10 Best Noise Canceling Headphones 2025 in the United States

Apple AirPods Max are premium over-ear noise-canceling headphones designed to deliver an immersive audio experience. Their pro-level Active Noise Cancellation is highly effective, blocking out twice as much background noise compared to many competitors, which is great for users who want to focus fully on their music or calls. The Transparency mode is a handy feature for staying aware of your surroundings without removing the headphones. Battery life offers about 20 hours of continuous listening with noise cancellation on, sufficient for most daily uses, and a quick 5-minute charge can provide 1.5 hours of playback.

Comfort-wise, the knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions provide a snug, cushioned fit that seals in sound well, although the headphones are on the heavier side (about 386 grams), which might feel a bit bulky during extended listening sessions. Sound quality is a highlight thanks to Apple’s dynamic drivers and personalized spatial audio technology that adapts to your ear shape, creating a rich, 3D sound environment ideal for music, movies, and gaming. Connectivity is seamless within Apple’s ecosystem, with effortless pairing and smooth switching between Apple devices via Bluetooth 5.0, but non-Apple users might not get the full experience.

Build quality feels premium with high-end materials, but they are not water-resistant, so caution is needed around moisture. Additional features like the Digital Crown for precise volume and playback control, Siri voice commands, and USB-C charging add convenience. While the AirPods Max come with a stylish but minimal Smart Case that preserves battery life, some may find the case’s design less protective than traditional hard cases. These headphones are suited for users who prioritize high-quality sound, strong noise cancellation, and tight integration with Apple devices, although they come with a high price tag and may be less ideal for those seeking a lightweight option or water resistance.

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 New QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen) are designed for users seeking high-quality noise cancellation combined with immersive sound experiences. Their active noise cancellation is among Bose's best, offering modes to fully block noise, allow ambient sounds in, or blend immersive spatial audio, which enhances music and movie listening by creating a 3D sound environment. Sound quality is excellent, supported by lossless USB-C wired connectivity and CustomTune technology that personalizes audio based on your ear shape.

Comfort is a strong point thanks to plush ear cushions and a well-balanced metal headband that distributes pressure evenly, making them suitable for long listening sessions. Battery life is impressive, providing up to 30 hours of playback, which is sufficient for extensive use without frequent recharging. Controls are managed through both physical buttons and a dedicated app, giving flexibility and easy access to features like noise settings and software updates. The headphones are reasonably portable with a protective case included, though they are a bit heavier (over 1 pound) compared to some competitors, which may affect carrying comfort for some users.

Call and microphone quality are solid, featuring noise-rejecting mics and AI-based background noise suppression to ensure clear voice calls even in busy environments. Priced at a premium, these headphones suit those who prioritize top-tier noise cancellation, immersive audio features, and comfortable design for travel, work, or leisure.