10 Best Noise Cancelling Headsets 2025 in the United States

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.

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 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.