Travel Gear Review: Panasonic RP-HC720 Noise Cancelling Headphones

Product Rating: 3.5 out of 5

I can't hear you! :-)

On a recent red-eye flight to Toronto, the engines of the plane were in competition with crying babies to see what could make the most noise. I still managed to get some sleep! That is perhaps the greatest testament for the Panasonic RP-HC720 Noise Cancelling Headphones! (Currently $229.64@Amazon.ca) They really do work!

Noise-cancelling headphones reduce noise both passively (simply sealing out noise) and actively. Active noise cancellation involves the headphones analyzing surrounding noise from a microphone, then sounding the opposite frequency, so you can hear your music clearly. 

These Panasonics do a really good job of passive noise cancellation. The big, cushy earpads seal out noise well enough that I can sleep on a plane without the active noise cancellation even turned on.

The active cancellation (which requires an AAA battery) is turned on using a small switch on the bottom of the left earpiece. While these headphones don't muffle conversation really well, they do an admirable job of reducing the drone of airplane engines. A roar becomes a mere hum! Occasionally, a slight hiss is noticeable when active noise cancellation is enabled.

The Panasonic RP-HC720 headphones also excel in sound quality. They are not bass heavy, with crisp highs and deep lows. Vocals are very clear.

The headphones are also comfortable, featuring well-padded earpieces and a padded headband that seem durable.

So, why only a 3.5 out of 5 rating? The  Panasonic RP-HC720 are a really poor value for Canadians. An identical model from Amazon.com costs $154 less! If you can get these headphones from the States, they are invaluable for any jet-set traveller. Otherwise, the sound of money coming out of your wallet may be too much noise to bear.