[csee]

How do these IEMs with their passive seal compare to active noise cancelling headphones for the purposes of unwanted noise attenuation

[numpad0]

Passive IEMs are better, ANC is always weaker and more selective. I was once using Etymotic IEM and frantically searched for the source of a loud wind noise that hit my ears upon removing the earphones, only to realize it's just an air conditioner on the ceiling. That don't happen with ANC headphones, partly due to technology and partly for product safety concerns.

[hackerlight]

Have you compared passive IEMs to Apple's noise cancelling headphones? I compared Apple's products to properly inserted earplugs and Apple's ANC was better for low to medium frequency sound, so I wonder how you arrived at the opposite conclusion when it comes to IEMs

[mjard]

Pretty good, I use Shure IEMs to block wind noise on motorcycle rides and having access to podcasts/audiobooks are a nice bonus when slogging down freeways. I can still hear car engines and sirens, but it removes the wind buffeting in my helmet that really drains you (and damages your hearing) on a long ride.

[falcolas]

Better, in my experience. They can get around 25-30db reduction across the spectrum, and they don't let voices (i.e. non-repetitive noises) through like ANC can.

[ajolly]

Combine them - I often wear earplugs plus a pair of bose nc700s. They have better noise canceling for your conditioner noise compared to my airpod Max's

[jaywalk]

They are definitely better. ANC can't beat physically blocking the soundwaves from hitting your eardrums.

[hackerlight]

Is this based on your experience having tried both? Because that reasoning is questionable. IEMs don't block all sound from hitting your eardrum, some of that sound will hit your eardrum via bone conduction. And ANC headphones do block some sound passively, the inner ear ANCs can often create an airtight seal.