Listening to music or taking calls without distractions is a luxury many of us desire in our daily lives. Active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones allow you to enjoy your audio free of ambient noise by using built-in microphones to analyze environmental sounds and generate inverse sound waves to cancel them out.
When shopping for noise cancelling headphones, you’ll want to ensure they are compatible with your devices. Many Active noise cancelling headphones support either Android or iOS devices exclusively. However, there are quality options available that work seamlessly across both operating systems.
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In this buying guide, we compiled a list of the 10 best noise cancelling headphones that support both Android and iOS devices. We evaluated critical factors like noise cancellation performance, sound quality, comfort, battery life, and wireless connectivity options. Our picks cover a range of styles and budgets to suit different needs and preferences.
How We Chose the Best ANC Headphones for Android and iOS
Several key factors went into selecting the best active noise cancelling headphones for use with both Android and iOS devices:
- Noise Cancellation: The effectiveness of the ANC technology is critical. All recommendations provide significant noise reduction.
- Sound Quality: Audio should sound clear and balanced, without muffling or audio artifacts from noise cancellation processing.
- Comfort: Padded ear cups that don’t pinch or put too much pressure on your head are ideal for extended wear. Adjustable bands and swiveling earcups also improve comfort.
- Battery Life: Long battery life reduces hassles of frequently recharging. We gave preference to options with 20+ hours of playback per charge.
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 or higher provides reliable, low-latency connections. NFC, aptX, and AAC support are also ideal. Wired options were excluded.
- Android and iOS Support: Seamless switching between Android and iOS devices is essential. All picks explicitly advertise Android and iOS compatibility.
- Value: Headphones span affordable to premium price points while providing excellent performance for the cost.
With these factors in mind, let’s look at the best noise cancelling headphones that support both major mobile operating systems.
The 10 Best Active Noise Cancelling Headphones for Android and iOS
1. Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Soundcore Anker Life Q20 are our top overall pick for ANC headphones compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
They utilize hybrid noise cancellation with feedforward and feedback ANC mics to block out up to 90% of ambient sound across a wide frequency range. You can choose from multiple noise cancellation modes depending on your environment.
Sound quality is excellent thanks to 40mm silk dome drivers and BassUp technology to enhance low end. The soft memory foam earpads block noise while providing a comfortable fit for long listening sessions.
With up to 40 hours of battery life per charge, you’ll rarely need to power up these cans. Bluetooth 5 connectivity offers a stable wireless connection, and NFC simplifies pairing. These headphones work seamlessly across Android and iOS devices.
For the quality and features, Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer tremendous value. They are an easy choice for noise cancellation and wireless listening on the go.
2. Skullcandy Crusher ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Skullcandy Crusher ANC headphones deliver powerful, customized sound with personal noise cancellation.
The adjustable sensory bass lets you fine tune vibration levels for an immersive listening experience. Dual noise cancelling mics block external noise while preserving audio clarity. With personal sound via the Skullcandy app, you can tweak the EQ, save audio profiles, locate misplaced headphones, and more.
These Bluetooth headphones provide 24 hours of battery life between charges. On-ear controls simplify music and call management. The collapsible, comfortable ear cups work well for travel. Switch seamlessly between your Android and iOS devices.
Overall, the sensory bass, personal audio profiles, and noise cancellation give the Skullcandy Crusher ANC headphones a unique listening experience compared to other brands.
3. Sony WHCH710N Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Sony WHCH710N wireless headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a slim, lightweight package.
Dual noise sensor technology actively cancels ambient sound while still allowing through essential voices and announcements. The swivel design and soft ear pads provide a secure, comfortable fit. Up to 35 hours of battery life gives you ample listening time before needing to recharge.
With Bluetooth and NFC connectivity, you get reliable wireless pairing and streaming from any Android or iOS device. The WHCH710N also supports Google Assistant and Siri voice controls.
While audio performance is not as robust as some pricier Sony models, these affordable noise cancelling headphones still provide pleasing sound quality for the cost. Overall, the WHCH710N are a versatile option for all-day noise cancellation.
4. Letsfit Bluetooth Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation
For budget-friendly noise cancelling headphones, the Letsfit Bluetooth over-ears are tough to beat.
Powerful hybrid ANC combines feedforward and feedback mics to block ambient noise. Three modes allow you to adjust the level of noise cancellation. Sound quality belies the low price tag, with punchy bass and detailed highs optimized for rock, pop, and hip hop.
The lightweight build is comfortable for long-term wear. On-ear controls handle music and calls. Use the built-in mic for voice assistants like Google and Siri. With 90-hour battery life, you can go days without charging.
Overall, the Letsfit headphones provide impressive active noise cancellation and sound at an affordable price point. Seamless Bluetooth connectivity works great with both Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.
5. Hiby Active Noise Cancelling Headphones (80 H Playtime)
Audiophiles seeking premium ANC headphones should consider the Hiby over-ear cans.
Advanced hybrid noise cancellation uses a 6-mic system to block ambient sound across the entire frequency spectrum. This allows you to immerse in your music or podcasts free of distractions.
Hiby tuned the 40mm drivers to deliver extremely accurate, high resolution sound. The soft protein leather earpads provide noise isolation on top of the stellar ANC. You’ll enjoy CD-like sound quality with your high bitrate digital files.
These headphones support the latest wireless codecs like LDAC and aptX HD for lossless streaming from Android or iOS devices. The amazing 80-hour battery life will last through your longest trips. Overall, the Hiby headphones are ideal for discerning listeners who desire top-tier noise cancellation and sound.
6. Avantree Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Avantree ANC headphones provide excellent noise cancellation in a sturdy yet comfortable design.
Dual-mic noise cancellation uses one feedforward and one feedback microphone to block ambient noise across a wide frequency range. Three modes allow you to adjust ANC levels as needed. The soft protein leather earcups and headband cushion keep you comfortable during extended listening.
Sound quality shines with 40mm drivers tuned to deliver rich bass and crisp treble. You get up to 32 hours of playtime from a single charge. The headphones work seamlessly with Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity.
For the price, the Avantree cans deliver great hybrid active noise cancellation you can enjoy anywhere with your mobile devices.
7. Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Headphones
Skullcandy brings its signature audio profile to these solid noise cancelling headphones.
Active noise cancellation uses external and internal mics to block ambient sounds. You get 22 hours of battery life between charges. On-ear controls simplify adjusting volume, music, and calls.
These over-ear headphones deliver bold, pumping bass along with crisp highs tuned for hip hop, rock, pop, and more. The soft synthetic leather ear pillows conform for full comfort. When not in use, the earcups fold inward to reduce bulk.
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC headphones provide quality active noise cancellation and great sound at an affordable price point. Bluetooth connectivity makes them a versatile pick for both Android and iOS users.
8. MPWHYL Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
For shoppers seeking budget-friendly noise cancelling cans, the MPWHYL Bluetooth headphones fit the bill.
Hybrid ANC combines a feedforward mic to detect external sounds and feedback mic to analyze internal sounds. This system effectively minimizes ambient noise so you can focus on your music and calls. The comfortable protein leather earcups help seal out noise passively.
Audio performance punches above the low price, with crisp highs and powerful bass. The built-in mic enables clear hands-free calling. On-ear controls let you manage music and volume easily.
You get 18 hours of playtime per charge. Bluetooth 5.0 provides a stable connection across Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Overall, these lightweight headphones deliver solid active noise cancellation on a budget.
9. Jabra Elite 4 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds
For noise cancelling earbuds rather than over-ear headphones, the Jabra Elite 4 are a top pick under $100.
The in-ear design passively blocks noise, while the external microphones provide active noise cancellation to further minimize ambient sounds. You get up to 28 hours total listening time with the wireless charging case.
IP57 waterproofing lets you wear them to the gym or in light rain worry-free. The customizable EQ in the Jabra Sound+ app bumps up bass or treble to suit your tastes. Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity ensures a stable signal with any Android or iOS device.
With powerful ANC performance in a compact, comfortable design, the Jabra Elite 4 earbuds are ideal for tuning out the world on the go.
10. TOZO NC9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds
Premium noise cancelling earbuds on a budget, TOZO NC9 earbuds deliver impressive ANC and sound.
Six mics actively cancel external noise across a wide frequency range. Passive isolation from the snug in-ear tips also blocks ambient sound. You can toggle between three ANC levels as needed.
Touch controls on each earbud allow easy adjustment of music, volume, calls, and voice assistants. The graphene drivers reproduce audio with exceptional clarity and spatial imaging. With the charging case, you get over 30 hours of total usage.
IPX8 waterproofing lets you work out with the NC9 earbuds worry-free. Bluetooth 5.2 provides a stable wireless connection with iOS and Android devices. For the price, these are among the best noise cancelling earbuds available.
Frequently Asked Questions About ANC Headphones for Android and iOS
What should I look for in noise cancelling headphones?
Key things to evaluate in noise cancelling headphones include the ANC technology, sound quality, comfort, battery life, and wireless connectivity. The most effective ANC uses microphones to analyze and cancel a wide range of ambient noise frequencies. High quality drivers deliver clear, balanced audio without artifacts from noise processing. Padded ear cups provide a comfortable long-term fit. Battery life of 20+ hours enables all-day use between charges. Modern wireless connectivity like Bluetooth 5 ensures reliable streaming across devices.
How does active noise cancellation work?
Active noise cancelling (ANC) uses built-in microphones to pick up ambient sounds around you. Advanced audio processing analyzes the external noises and generates inverse sound waves designed to cancel them out. This effectively minimizes distractions so you can enjoy your music, movies, games, and calls. Quality ANC circuits cancel noises across a wide frequency range for maximum ambient sound reduction.
Should I get headphones or earbuds with noise cancellation?
Over-ear headphones generally provide better noise cancellation performance compared to earbuds. Larger, over-ear designs allow for bigger and more powerful ANC circuitry and battery units. Earbuds rely more on a tight in-ear seal to passively muffle noise. However, modern earbuds like the Jabra Elite 4 use advanced miniaturized ANC components to provide solid active noise reduction in a compact format. Over-ear headphones and earbuds both have pros and cons to weigh.
Can I use ANC headphones with airplane in-flight entertainment systems?
Some noise cancelling headphones come with an audio cable for use in airplane seatback entertainment systems. However, you won’t get the noise cancellation effect through the wired audio connection. To benefit from ANC, you must use a wireless Bluetooth connection from your smartphone, tablet, or other device. Check headphone specs before buying to confirm wired compatibility for in-flight movies and audio.
How do I get the best noise cancellation performance?
Follow these tips to maximize active noise cancellation with compatible headphones:
- Achieve a tight seal over or in your ears with the earpads or eartips. This passively blocks sound.
- Activate ANC mode to enable noise processing and cancellation.
- Adjust to the highest ANC setting for very noisy environments.
- Disable any audio transparency/ambient sound mode which pipes in external sounds.
- Play audio like music or a podcast to mask any residual ambient noise.
- Replace eartips or earpads if they lose their tight seal over time.
Can I use noise cancelling headphones with my phone to make calls?
Yes, most noise cancelling headphones work great for making calls. The ANC effect minimizes background sounds so your voice comes through clearly to callers. Built-in microphones and Bluetooth connectivity allow you to make and receive calls while wirelessly connected to your smartphone. Just be sure to look for a headset with high quality microphone performance for best call clarity.
Get the Best Active Noise Cancelling Headphones for Android and iOS
Listening to your favorite tunes, shows, and more without ambient distractions has never been easier thanks to advanced active noise cancelling technology in wireless headphones and earbuds. After reviewing the top options compatible across Android and iOS devices, the Soundcore Anker Life Q20 are our overall top recommendation for their stellar hybrid ANC performance, audio quality, comfort, and value.
However, excellent alternatives like the Sony WHCH710N and Skullcandy Crusher ANC make the list for those seeking premium noise cancellation from leading brands. And affordable picks like the Letsfit Bluetooth Headphones prove you don’t need to spend a fortune for solid ANC capabilities.
No matter your budget or style preference, you can enjoy your audio free of annoying noise with the best headphones and earbuds that seamlessly connect to both Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Quiet listening bliss is just a wireless pair away.