Flying, commuting, or working in a noisy environment? We have the solution and will help you find your sanctuary.
Bose heavily advertises their noise canceling headphones, but what does that really mean? What is the difference between noise canceling headphones and sound isolating earphones, and which one is really right for you?
Noise-canceling headphones cancel noise via electronic circuitry after it has entered the headphone earcup. To put it in techno-speak, microphones inside each earcup sample the noise field, and an electronic circuit creates an inverse or "mirror-image" of the noise signal and adds it to the music. The actual noise and the inverse noise cancel each other out. Because of the electronics, these headphones require batteries. If you drain them and forget to bring replacements, you're out of luck.
The other very important detail that Bose doesn't talk about is the fact that noise canceling headphones can only cancel out constant noises. So if it's the aircraft engine, you're all set. However, if it's the baby crying on row 32 or the talking head behind your seat, forget it. The only time noise canceling outperform noise isolating devices such, is when you are trying to have a conversation and want to cancel out the background humming. For relaxing, taking a nap, or immersing yourself in your music or movie, or just some peaceful time while you work on your laptop, the high-end in-ear earphones we offer here cannot be beat.
Sound isolating earphones prevent noise from entering the ear naturally. A foam, rubber, or plastic sleeve surrounding the earphone allows it to fit into the ear instead of resting outside of it. The snug fit and unique acoustic properties of the sleeve blocks outside noise from sneaking past. You can use these earphones at any time with no worries because they don't need batteries to block out the outside ruckus.
We tested several earphone models; but to sum it up, our best sound isolating earphones can reduce sound by up to 70 percent more when compared to Bose. Why wear clunky headphones that chew through batteries when Westone 3, Westone 1, UM2, or UM1 and Sure SE530 or SE210 earphones can offer more protection with a lighter, more comfortable solution? The sound quality is a no brainer here, as these balanced armature drivers far exceed the Bose sound.
More information on Noise Cancelling vs. Noise Isolation Earphones, please read here.
