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The best noise-cancelling headphones are a game-changer, elevating your listening journey by providing a fully immersive audio experience, no matter the surroundings. Whether you’re in a busy train station or a noisy office, these headphones do a great job of blocking out outside noise. It’s easy to see why music lovers and people who want to get away from noise use these high-quality noise-cancelling headphones to block out the outside world.
Finding the right noise-canceling headphones can be hard, especially since there are so many choices on the market, and some of them can be very expensive. To make the process easier, we’ve put together a list of the best noise-cancelling headphones that are also great at blocking out noise. Whether you’re a regular traveler, a music lover, or just someone who wants to enjoy some peace and quiet, these headphones are made to fit comfortably for long periods of time while blocking out noise that could disturb your peace.
Buying a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones isn’t just a way to shut out the world; it’s also a way to make hearing more immersive and enjoyable. So, let us walk you through the best choices so you can find the pair that fits your needs and takes your listening experience to new heights.
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Comparison Table
In the table below, you can compare the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. It shows off some of the most important features, like active noise cancellation, battery life, comfort, sound quality, and ways to connect. By comparing these headphones, you can find the one that meets your needs and tastes the best.
| Headphone | Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) | Battery Life | Sound Quality | Latest Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple AirPods Max | Yes | 20 hours | Excellent | Check Deal |
| Focal Bathys Wireless | Yes | 42 hours | Excellent | Check Deal |
| Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless | Yes | 40 hours | Good | Check Deal |
| Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless | Yes | 44 hours | Good | Check Deal |
| Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless | Yes | 28 hours | Good | Check Deal |
| Sony WH-H910N/h.ear on 3 Wireless | Yes | 30 hours | Good | Check Deal |
| Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless | Yes | 30 hours | Excellent | Check Deal |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Yes | 40 hours | Excellent | Check Deal |
| Bose QC45 Headphones | Yes | 24 hours | Good | Check Deal |
| Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 | Yes | 30 hours | Excellent | Check Deal |
Apple AirPods Max
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 384 grams |
| Dimensions | 20.8 x 17.4 x 4.4 cm |
| Battery life | 20 hours |
| Active noise cancellation | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| Audio codecs | AAC, LDAC |
The Good
- Exceptional audio quality with spatial audio support.
- Active noise-cancellation for an immersive sound experience.
- Luxurious and premium design with high-quality materials.
- Seamless integration with Apple devices.
The Bad
- High-end price tag may not be affordable for all users.
- Bulky and heavy design might not be comfortable for everyone.
When Apple came out with a set of noise-canceling headphones for $549, people were definitely shocked by the price. The AirPods Max cost a lot more than any of the other headphones we recommend. But Apple’s build quality is on a different level. These headphones are made of steel and aluminum instead of plastic, and the ear cups are made of breathable mesh fabric.
There’s no getting around the fact that these headphones are big. The only thing that makes the AirPods Max feel cheap is that Apple didn’t include a headphone cable in the box. And I like how easy it is to control the game with the digital crown instead of taps and swipes, which don’t always work. Thus, this is one of the best Noise-Cancelling Headphones you can buy right now.
Reasons to buy:
- Active noise reduction (ANC). The AirPods Max have great ANC, which cuts out most outside noise. This is great for when you’re on an airplane or somewhere with a lot of noise.
- The fit is good. Even when worn for a long time, the AirPods Max are very comfy. The headband is customizable, and the earcups are made of memory foam.
- Lasts a long time. When ANC is turned on, the AirPods Max can last up to 20 hours. When ANC is turned off, they can last up to 28 hours. This is a great battery life for headphones that don’t have a cord.
- Design that is sleek and stylish. The AirPods Max are slim and stylish, and they come in different colors so you can match them to your own style.
Reasons to skip:
- Pricey. The AirPods Max are not cheap, and some people may not be able to afford them.
- Not as easy to carry as other headphones. The AirPods Max are not as flexible as some other headphones, so if you want headphones that are easy to take with you, they may not be the best choice.
Focal Bathys Wireless
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $499 |
| Weight | 310 g |
| Battery life | 25 hours |
| Noise cancellation | Active |
| Bluetooth version | 5.2 |
| Drivers | 40 mm |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB SPL/mW |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Connection type | Bluetooth |
| Other features | USB-C charging, NFC pairing, multi-point pairing |
The Good
- Stunning audio quality with rich bass and clear highs.
- Comfortable design for extended listening sessions.
- Excellent wireless range for unrestricted movement.
- Sleek and stylish aesthetics for a premium look.
The Bad
- High-end price point may not be budget-friendly for some users.
- Limited color options for personalization.
Focal is known for making high-end headphones for music lovers that don’t block out noise. But if you care about sound quality, you might want to think about the Focal Bathys Wireless. It combines high-quality sound with a casual, wireless design to give you the best of both worlds. Even though these high-end headphones don’t block out noise as well as our top pick, they still do a very good job all around.
They also have a wired DAC mode that can help deliver your favorite songs in better quality than their default wireless mode. If you want to use them with Bluetooth, you can use aptX Adaptive to stream high-quality audio with low latency. Still, this is one of the best Noise-Cancelling Headphones you can buy right now.
Reasons to buy:
- The fit is good. The Focal Bathys Wireless are light and fit well, so you can wear them for a long time without feeling any pain.
- Lasts a long time. The power life of the Focal Bathys Wireless is up to 30 hours with ANC on and up to 40 hours without it. This is great for trips or long planes.
- Built-in DAC. You can listen to high-resolution music with the Focal Bathys Wireless because they have a DAC built in. If you have a good audio source, this is great.
Reasons to skip:
- Touch tools can be hard to use. The Focal Bathys Wireless’s touch features aren’t always reliable, and they may not always respond to your taps or swipes.
- No charge without wires. The Focal Bathys Wireless don’t have wireless charging, which may be something that some people want.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $69 |
| Weight | 260 g |
| Battery life | 40 hours |
| Noise cancellation | Active |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 40 mm |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB SPL/mW |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Connection type | Bluetooth |
| Other features | USB-C charging, multi-point pairing |
The Good
- Affordable price without compromising on sound quality.
- Active noise-cancellation feature for an immersive experience.
- Long-lasting battery life for extended use.
- Comfortable and foldable design, ideal for travel.
The Bad
- Sound quality may not match high-end models.
- Build materials are not as premium as some other options.
Check out the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless if you don’t have a lot of money. This company makes most of the low- to mid-range over-ear headphones, especially ANC headphones. These headphones, like most headphones, do a good job of blocking out noise. Even though they don’t block out bus and plane engines as well as their predecessors, they do a better job of blocking out office chatter and the hum of AC fans. They don’t have ANC presets, but they do support ANC while wired, which is helpful if you want to watch in-flight entertainment. Overall, this is one of the best Noise-Cancelling Headphones you can buy right now.
Reasons to buy:
- The fit is good. The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless are comfy and easy to adjust. They are also light. Because of this, they are great to wear for long amounts of time.
- Water-resistant. The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless are water-resistant up to IPX5, so you don’t have to worry about them getting wet in the rain or when you sweat.
- Affordable. The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless are very cheap, which makes them a great choice for people who want to buy something on a budget.
Reasons to skip:
- The sound could be better. The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless has good sound quality, but it’s not the best. If you want the best sound quality possible, you might want to look into other choices.
- No charge without wires. The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless don’t have wireless charging, which is something that some people may want.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $99 |
| Weight | 260 g |
| Battery life | 44 hours |
| Noise cancellation | Active |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 40 mm |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB SPL/mW |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Connection type | Bluetooth |
| Other features | USB-C charging, multi-point pairing, LDAC support |
The Good
- Impressive sound quality with customizable EQ settings.
- Hybrid active noise-cancellation for enhanced noise isolation.
- Long battery life with fast charging capabilities.
- Comfortable fit for extended wear.
The Bad
- Some users may find the design to be bulky.
- Bluetooth connectivity may occasionally drop.
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless are the best ANC headphones we’ve tried that don’t cost a lot of money. Even though they aren’t quite as sturdy as the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless and some users have said that their unit’s headband or hinges crack after regular use, their adjustable ANC system makes them just as good at blocking out noise. Still, this is one of the best Noise-Cancelling Headphones you can buy right now.
They can easily cut down on noises like the rumble of cars and people talking around them. In later product batches, Anker took away the ability to use ANC while the headphones were wired, so if you buy them, you’re likely to get a pair that doesn’t have this feature. It’s a big problem if you want to use them for entertainment on a plane, but less of a problem if you use them wirelessly in your everyday life.
Reasons to buy:
- Comfortable style. The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless are light and well-padded, so you can wear them for long amounts of time without getting tired of them. The earcups can also be turned, so you can change them to fit your head just right.
- Lasts a long time. The battery life of the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless is up to 60 hours, so you can use them all day without worrying about running out of juice.
- Price is reasonable. The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless are very cheap, which makes them a good choice for people who are on a tight budget.
Reasons to skip:
- Some headphones have better bass than these. The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless may not be the best choice if you want headphones with a lot of bass.
- Touch tools can be hard to use. The touch buttons on the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless can be a little touchy at times, and they may not always respond to your taps or swipes.
Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $149 |
| Weight | 300 g |
| Battery life | 50 hours |
| Noise cancellation | Active |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 40 mm |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB SPL/mW |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Connection type | Bluetooth |
| Other features | USB-C charging, multi-point pairing, adaptive noise cancellation |
The Good
- Exceptional audio performance with powerful bass response.
- Advanced noise-cancellation technology for a peaceful listening experience.
- Intuitive touch controls for easy navigation.
- Comfortable over-ear design for extended usage.
The Bad
- Premium features come at a higher price point.
- The design might not suit everyone’s style preferences.
The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless are a good choice if you want cheaper over-ear headphones that don’t skimp on noise cancellation. Unlike the Sony WH-H910N/h.ear on 3 Wireless, these over-ear headphones have an adaptive ANC system that automatically adjusts its performance based on your environment.
This feature does a great job of blocking out all kinds of noise, so you can relax in noisy places like cafes and on busy commutes. You can also switch to manual ANC through the companion app, which has five levels if you want to change how much outside noise you hear and use ANC while connected via analog. Overall, this is one of the best Noise-Cancelling Headphones you can buy right now.
Reasons to buy:
- Comfortable style. The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless headphones are light and well-padded, so you can wear them for long amounts of time without getting tired. The earcups can also be turned, so you can change them to fit your head just right.
- Lasts a long time. The battery life of the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless is up to 80 hours, so you can use them all day without worrying about running out of juice.
- Price is reasonable. The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless are very cheap, which makes them a great choice for people who want to buy something on a budget.
Reasons to skip:
- No charge without wires. The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless don’t have wireless charging, which is something that some people may want.
- The Sony WH-1000XM4 is better. If you want to get rid of noise as well as possible, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are a better choice.
Sony WH-H910N/h.ear on 3 Wireless
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $299 |
| Weight | 269 g |
| Battery life | 35 hours |
| Noise cancellation | Active |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 40 mm |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB SPL/mW |
| Frequency response | 4 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Connection type | Bluetooth |
| Other features | USB-C charging, multi-point pairing, ambient sound mode |
The Good
- Sony’s signature sound quality with clarity and precision.
- Digital noise-cancellation for undisturbed listening.
- Comfortable fit with adjustable headband and cushioned ear cups.
- Built-in microphone for seamless hands-free calling.
The Bad
- Comparatively shorter battery life.
- Limited color choices for personalization.
Even though they don’t feel as high-quality as the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless, they have a great ANC system that blocks out background noise. It can help cut down on background noise and high-pitched sounds like the hum of a computer fan, but it isn’t as effective for low-pitched sounds like plane engines.
So, their ANC performance is better for busy places like offices than for places like buses and planes. Still, you can use their ANC while they are plugged in, and their 40-hour playback time means you can use them for long days without having to stop and charge them. Thus, this is one of the best Noise-Cancelling Headphones you can buy right now.
Reasons to buy:
- Design that is sleek and stylish. The Sony WH-H910N/h.ear on 3 Wireless headphones are stylish and understated, and they come in a variety of colors to fit your personal style. They can also be folded up, which makes them easy to carry.
- Lasts a long time. The Sony WH-H910N/h.ear on 3 Wireless can be used for up to 30 hours with noise cancellation turned on and up to 35 hours without it. The battery life is great, so you can easily use them for a full day.
- Supports sounds with a high resolution. High-resolution audio is supported by the Sony WH-H910N/h.ear on 3 Wireless, so you can listen to your songs in the best quality possible.
Reasons to skip:
- Touch tools can be hard to use. The touch buttons on the Sony WH-H910N/h.ear on 3 Wireless can be a little touchy, and they may not always respond to your taps or swipes.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $349 |
| Weight | 254 g |
| Battery life | 30 hours |
| Noise cancellation | Active |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 40 mm |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB SPL/mW |
| Frequency response | 4 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Connection type | Bluetooth |
| Other features | USB-C charging, multi-point pairing, ambient sound mode, Quick Attention mode |
The Good
- Top-tier sound quality with adaptive sound control.
- Industry-leading noise-cancellation for an immersive experience.
- Smart features like wear detection and voice assistant support.
- Long battery life and quick charging capabilities.
The Bad
- Premium pricing for premium features.
- The touch controls might take time getting used to.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are the best headphones we’ve tried that block out noise. Even though they are the first version of the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless, these high-end over-ear headphones block out noise better than their successor. Their ANC system does a great job of blocking out low noises like bus engines, office chatter, and computer fans.
You can even use their ANC while they are plugged in, and with their ANC on, they can be used continuously for over 37 hours. They have an auto-off timer to save battery life when not in use, and they can connect to multiple devices at once, so you can use them with two things at once. Overall, this is one of the best Noise-Cancelling Headphones you can buy right now.
Reasons to buy:
- Lasts a long time. The Sony WH-1000XM4 have a battery life of up to 30 hours with noise cancellation on, or up to 50 hours with noise cancellation off. This means that they are easy to use for a whole day.
- Touch screens. Touch controls on the Sony WH-1000XM4 make it easy to change the sound, answer calls, and turn on noise cancellation.
- Google Assistant and Alexa are already built in. The Sony WH-1000XM4 have built-in Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can control your music, get directions, and more with your voice.
Reasons to skip:
- Pricey. The Sony WH-1000XM4 aren’t cheap, and some people may not be able to afford them.
- Some headphones have better bass than these. The Sony WH-1000XM4 might not be the best choice if you want headphones with a lot of bass.
Sony WH-1000XM5
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $399 |
| Weight | 250 g |
| Battery life | 40 hours |
| Noise cancellation | Active |
| Bluetooth version | 5.2 |
| Drivers | 30 mm |
| Impedance | 40 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB SPL/mW |
| Frequency response | 4 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Connection type | Bluetooth |
The Good
- Cutting-edge sound technology for exceptional audio performance.
- Enhanced noise-cancellation for a distraction-free experience.
- Comfortable and lightweight design for all-day wear.
- Seamless multi-device connectivity.
The Bad
- Limited availability and potential high demand.
- Few improvements over the previous model may not justify the upgrade for some users.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless are the successors to the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. When they come out in the middle of 2022, these over-ears will look different from the ones that came before them because they are mostly made from recycled (and recyclable) parts. Sony has also made changes to their performance, such as fine-tuning the XM4’s boomy sound profile, improving the performance of the integrated mic, and optimizing and automating the active noise canceling (ANC) system. For now, this is one of the best Noise-Cancelling Headphones you can buy right now.
Reasons to buy:
- Design that is sleek and stylish. The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are stylish and understated, and they come in a variety of colors to fit your personal style. They can also be folded up, which makes them easy to carry.
- Lasts a long time. With noise reduction on, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones can last up to 30 hours. With noise cancellation off, they can last up to 40 hours. This is a great battery life, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power on long trips or listening sessions.
- The music has gotten better. The Sony WH-1000XM5 have a more balanced sound signature and a better bass response than the previous version.
Reasons to skip:
- Touch tools can be hard to use. The touch buttons on the Sony WH-1000XM5 can be a little wonky at times, and they may not always respond to your taps or swipes.
- No charge without wires. The Sony WH-1000XM5 can’t be charged wirelessly, which is something that some people might want.
Bose QC45 Headphones
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 239 grams |
| Dimensions | 20.3 x 17.4 x 4.5 cm |
| Battery life | 24 hours |
| Active noise cancellation | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 |
| Audio codecs | SBC, AAC |
The Good
- Lightweight and foldable design, perfect for portability.
- Intuitive touch controls for easy access to music and calls.
- Impressive battery life for extended usage.
The Bad
- Premium pricing, not the most budget-friendly option.
- Limited color options available.
The QC45 headphones from Bose are a great return to form. They look a lot like the QC35II, which means that they’re incredibly light and comfortable to wear, even for an entire day. The oval ear cups never hurt your ears, and when it comes to comfort, no one can beat Bose. The best part is that, unlike the Noise Canceling Headphones 700, these can be folded up. This makes them easier to take with you when you travel.
Bose made small changes to the active noise cancellation and increased the battery life from 20 to 24 hours. The QC45s also have a USB-C port where their predecessors had a Micro USB connector. And they added a “transparency mode” for when you need to talk to someone quickly or want to be more aware of what’s going on around you. Still, this is one of the best Noise-Cancelling Headphones you can buy right now.
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent noise cancellation. The noise cancellation on the QC45 headphones is some of the best on the market, and they can successfully block out a wide range of background noise. This makes them great for travel, work, or any other time you need to focus on your music or audio material.
- Comfortable style. The QC45 are easy to wear for long amounts of time because they are light and well-padded. The earcups can also be turned, so you can change them to fit your head just right.
- Design that is sleek and stylish. The QC45 are stylish and understated, and they come in different colors so you can match them to your own style. They can also be folded up, which makes them easy to carry.
- Lasts a long time. The batteries in the QC45 can last up to 24 hours, so you can use them all day without worrying about running out of juice.
Reasons to skip:
- Pricey. The QC45 are not cheap, and some people may not be able to afford them.
- Some headphones have better bass than these. The QC45 might not be the best choice if you want headphones with a lot of bass.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 310 grams |
| Dimensions | 18.4 x 16.8 x 8.5 cm |
| Battery life | 30 hours |
| Active noise cancellation | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 |
| Audio codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
The Good
- Hi-res audio performance with well-balanced sound.
- Adaptive noise-cancellation for a personalized listening experience.
- Durable build quality with premium materials.
- Long-lasting battery life for extended listening.
The Bad
- One of the higher-priced options in the market.
- The design might not appeal to everyone’s taste.
If sound quality is the most important thing to you, the PX7 S2 headphones from Bowers & Wilkins will meet your needs. Some people like them better than the AirPods Max because the sound is clearer and better. The Bowers & Wilkins cans stay true to the history and style of the company, with a design that screams quality. Overall, this is one of the best Noise-Cancelling Headphones you can buy right now.
I like their physical buttons better than Sony’s tap-and-swipe gestures on the ear cups of the 1000XM5s. With a battery life of 30 hours, they are more than a match for popular, less expensive picks. And the sound profile is wonderfully warm and will make your favorite music sound its best. The main problem with the PX7 S2s is that it doesn’t have a standard 3.5mm or 2.5mm headphone jack. But you can still listen wired through USB-C.
Reasons to buy:
- The fit is good. The PX7 S2 are light and fit well, so you can wear them for long amounts of time without feeling any pain.
- Lasts a long time. The PX7 S2 have a battery life of up to 30 hours with ANC on, or up to 40 hours with ANC off. The battery life is great, so you can easily use them for a full day.
- High-end construction. The PX7 S2 are made with high-quality materials, and they feel sturdy and well-made.
Reasons to skip:
- Touch tools can be hard to use. The PX7 S2’s touch features aren’t always reliable, and they may not always respond to your taps or swipes.
- No charge without wires. The PX7 S2 can’t be charged wirelessly, which is a trait that some people may want.
FAQs
A: Most noise-canceling headphones need batteries or have a recharging battery built in to make the noise-canceling work. This is because the process of active noise cancellation uses energy to examine and cancel out sounds from the outside. Before buying noise-cancelling headphones, you should check their battery life and how they can be charged to make sure they meet your needs.
A: Yes, you can use noise-canceling headphones without turning on the noise-canceling mode. They can be used as normal headphones, so you can listen to music or podcasts even if the noise-canceling feature is off or the battery is dead. But it’s important to keep in mind that the ability to block out noise may be lessened without the active noise cancellation feature.
A: Yes, it’s safe to use headphones that block out noise. They don’t give off dangerous amounts of radiation or cause any major health risks. To protect your hearing, it’s important to use them in a smart way and at a moderate speed. If you wear headphones for a long time, it’s also a good idea to take breaks so your ears don’t get tired or hurt.