10 Best Noise Cancellings 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are designed to deliver an exceptional noise-cancelling experience, making them a great choice for anyone seeking to block out distractions while enjoying music, podcasts, or calls. Their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature is notably effective, reducing background noise significantly, and makes these earbuds ideal for use in noisy environments like public transport or busy offices. The Transparency mode is a handy addition, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings without removing the earbuds, which enhances safety in outdoor settings.

Sound quality is another strong point, with the custom-built driver and the H2 chip providing rich bass and clear highs for an immersive audio experience. The voice isolation feature also greatly improves call quality, especially in loud conditions.

When it comes to comfort, the inclusion of four different sizes of silicone tips means users can find a fit that works best for them, ensuring comfort during extended use. They're also dust, sweat, and water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts or outdoor activities. Battery life is impressive too, offering around 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, and up to 30 hours when using the charging case.

There are some areas where these earbuds may not meet everyone's needs. They require an Apple device for full functionality, which limits their appeal for non-Apple users. Additionally, while the touch controls are convenient, some users may find them less intuitive, especially if they are used to traditional buttons. Lastly, the price point may be a drawback for those looking for more budget-friendly options in the noise-cancelling market.

The AirPods Pro 2 serve as a solid choice for Apple users who value high-quality sound and effective noise cancellation. However, non-Apple users or those preferring lower-cost alternatives might want to explore other options.

The Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds stand out in the noise-cancelling category thanks to their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature, which effectively reduces outside noise, allowing for an immersive listening experience. Their Adaptive Audio capability is a notable strength, as it seamlessly blends ANC with Transparency mode, letting users stay aware of their surroundings without sacrificing sound quality. This is particularly useful for those who often find themselves in dynamic environments.

Comfort is a significant highlight with a redesigned shape and shorter stem that contributes to a snug fit, making them suitable for extended wear. Users will also appreciate the voice isolation technology during calls, which enhances sound clarity in noisy settings. The AirPods 4 also impress with features like personalized spatial audio, which creates a more engaging experience for various media.

Battery life is decent, offering around 4 hours with ANC on and up to 20 hours with the charging case. However, some users might find the 4-hour limit a bit restrictive if they plan to use them for longer periods without charging. The earbuds also boast a water, sweat, and dust resistance rating (IP54), making them a good choice for workouts or outdoor activities. The price point may be higher compared to other noise-cancelling options on the market, which could deter budget-conscious consumers. Furthermore, while the wireless charging case is convenient, it may not be universally compatible with all devices, limiting flexibility for non-Apple users.

The Apple AirPods 4 are an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort, sound quality, and advanced features in a noise-cancelling earbud, though potential users should weigh the price and battery life against their personal needs.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer top-notch Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with Dual Noise Sensor technology, making them highly effective at blocking out ambient noise, which is ideal for travel or noisy environments. The battery life is impressive, providing up to 30 hours of playtime on a full charge, and a quick charge feature that gives 5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge is very convenient.

Comfort is also well addressed with an updated design that relieves pressure during extended wear, making these headphones suitable for long listening sessions. Sound quality is another strong point, thanks to the DSEE Extreme technology co-developed with Sony Music Studios Tokyo, which upscales compressed digital music files in real time to deliver a rich and immersive listening experience.

Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.0 and multipoint connection capabilities, allowing easy pairing with multiple devices. Additional features such as touch sensor controls, Speak-to-Chat, superior call quality with five built-in microphones, wearing detection, and adaptive sound control enhance the user experience. However, there are some minor drawbacks. The headphones are not water-resistant, which might be a limitation for those who intend to use them during workouts or in the rain. Also, while the touch controls offer convenience, some users might find them a bit sensitive or tricky to use initially. Despite these minor issues, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones stand out as a premium choice for anyone seeking excellent noise-canceling headphones with comprehensive features and outstanding performance.