You may have seen the terms ‘noise cancelling’ and ‘active noise cancelling’ on headphone packaging. These aren’t just terms thrown around. The technology is very real and works well if you’re someone who has to combat distracting background noise around you. Here’s how noise cancelling technology works.

A lot of active noise cancelling technology is used in headphones as opposed to earbuds. This is because earbuds have never been great at blocking out the noise around a person. Unless you turn up the sound of your music or podcast to high volume, with earbuds, you may always have some difficulty cutting down on the outside noise. Alternatively, with headphones, they fit oftentimes over the ear and are far more practical in cutting down on external noise.

The most comfortable headphones in Canada with this noise cancelling technology is given components that a normal pair doesn’t have. First off, how the tech works is with a miniature microphone to record ambient noise – things like traffic, air conditioning systems, and chatter.

Electronics in your headphone then create a sound wave that’s 180 degrees out of phase with what the microphone has captured. This wave cancels out the noise it’s duplicating, cancelling out those sounds that are distracting. Cancellation tech like this works entirely off batteries so the battery is another element of noise cancelling headphones you will find.

Now, not all noise cancelling headphones are ‘active’. Some are ‘passive’ which means a pair covers the ears to physically block out external noises as opposed to producing a technological response to what’s going on. Ideally, you want a pair of high quality headphones that will both cover the ear and which also use active noise cancelling technology to block out as much background noise as one can.

If you buy active noise cancelling headphones, the battery must be charged to properly deliver performance. Some headphones’ battery can have limited hours. Ideally, what you want to search for is a pair with at least 17 hours of play time.

One of the best uses of active noise cancelling tech in headphones in Canada is from PrimeCables. You’re hitting on the 17 hours of play time minimum as well as have advanced Bluetooth functionality, a foldable design making them easy to carry or pack, high quality sound of course, soft leather over-the-ear comfort, and adaptability to different head sizes. If you’re choosing noise cancelling headphones, definitely consider a shop at PrimeCables. You won’t beat them on price and even better, receive free shipping anywhere in Canada on these!