10 Best Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are designed to offer a top-tier experience in the wireless noise-cancelling headphones category. One of their standout features is the Active Noise Cancellation, which effectively dampens background noise, making them ideal for commuters or those who want to focus in noisy environments. The Transparency mode is also a great addition, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings when needed. The sound quality is impressive, thanks to the H2 chip and custom driver, delivering clear highs and deep bass, making them suitable for music lovers and podcast listeners alike.

Comfort is another highlight, as the AirPods Pro 2 come with multiple silicone ear tip sizes, ensuring a secure fit for various ear shapes. This snug fit not only enhances comfort but also improves noise isolation. Battery life is decent, offering about 6 hours on a single charge with noise cancellation active, and up to 30 hours with the charging case, which is great for long listening sessions.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While they are water, sweat, and dust-resistant, the IP54 rating means they are not fully waterproof, so caution is needed in very wet conditions. Additionally, users who do not own Apple devices may not benefit from all features, limiting their appeal to a broader audience. The price point is also on the higher side compared to other brands, which may deter budget-conscious buyers. In terms of connectivity, they feature Bluetooth 5.3, which provides a stable connection, but is primarily optimized for Apple devices, meaning some functionalities may be lost on other platforms. For those invested in the Apple ecosystem, these headphones offer a seamless experience, but for users of other brands or platforms, there are more versatile options available.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-cancelling headphones offer top-notch noise cancellation through Dual Noise Sensor technology, making them excellent for blocking out unwanted sounds. They boast a long battery life of up to 30 hours, with quick charging capabilities that allow for 5 hours of playback after just a 10-minute charge. The sound quality is superb, aided by DSEE Extreme technology, which upscales compressed digital music files in real time.

Comfort is another strong point, with an updated design that reduces pressure and is suitable for long listening sessions. Connectivity is versatile, thanks to Bluetooth 5.0 and multipoint connection that allows for seamless switching between devices. Additional features such as touch sensor controls, speak-to-chat, and wearing detection add convenience and enhance the user experience.

However, there are some drawbacks. The headphones are not water-resistant, which limits their use in certain conditions. Additionally, they are relatively heavier compared to some other models, weighing in at 9 ounces. Despite these minor downsides, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are a standout choice for anyone seeking high-quality wireless noise-cancelling headphones suitable for various uses from daily commutes to working from home.