Noise-canceling has become almost a standard feature in modern headphones, providing much-needed quiet during our daily commutes, study sessions, and entertainment activities. The best noise-canceling headphones combine essential features, including active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode, which allows some outside sounds in. Other important factors to consider when shopping include comfort, battery life, and price.
While active noise cancellation has been available for some time and is now common in both over-ear models and earbuds, its effectiveness varies among different devices. Regardless of your listening preferences, we've got options for you.
The best noise-canceling headphones overall
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- Premium materials and design
- Excellent comfort
- Best-in-class noise canceling
- Natural-sounding transparency
- Impressive spatial audio
- Hi-res compatibility
- Tricky volume control
- ANC can't be turned off
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 252 grams (8.8ounces) |
| Type | Over-ear |
| Ambient Sound Modes | ANC, Transparency mode |
| Battery life | 18 hours with ANC, 24 without |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Y |
Bose is back on top with its redesigned flagship ANC headphones, the QuietComfort Ultra. A replacement for the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700, the QC Ultra is a return to form for Bose, which, among other improvements, has gone back to the popular dual flat-folding format and has also included some nice premium aluminum and soft synthetic leather in the headband. Luxe as they are, you came here for the ANC, so let's talk about that.
To quote Simon Cohen's review: "The QC Ultra cancel noise more effectively than the Apple AirPods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM5 ... when it comes to wireless headphones, the QC Ultra Headphones are the current king of quiet." That's some high praise. The QC Ultras do a great job at blocking out all the things you need them to, such as noisy offices, city streets, and transit noise. And new for the Ultra are easier-to-use controls and the ability to create your own ANC "Modes" that you can favorite and easily toggle between, instead of having to cycle through the limited preset favorites that the NCH 700 forced you to. Your Modes can also include Bose's transparency mode, which not only rivals that of the AirPods Max in terms of sound, but adds a new "Active Sense" feature that automatically detects loud noises and turns on ANC to keep your ears safe.
Sound quality on the QC Ultra has improved, too, with Bose making the decision to dial back what many NCH 700 users complained was too much sparkle in the highs. The Ultras are a bit more low-end heavy as well, making for a bigger, fuller sound out of the box. And they're Bose headphones, so you know they sound great, but should you want to fine-tune them to your exact liking, the Bose Music app has miles of EQ. Oh, then there's the new format support for Qualcomm's aptX Adaptive, which, if you have an Android phone, can deliver lossy hi-res audio at up to 24-bit/96kHz or lossless CD-quality audio at 16-bit/48kHz for those of you with subscriptions to hi-res services like Tidal, Apple Music, or Qobuz. The QC Ultra also now supports spatial audio tracks like Dolby Atmos Music, but they also have their own "Immersive Audio" virtual spatial audio feature that can take any stereo track and create a simulated 3D sound.
For all the details and play-by-play on the QC Ultra, you should read Cohen's full review, but we'll wrap up by mentioning the QC Ultra's excellent call quality and support for Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity, as well as their battery life, which sits at 24 hours on a charge (18 hours with immersive audio). A 15-minute quick charge will net you 2.5 hours of playtime (2 hours in immersive mode). Welcome back, champ.
The best noise-canceling headphones runner-up
Sony WH-1000XM5
- Excellent sound
- Very good comfort
- Ultra-clear call quality
- Best-in-class noise canceling
- Very good battery life
- Hi-res compatible (wired/wireless)
- Hands-free voice assistant access
- Classy, modern design
- Fold-flat, but don’t fold up
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 250g (8.8 oz) |
| Type | Over ear |
| Ambient Sound Modes | ANC, Ambient Mode, Speak-to-Chat |
| Battery life | Up to 30 hours with ANC, 40 hours without |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Yes |
Running a close second to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is noting to sniff at, and to be perfectly clear, you absolutely cannot go wrong with a pair of Sony WH-1000MM5s wrapped around your ear holes; their ANC is still among the best in the world.
Improving upon the previous generation's WH-1000XM4 in more ways than one, we were amazed to find out that there even could be improvements made. But the powers at Sony had a few more tricks up their sleeves.
For starters, the XM5 are cozier to wear, thanks to an improved cushioning system and better weight distribution from cup to cup. In terms of actual audio, interestingly, the XM5 speaker drivers are 25% smaller than the ones found in the XM4, featuring 30mm carbon-fiber-based transducers that make listening to any music genre an absolute joy.
And let's not forget the power of the XM5's active noise cancelation (ANC). Utilizing eight microphones and two onboard audio processors, the XM5 are constantly listening and adapting to whatever environment you're in, delivering the very best noise cancelation on the market.
Factoring in its Sony-exclusive LDAC lossless listening for Android devices (sorry, Apple fans), modest battery life, and a bevy of additional must-haves, it's easy to see why we can't stop raving about the Sony WH-1000XM5.
The best budget noise-canceling headphones
1More SonoFlow
- Great sound quality
- Very comfortable for long periods
- Ridiculous battery life
- Solid ANC performance
- Great app support
- Affordable price
- No wear sensors
- Wired mode disables extra features
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 250g (8.8 oz) |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | ANC, Transparency |
| Battery life | Up to 50 hours with ANC on, 70 hours without |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Yes |
Noise cancellation technology has finally become affordable enough to find in some excellent budget headphones, and the SonoFlow is a near-perfect example that combines affordable ANC with great sound. You’re not giving up much at all while saving a lot of money compared to picks from Apple or Sony.
The 1More SonoFlow includes important features like support for high-res audio, an in-depth app with plenty of EQ customization options, and ANC that includes a transparency mode. The battery life is particularly incredible, offering up to 50 hours with ANC turned on, something that even high-end headphones would struggle to achieve.
There are a couple of small drawbacks, like the lack of a wear sensor for automatic turn-off, but these are very mild features to give up when you’re getting some much at such an excellent price.
The best noise-canceling headphones for making calls
Sony WH-1000XM4
- Very comfortable
- Excellent sound quality
- Excellent noise canceling
- Very good call quality
- Very good battery life
- Bluetooth multi-device pairing
- Handy, customizable features
- No aptX or aptX HD
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 254g (9 oz) |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | ANC, Ambient, Speak-to-Chat |
| Battery life | Up to 30 hours with ANC on, 38 hours without |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Yes |
While the WH-1000XM5 may be Sony's latest and greatest headphone option, the WH-1000XM4 still holds up well as an alternative pick with a slightly lower price but many of the same excellent benefits.
In terms of battery life, the WH-1000XM4 deliver up to 30 hours with active noise cancellation on and 38 hours without. The XM4 also use advanced software algorithms and hardware when it comes to active noise cancellation, powerful tools that essentially eliminate any distracting environmental noise.
Like the XM5s, the XM4s also include Bluetooth multipoint connection, allowing them to be connected to two different devices at the same time. Essentially, you could be watching Netflix on your laptop, field a phone call on your mobile device, then effortlessly return to your streaming enjoyment.
The XM4 also features a wear sensor to automatically pause content when you remove the headphones, as well as Sony's music upscaling tech, DSEE Extreme.
If you're looking for a way to silence the outside world so you can be left alone to enjoy your favorite music, we highly recommend the Sony WH-1000XM4 as well as its newer upgrade. If you want to compare a similar noise-canceling option that's not from Sony, you could also take a look at the Bose QuietComfort 45.
The most extravagant noise-canceling headphones
Bowers & Wilkins Px8
- Beautifully designed and built
- Incredibly comfortable
- Great sound quality
- Decent noise cancellation
- Expensive
- Not ideal for calls in noisy places
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 320g (11.3 oz) |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | ANC, Transparency |
| Battery life | Up to 30 hours |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Yes |
The Px8 offers an interesting proposition for those with deep wallets: Pay about twice as much as other high-end headphones cost, and get a unique, luxurious experience that includes incredible wireless audio and effective noise cancellation.
Of course, at this price, you also get a comfortable design with massive ear cushions, leather padding, and aluminum notes that combine for a durable, beautiful fit that can last for hours without any discomfort. And the Carbon Cone drivers put in the work to deliver exceptional sound, with support for Bluetooth aptX Adaptive wireless tech for the best possible wireless experience (just keep in mind that iPhones don’t support aptX yet).
Battery life is also quite good for headphones this size, lasting up to 30 hours on a single charge. Are all these features combined worth the super-high price tag? That’s up to you to decide, but these headphones look amazing while delivering the high-end audio experience you’d expect, so style points can count for a lot. And if you like these and are willing to drop a little extra cash, check out the McLaren Edition version of the Px8s that Bowers & Wilkins created in collaboration with the supercar maker.
The best-noise canceling headphones for battery life
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
- Amazing battery life
- Outstanding sound
- Effective wind noise reduction
- Comfortable
- Effective ANC
- No auto-off function
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 293 g (10.3 oz) |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | ANC, Transparency |
| Battery life | Up to 55 hours with ANC, 60 hours without |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Yes |
Sennheiser may not collect the same fanfare as other titan headphone names, but when it comes to craftsmanship and performance, there's no doubt that your listening experience is going to be stellar when you invest in a set of Sennheisers, and the Momentum 4 Wireless are no exception.
Comfortable to wear and rocking only one button for all of your Bluetooth headphone needs (play/pause, answering calls, and adjusting noise-cancelation settings), the Momentum 4 comes out on top in two major categories — sound quality and battery life.
In terms of the former, you can expect to hear all kinds of details in songs you may have heard a million times over. This is thanks to Sennheiser's dedication to giving its listeners the most complete soundstage possible. Mids and highs are on point, with plenty of articulation and next to no distortion, and the bass is some of the best low-end we've heard from any set of headphones.
Now, are you ready for the crowning laurel? The Momentum 4 Wireless is rated for up to 60 hours of battery, and that's with active noise-cancelation enabled. This beats the Sony XM5 and Bose QC Ultra by a long shot, and frankly, competitive brands should use the Momentum 4 Wireless battery specs as a benchmark for future product designs.
The best noise-canceling headphones for Apple users
Apple AirPods Max
- Best-in-class ANC
- Amazing transparency mode
- Excellent build quality
- Excellent sound quality
- Top-notch call quality
- Charges via Lightning cable
- Heavy on head
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 384.8 g (13.6 oz) |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | ANC, Transparency |
| Battery life | Up to 20 hours with ANC |
| Hi-res Audio Support | They don't technically support |
Apple has been on a roll when it comes to personal audio. The second-generation AirPods Pro have finally landed, and so far have been another hit for their true wireless earbuds lineup. But for Apple fans who still prefer next-level over-ear cans, the AirPods Max (a stunningly beautiful — and expensive — set of over-ear ANC headphones) are still the way to go — or at least until the next generation of the AirPods Max comer along.
Their design, with aluminum-covered earcups, a weight-distributing mesh headband, and some of the most intuitive controls we've ever used, is truly exceptional. We can't say enough about the build quality, which puts most other high-end wireless cans to shame.
As Caleb Denison covers in his excellent review of the AirPods Max, sound quality is close, but not quite on par with the Sony WH-1000XM4s, but what really blew us away was the AirPods Max's noise-cancellation, transparency mode, and call quality — each of which is better than the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700, and that's saying something given how good the Bose are.
You could use the AirPods Max with non-Apple devices, but to do so would be an unfortunate waste of the AirPods Max's talents. They pair instantly with devices such as iPhones and Macs and can switch between them in a snap. The spatial audio feature that's compatible with both 1st- and 2nd-gen AirPods Pro, the Beats Fit Pro, and the AirPods 3 is amazing in the AirPods Max and can now be experienced with various iPhones, iPads, M1 or M2 Macs, Apple TV 4K, and more.
They're not perfect — we think their heavy weight will prevent people from wanting to wear them for long listening sessions, and their included protective case has rightfully become the object of ridicule for its non-existent protection. And then, of course, there's the price.
Still, if you're an Apple fan with money to invest in personal audio, you likely won't find a better set of active noise-canceling headphones than the AirPods Max.
The best noise-canceling headphones for kids
PuroQuiet Plus
- Built-in volume limiter
- Up to 23 hours of battery life with ANC
- Flexible and durable
- Fun colors
- Lacks the features of more advanced headphones
- OK sound quality
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 558 g (19.7 oz) |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | ANC, Passive |
| Battery life | Up to 23 hours with ANC, 35 hours without |
| Hi-res Audio Support | No |
The new generation of Puro Sound Labs' popular PuroQuiet kids headphones, the PuroQuiet Plus, have arrived, and while there aren't too many improvements over the last gen, that's not a bad thing considering how good they are.
The PuroQuiet Plus add USB-C and two new color options (purple and teal), but outside of that, the specs for these formidable ANC headphones for kids remain the same.
The key feature most parents will want with a pair of kids headphones is their volume-limiting ability, which the PuroQuiet Plus have, with a default limit of 85 decibels (that's considered the maximum volume that children should be exposed to for prolonged periods to prevent hearing damage over time).
PuroQuiet Plus' excellent active noise canceling also blocks out daily noise and background sounds to keep things peaceful and quiet to help keep kids calm and help them concentrate better.
As for sound quality, the PuroQuiet Plus sound pretty great for a pair of kids headphones, and call quality from its built-in mic is decent, too, if they should be used for remote learning, online gaming, or, er, talking to you on the actual phone. Bluetooth and wired connectivity make these headphones easy to connect to phones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other devices.
You'll also appreciate that while not exactly cheap, the PuroQuiet Plus are comfortable for long periods of wear, (up to 35 hours of non-ANC playtime, 23 hours with ANC) and have a very solid construction that will withstand at least some of the abuse kids can inflict. They're actually very reasonably priced for what they offer.
The best-noise canceling headphones for bass
Sony ULT Wear
- Great price
- Huge amounts of bass
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Very good transparency
- Wear sensors
- No USB-C audio
- May create headband pressure
- Limited spatial audio
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 255 g (9 oz) |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | ANC, Ambient |
| Battery life | Up to 30 hours with ANC, 50 without |
| Hi-res Audio Support | No |
The Sony ULT Wear headphones are meticulously engineered for audiophiles who crave a robust bass response and an immersive listening experience. These headphones incorporate Sony's cutting-edge noise-canceling technology, effectively isolating you from external noise and distractions and fully immersing yourself in your favorite tracks, podcasts, or films.
A hallmark feature of the ULT Wear is the innovative "ULT" button, designed to give users control over their audio experience. By pressing this button, you can toggle between two distinct levels of bass enhancement, catering to your mood and musical preferences. This flexibility elevates the listening experience, especially for fans of bass-heavy genres such as electronic dance music (EDM), hip-hop, and even cinematic soundtracks, delivering an intense low-end performance that resonates deeply.
Battery life is another standout aspect of these headphones; they offer an impressive duration that keeps the music flowing for up to 30 hours on a single charge, depending on usage. Plus, with quick-charge functionality, you can get several hours of playback from a short charging session, which is perfect for those on the go.
Regarding connectivity, the ULT Wear features Bluetooth technology for seamless pairing with your devices and supports voice assistant integration, adding another layer of convenience for hands-free control. Overall, the Sony ULT Wear headphones provide a dynamic and user-friendly experience for anyone looking to enhance their audio enjoyment, especially in bass-centric genres.
The best noise-canceling headphones for comfort
Sonos Ace
- Excellent design and comfort
- Intuitive tactile controls
- Very good sound quality
- Top-notch ANC and transparency
- Fun Sonos soundbar integration
- Lacks full Sonos system integration
- No Wi-Fi streaming
- TV Audio Swap needs improvement
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 313 g (11 oz) |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | ANC, Aware |
| Battery life | Up to 30 hours with ANC |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Yes |
The Sonos Ace is a leading choice in the noise-canceling headphone market due to its outstanding features and performance. It has become a favorite among audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Its active noise cancellation technology eliminates distracting background sounds, whether in a busy café, on a noisy commute, or relaxing at home. This creates an immersive listening experience, allowing you to enjoy your music or media fully.
The custom-designed 40mm drivers deliver audio with exceptional precision and clarity across all frequencies, faithfully reproducing every note, beat, and nuance. Whether listening to classical symphonies or the latest pop hits, the rich bass and crisp highs create a balanced sound profile that enhances all types of audio content.
Additionally, the Sonos Ace supports lossless audio streaming, enabling you to enjoy your favorite songs and albums in their highest quality without any compression. Including spatial audio with dynamic head tracking further enhances your experience, creating a three-dimensional sound environment. This feature makes it feel like you’re in the middle of the action, whether watching an intense action movie or listening to a soothing soundtrack.
Another advantage is that the Sonos Ace can easily integrate with other products, such as speakers and soundbars.
With its highly comfortable design, long battery life, and intuitive controls, the Sonos Ace provides exceptional sound quality and ensures a user-friendly experience. Features like customizable sound profiles through a companion app allow personalized listening preferences, while voice assistant integration adds convenience. Overall, the Sonos Ace is an impressive choice for anyone seeking high-performance headphones that excel in functionality and audio fidelity.
Frequently Asked Questions
They use exterior microphones to capture the sound around you. They then reproduce matching frequencies with the phase inverted to cancel ambient noise. Check out our full explainer on active noise cancelation, too.
Keep in mind, ANC (active noise cancellation) is very different from passive noise cancellation. Passive noise cancellation refers to the construction of the headphones, made with materials and fit to block out noise. ANC uses mics and generates matching feedback, which is much more effective at removing consistent background sounds.
If you plan on listening in noisy environments, absolutely. That could include busy traffic nearby, the rumbling of the train or subway you take, loud chattering in a cafe, or just the whine of an unexpectedly noisy radiator.
Not usually. Earplugs can typically do a better job of blocking out noise, but they don’t have the benefit of being able to play audio.
Yes, noise-canceling headphones will reduce outside noise without music playing, but things will almost always seem quieter when music is playing over the top.
We test headphones the way normal people live.
We run every pair of headphones through a rigorous process over several days. That includes playing them in all sorts of scenarios — be it on a bus, in the listening room, or at the office — and playing back from a wide array of sources. We know most people use their headphones with a smartphone, often with lower-quality MP3 resolution tracks, so we do too.
However, we also move up to high-resolution audio files, as well as a wide variety of sources, including plugging in directly to a PC or Mac, using USB DACs (digital-to-analog converters), and employing high-quality dedicated portable players and amplifiers. Finally, we compare the headphones to some of our go-to models, both in their class and price point, as well as a level or two above to find out if they can punch above their weight.
Transparency mode —which goes by several different names from brand to brand, such as social mode, world volume, and hear-through — works with the headphones' ANC mics, to allow some outside noise in, rather than blocking it. It's very handy when you want to be aware of the sounds around you, like listening for someone who may be calling out your name, or to an upcoming subway stop, or to a child crying, for example.
Any type of loud music or noise cancellation is going to make you less aware of your surroundings, so it's important to remember that that could cause some problems. That being said, noise cancellation isn't particularly dangerous: Loud, sudden sounds can still get through, and you can always switch to the transparency mode when you need to pay attention to what's going on around you.
Yes, ANC modes will drain the headphone battery faster. How much faster depends on the model, but you can expect the battery life to be around 1/3 shorter than without ANC. If you're worried about it impacting battery times, look for battery ratings with ANC turned on. We typically list any differences in our headphone reviews.
