Creative's cheap headphones silence the world

"Don't call me cheap!"

Noise-cancelling headphones are a lifesaver on long-haul flights, but the cost of models like Bose's QuietComfort 3s can approach the price of your airfare.

Stepping up to offer a pair of noise-cancelling earcans for a double-take inducing price is Creative, whose HN-605 headphones are on shelves now for AU$69.95.

The HN-605s operate on one AAA battery and will shut up the ambient racket for up to 29 hours. The headphones are foldable and come with a travel pouch and airline adapter to fit those vampire-bite sockets on your average Airbus.

At such a bargain basement price we can't help but be a little suspicious, but so far there's nothing shady in the specs list. For the terminology buffs out there, it's worth noting that the HN-605s are genuine, active noise-cancellers rather than noise isolators. (Active models use a battery and microphone to generate anti-noise, while passive models physically seal you off from the world. For a more thorough explanation, watch this video.)

The HN-605s are en route to CNET.com.au headquarters, so expect a full review soon.