Most of us want to tune out background noise before it even starts. A great pair of noise canceling headphones does exactly that—whether you’re working, traveling, or just craving a little quiet.
I reach for over-ear headphones when I need to focus. They’re comfortable for long sessions, block out distractions, and make music feel more immersive. They also come in clutch for noisy commutes and flights, turning chaos into calm.
Our top pick? The Apple AirPods Max for their incredible sound and seamless Apple integration.
But if you’re looking for industry-leading noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Headphones are a fantastic choice. Prefer a balance of battery life and sound quality? The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless won’t disappoint.
Ready to find your perfect pair? Keep reading. 👇
Headphones not your thing? Check out our guide to the best noise canceling earbuds for a more compact option.
- Enhanced Focus: Noise cancellation minimizes distractions for work and travel.
- Tailored Experience: Features like adaptive ANC and transparency mode suit varied needs.
- Comfort & Battery: Ergonomic design and long battery life are crucial for extended use.
- Brand Strengths: Apple, Bose, Sennheiser, and Skullcandy offer distinct benefits.
- Budget Options: Affordable models still deliver solid performance.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
- 100% independently owned and operated
Read more about our company, services and process here.
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Block Out the Noise, Turn Up the Sound
A great pair of noise canceling headphones does more than just mute the world—it transforms how you listen. Whether you need total focus, richer sound, or a quieter commute, the right pair makes all the difference.
Not all noise canceling headphones work the same way. Some excel at silencing even the loudest environments, while others focus on exceptional audio quality, all-day comfort, or long battery life. The best choice depends on how and where you’ll use them.
We’ve rounded up the best options, from our top pick, the Apple AirPods Max, to budget-friendly and travel-ready alternatives. Scroll down to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Apple AirPods Max
- Personalized Listening: Spatial audio adjusts to your unique ear shape, creating a fully immersive sound experience.
- Seamless Integration: Effortless switching between Apple devices, making it perfect for multi-taskers.
- Long Battery Life: Enjoy up to 20 hours of use on a single charge, even with noise cancellation enabled.
- Comfort-Driven Design: Knit-mesh canopy and memory foam cushions provide comfort during extended wear.
The AirPods Max combine premium design with impressive listening capabilities, making them a top choice for Apple enthusiasts seeking high-fidelity audio.
- Immersive Sound Experience: With custom Apple-designed drivers and spatial audio, these headphones deliver rich, surround-like sound, tailored to your ear shape for a truly personalized experience.
- Seamless Apple Ecosystem Integration: Effortlessly switch between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, with automatic device pairing and smooth transitions, making them perfect for those invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Overall, the AirPods Max offer excellent sound quality, comfort, and smart features, ideal for users who prioritize seamless connectivity and premium audio.
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Users are impressed with the rich, immersive audio that enhances everything from music to podcasts, making listening a more engaging experience.
- Top-Notch Noise Cancellation: Many praise the effective noise-canceling feature, which blocks out distractions even in busy environments, ideal for focus or relaxation.
- Comfortable Fit for Long Sessions: The breathable ear cushions and adjustable headband provide comfort during extended use, although some find the weight noticeable over time.
- Seamless Apple Integration: Apple enthusiasts love the effortless device switching and quick pairing, making these headphones a great fit for those in the Apple ecosystem.
- Solid Battery Life: Users highlight the 20-hour battery life, noting it’s more than enough for long flights or busy days, with a quick charge feature for extra convenience
- Premium Price Tag: While users agree on the quality, a few feel the high price might be a barrier for those not fully committed to Apple products.
- Exceptional noise cancellation effectively blocks out external sounds.
- Automatically pairs with Apple devices for seamless connectivity.
- Long battery life ensures continuous listening without frequent charging.
- Comfortable fit designed for long listening sessions.
- Heavier than some competitors, which may be noticeable during extended wear.
- Higher price point may be prohibitive for budget-conscious users.
- Limited functionality outside of the Apple ecosystem.
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Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Headphones
- Customizable Noise Control – Switch between full noise cancellation and Aware Mode to adjust to your surroundings.
- Long-Lasting Battery – Enjoy up to 24 hours of continuous playback, with a quick 15-minute charge adding 2.5 hours of use.
- Personalized Audio Experience – Adjustable EQ lets users fine-tune bass, midrange, and treble for a tailored sound.
- Multi-Device Connectivity – Seamlessly switch between devices without manually disconnecting and reconnecting.
The Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Headphones offer a well-rounded mix of immersive sound, effective noise cancellation, and long-wearing comfort, making them a solid choice for users who need reliable audio performance in different environments.
- Adaptive Listening Modes – With Quiet and Aware Modes, users can seamlessly switch between full noise cancellation for focused listening or situational awareness when needed, making these headphones practical for both travel and daily use.
- Comfort and Battery Life – Plush earcup cushions and a padded headband provide lasting comfort, while the 24-hour battery life ensures extended listening without frequent recharging. A quick 15-minute charge adds 2.5 hours of playtime for added convenience.
With a balance of strong noise cancellation, user-friendly features, and all-day wearability, the Bose QuietComfort headphones suit listeners looking for both immersion and flexibility in their audio experience.
- Comfortable for All-Day Wear - Users highlight the plush ear cushions and lightweight design, making these headphones comfortable for long listening sessions without ear fatigue.
- Effective Noise Cancellation - The noise cancellation is widely praised for blocking out background noise, though some users note it struggles with sharper sounds like barking dogs.
- Balanced, High-Quality Audio - Listeners appreciate the rich bass and clear mids and highs, with many finding the adjustable EQ useful for personalizing their sound experience.
- Reliable Battery Life & Quick Charging - With up to 24 hours of battery life, users enjoy extended listening time, and the 15-minute quick charge feature is a convenient bonus.
- Build Quality & Controls Could Be Improved - Some reviewers mention that the buttons feel less premium than expected and note occasional connectivity glitches.
Overall, most users find the Bose QuietComfort headphones a worthwhile investment, especially for those prioritizing comfort and immersive sound.
- Effective noise cancellation for blocking out background noise in busy environments.
- Comfortable design with plush ear cushions and a padded headband for extended wear.
- Long battery life with quick charging for on-the-go convenience.
- Adjustable sound settings via the Bose app for a personalized audio experience.
- Wired and wireless options for flexibility when the battery runs low.
- Noise cancellation isn’t perfect for high-pitched or sudden sounds like barking.
- Buttons feel less premium compared to the overall build quality.
- Occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues when switching between multiple devices.
Sennheiser Consumer Audio Momentum 4 Wireless
- Personalized Sound: Adjustable EQ and sound modes through the Sennheiser Smart Control App for a tailored audio experience.
- Extended Battery Life: Up to 60 hours of playback, ideal for long trips or frequent use without frequent recharging.
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation: Effectively blocks ambient noise, with Transparency Mode to stay aware of surroundings when needed.
- Clear Call Quality: Four beamforming microphones reduce wind noise, making calls crisp and voice assistant access easy.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones offer a refined blend of comfort, personalization, and quality sound suited for music lovers and everyday listeners alike.
- Tailored Sound Experience: With the Sennheiser Smart Control App, users can adjust sound settings through an integrated equalizer and presets, allowing a fully personalized audio experience tailored to individual preferences.
- Uninterrupted Listening: Featuring Adaptive Noise Cancellation and an adjustable Transparency Mode, these headphones keep distractions at bay while providing the option to stay aware of surroundings when needed, ideal for commuting or focused work.
Designed for long-lasting comfort with a 60-hour battery life, the Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are a solid choice for those seeking versatile, high-quality audio for extended listening sessions.
- Impressive Sound Quality: Users highlight the Momentum 4’s audio clarity and rich bass, ideal for genres like rap and electronic music.
- Comfortable for Long Wear: The padded headband and cushioned ear pads offer comfort, though some find them slightly heavy during extended use.
- Reliable Noise Cancellation: Adaptive Noise Cancellation effectively blocks background sounds, while Transparency Mode allows users to stay aware of their surroundings when needed.
- Personalized Listening: The Sennheiser Smart Control App lets users tailor sound settings, enhancing the overall listening experience.
- Long-Lasting Battery: With a 60-hour battery life, these headphones are well-suited for frequent use and long trips.
- Learning Curve for Touch Controls: Some mention that the touch controls take time to master, though most find them intuitive with regular use.
Overall, the Momentum 4 delivers on sound, comfort, and battery life for dedicated listeners.
- Provides Sennheiser’s signature quality with an audiophile-inspired transducer system.
- Lasts up to 60 hours on a single charge, perfect for extended use.
- Padded headband and cushioned ear pads make it comfortable for prolonged wear.
- Smart Control App allows personalized EQ settings for unique sound preferences.
- Some users find it a bit weighty for all-day wear.
- Touch controls may take time to get used to.
- Call quality may vary in very windy conditions.
Skullcandy Hesh ANC Headphones
- Active Noise Cancellation: Four-mic technology effectively reduces external noise for a more immersive listening experience.
- Extended Battery Life: Enjoy up to 22 hours of playback, plus an extra 3 hours with a quick 10-minute charge.
- Comfortable Fit: Soft ear cushions and adjustable headband ensure long-lasting comfort, even during extended use.
- Findable with Tile Tech: Integrated Tile tracking helps locate your headphones if misplaced.
Skullcandy Hesh ANC Headphones offer a balance of audio quality, convenience, and value.
- Active Noise Cancellation with 4-mic technology effectively reduces background noise, allowing users to focus on what matters, whether it’s music or a podcast, even in noisy environments.
- A generous 22-hour battery life with a quick-charge feature means less downtime—just 10 minutes of charging provides an additional 3 hours, making it ideal for busy schedules.
For those seeking reliable, comfortable headphones with great sound quality, the Hesh ANC from Skullcandy are a practical option that doesn't compromise on essential features.
- Impressive Sound Quality: Users appreciate the deep bass and clear audio, making music and podcasts more enjoyable and immersive.
- Comfortable Fit for Long Hours: The plush ear cushions provide a snug fit without causing discomfort, even during extended listening sessions.
- Effective Noise Cancellation: The active noise cancellation feature helps block out background noise, allowing users to focus, especially in busy or noisy environments.
- Reliable Battery Life: Many highlight the impressive 22-hour battery life, with the quick-charge function adding 3 hours of use in just 10 minutes.
- Great for On-the-Go: Ideal for commutes, workouts, or simply unwinding at home, these headphones fit seamlessly into users’ routines.
- Minor Limitations: Some mention that while the noise cancellation is effective, it’s not entirely soundproof—though many find this balance perfect for still hearing important conversations.
- Excellent sound quality powered by 40mm drivers for rich bass and dynamic audio.
- Effective noise cancellation that enhances focus in noisy environments.
- Long battery life with quick charge for uninterrupted listening.
- Comfortable design suitable for extended wear.
- Tile tracking feature to locate misplaced headphones.
- Noise cancellation may not block all sounds completely.
- Headphones may feel bulky for users with smaller ears.
- No customizable EQ settings, limiting sound adjustments.
Soundcore Space One
- Blocks up to 98% of ambient noise with adaptive noise cancellation and 2X voice reduction
- 40-hour battery with ANC on (55 hours with ANC off) for extended use
- Hi-Res Audio with LDAC support and 40mm drivers for detailed sound
- 8° rotating ear cups and padded headband for comfortable extended wear
The Soundcore Space One headphones combine active noise cancellation and high-resolution audio capabilities in a sub-$100 package.
- The noise-canceling system reduces ambient sound by up to 98% and offers twice the voice reduction of previous models, making these headphones practical for use in busy environments like commuter trains or shared workspaces.
- The 40mm drivers with LDAC codec support deliver detailed audio reproduction, while the battery provides 40 hours of playback with noise cancellation enabled (55 hours without), suitable for extended daily use.
These headphones present a practical option for users who want active noise cancellation and high-resolution audio features at a budget-friendly price point.
- Premium Feel: Users highlight the build quality and comfort, noting these headphones feel more premium than their $99 price suggests.
- Effective Noise Cancellation: Reviewers praise the ANC performance for blocking voices and ambient noise, though some mention slight wind interference outdoors.
- All-Day Comfort: The rotating ear cups and padded headband receive praise for maintaining comfort during extended wear, with users reporting 6+ hours without discomfort.
- Long Battery Life: Users confirm the 40-hour battery life with ANC on, appreciating fewer charging interruptions.
- Audio Quality: Listeners note clear sound reproduction with LDAC codec, though some mention bass could be stronger initially.
- Simple Controls: Users appreciate the straightforward physical buttons for easy operation.
Overall, users consistently rate these headphones as a solid value for ANC capabilities at this price point.
- Strong noise cancellation performance, especially for voices
- Extended battery life exceeds many competitors
- Comfortable design for long sessions
- Adaptive ANC adjusts to fit and environment
- Physical buttons for reliable control
- Some users report issues with fit despite adjustable design
- Bulkier design than some competitors
- No IP water resistance rating
- May require EQ adjustment for optimal sound quality
Why choose noise canceling headphones?
Simply put, noise canceling is a personal preference. If you’re easily distracted by outside noise or over-stimulated, noise cancellation is a must-have feature when it comes to headphones or earbuds.
To add to that—even if the above doesn’t apply to you—having that feature on deck is helpful in any environment you might be in.
Whether you’re taking calls in busy coffee shops, on a walk, or want to isolate ambient noises in your home, it’s an important feature to have (and odds are, you probably use it more than you realize.)
💫 What does an audiologist have to say about noise canceling headphones? According to Dr. Amy Sarow, lead audiologist at Soundly:
“Noise cancellation is another great feature that also makes it easier for children [and adults] to listen at safe levels, without the urge to turn volume up over the background noise.”
What is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?
Noise cancellation is a popular term thrown around in headphone round-ups. So what is it really? And don’t all headphones have this feature?
Basically Active Noise Cancellation—also known as ANC—is a system that utilizes relies on built-in microphones which picks up both external and internal sounds, an ANC chipset that inverts these soundwaves, and an internal speaker that emits counteractive waves to cancel out external noise—a process akin to mathematical equilibrium.
Want a more direct example? Think of it as a math equation in which you’ll add +2 from outside to -2 from the inside, resulting in zero (i.e., a balanced silence).
Which means that your headphones with ANC technology work to quell sound waves as they come in while increasing in-ear sound that’s filtering in.
You might be wondering: Aren’t all headphones with noise cancellation created equal? While the proprietary technology is available, how the headphones are designed (fit and function) and how that technology is disseminated to your ears can vary wildly.
What should I look for in ANC headphones?
Of course, you’re on the hunt for an everyday pair of headphones with active noise cancellation so that is non-negotiable. But there’s more features to keep in mind.
Here’s a few things to consider in your next pair of noise canceling headphones:
- Price: A budget assists in ensuring that you remain within the appropriate price range when selecting earbuds that align with your lifestyle and requirements.
- Connectivity: Connectivity stands as a vital feature facilitating smooth, enjoyable, and convenient transitions between tasks and during listening sessions.
- Noise cancellation: While this may be the primary feature you're searching for, it remains crucial. This mode enables streaming of audio at safe volume levels and ensures a clear, consistent channel for calls, listening, and other activities.
- Passive noise cancellation: The minimization of external noise is accomplished through the physical construction of the earbuds, rather than relying on electronic methods. This encompasses the design of the ear cups and a secure fit, aiding in the attenuation of ambient noise.
- Adaptive active noise cancellation: The microphone and speakers automatically adapt to your environment.
- Transparency mode: Stay connected to your surroundings effortlessly, even while on a call or with the earbuds in place.
- Adjustability: Options and settings allowing you to manually adjust the background noise level to your preference, either directly or through a companion app.
Final Thoughts on the Best Noise Canceling Headphones for 2025
Noise-canceling headphones are a handy sidekick for anyone who needs to drown out—or amplify—the busyness of life.
Whether it's for deep work sessions, immersive music experiences, or simply finding tranquility in a noisy world, these headphones can be a sanctuary for the ears.
With features like active noise cancellation, personalized sound adjustments, and comfortable designs, they cater to various preferences and budgets, ensuring that everyone can find their perfect sonic refuge.
Consider brands like Bose, Seinnheiser, Apple, and more brands. So, whether you're delving into a novel, taking calls, or simply seeking a moment of peace, investing in noise canceling headphones can be a transformative experience for your auditory well-being.
