The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2025, According to Audiophiles

We found the Nothing Headphone (1) White to be a compelling midrange contender thanks to KEF-tuned, refined sound and a strong 42-hour battery life with ANC on, which makes them excellent for long commutes. In our testing the 329-gram weight was noticeable during extended wear, and the active noise cancellation struggled with inconsistent background noises compared with top-tier rivals. With a 7.5/10 score, they’re a great choice if you prioritize sound and endurance, but not the best pick if you need lightweight comfort or best-in-class ANC.

Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds impressed us in our testing with excellent sound and industry-leading ANC — the new 8.4mm drivers and tuning make these a top choice for detailed listening on the go. We found the lightweight, pocket-friendly design and feature set compelling, though the 7/10 score reflects frustrating connection dropouts and a fit that can be inconsistent unless you fuss with tips. Battery life under ANC also ran below advertised numbers, so pack the case for longer travel days.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 earned an 8.5/10 in our testing thanks to outstanding noise cancellation and refined audio processing like DSEE Extreme that tightens dynamics and clarity. We found the improved adaptive ANC, supported by 12 microphones, makes them a top pick for commuters and frequent flyers who need quiet and premium build quality. Battery life is only average at about 30 hours with ANC on and the fit can feel a touch tight on larger heads, but overall they’re hard to beat for everyday isolation and sound.

During our review the Sony LinkBuds S earned an 8.5/10 by striking an excellent balance between detailed sound and effective noise cancellation in a very lightweight package. We found the fit so comfortable it's easy to forget you're wearing them, but touch controls can be overly sensitive and the charging case lacks wireless charging — which matters if you fumble controls or rely on Qi. Battery life is average at about six hours, so bring the charger for long travel days; overall they’re great value for commuters.

In our testing the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e impressed with memory foam earcups and notably clear voice transmission that made callers sound natural and easy to understand. We found battery life reliably close to the advertised 30 hours with ANC enabled, making them dependable for day-to-day use, but the lack of touch controls and the absence of Bluetooth 5.3 feel like missed features at this price. Scoring 6.5/10, they’re a comfortable, stylish option if call clarity and fit matter more than cutting-edge ANC or controls.

During our review the Jabra Elite 85h delivered outstanding endurance—about 36 hours with ANC on and 41 hours without—and surprisingly rich, spacious sound for the money. We found the fit comfortable and the call quality dependable, though its active noise cancellation doesn’t match the effectiveness of leaders like Sony or Bose. With a 5.5/10 score, the Elite 85h is a practical budget-focused option for users who prioritize battery life and sound value, but don’t need the absolute best ANC or premium styling.

Our testing shows the JBL Live 770NC punches above its price with exceptional battery life—up to 50 hours with ANC on and 65 hours with it off—and comfortable cushions that make long sessions easy. We found the True Adaptive Noise Cancelling and Smart Ambient features useful for commuting, but the aggressive bass tuning and plasticky design might disappoint picky audiophiles, and the microphone struggles in windy conditions. Scoring 6/10, it’s a practical budget pick for listeners who value endurance over refined tonal balance.

During our review the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 impressed as a luxury pick: plush materials, an excellent fit, and hi-res-capable sound via 24-bit DSP and Carbon Cone drivers deliver an immersive listening experience. We found the ANC effective for steady background noise and the headphones feel premium enough for serious listeners, which helps justify the 8/10 score. Be aware the noise cancelling struggles with sudden sounds and the wear sensor can pause playback unexpectedly, and the premium price may be a barrier for some buyers.

Our experience shows the DALI IO-8 delivers exceptional sound and a premium build that clearly targets serious listeners, which is why it earns a 9/10 in our guide. In testing we appreciated the effective multi-mode ANC and the comfortable materials that invite long listening sessions, but the lack of a companion app and reliance on physical buttons limit customization and modern convenience. If pristine audio and luxurious construction are your priorities and you can stomach the price, these are among the best high-end options.

If long battery life matters, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is a reliable pick — in our testing it delivered an exceptional 60 hours with ANC enabled, so it’s great for long trips or days away from a charger. We found the sound quality impresses even at low volumes, offering nuanced detail that audiophiles will appreciate, which helps explain its 7.5/10 score. That said, the fit can feel tight for larger ears and its noise canceling isn’t class-leading, so don’t expect the deepest isolation compared with the top performers.

During our review the Beoplay HX (score 7.5/10) impressed with very good sound and a refined presentation that suits critical listening, and we found battery life hits about 35 hours with ANC enabled. The premium fit and materials make long sessions pleasant, but the high $749 price and inconsistent touch controls on the right earcup temper its overall value. ANC handles steady background noise well but isn't class-leading, so consider these if sound and comfort outweigh occasional control quirks.

In our testing the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 earns an 8/10 for its exceptional, natural tuning and luxurious delivery that audiophiles will appreciate. We found the comfortable design and a dependable 30-hour battery with quick-charge make them easy to live with during long listening sessions. During our review the ANC proved less effective against higher-frequency noises, and the lack of spatial audio/Dolby Atmos plus the non-folding hinge means they’re not the most travel-friendly option — they truly shine when sound quality is the priority.

During our review the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earned its high 9.5/10 rating primarily for industry-leading active noise cancellation and a fit so comfortable you can actually forget you’re wearing them on long flights. We found the Immersive Audio feature adds a convincing spatial layer, though turning it on reduces battery life from about 24 hours to roughly 18 hours. If superior ANC and extended comfort are your top priorities, these justify the premium price, but power users should note the trade-off in run time.

If you want uncompromised wired sound and comfort, the Beats Pro deliver exceptional audio and a durable build that made them feel reassuringly solid in our testing. We found the fit comfortable for long sessions and their sound quality is notable, but the 5.5/10 score reflects modern drawbacks: heavy weight and no wireless connectivity, which makes them less convenient for mobile use. These are best for home studios or DJs who prioritize sound and durability over portability and Bluetooth features.

As a battery-first option, the Marshall Monitor III stands out — in our testing we were impressed by its marathon battery life, delivering about 70 hours with ANC on and up to 100 hours without. We found the balanced, natural sound profile adapts well to many genres and the plush, lightweight ear cups make long listening sessions comfortable. Scoring 7/10, it’s a reliable midrange pick for travelers or commuters, though its ANC isn’t class-leading and the lack of hi-res codec support and a native 3.5mm jack limits audiophile appeal.

During our review the Space Q45 surprised us with effective ANC and a solid 50-hour battery life in ANC mode, making it a dependable choice for budget-conscious travelers. We found the fit comfortable enough for long listening sessions, but microphone performance was a weakness and the overall sound profile won’t satisfy audiophiles seeking finer detail. With a 6/10 score, it’s an attractive value if you want strong noise reduction and endurance, though expect compromises in call quality and premium sound tuning.

In our testing the Space One Pro impressed with long runtimes—up to 40 hours with ANC on and 60 hours without—and an app that gives you meaningful customization for tuning and ANC profiles. We found the leatherette finish and plush padding comfortable for long sessions, but the ANC sometimes struggles with higher-frequency sounds like voices, and the touch controls can be overly sensitive. Scoring 6.5/10, it’s a solid pick if customization and battery life matter most, though it falls short of a truly premium build.

If you want maximum runtime for a shoestring price, the 1MORE SonoFlow SE is a standout value — our experience shows up to 70 hours without ANC and 50 with it, plus a 5-minute quick charge that yields five hours, which is remarkable for the sub-$50 tag. Sound quality and battery life punch above weight, but in our testing the build feels plasticky and the companion app is buggy, limiting customization and long-term confidence despite a solid score of 6/10.

We found the Sony WH-CH720N to be a practical, budget-friendly option with impressive endurance — up to 50 hours with ANC off and 35 with it on — and a lightweight design that makes long sessions comfortable. Its support for Bluetooth multipoint is useful for switching between laptop and phone, which is handy for work-from-home setups. The 6.5/10 score reflects a plasticky build and the lack of waterproofing or folding earcups, so it’s a strong commuter pick if you value battery life over premium materials.

Our experience shows the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds punch above their price with effective adaptive noise cancellation and a secure ergonomic fit that stays put during commutes. We liked the multipoint connectivity for jumping between devices, but the 6/10 score highlights weaknesses: microphones struggle in noisy environments and touch controls can be unresponsive, while bass might feel light for some listeners. For budget-minded buyers who want ANC and comfort in a small package, they’re a practical everyday option.

In our testing the Space One headphones (score 6.5/10) deliver a well-balanced audio profile with strong bass that doesn't overpower mids and treble. We found the lightweight design and comfortable earcups make them easy to wear for long commutes, and the battery life is stellar — about 40 hours with ANC on and 55 hours off. That said, the mostly plastic build feels flimsy, the mic renders voices slightly muffled on calls, and the fabric pouch offers minimal protection, so they're best if runtime and comfort top your list.

During our review the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) showed why they’re a go-to for Apple users: excellent noise cancellation, seamless device switching, and a comfortable silicone fit that works well for extended wear. We found battery life average at about six hours per charge (roughly 30 hours with the case), and many advanced features remain restricted to iOS devices, which limits their value for Android users. With a 7/10 score, they’re ideal if you’re deep in Apple’s ecosystem but less compelling outside of it.

In our testing the AirPods Max stand out for their exceptional soundstage and seamless Apple ecosystem integration, with spatial audio and impressive spatial rendering that appeals to Apple users. The premium aluminum construction and memory foam pads feel luxurious, yet the 7.5/10 score reflects real drawbacks: just 20 hours of battery life and a case that provides minimal protection, plus reports of durability issues over time. If you live in Apple’s world and prioritize sound and connectivity, they’re very compelling despite those trade-offs.

During our review the Beats Studio Pro delivered robust ANC and a punchy listening profile that will satisfy mainstream listeners, supported by up to 24 hours of battery life with ANC on and USB audio passthrough for wired sessions. We found the bass-forward tuning and the lack of an iOS app for deep customization limit their appeal to audiophiles, which explains the 6.5/10 score. They’re still comfy and versatile for everyday use, but don’t expect studio-accurate neutrality or advanced personalization.