You’re looking for the best noise-cancelling headphones in the UAE, and here are my top recommendations. There’s a lot more detail that follows if you scroll past this list, such as mini-reviews with Pros and Cons for each pair and a buying guide with FAQs.
Noise-cancelling headphones have become increasingly popular among music enthusiasts and commuters. Their ability to block out exterior noises and provide an immersive audio experience allows music lovers to focus on their favourite tunes.
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There are many options at varying price points on the market, but fear not; we are here to help you pick the best noise-cancelling headphones to suit your needs.
The Sony WH 1000XM5 are the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones in UAE and Saudi Arabia
- Industry-leading noise cancellation
- High-quality, balanced audio
- Long battery life and quick charging
- Can get slightly warm with extended use
- Requires EQ adjustments for optimal audio
- Complex mobile app
The Sony WH 1000XM5 is my top contender for those seeking exceptional noise cancellation and audio quality in a comfortable, feature-packed package.
I’ve been using the Sony WH 1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Headphones, and I must say that they live up to their reputation for providing excellent noise cancellation. The Multi Noise Sensor technology, combined with the Integrated Processor V1, effectively drowned out most external sounds, allowing me to enjoy my music.
In terms of audio quality, the WH 1000XM5 does not disappoint. The 30mm driver unit delivers a balanced, natural sound that rivals other high-end headphones. You will have to tweak the EQ settings in the Sony Headphones app to achieve your desired audio profile.
When it comes to comfort, these headphones tick most boxes. They are lightweight, and the over-ear design feels snug without putting unnecessary pressure on your head. However, I noticed that the ear cups could become warm after extended use, which might be a minor drawback for some.
Battery life was another standout feature of the WH 1000XM5, lasting an impressive 30 hours on a single charge. The quick charging function also came in handy when I needed a top-up; just three minutes of charging provided three hours of playback.
The only notable downside was the mobile app, which felt clunky and challenging to navigate. While it is necessary for accessing features like custom EQ settings and voice assistant integration, I believe it could be improved for a better user experience.
Overall, I highly recommend the Sony WH 1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Headphones for anyone searching for an exceptional listening experience that combines effective noise cancellation, high-quality audio, and a comfortable design.
For whatever reason, if you don’t want to pick the Sony WH 1000XM5, here are the top alternatives for the best Noise-Cancelling Headphones in the UAE.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
- Personalized noise cancelling with 11 levels of control
- Comfortable design for extended wear
- Easy access to voice assistants
- High price point
- Non-foldable design
- Overemphasis on certain frequencies
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 offers an immersive listening experience, perfect for those seeking a balance between great sound quality and effective noise-cancellation.
I was impressed by their ability to block out distractions and create a noise-free listening environment effectively. With the 11 levels of noise-cancelling control, you can choose the perfect level for different situations- from complete silence to ambient sounds around you.
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 have a comfortable design, making them suitable for long periods of use. The lightweight stainless-steel headband and angled earcups create a cosy fit. You also have easy access to voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant to control music, navigation, weather, and more.
However, there are some downsides to these headphones. First, their price tag is higher, which may deter potential buyers. Additionally, the headphones lack a foldable design, making them bulkier to carry around. Lastly, although the headphones provide excellent sound quality in general, certain frequencies feel a bit overemphasized.
Apple AirPods Max
- High-fidelity audio provided by Apple-designed driver
- Effective Active Noise Cancellation
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- High price point
- Weight might cause discomfort after extended use
- Limited suitability for physical activities like running
If you’re living inside the Apple ecosystem, I would highly recommend the AirPods Max. They have exceptional audio quality and noise-cancelling performance, and as expected from an Apple product- a steep price.
When turned on, the Active Noise Cancellation gets you fully immersed in your music, with no distractions from the outside world. This feature is particularly excellent for focusing on work or just enjoying your favourite tunes. Additionally, the spatial audio with dynamic head tracking creates a theatre-like soundstage that surrounds you, making it great for watching movies or playing video games.
However, the price is quite steep for the Apple AirPods Max, which might be a drawback for some potential buyers. Besides, after using the headphones for an extended period, you might notice discomfort due to their weight. Finally, I wouldn’t recommend using these for physical activities like running, as they’re not designed for such use and could feel unstable.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
- Audiophile-inspired 42mm transducer system
- Personalized sound via Sennheiser Smart Control App
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation
- Slightly heavier in comparison to competitors
- Poor performing pairing knob
- Minor sound distortion
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Bluetooth Headset has excellent sound quality, adaptive noise cancellation, and solid battery life.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Bluetooth Headset impresses with its sound quality. The 42mm transducer system provides an immersive listening experience, and I loved being able to customize my sound preferences through the Sennheiser Smart Control App.
The adaptive noise cancellation is also excellent and lets you stay immersed in your music without any distractions. You also have an adjustable transparency mode, which enables you to stay in touch with the world around you.
Though it’s a bit heavier than other noise-cancelling headphones, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Bluetooth Headset isn’t unbearable.
Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Impressive noise-cancelling capabilities
- Long battery life with quick charging
- Buttons may take time to get used to
- Not very flexible
- May not fit snugly on smaller heads
The Sony WH-CH720N headphones offer excellent noise-cancellation, sound quality and comfort at an excellent price point.
They’re incredibly comfortable to wear for extended periods. The lightweight design and soft padding make it easy to wear them for hours without any discomfort. Moreover, the battery life is impressive with up to 35 hours of use on a single charge. On top of that, the quick charge feature allows for one hour of playback with just 3 minutes of charging.
The noise-cancellation feature is one of the standout characteristics of these headphones. Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 effectively blocks out ambient sound, allowing you to immerse yourself in my music or podcasts. The adjustable Ambient Sound mode and Adaptive Sound control features are well-suited to tailor the listening experience based on the surrounding environment.
Despite its many advantages, the Sony WH-CH720N does have some minor drawbacks. The buttons on the headphones may take some time to get used to, as their positioning isn’t intuitive. Also, the headphones lack flexibility and may not be as durable as the other higher-priced models in this roundup. Lastly, some users with smaller heads might find the fit looser- the headphones may shake or slip when exercising.
Anker Soundcore Space One
- Impressive noise cancellation with 2X stronger human voice reduction
- High-quality LDAC Hi-Res wireless audio
- Comfortable design with rotating ear cups and soft headband
- Bit heavy at 258.55 grams
- May not fit securely on smaller heads
- No transparency or ambient mode mentioned
These headphones offer an excellent blend of high-quality audio, noise cancellation and comfort, making them a worthy purchase for audiophiles on a budget.
Noise cancellation is one of the standout features of these headphones, thanks to their adaptive active technology and 2X stronger human voice reduction. The sound quality of these headphones is also great, especially with the LDAC Hi-Res wireless audio delivering crisp and detailed audio.
Comfort is another essential aspect when selecting headphones, and the Anker Space One model does well in this regard. The 8-degree rotating ear cups and soft integrated headband ensure a comfortable fit and evenly distributed pressure for long hours of listening.
The Anker Soundcore Space One are a bit on the heavier side at 258 grams. Additionally, those with smaller head sizes might find it challenging for a secure fit, which could lead to reduced noise cancellation performance. Lastly, it’s worth noting that there is no mention of a transparency or ambient mode, a feature that some users may desire.
Important Factors To Consider When Buying Noise-Cancelling Headphones
When choosing the best noise-cancelling headphones, several factors come into play. In this guide, I will outline these factors to help you make an informed decision.
Sound Quality
Perhaps the most essential attribute to consider is sound quality. After all, we want clear, immersive audio from our headphones. Look for headphones with a wide frequency range, which can enhance the overall audio experience.
Noise Cancellation
Noise-cancelling technology plays a vital role in blocking out unwanted sounds. There are two types: active and passive noise cancelling. Active noise cancellation relies on microphones to detect ambient noise and generate anti-noise signals. Passive noise cancellation relies on the physical design of the headphones to block out noise. Both have their merits, but active noise cancellation tends to be more effective.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is crucial for long listening sessions, so look for headphones with adjustable headbands, cushioned ear cups, and a lightweight design. Additionally, consider whether you prefer an over-ear or on-ear fit, which can influence overall comfort.
Battery Life
Noise-cancelling headphones often require more energy than their standard counterparts due to the active noise-cancelling technology. Thus, it’s essential to consider battery life, especially if you’re frequently on the go. Look for headphones with at least 15-20 hours of battery life to ensure they last for extended periods.
Additional Features
Some noise-cancelling headphones offer extra features that can be worth considering. These may include:
- Built-in microphones for phone calls or virtual meetings
- Foldable designs for easy transport
- Customisable sound profiles to suit your preferences
- Transparency mode
In conclusion, when shopping for noise-cancelling headphones, consider the sound quality, noise-cancellation technology, comfort, fit, battery life, and any additional features that may enhance your listening experience.
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Abbas Jaffar Ali
Abbas has been covering tech for more than two decades- before phones became smart or clouds stored data. He brought publications like CNET, TechRadar and IGN to the Middle East.
