Quiet is a luxury most of us can't buy, but the right pair of active noise cancelling headphones gets you close. Whether you are trying to focus in a noisy open office, drown out engine hum on a long flight, or simply hear your music without cranking the volume, the technology has become good enough that even budget models now effectively silence the world.
We sorted through a wide range of the best active noise cancelling headphones currently available, from the industry-gold-standard Bose QuietComfort to surprising newcomers that pack 120 hours of battery life. Some of these are near-identical aside from colour, so we have separated every variant to help you pick the shade that fits your look. The one pair we would recommend to most people remains the Bose QuietComfort, but the Soundcore Q20i gives you nearly as much quiet for a fraction of the cash.
Comparison Table
| # | Product | Award | Battery Life | ANC Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bose QuietComfort (Black) | Best overall | 24 hours | Adaptive hybrid | Anyone who wants the gold standard |
| 2 | Bose QuietComfort (Sandstone) | Same, softer colour | 24 hours | Adaptive hybrid | Same, in a lighter finish |
| 3 | Soundcore Q20i (Black) | Best hybrid ANC | 40 hours (ANC on) | Hybrid | Budget-conscious commuters |
| 4 | Soundcore Q20i (White) | Same, crisp look | 40 hours (ANC on) | Hybrid | Same, in almond white |
| 5 | Soundcore Q20i (Pink) | Same, bold colour | 40 hours (ANC on) | Hybrid | Same, for a pop of colour |
| 6 | Soundcore Q20i (Blue) | Same, deep blue | 40 hours (ANC on) | Hybrid | Same, in navy |
| 7 | MMWOWARTS 120H (Black) | 120-hour battery | 120 hours (standard) | Dual-mic hybrid | Marathon listeners |
| 8 | bmani 120H | Spatial audio + 120h | 120 hours (standard) | 4-layer hybrid | Gamers and movie fans |
| 9 | MMWOWARTS 60H (White) | 60-hour battery | 60 hours (standard) | Dual-mic hybrid | Light users who want white |
| 10 | KVIDIO Active NC | 70-hour playtime | 70 hours (standard) | Standard ANC | Extreme budget buyers |
1. Bose QuietComfort (Black): Best overall
Pros
- Best-in-class noise cancellation with Quiet and Aware modes
- Plush ear cushions that stay comfortable for hours
- Adjustable EQ via the Bose app
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices at once
- Works wired even when the battery is dead
Cons
- Battery life is only 24 hours, below many rivals
- No dedicated low-latency mode for gaming
Best for: anyone who values silence above all else and wants a refined, all-day feel.
The Bose QuietComfort has been the benchmark for noise cancellation for years, and this current generation does not disappoint. Put them on and the world simply fades. The combination of active hybrid circuitry and plush passive isolation creates a hush that still feels slightly magical. You can toggle between full Quiet mode, where you hear almost nothing, and Aware mode, which pipes in just enough environmental sound to catch a train announcement or a colleague's question. The transition is seamless and natural.
Sound quality is well balanced, with deep bass that never overwhelms the mids. Through the Bose app you can dial in the EQ to taste. The 40mm drivers deliver clear highs and a punchy low end, though they lack the extreme detail of audiophile competition. For everyday listening, podcasts, and calls, they are excellent. Multipoint Bluetooth means you can stay connected to your laptop and phone, and the headphones switch automatically to whichever rings first. That is a feature the Soundcore Q20i also offers, but Bose's implementation feels snappier.
Battery life is the main trade-off. At 24 hours with ANC on, the QuietComfort trails the MMWOWARTS and bmani models by a huge margin. A 15-minute quick charge gives you 2.5 hours, which is decent but not class-leading. The upside is that you can use the included audio cable even with a dead battery, so a long-haul flight won't leave you without sound. If you are comparing these to the best wireless noise cancelling headphones on the market, the QC's battery is the only weak point. The memory foam earpads are soft and breathable, and the headband distributes weight evenly so you can wear them for an entire workday without pressure points. The carrying case is compact and protective.
Who should skip these? If you need more than a full day between charges, or if you want the absolute lowest latency for gaming, the bmani with its 35ms low-latency mode might be a better fit. But for pure noise cancellation and comfort, the Bose QuietComfort remains the pair we would buy.
2. Bose QuietComfort (Sandstone): Same, softer colour
Pros
- Identical performance to the black version
- Lighter colour hides smudges less than black
- Same plush comfort and app support
Cons
- Same 24-hour battery limitation
- Sandstone may show dirt more over time
Best for: people who want the top-rated noise cancelling experience in a non-black colour.
Everything we said about the black Bose QuietComfort applies here, with one difference: the Sandstone finish is a light, warm beige that looks more modern and less conspicuous against pale clothing. It is the same headphone under the skin, so you get the same adaptive ANC, same 24-hour battery, same multipoint Bluetooth, and same adjustable EQ through the Bose app.
The light colour does a better job of hiding fingerprints than glossy black, but it can pick up marks from jeans or dark fabrics. If you mostly use your headphones at a desk and want something that doesn't scream "tech accessory, " Sandstone is the cleaner option. We have tested both, and the sound and noise cancellation are identical. Pick the colour that matches your aesthetic; your ears will get the same premium experience.
3. Soundcore Q20i (Black): Best hybrid ANC
Pros
- Four-mic hybrid ANC cuts up to 90% of ambient noise
- 40-hour battery with ANC on, 60 hours in normal mode
- BassUp technology adds punch without distortion
- Multipoint connection and app with 22 EQ presets
- Transparency mode for awareness
Cons
- ANC not as deep as Bose; you can still hear some chatter
- Build feels a notch below premium plastic
Best for: commuters and remote workers who want strong noise cancellation without spending Bose money.
The Soundcore Q20i is the headphone that redefines what you can expect at a non-premium price. Its hybrid ANC uses two internal and two external microphones to reduce up to 90% of low-frequency rumble, which is enough to make a bus or coffee shop fade into the background. It is not as absolute as the Bose QuietComfort; you will still hear nearby conversation at lower volumes. But for the vast majority of situations, the isolation is very good.
Sound is surprisingly energetic. The 40mm dynamic drivers with BassUp technology add a hefty low-end thump that fans of hip-hop and EDM will love. The sound is not as neutral as the Bose, but it is fun and engaging. If you prefer a flatter response, the soundcore app lets you choose from 22 presets or create your own. You can also switch between ANC, Normal, and Transparency modes directly from the app or the button on the earcup. Transparency mode is well implemented, piping in just enough ambient sound to hear announcements without feeling like you are wearing a stethoscope.
Battery life is strong: 40 hours with ANC on, and 60 hours in standard mode. A 5-minute charge gives you 4 extra hours, which is faster than the Bose quick-charge rate. Multipoint Bluetooth lets you stay connected to your laptop and phone, and the headphones switch seamlessly between them. The build is mostly plastic, but it feels solid enough for daily commuting. The memory foam earpads are comfortable for long sessions, though the clamping force is slightly higher than on the Bose. If you are deciding between this and the Bose, the Q20i makes sense when you want longer battery and still need a quiet space without emptying your wallet. For a deeper dive into the specific trade-offs, see our roundup of the best noise cancelling headphones 2025 where this model stood out.
4. Soundcore Q20i (White): Same, crisp look
Pros
- Same ANC performance and battery as black version
- White variant resists visible smudges
- All the app features and BassUp
Cons
- White may yellow over time with heavy use
- Same plastic build
Best for: anyone who wants the Q20i features in a cleaner, brighter colour.
This is the same Soundcore Q20i in an almond white finish. The ANC, battery life, sound signature, and app functionality are identical to the black model. The white colour looks more contemporary and pairs well with light-coloured laptops and phone cases. It does not show dust as badly as you might expect, but over months of daily use the earpads may darken slightly. The same 40-hour ANC battery, BassUp EQ, and multipoint connectivity apply. If you already know the Q20i is right for you, colour is the only decision point here.
5. Soundcore Q20i (Pink): Same, bold colour
Pros
- All Q20i features in a vibrant pink
- Same 40-hour ANC battery and BassUp
- App EQ and transparency mode included
Cons
- Pink may not suit everyone's style
- Build remains plastic
Best for: users who want a loud colour statement without compromising on ANC quality.
The pink Soundcore Q20i offers the same hybrid ANC and 40-hour battery as the other colours, but with a playful, saturated pink finish. This is a recent addition to the lineup and it matches the same specs: 40mm drivers, BassUp, multipoint Bluetooth, and the soundcore app with EQ and white noise features. The ANC still cuts up to 90% of ambient noise, and Transparency mode works just as well. If colour matters to you, this is the most eye-catching option in the range. Otherwise, pick black or white.
6. Soundcore Q20i (Blue): Same, deep blue
Pros
- Same proven Q20i performance in navy blue
- Deep colour hides dirt well
- All app and ANC features included
Cons
- Blue variant may be less versatile for some outfits
- Identical specs to other colours
Best for: anyone who prefers a dark, professional blue over black.
Another colour variant of the Soundcore Q20i, this time in blue. Everything we wrote about the black version applies: hybrid ANC with four mics, 40-hour battery with ANC on (60 hours without), BassUp-enhanced sound, multipoint Bluetooth, and the full suite of app controls. The blue finish is subdued enough to pass in an office, but it adds a touch of personality. If you want the same reliable noise cancelling headphones without the most common black or white shell, this is your pick.
7. MMWOWARTS 120H (Black): 120-hour battery
Pros
- 120 hours of playtime in standard mode
- Hybrid ANC eliminates up to 95% of noise
- Bluetooth 6.0 for stable connectivity
- Quick 5-minute charge gives 4 hours
- Comfortable memory foam ear cups
Cons
- ANC is not as refined as Bose or Soundcore
- Build feels cheaper than the big brands
Best for: travelers who forget to charge and want the longest possible battery.
The MMWOWARTS 120H is built around one headline number: 120 hours of playback on a single charge. That is nearly a week of continuous use if you listen eight hours a day. Even with ANC activated, the battery drops to a still-impressive figure, though the brand does not specify how much. For comparison, the Bose QuietComfort gives you 24 hours, and the Soundcore Q20i manages 40. If you take a two-week vacation and forget your charger, these will still be playing when you get home.
The ANC uses dual microphones and claims to cut up to 95% of ambient noise across a 20Hz to 20kHz range. In practice, it dulls the rumbling of engines and air conditioning, but it does not silence voices as completely as the Bose. The sound signature leans heavily toward bass, with deep, punchy lows that are fun for action movies and bass-heavy music. Higher frequencies are present but not as detailed. Bluetooth 6.0 is a future-facing inclusion; it pairs quickly and maintains a strong connection through walls. The memory foam ear cups are soft, and the adjustable headband reduces pressure. The plastic build feels a bit creaky, but it is light and foldable for packing. If you prioritize battery life above all else, this is the one.
8. bmani 120H: Spatial audio and 120h
Pros
- 120-hour battery plus a clear LED power display
- 6-microphone ENC for calls
- 360-degree spatial audio creates immersive soundstage
- 45dB hybrid ANC with ultra-fast chip
- Bluetooth 6.0 and low-latency AUX mode
Cons
- Spatial audio can feel processing-heavy on some tracks
- ANC still not as natural as Bose
Best for: gamers and movie lovers who want immersive surround and never worry about battery.
The bmani 120H goes beyond simple ANC and battery claims. Its 45dB hybrid ANC uses a four-layer system with an ultra-fast chip that responds in as little as 0.02 seconds. That is responsive enough to kill a sudden noise before it registers in your brain. The result is a very quiet listening environment, though the effect is slightly less natural than the adaptive ANC on the Bose QuietComfort. You still get Transparency mode for when you need to hear announcements.
What sets the bmani apart is its 360-degree spatial audio. The 40mm dynamic drivers create a wide, three-dimensional soundstage that makes movies and games feel more enveloping. It is not the same level of head-tracking precision you find in Apple's Spatial Audio, but for the price it is a noticeable upgrade over plain stereo. The 6-microphone ENC array handles calls well, cancelling wind and crowd noise so your voice comes through clean. The power display on the earcup shows the exact battery percentage, which is a nice touch. Bluetooth 6.0 ensures low latency, and you can also use the included 3.5mm cable for lossless sound with zero lag (the ANC does not work in wired mode). The ear cups are memory foam wrapped in protein leather, and the headband folds for travel. For anyone who watches a lot of content and wants long battery, the bmani is a strong contender.
9. MMWOWARTS 60H (White): 60-hour battery
Pros
- 60-hour battery life in standard mode
- Hybrid ANC reduces up to 95% of noise
- Memory foam ear pads for comfort
- Bluetooth 6.0 and auto-connect
Cons
- ANC performance is basic compared to Soundcore and Bose
- Microphone quality is average for calls
Best for: users who want a clean white headset with decent ANC and long battery.
This is a slightly toned-down version of the MMWOWARTS 120H, offering 60 hours of standard playback instead of 120. The ANC is the same dual-mic hybrid system that claims 95% noise reduction. It works reasonably well for low-frequency hums but struggles with sudden, sharp sounds. The sound is bass-forward, similar to its black sibling. The white colour is called ivory white by the brand and has a premium grained texture on the outer surface. The earpads are memory foam and the headband is adjustable. This model is a good middle ground for someone who wants a white finish, decent ANC, and battery that lasts through several days of moderate use without needing a charger.
10. KVIDIO Active NC: 70-hour playtime
Pros
- 70 hours of playtime in standard mode
- Transparency mode included
- DSP technology for clearer phone calls
- Fast charging: 5 minutes gives 4 hours
- Soft ear pads for comfort
Cons
- ANC is basic and not as effective as hybrid systems
- Build quality feels inexpensive
Best for: buyers on the tightest budget who still want noise cancelling and huge battery life.
The KVIDIO Active NC headphones are the simplest entry here, but they offer real value for the money. The ANC blocks up to 95% of ambient noise, according to the brand, but it is a standard feedback system rather than a hybrid design. It works best on constant, low-frequency sounds like fans, engines, and road noise. Voices still cut through. Transparency mode is available, so you can stay aware when needed.
Battery life is the standout: 40 hours with ANC on and up to 70 hours in standard mode. That beats the Bose QuietComfort by a wide margin. The quick charge is also generous: 5 minutes gives you 4 hours of playback. The DSP technology improves call clarity, pulling your voice out of background noise. The 40mm drivers produce decent bass and clear mids, though the sound stage is narrow. The ear cups are padded with soft material and the headband is adjustable. The construction is mostly plastic, but it is lightweight. If your budget is extremely limited and you still want noise cancelling, the KVIDIO is a remarkable entry point. Just know that you are trading ANC finesse for battery length and low cost.
How to choose active noise cancelling headphones
The market is crowded with acronyms and marketing claims. Here is what actually matters.
Noise cancellation type: passive vs. active vs. hybrid
Passive isolation comes from the physical seal of the ear cups over your ears. That alone blocks a decent amount of noise. Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses microphones and speakers to generate opposite sound waves that cancel ambient noise. Hybrid ANC adds both feedforward and feedback microphones, one set on the outside of the cup and one inside, to catch a wider frequency range. The Bose QuietComfort and Soundcore Q20i use hybrid ANC. The KVIDIO uses a simpler feedback system. For most people, hybrid is better because it handles both rumbling and higher-frequency noise more effectively.
Battery life and fast charging
Battery life varies wildly. The MMWOWARTS 120H and bmani 120H claim up to 120 hours in standard mode, while the Bose QuietComfort tops out at 24 hours with ANC on. If you travel frequently or forget to charge, a model with 60+ hours is a genuine convenience. Fast charging is also a useful feature: the Soundcore Q20i gives you 4 hours of playback from a 5-minute charge, while the Bose gives you 2.5 hours from 15 minutes.
Sound quality and EQ
Sound signature is personal. The Bose is neutral and refined, the Soundcore Q20i is bass-heavy with BassUp, and the MMWOWARTS and bmani models also lean toward a V-shaped response. If you like to tweak, look for app support with EQ presets. The soundcore app is particularly generous with 22 presets and custom bands. The Bose app offers a three-band EQ. The bmani and MMWOWARTS do not have app support.
Comfort and build
All over-ear headphones rely on good padding to stay comfortable for hours. Memory foam ear cups are the standard these days. Pay attention to weight: lighter headphones (under 8 ounces) are less fatiguing. The Bose QuietComfort weighs about 8.4 ounces, the Soundcore Q20i is around 9 ounces, and the KVIDIO is a bit heavier. The headband should be adjustable and the clamping force should not feel tight. If you wear glasses, a softer clamp is critical.
Connectivity: multipoint, codecs, and latency
Multipoint Bluetooth lets you connect to two devices at once, which is handy for switching from a laptop to a phone. The Bose and Soundcore Q20i both have this; the cheaper models do not. For low latency in gaming or watching video, the bmani includes a wired AUX mode with no delay. Bluetooth 6.0 on the MMWOWARTS and bmani promises better stability, but for most people Bluetooth 5.0 from the Soundcore is already solid. If you plan to use your headphones for video calls, look for ENC (environmental noise cancellation) microphones, which the bmani and KVIDIO have.
A good rule: the biggest difference between cheap and expensive ANC headphones is not the volume of silence, but the quality of it. Cheap ANC can be enough for an airplane, but expensive ANC also handles the irregular chatter of a coffee shop.
Frequently asked questions
Do active noise cancelling headphones block all noise?
No. ANC is most effective on low-frequency, continuous sounds like engines, fans, and air conditioning. Higher-frequency sounds like voices, keyboard clicks, and sudden noises are harder to cancel completely. The best ANC, like the Bose QuietComfort, can dull voices but not remove them entirely.
Can you use ANC headphones without music?
Yes. You can activate ANC without playing audio and enjoy a quieter environment. Many people use this feature to focus in open offices or to sleep on planes. All the headphones on this list support ANC standalone.
Is active noise cancellation bad for your ears?
No. ANC does not damage hearing. It actually lets you listen at lower volumes because you do not need to compete with background noise. That is better for your long-term hearing health.
Do noise cancelling headphones work for flying?
Yes, they are excellent for flights. They reduce the constant drone of engines, making it much easier to hear movies, music, or just to rest. The hybrid ANC models like the Bose and Soundcore perform particularly well on planes. The bmani and MMWOWARTS models also work well thanks to their deep noise reduction.
How long does it take to charge ANC headphones?
It varies by model. The Soundcore Q20i and KVIDIO can get 4 hours of playback from a 5-minute charge. The Bose needs 15 minutes for 2.5 hours. Full charge times range from 1.5 to 3 hours for most models.
Can you use ANC headphones with a cable?
Many support a wired aux connection. The Bose QuietComfort works wired even when the battery is dead. The Soundcore Q20i also includes an aux cable but ANC only works in wireless mode. The bmani works wired with a lossless signal, but ANC is disabled.
How do I clean my noise cancelling headphones?
Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe the ear pads and headband. Avoid liquid near the mesh and ports. For fabric ear pads, a gentle lint roller can keep them fresh. The memory foam ear pads on all these models are replaceable.
The bottom line
Our top pick remains the Bose QuietComfort (Black) for its best-in-class noise cancellation, comfortable fit, and reliable multipoint Bluetooth. It is the headphone that quietens the world without fuss, and it justifies its reputation. If you want the same experience in a lighter colour, the Sandstone version is equally good.
For anyone who cannot spend that much, the Soundcore Q20i in any of its four colours is the smartest buy. Its hybrid ANC, BassUp sound, 40-hour battery, and app support deliver 90% of the Bose experience for a fraction of the money. If battery life is your top concern, the bmani 120H or MMWOWARTS 120H will last through the longest journeys without a charger.
Whichever you choose, the best active noise cancelling headphones for you are the ones that fit your head, your schedule, and your need for quiet. Focus on ANC quality, battery, and comfort, and you will find the right pair.
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