Is ANC Worth It? Does ANC Make a Difference?

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has become one of the most sought-after features in Bluetooth earphones and headphones. Responding to this demand, many audio companies now include ANC, even in their budget models.

However, while some brands are committed to delivering high-quality ANC, others merely use the feature as a marketing tool, offering subpar performance just to capitalize on the trend.

This raises an important question: Is ANC worth it? Does it truly make a difference in reducing noise, and if so, to what extent? Let’s explore the effectiveness of ANC and whether it lives up to its promise.

Does ANC Really Make a Difference?

The short answer is yes, ANC makes a difference, even in budget-friendly earbuds or headphones.

When a device is equipped with ANC, it will reduce ambient noise, and you’ll immediately sense the difference once the feature is activated.

However, the key question is: How significant is this difference?

To understand this, it’s important to recognize that noise exists at various levels.

According to the CDC, a whisper is approximately 30 dB, a normal conversation is around 60 dB, and a running motorcycle engine measures about 95 dB. Prolonged exposure to noise above 70 dB can potentially harm your hearing.

Manufacturers design ANC capabilities based on these noise levels.

• Budget earphones or headphones typically reduce noise by up to 25 dB.
• Mid-range models may block noise between 25 dB and 45 dB.
• High-end earbuds, such as the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), can block noise up to 85 dB.

The impact of ANC depends on the device’s noise-blocking capacity.

• Up to 20 dB ANC offers minimal noise reduction—just enough to be noticeable.
• 25 to 45 dB ANC makes a substantial difference, with 25 dB blocking 80-85% of noise and 45 dB blocking up to 90%.
• ANC capable of blocking 70 to 80 dB can eliminate 95-99% of noise.

For optimal performance, we recommend choosing earbuds or headphones with at least 25 dB of ANC.

We’ve tested budget earbuds with up to 25 dB ANC, and in the price range of $40 to $45, their noise-canceling performance is good. They effectively block around 80% of ambient noise; however, higher-decibel sounds, such as honking horns and construction machinery, remain audible.

Is ANC Truly Useful?

Yes, ANC is indeed useful and can be beneficial in many situations.

However, there are instances where ANC may not make a significant difference.

Let’s explore both scenarios.

When is ANC Most Beneficial?

While ANC may not be useful in every situation, there are many scenarios where it proves to be highly beneficial.

• Traveling (Planes, Trains, Buses): ANC is particularly effective in environments with constant, low-frequency noise, such as the hum of airplane engines, the rumble of trains, or the drone of bus engines. It helps create a quieter and more comfortable environment, allowing you to relax, sleep, or focus on work or entertainment.

• Working in Noisy Environments: If you work in a noisy office, a coffee shop, or any place with a lot of background chatter, ANC can help you concentrate better by reducing ambient noise. This creates a more peaceful workspace, enhancing productivity.

• Studying: For students, ANC headphones are invaluable when trying to focus in environments with distractions, such as a busy library or shared living space.

• Commuting: Whether you’re on a crowded subway or walking through a busy city, ANC helps reduce surrounding noise, making it easier to enjoy music and podcasts, or simply have some quiet time.

• Listening to Music at Low Volumes: When listening to music at 40% volume or lower, external noise can significantly disrupt your experience. ANC effectively blocks this noise, allowing you to enjoy music even at 20% volume—something that wouldn’t be possible without it.

• Watching Movies: Watching movies becomes more immersive with ANC, as it helps you hear dialogues clearly, free from background noise, enhancing your overall viewing experience.

• Calls and Meetings: During phone calls or virtual meetings, ANC helps block out background noise, making it easier to hear the other person and be heard clearly, especially in noisy environments.

• Relaxation and Meditation: ANC headphones can create a tranquil environment, perfect for meditation, relaxation, or simply taking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

• Sleeping: While we don’t recommend sleeping with earphones or headphones on, if you occasionally do so, ANC can help you sleep better by blocking out disturbing noises, especially in noisy neighborhoods or hotels.

• Gaming: For gamers, ANC can help block out distracting noises, allowing for better focus and immersion in the game.

Overall, while ANC may not be necessary in every situation, it is highly useful in a wide range of scenarios, from travel and work to relaxation and entertainment.

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When Might ANC Not Be Useful?

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a powerful technology, but there are certain situations where it might not be as effective or necessary.

• Quiet Environments: In very quiet environments, ANC may not provide significant benefits since there’s little background noise to cancel. Some users might even experience a slight hissing or pressure sensation when ANC is activated, which can be distracting.

• Situations Requiring Awareness: When you need to stay aware of your surroundings, such as walking on busy streets, cycling, or being in areas with traffic, ANC can reduce your ability to hear important sounds like car horns, alarms, or warning signals. In such scenarios, it’s safer to use transparency mode (if available) or turn off ANC.

• Listening to Music at High Volumes: When listening to music at 80% volume or above, the sound of the music itself often blocks out external noise, making ANC less noticeable. At these higher volumes, turning ANC on may not make a significant difference.

• Battery Life Considerations: ANC consumes additional battery power. If you’re in a situation where conserving battery life is important, such as on a long trip without access to charging, turning off ANC can help extend your listening time.

• Social Interactions: In settings where you may need to interact with others, such as at work or home, ANC can make it difficult to hear when someone is trying to get your attention. It might be better to use ANC selectively or keep it off to stay responsive to your environment.

• Comfort Issues: Some people experience discomfort, such as a feeling of pressure in the ears, when using ANC headphones. This discomfort arises from the way ANC generates sound waves that cancel out external noise, which can create an unpleasant sensation for some users.

Overall, while ANC is a valuable feature for reducing unwanted noise, it’s not always necessary or effective in every situation. Understanding when to use or not use ANC can help you get the most out of your headphones or earbuds.

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30 dB vs. 45 dB ANC: Does the Level Matter?

Many companies offer earbuds with either 30 dB or 45 dB Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Understanding the difference between these two levels can help you make a more informed choice.

It’s evident that 45 dB ANC provides better noise reduction compared to 30 dB ANC. To illustrate, noise at 30 dB is akin to a quiet library or a soft whisper. In contrast, 45 dB is comparable to the background noise in a quiet office or the gentle hum of soft background music.

In our tests with 30 dB ANC earbuds, we found that they reduced approximately 80% of ambient noise. While they significantly muted sounds, certain noises, such as car honking, the hum of an air conditioner, or nearby conversations, remained audible but quieter.

On the other hand, earbuds with 45 dB ANC demonstrated a notable improvement in blocking out noise. Although sounds like car honking were still detectable, they were much less intrusive compared to what we experienced with 30 dB ANC. The overall effect was a more serene environment.

While 45 dB ANC offers superior performance, it will not deliver complete silence. Most external noises will be significantly reduced but sounds such as the hum of an air conditioner, distant traffic, or louder noises may still be faintly heard.

If you’re deciding between these options, opting for 45 dB ANC is generally a better investment. While it won’t provide total silence, the enhanced noise reduction offers a more immersive listening experience and is particularly effective in noisy environments.

Is ANC Safe for Your Ears?

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is generally safe for your ears, but there are a few considerations to ensure comfort and ear health.

ANC works by using microphones to pick up external noise and generate sound waves that cancel it out. These phase-inverted sound waves are at low amplitudes and frequencies that are not harmful.

While ANC itself does not damage your ears, some users might experience a mild pressure or discomfort due to the phase-inverted sound waves. If this discomfort occurs, taking breaks or adjusting settings can help. ANC headphones can also reduce the need to increase volume, which is beneficial for long-term ear health.

It’s important to be aware that ANC might reduce your ability to hear important external sounds, such as traffic or alarms, so using transparency or ambient modes when necessary can help maintain situational awareness.

Regular breaks, ensuring a proper fit, and listening at moderate volumes are good practices for safe use.

Overall, there is no evidence that ANC damages ears. Our experience with ANC earphones has shown no issues related to ear health. The design and fit of earphones may cause discomfort, but ANC itself is not responsible for any pain. Therefore, ANC technology is considered safe when used appropriately.

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Does Noise Cancelling Impact Your Brain?

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology generally does not negatively impact the brain. In fact, it can help reduce cognitive load by minimizing background noise, thereby enhancing focus, productivity, and relaxation, which can improve mental performance and sleep quality.

However, some users might experience mild pressure or discomfort due to the ANC process, which can occasionally lead to headaches. Additionally, reducing ambient noise might impair your ability to hear important external sounds, potentially affecting safety in certain situations.

Some users also notice a hissing sound with ANC, which can also contribute to headaches. Most people adapt to these sensations over time and do not experience significant issues.

Overall, while ANC is designed to improve your listening environment without directly harming your brain, it can cause headaches in some individuals.

Is ANC Necessary?

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) isn’t necessary for everyone, but it can be highly beneficial depending on your needs and environment.

If you frequently encounter noisy environments, such as during travel, in busy offices, or while studying, ANC can enhance your comfort and focus by reducing disruptive background sounds. It can also improve relaxation and sleep quality by creating a quieter environment.

For those who don’t often face significant noise or prefer being aware of their surroundings, ANC might be less critical. It adds cost and complexity to headphones, and its benefits may not outweigh the price for everyone.

If you’re sensitive to noise or need to concentrate in noisy settings, ANC could be a valuable feature.

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Is Noise Cancelling Headphones Worth It?

Noise-canceling headphones can be worth it, depending on your needs and how you use them. Here are some factors to consider:

• Improved Focus: If you work or study in noisy environments, ANC headphones can help you concentrate better by reducing background noise.
• Enhanced Travel Experience: For frequent travelers, ANC headphones can make journeys more comfortable by minimizing the noise from planes, trains, or buses.
• Better Sleep: If you have trouble sleeping due to noise, ANC headphones can help create a quieter environment.
• Increased Comfort: ANC can reduce the need to turn up the volume to drown out external sounds, potentially protecting your hearing in the long run.
• Price vs. Benefit: ANC headphones are generally more expensive than regular headphones. If you don’t often encounter noisy situations or prefer staying aware of your surroundings, the additional cost may not be justifiable.

Ultimately, if you frequently deal with noise and value the benefits of reduced distraction and improved comfort, investing in noise-canceling headphones can be worthwhile.

Pros and Cons of ANC

The Pros

• Reduces ambient noise
• Enhances listening experience
• Improves travel comfort
• Promotes better sleep
• Increases productivity

The Cons

• Slightly Higher cost
• Battery drain
• Discomfort
• Reduced awareness of surroundings

Conclusion: Is ANC Worth It?

There is considerable hype surrounding Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and based on this, it is safe to conclude that ANC is indeed worth it.

While budget headphones may not provide the most advanced ANC, they still offer noticeable benefits.

If you frequently find yourself in noisy environments, travel regularly, or need to concentrate and unwind, ANC can greatly enhance your comfort and productivity. Conversely, if you rarely face significant noise or value being aware of your surroundings, the additional cost and features of ANC may not be essential.

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FAQs

So, is ANC worth it? We hope you now have a clearer answer. If you still have any doubts, please feel free to ask us in the comments section.

Do you agree or disagree with the points mentioned here? We’d love to hear your thoughts.