10 Best Noise Cancelling Headsets 2025 in the United States

The Beats Studio Pro is a strong contender in the noise-cancelling headset category, offering a range of impressive features. One of its standout strengths is the custom acoustic platform, which delivers rich sound quality that enhances both music and calls. The active noise cancelling (ANC) technology is fully adaptive, allowing users to switch to a Transparency mode when needed, making it versatile for various environments. Additionally, the personalized spatial audio adds an immersive dimension to the listening experience, which is particularly appealing for movie lovers and gamers alike.

Battery life is another highlight, with up to 40 hours of use on a single charge. The quick charge feature is handy, providing four hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge. This is great for users on the go who may forget to charge their headphones regularly.

Comfort is crucial for long listening sessions, and the over-ear design of the Studio Pro is generally well-received, providing a snug fit that reduces sound leakage. However, some users may find them a bit bulky or heavy for extended wear, so it’s worth trying them on if possible. On the connectivity front, the Studio Pro excels with one-touch pairing and Class 1 Bluetooth technology, which ensures a stable connection and allows for pairing with multiple devices. The on-device controls are intuitive, enabling easy management of calls and music playback without needing to reach for your phone. The price point is on the higher side, which could be a barrier for budget-conscious consumers. Moreover, while they offer a rich sound profile, some audiophiles might prefer a more neutral sound signature for critical listening. Those who primarily use their headphones for calls may find the mic performance adequate but not exceptional compared to dedicated headset options.

The Beats Studio Pro is an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality sound, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit, but potential buyers should be mindful of its price and fit before making a decision.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones excel in noise cancellation with their Dual Noise Sensor technology, making them excellent for reducing background noise. They offer an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours and a quick charging feature that provides 5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge. Comfort is enhanced with the updated design that relieves pressure, suitable for long listening sessions.

Sound quality is top-notch, with the Edge AI and DSEE Extreme engine upscaling compressed music files in real-time, ensuring a superior audio experience. Connectivity is seamless, with Bluetooth 5.0 and multipoint connection allowing you to pair multiple devices easily. The touch sensor controls are intuitive, allowing you to manage playback, volume, and calls effortlessly, and the Speak-to-Chat feature automatically reduces the volume during conversations.

Additionally, the wearing detection feature pauses playback when the headphones are removed, adding to the convenience. However, they lack water resistance, making them less suitable for use in rainy conditions or intense workouts. The build quality is sturdy, yet predominantly plastic, which may not appeal to those preferring a more premium feel. Weighing 9 ounces, they are lightweight but substantial enough to feel secure on your head. These headphones are an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality noise-canceling headphones with advanced features and comfortable design.

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.