Of course, it’s not always safe or desirable to block out all sounds, which is why many wired or wireless headphones with active noise-canceling (ANC) technology also help you control the amount of environmental noise you want to let in. Some models even adapt these levels automatically and create the best balance depending on the noise around you. As with any pair of headphones, audio quality is also high on the list of priorities. Stats about supported audio codecs, drivers, frequency, impedance, and sensitivity can clue you in to how loud they’ll get and the tones you’ll hear best. But fit (in-ear or over the ear), battery life for wireless models, and other add-ons like voice assistant support and microphone quality (if you take and make a lot of phone calls) are also important to think about to make a complete product you’ll enjoy using. To help you find your perfect harmony between noise cancelation, comfort, and audio quality, we’ve collected a list of the best noise-canceling headphones from other big names in the game, including Bose, Sennheiser, and Jabra. With Sony’s latest QN1 noise-canceling processor, you really are getting some of the best ANC around, and when you pair that with a rich, natural sonic response from the headphones themselves, it’s a really compelling listening experience. The look and feel of the headphones also screams premium, with ultra-soft leather ear pads, a soft-touch matte plastic exterior, classy design touches like a copper logo, and a slim profile to match it all. In other words, these headphones check off basically all the primary boxes you might be expecting. It’s when you get into all the secondary stuff that this situation becomes more complicated. Sony has loaded so many features into these headphones that it can feel daunting. From a speak-to-chat voice recognition feature that pauses your music as soon as you start speaking all the way to a certifiably gimmicky 360-degree audio emulation, you won’t be left wanting for extraneous features, but you may just be overwhelmed with them all. The accompanying smartphone app does do a nice job helping you navigate things, and you’ll get a lot of sound customization here, too. One glaring omission is the lack of the aptX Bluetooth codec. This Qualcomm-developed compression format has been the favorite for higher quality audio, and it was present on the 1000XM3s last year. Sony has chosen to let their DSEE audio upscaling software do the heavy lifting here, so if aptX is your preference, you won’t find it on the M4s. You can pick up these headphones in a matte black or soft silver color, and they’ll run you just under $300. Type: Over-ear | Connection Type: Bluetooth | ANC: Yes | Water/Sweat Resistant: No Type: Over-ear | Connection Type: Bluetooth | ANC: Yes | Water/Sweat Resistant: No While you’re on the move, the adaptive noise canceling tech closely monitors surrounding sound levels and makes the proper adjustments for disturbance-free listening. And whatever you’re tuning into, the PXC 550 delivers pleasantly accurate and balanced audio quality. Sennheiser says that fidelity is improved if you plug these cans into a computer, which you may end up doing if you exceed the long-lasting 30 hours of battery life. The flip side of the battery capacity is slow charging time, but as long as you have the cable or plan ahead, you’ll enjoy using these comfy headphones. Type: Over-ear | Connection Type: Bluetooth | ANC: Yes | Water/Sweat Resistant: No Another highlight of the Bose 700 is the attractive and unique design that goes a long way toward justifying the steep price. The steel headband is much more minimalist than you’ll find in other Bose or over-ear wireless headphones, and the plush earcups rotate to 15 degrees to better mirror the natural shape of the head and ears. Our reviewer noted the success of the clamp design on the headband that helps to create a secure fit and freedom to tilt the ear pieces. Though he took issue with the sensitivity of the touch controls, which can lead to misfires or unintended prompts, the exceptional audio performance easily makes up for any shortcomings. Type: Over-ear | Connection Type: Bluetooth | ANC: Yes | Water/Sweat Resistant: Yes (IPX4) If you leave the Smart ANC on default settings, the system will guess based on clues that indicate if you’re at home, commuting, or in public. Our reviewer reported some success with this automatic adaptive switching but preferred either contributing some input via the app or simply using the button control. He also noted that these were comfortable to wear generally, but that the fabric covering picks up lint very easily. Because of their slightly bulky build, fit could be an issue if you like a light and streamlined design. One thing that’s hard to argue against, however, is the stellar battery capacity, which is up to 36 hours even with ANC on. Type: Over-ear | Connection Type: Wireless, Bluetooth | ANC: Yes | Water/Sweat Resistant: Yes (no IPX rating) Where they struggle a little is with a singular multipurpose button—a retro joystick-style knob—that looks cool but is a little awkward to effectively use. Also, while the Marshall Mid ANC offer Bluetooth aptX connectivity, they lack the wow factor with playback compared to other headphones in this price range. With such style, though, this is a pair of wireless headphones that manages to stand out from the crowd. Type: Over-ear | Connection Type: Bluetooth | ANC: Yes | Water/Sweat Resistant: No The Beoplay H8i matches a high-end design with a faithful, professional audio experience that’s warm and well-balanced. The companion app also offers control over equalization settings for more fine-tuned listening. As for noise cancelation, it’s solid, though some users have reported a slight hissing when activated. Our reviewer also noted that the loud beeps when cycling through ANC settings or powering the headphones on/off were distracting. Another slight letdown he reported is an inconsistency with the autoplay/pause function when taking the headphones off/on. Type: On-ear | Connection Type: Bluetooth | ANC: Yes | Water/Sweat Resistant: No
About Our Trusted Experts
Don Reisinger has been writing about technology for 12 years and his bylines have appeared in Fortune, PCMag, CNET, among others. He’s an expert in consumer tech, gaming, headphones, and wearable technology. Andy Zahn specializes in consumer technology and gadgets ranging from smartphones to smart home devices and headphones. He enjoys experimenting with the latest gear, including many of the top noise-canceling picks featured on this list. Jason Schneider has a decade of experience writing about consumer technology for a variety of tech and media companies. He also specializes in audio equipment and headphones and reviewed many of the headsets we’ve selected including our top pick, the Sony WH-1000XM4. Yoona Wagener is a technology and commerce writer. She has covered a variety of peripherals, wearables, and headphones for Lifewire and uses one of the top picks on our list every day.
The Ultimate Noise-Canceling Headphones Guide
Noise-canceling headphones are a boon for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the modern world and immerse themselves in the sonic landscape of their favorite album (or disappear into an audio book). Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a wonder in a multitude of situations, like if you want to tune out the creaking and screeching of a train car on your morning commute, or you need a respite from the noisy conversations between some rambunctious roommates. Noise-canceling headphones are generally great for those who are easily disturbed by commotion, and a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can increase productivity by eliminating distractions. But in a market full of options, how do you decide which set is right for you? It’s important to know that the efficacy of noise-canceling circuits vary greatly. Some are capable of drowning out nearly everything, while others only cancel a narrow band of noise or employ an audible hiss. You don’t need to settle for low-grade audio quality; you just need to know how to find the right pair for you with consideration to sound quality, style, and overall functionality. Read on for our guide to finding the best noise-canceling headphones for you.
Why Choose Noise-Canceling Headphones?
As mentioned in the introduction, noise-canceling headphones work well for those who just want to silence the world around them, but they’re also handy for blocking out background noise so that you can better focus on things like a phone conversation or music listening. The Sennheiser PXC 550, for example, ranks highly on our list for its excellent sound quality. It lists the frequency response at 17Hz–23kHz, which is well beyond what even humans can theoretically hear, and therefore gives users tons of coverage—from the lowest lows to the highest highs. It keeps ambient noise away from your ear so that you can better focus on music or phone calls, which makes it ideal for virtually any use.
Cost
The best noise-canceling headphones can generally range from around $250 to just under $400. Of course, when you’re considering spending several hundreds of dollars on a set of headphones, you’ll want to find an option that nails all of the essential features, like wireless capability and comfort, and even provides some bells and whistles, like an app and interaction with voice assistants.
Wired vs. Wireless
Bluetooth wireless technology allows you to listen (or, you know, not listen) without having to deal with pesky wires, though many companies don’t guarantee Bluetooth range. Wireless signals can be easily affected by other gadgets you have running in our homes or obstructions, so check reviews for how well a given set of headphones is able to surmount these obstacles. A good wireless set can easily take you to the higher end of the price range for noise-canceling headphones. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II, for example, will run you about $350, but Lifewire testing all but guaranteed sublime audio signals between different rooms and floors.
Software
Wireless noise-canceling headphones integrate applications, which can be great provided that they work well and are easy to use. An understanding (or lack thereof) of software can make all the difference in the benefits you get from your device; look for ones with easy firmware updates that can deliver improvements to sound quality and active noise-canceling, among other things.
Battery Life
Twenty to 30 hours of battery life for a pair of noise-canceling headphones is considered pretty exceptional. Many top-of-the-line sets reach and even exceed these levels (the Jabra Elite 85H boasts 36 hours), so if you find a lower-budget set that delivers within that battery life range, it could give you good bang for your buck. Keep in mind that low-cost sets with more battery life can sacrifice comfort due to the size of the battery. So, conversely, it makes sense that a budget-friendly product like the Paww WaveSound 3 is characterized as lightweight with only 16 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
How well a pair of headphones is built can impact both comfort and your listening experience, as poorly crafted tech can massively impact fit and durability. But how do you distinguish between a great build and a substandard one? Actually feeling the headphones, and trying them on, to gauge size, fit, and sturdiness can be beneficial. For comfort on over-ear headphones, look closely at the band. Make sure it’s adjustable and locks in place, because there’s arguably nothing more annoying than a band that comes loose while in use. For sturdiness study the rails specifically, as these aren’t always built to last, even if the drivers are. A great set will expand and collapse to fit big and small heads, and to allow users to store them more efficiently. The expanding and collapsing motions will break down the rails quickly if they’re not robust. If you can’t examine them in person, check out reviews for complaints of cracked headbands and for notes about general impact resistance.
Audio Quality
We love to see stats advertised on company websites because many premium brands opt to leave sound specs off. It’s important to not get caught up in branding jargon. Rather, consider the numbers and elements, because those will better guide you.
Active and Passive Noise-canceling
Technically speaking, any type of headphone can provide some level of passive noise reduction. The headphones themselves block out some sound waves, particularly those at higher frequencies. However, true noise-canceling headphones have active noise-cancellation (ANC), which counters lower-frequency sound waves. A microphone and appropriate circuitry create a new, opposite wave that feeds into the headphones’ speakers. If you know that you’re somewhat sensitive to ANC, look for headphones with lower ANC settings, like the Bose 700 and the Jabra Elite 85H, or ones with an option to switch the setting off entirely.
Eardrum Suck
Some headphones might produce eardrum suck, or a feeling of pressure decrease in your eardrums. The phenomenon seems to be psychosomatic, but you can avoid it by doing some hands-on research. Find out if you’re prone to eardrum suck, read the reviews carefully for mentions of it, and to be completely clear, go to a company dealer to try the headphones on.
The Listening Experience
In the best case scenario, you’ll find a set of headphones that can completely wipe away ambient noise to create a truly immersive audio experience with music, speech, and more. However, there’s always the chance that it won’t—that background noise will be too loud—and the best your chosen pair can do is muffle noise. There’s also a possibility that ANC could compromise some audio quality; some devices, like Andy Zahn reported with the Jabra Elite 85H, may produce a faint hiss when you’re not listening to music or talking on the phone.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones are generally more comfortable than on-the-ear ones (or earbuds), which is perhaps why almost all of our top noise-canceling headphones are the former. Comfort for over-ear headphones really comes down to the weight, the fit, the materials used, and the heat they generate while in use. How heavy a pair of headphones feel in use should be a big consideration. Think that if a pair feels bulky when you try them on, they will feel that much heavier after hours of use. To avoid running into a weight issue, try on a few pairs to help figure out the maximum weight you’re comfortable with. Additionally, try to gauge fit and comfort based on the materials used by looking for padding both along the ear cups and on the inside of the headband. Materials vary from headset to headset, and you’ll have to decide for yourself which one feels best to you. Bose’s QuietComfort 35 II uses a suede-like material on the adjustable headband. It’s the same fabric you might find in yachts and high-end cars, according to Bose. Meanwhile, the ear cups are made of synthetic leather that, according to a Lifewire tech reviewer Don Reisinger, feel “soft on the skin” and comfortable for hours. Sennheiser uses a light, memory foam-like material in the earcups of the PXC 550, which, according to reviewer Jason Schneider, is super comfortable, though he noted that the placement of the seam might feel off to some. Whether a pair of headphones get hot with use can also play a role in comfort, so look out for notes about that as you research. Schneider said the PXC 550 and the Sony WH-1000XM3 built up some heat inside the ear cups, while reviews for the Bose sets made no mention of that.
Controls
Sound Integration
Hear through, or being able to alternate between ANC and no ANC with the click of a button, is a feature that shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s basically the opposite of noise cancelling, and instead of using the exterior microphones to detect and cancel noise, it instead brings that noise into the headphones to help you increase awareness of your surroundings. A great pair of headphones will deliver audio crisply and promptly through hear through mode, to the point where it could be hard to tell that it’s being recorded and rebroadcast.
Voice Assistant
Manufacturers
Sony A pillar of the film and music industries, Sony tops (though certainly doesn’t corner) the market for noise-canceling headphones with its superb sound quality, comfortable construction, and functional design. In general, the company makes quality electronics—from televisions to camcorders to wireless speakers and, of course, headphones—that straddle a broad range of price points. We like Sony for its track record of building products to last and its expressed commitment to sustainable innovation. Bose Many know Bose not only for its advanced noise-canceling technology but for its audio equipment in general. While the company hasn’t been in the innovation game for as long as, say, Sony, it’s still considered a heritage brand with sophisticated product offerings that range from headphones to speakers to wearables (think audio sunglasses). These products generally come with a hefty price tag, but it’s often justified given their ultra-advanced noise-canceling technology (they were the first company to supply an active noise reduction system to the United States military). We love this brand for its forward-thinking designs and outstanding performance—all with expressed consideration to energy efficiency, durability and chemical composition—as well as for its generous warranties, special discounts to educators, and blanket 90-day risk free trial offer. Sennheiser For more than seven decades, Sennheiser has been steadily building a reputation as an independent family business that produces professional level sound in a range of products that includes microphones, monitoring systems, and headsets. It’s also an innovative brand, now making leaps and bounds in its expansion into noise-canceling headphones. Its PXC 550 headphones are best for comfort but have proven to deliver an exceptional noise-canceling response in wireless form. Perhaps what we most admire about Sennheiser is its commitment to “perfect” audio across applications.
Conclusion
There are so many noise-canceling headphone options to compare, it can be difficult to know what’s right for you. Given that the prices for these devices are all comparable—mostly within $150 of one another—the comparison comes down largely to how you value design, comfort, general sound quality, and battery life. Armed with our guide, finding the perfect set of cans to suit your needs should be a breeze.
