10 Best Over Ear Anc Headphones 2025 in the United States

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 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.