The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2025

$399.99

Think of the Sony WH-1000XM5 as the go-to over-ear for serious focus — in our testing its exceptional noise cancellation and rich, detailed sound made commuting and work sessions noticeably quieter and more immersive. We found the cushy fit and 30-hour battery comfortable for long days, but this 8.5/10 scorer is a premium choice with trade-offs: the non-foldable design hurts portability and the lack of water resistance limits active use. If you prioritize top-tier ANC and comfort, it’s worth the price.

$399.99

at Sony

$80.00

If you want something light and comfortable, the Jabra Elite 10s are worth a look — our experience shows the semi-open design reduces ear pressure and makes long wear easy. We found the active noise cancellation helps but doesn't silence noisy commutes the way higher-scoring models do, and missing high-quality codecs like aptX limits fidelity for picky listeners. They’re an affordable 6/10 pick for daily use when comfort matters more than top-tier ANC.

$80.00

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$449.00

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are our top-rated choice in this guide, and in our testing their active noise cancellation was the benchmark — consistently smoothing away city noise and airplane hum. We found the cushy fit and premium comfort perfect for long workdays, and support for Snapdragon Sound and aptX Lossless means wireless listening finally sounds great. The 24-hour battery is shorter than some rivals and controls are limited to a single volume strip, but at a 9/10 they excel where it counts.

$449.00

at Bose

$249.99

Jabra’s Elite 85h is a workhorse for long days — during our review the enormous battery (up to 36 hours with ANC) and excellent sound made it great for long commutes or back-to-back meetings. We found the fit comfortable with soft ear pads, but ANC performance lags behind Sony and Bose, so it won’t be the quietest option in noisy environments. Connectivity can be finicky when switching devices, but if endurance and sound matter more than top-tier noise-blocking, it’s a dependable 7/10 choice.

$249.99

at Iheartcamera

$349.99

Marshall Monitor III feels built for long listening stretches: in our testing we saw outstanding battery life (about 70 hours with ANC on) and a balanced, natural sound that translates well across genres. We found the memory-foam ear cups very comfortable, but the noise cancellation doesn’t quite match the very best in the segment, so it’s great for steady background noise but not the loudest planes or trains. Note it lacks high-res codecs like aptX/LDAC and a 3.5mm jack, which may matter if you prefer wired or higher-fidelity options.

$349.99

at Amazon

$250.00

Sennheiser Momentum 4 stood out in our testing for its superb sound and marathon battery life — around 60 hours with ANC on — making it an excellent companion for long workdays. We found the tuning delivers clarity and detail across instruments, and the lightweight, comfy design is a plus for extended wear, though the ANC isn’t quite as strong as the very top performers. Touch controls can be hit-or-miss and the fit may feel snug for larger heads, but overall it’s one of our higher-scoring over-ears at 8.5/10.

$250.00

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$399.00

Bowers & Wilkins’ Px7 S2 delivers a refined, balanced sound that we liked in our listening sessions, and the memory-foam earpads make it comfortable for extended use. The 30-hour battery and a quick 15-minute charge that yields roughly seven hours are handy for travelers, but our experience shows the Px7 S2 is limited by the lack of a 3.5mm jack and the fact it requires power to play audio — there’s no passive listening mode. Small-ish earcups could be restrictive for some, so try before you buy if you have larger ears.

$399.00

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$449.99

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is our top-rated choice for focus, and in our testing it stood out with industry-leading adaptive noise cancellation, superb audio thanks to DSEE Extreme, and a suite of smart features driven by 12 microphones. Battery life sits at a solid 30 hours with ANC on and quick charging gives a useful boost, but earcup padding is a touch shallow and the clamp can feel tight on larger heads. If you want the best noise-blocking and overall performance, this 9.5/10 model is hard to beat.

$449.99

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$279.95

The MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 is clearly tuned for listeners who value sound first — during our review its crisp highs and rich lows impressed us and the ANC is effective for day-to-day noise. We found battery life around 7.5 hours holds up for typical work sessions, but the earbuds’ solid, heavy build can make long wear uncomfortable for some users. While not the highest scorer, this 7.5/10 model is a strong choice if you prioritize audio fidelity and ANC and can tolerate a bulkier fit.

$279.95

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$549.00

AirPods Max in Midnight deliver the kind of balanced, immersive sound and seamless Apple integration you expect from a premium over-ear — in our testing they produced rich, clear audio across genres and very effective ANC for focused listening. We found the 20-hour battery covers most days but heavy users will need to recharge more often, and the included carrying case provides minimal protection. Priced high and scoring an 8/10, they’re ideal for Apple users who want exceptional sound and effortless pairing but aren’t budget-conscious.

$549.00

at Apple

$99.99

Space One headphones deliver surprisingly good noise cancellation and a lot of sound customization for the money — in our testing they reduced ambient distraction effectively and the 40-hour battery is convenient for long stretches away from a charger. We found comfort to be a plus for extended wear, but the included fabric pouch provides minimal protection and the microphone quality left calls sounding mediocre. If you want customizable sound and long battery life at a fair price, they’re a solid 6.5/10 option as long as call clarity and case protection aren’t dealbreakers.

$99.99

at Soundcore

$307.00

Bose 700s remain a go-to if noise cancellation and call quality are your top priorities — in our testing their 11 adjustable ANC levels let you fine-tune silence for coffee shops, open offices or flights, and the mic system delivered excellent call clarity. We found the design sleek and controls intuitive, though the non-foldable build makes them less compact for travel and the 20-hour battery is shorter than some rivals. Earning an 8.5/10, they’re a premium, practical pick if you want best-in-class voice performance and flexible ANC.

$307.00

at Mercari

$98.00

Affordable and light, the Sony WH-CH720N surprised us in our testing by delivering effective active noise cancellation and an impressive 50-hour battery that keeps you going for days. We found the sound quality solid for casual listening and the lightweight design comfortable for long commutes, making it a strong budget pick at a 7/10 score. Just be aware the plasticky shell and non-folding earcups hurt perceived durability and portability, and there's no waterproofing for workouts.

$98.00

at Amazon

$289.00

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are a fantastic in-ear option — in our testing their industry-leading noise cancellation and rich, immersive sound made background office chatter vanish. We found the customizable ear tips and stability bands delivered comfort that stayed put during long calls, but the six-hour battery and lack of Bluetooth multipoint are real limitations if you juggle multiple devices. They scored 8/10 for sonic performance and comfort, though occasional connectivity hiccups cropped up in our experience.

$289.00

at Reverb

$104.35

If you want true earbuds that block out commutes without breaking the bank, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 are a solid pick — in our testing their ANC is impressively effective and the sound is clear and detailed. We found the fit comfortable for long sessions, but battery life is a real trade-off at about five hours with ANC on, so plan charging for full workdays. Touch controls can be overly sensitive and some features only work well on Samsung phones, which limits value for non-Samsung users.

$104.35

at Amazon

$249.00

If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 2 are a convenient, polished option — our testing showed improved ANC and solid six-hour battery life with noise cancelling on. We found the controls intuitive and Siri integration handy, but many advanced features are locked to iOS which reduces value for Android users. The design hasn’t changed much from the original and there’s no built-in custom EQ, so audiophiles who want fine-grain tuning might prefer competitors despite the Pro 2’s strong everyday performance.

$249.00

at Apple

$149.99

The Space Q45 is an attractive budget-friendly over-ear that, in our testing, delivered effective ANC and up to 50 hours of battery life with noise cancelling on — great for long commutes. We found the ultra-soft earcups comfortable initially, but the headband can apply pressure during very long sessions and the tuning leans bass-heavy with a thinner midrange. Call quality is a downside in noisy environments, so if you rely on crystal-clear voice calls you might want to look elsewhere despite its endurance and noise-blocking strengths.

$149.99

at Soundcore

$99.95

If you want Sennheiser sound on a budget, the CX Plus earbuds deliver genuinely high-resolution audio and play nicely with Tidal, Spotify and Amazon Music — in our testing their tuning is engaging for podcasts and music. We found the 8-hour battery life is perfectly adequate for a workday, but the active noise cancellation struggles with low-frequency hums like buses and planes, which undermines focus in loud commutes. Microphone performance is also a weak link: voices come through distant and muffled on calls, so don’t expect class-leading meeting clarity. At a 5.5/10 score, they’re a good-sounding midrange pick if ANC and call quality aren’t priorities.

$99.95

at Amazon

$149.95

Sony’s WF-1000XM4 earbuds remain one of our top true-wireless picks — in our testing they delivered excellent noise cancellation, superior, detailed sound and up to 8 hours of playback with ANC on. We found the bulky profile can be uncomfortable for smaller ears and the touch controls are sometimes overly sensitive, which leads to accidental pauses in quiet moments. Foam ear tips give great isolation but may degrade over time and need occasional replacement. Overall, their 8.5/10 score reflects excellent ANC and sound, with a few fit and control trade-offs.

$149.95

at Bonanza

$149.99

Liberty 4 Pro earbuds punch above their weight for ANC and battery — in our testing they delivered excellent active noise cancellation, up to 10 hours per charge and 40 hours with the case, making them reliable for long workdays. We found the dual drivers produce a high-fidelity soundstage, though the charging case is bulkier than previous models and touch controls can be overly sensitive. Spatial audio may underwhelm some listeners, but overall their 8/10 score reflects a very capable, well-rounded true-wireless option for focus and travel.

$149.99

at Soundcore

$299.00

The Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset is built like a tank — during our review its 90mm planar magnetic drivers delivered astonishingly detailed, punchy audio that showcases why sound quality is its standout strength. We found the aluminum-and-steel frame reassuringly robust and the 80-hour battery great for marathon sessions, but its heavier weight and the abundance of buttons can be fatiguing and confusing in practice. It earned a solid 7.5/10 for exceptional audio and build, even though lack of ANC and inconsistent Bluetooth are real trade-offs.

$299.00

at Audeze

$219.00

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds impressed us during our review with exceptional noise cancellation and immersive spatial audio that made focus sessions feel calmer and more transportive. We found the fit supremely comfortable across multiple ear tips, but the six-hour battery is average and the touch controls are overly sensitive — we accidentally paused tracks more than once. They earned an 8/10 for noise-blocking and comfort, though the higher price and lack of built-in wireless charging are worth considering.

$219.00

at Amazon

$1,250.00

The DALI IO-8s are clearly tuned for audiophiles: during our review their spacious soundstage and premium materials — including real leather ear pads — delivered an exceptional listening experience. We found the multi-mode active noise cancellation useful for different environments, but the steep $1,250 price and absence of a companion app make them harder to justify as daily drivers. Call side-tone is noticeably loud in our testing, which distracted on conferences, so this model scores a middling 5.5/10 despite superb sound.

$1,250.00

at Amazon

$690.00

Focal’s Bathys headphones are tailored for listeners who prize sonic purity — during our review they offered exceptional, detailed sound and a premium comfort design with real leather and microfiber that feels luxurious. We found their versatility impressive thanks to Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C and a 3.5mm jack, but ANC doesn’t quite match the market leaders and the non-folding, heavier build hurts portability for travelers. At a 6.5/10 score, the Bathys reward audiophiles who want pristine sound at home or in a quiet office, but they’re less practical on crowded commutes.

$690.00

at Amazon

$1,250.00

Beoplay H95s feel like a luxury purchase — during our review they produced exceptionally rich, balanced audio and very good noise cancellation paired with beautiful materials like lambskin leather and aluminum. We found comfort and build quality excellent, but the $1,250 price tag is hard to justify for many, and the lack of an auto-pause feature and use of animal leather make them a poor fit if you want vegan options. With a 7.5/10 score, they’re a status-rich choice for someone prioritizing sound and luxury over value.

$1,250.00

at Bang-olufsen

$146.61

Plantronics BackBeat GO 810 is a wallet-friendly option that impressed us with solid build quality and a warm, balanced sound for everyday listening. During our review we noticed reliable wireless connections, but ANC performance is average and there’s an audible hiss when music isn’t playing, which can be distracting in quiet environments. The headset also seems to attract dust more than others, so while it’s a competent, affordable choice for casual use, it falls short for users who need strong noise-blocking or pristine silence.

$146.61

at Amazon

$219.95

The JBL Live 770NC impresses in our testing with marathon battery life — expect up to 50 hours with ANC on and 65 hours with it off — which makes it ideal for travel and long work sessions. We found the True Adaptive Noise Cancelling effective and the fit comfortable, though the tuning favors bass and can bury mids and highs for critical listening. Build quality feels budget-conscious and it lacks premium touches like touch controls or a hard-shell case, but for endurance and strong ANC it’s a solid mid-tier pick.

$219.95

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$169.99

Cleer Alpha headphones impressed us with up to 35 hours of playback and a handy 10-minute quick charge that tacked on about four extra hours — great for travel. In our testing the adaptive ANC convincingly reduced distractions and the high-resolution tuning delivers clarity and a bold low end, though some bass-heads may still want more slam. The heavier build and reported quality-control issues are the trade-offs to consider, which is why it scores a 7/10 in our guide.

$169.99

at Amazon

$87.99

The 1MORE SonoFlow Pro is built around jaw-dropping battery life — during our review we clocked up to 100 hours in standard mode and about 65 hours with ANC on, which is perfect for long trips. We found the memory-foam cushions comfortable and appreciated wired ANC support, but the plastic folding mechanism feels a bit rickety and the ANC can struggle with loud, low-frequency noise, causing audio interruptions. It earns a 6.5/10 for endurance and comfort, though durability concerns give us pause.

$87.99

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$70.99

1MORE’s SonoFlow headphones stand out for endurance and comfort — during our review the soft padding made long sessions pleasant and the battery life was astonishing (up to 70 hours without ANC, 50 with ANC). We found the active noise cancellation does reduce background noise effectively, though the plastic construction feels less premium and might not hold up like metal or leather models. Transparency mode is limited, making face-to-face chats awkward without removing the cans, and the lack of wear-detection means playback won’t auto-pause when you take them off.

$70.99

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