Noise-canceling headphones have evolved into essential tools for blocking out the world, whether you’re commuting through traffic, focusing in a noisy office, or escaping a neighbor’s lawnmower. The best models combine powerful active noise cancellation with rich sound, all-day comfort, and smart features like adaptive modes and multipoint pairing. After extensive testing across dozens of options, these stand out as the top noise-canceling headphones for 2025.
Best Overall: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones second generation set the benchmark with industry-leading ANC enhanced by ActiveSense technology. This system smoothly handles sudden noise spikes, maintaining immersion without jarring adjustments. Battery life reaches 30 hours with ANC active, now supporting lossless audio via USB-C for audiophile-grade playback.
Weighing 264 grams with a collapsible design, they fold flat for travel while delivering plush comfort. Customizable ANC levels and transparency mode round out a premium package.
– Pros: Unmatched ANC, substantial sound/power upgrades
– Cons: Premium price, glossy finish divisive
Runner-Up: Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony’s WH-1000XM6 earns second place with exceptional comfort upgrades and refined ANC via the new QN3 chip and 12 microphones. It excels at blocking mid-to-high frequencies including voices, paired with improved drivers for detailed spatial audio. 30-hour battery life supports multipoint connectivity and activity-based auto-adjustments.
At 254 grams, the lightweight build prioritizes all-day wear. Speak-to-Chat and adaptive sound add convenience, though call quality dips in crowds.
– Pros: Superior comfort, enhanced ANC/sound, feature-packed
– Cons: Price creep, call performance limitations
Best Budget: Sony WH-CH720N
For value seekers, the Sony WH-CH720N delivers surprising performance at $150 (often $100 on sale). Lightweight plastic construction ensures comfort during marathon sessions, with hybrid ANC punching above its weight. 35-hour battery life includes EQ customization, DSEE upscaling, and 360 Reality Audio.
Sound reveals impressive detail—gritty guitars and acoustic nuance shine through.
– Pros: Affordable excellence, comfy/lightweight, solid features
– Cons: ANC environment-limited, plastic aesthetic
Best Sound Quality: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
Audiophiles prioritize the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 for pristine, detailed audio from 40mm bio-cellulose drivers. Adaptive ANC with eight microphones handles environmental shifts effectively. 30-hour battery supports transparency mode and multipoint Bluetooth.
Sophisticated design and balanced tuning prioritize sonic fidelity over gimmicks.
– Pros: Exceptional clarity, comfortable fit, premium build
– Cons: Higher cost, button placement quirks
Best Battery Life: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Wireless dominates endurance with 60 hours of ANC playback. Improved hybrid adaptive cancellation rivals pricier rivals, complemented by wide soundstage and depth across genres. Customizable ANC, aptX Adaptive, and foldable design enhance versatility.
At 292.9 grams, comfort supports extended use despite generic styling.
– Pros: Marathon battery, strong ANC/sound, improved fit
– Cons: Design less distinctive, gesture controls hit-or-miss
Noise-Canceling Headphones Comparison
| Model | ANC Type | Battery (ANC) | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QC Ultra Gen 2 | Hybrid Adaptive | 30 hours | 264g | $449 |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Hybrid Adaptive | 30 hours | 254g | $450 |
| Sony WH-CH720N | Hybrid | 35 hours | 192g | $150 |
| B&W Px7 S3 | Adaptive | 30 hours | 300g | $479 |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 | Hybrid Adaptive | 60 hours | 293g | $250 |
How We Test Noise-Canceling Headphones
Testing spans weeks of real-world use across music, podcasts, and calls. Battery drain simulates daily patterns at 75% volume. ANC performance faces coffee shops, white noise machines, vacuums, and airplane simulations—prioritizing voice blocking and wind handling. Companion apps undergo full feature audits, with direct comparisons to predecessors and rivals ensuring objective rankings.
Other Models Considered
Apple AirPods Max offer spatial audio excellence but command premium pricing. Dyson On-Trac prioritizes customization over core performance. Sonos Ace impresses with home theater integration despite middling ANC. Sony ULT Wear thumps bass enthusiasts. Beats Studio Pro improves sonics but skimps on features. Master & Dynamic MH40 and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 prioritize pure audio over ANC prowess.
Buying Guide Essentials
Prioritize over-ear designs for superior isolation. Seek hybrid/adaptive ANC with customization. Comfort trumps specs—memory foam and light weight win marathons. Battery life, multipoint pairing, and app EQ elevate daily drivers. Budget options sacrifice little when prioritizing essentials.
