Top picks: Noise-cancelling in-ear headphones

While noise-cancelling features are more commonly found on full-sized headphones, which usually provide better sound quality, there are people who will prefer a similar system in a small package.

In-ear headphones are usually smaller and offer noise isolation, sealing up the ear canal with foam, rubber or silicon ear tips. On paper, these in-ears combined with noise-cancelling technology look to be the ultimate in noise removal. We list our top five picks.

	1.	Audio Technica ATH-ANC3   This offering from Audio Technica features a Monitor switch to deactivate the noise cancellation and audio should you need to hear the surroundings. It comes bundled with a case and an airplane adapter. These can be used with or without the noise cancellation activated, which is good news should the AAA battery run out of power unexpectedly. Noise reduction: 85 percent Click for larger image
	2.	Philips SHN7500   The lanyard-styled Philips SHN7500 is the only one in this roundup that features a detachable source cable, something which we like because of potential wire breakage issues. Philips includes a case, airplane adapter as well as a 6.35mm adapter for better compatibility with various audio sources. Like the Audio Technica, this will keep working even when the battery runs dry. Noise reduction: 80 percent Click for larger image
	3.	Sony MDR-NC33   Boasting a battery life of 100 hours on a single AAA cell, the Sony is also available in four colors: Blue, red, black and white. The company claims an approximate 90 percent reduction in ambient sound with the noise cancelling switched on and will work without a battery. This also comes with a cord length adjuster in the package. Noise reduction: 90 percent Click for larger image
	4.	JVC HA-NCX78   JVC's entry is the only headphone to claim to remove ambient, electrical, friction and wind noise. It also features an over-the-ear cord routing and comes with memory foam ear tips for a better fit. Apart from being able to operate without battery power, the JVCs is able to provide noise cancelling without any audio playback. Noise reduction: 88 percent Click for larger image
	5.	Denon AH-NC600   Apart from noise cancelling, the Denon features its own Compressed Audio Restorer for sonic enhancements with MP3 music. It also has a damping cable design to reduce vibration noises, and comes with an 80cm extension cable. The included carrying case doubles as a iPhone/iPod touch stand. Noise reduction: 99 percent Click for larger image