9 Proven Best Noise Isolating Headphones (2024)

62 Comments

1. Colin Duff

   10:35 PM - Apr 9, 2016

   What are the best noise isolating sports headphones?

   Reply

   1. Headphones Addict

      5:45 AM - Apr 10, 2016

      Any IEMs (in-ear monitors) will do the job. Put some foam ear tips in and you’re golden. The only question you should ask yourself is what kind of sound signature you prefer and whether or not you want them to be wireless.

      Check the article with best headphones for working out and look at IEMs.

      Reply

2. Ferdinand S

   8:33 AM - Apr 29, 2016

   Hi. Nice list but what do you recommend for office use and travel. No sound leagage, wireless over ear headphones. Need to look good and not cheap. Belive it or not but right now im using Extreme Isolation EX-29 at the office. Drummer headset 🙂

   Reply

   1. Headphones Addict

      9:20 AM - May 3, 2016

      Hi Ferdinand,

      it really depends on what you’re looking for. A lot of people go for good in-ear monitors for office use since they have good sound isolation and no sound leakage. Over ear headphones are good too, just make sure they have closed-back so you don’t bother others with it.

      For traveling a lot of people go with Bose noise cancelling headphones (wireless, comfy, decent sound, best ANC), I’d say there is no one model that does all you want perfectly. You will have to pick the features you like the most and pick the model accordingly.

      Reply

3. Claudia D

   10:50 AM - Jul 9, 2016

   Hi love the list! I catch the train everyday, I love my music up loud but I would hate it if everyone around me can hear it too. My budget is no more than $150AUS. I would use it with my macbook and iphone. I prefer on-ear too. Thanks! x

   Reply

   1. Headphones Addict

      8:30 PM - Jul 13, 2016

      Unfortunately I can’t give you any good recommendation in the price range, the Sennheiser HD25-1 II are everything you want but cost a bit too much for your budget. $150AUD is roughly $120USD but the aforementioned Sennheiser headphones cost over $200USD.

      The problem is that it’s hard to find on-ear headphones with good noise isolation since they are smaller in size and yet not as small as in-ear monitors.

      You have the option of either getting in-ear or over-ear models that isolate well for less money, paying more money, or going for some other portable on-ear headphones with good sound, but without great noise isolation.

      Reply

4. Kaiz T

   1:12 PM - Jul 16, 2016

   Hi there! Thank you for the great research. I would like to get your advice on in ear headphones that can be used on the train as well as in the office – these can be noise isolation or cancellation. I see that Shure or Etymotic are good fits per the article but wanted to see if there are others. Priced max to $200.
   Thanks!

   Reply

   1. Headphones Addict

      4:30 PM - Aug 22, 2016

      The ones in the list are the best in this category in our opinion. We always keep the possibility that there are better ones out there, especially since people have different needs and opinions, but the ones posted are on top of their game.

      Reply

5. Mark LeRoy

   11:18 PM - Sep 8, 2016

   I agree with the #1 choice of Etymotic HF5 for noise isolation. I ride motorcycles with these on and 90% of wind noise is eliminated. A bonus because then my music does not need to be cranked up too loud! I also wear these while flying commercial. Excellent for isolating the cabin noise while enjoying awesome sound! The only draw back is the durability of the plug. I’ve broken three! Yes, three. the plug is quite fragile compared to other brands (Apple plugs are rock solid). I broke two plugs while the buds were plugged in to my phone, phone put in pocket, and simply bending over to pick something up! SNAP! I really get tired of spending $150 a pop to get new ones. I wish Etymotic would beef up their plugs.

   Reply

6. François Delorme

   12:24 AM - Sep 22, 2016

   Hello,
   My wife is significantly bothered by heavy noise construction taking place in the neighbourhood. She is a writer, working at home, hence she needs a more silent environment. Ear plugs are not sufficient. I was going to suggest over-ear headphones. The sound quality is not important as she does not listen to music when she works. Any suggestion?

   Thanks in advance!

   Reply

   1. Headphones Addict

      1:14 PM - Sep 26, 2016

      If it’s a constant noise she should look up noise cancelling headphones. Bose QuietComfort 35 have the best ANC at the moment. Plus they are very comfy so she can wear them for hours.

      Reply

7. Pablo

   4:24 PM - Sep 29, 2016

   Hello,
   I’m looking for the *best* sound isolation headphones against human voices. I’m not concerned with the highest music quality. I study all day either at home or coffee places and I’m easily distracted by people talk, baby cry and kids scream at the school across the street.

   I understand noise canceling will not block these frequencies. I bought the shure SE112m+ and added foam tips. Although good, they are not near enough to completely block any of these situations. Even silicone ear plugs will not do the job. Although it may seem a waste of money I’m considering wearing silicone ear plugs together with over-the-ear headphones.

   Is there any headphone out there that can *completely* block human voices? Or what would be the closest?

   Reply

   1. Pablo

      7:23 PM - Oct 26, 2016

      Which would be best for noise isolation specifically against human voice? Over-ear (e.g. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO or the Beyerdynamic DT 770 M 80) or in-ear (e.g. Shure SE215 Earphones and Etymotic Research HF5)?

      Reply

8. India

   5:21 AM - Oct 3, 2016

   Hi,
   Do you have any good recommendations for noise isolation earbuds or headset for screaming kids? The high frequency of the screams sets off my seizures. I need to use them in stores and other places like airplanes and need to sometimes wear these for hours. Also I would like to have a microphone so that I can take a call on the same earbuds or headset. I would prefer earbuds.

   Thank-you

   Reply

   1. Headphones Addict

      3:08 PM - Oct 8, 2016

      Etymotic Research HF5 have great noise isolation, but unfortunately don’t have the microphone. You are right to pick in-ear monitors for noise isolation, just make sure you also get the right fitting eartips, preferably Comply foam tips. You can get them for any IEM model.

      Reply

9. Joshua

   10:28 PM - Oct 19, 2016

   Hi,
   About the Beyerdynamic DT 770 M 80’s you said that : Better headphones than these are going to cost you at least 2x the price . Ok which ones? I have the Sennheiser HD 280 PRO and they are very good but i would like more noise cancellation.

   Thanks

   Reply

   1. Headphones Addict

      9:52 AM - Oct 24, 2016

      Sennheiser HD 280 PRO don’t have active noise cancelling, only passive noise isolation. If you want best ANC get Bose QuietComfort 35.

      Reply

10. Mark

    4:19 AM - Nov 4, 2016

    I listen to 70s and my wife sits next to me and reads.I have good quality stereo equipment.
    I want good sound and do not want to have any sound leakage to bother my Wife.
    What do I need?

    Reply

    1. Headphones Addict

       12:12 PM - Nov 8, 2016

       You need closed-back, tight fitting headphones with good noise isolation. Most closed-back headphones will do a good job, but look at the best models on the list.

       Keep in mind at higher volumes you won’t be able to completely eliminate noise leak. No headphones are able to do that. As long as you keep the volume to healthy levels you should be fine.

       Reply

11. Kim

    6:23 AM - Nov 5, 2016

    Hi

    What would be the best to use for flying? Not sure whether to buy noise cancelling or noise isolating, I read on some reviews that some people can’t use the noise cancelling as it makes them feel nausea.

    Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Headphones Addict

       12:09 PM - Nov 8, 2016

       For flying noise cancelling are a better option. The airplane engines make a constant, low pitched noise which get cancelled out by ANC nicely. Passive noise isolation will work too, but won’t be as effective.

       If you fly a lot you see most people on planes are using ANC headphones without any problems. Though it is possible to get motion sickness from it, it’s very uncommon. Or just take motion sickness pills before boarding, helps with airplane motion as well. It helps me. 🙂

       Reply

12. Ronicka

    4:47 PM - Nov 20, 2016

    Ronicka says:
    November 20, 2016 at 4:46 pm
    Your comment is awaiting moderation.

    Hi , I”m bothered with the traffic noise of cars, bikes and the horns outside my house and get woken up by of outside noise ever night. What model of ear phones you suggest that I can even wear while I’m sleeping and gives me a quiet and peaceful night sleep by cutting off the outside noise. Also do you suggestin ear or outside. Considering I would like to put them on while sleeping?

    Reply

    1. Headphones Addict

       10:30 AM - Dec 5, 2016

       Unfortunately, headphones aren’t meant to be used when sleeping. In-ear monitors/earbuds would be the better options since over-ear and on-ear are too big to wear comfortably during sleep.
       If you only want to isolate the outside noise to help you sleep, get some of those ear plugs. It’s going to be cheaper and more suited for your needs.

       Noise cancelling earbuds are great at cancelling out noise, but they are bulky, more expensive and need battery charging, plus you’d probably break them in a couple of days if you turn in the bed a lot.

       Reply

13. Noname

    9:58 PM - Jan 18, 2017

    What about the Pioneer HDJ-2000mk2 ??

    Reply

    1. Headphonersaddict

       12:04 PM - Jan 19, 2017

       We haven’t tested them yet, they seem a bit pricey. You can probably get better cans for the same money.

       Reply

14. jjcoolaus

    11:18 PM - Mar 27, 2017

    Where on earth are you getting the etymotic for $80?

    Reply

    1. Headphonersaddict

       9:18 AM - Mar 28, 2017

       The $80-$120 represents the range for the price not exact price.Etymotic Research HF5 usually have a price around $100 but keep in mind prices change all the time.

       Reply

       1. Camille Brygidyr

          1:09 PM - Jun 6, 2023

          I am interested in finding out what kind of headphones to wear to block out the noise from fireworks. I don’t need to listen to music, just block out the sound.

          Reply

          1. Peter Susic

             9:07 PM - Jun 8, 2023

             We recommend you to check our noise cancelling headphones guides, like:
             – https://headphonesaddict.com/best-budget-noise-cancelling-headphones/
             Using ANC (active noise cancelling) will help reduce lower frequencies as well (which are also present during firework explosions), which passive isolation headphones can’t reduce. If you want to stay below $100, we recommend you:
             – EarFun Air Pro 3 (in-ear)
             – Edifier W240TN (in-ear)
             – Anker Soundcore Life Q30 (over-ear)
             These are the best ANC headphones in price range around $70-$80.

             Reply

15. Andre v Woerkom

    12:42 PM - Apr 26, 2017

    This is a really helpful discussion, thanks for sharing your expertise. But I still have a question. Is noise isolation also the better choice under wind noise circumstances, like on a motorbike or race bike? Right now I have a pair of in-ear VSonic GR07 which sound great (very much like the Shure 215) but it doesn’t isolate that well.

    Reply

16. Michael Crochetiere

    4:33 PM - Aug 8, 2017

    Hi – I’m looking for wireless, noise-isolating earphones/headphones for two purposes: (1) To listen to music from my MacBook Pro (mid 2009) via BT and (2) to watch my Sony Bravia TV (2014). The TV doesn’t have BT capability (Sony says use RF). You can get BT transmitters for the TV headphone jack, but there is always audio lag. I have Bose QC 25s (wired, active noise cancellation) that I’m using now, for both purposes – but the wire is a pain and they tend to give me headaches with prolonged use. I believe it is the active noise cancellation. Given your reviews, I may go with Beyerdynamic or Shure (which I might use with an mp3 player), though this would not solve my above issues above. Have you tried Direct Sound EXW37 headphones? Any advice would be much appreciated Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Headphonersaddict

       6:46 PM - Aug 8, 2017

       Hi Michael,
       we haven’t tried the Direct sound EXW37.
       The headphones on this list are for those who are looking for noise isolation above everything else.
       You on the other hand can take a look at any Bluetooth closed-back headphones and you’ll still get good noise isolation with great sound quality.
       Check this article: https://headphonesaddict.combest-bluetooth-headphones/

       P.S. Pick over-ear models for better comfort.

       Reply

       1. Michael Crochetiere

          6:50 PM - Aug 8, 2017

          Thanks!

          Reply

17. Komrad

    8:37 PM - Oct 20, 2017

    Which are these are good at blocking voice conversations around you in an open office environment? my Bose QC35’s don’t put a dent in this type of noise.

    Reply

    1. Headphonersaddict

       10:44 AM - Oct 25, 2017

       All of them on the list, because these aren’t active noise cancelling but only provide good passive noise isolation. These block all outside noise better than average headphones but keep in mind no headphones block all of the noise.

       Reply

18. Anderson 1983

    9:41 PM - Nov 2, 2017

    Hi. Is Sennheiser HD 25 a safe choice for casual listening? Because the oficial website says this headphone has a higher sensitivity (70Ω 120dB) (I don’t know if is measured in dB/V or dB/mW). For example: using a SPL calculator and an innofensive Sansa Clip Player (16Ω 18mW), we find a SPL = 94,87 (presuming sennheiser measured in dB/mW). Acording to Institutes NIOSIH and CDC, you shouldn’t be exposed to this SPL for more than one hour!

    Reply

    1. Headphonersaddict

       1:57 PM - Nov 3, 2017

       Hi. They’re definitely safe to listen to casually. But abusing any headphones at max volume for too long can damage your hearing. Use at higher volumes should be limited for all headphones and sound systems.

       Reply

       1. Anderson 1983

          1:16 AM - Dec 3, 2017

          Thanks! I got concerned when I saw in the manual: “Due to the high pressure levels attainable, these headphones must not be used with portable playback devices”. And concludes that It’s only for professional use. Well, If the problem is only the volume, why they don’t put this information to other products? The safety is the same. Maybe the SPL is not crontolable or not the same in the spectrum frequencies?

          Reply

19. redi

    2:47 AM - Nov 16, 2017

    I had the wh-1000xm2 ( the last sony headphone ) and it really sucks at blocking voice of conversations around you. which earphones/earbuds/headphone will you recommand to completely isolate me from voice conversations?

    Reply

    1. Headphonersaddict

       1:29 PM - Nov 16, 2017

       Since wh1000xm2 are active noise cancelling headphones it makes sense that they don’t block conversations that well. Now keep in mind no headphones/earbuds will completely isolate you but the ones in this guide are one of the best at doing so. Passive noise isolation will isolate all sounds including conversation.
       We really like in-ear headphones/earbuds since you can change the ear tips to your liking and this way get the best isolation for your ear size. Etymotic Research HF5 are great at that but read the review to find more about the sound signature.

       Reply

20. Clementi

    12:37 AM - Nov 19, 2017

    Thank you for this amazing and helpful article/review/comparison. I was also wondering about the noise isolation level of the hd8 DJ headphones from Sennheiser, since it is branded for listening in loud environments too, but no exact numbers were mentioned for it on the site like they were for 280 and 380 Pros. Maybe, if possible, how would they compare to the 770 m and the 280, in terms of sound. Thanks.

    Reply

21. sɐɯʇsᴉɹɥƆ ʎɹɹǝW

    4:45 PM - Dec 9, 2017

    If your primary goal is sound isolation to get rid of voices nearby (i.e. wife, kids, wife yelling at you, co-workers who rudely talk to each other OVER your cubicle the best isolating headphone hybrid is any cheap ear bugs and a 35dB pair of cheap safety muffs from 3M/Peltor (no speakers inside).

    Ironically the less you spend on ear muffs, the more sound they isolate. Search for hearing protection on Amazon, then Peltor. Browse to find either 34dB or 35dB. This system has worked for me 20 years at the office. If you need to participate in work conference calls just get microphone ear buds and you are golden.

    I have observed for a long time that companies advertising “active sound isolation” also show people in the marketing photos obviously wanting to dampen unpredictable (non droning) sounds such as voices. Thank God I never bought an expensive pair of active noise reducing headphones, thanks to this article I confirmed my instinct that active isolation will actually “tune in” those voices in my head (kids, coworkers wife).

    Reply

    1. Mariusz Błaszczak

       8:02 AM - Apr 26, 2018

       I have tried ear plugs + safety muffs, but they heated my ears very quickly and it was painful. Did you experience something similar?

       Reply

       1. George Bradley

          5:49 PM - Apr 26, 2018

          You are suffering from “headphone fatigue”. There is a third option.
          1. In ear (plugs)
          2. Over ear (muffs or contemporary headphones)
          3. On ear (picture worth a thousand words.. I bought some and it eliminated the fatigue. Of course they are wired or unwired (bluetooth) for sound.

          An example of on-ear is the

          Bowers & Wilkins P3 S2 Headphones

          I bought the P5 model.

          Reply

          1. Mariusz Błaszczak

             7:55 AM - Apr 27, 2018

             I don’t understand what exactly is that third option.

             I understood your first comment as wearing in-ear plugs together with over ear safety muffs in the same time. This solution makes my ear very warm and it is a bit painful and distressing.

             What is the second and third option?

             Reply

             1. George Bradley

                12:20 AM - May 12, 2018

                The earphone has a “pillow” that fits on your ear (not over it).

                There is a 4th option called “open back” earphones that some people use to help with “ear fatigue”. They don’t seal in the air. This helps your ear to be more comfortable — and lets all the noise in… (bad for you)

22. Mariusz Błaszczak

    9:17 AM - Apr 18, 2018

    Where did you get the noise isolation data from?

    Reply

    1. Headphonersaddict

       12:52 PM - Apr 24, 2018

       Claimed by the manufacturers. This means they tell best isolation results in best possible conditions. Effectiveness of isolation depends on the frequency as well.

       Reply

23. night stitcher

    7:40 AM - Oct 23, 2018

    I tried the Sennheiser 280HD, and found the sound isolation to be inadequate, I have been using cheap ear-protectors with earbuds snaked undernath, and was hoping this would be a more comfortable, albeit more expensive, solution to trying to hear my podcasts over the over-loud music they play at my gym. Instead, very little of the gym music was blocked out, and it was no more comfortable than the ear protector/earbud setup. I had expected, since the ear protectors were also rated for about 30db, that the sound isolation would be similar, but the Sennheisers didn’t seem to block out much sound at all. I ended up returning them.

    Reply

    1. Headphonesaddict

       3:34 PM - Oct 31, 2018

       In-ear headphones are usually better at noise reduction and if you need them for the gym, they should be your first pick. HD 280 have better isolation than most over-ears but not as good as in-ear monitors. Have you tried Comply eartips?

       Reply

       1. night stitcher

          7:19 AM - Nov 1, 2018

          I haven’t, and am not familiar with them.. My ears tend to build up wax like crazy, so I don’t want to encourage them to do that. I have the impression that in-ear headphones are really hard to fit so that they block out unwanted sound. Is that incorrect?

          Reply

          1. Headphonesaddict

             4:15 PM - Nov 1, 2018

             That’s not our experience. In-ear headphones or earbuds are generally better at blocking ambient noise if you get the right fit. The type of eartips you use is crucial and generally, the soft, foam eartips are the best for comfort and noise isolation. Though, as you said, if building up wax is a big problem, you’d have to change them quiet often.

             Reply

             1. night stitcher

                3:45 AM - Nov 18, 2018

                I ordered and tried Comply eartips. I got the “fits most earphones” style. They fit my earphones ok but blocked very little sound. I did follow the instructions carefully – several times, but the tips were useless. Fortunately, I was able to return them (just printed the return slip) and will be getting a refund.

             2. Headphonesaddict

                3:06 PM - Nov 18, 2018

                That’s unusual. To maximize passive noise isolation you need to get an airtight fit which is easier with memory foam eartips. What earphones are you using? What kind of noise do you want to block?

                Well, it’s also possible your situation is more unique and the general advice isn’t effective. It’s hard to say over internet.

             3. night stitcher

                12:38 AM - Nov 19, 2018

                The earphones are Acode from Amazon. Nothing special, but they meet my needs for listening to podcasts on an ancient mp3 player. The Comply tips fit them ok. The sound I’m trying to block out is loud music at my gym. So far the only thing that really works is over-the-ear ear protection with the headphones snaked underneath. I haven’t been able to get standalone foam ear plugs to do much for me either, so maybe I have an odd-sized or odd-shaped ear canal.

24. TheLastBattalion

    9:14 PM - Apr 26, 2019

    Great list, I recommend all of these but my favourite is the Shure SE215. It is just the best value overall.

    Reply

25. Tamir

    6:36 AM - Apr 16, 2020

    Great Article! I would like to use the headphones for my PC, since I prefer not to buy amplifer, I was thinking to buy Beyerdynamic DT 770M 32 Ohm, do you know what’s it’s noise isolation level? I am not sure it’s the same as the 80 ohm version.

    Reply

    1. HeadphonesAddict

       8:52 AM - Apr 16, 2020

       Hey Tamir, I think it’s the same because the cups and pads are also the same. Should be no different isolation due to Ohm difference.

       Reply

26. mariusica

    7:51 AM - May 17, 2020

    Nothing recent on the market better than DT770M ? I have 3 pairs, they worked great, but I still want to block more sound (the neighbors).

    Reply

    1. HeadphonesAddict

       12:18 PM - May 20, 2020

       There’s a limit to noise isolation over-ear headphones can provide. If it’s not enough you might want to try in-ear headphones with memory-foam eartips. But we don’t expect the technology to advance much in this category. As long as the earcups are closed with good clamping force and fitting earpads, you can’t expect more.

       Reply

27. denis

    2:45 PM - Sep 24, 2022

    Sony WH-1000XM4 do not have a mic.

    Reply

    1. Matija Ferjan

       8:29 PM - Sep 27, 2022

       Hi Denis, Sony WH-1000XM4 actually have more than 1 microphone. You can check the mic test here.

       Reply