10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods 4 are designed to offer an impressive noise-cancelling experience, making them a solid choice for those who want to enjoy music or podcasts without distractions. Their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) effectively reduces external sounds, which is particularly beneficial in noisy environments like public transport or busy streets. The Adaptive Audio feature also allows for a seamless transition between ANC and Transparency mode, letting you engage with your surroundings when needed. This flexibility is great for users who want to have the best of both worlds.

In terms of comfort, the redesign provides a better fit, making them suitable for extended wear without discomfort. Additionally, they are rated IP54 for dust, sweat, and water resistance, which means they can withstand workouts and light rain, appealing to fitness enthusiasts.

The sound quality is another highlight, enhanced by the H2 chip that supports personalized audio features. Voice Isolation helps improve call clarity in noisy settings, making it a suitable option for mobile users. Battery life is decent, offering about 5 hours on a single charge with ANC active, and up to 30 hours with the charging case when ANC is off. However, 4 hours of ANC usage on a single charge might be limiting for those planning long listening sessions.

While AirPods 4 are convenient and feature-rich, they might not suit everyone. Users seeking the absolute best sound quality or those who prefer over-ear designs may want to explore other options. The reliance on Bluetooth may affect connectivity in certain situations, particularly if you’re far from your device. Lastly, the price point is on the higher side, which could be a drawback for budget-conscious buyers.

The Apple AirPods 4 stand out as an excellent choice for those seeking comfort, effective noise cancellation, and smart features, especially if they are already integrated into the Apple ecosystem.

The Apple AirPods Max are premium wireless over-ear headphones that deliver strong active noise cancellation, effectively reducing twice as much background noise compared to many others. With up to 20 hours of battery life, they offer enough power for all-day use with noise cancellation or spatial audio features enabled. Comfort is a highlight here, thanks to a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions that provide a secure yet soft fit, ideal for long listening sessions.

Sound quality is impressive, featuring Apple’s custom dynamic drivers and advanced audio tech like personalized spatial audio and adaptive EQ, which together create rich, immersive sound tailored to your ears. Connectivity is seamless within the Apple ecosystem, using Bluetooth 5.0 and the Apple H1 chip for quick pairing and easy switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. Additional features such as Transparency mode let you hear surrounding sounds without removing the headphones, and the Digital Crown offers precise control for volume, playback, and calls. The USB-C charging is convenient, matching other modern Apple devices.

The AirPods Max are relatively heavy compared to some competitors, which might affect comfort for users sensitive to weight. They also come at a high price point, which may be a consideration if budget is important. These headphones are best suited for Apple users looking for top-tier sound quality, noise cancellation, and a premium build, but less ideal for those seeking a lightweight or budget-friendly option.

The Beats Solo 4 headphones are a solid choice for anyone wanting wireless on-ear headphones with good sound and long battery life. They offer sound isolation rather than active noise cancellation, which means they block some noise but won’t be as effective in very loud environments. The battery life is impressive, with up to 50 hours of playback on a single charge and a quick charge feature giving 5 hours of use after just 10 minutes, so they’re great for long trips or all-day use.

Comfort is a strong point here, thanks to an ultralight design and soft ear cushions that fit snugly without causing discomfort. The flexible headband and adjustable cups help keep them stable, which is useful if you wear them for hours or during light exercise. Sound quality is focused on delivering the strong, punchy Beats signature sound with custom drivers and support for high-resolution audio via wired connections. Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking adds a nice touch for a more immersive listening experience on supported devices.

Connectivity is reliable with the latest Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable connection and wide range, plus easy pairing with both Apple and Android devices. The headphones also include a built-in microphone for calls and voice assistant commands, making them practical for work or daily use. One downside is the lack of active noise cancellation, which some users may expect in this price and category. Also, they are not water resistant, so they’re not ideal for heavy sweating or rainy conditions. These headphones suit users who want stylish, comfortable wireless headphones with excellent battery life and good sound quality, especially if active noise cancelling isn’t a top priority.