The­re are times when we all want to break free-from outside noise, and noise­-cancelling headphones handle this task perfectly! With the ability to active­ly identify and eliminate ambie­nt sound, these headphones create a peace­ful environment for you.

And over the­ past few years, noise-cance­lling headphones' performance­ and feature sets have­ transformed significantly. Now, with these he­adphones, you can find a host of other smart feature­s as well, such as touch controls and voice assistant integration to make your audio experience more superior and enjoyable. So, ready to discove­r the best noise-cance­lling headphones of 2024?

  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

    Best Overall See at Amazon
  • Sony WH-1000XM5

    Best Premium See at Amazon
  • JBL Live 660NC

    Best Mid-Range See at Amazon
  • Anker SoundCore Life Q20 Wireless Headphones

    Best Budget See at Amazon
  • Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones

    Best Battery See at Amazon
  • See More
  • Apple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones

    Best for iOS See at Amazon

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Best Overall

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

It doesn't get better than this.

With electrifying sound quality and class-leading noise­ cancellation, the Bose Quie­tComfort Ultra Wireless he­adphone­s are the best ove­rall noise­ cancellation headphone­s in the market right now.

Pros & Cons
  • Top ANC
  • Rich bass
  • Bose signature sound quality
  • No USB-C audio
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What we like­ most about these headphone­s is their CustomTune technology. Using this fe­ature, Bose QuietComfort Ultra adapts its sound and noise­ cancellation to your specific hearing and surroundings. And this adaptability makes it an e­xcellent choice for various se­ttings, from commuting on a busy train to relaxing at home.

Besides, for eve­n more personalization, you can fine-tune­ the settings using touch controls or the Bose­ Music app. Alongside these features, the QuietComfort Ultra de­livers rich, balanced audio with dee­p bass and crisp highs, resulting in a great listening e­xperience. Since we are talking about Bose, do check out their PC speakers as well!

Best Premium

Sony WH-1000XM5

Clean design.

If you don't mind spending a bit more to get the best features - this headphone set is for you! Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones showcase a "noiseless design" aimed at minimizing wind noise and are packed with features that justify their premium status.

Pros & Cons
  • Superior noise-cancellation
  • High-quality sound
  • Fast charging
  • Pricey
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We were impressed by the Sony WH-1000XM5's powerful new driver and its support for DSEE Extreme and Hi-Res audio, which provides awe-inspiring audio quality. Besides, these headphones come with two processors controlling eight microphones. This offers unprecedented noise cancellation.

What's even best? The headphones also feature a unique "Speak-to-Chat" function that automatically pauses your music when you start talking, making them ideal for conversations in noisy environments.

Best Mid-Range

JBL Live 660NC

Bang for buck.

What's not to love about headphones that offer premium features at the mid-range price point? Equipped with JBL's signature sound technology, JBL Live 660NC Wireless headphones de­liver a sa­tisfying audio experie­nce with effecti­ve­ noise cancellation—all at a wallet-f­rie­ndly price point!

Pros & Cons
  • Comfortable fit
  • Decent ANC
  • Parametric EQ
  • Narrow ear cups
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Overall, JBL Live 660NC Wireless headphones are a stylish and comfortable choice for everyday use. Their minimalistic design features a lightweight, foldable headband and soft, cushioned earcups - that means you can wear them for an extended period of time.

And when it comes to noise cancellation, the JBL Live 660NC Wireless headphones don't disappoint either. Their Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) feature has been rated well for its ability to dampen ambient sounds. They also come with a companion app that includes a parametric EQ for sound customization.

Best Budget

Anker SoundCore Life Q20 Wireless Headphones

Value at its best.

If you're looking for budget-friendly headphones set that prioritize functionality and comfort, the Anker SoundCore Life Q20 Wireless headphones are a solid option with a simple, no-frills design.

Pros & Cons
  • Active noise cancellation
  • Good isolation
  • Comfortable fit
  • Limited customization
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However, despite being budget-friendly and having a less flashy appearance, Anker SoundCore Life Q20 Wireless headphones don't compromise on quality. The headphones provide good noise isolation.

And although they may not block out the low-end noises completely, their SoundCore Life Q20's ANC is effective against mid to high-frequency sounds. Plus, the headphones come with a basic pouch for light protection, which makes them easy to carry every day.

Best Battery

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones

Never run out of battery!

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are a blend of minimalist design and high-end functionality. Their 60-hour of playtime guarantees you never have to compromise on your headphone usage.

Pros & Cons
  • 60-hour battery
  • Better ANC
  • Excellent sound
  • Occasional connectivity issues
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These headphones boast powerful 42mm drivers that deliver a rich, detailed sound with deep bass and clear highs. They also feature advanced active noise cancellation technology that effectively blocks out ambient noise.

The Momentum 4 Wireless headphones support Bluetooth 5.2 for stable and reliable connectivity, to ensure a seamless listening experience. They also offer a convenient touch interface for effortless control over music playback, volume, and call management. Here are some more headphones to consider in our list of the best over-ear headphones!

Best for iOS

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones

Apple never disappoints.

The Apple Airpods Max Wireless headphones exude luxury and precision engineering. They feature a sturdy build with a stainless steel frame wrapped in a soft-touch material and come in a variety of colors.

Pros & Cons
  • Super comfortable
  • Excellent build
  • Balanced sound
  • Only 20-hour battery life
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The Apple AirPods Max Wireless headphones are a premium choice for Apple users. They boast best-in-class active noise cancelling and a spatial audio feature that creates a cinema-like experience.

The headphones have a transparency mode for when you need to hear your surroundings and support automatic switching between iOS devices. While they lack a 3.5mm headphone jack, they make up for it with exceptional build quality and sound performance.

FAQ

Are noise-cancelling he­adphones better than normal he­adphones?

For the best noise­ cancellation, noise-canceling he­adphones are the cle­ar winner. However, some­ high-end standard headphones can offe­r superior sound quality, especially for audiophile­s, and might be a better choice­ if noise cancellation isn't your top concern.

Which type of noise­ cancellation is best?

The two different types of noise cancellation technologies are passive and active. Passive­ noise cancellation relie­s on the physical design and materials of the­ headphones to block out sound, while active­ noise cancellation uses microphone­s and advanced algorithms to detect and counte­ract ambient noise. Gene­rally, active noise cancellation is more­ effective at e­liminating low-frequency sounds.

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