We’ve reviewed many of the top ANC headphones on the market and picked our favorites of the bunch. In this guide, we’ll cover the best noise-cancelling headphones for multiple use cases. Those looking for ANC headphones should use this guide to identify important features and capabilities based on your actual use case.
Long commute? Consider whether long battery life is more important than the best ANC. Love to exercise? Is the lightweight form factor of noise-cancelling earbuds worth the drop-off in ANC performance? We’re helping outline the key benefits of the top ANC headphones and helping you answer to make the best buying decision.
Below you’ll find a table summarizing our favorite noise-cancelling headphones followed by thorough reviews of each option.
Table of Contents
Best ANC Headphones For 2024
Comparison Table | Our Favorite Noise-Cancelling Headphones
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
| 9.7 | Check Price |
Budget Pick  |
| 9.5 | Check Price |
Best ANC Earbuds  |
| 9.1 | Check Price |
Best For Work  |
| 8.8 | Check Price |
Best For iPhone Users  |
| 8.6 | Check Price |
Best For Travel  |
| 8.2 | Check Price |
Sony WH-1000XM5 | Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Overall
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are a game-changer in the world of active noise cancellation technology, making them the undisputed leaders in their category. Retailing at $399, these ANC headphones offer an exceptional combination of stunning design, advanced features, and unrivaled performance. With their sleek and premium appearance, these are a pair of headphones that stand out from the crowd. But it’s the innovative noise-cancelling capabilities that truly set them apart and make them our top pick. Sony’s Integrated Processor V1, coupled with eight microphones, delivers unparalleled noise cancellation for those looking for the best ANC performance. The headphones excel in isolating you from external distractions and unwanted background noise, making them the perfect companion in any environment. Features like Bluetooth multipoint, touch controls, adaptive noise cancellation, wear detection, LDAC, DSEE, and more outpace any other wireless noise-cancelling headphones you can buy today.
Furthermore, the WH-1000XM5 headphones boast exceptional call quality, impressive battery life of up to 30 hours (with ANC), and quick charging capabilities. Sony’s Headphones Connect app is also one of the best available. The companion app extends the functionality of the Sony headphones by allowing users to control the level of ANC, tweak a plethora of settings, and facilitate future device updates. Most importantly, the app can be used to customize the WH-1000XM’s sound based on your liking by adjusting the EQ and Clear Bass setting. While they aren’t cheap, the price tag matches the premium performance, and probably the best-looking headphones we’ve seen. If you’re searching for the absolute best noise-cancelling headphones, look no further than the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Runner Up: Sony WH-1000XM4
Soundcore Space Q45 | Best Budget Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Incredible Overall Value
- Rivals ANC of Premium Competitors
- Great Companion App & Features
Effective noise cancellation doesn’t have to break the bank. The Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 headphones, at an affordable $150, give higher-priced competitors a run for their money. They showcase great comfort with padded ear cups, an improved dual-hinge folding design, and excellent noise-cancelling ability. They house Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint pairing and LDAC audio codec support, ideal for wireless streaming high-resolution music. It’s most impressive feature might be it’s beefy battery. You can expect an impressive battery life of up to 50 hours with ANC (65 without). That’s a particularly great feature for commuters and travelers who don’t want to constantly stress about their battery. Its fast charging capability (5-minute charge = 4 hours of playback) is also among the best available.
The Soundcore Space Q45 also sound great. They’re dynamic EQ is a great choice for those who want bass-heavy headphones. While they have a bass-heavy sound profile by default, don’t hesitate to personalize using the Soundcore companion app’s graphic EQ and extensive presets. Equipped with a hard case, these headphones fold making them fairly portable and travel ready. The Soundcore Space Q45 is the best pair of ANC headphones for those looking to get the most noise-cancelling performance at an affordable price tag.
Runner Up: Soundcore Life Q35
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II | Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
- Great ANC in Light Form Factor
- Secure Fit + Solid Companion App
- Long Battery Life With Case
Stepping into the spotlight as top-tier noise-canceling earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II perform extremely well at blocking outside noise. In-ear headphones already excel at passive noise cancellation, but impressive active noise cancellation can be disappointing. Not with the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. These Bose true wireless earbuds headphones offer the best noise-cancelling for those who prefer lightweight earbuds. Offering over six hours of battery life with ANC and three extra charges via the case, they ensure prolonged music bliss. Don’t be fooled by the bass-heavy sound that may add some extra thump perfect for EDM, Hip Hop, and Pop. They also offer customization via a graphic EQ in Bose headphones companion app.
While the new Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are missing multi-device pairing, they compensate with improved comfort, a 30% smaller design, and a pocketable case. The innovative CustomTune sound calibration system also offers a tailored audio experience while enhancing voice-call performance. Further, with the new two-piece Fit Kit system replacing the one-piece StayEar wingtips, users should have less difficulty finding a secure fit. Despite few trade-offs, these Bose headphones deliver and significantly raise the bar in more ways than one. They’re our top choice for the best noise-cancelling earbuds. They deliver excellent noise cancellation in a form factor more appealing for those who prioritize portability and charging on the go.
Runner Up: Soundcore Space A40
Bose QuietComfort 45 | Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones For Work
- Extremely Comfortable To Wear
- Bluetooth Multipoint & Fast Charging
- Solid Battery Life
For those who need headphones for work, blocking background noise like nearby chatter and rustling papers is important. Having wireless headphones that are comfortable to wear is also a priority. The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones take the crown for being the best noise-canceling headphones for work, mainly due to their unparalleled comfort. These Bose noise-canceling headphones blend the tried-and-true design of the QC35 II with a few new features. They deliver good noise-cancelling performance users will need in noisy bustling work environments. More importantly, you won’t find a more comfortable pair of wireless over-ear headphones. With ample soft memory foam padding on each ear cup, the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are insanely comfortable. When listening to music or podcast during a long work session, users won’t be concerned with distracting noise or discomfort wearing the headphones.
With multipoint Bluetooth pairing and improved call quality, transitioning between devices for phone and Zoom calls is also seamless with the Bose QC45. Their sound quality is slightly more balanced than the bass-heavy Sony WH-1000XM5. While some may enjoy the more neutral audio quality, users have the added flexibility of adjusting the bass and EQ through the companion app. While there’s no option to turn off noise cancellation without enabling transparency mode, the QC45 still offers solid battery life (24 hours) and fast charging (15-minute charge for 3 hours). Its noise-cancelling prowess and otherworldly comfort make the Bose QuietComfort 45 the best ANC headphones if you want a trusty workplace companion.
Runner Up: Sony WH-1000XM5
Apple AirPods Max | Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones For iPhone Users
- Seamless Integration For Apple Ecosystem
- Premium & Elegant Design
- Excellent Sound Quality
The case is pretty clear for iPhone lovers who want to choose the best noise-cancelling headphones. The premium AirPods Max noise-cancelling over-ear headphones stand out as the best noise-canceling headphones for iPhone users due to their seamless compatibility with Apple’s ecosystem. Boasting top-tier noise cancellation, a spatial audio feature, and Adaptive EQ which tailors frequency response to your environment, they deliver offer performance and advanced capabilities. The Airpods Max provides surprising comfort with its sleek and fancy-looking adjustable mesh canopy headband.
More than just the ability to effectively reduce cancel street noise and ambient chatter, the headphones sound excellent. Despite no support for more advanced codecs like LDAC and aptX, most will enjoy the slightly-bassy default EQ and impressive audio fidelity. For wired audio, a Lightning-to-USB-C cable can be used at an additional cost. Additional functions like EQ customization and other smart features are available for those already in Apple’s ecosystem. This along with all-around great performance makes the Airpods Max the best noise-cancelling headphones on this list for iPhone owners.
Runner Up: Apple AirPods Pro
Sennheiser Momentum 4 | Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones For Travel
- Extra Long Battery Life (60 w/ ANC)
- Great Connectivity & Codec Support
- Understated & Comfortable Design
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones triumph as the best noise-canceling headphones for travel, owing to their exceptional 60-hour battery life. Offering good noise isolation, amazing battery life, and a comfortable design, these Bluetooth headphones present an ideal experience for travelers and commuters. The 42mm drivers provide an immersive sound quality that’s on par with other high-end models, featuring well-defined bass, a wide soundstage, and smooth treble. EQ customization to achieve the best sound for your preferences is available through the companion app.
Adding to their appeal for travelers, the Momentum 4 headphones use multipoint connectivity and support a range of Bluetooth codecs. That includes support for aptX and LDAC codecs, which will help in streaming higher-quality audio wirelessly. Despite the premium price tag, their endurance, comfort, and high-quality sound make them worth the investment for commuters and frequent travelers. You always want devices that help you make the best of any situation. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 will deliver for travelers looking to cancel noise around them, as well as avoid battery anxiety when away from a charger. They’re the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2023 for commuting and travel. While among the best across a number of other measures, the Momentum 4 ANC headphones take the crown for the best battery life.
Runner Up: Soundcore Space Q45
What Makes Noise-Cancelling Headphones Useful?
Picture this. You’ve just boarded a 12-hour flight, settling into a symphony of clattering tray tables, wailing babies, and the omnipresent hum of engines. Your escape? A pair of the best noise-cancelling headphones. All that distracting noise is replaced by your favorite tunes or the gentle hush of silence. A pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones can be a lifesaver for those who simply want to hear just their music. Great headphones with active noise cancelling are the most effective way to accomplish this.
Active noise-cancelling uses onboard technology along with the passive noise isolation the material on headphones and earbuds already provide to reduce ambient noise as much as possible. It’s not just travelers who can benefit. When it comes to your daily life, having noise-cancelling headphones around can offer convenient protection from external distractions. Noise-cancelling headphones also can be useful for commuters to mute the rumble of a train or the voices in the coffee shop. Work from home? Cancel the noise of a ratting dryer nearby or the landscapers outside with their loud leaf blowers. In the workplace, great noise cancellation can allow you to focus on your actual work and not the noisy co-workers.
How Noise-Cancelling Headphones Protect Hearing Health
The versatility of noise-cancelling headphones extends beyond the confines of a cramped airplane or rattling train car. They also provide another benefit not mentioned enough. Many people often increase the volume of their music to mitigate surrounding noise. Cranking your tunes when listening to music can have negative effects including possible hearing loss. The best active noise cancellation performance isn’t required to see immediate improvement. An average pair of noise-cancelling headphones will allow users to listen to their music at more comfortable volumes. That’s great for peace of mind and your overall hearing health.
How To Choose The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Our pick for the best headphones with noise-cancelling isn’t the same for all users. Some will prioritize different features based on their use case. Below are a few different things you might want to focus on when you’re looking for the best noise-cancelling headphones based on your preferences.
Design and Comfort
A pair of premium active noise-cancelling headphones should evoke a positive sentiment. For you, it could be the slim, sleek aesthetic of the Px7 S2 headphones or something more subtle. After all, they’re more than just an accessory; they’re an extension of your personal style, a signature mark of your identity. The choice should reflect who you are and where you’ll be using these headphones most often. That means considering other things such as the actual form factor of the headphones.
Over-Ear vs Earbuds vs On-Ear
Beyond aesthetics, physical design plays a critical role in functionality and comfort. You’ll find that over-ear headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation compared to the other form factors. Their larger drivers also mean better sound quality on average. The trade-off, however, can be a bulkier size, although advancements in design have led to more compact, lightweight models.
On the other hand, in-ear and on-ear headphones have made significant strides, offering compelling noise-cancellation capabilities in more portable packages. If an unobtrusive size appeals to you, these could be the ideal option. Do remember, though, comfort is paramount. Ample padding and adjustable designs ensure your headphones feel like a natural extension of your head, rather than an intrusive appendage. For those looking for workout headphones, true wireless earbuds might be preferable since they’re much lighter and cooler.
Controls
Now, let’s venture to another key part of headphones design – the controls. Playback management could be either through physical buttons or touch controls, and your personal preference plays a key role here. Some might find the tactile feedback of physical buttons reassuring, while others might relish the sleek swipe of touch controls. Touch controls are popular on many headphones you can buy right now. While nice, they aren’t always the most intuitive when on the go or working out.
Battery Life
A long journey commute or travel can push the limits of the battery on any device. That’s why when considering the best noise-cancelling headphones, you cannot underestimate the importance of battery life. Active noise-cancelling technology uses additional power. While it’s a small price to pay for the important technology, it makes battery life more important. Hence, selecting a pair that can sustain long stretches between charges becomes crucial.
A few headphones can provide an impressive battery life of over 50 hours with ANC enabled. Yet, on the whole, you should aim for at least 30 hours of battery life from a pair of over-ear headphones if long battery life is a priority. As for noise-cancelling wireless earbuds, you can expect 4 to 6 hours of battery life on average. Luckily, wireless earbuds have charging cases that can typically charge them 2 or 3 times before requiring a refill.
Fast Charging
But what does this mean for the avid traveler or the daily commuter? It’s simple. How long will you typically be away from a charger? Or do you just enjoy the convenience of not having to stress over charging every other day? Longer battery life offers freedom, reliability, and the assurance that your headphones won’t desert you mid-journey. Yet, even the beefier batteries will inevitably need a recharge.
This is where the magic of fast charge comes into play. The Sony WH-1000XM5 can gain 3 hours of battery life from a 3-minute charge. That’s a short detour that can help get you through a commute or to your hotel room. Not all ANC headphones offer fast charging. It should be a priority feature for those constantly on the go.
Noise Cancellation Performance
How well the headphones actually cancel noise will of course key consideration for many. In recent years, it might not be as important to nitpick thought. All the headphones on our list will provide noticeable differences in everyday life. While a premium price tag like the Bose 700 headphones does provide great noise-cancelling, more affordable options than ever can actually compete.
Frequent travelers or those with particularly challenging commutes may want to target best-in-class noise-cancelling. It will benefit most users to focus on other elements such as comfortability, design, connectivity, and sound quality.
Picking The Best ANC Headphones: FAQs
What Are The Negatives of Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Headphones with active noise-cancelling technology offer more benefits than anything. The only drawbacks would be lower battery life and loss of situational awareness. Targeting headphones with long battery life and learning to adjust ANC level or utilize transparency mode can mitigate these drawbacks.
Are Noise-Cancelling Headphones Better For Your Hearing?
ANC headphones can definitely offer protection from noise-induced hearing loss. Listening at safe levels is always always the responsibility of the listener. ANC headphones help reduce the urge to raise the volume to fight external noise encouraging safer listening levels.
Are Budget Noise-Cancelling Headphones Good?
There has been a huge increase in affordable ANC headphones that perform well in recent years. Budget options such as the Soundcore Space Q45 and Monoprice BT-600ANC can rival much more expensive options when it comes to reducing ambient noise.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.