Whether or not you are working in a loud workplace, commuting on a packed practice or simply making an attempt to focus at dwelling, a great pair of noise-canceling headphones could make all of the distinction. The most effective noise-canceling headphones block out distractions and allow you to take pleasure in your music, podcasts or calls in peace — all whereas delivering nice sound high quality and all-day consolation. From fashions with plush cushions to wi-fi cans with a great deal of additional options, there’s one thing right here for each model and funds.
Desk of contents
Finest noise-canceling headphones of 2025
Bose/Engadget
Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC sort: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Sure | Max battery life with ANC: 30 hours | Transparency mode: Sure | Weight: 264 grams | Collapsible: Sure (folds each flat and inward)
Learn our full Bose QuietComfort Extremely Gen 2 assessment
The second-gen model of the QuietComfort Extremely Headphones aren’t a completely new gadget, however there are impactful upgrades throughout. With regard to the ANC particularly, Bose enhanced its ActiveSense tech to easy any changes to sudden spikes in ambient noise ranges. This bolsters what was already excellent ANC efficiency, an achievement that provides the corporate a slight edge over the competitors.
The brand new model additionally contains vital updates to energy administration and battery life, with at the least 5 extra hours of use in all listening modes. You’ll additionally get lossless audio over USB-C, placing the QC Extremely Headphones on the identical degree at Apple’s AirPods Max and others. A comfortable match, dependable controls and folding design spherical out the spec sheet for this mannequin.
- Trade-leading ANC acquired even higher
- Sound and energy upgrades are substantial
- Nonetheless costly
- Shiny end isn’t for everybody
Billy Steele for Engadget
Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC sort: 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 assessment
Sony’s 1000X line has been our prime decide for greatest wi-fi headphone for a very long time now. That is nonetheless true. Nevertheless, regardless that the corporate packs in a lot of premium options alongside glorious sound high quality, the M6 sits just under Bose by way of pure ANC talents. With the WH-1000XM6, Sony subtly redesigned its flagship headphones, making them far more comfy to put on for lengthy intervals of time. This is a vital issue to contemplate when buying over-ear headphones. We additionally seen in our assessments that the corporate made noticeable enhancements to the lively noise cancellation, because of a brand new QN3 chip. There are actually 12 complete ANC mics as nicely – 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, because of 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. Communicate-to-Chat nonetheless reduces quantity and prompts ambient sound if you discuss and the M6 can routinely change noise settings based mostly in your location or exercise. The one actual draw back is that they’re $50 greater than the WH-1000XM5 at full value ($450).
- Improved sound
- Higher ANC efficiency
- Tons of useful options
- Supremely cozy
- Value has elevated once more
- Communicate-to-Chat nonetheless wants work
- Name high quality suffers in loud environments
Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget
Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC sort: 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 assessment
The WH-CH720N gained’t win any design awards with these over-ear headphones, however what you get for the value is nicely price some aesthetic sacrifices. On account of their all-plastic building, the CH720N are tremendous light-weight and cozy, permitting you to put on them for hours at a time. The ANC isn’t as strong in these funds headphones as that in dearer headphones, however it’s above common for merchandise on this value vary. Toss in customizability and a useful transparency mode, and also you’ve acquired a stable gadget 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 routinely swap the sound settings based mostly in your exercise or location. Final however not least, the general sound high quality is admittedly spectacular for headphones at this value. There’s loads of element and subtlety within the audio; you’ll be able to actually hear the gritty texture of distorted guitars and near-pristine acoustic devices.
- Affordably priced
- Light-weight and cozy
- Nice sound high quality
- Some useful options
- ANC struggles in sure environments
- A lot of plastic
- No automated pausing
- Superior options reserved for pricier fashions
Billy Steele for Engadget
Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC sort: Adaptive | Customizable ANC: No | Max battery life with ANC: 30 hours | Transparency mode: Sure | Weight: 300 grams | Collapsible: No (ear cups swivel flat however don’t fold inward)
Learn our full Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 assessment
If you happen to search to pair glorious sound high quality with succesful ANC efficiency, the Px7 S3 are the most suitable choice. Positive, you will discover extra spectacular noise-blocking talents elsewhere, however if you need pristine audio as nicely, Bowers & Wilkins is the best way to go. An adaptive ANC setup makes use of eight microphones to seize undesirable noise and routinely modify to any modifications. 40mm dynamic full-range bio cellulose drivers pipe in balanced tuning that gives you with the best element of any tune.
You’ll additionally rise up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, though you’ll in all probability surpass that determine. Plus, useful instruments like transparency mode, multipoint Bluetooth and an adjustable EQ cowl the fundamentals on the Px7 S3. You gained’t discover extra superior options than these, however what Bowers & Wilkins does provide right here is finely tuned and thoroughly polished.
- Glorious sound high quality
- Comfortable match
- Subtle design
- Costly
- Awkward button areas
- An absence of superior options
Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget
Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC sort: 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 assessment
Positive, there are headphones that may 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 lively 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. Nevertheless, the change comes with the bonus of elevated consolation. You’ll additionally get glorious sound high quality, the truth is, it’s a few of the greatest you’ll discover in wi-fi headphones. There’s noticeable depth to the audio profile with a large soundstage that enhances all genres. You would possibly even uncover finer particulars you beforehand missed. And, after all, its 60 hours of battery life with ANC on is double what a variety 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
How to decide on the most effective noise-canceling headphones for you
Design
Once you’re purchasing for the most effective wi-fi headphones, the very first thing you’ll must determine on is put on model. Do you favor on-ear or over-ear headphones? For the needs of this information, I deal with the over-ear model as that’s what most noise-canceling headphones are these days. Positive, you will discover on-ear fashions with ANC, however over-ear, lively noise-canceling headphones are rather more efficient at blocking exterior sounds since your ears are fully 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. Nevertheless, for the aim of this text, we’re solely going to be specializing in noise-canceling headphones moderately than headsets. Search for fashions with a cushty headband and reminiscence foam ear cups to make sure you can put on them for lengthy intervals with out discomfort.
Many headphones additionally include a spread of shade 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 shade, manufacturers now provide quite a lot of types to match your private style.
Lastly, in case you’re planning to put on your headphones for lengthy intervals of time, it’s necessary to choose a mannequin with a cushty match. Reminiscence foam ear cups, an adjustable headband, and light-weight supplies could make all of the distinction throughout prolonged listening periods. In spite of everything, nice sound is simply a part of the equation; consolation issues simply as a lot.
Kind of noise cancellation
Subsequent, you’ll wish to take a look at the kind of ANC a set of headphones presents. You’ll come throughout phrases like “hybrid lively noise cancellation” or “hybrid adaptive lively noise cancellation,” and there are key variations between the 2. A hybrid ANC setup makes use of microphones on the within and on the surface of the gadget to detect exterior noise and cancel it out. By analyzing enter from each mics, a hybrid system can fight extra sounds than “common” ANC, however 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 modifications 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 open air. Some high-end headphones additionally assist Dolby Atmos, which boosts spatial audio and makes all the pieces from music to motion pictures sound extra immersive. For the needs of this greatest 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 enhancing your total listening expertise.
Customization
You’ll additionally wish to examine to see if the ANC system on a potential set of headphones presents adjustable ranges of noise cancellation or presets. These will help you dial within the quantity of ANC you want for numerous environments, however it may possibly additionally enable you save battery life. Grasp & Dynamic, for instance, has ANC presets that present each most noise blocking and extra environment friendly cancellation that’s extra vitality environment friendly. Different firms might embrace 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 forms of environments.
How we take a look at noise-canceling headphones
The first method we take a look at headphones is to put on them as a lot as potential. I desire 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 may be 30 hours or extra, I drain the battery with looping music and the quantity set at a cushty 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 method throughout a assessment. This simulates real-world use and retains me from having to consistently monitor the method for over 24 straight hours.
To check ANC efficiency particularly, I exploit headphones in quite a lot of environments, from noisy espresso retailers to quiet dwelling workplaces. When my schedule permits, I exploit them throughout air journey since airplane noise is an enormous 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, lavatory followers, vacuums and extra. I additionally make notice of how nicely every gadget blocks human voices, that are a key stumbling block for lots of ANC headphones.
ANC-related options are one thing else to contemplate. Right here, I do an intensive assessment of companion apps, testing every characteristic as I work by 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 assessment.
Different noise-canceling headphones we examined
AirPods Max
Apple’s AirPods Max are premium, well-designed over-ear headphones that incorporate all the greatest options you discover on customary AirPods: stable noise cancellation, spatial audio and straightforward Siri entry. Nevertheless, their $550 beginning value makes them virtually prohibitively costly, even for Apple customers. There are higher choices out there at decrease costs, however in case you can decide up the AirPods Max at a steep low cost, they could be worthwhile for the most important Apple followers amongst us.
Dyson On-Trac
The On-Trac headphones have an virtually infinitely customizable design, and that’s what’s most original about them. The sound profile presents some good element, however lacks dynamic vary total. ANC is common at greatest and there aren’t any superior options that may make your life simpler. Properly, aside from the listening to well being monitor, which is definitely useful. All advised, that’s not rather a lot for a set of $500 headphones.
Sonos Ace
The Sonos Ace is a superb debut for the corporate’s first headphones. The mixture of refined design, nice sound high quality and residential theater tips creates a singular system. Nevertheless, ANC efficiency is simply okay and key performance remains to be within the works for a lot of customers.
Sony ULT Put on
If most headphones don’t have the extent of bass you need, the ULT Put on is an choice to contemplate. The low-end thump isn’t for everybody, however there are additionally loads of useful options and a refined look to make the $200 set extra compelling than many on this value vary.
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 folks with bigger heads. General sound high quality is improved, although, and voice efficiency on calls is nicely above common.
Grasp & Dynamic MH40 (2nd gen)
The MH40 are a terrific set of headphones in case you favor crisp, clear and pure sound that isn’t overly tuned. This pair showcases the corporate’s affinity for leather-based and metallic too, however restricted customization and brief battery life for non-ANC cans saved this set from making the lower.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8
The corporate’s trademark pristine sound is on show right here, however the Px8 is dearer and never practically as comfy because the Px7 S3.
Noble Audio FoKus Apollo
Whereas this is my prime decide for total sound high quality in our fundamental information to the greatest wi-fi headphones, the ANC efficiency is much less spectacular than the Px7 S3. Bowers & Wilkins will get the nod right here for its improved noise cancellation over the Px7 S2 and Px7 S2e, and its total glorious audio high quality.
Noise-canceling headphones FAQs
Does noise cancellation block all noise?
Noise cancellation doesn’t block out all noise, although it does drastically scale back the quantity of most exterior sounds.
Is there a distinction between wired vs wi-fi noise-canceling headphones?
When it comes to sound high quality, if in case you have two headphones — one wired and one wi-fi — with comparable specs, the distinction goes to be very minimal. Nevertheless, wi-fi headphones provide extra comfort, permitting you to maneuver round extra freely along with your headphones on, which is why they usually characteristic noise cancellation to reduce exterior sounds.
Does noise cancellation influence sound high quality?
ANC does bear some weight on sound high quality, however the influence of this usually doesn’t outweigh the advantages. Noise cancellation reduces ambient noise, permitting a larger deal with audio element. For audiophiles, nevertheless, there could also be a small distinction in sound constancy when ANC is turned on.
