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 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 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.