10 Best Noise Cancellings 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds stand out in the noise-cancelling category thanks to their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature, which effectively reduces outside noise, allowing for an immersive listening experience. Their Adaptive Audio capability is a notable strength, as it seamlessly blends ANC with Transparency mode, letting users stay aware of their surroundings without sacrificing sound quality. This is particularly useful for those who often find themselves in dynamic environments.

Comfort is a significant highlight with a redesigned shape and shorter stem that contributes to a snug fit, making them suitable for extended wear. Users will also appreciate the voice isolation technology during calls, which enhances sound clarity in noisy settings. The AirPods 4 also impress with features like personalized spatial audio, which creates a more engaging experience for various media.

Battery life is decent, offering around 4 hours with ANC on and up to 20 hours with the charging case. However, some users might find the 4-hour limit a bit restrictive if they plan to use them for longer periods without charging. The earbuds also boast a water, sweat, and dust resistance rating (IP54), making them a good choice for workouts or outdoor activities. The price point may be higher compared to other noise-cancelling options on the market, which could deter budget-conscious consumers. Furthermore, while the wireless charging case is convenient, it may not be universally compatible with all devices, limiting flexibility for non-Apple users.

The Apple AirPods 4 are an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort, sound quality, and advanced features in a noise-cancelling earbud, though potential users should weigh the price and battery life against their personal needs.

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones offer a range of features that make them a strong contender in the noise-cancelling headphones category. One of their standout features is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, which effectively reduces ambient noise, allowing you to immerse yourself in your music or calls without distractions. Additionally, they offer two listening modes—Quiet and Aware—so you can choose between full noise-cancellation or being more attuned to your surroundings, which is very convenient in different environments.

With a battery life of up to 24 hours, these headphones are well-suited for long flights or extended use throughout the day. They also support quick charging, providing 2.5 hours of playtime from just a 15-minute charge, which is handy when you’re on the go and need a quick boost. Comfort is another major strength; the plush earcup cushions and padded headband are designed for prolonged use, making them ideal for long listening sessions. Sound quality is impressive too, with high-fidelity audio and adjustable EQ that allows you to tailor the bass, mid-range, and treble to your preferences.

Connectivity is seamless with multipoint Bluetooth, enabling you to switch between devices without the hassle of disconnecting and reconnecting. The wired option is useful for times when Bluetooth isn’t available or the battery is depleted, and the Bose app helps keep your headphones updated with the latest features and software improvements. However, there are a few downsides to consider. The headphones are not water-resistant, which means they might not be the best choice for workouts or use in the rain. Additionally, while the touch controls are modern and convenient, they may take some time to get used to. These factors considered, the Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones are an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality noise-cancelling headphones with great sound, comfort, and versatile connectivity options.

The Apple AirPods Max are premium over-ear headphones known for excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) that can block out a lot of background noise, making them ideal for noisy environments. They offer a very comfortable fit thanks to memory foam ear cushions and a breathable knit mesh canopy, which helps seal sound well and allows for extended wear without much discomfort. Sound quality is impressive, featuring high-fidelity audio driven by Apple’s custom dynamic drivers and enhanced by personalized spatial audio that adapts to your ear shape for an immersive experience. Battery life supports up to 20 hours of listening with ANC or Transparency mode active, which is enough for long trips or daily use.

Connectivity is seamless within the Apple ecosystem, using Bluetooth 5.0 and the Apple H1 chip for easy pairing, automatic device switching, and voice control via Siri. Additional features include a handy Digital Crown for volume and playback control, Transparency mode to hear your surroundings when needed, and USB-C charging compatible with many Apple devices. On the downside, these headphones are quite heavy compared to others in the category, which could affect comfort for some users during extended sessions. They are also not water-resistant, limiting outdoor or workout use in wet conditions. The price is on the higher end, reflecting the premium nature and Apple branding. These AirPods Max suit Apple users looking for top-tier noise cancellation, superior sound, and smooth integration with their devices, but might be less appealing if you need lightweight, rugged headphones or use non-Apple equipment.