Top Active Noise Cancelling Headphones in 2025: Best ANC Models Ranked

Explore the best ANC headphones to find top noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort for every budget.

My Experience and Overview of Top ANC Headphones

I've been testing noise cancelling headphones for 15 years and compiled this list to highlight the best ANC headphones available across various price points. While most options here are full-size over-ear headphones, I’ve also included wireless earbuds for those who prefer a more compact design. If you’re on a budget, check out our list of the best ANC headphones under $130. We also have a guide for the best wireless noise cancelling earbuds.

Which Noise Cancelling Headphones Reign Supreme Overall?

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones, priced around $580, are arguably the best ANC headphones on the market right now. They even earned CNET’s Editor’s Choice award. Other top-tier over-ear headphones include Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Apple AirPods Max, and Sonos Ace. For wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and Apple AirPods Pro 2 stand out. Budget options like QCY H3 Pro and Earfun Wave Pro also offer great value for their price.

Detailed Review of the Best ANC Headphones

Best Overall Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM6

Pros:

• Refined design with a wider headband for improved comfort
• Dual hinge folding with a smaller carrying case
• Best-in-class noise cancellation and natural sound mode
• Excellent sound quality with enhanced detail, clarity, and deep bass
• Powered by the new QN3 chip, seven times faster than the previous QN1
• Premium voice calls with six directional microphones
• 360 Reality Audio spatial sound with head tracking

Cons:

• Premium price about $65 more than the previous model
• No USB-C audio port for wired digital listening
• No clear on/off controls for spatial audio features

Sony has consistently led the ANC headphone market, and the WH-1000XM6, released three years after the XM5, addresses minor design flaws while boosting performance. These headphones may just edge out competitors as the best in their class.

Who should buy them? Frequent travelers, remote workers, or commuters seeking supreme sound, noise cancellation, and call quality with maximum comfort will appreciate the WH-1000XM6—even at a higher price point.

Who should wait? Those on a budget or current owners of the WH-1000XM5 may prefer to wait for a price drop since improvements, though significant, might not justify an immediate upgrade.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 30 hours with ANC
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Best Over-Ear ANC Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Pros:

• Stylish upgraded design
• Lightweight and extremely comfortable
• Superb sound and excellent noise cancellation
• Top-tier voice call performance
• Immersive Audio mode enhances sound quality

Cons:

• Pricier than previous versions
• No USB-C audio output
• Immersive mode reduces battery life

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones may not drastically outshine their predecessor, the Noise Cancelling 700, but feature a premium design and the innovative Bose Immersive Audio. With stellar voice call quality and noise reduction, they compete strongly with Sony and Apple’s flagship models.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 24 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Premium Sound Quality with ANC

Sonos Ace

Pros:

• Elegant, durable design with comfortable fit
• Rich, well-balanced sound quality
• Strong noise cancellation and excellent voice clarity
• Spatial audio with head tracking for iOS and Android
• USB-C audio port for lossless wired connection
• TV Audio Swap feature for Sonos users

Cons:

• Premium price tag
• Not true Wi-Fi headphones despite Wi-Fi chip
• TV Audio Swap can have minor glitches

Though many expected full Wi-Fi audio streaming, Sonos chose to focus on battery life and Bluetooth connectivity. Weighing 312 grams, the Ace headphones are lighter than Apple AirPods Max but heavier than Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QC Ultra. They offer magnetic, replaceable ear cushions and smooth head movement thanks to a hidden hinge design.

Overall, Sonos Ace delivers effective noise cancellation, superb sound, and excellent voice transmission, making them a worthy competitor to other flagship headphones.

Who should buy? Those seeking a high-end ANC headphone with strong sound performance and unique Sonos features.

Who might hesitate? If you prefer the absolute best noise cancellation and are okay with a higher price, Sony WH-1000XM6 might be preferable.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 30 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Best Budget Noise Cancelling Headphones

QCY H3 Pro

Pros:

• Decent sound for budget price
• Lightweight and fairly comfortable
• Good noise cancellation and call quality for the price
• USB-C audio output and wired listening option
• LDAC codec support

Cons:

• ANC turns off in wired mode
• No carrying case included

QCY, a Chinese brand, delivers surprising sound quality and comfort at a budget price. These headphones perform well considering their cost, though sound clarity and high-frequency detail can vary depending on the track. ANC offers several modes via the dedicated app, and multipoint Bluetooth is supported.

Who should buy? Budget-conscious buyers wanting decent ANC headphones.

Who might pass? Those very particular about sound fidelity or needing ANC during wired listening.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 40 hours with ANC
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Flagship ANC Headphones from the Previous Generation

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 has a proven formula with significant improvements in voice calls, noise cancellation, and audio quality since its 2016 start as MDR-1000X Wireless. While design changes were subtle, most were positive, justifying the slightly higher price.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 32 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Top Premium Wireless ANC Headphones for Apple Users

Apple AirPods Max

Pros:

• Surprisingly comfortable for their weight
• Impressive sound with tight bass and clear highs
• Excellent noise cancellation and natural transparency mode
• USB-C audio port for wired connection
• Great voice call quality
• Spatial audio with head tracking
• Automatic device switching with iCloud integration
• Precise volume and playback controls

Cons:

• Expensive and relatively heavy
• Oddly shaped case with limited protection
• No included 3.5mm cable for airplane use (sold separately for $50)
• Android users miss out on key features
• Uses Apple H1 chip, not the newer H2

Apple updated AirPods Max in late 2024 with USB-C charging and new colors but no other major changes. Despite the weight, they remain very comfortable and feature rich, especially for Apple ecosystem users.

Who should buy? Apple users wanting premium ANC headphones with tight integration.

Who might wait? Those hoping for a major chip upgrade or lighter design in a future model.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 20 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes (Apple only)
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Best JBL Noise Cancelling Headphones

JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx

Pros:

• Updated, comfortable design
• Improved noise cancellation and sound quality
• Robust feature set
• Reliable voice call quality
• Includes Smart Tx audio transmitter accessory

Cons:

• Expensive
• Some users may find Smart Tx less essential

These flagship JBL headphones offer better comfort and noise cancellation compared to predecessors. The bundled Smart Tx transmitter allows wireless audio from USB-C or analog sources like planes or TVs, with a touchscreen for controls.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 40 hours with ANC (70 hours without)
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No IP rating

Best Wireless ANC Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Pros:

• Fit Kit and stabilizers ensure comfortable, secure fit
• Top-tier noise cancellation and natural sound mode
• Dynamic audio with detailed bass
• Immersive modes expand soundstage
• Improved voice call quality

Cons:

• Bulky earbuds
• No wireless charging or multipoint Bluetooth initially
• Immersive mode cuts battery from 6 to 4 hours

Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra earbuds provide excellent fit and noise cancellation with immersive spatial audio, making them ideal for users wanting true wireless freedom without sacrificing sound or ANC quality.

Specs:

• Battery: Up to 6 hours (without ANC)
• Total battery with case: Up to 24 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Waterproof: Yes, IPX4 splash resistant
• Weight per earbud: 7.1 grams

Best Truly Wireless ANC Earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony improved on the award-winning WF-1000XM4 with a smaller size and better performance in noise cancellation, sound, and calls. Though pricier at roughly $390, they impress as premium ANC earbuds.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 12 hours (without ANC)
• Total with case: Up to 36 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Waterproof: Yes, IPX4 splash resistant
• Weight per earbud: 5.9 grams

Best Apple ANC Earbuds

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality with improved acoustic architecture
• Apple H2 chip supports adaptive audio and speech recognition
• Charging case with U1 chip, speaker for Find My, and wireless charging
• Top-notch voice calls and natural transparency mode
• Convenient stem controls

Cons:

• High-res audio support limited to Apple Vision Pro headset
• No XL ear tips included
• Shorter battery life than competitors
• Limited Android functionality

Apple transitioned to USB-C for AirPods Pro 2 to match their recent iPhone changes. These earbuds maintain excellent ANC and call quality, making them ideal for Apple users.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 6 hours (without ANC)
• Total with case: Up to 30 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Waterproof: Yes, IP54 dust and splash resistant
• Weight per earbud: 5.3 grams

Best Mid-Range ANC Headphones

Sony CH-720N

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Good sound and ANC plus ambient mode
• Solid voice call quality
• 35 hours battery life
• Multipoint Bluetooth
• Reliable equalizer settings

Cons:

• No carrying case
• No ear detection sensors
• No LDAC codec support

Though the CH-720N looks budget-friendly, it sounds premium and offers solid ANC and features for about $190.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 35 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Best Affordable ANC Headphones

Edifier W830NB

Pros:

• Affordable
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Good sound and ANC for the price
• Long battery life
• USB-C audio

Cons:

• No carrying case
• No 3.5mm wired connection

The Edifier W830NB improves on its predecessor with better Bluetooth 5.4 support and LDAC codec. ANC is decent but not at flagship levels, and the battery lasts an impressive 54 hours with ANC.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 54 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Best Budget ANC Headphones

Earfun Wave Pro

Pros:

• Comfortable for long wear
• Strong bass and decent sound
• Effective ANC with two levels
• LDAC support on compatible devices
• Comes with hard case and cable

Cons:

• Basic appearance
• ANC turns off in wired mode

Earfun offers solid wireless over-ear ANC headphones for about $105, with 55 hours battery life and multipoint Bluetooth. Bass lacks some depth compared to premium models but suffices for most users.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 55 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

JBL Mid-Range ANC Headphones

JBL Live 770NC

Pros:

• Thoughtful design, comfortable fit
• Good sound and ANC
• Feature-rich
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Voice calls struggle in windy conditions
• Soft carrying case offers minimal protection

With up to 65 hours of battery life and Bluetooth 5.3 support, these headphones combine balanced sound and good noise cancellation. They include Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes but lack ear detection sensors.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 65 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Best Beats ANC Headphones

Beats Studio Pro

Pros:

• Improved sound, ANC, and ear cup design
• Excellent voice call quality
• Spatial audio with head tracking (Apple users)
• USB-C audio input

Cons:

• Lacks Apple H2 chip
• No ear detection sensors
• Minimal design changes

The fourth generation Beats Studio Pro headphones offer significant internal upgrades, delivering a more accessible alternative to AirPods Max, though missing some features.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 40 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: No
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Best Long Battery Life ANC Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum 4

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality
• Improved ANC and voice calls
• Impressive 60-hour battery life
• Customizable sound profiles

Cons:

• Plain design
• ANC slightly weaker than Sony or Bose

Momentum 4 Wireless offers flagship features and high battery life at a lower cost than some premium competitors. The sound is open and detailed with pleasant highs and rich bass.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 60 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Best Sennheiser ANC Headphones

Sennheiser Accentum Plus

Pros:

• Very good sound with clarity and bass
• Adaptive noise cancellation and voice call support
• Multiple connection options, including USB-C wired lossless
• Includes hard carrying case
• Features like touch controls and AptX Adaptive codec

Cons:

• Tight clamping initially
• Bland design
• Sound quality below flagship Momentum 4

Accentum Plus offers about 75-80% of premium ANC headphone performance at roughly half the premium price, making it a strong mid-range contender.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 50 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Classic Style Bose ANC Headphones

Bose QuietComfort

Pros:

• Classic, comfortable QuietComfort design
• Very good sound and ANC with new Wind Block for outdoor use
• Good voice call quality
• Comes with wired mic cable for calls and playback

Cons:

• Higher price than QC45 with minimal changes
• Lacks Immersive Audio and premium materials of QC Ultra
• Value questionable compared to competitors

Bose refreshed its QuietComfort line alongside the QC Ultra release with subtle upgrades and new colors. Expect eventual price drops making them a good bargain.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 24 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Best Bass-Enhanced ANC Headphones

Sony ULT Wear

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Enhanced sound and ANC
• Upgraded microphones
• Quick attention mode returns

Cons:

• Bass can sometimes sound boomy
• Bulky appearance
• No USB-C audio output

ULT Wear is the successor to the popular Sony WH-XB910N, focusing on deep bass and dynamic sound while offering solid ANC and call quality.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 50 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Best ANC Headphones Under $130

JBL Tune 670NC

Pros:

• Fairly comfortable for earbuds
• Good sound quality
• Decent ANC and voice call quality
• Excellent battery life

Cons:

• No carrying case included

JBL Tune 670NC delivers clean sound with memory foam tips and long battery life (up to 70 hours without ANC). It supports Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connection, and transparency modes.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 70 hours
• Noise cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Compare Noise Cancelling Headphones

Check out this comparative chart of battery life, noise cancellation, multipoint Bluetooth, headphone type, and water resistance across the best ANC headphones listed above to find your perfect match.

Factors to Consider When Choosing ANC Headphones

Budget

Decide your spending limit. Affordable ANC headphones under $130 now offer decent features, but premium builds and performance typically start around $260 and up.

Fit and Comfort

Headphones should fit snugly without being too tight, suitable for all-day wear.

Durability

Choose headphones built to last with sturdy materials.

Features vs Cost

Maximize sound quality, ANC effectiveness, and useful features within your budget.

Return Policy

Buy from stores with good return options to test and compare models risk-free.

How We Test ANC Headphones

Design

Comfort, materials, ergonomics, and durability tests over days.

Sound Quality

Using diverse test tracks, we assess frequency response, tonal balance, soundstage, instrument separation, bass control, midrange clarity, and treble smoothness.

Noise Cancellation

We test low-frequency noise blocking indoors and real-world outdoor environments like public transit, busy intersections, and social settings.

Extra Features

We evaluate transparency modes, EQ options, auto pause sensors, multipoint Bluetooth, and headphone apps.

Voice Calls

Testing in noisy environments to check microphone performance and background noise suppression.

Price

We weigh features and performance relative to cost.

Other ANC Headphones We've Tested

• Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e: Improved sound and design with digital processing upgrades.
• 1More SonoFlow: Smooth, clear sound with LDAC support, comfortable design.
• Google Pixel Buds Pro: Unique fit and decent ANC for Android users.
• Anker Soundcore Space One: Great value with solid features and LDAC support.
• Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2: Studio-quality sound with upgraded ANC and battery.
• Mark Levinson № 5909: Premium build and comfort at a high price.
• Focal Bathys: Fantastic sound but limited ANC.
• Master & Dynamic MW09: Premium materials and near-flagship ANC.
• Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Compact fit with good ANC and sound for Samsung users.
• Beats Studio Buds Plus & Beats Fit Pro: Apple chip tech and features in Beats form.
• Technics EAH-A800 & EAH-AZ80: Classic design with powerful sound and ANC.

Frequently Asked Questions About ANC Headphones

• Are ANC headphones worth buying?
  ANC technology has become more affordable and effective. If noise cancellation matters to you, investing in the best you can afford is worthwhile.
• What is the difference between noise cancelling and noise isolation?
  Noise cancelling uses active electronics to reduce ambient sound, while noise isolation physically blocks noise. Both terms are often used interchangeably.
• Do ANC headphones block all sounds?
  They excel at reducing low-frequency noises like airplane engines but less so for high-frequency sounds like chatter. Recent tech improvements now target a broader frequency range.
• Does ANC drain headphone battery faster?
  Yes, ANC consumes additional power, reducing battery life compared to non-ANC mode.
• Does ANC affect sound quality?
  Sometimes ANC can introduce slight background hiss or impact clarity, especially in lower-end models.
• Can ANC headphones be used with Dolby Atmos?
  Yes, ANC headphones can enhance the immersive experience when combined with Dolby Atmos audio.
• Are ANC headphones waterproof?
  Some earbuds offer splash resistance (IPX4), but most over-ear ANC headphones lack water resistance.

“Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones may just edge out competitors as the best in their class.”

Ready to upgrade your listening experience? Shop your favorite album cover posters and audio gear at Architeg Prints — bring music to life in style!