jargon that’s used interchangeably, and it shouldn’t be. So, we’re going to clear up the confusion with some simple, straightforward explanations. We’ve broken things down into three distinct approaches for managing noise with headphones or earbuds: noise cancelling, noise masking and noise blocking. We’ll explain what they are, how they are different and what they’re best suited to—without getting too technical or making your eyes glaze over.
A term like noise blocking makes it sound like a high-tech solution, but it’s actually very low tech. In fact, noise blocking can be as simple as sticking your fingers in your ears. Try that next time you hear a siren, and notice how it creates a physical barrier between you and the offending noise. This is known as passive noise reduction, another term you’ll probably come across in your search. Anything that covers your ears can passively block noise. There’s nothing electronic about passive noise reduction, which means there’s no built-in technology or microphone, and nothing needs to be powered on.
As low tech as it is, noise blocking is an integral part of headphone design because, when done right, it’s the first line of defence against unwanted sounds. That’s why having a good seal on an earcup, or a snug fit with an earbud, can make a huge difference in performance. In this case, the science is more about biology than technology. There are so many shapes and sizes of the human ear to be studied, measured, and tested. We’ve scanned hundreds in the pursuit of a better fit and comfort, to ensure optimal noise blocking. The latest StayHear™ Max tips used with our true wireless earbuds are a testament to the importance of human form factors in our innovations.
Noise cancelling is a common term, and it may be the very thing you’re looking for. It’s different from noise blocking and passive reduction because it involves active technology. Bose was the first to use Acoustic Noise Cancelling™ or ANC in headphones when we invented the category over 20 years ago — a legacy that will always be tied to our brand. We could talk ANC all day long, but let’s just cover the basics.
Noise cancelling headphones have powered tech, which means energy (like a rechargeable battery) is needed in order for them to work. Remember, even without power, you’re getting the physical benefit of noise blocking by simply wearing the headphones. When you turn them on, that’s when the technology kicks in.
Noise cancelling headphones monitor the sound around you, preventing unwanted noise from ever reaching your ears. Miniature microphones in the earcups or earbuds listen to outside noise frequencies and emit the exact opposite signal, to effectively “cancel out” both sets of sounds when the soundwaves collide. Our acoustic engineers explain that it’s a bit more complicated than that, since battery power, signal processing and noise blocking all play their part in creating the greater system that is “noise cancelling”. But you get the gist, right?
Where noise blocking is a physical barrier to keep out sound, noise cancelling happens silently in the background, creating an audio “barrier”.
When are the best times to wear noise cancelling headphones or earbuds? This tech is perfect for situations when you’re serious about enjoying your music, audiobooks, podcasts, shows or movies without external noise getting in the way. Noise cancelling headphones are becoming a part of everyday life, with more and more people using them for work, calls, travel and focused time at home.
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Are over-ear headphones good for noise cancelling?
Yes. Over-ear headphones are typically better at noise cancelling compared to in-ear and on-ear headphones due to their larger ear cups and better seal around the ears.
How do noise cancelling headphones work?
Noise cancelling headphones use microphones to pick up surrounding noise, and then use advanced sound technology to create an opposite sound wave to cancel out unwanted noise.
Are noise cancelling headphones suitable for all types of music?
Yes. Noise cancelling headphones are suitable for all types of music as they can provide clear and balanced sound without interference from external noise.
What is the difference between noise cancelling and noise isolating headphones?
Noise cancelling headphones use advanced technology to actively cancel out external noise while noise isolating headphones use passive methods like padded ear cups to block out noise. We offer both types of headphones, depending on your needs and preferences.
Are noise cancelling headphones comfortable to wear for extended periods?
Yes. Our noise cancelling headphones and earbuds are designed with comfort in mind. They are lightweight, padded, and adjustable to ensure a comfortable fit for extended use.