Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones have become essential for commuters, remote workers, and anyone who wants to focus in noisy environments. We compare the top options across over-ear and in-ear styles at different price points.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones | Audio | Best-in-class noise cancellation | Amazon |
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) | Audio | Excellent active noise cancellation | Amazon |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds | Audio | Spatial audio with head tracking | Amazon |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro | Audio | Excellent sound quality | Amazon |
| Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Earbuds | Audio | Exceptional value for ANC earbuds | Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Industry-leading noise cancellation with eight microphones and two processors. Crystal clear hands-free calling with 4 beamforming microphones. Up to 30 hours of battery life with quick charging. Lightweight design at approximately 250g.
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- 30-hour battery life
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Multipoint Bluetooth connection
- No folding design
- Higher price than competitors
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
Active noise cancellation with 2x more effective blocking. Adaptive Audio dynamically blends transparency and noise cancellation. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. USB-C charging case with built-in speaker and lanyard loop.
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit for extended wear
- USB-C charging case
- Adaptive Audio feature
- Premium price point
- Best experience within Apple ecosystem
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Immersive spatial audio with head tracking. World-class noise cancellation with CustomTune technology. Up to 6 hours of battery life plus 18 hours with charging case. IPX4 water and sweat resistant.
- Spatial audio with head tracking
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Comfortable secure fit
- IPX4 water resistance
- Expensive
- Average battery life
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Adaptive noise cancellation with intelligent ambient sound. 24-bit Hi-Fi audio with 360 Audio. Blade design with ergonomic fit. Up to 7 hours playback with ANC on, 30 hours total with case. IP57 water and dust resistance.
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable blade design
- Long battery life
- IP57 rating
- Best features require Samsung phone
- Touch controls can be finicky
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Earbuds
Active noise cancelling earbuds with 98.5% noise reduction. Custom Hi-Res certified 11mm drivers for detailed sound. Up to 10 hours playtime with ANC on, 50 hours total with case. Multipoint connection to two devices simultaneously.
- Exceptional value for ANC earbuds
- 50-hour total battery life
- Multipoint connection
- Comfortable fit
- ANC not as strong as premium brands
- App required for best experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best noise-cancelling headphones overall?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers the best overall noise cancellation in an over-ear design, while the Apple AirPods Pro 2 leads the in-ear category with Adaptive Audio.
Are expensive noise-cancelling headphones worth it?
Higher-priced models typically offer better ANC performance, longer battery life, and more comfort for extended wear. Budget options like the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC provide solid ANC at a fraction of the cost.
Which noise-cancelling earbuds have the best battery life?
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC leads with 10 hours of ANC playback and 50 hours total with the charging case. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers 7 hours with ANC on.
Can noise-cancelling headphones block all sound?
No headphones block 100% of external noise. They work best against constant low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and office HVAC. Sudden loud sounds and human voices are harder to block completely.