Noise-Cancelling Headphones vs. a West Texas Cicada Chorus

Carl’s rating: 9 / 10 hush puppies

Marketing photos show serene commuters and dewy houseplants. My lab was a mesquite shade tree and roughly ten trillion cicadas holding convention without a permit.

The good: Active noise cancellation turned the swarm into polite wallpaper. Battery lasted a full day of travel including a delayed layover I’m still emotionally processing. Ear cups didn’t cook my ears — important when the thermostat’s being theatrical.

The reality: Wind still sneaks past the microphones on breezy porch sits; physics remains bipartisan. Case is chunky — pack a bag that forgives ambition.

Verdict: If your world is loud — planes, gyms, insects with opinions — these earn their price. If you only need quiet to hear the oven timer, save money and close the kitchen door.