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Title: The best noise-canceling headphones for 2025

Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2025 07:01:26 +0000
Link: https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bes...

Whether you're working in a noisy office, commuting on a packed train or just
trying to focus at home, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can make
all the difference. The best noise-canceling headphones block out
distractions and let you enjoy your music, podcasts or calls in peace ΓÇö all
while delivering great sound quality and all-day comfort. From models with
plush cushions to wireless cans with loads of extra features, thereΓÇÖs
something here for every style and budget.

Table of contents

Best noise-canceling headphones for 2025

How to choose the best noise-canceling headphones for you

How we test noise-canceling headphones

Other noise-canceling headphones we tested

Noise-canceling headphones FAQs

Best noise-canceling headphones of 2025

How to choose the best noise-canceling headphones for you Design

When youΓÇÖre shopping for the best wireless headphones, the first thing
youΓÇÖll need to decide on is wear style. Do you prefer on-ear or over-ear
headphones? For the purposes of this guide, I focus on the over-ear style as
thatΓÇÖs what most noise-canceling headphones are nowadays. Sure, you can
find on-ear models with ANC, but over-ear, active noise-canceling headphones
are much more effective at blocking outside sounds since your ears are
completely covered.

For gamers, there are also gaming headsets that feature noise cancellation
ΓÇö some even have detachable microphones, so they can double as over-ear
headphones. However, for the purpose of this article, weΓÇÖre only going to
be focusing on noise-canceling headphones rather than headsets. Look for
models with a comfortable headband and memory foam ear cups to ensure you can
wear them for long periods without discomfort.

Many headphones also come with a range of color options, so if aesthetics
matter to you, youΓÇÖll find plenty of choices beyond just black or white.
Whether youΓÇÖre looking for something neutral or a bold pop of color, brands
now offer a variety of styles to match your personal taste.

Finally, if youΓÇÖre planning to wear your headphones for long periods of
time, itΓÇÖs important to pick a model with a comfortable fit. Memory foam
ear cups, an adjustable headband, and lightweight materials can make all the
difference during extended listening sessions. After all, great sound is only
part of the equation; comfort matters just as much.

Type of noise cancellation

Next, youΓÇÖll want to look at the type of ANC a set of headphones offers.
YouΓÇÖll come across terms like ΓÇ£hybrid active noise cancellationΓÇ¥ or
ΓÇ£hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation,ΓÇ¥ and there are key
differences between the two. A hybrid ANC setup uses microphones on the
inside and on the outside of the device to detect outside noise and cancel it
out. By analyzing input from both mics, a hybrid system can combat more
sounds than ΓÇ£regularΓÇ¥ ANC, but it does so at a constant level that
doesnΓÇÖt change.

Adaptive ANC takes the hybrid configuration a step further by continuously
adjusting the noise cancellation for changes in your environment and any
leakage around the padding of the ear cups. Adaptive noise-canceling also
does a better job with wind noise, which can really kill your vibe while
using headphones outdoors. Some high-end headphones also support Dolby Atmos,
which enhances spatial audio and makes everything from music to movies sound
more immersive. For the purposes of this best headphones list, IΓÇÖm only
considering products with hybrid ANC or adaptive ANC setups because those are
the most effective at blocking noise and improving your overall listening
experience.

Customization

YouΓÇÖll also want to check to see if the ANC system on a prospective set of
headphones offers adjustable levels of noise cancellation or presets. These
can help you dial in the amount of ANC you need for various environments, but
it can also help you save battery life. Master & Dynamic, for example, has
ANC presets that provide both maximum noise blocking and more efficient
cancellation that is more energy efficient. Other companies may include a
slider in their companion apps that let you adjust the ANC level to your
liking. Some high-end models even allow you to fine-tune the ANC for specific
types of environments.

How we test noise-canceling headphones

The primary way we test headphones is to wear them as much as possible. I
prefer to do this over a one-to-two-week period, but sometimes deadlines
donΓÇÖt allow it. During this time, I listen to a mix of music and podcasts,
while also using the headphones to take both voice and video calls.

Since battery life for headphones can be 30 hours or more, I drain the
battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually
around 75 percent). Due to the longer battery estimates, IΓÇÖll typically
power the headphones off several times and leave them that way during a
review. This simulates real-world use and keeps me from having to constantly
monitor the process for over 24 straight hours.

To test ANC performance specifically, I use headphones in a variety of
environments, from noisy coffee shops to quiet home offices. When my schedule
allows, I use them during air travel since plane noise is a massive
distraction to both work and relaxation. Even if I canΓÇÖt hop on a flight,
IΓÇÖll simulate a constant roar with white noise machines, bathroom fans,
vacuums and more. I also make note of how well each device blocks human
voices, which are a key stumbling block for a lot of ANC headphones.

ANC-related features are something else to consider. Here, I do a thorough
review of companion apps, testing each feature as I work through the
software. Any holdovers from previous models are double checked for
improvements or regression. If the headphones IΓÇÖm testing are an updated
version of a previous model, IΓÇÖll spend time getting reacquainted with the
older set. Ditto for the closest competition for each new set of headphones
that I review.

Other noise-canceling headphones we tested AirPods Max

AppleΓÇÖs AirPods Max are premium, well-designed over-ear headphones that
incorporate all of the best features you find on standard AirPods: solid
noise cancellation, spatial audio and easy Siri access. However, their $550
starting price makes them almost prohibitively expensive, even for Apple
users. There are better options available at lower prices, but if you can
pick up the AirPods Max at a steep discount, they might be worthwhile for the
biggest Apple fans among us.

Dyson On-Trac

The On-Trac headphones have an almost infinitely customizable design, and
thatΓÇÖs whatΓÇÖs most unique about them. The sound profile offers some nice
detail, but lacks dynamic range overall. ANC is average at best and there
arenΓÇÖt any advanced features that will make your life easier. Well, except
for the hearing health monitor, which is actually handy. All told, thatΓÇÖs
not a lot for a set of $500 headphones.

Sonos Ace

The Sonos Ace is an excellent debut for the companyΓÇÖs first headphones. The
combination of refined design, great sound quality and home theater tricks
creates a unique formula. However, ANC performance is just okay and key
functionality is still in the works for many users.

Sony ULT Wear

If most headphones donΓÇÖt have the level of bass you desire, the ULT Wear is
an option to consider. The low-end thump isnΓÇÖt for everyone, but there are
also plenty of handy features and a refined look to make the $200 set more
compelling than many in this price range.

Beats Studio Pro

The Studio Pro lacks basic features like automatic pausing, and multipoint
connectivity is only available on Android. Moreover, theyΓÇÖre not very
comfortable for people with larger heads. Overall sound quality is improved,
though, and voice performance on calls is well above average.

Master & Dynamic MH40 (2nd gen)

The MH40 are a great set of headphones if you favor crisp, clear and natural
sound that isnΓÇÖt overly tuned. This pair showcases the companyΓÇÖs affinity
for leather and metal too, but limited customization and short battery life
for non-ANC cans kept this set from making the cut.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

The companyΓÇÖs trademark pristine sound is on display here, but the Px8 is
more expensive and not nearly as comfortable as the Px7 S3.

Noble Audio FoKus Apollo

While this is my top pick for overall sound quality in our main guide to the
best wireless headphones, the ANC performance is less impressive than the Px7
S3. Bowers & Wilkins gets the nod here for its improved noise cancellation
over the Px7 S2 and Px7 S2e, and its overall excellent audio quality.

Noise-canceling headphones FAQs Does noise cancellation block all noise?

Noise cancellation doesnΓÇÖt block out all noise, though it does drastically
reduce the volume of most external sounds.

Is there a difference between wired vs wireless noise-canceling headphones?

In terms of sound quality, if you have two headphones ΓÇö one wired and one
wireless ΓÇö with similar specs, the difference is going to be very minimal.
However, wireless headphones offer more convenience, allowing you to move
around more freely with your headphones on, which is why they often feature
noise cancellation to minimize external sounds.

Does noise cancellation impact sound quality?

ANC does bear some weight on sound quality, but the impact of this often
doesnΓÇÖt outweigh the benefits. Noise cancellation reduces ambient noise,
allowing a greater focus on audio detail. For audiophiles, however, there may
be a small difference in sound fidelity when ANC is turned on.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at
https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bes...
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