10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Max are high-end over-ear headphones that deliver a premium listening experience, especially if you use Apple devices. Their pro-level active noise cancellation is very effective, blocking out a lot of background noise so you can focus on your music or calls. The headphones also feature a Transparency mode, which lets you hear your surroundings without taking them off—handy for quick awareness. With personalized spatial audio, the sound feels immersive and tailored to your ears, making music and movies more engaging.

The build includes a comfortable knit-mesh headband and memory foam ear cushions, designed for a good fit during long listening sessions, although some might find them a bit heavy at 1.15 pounds. Battery life is solid, offering up to 20 hours of use on a single charge with noise cancellation active, which should get you through a full day easily. Charging is convenient via USB-C, compatible with many modern Apple chargers. Connectivity is seamless within the Apple ecosystem thanks to the H1 chip, allowing easy pairing and automatic switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Controls are intuitive with a digital crown for volume and playback, plus voice activation via Siri.

These headphones are not water-resistant, so they aren’t ideal for heavy workouts or wet conditions. They also come at a premium price and work best with Apple products, with limited features on non-Apple devices. If you want top-tier noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and smooth integration with Apple gear, the AirPods Max are a strong choice. However, if you need water resistance or a lighter option, or use mostly non-Apple devices, you might want to explore alternatives.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are a solid choice if you want high-quality noise cancellation combined with impressive sound features. Their fully adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) effectively blocks out background noise, and the Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings when needed, which is great for safety or casual conversations. With up to 40 hours of battery life, these headphones can easily last through long days or multiple trips without frequent charging. The Fast Fuel quick charge is handy, providing 4 hours of playback after just 10 minutes plugged in.

Comfort-wise, the over-ear design with cushioned ear cups and a relatively lightweight build (about 9 ounces) helps with extended wear, although comfort can be subjective depending on your head size and shape. Sound quality is one of the standout features here—Beats' custom acoustic platform delivers rich, immersive audio with support for lossless audio through USB-C and personalized spatial audio that dynamically adjusts to your head movements, creating a 3D listening experience.

Connectivity is strong thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, offering a long wireless range and stable connection with both Apple and Android devices. One-touch pairing and native feature support on these platforms make switching and controlling audio easy. The built-in mics focus on isolating your voice, so calls come through clearly even in noisy environments. Additional perks include on-ear touch controls for music, calls, and Siri, a foldable design, and a protective woven carrying case included in the box. However, these headphones are not water-resistant, so they may not be the best pick for intense workouts or rainy conditions. Also, while the build quality is solid, the premium features come at a higher price point that might not suit every budget. The Beats Studio Pro is worth considering if you prioritize excellent noise cancellation, long battery life, and immersive sound with solid compatibility for Apple and Android, keeping in mind the lack of water resistance and varying fit depending on your preference.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are high-end wireless noise-cancelling headphones that shine in several important areas. Their noise cancellation is especially impressive, powered by an advanced processor and 12 microphones that adapt in real time to block out unwanted sounds — whether you’re on a noisy street, plane, or busy office. The sound quality is excellent, co-developed with expert audio engineers to deliver clear, balanced music with rich vocals and detailed instruments. If you value accurate, high-resolution audio, these headphones support that too, including a Bluetooth technology (LDAC) that streams better sound than typical wireless options.

Comfort-wise, they feature a wider, asymmetrical headband with soft synthetic leather earpads, designed for long listening sessions without discomfort. The foldable design and included compact carrying case add to their portability. Battery life is strong, lasting up to 30 hours on a charge, and a quick 3-minute charge can give you 3 hours of playback, which is handy for travel or long days. Connectivity through Bluetooth is seamless and they support wired use as well, making them flexible for different devices.

Additional features like adaptive noise control that adjusts based on your environment and wearing style, plus an auto ambient sound mode that lets in important sounds like announcements or conversations, make these headphones smart and user-friendly. On the downside, these headphones come at a premium price, which might be a consideration if you’re budget-conscious. Also, while very lightweight and comfortable, some users with larger heads might want to try them in person for fit. These headphones are ideal if you want top-tier noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and comfortable all-day wear, especially for frequent travelers or those working in noisy environments.