These headphones are ideal for long flights. In addition to having overall impressive noise-cancelling (-33dB across all frequencies on some tests), these headphones excel when you need to cancel out low frequencies like jet engine sounds (-45dB).
The headphones stay comfortably in your ear. They don't always offer a complete seal but surprisingly, this doesn't affect noise cancellation or reduce comfort. Also included are 3 sizes of eartips to help better fit your ear. Note that these tips have a unique design so you won't be able to use aftermarket tips.
You can disable active noise canceling at a press of a button. Aware Mode can be quickly accessed from the remote, which will disable active noise-cancelling and open up the microphones to allow you to hear your surroundings better.
LEDs on the control module will let you know when this mode is turned on.
The suggested retail price for these headphones is $300. And although you can get a pair on Amazon for around $200 it still is a lot to pay for a pair of earbuds.
These QC20 has a lithium-ion battery that promises to work for 500 charge cycles without diminished returns. After that it will still work, but won't last as long.
Note that the battery is non-replaceable so when it finally does stop working, you will need to buy a new pair of headphones.
These headphones come in 2 flavors:
QC20 that includes a 1-button remote intended for Android users
QC20i that includes a 3-button remote intended for iOS users
The accessories included are all very useful. You get two 3.5mm headphone cables, a USB charging cable, silicone ear tips, a travel pouch and an airplane adapter.
You can easily replace the 3.5mm cable should it get damaged. You can detach the 3.5mm cable from the control module which is very convenient. Other noise cancelling modules have fixed cables, so you’ll have to replace the headphones should the cable get damaged.
You aren’t likely to have issues using these on the go. Most active noise cancelling in-ear headphones have large control modules, while the K391NC has a fairly compact and light module. You can easily use these headphones while walking and comfortably enjoy active noise cancelling with your music.
The highs are quite detailed, yet do not get harsh. The mids are slightly forward, so vocals and instruments can easily be heard. The bass is not very powerful but is tight, so you’ll get decent punch from your music.
You can get great passive noise isolation with these headphones. You get a pair of Comply foam ear tips which are very comfortable in the ear and passively block noise well. This complements active noise cancelling well, and helps to minimize the noise that you hear.
These are great if you want good noise cancelling without spending a lot on your headphones. The noise cancelling feature can filter out a good amount of mid to high frequency noise. Minimal levels of low-pitched noise or sudden bursts of volume like laughter may still mix in with your music though.
With the ATH-ANC33is, you’ll be able to get a lot of detail from your music. The sound signature is focused on the highs so cymbal crashes, high pitched strings and female vocals will sound clean and detailed, yet do not get harsh.
The noise cancelling can make using these headphones a hassle. The module is bulky and quite heavy, so it can be distracting, especially if you are using the ANC33is while on the move.
You may get the impression that these headphones won’t last long. The plastics feel cheap and flimsy, the cable is quite thin, and you’ll hear rattles from the noise cancelling module.
You won’t be able to get a lot of thump and warmth from these headphones. While the highs sound great, the bass and mids are quite recessed, which can give the sound a thin feel.
There's a monitor button on the remote that lets you disable noise cancelling and hear your surroundings better. The only (possible) downside to this is that you have to hold down the button, you can't just tap it an leave it on.