10 Best Active Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones stand out with their superior active noise cancellation, ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in music without outside interference. These headphones offer dual listening modes, allowing users to toggle between full noise cancellation and awareness of their surroundings, which suits varied environments. Sound quality is another strength, with adjustable EQ settings to enhance bass, mid-range, and treble, making them great for audiophiles who appreciate high-fidelity audio.

Comfort is well-considered, boasting plush earcup cushions and a padded band designed for extended use without discomfort. This makes them a good choice for long flights or work-from-home setups. The 24-hour battery life is impressive and convenient, with a quick 15-minute charge providing an additional 2.5 hours of playtime, ensuring minimal downtime even on busy days.

Connectivity is versatile with multipoint Bluetooth technology, allowing seamless switching between devices. This feature is especially useful for users who frequently switch between a phone and laptop. The option to use them wired adds flexibility, particularly when the battery is low or when connecting to non-Bluetooth devices.

However, these headphones are not water-resistant, which might be a drawback for outdoor use in unpredictable weather. Additionally, while the Bose app provides updates and new features, some users might find reliance on the app for optimal functionality a bit cumbersome. At 8.4 ounces, they are relatively lightweight, but the plastic material might feel less premium to some users. Despite these minor limitations, the Bose QuietComfort headphones are a strong contender in the noise-cancelling market, especially for those prioritizing sound quality and comfort.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones offer strong active noise cancellation capabilities with three modes: Quiet, Aware, and Immersion, making them ideal for users seeking a versatile audio experience. The sound quality is enhanced by spatial audio and CustomTune technology, which personalizes sound for the listener, offering a rich and immersive audio experience. Comfort is a notable strength, with soft ear cushions and a well-designed headband that ensure prolonged wearability without discomfort.

Battery life is impressive, providing up to 24 hours of playtime, though using Immersive Audio reduces this to around 18 hours. Quick charging is a plus, giving you about 2.5 hours of playtime after just a 15-minute charge, though this drops slightly with Immersive Audio.

The headphones use Bluetooth 5.3, offering a reliable connection within a 30-foot range, and SimpleSync enhances compatibility with Bose soundbars. Touch controls on the earcups are intuitive, enabling easy navigation through functions such as adjusting volume and changing tracks without needing to grab your phone.

One downside is that the headphones are not water-resistant, which could be a limitation for users intending to use them in environments where they might get wet. Additionally, while the carrying case is protective, it is made of hard plastic, which may not appeal to those looking for premium materials.

These headphones are perfect for music lovers, frequent travelers, and anyone who values high-quality sound and noise cancellation. However, they may not be ideal for sports enthusiasts due to the lack of water resistance.

The Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones offer a range of features that cater to music lovers and frequent travelers alike. With their custom acoustic platform, they deliver rich, immersive sound suitable for both music and phone calls. The headphones provide two distinct listening modes: fully-adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) for blocking out background noise, and Transparency mode for when you need to stay aware of your surroundings. This makes them versatile for different environments, whether you're on a busy street or in a quiet office.

One standout feature is the personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, which offers an immersive 360-degree listening experience. The battery life is another strong point, boasting up to 40 hours on a single charge and a quick 10-minute Fast Fuel charge that provides 4 additional hours of playback. This means you can use them extensively without constantly worrying about recharging. They are also highly compatible, offering seamless one-touch pairing with both Apple and Android devices. The on-ear controls allow you to manage calls, music, and access Siri easily.

On the downside, the headphones are not water-resistant, which could be a limitation for those who plan to use them during workouts or in less-than-ideal weather conditions. At 9.17 ounces, they are not the lightest option available, which might affect comfort during prolonged use. However, they do come with a woven carrying case, making them easier to transport. Connectivity is robust, thanks to Class 1 Bluetooth which ensures extended range and fewer dropouts. The inclusion of USB-C for lossless audio is a nice touch for audiophiles. These headphones excel in sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life, but may not be the best choice for heavy physical activity due to their lack of water resistance and slightly heavier weight.