Noise cancelling is a common term and may be the very thing you’re looking for. 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 cover the basics.
Noise cancelling headphones have powered tech, which means energy (like a rechargeable battery) is needed in order for them to work. Remember, even without power, you’re getting the physical benefit of noise blocking by simply wearing the headphones. When you turn them on, that’s when the technology kicks in.
How does noise cancelling work?
Noise cancelling headphones monitor the sound around you, preventing the unwanted noise from ever reaching your ears. 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. Our acoustic engineers explain that it’s a bit more complicated than that since battery power, signal processing, and noise blocking all have their place in creating the greater system that is “noise cancelling.” But you get the gist, right?
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? This tech is 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.