Are noise cancelling headphones really worth it?

[Aaron_W]

I travel a lot for work and I'm considering getting some noise cancelling headphones. The premium ones are like $300+ which seems crazy for headphones. Are noise cancelling headphones actually worth it? I've tried some cheaper ones and they were okay, but I'm wondering if the expensive ones from Sony or Bose are that much better. Anyone have experience with whether these purchases are worth the money?

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I've tested probably a dozen pairs over the years. For frequent travelers, noise cancelling headphones are absolutely worth it. The difference between cheap ANC and premium from Sony/Bose is huge - it's not just about blocking noise, it's about the quality of the cancellation and comfort during long flights. I have the Sony WH-1000XM5 and they're worth every penny for my 4-hour daily commute.

[Nathan.A]

I got some Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones for about $80 and they're surprisingly good. The noise cancelling isn't as good as Sony/Bose, but for the price they're excellent. If you travel occasionally, mid-range noise cancelling headphones might be worth it. But if you're on planes every week, spring for the premium ones.

[JosephR]

As someone who works remotely with kids at home, noise cancelling headphones have been a game changer. I have Bose QuietComfort 45 and they make it possible to focus during meetings. Are they worth $300? For me, yes - they literally enable me to do my job. But if you just want them for occasional use, maybe not.

[BrandonM]

I was skeptical too until I tried my friend's Sony headphones on a flight. The difference was incredible - I could actually hear my music clearly without cranking the volume. If you travel regularly, noise cancelling headphones are definitely worth it. If you just want them for the office or home, maybe consider cheaper options first.