Noise-canceling headphones are great for work, but they've also improved my sleep (and mental health) and several vacations; here's how.

The invention of noise-canceling headphones could be considered one of humanity's greatest contributions, nearly on par with penicillin. This statement, far from being an exaggeration from an audio enthusiast, comes from someone who has suffered from severe insomnia for a long time. Recently, I had the opportunity to undertake the trip of my dreams, one I had wished to take since childhood. Along with my best friend, I headed to Honolulu, Hawaii, an iconic destination for Jurassic Park fans, as several key scenes from the classic film were shot there.

Kualoa Ranch, where part of the famous 1993 movie was filmed, has become a tourist attraction offering multiple themed tours daily. But what does this cinematic experience have to do with my AirPods Max and a vacation I had longed for years? The key lies in the top-notch noise-canceling features offered by Apple. By simply pressing their Noise Control button, these headphones can silence even the roar of a T-Rex.

While I wasn't too worried about an extinct predator while staying near Waikiki, the reality of the loud food truck generators nearby made my rest a challenge. In this context, the high price of the AirPods Max is justified: their ability to isolate sound saved my nights on an extraordinary vacation.

Without a doubt, having headphones that offer noise cancellation can place them in a superior category. My AirPods Max proved to be one of the best tech investments I've made, providing a silence experience that can transform any moment, whether in the office or on vacation.

In Kauai, one of the Hawaiian islands where Jurassic Park was filmed, noise cancellation was essential for keeping me rested. Despite being the filming location of one of the most influential movies of all time, Kauai is also known for its noisy problem of roosters that never stop crowing at night. Fortunately, the AirPods Max dampened this persistent noise, allowing me to sleep a little better, although it can be uncomfortable for someone who sleeps on their side.

In Waikiki, my experience became more complicated; my friend enjoyed deep sleep while I could barely close my eyes due to the noise from the food truck generator and the crowing roosters. The combination of these factors created a perfect recipe for a bad night's sleep, making my AirPods Max essential.

Background noise also affects productivity in noisy offices, and I recently experienced this at a cousin's house, where the constant snoring of his French bulldog tested my concentration while writing. Without the help of my AirPods Max, I would have been unable to make progress on my work.

The ability of the best noise-canceling headphones to improve both sleep and productivity is undeniable. Whether dealing with a crowing rooster in Hawaii or a dog's snore, mitigating environmental noises can have significantly positive effects on overall mood. And on a dream trip, eliminating noise is truly revolutionary. My AirPods Max not only enhanced my experience in Hawaii, but they were also crucial in places like Times Square in New York and Tokyo, where noise is part of everyday life.

In my opinion, Apple leads the field when it comes to noise cancellation. These headphones have enriched some of my best vacations, and for that, I will always be grateful.