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 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.

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.