What to expect from the best noise cancelling headphones in 2017
In 2017, the best noise cancelling headphones balanced advanced hardware, thoughtful software tuning, and real-world usability. Top models combined hybrid ANC (combining feedforward and feedback microphones) with increasingly effective firmware, while audioscape management and transparency modes reduced familiar compromises. Battery life, app support, physical controls, and fit were decisive factors for commuters, travelers, and office users. This overview explains how 2017 leaders performed, what to measure yourself, and how to choose the right pair based on your priorities rather than hype.
Active noise cancelling explained: fundamentals and 2017 limits
Active noise cancelling (ANC) uses microphones and processing to reduce steady, low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and trains. Hybrid systems captured noise before and after it reached the ear, enabling broader and deeper attenuation than earlier designs. In 2017, effective ANC still depended on seal quality, earcup size, and headband force, so fit dramatically affected results. Rapid impulse noises (doors, phones) were harder to suppress, and aggressive ANC could introduce pressure or faint artifacts. Understanding these physics helps you set realistic expectations and focus on models whose tuning matches your environment.
Core technologies that defined 2017 ANC headphones
- Hybrid ANC with multiple mics (feedforward + feedback)
- Digital signal processing for adaptive filter tuning
- Transparency or ambient modes to hear announcements and conversation
- App-controlled EQ, ANC strength, and firmware updates
- Battery systems optimized for long travel and reliability
Top models reviewed across key 2017 use cases
By late 2017, a handful of models stood out for their combination of ANC performance, comfort, sound, and reliability. The best choice depended on whether you flew often, commuted in cities, worked in open offices, or wanted balanced sound for media. The table that follows captures verified, widely reported attributes to compare core specs and tradeoffs.
Quick comparison snapshot
| Model | ANC Type | Battery (ANC on) | Effective categories | Fit type | Key strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM2 | Hybrid ANC | 30 hours | Travel, office | Over-ear (protein leather) | Strong low-frequency ANC, app tuning |
| Bose QuietComfort 35 | Hybrid ANC | 20 hours | Travel, office | Over-ear (synthetic leather) | Consistent ANC, comfort, voice assistant |
| Sennheiser Momentum Wireless | Hybrid ANC | 17 hours | Office, mixed environment | Over-ear (genuine leather) | Sound quality, build, moderate ANC |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT | Hybrid ANC | 30 hours | Office, travel | Over-ear (leatherette) | Value, neutral sound, reliable ANC |
| Jabra Elite 85h | Hybrid ANC | 36 hours (ANC on) | Travel, long sessions | Over-ear | Battery life, balanced sound, app |
How to evaluate ANC performance beyond marketing claims
In 2017, objective tests and detailed listenings showed clear performance gaps even among expensive models. The best noise cancelling headphones in this year range delivered noticeable reductions on planes, trains, and buses, especially for engine drone. Good ANC preserved audio clarity by reducing the need to turn volume higher, but they were not total silence. Check for consistency across earcups, how the system reacts to pressure changes (planes), and whether voices in transparency mode remain natural. Fit, earpad size, and seal are as important as the electronics; a loose pad can cut ANC effectiveness by half.
Comfort, fit, and long-session usability
Comfort determines whether top ANC technology actually serves you day to day. Look for well-padded headbands, weight distributed evenly, and earcups that do not clamp the head excessively. Protein leather and synthetic materials were common in 2017 premium models; memory foam earpads often delivered the best long-term comfort but could warm in warm climates. If you wear glasses, check for interference on the ear cups; some designs performed noticeably better than others. For travel, consider foldability and included cases; for offices, low latency and natural transparency modes made conversations less disjointed.
Fit checklist for better ANC and comfort
- Try on with your usual glasses if applicable
- Ensure even weight distribution and minimal hot spots
- Verify earpad seal without excessive pressure
- Test transparency mode for natural voice reproduction
- Check folding mechanism and case size for travel
Sound quality, controls, and app tuning in 2017 flagships
Noise cancelling does not replace good sound, and the best models balanced ANC with accurate, pleasant tuning. Many supported aptX and AAC for Bluetooth stability, while wired connections preserved full resolution. App ecosystems allowed firmware updates, ANC adjustments, and EQ personalization; software refinements over time often mattered as much as initial hardware. Physical buttons reduced latency for video and provided reliable tactile control, while touch surfaces were convenient but occasionally less consistent.
Battery life, reliability, and value considerations
Battery life shaped real-world usability: 20 to 30 hours with ANC enabled covered most long trips and workweeks between charges. Quick charge features were common, offering hours of playback from short top-ups. Build quality influenced longevity; metal hinges and sturdy earcups reduced failure risk. Value models prioritized competent ANC and solid sound at lower prices, while premium models justified cost with better materials, consistent ANC, and responsive support. Consider warranty, repair options, and software support when comparing total cost of ownership.
When newer isn't always better: context for 2017 models
2017 represents a mature point for consumer ANC, where core technologies were established and incremental gains mattered more than radical changes. If your needs are modest and your budget constrained, midrange 2017 options often delivered 80–90 percent of the experience of newer flagships at lower cost. If you demand the latest ANC refinements, voice assistant integration, or emerging Bluetooth codecs, newer releases offered measurable improvements. Match your environment, usage patterns, and budget to the strengths of the year’s proven models rather than chasing every new release.
Bottom line on the best noise cancelling headphones in 2017
The best noise cancelling headphones in 2017 combined effective hybrid ANC, strong battery life, comfortable fit, and thoughtful software. Models like the Sony WH-1000XM2, Bose QuietComfort 35, and quality alternatives such as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT represented verified value for travelers, commuters, and office users. Prioritize fit and real-world testing, leverage transparency modes for situational awareness, and align choice with your primary environments and budget. Used judiciously, 2017 flagship ANC headphones remain capable, reliable choices that balance performance and long-term usability.