Mowing the lawn can be an enjoyable but noisy task. Noise canceling headphones for mowing will block out the buzz and allow you to listen to music or a podcast.

In this round-up, we pick out 7 of the best noise canceling headphones for mowing, to suit a range of budgets and style preferences.

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1. Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Headphones
2. Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds
3. AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
4. Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds
5. Soundcore AnkerLiberty 4 NC
6. commalta Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
7. Urbanista Infinite Battery Solar-Powered Headphones

But first…

How effective are noise canceling headphones when doing the mowing?

Noise canceling earphones and headphones like AirPods block out background noise using technology such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). They use anti-noise signals to identify external noises and counteract them. 

The volume of an average lawnmower is around 90 dB – that’s much louder than most household appliances such as a kettle or washing machine. Noise canceling technology is good at blocking out low-frequency sounds such as engine noise to some degree, so can make mowing the lawn a better experience.

You shouldn’t confuse noise-canceling headphones with ear protection. Research has shown that noise-canceling buds or headphones don’t offer as much ear protection as earplugs or ear muffs.

Now we’ve got the science out of the way – here is our list of the best headphones for mowing. We’ll give you a spec table before putting the spotlight on these headphones:

#1 – Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Headphones

You might not be a music buff or tech enthusiast, but want a solid pair of noise canceling headphones to mow the lawn with – for a good price.

With their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, the manufacturer claims that these Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Headphones can reduce ambient noises by as much as 90%. This feature was refined in research and development with over 100,000 tests.

Aside from the noise canceling technology – which relies on digital active noise cancellation algorithm – what else do these headphones bring to the table? Soundcore says that the bass has been improved by 100% compared to the previous model in this series, and thanks to extended high frequencies, you can expect decent clarity and detail. 

There are also 40 hours of non-stop playmode in ANC mode (based on playing media at 60% volume). Depending on the size of your yard – that’s a good few lawn mows!

Pros

• ANC technology
• Great value
• Long-lasting battery

Cons

• Doesn’t pair with Soundcore app for adjusting EQs

#2 – Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds

Boldly billed as the best noise canceling earbuds available on the market – but how do they measure up?

Sony has been working on an “AI-based noise reduction algorithm”, which along with a bone conduction sensor, blocks out background noise. There are two proprietary processors that cancel an unprecedented volume of external noise, and Noise Isolation Earbud Tips. These are the features that make Sony so confident in their claim.

For the price, you’d expect more than just noise cancelling for your mowing, and you’ll get it. There is impressive High Resolution Audio, a super-clear Bluetooth signal, and adaptive sound control that tweaks your audio according to your surroundings.

A battery life of 8 hours might not seem much, but you can charge these babies for an hour in just 3 minutes.

If you are going for high-end, noise blocking earbuds for mowing – and life in general – these might fit the bill.

Pros 

• Advanced noise canceling technology
• High Resolution Audio
• Speedy charging

Cons

• In higher price bracket

#3 – AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Iconic and internationally-recognized. AirPods are a household name, but how good are they at blocking out sound?

Luckily, there’s research on this. The New York Times found that AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) can decrease background noise by 23 dB. That would take the 90 dB of a lawnmower down to 67 dB; a significant difference. Robert said on Amazon:

“Sound quality for music is excellent and for calls is very nice, and the noise canceling works really well.”

What else? Aside from the ANC, you’ll hear the benefits of a richer audio experience with the deeply immersive sound offered by Apple’s H2 chip. There’s transparency mode, which does the opposite of ANC (let’s more external noise in) when you need to be more aware of your surroundings. And AirPods Pro are water, sweat and dust resistant.

One last thing – it’s something that can get forgotten in the quest to block out background noise. Getting the right fit of headphones or earbuds can be half the battle. The AirPods Pro offers a customizable fit with four different sizes of silicone tips to choose from (XS, S, M and L).

Pros

• Proven ANC noise reduction
• Immersive sound
• Moisture and dust resistant
• Customizable fit

Cons

• Some users remark the case is not robust

#4 – Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds

Let’s pretend you have a nice big budget, and want serious sound quality as well as headphones to block out your mower…

The Sony WF-1000XM5s and AirPods in our list will only take you so far – the prize for premium sound quality in this guide goes to Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds.

First, the noise canceling bit. Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds use CustomTune technology that works by analyzing each ear and adapting sound. There are also noise rejecting microphones that deny background noise.

These are spatial audio earbuds that takes music and spoken word to the next level, as you’d expect from Bose. There are three listening modes and the battery will give you 6 hours of listening time (that’s about average, according to our research).

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Up with the Sony WF-1000XM5s in price, but possibly a step ahead in the sound quality stakes. 

Pros 

• Customised noise canceling technology
• First class audio experience
• Customised fit with 9 choices of eartips and bands

Cons

• High price
• Average battery life

#5 – Soundcore Anker Liberty 4 NC

You can always rely on Soundcore for good value. If you are on a budget you may want to think about these Soundcore Anker Liberty 4 NC.

They are a notch up in sound quality (and in price) from the Q20s we looked at earlier, and provide crisp, detailed sound with high resolution wireless audio.

The manufacturer says that the Soundcore Anker Liberty 4 NCs can reduce noist by as much as 98.5%. However they have come to this stat, you might want to take it with a pinch of salt. But the Liberty 4 NCs are definitely noise canceling;  featuring a sensitivity in-ear sound sensor and noise isolation chamber. User reviews back up their noise-canceling ability. 

These earbuds can last up to 10 hours on a single charge – that’s a solid number.

Pros

• Noise-canceling technology with isolation chamber
• Good value
• Detailed, crisp audio

Cons

• No one-touch function for calls

#6 – commalta Active Noise Canceling Headphones

Let’s get down and dirty… if you are looking for a rock bottom price for noise canceling headphones, take a look at this model from lesser known brand; commalta.

Their noise canceling ability is backed up by those most important of reviewers – buyers of the product themselves. The manufacturer claims these headphones can reduce noise by up to 32 dB, thanks to its professional, upgraded ANC technology. K Volkan said in an Amazon review:

“Great product for the price. They sound great and the noise canceling works well.”

Don’t expect Bose standard audio for this price, but you will get 45mm large drivers that can pump out decent wireless sound. These commalta Active Noise Canceling Headphones also have nice soft ear cushions for your comfort, and also (very important!) for a good fit.

An impressive 30 hours play time from a full charge should also get a mention. For under $40 (last time we checked), you can’t go wrong. Check the price now using the link below.

Pros 

• Noise canceling
• Budget-friendly price
• 30 hour battery life from single charge

Cons

• Audio features compared to higher end options

#7 – Urbanista Infinite Battery Solar-Powered Headphones

Prepare yourself to read about some amazing technology. Urbanista noise canceling headphones are solar-powered, so you never need to charge them… Well, in fact you do need to charge them… but only by exposing them to daylight.

Urbanista have employed solar cell technology in the head strap to give you solar-powered sound with infinite playtime.

As far as the noise canceling goes, Advanced Noise Cancelation Technology (their own version of the ANC you see on other headphones) isolates and cancels the background noise you don’t want – in this case, your mower.

Aside from the everlasting power and external noise shut-out, there’s also a feature which lets you monitor and control the headphones with the Urbanista phone app.

Pros 

• Advanced noise cancelation
• Solar power, infinite playtime
• Environmetnally friendly
• Sleek design
• Choice of 3 colours

Cons 

• Users report audio quality lacking compared to high-end choices