Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones (2025): ANC Technology Explained and Top Models Compared

Noise-cancelling headphones have become essential companions for travelers, remote workers, and audio enthusiasts seeking immersive listening experiences. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology has made remarkable advances in 2025, with the latest headphones offering unprecedented levels of noise reduction, sound quality, and smart features. This comprehensive guide examines the best noise-cancelling headphones available today, explaining the underlying technology and helping you choose the perfect pair for your specific needs.

Understanding Active Noise Cancellation Technology

Active Noise Cancellation works through a sophisticated process that neutralizes unwanted environmental sound:

How ANC Works

1. Sound Detection: Microphones on the headphones detect ambient noise
2. Signal Processing: Onboard processors analyze the sound waveform
3. Anti-Noise Generation: Headphones produce sound waves exactly opposite to the ambient noise
4. Wave Cancellation: The opposing waves meet and effectively cancel each other out

Types of ANC Technology

• Feedforward ANC: Microphones on the exterior detect noise before it reaches your ear

  • Pros: Better at cancelling high-frequency sounds
  • Cons: Can’t adapt once sound passes the microphone

• Feedback ANC: Microphones inside the ear cups monitor what you actually hear

  • Pros: More accurate noise cancellation, adapts to fit changes
  • Cons: Less effective against sudden noises

• Hybrid ANC: Combines both feedforward and feedback systems

  • Pros: Superior noise cancellation across all frequencies
  • Cons: More complex and typically more expensive

• Adaptive ANC: Uses AI to continuously adjust noise cancellation based on environment and activities

  • Pros: Optimized performance in various settings, personalized experience
  • Cons: Premium feature with higher battery consumption

Top Premium Noise-Cancelling Headphones of 2025

Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony’s flagship model maintains its position as the overall market leader with significant improvements over the previous generation.

• ANC Performance: Industry-leading with 8 microphones and AI-powered adaptive processing
• Sound Quality: 40mm drivers with LDAC support (up to 990kbps), DSEE Extreme upscaling
• Battery Life: 36 hours with ANC (50 hours without)
• Special Features:
  • Adaptive Sound Control adjusts ANC based on location and activities
  • Multipoint connection to two devices simultaneously
  • Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses music when you speak
  • Precise Voice Pickup technology for crystal-clear calls
• Comfort: Lighter design (250g) with improved pressure relief and softer ear cushions
• Price: $399
• Pros: Best-in-class noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, comprehensive feature set
• Cons: Premium price point, touch controls can be finicky

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Bose continues its legacy of comfort-focused design with significant noise cancellation improvements.

• ANC Performance: CustomTune technology calibrates to your ear canal shape for personalized ANC
• Sound Quality: Proprietary TriPort acoustic architecture, enhanced with spatial audio
• Battery Life: 24 hours with ANC (32 hours without)
• Special Features:
  • Immersive Audio positioning tracks head movement for spatial audio
  • SimpleSync pairs with Bose soundbars for private TV listening
  • Adjustable ANC levels for customized noise control
• Comfort: Exceptionally comfortable with protein leather earpads and minimal clamping force
• Price: $429
• Pros: Superior comfort for long sessions, excellent call quality, intuitive controls
• Cons: Shorter battery life than some competitors, larger carrying case

Apple AirPods Max

Apple’s premium over-ear headphones offer seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.

• ANC Performance: Computational audio delivers consistently excellent noise cancellation
• Sound Quality: 40mm dynamic drivers with exceptional clarity and balanced sound
• Battery Life: 20 hours with ANC (no option to disable ANC)
• Special Features:
  • Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for immersive experience
  • Automatic device switching between Apple products
  • Conversation Awareness lowers volume when you’re speaking
  • Find My network integration
• Comfort: Unique mesh canopy design distributes weight evenly
• Price: $499 (though frequently available for $429-449)
• Pros: Exceptional build quality, seamless Apple ecosystem integration
• Cons: No power button (cannot be fully turned off), heavy (384g), expensive, limited features on non-Apple devices

Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

www.amazon.com

Industry-leading noise cancellation with adaptive sound control, exceptional audio quality, and 36-hour battery life for the ultimate listening experience.

Mid-Range Noise-Cancelling Options

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Sennheiser focuses on audio quality while delivering impressive battery performance.

• ANC Performance: Excellent against consistent noise, slightly less effective with variable sounds
• Sound Quality: 42mm drivers deliver Sennheiser’s signature warm, detailed sound profile
• Battery Life: Industry-leading 60 hours with ANC active
• Special Features:
  • Sound personalization via Smart Control app
  • Multi-point connection to two devices
  • Touch controls with customizable functions
• Comfort: Lightweight design with deep memory foam cushions
• Price: $329
• Pros: Exceptional battery life, superior sound quality for music enthusiasts
• Cons: ANC not quite on par with Sony or Bose, app can be buggy

Jabra Elite 85h

A versatile performer with excellent call quality and durability.

• ANC Performance: SmartSound analyzes environment and automatically selects appropriate mode
• Sound Quality: Balanced profile customizable via app equalizer
• Battery Life: 36 hours with ANC (41 hours without)
• Special Features:
  • Water-resistant design (IP53 rating)
  • Eight microphones for superior call clarity
  • One-touch access to voice assistants
• Comfort: Memory foam padding with leatherette covering
• Price: $249
• Pros: Excellent for calls, durable design, good value
• Cons: Bulkier than premium models, less refined sound than audiophile brands

Soundcore Space One Pro

Anker’s premium audio brand delivers exceptional value with flagship-rivaling features.

• ANC Performance: Adaptive noise cancellation with improved low-frequency performance
• Sound Quality: LDAC support, HearID sound personalization
• Battery Life: 40 hours with ANC (55 hours without)
• Special Features:
  • Multipoint connection
  • Wear detection for automatic play/pause
  • Fast charging (5 hours from 10-minute charge)
• Comfort: Lightweight design with memory foam earpads
• Price: $169
• Pros: Exceptional value, excellent battery life, competitive noise cancellation
• Cons: App requires account creation, build quality not at premium level

Budget-Friendly Noise-Cancelling Headphones

JBL Tune 760NC

Solid performance at an accessible price point.

• ANC Performance: Effective against low-frequency noise, less so with higher frequencies
• Sound Quality: JBL’s signature bass-forward profile
• Battery Life: 35 hours with ANC (50 hours without)
• Special Features:
  • Foldable design for easy storage
  • Multipoint connection
  • Voice assistant compatibility
• Comfort: Lightweight with sufficient padding
• Price: $129
• Pros: Good performance-to-price ratio, solid battery life
• Cons: Plastic build, less comprehensive ANC than premium models

Soundcore Life Q30

The budget champion with surprisingly capable features.

• ANC Performance: Three customizable modes (Transport, Indoor, Outdoor)
• Sound Quality: 40mm drivers with app-based EQ customization
• Battery Life: 40 hours with ANC (60 hours without)
• Special Features:
  • NFC pairing
  • Transparency mode
  • Customizable EQ via app
• Comfort: Protein leather earcups with memory foam padding
• Price: $79
• Pros: Exceptional value, excellent battery life, good sound customization
• Cons: Build quality reflects price point, call quality is average

Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless ANC Headphones

www.amazon.com

40-hour playtime with active noise cancellation, customizable sound profiles, and comfortable design at an incredible value price point.

Specialized Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

The best noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds available.

• ANC Performance: Best-in-class for earbuds, approaching over-ear headphone quality
• Sound Quality: Detailed, balanced profile with adjustable EQ
• Battery Life: 6 hours with ANC (24 hours total with case)
• Special Features:
  • Immersive Audio with head tracking
  • CustomTune sound calibration
  • Wireless charging case
• Comfort: Multiple ear tip sizes with stability bands
• Price: $299
• Pros: Exceptional ANC for earbuds, excellent sound quality, secure fit
• Cons: Large case, premium price, average battery life

Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2

Audiophile-grade headphones with effective noise cancellation.

• ANC Performance: Good but not class-leading
• Sound Quality: Exceptional detail and accuracy, multiple codec support (aptX HD, LDAC, AAC)
• Battery Life: 25 hours with ANC
• Special Features:
  • Studio-quality sound profile
  • Replaceable earpads for extended longevity
  • ShurePlus PLAY app with parametric EQ
• Comfort: Premium materials with professional-grade durability
• Price: $349
• Pros: Exceptional sound quality for audiophiles, robust build quality
• Cons: ANC not on par with Sony/Bose, bulkier design

Focal Bathys

Luxury French audio brand’s entry into the wireless ANC market.

• ANC Performance: Good but not class-leading
• Sound Quality: Audiophile-grade with 40mm aluminum/magnesium “M”-shaped dome drivers
• Battery Life: 30 hours with ANC
• Special Features:
  • USB DAC mode for lossless wired listening
  • High-end materials (aluminum, leather)
  • Detailed companion app with EQ settings
• Comfort: Premium materials, substantial weight (350g)
• Price: $699
• Pros: Exceptional sound quality, premium materials and construction
• Cons: Very expensive, ANC not on par with Sony/Bose, heavy

Key Features to Consider When Choosing

Noise Cancellation Effectiveness

• Low-frequency performance: How well it handles airplane engines, bus/train rumble
• Variable noise handling: Effectiveness against unpredictable sounds like voices
• ANC customization: Adjustability for different environments
• Wind noise management: Performance in outdoor, windy conditions

Sound Quality Factors

• Driver size and quality: Larger drivers (40mm+) often produce better bass response
• Codec support: LDAC, aptX HD, and AAC provide better wireless audio quality
• Frequency response: Wider ranges can reproduce more detail
• Sound profile: Bass-heavy, neutral, or treble-focused to match your preferences

Comfort and Design

• Weight: Lighter headphones (under 300g) are generally more comfortable for long sessions
• Padding materials: Memory foam with protein leather offers good comfort and durability
• Clamping force: Too tight causes discomfort, too loose affects noise isolation
• Heat buildup: Some ear cups trap heat more than others

Battery Performance

• Runtime with ANC: 20+ hours is standard, 30+ is excellent
• Quick charging: Look for options providing several hours from a 10-minute charge
• Power saving features: Auto-off sensors, sleep timers
• Battery replaceable: Few offer this, but it extends the product’s lifespan

Smart Features

• Multipoint connection: Connect to multiple devices simultaneously
• Transparency mode: Allows ambient sound in without removing headphones
• Auto-pause: Sensors detect when headphones are removed
• Voice assistant integration: Hands-free access to Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Headphones

Best Use Cases for Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Travel

For frequent travelers, prioritize:

• Superior ANC performance, especially in low frequencies
• Comfortable fit for long flights
• Good battery life (20+ hours)
• Foldable design for easy packing
• Wired option for in-flight entertainment systems

Top picks: Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Office and Work From Home

For productivity environments, consider:

• Effective voice cancellation
• Excellent microphone quality for calls
• Comfort for all-day wear
• Multipoint connection to switch between computer and phone
• Transparency mode for office conversations

Top picks: Jabra Elite 85h, Apple AirPods Max (for Apple users)

Commuting

For daily transit use, prioritize:

• Compact, durable design
• Quick-charging capability
• Effective ANC for traffic and transit noise
• Weather resistance for light rain
• Good passive isolation as backup

Top picks: Sony WH-1000XM6, Soundcore Space One Pro

Audiophile Listening

For sound quality enthusiasts, focus on:

• High-resolution codec support (LDAC, aptX HD)
• Well-balanced sound profile (or customizable EQ)
• Good soundstage and imaging
• USB DAC functionality for wired listening

Top picks: Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2, Focal Bathys

Conclusion

The best noise-cancelling headphones of 2025 showcase remarkable advancements in ANC technology, sound quality, battery life, and comfort. Premium models like the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple AirPods Max set the gold standard, while mid-range options provide much of the same functionality at more accessible price points.

When selecting noise-cancelling headphones, prioritize your specific needs - whether that’s maximum noise reduction for travel, superior sound quality for music appreciation, or comfort for extended wear. Consider how you’ll primarily use them, and choose accordingly.

With the right pair of noise-cancelling headphones, you can create a peaceful audio environment virtually anywhere, enhancing both your listening experience and your ability to focus in noisy environments.

Headphone Care and Maintenance Learn how to properly maintain your headphones to extend their lifespan and maintain audio quality.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Headphones

www.amazon.com

Premium comfort meets exceptional noise cancellation with immersive spatial audio, CustomTune technology, and intuitive controls for the ultimate listening experience.