Noon Audio WH-NX5: Over-Ear Headphones with Hybrid ANC and 48-Hour Battery Life

The Noon Audio WH-NX5 headphones have recently caught our attention, and for good reason. They're over-ear, closed-back headphones with a foldable design that makes them easy to store and carry around. One of the standout features is the hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. While it might not be the absolute best on the market, it does a commendable job of minimizing background noise in various environments like airplanes, public transport, and busy offices. It definitely enhances the listening experience by significantly reducing ambient sounds.

Comfort seems to be a top priority with the WH-NX5. The headphones come with a soft headband and plush leatherette ear cushions that make long listening sessions quite pleasant. Even without the ANC activated, the passive noise isolation is fairly decent, cutting down external noises to a manageable level. There's also a transparency mode that's easily activated with a button press, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings without taking off the headphones—a handy feature when you need to catch announcements or have quick conversations.

On the connectivity front, the WH-NX5 supports Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and AAC codecs. This ensures a stable connection and high-quality audio streaming whether you're using Android or iOS devices. For those who prefer a wired connection, there's a 3.5mm mini-jack input. Additionally, when connected to a PC via USB-C, the headphones can play audio digitally while simultaneously charging the battery.

Speaking of battery life, it's quite impressive. You get up to 48 hours of playback with ANC turned on. If you're in a hurry, a quick five-minute charge will give you about two hours of listening time, and a full charge takes approximately two hours. This makes the WH-NX5 a reliable companion for long trips or extended use throughout the day.

The headphones also come equipped with built-in microphones for calls, aiming to deliver clear voice quality. While they generally perform well, the effectiveness might vary in extremely noisy environments. The design choices, including the availability of multiple color options, add a nice touch to suit different personal styles.

Included in the package are a hard carrying case, a mini-jack audio cable, a flight adapter, and a USB-C charging cable. Considering all these features at a price point of $200, the Noon Audio WH-NX5 offers a compelling mix of functionality and value.

Noon Audio WH-NX5 Specifications:

• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones with active noise cancellation
• Driver: 40mm dynamic drivers
• Acoustic Design: Closed-back
• Frequency Range: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Sensitivity: 103 dB
• Impedance (wired): 32 Ω
• Bluetooth: Version 5.1 (aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, AAC, SBC)
• Battery Life: Up to 48 hours playback with ANC on
• Charging Time: Approximately 2 hours (USB-C)
• Microphone: Yes
• USB Playback: Yes
• Transparency Mode: Yes
• App Support: No
• Color Options: Multiple
• Weight: 260 grams