Whether you’re working from home, frequently traveling by air, or just aiming to minimize surrounding noise, investing in noise-cancelling headphones can be highly beneficial.
Even the most reasonably priced headphones might fall short without effective noise cancellation. With a plethora of available options (our selection continues to expand monthly), investing heavily in mediocre ANC isn’t advisable.
To assist you in exploring the best options from brands such as Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony, and Sonos, Mashable’s team of editors and reviewers has tested various headphones and earbuds. From premium models to budget-friendly choices, we’ve identified the top noise-cancelling headphones of 2025.
What are the leading noise-cancelling headphones?
Bose is frequently recognized as a premier name in noise-cancelling audio, often ranking at the top of our recommendations for the best ANC.
Nonetheless, Bose is not the sole brand worth considering. Sony presents outstanding options for exceptional ANC alongside impressive sound quality. For those on a budget, EarFun offers remarkable value within the noise-cancelling sphere. The best noise-cancelling headphones focus on the features and price point you desire—our guide below showcases where each choice stands out.
How do noise-cancelling headphones function?
Even budget headphones can help reduce some external noise. You can also boost your music volume to muffle nearby sounds through passive noise cancellation. However, for optimal noise reduction, you require headphones that feature active noise cancellation.
Active noise-cancelling headphones electronically mask outside sounds. They deploy internal microphones to detect external noise, then invert the sound and send it to the speakers. The purpose is to have the output and input cancel each other out, resulting in near-silence. The finest over-ear headphones also create a tight seal around your ears, adding an additional layer of passive sound insulation.
If you’ve experimented with noise-cancelling headphones before and were not impressed, don’t lose hope, as ANC effectiveness can differ. Inexpensive ANC headphones might generate a noticeable hissing sound with noise cancellation activated, which can be distracting.
Some headphones may perform well in blocking low frequencies but allow higher frequencies to pass through. Generally, high-end headphones provide superior overall performance, but we have cost-effective options that perform admirably.
Previously, not many wireless earbuds delivered active noise cancellation that matched over-ear headphones, but recent models like the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds have become competitive within the ANC category. However, even these earbuds cannot achieve the same seal or microphone capabilities as headphones, so for maximum silence, go with over-ear headphones.
Recent testing updates
In September 2025, we substituted the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds with the enhanced second-gen model.
As of July 2025, we replaced the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones with the latest Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.
Our February 2025 evaluations introduced the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds as our top choice under $100, replacing the Beats Studio Buds+ due to the Air Pro’s superior noise isolation, battery performance, and value. We also included the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones as an alternate best pick for battery life in March 2025.
In September 2024, we tested the JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds, admiring their sound quality, design, and touchscreen case for convenient battery and audio management. However, their noise cancellation did not meet expectations for $200 earbuds. We also highlighted the Dyson OnTrac headphones for best battery life, boasting an impressive 55-hour battery duration.
In August 2024, we ceased recommending the Bose 700 headphones for best noise-cancelling with adjustable ANC. These headphones were essentially discontinued following the release of the Bose QC Ultra in September 2023 but remained available through non-Bose retailers. We’ll be searching for new models that offer adjustable noise cancellation similar to what these Bose headphones once provided.