Here’s a rewritten version of the content without changing its meaning, retaining the original length and keeping proper headings and titles:
For those seeking the best noise-canceling headphones, the options have never been more plentiful or impressive. Whether you’re looking to escape into your music, podcasts, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet, the right pair of noise-canceling headphones can greatly enhance your daily experience. This is particularly true for individuals who require a quiet environment while traveling, working from home, or commuting.
Many top-notch noise-canceling headphones deliver exceptional sound quality, all-day comfort, and intelligent features such as adaptive ANC and seamless connectivity to your devices. Some models even allow you to customize the amount of outside sound you want to let in, enabling you to stay aware of your surroundings when necessary.
Regardless of your priorities – whether it’s battery life, sound performance, travel-friendly design, or finding the most comfortable fit for extended listening sessions – we’re here to help you find the perfect pair to suit your needs.
Table of contents
Best noise-canceling headphones of 2025
How to choose the best noise-canceling headphones for you
Design
When searching for the best wireless headphones, the first decision you’ll need to make is the wear style. Do you prefer on-ear or over-ear headphones? For the purpose of this guide, we’ll focus on over-ear styles, as they are the most common type of noise-canceling headphones. Although on-ear models with ANC are available, over-ear models are generally more effective at blocking outside sounds due to the complete coverage of the ears.
For gamers, there are also noise-canceling gaming headsets that feature detachable microphones, allowing them to double as over-ear headphones. However, in this article, we’ll be focusing exclusively on noise-canceling headphones rather than headsets. Look for models with a comfortable headband and memory foam ear cups to ensure you can wear them for extended periods without discomfort.
Many headphones come in a range of colors, so if aesthetics are important to you, you’ll find plenty of options beyond the standard black or white. Whether you prefer a neutral design or a bold, vibrant color, brands now offer a variety of styles to match your personal taste.
Finally, if you plan to wear your headphones for extended periods, it’s essential to choose a model with a comfortable fit. Memory foam ear cups, an adjustable headband, and lightweight materials can make a significant difference during long listening sessions. After all, great sound is only half the equation – comfort is just as crucial.
Type of noise cancellation
Next, consider the type of ANC a set of headphones offers. You’ll come across terms like “hybrid active noise cancellation” or “hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation,” and there are key differences between the two. A hybrid ANC setup uses microphones on both the inside and outside of the device to detect and cancel out external noise. By analyzing input from both microphones, a hybrid system can combat more sounds than “regular” ANC, albeit at a constant level that doesn’t change.
Adaptive ANC takes the hybrid configuration a step further by continuously adjusting the noise cancellation to account for changes in your environment and any sound leakage around the ear cups. Adaptive noise-canceling also excels at handling wind noise, which can be a significant distraction when using headphones outdoors. Some high-end headphones even support Dolby Atmos, which enhances spatial audio and makes everything from music to movies sound more immersive. For the purposes of this best headphones list, we’ll only be considering products with hybrid ANC or adaptive ANC setups, as they are the most effective at blocking noise and improving your overall listening experience.
Customization
You’ll also want to check if the ANC system on a prospective set of headphones offers adjustable levels of noise cancellation or presets. These can help you fine-tune the amount of ANC you need for various environments, which can also help conserve battery life. Master & Dynamic, for example, has ANC presets that provide both maximum noise blocking and more efficient cancellation that is more energy-efficient. Other companies may include a slider in their companion apps that allow you to adjust the ANC level to your liking. Some high-end models even enable you to fine-tune the ANC for specific types of environments.
How we test noise-canceling headphones
We primarily test headphones by wearing them extensively, ideally over a one-to-two-week period. During this time, we listen to a mix of music and podcasts, as well as use the headphones for voice and video calls.
To test battery life, we drain the battery by looping music with the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent). Due to the longer battery estimates, we’ll typically power the headphones off several times and leave them that way during the review, simulating real-world use.
To test ANC performance specifically, we use the headphones in various environments, from noisy coffee shops to quiet home offices. Whenever possible, we use them during air travel, as plane noise is a significant distraction. Even if we can’t take a flight, we’ll simulate a constant roar using white noise machines, bathroom fans, vacuums, and more. We also take note of how well each device blocks human voices, which can be a challenge for many ANC headphones.
ANC-related features are another aspect we consider. Here, we thoroughly review companion apps, testing each feature as we work through the software. Any features carried over from previous models are double-checked for improvements or regression. If the headphones we’re testing are an updated version of a previous model, we’ll spend time getting reacquainted with the older set, as well as the closest competition for each new set of headphones that we review.
Other noise-canceling headphones we tested
AirPods Max
Apple’s AirPods Max are premium, well-designed headphones that incorporate the best features found on standard AirPods: solid noise cancellation, spatial audio, and easy Siri access. However, their $550 starting price makes them almost prohibitively expensive, even for those with Apple devices. There are better options available at lower prices.
Sonos Ace
The Sonos Ace is an excellent debut for the company’s first headphones. The combination of refined design, great sound quality, and home theater tricks creates a unique formula. However, ANC performance is just okay, and key functionality is still in the works for many users.
Beats Studio Pro
The Studio Pro lacks basic features like automatic pausing, and multipoint connectivity is only available on Android. Moreover, they’re not very comfortable for people with larger heads. Overall sound quality is improved, though, and voice performance on calls is well above average.
Noise-canceling headphones FAQs
Does noise cancellation block all noise?
Noise cancellation doesn’t block out all noise, although it significantly reduces the volume of most external sounds.
Is there a difference between wired vs wireless noise-canceling headphones?
In terms of sound quality, if you have two headphones – one wired and one wireless – with similar specs, the difference is going to be very minimal. However, wireless headphones offer more convenience, allowing you to move around more freely with your headphones on, which is why they often feature noise cancellation to minimize external sounds.
Does noise cancellation impact sound quality?
ANC does have some impact on sound quality, but the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks. Noise cancellation reduces ambient noise, allowing for a greater focus on audio detail. For audiophiles,
Source Link
