Noise-cancelling headphones are a must-have accessory for enjoying music, podcasts, gaming, and movies. They simulate room-filling sounds without interference from barking dogs or kids playing. The best noise-cancelling headphones will let you block out distractions and put your attention in the sweet spot.
With so many options on the market, finding the right set of headphones can take some work. Here are some of the best choices available today, broken down by budget, features, and optimal uses.
Best for Personal Listening: Sonos Ace Headphones
The Sonos Ace Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones have custom-designed drivers that are finely tuned for every listener by experts who put your audio needs first. These sleek headphones also have spatial audio technology that envelopes you in a hyper-realistic 3D soundstage.
Personal listening is great with the Somos Ace headphones – with their lossless audio not sacrificing any of the original sound quality when digital music files are being compressed. Plus, you can stream over both Bluetooth and USB-C. Finally, the headphones have active noise cancellation and have memory foam ear cushions that take you away from the real world and just let you focus on your tunes.
Best for Tech Enthusiasts: Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony knows shoppers have plenty of choices for noise-cancelling headphones. That’s why the company focuses so intently on user experience. With two noise sensors and brand new HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 technology, the high-quality Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are better equipped to isolate and remove ambient sound and make balance adjustments on the fly. Plus, the ear cups are super comfortable, so you can listen all day and night.
Playback automatically pauses when you remove them, and resumes when you put them back on, so you don’t have to fumble for buttons. You can even connect two Bluetooth devices at once and move seamlessly between laptop audio and phone calls.
Best for Group Listening: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Enjoy many of the same features and tech advances found in Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra model with CustomTune technology for a more personalized sound and top-class materials, such as protein leather for the ear cushions.
One of the cooler features of this well-rounded set of headphones is the Breakthrough spatialized audio for a more immersive experience. With up to 24 hours of battery life and 18 hours of immersive audio, its performance is outstanding.
Enjoy a movie together on an airplane, take advantage of portable gaming with full audio, or just kick back and listen to a playlist with a friend. With the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, noise cancellation doesn’t have to mean total isolation.
Best for Budget: JBL Tune 660NC
At under $100, JBL lets even the most budget-minded consumers enjoy their audio without ambient interference. The Tune 660NC folds up for compact travel, boasts up to 44 hours of playback, has a built-in mic for taking calls, and offers great sound quality. If you need a barebones yet a well-built set of noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones, look no further.
Best for Style and Comfort: Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2
Shure’s AONIC 50 Gen 2 over-ear headphones just look and feel classically cool. Available in a sleek black on black design, they fold flat and fit nicely into the included carrying case for travel. Plus, they make ergonomic comfort a priority. Uncomfortable headphones can cause earaches, headaches, and other problems, but these headphones will keep you feeling comfy throughout hours of listening. Plus, you get up to 45 hours of battery life with these wireless headphones. With updated Codec support, you get high-quality studio sound and 50mm Dynamic Drivers.
Best for Fast Charging: Beats by Dr. Dre Beats Solo 4
With plenty of customizable power options, Beats by Dr. Dre Beats Solo 4 headphones let you listen longer. A single charge gives you 50 hours of battery with active noise cancelling engaged, but if you’re short on time but need more juice, you’ll love the 10-minute Fast Fuel feature on this headset. It provides up to 5 hours of battery life for just 10 minutes of charge time.
Final Thoughts: The Best Headphones for You
In today’s busy world, effective noise cancellation is only one tick off your list. You deserve headphones that are here to enhance your overall audio experience, whether it’s when you need to take a work call, get lost in music, or dive into immersive gaming worlds.
Remember, dear reader, the best headphones for you are based on your individual needs and preferences. Think about which features matter most for you. By doing so, you can never go wrong!
