10 Best Active Noise Cancelling Headphones 2026 in the United States

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are a strong choice if you want top-tier active noise cancellation. Thanks to a powerful processor and 12 microphones, they effectively block out background noise, making them great for travel, work, or noisy environments. Sound quality is impressive too, co-developed with expert audio engineers to deliver clear, balanced music with rich vocals and deep detail. Comfort is well thought out with a lightweight, pressure-free fit, soft ear cushions, and an adjustable headband suitable for long listening sessions. Battery life is excellent, offering up to 30 hours on a single charge, and quick charging gives you hours of playback after just a few minutes plugged in. Connectivity uses Bluetooth 5.3, which means a strong and stable wireless connection within about 10 meters, and you can also use a wired connection if needed.

Additional handy features include adaptive noise cancelling that adjusts to your environment and wearing style, and an ambient sound mode that lets outside sounds in when you want to stay aware. On the downside, these headphones aren’t water-resistant, so they require some care around moisture, and the price is on the higher side compared to many competitors. Also, the 48 Ohm impedance means you’ll get the best sound quality from smartphones or devices capable of driving higher-impedance headphones. These headphones best fit users who prioritize advanced noise cancellation, excellent sound clarity, and comfort, especially if you’re often in noisy places or want a premium listening experience with long battery life.

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.

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.