lepp1

Don't really know how to use this site but I think I figured it out. Thank you so much

WilcoRoger

I'd love to look at the ER-6, but they were discountinued 5 or so years ago. Managed to find a pair though at a hearing aid shop's online discount bin last year ^

WilcoRoger

The thing is, that a good NI phone doesn't leave much noise for NC to cancel, but NC impacts sound quality.

PackingIt

For me, even a well fitting NI does not block the droning noise of an airplane engine, which will give me a headache on a long flight. A NC does block that droning noise.

CPRich

I guess it's been a while since I used/bought them, upgrding to the '4 a few years back. But I suspect whatever they have in that price range - appears to be the hf5 - is a solid choice.

JDiver

The main difference between noise canceling / reduction and noise isolating devices is that noise canceling generally introduces inverted wave forms to cancel continuous wave noise, e.g. engine noise. (Bose originally developed NR headphones for pilots - I used them decades ago). They don't work as well for transient wave forms such as babies crying, glass breaking, people speaking with volume and vocal variety, etc. And NR requires a power source, whether battery or via plug.

Noise isolating devices use noise isolation / blocking on the other hand attenuate all sounds, regardless. There is no power necessary for the sound isolation function.

I used Boses and they're nice, but my Etymotics are far better for me. I have a bit of hyperacusis and much prefer to have sound blocking - human speech and crying, etc. Not to mention I can side sleep with my Etys and they fit in my shirt pocket, unlike any over the ear device. I can wear them comfortably on longer trips - DOH-LAX, for example. They're also easier to secure in small hotel or cruise ship safes.

JakiChan

Another +1 for Ety. ER4-XRs if you can afford them, HF5s if you can't or don't want to drop the coin. Depending on what you're driving, perhaps a Dragonfly USB DAC to drive them. I use a Dragonfly Red + ER4-XRs.

doctear

Have you considered electronic earplugs like the Electronic Communication earplugs used mostly in noisy environment workplaces? This earplugs protect your ears but still allow you communicate with others and has a Bluetooth capacity which allows you to connect to your phone. Although when I travel especially during long flights, I use the Moldex Drift to Sleep and it works fine for me.

bchandler02

I'm on my 2nd pair of HF5s and they are great for the price. I considered getting the ER4s but reviews were mixed, some felt it was a significant step up, others said the difference was minimal. Sound quality is great, and the isolation is great. I've been meaning to get custom tips done but never have.

timfountain

I continually streamline my travel kit. In my case I use the Scosche silicone earbuds. They do great at noise reduction, sound superb and take almost no space. I am constantly amazed at people lugging huge Bose headphones around. They take up waay to much space, and you can't lie on your side with them on, as you can with earbuds.....

Qwkynuf

If I wanted to use earbuds I would have to remove my hearing aids, which is not the sort of "noise cancellation" that I am looking for. I love my QC35s precisely because they completely cover my ears *and* hearing aids, and knock down the airplane drone enough that I can carry on a conversation with a Flight Attendant with them on, while that same conversation would be very difficult with the headphones off. Similarly, the noise cancellation allows me to watch movies on the IFE, which I would be completely unable to do if I removed my hearing aids and inserted earbuds.

So, while you are busy being amazed, I try to be aware that everyone's use case is different - and don't spend my time judging other's choices.

FlyerTalker70

I can't comment on noise isolating headphones but do swear by my Bose QC15 noise cancelling headphones. Once the plane goes wheels up until wheels down I've got those suckers turned on and placed firmly on my ears it significantly cuts out the engine noise, especially on jumbos and props.

One thing I haven't figured out for the life of me is how to sleep with them on when I'm flying long haul J on a lie flat (I tend to sleep on my side and I'm always worried I'm going to destroy those headphones). Any recommendations?

Safe Travels,

James

bchandler02

That's precisely why I went to in ears instead of on ears. In addition, they take up much less room in my bag, and don't get uncomfortable after a few hours either.

doctear

Agree! On ears take a lot of space in my luggage.

mihec

For plane travel I always take my noise cancelling headphones with me. They are a godsend and really make the flight more comfortable, especially the longer ones.The only problem I have with them is that some of these plane seats have a side cushion for the head but because of the headphone (over-ear) can't really sit comfortably. This is why I explored NC earbuds as well. Got Linner NC50 which were pretty cheap and so far work great for my daily hiking. Haven't taken them to the plane yet. Found them here: https://headphonesaddict.com/best-no...lling-earbuds/ Don't really want to splash over $100 for headphones I won't be using daily so I go for cheaper ones.

As for everyday use, I always use my in-ear headphones (IEMs) with foam eartips. Great comfort, sound and noise isolation is just more hassle free for me. I don't have to worry about the battery and the earbuds I get sound great at a cheap price. It's really up to you to decide what you need them for.