10 Best Noise Canceling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are a solid choice if you're looking for high-quality noise-canceling headphones. Their Active Noise Cancellation is among the best, using multiple microphones and smart processors to adjust noise blocking based on your environment and how you wear them. This makes them excellent for travel, work, or noisy places. The sound quality is rich and clear, thanks to Sony’s advanced audio processor, providing a great listening experience across music and calls.

Wearing comfort is another strong point; the headphones are lightweight with soft leather padding, making them comfortable for long use. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge, and a quick 3-minute charge can give you 3 hours of listening, which is very convenient. Controls are intuitive with touch sensors on the earcups, letting you manage music and calls easily, plus voice assistant support like Alexa adds hands-free convenience. Portability is well thought out, with a compact carrying case included, though these are larger over-ear headphones so they might feel a bit bulky for some.

Call quality is clear due to four microphones designed for precise voice pickup, which works well for hands-free calls or meetings. On the downside, these headphones are not water-resistant, so they aren’t ideal for workouts or use in wet conditions. Also, while they offer multipoint connection to switch between devices, setting this up can be a little tricky for some users. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is best suited for those who prioritize top-notch noise cancellation, sound quality, and long battery life, especially for commuting, office use, or travel.

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones in Twilight Blue are a strong choice if you want comfort and good noise cancellation in a stylish package. Their active noise cancellation works well with passive blocking to reduce outside sounds, helping you focus on your music or calls. The sound quality is clear and rich, with customizable EQ settings so you can adjust bass and treble to your liking. Wearing comfort is excellent thanks to soft ear cushions and a padded headband, making them suitable for long listening sessions.

You get up to 24 hours of battery life, which is enough for daily use, and a quick 15-minute charge adds a couple more hours. Controls are touch-based and intuitive, plus the multi-point Bluetooth lets you easily switch between devices. If battery runs low, you can still use them wired with the included cable. Call quality and microphone performance are decent, although not the very best for very noisy environments.

These headphones are fairly portable with a protective case but aren't water-resistant, so best to avoid heavy sweat or rain. They are well suited for travelers, commuters, or anyone wanting reliable noise cancellation with balanced sound and comfort.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is a strong choice for anyone seeking high-quality noise-canceling headphones. Its advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system uses 12 microphones and a fast processor to block out a wide range of noises, making it excellent for noisy environments like airplanes or busy streets. The sound quality is impressive, thanks to collaboration with mastering engineers and a lightweight carbon fiber driver that keeps music clear and balanced across all frequencies. Comfort is another highlight, with a wider, softly padded headband and adjustable ear cups designed for long listening sessions without discomfort. Battery life is generous, offering up to 30 hours on a full charge, and quick charging means just a few minutes plugged in can provide hours of playback. The headphones also feature touch controls and support both Bluetooth wireless and wired connections, adding to their versatility.

For calls, the built-in microphones and AI noise reduction deliver clear voice quality even in busy settings, which is great for phone or video calls. On the design front, the folding mechanism and compact carrying case make them easy to carry around. One thing to note is that they are not water-resistant, so they should be kept away from rain or sweat during workouts. Also, the price may be on the higher side compared to basic models, but the features justify the cost for frequent travelers or audio enthusiasts. These headphones are well suited for users who want premium noise cancellation, excellent sound, comfortable fit, and strong call quality in a sleek, portable package.