Top Noise-Cancelling Headphones to Own in 2025

Explore the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2025 designed to block distractions and deliver immersive sound wherever you are.

Why Noise-Cancelling Headphones Are a Game-Changer

Whether you're commuting, working in a bustling café, or simply craving peace and quiet, the right noise-cancelling headphones can transform your experience. These nifty earbuds or over-ear headphones use advanced technology to shut out distractions, letting you dive deep into your favorite tunes, podcasts, or just enjoy silence.

Modern models pack impressive features like Bluetooth connectivity, customizable ear tips, long-lasting batteries, and compact charging cases. Some even charge through USB-C and offer water resistance, touch controls, and other smart functionalities. No matter if you’re a casual listener or an audiophile, there’s a pair tailored to your lifestyle and budget.

Top Noise-Cancelling Headphones for 2025

1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra

• Noise-Cancelling Type: Hybrid adaptive
• Adjustable Noise Cancelling: Yes
• Battery Life with ANC: 6 hours
• Transparency Mode: Yes

Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra earbuds shine with the Immersive Audio feature, creating an expansive soundscape. They excel at muffling constant ambient noises like airplane cabin hums but struggle a bit with human voices—common for many ANC headphones. Bose’s CustomTune technology personalizes ANC and sound by analyzing your ear shape.

Despite leading the pack in noise cancellation on this list, the advanced audio features reduce battery life—lasting 6 hours with ANC on and 4 hours if Immersive Audio is activated. Although Bose’s spatial audio can sometimes be hit or miss, it’s a clear upgrade over past models.

Pros:

• Spatial sound doesn’t require special content
• Free updates without price hikes

Cons:

• Bulky size remains an issue
• Immersive Audio drains battery fast
• Wireless charging costs extra

2. Sony WF-1000XM5

• Noise-Cancelling Type: Hybrid adaptive
• Adjustable Noise Cancelling: Yes
• Battery Life with ANC: 8 hours
• Transparency Mode: Yes

If you ask for two top contenders, Sony’s WF-1000XM5 would be a favorite. Sony has refined its 1000X line with each iteration, especially in ANC performance. The gap between Bose and Sony here is minimal, so either is a solid bet if noise cancellation is your priority. Sony’s DSEE Extreme tech restores sound details lost in compressed audio, and handy features include volume control and auto-pause during conversations.

Sony uses dual chips for sound and ANC processing, enhancing noise suppression. Six microphones intelligently combat low-frequency noise from planes, vehicles, and public transport. The companion app allows ANC customization and adapts sound based on activity or location, with an option for transparency mode when you want to stay aware of your surroundings.

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality
• Sleek, improved design
• Comfortable fit
• Loaded with useful features

Cons:

• Premium pricing
• No battery life improvement over previous models
• Head tracking is Android-only
• Some features still need refinement

3. Anker Soundcore Space A40 — Best Budget Noise-Cancelling

• Noise-Cancelling Type: Hybrid adaptive
• Adjustable Noise Cancelling: Yes
• Battery Life with ANC: 8 hours
• Transparency Mode: Yes

Anker’s Soundcore line has long been a budget-friendly favorite without skimping on quality. Their Space A40 earbuds deliver great noise cancellation, especially against low and mid-frequency sounds during flights or busy environments. The adaptive ANC automatically adjusts based on your surroundings, and you can choose between high, medium, or low noise reduction levels.

Though Anker claims 10 hours battery life, real-world use with ANC enabled hits around 8 hours. Sound quality is above average for the price, with warm tones and boosted bass. The transparency mode is effective but not exceptional, and a companion app lets you customize up to six gesture controls for playback and calls.

Pros:

• Outstanding ANC for the price
• Pleasant, warm sound signature
• Multi-device connectivity and wireless charging
• Comfortable fit
• Solid battery life

Cons:

• No automatic wear detection
• Call quality could be better
• Sound detail isn’t as crisp as pricier models

4. Master & Dynamic MW09 — Longest Battery Life

• Noise-Cancelling Type: Hybrid adaptive
• Adjustable Noise Cancelling: Yes
• Battery Life with ANC: 12 hours
• Transparency Mode: Yes

While some ANC headphones boast longer battery life, the MW09 holds the crown for longest ANC operation among recent test models. Its noise cancelling isn’t as aggressive as Bose or Sony, but it offers three ANC presets to balance noise-blocking and battery efficiency.

Sound quality is top-notch, with Master & Dynamic’s signature natural and detailed profile. You’ll catch every subtle riff and drum nuance in your favorite blues-rock tracks. Battery life varies with ANC and volume settings but stays around 10 hours in tough tests—well above Bose and Sony’s flagship earbuds.

Pros:

• Exceptional clarity and detail
• Multiple fit options
• Robust ambient sound mode
• App-based customization

Cons:

• Pricey
• ANC performance is average
• Battery life claims are a bit optimistic

5. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) — Best Noise-Cancelling Features

• Noise-Cancelling Type: Hybrid adaptive
• Adjustable Noise Cancelling: Yes
• Battery Life with ANC: 6 hours
• Transparency Mode: Yes

The 2nd-gen AirPods Pro don’t top the list mainly because they shine brightest when paired with an iPhone. Their H2 chip powers advanced ANC that blocks twice as much noise as the previous generation. With vents, microphones, and speakers working in harmony, the experience is remarkable for such tiny earbuds.

Apple’s adaptive audio blends ANC and ambient sound automatically, adjusting volume as background noise fluctuates, whether you’re walking or sitting still, listening to music or taking calls. The transparency mode is arguably the best and most natural of all wireless earbuds.

Pros:

• Enhanced sound quality
• Stellar transparency mode
• Strong ANC performance
• Smooth device switching within Apple ecosystem

Cons:

• Design unchanged from 1st gen
• New touch controls take practice
• Average battery life
• Personalized spatial audio results vary

6. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) — Honorable Mention

• Noise-Cancelling Type: Hybrid adaptive
• Adjustable Noise Cancelling: Yes
• Battery Life with ANC: 8.5 hours
• Transparency Mode: Yes

Previously, Bose ANC earbuds came with a hefty price tag. The 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds combine top features into a smaller, lighter package at a better cost. You get effective ANC, good sound, and voice control support. They last over eight hours with ANC on and carry an IPX4 water resistance rating suitable for workouts. Bose plans to roll out their immersive spatial audio soon for these earbuds.

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality
• Effective ANC
• Tons of handy features
• Dependable battery life

Cons:

• Immersive audio not available yet
• ANC and sound quality trail behind QC Ultra
• No CustomTune feature
• Call quality could improve

How to Choose the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Design Matters

Most wireless ANC earbuds sport a classic round, in-ear design. However, variations exist: some add “fins” or “wings” for a snugger fit, while others incorporate ear hooks for sporty use. Consider these details relative to how you’ll wear them. Size and weight also impact comfort and ANC effectiveness—poor fit can reduce noise isolation drastically.

Understanding Noise-Cancelling Types

You'll encounter terms like "hybrid ANC" and "hybrid adaptive ANC." Hybrid ANC uses both internal and external microphones to detect noise, cancelling more sounds than basic ANC—but at fixed levels. Adaptive ANC steps it up by continually adjusting noise cancellation based on environment changes and earbud fit, also combating wind noise better. This review focuses on earbuds with hybrid or adaptive ANC, as they offer superior noise-blocking in noisy settings.

Customizable Noise Cancellation

Look for headphones allowing ANC level adjustments or presets, which save battery life and tailor noise blocking to your environment. For example, Master & Dynamic offers ANC modes prioritizing isolation or battery efficiency. Some brands provide sliders in an app for fine-tuning ANC strength.

How We Test Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Testing involves wearing headphones extensively over days or weeks, listening to music, podcasts, and using voice/video calls. Battery life tests play music at moderate volume, cycling until depletion, simulating real use. ANC effectiveness is evaluated in noisy cafés, quiet offices, and during flights. When travel isn't possible, white noise generators, fans, and vacuum cleaners stand in for loud environments.

We check how well human voices are muted, as they’re a common challenge for ANC tech. Companion apps and their features receive thorough scrutiny to spot improvements or regressions from earlier models. If testing an updated version, previous models and competitors are revisited for comparison.

“The Bose QC Ultra earbuds lead in noise isolation but advanced audio features cut battery life.” — Product Insights

Ready to elevate your audio game with exceptional noise-cancelling headphones? Dive into our top picks and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between hybrid and adaptive noise cancelling?
  Hybrid ANC uses mics inside and outside the earbud to block noise at a fixed level, while adaptive ANC constantly adjusts based on environment changes and earbud fit.
• Which earbuds have the best battery life with ANC on?
  Master & Dynamic MW09 offers up to 12 hours of ANC battery life, the longest among top contenders.
• Are wireless noise-cancelling earbuds suitable for workouts?
  Many models, like Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024), feature water resistance (IPX4), making them suitable for exercise.
• Do I need a specific app for customizing ANC?
  Most premium models provide apps with ANC presets and adjustable noise cancellation sliders for better control.
• Can noise-cancelling headphones block human voices effectively?
  They suppress continuous noise well, but blocking human voices is more challenging and varies by model.

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