Jawad Abdullah 
Headphones are ideal for enjoying your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks, but sometimes the outside world can still bleed through. If you want to avoid noise, consider using headphones or earphones with active noise cancellation (ANC). We’ve been testing noise-cancelling headphones for around 16 years, so you can trust that our analysis is comprehensive and informed. Our coverage is and has always been free of manufacturer influence. The Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose’s second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 are our top picks. At the more affordable end, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 earphones outpace everything else around $130. It’s still worth clicking through to our detailed reviews of each model to find which best suits your needs, since they all have particular strengths.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Overall
| Specifications | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Type | Circumaural (over-ear) |
| Wireless | ✅ |
| True Wireless | ❌ |
| Connection Type | Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm |
| Water/Sweat-Resistant | ❌ |
| Active Noise Cancellation | ✅ |
Why Choose It
Sony’s latest over-ear headphones now lead the pack in multiple features. They effectively cancel noise, produce excellent audio, and are more comfortable than their predecessors. Moreover, they play high-res audio thanks to LDAC codec support and can charge via USB-C while you listen. This makes the WH-1000XM6 our top pick for audiophiles.
Who It’s For
Noise cancellation maximalists: Sony has noise cancellation down to a fine art, slightly besting even Bose, so if it’s your top priority, look no further.
Android audiophiles: If you use an Android phone, Sony’s support for the high-end LDAC codec can help you take full advantage of high-res streaming services.
Knob turners: If you like to change how your headphones sound, Sony’s companion app (with its adjustable EQ) offers more flexibility than most.
Pros
- Outstanding noise cancellation
- Exceptional audio response
- Advanced Bluetooth codec support
- Comfortable fit
- Foldable design
Cons
- Expensive
- Average battery life
Urbanista Los Angeles
Best Battery Life
| Specifications | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Type | Circumaural (over-ear) |
| Wireless | ✅ |
| True Wireless | ❌ |
| Connection Type | Bluetooth |
| Water/Sweat-Resistant | ❌ |
| Active Noise Cancellation | ✅ |
Why Choose It
What’s not to love about headphones that recharge via all sources of light, from the sun to an ordinary light bulb? The Urbanista Los Angeles headphones are one of the most unique picks on this list. In addition to their admirable eco-friendly solar charging technology, they effectively cancel noise and reveal plenty of details in your music.
Who It’s For
Eco-conscious listeners: This Urbanista is an obvious choice for anyone who wants to use less energy or spend less time charging their headphones (the company claims they should last around 80 hours on a full charge, which is impressive). You do get a USB-C port for charging, but you likely won’t need it often.
Frequent travelers: Since they rarely need charging, you won’t need to pack a charger for these headphones, even if you’re going away for an extended period. They’ll survive even the longest flight, and if you need to recharge them for another, you can prop them against a hotel window for an afternoon.
Pros
- Solar-powered charging
- Impressive audio performance with rich, deep bass and crisp highs
- Quality noise cancellation for the price
- Stylish design
Cons
- No in-app EQ
- Noise cancellation slightly impacts sound signature
Sony WH-1000XM6
Best Bose Headphones
| Specifications | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Type | Circumaural (over-ear) |
| Wireless | ✅ |
| True Wireless | ❌ |
| Connection Type | Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm, USB-C |
| Water/Sweat-Resistant | ❌ |
| Active Noise Cancellation | ✅ |
Why Choose It
The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deliver some of the most consistently excellent noise cancellation available, effectively reducing complex mids and highs while mitigating the lows. AptX Adaptive support, immersive (spatial) audio modes, and multipoint connectivity make the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones competitive in other aspects, too. We also appreciate the improved audio quality, extended battery life, and advanced wired playback options.
Who It’s For
Audiophiles who prefer wired listening: The updated version of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones supports lossless audio over USB-C, which isn’t something you see on a lot of Bluetooth headphones.
Bose loyalists: We think Sony has a slight edge these days when it comes to noise-cancelling abilities, but anyone looking for the best noise-cancelling headphones from Bose won’t be disappointed with these.
Pros
- Crisp, detailed sound with deep bass
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Lossless audio via USB-C
- Good battery life
- Comfortable to wear
- Quick to power on and connect
Cons
- High price
- Basic app with limited EQ
Apple AirPods Max
Best Headphones for iPhone Users
| Specifications | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Type | Circumaural (over-ear) |
| Wireless | ✅ |
| True Wireless | ❌ |
| Connection Type | Bluetooth |
| Water/Sweat-Resistant | ❌ |
| Active Noise Cancellation | ✅ |
Why Choose It
If you want to stay in the Apple ecosystem and prefer proper headphones, the AirPods Max are a striking (but very expensive) option. They offer effective noise cancellation that is slightly less consistent than that of the best Bose and Sony models, and they look cooler than most of the competition.
Who It’s For
Spatial audio fans: The primary advantage of these headphones is their seamless integration with Apple devices and services. And, in addition to excellent audio and noise cancellation performance, you get the best spatial audio support on the market.
Design lovers: Although the carry case is divisive, it’s unabashedly novel, and the AirPods Max are instantly recognizable thanks to their premium materials and unusual headband design. The Digital Crown is one of the best controls available on any set of headphones, anywhere.
Pros
- Excellent audio performance with rich lows and crisp, detailed highs
- High-quality active noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency rumble
- Stunning, unique design
- Adaptive EQ and Spatial audio
- Hands-free Siri access
Cons
- Expensive
- Sound signature and Adaptive EQ/spatial audio aren’t for purists
- No user-adjustable EQ
- Button placement makes it easy to misfire when adjusting fit
- Smart Case does little to protect the headphones
Marshall Monitor III ANC
Most Stylish Headphones
| Specifications | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Type | Circumaural (over-ear) |
| Wireless | ✅ |
| True Wireless | ❌ |
| Connection Type | Bluetooth, USB-C |
| Water/Sweat-Resistant | ❌ |
| Active Noise Cancellation | ✅ |
Why Choose It
Marshall Monitor III ANC over-ear headphones are worth considering, if only for their stylish design. They sport Marshall’s analog aesthetic, but they do much more: They also deliver excellent audio performance and provide effective active noise cancellation.
Who It’s For
Guitarists: Marshall’s amplifiers are iconic, and the company is working really hard to make its headphones and speakers similarly legendary. If you love Marshall’s legacy and design language, these headphones are an excellent way to display your enthusiasm, and they sound superb, too.
Futureproofers: The headphones also offer support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast, ensuring they will remain usable for years to come.
Heavy listeners: Incredibly, the Marshall Monitor III ANC headphones offer up to 70 hours of playtime with active noise cancellation enabled.
Pros
- Classic Marshall design
- Great sound
- Incredible battery life
- Good noise cancellation
- Durable build
Cons
- Noise cancellation can’t compete with Bose