Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones 2025: Our Top Picks
After testing the latest wireless ANC headphones, we found clear winners for every use case. Whether you commute daily, work from home, or travel frequently, noise cancellation quality, sound signature, comfort, and battery life are the deciding factors.
- Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM5 (best ANC + balanced sound)
- Best for Comfort: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (softest ear cups, best call quality)
- Best for Apple Users: Apple AirPods Max (Transparency Mode + Apple ecosystem)
- Best Battery Life: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless (60-hour battery)
- Best Value: Bose QuietComfort 45 (class-leading ANC at lower price)
Specs Comparison
| Model | ANC | Battery | Driver | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Excellent | 30hrs | 30mm | 250g | ~$350 |
| Bose QC Ultra | Excellent | 24hrs | 35mm | 250g | ~$430 |
| Apple AirPods Max | Very Good | 20hrs | 40mm | 385g | ~$550 |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 | Very Good | 60hrs | 42mm | 293g | ~$330 |
| Bose QC 45 | Excellent | 24hrs | 35mm | 238g | ~$270 |
Detailed Reviews
Sony WH-1000XM5 — Best Overall ANC Headphones
The WH-1000XM5 uses 8 microphones and two processors (QN1 + 360 Reality Audio) to deliver the most effective ANC we've tested. The sound signature is warm and musical with powerful bass — great for pop, hip-hop, and EDM. Sony's Speak-to-Chat feature (pauses music when you talk) and 30-hour battery make it the best commuter headphone.
- Pros: Best ANC effectiveness, multipoint Bluetooth, foldable design, excellent app
- Cons: Slightly compressed soundstage, no audio jack when powered off, $350 price
Bose QuietComfort Ultra — Comfort King
Bose's flagship QC Ultra introduces Immersive Audio (spatial audio) alongside their industry-leading comfort. The ear cups are the softest in the category, making 4+ hour listening sessions painless. Call quality is exceptional thanks to 6-mic beamforming. The ANC matches Sony but the sound tuning is more neutral and detailed.
- Pros: Best-in-class comfort, excellent call quality, neutral sound, Immersive Audio
- Cons: Premium $430 price, shorter 24-hour battery, no multipoint until firmware update
Sennheiser Momentum 4 — 60-Hour Battery Champion
Sennheiser Momentum 4 stands out with its 60-hour battery — the best in class by a significant margin. The sound is detailed and revealing with Sennheiser's signature balanced tuning. ANC is effective, though not quite at Sony or Bose levels. Great for long-haul travel and full work weeks without charging.
- Pros: 60-hour battery, detailed Sennheiser sound, fold-flat design, $330 price
- Cons: ANC slightly behind Sony/Bose, ear cups less plush than QC Ultra
How to Choose
If ANC is your #1 priority: Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC Ultra
Both deliver the best noise cancellation available. Sony excels in commutes and mixed environments; Bose is better for long flights and office environments.
If you're in the Apple ecosystem: AirPods Max
The seamless switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac — plus best-in-class Transparency Mode — justifies the premium for Apple users despite the shorter battery life.
FAQ
Q: Do ANC headphones damage your hearing?
A: No — ANC reduces external noise so you can listen at lower volumes, which actually protects hearing compared to compensating for ambient noise without ANC.
Q: Can I use ANC headphones for calls?
A: Yes, and modern headphones like Bose QC Ultra and Sony XM5 have excellent call quality thanks to multi-mic beamforming. The QC Ultra is widely considered the best for calls.