10 Best Over Ear Anc Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Max are premium over-ear headphones that excel in noise cancellation and sound quality. Their pro-level Active Noise Cancellation effectively blocks out background noise, allowing you to fully immerse in music or calls, while Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings when needed. The sound is rich and well-balanced thanks to Apple's custom drivers and spatial audio that adjusts based on how you move your head, creating a more natural listening experience.

Comfort-wise, the knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions offer a snug, secure fit that seals sound well, although the headphones are somewhat heavy compared to some competitors, which might feel noticeable during very long sessions. Battery life is solid, providing up to 20 hours of playback with noise cancellation active, and quick charging gives about 1.5 hours of listening from just 5 minutes of charge.

Connectivity is smooth with Bluetooth 5.0, especially if you use Apple devices, as pairing is effortless and switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac is automatic. Physical controls include a Digital Crown for volume and playback, plus a button to toggle noise modes, which many find intuitive and precise. The USB-C charging is convenient and aligns with other modern Apple products. Build quality is premium with a sturdy metal frame and quality materials, but the included Smart Case, while protective, does not cover the headphones fully and offers limited protection. Also, these headphones are not water-resistant, so they are best kept away from sweat or rain. These headphones make an excellent choice if you want top-notch noise cancellation, superb sound, and seamless integration with Apple devices, though their heavier weight, premium price, and lack of water resistance might be a drawback for some users seeking lighter or more rugged options.

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones are designed for users looking for high-quality over-ear ANC headphones. The primary strength of these headphones is their active noise cancellation technology, which significantly reduces external sounds and distractions, making them ideal for use in noisy environments. The headphones also offer two listening modes: Quiet and Aware, allowing users to switch between full noise cancellation and awareness of their surroundings easily.

The sound quality is another highlight, with high-fidelity audio and adjustable EQ settings that let users customize the bass, mid-range, and treble to their preferences, enhancing the listening experience. Comfort and fit are well-addressed with plush earcup cushions and a secure padded band, making them suitable for long listening sessions without causing discomfort. Additionally, the battery life is impressive, providing up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge, along with a quick charge feature for added convenience.

Connectivity is seamless with multipoint Bluetooth, allowing users to switch between devices efficiently. The headphones also include a wired option, which is useful if the battery runs out or for non-Bluetooth devices. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The headphones are not water-resistant, limiting their use in certain situations like workouts or rainy weather. Additionally, while the touch controls are modern, some users may find them less intuitive compared to physical buttons. Build quality and durability appear solid, with a synthetic carrying case included for protection, but they might not be as robust as some other premium models. Despite these minor issues, the Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones offer a well-rounded package with excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort, and battery life, making them a strong choice for music enthusiasts and frequent travelers.