The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2025

Rating: 5

Sony WH-1000XM5: The Sony WH-1000XM5 continues the legacy of its predecessors as one of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. The standout feature remains its industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), which adapts to different environments using the Auto NC Optimizer. This ensures that whether you're on a plane, in an office, or walking down a busy street, distractions are minimized. The sound quality is impressive, with a new driver unit enhancing clarity and bass response, while DSEE Extreme helps upscale compressed music files. The headphones are also incredibly comfortable, thanks to their lightweight build and plush ear cups. Battery life is solid at 30 hours, with quick charging providing 3 hours of playback in just 3 minutes. The touch controls are intuitive, though some users may find them slightly sensitive. Additionally, integration with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant makes hands-free operation seamless. The only downside is the relatively high price, but for those who demand the best ANC and audio experience, the WH-1000XM5 is well worth it.

— Isabella Wilson

Rating: 5

Beats Studio Pro: The Beats Studio Pro aims to provide a premium listening experience with deep bass and a sleek design. One of its biggest strengths is its personalized spatial audio, which delivers an immersive soundstage when watching movies or listening to high-quality tracks. The ANC is effective but not quite at the level of Sony or Bose competitors, making it more suited for casual users rather than hardcore audiophiles. The build quality is excellent, with a modern and stylish look, though it might feel a bit tight on larger heads. Battery life is a major plus, offering up to 40 hours on a single charge, and the addition of USB-C lossless audio support is a welcome upgrade. The sound profile leans towards bass-heavy, which is great for hip-hop and electronic music but might not be ideal for those who prefer a more balanced audio signature. Android users may find the experience slightly less seamless than Apple users due to the integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Overall, the Beats Studio Pro is a strong contender for those who want style, comfort, and solid sound quality in one package.

— Ava Martinez

Rating: 5

Bose Headphones 700: Bose has long been a leader in noise cancellation, and the Bose Headphones 700 reinforce that reputation. The noise-canceling performance is among the best in the industry, effectively eliminating background noise in various settings, whether it's traffic, chatter, or airplane engines. One of the standout features is its adaptive microphone system, which ensures crystal-clear call quality, making these headphones an excellent choice for remote workers and frequent callers. The audio profile is well-balanced, with deep bass and clear mids, though some may prefer the Sony WH-1000XM5 for a slightly more dynamic sound. Comfort is another strong suit, with soft ear cups and an ergonomic design that allows for long listening sessions without fatigue. The 24-hour battery life is respectable, though not as long as some competitors. Touch controls are responsive but require a learning curve. The premium price might be a deterrent for some, but if you're looking for top-tier ANC and exceptional call quality, the Bose Headphones 700 are hard to beat.

— Sophia Brown

Rating: 4.9

Soundcore Life Q30 by Anker: The Soundcore Life Q30 offers impressive noise cancellation at a budget-friendly price. While it doesn’t quite match the performance of Sony or Bose, it does a remarkable job for its price range, offering multiple ANC modes tailored to different environments. The sound quality is good, with Hi-Res Audio certification providing clear mids and highs, though the bass can feel slightly overpowering at times. Customizable EQ settings via the Soundcore app allow for fine-tuning based on personal preference. Battery life is a standout feature, offering up to 50 hours on a single charge, making it an excellent choice for travelers. Comfort is decent, though the build quality feels slightly less premium compared to more expensive models. The biggest compromise comes in the form of microphone quality, which can be inconsistent during calls. However, for those looking for solid ANC, long battery life, and good audio performance at an affordable price, the Soundcore Life Q30 is a fantastic option.

— Olivia Smith

Rating: 4.7

TOZO HT2 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones: The TOZO HT2 headphones provide solid performance for their price, offering hybrid ANC that effectively reduces background noise. While it doesn’t reach the level of Sony or Bose, it does a decent job at blocking out distractions in everyday environments like offices and cafes. The sound quality is fairly balanced, with decent bass and clear treble, though audiophiles might find it lacking in depth. One of the strongest selling points is battery life, which extends up to 60 hours, making these headphones one of the longest-lasting options available. The wireless connectivity is stable, and the headphones remain comfortable for extended listening sessions. Build quality is good for the price, but the materials feel somewhat plasticky. Call quality is decent but not as clear as higher-end models. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pair of ANC headphones with long battery life and decent sound, the TOZO HT2 is a worthy choice.

— Olivia Smith