Top 10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones of 2025: Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
Finding the perfect pair of noise-cancelling headphones can feel a bit overwhelming—there are so many options to choose from, all with different features, sound profiles, and price points. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape while traveling ✈️, focused concentration at work 🧑💻, or just a peaceful environment at home 🏡, the right pair can make all the difference.
In 2025, noise-cancelling headphones are more advanced than ever before. So, let’s dive into the top 10 best noise-cancelling headphones for this year. We’ll look at what makes them stand out, how they compare to one another, and which one might be the best fit for you!
1. Sony WH-1000XM5 – The Ultimate All-Rounder 🌟
If you’ve been looking for the gold standard in noise cancellation, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is it. Sony has been the leader in this space for years, and the WH-1000XM5 is a testament to their excellence. The noise cancellation is nearly perfect—great for blocking out office chatter 🗣️, the hum of a plane ✈️, or the buzz of city life 🏙️. Sound quality is also top-notch, with a rich, balanced sound profile. Plus, they’re comfortable for long hours of wear 💤.
Key Features:
- 🚫 Industry-leading noise cancellation
- 🔋30-hour battery life
- 🎶Exceptional sound quality with LDAC support
- 🏋️Comfortable and lightweight design
Who It’s For: Frequent travelers, commuters, and anyone looking for a premium listening experience.
2. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 – Style Meets Function 😎
Bose has been a major player in noise-canceling tech for years, and the Bose 700 series continues that legacy. These headphones are known for their superb sound quality 🎶, but what really stands out is their customizable noise cancellation. With 11 levels to choose from, you can adjust how much of the outside world you want to block out 🌍. The build quality is sleek and modern, and they’re also extremely comfortable 👌.
Key Features:
- 🔊Adjustable noise cancellation
- 🔋20-hour battery life
- 📞4-microphone system for better call quality
- 👆Premium design with touch controls
Who It’s For: Anyone who values customization and high-end call quality along with amazing sound.
3. Apple AirPods Max – The Best for Apple Ecosystem Users 🍏
Apple’s AirPods Max is a strong contender in the noise-cancelling headphones category. These headphones feature the same incredible noise cancellation you’d expect from the AirPods lineup, but with a hefty premium for the build quality and Apple ecosystem integration 🍎. If you already use Apple products, you’ll appreciate how seamlessly these headphones sync with your devices 📱.
Key Features:
- 🌪️Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with Transparency mode
- 🌀Spatial audio support with dynamic head tracking
- 🔋20-hour battery life
- 🏗️Premium aluminum and stainless steel build
Who It’s For: Apple users looking for seamless integration and high-quality sound.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 – Audiophile’s Dream 🎶
If you prioritize sound above all else, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is a fantastic option. Known for their audio expertise, Sennheiser delivers deep bass and clear highs without compromising on noise cancellation 🚫. They may not be as aggressive as Sony or Bose in terms of noise blocking, but they strike a solid balance between sound quality and effective cancellation 🎧.
Key Features:
- 🎧Superior sound quality with high-definition audio
- 🔋60-hour battery life
- 🛋️Comfortable, well-cushioned design
- 📱Excellent app for customization
Who It’s For: Audiophiles and people who want great sound alongside solid noise cancellation.
5. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 – Premium Build & Sound 🔝
Bowers & Wilkins is synonymous with luxury audio, and the PX7 is no exception. These headphones deliver high-fidelity sound 🎶 and solid noise cancellation. The design is ultra-premium, with high-grade materials like carbon fiber and leather 🐄. The sound profile is dynamic and rich, ideal for those who love clear vocals and precise instrument separation 🎸.
Key Features:
- 💎Premium materials and build
- 🔋30-hour battery life
- 📱Customizable sound settings via app
- 🌍Effective noise cancellation
Who It’s For: Luxury audio lovers looking for both great sound and excellent noise isolation.
6. Jabra Elite 85h – Best for Durability 💪
Jabra’s Elite 85h offers an excellent mix of durability, comfort, and performance. The build quality is one of the best, with water and dust resistance 🌧️ making them perfect for outdoor use or workouts 🏋️. The noise cancellation isn’t as powerful as Sony or Bose, but it’s still quite effective, especially for the price 💵.
Key Features:
- 🌊Water and dust-resistant design
- 🔋36-hour battery life
- 🌎SmartSound technology adapts ANC to surroundings
- 📞Excellent call quality
Who It’s For: People who need durable, all-around headphones with great call quality.
7. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX – Luxury with Style ✨
Bang & Olufsen is known for combining high-quality sound with stylish design, and the Beoplay HX is no different. These headphones offer impressive sound, effective noise cancellation, and all-day comfort 🛋️. The materials used, including lambskin 🐑 and aluminum, give them a luxury feel. While they don’t have the strongest ANC in comparison to other models, they still provide a solid noise-blocking experience 🔇.
Key Features:
- 💎Luxurious design with premium materials
- 🔋35-hour battery life
- 🎶Excellent sound performance
- 🌿Comfortable, lightweight build
Who It’s For: Style-conscious individuals who want a mix of luxury and performance.
8. Sony WH-CH720N – Best Budget Noise Cancelling 💲
If you’re looking for noise cancellation on a budget, the Sony WH-CH720N delivers solid performance at a fraction of the cost of high-end models 💸. While they don’t have the same level of premium features, they still offer effective noise cancellation and great sound quality 🎶.
Key Features:
- 🔋35-hour battery life
- 🛠️Dual noise sensor technology
- 😌Comfortable fit
- 💵Great value for money
Who It’s For: Budget-conscious buyers looking for solid noise cancellation without the high price tag.
9. Anker Soundcore Space NC – Best Value 💯
For those who want great value, the Anker Soundcore Space NC is a standout. Anker is known for delivering budget-friendly products that punch above their weight 🥊. The noise cancellation isn’t the best on the market, but it’s more than adequate for casual listening and travel ✈️.
Key Features:
- 🔋20-hour battery life
- 🌍Effective hybrid ANC
- 💰Great value for money
- 🛋️Comfortable design
Who It’s For: Those looking for an affordable noise-cancelling solution without sacrificing too much on quality.
10. Shure AONIC 50 – Professional-Grade Sound 🎙️
Shure’s AONIC 50 headphones are a great option for those who want professional-grade audio combined with noise cancellation. The sound is accurate and clear, making them perfect for critical listening 🎧, while the ANC ensures you can enjoy your music without distractions 🔇.
Key Features:
- 🎶 High-definition audio with a balanced sound profile
- 🔋20-hour battery life
- 🏗️ Professional-grade build
- 🌍Adjustable noise cancellation
Who It’s For: Audio professionals and people who want precision sound with solid noise isolation.
Quick Comparison of Top Picks 🏆
Headphones | Noise Cancellation | Battery Life | Sound Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Excellent | 30 hours | Excellent | Travelers, Commuters | |
Adjustable | 20 hours | Excellent | Customization, Call Quality | |
Excellent | 20 hours | Excellent | Apple Ecosystem Users | |
Good | 60 hours | Exceptional | Audiophiles | |
Good | 36 hours | Good | Durability, Workouts |
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose? 🤔
When it comes to noise-cancelling headphones, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose 700 remain the top picks for overall performance, but your choice will depend on your specific needs. Are you an audiophile who values sound quality above all else? Go for the Sennheiser Momentum 4. Need a durable pair for the outdoors? The Jabra Elite 85h might be just what you need.
Consider your lifestyle, preferences, and budget 💸, and you’ll find the perfect pair to block out the world 🌍 and enjoy your music in peace 🎶. Happy listening! 🎧
FAQ
1. What Are the Best Overall Noise Cancelling Headphones?
The best overall noise-canceling headphones combine excellent sound quality, effective noise reduction, comfort, and durability. Some of the top contenders in the market include:
- Sony WH-1000XM5: Known for its superior noise cancellation, rich sound quality, and long battery life, these headphones are widely considered the best in the industry.
- Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700: With exceptional noise-canceling capabilities and a premium, comfortable design, Bose is a top choice for frequent travelers and audiophiles.
- Apple AirPods Max: For Apple users, the AirPods Max offers excellent sound, active noise cancellation (ANC), and seamless integration with Apple devices.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 combines premium sound, long battery life, and high-quality ANC, making them a great all-around choice.
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95: With incredible build quality and audio performance, these are premium noise-canceling headphones offering a sophisticated design and excellent sound isolation.
These brands provide a variety of models, so it’s important to select based on your personal preferences, such as sound quality, comfort, and special features like wireless connectivity or custom sound settings.
2. Which Is Better, ANC or ENC?
When deciding between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), it’s important to understand the purpose of each:
ANC (Active Noise Cancellation): This technology uses microphones to detect external noise and generates sound waves to cancel out unwanted noise. ANC is most effective for reducing low-frequency sounds like engine noise or air conditioning and is ideal for quiet, immersive listening in environments like airplanes or crowded offices.
ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation): This technology is mainly used in microphones to reduce ambient noise during calls, ensuring that your voice is clearer even in noisy environments. ENC is more focused on improving voice quality during communication rather than blocking external noise for listening.
Which is better? It depends on your needs:
- If you want to block out ambient sounds and enjoy music or podcasts in peace, ANC is better.
- If you need clearer calls or video conferences in noisy places, ENC is the better choice.
3. Which Type of Noise Cancellation Is Best?
There are several types of noise cancellation to consider when choosing headphones:
Passive Noise Isolation: This refers to headphones that physically block out external noise by creating a seal around your ears. These are typically over-ear headphones with a snug fit and can reduce noise without electronics but aren’t as effective as active systems.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): This technology uses microphones to detect ambient sound and cancels it out using opposite sound waves. ANC is generally the most effective option for blocking consistent background noise, like the hum of an airplane engine or traffic.
Hybrid Noise Cancellation: Hybrid ANC systems use both feedforward and feedback microphones for more effective noise cancellation. This type of ANC offers superior performance by adapting to different noise environments more effectively.
Which is best? For the highest quality noise cancellation, Hybrid ANC typically delivers the best results, followed by traditional ANC systems. Passive noise isolation can also be a good choice for reducing noise, but it’s less effective than active solutions.
4. Are Noise Cancelling Headphones Worth It?
Noise-canceling headphones are definitely worth it for many users, depending on how and where they plan to use them. Here are some of the benefits:
- Improved focus: Noise cancellation helps eliminate distractions, which can be particularly useful in busy environments like offices, coffee shops, or public transport.
- Better sound quality: By reducing ambient noise, ANC headphones allow you to hear more details in your music or podcasts, improving the overall audio experience.
- Reduced ear fatigue: With noise cancellation, you can listen to music or talk for longer periods without needing to increase the volume to drown out external noise.
- Enhanced travel experience: Noise-canceling headphones are a game-changer for frequent travelers, providing relief from the constant hum of airplanes and train engines.
However, if you don’t spend a lot of time in noisy environments or prioritize portability and budget over performance, non-ANC headphones might suit you better.
In general, for anyone frequently exposed to noise or looking for an enhanced audio experience, noise-canceling headphones are well worth the investment.