10 Best Noise Cancelling Headsets 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Max deliver a premium over-ear experience with strong active noise cancellation that effectively blocks out background noise, making them great for immersive listening in noisy environments. Their sound quality is impressive, featuring high-fidelity audio and personalized spatial audio that adjusts to your ear shape, offering an engaging and rich soundstage. Comfort-wise, the knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions provide a snug and secure fit, although their weight (around 386 grams) might feel a bit heavy for long listening sessions compared to some lighter options. Battery life is solid, offering up to 20 hours with ANC enabled, which is enough for most daily uses, and the USB-C charging adds convenience for Apple users with compatible devices.

Connectivity is seamless within the Apple ecosystem, with effortless pairing and automatic switching between Apple devices, though users outside this environment might find it less versatile. The built-in microphones (nine in total) excel at picking up your voice clearly during calls and activating noise cancellation, but the headset lacks water resistance, so it’s not suited for intense workouts or rainy conditions. The included Smart Case helps preserve battery life but doesn’t provide full protection from drops or impacts.

The AirPods Max are particularly well suited for Apple users seeking top-notch sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a premium build, especially for travel, entertainment, and calls. If you prioritize lightweight design or need wider device compatibility and durability for active use, there may be other options better suited to those specific needs.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones stand out in the noise-cancelling headset category, offering a blend of comfort, sound quality, and versatile features. One of their key strengths is the superior noise cancellation, supported by multiple modes. Quiet Mode provides complete silence, while Aware Mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings, and Immersion Mode blends the best of both worlds with an enhanced audio experience. This flexibility is perfect for a range of environments, whether you're at home, in a busy café, or on a flight.

Battery life is another highlight, boasting up to 24 hours of playtime, which is excellent for long listening sessions. Plus, a quick 15-minute charge allows users to enjoy 2.5 hours of playback, making these headphones convenient for people on the go.

In terms of comfort, the soft ear cushions and well-designed headband distribute weight evenly, making them suitable for extended wear. Additionally, the headphones feature touch controls for easy management of music and calls, which can be a significant advantage for users who value simplicity. However, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider. While the sound quality is generally impressive, some users might find the bass isn’t as pronounced as they would like, depending on their music preference. Additionally, these headphones are not water-resistant, so they aren't the best choice for exercising in wet conditions or use in heavy rain.

Lastly, the Bose app enhances the experience by allowing users to access updates and customize sound settings, although not everyone may want to use an app for basic functionality. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones cater to those seeking an immersive audio experience, effective noise cancellation, and comfort, making them ideal for music lovers, gamers, and frequent travelers.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are a top choice for anyone looking for excellent noise-cancelling wireless headsets. Their standout feature is the advanced Active Noise Cancellation powered by a fast HD Noise Cancelling Processor and 12 microphones, which work together to block out a wide range of background noise in real time, making them great for noisy environments like planes or busy offices. Sound quality is impressive, with clear, balanced audio co-developed by mastering engineers and support for high-resolution audio, so your music sounds rich and detailed. The microphone system uses six mics with AI technology to deliver clear voice calls, even in windy or crowded places.

Comfort is thoughtfully designed with a wider, soft headband and cushioned ear cups that fit well for long listening sessions without pressure. Battery life is strong, offering up to 30 hours per charge, plus fast charging that gives 3 hours of playtime in just 3 minutes, which is handy for travel or daily use. Connectivity is reliable via Bluetooth, and the headphones also include wired options and come with a compact, foldable design and carrying case for portability and durability.

Although these headphones are slightly bulky due to the over-ear design, their build is solid and stylish, suitable for everyday use. The premium features and performance make them an excellent fit for frequent travelers, remote workers, or anyone wanting immersive sound with superior noise cancellation.