The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones in 2023

If you find outside noise too distracting to listen to your music or to get your work done, you need the best noise-cancelling headphones.

Browse between the best noise-cancelling headphones in 2023 and finally enjoy some peace.

Here’s a quick round down:

It’s difficult to find the best noise-cancelling headphones for your needs with all the options. All brands claim their noise-canceling headphones are the best.

But often that’s not the case. That’s why we created this guide to help you with your buying decision.

Remove the unwanted ambient noise in comfort, style, and while enjoying great sound quality.

Below you’ll find the best noise-cancelling headphones you can get today that will protect you from background noise on a plane, in the office, or anywhere else.

Related:

Want the best noise-cancelling earbuds?

Or get the alternative, the best noise-isolating headphones.

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Listen to the Sony WH-1000XM5 ANC test:

The audio performance is full-bodied and punchy, while the midrange sounds balanced and natural, with a pleasant warmth. Treble provides good sparkle and no sibilance but could use more detail.

Slightly improved over Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones, the XM5 offer a very balanced noise-canceling performance, meaning that all frequencies are reduced to the same degree.

The ambient sound mode also improved compared to XM4, now boosting external noises more realistically. Furthermore, the new model proves to be the best Bluetooth headphones with a mic.

You get many interesting features inside the Headphones Connect app. Like a multipoint feature that helps you connect the headphones to two devices simultaneously.

Sony WH-1000XM5 have a more modern design, providing overall good comfort and stability.

Check similar alternatives among the best bass headphones.

2. Apple AirPods Max

Listen to the Apple AirPods Max ANC test:

Apple’s new AirPods Max have a slight boost in sub-bass, well-balanced midrange, and sparkly treble.

Their audio performance is very airy, and you can boost the soundstage with Dolby Atmos (Spatial Audio). The latter is only accessible for iOS users.

Max’s unmistakable form factor fits beautifully on your head without creating unnecessary pressure. Fabric earpads are quickly swappable thanks to the use of magnets. The carrying case, on the other hand, is a joke.

Their noise cancellation performance deserves to be in the top spot. It’s on par (if not even better) with the best on the market, muting most of the noise around you.

In contrast, Transparency mode enables you to hear your surroundings with incredible realism.

3. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The audio quality is clear, and the frequency response is full across bass, mids, and highs. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are going to keep demanding users happy.

You can also use your voice to control Alexa or Google Assistant; both are supported by Bose 700 headphones.

Up to 11 different settings for the active noise cancellation (ANC) inside the Bose Connect app means you can choose how much ambient sound you want to hear. The four-microphone system is highly effective when the over-ears pick up ambiance to cancel out.

They are exceptionally comfortable, too, so you can wear them on intercontinental plane flights or long working hours in the office.

Plus, the closed-back design provides good passive noise isolation from external noise, like the best noise-isolating headphones.

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

While the Momentum series is known to have a more fun sound signature, the Momentum 4 Wireless lean more towards neutral. With a bit of tweaking, their audio performance is rather impressive.

High-end headphones come with premium features. Good noise cancellation is one of them, eliminating most of the annoying engine hum or chatter in the cafeteria.

They have an exquisite build, with a mixture of metal, pleather, and fabric. Unfortunately, they don’t fold in like previous Momentums.

To reduce audio lag when watching movies, the ANC headphones have aptX Adaptive support. No LDAC Bluetooth codec, unfortunately.

A companion app offers a valuable array of options, from custom EQ, Transparent Hearing, and control customizer.

5. Edifier WH950NB

Listen to the Edifier WH950NB ANC test:

WH950NB have a smooth response with a balanced sound signature. Playing with a custom EQ, you can further improve the sound by making it even more natural.

Headphones are big but lightweight and thickly padded from all sides. They feel like a pillow on your head, and you can even replace the ear pads once they stiffen up.

Noise-canceling performance is excellent, especially for the price, being somewhat on par with competition from Sony and Bose.

The battery life of 34 hours is pretty good for a full-sized headphone, and can also charge up very quickly (in only 1.5 hours). You get a standard set of audio codecs, with an addition of Sony’s LDAC for higher-quality transmission.

6. Sony WF-1000XM4

Listen to the Sony WF-1000XM4 ANC test:

A more consumer-oriented tuning from XM3 is replaced by a more balanced, natural frequency response. The sound is detailed and nicely controlled, with full custom EQ in the Sony app.

Active noise cancellation is also better than on the previous model. The new hybrid ear tips do most of the work, with a memory foam layer to create a tight seal in your ear canals.

Even the comfort is superior this time around, despite the earbuds having a bit of bulky housing. You can also use WF-1000XM4 for exercising since they come protected with an IPX4 rating.

As always, the Sony app comes with tons of features, from control customization, EQ, different sound profiles, ambient sound mode and ANC intensity, and 360 Audio.

Check their predecessor since they’re still an excellent buy: Sony WF-1000XM3 review

7. Apple AirPods Pro 2

AirPods Pro 2 are tuned to have a well-balanced frequency response, with very little excitement in their presentation. They’re easy to listen to, regardless of the music genre, but they lack deep bass.

They have much-improved features over the original AirPods Pro, especially thanks to the new H2 chip. The latter is responsible for making active noise cancellation and Transparency mode even better than ever before.

Earbuds also automatically pause and play the music when you take one out, and scan your inner ear for a more personalized EQ.

They’re super comfortable and offer a reasonably secure fit, too, with shallow silicone tips that don’t protrude too much into the ear canal.

In-ears come with a wireless charging case and stable connection and can easily switch between other iOS devices. With an IPX4, these earbuds are ready to hit the gym.

Check out their extremely similar predecessor, Apple AirPods Pro review.

8. Bose QuietComfort 45

The sound quality is pretty much on the same level as the QC 35 II but with a few minor tweaks. They’re still relatively balanced and smooth, suitable for any music genre, from hip-hop to rock.

This time around, the ANC performance received a noticeable boost. It is on par with the best out there, making the 45s a compelling buy.

Furthermore, Bose made their wireless noise-cancelling headphones slightly comfier than the predecessor, which was already very comfortable.

These Bose headphones are also more efficient with better battery life, lasting 24 hours on full charge with ANC enabled.

You can’t entirely turn off the ANC or ambient boost mode for some reason, and you can’t tweak EQ inside the app.

9. Anker Soundcore Life Q30

Listen to the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 ANC test:

The best thing about Life Q30 sound is that they can hit a sweet spot for both bass lovers and audio purists. Stock tuning is a bit heavy on low-end, but they can sound fairly neutral after some EQ.

Even the previous Q20 model is good at actively canceling noise, but the Q30 make a step further. They can compete with the best ones, which is impressive considering their lower price tag.

You can even toggle between different ANC modes or enable transparency mode when you need to hear your surroundings.

The new design is a bit chunkier compared to the Q20. Thankfully, it possesses the same excellent comfort and class-leading battery life, offering 60 hours of playtime.

Find more best headphones under $100.

Here, we covered the best active noise-cancelling headphones for a higher list price. For more affordable options, see the best noise cancelling headphones under $100.

Honorable Mentions

10. Sony WH-1000XM4

11. Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2

12. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i

13. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

14. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro:

15. Jabra Elite 85h

For a bit cheaper alternatives, see the best Bluetooth headphones under $100.

What is Noise Cancelling

Noise cancellation technology actively removes distracting background noises like engine hum, air conditioning, traffic noise, people’s chatter, and so on.

It uses a set of microphones and electronics to record a 180-degree surrounding noise. Then, electronics invert the noise’s phase and send the opposite signal to your ears. Before you can hear it, both sounds cancel out.

Noise cancellation is most effective at constant low-frequency sounds, like the humming of a plane engine. This makes them the first choice for travelers as they need to hear what is going on around them while enjoying the illusion of a more peaceful environment.

You can read more about what you can expect from noise-cancelling headphones below.

More: Is active noise cancellation better than passive noise isolation?

How does noise cancelling work?

Noise-cancelling headphones use microphones to record ambient noise. Then the noise signal is sent to dedicated electronics, which creates 180-degree opposite sound waves.

The drivers send the new signal to your ears, and before both reach the goal they cancel each other.

Are noise-cancelling headphones worth it?

While noise-cancelling headphones have some disadvantages, like higher cost and worse battery life, they can help improve your life for the better.

Not only do they reduce annoying ambient noises and help you concentrate, but consequently protect your hearing since you don’t have to raise the headphones’ volume.

Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of noise-cancelling headphones:

Advantages of noise-cancelling headphones

Cancels out noise

Cancellation of lower and some middle-frequency noises. Noise cancellation works well enough to give you the illusion of a quieter environment, which makes listening to your favorite music much more enjoyable.

At the same time, you can use noise-cancelling headphones just to remove the noise without any music. Perfect headphones for when you need to rest your head.

Protects you hearing

We tend to crank up the volume when there’s loud background noise that overpowers our music. Since ANC reduces unwanted sounds, you don’t have to raise the volume as much. Consequently, you inflict less damage on your hearing.

Better listening experience

Only when you listen to music in a quiet room can you fully experience headphones’ sound quality. As soon as unwanted noises start creeping in, the details get less sharp, and you no longer hear every nuance in the song.

That’s why noise cancelling can help improve the sound quality simply by reducing annoying elements from the environment.

Improves quality of life

Best noise-cancelling headphones that can fully reduce surrounding noise can positively impact your well-being by reducing stress and helping you concentrate during work.

Some people can also have trouble sleeping with lots of distracting noises around them, like traffic or snoring. ANC headphones help them provide a sensation as if they’re sleeping in a quiet room.

Disadvantages of noise cancelling headphones

Higher cost

Noise-cancelling headphones tend to cost more, especially the higher-end ones. All the technology, microphones, and more sophisticated design cost money.

To get decent noise-cancelling headphones, you’ll have to pay money for which you would get regular headphones with better comfort, better build quality, and especially better sound.

Lower sound quality

This mostly impacts budget headphones which tend to change the sound completely when you turn on the ANC. Some might even produce an audible background hiss (white noise).

Normally, more premium headphones aren’t having the same issues, or at least not to the same extent. Nevertheless, audiophiles still like to avoid using active noise-cancellation technology when listening to music.

Noise-cancellation needs power

ANC (active noise-cancelling) technology needs additional power to run its processing chipset. That’s why it’s normal to see a big difference in battery life with and without noise cancellation enabled.

Sometimes it can result in a battery lasting half as much, which is a pretty significant hit. Did you forget to charge the battery? No ANC for you.

Sensitive to wind noise

One of the known problems of noise cancellation is strong winds. When strong winds are blowing and making sounds, your microphones pick it up and make a whole mess of the sound. Like the wind you hear when making calls.

This is why noise-cancelling headphones are not recommended for use in the outside world and are extremely frustrating in that situation.

“Pressure” on ears

Some of the best budget noise cancelling headphones can make you feel like your ears are under pressure. It’s an uncomfortable feeling. But thankfully, modern high-end models have fixed this issue.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Noise Cancelling Headphones

Learn more in our extensive article about whether noise cancelling is safe or not.