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10 Best Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Adaptive NC Optimizer, Mastered by Engineers, Studio-Quality, 30-Hour Battery, Platinum Silver

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,332
Noise Cancellation Technology
Comfort and Fit
Additional Features

Most important from
2106 reviews

Noise Cancellation Technology
This is Sony's best headphone yet, with improved sound quality rivaling much more expensive models and enhanced noise cancellation that blocks about 87% of ambient noise.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is well balanced with a wider headband and just the right clamping force, providing a secure yet pressure-free fit for long listening sessions.
Additional Features
The folding design has been thoughtfully reimagined, and the new magnetic carrying case is a standout feature for convenience and premium feel.
Battery Life
Listening while charging is now possible, though the included charging cable is too short to make this practical, and the lack of USB-C audio input is a missed opportunity.
Sound Quality
The price is high compared to other ANC headphones, and while the sound is great, it may not feel dramatically better than more affordable alternatives for some users.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones stand out with some of the best noise cancellation technology available. Using a powerful HD Noise Canceling Processor and 12 microphones, they adapt in real time to your environment, blocking out distractions whether you’re on a noisy street or a busy airplane. The battery life supports up to 30 hours of wireless playback, which is great for long trips or all-day use, and a quick 3-minute charge can give you up to 3 hours of playback, adding convenience.

Comfort is thoughtfully designed with a soft synthetic leather headband and ear cups that provide a pressure-free fit all day long. The headphones are foldable and come with a compact carrying case, making them easy to carry around. Sound quality benefits from collaboration with mastering engineers, delivering rich, clear audio across all frequencies, including support for high-resolution audio via LDAC technology.

Connectivity is solid with Bluetooth 5.0, offering a reliable wireless range of around 30 feet, and there’s also a wired option with a detachable cable. Additional features include an adaptive noise cancelling optimizer that adjusts based on your wearing style and surroundings, plus an ambient sound mode that lets in important sounds like announcements without removing your headphones. These headphones are not water resistant, so caution is needed around sweat or rain. While the touch controls are convenient, some users might find them sensitive or accidental at times. Despite these minor drawbacks, the WH-1000XM6 are excellent for travelers, commuters, and anyone seeking premium noise cancellation combined with superior sound and comfort.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,332
Noise Cancellation Technology
Comfort and Fit
Additional Features

Most important from
2106 reviews

Noise Cancellation Technology
This is Sony's best headphone yet, with improved sound quality rivaling much more expensive models and enhanced noise cancellation that blocks about 87% of ambient noise.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is well balanced with a wider headband and just the right clamping force, providing a secure yet pressure-free fit for long listening sessions.
Additional Features
The folding design has been thoughtfully reimagined, and the new magnetic carrying case is a standout feature for convenience and premium feel.
Battery Life
Listening while charging is now possible, though the included charging cable is too short to make this practical, and the lack of USB-C audio input is a missed opportunity.
Sound Quality
The price is high compared to other ANC headphones, and while the sound is great, it may not feel dramatically better than more affordable alternatives for some users.
#2

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones with Mic for Phone-Call and Alexa Voice Control, Silver WH1000XM4

Rating
9.4
Noise Cancellation Technology
Battery Life
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
62176 reviews

Noise Cancellation Technology
The noise cancellation is incredibly effective, rivaling premium competitors and easily blocking out most background sounds while intelligently pausing when you start talking.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional, lasting multiple days on a single charge with quick top-ups that add hours of playback in just minutes.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is outstanding, with soft ear pads that fully cover the ears and minimal pressure, making them ideal for long listening sessions even for glasses wearers.
Sound Quality
Sound quality delivers clear, crisp audio with customizable settings, providing a rich experience that surpasses many newer models.
Connectivity
Connectivity is reliable and seamless, especially with Apple devices, avoiding the connection issues seen in later models.
Additional Features
The touch controls on the earcups are intuitive and responsive, enhancing ease of use without relying on physical buttons.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are a solid choice if you want top-tier noise cancellation. Their advanced Dual Noise Sensor technology does a great job blocking out background sounds, making them ideal for travel or noisy environments. Battery life is impressive, giving you up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge, plus a quick 10-minute charge can add 5 hours, which is handy if you’re in a hurry. Comfort-wise, they have an updated design that reduces pressure on your ears, so they’re comfortable enough for long listening sessions.

Sound quality is excellent with clear, rich audio, and the headphones even upscale compressed music files using Sony’s DSEE Extreme technology to enhance listening. Connectivity is smooth with multipoint support, meaning you can connect to two devices at once, like your phone and laptop. Touch controls on the earcups let you easily manage music and calls, while features like Speak-to-Chat automatically lower volume when you start talking. Call quality is also good thanks to multiple microphones that pick up your voice clearly.

On the downside, these headphones are not water resistant, so they’re not the best choice if you want to use them during workouts or in wet conditions. They are a bit pricier than some competitors, but given the feature set and performance, many find them worth it. If you’re looking for premium noise-cancelling headphones that combine comfort, excellent sound, and smart features, the WH-1000XM4 fits the bill well.

Rating
9.4
Noise Cancellation Technology
Battery Life
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
62176 reviews

Noise Cancellation Technology
The noise cancellation is incredibly effective, rivaling premium competitors and easily blocking out most background sounds while intelligently pausing when you start talking.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional, lasting multiple days on a single charge with quick top-ups that add hours of playback in just minutes.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is outstanding, with soft ear pads that fully cover the ears and minimal pressure, making them ideal for long listening sessions even for glasses wearers.
Sound Quality
Sound quality delivers clear, crisp audio with customizable settings, providing a rich experience that surpasses many newer models.
Connectivity
Connectivity is reliable and seamless, especially with Apple devices, avoiding the connection issues seen in later models.
Additional Features
The touch controls on the earcups are intuitive and responsive, enhancing ease of use without relying on physical buttons.
#3

Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones Bluetooth Over The Ear Headset with Microphone and Alexa Built-in, White New

Rating
9.4
Sound Quality
Noise Cancellation Technology
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
14203 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is crystal clear with deep bass and perfectly balanced tones, delivering a listening experience that truly impresses.
Noise Cancellation Technology
The noise cancellation effectively blocks out almost everything, making these headphones ideal for work, travel, or relaxing in noisy environments.
Comfort and Fit
They are super comfortable for long hours of use, thanks to their lightweight design, though some may find the ear cushions a bit tight, especially if wearing glasses.
Battery Life
Battery life exceeds expectations, lasting much longer than anticipated, and the quick charge feature provides an hour of playtime after just a few minutes.
Connectivity
Multipoint connection works seamlessly, allowing easy switching between devices without connectivity issues.
Additional Features
The touch controls are smooth and responsive, enhancing the overall user experience.

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are a strong choice if you want lightweight, comfortable noise-cancelling wireless headphones. Weighing just 192 grams, they are among Sony’s lightest models, making them great for long listening sessions without discomfort. Their Dual Noise Sensor Technology combined with the Integrated Processor V1 offers good active noise cancellation that helps you focus on your music or calls. Battery life is impressive, providing up to 35 hours on a single charge, and a quick 3-minute charge gives you an hour of playtime, which is very handy for busy days.

Sound quality is clear and balanced, with technology that enhances music clarity, especially for compressed streaming files, so your music sounds close to what the artist intended. The headphones also support multipoint connection, meaning you can easily switch between two Bluetooth devices without hassle. Hands-free calling works well thanks to precise microphones that pick up your voice clearly.

On the comfort side, the over-ear design and lightweight build contribute to all-day wearability, though the headphones are not water-resistant, so they aren’t suited for intense workouts or rainy weather. They lack a wired headphone jack, relying fully on Bluetooth or the included cables, which might be a limitation if you want a purely wired option. Additional smart features like Adaptive Sound Control adjust the noise cancellation based on your environment, enhancing the listening experience whether you’re at home, commuting, or in busy places. Alexa built-in allows easy voice commands, adding convenience. These headphones are well-suited for everyday users who want comfortable, quality wireless headphones with solid noise cancellation and long battery life. They work best for casual listening, travel, and hands-free calls but might not meet needs for waterproofing or wired-only use.

Rating
9.4
Sound Quality
Noise Cancellation Technology
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
14203 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is crystal clear with deep bass and perfectly balanced tones, delivering a listening experience that truly impresses.
Noise Cancellation Technology
The noise cancellation effectively blocks out almost everything, making these headphones ideal for work, travel, or relaxing in noisy environments.
Comfort and Fit
They are super comfortable for long hours of use, thanks to their lightweight design, though some may find the ear cushions a bit tight, especially if wearing glasses.
Battery Life
Battery life exceeds expectations, lasting much longer than anticipated, and the quick charge feature provides an hour of playtime after just a few minutes.
Connectivity
Multipoint connection works seamlessly, allowing easy switching between devices without connectivity issues.
Additional Features
The touch controls are smooth and responsive, enhancing the overall user experience.

Buying Guide for the Best Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones

Choosing the right noise-cancelling headphones can significantly enhance your listening experience, whether you're commuting, working, or simply enjoying your favorite music. Noise-cancelling headphones are designed to reduce unwanted ambient sounds, allowing you to focus on what you want to hear. When selecting the best pair for you, consider various specifications that will impact the performance and comfort of the headphones.
Noise Cancellation TechnologyNoise cancellation technology is crucial as it determines how effectively the headphones can block out external noise. There are two main types: active and passive noise cancellation. Active noise cancellation uses microphones and electronic circuitry to cancel out ambient sounds, while passive noise cancellation relies on the physical design of the headphones to block noise. If you need headphones for noisy environments like airplanes or busy streets, active noise cancellation is more effective. For quieter settings, passive noise cancellation might suffice.
Battery LifeBattery life is important because it dictates how long you can use your headphones without needing to recharge them. Noise-cancelling headphones typically have a shorter battery life due to the power required for the noise-cancelling technology. Battery life can range from 15 to 30 hours or more. If you plan to use your headphones for long periods, such as on long flights or during extended work sessions, opt for a model with longer battery life.
Comfort and FitComfort and fit are essential for ensuring that you can wear your headphones for extended periods without discomfort. Look for features like adjustable headbands, cushioned ear cups, and lightweight designs. Over-ear headphones generally provide better comfort for long-term use compared to on-ear or in-ear models. If you plan to wear your headphones for hours at a time, prioritize comfort and fit.
Sound QualitySound quality is a key factor in your overall listening experience. High-quality headphones should offer clear, balanced sound with good bass, mids, and treble. Some models may emphasize certain frequencies, so consider your music preferences when choosing. If you enjoy bass-heavy genres like hip-hop or electronic music, look for headphones with strong bass response. For classical or jazz, a more balanced sound profile might be preferable.
ConnectivityConnectivity options include wired and wireless (Bluetooth) connections. Wireless headphones offer more freedom of movement and are convenient for use with smartphones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. However, wired connections can provide better sound quality and eliminate concerns about battery life. If you value convenience and mobility, wireless headphones are a good choice. If sound quality is your top priority, consider wired options.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your headphone experience. Look for features like touch controls, voice assistant integration, and customizable sound settings. Some models offer app support for fine-tuning the noise cancellation and sound profile. If you enjoy having control over your listening experience and using smart features, these additional features can be very beneficial.

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