10 Best Cancelling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones offer several appealing features for anyone looking for versatile, long-lasting headphones suitable for travel and office use. One of the most notable aspects is the active noise cancellation, which can reduce ambient noise by up to 90%. This makes them ideal for use in noisy environments like airplanes or busy offices. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 60 hours of playtime in standard music mode and 40 hours with active noise cancellation on. Quick charging is also convenient, providing 4 hours of listening time from just a 5-minute charge.

The headphones feature custom 40mm dynamic drivers for Hi-Res Audio, delivering rich sound with high-frequency clarity up to 40 kHz. Additionally, the BassUp technology enhances bass for an immersive listening experience, especially for bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop. Comfort is ensured with memory foam ear cups, making long listening sessions more enjoyable. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.0, and the headphones are compatible with a broad range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles.

However, some users may find the over-ear design and 8.8-ounce weight a bit bulky for extended wear. While the sound quality and noise cancellation are commendable, audiophiles might prefer higher-end models for more critical listening. These headphones strike a good balance between cost and performance, making them a strong contender for daily use by frequent travelers and office workers.

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones stand out in the noise-canceling category, particularly for users who value comfort and sound quality. Weighing only 192g, they are among the lightest options available, making them a great choice for long listening sessions without discomfort. The dual noise sensor technology enhances noise cancellation, letting you fully immerse in your music or calls, which is ideal for users in noisy environments.

Battery life is impressive at up to 35 hours, with a quick charge feature that provides an hour of playback after just a 3-minute charge. This makes them suitable for daily commutes or extended use. The sound quality is also noteworthy, delivering clear vocals and balanced audio, thanks to the Integrated Processor V1 and Digital Sound Enhancement Engine.

One of the appealing aspects is the smart features, like the Adjustable Ambient Sound mode and Adaptive Sound control, which tailor audio to your surroundings. This could benefit users who frequently switch between immersive listening and awareness of their environment. Additionally, the multipoint connection allows easy switching between devices, which is convenient for those using multiple gadgets.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are a top contender in the cancelling headphones category, designed for users who want high-quality sound and effective noise cancellation. One of their standout features is the active noise cancellation, utilizing advanced Dual Noise Sensor technology, which significantly reduces background noise—ideal for travel or commutes. Battery life is impressive, with up to 30 hours of playback on a full charge, and a quick 10-minute charge can give you an additional 5 hours, making these headphones convenient for daily use.

Comfort is another strong point; the updated design allows for extended wear without discomfort, which is great if you plan to use them for long periods. Sound quality is enhanced by Sony's DSEE Extreme technology, providing a richer listening experience by upscaling compressed music files.

The touch sensor controls are intuitive, allowing for easy volume adjustments and track changes. The Speak-to-Chat feature automatically lowers the volume when you start talking, which adds to the user-friendly design. Additionally, the multipoint connectivity allows pairing with multiple devices, so you can quickly switch between your phone and laptop. There are a few drawbacks to consider. The touch controls can be overly sensitive, occasionally leading to unintentional actions. They are also not water-resistant, which may limit use in certain environments like the gym or during rain. Finally, while they excel in various areas, the premium price might not fit every budget, but they do offer significant value for those prioritizing sound and noise cancellation.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones represent an excellent choice for anyone seeking premium noise-cancelling features combined with comfort and superior sound quality, though they may not be ideal for users needing a rugged or waterproof design.