Don’t let external noise hinder the joy of listening to exceptional audio. Instead, choose one of these top-notch passive noise isolation headphones to achieve an immersive audio experience, especially for travelers and individuals working in noisy environments.
The noise isolation will have a great impact on the overall listening experience. So, it is crucial to choose the headphones or earbuds carefully, and most people prefer passive noise isolation (PNI) rather than active noise cancelation (ANC) models.
These PNI headphones are designed to block out external distractions from the surroundings and deliver unparalleled sound quality, making them an essential accessory for gamers, music lovers, and professionals. For your shopping assistance, we researched and curated a list of the Best Passive Noise Isolation Headphones with exceptional noise isolation cutting-edge features.
From crystal-clear audio reproduction to comfortable ergonomic designs, these passive headphones deliver the best and pure sound, making them ideal for those seeking to elevate the audio experience to the next level. Also, we recommend reading our detailed “Buying Guide”, which provides valuable insights on how to choose the best option that suits your listening preference.
- OneOdio Noise Isolation Headphone – Best Overall PNI Headphones for Home Studio Usage
- Philips Noise Isolation Headphone – Best Wireless PNI Headphones with Excellent Sound Quality
- Artix Noise Isolation Headphone – Best Budget-Friendly Wired PNI Headphones
- Vic Firth Noise Isolation Headphone – Best & Preferred PNI Headphones for Musicians
- Puro Noise Isolation Headphone – Best PNI Headphones for Kids
- Alesis Noise Isolation Headphone – Best PNI Headphones for Stage Usage
- ISOtunes Noise Isolation Headphone – Best Wireless PNI Headphones with Long Battery Life & Water Resistance
7 Best Passive Noise Isolation Headphones Table
| Passive Noise Isolation Headphones | Drivers | Impedance | Sensitivity | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OneOdio Noise Isolation Headphone | 50 mm | 32 ohms | 110 dB | Check On Amazon |
| Philips Noise Isolation Headphone | 40 mm | 32 ohms | 98 dB | Check On Amazon |
| Artix Noise Isolation Headphone | 40mm | 32 ohms | 98 dB | Check On Amazon |
| Vic Firth Noise Isolation Headphone | 50 mm | 32 ohms | 98 dB | Check On Amazon |
| Puro Sound Labs Noise Isolation Headphone | 40 mm | N/A | 85 dB | Check On Amazon |
| Alesis Noise Isolation Headphone | 40 mm | 32 ohms | 98 dB | Check On Amazon |
| ISOtunes Noise Isolation Headphone | N/A | N/A | 85 dB | Check On Amazon |
7 Best Passive Noise Isolation Headphones Reviews
If you’re in search of headphones that provide an immersive audio experience while excelling at isolating unwanted noise, invest in one of these top-tier passive noise isolation headphones. Here are the reviews of our top handpicked passive noise isolation headphones.
1. OneOdio Noise Isolation Headphone
OneOdio is a renowned and well-established audio product manufacturer that has achieved remarkable success in various fields like studio, DJ, Hi-Fi, and monitor. This Studio Hi-Fi noise-isolation wired headphones stand out as an excellent choice for both casual listening and professional music production (studio monitoring, recording, or mixing) to enjoy unparalleled sound precision and comfort.
It is equipped with 50mm neodymium drivers and excellent frequency response that produce loud bass and let you capture the nuances in music with clarity, regardless of any music genre. Enjoy great noise isolation with their 15° tiltable ear shells, soft elliptical earmuffs, and memory cotton-filled headband, which wraps and fits securely and comfortably on the ears and also blocks out disruptive external noises.
With their detachable dual jacks (6.35mm & 3.5mm) and DJ-style coiled cord (9.8ft stretched), these headphones are perfect for electric musical instruments like drums, keyboards, guitars, and other amplified instruments, without any adapter. Additionally, they come with a line-in microphone for phone calls and music playback. It is widely compatible with Android/Apple/PC/AMP and various audio devices, making them an ideal option to use for a home studio, online video, and vocal microphone.
Customer Feedback – The OneOdio Wired Studio Hi-Fi Headphones have impressed numerous users with their decent features, passive noise isolation, and exceptional sound quality. However, some people have expressed slight disappointment with its build quality, and not being a better option for those with large heads.
2. Philips Noise Isolation Headphone
Next on our list, we have amazing wireless noise isolation headphones from a well-known brand called Philips. Their PH802 Bluetooth over-ear closed-back headphones are the best for the most demanding commutes, as they deliver immersive stereo sound and offer exceptional noise isolation.
It features 40mm perfectly tuned neodymium acoustic drivers that deliver HD sound with deep bass and its Hi-Res audio certification ensures a life-like performance with clarity and precision. The built-in microphone with echo cancellation enables crystal-clear hands-free calls without any disturbance or distortion. The line-in cable port and the included airplane adapter offer lossless hi-fi listening, especially for wired listening.
Since it works wirelessly, it is essential to check the Bluetooth connectivity and battery life. The PH802 headphones have Bluetooth (V4.2) connectivity that allows you to enjoy music or manage calls seamlessly within a range of 10 meters. With Li-Polymer rechargeable battery, they offer 30 hours of music playback or talk time and 200 hours of standby time, making it perfect to go on any trip or commute.
Additionally, it offers a rapid charge feature to provide 2 hours of playtime within 5 minutes of charge, while its quick-charge feature provides 6 hours of playback with just 15 minutes of charging. Talking about its comfort, the headphones boast soft earcups and a padded headband that enhance flexibility with its compact & flat folding design for easy storage or portability.
Customer Feedback – The users were highly impressed and satisfied with these PNI headphones, praising their sound quality, comfort, long battery life, and convenient features. However, some users have noticed that the touch controls aren’t always responsive or intuitive and poor customer service.
3. Artix Noise Isolation Headphone
The Artix CL750 wired on-ear headphones are the perfect choice for those seeking affordable wired headphones with excellent sound quality and a sturdy design. These noise-isolating headphones have an excellent HD microphone and built-in remote control, allowing for easy control and making them an ideal option to use for laptops, computers, and cell phones.
Featuring 40mm drivers and a 3.5mm jack, these headphones provide an immersive audio experience with a clear, dynamic, and balanced sound signature with crisp audio and booming bass, without any distortion or audio latency. The adjustable headband and soft ear cushions ensure a comfortable and secure fit, even for extended listening sessions.
With its in-line controls and built-in microphone, these headphones let you take calls hands-free and also adjust the volume, play/pause music, skip tracks, and manage calls. Though, a button (intuitive controls) is used to navigate via music tracks, yet lacks a muting function. The easily foldable design allows for portability and storage, while the adjustable headband and soft cushions earcups offer an ultra-comfortable fit.
The lighter yet sturdy and rugged design ensures durability and longevity, even upon regular use. When it comes to noise isolation, their perfect 3.5mm plug-in allows you to enjoy the media and securely fit will offer effective noise isolation, whether you’re exercising, commuting, or working.
Customer Feedback – Most people praised the clear sound quality, immersive bass, sleek design, sturdy build quality, and wide compatibility. However, some of them have mentioned that it lacks a mute or volume control function and is not effective in noise isolation.
4. Vic Firth Noise Isolation Headphone
Introducing the Vic Firth V2 Stereo Isolation wired over-ear headphones, designed to reduce external noise by 25 dB. These headphones feature larger 50mm dynamic speaker Mylarcon drivers and a wide frequency response that delivers powerful rich lows to crisp highs for superior sound quality to immerse yourself in every part of the music genre or tracks.
The improved padded headband and soft-cushion earpads ensure excellent comfort to wear for extended listening sessions. While its foldable design makes it best for live situations or playing recorded music (at the studio or practice) at safer sound levels. Thus, it is the most preferred option for audio enthusiasts and musicians (especially acoustic drummers) who seek high-quality sound reproduction and noise isolation.
It is a perfect option to record and mix music in any noisy environment to achieve sound accuracy and tranquility. With their detachable dual (1/4-inch & 1/8-inch) plugs, they are compatible with various audio sources, including a guitar amp, phone, or laptop, and ensure hassle-free connectivity to enjoy rich, precise audio.
Customer Feedback – People have praised the Vic Firth V2 headphones for their immersive audio experience, effective noise isolation, and dual detachable plugs. Yet some are disappointed by a bit higher price and lack of adjustable ear cushions, which makes them tight when worn for extended periods.
5. Puro Noise Isolation Headphone
If you are searching for stylish and safe headphones for kids, pick this Puro Sound Labs BT2200s Wireless on-ear Bluetooth Headphones. They are specially designed to protect the eardrums of young listeners from noise-induced hearing loss without compromising on the quality of the music or audio content.
It features 40 mm custom dynamic drivers and a balanced response curve that delivers the finest studio-grade sound with clear vocals and full dynamic bass. They have a safe limited volume range of 85 dB to ensure the utmost protection of your kids’ eardrums. While the built-in microphone makes them great for online learning and two-way calling.
With its one-touch Bluetooth (V5.0) pairing, the headphones can be connected easily with Android, iPhone, and other compatible devices wirelessly for a seamless listening experience for up to 30 feet range. The robust design with an adjustable headband and cushioned ear pads provides a secure and comfortable fit that lets you wear it for extended periods without discomfort or fatigue.
Coming to its battery life, it comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery that offers 20 hours of playtime and 200 hours of standby. The lightweight and fully passive design effectively blocks 82% of the ambient noise, making it noise-isolating and safer for kids.
These headphones seamlessly switch between devices with all control at your fingertips. Also, it comes with a hard carrying case, daisy chain sharing cable (to connect two headphones to the same device), 3.5mm limiter audio cable, charging cable & user guide.
Customer Feedback – The younger users found these headphones to be perfect for immersive music experiences, and noise-isolating features, and appreciated the advanced connectivity options. But some of them felt that the battery life of these headphones fell short of their expectations and are slightly expensive.
6. Alesis Noise Isolation Headphone
Alesis has revolutionized the music industry with its ground-breaking, innovative music gear. Their DRP100 Audio-Isolation Headphones are an excellent option designed to provide exceptional sound isolation and detailed audio reproduction. This makes it highly preferred by producers, musicians, and audio engineers to monitor electronic drum kits.
Equipped with 40mm full-range drivers and a wide frequency response, they deliver high-quality, professional-grade audio, irrespective of at home, in the studio, or on-stage practice/performance. The ergonomic design and over-ear fit of these headphones ensure extreme audio isolation that reduces external noises and let you stay focused on the performance. While its sweat-proof silicone earcups will enhance overall comfort and make them suitable for extended usage.
Talking about its build quality and durability, they have lighter yet rugged construction that can withstand regular wear, as they are made of durable materials to last longer. Furthermore, it includes a 6ft (1.8m) attached cable along with a 1/4-inch (6.3mm) headphone plug adapter and a 1/8-inch (3.5mm) stereo mini plug for wide compatibility and connectivity with various audio sources.
The soft-padded earcups and adjustable headband ensure stability and flexibility to make them stay properly without slipping. So, this headphone is designed especially for electronic drummers to monitor and provide professional-grade audio performance with the utmost comfort and audio isolation.
Customer Feedback – The users (especially electronic drummers) are satisfied with the performance of these headphones. However, some have noted that they aren’t comfortable for those with big heads, and have mentioned concerns about a bit fragile build quality.
7. ISOtunes Noise Isolation Headphone
ISOtunes Link Bluetooth Earmuff Over-ear Headphones are designed with a perfect combination of excellent hearing protection and audio connectivity for those who work a lot with machinery or power tools.
Stay connected with its Bluetooth 4.2 technology and stream music wirelessly and conveniently while working in a noisy environment. The noise-isolating microphones ensure clear phone calls and provide complete control over calls and music playback with their large, user-friendly buttons.
Its 25 dB NRR rating limits your hearing damage in loud work environments and delivers precise sound safely without any hazards. Featuring SafeMax technology with an 85dB volume limiter, the earmuffs ensure a safe listening level without causing hearing damage.
The headphones are powered by either lithium-ion batteries that offer around 14+ hours of listening time, or 3 AAA batteries providing about 28 hours of use. Its durable collapsible design allows for easy storage and transportation. While you can enjoy comfort all-day with its soft memory foam cushioned ear pads that provide secure fit and efficient airflow. Plus, the IPX4 water resistance protects against sweat and rain/water splashes, making them useful at any time.
Customer Feedback – The ISOtunes Link Bluetooth Headphones have been highly praised for their secure fit, exceptional sound quality, and great noise isolation, making them an ideal choice for those who work in loud & noisy environments. However, some users have reported a drawback regarding poor battery life and discomfort when worn for a long time.
Buying Guide to Select the Passive Noise Isolation Headphones
If you know all about passive noise isolation – how it impacts the listening experience, and what factors to consider will help you to differentiate the products. So, we are here with a detailed explanation of these PNI headphones to make it a quick and informed buying decision.
Let’s dive into its details…
Passive Noise Isolation Headphones
Passive noise isolation (PNC or PNI) is a common type of noise cancellation that relies on physical features, such as design, shape, and used materials (sound-blocking materials), which act as barriers to block incoming noise from reaching the ears.
For instance, closed-back models (over-ear/on-ear headphones or tight-fitting in-ear/earbuds) have natural sound-isolating properties, as they cover the ears fully and thereby have this PNI feature. So, if you want a pair of headphones/earbuds with passive noise canceling, choose one that offers proper fitting and cushions forming a strong seal around the ears.
The better the seal, the more noise they easily block out. They isolate high-frequency sounds and irregular noises, enabling you to enjoy the audio while traveling or working peacefully, even while others chatter. Since there doesn’t require a battery for the noise canceling, these PNC headphones are lighter and more affordable than headphones with ANC features, yet some best models are a bit pricier (like Bose QC models).
Passive noise isolation works for all ranges of noise, and they are more effective at isolating higher-pitched sounds rather than lower-humming sounds. Additionally, PNI doesn’t rely on a power source to operate.
The audio equipment with passive noise reduction won’t compromise or alter the original audio quality and deliver the best sound the headphone can reproduce. The PNI headphones are a perfect choice for those who value sound quality over convenient technology.
How to Choose the Best Passive Noise Isolation Headphones
With the availability of abundant choices in the market, finding the perfect option is a bit difficult process. To assist you in the proper selection process, we are here with the key factors to consider for differentiating and selecting the best choice.
1. Sound Quality
The earbuds/headphones with better passive noise isolation will sound purer and clearer (deep bass, balanced mids, and high treble) without causing any mild distortion to the music compared to those of ANC headphones which block out ambient noise. It reproduces the music without any alternation in the sound quality for an immersive listening experience, even by effectively blocking outside noises. However, PNI headphones or other audio equipment are trusted and used by musicians and music purists because they block ambient noise without distortion or noise.
2. Comfort & Fit
Even though almost all passive noise isolation headphones are custom-molded or custom-fitted, which means they have adjustable headbands, cushioned earcups, and small & lighter designs. They won’t put any extra pressure on the ears, causing discomfort or fatigue feel. Ensure to look for headphones that offer secure fitting and comfortable wear, even for extended listening sessions.
3. Noise Cancellation
Generally, the headphones with passive noise isolation will lessen mid-high frequency noises (from 15 dB to 30 dB), whereas the ANC headphones are better for reducing lower frequencies. Also, these headphones are effective in reducing all incoming sounds equally, including sudden transient noises. For instance, a pair of custom-fit passive headphones/earbuds will reduce the car horn similarly as they reduce constant noise. Furthermore, the built-in microphone can improve communication, particularly at-work communication with clarity in calls without background noises.
4. Battery Life
It is essential to consider how long you will use the headphones daily before recharging them, especially while using rechargeable wireless headphones. Even though these PNI headphones are operated via Bluetooth, they consume some power from the battery (not much as battery-drainer ANC models). This means, they only require power for their Bluetooth functioning, making their battery last longer. Therefore, you can enjoy high-fidelity audio without any need to frequent recharging.
5. Connectivity – Wired Vs Wireless
It is essential to determine the type of connectivity you require. Whether it is a wired or wireless model, you need to choose headphones that are compatible with your device and has to offer a stable and reliable connection to let you enjoy music, podcasts, or calls.
6. Durability and Build Quality
While selecting headphones, you need to check their build quality and material construction before making the purchase decision. Ensure to look for headphones that are well-built and durable to withstand regular usage. Also, read user reviews to gauge the longevity of the product.
7. Portability and Style
Select the PNI headphones whose style perfectly suits your lifestyle, preference, and place of using them. For instance, if you want to use them for travel or commuting, look for foldable and portable designs.
8. Price
In general, the PNI headphones are more affordable than the ANC models. The price will range from $25 to $400, depending on the features, battery life, sound performance, and warranty. We suggest you set the price range (budget) and required features before you proceed with the shopping. Besides our expert reviews, go through the user feedback to gain insights into the performance and reliability of the headphones you want to purchase before making an informed decision.
Verdict – By considering these key factors, you can differentiate between various options and select the headphones that best meet your requirements, providing you with an exceptional audio experience for years to come.
Best Passive Noise Isolation Headphones – FAQs
Ans: The design and build quality of the particular audio device will determine how well it blocks noise physically. Usually, headphones with a good seal around the ear canal will restrict the background noise from getting into the ears. Whenever the seal breaks, the noise isolation is less effective, and you can hear more sounds. This is a well-known and practiced method used in loud environments.
For instance, the earpads’ material in over-ear or on-ear headphones will provide a good seal that won’t leak sound and won’t allow the surrounding noises to get into the ear. Thus, closed-back headphones are better to block out noises rather than open-back headphones. Also, earbuds or in-ear monitors will fit and seal perfectly in the ear tips, yet prefer to choose the one made of foam rather than silicone or rubber to enhance comfort and block noises.
Ans: No, they don’t cause any hearing threats and are completely safe to use. Since they lower the noise or the outside disturbance, there won’t have any harmful effects on hearing. The only way it causes hearing loss is whenever you listen to them at high volumes for a longer time.
Ans: PNI headphones offer several benefits, and here are some of the amazing benefits…
*Blocks out all ranges of noise in your surroundings or background for enhanced audio clarity.
*A cheaper option than other noise-canceling alternatives
*Enhanced immersion, and focus
*A perfect option for loud work environments
*Extended battery life for wireless models (don’t require power for noise cancellation)
*Reproduce the sound as the headphones produce without altering the sound quality.
*Compatible with all audio devices without extra setup
*Great at protecting your hearing.
Ans: These PNI headphones are designed to reduce external noise, yet they can’t completely eliminate all the background noises. They are great at blocking constant low-frequency noises like background chatter or engine rumble but have some limitations with sudden, high-frequency noises.
Ans: When it comes to purchasing any type of headphones/earbuds, it is essential to check for a secure fitting and comfortable to wear for a long time. Wearing a pair of properly sealed headphones will ensure optimal noise isolation and thereby let you enjoy the music/audio to the fullest. So, ensure to pick headphones with lightweight designs, adjustable headbands, and cushioned ear cups for a comfortable fit, even to wear for extended listening sessions.
Ans: Yes, they are some features to check, which include audio quality, impedance, frequency response, driver size, portability, and durability. If you want to use them daily, check the overall design and build material assures a robust construction that withstands regular wear.
Ans: Yes, the PNI headphones are perfect to use in noisy environments. They are designed to block out external noises and provide a quiet listening environment to enjoy the music/audio. So, you can easily focus on work without getting distracted or disturbed by the surrounding noise.
Conclusion
To conclude, discovering the perfect passive noise isolation headphones is quite essential for an unparalleled audio experience. Whether you are a gamer, music enthusiast, professional, or casual listener, we hope our buying guide and PNI headphones reviews will help you to make the informed buying decision that suits your listening requirements and preferences.
Finally, its time to say goodbye to distractions and embrace a world of uninterrupted auditory bliss with one of these remarkable passive noise isolation headphones.
Don’t forget to share your queries or thoughts regarding these PNI headphones in the comments section below. We will respond promptly to resolve your queries.
