JVC already has relatively inexpensive noise cancelling headphones in the market but the HA-NC250 is the brand’s foray into the high-end market, competing with more established (and more expensive) models such as Bose’s QuietComfort 25 or the newer QuietComfort 35’s.

JVC HANC250 Review

Design and Features

This headphone has oblong-shaped ear cups and is almost all black with fine silver accents. The ear cups also swivel up to 180 degrees backwards which allows it to be stored nicely in the accompanying carrying case.

The padding on the ear cups and the headband makes for a comfortable fit. Despite the plush padding, the ear cups feel light on the ear so there is very little to no discomfort when worn for extended periods.

The shape and size of the cups fit most ears and do a decent job of sealing the ears from outside noises though not as much as if they went all the way over the ears.

On the right cup is the on/off switch for noise cancelling. The AAA battery is located on the left cup under the removable padding, as well as the socket for the cable. The cable is removable for more convenient storage or if you want to use noise cancelling without the music.

Features of the JVC HANC250 headphones:

Performance

JVC advertises up to 85% noise cancelling for the HA-NC250 and they deliver on their promise. The HA-NC250 does a good job of masking low to mid frequency ambient noises, while the ear cups help in muffling higher frequency sounds while music is being played.

The usual urban and mechanical noises are taken care of by the HA-NC250 such as the humming of air conditioners or the drone of an airplane engine.

No JVC HA-NC250 Review would be complete without covering the audio quality. Suffice it to say the audio quality is excellent, better than a lot of other noise cancelling headphones in the market today.

The bass is tight, full and pronounced without being overpowering. The overall tonal balance is also really good. You can still listen to music even if noise cancelling is turned off but the audio quality is better when it is turned on.

When compared to Bose’s QuietComfort 25, the HA-NC250 does an admirable job of cancelling out almost the same amount of noise though the QuietComfort 25 still edges it out in the noise cancelling department.

In terms of audio quality, Bose’s is notoriously lacking across its QuietComfort headphones and to some people, the HA-NC250 actually sounds better.

Are They Worth It?

The JVC HA-NC250 retails for about $100 which is about $200 cheaper than the QuietComfort 25.

The HA-NC250 can be considered as one of the better noise cancelling headphones in the market today and the best thing about it is that it’s significantly cheaper than the models that it can compete against.

The noise cancelling is effective even in a busy airport or train station. The audio quality may not satisfy the high standards of audiophiles but it’s good enough for those who are not particularly sensitive to the tiniest nuances of sound.

The Bottom Line

Still undecided? Here is a handy comparison chart showing features of our top rated noise cancelling headphones.

Please see my Reviews of Top Rated Noise Cancelling Headphones

Over Ear Headphones:

Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sony MDR10RNC Premium Digital Noise Canceling Headphones

Bose QuietComfort 20i Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sony MDR-NC100D Noise Cancelling Earphone