Noise-cancelling headphones are one of the great, simple pleasures of a modern world. Between the hiss of noise pollution, smartphones burping for attention and the roar of constant traffic, a break of silence is a rare joy.

Excellent, even-handed sound; Great noise cancelling; Generous sale pack

Non-rechargeable battery

The ANC9s sound great, and even better when noise cancelling is active. Memory foam creates a comfortable fit, but it's just a shame that you need to keep AAA batteries handy to get the most of out them.

Excellent, even-handed sound; Great noise cancelling; Generous sale pack

Non-rechargeable battery

Noise-cancelling headphones are one of the great, simple pleasures of a modern world. Between the hiss of noise pollution, smartphones burping for attention and the roar of constant traffic, a break of silence is a rare joy.

The ANC9s sound great, and even better when noise cancelling is active. Memory foam creates a comfortable fit, but it's just a shame that you need to keep AAA batteries handy to get the most of out them.

Excellent, even-handed sound. Great noise cancelling. Generous sale pack.

Non-rechargeable battery.

Audio-Technica proves, once again, that its expertise in professional audio lends itself well to excellent headphone design.

Excellent sound; with or without noise cancelling; Very comfortable; Stylish storage case packed with all the right accessories; Highly effective noise cancellation available in three levels

AAA battery life is short-lived; Slightly forward upper midrange when noise-cancelling not needed; Headphone cable smaller than we'd like; Single-button control

Some headphone manufacturers attract disproportionate attention for their new products with aggressive marketing and distinctive industrial designs, but Audio-Technica is not one of those companies.

The noise cancelling modes of the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 are all very well implemented, as is the ability to switch between all three at will. The headphones' sound quality is also impressive when noise cancellation is enabled - less so when it isn't - and the price tag is lower than a pair of Bose...

Excellent noise cancelling; Clear treble and solid bass; Good construction

Bass and treble suffer when powered off; Strong clamping force may cause fatigue; Thin cable

Audio-Technica is a headphone maker that doesn't get as much publicity as Bose or Sony or Sennheiser. The Japanese company produces some extremely high quality products though, like its range of W series headphones finished in beautiful Japanese cherry and ebony woods.

Excellent noise cancelling; Clear treble and solid bass; Good construction

Bass and treble suffer when powered off; Strong clamping force may cause fatigue; Thin cable

Love these headphones! I can wear them for 9 hours straight at work and they are still super comfortable. Noise cancelling works well and makes music sound even better when it is on. I definitely recommend these to anyone and everyone! Definitely a necessity if you work in an office.

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good product; did not feel strong hiss as multiple review site claims

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Of the models I tested, Bose's QuietComfort 15 reigns supreme in noise-canceling performance and sound quality. I rank the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 second overall, though I really like the multiple cancelation modes and the ANC9's ability to function without battery power-features that might make it...