Noise­-Canceling vs Sound­-Isolating Headphones

If you’re on the hunt for a nice set of headphones, you’ve probably encountered the terms “noise-cancelling” and “sound-isolating” on headphone specifications. Both of these types of headphones are excellent for blocking out noise, but although these terms are often thrown around loosely and interchanged, how each unique design blocks out noise is completely different. Knowing the difference between noise-cancelling and sound-isolating headphones is beneficial and an important aspect to consider when purchasing a set of headphones.

Basically, noise-cancelling headphones block out noise with advanced technology built inside of the headphones, while sound-isolating headphones block out unwanted noise by using superior and snug ear cuff padding and insulation. Read on if you would like to learn more about the difference between these two noise-eliminating designs:

Noise-Cancellation Headphones

With a noise-cancellation headphone design, such as Legacy Modern Headphones by A-Audio, you’ll get superior noise-isolation due to an electronic process. Noise-cancellation takes an active approach when it comes to blocking out any unwanted external noises by utilizing science and advanced technology. Each earcup consists of a microphone that examines the sound running through the headphones. Then this advanced technology creates inverse waves that feed the sound back into the headphones and overpower and block out any unwanted outside noise so your ears are filled with only the headphone audio you desire. The mirror image inverse noise cancels out most outside noise. This technology generally works best on constant low-frequency sounds below 1000Hz, so noise-cancellation headphones are perfect for drowning out constant nuisance noises such as the sound of appliances running, steady air ventilation noise, television shows, rain hitting your tin roof, etc. Since noise-cancellation is an electronic process, this technology generally requires batteries to function.

Sound-Isolating Headphones

Sound-isolating headphones, such as these comfy luxurious LCD-XC Luxury Headphones by Audeze, isolate noise by physically blocking out unwanted noise with exceptional earcups and their superior seal against your ear. Sound-isolating headphones work passively in the same way earplugs do and are absolutely excellent when it comes to blocking out unwanted noise. The soft and snug malleable earcup pads fit securely and comfortably around your ears. The padding of these earcups come in several different materials and forms such as a soft, thick pliable memory foam material. Sound-isolation headphones easily block out noises of all frequencies from across the entire audible spectrum and are perfect for tuning out everyone around you and common noise interruptions such as people talking, telephones ringing, loud television or music. Sound-isolating headphones will make you feel like you’re in a much quieter place regardless of what’s going on around you. Since sound-isolating headphones eliminate noise by creating a physical barrier between your audio and any outside ambient noise with their unique earcup padding design, you don’t need batteries.