You’ve bought a pair of new headsets, and you’ve noticed this one also has the same problem your previous headsets had — white noise. You’re hesitant to buy a new pair because it seems like this is a recurring problem, and you don’t want to waste your money. What gives? Do all wireless headsets have white noise? Can you find a pair of headphones without this issue?
Not all wireless headsets have white noise. In fact, many modern wireless headphone technologies like Bluetooth and proprietary gigahertz digital connections don’t introduce any extra noises by themselves. However, if there are other sources of white noise present in your area, this may be enough to be heard through the headphones.
White noise is often a common problem with headphones, and you don’t want to waste your money on new ones with this issue. That’s where we come in. We have done the research and have all the information you need to make an informed decision. So, let’s jump right in.
What Causes White Noise in Wireless Headsets?
Wireless headphones are notorious for their susceptibility to white noise. This noise is caused by the Bluetooth protocol used to keep your headphones connected with your smartphone.
The Bluetooth protocol commonly used has a limited range and isn’t always reliable in crowded urban areas. In addition, if there are too many other sources of Bluetooth radiation present in your location, you’ll tend to hear more white noise on your headphones.
This is because the Bluetooth protocol that keeps your headphones connected with the smartphone has to compete for bandwidth against all these other sources of interference.
The only way to reduce this white noise is to reduce the sources of interference that are competing for bandwidth.
Source: Headphones Addict
Causes of White Noise in Wired Headsets

There are many reasons you might hear white noise on wired headphones. These include:
- Speaker driver malfunction
- Electromagnetic radiation from external sources
- AUX port problems
- Loose or damaged wires
Best Noise-Cancelling Headsets Without White Noise
Most headsets with an active noise cancellation feature share one problem: they all add an unmistakable hiss in the process of erasing background noise. As a result, it has proven quite challenging for users to find headsets without white noise. However, some brands have managed to stand out by providing exceptional quality through and through. They include:
Bose QuietComfort

Like many other headsets, Bose headsets had the same issue with white noise. You see, white noise is an effect that arises from active noise cancellation. However, in their QuietComfort line of products, this is a thing of the past.
This luxury brand has given quality a whole new meaning by creating a headset that not only cancels noise but also produces a natural and clear sound. In addition, their ear cups fit snugly over the ears to block out external sounds.
And guess what? You still get to enjoy all the other notable Bose high-end features like:
- Alexa-enabled voice access to music
- Noise-rejecting dual microphone
- Hassle-free Bluetooth pairing
- Balanced audio performance at any volume
Of course, as is customary with Bose products, you may have to dig a bit deeper into your pockets for this pair of headsets, but they’re worth every dime!
Source: Technology Review
Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Cancelling Headphones

Another pair of headphones you can’t afford to pass up is the Sony WH-1000XM series. They deliver even more for your money, featuring:
- Industry-leading noise cancellation with Dual Noise Sensor technology
- Up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge (with quick charging)
- Touch sensor controls to skip, play, and pause tracks
- Speak to chat technology
- Wearing detection pauses
- Superior call quality
However, the primary feature that grabs our attention is the HD noise cancellation feature. Sony employs state of the art noise cancellation technology in these cans, and it shows. The cancelling is so good that you can’t hear a thing outside of your music, which is perfect for blocking surrounding white noise. And the best part, it has little to no white noise on its own.
Wrapping Up

It’s hard to come across a pair of headsets that don’t produce white noise because this issue arises due to the headsets’ attempt to bury surrounding noise. However, brands like Bose and Sony have minimized this sound tremendously. So, if you’re looking for a headset that can help you focus in silence, or want some quiet, then either of those two brands is your best bet.