If the world is getting louder, your headphones should be the escape. A good set of noise cancelling headphones doesn't just block the hum of an airplane engine or the chatter of an open office, it creates a personal bubble where you can actually hear the details in your music, stay focused on a call, or simply enjoy silence. The best noise cancelling headphones 2025 cover a wide range: from the latest Sony flagship that sets the standard to affordable ANC models that punch far above their weight.
We've tested and compared ten of the most compelling noise cancelling headphones available right now, and one stands out as the clear top pick: the Sony WH-1000XM6. But the right choice for you depends on how you listen, where you travel, and what you're willing to compromise on.
| # | Product | Award | ANC | Battery Life | Weight | Driver | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sony WH-1000XM6-SILVER | Best Overall | Adaptive HD QN3 | Not specified | 1.5 lb | Carbon fiber composite | Uncompromising noise cancellation and sound quality |
| 2 | Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Best for Comfort | Quiet/Aware modes | 24 hours | 0.52 lb | Proprietary | All-day wear with plush comfort |
| 3 | Soundcore by Anker Q30 | Best for Versatility | Hybrid 3-mode | 50h (ANC) / 70h (normal) | 0.6 lb | 40mm silk diaphragm | Customizable ANC and long battery |
| 4 | Soundcore by Anker Q20i Black | Best for Everyday Use | Hybrid up to 90% | 40h (ANC) / 60h (normal) | 0.57 lb | 40mm dynamic | Reliable ANC on a budget |
| 5 | Soundcore by Anker Q20i White | Best for Office | Hybrid up to 90% | 40h (ANC) / 60h (normal) | 0.54 lb | 40mm dynamic | Clean look for the desk |
| 6 | Soundcore by Anker Q20i Pink | Best for Style | Hybrid up to 90% | 40h (ANC) / 60h (normal) | 0.57 lb | 40mm dynamic | A pop of color without compromise |
| 7 | Soundcore by Anker Q20i Blue | Best for Travel | Hybrid up to 90% | 40h (ANC) / 60h (normal) | 0.57 lb | 40mm dynamic | Compact and reliable for trips |
| 8 | SHOKZ OpenComm2 | Best for Calls | Bone conduction (passive) | 16h talk / 8h listen | 0.077 lb | N/A | Open-ear clarity for phone conversations |
| 9 | KVIDIO Active Noise Cancelling Headphones | Best Battery Life | Hybrid up to 95% | 40h (ANC) / 70h (normal) | 0.77 lb | 40mm | Marathon listening sessions |
| 10 | TAGRY A18 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones | Best for Long Haul | Hybrid 45dB | 120 hours | 0.53 lb | 40mm dynamic | Weeks of use without charging |
1. Sony WH-1000XM6-SILVER: Best Overall
Pros
- Class-leading adaptive noise cancellation with QN3 processor
- Rich, detailed sound with carbon fiber driver
- Ultra-clear calls with six-microphone AI beamforming
- Foldable and compact carrying case
Cons
- Battery life not officially specified
- Very expensive compared to the rest
Best for: someone who wants the absolute best noise cancellation and audio fidelity, no compromises.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the noise cancelling headphone that every other model is measured against. Put them on in a busy cafe and the background chatter doesn't just fade, it disappears. The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3, combined with more microphones than ever, creates a level of silence that feels almost unnatural. You can have a conversation with someone across the table and not hear them at all, which is both impressive and slightly disorienting. The adaptive system adjusts in real time, so if you step onto a noisy street, the headphones instantly ramp up the counter-frequency without you touching a button.
Sound quality matches the silence. The specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers a soundstage that feels open and three-dimensional. Vocals are rich and present, bass is punchy without being bloated, and high frequencies extend cleanly. This is a headphone that makes you want to rediscover your music library. The six-microphone AI beamforming system for calls is a significant upgrade, you can take a call from a construction site and the other person will hear only your voice, not the jackhammer. The foldable design with a compact carrying case (with magnetic closure) makes it easy to slip into a bag, something the Bose can't do as neatly.
But the Sony isn't perfect. The lack of an official battery life number is frustrating; in practice, it lasts roughly a full day of moderate use, but you'll want to charge it nightly if you use ANC heavily. And the price is high, this is an investment. If you're comparing it to the Bose QuietComfort, the Sony wins on sheer noise cancellation power and call quality, but the Bose is more comfortable for some head shapes. The XM6 is for the person who wants the best noise cancelling headphones 2025 has to offer, and who values silence and detail above all else.
2. Bose QuietComfort Headphones: Best for Comfort
Pros
- Plush, cloud-like ear cushions for all-day wear
- Simple Quiet and Aware modes
- 24-hour battery with quick 15-minute charge
- Multipoint Bluetooth for seamless device switching
Cons
- ANC is good but not as aggressive as Sony
- Battery life is shorter than many competitors
Best for: anyone who needs to wear headphones for hours on end without fatigue.
Bose has been the comfort king for years, and the QuietComfort headphones continue that legacy. The ear cushions are filled with a soft foam that gently conforms to your ears without pressure. The headband is padded and lightweight, distributing the weight so evenly that you can forget you're wearing them. After a four-hour flight, you'll take them off and your ears won't feel sore or hot. That's a feat that few headphones, including the Sony, can match.
The noise cancellation is excellent, if not quite as deep as the Sony's. Bose offers two listening modes: Quiet (full ANC) and Aware (transparency). The Aware mode is particularly natural-sounding, it doesn't pump in a hollow version of the outside world but lets ambient sound through clearly enough to hear a gate announcement or a colleague's question. The high-fidelity audio with adjustable EQ lets you tweak the bass, mid-range, and treble to your liking. The default tuning is balanced with a slight emphasis on bass, making pop and electronic music sound lively. With 24 hours of battery life, you can get through a long-haul flight and a few days of commuting, and a 15-minute charge gives you 2.5 hours of playback. The multipoint Bluetooth works flawlessly, switching between your laptop and phone without missing a beat.
The downsides? The ANC isn't the absolute best, if you need to block out a crying baby or a loud engine with maximum authority, the Sony is better. And the battery life, while adequate, is bested by the Soundcore Q30 and KVIDIO. If you're looking for a headphone that you can wear all day without a second thought, the Bose QuietComfort is the one. For a deeper look at how the Bose compares to other models, check out our roundup of the best noise cancelling headphones reviewed.
3. Soundcore by Anker Q30: Best for Versatility
Pros
- Three customizable ANC modes: Transport, Outdoor, Indoor
- 50 hours of playback with ANC on, 70 hours in normal mode
- Hi-Res certified audio via AUX
- Ultra-soft protein leather earcups with memory foam
Cons
- ANC is not as strong as Sony or Bose
- Build feels slightly less premium
Best for: someone who wants to tailor ANC to different environments and values long battery life.
The Soundcore Q30 is the headphone that keeps surprising you. It offers hybrid active noise cancellation with three distinct modes: Transport (for airplane engine noise), Outdoor (for traffic and wind), and Indoor (for office chatter). This level of customization is rare at any price, and it actually works, switching to Transport mode on a plane noticeably reduces the low-frequency rumble, while Indoor mode focuses on human voices. The 40mm drivers with highly-flexible silk diaphragms produce treble that extends up to 40kHz, revealing detail that you might miss on lesser headphones. Bass is punchy and well-controlled, though not as refined as the Sony's.
Battery life is a standout: 50 hours with ANC on, 70 hours without. That's enough for a week of heavy commuting or a transatlantic flight with no recharging. The memory foam earcups are covered in protein leather and feel soft against the skin, though the clamping force is slightly higher than the Bose. The build is mostly plastic, but it feels solid enough for daily use. The Q30 also supports Hi-Res audio via the AUX cable, so you can use it with a high-quality source for even better sound.
The weakness is that the ANC, while good, doesn't match the Sony or Bose in raw power. In a very loud environment, you'll still hear some background noise. Also, the headphones are a bit bulky and don't fold as compactly as the Sony. But for the combination of adjustable ANC, superb battery life, and comfortable fit, the Q30 is a top contender. If you're trying to decide between closed-back headphones with different profiles, our guide to the best over the ear headphones can help you weigh your options.
4. Soundcore by Anker Q20i Black: Best for Everyday Use
Pros
- Effective hybrid ANC with four mics
- 40-hour battery with ANC, 60 hours without
- BassUp technology for deep, punchy sound
- Multipoint connection for two devices
Cons
- Sound quality is not as detailed as Q30 or Sony
- ANC reduces but does not eliminate all noise
Best for: reliable daily noise cancellation without breaking the bank.
The Soundcore Q20i is the headphone that makes good ANC accessible to everyone. The hybrid noise cancellation uses two internal and two external microphones to cut out up to 90% of ambient noise. In a noisy office, it reduces the hum of the HVAC and distant conversations to a low murmur, letting you focus on your work. It's not the absolute silence of the Sony, but it's impressive for the asking price. The BassUp technology adds a satisfying thump to bass-heavy tracks, and with the 40mm dynamic drivers, the overall sound is lively and engaging.
Battery life is generous: 40 hours with ANC on, 60 hours in normal mode. A quick 5-minute charge gives you 4 hours of playback, which is handy when you're rushing out the door. The headphones support dual connections via Bluetooth 5.0, so you can stay paired to your phone and laptop simultaneously. The soundcore app lets you customize the EQ with 22 presets or create your own, and you can switch between ANC, Normal, and Transparency modes. Transparency mode is useful for staying aware of your surroundings without removing the headphones.
The trade-offs are the build quality (mostly plastic, but it feels sturdy) and the fact that the ANC, while good, doesn't completely eliminate louder sounds like a vacuum cleaner or a nearby jackhammer. The ear cups are comfortable but not as plush as the Bose. For everyday use, commuting, studying, listening at home, the Q20i is a fantastic choice. This black version is the most versatile color, but if you prefer a different look, the same headphone is available in white, pink, and blue.
5. Soundcore by Anker Q20i White: Best for Office
Pros
- Same great ANC and battery as the black Q20i
- Clean white finish blends with desk setups
- Lightweight at 0.54 pounds
- Transparency mode for quick conversations
Cons
- White may show dirt over time
- Same limitations as the black version
Best for: a professional look that fits in an office environment.
If you're looking for a headphone that doesn't scream "gamer" or "tech enthusiast, " the white Q20i is a subtle, clean option. The almond white finish is understated and looks natural on a desk next to a MacBook or a monitor. All the core features are identical to the black version: the hybrid ANC, 40-hour battery life with ANC, BassUp sound, and the app-based EQ control. The only difference is the color and the slightly lighter weight (0.54 pounds vs 0.57 pounds), which makes it even more comfortable for long stretches.
In the office, the Transparency mode is a lifesaver, you can hear when a colleague approaches without fumbling with the headphones. The multipoint connection means you can be on a Zoom call on your laptop and still take a personal call on your phone. The performance is reliable, and the design is professional enough that you won't feel self-conscious wearing them in a meeting. The downside is that the white finish can pick up smudges and dust, so you'll need to wipe them down occasionally. For the same price, this is a solid alternative to the black model if aesthetics matter.
6. Soundcore by Anker Q20i Pink: Best for Style
Pros
- Fun pink color stands out
- All the features of the Q20i line
- Lightweight and foldable
- Great for personal style expression
Cons
- Color may not appeal to everyone
- Same ANC limitations as other Q20i
Best for: adding a splash of color to your daily commute.
The pink Q20i is for the person who doesn't want their headphones to be invisible. The bright pink color is vibrant and playful, making a statement without sacrificing performance. Under the hood, you get the same hybrid ANC, 40-hour battery life, BassUp audio, and dual-device connectivity. The ear cups are comfortable, and the headband is adjustable for a secure fit. The sound signature is warm and bass-forward, which suits pop, hip-hop, and electronic music well.
The ANC is effective for everyday noise like traffic and office chatter, but it won't completely silence a loud environment. The build is plastic but feels solid enough for daily use. The pink color is a personal choice, and if you want a headphone that reflects your personality, this is a great option. It's the same capable headphone as the black version, just with a different attitude.
7. Soundcore by Anker Q20i Blue: Best for Travel
Pros
- Deep blue color looks premium
- Same excellent battery and ANC
- Folds flat for easy packing
- Quick charge gives 4 hours in 5 minutes
Cons
- Not as quiet as premium ANC headphones
- Ear cups could be deeper for larger ears
Best for: a reliable travel companion that looks good on the go.
The blue Q20i is a stylish choice for travelers. The navy blue color is darker than the black version but still understated, and it resists showing fingerprints better than the white model. The performance is identical: hybrid ANC, 40-hour battery with ANC, and the ability to use the AUX cable for wired listening when the battery dies. The folding design makes it easy to slip into a backpack or carry-on, and the quick charge feature is a lifesaver when you're rushing between gates.
The ANC is good enough to reduce the drone of an airplane engine, making it easier to sleep or watch a movie. The sound is clear and bassy, with the BassUp mode adding extra punch for action films. The only real drawback is that the ANC isn't as strong as the Sony or Bose, so you'll still hear some cabin noise. But for the price, the blue Q20i is a fantastic travel headphone.
8. SHOKZ OpenComm2: Best for Calls
Pros
- Open-ear design keeps you aware of surroundings
- Bone conduction delivers clear voice pickup
- Excellent noise-canceling microphone
- Lightweight at 35 grams
Cons
- Sound quality is not as good as over-ear headphones
- No real ANC (passive isolation only)
Best for: professionals who take lots of calls and need to stay aware of their environment.
The SHOKZ OpenComm2 is a completely different take on noise cancellation. Instead of covering your ears, it uses bone conduction technology to transmit sound through your cheekbones, leaving your ear canals open. This means you can hear your music or calls while still being fully aware of your surroundings. The noise-canceling microphone with DSP technology is exceptional, your voice comes through clearly even in noisy environments, and the background noise is suppressed. The 7th generation bone conduction technology provides clear audio, though it lacks the bass and fullness of traditional headphones.
The design is lightweight at 35 grams and feels like nothing on your head. The IP55 water-resistant rating means it can handle sweat and light rain. The talk time is 16 hours, and listening time is 8 hours, with a quick charge that gives 2 hours of talk time in 5 minutes. Multipoint pairing lets you connect to two devices at once, and the physical buttons are easy to use without looking.
The trade-off is that these are not for music enjoyment. The sound quality is fine for podcasts and calls, but it won't satisfy audiophiles. Also, there is no active noise cancellation, the open design means you'll hear everything around you. The OpenComm2 is a specialized tool for people who spend hours on calls and need to stay connected to their environment. If you're deciding between this and a traditional over-ear headphone, consider how much you value situational awareness.
9. KVIDIO Active Noise Cancelling Headphones: Best Battery Life
Pros
- 70 hours of playtime in standard mode, 40 hours with ANC
- Hybrid ANC blocks up to 95% of noise
- Transparency mode for safety
- Quick charge provides 4 hours in 5 minutes
Cons
- Build quality feels less premium
- Sound is decent but not exceptional
Best for: long trips and heavy users who forget to charge.
The KVIDIO headphones are built for endurance. With 70 hours of playtime in standard mode and 40 hours with ANC activated, you can go weeks without charging. The hybrid ANC uses multiple microphones to reduce ambient noise by up to 95%, which is effective for drowning out traffic and office noise. The sound is powered by 40mm drivers and digital signal processing (DSP) technology, which delivers clear mids and highs with a decent bass response. The Hi-Fi stereo sound is good for the price, though it lacks the refinement of more expensive models.
The transparency mode is a nice addition, allowing you to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. The ear pads are soft and wrap around the ears comfortably, though the clamping force is moderate. The package includes a 3.5mm audio cable, USB-C charging cable, and a manual. The build is mostly plastic, which keeps the weight down but doesn't feel as robust as the Sony or Bose.
The main drawback is that the ANC, while strong, can cause a slight pressure sensation, and the sound quality is not as detailed as the Soundcore Q30. But if battery life is your priority, for long flights, camping, or just not wanting to charge every few days, the KVIDIO is an excellent choice. It's a workhorse that won't let you down.
10. TAGRY A18 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones: Best for Long Haul
Pros
- 120 hours of playtime on a single charge
- 45dB hybrid ANC is among the strongest
- 6 microphones for crystal-clear calls
- Bluetooth 6.0 for fast, stable pairing
Cons
- Brand is relatively unknown
- Ear cups may be small for some users
Best for: anyone who wants the longest battery life and strong ANC without spending a fortune.
The TAGRY A18 is a dark horse that delivers staggering battery life and surprisingly powerful ANC. The 120-hour playtime (with ANC on) means you can use it for a full month of daily commuting without reaching for the charger. The hybrid active noise cancelling reduces noise by up to 45dB, which is among the highest in this roundup. In practice, it blocks out the hum of a bus engine and most office chatter effectively. The 40mm dynamic drivers produce bold bass and clear mids, making it enjoyable for music and podcasts.
The six-microphone array with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) is excellent for calls, your voice cuts through wind and crowd noise, and the other person hears you clearly. Bluetooth 6.0 provides a fast and stable connection with low latency, so you can watch videos without audio lag. The memory foam ear cups are covered in soft material and are comfortable for extended wear, though the cups are slightly smaller than average, which might be a problem for larger ears. The headphones fold flat for storage, and the rose gold color is an attractive alternative to the standard black.
The downsides are that the brand is less established, and the build quality is decent but not premium. The sound signature is bass-heavy, which might not suit all genres. But for the sheer endurance and strong ANC, the TAGRY A18 is a compelling option. If you're planning a long trip or just hate charging, this is the headphone to beat.
How to choose noise cancelling headphones
Choosing the right noise cancelling headphones depends on a few key factors. Here's what you should consider.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) type
Hybrid ANC is the standard today, using multiple microphones to detect and cancel noise both inside and outside the ear cup. Some headphones offer adjustable ANC modes (like the Soundcore Q30) that tailor the cancellation to different environments. Others, like the Sony, use adaptive ANC that adjusts automatically. The deeper the cancellation (measured in decibels), the quieter your experience will be. But the best ANC also depends on how well it handles different frequencies, low-frequency hums from engines are easier to cancel than high-pitched voices.
"Noise cancellation is not about complete silence, it's about choosing which sounds you want to hear and which you want to disappear."
Battery life and charging
Battery life varies widely from 24 hours (Bose) to 120 hours (TAGRY). Consider how often you'll use them and how long you'll be away from a charger. Fast charging is a common feature: many headphones can give you 2 to 4 hours of playback from a 5-minute charge. If you're a frequent traveler, prioritize headphones with quick charging and long battery life.
Comfort and fit
Comfort is subjective but critical. The Bose QuietComfort is the gold standard, with plush cushions and a light weight. The Sony is also comfortable but slightly heavier. Weight, clamping force, and ear cup depth all affect how long you can wear them without fatigue. If you wear glasses, look for headphones with soft, deep ear cups that don't press on the frames.
Sound quality
All headphones in this list sound good, but they differ in tuning. Sony leans toward a balanced, detailed sound. Bose is slightly bass-forward. Soundcore headphones offer EQ customization, so you can dial in your preferred sound. The SHOKZ is an outlier, it's designed for voice clarity, not music. If sound quality is your priority, the Sony and Bose are the top choices.
Connectivity and features
Multipoint Bluetooth lets you connect to two devices at once, which is useful for switching between a laptop and phone. A companion app gives you control over EQ, ANC modes, and firmware updates. Some headphones support high-resolution audio via a wired connection (like the Soundcore Q30). Consider which features matter for your daily use.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between active and passive noise cancellation?
Active noise cancellation uses microphones and electronics to create sound waves that cancel incoming noise. Passive noise cancellation relies on the physical design of the ear cups to block sound. Most noise cancelling headphones use both, but active cancellation is what makes the world go quiet.
Can I use noise cancelling headphones without the ANC turned on?
Yes. All the headphones here can be used in normal mode, which disables the active noise cancellation and saves battery. Some also have a transparency mode that lets in ambient sound.
Do noise cancelling headphones work for phone calls?
Most do, but the quality varies. The Sony WH-1000XM6 and the SHOKZ OpenComm2 are exceptional for calls. The Soundcore models are decent, while the budget options may pick up background noise. The number of microphones and the sophistication of the noise reduction algorithm matter.
How long do noise cancelling headphones last?
The battery life of these headphones ranges from 24 to 120 hours. With proper care, the headphones themselves can last for years. The ear cushions may need replacement after 1-2 years of daily use.
Are noise cancelling headphones safe for my ears?
They are safe when used at reasonable volumes. Because they block out external noise, you may be tempted to listen at lower volumes, which is actually better for your hearing. However, never use ANC in situations where you need to be aware of your surroundings, like walking on a busy street.
Can I use these headphones with a wired connection?
Most of the headphones here include a 3.5mm audio cable for wired use. This is useful when the battery is dead or when you want to use them with a device that lacks Bluetooth, like an airplane's in-flight entertainment system.
What is the best noise cancelling headphones for small ears?
The Bose QuietComfort and the Soundcore Q30 have spacious ear cups that should accommodate smaller ears comfortably. The SHOKZ OpenComm2, being open-ear, puts no pressure on the ears at all.
The bottom line
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the best noise cancelling headphones 2025 overall, offering unmatched silence, superb sound, and excellent call quality. If comfort is your priority, the Bose QuietComfort is the one to wear all day. For budget-conscious buyers, the Soundcore Q20i and Q30 deliver impressive ANC and battery life at a fraction of the cost. The SHOKZ OpenComm2 is a unique tool for call-heavy professionals, and the KVIDIO and TAGRY are battery champions for those who need endurance.
Ultimately, the best noise cancelling headphones for you depend on how you plan to use them. If you can afford the premium, the Sony is the undisputed king. If you want a versatile workhorse, the Soundcore Q30 is a close second. And if you need to forget about charging for weeks, the TAGRY A18 is the surprising dark horse. Whatever you choose, any of these headphones will bring a little more quiet to your noisy world.
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