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As you venture into the world of headphones, you’ll encounter technical terms that may initially seem interchangeable. Is it noise cancellation or noise blocking that you’re after? There’s a meaningful difference, and understanding these terms is crucial in finding the right technology for your needs. Whether you’re aiming for deep focus or a quiet escape from the world, we’re here to help.
A term like noise blocking makes it sound like a high-tech solution, but it’s actually very low tech. It can be as simple as putting your fingers in your ears, creating a physical barrier against the noise.
This technique, called passive noise reduction, relies on physical obstruction rather than electronic components. Essentially, anything that covers your ears can act as a passive noise blocker, requiring no built-in technology, microphone, or power source.
While it may be low-tech, noise blocking plays a crucial role in headphone design. When executed effectively, it serves as the first line of defence against unwanted sounds. Achieving a tight seal on an earcup or a snug fit with an earbud can significantly enhance performance.
Given the diverse shapes and sizes of human ears, there’s been extensive research and testing to ensure optimal noise blocking. We’ve scanned hundreds in the pursuit of a better fit and comfort, to ensure optimal noise blocking. The latest Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds eartips used with our true wireless earbuds are a testament to the importance of human form factors in our innovations.
Noise cancelling, a term you’ve likely come across, is a technology that might be exactly what you’re after. It’s different from noise blocking and passive reduction because it involves active technology.
Bose was the first to use Acoustic Noise Cancelling or ANC in headphones when we invented the category over 20 years ago – a legacy that will always be tied to our brand. We could talk ANC all day long, but let’s just cover the basics.
Noise cancelling headphones operate with powered technology, meaning they require energy, typically from a rechargeable battery, to function. But even without power, you still benefit from the physical noise blocking simply by wearing the headphones. Once you turn them on, that’s when the active technology comes into play.
Noise cancelling headphones monitor the sound around you, preventing the unwanted noise from ever reaching your ears based on battery power, signal processing and various noise-blocking techniques. But ultimately, miniature microphones in the earcups or earbuds listen to the outside noise frequencies and emit the exact opposite signal to effectively “cancel out” both sets of sounds when the soundwaves collide.
Where noise blocking is a physical barrier to keep out sound, noise cancelling happens silently in the background, creating an audio “barrier”.
When are the best times to wear noise cancelling headphones or earbuds? Devices like the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, or QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are perfect for situations when you’re serious about enjoying your music, audiobooks, podcasts, shows, or movies without external noise getting in the way. Noise cancelling headphones are becoming a part of everyday life, with more and more people using them for work, calls, travel and focused time at home.
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Are over-ear headphones good for noise cancelling?
Yes. Over-ear headphones are typically better at noise cancelling compared to in-ear and on-ear headphones due to their larger ear cups and better seal around the ears.
How do noise cancelling headphones work?
Noise cancelling headphones use microphones to pick up surrounding noise, and then use advanced sound technology to create an opposite sound wave to cancel out unwanted noise.
Are noise cancelling headphones suitable for all types of music?
Yes. Noise cancelling headphones are suitable for all types of music as they can provide clear and balanced sound without interference from external noise.
What is the difference between noise cancelling and noise isolating headphones?
Noise cancelling headphones use advanced technology to actively cancel out external noise while noise isolating headphones use passive methods like padded ear cups to block out noise. We offer both types of headphones, depending on your needs and preferences.
Are noise cancelling headphones comfortable to wear for extended periods?
Yes. Our noise cancelling headphones and earbuds are designed with comfort in mind. They are lightweight, padded, and adjustable to ensure a comfortable fit for extended use.