Noise-Cancelling vs. Immersive Audio Headphones
Choosing the right headphones can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying music or taking calls. With a wide selection of headphones available in the market, it can be challenging to figure out which one to buy. Noise-cancelling and immersive audio headphones are the two main types that most people have a tough time choosing between. Here, we'll take a look at both types to determine which one might better suit your needs.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
If you're looking for a headphone that can eliminate background noise while you're listening to music or talking, then noise-cancelling headphones are the way to go. Noise-cancelling headphones work by using advanced noise-cancelling technology to drown out external noise, allowing you to focus on whatever you're listening to without any interruptions.
Don't let the name mislead you, though. Noise-cancelling headphones don't only cancel noise; they also produce high-quality sound, making them an excellent option for audiophiles. With noise-cancelling headphones, you're guaranteed to enjoy sharper and clearer audio without having to turn up the volume to dangerous levels.
Immersive Audio Headphones
Immersive audio headphones, on the other hand, provide an all-encompassing sound experience. Unlike noise-cancelling headphones that focus on noise elimination, immersive audio headphones use advanced audio software to manipulate sound waves, creating an impressive 3D audio experience.
This type of headphone is suitable for people who enjoy gaming or watching movies. You're guaranteed to enjoy a more immersive audio experience that makes your favorite TV shows and movies feel like you're in the middle of the action.
Which one to choose?
Ultimately, the decision on which headphone to buy comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for headphones that can eliminate external noise efficiently, then noise-cancelling headphones are the way to go. If you're more into audio quality and want to experience 3D audio for gaming or movies, then immersive audio headphones are the perfect choice.
It is, however, worth noting that noise-cancelling headphones can be more expensive than their immersive audio counterparts. Additionally, some noise-cancelling headphones can have an impact on the sound quality, leading to poor audio quality or distortion. With immersive audio headphones, you're guaranteed to enjoy high-quality audio regardless of external noise.
Overall, choosing headphones comes down to personal preference and what you're looking for in a headphone.
References
- Onah, D. F., & Mbarika, V. (2012). Active versus passive noise cancelling headphones: A pilot study of the effect on performance, fatigue and subjective experience in noisy environments. Applied Ergonomics, 43(1), 490-498.
- Lu, H., Peng, Z., & Wang, W. (2015). Comparison of sound production mechanisms of noise-cancelling headphone and cheap earphone. Applied acoustics, 88, 7-12.
- Glotzbach, C., Amin, O., & Brungart, D. (2019). The Effects of Audio Quality on Speech Recognition Performance in Noise. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 712.