Noise cancellation is one of the most discussed features in headsets. But not every form of noise cancellation works the same way. Being heard clearly and being understood clearly are two completely different things. In this article, we focus on ENC noise cancellation in gaming headsets and explain how it differs from ANC and PNC.
What is ENC Noise Cancellation?
ENC stands for Environmental Noise Cancellation. This technology was specifically developed to reduce background noise during conversations. It filters out ambient noise and focuses on your voice, so that both parties can understand each other clearly and without distraction.
Core function: Transmit your voice more clearly.
Therefore, ENC is primarily found in headphones with microphones, i.e., classic headsets. In gaming headsets, ENC ensures that players can communicate clearly in a team without annoying ambient noises affecting coordination.
How Does ENC Work?
Environmental noise cancellation is based on a combination of hardware and algorithms.
Hardware: A headset typically has two or three microphones. One microphone is designed to pick up your voice, while the others capture ambient noise.
Algorithm: Once the signals have been recorded, the ENC algorithm comes into play. It first specifically identifies the characteristics of the human voice, then analyzes the ambient noise, and filters it out using digital signal processing. Finally, only the cleaned speech signal is transmitted to the other party.
ENC vs. ANC: What's the Difference?
Many people think that all noise cancellation works the same way. It is often assumed that all headphones advertised as "Noise Cancelling" do the same thing. However, ENC and ANC – the two most common technologies – differ fundamentally.
ENC: As already explained, the focus of ENC is to transmit your voice more clearly. So, it improves the voice quality for the person you are talking to. ANC, on the other hand, pursues a different goal.
What is ANC?
ANC: ANC stands for Active Noise Cancellation. Microphones pick up ambient noise, and the system generates targeted anti-sound waves to neutralize these noises. This allows you to enjoy music or videos without being disturbed by external noises.
- Core function: Provide you with a clearer listening experience.
As a rule, ANC is primarily found in headphones that are designed for an immersive listening experience. However, there are also headsets that combine both ANC and ENC. This allows you to benefit simultaneously from quiet sound while listening and clear voice transmission during conversations or gaming.
Important Differences Between ENC and ANC
| Feature | ENC | ANC |
|---|---|---|
| Affects | Microphone (input) | Speaker (output) |
| Purpose | Make your voice clearer | Reduce ambient noise |
| Best for | Voice chat, team communication | Immersion, concentration |
| Common in | Gaming headsets | Premium headphones |
Simply put:
- ENC = Ensures others hear you better
- ANC = Ensures you hear less of your surroundings
So, the next time you see "Noise Cancelling" in a headphone advertisement, it's worth taking a closer look: Does it reduce the noises you hear, or the ones others hear from you?
ENC vs. PNC: What's the Difference?
In addition to ANC, which helps you actively reduce ambient noise, PNC also pursues a similar goal – but in a completely different way.
What is PNC?
PNC stands for Passive Noise Cancellation. This is the most basic form of noise isolation, achieved solely through the physical design of the headphones.
- Core function: Provide you with a clearer listening experience (similar to ANC).
PNC requires neither power nor complex algorithms. This makes the method simple and cost-effective. However, it can only block certain noises, and its effectiveness depends heavily on how well the headphones fit and how comfortable they are.
Important Differences Between ENC and PNC
| Feature | ENC | PNC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic principle | Algorithm-based processing | Physical noise isolation |
| Focus | Noise captured by the microphone | Noise entering the ear |
| How it works | Uses multiple microphones and algorithms to separate voice and background noise, so your conversation partner hears you clearly | Blocks external noise through construction such as earcups, headbands, and padding – similar to "covering your ears" |
| Technical effort | Depends on chip performance and software optimization | Depends on materials, design, and fit |
| Typical application | Calls, voice and video conferences | Listening to music, concentration, reducing ambient noise |
In short:
- ENC makes your microphone "smarter" and primarily transmits your voice
- PNC physically blocks outside noise, e.g., with foam or silicone
Many modern headphones combine PNC with ENC. One example is the Akko Verge S9 Ultra: it physically blocks noise and additionally filters out the rest via ENC – for a two-stage noise reduction effect.
Why is ENC Important for Gaming?
In gaming, clear communication is a real weapon.
In team-oriented games (especially FPS, MOBA, and tactical competitive games), fast and precise coordination is crucial. Voice commands between teammates can decide victory or defeat. ENC specifically filters out ambient noise and lets only your clear voice through – so all announcements reach your teammates precisely and without interference.
Naturally, different game genres have different requirements for ENC:
1. FPS (e.g., PUBG, CS2, Valorant, Call of Duty) — High ENC requirements
-
Announcements must be extremely precise: direction, distance, number of enemies, movements
-
Communication must happen in real time: even a second's delay can be critical
- Interference must not distract: "To your right!" must be immediately clear
ENC is essential here – often even more important than pure sound quality.
2. MOBA (e.g., Honor of Kings, League of Legends) — Medium to high requirements
- Quick calls for fights, retreats, or objectives like dragons
- Mini-map and pings help, but voice is faster and more efficient
ENC significantly improves teamwork and coordination.
3. MMORPG (e.g., World of Warcraft, FF14) — Medium requirements
- Longer voice communication during raids or guild activities
- Environment usually quiet (e.g., at home), but clear voices remain important
ENC ensures pleasant and clear communication over longer periods.
4. Singleplayer / Casual — Low requirements
- No team communication necessary
ENC is optional; ANC is often more useful here.
Advantages and Disadvantages of ENC
Advantages:
- Better voice quality: ENC effectively filters out background noise and highlights the human voice. This ensures clear communication – whether in gaming, meetings, or calls.
- High adaptability: Whether keyboard noises in the room, wind outside, or conversations in the background – ENC adapts to various environments and reliably reduces disturbances.
- Good combinability: ENC works excellently together with ANC and PNC. High-quality headsets combine these technologies, allowing you to listen undisturbed and speak clearly at the same time.
Disadvantages:
- Weaknesses with sudden noises: Short, loud noises (e.g., braking or falling objects) can be difficult to filter out because they change too quickly.
- Dependent on hardware and algorithms: Good ENC performance requires multiple microphones and powerful algorithms. Cheaper models often deliver poorer results.
- Not perfect noise separation: If background noises have similar frequencies to the human voice (e.g., in crowds), ENC may have difficulty separating them cleanly. This can lead to slightly muffled or less clear voices.
What to look for in a gaming headset with ENC?
1. Check the strength of the noise cancellation
Choose a headset with noise cancellation of at least 20 dB. The higher the value, the better background noise is filtered and the clearer your voice will be.
2. Consider the frequency range of the noise cancellation
Good ENC should cover both high and low frequencies – ideally in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This effectively reduces both high-pitched and low-frequency interference.
3. Choose voice enhancement technology
Look for integrated voice enhancement technologies. These prevent distortion or muffled sound and ensure clear and natural voice transmission.
4. Check the number and arrangement of microphones
Headsets with multiple microphones (e.g., four) offer more precise noise filtering than simple dual-microphone systems.
The main microphone should be positioned close to the mouth.
Additional microphones should be placed further away to better capture ambient noise.
5. Consider the application area
ENC requirements depend heavily on the application:
- Competitive Gaming (FPS): Highest precision and minimal delay
- Team games (MOBA/MMO): Clear communication and stability
- Casual use: Comfort and solid voice quality are often sufficient
Recommended Gaming Headset with ENC
If you're looking for a gaming headset with ENC, you should not only pay attention to noise cancellation but also to microphone quality, low latency, and overall performance.
A Better Fit: Verge S9 Ultra Gaming Headset
Best value for money: Awarded as one of the best gaming headsets in the value-for-money segment by the renowned German tech publication Heise.
Why it excels in ENC gaming
- ENC microphone with noise cancellation: Filters out keyboard noise, fan humming, and other sources of interference – your voice remains clear and understandable in team chat.
- Low latency (wireless): Especially important for FPS and competitive gaming, where every millisecond counts.
- Tri-mode connection (2.4G / Bluetooth / wired): Flexible use for PC, console, and mobile devices.
- Lightweight design (270 g): Comfortable to wear, even during long gaming sessions.
- FPS-optimized sound: Improves spatial perception, e.g., for footsteps or important in-game signals.
Conclusion
A good ENC headset not only makes your voice clearer – it improves overall team communication. Pay attention to the right combination of technology, comfort, and performance to achieve the best gaming experience.
FAQ
Does ENC completely reduce background noise?
No. ENC can significantly reduce background noise, but not completely eliminate it.
Is ENC good for streaming?
Yes, ENC significantly improves voice quality. However, for professional streaming, high-quality external microphones often deliver even better results.
Do all gaming headsets have ENC?
No. ENC is mainly found in mid-range to high-end models.
