Noise-cancelling headphones: what are they and how do they work?
Back to the JBL Blog overview

JBL Blogs

Help me choose

Noise-cancelling headphones: what are they and how do they work?

Want to enjoy your music despite the noisy sounds around you? Turning up the volume doesn't work in many cases and can even be harmful to your hearing. Do you want to enjoy your favourite music without being disturbed by your surroundings? Noise-cancelling headphones will instantly solve that problem!

What are noise-cancelling headphones?

What exactly are noise-cancelling headphones? Noise-cancelling headphones are also called isolating headphones. They make sure that you hear sounds from your surroundings less (or not at all). Therefore, noise-cancelling ensure a perfect music experience.

How do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?

Noise-cancelling does more than suppress loud external noises: it filters and muffles all surrounding sounds. There are active and passive noise-cancelling headphones and our own true adaptive noise cancellation. However, this does not mean that all headphones have a noise-cancelling function. It is a specific feature that is only added to certain models. And each type of sound reduction works differently. Check out the three types:

What is active noise cancellation (ANC headphones)? 

Active noise cancellation makes use of an extra microphone that receives the background noise. The sounds are received on the ANC circuit and anti-noise is created. The anti-noise means that you will not perceive the background noise. The headphone is actively blocking out sounds for you. A great perk to this type of noise cancellation is that you can often turn it on or off.


What is passive noise cancellation (NC headphones)?

Passive noise cancellation relies on the build of the headphone. The fit and the materials of the headphone make sure that no sound comes through. This type of headphone is an over-ear headphone as only this fit will go over your ears. This also means that the fit of the headphone is extra important. So, if you choose this type of noise cancellation, make sure the ear pads fit perfectly to your head.

JBL's unique adaptive and true adaptive noise cancellation

To give everyone the most undisturbed enjoyment of sound, we have taken noise cancellation to the next level. Our adaptive noise cancelling headphones listen to environmental ambient noises, using embedded microphones that create the inverse phase back to you. The level of noise cancellation is constantly adapted to your needs because the headphone is ambient aware. All this basically means that the headphone listens and actively changes the waveforms it sends to cancel out noise. That way - no matter the situation - your noise cancellation is always at a perfect level. 

True adaptive truly goes beyond noise cancellation as you know it. This type of noise cancellation adds processing to recalibrate the responding cancellation up to 50,000 per second. This basically means that the headphone actively listens, processes the sounds and responds incredibly quickly to any change in the noises around you. This allows your headphones to adjust any outside noise but also to changes to the fit of your headphone due to glasses or moving your head. 

Noise blocking earbuds

Of course, this technology can easily be applied to earbuds. If you want a smaller option or if you are just not a fan of headphones: check out our noise-cancelling earphones.

Why use noise-cancelling headphones?

So why would you use headphones with noise-cancelling? That largely depends on your own preferences and use. We have listed a few advantages.

More listening pleasure

A big advantage of noise-cancelling headphones is that you can listen to your music undisturbed. Noise-cancelling completely muffles all environmental sounds and that, in turn, is good for your hearing. This puts less strain on your eardrums, and you hear your music and other sounds better and more clearly.

Undisturbed calls

Are you often bothered by ambient sounds resulting in a conversation full of "what are you saying?" or "I can't hear you!". Noise-cancelling headphones solve that problem and allow you to make undisturbed calls anywhere. Because if you can't hear the other conversations around you, you can understand the person on the other end of the line much better. Especially our (true) adaptive noise cancelling help with crisp and clean calls.




Experience peace and quiet anywhere, anytime

Perhaps the biggest advantage of noise-cancelling headphones is that you can experience peace and quiet everywhere. Don't feel like sitting on a train, crowded with people talking? Put on your headphones. Is the office crowded and noisy like it used to be? Put on your headphones. Did you want to enjoy the beach in peace and quiet but it suddenly got busy? Put on your headphones. Noise-cancelling and adaptive noise cancelling allow you to block out ambient noise from the outside world and enjoy your music in all these situations (and more).

Frequently asked questions about noise-cancelling headphones

Are noise-cancelling headphones wireless or wired?

This isn't necessary. Even with wired headphones noise-cancellation will work. Because we know you want to live as carefree as possible, our headphones are wireless. Still love the wired option? Some products have the option to add a wire with the jack plug.

Do noise-cancelling headphones have Bluetooth?

Yes! Our headphones connect through Bluetooth. Some have the option to use an audio jack if you prefer the wired option.

What is the difference between adaptive noise cancelling and true adaptive noise cancelling?

The difference between the two is that true adaptive noise cancellation takes noise cancelling one step further. Adaptive noise cancelling creates inverse waves to the noise so that it actively cancels out any unwanted sounds. True adaptive adds processing so that the headphone constantly adjusts its cancellation to the most minor change - like moving your head or even adjusting your glasses. Both adaptive noise cancelling and true adaptive noise cancelling give you the peace and quiet so that you can focus or enjoy your music. Want the very very best experience? Then true adaptive is the way to go. 

Which JBL noise-cancelling headphones suit you best?

Are you curious to discover JBL noise-cancelling headphones? Take a look at our noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds below and compare them to see which will suit you best!

Related Products

JBL Tour Pro 2
True wireless Noise Cancelling earbuds
£249.99
JBL Tour One M2
Wireless over-ear Noise Cancelling headphones
£279.99
JBL Tune 770NC
Adaptive Noise Cancelling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
£119.99
JBL Tune 670NC
Adaptive Noise Cancelling Wireless On-Ear Headphones
£89.99
JBL Tune 660NC
Wireless, on-ear, active noise-cancelling headphones.
£68.99
JBL Tune Flex
True wireless Noise Cancelling earbuds
£79.99
JBL Live 460NC
Wireless on-ear NC headphones
£68.99
JBL Tune Buds
True wireless Noise Cancelling earbuds
£78.99
JBL Tune 130NC TWS
True wireless Noise Cancelling earbuds
£48.99
JBL Tune 760NC
Wireless Over-Ear NC Headphones
£99.99
JBL Live Flex
True wireless Noise Cancelling earbuds
£129.99
JBL Tune 230NC TWS
True wireless noise cancelling earbuds
£46.99
£79.99
JBL Live 660NC
Wireless over-ear NC headphones
£116.99

More from JBL

Soundbar comparison:  what is the difference in JBL soundbars? Soundbar comparison:
what is the difference in JBL soundbars?
Who needs their TV speakers when you can have a soundbar?
Smart speaker:  What is it and how does it work? Smart speaker:
What is it and how does it work?
A smart speaker makes your life easier and more fun!
5 things to consider when buying  wireless bluetooth earbuds 5 things to consider when buying
wireless bluetooth earbuds
We’ve listed 5 things to consider when buying a pair! 
4 party speakers to throw  an absolute banger of a party 4 party speakers to throw
an absolute banger of a party
At a good house party, the music should never stop.
JBL’s Eco friendly speakers:  Everything you need to know. JBL’s Eco friendly speakers:
Everything you need to know.
Reducing the overall amount of plastics used is an important goal for JBL.
Sport earbuds:  5 things you should look for Sport earbuds:
5 things you should look for
Sport earbuds are the perfect companion for any active lifestyle.
The best headphones: which one suits you best? The best headphones: which one suits you best? Looking for a great set of headphones, but not sure which headphones suit you best? We got you covered. Which should I buy? JBL Wave 100, 200 or 300 earbuds Which should I buy? JBL Wave 100, 200 or 300 earbuds Which one should you pick: the JBL Wave 100, 200 or maybe the 300? We compare all 3 of them, so you can make the right decision! Crank up the fun during Festival season with the best portable speaker Crank up the fun during Festival season with the best portable speaker Let's face it. Even though we go to a festival to see the headliners, nothing beats hanging out on the campsite while you enjoy your own music. Either you're getting hyped for the next party, or you're taking a breather, but whatever you're doing: your speaker needs to be powerful enough to rise above the chaos. These are our top picks to make your festival complete. JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 6: the ultimate comparison JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 6: the ultimate comparison Are you looking for a portable speaker? Whether you want to take this Bluetooth speaker with you on holiday, to the park, to a rooftop hangout session, or a small party with your friends, you want a portable speaker that fits your lifestyle and has great sound quality. How to connect a JBL Wi-Fi speaker to your network How to connect a JBL Wi-Fi speaker to your network Connecting your Wi-Fi speaker to your home network is easy! This wireless speaker will allow you to listen to your music with the highest quality sound. Connecting takes only a few seconds. But just to make sure that you have all the info you need, we'll explain the methods and their steps in this blog. Noise cancelling earbuds:  are they worth it? Noise cancelling earbuds:
are they worth it?
Do you find yourself struggling to hear your music over the noise of your surroundings?
5 conseils pour choisir le meilleur casque gaming 5 conseils pour choisir le meilleur casque gaming

Suivez nos 5 conseils pour trouver le casque de gamer qui répond le mieux à vos attentes !

Fünf Tipps für das beste Gaming-Headset Fünf Tipps für das beste Gaming-Headset

Teamspeak, immersiver Klang und das alles, ohne deine Mitbewohner:innen zu stören.

5 Tips for gaming headsets:  which is the best gaming headset for you? 5 Tips for gaming headsets:
which is the best gaming headset for you?
Whether you're shouting commands at your buddies in a raid or want to make sure your housemates aren't annoyed by the racket of your latest game, a good gaming headset is a must. Check out these 5 tips and find the gaming headset that suits you best!
5 Tips voor de beste gaming headset 5 Tips voor de beste gaming headset Of je nou commando's aan het roepen bent naar je maten in de raid of je wil zorgen dat je huisgenoten zich niet ergeren aan de racegeluiden van je nieuwste game 5 tips to make the most of your time at home 5 tips to make the most
of your time at home
Right now a lot of us are suddenly sitting at home and cant go to the office to work. There are many advantages to working from home, such as not having to travel, working in your pajamas and setting your own time table.
Wireless headphones explained Wireless headphones explained

Wireless headphones give you freedom. You can listen to your favorite music anywhere without a cable and enjoy high-quality JBL sound. We'll explain what they are and how they work. 

Alles over draadloze koptelefoons Alles over draadloze koptelefoons

Met een draadloze koptelefoon kies je voor vrijheid. Zonder kabel luister je overal naar je favoriete muziek en geniet je van het kwalitatief hoogwaardige geluid van JBL.

Alles über kabellose Kopfhörer Alles über kabellose Kopfhörer

Mit einem kabellosen Kopfhörer entscheidest du dich für Freiheit.

Muziek onder de douche? Ga voor waterdicht! Muziek onder de douche? Ga voor waterdicht!

Wil je jouw muziek niet missen onder de douche? Of wil je die podcast ook lekker in bad kunnen luisteren?

Music in the shower? Go for a waterproof Bluetooth speaker! Music in the shower? Go for a waterproof Bluetooth speaker!

Would you like to have your music in the shower? Or do you want to listen to the news in the bath? Then put an audio speaker in the bathroom or take your speaker with you into the shower! But make sure that your speaker can handle it. Find out how to choose the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker for your bathroom; we have compiled the most important features below.

Battlefield 2042 | JBL Newsletter Battlefield 2042 | JBL Newsletter Battlefield 2042 is the 12th edition in the now synonymous Battlefield franchise. Start exercising: Our five tips Start exercising:
Our five tips
Starting to exercise is the perfect challenge for your body. Going for a nice run outside, boxing or working out in the gym: there's nothing like some extra movement.
Best audio gifts for your loved ones this  holiday season: our 5 headphone tips Best audio gifts for your loved ones this
holiday season: our 5 headphone tips

With the holiday season just around the corner, the search for the best gifts also begins. We know it can be difficult to find a gift for your sporty brother or teenage sister that really fits them. That's why in this article we make it very easy for you. This way you won't have to search long for the perfect gift. After all, what better gift than a pair of JBL headphones or earbuds? Everyone is different and everyone finds different functionalities important in headphones. That's why we've listed 5 of our best headphones, so you can easily find the right headphones for the right person - from music lover to gamer.

What are the best home speakers? What are the best home speakers?

A good speaker in your living room is important: it can take watching a film, having a party, doing a workout or having a moment to yourself to the next level. But how do you choose the best home speakers? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

The best outdoor speaker The best outdoor speaker

As soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, we all like to sit outside and enjoy the sun. With a drink in your hand, you can sit in your garden, in a park, on the beach or on a terrace. And what makes such moments even more enjoyable? The right music, of course! That's why a speaker with good sound quality and long battery life is really important. Here's how to choose the best speaker for enjoying music outdoors all summer long.

De beste speaker voor buiten De beste speaker voor buiten Zodra de eerste zonnestralen schijnen zitten we met z’n allen buiten te genieten. Met een drankje in je hand zit je in je tuin Der beste Lautsprecher für draußen Der beste Lautsprecher für draußen

Die ersten warmen Tage locken alle nach draußen. Ob im Garten, im Park oder am Strand – passende Musik darf dabei nicht fehlen.

Wat is de beste speaker voor thuis? Wat is de beste speaker voor thuis?

Een goede speaker in je woonkamer is niet zomaar belangrijk: het kan je film, feestje, sportsessie of momentje voor jezelf volledig naar een next level tillen.

Was ist der beste Lautsprecher für dein Zuhause? Was ist der beste Lautsprecher für dein Zuhause?

Ein guter Lautsprecher darf in keinem Wohnzimmer fehlen. Ganz egal, ob es um Filme, Partys oder Entspannung geht – guter Klang ist immer von Vorteil

Buy the best Christmas gifts during Black Friday Buy the best Christmas gifts during Black Friday Not sure what Christmas gifts to buy? We've listed some categories with the best JBL Black Friday gifts. Casques audio pour enfant Casques audio pour enfant

Les casques pour enfant (dès l’âge de 3 ans) existent dans des couleurs amusantes.

Casque réducteur de bruit : de quoi s'agit-il et comment ça fonctionne ? Casque réducteur de bruit : de quoi s'agit-il et comment ça fonctionne ?

Vous voulez apprécier votre musique préférée malgré les bruits ambiants?

What is the best way  to clean your earphones? What is the best way
to clean your earphones?

Wallet, phone, keys? Check. Earphones? Of course. Because having a day away from home without your favorite tunes is unthinkable. Yet cleaning your earphones sometimes falls by the wayside. And that's not very hygienic, considering how often you use those earphones. Here's how to restore dirty earphones without damaging them.

Tout sur la radio DAB+ Tout sur la radio DAB+

DAB est l'abréviation de Digital Audio Broadcasting (radiodiffusion audio numérique), appelé en français Radio numérique terrestre.

How do I pair JBL speakers with  Connect+ or PartyBoost? How do I pair JBL speakers with
Connect+ or PartyBoost?

Would you like to enjoy your music with your friends or take your music experience to the next level? Pairing your speakers makes it easy. JBL has two methods for this. JBL Connect+ and JBL PartyBoost. Is it your first time connecting multiple JBL speakers? Follow these simple steps and you're good to go.

Comment connecter des enceintes JBL entre elles ? Comment connecter des enceintes JBL entre elles ?

Vous souhaitez profiter de votre musique avec vos amis ou passer à la vitesse supérieure ?

Best headphones for your loved ones this holiday season: our 5 tips Best headphones for your loved ones this holiday season: our 5 tips

With the holiday season just around the corner, the search for the best gifts also begins.

Écouter de la musique via Wifi ou Bluetooth ? Écouter de la musique via Wifi ou Bluetooth ?

Vous souhaitez bénéficier d'une expérience musicale optimale à la maison ou au travail ?

Forza Horizon 5 | JBL Newsletter Forza Horizon 5 | JBL Newsletter Forza Horizon is back with its first entry since 2018. Finding the best kids' headphone:  what to look for Finding the best kids' headphone:
what to look for
Headphones for children are available in fun colors and have volume protection. So listening to music on a long car journey, watching a film or playing a game is completely safe. Discover the advantages of child headphones for the youngest music fans.
Want to buy headphones or earphones/earbuds?  Find out what suits you best Want to buy headphones or earphones/earbuds?
Find out what suits you best
Listening to music can be better with headphones or earphones (a.k.a earbuds)? We will explain exactly what the advantages of both options are. Do you find it hard to make a choice? No problem, because our decision aid will help you out. You will soon be able to enjoy music the way you want to.
Help me choose Help me choose You want the best portable speaker for your unique situation. So does JBL! For every situation there is a JBL portable speaker. Want to bring your portable speaker to the beach? Or perhaps take the speaker to the park? No problem! JBL got you covered. Read more about the best portable devices for each situation. Alles over DAB+ radio Alles over DAB+ radio

DAB staat voor Digital Audio Broadcasting. Het is dus eigenlijk gewoon digitaal verstuurd

How does DAB+ work? How does DAB+ work? DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting. So basically, it is just a digitally transmitted sound. This is different to FM, for example, which is sound that is transmitted via radio waves, and you can adjust it to suit your location. The range of DAB is much wider, and because it is digitally transmitted, the quality is also better. Because it does not use radio waves, there is no noise. This means that even in the remotest corner of the country, you will have crystal-clear sound. Wie kannst du deine In Ear Kopfhörer reinigen? Wie kannst du deine In Ear Kopfhörer reinigen?

Portemonnaie, Telefon, Schlüssel? Check. Kopfhörer? Natürlich. Ein Tag ohne deine Lieblingsmusik? Unvorstellbar.

Wie verbinde ich mehrere JBL-Boxen miteinander? Wie verbinde ich mehrere JBL-Boxen miteinander?

Du willst mit Freund:innen gemeinsam Musik hören?

Hoe koppel ik meerdere JBL speakers met elkaar?  Hoe koppel ik meerdere JBL speakers met elkaar? 

Wil jij met je vrienden van je muziek genieten of je muziekbeleving naar the next level brengen?

Kopfhörer für dein Kind Kopfhörer für dein Kind

Kinderkopfhörer gibt es in unterschiedlichsten Farben und mit integriertem Gehörschutz.

Headphones or earbuds? Headphones or earbuds? Listening to music can be better with headphones or earbuds? We will explain exactly what the advantages of both options are. Koptelefoon voor je kind Koptelefoon voor je kind

Een koptelefoon voor je kind is beschikbaar in leuke kleuren en is voorzien van volumebescherming.

Les meilleures enceintes d'extérieur Les meilleures enceintes d'extérieur

Quoi de plus agréable que d'écouter la musique émise par vos enceintes d'extérieur, installé dans votre jardin ? Rien de tel pour profiter des rayons du soleil, un verre à la main, sur votre terrasse, et même dans un parc ou à la plage.

Quelles sont les meilleures enceintes pour la maison ? Quelles sont les meilleures enceintes pour la maison ?

Installer de bonnes enceintes dans votre salon est primordial. Surtout si vous souhaitez faire passer votre film, votre soirée, votre séance de sport ou tout autre moment de détente à un niveau supérieur.

Les meilleurs casques audio à offrir  pour les fêtes Les meilleurs casques audio à offrir
pour les fêtes

À l'approche des fêtes de fin d'année commence la recherche du cadeau idéal.

Bluetooth vs wifi audio:  what's the difference and which is better? Bluetooth vs wifi audio:
what's the difference and which is better?
Do you want the best music experience at home (or at work)? Then the way you stream music to your speakers is certainly important. The two options that exist for this are Wifi and Bluetooth. What is the difference between them? And which is better?
Musik hören via WiFi oder via Bluetooth? Musik hören via WiFi oder via Bluetooth?

Willst du den besten Sound? Dann ist die Verbindungsart wichtig!

Muziek luisteren via wifi of bluetooth? Muziek luisteren via wifi of bluetooth? Wil jij thuis (of op werk) de beste muzikale beleving? Dan is de manier waarop je je muziek naar je speakers streamt zeker belangrijk. Quelle est la meilleure façon de nettoyer des écouteurs ? Quelle est la meilleure façon de nettoyer des écouteurs ?

Parce que tu les as toujours avec toi, les écouteurs doivent être nettoyés régulièrement

Noise-cancelling headphones: what are they and how do they work? Noise-cancelling headphones: what are they and how do they work? Want to enjoy your music despite the noisy sounds around you? Turning up the volume doesn't work in many cases and can even be harmful to your hearing. Do you want to enjoy your favourite music without being disturbed by your surroundings? Noise-cancelling headphones will instantly solve that problem! Noise-Cancelling Kopfhörer: Was ist das und wie funktioniert es?  Noise-Cancelling Kopfhörer: Was ist das und wie funktioniert es? 

Deine Musik trotz lauter Geräusche um Dich herum genießen? Das Erhöhen der Lautstärke funktioniert in vielen Fällen nicht und kann sogar schädlich für Dein Gehör sein. Du möchtest trotzdem Deine Lieblingsmusik genießen, ohne von Deiner Umgebung gestört zu werden? Ein Noise cancelling Kopfhörer löst dieses Problem auf einen Schlag!

Noise cancelling koptelefoon: wat is het en hoe werkt het?  Noise cancelling koptelefoon: wat is het en hoe werkt het? 

Toch genieten van je muziek ondanks rumoerige geluiden om je heen?

Hoe maak je jouw oordopjes het beste schoon? Hoe maak je jouw oordopjes het beste schoon?

Portemonnee, telefoon, sleutels? Check. Oortjes? Natúúrlijk. Want een dag van huis zonder

De la musique sous la douche ? Optez pour une Bluetooth enceinte ! De la musique sous la douche ? Optez pour une Bluetooth enceinte !

Pour pouvoir écouter votre musique dans la salle de bain, équipez-la d'une enceinte adaptée !

Start exercising: Our five tips & favourite wireless sports headphones Start exercising: Our five tips & favourite wireless sports headphones Starting to exercise is the perfect challenge for your body. Going for a nice run outside, boxing or working out in the gym: there's nothing like some extra movement. Not only is it very good for you, but exercising will also give your confidence a boost too. Would you like to start exercising, but you don't know how to go about it? Here you will find useful tips for building up your fitness level, creating a workout schedule and having fun while training. Take advantage of it! (Of course - please talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional before starting any workout plan!) Tout sur les casques et écouteurs sans fil Tout sur les casques et écouteurs sans fil

Grâce aux casques audio sans fil JBL, vous pouvez écouter vos musiques préférées partout. De quoi profiter d'un son de haute qualité et d'un maximum de liberté !

Musik unter der Dusche? Wasserdichte Lautsprecher! Musik unter der Dusche? Wasserdichte Lautsprecher!

Du willst unter der Dusche nicht auf Musik verzichten oder im Bad Podcasts hören?

Alles über das DAB+Radio Alles über das DAB+Radio

DAB steht für Digital Audio Broadcasting. Es geht also um digital versendeten Ton.