Enjoy the sound of silence with these noise-canceling headphones
Drowning out the noise is essential, especially if you’re on a long flight. Here are our favorite options, whether you prefer wired, wireless, or even earbuds.
These days, having a pair of high-quality noise-canceling headphones is a must, especially when it comes to flights and long trips. They can help enhance the richness of that new album or block out other peoples’ conversations.
“Choosing the best noise-canceling headphones can be tricky as it can depend on what you want to use them for,” says Phil Wannell, founder of Audio Concierge, a U.K.-based retailer. If you’re using them mainly to listen to podcasts, where music production isn’t as important, then many active noise-canceling (ANC) headphones will do. Just choose the pair that’s most comfortable, Wannell advises. “If, however, you are looking for accuracy with music playback as a defining feature, then brands such as Bowers & Wilkins provide a superb balance of audio reproduction and ANC for a great price” he says.
With that in mind, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones made the top spot for best overall noise-canceling headphones. We like the sleek design, plush comfort, and top-notch audio quality. We found more great options suitable for different needs. Learn more below.
Our picks for the best noise-canceling headphones
• Best Over Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5
• Best Budget Noise-Canceling Headphones: SoundCore by Anker Life Q20
• Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds: Samsung Galaxy Buds2
• Best Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones: Sony WH-CH720N
• Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Airplane: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
• Best Bluetooth Noise-Canceling Headphones: JBL Live 770NC
• Best Wire Noise-Canceling Headphones: Sony MDR-ZX110NC
• Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Kids: Altec Lansing Kid Safe Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
The best headphones for noise-canceling
These are the best headphones that cancel noise, suitable for a variety of needs.
Best overall: Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: With multiple listening modes and plush construction, the stylish Bose QuietComfort Headphones are our choice for best overall noise-canceling headphones.
While Quiet Mode helps block surrounding noises for an immersive audio experience, Aware Mode lets you hear what your children or pets are up to. The cushioned pods and snug band help keep the headphones in place, even while doing chores or working out.
With high-fidelity sound and a battery life of up to 24 hours, you can listen to your tunes all day. The Bose QuietComfort is a versatile pair for just about anyone and comes in five elegant colors.
Keep in mind: Reviewers noted the Bluetooth connectivity sometimes switches automatically between devices.
Product details: Colors: 5 | Weight: 8.32 oz. | Battery life: Up to 24 hours
Best over ear: Sony WH-1000XM5
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best over-ear noise-canceling headphones for two reasons: the cushioned, leather-coated earpads and accessible touch buttons. Both features make this a comfortable and convenient pair to have on hand.
Besides the simple design and ergonomic build, these headphones have eight microphones designed to help detect and reduce ambient sounds. With a carrying case and battery life that allows nearly 40 hours of play time when noise-canceling is off, according to the company, this pair is a good option for tossing in your backpack for a long day out.
Keep in mind: These headphones may not be the best option for eyeglass wearers. Some reviewers reported fatigue and discomfort while using them.
Product details: Colors: 3 | Weight: 8.8 oz. | Battery life: Up to 40 hours with noise-canceling off; 30 hours with noise-canceling on
Best budget: SoundCore by Anker Life Q20
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: At under $100, the SoundCore by Anker Life Q20 steps up to the podium as one of the most affordable noise-canceling headphones with plenty of thoughtful features.
With technology designed to pump up the bass and a certified high-resolution audio system, the Life Q20s offer top-notch sound quality at a lower price than most other brands on the market.
According to the company, the noise-canceling algorithm blocks out nearly 100 percent of ambient noise, allowing you to listen to songs or movies with minimal interference. The memory foam pods offer a comfortable seal, while the headband adjusts for a secure fit.
Keep in mind: The noise-canceling feature may not suppress high frequency sounds, such as lawn mower engines or wailing sirens. That could be a dealbreaker for customers who want to wear these while gardening or walking around the city.
Product details: Colors: 3 | Weight: 9.28 oz. | Battery life: Up to 40 hours
Best earbuds: Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro are our choice for best earbuds that cancel noise, thanks to their discreet design, upgraded sound quality, and innovative features like real-time language translations through Galaxy AI.
Most earbuds provide some level of noise cancellation by virtue of their construction. However, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro take it to the next level with a “smart” ANC that turns off when it detects your voice. These buds offer up to eight hours of play time, four controls (including voice assistance and muting), and additional ear tips for a good fit.
Keep in mind: Since earbuds are designed to go into your ears with no attached wires, they might fall out during high-movement tasks, such as working out or housework.
Product details: Colors: 3 | Weight: 1.92 oz. | Battery life: Up to 8 hours
Best wireless: Sony WH-CH720N
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: The Sony WH-CH720N are the best wireless noise-canceling headphones on this list because of their enhanced connectivity. You can link them to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, avoiding all the tedious unpairing and pairing when, for example, a call comes in.
With a slim headband for comfort and up to 50 hours of battery life of active headphone use (without noise-canceling), these are a good choice for having high-fidelity audio without being tied down by wires.
Keep in mind: These wireless headphones don’t come with a carrying case.
Product details: Colors: 2 | Weight: About 3.5 oz. | Battery life: Up to 50 hours
Best for airplane: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e headphones have ergonomic pads that hug your ears, providing a secure fit for reducing in-flight noise. This pair also stands out for its additional layer of customized noise-cancellation through the Bowers & Wilkins app, allowing you to adjust your preferences acutely.
Beautifully designed in four colors, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e noise-canceling headphones don’t skimp on immersive sound quality. The rapid charge function is especially handy when you’re waiting for your plane—the company says these headphones charge in 15 minutes, with seven hours of playing time.
Keep in mind: This set is heavier than other headphones on our list, which can make them uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Product details: Colors: 4 | Weight: 10.8 oz. | Battery life: Up to 30 hours
Best Bluetooth: JBL Live 770NC
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: With a battery life that offers up to 65 hours of play time without ANC and connectivity for linking two devices at the same time, the JBL Live 770NC are the best Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones. We also appreciate that this pair takes five minutes to power up to four hours of listening, according to the company.
A bonus: the smart, motion-detecting system automatically plays or pauses when you put them on or take them off.
Keep in mind: Customer reviews mention the noise-canceling feature lets in some sounds, when playing back music.
Product details: Colors: 4 | Weight: 9 oz. | Battery life: Up to 65 hours
Best wire: Sony MDR-ZX110NC
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Wireless connectivity may be all the rage, but with wired headphones, you don’t have to worry about battery life. The Sony MDR-ZX110NC wired noise-canceling headphones have a solid, hard-to-tangle build, with a 3.94-foot cable for nonstop audio sessions. The cushioned, foldable ear pads help provide a secure, ergonomic fit for added comfort and portability.
Just like our wireless headphone picks, the Sony MDR-ZX110NC has great noise-canceling technology, with reviewers saying it’s pretty solid tech, especially at under $50.
Keep in mind: They’re only available in black.
Product details: Colors: 1 | Weight: 5.29 oz. | Battery life: does not apply
Best for kids: Altec Lansing Kid Safe Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: The Altec Lansing Kid Safe Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones get top marks due to their good quality, affordability, and wide range of colors.
According to the company, these headphones are durable, sweatproof, and comfortable—great for active use and extended audio sessions. The noise-canceling features help block ambient noise so your kid can stay focused on educational content.
We also appreciate that the volume is limited to 85 decibels, to help protect your little one’s hearing.
Appropriate for children aged seven or older, the Altec Lansings can work for a variety of activities including homeschooling and video games.
Keep in mind: The battery life is limited, so you may have to charge them daily.
Product details: Colors: 12 | Weight: 10.8 oz. | Battery life: Up to 15 hours
How we chose the best noise-canceling headphones
To find the best noise-canceling headphones, we sifted through dozens of brands, listings, customer reviews, and Reddit discussions, plus our personal experience. Here’s what we weighed:
- Third-party reviews: Marketing can certainly be convincing, but nothing speaks louder than real customers. We made sure that people who spent their hard-earned money on the headphones listed above had only great things to say about them.
- Audio quality: How things actually sound is the main consideration when looking for noise-canceling headphones—We looked for models that consistently garnered high marks for sound quality.
- Battery life: The best noise-canceling headphones last for several hours (or days) between charges. That’s especially important for travelers or anyone without easy access to a power source.
- Comfort: If you’re going to be wearing headphones for hours on end, it’s crucial that they feel good.
- Materials and construction: So much of what determines a quality piece of audio equipment are the raw materials used to make them. We prioritized brands known for building products that last.
- Features: Handy traits, like multiple listening modes, are nice to have. We looked for headphones that had some (but not too many) extra details to help make using them better.
Tips for buying good noise-canceling headphones
Consider these factors when you’re shopping for noise-canceling headphones.
Brand
It isn’t necessary to purchase headphones from a well-known brand, but there is value in it. Lean toward names that have been around for a few years and are generally respected for making durable, high-quality gear.
Wired or wireless
Most headphones today have Bluetooth connectivity but find what’s right for you. If you work from home, then the convenience of wired headphones may suit you best. Frequent travelers may find wireless headphones the better option, although they require regular charging.
Padding and fit
Comfort is an important factor, whether you realize it or not. Look for headphones with ultra-plush padding and adjustable bands to get a perfect fit.
Weight
The more features your headphones have, the heavier they tend to be (due to the necessary hardware additions). Make sure you’re not overburdened with weight, but don’t settle for cheap, flimsy headphones.
Price
Typically, the more you spend, the higher the quality. Of course, it’s important to stay within your budget. But if noise-canceling headphones are a key part of your daily life, it may be worth it to invest in a pair with crystal-clear audio built to last.
What are noise-canceling headphones?
Noise-canceling headphones are headphones that block external sounds in your environment, leaving just the audio that you’re listening to.
How do noise-canceling headphones work?
Noise-canceling headphones work by detecting the sounds around you (or more specifically, around the headphones) and sending the opposite signal to cancel them out, leaving just what is emanating from the headphones’ speakers. They can help you focus on music or on a task. One study showed that noise-canceling headphones can be effective tools in music therapy for helping reduce pain and anxiety in some patients.
Frequently asked questions
What are the disadvantages of noise-canceling headphones?
Noise-canceling headphones tend to have a much lower battery life, compared to non-noise-canceling models. They also limit awareness of your surroundings because they prevent you from hearing what’s going on around you.
Which headphone has the highest noise cancellation?
While it’s hard to determine which headphones have the highest empirical noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are consistently a top-rated model by various testing institutions.
