Ten... noise-cancelling headphones

Ditch that din

Bose Quiet Comfort 15

Bose's over-ear QC15 is not too bulky, while pleasant padding offers excellent soundproofing. Vented ear-cups improve the acoustics, while noise cancelling microphones are placed both inside and outside. A choice of two detachable cables includes one with a hands-free mic and volume control, which appears to be only for iPhones. The headphones use one AAA but sadly don't function unless noise cancellation is switched on. In consolation they are very impressive at this task and the sound quality is equally striking. Even bog-standard MP3s sound well rounded and fine-tuned, full of bass and clear high notes in equal measure. However, they are not demonstrably better than the less expensive Denon, Sennheiser or Sony.

Reg Rating 70%
Price £279
More info Bose

Creative EP-3NC

This pair is fashioned in a traditional in-ear bullet shape. The fit is a little awkward and its control unit, which holds a AAA battery, sits a very short distance along the cable, so you have to use the clip to attach it to clothing otherwise it drags the buds out of your ears. It has a monitor but no volume buttons. The headphones work normally when noise cancelling is off. When active, the noise suppression is rather middling, roughly in line with the lower-priced Panasonic, and the audio quality is not the best, so on balance the Digital Silence gives better value for sub-£100 in-ear ’phones.

Reg Rating 50%
Price £90
More info Creative