Whether you wear noise-canceling headphones to quiet chatter while working from home, enjoy peace of mind while traveling, or gather your thoughts, they need to do their job well. Thankfully, today’s market is full of excellent products, so there's never been a more exciting time to upgrade.
Best Noise-Canceling Headphones
How Do Noise-Canceling Headphones Work?
Headphones with onboard noise cancellation contain built-in microphones to pick up the outside racket. Then, with the help of sophisticated tech and audio processing, they generate a practically inaudible sound with opposing wavelength to tune out noise in real-time. Because of that, these kinds of products deservedly carry a higher price tag than similar headphones that don't feature noise cancellation.
While evaluating the headphones — in addition to assessing their audio performance across the entire frequency range — I kept close attention to their ability to tune out ambient noise. Thankfully, I work near a window above a busy street, so I had a reliable source of distracting noise to put the products through their paces.
How We Tested
I’ve been testing headphones and earbuds for the past decade. It wasn’t long ago when good noise-canceling cans were too expensive for many consumers, but not anymore! These days, you can find a great pair for less than $100.
I am constantly testing the latest noise-canceling headphones to determine the best worth buying at every price point — from budget-friendly to decadently luxurious. In addition to scrutinizing the products’ specs and combing through reviews from consumers and industry experts, I test the headphones’ audio quality and noise cancellation in real-life scenarios.
Sound-wise, I evaluate the latest headphones by playing a broad selection of acoustically challenging tracks in various genres on Apple Music and Qobuz. This helps me determine their ability to produce bass, treble, and midrange frequencies, with the last bit being a challenge for cheaper models. I also listen to podcasts to experience the headphones' ability to deliver voice-dominated content.
I live above one of the streets with the busiest traffic in Midtown Manhattan — a perfect setting for testing the noise-canceling capabilities of headphones and earbuds alike. Most of the latest cans also have dedicated ambient noise settings to help you become more aware of your surroundings. I test these kinds features at the office while commuting and during outdoor walks.
Of course, with remote work being a reality for many, I also test the latest products during telephone, FaceTime, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom calls. Having access to reliable microphones is essential!
What to Consider
Audio Performance
The most important thing you need to know before shopping for noise-canceling headphones is that spending more will inevitably get you better sound and quieter bliss. Our top picks, while unquestionably pricey, will deliver distraction-free entertainment for a long time after you purchase them.
Companion App
We are into 2022, so it’s almost imperative that your new noise-canceling cans have a companion app. Available on top-tier models at various price points, the app usually contains easy-to-access tools for adjusting the sound and noise cancellation, as well as for setting up access to your preferred virtual assistant.
Connectivity
Up-to-date wireless connectivity of Bluetooth 5.0 (and higher) is also a significant bit to keep an eye out for. The futureproof functionality will guarantee you a robust and latency-free connection with the latest smartphones, tablets, and laptops. With remote work being here to stay for many of us, the headphones' call quality is crucial.
Battery Life
A good pair of headphones should last for at least 20 hours between charges with noise cancellation on. That’s the bare minimum, so the more, the better.
Find the pair of noise-canceling headphones that fits your lifestyle best, and enjoy your favorite tunes with fewer distractions.
Note: This article focuses primarily on headphones with on- and over-ear design. We’ve included our favorite pair of noise-canceling earbuds here, but if you’re looking for more earbud options, take a look at this thorough guide.
1
Our Top Pick
WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Outstanding sound and noise cancellation
- Feature-packed companion app
- Long battery life
- Touch controls have a learning curve
Key Specs
- 40-millimeter audio drivers, Hi-Res Audio support (wired and wireless)
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 30 hours of battery life
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones are the best noise-canceling ones worth your attention today. They offer a winning blend of outstanding sound quality and noise-canceling tech, reliable performance during calls, impeccable ergonomics, and long battery life while retaining the previous generation’s timelessly cool design. Available in silver or black, the cans are a better variant of a product that was already close to being perfect.
We also love the headset's fast-charging capability over a USB-C connector — you can get 5 hours of playback after only 10 minutes.
More: Our Review of the Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones
2
Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds
WF-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds
- Excellent sound quality and noise cancellation
- Great battery life for the form factor
- Water-resistant
Key Specs
- 6-millimeter audio drivers, Hi-Res Audio support
- Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
The Sony WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds are the best in their class. Just like the tech giant’s excellent headphones, they deliver amazing sound quality and noise cancellation that's infinitely customizable via an app. Plus, the high-tech earphones have Sony’s super convenient speak-to-chat functionality, allowing them to pause audio playback and noise cancellation upon detecting your voice.
Considering their form factor, the earbuds’ battery life is nothing short of exceptional. Most rivals can’t last 6 hours (or less) between charges with noise cancellation switched on, and this pair offers a solid 12. Their storage case is compatible with wireless charging. Sony offers the product in black or silver with cool gold accents.
More: Our Review of the Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Earbuds
3
Best Budget
Life Q30 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Amazing audio performance for the money
- Best-in-class companion app
- Long battery life
- Blue and pink color options cost more
Key Specs
- 40-millimeter audio drivers, Hi-Res Audio support (wired)
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 60 hours of battery life
Anker’s Soundcore Life Q30 wireless noise-canceling headphones are the best budget-friendly pick by a wide margin. Priced at around $60, the cans offer design, comfort, sound quality, and battery life that defy their sticker price. However, you should note that they can't block ambient noise as proficiently as their pricier rivals.
They also have a companion app that’s packed with tools to customize their sound and noise cancellation, as well as additional features to help you focus or unwind.
The Q30 has the ability to simultaneously connect to a pair of devices. You can order the headphones in black, blue, or pink, and their retail package includes a convenient travel case.
More: Our Review of the Soundcore Life Q30
4
Runner-Up
Tour ONE Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
- High-quality sound and noise cancellation
- Feature-packed companion app
- Long battery life
- Transparency mode could be better
Key Specs
- 40-millimeter audio drivers, Hi-Res Audio support (wired)
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 50 hours of battery life
JBL’s Tour One wireless headphones are an excellent alternative to our top pick from Sony. They have an understated design, more convenient volume controls, a great companion app, a rich retail package, and a slightly lower price tag. The cans also deliver great sound — but when it comes to noise cancellation, their Sony rival has an edge. The WH-1000XM4's speak-to-chat feature is also a difference-maker.
The Tour One headphones have a quartet of microphones, so they are plenty reliable for calls, too. The product’s 25-hour battery life with noise cancellation on is also solid. Disabling the aforementioned key feature will double it.
More: Our Guide to JBL's Product Lineup
5
A Modern Classic
QuietComfort 45 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Top-tier sound and noise cancellation
- Timelessly cool design
- Convenient controls
- App lacks sound customization tools
Key Specs
- Tri-port acoustic architecture with volume-optimized EQ
- Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity
- Up to 24 hours of battery life
The recently launched Bose QuietComfort 45 wireless noise-canceling headphones are an upgraded take on the audio giant’s QuietComfort 35 cans — a stone-cold classic with a deservedly massive following. The new iteration brings up-to-date Bluetooth connectivity and longer battery life, all while retaining the same instantly sleek design and unmatched comfort. The QC 45 cans also deliver signature Bose sound and stronger noise cancellation.
Available in a triple black or white smoke finish, the Bose QC 45 wireless headphones also have an intuitive companion app and a futureproof USB-C charging connector. The product’s retail package includes a convenient storage case, too.
6
Best for Exercising
UA Project Rock Over-Ear Training Headphones by JBL
- Powerful sound and good noise cancellation
- Tough build and comfy fit
- Long battery life
- Some might find the design a bit too utilitarian
Key Specs
- 40-millimeter audio drivers
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 45 hours of battery life
By teaming up with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Under Armour, JBL gave us the workout-friendly noise-canceling headphones we’ve been waiting for. The UA Project Rock over-ear training cans — in addition to a powerful sound and robust noise cancellation — have a comfy fit, a sweat-resistant build with easy-to-operate controls, and long battery life. The cans’ companion app is also excellent and packed with customization tools.
We like that the Project Rock headphones have removable ear cushions that you can wash by hand. The cans’ storage case is also equipped with air vents to help them dry.
More: Our Review of the Project Rock Cans
7
Best Design
PX7 Wireless Headphones
- Excellent audio quality and noise cancellation
- Elegant and superbly built
- Solid battery life
- Companion app lacks sound customization tools
Key Specs
- 43.6-millimeter audio drivers
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 30 hours of battery life
When it comes to workmanship, tactility, and sheer presence, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 can't be beat. The over-ear cans are crafted using carbon-fiber composite material (typically found in supercars), metal, and fabric. Available in silver, space gray, or carbon, they make their similarly priced rivals look generic in comparison.
The audio performance and noise cancellation are adjustable (via an app), and among the best in class. That's hardly a surprise because the cans have been tuned by the team that made the legendary Bowers & Wilkins 800 Diamond Series speakers.
More: Our Review of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Wireless Headphones
8
Best Compact Cans
Live 460NC Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Customizable sound
- Cool design
- Long battery life
- Retail package lacks a storage case
Key Specs
- 40-millimeter audio drivers
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 50 hours of battery life
The JBL Live 460NC are our favorite compact noise-canceling headphones available today. The on-ear cans have a cool design with a fabric-covered headband, convenient button controls, good audio quality, and fantastic battery life, all at an agreeable price point. You can order the product in black, white, or blue.
JBL has equipped the headphones with 40-millimeter audio drivers, which deliver a bass-forward sonic experience. You can customize the sound via a feature-packed companion app.
9
Premium Apple Cans
AirPods Max
- Excellent audio quality and noise cancellation
- Best-in-class controls
- Seamless Apple connectivity
Key Specs
- Proprietary audio drivers with spatial audio support
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
The AirPods Max are the noise-canceling cans to get if you're an Apple user with a big budget for an audio upgrade.
In a manner befitting their hefty price tag, the headphones have a luxurious design and build with colorful aluminum ear cups, along with best-in-class controls with a rotating knob à la the Apple Watch. The AirPods Max also deliver great sound with spatial audio support, as well as equally stellar noise cancellation.
Thanks to the Apple H1 chip, the biggest AirPods will seamlessly connect to all Apple devices that use the same iCloud account. Just like your iPhone, the cans use a Lightning connector for charging.
More: We Tested the AirPods Max
10
For Bassheads
WH-XB910N EXTRA BASS Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Good sound with powerful bass
- Reliable noise cancellation
- Excellent battery life
- No Speak-to-Chat functionality
Key Specs
- 40-millimeter audio drivers
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 30 hours of battery life
If you love bass, you need the Sony WH-XB910N Extra BASS Wireless headphones in your life. As their name suggests, the over-ear cans deliver a sonic experience with an embellished, incredibly entertaining low range. Their noise cancellation works well, too, though it isn’t on par with the near-silence produced by our top pick from the same brand.
You can tune the headphones’ sound and noise-canceling performance via a feature-packed companion app. A comfy fit and dependable battery life round out the product’s highlights. The cans are available in black or blue.
More: How to Pick the Right Pair of Sony Headphones and Earbuds
11
Most Eco-Friendly
Positive Vibration XL ANC Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Characterful design and sustainable build
- Entertaining sound
- Solid noise cancellation
- You can get better quality sound for the money
Key Specs
- 40-millimeter audio drivers
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 35 hours of battery life
The Positive Vibration XL ANC wireless headphones — like all House of Marley products — have a characterful design and earth-friendly craftsmanship. The latter consists of easy-to-recycle aluminum, sustainably sourced wood, and eco-friendly fabric. The cans' metal housings are available with a blue or copper finish.
Sound-wise, the Positive Vibration XL ANC delivers an entertaining sonic experience with reliable ambient noise cancellation. We really like that their ear cups and headband have soft memory-foam padding to help reduce fatigue during long listening sessions. We only wish the cans had an app for customizing their sound.
12
Best for Work
Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
- Best-in-class call quality and noise cancellation
- Well-balanced and entertaining sound
- Comfy and elegant
- Battery life could be longer
Key Specs
- Proprietary audio drivers
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 have an impressively sleek design, impeccable ergonomics, and up to 20 hours of battery life between charges. They are our favorite for cranking out work, thanks to top-tier noise-canceling capabilities, as well as a superb quad-microphone setup. The latter allows the cans to effortlessly isolate your voice regardless of the environment, making them perfect for Zoom calls.
Other noteworthy highlights of the headphones include nifty touch controls, good battery life with a USB-C connector for charging, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant (it's up to you as to which one you prefer). The elegant headphones are available in black and silver.
13
Best for Audiophiles
No. 5909 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Phenomenal audio quality
- Beautiful design
- Rich retail package
Key Specs
- 40-millimeter audio drivers, Hi-Res Audio support (wired and wireless)
- Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity
- Up to 34 hours of battery life
One of our favorite products of CES 2022, the all-new Mark Levinson No. 5909 wireless headphones offer the best sound quality on this list. Developed by a brand synonymous with ultra-premium audiophile gear that costs thousands more, the cans deliver a detail-rich, reference-grade sound in wired and wireless mode. Their noise cancellation is also excellent, and together with the sound, tunable via an app.
Unsurprisingly, the headphones’ design and build quality are worthy of their acoustic prowess. Manufactured from aluminum and genuine leather, the cans have ear cups with a striking, car-grade metallic paint finish. Their retail package includes a case, a polishing cloth, and plenty of cables and adapters.
14
The Most Durable
Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Good sound and reliable noise cancellation
- Durable
- Robust warranty
- No official rating for water resistance
Key Specs
- 40-millimeter audio drivers
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 36 hours of battery life
The Elite 85h by Jabra are among our favorite noise-canceling headphones because they have a rain-resistant coating, in addition to top-tier design, sound, noise-canceling tech, and solid battery life. Unlike other high-end offerings, the cans are backed by a 2-year warranty against damage from water and dust.
With eight built-in microphones, the Elite 85h headphones are also among the best for making calls. Jabra offers the product in titanium black, black with copper accents, gold beige, and navy.
15
Noise-Canceling Beats
Studio Buds Wireless Noise-Canceling Earphones
- Signature Beats sound and solid noise cancellation
- Seamless Apple connectivity
- Convenient controls
- Case lacks wireless charging
16
Cheap Wired Cans
MDR-ZX110NC Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Good audio performance
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
Key Specs
- 30-millimeter audio drivers
- Standard wireless connector
- Up to 80 hours of battery life
Sony's MDR-ZX110NC wired on-ear headphones will help you tune out your surroundings on the cheap. Their audio quality is a bit bass-heavy, but we don't find this to be a deal-breaker at this price point.
The headset's noise-canceling feature requires one AAA battery. It can last up to 80 hours, so you don't have to worry about a replacement for days.
Stefan Vazharov
Senior Technology Editor
Stefan is the senior technology editor for BestProducts.com, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015; He previously covered tech products for GSMArena.com and his work can also be found on Popular Mechanics.
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