10 Best Active Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025 in the United States

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 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 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.