Noise-cancelling headphones have become essential for travelers, commuters, remote workers, and audiophiles. In 2025, the best models combine powerful ANC, premium sound quality, and smart features like multipoint connectivity and adaptive transparency.
We’ve handpicked a selection of top noise-cancelling headphones to suit different budgets and preferences, whether you’re an audiophile looking for premium features or a budget-conscious consumer. The competition is fierce, but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM5 stand out for their top-notch active noise cancellation. Apple’s AirPods Max and the Sennheiser Accentum Plus also have strong offerings, catering to different needs. From tight fit to exceptional audio quality, there’s something for everyone. Keep reading for detailed comparisons to find your perfect pair.
Top 10 Noise-Cancelling Headphones (2025 Ranking)
- Sony WH-1000XM5 – Best overall balance of ANC, sound, and comfort.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones – Best noise cancellation and comfort.
- Apple AirPods Max – Best for Apple ecosystem users with premium sound.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless – Best for audiophiles with long battery life.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 – Best luxury design and premium build.
- Sony WF-1000XM5 (earbuds) – Best ANC earbuds with compact size.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds – Best earbuds for noise cancellation.
- Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 – Best studio-quality sound with ANC.
- Technics EAH-A800 – Best underrated choice with strong ANC and comfort.
- Anker Soundcore Space One – Best budget ANC headphones.
Comparison Table (Top 10 Noise-Cancelling Headphones 2025)
| Rank | Model | Type | Battery Life (ANC On) | Key Strengths | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Over-ear | ~30 hrs | Best all-rounder: ANC, sound, comfort, multipoint | $399 |
| 2 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Over-ear | ~24 hrs | Industry-leading ANC, lightweight, Immersive Audio | $429 |
| 3 | Apple AirPods Max | Over-ear | ~20 hrs | Seamless Apple integration, Spatial Audio | $549 |
| 4 | Sennheiser Momentum 4 | Over-ear | ~60 hrs | Audiophile-grade sound, marathon battery | $379 |
| 5 | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 | Over-ear | ~30 hrs | Luxury build, premium audio | $699 |
| 6 | Sony WF-1000XM5 | In-ear buds | ~8 hrs | Compact, best ANC earbuds, LDAC support | $299 |
| 7 | Bose QC Ultra Earbuds | In-ear buds | ~6 hrs | Top ANC in earbuds, Immersive Audio | $299 |
| 8 | Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 | Over-ear | ~45 hrs | Studio-quality sound, customizable ANC | $349 |
| 9 | Technics EAH-A800 | Over-ear | ~50 hrs | Great comfort, strong ANC, underrated gem | $349 |
| 10 | Anker Soundcore Space One | Over-ear | ~40 hrs | Affordable, solid ANC, LDAC support | $99 |
✅ Which One Should You Buy?
- Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM5
- Best ANC: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- Best for Apple Users: AirPods Max
- Best Battery Life: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
- Best Luxury: Bowers & Wilkins Px8
- Best Budget: Anker Soundcore Space One
👉 In short:
- Travelers & commuters: Bose QC Ultra or Sony XM5
- Audiophiles: Sennheiser Momentum 4 or B&W Px8
- Apple fans: AirPods Max
- Budget-conscious: Anker Soundcore Space One
Tune Out the World: Top Noise-Cancelling Headphones for 2025
Premium Picks: Top-Tier Performance
For those who demand the best, these headphones offer top-notch noise cancellation and exceptional sound quality.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: Leading the pack with unparalleled noise cancellation and immersive audio, these headphones are perfect for frequent travelers and audiophiles.
- Sony WH-1000XM5: Sony’s flagship model boasts impressive noise cancellation, a comfortable design, and a long-lasting battery, making them ideal for everyday use.
Mid-Range Options: Balancing Features and Affordability
These headphones offer a great balance of noise cancellation, sound quality, and price, making them a popular choice for many consumers.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: These headphones impress with their sleek design, comfortable fit, and well-rounded audio performance, making them a great all-around choice.
- Sony WH-CH720N: A more affordable option from Sony, these headphones still offer excellent noise cancellation and decent sound quality for their price.
Budget-Friendly Choices: Noise Cancellation on a Dime
Don’t break the bank to enjoy a peaceful listening experience. These budget-friendly options offer surprisingly good noise cancellation for their price.
- Soundcore by Anker Space One: With solid noise cancellation, long battery life, and a comfortable fit, these headphones are a steal for under $100.
- Earfun Wave Pro: These earbuds offer impressive noise cancellation for their price point, making them a great option for those on a tight budget.
Table: Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Comparison
| Headphones | Price (USD) | Noise Cancellation | Sound Quality | Battery Life | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | $379 | Excellent | Excellent | 24 hours | Immersive audio, adjustable EQ |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | $330 | Excellent | Excellent | 30 hours | Speak-to-chat, multipoint pairing |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless | $299 | Very Good | Very Good | 60 hours | Transparency mode, customizable sound |
| Sony WH-CH720N | $60 | Good | Good | 35 hours | Lightweight, compact design |
| Soundcore by Anker Space One | $100 | Good | Good | 40 hours | Multipoint pairing, EQ customization |
| Earfun Wave Pro | $80 | Good | Decent | 30 hours | IPX5 water resistance, compact design |
Key Takeaways
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM5 lead in noise cancellation.
- Apple and Sennheiser offer strong alternatives for different needs.
- Review comparisons to choose the best headphones for your needs.
Analysis of Top Noise-Cancelling Headphones
This section looks at the best noise-cancelling headphones, focusing on high-end features, user experience, and how each device stands out in the market.
High-End Market Segment
Top contenders in the premium market include the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones. Both models excel in active noise cancellation (ANC) and sound quality. The Apple AirPods Max also shines with its Adaptive EQ and Transparency Mode. These high-end options may come with higher price tags but offer unparalleled sound experiences and features.
Feature Evaluation and User Experience
The Sony WH-1000XM5 features dual processors that improve noise cancellation. These headphones also offer customizable EQ settings. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is known for its superior comfort and excellent microphone for voice calls. AirPods Max users benefit from seamless integration with iOS, which enhances the user experience.
Compatibility and Connectivity
The best headphones offer broad compatibility with iOS and Android. Sony WH-1000XM5 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and codecs like LDAC, SBC, and AAC, ensuring high-quality wireless connections. Apple AirPods Max performs best within the Apple ecosystem but also works with Android devices.
Value-Oriented Choices
For those on a budget, the Sennheiser HD 450BT and Soundcore Space One are excellent options. The Sennheiser HD 450BT provides good sound quality at a lower price point. Soundcore Space One offers active noise cancellation and decent sound for less than premium models.
Innovations in Audio Technology
Recent advancements include features like Spatial Audio in Sony WH-1000XM5 and 360 Reality Audio in Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds. The Focal Bathys also impresses with high-resolution audio support, catering to audiophiles seeking immersive experiences.
Evaluating Sound Profiles and ANC Performance
The Bose 700 is highly praised for its ANC capabilities, blocking out bass range noise effectively. AirPods Max employs Adaptive EQ to adjust sound dynamically. Sony WH-1000XM5 balances powerful bass and clear highs, making it ideal for a variety of music genres.
Real-World Usage Scenarios
In noisy environments like airplanes or city streets, Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra perform exceptionally well. The AirPods Max‘s Transparency Mode allows users to remain aware of their surroundings while enjoying their music. Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers durable design suitable for frequent travelers.
Design and Comfort
Comfort is a priority with soft ear cushions and adjustable headbands. Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM5 are lightweight and ergonomically designed. Apple AirPods Max features breathable canopy and memory foam ear cushions enhancing comfort during prolonged use.
Smart Features and Ecosystem Integration
Smart features like voice assistant support and multipoint connectivity have become standard. Sony WH-1000XM5 integrates with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. AirPods Max offers seamless switching between Apple devices, while Bose QuietComfort Ultra works well across different platforms.
Professional and Consumer Insights
Feedback from both professionals and users often highlight the strengths of these headphones. Bose QuietComfort Ultra is praised for amazing comfort and voice call quality. Sony WH-1000XM5 gains recognition for its sound customization options. Apple AirPods Max is noted for its refined design and ecosystem benefits.
