Top Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2025

Explore the top noise-canceling headphones of 2025, featuring options for every budget and need. From premium models to affordable picks, find your perfect pair!

The Rise of Noise-Canceling Headphones

In recent years, noise-canceling headphones have surged in popularity, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down as new models continue to hit the market. Initially, this technology was confined to expensive over-ear headphones, but it's now made its way into wireless in-ear models. Today, these compact and portable headphones offer a viable alternative for anyone needing noise-canceling technology.

Notably, noise cancellation is no longer exclusive to high-end flagship headphones; it has extended to more affordable options, allowing anyone to block out the outside world regardless of their budget. Of course, spending more usually equates to more advanced noise cancellation features, but there are plenty of options that deliver excellent performance at a lower price point.

Currently, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are considered the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. However, if you're searching for a more budget-friendly entry-level model, check out the Sony WF-C700N. They are small, comfortable, and offer impressive sound quality for their price.

Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2025: Quick List

• Best Overall Noise-Canceling Headphones: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. If noise cancellation is your priority, there are no better headphones than the QC Ultra Earbuds.
• Best Budget Noise-Canceling Earbuds: Earfun Air Pro. At this price point, you won't find better noise-canceling headphones than the Earfun Air Pro—they're truly a steal.
• Best Mid-Range Noise-Canceling Earbuds: Sony WF-C700N. These affordable earbuds combine comfort, effective noise cancellation, and incredible sound quality, making them versatile.
• Best Audiophile Noise-Canceling Earbuds: Bowers & Wilkins Pi8. The flagship Bowers & Wilkins earbuds with noise cancellation deliver outstanding sound quality that corresponds to their premium price, with effective noise cancellation to match.
• Best Noise-Canceling Headphones with Impressive Battery Life: Cambridge Audio Melomania M100. Worried about your battery dying? The M100 eases your mind with ten hours of playback on a single charge.
• Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds for Apple Users: Apple AirPods Pro 2. With improved noise cancellation and incredibly rich, immersive sound, these are the highest-quality AirPods available.

In-Depth Look at the Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2025

1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — Best Overall Noise-Canceling Headphones

Specifications:

• Bluetooth: AAC, SBC
• Battery Life: 6 hours (+18 hours with charging case)
• Wireless Charging: No
• Waterproof: Yes
• Finish: Black, White

Pros:

• Crisp, musical sound
• Solid, punchy bass
• Customizable, class-leading ANC

Cons:

• Impressive sound reduces battery life
• No multipoint Bluetooth, LDAC, or aptX HD
• No wireless charging

Bose has a well-established reputation for creating excellent wireless headphones, and the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are considered the best wireless headphones to date. The introduction of the Ultra Earbuds came as a delightful surprise, replacing the QC Earbuds II.

They provide a comfortable fit and a range of features, with ANC functioning exceptionally well. With Bluetooth 5.3 and the introduction of spatial audio technology, Bose is pushing boundaries further.

The noise-canceling capabilities on these buds are top-notch, with the Excellent Bose app allowing adjustment of the noise cancellation levels through customizable presets. The sound is well-balanced, neutral, and rich in detail, rivaling only the Sony WF-1000XM5 in this price range.

2. Earfun Air Pro — Best Budget Noise-Canceling Headphones

Specifications:

• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Bluetooth: AAC, SBC
• Battery Life: 7 hours (+18 hours with charging case)
• Wireless Charging: No
• Waterproof: Yes
• Finish: Black, White

Pros:

• Solid, precise bass
• Effective noise cancellation for the price
• Stylish design and finish

Cons:

• Sharp upper midrange
• Sony WF-C700N sound significantly better for a bit more money

Despite being priced so low, the EarFun Air Pro proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for effective noise cancellation and decent sound quality. With a robust feature set and impressive performance, these headphones are a must-try for budget-conscious buyers.

They stay securely in place and connect easily, featuring reliable controls and effective noise cancellation profiles. They provide seven hours of playback and 18 additional hours with the charging case. USB-C charging and user recognition features are a bonus.

3. Sony WF-C700N — Best Mid-Range Noise-Canceling Headphones

Specifications:

• Bluetooth: AAC, SBC
• Battery Life: 7.5 hours (+7.5 hours with charging case)
• Wireless Charging: No
• Waterproof: Yes
• Colors: White, Black, Sage Green, Lavender

Pros:

• Very comfortable fit for all-day wear
• Solid ANC for the money
• Detailed, dynamic, and musical sound

Cons:

• Charging case only adds one extra charge
• No support for aptX or LDAC Bluetooth

The WF-C700N offers fantastic sound quality, earning a five-star rating. Their impressive features and decent noise cancellation come at a fraction of the cost of some competitors. They were awarded "Product of the Year" in 2024 for good reason.

These earbuds are compact and lightweight, with a comfortable fit, even better than the more expensive Sony WF-1000XM5. While they lack the high-resolution audio support of some competitors, their sound quality remains impressive, with a balanced response across frequencies.

4. Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 — Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Audiophiles

Specifications:

• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Bluetooth: 5.4
• Battery Life: 6.5 hours (earbuds), 20 hours (case)
• Wireless Charging: Yes
• Waterproof: IP54

Pros:

• Sensational level of detail
• Natural, refined sound
• User-friendly
• Competitive ANC

Cons:

• Call quality could be better
• Lack of snug fit for some ear tips
• Occasional signal dropouts

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are a standout pair of noise-canceling headphones that impress with their outstanding sound quality and effective noise cancellation. They feel premium right out of the box, with a wireless charging case that enhances the user experience.

Their ability to extract detailed information and convey the texture of instruments and vocal emotions is unparalleled in this price category. While the ANC is effective, it may not offer the customization some may desire.

5. Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 — Best Noise-Canceling Headphones with Excellent Battery Life

Specifications:

• Bluetooth: AAC, SBC, aptX
• Battery Life: 10 hours (+52 hours from case)
• Wireless Charging: No
• Waterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Best-in-class battery life
• Clean, detailed, spacious sound
• Balanced presentation

Cons:

• Could use more energy and drive
• Competitors offer better dynamic contrast

If battery life is your concern, the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 won't disappoint. They last up to ten hours with noise cancellation on, and when paired with the charging case, the total battery life stretches to 52 hours.

These headphones are lightweight and comfortable, featuring five pairs of ear tips for optimal fit and seal. They also boast IPX4 protection, making them sweat-resistant and suitable for workouts.

6. Apple AirPods Pro 2 — Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Apple Users

Specifications:

• Bluetooth: AAC, SBC
• Battery Life: 6 hours (+24 hours with charging case)
• Wireless Charging: Yes

Pros:

• Clear, detailed, and powerful sound
• Impressive adaptive ANC
• Smooth and intuitive use with iOS devices

Cons:

• Many features limited to iOS devices
• Sony XM5 and Bose QC Ultra sound better

The AirPods Pro 2 are highly recommended for frequent iPhone and Apple users. They enhance the original model with better sound quality and noise cancellation. The adaptive noise cancellation adjusts based on your surroundings, providing a tailored listening experience.

The fit is excellent, and the new design feels less intrusive compared to traditional in-ear headphones. Apple has finally added volume controls to the earbuds, improving the user experience.

While Bose Ultra headphones remain the best, the Apple noise cancellation works exceptionally well, making them a top choice for Apple users.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is the best noise-canceling technology? Active noise cancellation (ANC) is considered the best technology for effectively blocking out external sounds.
• How long do noise-canceling headphones typically last? Most models offer between 6 to 10 hours of battery life, depending on the usage and features like ANC.
• Can I use noise-canceling headphones while exercising? Yes, many models are designed to be sweat-resistant and suitable for workouts.
• Do all noise-canceling headphones block out noise equally? No, performance can vary significantly among models, even those rated five stars.
• Are noise-canceling headphones safe for my ears? They are generally safe, but it's important to keep the volume at a safe level to protect your hearing.

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