Top Noise Cancelling Headphones Released in 2017
In the 2017 calendar, major brands launched over-ear wireless models with active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 4.2 or 5.0, and battery life between 20 and 30 hours. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II launched in September 2017 with adjustable noise cancellation levels, a 20-hour battery rating, and Google Assistant integration, positioning it as a flagship competitor to the Sony WH-1000XM3, which shipped globally in October 2017 with industry-leading noise cancellation and 30-hour battery life. Both models set the benchmark for wireless ANC headphones in the 2017 calendar, with the Bose QC35 II priced around $349 and the Sony WH-1000XM3 launching near $349.99 in the United States. The Apple AirPods Max did not exist yet, so the 2017 calendar focused on Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser as the primary premium ANC brands, with the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless arriving in late 2016 but remaining a strong contender through 2017 with 17 hours of battery life and a premium build.
Market data from the 2017 calendar shows that wireless ANC headphones gained share over wired models as smartphone jacks were phased out by several manufacturers. According to a report from the Consumer Technology Association, global headphone shipments exceeded 250 million units in 2017, with wireless models accounting for a growing percentage of revenue despite a lower unit share than wired headphones. The Federal Communications Commission tracked Bluetooth device registrations, reflecting a surge in wireless audio products during the 2017 calendar year. For financial analysts tracking the audio hardware sector, the 2017 calendar marked a turning point where ANC became a standard feature rather than a premium add-on, influencing pricing strategies and R&D budgets for the next generation of products.
2017 Calendar Release Dates and Feature Comparison
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II was officially announced in August 2017 and began shipping in September 2017, offering three levels of noise cancellation, a lightweight design at approximately 235 grams, and a USB-C charging option added later. The Sony WH-1000XM3 launched in late September 2017 with a quick-charge feature providing five hours of playback from a ten-minute charge, a 30-hour battery rating, and a new pressure control pad on the right earcup. The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless, while technically a 2016 launch, remained widely available throughout the 2017 calendar with a 17-hour battery life, a 21-gram heavier build than the Bose QC35 II, and a premium price point near $299.95. These release dates and specifications defined the competitive landscape of the 2017 calendar, giving consumers clear trade-offs between noise cancellation strength, battery endurance, and build quality.
For buyers comparing models from the 2017 calendar, the Bose QC35 II and Sony WH-1000XM3 led most expert roundups due to their balanced noise cancellation, comfort, and wireless stability. The Bose QC35 II used Bluetooth 4.2 with NFC pairing, while the Sony WH-1000XM3 introduced Bluetooth 5.0 and a dual-noise sensor system that adapted cancellation to the environment. Both models supported high-quality codecs such as AAC and SBC, with the Sony XM3 adding LDAC support for higher-resolution audio on compatible devices. Sennheiser positioned the Momentum Wireless as a sound-quality-first alternative in the 2017 calendar, with a 7mm transducer driver, a slightly warmer sound profile, and a foldable design that appealed to frequent travelers. Battery testing