10 Best Active Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones are a strong choice if you're looking for active noise cancelling headphones that truly block out distractions. Their noise cancellation is effective, combining both active tech and passive design to quiet the outside world well. Sound quality is rich and clear with deep bass, and the adjustable EQ lets you tailor the sound to your liking, which is a nice touch for those who want control over their audio experience. Comfort is a highlight here, too—the plush ear cushions and padded headband make these headphones easy to wear for long listening sessions without discomfort.

Battery life meets everyday needs with up to 24 hours on a single charge, and a quick 15-minute top-up can give you a couple more hours, which is convenient for travel or long days out. Connectivity is smooth with Bluetooth 5.2, supporting multipoint connections so you can switch between devices effortlessly. The option to plug in a cable is helpful if battery runs out or if you prefer a wired connection sometimes. Additional features like Quiet and Aware modes let you either fully tune out or stay aware of your surroundings, which adds flexibility. The included hard leather case is sturdy for protection during transport.

These headphones are not water-resistant, so they're best kept away from rain or sweat-heavy workouts. They weigh around 8.4 ounces, which might be noticeable if you prefer ultra-light models. Although priced at a premium, they deliver solid performance that suits daily use, travel, and anyone wanting reliable noise cancellation with good sound and comfort.

The Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen) offer excellent noise cancellation, making them great for blocking out distractions whether you're traveling, working, or just relaxing. Bose’s Quiet Mode and Immersion Mode provide flexible options depending on how much of your surroundings you want to hear. Sound quality stands out with spatial audio that creates a more immersive listening experience, and the option for lossless USB-C wired connection ensures crisp, detailed audio.

Comfort is well thought out: plush ear cushions and a metal headband provide a secure yet gentle fit for long listening sessions. Battery life is solid, delivering up to 30 hours on a full charge, which covers most day-long uses without worry. Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity provides a stable wireless range up to 30 feet, and the headphones support quick charging. Extra features such as personalized sound with CustomTune technology and clear call quality via noise-rejecting microphones add real value.

These headphones are a bit on the heavier side at just over 1 pound, which might feel noticeable after many hours of wear for some users. Also, while the premium design looks great, the price tends to be higher compared to other models in the market. They are best suited for users who want top-tier noise cancellation and immersive sound with comfort, especially for frequent travelers, commuters, or anyone who values high-quality audio and versatility in their headphones.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones offer strong noise cancellation with fully adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and a Transparency mode that lets you hear your surroundings when needed. This makes them a solid choice if you want to block out distractions during travel or work. The sound quality is enhanced by Beats' custom acoustic platform and three built-in sound profiles, plus USB-C lossless audio support, which together deliver rich, immersive sound tailored to your preferences. Calls come through clearly thanks to voice-targeting microphones that reduce background noise effectively. Comfort-wise, these over-ear headphones use engineered leather and a well-padded design, making them comfortable for extended wear, though weighing about 1.4 pounds, they may feel a bit heavy for some users after long sessions.

Battery life is impressive, delivering up to 40 hours on a full charge, with a quick 10-minute charge providing an extra 4 hours, which is excellent for daily use and extended trips without frequent recharging. Connectivity is modern and reliable with Bluetooth 5.3, offering a strong wireless range and compatibility with both Apple and Android devices, including one-touch pairing and seamless integration with native features like Siri. Additional perks include personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, giving a 360-degree sound experience, and versatile on-ear controls for managing music, calls, and voice assistants.

These headphones are not water-resistant, which might be a consideration if you plan to use them during workouts or in wet conditions. Also, the carrying case, while protective, is fabric-based and may not offer the toughest protection against impacts. Beats Studio Pro headphones are well suited for users seeking premium sound, effective noise cancellation, long battery life, and a rich set of features, especially if you’re invested in Apple or Android ecosystems and want a versatile all-around wireless headphone.