10 Best Noise Cancelling 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds are designed with a focus on noise cancellation, comfort, and sound quality, making them a suitable option for users seeking a high-quality audio experience. Their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) effectively reduces unwanted ambient sounds, enabling an immersive listening experience. The earbuds also feature Adaptive Audio that intelligently blends ANC with Transparency mode, allowing you to hear your surroundings when needed, which is great for safety when out and about.

Comfort-wise, the AirPods 4 have a refined design that enhances wearability for extended periods, which is essential for users looking to use them throughout the day. Their impressive sound quality is backed by the H2 chip, which enhances voice clarity during calls and optimizes audio playback. Personalized Spatial Audio is another standout feature, providing a surround-sound experience that is particularly enjoyable for media consumption.

Battery life is decent, offering up to 5 hours of listening time with ANC on, and extending to 30 hours with the charging case. Quick charging capability adds convenience, giving about an hour of playtime with just 5 minutes in the case. On the downside, while the AirPods 4 offer solid performance, the price point may be a consideration for some users, as they are positioned in the premium range. Additionally, the battery life could be limiting for those who require longer usage without needing to recharge. The focus on Apple’s ecosystem means that while they work well with Apple devices, users with non-Apple gadgets may not experience all features optimally.

Lastly, while the IP54 rating for dust and water resistance is a plus for active users, it is important to note that they are not fully waterproof, so caution is advised during heavy rain or intense workouts. The Apple AirPods 4 cater well to users who prioritize noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort, particularly within the Apple ecosystem, but may not suit everyone’s budget or needs.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are excellent for anyone looking for top-tier active noise cancellation (ANC). They use an advanced processor and 12 microphones to block out noise very effectively, even adapting to wearing conditions like hats or glasses. Sound quality is superb, thanks to collaboration with mastering engineers and support for high-resolution audio, delivering clear, balanced music with rich vocals and instruments. Comfort is also well thought-out, with a wider, softly padded headband and smooth synthetic leather ear cups designed for long wear without pressure.

Battery life is strong, offering up to 30 hours on a charge, and a quick 3-minute charge provides several hours of playback, which is handy for busy days. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.3 and support for wired use if needed. Additional features include a case for easy travel, foldable design, touch controls, and smart ambient sound modes that let in important environmental sounds like announcements or conversations.

On the downside, these headphones are not water resistant, so they may not be the best choice for use during heavy sweating or rain. At around 9 ounces, they’re reasonably lightweight but might feel a bit warm during extended hot-weather use. Also, while the price is not listed here, Sony's flagship models tend to be on the premium side, which may not fit all budgets. If noise cancellation, sound clarity, and comfort are your priorities and you want features that adapt to your environment, the WH-1000XM6 represents a solid choice.

The Apple AirPods Max are premium over-ear headphones designed to deliver an excellent noise-cancelling experience. Their active noise cancellation (ANC) is very effective, reportedly blocking up to twice as much background noise compared to some others, making them ideal for noisy environments like busy streets or planes. Apple’s custom audio drivers and H1 chips also help produce clear, high-quality sound with personalized spatial audio, which creates an immersive listening experience that adjusts based on how you move your head.

The headphones are comfortable to wear thanks to a knit-mesh headband and memory foam cushions that seal well around your ears, though they are on the heavier side at about 386 grams, which might feel bulky during long sessions for some users. Battery life is solid, offering up to 20 hours with ANC and spatial audio active, and quick charging gives around 1.5 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charging. Connectivity is seamless within the Apple ecosystem—pairing is very simple and switching between Apple devices is automatic, though non-Apple users might miss some of this ease.

The headphones feature useful controls via a Digital Crown and a noise control button for toggling ANC and Transparency mode, which lets you hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. Included accessories like the Smart Case help preserve battery in standby but offer limited protection. USB-C charging is a plus for compatibility with modern Apple devices. Despite their many strengths, the AirPods Max are quite expensive compared to many other noise-cancelling headphones, and they are not water-resistant, so care is needed in wet conditions. They are excellent for Apple device owners seeking premium sound and noise cancellation with added features, while users on a tighter budget or those outside the Apple ecosystem might find better value options elsewhere.