We're starting to see a lot more choice in noise-cancelling head-phones (designed to mask music-spoiling environmental sounds) but we've yet to hear a convincing budget pair.
These JVCs do an okay isolation job, but with a lacklustre, oddly nasal-sounding delivery – which even manages to dampen the drive of Motorhead's Ace of Spades – you might not want to hear more music.
The HC-NC 80s have some neat, travel-friendly features – including fold-flat earcups – but a little extra money buys much more in-flight enjoyment.
JVC HA-NC80 Noise-cancelling review
Budget noise-cancelling 'phones that do a job; but spend a little more and you can do much better Tested at £40.00
Our Verdict
Does an okay isolation job but £20 more will buy you vastly superior headphones.