If you happen to’re searching for the very best noise-canceling headphones, you’re in for a deal with — there have by no means been extra nice choices to dam out the world and dive into your music, podcasts or simply pure silence. Whether or not you want peace and quiet whereas touring, working from dwelling or throughout day by day commutes, the appropriate pair of noise-canceling headphones could make all of the distinction in your day.
Many noise-canceling headphones ship unimaginable sound high quality, all-day consolation, sensible options like adaptive ANC and seamless connectivity to your gadgets. Some even allow you to customise how a lot exterior sound you need to let in, so you possibly can keep conscious of your environment when you could.
Regardless of if you happen to’re prioritizing battery life, sound efficiency, travel-friendly design or simply discovering probably the most comfy set for lengthy listening classes, we’re right here that will help you choose the proper pair to fit your wants.
Desk of contents
Finest noise-canceling headphones of 2025
Billy Steele for Engadget
Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC kind: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Sure | Max battery life with ANC: 30 hours | Transparency mode: Sure | Weight: 254 grams | Collapsible: No (ear cups swivel flat however don’t fold inward)
Learn our full Sony WH-1000XM6 evaluation
Sony’s 1000X line has been our prime choose for finest wi-fi headphone for a very long time now. Till one other firm can pack in as many premium options as Sony, and achieve this with a mixture of glorious sound high quality and efficient ANC, the crown is secure. With the WH-1000XM6, Sony subtly redesigned its flagship headphones, making them far more comfy to put on for lengthy durations of time. This is a vital issue to think about when buying over-ear headphones. We additionally seen in our exams that the corporate made noticeable enhancements to the energetic noise cancellation, due to a brand new QN3 chip. There are actually 12 complete ANC mics as properly – the earlier mannequin solely had eight. This all combines to higher block background noise at medium and excessive frequencies, together with human voices.
The M6 additionally has improved sound high quality, due to new drivers, some assist from mastering engineers and spatial audio upmixing. Its battery life stays the identical 30 hours as its predecessor, which is greater than sufficient to get you thru a number of days of labor or lengthy worldwide flights. Converse-to-Chat nonetheless reduces quantity and prompts ambient sound whenever you discuss and the M6 can robotically change noise settings primarily based in your location or exercise. The one actual draw back is that they’re $50 greater than the WH-1000XM5 at full worth ($450).
- Improved sound
- Higher ANC efficiency
- Tons of useful options
- Supremely cozy
- Worth has elevated once more
- Converse-to-Chat nonetheless wants work
- Name high quality suffers in loud environments
$448 at Amazon
Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget
Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC kind: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Sure | Max battery life with ANC: 24 hours | Transparency mode: Sure | Weight: 254 grams | Collapsible: Sure (folds each flat and inward)
Learn our full Bose QuietComfort Extremely evaluation
Bose’s distinctive tackle spatial audio will be the headline characteristic on its QuietComfort Extremely Headphones, however the firm didn’t overlook ANC on this mannequin. Described as “the quietest quiet” out there on any of its headphones but, the ANC right here is noticeably higher than the Bose 700 and iconic QuietComfort Headphones. That is due partially to microphone enhancements that additionally enhance name high quality. The adjustments are particularly obvious when coping with the hard-to-combat frequency vary of individuals speaking. The corporate additionally gives presets that blend ANC, transparency mode and its spatial Immersive Audio, permitting you to rapidly swap the sound to match your environment. And if that wasn’t sufficient, the contact controls make these over-ear headphones a breeze to make use of — so that you get good noise cancelation, good sound and additional comfort bundled on this bundle.
Whereas the spatial sound characteristic is a little bit of a blended bag, the inventory tuning on the QuietComfort Extremely Headphones continues to be good – even earlier than you turn on Immersive Audio. Bose has typically lagged the competitors when it comes to sonic prowess, however these over-ear headphones present that hole is narrowing. There’s a touch extra bass to reinforce a default sound profile that’s hotter, clearer and extra inviting than earlier Bose fashions, leading to good sound general. When Immersive Audio hits, it’s superb and the audio high quality is really exceptional. However, the corporate is counting on sign processing quite than specifically crafted content material so the outcomes fluctuate.
- Wonderful ANC
- Improved audio
- Clearer transparency mode
- Comfortable
- Costly
- Immersive Audio is inconsistent
- No USB-C audio
$429 at Amazon
Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget
Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC kind: Hybrid | Customizable ANC: Sure | Max battery life with ANC: 35 hours | Transparency mode: Sure | Weight: 192 grams | Collapsible: No (ear cups swivel flat however don’t fold inward)
Learn our full Sony WH-CH720N evaluation
The WH-CH720N gained’t win any design awards with these over-ear headphones, however what you get for the value is properly price some aesthetic sacrifices. Resulting from their all-plastic development, the CH720N are tremendous light-weight and comfortable, permitting you to put on them for hours at a time. The ANC isn’t as sturdy in these finances headphones as that in costlier headphones, nevertheless it’s above common for merchandise on this worth vary. Toss in customizability and a useful transparency mode, and also you’ve received a strong machine that prices solely $150 — and usually goes for round $100.
Along with first rate noise discount for a small funding, the CH720N has 35-hour battery life, bodily controls, DSEE upscaling and Sony’s 360 Actuality Audio. You can too modify each the EQ and the extent of ambient sound. Plus, the corporate’s ever-present Adaptive Sound Management can robotically swap the sound settings primarily based in your exercise or location. Final however not least, the general sound high quality is absolutely spectacular for headphones at this worth. There’s loads of element and subtlety within the audio; you possibly can actually hear the gritty texture of distorted guitars and near-pristine acoustic devices.
- Affordably priced
- Light-weight and comfortable
- Nice sound high quality
- Some useful options
- ANC struggles in sure environments
- Numerous plastic
- No automated pausing
- Superior options reserved for pricier fashions
$150 at Amazon
Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget
Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC kind: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Sure | Max battery life with ANC: 60 hours | Transparency mode: Sure | Weight: 292.9 grams | Collapsible: No (ear cups swivel flat however don’t fold inward)
Learn our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wi-fi evaluation
Certain, there are headphones that can last more than Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Wi-fi, however they don’t provide the combo of nice battery life, ANC and good sound high quality you’ll discover right here. On this mannequin, the corporate made massive enhancements to its energetic noise cancellation, catching as much as rivals like Bose and Sony. Particularly, the ANC on the Momentum 4 handles fixed distractions extra successfully than earlier fashions within the sequence.
I don’t look after the design Sennheiser launched on the Momentum 4 as the corporate ditched what was a fairly novel search for one thing rather more generic and plastic. Nonetheless, the change comes with the bonus of elevated consolation. You’ll additionally get glorious sound high quality, in actual fact, it’s a number of the finest you’ll discover in wi-fi headphones. There’s noticeable depth to the audio profile with a large soundstage that enhances all genres. You may even uncover finer particulars you beforehand missed. And, in fact, its 60 hours of battery life with ANC on is double what plenty of flagship headphones provide today.
- Spectacular 60-hour battery life
- Higher ANC efficiency
- Nice sound high quality
- Improved consolation
- Pinch gesture feels pointless
- Standout design is gone
- Auto on/off wants work
$380 at Adorama
How to decide on the very best noise-canceling headphones for you
Design
Whenever you’re searching for the very best wi-fi headphones, the very first thing you’ll must resolve on is put on type. Do you favor on-ear or over-ear headphones? For the needs of this information, I give attention to the over-ear type as that’s what most noise-canceling headphones are these days. Certain, you’ll find on-ear fashions with ANC, however over-ear, energetic noise-canceling headphones are rather more efficient at blocking exterior sounds since your ears are utterly lined.
For avid gamers, there are additionally gaming headsets that characteristic noise cancellation — some even have removable microphones, to allow them to double as over-ear headphones. Nonetheless, for the aim of this text, we’re solely going to be specializing in noise-canceling headphones quite than headsets. Search for fashions with a snug headband and reminiscence foam ear cups to make sure you can put on them for lengthy durations with out discomfort.
Many headphones additionally include a spread of coloration choices, so if aesthetics matter to you, you’ll discover loads of selections past simply black or white. Whether or not you’re searching for one thing impartial or a daring pop of coloration, manufacturers now provide a wide range of types to match your private style.
Lastly, if you happen to’re planning to put on your headphones for lengthy durations of time, it’s essential to select a mannequin with a snug match. Reminiscence foam ear cups, an adjustable headband, and light-weight supplies could make all of the distinction throughout prolonged listening classes. In any case, nice sound is simply a part of the equation; consolation issues simply as a lot.
Kind of noise cancellation
Subsequent, you’ll need to take a look at the kind of ANC a set of headphones gives. You’ll come throughout phrases like “hybrid energetic noise cancellation” or “hybrid adaptive energetic noise cancellation,” and there are key variations between the 2. A hybrid ANC setup makes use of microphones on the within and on the skin of the machine to detect exterior noise and cancel it out. By analyzing enter from each mics, a hybrid system can fight extra sounds than “common” ANC, nevertheless it does so at a relentless degree that doesn’t change.
Adaptive ANC takes the hybrid configuration a step additional by repeatedly adjusting the noise cancellation for adjustments in your atmosphere and any leakage across the padding of the ear cups. Adaptive noise-canceling additionally does a greater job with wind noise, which might actually kill your vibe whereas utilizing headphones outdoor. Some high-end headphones additionally help Dolby Atmos, which reinforces spatial audio and makes every part from music to motion pictures sound extra immersive. For the needs of this finest headphones record, I’m solely contemplating merchandise with hybrid ANC or adaptive ANC setups as a result of these are the best at blocking noise and bettering your general listening expertise.
Customization
You’ll additionally need to verify to see if the ANC system on a potential set of headphones gives adjustable ranges of noise cancellation or presets. These may help you dial within the quantity of ANC you want for numerous environments, however it may possibly additionally assist you to save battery life. Grasp & Dynamic, for instance, has ANC presets that present each most noise blocking and extra environment friendly cancellation that’s extra power environment friendly. Different corporations might embody a slider of their companion apps that allow you to modify the ANC degree to your liking. Some high-end fashions even assist you to fine-tune the ANC for particular kinds of environments.
How we check noise-canceling headphones
The first approach we check headphones is to put on them as a lot as attainable. I favor to do that over a one-to-two-week interval, however generally deadlines don’t enable it. Throughout this time, I take heed to a mixture of music and podcasts, whereas additionally utilizing the headphones to take each voice and video calls.
Since battery life for headphones could be 30 hours or extra, I drain the battery with looping music and the amount set at a snug degree (normally round 75 %). Because of the longer battery estimates, I’ll usually energy the headphones off a number of instances and go away them that approach throughout a evaluation. This simulates real-world use and retains me from having to continuously monitor the method for over 24 straight hours.
To check ANC efficiency particularly, I take advantage of headphones in a wide range of environments, from noisy espresso outlets to quiet dwelling workplaces. When my schedule permits, I take advantage of them throughout air journey since airplane noise is a large distraction to each work and rest. Even when I can’t hop on a flight, I’ll simulate a relentless roar with white noise machines, toilet followers, vacuums and extra. I additionally make be aware of how properly every machine blocks human voices, that are a key stumbling block for lots of ANC headphones.
ANC-related options are one thing else to think about. Right here, I do an intensive evaluation of companion apps, testing every characteristic as I work by way of the software program. Any holdovers from earlier fashions are double checked for enhancements or regression. If the headphones I’m testing are an up to date model of a earlier mannequin, I’ll spend time getting reacquainted with the older set. Ditto for the closest competitors for every new set of headphones that I evaluation.
Different noise-canceling headphones we examined
AirPods Max
Apple’s AirPods Max are premium, well-designed headphones that incorporate all the finest options you discover on customary AirPods: strong noise cancelation, spatial audio and simple Siri entry. Nonetheless, their $550 beginning worth makes them nearly prohibitively costly, even for these with Apple gadgets. There are higher choices out there at decrease costs.
Sonos Ace
The Sonos Ace is a wonderful debut for the corporate’s first headphones. The mixture of refined design, nice sound high quality and residential theater methods creates a novel components. Nonetheless, ANC efficiency is simply okay and key performance continues to be within the works for a lot of customers.
Beats Studio Professional
The Studio Professional lacks primary options like automated pausing, and multipoint connectivity is simply out there on Android. Furthermore, they’re not very comfy for individuals with bigger heads. Total sound high quality is improved, although, and voice efficiency on calls is properly above common.
Noise-canceling headphones FAQs
Does noise cancellation block all noise?
Noise cancellation doesn’t block out all noise, although it does drastically cut back the amount of most exterior sounds.
Is there a distinction between wired vs wi-fi noise-canceling headphones?
By way of sound high quality, when you have two headphones — one wired and one wi-fi — with comparable specs, the distinction goes to be very minimal. Nonetheless, wi-fi headphones provide extra comfort, permitting you to maneuver round extra freely together with your headphones on, which is why they typically characteristic noise cancellation to attenuate exterior sounds.
Does noise cancellation impression sound high quality?
ANC does bear some weight on sound high quality, however the impression of this typically doesn’t outweigh the advantages. Noise cancellation reduces ambient noise, permitting a larger give attention to audio element. For audiophiles, nevertheless, there could also be a small distinction in sound constancy when ANC is turned on.