Tired of the world being too loud? Noise-cancelling headphones might be just what you need. These special headphones can block out annoying sounds around you, letting you enjoy your music or podcasts in peace. Whether you’re on a noisy bus, working in a chatty office, or just want some quiet time at home, they can help.
I’ve tried out lots of noise-cancelling headphones to find the ones that work best. I looked at how well they sound, how good they are at blocking noise, how long their batteries last, and how comfy they are to wear. I also checked if they’re worth the money you pay for them. Let’s dive in and find the best noise cancelling headphones to give your ears a break from the noisy world.
10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones For Focus and Comfort
beats Studio Pro Noise Cancelling Headphone
- Custom Acoustic Platform: Delivers rich, immersive sound for both music and calls.
- Lossless Audio via USB-C: Supports high-quality audio with three built-in sound profiles for enhanced listening.
- Two Listening Modes: Features fully-adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode to hear your surroundings.
- Enhanced Compatibility: One-touch pairing and native Apple and Android features for seamless connectivity.
- Personalized Spatial Audio: Dynamic head tracking creates an immersive 360-degree listening experience.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 40 hours of playback; 10-minute Fast Fuel charge provides 4 additional hours.
- Crisp Call Performance: Voice-targeting mics filter background noise for clear calls.
- On-Device Controls: Manage calls, music, and Siri with multi-function on-ear controls.
- Industry-Leading Wireless Connectivity: Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range and fewer dropouts.
Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Headphone With Microphone
- Legendary Noise Cancellation: Combines advanced noise cancelling technology with passive features to block out distractions and enhance your music experience.
- Premium Comfort: Plush earcup cushions and a padded band ensure comfort during extended listening sessions.
- Two Listening Modes: Switch between Quiet Mode for full noise cancellation and Aware Mode to stay aware of your surroundings.
- High-Fidelity Audio/EQ Control: Enjoy high-fidelity sound with Adjustable EQ to customize bass, mid-range, and treble.
- All-Day Battery Life: Up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge; 15-minute charge provides up to 2.5 hours of additional use.
- Microphone Cord Included: Use the included audio cable with in-line microphone for wired use or when the battery is low.
- Multi-Point Connectivity: Easily switch between devices without needing to disconnect and reconnect.
Other Headphone Guides
- Best Gaming Headphones for Ultimate Audio Immersion
- Top Headphones for Gym Enthusiasts
- Best Wireless Headphones for Superior Sound and Convenience
- Best Over-Ear Headphones for Comfort and Clarity
Sony WH-CH720NW Noise Cancelling Headphone Under $100
- High-Quality Sound: Integrated Processor V1 and Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) deliver natural vocals, crystal-clear sound, and balanced tuning. Customize sound with EQ settings via the Sony Headphones Connect app.
- 360 Reality Audio Certified: Optimizes sound experience by analyzing your ear shape on the Sony Headphones Connect app for immersive music enjoyment.
- Digital Noise Cancelling: Dual Noise Sensor technology and Integrated Processor V1 provide adaptable noise cancellation. Adjust ambient sound across 20 levels with the app.
- Comfortable for Long Listening: Lightweight, ergonomic design offers up to 35 hours of battery life with Noise Cancelling ON for extended comfort.
- Convenient Features: Multipoint Connection, easy button operation, and voice control. Swift Pair and Fast Pair for seamless connectivity.
- Clear Calls: Precise Voice Pickup Technology, Wind Noise Reduction Structure, and beamforming mics ensure clear call quality and improved conversations.
JBL TUNE 770NC Noise Cancelling Headphone For Kids
- Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient: Enjoy distraction-free listening with Adaptive Noise Cancelling or switch to Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes via the JBL Headphones app to stay aware of your surroundings.
- Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio: Stream high-quality JBL Pure Bass Sound wirelessly. Use Audio Mode for optimal sound quality or Video Mode to synchronize audio with visuals (available via OTA update).
- JBL Pure Bass Sound: Renowned for delivering deep, powerful bass that’s characteristic of JBL’s music venues.
- Customizable Listening Experience: Tailor sound using the JBL Headphones App with pre-set EQ modes or custom EQ adjustments based on your content and taste.
- Hands-Free Calls with VoiceAware: Manage calls and control sound with ear-cup buttons, and hear your own voice during calls thanks to VoiceAware.
soundcore by Anker Space Q45 Noise Cancelling Headphone For Kids
- 8% Less Noise: Enhanced noise-cancelling system blocks a wider range of sounds, including plane engines and crying babies, for a quieter journey.
- Adaptive Noise Cancelling: Automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels based on your environment. Five customizable levels available via the app.
- Ideal for Traveling: Up to 50 hours of playtime with noise cancelling on, 65 hours in normal mode. Quick 5-minute charge provides 4 hours of additional playtime.
- Detailed Sound: 40mm drivers with a double-layer silk and ceramic diaphragm deliver intense bass and crisp treble. Supports LDAC for Hi-Res Audio Wireless.
- Comfort and Design: Ergonomic build with a refined design and comfort-enhancing features for a pleasant wearing experience.
Bowers & Wilkins Noise Cancelling Headphone For Airplane
- Premium Sound Quality: 24-bit DSP with custom-designed 40mm drivers and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive for high-fidelity audio as the artist intended.
- Comfortable Design: Luxurious foam earpads with a fabric finish and metal detailing provide a comfortable and elegant fit for extended listening.
- Clear Conversations: Six microphones with advanced noise cancellation ensure crystal-clear call quality and immersive music without interruptions.
- Customizable Listening: Control your audio environment with the Bowers & Wilkins music app, offering direct streaming and voice assistant support.
- Enhanced Playback Time: Up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancelling; includes quick-charge support for uninterrupted music and calls throughout the day.
JLab JBuds Lux Noise Cancelling Headphone For Sleeping
- Immersive Lab Quality Sound: Features 40mm drivers and up to 70 hours of playtime (40+ hours with ANC on). Enjoy spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, Tempest 3D AudioTech, and Windows Sonic for a concert-like experience.
- Hybrid ANC and Be Aware Mode: Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling reduces external distractions by up to 25 dB. Switch to Be Aware mode to stay connected to your surroundings.
- Cloud Foam Comfort: Ergonomic Form-Fit Earcups with 1” Cloud Foam cushions and adjustable hinges provide customizable comfort for travel, workouts, or commutes.
- Customizable Sound via JLab App: Adjust ANC/Be Aware settings, touch controls, and sound profiles (Signature, Balance, Bass Boost) through the JLab App. Includes safe hearing option and software updates.
- Crystal Clear Calls: Advanced noise-canceling microphones ensure clear, uninterrupted communication with minimal external disturbances.
- Easy Connections + Google Find My: Bluetooth Multipoint allows simultaneous connection to two devices. Wireless Share Mode for sharing audio and Google Fast Pair for easy setup. Locate your headphones with Google Find My Device.
Edifier WH950NB Noise Cancelling Headphone
- Hi-Res Audio Wireless: Supports LDAC certification for Hi-Res Audio Wireless, offering a wide range of details and clarity for an exceptional listening experience.
- Active Noise Cancellation with Ambient Sound: Two ANC modes—ambient sound and wind reduction—allow you to tailor your listening environment to different scenarios.
- Crystal-Clear Calls: Equipped with 4 microphones and an audio signal processor for clear, high-quality voice calls.
- 40mm Dynamic Driver: Features a 40mm composite titanium film driver for natural, balanced audio across all music genres.
- 55 Hours Playtime with Fast Charging: Up to 55 hours of battery life, with 34 hours of playback time with ANC on. A 10-minute charge provides 7 hours of listening.
- Warranty: Comes with a one-year warranty for performance assurance and reliable support.
HIFIMAN Ananda Noise Cancelling Headphone
- Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet: Features a special magnet design that reduces wave diffraction and distortion, providing pure, accurate sound with minimal interference.
- NEO “supernano” Diaphragm (NsD): At 1 to 2 microns thick, this ultra-thin diaphragm delivers a faster, more detailed response with rich musicality.
- High Sensitivity: Compatible with most smartphones and portable devices, offering low distortion and high-quality sound.
- Efficient Planar Performance: Lightweight planar drivers offer exceptional agility and power sensitivity for superior audio performance.
- Portable Audio Performance: Designed to complement portable devices, delivering high-quality sound on the go.
Types of Noise Cancellation
There are three types of noise-cancelling headphones:
- Passive Noise Cancellation: This type of noise cancellation uses physical barriers, such as earcups and headbands, to block out ambient noise.
- Active Noise Cancellation: This type of noise cancellation uses electronic methods to block out ambient noise. It works by using a microphone to detect ambient noise and then producing a “negative” sound wave to cancel it out.
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation: This type of noise cancellation combines both passive and active noise cancellation methods to provide optimal noise cancellation.
How Do I Choose Noise Cancelling Headphones?
When it comes to choosing the best noise cancelling headphones, there are several key factors to consider. As a music lover, you want headphones that deliver exceptional sound quality, comfort, and convenience.
Immersive Audio Experience
A good pair of noise cancelling headphones should have a balanced sound profile, with deep bass, clear midrange, and crisp treble. Look for headphones with a wide frequency response, typically ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, to ensure accurate sound reproduction.
Comfortable Fit
Noise cancelling headphones can be worn for extended periods, so it’s essential to choose a pair that fits comfortably.
Over-ear headphones offer better noise isolation and comfort, while on-ear headphones are more compact. Look for soft, breathable materials for the ear cushions and headband, and adjustable headbands for a customizable fit. Lightweight headphones are also a plus for long listening sessions.
Long-Lasting Battery Life
If you’re always on the go, you’ll want noise cancelling headphones with a long battery life. Look for models with up to 30 hours of battery life, and consider quick-charge features that provide several hours of use from a short charging period.
Seamless Connectivity
Wireless noise cancelling headphones offer greater convenience, but wired connections can be more reliable. Look for headphones with the latest Bluetooth version (e.g., Bluetooth 5.0 or higher) for better range and stability. Some models also offer multi-point connectivity and voice assistant integration.
Durable Build
A well-built pair of noise cancelling headphones can last for years. Look for high-quality materials, sturdy hinges, and robust ear cups. If you need to take your headphones on the go, consider foldable designs for easier storage and transport.
Advanced Features
Some noise cancelling headphones offer additional features like transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings while still using ANC.
Customizable sound profiles and ANC levels are also available through accompanying apps. Voice assistant integration can be a convenient feature, especially if you’re already invested in a particular ecosystem.
Is It Worth Buying Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Noise-cancelling headphones can make a big difference in how you enjoy your music, podcasts, or calls. They use special technology to block out background noise, so you can focus on what you’re listening to without distractions. If you travel or commute often, noise-cancelling headphones can be a game-changer. They can turn a noisy and stressful trip into a relaxing experience, making them a great investment for many people.
Can You Sleep With Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Yes, you can sleep with noise-cancelling headphones, but it may not be the most comfortable or practical option for everyone.
While noise-cancelling headphones can help with sleep, they may not be the most practical option for everyone. Earbuds, headbands, or earplugs may be more comfortable alternatives depending on your sleep position and preferences.