The perfect noise-canceling headphones for 2025

Whether or not you are working in a loud workplace, commuting on a packed prepare or simply attempting to focus at house, a superb pair of noise-canceling headphones could make all of the distinction. The perfect 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 finances.

Desk of contents

Finest noise-canceling headphones of 2025

Billy Steele for Engadget

Learn our full Sony WH-1000XM6 review

Sony’s 1000X line has been our prime choose for greatest 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 wonderful sound high quality and efficient ANC, the crown is protected. 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 think about when buying over-ear headphones. We additionally observed in our checks that the corporate made noticeable enhancements to the energetic noise cancellation, because of a brand new QN3 chip. There at the moment are 12 complete ANC mics as effectively – 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 speak and the M6 can mechanically 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 worth ($450).

Execs

Improved sound
Higher ANC efficiency
Tons of helpful options
Supremely comfortable

Cons

Worth has elevated once more
Communicate-to-Chat nonetheless wants work
Name high quality suffers in loud environments

$448 at Macy’s

Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget

Learn our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra review

Bose’s distinctive tackle spatial audio will be the headline characteristic on its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, however the firm didn’t overlook ANC on this model. 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 partly to microphone enhancements that additionally enhance name high quality. The modifications are particularly obvious when coping with the hard-to-combat frequency vary of individuals speaking. The corporate additionally affords 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 package deal.

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 splash extra bass to boost a default sound profile that’s hotter, clearer and extra inviting than earlier Bose fashions, leading to good sound total. When Immersive Audio hits, it’s superb and the audio high quality is actually exceptional. However, the corporate is counting on sign processing reasonably than specifically crafted content material so the outcomes differ.

Execs

Glorious ANC
Improved audio
Clearer transparency mode
Comfortable

Cons

Costly
Immersive Audio is inconsistent
No USB-C audio

$449 at Macy’s

Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget

Learn our full Sony WH-CH720N review

The WH-CH720N gained’t win any design awards with these over-ear headphones, however what you get for the worth is effectively price some aesthetic sacrifices. As a result 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 sturdy in these finances headphones as that in dearer headphones, nevertheless it’s above common for merchandise on this worth vary. Toss in customizability and a helpful transparency mode, and also you’ve received a strong system 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 may also modify each the EQ and the extent of ambient sound. Plus, the corporate’s ever-present Adaptive Sound Management can mechanically swap the sound settings based mostly in your exercise or location. Final however not least, the general sound high quality is actually spectacular for headphones at this worth. 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.

Execs

Affordably priced
Light-weight and cozy
Nice sound high quality
Some helpful options

Cons

ANC struggles in sure environments
A number of plastic
No automated pausing
Superior options reserved for pricier fashions

$150 at Amazon

Billy Steele for Engadget

Learn our full Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review

Should you search to pair wonderful sound high quality with succesful ANC efficiency, the Px7 S3 are the best choice. Positive, you will discover extra spectacular noise-blocking talents elsewhere, however in order for you pristine audio as effectively, Bowers & Wilkins is the best way to go. An adaptive ANC setup makes use of eight microphones to seize undesirable noise and mechanically modify to any modifications. 40mm dynamic full-range bio cellulose drivers pipe in balanced tuning that gives you with the best element of any music.

You’ll additionally rise up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, though you’ll in all probability surpass that determine. Plus, helpful 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 supply right here is finely tuned and punctiliously polished.

Execs

Glorious sound high quality
Comfortable match
Subtle design

Cons

Costly
Awkward button areas
A scarcity of superior options

$449 at Macy’s

Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget

Learn our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review

Positive, there are headphones that may last more than Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Wireless, however they don’t supply 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 collection.

I don’t look after the design Sennheiser introduced 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 wonderful sound high quality, the truth is, it’s among 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 may even uncover finer particulars you beforehand missed. And, in fact, its 60 hours of battery life with ANC on is double what lots of flagship headphones supply as of late.

Execs

Spectacular 60-hour battery life
Higher ANC efficiency
Nice sound high quality
Improved consolation

Cons

Pinch gesture feels pointless
Standout design is gone
Auto on/off wants work

$380 at Adorama

How to decide on one of the best noise-canceling headphones for you

Design

Once you’re purchasing for one of the best wi-fi headphones, the very first thing you’ll must determine on is put on model. Do you like 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, 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 reasonably than headsets. Search for fashions with a snug 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 variety of shade choices, so if aesthetics matter to you, you’ll discover loads of decisions past simply black or white. Whether or not you’re in search of one thing impartial or a daring pop of shade, manufacturers now supply a wide range of kinds to match your private style.

Lastly, in case you’re planning to put on your headphones for lengthy intervals of time, it’s vital to choose 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 spite of everything, nice sound is barely 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 affords. 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 surface of the system 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 modifications in your surroundings 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 assist Dolby Atmos, which reinforces spatial audio and makes all the things from music to films 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 simplest at blocking noise and bettering your total listening expertise.

Customization

You’ll additionally need to verify to see if the ANC system on a potential set of headphones affords adjustable ranges of noise cancellation or presets. These can assist you dial within the quantity of ANC you want for numerous environments, however it could additionally allow 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 vitality environment friendly. Different corporations could embrace a slider of their companion apps that allow you to modify the ANC degree to your liking. Some high-end fashions even help you fine-tune the ANC for particular varieties 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 want to do that over a one-to-two-week interval, however generally deadlines don’t enable it. Throughout this time, I hearken to a mixture of music and podcasts, whereas additionally utilizing the headphones to take each voice and video calls.

Since battery life for headphones will be 30 hours or extra, I drain the battery with looping music and the amount set at a snug degree (often round 75 p.c). Because of the longer battery estimates, I’ll sometimes energy the headphones off a number of instances and go away them that method throughout a overview. This simulates real-world use and retains me from having to always monitor the method for over 24 straight hours.

To check ANC efficiency particularly, I exploit headphones in a wide range of environments, from noisy espresso outlets to quiet house places of work. When my schedule permits, I exploit them throughout air journey since aircraft noise is a large distraction to each work and leisure. Even when I can’t hop on a flight, I’ll simulate a relentless roar with white noise machines, rest room followers, vacuums and extra. I additionally make be aware of how effectively every system 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 a radical overview 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 overview.

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: strong noise cancellation, spatial audio and straightforward Siri entry. Nonetheless, their $550 beginning worth makes them nearly prohibitively costly, even for Apple customers. There are higher choices out there at decrease costs, however in case you can choose up the AirPods Max at a steep low cost, they is likely to be worthwhile for the most important Apple followers amongst us.

Dyson On-Trac

The On-Trac headphones have an nearly infinitely customizable design, and that’s what’s most unusual about them. The sound profile affords 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. Nicely, apart from the listening to well being monitor, which is definitely helpful. All informed, that’s not quite a bit for a set of $500 headphones.

Sonos Ace

The Sonos Ace is a superb debut for the corporate’s first headphones. The mix of refined design, nice sound high quality and residential theater methods creates a novel formulation. Nonetheless, ANC efficiency is simply okay and key performance continues 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 want, the ULT Wear is an possibility to think about. The low-end thump isn’t for everybody, however there are additionally loads of helpful options and a refined look to make the $200 set extra compelling than many on this worth vary.

Beats Studio Professional

The Studio Pro lacks fundamental options like automated pausing, and multipoint connectivity is barely 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 effectively above common.

Grasp & Dynamic MH40 (2nd gen)

The MH40 are an excellent 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 quick battery life for non-ANC cans stored this set from making the reduce.

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 choose for total sound high quality in our primary information to the best wireless 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 wonderful 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 amount of most exterior sounds.

Is there a distinction between wired vs wi-fi noise-canceling headphones?

By way of sound high quality, you probably have two headphones — one wired and one wi-fi — with related specs, the distinction goes to be very minimal. Nonetheless, wi-fi headphones supply extra comfort, permitting you to maneuver round extra freely along with your headphones on, which is why they usually characteristic noise cancellation to attenuate 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, nonetheless, there could also be a small distinction in sound constancy when ANC is turned on.

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