Whether you’re a music lover, podcast enthusiast, or audiobook devotee, the best noise-canceling headphones can elevate your listening experience — especially while traveling, commuting, or working in noisy environments.
To help you find the best pair, we tested 7 noise-canceling headphones. We evaluated ease of use, functionality, comfort, and sound quality, subjecting them to real-world noise tests.
The standout in our tests was the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700, offering unbeatable noise cancellation and comfort. If over-ear headphones aren’t your style, we’ve also included top-rated earbud options, as well as picks for the best budget, multi-use, and more.
Our Top Picks
- Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
- Anker Soundcore Life P3
- Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
- JBL Tour One M2
- Sony WH-1000XM5
- Jabra Elite 85t
- Apple AirPods Max
1. Best Overall: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Why We Love It: With 11 levels of noise cancellation, these headphones can silence nearly any noise. They’re also easy to set up and use, and offer a sleek design ideal for commuters.
What to Consider: They’re not as secure when moving around compared to other models.
The Bose 700s impressed us with their ability to block out external noise, even at the highest levels. They also scored highly for comfort during long flights, and the touch-sensitive right earcup makes adjusting sound and power easy. The Bose app enhances functionality, and they work seamlessly with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa for hands-free control.
Specs:
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
- Weight: 8.96 oz
- Bluetooth Range: Up to 33 feet
2. Best Budget: Anker Soundcore Life P3
Why We Love It: These budget-friendly earbuds offer excellent sound quality and noise cancellation, particularly for music.
What to Consider: The sound quality isn’t as strong during phone calls.
For the price, the Anker Soundcore Life P3 exceeded our expectations with solid active noise cancellation during music playback. However, they struggled a bit during phone calls, as background noises weren’t completely silenced. Still, they’re incredibly comfortable, with multiple ear tip sizes for a custom fit.
Specs:
- Battery Life: 7 hours (up to 35 with the case)
- Weight: 2.24 oz
3. Best Sound Earbuds: Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
Why We Love It: These lightweight earbuds produce vibrant sound and block nearly all external noise, even in noisy environments like airplane cabins.
What to Consider: The price varies depending on the color.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro deliver premium sound quality, particularly excelling in bass-heavy music. We loved their intuitive tap controls and how easily they paired with devices, including iPhones. Their noise-canceling feature worked flawlessly in lab tests, making them a great pick for frequent travelers.
Specs:
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
- Weight: 1.2 oz
- Bluetooth Range: Up to 30 feet
Also Read: Best Earbuds to Buy in 2025
4. Best Sound Headphone: JBL Tour One M2
Why We Love It: These over-ear headphones feature smart noise cancellation that adapts to your environment, perfect for noisy commutes.
What to Consider: Phone calls may sound slightly echoey.
For audiophiles and travelers, the JBL Tour One M2 headphones deliver an immersive listening experience. Their adaptive noise cancellation adjusts to your surroundings, whether you’re on a train or in a bustling city. We also loved their ability to seamlessly switch between connected devices.
Specs:
- Battery Life: Up to 50 hours
- Weight: 9.6 oz
5. Very Comfortable Headphone: Sony WH-1000XM5
Why We Love It: These lightweight headphones block out even the loudest sounds, creating a peaceful listening experience.
What to Consider: The initial setup can be tricky.
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones offer top-tier noise cancellation and are incredibly comfortable for extended wear. They automatically adapt to loud noises and allow users to control playback with touch gestures. While the setup was a bit complex, the overall performance made it worthwhile.
Specs:
- Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
- Weight: 8.8 oz
- Bluetooth Range: Up to 30 feet
6. Very Comfortable Earbuds: Jabra Elite 85t
Why We Love It: The Jabra app offers a tool to find the best earbud fit by testing sound leakage, ensuring maximum comfort.
What to Consider: You may need to reference the instructions for connecting to a computer.
With various ear tip sizes and an intuitive fit-testing tool, the Jabra Elite 85t earbuds prioritize comfort without sacrificing sound quality. They’re secure, lightweight, and offer solid noise cancellation for on-the-go use.
Specs:
- Battery Life: Up to 25 hours with the case
- Weight: 0.2 oz
7. Costly: Apple AirPods Max
Why We Love It: These premium headphones deliver exceptional sound and noise-canceling performance, perfect for Apple enthusiasts.
What to Consider: The high price point might not be for everyone.
Apple’s AirPods Max are a luxury pick with excellent sound quality and some of the best active noise cancellation available. Their comfortable memory foam ear cups make them ideal for long listening sessions, but the cost may be prohibitive for some.
Specs:
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
- Weight: 13.6 oz
Conclusion
From the superior noise cancellation of the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 to the budget-friendly Anker Soundcore Life P3, our list offers a noise-canceling headphone option for every need and price range. Whether you’re looking for earbuds or over-ear models, we’ve tested and reviewed the top choices to help you make an informed decision.
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