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Last Updated on March 8, 2024 by Rifthy
Suffering from a loud roommate, noisy neighbors, or just plain old distractions? As a student, I hate sounds that keep me from focusing. To get the best out of my studies, I had to find a way to block out the noise. That’s why I decided to take matters into my own hands and explore the best headphones for studying.
After hours of research and testing, I was able to narrow down my top 5 picks for the most effective sounds-blocking headphones, plus 2 to avoid. Let’s dive in!
Discussed Topics
Best Headphones for Studying
SONY WH–1000XM5
- Lightweight design enables long-term use without headaches or temple pressure.
- Easy to navigate the app with a short learning curve allows for quick and efficient use of the headphones.
- Adjustment of fit may take some troubleshooting but can lead to near-perfect comfort.
- Easy switching between devices is offered due to the quality of the app.
Our Picks
- SONY WH–1000XM5 – The Best
- Bose QuietComfort 45 – Comfy Option
- JBL Tune 750 BTNC – Budget Friendly
- Apple AirPods Pro – For Apple Fans
- Samsung Galaxy Buds Live – Best for Android Fans
Bose QuietComfort 45 – Comfy Option
- Noise Canceling technology is improved, providing a more immersive listening experience than the Bose QC 35 II.
- The sound feels balanced and round, with no need for an equalizer.
- The headphones have a comfortable fit due to their lightweight and ergonomic design.
- Transparent mode allows you to quickly remove the headphones without blocking your environment.
- An intuitive management app allows you to adjust settings on the go.
- There is no longer graded noise canceling or wind mode available.
- Fast forward, and rewind can no longer be done with a click and hold of the middle button.
- The management app requires an account in order to access settings.
If you’re a student who is looking for a premium pair of noise-canceling headphones, the Bose QuietComfort 45 should be at the top of your list. Not only do they offer best-in-class active noise cancellation, but they also boast a robust low-frequency response and sculpting sound quality.
The wireless connectivity allows for AAC and SBC codecs and Bluetooth 5.1 compliance, making them perfect for use with all audio devices. The battery life is impressive, too, with 25 hours of juice on offer after just 15 minutes of charging. And if that wasn’t enough, the Awareness mode lets you easily disable the noise canceling feature without taking off the headphones – perfect for staying alert in class!
The reason for me to switch to Apple Air pods is that I needed more portability and convenience. But don’t get me wrong. Still, this is my favorite over Apple Air pods.
Verdict
If you want maximum comfort and convenience from your headphones, then these are definitely worth investing in. Whether it’s studying in peace or grabbing some tunes on your way to school, these amazing cans from Bose will provide an immersive experience every time. Don’t be surprised if everyone around you is asking, “where did you get those?”
SONY WH–1000XM5 – The Best
- Lightweight design enables long-term use without headaches or temple pressure.
- Easy to navigate the app with a short learning curve allows for quick and efficient use of the headphones.
- Adjustment of fit may take some troubleshooting but can lead to near-perfect comfort.
- Easy switching between devices is offered due to the quality of the app.
- Not everyone may find these headphones comfortable, especially if you have small heads.
- Troubleshooting may be needed for proper fit adjustment, so it can take some time to get the right feel and cancellation.
- Hair getting in the way of the seal can cause issues with sound quality and volume.
I recently had the opportunity to experience SONY WH-1000XM5 headphones from a friend, and I must say, they truly deliver an incredible sound experience! The sleek design of the headphones makes them look very cool, and the synthetic leather is just as comfortable as it looks.
It comes with Bluetooth 5.2 and LDAC codecs that give you a balanced audiophile sound profile with excellent clarity, bass, and precision in low frequencies.
The noise canceling technology is definitely one of the best on the market – not only can you adjust it depending on your environment, but it also has wearing detection for automatically pausing music when removed and multipoint device connection for connecting two Bluetooth devices at once.
Plus, with noise cancellation turned on, the battery lasts up to 30 hours, increasing to 40 hours if turned off. Charging is also made easy with USB-PD standard for 3 hours of playback in just 3 minutes – so convenient for students on the go!
Although I own more than five headphones, none of them can match the sound quality of these headphones. From classical music to heavy metal, it somehow manages to deliver a balanced and clear sound with a wide range of frequencies – perfect for any music genre! It’s like the soundstage has been recreated in your own room.
Verdict
Overall, Sony has come out with an innovative product that proves why they consistently outperform competitors when it comes to delivering top-quality products. If you’re looking for an amazing audio experience that won’t let you down, SONY WH-1000XM5 headphones are definitely worth checking out!
JBL Tune 750 BTNC – Budget Friendly
- Produces great sound quality while watching movies/TV.
- The battery holds the charge for days; no need to recharge often.
- Have an affordable price.
- The buttons can be stiff and difficult to press.
- Noise cancellation is not as good as more expensive models.
- Not ideal for individuals with large head sizes; tight fit.
- Does not sound great with Spotify music; background noise.
- Pairing can be difficult but have a consistent signal once connected.
As a student, I’m always on the move and need headphones that can keep up with me. The JBL Tune 750 BTNC headphones certainly do that! They’re lightweight and foldable, perfect for stowing away in my backpack, and the soft pleather earpads make them comfortable to wear for hours on end. Plus, Bluetooth 4.2 technology allows me to connect the headphones wirelessly to two devices at once – how convenient!
I’m also impressed with the sound quality of these headphones. Despite their relatively low price tag, they deliver a dynamic range of sound. The bass is especially pure, and there’s no distortion whatsoever.
I was also pleased to find out that they come with good noise canceling ability; when I’m studying in a noisy environment, they block out about 70% of distractions (Not bad for the affordable price tag).
The battery life of this product is great too – 15 hours per charge – so I don’t need to worry about running out of juice when I’m using them for long stretches at a time. And if I ever do run out of power, no worries, as it only takes two hours to fully recharge the battery.
Verdict
All things considered, I highly recommend these JBL Tune 750 BTNC headphones for students like me who are looking for affordable headphones without compromising on sound quality or convenience features. With its wide frequency response (20Hz-20000Hz) and sleek design, it really does tick all the boxes!
Apple AirPods Pro – For Apple Fans
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced sound across the frequency range
- Amazing noise cancellation that rivals other high-end headphones
- Very comfortable and lightweight design
- Surprisingly long battery life with up to 4 hours at mid-level volumes
- Great connectivity with a range of up to 100 feet through walls, people, and gym equipment
- In-ear detection feature works well; music pauses when the bud has been taken out and starts again when put back in.
- Ear pieces can be tricky to take off as they come in three different sizes
- There may be some erratic behavior when switching between noise-canceling and no-noise-canceling modes
- Bass could use more depth for those who prefer thumping bass lines on their music
As a student, I can say that Apple AirPods Pro headphones are a great fit for any Apple user looking to upgrade their listening experience. This was my second purchase made for my iPad, and they are incredibly comfortable, light, and feature some amazing sound technology (The first one was Bose QuietComfort 45, which I reviewed below).
The sound quality is excellent – the bass response is solid, the mid frequencies are balanced and clear, and the high frequencies make listening quite crisp. The active noise cancellation really helps to block out background noise while still allowing me to hear what’s going on around me.
The battery life of these earphones is also impressive – I can get up to 24 hours of use with a single charge! That’s more than enough for even the busiest student during the day. Plus, thanks to Bluetooth 5 connectivity, I can pair my AirPods Pro with any compatible device in seconds.
Verdict
Overall, I think Apple AirPods Pro headphones are an excellent choice for students who want top-notch audio performance along with convenience. They look great and offer superior sound at a slightly higher price point than regular AirPods – but it’s definitely worth it!
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live – Best for Android Fans
- Outstanding sound quality with slight adjustments to the positioning of the earbuds.
- The Galaxy Wearable App further enhances audio performance by providing customizable EQ settings, including bass and noise-cancellation levels.
- The open-ear design creates an immersive listening experience with improved soundstage and spatial awareness for phone conversations.
- Comfortably shape your ear naturally through the use of larger and circular ear tips.
- Poor audio performance when earbuds are not properly positioned in the ear.
- Battery life is below average at 5 hours maximum on a single charge.
- No additional features, such as an IPX rating, to make them sweat and water-resistant in comparison with other wireless headphones on the market.
I recently had the pleasure of trying out my roommate’s Samsung Galaxy Buds Live, and I was seriously impressed. The first thing that struck me was the sophisticated design – they come in a range of beautiful colors and have a glossy and semi-matte surface with two LED indicator lights but no buttons. Even though they are small, they fit really well and are very comfortable.
The sound quality is also top-notch thanks to Bluetooth 5 wireless connectivity and Scalable Codec technology to minimize audio chopping. They offer a balanced sound profile with good mid-accuracy, punch, warmth, and air vent for ventilation. Plus, the active noise cancellation helps cancel out all those annoying background noises so you can just focus on listening to your music or podcast uninterruptedly.
The battery life is also great – 8 hours of listening time plus two full charges from the case cover gives you a total usage time of 20 hours – it was more than enough for me during my test run! And what’s even better is that these earbuds charge quickly as well, so you don’t need to wait around for ages for them to juice up before you can enjoy your tunes again.
However, if you are an iPhone user, I suggest you opt for Air pods or Bose headphones instead since these earbuds don’t perform well with Apple devices. That’s the only downside I noticed during my test run. But if you have an Android device, these earbuds are definitely worth considering!
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live is an optimal choice for Android users looking for efficient earphones with excellent noise cancellation, great fit, attractive style, and some serious battery life. So if you want to up your audio game without breaking the bank, these should be at the top of your list!
2 Headphones You Should Avoid
Klipsch T5 II True Wireless ANC
If you’re a student looking to buy the Klipsch T5 II True Wireless ANC headphones, here’s a friendly piece of advice—don’t! They come with a hefty $429 price tag, and there are certainly cheaper options out there. But that’s not even the worst part. The noise-canceling feature do these headphones boast? It doesn’t work. At all.
I tested these headphones myself, and all I can say is that my experience was a huge letdown. With the noise-canceling feature turned off, yes, it did have excellent passive noise reduction.
But why would you bother buying something with “noise-cancellation” in its name if it doesn’t even do what it’s supposed to?
The sound quality wasn’t great either—the audio lacked clarity and felt flat and dull most of the time. The lack of bass was particularly disappointing for me as an avid music lover, making the whole experience rather underwhelming. Plus, I found the battery life to be quite short; after two days, I had to charge them up again!
So if you’re looking for a reliable pair of wireless ANC headphones at a decent price point – look elsewhere.
The Klipsch T5 II True Wireless ANC fails on almost all accounts when compared to other products in its price range—it’s too expensive for what it offers and ultimately does not deliver on what it promises. Save your money and find something better; trust me: these Klipsch headphones aren’t worth it!
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
I recently tried out the Jabra Elite 7 Pro earbuds, and I was very disappointed. Despite the “Pro” in its name, these earbuds are anything but professional.
When it comes to noise cancellation, it’s a complete disaster. The passive noise reduction is excellent, but when the active noise cancellation is turned on, that rating drops to something more akin to “awful.” Save yourself the disappointment, and don’t waste your money on this product.
The sound quality is also below average, they lack durability, and they’re not particularly comfortable either. All in all, it’s hard to tell why they have ‘Pro’ in their name when they offer so little compared to other options on the market right now.
If you are a student who wants to avoid voice distractions, then do not buy the Jabra Elite 7 Pro earbuds. Spend your money elsewhere – you won’t regret it!
SONY WH–1000XM5
- Lightweight design enables long-term use without headaches or temple pressure.
- Easy to navigate the app with a short learning curve allows for quick and efficient use of the headphones.
- Adjustment of fit may take some troubleshooting but can lead to near-perfect comfort.
- Easy switching between devices is offered due to the quality of the app.
Conclusion
Overall, I like the Sony WH–1000XM5 headphones much more than the other ones on this list. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that will provide a satisfying noise-canceling experience and good sound quality, then you can’t go wrong with the Sony WH–1000XM5 headphones.
But your choice might differ from mine, so I suggest trying all the recommended headphones in this list to make sure you pick the best one for your needs.
If you’re a student who enjoys immersing yourself in the world of classical music while studying, you might want to explore the best classical music headphones on our dedicated page.
We have compiled a list of Best Headphones for you
