Active Vs Passive Noise Cancelling Headphones: Which one is Better?

Active Vs Passive Noise Cancelling Headphones needs closer consideration before you make your final selection. The technology today has reached a stage where 8 out of 10 people are plugged into some kind of gadget, earphones being the raging favourite. The last decade has seen a massive surge in the development of various types of earphones. One audio or the sound technology has leapt into offering the users products, ‘as imagined. As our technology advances, the gadgets seem to get sleeker. Likewise, and much to the relief of the users, our ‘ear-gadgets’ have grown smaller and more customized. This is to offer the user the kind of results one expects according to the work they are involved in. Currently, two types of headphones are ruling the roost; the Active and the Passive Noise cancellation earphones. So, how is each of these different from the other, and how can we make the most of either. That and more as you read on further.

active vs passive noise cancelling headphones

To know more about active vs passive noise cancellation, let us examine each of these individually. Passive noise cancellation or the PNC is one of the fastest-moving earphones out there, and its ease and customization make it one of the most preferred among the earphone types. This works by physically blocking out the external noise emerging from the outside. One can safely state that the PNC work by physically blocking out any external sound. In a nutshell, no technology is applied to cancel out any sound from the outside.

The best part about passive noise cancellation is that you do not require additional battery backup for the technology to work. Also, the other major benefit is the fact that these function as custom-fit earbuds that completely seal the ears from any external sounds. Hence, you can easily talk or listen to music in a busy coffee shop.

The Active Noise Cancellation-ANC

This involves a precise ‘technology’ that cancels out any sound seeping in from the outside into the ears. An ANC earphone comprises specific microphones featured within the buds that are engineered to generate ‘phase-inverted’ noise to cancel out the incoming sound from outside. In a nutshell, the ANC is designed to cancel out the noise by giving off the noise of a certain frequency.
However, one must bear in mind that the ANC requires to be powered in a certain manner to be able to function efficiently. This requires the user to charge the earphones accordingly at all times to be able to make the most out of the noise-cancelling features. On the flip side, one has to be ready for the battery life to run out. People prefer the ANC because it does not have to be custom-fit for it to work. These are best suited to be able to work in highly noisy surroundings like a factory or a warehouse.

The Difference Between Active And Passive Noise Cancellation

So, which one is it for you? To better judge, it is recommended to weigh out each factor individually:

1. The Sound Quality

It has to be Passive Noise cancellation when it comes to better sound quality. This is because the Passive Noise cancellation headphones comprise of custom-fit into the ears. On the other hand, the ANC emits noise to eliminate noise. Hence, the quality of the Sound reception is greatly compromised, and this can change the original noise to a great extent. However, the PNC, on the other hand, effectively fits into the ears to block out external noise without distorting the original.

2. The Comfort Factor

Custom-fit is always better, be it your clothes or your earphones. Hence, in the case of the PNC, the earbuds comfortably sit inside the cervice of your ear canal in a manner to offers maximum sound elimination. In other words, the PNC earbuds are designed to offer a comfortable fit. The ANC, on the other hand, might stress out certain parts of your ears, hence causing it pain over time.

3. The Safety Factor

The safety factor inactive vs passive noise-cancelling microphone tilts further in favour of the latter. This is because the ANC has to produce a certain frequency for the noise cancellation to work. This has been reported to cause dizziness to the users after a certain point in time. This is because more decibels enter the ears eventually, hence harming your eardrums.

4. Power Consumption

The power consumption varies vastly when it comes to active and passive noise-cancelling headphones. Power consumption is relatively less in the PNC that is Bluetooth-powered. However, in the case of ANC, these require constant charge and optimum charge to be able to function appropriately. Hence, the Active Noise Cancellation headphones are more power-consuming when it comes to power consumption.

5. Budget-Friendly

Passive Noise-canceling earphones are more budget-friendly as compared to their counterparts. The Active Noise Cancellation concept is much more expensive than the Passive Noise Cancellation concept, and the technology is expensive hence might not fall into the budget.

6. Portability Aspect

The Passive Noise Cancellation is much more portable than the Active Noise Cancellation because of its size, and hence it can be tucked in and travelled along with. This is why the Active Noise Cancellation is not suitable for being carried along.

Active Vs Passive Noise Cancelling Headphones : FAQs

Yes, it is comparatively less damaging than the Active Noise Cancellation Earphones.

In terms of offering complete Sound clarity in a very loud environment, it is effective and good.

The Passive Noise cancellations are better when it comes to sound quality, portability, ease of use, budget, and safety.

In the case of Active Noise Cancellation, the Sound Quality is affected.

Active Vs Passive Noise Cancelling Headphones : Conclusion

Our audio gadgets are turning sleeker and smaller by the day. Hence it offers us the required ease of use and portability that can make us carry our music with us on the go. However, it is also necessary that we select the type that is purposeful and safe as well.

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