Top Noise Cancelling Headphones for 2025: The Ultimate Top 11 Picks

Explore the best noise cancelling headphones for 2025 that deliver exceptional sound quality and comfort with top-tier ANC technology.

Why Noise Cancelling Headphones Are a Game-Changer

Planning a vacation or a business trip? You've probably heard how the best noise cancelling headphones can make travel infinitely more enjoyable—and we’re here to confirm that it’s true. Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones transform flights and train rides by blocking chatter and engine noise, creating a peaceful personal oasis. But their perks don't stop at travel: noisy offices, bustling gyms, or any loud spaces become much more bearable with them.

Our expert team has tested hundreds of ANC headphones over the years. We scrutinize everything from battery life and all-day comfort to design, features, sound quality, and most importantly, real-world noise cancellation. With specialized testing gear and hands-on experience, our recommendations are fully independent and reliable. Each model featured earned its spot thanks to outstanding performance and excellent value compared to today’s class leaders (check out the top three for starters).

If you prefer something smaller or dislike the feel of over-ear headphones, check out our guide to the best noise cancelling earbuds. Otherwise, keep reading for the best models across all budgets—from affordable gems to luxurious audio investments.

Quick List: Best Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025

Want to cut to the chase and see the top noise cancelling headphones right now? Here’s a quick overview, followed by detailed reviews.

Best Overall

Sony WH-1000XM4
Unmatched in sound quality, design, and value, the WH-1000XM4 may be a few years old but remain the perfect all-rounders with flawless ANC that lets you lose yourself in sound.

Best Budget

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51
Hard to believe full-sized 1More headphones at this price deliver effective noise cancelling, pleasant sound, and an impressive battery life. Great bang for your buck.

Best Premium

Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony’s XM6 represents the pinnacle of their flagship range, with class-leading noise cancelling and improvements across the board. Premium price, absolutely worth it.

Best Mid-Range

Sony WH-CH720N
Quality headphones that deliver excellent price-to-performance balance. Superb sound balance, smart features, and solid ANC.

Best Battery Life

Cambridge Audio Melomania P100
Battery life without ANC is a staggering 100 hours (yes, really!), and even with ANC on, you get a fantastic 60 hours—unmatched for long listening sessions.

Best for Bose Fans

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Though slightly outperformed by Sony XM6 in ANC, these still block noise impressively and deliver fantastic sound. If you're a Bose loyalist, this is your pick.

Best for Apple Fans

Apple AirPods Max
Incredible ANC, elite iPhone connectivity, and brilliant spatial audio come at a high price but offer an unrivaled Apple ecosystem experience.

Best for Audiophiles

Dali IO-8
Every inch screams premium—from looks and feel to build and, of course, sound. Detailed, expansive, and an absolute joy, no matter your preferred genre.

Best Design

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
Beautiful sound and premium features make these one of the best full-size headphones tested. Their sleek design, flawless finishing, and all-day comfort earned them top design honors.

Best for Small Heads

Sennheiser Accentum Plus
Affordable 2024 release packing flagship-like features and great ANC for the price, especially suited for smaller heads.

Best for Movies

Sonos Ace
Offers the best Dolby Atmos spatial audio and balanced movie sound we've ever heard, via Sonos soundbars or Bluetooth. ANC is solid too, though music playback isn’t their strong suit.

In-Depth Reviews of the Best ANC Headphones

1. Sony WH-1000XM4

Specs:

• Closed acoustic design
• Weight: 253 g
• Frequency response: 4 Hz – 40 kHz
• Drivers: 1.57-inch dome
• Battery life: 30 hours

Pros:

• Enhanced noise cancellation
• DSEE Extreme sound enhancement technology

Cons:

• Not water-resistant

Sony WH-1000XM4 delivers powerful noise cancelling and rich sound in a lightweight, comfy design. While Sony has newer WH-1000XM6 (featured #3), the XM4 remains our top pick for most due to its balance of price (around $229), features, and quality.

Features include multipoint pairing, DSEE Extreme sound upscaling, voice detection, and auto pause/play. It ticks all the boxes for a strong wireless ANC headphone—excelling collectively rather than individually.

We tested Janelle Monáe's hit “Make Me Feel” on them, and it sounded impressively powerful, from percussion punch to a wall of sound before the chorus.

Sony WH-1000XM4 supports 360 Reality Audio for spatial sound and LDAC codec for CD-quality audio from compatible phones. No aptX support, and battery life lags behind Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 (#5). Sound quality is surpassed by WH-1000XM6 and Bose's new models (#6), but XM4’s affordability during sales makes it a smart buy.

"They provide a warm, balanced sound with clean, powerful bass and great spatial audio support."

2. 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51

Specs:

• Closed design
• Weight: 246 g
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
• Drivers: 40 mm
• Battery life: 65 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off)

Pros:

• Customizable, pleasant sound
• Effective ANC
• Fantastic battery life

Cons:

• App is a bit confusing
• Cheap-looking control buttons
• Slightly flimsy construction

At under $100, the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 proves you can get solid ANC, immersive sound, and superb battery life without breaking the bank. ANC isn't best-in-class but reliable and improved from previous 1More models. Three ANC modes are switchable via the app, which also offers EQ presets and high-res streaming options.

Impressive 100 hours without ANC, about 65 with it, ideal for budget-conscious buyers who want immersive sound and noise isolation.

Design is simple yet elegant with matte plastic casing, soft adjustable ear pads, and lightweight build. Controls are physical buttons; construction lacks water or dust resistance but includes a sturdy carrying case and foldable hinges perfect for travel.

> "They offer an impressive experience for their price, with clear sound and rich bass aided by dual 40mm drivers."

3. Sony WH-1000XM6

Specs:

• Closed design
• Weight: 254 g
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Drivers: 30 mm dynamic
• Battery life: 30 hours (ANC on)

Pros:

• Best-in-class noise cancelling
• Excellent audio performance
• Super lightweight and comfy

Cons:

• One of the priciest here
• Average battery life
• Still not waterproof

Sony WH-1000XM6 marks a new peak for their flagship ANC headphones. Combining the foldable convenience of XM4 with the sleekness of XM5, these bring upgraded noise cancelling, crisper sound, and refined design in a sleek shell. Sony’s claim they’re “better in every way” holds true.

ANC steals the spotlight with 12 mics feeding a QN3 processor, crafting a near-silent cocoon even in noisy environments. Our tests found XM6's ANC slightly better than Bose QuietComfort Ultra (#6).

Battery life is standard at 30 hours, though quick charge offers 3 hours playback from 3 minutes charging. Bluetooth use during charging is a plus. The app offers EQ adjustments, adaptive sound, LDAC high-res support, and DSEE Extreme upscaling.

Sound-wise, 30mm drivers deliver expressive, balanced audio with rich mids, lively highs, and pleasant lows. Soundstage is wide and nuanced, great for both casual and critical listening. Call quality is excellent thanks to the multiple mics.

Comfort is prioritized with a lighter, more ergonomic fit and padded headband. Hinges are sturdier, and the case is smaller.

Pricey, but justified by superb sound, unmatched ANC, and thoughtful design.

"With 12 microphones, these create almost complete silence in noisy trains and airplanes."

4. Sony WH-CH720N

Specs:

• Closed design
• Weight: 192 g
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Drivers: 30 mm
• Battery life: 35 hours (ANC on)

Pros:

• Solid noise cancelling
• Great musical balance and detail

Cons:

• No high-res audio support
• Narrower soundstage

Sony WH-CH720N strikes a fine balance between cost and performance, offering ANC that significantly reduces external noise so you can better enjoy music or podcasts, plus Sony’s trademark well-balanced sound.

At about half the price of WH-1000XM4 (#1), you lose some quality—ANC lets through more low-frequency noise and some high frequencies, reducing volume rather than fully isolating sound. In-flight, volume needed to hit 60% to hear soft dialogues, but it’s adequate for city noise reduction.

Sound has less bass richness and layered mids/highs than XM4 but is well tuned for this range. Detail and clarity are strong though overall sound feels a bit compressed.

No LDAC, but multipoint Bluetooth and 3.5mm wired input are included. Very lightweight and comfortable.

5. Cambridge Audio Melomania P100

Specs:

• Closed design
• Weight: 330 g
• Drivers: 40 mm dynamic
• Battery life: 100 hours (ANC off); 60 hours (ANC on)

Pros:

• Energetic, informative sound
• Superb features
• Epic battery life

Cons:

• ANC could be better
• No proprietary spatial audio
• Case is bulky

Our top pick for battery life thanks to a staggering 100 hours off ANC, and 60 hours with it on—still incredible compared to rivals. Cambridge offers lively, detailed, confident sound that shines with 16-bit/44.1kHz FLAC from services like Qobuz or Tidal. Their EQ and sound customization impress.

ANC is good but not top-tier; most will enjoy it though. Design is high-class with vegan leather and memory foam earpads, padded headband, and average 330 g weight making it comfortable.

The only downside: they don't fold compactly, and case is rather large.

6. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Specs:

• Closed design
• Weight: 250 g
• Drivers: 35 mm
• Battery life: 30 hours

Pros:

• Best-in-class noise cancelling
• Stunning sound quality
• Lightweight, comfy, foldable

Cons:

• Limited hi-res audio support
• Low battery life
• Outperformed in ANC by Sony XM6

If you’re a big Bose fan and want the best from a company that practically invented ANC, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the cream of the crop. Almost silent ANC pairs with best-ever Bose sound.

Though pricey (less than Dali IO-8 but often cheaper than Sony XM6), they feel worth every cent from the first use. Testing in noisy environments showed incredible suppression. Music sound is vibrant and dynamic.

Downsides include below-average 24-hour battery life and limited codec support (Snapdragon Sound only). No USB-C input for hi-res audio.

7. Apple AirPods Max

Specs:

• Closed design
• Weight: 350 g
• Drivers: 40 mm dynamic
• Battery life: 20 hours

Pros:

• Excellent iOS-specific features
• Very strong noise cancelling

Cons:

• No 3.5mm audio port
• Limited Android functionality

Apple AirPods Max offer elite ANC, stunning sound, and iconic design synonymous with luxury Apple gear. Tested thoroughly, they impress but come with a high price tag, perfect mainly for Apple enthusiasts.

The soundstage is vast, natural, and rich, with standout spatial 3D audio for Apple devices. Dolby Atmos movies sound like a full speaker system enveloping you. Music, whether Atmos or not, is multilayered, clean, and precise.

ANC remains top-notch despite age, but the high price feels less justified compared to Sony WH-1000XM6 (#3), especially for Android users. Apple-specific features include seamless device switching, Find My support, audio sharing, and customizable sound.

Recent updates added new colors and lossless audio support via USB-C cable.

8. Dali IO-8

Specs:

• Closed design
• Weight: 325 g
• Drivers: 50 mm dynamic with free edge
• Battery life: 35 hours (ANC off); 30 hours (ANC on)

Pros:

• Positive, detailed, convincing sound
• Can work passively wired
• Outstanding build and finish

Cons:

• No companion app
• No vegan option
• Lots of strong competitors

For sound perfectionists, Dali IO-8 delivers with direct, insightful audio that’s a joy to listen to. The large soundstage and lively detail impressed us, enhanced by very good noise cancelling (just behind Sony XM6).

Premium build with rounded ear cups, memory foam earpads, and adjustable fit. The lack of vegan options may deter some, but leather signals luxury.

Battery life is solid; if drained, they operate passively wired. Missing is a control app and more EQ freedom.

Pricey but excellent value for the sound and design quality.

9. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3

Specs:

• Closed design
• Weight: 300 g
• Drivers: 40 mm dynamic bio-cellulose
• Battery life: 30 hours (ANC on)

Pros:

• Balanced, engaging sound
• Impressive build and finish
• Great features (more to come)

Cons:

• Wind noise vulnerability
• Limited physical controls
• Rising price

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 continues Bowers & Wilkins’ legacy balancing sound and style. Though pricey and less isolating than Sony or Bose, they offer captivating sound and a refined design.

Thinner, less bulky design with memory foam and faux leather padding for comfort. Premium fabric finish and precision build. Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Lossless, multipoint pairing, and 30-hour battery life. Strong ANC, but not Bose level.

Controls are modest, wind noise can intrude, price is niche at about $430.

10. Sennheiser Accentum Plus

Specs:

• Closed design
• Weight: 277 g
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 22 kHz
• Drivers: 37 mm
• Battery life: 50 hours

Pros:

• Powerful, assertive sound
• Excellent battery life
• Well-made and comfy

Cons:

• Slightly rough sound
• Fit may not suit all head sizes

Released in early 2024, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus sits between the company's entry-level Accentum and flagship Momentum 4 Wireless. Great value with bold, powerful sound and solid ANC, especially suited for smaller heads.

Stylish, understated build with aptX support, massive 50-hour battery life, and 3.5mm wired input. Secure fit for small heads; larger heads might find it tight.

11. Sonos Ace

Specs:

• Closed design
• Weight: 312 g
• Drivers: 40 mm
• Battery life: 30 hours

Pros:

• Powerful sound with clear speech
• Dolby Atmos with head tracking
• Excellent noise cancelling

Cons:

• Not ideal for music
• Battery drops to 10 hours when connected to soundbar
• Bose and Sony have better ANC

Premium Sonos Ace headphones feature outstanding ANC and Dolby Atmos spatial audio with precise head tracking.

Ideal for movies, blending dialogue clarity with impactful bass for an immersive soundscape over Bluetooth or Sonos soundbars. Quick switching between Bluetooth and soundbar is convenient. Battery life is 30 hours on Bluetooth but about 10 hours when connected to the soundbar.

Other features include lossless Hi-Res Audio via USB-C, aptX Adaptive, and a clear transparency mode. Premium design generally comfortable, though glasses wearers may find fit tricky. Music playback isn’t as strong; ANC good but behind Sony/Bose.

Recent software updates improved TV audio sharing, ANC efficiency, and call quality.

Other ANC Headphones We've Tested

• Anker Soundcore Space One Pro. Great high-res sound and solid ANC, but bulky design and less user-friendly controls.
• Baseus Bowie 30 Max. Spatial audio with head tracking and decent ANC for the price, but sometimes tinny sound.
• Beyerdynamic Aventho 300. Excellent sound and customizable ANC, but didn’t quite outshine competitors value-wise.
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones. Solid ANC and comfort, but we prefer Sony XM4’s sound.
• Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI. Nice spatial audio but weak ANC despite claims.
• Earfun Tune Pro. Affordable with 120-hour battery, but poor sound and comfort.
• Earfun Wave Life. Comfortable and strong sound but underwhelming ANC.
• JBL Tour One M3. Decent ANC and sound but lacks consistency at high volumes.
• Nobile Fokus Apollo. Good sound and battery but bulky and with microphone issues.
• OneOdio Focus A5. Bass-heavy and stylish but mixed reviews overall.
• Panasonic RB-M600. Cheap with good battery but uninspiring design and no water resistance.
• Sony ULT Wear. Good but bass-heavy with poor call quality; overshadowed by XM4.
• Sony WH-1000XM5. Outranked by XM4 for value and XM6 for noise cancelling but still solid.

Upcoming Noise Cancelling Headphones to Watch

The ANC headphone world evolves quickly, promising exciting new releases on the horizon.

Nothing Headphone (1): Set for July 1 release, Nothing's first over-ear ANC headphones have high expectations following their impressive earbuds like Nothing Ear (a).

Sony: Rumors suggest two new mid-budget ANC models, possibly replacing WH-CH720N (#4).

How to Choose the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Choosing your perfect ANC headphones means understanding key audio concepts:

• Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Uses external/internal mics to detect ambient sounds and generates “anti-noise” to cancel it, letting you enjoy audio clarity at lower volumes even in noisy environments.
• aptX: Bluetooth codec for higher-quality streaming, with adaptive and lossless variants offering dynamic quality adjustments and hi-res audio.
• Auracast: Bluetooth tech enabling seamless connection to public sound sources like bar TVs or airport announcements without pairing.
• Bluetooth: Wireless tech with various codecs (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC) and versions (5.3, 5.4), some supporting advanced features like LE Audio and Auracast.
• Dolby Atmos: 3D audio format creating dynamic, spatial soundscapes more immersive than traditional channel audio.
• Hi-Res Audio: Music with greater detail and less compression than MP3, offering studio-like quality, often streamed via services like Tidal or Qobuz.
• Spatial Audio: Broad term for 3D sound technologies creating immersive listening experiences, including Apple’s head-tracked Dolby Atmos and other formats (Dirac, DTS, THX).
• Transparency Mode: Blends ambient sounds with music so you stay aware of surroundings without removing headphones.

Types of Headphones

There are many! For ANC, comfort over long listening is key—look for memory foam pads and padded headbands to improve passive isolation too.

Prefer smaller? Over-ear designs (cups covering ears with headband) dominate ANC, but wireless earbuds with ANC are a great alternative (see our guide to earbuds).

Driver type matters too—planar magnetic offer detailed sound but rarely with ANC and at higher prices, while dynamic drivers are common and versatile.

What Exactly is Noise Cancelling?

Noise cancelling headphones combine active and passive methods to block surrounding sound, allowing distraction-free listening.

Bose pioneered ANC over 30 years ago. According to their senior engineer John Rule:

“ANC uses complex electronics with microphones inside and outside the ear cups to detect ambient sounds and instantly generate an opposite cancellation signal. Combined with passive isolation from the headphone’s structure and materials, this cancels unwanted noise like airplane engines or vacuum cleaners, letting you focus on music or silence.”

Should You Buy ANC Headphones?

That depends on how much you value peace of mind. For many, uninterrupted listening without external noise is priceless.

Real ANC headphones filter out distractions more effectively than cranking volume, preserving sound quality and hearing health. You'll quickly appreciate your quiet personal bubble.

How We Test Noise Cancelling Headphones

Every pair here was rigorously tested for:

• Noise Cancelling Efficiency: Tried in real-world scenarios including city walks, trains, buses, and planes.
• Extra Features: Modes, customizations, transparency mode, spatial sound, battery impact.
• Audio Performance: Clear, powerful sound with and without ANC, across genres.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Stability, multi-device pairing, advanced features like Auracast.
• Comfort, Design, and Style: Long listening comfort, durability, and aesthetics.
• Value: Pricing justified by performance and features.

Our goal is to help you find ANC headphones you’ll love, delivering top-notch sound and silence for years.

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