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10 Best Noise Cancelling Headsets 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Adaptive NC Optimizer, Mastered by Engineers, Studio-Quality, 30-Hour Battery, Black

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,445
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Battery Life
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
350 reviews

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The noise cancelling technology reaches a new level, effectively eliminating previous issues like buzzing tones and creating a truly immersive quiet experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is outstanding, lasting through extended use without needing frequent recharges, and the fast charge feature provides hours of playback after just minutes plugged in.
Comfort and Fit
The headband is incredibly flexible and comfortable, offering a snug fit without discomfort, while the hinges feel more reliable and durable.
Sound Quality
Sound quality delivers a perfect balance, revealing every musical detail and note exactly as the artist intended, making it easy to listen for hours without fatigue.
Durability
The headband is incredibly flexible and comfortable, offering a snug fit without discomfort, while the hinges feel more reliable and durable.

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.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,445
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Battery Life
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
350 reviews

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The noise cancelling technology reaches a new level, effectively eliminating previous issues like buzzing tones and creating a truly immersive quiet experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is outstanding, lasting through extended use without needing frequent recharges, and the fast charge feature provides hours of playback after just minutes plugged in.
Comfort and Fit
The headband is incredibly flexible and comfortable, offering a snug fit without discomfort, while the hinges feel more reliable and durable.
Sound Quality
Sound quality delivers a perfect balance, revealing every musical detail and note exactly as the artist intended, making it easy to listen for hours without fatigue.
Durability
The headband is incredibly flexible and comfortable, offering a snug fit without discomfort, while the hinges feel more reliable and durable.
#2

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Midnight

Rating
9.8
Sound Quality
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
1791 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality delivers crisp, clear audio with impressive instrument separation and a rich soundstage that rivals high-end wired headphones.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Active noise cancellation effectively reduces ambient noise, creating a peaceful listening environment even in moderately loud settings.
Comfort and Fit
The design balances weight and comfort, becoming more comfortable over time and suitable for extended wear, including long flights.
Durability
Build quality feels premium and durable, with the headphones holding up well to daily use without needing extra protective cases.
Battery Life
Battery life is robust, supporting hours of use with minimal drain and convenient overnight charging options.
Connectivity
Seamless integration across Apple devices enhances usability, making pairing and switching effortless within the Apple ecosystem.

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.

Rating
9.8
Sound Quality
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
1791 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality delivers crisp, clear audio with impressive instrument separation and a rich soundstage that rivals high-end wired headphones.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Active noise cancellation effectively reduces ambient noise, creating a peaceful listening environment even in moderately loud settings.
Comfort and Fit
The design balances weight and comfort, becoming more comfortable over time and suitable for extended wear, including long flights.
Durability
Build quality feels premium and durable, with the headphones holding up well to daily use without needing extra protective cases.
Battery Life
Battery life is robust, supporting hours of use with minimal drain and convenient overnight charging options.
Connectivity
Seamless integration across Apple devices enhances usability, making pairing and switching effortless within the Apple ecosystem.
#3

Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones, 70H Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Deep Bass, Memory Foam Ear Cups, Travel, Office, USB-C Charging

Rating
9.7
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Battery Life
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
2457 reviews

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Active Noise Cancellation effectively reduces steady low to mid-frequency background noises like motors or bus rides, creating an immersive listening experience.
Battery Life
The battery life is exceptional, lasting multiple days on a single charge even with ANC active, supporting long listening or gaming sessions.
Comfort and Fit
The comfort level is outstanding, with soft memory foam ear cups that allow for hours of wear without ear fatigue or discomfort.
Sound Quality
These headphones deliver crisp, precise sound that picks up every important detail, making them great for both gaming and music.
Connectivity
A useful companion app allows for easy control over audio settings, noise cancellation modes, and supports connecting to multiple devices simultaneously.
Durability
The build feels solid and comfortable with a good weight, avoiding a cheap plastic feel despite the affordable price point.

The Soundcore Anker Life Q20 headphones are a solid choice for anyone looking for affordable noise-cancelling over-ear headphones. Their hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) does a good job of reducing low and mid-frequency sounds like traffic and airplane noise, which makes them suitable for travel and office use. You can expect up to 50 hours of wireless playtime with ANC on, extending to 70 hours without it, so battery life is excellent for long listening sessions. Comfort is addressed with memory foam ear cups that fit over your ears, helping with extended wear without discomfort.

Sound quality is generally clear and offers enhanced bass thanks to BassUp technology, which is great if you enjoy bass-heavy music styles. Connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0 is stable and compatible with a wide range of devices, and USB-C charging is convenient and quick, with a 2-hour full charge and a fast 5-minute quick charge option. However, microphone quality isn’t highlighted as a strong point, so calls or voice chats might not be as crisp. The build is lightweight and includes a travel pouch, but it’s mostly plastic, so it may not feel as rugged as pricier models.

These headphones deliver strong noise cancellation and impressive battery life in a comfortable design, providing a practical option for those seeking decent sound and ANC without a high price tag.

Rating
9.7
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Battery Life
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
2457 reviews

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Active Noise Cancellation effectively reduces steady low to mid-frequency background noises like motors or bus rides, creating an immersive listening experience.
Battery Life
The battery life is exceptional, lasting multiple days on a single charge even with ANC active, supporting long listening or gaming sessions.
Comfort and Fit
The comfort level is outstanding, with soft memory foam ear cups that allow for hours of wear without ear fatigue or discomfort.
Sound Quality
These headphones deliver crisp, precise sound that picks up every important detail, making them great for both gaming and music.
Connectivity
A useful companion app allows for easy control over audio settings, noise cancellation modes, and supports connecting to multiple devices simultaneously.
Durability
The build feels solid and comfortable with a good weight, avoiding a cheap plastic feel despite the affordable price point.

Buying Guide for the Best Noise Cancelling Headsets

Choosing the right noise-cancelling headset can significantly enhance your listening experience, whether you're using it for work, travel, or leisure. Noise-cancelling headsets are designed to reduce unwanted ambient sounds, allowing you to focus on your audio content without distractions. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a technology that uses microphones and speakers to reduce background noise. This spec is crucial if you want to block out external sounds, such as airplane engines or office chatter. ANC can vary in effectiveness, with some headsets offering multiple levels of noise cancellation. If you frequently find yourself in noisy environments, look for headsets with strong ANC capabilities. For quieter settings, moderate ANC might suffice.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the headset can operate on a single charge, especially when using ANC. This is important for ensuring that your headset lasts through long flights, workdays, or commutes. Battery life can range from a few hours to over 30 hours. If you need a headset for extended use, opt for one with a longer battery life. For shorter, intermittent use, a headset with moderate battery life should be adequate.
Comfort and FitComfort and fit are essential for prolonged use. This spec includes the design of the ear cups, headband, and overall weight of the headset. Comfortable headsets have well-padded ear cups and adjustable headbands to fit different head sizes. If you plan to wear the headset for long periods, prioritize comfort and lightweight designs. For occasional use, standard comfort levels may be acceptable.
Sound QualitySound quality encompasses the clarity, balance, and richness of the audio produced by the headset. This is important for an immersive listening experience, whether you're enjoying music, movies, or calls. Sound quality can vary widely, with some headsets offering enhanced bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. If you're an audiophile or use the headset for critical listening, prioritize high sound quality. For general use, a balanced sound profile should be sufficient.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the headset connects to your devices, such as via Bluetooth or wired connections. This is important for compatibility and convenience. Bluetooth headsets offer wireless freedom, while wired options can provide a more stable connection. If you value mobility and ease of use, a Bluetooth headset is ideal. For those who prefer a consistent connection without worrying about battery life, a wired headset might be better.
Microphone QualityMicrophone quality is crucial for clear communication during calls or virtual meetings. This spec determines how well your voice is captured and transmitted. High-quality microphones reduce background noise and enhance voice clarity. If you frequently use the headset for calls or online meetings, look for one with a good microphone. For occasional use, a standard microphone should be adequate.
DurabilityDurability refers to the build quality and materials used in the headset. This is important for ensuring the headset can withstand regular use and potential wear and tear. Durable headsets are often made with high-quality materials and have robust construction. If you plan to use the headset frequently or travel with it, prioritize durability. For less frequent use, standard build quality may be sufficient.

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