Noise Cancelling Headphones - Flight / Air Travel Gadgets
Noise cancelling headphones are great for reducing the ambient noise from the aircraft engine when you are on a flight. Better rest on-board means the effects of jet-lag are reduced. Let's take a look at some headphone options for frequent flyers. |
Noise cancelling headphones are useful for blocking out the droning noise at certain lower frequency ranges which can help you rest easier or enhance your audio listening while travelling. They will not block out the mid to higher frequency sounds like human voices.
Playing music on normal headphones in any noisy environment can mean volumes are set too loud - frequent exposure can lead to ear damage and tinnitus. Noise cancelling headphones help keep volumes down to more comfortable and safer levels.
What to look for in a pair of noise reducing headphones:
***The phones should be lightweight and comfortable
***Easy to store while travelling
***Excellent sound quality (without too much hiss)
***Good value for money
Top of the range is the large cup Bose QuietComfort QC2 retailing at $299 in the US and even more elsewhere. The noise cancelling technology is excellent, the audio quality is very good, however build quality and comfort may not be to everyone's liking at this high price. Another point is Bose and its retailers will not discount the price, so you wont find many bargain deals.
Bose have introduced the next generation QuietComfort QC3 which retails at $349 - it is claimed that audio quality and noise cancellation have been improved but some users find the QC2 more comfortable on the ear.
Airlines which use the Bose headphones are EOS Airlines, Silverjet and American Airlines first class.
The Sennheiser PXC 300 come in at less than half the price of the Bose pair. They are lightweight with an ergonomic headband making them ideal for the traveller. Sound quality and noise cancelling is very decent and the price makes this pair a very attractive option.
Another excellent choice is the Sony Noise Reducing Headphones MDR-NC60, which at around $130 is very good value for money. Although not in the same league as the Bose pair, they are not too far behind and for the price they are a good deal for the frequent flyer. If you are an audio fanatic then you will probably prefer the higher spec Bose pair.Also at around the $125 level you may want to consider the superb Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint.
For a budget option and coming in at less than $50 is the JVC HANC100. This pair is a good all-round performer and is highly recommended for the cost-conscious traveller.
Before buying, go to a store where you can try out different headphones in your price range and test for comfort and audio quality.
Air Travel Articles & Resources > General Flying Tips > Noise Cancelling Headphones
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