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🏠HomeπŸ†Best OfπŸ”Reviews
  1. Home
  2. β€ΊBest Of
  3. β€ΊHeadphones
  4. β€ΊBest Noise-Cancelling
Buying Guide

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones 2025

Top over-ear headphones tested for noise cancellation effectiveness, sound quality, comfort, and battery life for travel, work, and commuting.

ANC Measured in dBLong-Wear Comfort TestedReal-World Travel Testing

Our picks

Quick Recommendations

Best fits at a glance
Best Overall4.7

Sony WH-1000XM5

Street price: $349In stock
Read ReviewSee Price
Best Comfort4.5

Bose QuietComfort 45

Street price: $329In stock
Read ReviewSee Price
Budget Pick4.2

Anker Soundcore Q45

Street price: $79In stock
Read ReviewSee Price
Ranked List
BEST OVERALL#1 ranked pick

Sony WH-1000XM5

Our verdict
Excellent
4.7

The benchmark for noise-cancelling headphones with best-in-class ANC, premium sound quality, 30-hour battery, and a sleek redesigned chassis.

Driver Size30mm
ANC RatingBest-in-class
Battery30hr (ANC on)
Weight250g
CodecLDAC, AAC, SBC
Street price: $349
Read Review β†’
BEST VALUE#2 ranked pick

Bose QuietComfort 45

Our verdict
Excellent
4.5

Legendary Bose comfort with outstanding noise cancellation, balanced sound signature, and best-in-class plush earcup padding for long travel.

Driver Size40mm
ANC RatingExcellent
Battery24hr (ANC on)
Weight238g
CodecAAC, SBC
Street price: $329
Read Review β†’
BUDGET PICK#3 ranked pick

Anker Soundcore Q45

Our verdict
Great
4.2

Exceptional budget ANC headphones with LDAC support, adaptive noise cancellation, and 50-hour battery at an almost unbelievable $79 price.

Driver Size40mm
ANC RatingGood
Battery50hr (ANC on)
Weight253g
CodecLDAC, AAC, SBC
Street price: $79
Read Review β†’
#4 ranked pick

Apple AirPods Max

Our verdict
Great
4.5

Apple's premium over-ear headphones with stunning build quality, exceptional transparency mode, and seamless Apple device integration.

Driver Size40mm Apple
ANC RatingExcellent
Battery20hr (ANC on)
Weight385g
CodecAAC, SBC
Street price: $549
Read Review β†’
Methodology

How We Evaluate Noise-Cancelling Headphones

ANC Testing Environments

  • β€’ Airplane cabin during long-haul flights
  • β€’ Open-plan office with ambient noise
  • β€’ City street and public transport
  • β€’ Home HVAC/appliance noise reduction
  • β€’ Low, mid, and high-frequency attenuation

What Else Matters

  • β€’ Transparency/pass-through mode quality
  • β€’ Call quality with microphone testing
  • β€’ Wear comfort over 4+ hour sessions
  • β€’ Multipoint pairing for multiple devices
  • β€’ Touch controls and companion app quality

Jump To

  • #1Sony WH-1000XM5
  • #2Bose QuietComfort 45
  • #3Anker Soundcore Q45
  • #4Apple AirPods Max

Related Guides

  • All Headphones
  • Best Wireless Earbuds