10 Best Cancelling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are a solid choice if you're looking for wireless over-ear headphones with strong noise cancellation. They use active noise cancelling (ANC) to block out background sounds, and also offer a Transparency mode so you can hear your surroundings when needed. One of their biggest pluses is the impressive battery life — up to 40 hours on a single charge, which is great for long trips or all-day use. Plus, a quick 10-minute charge gives you about 4 hours of playback, so you won’t be left waiting long to get back to your music.

Sound quality is enhanced by Beats' custom acoustic design and lossless audio through USB-C, giving you clear and immersive sound whether you're listening to music or taking calls. They include personalized spatial audio with head tracking, which adds a nice surround-sound effect if you enjoy that kind of experience. Comfort-wise, they are over-ear headphones with a lightweight design and faux leather material, which should feel snug but also comfortable for long listening sessions. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.3, allowing a solid wireless range and easy pairing with Apple and Android devices.

The headphones also feature on-ear touch controls and voice assistant integration (like Siri), making it easy to manage calls and music without reaching for your phone. However, they are not water-resistant, so they might not be the best choice for heavy workouts or rainy conditions. Also, while the carrying case is included, it’s fabric-based, which may not offer as much protection as hard cases. For those seeking high-quality sound, long battery life, and effective noise cancellation mainly for everyday use, travel, or work calls, the Beats Studio Pro is a fitting option. Keep in mind they might be less suitable if you need water resistance or ultra-durable casing.

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones offer strong active noise cancellation that effectively blocks out background noise, making them great for travel, work, or just relaxing in noisy environments. They provide up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is enough for all-day use, and a quick 15-minute charge adds a couple more hours of listening—very handy if you’re in a hurry. Comfort is a key highlight, with soft, plush ear cushions and a padded headband that keep your ears cozy during long listening sessions.

Sound quality is rich and clear, featuring adjustable equalizer settings that let you customize bass, mids, and treble to your liking. Connectivity is smooth thanks to Bluetooth 5.1 and multipoint support, allowing easy switching between devices like your phone and laptop without fuss. You can also use the headphones wired if the battery runs out. The Touch controls and the Bose app add convenience and ensure your headphones stay up-to-date with the latest features.

These headphones are not water-resistant, so they’re not ideal for sweaty workouts or rainy conditions. Also, while the limited-edition Twilight Blue color is a nice touch, the design remains traditional and may not appeal to everyone. They are an excellent choice for anyone looking for comfortable, reliable noise cancelling headphones with excellent sound and battery life, especially suited for daily commuting, travel, or focused listening at home.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones stand out for their top-notch noise cancellation, powered by the advanced HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 and 12 microphones that actively block out background sounds. This makes them excellent for anyone needing distraction-free listening, whether in busy environments or while traveling. They offer impressive sound quality, developed with mastering engineers to deliver clear, well-balanced audio that preserves the details and richness of music. Comfort is another strong point, with a wider, asymmetrical headband and soft synthetic leather ear pads designed for long-term wear without discomfort.

Battery life is generous, providing up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge, and quick charging allows 3 hours of use from just 3 minutes of charging. Connectivity is reliable through Bluetooth, supporting high-resolution wireless audio via LDAC, and wired listening is also an option. Additional features like adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to your environment and wearing style, plus an ambient sound mode that lets in important external sounds, add to the convenience. The foldable design and compact carrying case make these headphones portable and easy to travel with.

On the downside, the price tends to be high compared to some competitors, and the headphones might feel a bit snug for those with larger heads. Also, while the touch controls are generally responsive, they can sometimes be overly sensitive or less intuitive for some users. These headphones represent an excellent choice for those who prioritize premium noise cancellation, sound clarity, and comfort, especially for frequent travelers or people working in noisy settings.