Some say silence is golden, and those who’ve used noise-canceling headphones are bound to agree. Brands like Bose and Sony have been putting out products for years, but among the newest noise-canceling options are the wireless Microsoft Surface headphones. If you’re seeking silence, head over to Amazon to
pick up a pair now at a deeply discounted price
of $250 — down from $350.
The Microsoft Surface series is well-known for its smart, sleek tablets and 2-in-1s but the Surface headphones are the company’s first foray into the noise-canceling audio world. At first look, the headphones look the part, with an ergonomic ear cup design and muted grey finish. First listen, though, is what counts with headphones, and Microsoft doesn’t disappoint here. Adjustable active noise cancellation technology puts you in control of your sound, letting you hear only some noise (for walking busy city streets safely) or no noise at all (for drowning the whole world out). On-ear dials allow for easily adjustable music volume and noise cancellation with a simple spin of the finger. Omnisonic Audio provides a crystal-clear listening experience, and the Surface headphones’ lightweight, breathable design means you might not even remember they’re on your ears.
Intelligent audio assistants are everywhere these days, and the Surface headphones are no exception, with Microsoft Cortana built right in. Command Cortana to adjust volume, mute your microphone, skip songs, and more, with intuitive voice controls. Compatibility with Windows 10, iOs, Android, and MacOS makes pairing the Surface headphones with your phone or computer a breeze, with Cortana’s capabilities expanding to email checking, scheduling, and more. With a 15-hour battery life, you’ll likely want to power down long before your headphones do, but the fast charging feature has you covered anyway, enabling up to an hour of music after just five minutes of charge.
Microsoft’s late entry in the world of wireless noise-canceling wireless headphones may put it at a disadvantage (the Sony WH-1000XM3 still reigns supreme as far as we’re concerned), but it’s a strong first offering that has us excited for future models. Now at just $250, the Surface headphones are certainly worth a listen.
Anker Soundcore says its new wireless buds will block up to 98% of external noise
Anker's Soundcore division has got a new set of wireless earbuds. And while the name may sound familiar -- they're called the Liberty 4 NC -- their price is a nice surprise: just $100. That buys you a set of hi-res-capable wireless earbuds that Anker claims have really impressive active noise cancellation (ANC) and battery life.
Anker calls it "Adaptive ANC 2.0" a system that uses two mics -- one inside your ear and one on the outside of the earbuds -- to adapt ANC performance instantly in any environment. The company must be confident that the system works well; it claims it blocks out up to 98.5% of external noise. Not even the superb Apple AirPods Pro 2 claim that kind of performance.
Skullcandy revives the Crusher ANC with a lower price and Skull-iQ
Skullcandy has a new version of the Crusher ANC. The noise-canceling version of the company's extra bass headphones disappeared from Skullcandy's lineup a few years ago, but now it's back as the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2. They're a $230 set of bass-forward cans that the company says has been completely redesigned with a new acoustic formula that pays close attention to the interaction between active noise cancellation (ANC) and Crusher Technology -- the adjustable, bone-rattling bass drivers inside the headphones.
The new headphones feature hands-free voice control that is augmented by the company's Skull-iQ technology. With Skull-iQ, you can use your voice to modify the features of the headphones like changing tracks, changing volume, or switching into Stay Aware (transparency mode). You can also use it to access other voice assistants, like Amazon Alexa.
Dyson’s bonkers air-purifying headphones hit the U.S. for $949
If you've been patiently waiting to get your hands on what might be kindly described as the most buzzworthy set of noise-canceling headphones on the planet — the Dyson Zone — you'll get your chance at 11 a.m. ET on April 27. That's when the headphones, which also double as a personal air purification device, become available for purchase in the U.S. The ear (face?) phones start at $949.
You'll be able to buy the Dyson Zone in one of two color combos, depending on where you shop. The Ultra Blue/Prussian Blue version will be available at BestBuy.com. It will also be available online via Dyson's website or one of its Demo Stores, alongside the Dyson-exclusive Prussian Blue/Bright Copper version.
