10 Best Active Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds offer impressive features for those seeking active noise-cancelling headphones. Their Active Noise Cancellation effectively reduces external noise, allowing for an immersive listening experience. The Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode provide flexibility by blending noise cancellation with the ability to hear ambient sounds when needed. Sound quality is elevated with Personalized Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ, making music and calls clear and enjoyable.

Comfort has been a priority in the redesign, ensuring a secure and stable fit for all-day wear. Quick-press controls add to the convenience, and Siri integration allows for hands-free operation with just voice commands or simple head gestures. The addition of a skin-detecting sensor ensures that audio only plays when the earbuds are in use, conserving battery life. Speaking of battery life, users can expect up to 4 hours of listening time with noise cancellation on, and up to 20 hours using the charging case. Without noise cancellation, the battery can last up to 30 hours.

Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3, and the redesigned charging case with USB-C and wireless charging capabilities adds to the convenience. It is also water and dust resistant, making it suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. One downside is that the USB-C Charge Cable is sold separately, which might be an inconvenience for some users. The AirPods 4 are a solid choice for anyone looking for high-quality active noise-cancelling headphones with a blend of advanced features and comfort.

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.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are premium true wireless earbuds featuring strong active noise cancellation that adapts to your surroundings using AI, ideal for blocking out background noise while maintaining some awareness. Their sound quality is enhanced by an adaptive equalizer that tailors audio to how you wear them, delivering immersive and clear sound for music and calls. Comfort has been redesigned for long-lasting wear, making them suitable for extended use.

Battery life provides about 6 hours on a single charge, with the charging case offering an additional 26 hours for full-day use with moderate listening. Connectivity is reliable through Bluetooth 5.4, offering a stable 10-meter range. Additional features include customizable touch controls, wireless charging, fast charging, and real-time language translation, which adds convenience for travel or multilingual users.

Charging takes over two hours, which is relatively long, and while the earbuds offer some water resistance, they are not rated for heavy sweat or rain, so they may not be ideal for intense workouts or harsh weather conditions. The fit may vary depending on ear shape despite the comfort redesign. These earbuds are well suited for users seeking versatile, high-quality noise-cancelling wireless earbuds with smart features and good battery life, especially those who value adaptability and comfort during daily use.