Noise Cancelling Headphones vs Earplugs

Have you ever been working or studying somewhere noisy and wished you had some peace and quiet? Or perhaps you struggle with getting a good night's sleep in a noisy environment? The good news is that there are two popular solutions for blocking out unwanted noise - noise cancelling headphones and earplugs. In this blog post, we'll compare the effectiveness, comfort, portability, and cost of noise cancelling headphones and earplugs to help you decide which one is right for you.

Effectiveness

Noise cancelling headphones typically use active noise control to reduce low-frequency noise by creating an opposite sound wave to cancel it out. Earplugs, on the other hand, are passive and simply block out noise by physically blocking the ear canal.

According to a study published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, noise cancelling headphones can reduce noise by an average of 20 decibels, while earplugs can reduce noise by an average of 29 decibels. This means that earplugs are generally more effective at blocking out noise than noise cancelling headphones.

Comfort

Comfort is an important factor when it comes to blocking out noise, especially if you need to wear them for an extended period of time. Noise cancelling headphones can be bulky and heavy, which can make them uncomfortable to wear for long periods. Earplugs, on the other hand, are smaller and more lightweight, making them more comfortable to wear for long periods.

Portability

Portability is another important factor to consider, especially if you plan to use them while traveling or commuting. Noise cancelling headphones can take up a lot of space in your bag and may require a case to protect them. Earplugs, on the other hand, can easily fit in your pocket, making them more portable and convenient to carry around.

Cost

Cost is also an important factor to consider when deciding between noise cancelling headphones and earplugs. While noise cancelling headphones can range from $50 to $500, earplugs are generally much cheaper and can cost as little as a few dollars.

Whether you choose noise cancelling headphones or earplugs largely depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize effectiveness over everything else, then earplugs could be the better choice. If you prioritize comfort and portability, then noise cancelling headphones may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision is yours.

We hope this comparison has been helpful in making an informed decision. Now go out there and enjoy some peace and quiet!

References

• "Noise reduction by earmuffs and earplugs in combination with noise cancelling headphones" by Y Nakagawa, et al. in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (2012).
• "Best earplugs 2021: The best earplugs for sleeping, loud music, and more" by Benjamin Abbott in Tom's Guide (2021).
• "Best noise cancelling headphones of 2021" by Nick Pino in TechRadar (2021).