Noise cancelation, as the name implies, is a feature in some headphones that reduces or completely cuts out external sounds. It may be that the environment in which you exercise is so noisy that you need to eliminate those annoying sounds in order to enjoy your workout. There are two noise-canceling systems available: active and passive.
Passive noise cancelation is achieved by the design of the headphones. Thanks to the design and the use of insulating materials, external sounds are physically blocked from entering the ear canal. Passive noise-canceling headphones are very simple and sometimes they do not accomplish the task completely. Often this type of noise cancelation reduces the noise but does not completely cut it out.
An active noise cancelation system uses a tiny microphone on the outside of the headphones that picks up the external sound and then blocks these sounds by sending an opposite wave signal into your ear. These types of headphones are perfect for exercising in the gym when you don’t want to listen to gym music or irritating conversations between others. However, keep in mind that it can be dangerous to run down the street when using noise-canceling headphones, as they prevent you from hearing cars or other dangers. » learn more