Best noise cancelling headphones for flying?
Oct 15, 2018, 6:27 am
#76
Join Date: Jul 2008
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Ety's are one of my favourites. I think the manufacturer doesn't go up to 40db in their spec sheets, IIRC it's 35db. Either figure means that you're in Nirvana, be it crying babies or engine noise.
Don't care about the BT - the same cord that would go around the neck could instead just be plugged into the player. Nothing to be charged, everything just works.
Don't care about the BT - the same cord that would go around the neck could instead just be plugged into the player. Nothing to be charged, everything just works.
For IEMs or other in-ear units, the cords act to secure the 2 units together and on one's body.
My issue with having the cord run all the way to the playing device is microphonics; awkward extra cord when stowing device in breast pocket, running to exterior pocket; and general entanglement with seatbelts, getting caught in the armrest, etc...........
Oct 16, 2018, 10:16 am
#77
Join Date: Jul 2008
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Also running into some connectivity issues with the WH1000XM3.
Most of the time connection quality is flawless. Occasionally it'll stutter and skip. Phone is current gen flagship with no case. I'm wearing thing clothing without any other device for interference. Phone being in trouser pockets or exterior coat pocket makes it skip. Moving it to breast pocket fixes most of the time.
Connection is on LDAC which favors higher sound quality. I could switch it to the other codec but then what's the point?
When connected to the computer in my office, and walking around the space, range is no better than a miniature Plantronics single-ear unit. Worse, actually.
Most of the time connection quality is flawless. Occasionally it'll stutter and skip. Phone is current gen flagship with no case. I'm wearing thing clothing without any other device for interference. Phone being in trouser pockets or exterior coat pocket makes it skip. Moving it to breast pocket fixes most of the time.
Connection is on LDAC which favors higher sound quality. I could switch it to the other codec but then what's the point?
When connected to the computer in my office, and walking around the space, range is no better than a miniature Plantronics single-ear unit. Worse, actually.
Oct 18, 2018, 10:57 am
#78
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The build quality of the Sony headphone line has always been suspect. All one has to do is a Google search and you will see many complaints. IMO at some point in time one really needs to take that into consideration when making their selection which is why after returning the Bose QC35ll I went with the Bowers & Wilkins PX. The sound quality of the PX is amazing, their NC while not as good as Bose is fine and when you look at the materials they use their build quality is definitely the best in class. Also one last factor which some of us take into our decision making process is that their design (especially the gold/blue version) is absolutely beautiful!!!.
Oct 19, 2018, 1:25 pm
#80
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Traveling the World
Posts: 6,072
MPOw H5
I purchased the MPOW H5 Active Noise Cancelling headphones which not only has a Noise Cancelling Feature. it has Bluetooth, removeable cable so if the cable goes bad you can replace it. It also has a USB charging port for the ANC- the battery is built in. The audio sounds very good even without the ANC yes you can use it if the battery dies! For $50(may be less now) on Amazon its worth the cost!
The sound quality is very good and the build construction is solid. Unlike other ANC headphoes I had the ear piece would break off! These headphones are well constructed. Very comfortable to wear! The bass is very good and it has excellent sound quality with various types of music.
The sound quality is very good and the build construction is solid. Unlike other ANC headphoes I had the ear piece would break off! These headphones are well constructed. Very comfortable to wear! The bass is very good and it has excellent sound quality with various types of music.
Oct 21, 2018, 1:59 pm
#81
Join Date: Dec 2002
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I got some AKG N60 Noise Cancelling Headphones
https://www.akg.com/Headphones/Over-...ar/N60+NC.html
for "free" when per-ordering my Samsung Note 9. I usually use some Sony MDR-NC13, NC22 or NC33 earbuds. I once had Bose and sat on them by accident breaking an earmuff off.
Anyhow, I tried the AKG N60 on some recent flights. I used the provided cord and not the Bluetooth to plug into the aircraft IFE. They worked fine, fold up pretty small for headphones, and stayed charged for the duration of an 8 hr flight. The battery is non-removable. Charges using a Micro-USB port which is kid of awkward since the phone they came with has USB-C but I have plenty of cables from old phone.
I would not go out and buy them on purpose for $249 from akg.com or $169 from Amazon but close enough for free.
https://www.akg.com/Headphones/Over-...ar/N60+NC.html
for "free" when per-ordering my Samsung Note 9. I usually use some Sony MDR-NC13, NC22 or NC33 earbuds. I once had Bose and sat on them by accident breaking an earmuff off.
Anyhow, I tried the AKG N60 on some recent flights. I used the provided cord and not the Bluetooth to plug into the aircraft IFE. They worked fine, fold up pretty small for headphones, and stayed charged for the duration of an 8 hr flight. The battery is non-removable. Charges using a Micro-USB port which is kid of awkward since the phone they came with has USB-C but I have plenty of cables from old phone.
I would not go out and buy them on purpose for $249 from akg.com or $169 from Amazon but close enough for free.
Oct 21, 2018, 5:41 pm
#82
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I am on my second set of Bose. The main reason is that my old QCs were in bad shape from a lot of travel. I took them to Bose and they gave me a trade in allowance to get the QC25. I will have had these for 4 years soon. All I have done is replace the earpads once (get compatible cheap ones from Amazon).
I wanted wireless and got a cheap pair of Cowin E7s. Noise cancellation and sound quality is the same as the Bose. But for $50.
However as someone above said, these are Camrys.
But now my eyes are on the WH1000XM3. This will be a gift to my self once I get a new phone, new watch and become more available. But who knows. Maybe the XM4 will be out by then.
I wanted wireless and got a cheap pair of Cowin E7s. Noise cancellation and sound quality is the same as the Bose. But for $50.
However as someone above said, these are Camrys.
But now my eyes are on the WH1000XM3. This will be a gift to my self once I get a new phone, new watch and become more available. But who knows. Maybe the XM4 will be out by then.
What exactly with the Cowin E7s is worse than the other more expensive ANCs mentioned?
Oct 22, 2018, 5:17 am
#83
Join Date: Jun 2011
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@Cozmo456 you mentioned that the Cowin E7s were mentioned above... which post exactly?
What exactly with the Cowin E7s is worse than the other more expensive ANCs mentioned?
What exactly with the Cowin E7s is worse than the other more expensive ANCs mentioned?
The Cowins NC is not as good. Maybe 80%. The sound quality is not as good as the B&W (I had to go try them out after this thread). Again 80%. For movies, you can't tell. The build quality and comfort is excellent.
And I think they are selling them off as a newer model is coming out.
I still want the B&W. But. I already have Boze and Cowin.
Oct 22, 2018, 6:15 am
#84
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I meant that the cheap tier are Camry. The expression was used above.
The Cowins NC is not as good. Maybe 80%. The sound quality is not as good as the B&W (I had to go try them out after this thread). Again 80%. For movies, you can't tell. The build quality and comfort is excellent.
And I think they are selling them off as a newer model is coming out.
I still want the B&W. But. I already have Boze and Cowin.
The Cowins NC is not as good. Maybe 80%. The sound quality is not as good as the B&W (I had to go try them out after this thread). Again 80%. For movies, you can't tell. The build quality and comfort is excellent.
And I think they are selling them off as a newer model is coming out.
I still want the B&W. But. I already have Boze and Cowin.
Ok, thanks. I guess with the Cowin it is a true case of you get what you pay for... (?) Would you recommend them for someone who is not an audiophile, who simply wants to listen to music on their phone, drown out engine noise, and possibly drown out parents that nag and bicker a lot when you visit them during holidays?
Oct 22, 2018, 9:00 pm
#86
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Oct 22, 2018, 9:18 pm
#87
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Comfort is the biggest issue with the over the ear headphones.
Do they pinch your ear lobes?
Do they cause the skin around the ear to perspire or make you want your ears to "breathe" after wearing them for a couple of hours?
Do they pinch your ear lobes?
Do they cause the skin around the ear to perspire or make you want your ears to "breathe" after wearing them for a couple of hours?
Oct 23, 2018, 4:00 am
#88
Join Date: Jun 2011
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No experience.
I wear glasses and that makes it worse actually. But I cannot put things in my ears.
Bot my Bose and Cowins fit really well. I The Cowin is bigger and makes a greater seal against outside noise. But they are much heavier in that it is a metal construction. So the weight might be an issue for some people. I get up a lot so they get taken off.
Bot my Bose and Cowins fit really well. I The Cowin is bigger and makes a greater seal against outside noise. But they are much heavier in that it is a metal construction. So the weight might be an issue for some people. I get up a lot so they get taken off.
Oct 23, 2018, 4:36 am
#89
Join Date: Jul 2009
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I picked up a pair of Sony WH-1000xm3 silver headphones yesterday (couple in an airport duty free shop so bought straightwway for £320) and they're pretty good.
Never read the instructions as no real opportunity but a couple of YouTube videos have sorted out the swipe / gesture basics.
20ft range perhaps when using Bluetooth. They then cut out and pause or stop music playback on my phone.
Would have bought the Bose QC35ii hadn't they been in stock as I did need some.
Going to test them flying later today but more than happy with them so far.
Never read the instructions as no real opportunity but a couple of YouTube videos have sorted out the swipe / gesture basics.
20ft range perhaps when using Bluetooth. They then cut out and pause or stop music playback on my phone.
Would have bought the Bose QC35ii hadn't they been in stock as I did need some.
Going to test them flying later today but more than happy with them so far.
Oct 26, 2018, 1:52 pm
#90
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Just got back from my first trip with the Sony WH1000XM3 and I am still very happy. Two TATL flights and a number of train and intercity bus trips as well.
The "cup the right headphone to hear ambient sounds" worked well when listing to announcements but not so when interacting with people (e.g. flight attendant, seat mate) as they didn't realize I could hear them when I made that silly gesture
The "cup the right headphone to hear ambient sounds" worked well when listing to announcements but not so when interacting with people (e.g. flight attendant, seat mate) as they didn't realize I could hear them when I made that silly gesture