How to Choose ANC Headphones? Top Picks for 2025

Find the best ANC headphones of 2025 with expert insights on sound quality, battery life, and comfort to enhance your audio experience.

Why ANC Headphones Are a Game-Changer

The endless roar of airplane engines, the rumble of bus tires, and the screech of subway brakes — what makes all this noise more bearable? A pair of the best noise-canceling headphones. These headphones shut out the chaos and immerse you in music, becoming an essential travel companion. But let's face it, picking the perfect pair isn't always easy.

Personally, I swear by the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones. They don't just sound amazing; they offer the best noise cancellation I've ever experienced. Whether walking past bustling construction sites, riding trains next to crying babies, or sitting in noisy buses, not one sound breaks through my peace and quiet. They've become my go-to headphones whenever I step outside. If they're a bit steep on your budget, check out the JLab JBuds Lux ANC, offering fantastic sound quality at a much friendlier price.

Top ANC Headphones in Detail

Overall Best ANC Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

The ultimate over-ear ANC headphones.

Specs:

• Size: 7.7 x 2.0 x 5.5 inches
• Battery Life: 24 hours (18 hours with Immersive Audio active)
• Connection: Bluetooth 5.2 supporting SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive

Pros:

• Best ANC technology ever made
• Immersive audio effect
• Intuitive controls
• Refined modern design

Cons:

• Higher price compared to competitors
• Average battery life for a flagship device

I keep Bose QuietComfort Ultra in my backpack constantly. They transform noisy city bus rides into peaceful journeys, help me focus in cafes or libraries, and make train trips a breeze — all thanks to Bose's top-tier noise cancellation.

Slip them on, and they activate with a symphonic tone, then their noise-canceling magic kicks in, blocking out the world. Having tested countless ANC headphones, I was stunned by the silence these provide. Turn on the music, and the outside world vanishes — truly remarkable. Nothing else matches this level of environmental protection, which is why these lead the pack.

The noise cancellation also enhances their rich, bass-heavy sound signature. While I usually lean towards neutral, analytical sound, QuietComfort Ultra feels like a cozy sound blanket. The bass is soft yet full-bodied, without sacrificing detail or clarity. Mids are lush and nuanced, highlighting vocals and guitars beautifully. Honestly, I love how they sound.

Advantages:

• Unrivaled noise cancellation from a trusted brand
• Superior sound quality with deep, immersive tones
• Comfortable fit with soft leather and memory foam padding

Drawbacks:

• Pricey at roughly $450 (converted from 45,000 rubles)
• Battery life could be longer; immersive audio consumes more power

Immersive Audio, Bose’s spatial sound feature, can expand the soundstage but at the cost of battery life. Its effect isn't my personal favorite. Compared to competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose lags slightly in battery endurance.

Still, Bose QuietComfort Ultra tops this list because of its incredible noise cancellation. If you want to completely escape the outer world, this is your best bet.

Best Budget ANC Headphones Under $100

JLab JBuds Lux ANC

Outstanding value for the price.

Specs:

• Size: 6.1 x 3.2 x 7.4 inches
• Battery Life: 40 hours (ANC on), 70 hours (ANC off)
• Connection: Bluetooth 5.3 supporting SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Impressive battery life
• Great sound quality for the price
• Supports Dolby Atmos and spatial audio

Cons:

• No wear detection
• No carrying case
• No LDAC codec support

You might assume that ANC headphones demand a hefty investment, but the JLab JBuds Lux ANC break that myth. Priced around $80 (converted from 8,000 rubles), they offer superb comfort and sound quality.

One feature our testers loved was Spatial Audio support, enhancing music streaming and gaming with Dolby Atmos compatibility. The surprise was so great that the initial reviewer paused to share it with the team—all impressed by this affordable spatial sound experience.

Perks:

• Extremely affordable ANC headphones
• Access to spatial sound technologies at a bargain
• Excellent battery life outshining some pricier models

Cons:

• Lacks a storage case for protection
• No high-res audio codec support, limiting streaming quality

With ANC on, these can last 40 hours, plenty for a full day’s use, and 70 hours without it — an outstanding feat for such a price. Noise cancellation effectively blocks ambient sounds like bus engines or office chatter, making them great for various settings.

They look and feel more premium than their price suggests, though the absence of a case is a minor letdown, likely a trade-off for affordability. Ultimately, JBuds Lux secure their spot by delivering excellent value.

Balanced Sound and ANC Alternative

Sony WH-1000XM6

A well-rounded choice balancing sound and ANC.

Specs:

• Size: 7.8 x 9.4 x 3.9 inches
• Battery Life: 30 hours (ANC on), 40 hours (ANC off)
• Connection: Bluetooth 5.3 supporting SBC, AAC, LDAC

Pros:

• Incredible comfort
• Enhanced voice clarity
• Long battery life
• Excellent codec support

Cons:

• Fragile-looking hinges
• Limited soundstage

The sixth generation of Sony’s ANC headphones gets better with each update. Improvements include a foldable design with a sturdy magnetic case, better sound, and enhanced ANC.

The magnetic case protects your headphones better than the previous zipper case, and folding saves backpack space. However, the folding hinges feel a bit fragile compared to the old model.

Build quality remains top-notch, typical of Sony, and the wider, softer headband improves comfort. They do get warm during extended wear, but a quick break cools you down.

Highlights:

• Outstanding sound clarity and comfort
• Dynamic ANC that adapts to your environment
• Better case design and portability

Shortcomings:

• Hinges feel less durable
• Pricey, matching Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Though pricier, their ANC system closely rivals Bose’s industry-leading tech with dynamic noise-adaptive algorithms. They use more microphones than previous models, improving noise blocking over the WH-1000XM5.

If you want a balanced ANC headphone with excellent sound and comfort, Sony WH-1000XM6 is a solid pick.

Best Battery Life

Marshall Monitor III

Record-breaking endurance.

Specs:

• Size: 2.9 x 5.7 x 8.1 inches
• Battery Life: 70 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off)
• Connection: Bluetooth 5.3 supporting SBC, AAC, LDAC

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality
• Reliable ANC
• Stylish, sturdy hard case

Cons:

• Some build quality issues
• Underwhelming spatial audio

Marshall Monitor III stands out for being one of the most comfortable headphones ever. Lightweight with specially designed foam ear pads, they can be worn all day without fatigue.

Typically, Bluetooth ANC headphones last about 40 hours. The Marshall Monitor III nearly doubles this with 70 hours of ANC use and an astonishing 100 hours without. My real-world tests confirmed these numbers at moderate volume.

Strengths:

• Longest battery life in the ANC category
• Comfortable for extended wear
• Bold design with Marshall’s signature look

Weaknesses:

• Occasional creaks and rattles in construction
• Spatial sound mode "SoundStage" is disappointing

Most importantly, they sound fantastic throughout their long usage. Featuring Marshall’s "Rockin’" signature, they lean slightly cooler than some but offer a well-balanced sound with tight midrange and punchy highs and lows.

ANC performance is solid though not quite top-tier. They effectively block noise in offices and public transport. Despite minor build quirks and spatial audio limitations, Monitor III is a strong contender for battery life lovers.

Best Value Under $200

Sennheiser Accentum

Best bang for your buck in ANC headphones.

Specs:

• Size: 6.4 x 1.8 x 7.6 inches
• Battery Life: 50 hours (ANC active)
• Connection: Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, aptX HD

Pros:

• Excellent ANC battery life
• Effective noise cancellation
• Durable and comfortable design

Cons:

• No wear detection
• No carrying case included

Sennheiser Accentum packs many premium features found in more expensive Momentum 4 headphones but at a fraction of the price, about $180 (converted from 18,000 rubles). The design might be understated, but the sound is anything but cheap.

They deliver rich, layered sound with warm bass tones and a well-rounded profile. ANC performance rivals pricier models, shutting out loud home noises and city sounds alike.

Benefits:

• Affordable premium audio and ANC
• Long 50-hour battery life with ANC on
• Comfortable ear cups for extended listening

Drawbacks:

• No protective case in the box
• Plain looks compared to flashier options

The impressive battery and sound make these headphones suitable for all-day use, whether commuting or relaxing. ANC helps create a serene listening environment even in noisy buses or trains.

Best Sound Quality

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3

Latest model with enhanced ANC and sound.

Specs:

• Size: 6.18 x 3.15 x 7.68 inches
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
• Connection: Bluetooth 5.3 supporting SBC, AAC, LDAC, AptX

Pros:

• Sleek, slim design
• Rich, immersive sound
• Outstanding comfort
• Durable hard case

Cons:

• ANC slightly behind Bose and Sony
• Spatial audio features pending

Bowers & Wilkins returns with the PX7 S3, featuring a beautiful design and excellent comfort. The sound quality is the real highlight, offering one of the best HiFi wireless experiences, even surpassing pricier AirPods Max in clarity.

Bass is full-bodied but balanced, complementing clear mids and sparkling highs, creating a well-rounded soundstage perfect for extended listening sessions.

Thick cushioning on ear pads and headband ensures fatigue-free wear, surprisingly more comfortable over time than Bose QuietComfort Ultra.

What We Love:

• Improved ANC with more microphones for noise blocking
• Plush padding for all-day comfort
• Top-tier sound quality that impresses audiophiles

What Could Improve:

• ANC still trails Bose and Sony’s leaders
• No spatial sound support yet

Battery life is solid, and the sturdy case protects your investment. The transparency mode works well, letting you hear your surroundings when needed. While ANC isn’t the absolute best, PX7 S3 offers a stellar blend of sound and comfort.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

Other Noteworthy ANC Headphones

• Sony WH-1000XM5 Once the king of ANC headphones, still delivers exceptional noise cancellation and comfort with a lower price tag now.
• Focal Bathys French craftsmanship meets premium sound and effective ANC, perfect for audiophiles willing to invest.
• Sonos Ace Ideal for home theater enthusiasts, supporting Dolby Atmos and great ANC, though not matching Bose or Sony.
• Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 Flagship features and balanced sound at a fair price, with solid noise cancellation and long battery life.
• Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e Entry-level model with improved bass and effective ANC, though not quite matching higher-tier models.
• Bose 700 Predecessor to QuietComfort Ultra, still a solid ANC headphone choice with 10 levels of noise cancellation and balanced sound.
• Yamaha YH-L700 Offers excellent 3D sound and head-tracking tech, delivering a premium listening experience though heavier and with variable battery life.
• JBL Live 770NC Mid-range headphones with powerful bass and solid ANC, stylish and comfortable.

How to Choose the Best ANC Headphones

Active vs Passive Noise Cancellation

Every headphone listed here features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which uses multiple mics and smart algorithms to block outside noise like engines or road sounds. Passive noise cancellation is the physical isolation headphones provide, but it's nothing compared to ANC’s power.

Battery Life Considerations

Battery life on ANC headphones has improved dramatically. Some, like Marshall Monitor III, offer up to 70 hours with ANC active, whereas flagship models usually hover around 30 hours. If a headphone doesn't offer at least 20 hours, skip it.

Sound Quality

ANC used to degrade sound quality, but today's tech minimizes that impact. Still, a faint hissing might be noticeable due to noise-canceling processes.

Design and Comfort

Design is about more than looks; fit and comfort hugely impact usage enjoyment. Most modern models use memory foam and breathable materials to prevent overheating. Testing them in-store can help find your perfect match.

Price

You get what you pay for. High-end ANC headphones cost more but deliver superior noise cancellation and sound. Budget models like JLab JBuds Lux serve as great entry points but expect compromises. Stick to trusted brands for long-term satisfaction.

They make my city bus rides more comfortable, help me focus in the café or library, and make train travel much easier.

– Enthusiastic ANC user

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes ANC headphones different from regular ones?
  ANC headphones actively block external noise using microphones and algorithms, providing a quieter listening environment than passive noise isolation alone.
• How long should ANC headphones last on a single charge?
  Aim for at least 20 hours of battery life with ANC enabled; top models offer between 30 and 70 hours.
• Do ANC headphones affect sound quality?
  Modern ANC technology has minimal impact on sound quality, though a slight hiss may be noticeable during noise cancellation.
• Are expensive ANC headphones always better?
  Generally, higher-priced models offer superior noise cancellation, sound, and comfort, but budget options provide good value with some trade-offs.
• Can I use ANC headphones for gaming or movies?
  Yes, many ANC headphones support spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos for immersive experiences in games and films.