Never travel without noise-canceling headphones or earbuds. That's a mantra that many people now live by; the ability to block out your surroundings while on a plane, train, or otherwise is invaluable. Most of the time, you use your active noise canceling (ANC) headphones while listening to music, a podcast, or an audio source. The combination of audio and ANC typically combines perfectly to create at least a decent sense of isolation.

But what happens if you don't fancy listening to music but still want to block out the world around you? Can your ANC headphones still cancel noise without sound playing?

How Does Active Noise Cancellation Work?

To understand how ANC can block noise without audio, it helps to first look at the underlying technology and how active noise canceling works. Noise-cancelling devices use tiny microphones to pick up ambient noise from your surroundings. These mics feed audio data to a processor, which generates an equal but opposite sound wave. The inverted signal cancels out the incoming noisy frequencies before they reach your ear. However, active noise canceling requires power and works separately from any music playback.

ANC technology blocks incoming noises by neutralizing external disturbances. Modern ANC systems are most effective at blocking out constant low-frequency noises like the hum of a plane's engine. But ANC performance continues to improve at muting higher-pitched sounds as well.

Can You Use ANC Headphones With Playing Sound?

Yes, you can use active noise canceling without any audio source. The nature of the technology means that no matter what you're doing, the ANC is, well, active.

So long as your headphones or earbuds have power and you have the ANC function enabled, they'll continue to block external noise to the best of their ability. However, they might not work as well as with an audio source. It's not that the ANC gets worse. Having an audio source playing with ANC enabled provides multiple layers of audio distraction and isolation as you're concentrating on your music and the ANC is blocking external sounds.

Using ANC without audio means you only have one layer of audio isolation. In truth, it'll give you a great idea as to the real ANC performance of your headphones or earbuds.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using ANC Without Audio

We've established that you can use ANC without an audio source. But should you? Well, like all things, there are multiple factors to consider.

First up, although it sounds counterproductive, could using ANC without audio be better for your concentration? Without the distraction of music or a podcast, you're free to work with your full attention, focusing on the task at hand. I have to say, as an avid ANC user while listening to music, this seems a little unlikely, but it's worth considering. The lack of stimulation can be just as distracting for those used to listening to music while working.

One certainty is that without an audio source, you'll remain more aware of your surroundings, even with ANC switched on. As mentioned above, the combination of an audio source and ANC creates multiple layers of protection from external sources, but that can mean you're missing out or unaware of what's around you. Again, though, part of the reason most folks use ANC is to block out external distractions and to help focus, so why would you want to remain in contact with your surroundings? Sure, there are times when it is important, like walking around a busy city, but that's basically why the various transparency or hybrid ANC modes were created.

Your headphones or earbud's battery life will also improve if you're using ANC without playing a sound. The ANC will still use battery life, but it isn't completing two functions at once.

Another consideration is cost. If you just want to block external noise, a set of earplugs is a much cheaper option. You can buy high-end custom earplugs molded to your ears, providing much greater passive noise cancelation. The fit is very important when it comes to blocking audio, and the same is true with ANC earbuds and headphones.

6 Tips for Using ANC Without Music

Using ANC without audio isn't everyone's cup of tea. It does take a little getting used to, especially if you're ultra-comfortable with ANC and audio. However, if you want to try out ANC technology without audio, keep these tips in mind to get the most out of the experience:

• Use foam ear tips for the best passive noise isolation in earbuds.
• Over-ear headphones will naturally block more sound but may also feature more external microphones and offer greater ANC.
• Make sure ANC is powered on and your device's battery is charged. For the longest battery life, put headphones in low-power ANC mode. However, this may compromise the ANC experience, leading to audio leaking in.
• Experiment with different volume levels. Setting your device's volume lower can mute more ambient noise before it reaches your ears.
• Check the fit frequently and adjust your earbuds or headphones to maintain a complete seal around your ears.
• Take occasional breaks to prevent ear discomfort, fatigue, or headaches from excessive noise blocking. You may also want to adjust or remove your ANC headphones or earbuds if you notice ear pressure, which can become uncomfortable.

Should You Use Your ANC Headphones and Earbuds Without Sound?

Now you know more about how ANC headphones and earbuds work, you can see that ANC headphones absolutely do work without playing sound. ANC headphones and earbuds use microphones to block and balance external sounds, and whether you're playing audio or not, the ANC still functions.

However, just because the ANC works doesn't mean you'll enjoy the same level of audio isolation. ANC often works best in conjunction with an audio source such as music or a podcast, creating an additional layer of audio distraction in your ears, helping to distance you from your surroundings.

Either way, now you know, you can give ANC without sound a try and see if it works for you.