A famous dude once said that the price of peace is eternal vigilance. Or something like that. But when it comes to actual peace and quiet, all you really need is to buy a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Or earbuds, if you prefer something that will fit in your pockets. Whether you're flying overnight, or simply trying to get a short nap on your way to work, our five picks below will block out the world.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The redesigned Sony WH-1000XM5 cannot be folded, and hence takes up a bit more space. But that's basically the only flaw for these over-ear headphones, which offer great audio and excellent active noise cancellation (ANC). Battery life is also amazing at around 30 hours. They are definitely worth the premium S$569 price tag.
Creative Zen Hybrid
Creative's Zen Hybrid wireless headphones deliver very decent sound and good hybrid ANC at an affordable S$149. They also go on sale (under S$100) quite often. More importantly, the headphones are light, foldable, and have long battery life, which make them ideal for your next trip.
Google Pixel Buds Pro
Google's premium Pixel Buds Pro (S$299) earbuds offer excellent ANC, and a good ambient (or transparency) mode. They are also comfy to wear, with a handy eartip seal check feature that helps you find the right size for your ears. The sound is clear and balanced, though the bass could be stronger.
Shure Aonic 40
The Shure Aonic 40 wireless headphones deliver the goods in the audio department. The 40mm drivers provide detailed and clear mids and trebles. They are also comfortable to use (and have the battery life) for a whole day. However, the ANC could be stronger, and the price (S$379) is on the high side. But overall, the Shure's feature set and comfort more than make up for it
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro (S$258) stands out from the many noise-cancelling headphones out there. It offers five levels of ANC, a hear-through mode, and uses bone conduction tech so that your voice comes across clearly even in noisy environments. Definitely one of the best in-ear headphones you can buy, especially with its good fit and top-notch audio quality.
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