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.

The Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones stand out as an excellent option for anyone seeking a comfortable and lightweight design coupled with advanced noise-canceling capabilities. Weighing just 192 grams, these headphones are Sony's lightest in their noise-canceling lineup, perfect for prolonged use without causing discomfort. The dual noise sensor technology, powered by the Integrated Processor V1, ensures effective noise cancellation, allowing users to fully immerse in their music or calls without external disturbances.

The Adaptive Sound control and Adjustable Ambient Sound mode further enhance the listening experience by tailoring the sound to your environment. Sound quality is top-notch, with natural vocals and crystal-clear audio thanks to Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE). Plus, features like multipoint connection allow seamless switching between two devices, adding convenience to the mix. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 35 hours of use with quick charging capabilities (3 minutes for 1 hour of playback). This makes them reliable for long trips or busy days.

On the downside, while the headphones offer superb sound quality, they may not be suitable for audiophiles seeking the highest fidelity due to the potential limitations of the DSEE technology in enhancing compressed music files. Additionally, the build quality, while durable, might feel less premium compared to higher-end models. In conclusion, these headphones are ideal for general users seeking comfort, effective noise cancellation, and reliable battery life, rather than those prioritizing the ultimate audio experience or luxury build.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones offer several impressive features that cater well to music lovers and frequent travelers. The noise cancellation is effective with two modes: fully-adaptive ANC and Transparency, which allows you to hear your surroundings when needed. Sound quality is enhanced with BEATS' Custom Acoustic Platform, providing rich, immersive audio. It also supports lossless audio via USB-C and has three built-in sound profiles to tailor your listening experience. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking adds an immersive 360-degree aspect to your music or calls.

The headphones are compatible with both Apple and Android devices, offering one-touch pairing and robust connectivity with Bluetooth 5.3, providing an extended range and fewer dropouts. Battery life is substantial, providing up to 40 hours of listening time, and a quick 10-minute charge can give you an extra 4 hours of playback, which is very convenient. Comfort and fit are supported by an over-ear design and faux leather material, although the 260g weight might feel heavy for some users during extended use. Controls are intuitive with multi-function on-ear buttons for music, calls, and activating Siri.

Build quality is solid, including a durable carrying case for portability. However, the headphones are not water-resistant, which might be a drawback for those looking to use them during workouts or in unpredictable weather. Additionally, while they include a 3.5mm audio cable for wired use, the reliance on Bluetooth might be limiting for non-wireless devices. These headphones are an excellent choice for those prioritizing high-quality audio and noise cancellation, with a strong emphasis on battery life and connectivity.