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 Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones offer a range of features that make them a strong contender in the noise-cancelling headphones category. One of their standout features is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, which effectively reduces ambient noise, allowing you to immerse yourself in your music or calls without distractions. Additionally, they offer two listening modes—Quiet and Aware—so you can choose between full noise-cancellation or being more attuned to your surroundings, which is very convenient in different environments.

With a battery life of up to 24 hours, these headphones are well-suited for long flights or extended use throughout the day. They also support quick charging, providing 2.5 hours of playtime from just a 15-minute charge, which is handy when you’re on the go and need a quick boost. Comfort is another major strength; the plush earcup cushions and padded headband are designed for prolonged use, making them ideal for long listening sessions. Sound quality is impressive too, with high-fidelity audio and adjustable EQ that allows you to tailor the bass, mid-range, and treble to your preferences.

Connectivity is seamless with multipoint Bluetooth, enabling you to switch between devices without the hassle of disconnecting and reconnecting. The wired option is useful for times when Bluetooth isn’t available or the battery is depleted, and the Bose app helps keep your headphones updated with the latest features and software improvements. However, there are a few downsides to consider. The headphones are not water-resistant, which means they might not be the best choice for workouts or use in the rain. Additionally, while the touch controls are modern and convenient, they may take some time to get used to. These factors considered, the Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones are an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality noise-cancelling headphones with great sound, comfort, and versatile connectivity options.