10 Best ANC Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Beats Solo 4 headphones offer a lot of strengths for those seeking quality ANC headphones. The noise cancellation is effective, providing sound isolation to help you focus on your music or calls without external distractions. The sound quality is a strong point, thanks to custom acoustic architecture and updated drivers that deliver powerful Beats sound. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking enhances the listening experience, making it more immersive.

Comfort and fit are well thought out, with ultralight ergonomic design, flex-grip headband, and adjustable ear cups ensuring stable and all-day comfort. The UltraPlush ear cushions add to the comfort and durability, making these headphones suitable for prolonged use. Battery life is impressive, with up to 50 hours of listening time, and the Fast Fuel feature offers a quick 10-minute charge for up to 5 hours of playback, which is convenient for users on the go. Connectivity is robust, with Class 1 Bluetooth offering extended range and fewer dropouts.

Dual compatibility allows easy pairing with both iOS and Android devices, and high-resolution lossless audio can be enjoyed via USB-C or 3.5 mm audio cable. Additional features like high-quality call performance, voice assistant interaction, and a protective case enhance the user experience. However, the lack of water resistance might be a drawback for those who want to use the headphones during workouts or in wet conditions. The on-ear design might not be as comfortable for everyone, especially during extended listening sessions. Nonetheless, for users prioritizing sound quality, long battery life, and seamless connectivity, the Beats Solo 4 headphones are a compelling choice.

The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones are designed for those who want effective noise cancellation and comfort in one package. They use advanced active noise cancellation combined with a snug over-ear design to block out distractions, making them great for travel or noisy environments. The sound quality is clear and balanced, with adjustable EQ settings to tailor bass, mids, and treble to your liking, which is a nice touch for personalizing your listening experience.

Comfort is a strong point here — the plush ear cushions and padded headband allow for long listening sessions without discomfort. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 24 hours on a single charge, and a quick 15-minute USB-C charge provides an extra 2.5 hours if you’re in a hurry. Connectivity is smooth with Bluetooth 5.1 and multipoint support, so you can easily switch between your phone and laptop without hassle. Additional features like Quiet and Aware listening modes let you choose between full noise cancellation or hearing your surroundings, which adds useful flexibility. The headphones also come with a wired option in case the battery runs out, and the Bose app keeps your device updated and lets you adjust settings.

On the downside, these headphones aren’t water-resistant, so they’re less suited for workouts involving heavy sweating or rain. Also, while the over-ear design is comfortable, it might feel a bit bulky for some users. The price point may be higher than average, but you get a reliable, premium product with solid noise cancelling and sound performance. These headphones represent an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality ANC headphones mainly for travel, work, or casual listening rather than intense sports activities.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones set a high standard for active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones, making them a great choice for anyone wanting an immersive listening experience in noisy environments. Thanks to their advanced HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 and 12 microphones, they excel at blocking out background noise in real time, including wind and chatter, which benefits travelers, commuters, and busy office workers. Sound quality is exceptional, with studio-quality audio developed alongside mastering engineers, delivering clear, balanced sound with rich vocals and detailed instruments.

Comfort is another strong point: the wider, asymmetric headband with soft synthetic leather and a thoughtful adjustable design lets you wear them for hours without discomfort. The battery life is impressive too, offering up to 30 hours of playback, and the quick charge feature provides 3 hours of use from just 3 minutes of charging—ideal if you’re in a hurry. Connectivity is stable with Bluetooth 5.3 and supports multiple devices, including phones and laptops. Extra features like the Adaptive Noise Canceler that adjusts based on your environment, an Auto Ambient Sound mode to blend music with important outside sounds, and ultra-clear call quality enhance usability in daily life.

They are not water resistant, which means they’re best used indoors or in dry conditions. Also, while the headphones fold and come with a compact case for portability, they are not the lightest, weighing around 9 ounces, which might be noticeable over long periods for some users. The WH-1000XM6 headphones represent a solid choice for people who prioritize powerful noise cancellation, superb sound, and comfort, especially if you’re often in noisy surroundings or travel frequently.