Hey, Audio adventurers! Have you ever found yourself in a sea of headphone jargon? While chatting with your techy friend or shopping online, you come across terms like ‘ENC’ and ‘ANC’. These terms often make you confused and prevent you from buying headphones confidently. Let’s reveal the full form of these acronyms- Environmental Noise Cancellation and Active Noise Cancelation. But, how do these technologies make a difference in your headphones? We have written this blog post to help you understand ENC vs ANC noise cancelation headphones.
ENC vs ANC Headphones Meaning
Before buying ENC or ANC headphones, you should understand the meaning of these technologies. Although ANC and ENC appear to be similar, they have significant differences.
What Are ENC Headphones?
ENC refers to Environmental Noise Cancelation technology that allows headphones or earbuds to cancel the annoying environmental noise for better sound quality. So, how do ENC headphones work? The built-in microphone captures the ambient noise that matches with a countering frequency. The ambient noise is removed as the frequency nullifies the incoming sound. You will experience better clarity during phone calls if you use ENC headphones.
Remember that ENC uses more than one microphone to track external noise. It relies on digital signal processing that separates the background noise from your voice.
What Are ANC Headphones?
ANC refers to Active Noise Cancelation, and headsets with this technology work like ENC models. ANC headsets generate a frequency that removes the incoming sounds. However, ANC technology works better for overhead headphones (rather than earbuds) because they focus mainly on your listening experience.
While wearing Active Noise Cancelation headphones, you will be in an immersive audio environment. You can listen to podcasts or music without distractions.
ANC ENC Difference at a Glance
| Active Noise Cancelation – Use sound waves | Environmental noise filtering |
| Perfect for phone calls and immersive experiences | Best for gaming |
| High battery consumption | Low |
| Best in noisy places (such as planes) | Best in public places |
Example of ENC Earbuds and ANC Headphones
Boult Z20 Truly Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds come with an ENC mic and are best for low-latency gaming.
These in-ear earbuds allow-
- 51 hours of playtime
- Zen ENC Mic for crystal-clear conversation
- Seamless audio sync for immersive gaming session
- Rich bass- Bluetooth wireless earbuds
- Type-C fast charging
boAt Rockerz 550 is one of the top-rated ANC headphones with a 20-hour playback time. Other features of the headphones are
- 50mm dynamic drivers
- Ear cushions for an ergonomic design
- Physical Noise Isolation for pure audio
- instant wireless connectivity- Bluetooth V5.0
- Dual Modes- For dual connectivity
Who Should Use ENC Headphones?
You can use ENC headphones for any purpose, from phone calling to gaming. However, these headphones/earbuds are highly popular among gamers.
As the gaming music is loud, there is no need for ANC headphones. ENC is the best choice for your gaming environment. ENC headphones allow you to have seamless communication. So, if you play video games with others, these headphones will improve your experience. You will have no external disturbances. Moreover, you will not have any mixed or cracked signals if you wear these headsets during your gaming session.
Today, modern gaming headsets are equipped with ENC technology. However, Environmental Noise Cancelation technology is also found in video conferencing devices. This technology will suppress the annoying background noise of your corporate meetings. Moreover, there are smartphones with ENC in the built-in mic for improved audio quality.
Who Uses ANC Headphones?
ANC headsets are the right choice for blocking out external noise. You can use these headphones to avoid distractions and stay focused. ANC headphones are best for
- Studying
- Solo gaming
- Working and several other scenarios
Moreover, when you are on a phone call on a crowded bus, use ANC headphones.
ENC vs ANC Headphones- Pros and Cons
Let us discuss the merits and demerits of the popular headphone technologies- ENC vs ANC headphones
Pros and Cons of ENC Headphones
ENC headphones are a good choice when you talk to others or communicate with your teammates during your gaming session. You will experience crisp and clear audio during phone calls. If you regularly communicate with others using headphones, ENC technology is a good choice.
However, one negative side is that ENC and other noise-cancelling headphones make you almost unaware of your surroundings. So, when you are commuting alone, avoid wearing headsets. You may not hear the horn of vehicles.
Pros and Cons of ANC Headphones
ANC headphones are beneficial because they provide a better listening experience. Several consumers rely on ANC headphones for their gaming and music-listening sessions.
However, these headsets are not much effective at blocking out high-frequency noise. Moreover, the battery life is short when compared to other types of headphones.
Conclusion
Our ENC vs ANC headphones definition will give you a clear idea of both technologies. If you are a daily commuter who needs headphones, go for ANC technology. But, ENC headsets are the right choice for gaming enthusiasts.
FAQ
How should I decide on ENC vs ANC headphones airplanes?
Airplane engines generate a considerable amount of low-frequency sound, which is effectively reduced with ANC headphones. Due to the noise reduction ability, ANC will make you feel comfortable on the flight.
Is ANC healthy for ears?
ANC does not cause serious damage to your hearing ability. It does not generate harmful noise. The technology mainly prevents the noise from accessing your eardrums.
What is AI-ENC noise cancelation?
AI Environmental Noise Cancelation is a special technology that involves using artificial intelligence to improve environmental noise cancellation. So, devices with AI-ENC are better than those with traditional ENC. They have a real-time ability to learn from the surrounding environment.
Do ENC headphones work for music?
ENC technology blocks out or reduces the ambient noise and helps you with a better listening experience. As you will hear no external sounds, you will enjoy podcasts and music.
