AKG N700NC M2

If a neutral sound matters to you, then the AKG N700NC M2 Wireless are the best sounding noise cancelling headphones that we've tested. Although they have a slightly bass-rich sound profile, their extra thump and warmth don't bloat or muddy the rest of your mixes. Vocals and lead instruments are still clear and accurately reproduced, but if the extra bass is still a deal-breaker, you can fine-tune their sound using their app's parametric EQ and presets

At 13ohms and 92dB/mW sensitivity, this is an annoying headphone to drive. The impedance is *too* low. I wanted to use the Apple 3.5mm dongle with this, but I found that I had to max it out and at that volume, distortion was very noticeable.

But there's no denying the AKG sound signature is fantastic, and these headphones can be viewed as a solid choice for audiophiles seeking ANC, alongside the $280 Sony WH-1000XM3. For less money, meanwhile, we're fans of the $200 Marshall Mid ANC and the $250 true wireless Apple AirPods Pro. The pricey AKG N700NC M2 Wireless headphones offer solid noise cancellation, but their audio performance is the real selling point

Honestly, I prefer how it sounds to the more bass-forward tuning of something like the Harman-tuned AKG N700NC M2. I personally wouldn't spend more than the $100 eBay going rate for it, though, especially given the lack of OEM pad replacements.

The AKG N700NC M2 Wireless are the best headphones under $200 with a wireless over-ear design that we've tested. These comfortable over-ears offer versatile performance for daily use, thanks to their feature-packed design. They have an adaptive active noise cancelling (ANC) system that adjusts the level of isolation to match the sound around you

The AKG N700NC M2 Wireless are the best closed-back headphones under $200 that we've tested. These headphones have an ANC system that automatically adjusts itself and does a great job blocking out noise. Their default sound profile adds some extra rumble and punch to your audio, but it's still well-balanced and suitable for a variety of genres

Noticed this too with my headphones. I keep going back to cheaper headphones and enjoying them very much. It's a constant battle between my curiosity for better sound and just enjoying what I currently have. In particular, the AKG N700NC always surprises me with its sound even though it's a cheap wireless ANC.

The AKG N700NC M2 Wireless are the best over-ear noise cancelling headphones under $200 that we've tested. These over-ears have a great noise isolation performance, thanks to their adaptive noise cancelling system.