10 Best Active Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 offers a highly advanced active noise cancellation feature that effectively minimizes background noise, improving the listening experience significantly. The Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio features allow users to seamlessly switch between hearing their surroundings and enjoying immersive audio. Additionally, Conversation Awareness automatically adjusts the volume when speaking to someone nearby, enhancing usability in social settings. Sound quality is top-notch, thanks to the Apple-designed H2 chip, delivering clear highs and rich bass. Voice Isolation ensures high-quality phone calls even in noisy environments.

Comfort and fit are well-addressed with four sizes of silicone tips, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for a wide range of ear shapes. The earbuds are also IP54-rated for dust, sweat, and water resistance, making them suitable for various activities and conditions. Battery life is decent, offering up to 6 hours of listening time with active noise cancellation enabled, and up to 30 hours with the charging case. Charging is versatile, supporting MagSafe, Apple Watch, Qi-certified chargers, and USB-C. Connectivity is robust with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable and efficient wireless connection.

Additional features like Personalized Spatial Audio, dynamic head tracking, and comprehensive touch controls add to the appeal. The new hearing health features, including a scientifically validated hearing test and active hearing protection, are pioneering and offer added value for users concerned about their hearing health. However, these headphones come with a premium price tag and are best suited for users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, as many features are optimized for Apple devices. Users of other platforms may not fully benefit from all the capabilities.

The Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds offer impressive features for those seeking active noise-cancelling headphones. Their Active Noise Cancellation effectively reduces external noise, allowing for an immersive listening experience. The Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode provide flexibility by blending noise cancellation with the ability to hear ambient sounds when needed. Sound quality is elevated with Personalized Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ, making music and calls clear and enjoyable.

Comfort has been a priority in the redesign, ensuring a secure and stable fit for all-day wear. Quick-press controls add to the convenience, and Siri integration allows for hands-free operation with just voice commands or simple head gestures. The addition of a skin-detecting sensor ensures that audio only plays when the earbuds are in use, conserving battery life. Speaking of battery life, users can expect up to 4 hours of listening time with noise cancellation on, and up to 20 hours using the charging case. Without noise cancellation, the battery can last up to 30 hours.

Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3, and the redesigned charging case with USB-C and wireless charging capabilities adds to the convenience. It is also water and dust resistant, making it suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. One downside is that the USB-C Charge Cable is sold separately, which might be an inconvenience for some users. The AirPods 4 are a solid choice for anyone looking for high-quality active noise-cancelling headphones with a blend of advanced features and comfort.