Noise-cancelling headphones for city days out

The address of this page points to a practical question many city walkers ask: what are noise-cancelling headphones, and are they worth bringing on a day exploring Melbourne's laneways, galleries and live venues? The short answer is that they are headphones designed to reduce the background sound reaching your ears, so you can listen at lower volumes or simply enjoy a little quiet on a busy tram.

How they work

There are two broad approaches. Passive isolation relies on the physical fit: well-sealed ear cushions or in-ear tips block a good share of higher-pitched noise. Active noise cancellation (ANC) adds small microphones that sample the surrounding sound, and electronics that generate an opposing sound wave to cancel it out. ANC works best on steady, low-frequency noise such as engine hum, air-conditioning or the rumble of a train, and is less effective against sudden or high-pitched sounds like voices or a tram bell.

Using them sensibly in the city

  • Stay aware on the street. Laneways are shared with delivery vans, cyclists and trams. Most ANC models have a transparency or ambient mode; switch it on when crossing roads or walking through busy streets.
  • Protect your hearing. Because ANC lowers background noise, you can keep the volume down, which is generally kinder to your ears over a long day.
  • Gig nights. Headphones are not a substitute for proper earplugs at loud concerts; dedicated musicians' earplugs reduce volume more evenly. If you have concerns about your hearing, ask an audiologist.
  • Battery life. ANC draws power, so charge up before a full day out and check whether your pair still plays music passively if the battery runs flat.

Quiet moments between stops

Plenty of visitors use noise-cancelling headphones to listen to gallery audio guides, podcasts about the city or simply to rest between busy precincts. If you are planning a route, our Laneways Guide and the listings in Places can help you pace the day, mixing lively streets with calmer spots where you can take the headphones off and hear the city properly.