Noise Cancellation or Noise Reduction: Find the Right Sound
Back to the JBL Blog overview

JBL Blogs

Learn More

Noise Cancellation or Noise Reduction: Find the Right Sound

From bustling city streets to crowded offices, the world can be a noisy place. But what if you could create your own personal oasis of tranquillity, where your music, podcasts or calls are all you hear? At JBL, we believe in crafting audio experiences that transcend the ordinary. Through cutting-edge technology, we empower you to control your sonic environment and immerse yourself in pure, uninterrupted sound. Today, we'll delve into the fascinating world of noise control, exploring two key technologies: noise cancellation and noise reduction. While they may sound similar, understanding their differences is essential in finding the perfect audio companion for your lifestyle.

What is Noise Cancellation?

Noise cancellation is like having a personal sound engineer at your beck and call, actively silencing the world around you. Active noise cancellation (ANC) headphones, such as the JBL Tour One M2 and the JBL Live 670NC, employ tiny microphones that pick up external sounds. Then, through clever digital signal processing, these over-ear headphones work by generating an "anti-noise" wave that cancels out those unwanted sounds before they reach your ears. This is how noise-cancelling headphones create a serene listening experience, even in the midst of chaos. Whether you're commuting on a noisy train or working in a bustling office, a pair of ANC headphones create a sanctuary of sound, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
What is Noise Cancellation?
JBL Tour One M2
JBL Tour One M2
Wireless over-ear Noise Cancelling headphones
A$ 349.95 each
Read More

What is Noise Reduction?

Noise reduction, also known as noise isolation, takes a more passive approach to creating a quieter listening experience. Think of it as building a fortress around your ears. Headphones with noise reduction, like the JBL Tune 520BT and the JBL Endurance Peak 3, rely on their physical design and materials to block out external sounds. Plush earcups and snug-fitting earbuds create a barrier that reduces ambient noise, allowing your music to take centre stage. While not as powerful as active noise cancellation, noise reduction offers a comfortable and effective way to enhance your listening pleasure in various environments.

JBL Tune 520BT
JBL Tune 520BT
Wireless on-ear headphones
A$ 79.95 each
Read More

Noise Cancellation vs. Noise Reduction: Choose Your Sonic Shield

Both noise cancellation and noise reduction have their strengths, and the ideal choice depends on your lifestyle and listening habits.

  • If you frequently find yourself in noisy environments like airplanes, trains or busy offices, noise-cancelling headphones are your best bet for creating a truly immersive and distraction-free audio experience.
  • If you prefer a more lightweight and comfortable option for everyday use, or if you engage in activities like running or cycling where situational awareness is important, noise-reduction headphones provide a balanced solution that enhances your audio while allowing you to stay connected to your surroundings.

Ultimately, the choice between noise cancellation and noise reduction boils down to your personal preferences and needs.

Find Your Perfect Sound Companion with JBL

Whether you're seeking the ultimate in noise cancellation or a comfortable and effective noise reduction solution, JBL has you covered. We believe everyone deserves to experience the joy of pure, uninterrupted sound. So, take a moment to explore our wide range of noise-cancelling and noise-reduction headphones, and discover the perfect sound companion for your lifestyle. Your ears will thank you. Ready to elevate your listening experience? Visit the JBL website today and find your perfect match.

More from JBL

JBL Christmas Gift Guide: Presents That Rock 'n' Roll JBL Christmas Gift Guide: Presents That Rock 'n' Roll 'Tis the season to spread joy and cheer! And what better way to do that than with the gift of legendary JBL sound? JBL Live 3 Series: The Best Earbuds for Everyday Use JBL Live 3 Series: The Best Earbuds for Everyday Use Get ready to experience sound that moves you wherever life takes you! JBL Tour Pro 3: The Best Earbuds for Airplane Travel JBL Tour Pro 3: The Best Earbuds for Airplane Travel Finding the perfect travel headphones can feel like navigating a crowded airport terminal — noisy, uncomfortable, and full of distractions. The Best Portable Speaker For Your Lifestyle A portable speaker is one of those items that, once you have one, you’ll never know how you managed without it.

 What Are the Best Speakers for a House Party? What Are the Best Speakers for a House Party? From the chilled-out vibes of a backyard barbecue playlist to the heart-thumping beats that get everyone on the dance floor, music sets the tone for an unforgettable house party. Open-Ear, In-Ear, Over-Ear, On-Ear, and Open-Back: Which Headphones to Choose? Open-Ear, In-Ear, Over-Ear, On-Ear, and Open-Back: Which Headphones to Choose? The perfect pair of headphones can make a difference between an ordinary day and an extraordinary one. PC Gaming Accessories: Find the Perfect Headset with JBL PC Gaming Accessories: Find the Perfect Headset with JBL Your headset isn't just an accessory, it's your weapon in the virtual battlefield. How to Become a DJ in Australia: Your Guide to Rocking the Decks How to Become a DJ in Australia: Your Guide to Rocking the Decks From Sydney to Perth, Aussie dancefloors are calling! From pumping clubs playing house and hardstyle to beachside bars spinning chilled-out indietronica, the scene is vibrant and always growing, so exciting opportunities await aspiring DJs who want to share their music with the world. Best AirPod Alternatives: Top JBL Earbuds for Every Listener Best AirPod Alternatives: Top JBL Earbuds for Every Listener Looking for earbuds that deliver exceptional sound, innovative features, and style all their own? Look no further than JBL — the perfect alternative to AirPods and AirPods Pro. JBL & Auracast™: Share the Vibe, Not the Earbuds JBL & Auracast™: Share the Vibe, Not the Earbuds Ever been stuck sharing one earbud with a friend, desperately trying to catch the lyrics of your favourite song? What to Gift on Father's Day 2025: The Ultimate Audio Guide for Dads What to Gift on Father's Day 2025: The Ultimate Audio Guide for Dads Dads. They might not always say it, but in their own weird, goofy ways, they love us fiercely. So, for a dad who has everything and offers everything, what else can we give this Father’s Day that truly hits the mark? Best Headphones for Studying and Work for Ultimate Concentration Best Headphones for Studying and Work for Ultimate Concentration Whether you're in a bustling office or a packed cafe, unwanted noise can kill your productivity. How To Clean Your Wireless Headphones And Earpads How To Clean Your Wireless Headphones And Earpads For music lovers, headphones are more than just an accessory; they're an essential part of daily life, providing a private sanctuary of sound. However, with this frequent use comes a downside What Is the Best Mother's Day Gift? Unwrap These Top Picks What Is the Best Mother's Day Gift? Unwrap These Top Picks Finding that perfect present can sometimes feel like a quest, but fear not! How to Prepare for a Party with JBL: Gearing Up for Epic Celebrations How to Prepare for a Party with JBL: Gearing Up for Epic Celebrations Get ready to throw a party that will have everyone talking! This checklist, powered by JBL, covers everything you need for an epic celebration. Whether you're planning a birthday bash, a holiday gathering, or a casual house party, there's always a buzz of excitement and anticipation. JBL Gift Ideas: Find the Perfect Audio Gift for Every Occasion JBL Gift Ideas: Find the Perfect Audio Gift for Every Occasion Ditch the ordinary and surprise your loved ones with the gift of JBL — the soundtrack to unforgettable experiences. The Best Soundbar For Your TV & Home Audio The Best Soundbar For Your TV & Home Audio Soundbars have become commonplace in many homes and offices thanks to their premium sound quality, ease of use, and sheer aesthetic appeal. Noise Cancellation or Noise Reduction: Find the Right Sound Noise Cancellation or Noise Reduction: Find the Right Sound From bustling city streets to crowded offices, the world can be a noisy place. JBL Soundbar: How to Fix an HDMI ARC That’s Not Working JBL Soundbar: How to Fix an HDMI ARC That’s Not Working We're all aware of the pivotal role an HDMI ARC plays in facilitating a seamless connection for our audio-visual devices. It may thus be puzzling when your audio fades off quickly, or the speaker remains silent after you’ve connected your sound bar to the TV. Choosing the best headphones for kids Choosing the best headphones for kids

Children have delicate ears, so it’s vital to find the right headphones to protect their hearing. Find how to choose the best headset for your child with JBL AU.

 Tips on choosing the best gaming headset Tips on choosing the best gaming headset Whether it’s Call of Duty, Fortnite, Red Dead Redemption, or something more under the radar, choosing the right gaming headset can make all the difference to your performance.

 How do noise-cancelling headphones work? How do noise-cancelling headphones work? Noise-cancelling headphones have changed the game when it comes to headphones. As well as playing your favourite music or podcast, they can diminish or erase the sounds around you. How To Choose The Best Headphones For Running How To Choose The Best Headphones For Running Headphones can improve your performance and enjoyment on a run. Here’s what to look for in the best running headphones for you, from fit to water resistance. How To Connect JBL Soundbar To TV How To Connect JBL Soundbar To TV This quick guide will run you through how to connect a JBL Soundbar to TV with an HDMI cable, an optical cable, and with Bluetooth connectivity All about wireless headphones All about wireless headphones Wireless headphones have been popular from the moment they were released, but now as more and more phone brands remove the headphone jack, wireless is becoming a necessity as well. Amidst a world cluttered with noise, what if you could create your own sound sanctuary? Amidst a world cluttered with noise, what if you could create your own sound sanctuary? Here, you command the auditory elements, shaping them to resonate in harmony with your mood, your thoughts, and your very being. On-Ear vs Over-Ear Headphones: Specs, Performance, Use-Cases & More On-Ear vs Over-Ear Headphones: Specs, Performance, Use-Cases & More When it comes to audio fidelity, the debate often lands on one crucial choice: are on-ear or over-ear headphones better? 5 tips to make the most of your time at home 5 tips to make the most
of your time at home Right now a lot of us are suddenly sitting at home and cant go to the office to work. There are many advantages to working from home, such as not having to travel, working in your pajamas and setting your own time table. Music in the shower? Go for Waterproof! Music in the shower? Go for Waterproof!

Would you like to have your music in the shower? Or do you want to listen to a podcast in the bath?

 The best outdoor speaker The best outdoor speaker

As soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, we all like to sit outside and enjoy the sun. With a drink in your hand, you can sit in your garden, in a park, on the beach or on a terrace.

 Top Christmas gift ideas for music & tech lovers Top Christmas gift ideas for music & tech lovers Christmas is just around the corner, which means now is the time to start thinking about Christmas gift ideas for friends and loved ones – and to get ahead of the last-minute rush. Headphones or earbuds? Headphones or earbuds? Listening to music can be better with headphones or earbuds? We will explain exactly what the advantages of both options are. Help me choose Help me choose You want the best portable speaker for your unique situation. So does JBL! For every situation there is a JBL portable speaker. Want to bring your portable speaker to the beach? Or perhaps take the speaker to the park? No problem! JBL got you covered. Read more about the best portable devices for each situation. All about DAB+ radio All about DAB+ radio DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting. So basically, it is just digitally transmitted sound. Listening to music via Wifi or Bluetooth? Listening to music via Wifi or Bluetooth?

Do you want the best music experience at home (or at work)? Then the way you stream music to your speakers is certainly important.

 Ways to use a smart speaker in your home Ways to use a smart speaker in your home More and more Australians are incorporating smart devices into their homes, installing various items around the house that make life that much easier and simpler. The ultimate guide on how to clean earphones and headphones The ultimate guide on how to clean earphones and headphones Earphones and headphones need regular cleaning to keep them in good shape, and for your own health. Here’s how to clean headphones and earphones at home.