Best Noise-Canceling Headphones 2025: Immerse Yourself in Pure Sound and Silence the World Around You

Whether you're trying to focus in a noisy office, tune out crying babies on a flight, or simply enjoy your favorite music without distractions, noise-canceling headphones are game-changers. We've tested dozens of models to bring you the absolute best noise-canceling headphones of 2025 that combine cutting-edge ANC technology with exceptional sound quality and all-day comfort.

Why Noise-Canceling Headphones Are Worth It

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology has evolved dramatically in recent years. Today's best models can reduce ambient noise by up to 95%, creating an oasis of calm in even the loudest environments. Beyond peace and quiet, these headphones deliver:

• Better focus and productivity in open offices and busy spaces
• Reduced listening fatigue by blocking out background noise
• Superior audio quality that lets you hear every detail in your music
• Travel comfort that makes long flights and commutes more bearable
• Hearing protection by letting you listen at lower, safer volumes

Our Top Picks for 2025

Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM5

What we like: The gold standard for noise cancellation. Sony's fifth-generation flagship delivers industry-leading ANC that makes airplane cabins feel like quiet libraries. The sound quality is exceptional with deep bass and crystal-clear highs, while the 30-hour battery life means you can go days between charges. Supremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions and a lightweight design.

Other things to know: Premium price point around $399, but worth every penny for frequent travelers and audiophiles. Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices simultaneously. Excellent call quality with AI-powered voice isolation. Comes with a hard travel case. Available in black and silver.

Best Value: Soundcore Space Q45

What we like: Incredible noise cancellation at a fraction of the premium price. These over-ear headphones punch way above their $149 price tag with ANC that rivals models costing twice as much. The 50-hour battery life is the longest we've tested, and the sound quality is impressively balanced with customizable EQ through the app.

Other things to know: Not quite as refined as Sony or Bose in build quality, but still very well-made. Comfortable for extended wear. LDAC support for hi-res audio. Folds flat for easy packing. Perfect for budget-conscious buyers who won't compromise on performance.

Best for Travel: Bose QuietComfort Ultra

What we like: Bose practically invented consumer noise cancellation, and the QC Ultra shows decades of refinement. The ANC is phenomenally effective—we tested these on cross-country flights and couldn't hear engine noise at all. The Aware mode is the most natural-sounding transparency we've experienced, perfect for quick conversations without removing the headphones.

Other things to know: Premium $429 price. Supremely comfortable with soft protein leather cushions. Spatial audio creates an immersive listening experience. 24-hour battery life. SimpleSync lets you pair with Bose soundbars. Slightly heavier than competitors but you barely notice when wearing them.

Best Wireless Earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

What we like: The best noise-canceling earbuds for iPhone users, with seamless integration and impressive ANC in a tiny package. The adaptive audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation based on your environment, and the transparency mode sounds incredibly natural. The H2 chip delivers excellent sound quality with punchy bass and clear vocals.

Other things to know: $249. USB-C charging case provides 30 hours total battery life. Personalized spatial audio with head tracking. IPX4 water resistance for workouts. Touch controls are intuitive. Works with Android but you'll miss some features. The fit is comfortable for most ear shapes.

Best for Android: Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

What we like: Samsung's flagship earbuds offer excellent ANC and seamless integration with Galaxy phones and tablets. The 360 Audio with head tracking creates an immersive soundstage, and the sound quality is rich and detailed. Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes included. Great for calls with three microphones per earbud.

Other things to know: $229. IPX7 water resistance makes them workout-ready. 8-hour battery per charge (5 hours with ANC on), 29 hours total with case. Auto-switch between Samsung devices. Available in multiple colors. Hi-Fi audio support with compatible Galaxy devices.

Best Budget Earbuds: Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

What we like: Shockingly good noise cancellation for just $99. These earbuds deliver ANC performance that rivals options costing twice as much, plus the sound quality is excellent with deep bass and clear mids. The app offers extensive customization with multiple EQ presets and custom profiles. 10-hour battery life per charge is impressive.

Other things to know: Slightly bulkier than premium options but still comfortable. Wireless charging case. LDAC support for high-resolution audio. Six microphones for clear calls. IPX4 water resistance. The best bang for your buck in the earbud category.

Best for Work Calls: Jabra Elite 85h

What we like: Purpose-built for professionals who spend hours on video calls. Eight microphones with advanced wind protection deliver crystal-clear voice quality that makes you sound like you're in a studio. The SmartSound technology automatically adjusts ANC based on your environment. 36-hour battery life means you'll charge weekly, not daily.

Other things to know: $299. Over-ear design is comfortable for all-day wear. Physical buttons are easier to use than touch controls during calls. Works seamlessly with all major video conferencing platforms. Available in multiple professional colors. Slightly heavier than competitors.

How to Choose the Right Noise-Canceling Headphones

Consider Your Primary Use Case

For travel: Prioritize maximum ANC effectiveness and long battery life. Over-ear models typically offer better noise cancellation for flights.

For commuting: Compact earbuds are more portable and easier to use on crowded trains and buses.

For work: Look for excellent call quality with multiple microphones and comfortable all-day wear.

For music: Focus on sound quality and support for high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC or aptX HD.

Over-Ear vs. Earbuds

Over-ear headphones offer:

• Superior noise cancellation
• Better sound quality with larger drivers
• Longer battery life
• More comfortable for extended wear
• But they're bulkier to carry

Earbuds provide:

• Maximum portability
• Better for workouts and active use
• More discreet appearance
• Easier to use on the go
• But smaller battery and less powerful ANC

Key Features to Look For

Battery life: Aim for at least 20 hours for over-ear models, 6+ hours per charge for earbuds.

Codec support: LDAC, aptX HD, or AAC for the best wireless audio quality.

Multipoint connectivity: Connect to multiple devices simultaneously (laptop and phone).

Transparency mode: Lets you hear your surroundings without removing headphones.

Comfort: Try before you buy if possible—you'll be wearing these for hours.

App support: Customizable EQ and settings enhance your experience.

Making the Most of Your Noise-Canceling Headphones

Optimize Your ANC Performance

• Ensure proper fit: Over-ear cups should fully encompass your ears; earbud tips should seal your ear canal
• Update firmware regularly: Manufacturers often improve ANC through software updates
• Adjust ANC levels: Some environments need maximum cancellation, others benefit from adaptive modes
• Use the right mode: Switch to transparency when you need awareness of your surroundings

Extend Battery Life

• Turn off ANC when you don't need it—you'll get 50% more battery life
• Store headphones in their case to prevent phantom drain
• Don't let the battery fully deplete regularly
• Use wired mode when possible to save wireless battery

Care and Maintenance

• Clean ear cushions and tips regularly with a slightly damp cloth
• Store in the included case to prevent damage
• Avoid extreme temperatures which can damage batteries
• Replace ear tips every 6-12 months for optimal seal and hygiene

The Bottom Line

The best noise-canceling headphones of 2025 offer unprecedented levels of silence and sound quality. Whether you're investing in premium flagship models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra, or getting exceptional value with the Soundcore Space Q45, you'll experience a transformative difference in how you listen to music, take calls, and find focus in noisy environments.

For most people, we recommend starting with the Sony WH-1000XM5 if budget allows—they're the complete package with best-in-class ANC, exceptional sound, and all-day comfort. If you prefer earbuds, the Apple AirPods Pro (for iPhone users) or Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro (for Android) deliver impressive noise cancellation in a pocket-sized package.

The future of audio is here, and it's blissfully quiet. Your ears will thank you!