The 7 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Clear Out The World So You Can Listen to What You Love

ProsComfy and elegantTop-tier sound with immersive spatial audioBest-in-class noise cancelationConsOne of the pricier options on the marketBose QuietComfort headphones (and earbuds) have been synonymous with best-in-class noise cancellation for years. It stands to reason, then, that the Ultra cans top this product category.The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 headphones, which launched in late 2025, offer up to 30 hours of battery life and superior wired playback. The headphones’ ability to tune out ambient noise distractions by generating almost complete silence is commendable and alone worth splurging on. What’s more, their companion app lets you customize its intensity and save the setting for easy access in a specific scenario. Such a level of modularity sets the product apart from its rivals, just as the core feature’s performance does.On the audio front, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones deliver a balanced sound that’s customizable via an app. Dubbed Bose Immersive Audio, the cans’ ability to deliver multi-dimensional spatial sound with optional head tracking is superb and, crucially, easy to access. I like that the feature works with any audio content rather than requiring Dolby Atmos-enhanced audio. I successfully used it to make live music albums and videos more lifelike during my testing.The 24-hour battery life of the QuietComfort Ultra headphones leaves a little to be desired, as competitors, including those in lower price tiers, can last longer between charges.Key SpecsSoundCustom audio drivers, Bose Immersive AudioConnectivityBluetooth Core 5.4 Battery LifeUp to 30 hoursProsGreat sound and noise cancellation for the priceIncredible battery lifeSleek and comfyConsNo spatial audio capabilitiesWith an under-$100 sticker before additional and frequent discounts, the SonoFlow Pro HQ51 noise-canceling headphones by 1More are a legit impulse buy for such a product without skimping on design, ergonomics, performance, and battery life. The cans are surprisingly sleek and comfy, capable of delivering a high-quality audio experience across the board, as well as long battery life.The sound quality of the headphones thoroughly exceeded my expectations when I put them through their paces. Tuned by a master audio engineer, the cans treated me to a balanced sound that made me feel like I was using a much pricier set. The tools for customizing the sound via their companion app are just as impressive.When it comes to noise cancellation, the SonoFlow Pro HQ51 is among the best for the money. The headphones did a solid job in tuning out distractions, but couldn’t match the serenity of costlier cans. That’s totally fine considering their agreeable price.With up to a staggering 65 hours of battery life with noise cancellation, the SonoFlow Pro HQ51 leaves rivals that cost several times more in the dust. I could easily spend a week using them without battery anxiety. And believe it or not, you can get up to 100 hours of wireless playback from the 1More headphones by disabling the core functionality.Key SpecsSound40mm audio drivers, Hi-Res Audio support (wired and wireless)ConnectivityBluetooth 5.4Battery LifeUp to 100 hoursAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsExcellent audio quality and noise cancellationSeamless pairing and Apple devicesGreat battery lifeConsYou can't customize the soundThe Beats Studio Pro headphones are a must-have for owners of multiple Apple devices. Just like AirPods (and other Beats products), the cans will instantly connect to Apple devices that are linked to the same iCloud account. Once I paired them with my iPhone, I could instantly use the cans with an iPad, a MacBook, and a Mac mini, as well as keep tabs on their whereabouts in the Apple Find My app.In addition to the seamless hardware compatibility mentioned above, the Beats Studio Pro headphones deserve the attention of Apple users for their ability to deliver a superb spatial audio experience. Accessing the functionality on an iPhone or an iPad is as easy as long-pressing the volume control button in the command center.The Studio Pro headphones’ audio quality and noise cancellation are among the best in their price category. Their sound is balanced, melodic, and versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of music styles. There is no option to customize it via an app, but I didn’t feel like I had to make any changes while using the cans.Unlike many competitors, the Beats Studio Pro headphones can deliver lossless audio over a direct USB-C link to phone, tablet, or computer. Listening in higher fidelity doesn’t include noise cancellation. Thankfully, I could access the latter via the standard audio jack when I needed to use the entertainment system during a flight.The Beats headphones integrate well with Android and Chrome OS hardware, too, but I prefer the Apple experience for its superior spatial audio and because I don't need to install a companion app. Consider the recently released AirPods Max 2 over the Beats Studio Pro if you have a bigger budget for Apple-ready headphones. Their audio performance, craftsmanship, and controls are on a much higher level. However, you’ll have to settle for a heavier headset with shorter battery life and spend extra on a suitable protective case and a cable with a standard audio connector.Reviewed: Apple AirPods Max 2Key SpecsSound40mm audio drivers, lossless audio support (wired)ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3Battery LifeUp to 40 hoursProsCompact, elegant, and durable designTop-notch soundFantastic battery lifeIntuitive controlsConsNo Dolby Atmos supportOn-ear headphones have largely taken a back seat to larger over-ear ANC headphones, which offer more passive noise cancellation, and earbuds for their pocketable form factor. Marshall’s Milton ANC headphones offer a now-rare premium on-ear design that gives you the best version a middle ground between the two, with a lightweight design, great sound quality, and a less ostentatious on-ear fit. With a foldable design and scratch-resistant ear cup covers, the Milton wears really well over the course of long day on the go.On the audio front, the Marshall Milton ANC impressed me with crisp, energetic sound that's customizable via a companion app. Its noise cancellation is also stellar, though does not generate the same auditory void as my top over-ear picks.The headphones’ knob and customizable button controls are a benchmark for excellence and miles ahead of their competitors. The same goes for its 50-hour battery life. (Or 80 hours if you turn the ANC off.)On-ear headphones are especially niche if ANC is your top priority, but it’s a great everyday carry headphone if your earbuds just aren’t cutting it. If you dig Marshall’s look, but would prefer an over-ear solution, the Monitor III ANC has a similar design and controls, but with a heavier, more deeply isolating form factor.Reviewed: Marshall Milton ANC Wireless HeadphonesSound32mm audio drivers, Hi-Res Audio support (wired and wireless)ConnectivityBluetooth 6.0Battery LifeUp to 80 hoursAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsPristine stereo soundLuxurious craftsmanship ConsNoise cancellation is excellent, but not best-in-class, which is problem at this price.The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 wireless headphones are, hands down, my favorite wireless ANC headphones for discerning audiophiles looking for something more detailed than the standard options from Sony, Bose, and Apple.Like the legendary British audio maker’s (very) expensive floor speakers, these over-ear cans produce pristine, infinitely customizable stereo sound that faithfully generates every detail of whatever you’re listening to.At a time when wireless headphones generally try to earn attention with digital enhancements like spatial audio, the PX8 S2 impressed me with its old-school approach to audio fidelity. (Note: B&W has added spatial audio since my review via a firmware update.) Experiencing the headphones’ sound with noise cancellation enabled is like listening to Bowers & Wilkins speakers in your own private space.For $800, you know every aspect of these headphones has to work incredibly well, and they do. Its craftsmanship and tactility, headlined by genuine leather and metal accents in several colors, is a marvel for folks with extremely discerning taste... And plenty of disposable income.Reviewed: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2Key SpecsSound40mm audio driversConnectivityBluetooth 5.3Battery LifeUp to 30 hoursProsUnrivaled sensory bass experienceExcellent battery lifeFeature-rich companion appConsYou can get better audio fidelity for the moneyThe Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones are all about delivering an incredibly powerful bass that’s available and adjustable via a dedicated button on the left cup. The sensory experience is truly remarkable and unlike anything rivals can offer, even though it predictably impacts the overall audio fidelity. The headphones’ noise cancellation is solid, if not on par with pricier sets from leading makers.I didn’t reach for the Crusher ANC 2 when I felt like streaming classical jazz, but I grinned every time I played my favorite downtempo tracks on the product. Using the cans for playing action-packed games with the bass cranked up was also a ton of fun.Disabling the thunderous low-end brought me a more “grown-up” sound, customizable via an app. That’s not what I’d recommend the product for, however. This Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 is all about celebrating bass.The Crusher ANC 2 is also comfy to wear and equipped with convenient button controls. I also like the headphones’ integrated Tile tracker, as well as their sleek design with a contrasting, brightly colored button for activating the Crusher experience. There are tons of color options.Key SpecsSound40mm audio drivers, customizable sensory bassConnectivityBluetooth 5.2Battery LifeUp to 60 hoursAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsCompact design, secure fit, and convenient controlsSweat- and water-resistantPowerful soundSize-defying battery lifeConsOver-ear headsets have better noise cancellationSkullcandy’s Icon ANC wireless headphones are handily the best for exercising on this list. The surprisingly affordable cans have a compact on-ear design, a secure fit, and an IPX4 rating for sweat- and water resistance. These qualities, together with convenient button controls, make the Icon ANC equally suitable for indoor and outdoor workouts.The default sound of the headphones has an enhanced bass, which helped me stay motivated during my workouts. The Skullcandy app has several presets for customizing the sound, as well as a graphic equalizer to create your own. The noise cancellation worked, but it didn’t stop me in my tracks with its efficiency. That’s hardly a surprise considering the product’s price category.I found the Skullcandy Icon ANC’s multi-directional control knob to be incredibly convenient during my testing. Their 50-hour battery life with noise cancellation exceeded my expectations, too. I didn’t expect this longevity from a compact pair of wireless headphones.Skullcandy offers the Icon ANC in several colors. Every set comes bundled with a soft carrying pouch.Key SpecsSound40mm audio driversConnectivityBluetooth 5.3Battery LifeUp to 60 hoursStefan is an award-winning consumer technology editor with over a decade of experience in reviewing gadgets, particularly smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, desktop and laptop computers across multiple form factors and platforms, as well as accessories for them. He also covers televisions and audio equipment, including headphones, earbuds, wireless speakers, and soundbars. Since joining Hearst in 2015, Stefan has contributed to BestProducts, Popular Mechanics, and numerous other publications. Prior to his current role, he served as the US Editor for GSMArena.com.Mike Epstein is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst Enthusiast Group, producing reviews for buying guides Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Best Products. Prior to joining Hearst, he was a video game and technology critic for over 10 years, with bylines at IGN, Gamespot, Variety, Lifehacker, Kotaku, GamesRadar, Flavorwire and Digital Trends, among others. Now, he’s a jack of all trades, helping reviewers share everything they know about all kinds of technical gear, from snowblowers, to running shoes and bicycles, and every kind of gadget imaginable.