JVC HA-NC120 review

Decent sound, but there are better noise-cancelling options Tested at £70

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What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Decent sound, but there are better noise-cancelling options from their price rivals

Pros

  • +

    Gently defined midrange

  • +

    compact and portable

Cons

  • -

    Noise-cancelling isn’t as effective

  • -

    muffled dynamics

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

The JVC HA-NC120 headphone feature noise-cancelling, but it's is subtle; perhaps a bit too subtle.

There isn’t much difference when turning on the active noise-cancelling from passive mode, with the noise of our mobile testing room (the 08.14 to Waterloo) still very apparent.

The sound quality is OK – the midrange is relatively clear and there’s decent detail – but we had to turn the volume right up to enjoy the dynamics of the Sweeney Todd soundtrack. Just the thing for the 08.14 to Waterloo!

The JVCs are nicely portable, though, with foldable ear cups and a retractable cable – they're a safe pair of cans, but others offer better noise-cancelling.

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What Hi-Fi?
What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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