10 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Perfect for Rocking Out in Quiet Bliss

Sony’s range-topping WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones are deservedly the product category’s leader and a worthy follow-up to a fantastic product. The over-ear cans perfectly balance sleek design, a lightweight build with top-notch ergonomics, outstanding sound, superb noise cancellation, and dependable battery life. By performing admirably across the board, the WH-1000XM5 headphones were frequently my go-to, even though I wasn’t short on solid alternatives.

Compared to its excellent predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM4, this sequel brings a more elegant design, slightly better sound (especially while listening to lossless content), stronger noise cancellation, and superior performance during calls.

Available in silver or black, the WH-1000XM5 also impressed me with a fast USB-C charging connector that could provide 3 hours’ worth of playback after only 3 minutes. You can order the premium can in silver, black, or blue with a matching storage case. Every color option together with its case rocks gold accents — a calling card for years for top-shelf Sony headphones and earbuds.

Reviewed: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

A CES 2024 standout product, the EarFun Wave Pro noise-canceling headphones are the best noise-canceling headphones for shoppers on a tight budget. The wireless cans cost only $80, but thanks to frequent sales and discounts, you can snag a set for around $60, making them an impulse buy well-worth considering. With its gift-friendly price point, you'll get a set of over-ear wireless headphones with a nicely understated design, stellar ergonomics, high-quality sound, robust noise cancellation, and outstanding battery life.

Sound-wise, the EarFun Wave Pro performed like a pricier set of headphones during my testing. I was pleasantly surprised by the Hi-Res Audio-capable cans' balanced sound, which is infinitely customizable via their companion app. Depending on the content I played, I could bump up the bass, enhance the vocals, or add more clarity to the treble by choosing from available presets or creating my own.

The quality of the headphones' noise cancellation is great for its price point, but it's important to note that the Wave Pro can't block ambient noise as proficiently as their pricier rivals. Although noise cancellation only works only in wireless mode, it's intensity is customizable. Using the Wave Pro with its bundled audio cable is no different than interacting with a standard set of wired headphones.

With up to 55 hours of audio playback with noise cancellation between charges, the EarFun Wave Pro easily outperformed its pricier rivals. I spent an entire week using the headphones at work without the need to charge them. Switching the core feature off extends the product's battery endurance to a rather astounding 80 hours between powerups.

The headphones' retail package includes a stylish storage case with a zipper closure.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra wireless headphones are a warranted rival to the Sony WH-1000XM5 that should be in your shopping cart if you prioritize spatial audio and noise cancellation controls. For $30 more than their Sony competitor, the range-topping Bose wireless headphones will treat you (or the person you're shopping for) to an immersive spatial audio experience with or without dynamic head tracking.

I was impressed by the multi-dimensional sonic experience the Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivered, especially while streaming my go-to live albums that I routinely play when putting audio gear to the test. Using proprietary tech dubbed Bose Immersive Audio, the feature works with any content, not just Dolby Atmos-enhanced sound.

Bose immersive audio makes lifelike listening sessions as easy to access as pressing a button. It’s worth dropping an extra $30 on the Bose headphones over the Sony cans mentioned above and a stellar tradeoff for their shorter battery life.

Another feature that sets the Bose QuietComfort Ultra apart from all rivals is the option to finetune the noise cancellation to your exact preference for any given scenario (e.g., work, commuting, air travel, etc.). You can set multiple modes and easily switch between them via a dedicated shortcut button.

As expected from a set of Bose headphones, the QuietComfort Ultra headphones are supremely comfy and equipped with intuitive button controls. They are available in black, sandstone, and white smoke colors.

More: Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs. Sony WH-1000XM5

These over-ear wireless headphones by Bowers & Wilkins are the most elegant on this list, and a reliable alternative to the similarly priced Bose and Sony sets mentioned above. Like the iteration it replaces, the Px7 S2e has a distinguished design and a build that’s a fusion of leather, fabric, and metal. The headset’s button controls also have superior tactility at a similar price point. Out of all of the wireless headphones I evaluated over the past year (which is a lot), I enjoyed wearing and interacting with the Px7 S2e the most.

The headphones’ audio quality is exceptional, too, and in the same league as their Sony rival. I spent several weeks putting both products to the test and thoroughly enjoyed their sound. The flawless stereo sound I experienced was true to life and incredibly enjoyable. Spatial audio enthusiasts should know that the Bowers & Wilkins headphones can’t provide multi-dimensional sound like their big-name rivals.

Having said that, the Px7 S2e’s noise cancellation doesn’t quite match the complete silence generated by the Bose and Sony rivals. Their ambient mode, while plenty reliable, wasn’t on par, either. The headphones’ companion app also has a more limited set of customization tools. You’ll only get bass and treble adjustment sliders.

You can order the headphones in black, blue, gray, or green. The legendary British audio maker offers even more luxurious Px8 headphones with an exterior crafted from metal and genuine leather if you don't mind spending more on your next set. All Bowers & Wilkins headphones have a two-year warranty that’s lengthier than their rivals’ coverage.

The ULT Wear wireless noise-canceling headphones — Sony’s latest addition to this highly contested product category — are among the best $200 can buy and a must-have for bass aficionados. Their low-key looks hide an audio powerhouse capable of delivering thunderous bass at the press of a button. Located on the left ear cup, the promptly branded ULT key offers two distinct levels for enhancing the bass, each accompanied by an audio prompt when you activate it.

Pressing the cans’ ULT button once clearly enhanced the bass while maintaining a balanced mid-range and crisp treble. Another press of the key delivered a sonic boom whose verve resembles the energy you’d experience while attending a music festival. Maxing out the ULT feature made bass-heavy tracks, action-packed movie scenes, and intense video game sequels more invigorating.

Thankfully, the Sony ULT Wear headphones are not a one-trick pony that’s all about the bass. Disabling their namesake feature will get you or your gift recipient a harmonious sonic experience that’s customizable via the Sony Headphones app. The headset’s noise cancellation is also stellar, though its strength is not on par with that of costlier products.

I really like the toned-down design of the Sony ULT Wear headphones and their hardshell storage case because it masterfully hides their playful nature and functionality. You can order the headphones in black, white, or gray.

Reviewed: Sony ULT Wear Headphones

The Beats Studio Pro noise-canceling headphones — the long-awaited successor of a legendary product that spent more than half a decade on shelves — are the best for Apple users. Like the brand’s excellent wireless earbuds and all Apple AirPods, the Studio Pro headphones will instantly link to any iPhone, iPad, and Mac that use the same iCloud account. You can also keep tabs on the headphones via the Find My app on your Apple devices.

Once connected, they will treat you to an immersive, personalized spatial audio-sonic experience with Dolby Atmos content. To create a unique sound profile, you need to scan your face and ears using the TrueDepth camera of your iPhone. Once complete, the process will make the next-level sound available on all your Apple gadgets.

The audio quality and noise cancellation of the Studio Pro headphones are amazing, and given their price tag, I expected nothing less. I applaud Beats by Dre for packing a digital-to-analog converter to make the product capable of delivering lossless audio over a USB-C wired connection. I frequently relied on the feature and enjoyed being able to control the playback and volume directly from the headphones.

You can order the Beats Studio Pro in black, deep brown, navy, and sandstone colors. Don't worry if you don’t have an iPhone; the Studio Pro can also integrate superbly with Android phones.

The luxurious AirPods Max are also a great option for Apple hardware if you don’t mind spending more to upgrade. You’ll get a more distinctive design, better controls, and superior spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. Still, I’d take the Beats for their longer battery life, more reliable storage case, and much lower price.

The Soundcore Space Q45 wireless headphones by Anker are the best under $200 and a great buy for value-seeking upgraders. Starting a penny below $150 before additional deals and discounts, the over-ear cans impressed me with their sleek design, durable build, uncompromising comfort, price-defying sound quality, futureproof connectivity, and amazing battery life.

Unlike most similarly priced rivals, the Space Q45 can deliver audiophile-grade lossless audio over a wired and wireless connection. As always, the Soundcore mobile app has an amazing selection of customization tools, including HearID — a cutting-edge feature that will tailor the sound to your hearing. The headphones’ noise cancellation is also stellar, if not quite on the same level as the silence provided by costlier Bose and Sony rivals.

The Space Q45 are the noise-canceling headphones to get unless you are willing to drop well above $200 on new headphones. The value-packed cans are available in black, white, or blue with a matte finish. Every color option comes with a matching hardshell storage case.

Reviewed: Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless Headphones

The Focal Bathys wireless headphones are undeniably expensive but capable of delivering a high-fidelity sonic experience over a wired or Bluetooth connection worth investing in. The cans’ French-made audio drivers presented my go-to testing tracks with even more detail when I put them through their paces. These are the noise-canceling cans to get if you prioritize audio quality over everything else and have a big upgrade budget.

You can customize the headphones’ sound to your liking via a companion app with an elaborate selection of tools. The noise cancellation of the Bathys is also top-notch, but frankly, the sound quality should be the main reason you spend big on these headphones.

In a manner befitting their hefty price tag, the Focal Bathys headphones also have a striking design with a built-in light into each earcup and a decidedly luxurious build. The materials used in their making include aluminum, magnesium, and leather, ensuring the interactions with your headphones are as memorable as their sound. Every pair of Focal Bathys headphones comes bundled with a stylish storage case.

Reviewed: Focal Bathys Wireless Headphones

As their name suggests, the Fitness wireless noise-canceling headphones by Raycon are the best for exercising on this list. The cans’ IPX4 rating for water resistance sets them apart from all rivals, allowing them to survive exposure to splashes of water and sweat. The gym-ready headphones also feature swappable ear cushions you can wash after workouts.

The Raycon Fitness headphones have a trio of modes — Pure, Balanced, and Bass — you can toggle between by long-pressing a button. While testing the cans, their bass mode reliably motivated me during at-home and gym workouts, while the balanced mode was most suitable for everyday listening. The pure mode was the most neutral of the trio.

The headphones’ noise cancellation is adequate but not the best for the money. That’s not a dealbreaker, as the durability and swappable ear cushions are the leading Raycon Fitness selling points. I tip my hat to the ambitious audio maker for including three sets of ear cups in the retail package of the headphones, a pair of which are easy to wash.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds are the best in their class, just like the tech giant’s excellent headphones. A follow-up to a fantastic product that was a favorite of ours, the new iteration delivers incredible sound and noise cancellation you can customize via an app. The high-tech earphones have Sony’s super convenient speak-to-chat functionality, allowing them to pause audio playback and noise cancellation upon detecting your voice.

Compared to the excellent Sony WF-1000XM4, the new version brings superior sound and stronger noise cancellation. Best of all, the WF-1000XM5 is smaller and comfier without sacrificing battery life. Believe it or not, the buds’ audio playback can reach 12 hours between charges if you turn off noise cancellation. Having the essential feature on will get you 8 hours’ worth of tunes — more than big-name rivals from Apple and Bose, among others.

Like the previous version, Sony offers the WF-1000XM5 earbuds in black or silver with contrasting gold accents. The earbuds storage case has a matching finish and wireless charging compatibility.

Reviewed: Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds