10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are designed to deliver a high-quality audio experience, making them an excellent choice for music lovers and professionals needing reliable sound isolation. One of the standout features is the active noise cancelling (ANC) capability, which effectively minimizes ambient sounds, allowing users to enjoy their music or calls without distractions. The additional Transparency mode offers flexibility, enabling users to remain aware of their surroundings when needed. With up to 40 hours of battery life, these headphones can easily last through long listening sessions, and the quick charge feature is a nice touch for those on the go.

In terms of comfort, the over-ear design is generally well-received, providing a snug fit that enhances noise isolation while remaining comfortable during extended use. The sound quality is impressive, thanks to Beats' custom acoustic platform, delivering rich and immersive audio with options for personalized sound profiles. The inclusion of USB-C lossless audio adds a significant upgrade for audiophiles who enjoy high-fidelity sound.

On the connectivity front, the headphones support one-touch pairing with Apple and Android devices, which simplifies the setup process. The use of Class 1 Bluetooth technology ensures a reliable connection with a wide range and minimal dropouts. However, some users may find the on-ear controls a bit less intuitive, especially if they are used to more tactile buttons. While the Beats Studio Pro headphones shine in many areas, they are not without drawbacks. Some users may prefer a more neutral sound profile, as Beats headphones typically have a bass-heavy tuning that may not suit everyone’s taste. Additionally, the price point may be higher than some alternatives, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious shoppers. These headphones are ideal for those looking for a balance of style, comfort, and performance in their noise-cancelling headphones.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones stand out in the noise-cancelling headphone market due to their impressive noise cancellation capabilities, thanks to the Dual Noise Sensor technology. These headphones offer a long battery life of up to 30 hours, and a quick 10-minute charge gives you 5 hours of playback, which is very convenient for users on the go. The sound quality is enhanced by the DSEE Extreme technology, which upscales compressed digital music files, providing a richer audio experience.

The touch sensor controls are intuitive, making it easy to manage music, calls, and voice assistants without fiddling with buttons. Comfort is another strong point; the updated design helps to relieve pressure for prolonged use, making them suitable for long listening sessions. Connectivity is robust, with Bluetooth 5.0 and multipoint connection capabilities that allow seamless switching between devices. The Speak-to-Chat feature, which automatically reduces volume during conversations, and the wearing detection, which pauses playback when the headphones are removed, are useful additions that enhance user experience.

These headphones are not water-resistant, which might be a drawback for those looking to use them during workouts or in rainy conditions. Additionally, while they are constructed from high-quality materials, the plastic build might not feel as premium as some other high-end models. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers a comprehensive package for anyone looking for top-tier noise-cancelling headphones, making them ideal for frequent travelers, commuters, and anyone who values high-quality sound and comfort.

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.