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Noise-canceling headphones have come a long way since 1989. That’s the year Bose released the first commercially available active noise-canceling (ANC) headsets, which were originally designed for airline pilots. Many people still buy ANC headphones for the same reason they were invented — to reduce jet engine noise while on a flight. But these days, they’re capable of reducing distractions everywhere, from the office to train rides and even at home.

Given the fierce competition in the headphone market, noise-canceling headphones are expected to do more than just cancel background noise. Good sound quality is obviously paramount, as is comfort, particularly if you’re wearing them for hours on a plane.…