Looking for a truly quiet listening experience? Whether you’re traveling, working, or just trying to focus, noise-cancelling headphones can make a big difference.
More and more, people are reading customer reviews before purchasing noise-cancelling headphones to ensure they’re getting the right balance of comfort, sound quality, and effective noise isolation.
Based on expert testing and real user feedback, here are the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Consumer Reports 2025 – ranked by performance, comfort, features, and overall value.
Top 7 Noise Cancelling Headphones for 2025
Below is the list of top 10 Noise Cancelling Headphones that you can have a look at and buy. Check one by one carefully before purchasing.
*Note: Score is based on our AI score (Editor’s choice and rating)
Comparison Table – Best Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025
| Product | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Audiophiles, frequent travelers | Excellent ANC, rich sound, foldable, 30h battery | No aptX, premium price |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Long sessions, commuters | Top comfort, strong ANC, foldable, balanced audio | Expensive, no USB-C audio |
| Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | Apple ecosystem users | Spatial audio, seamless pairing, premium build | Heavy, expensive, no Bluetooth lossless |
| Beats Studio Pro | Bass lovers, multi-device users | Strong bass, USB-C audio, sleek design | No aptX, no transparency mode |
| Sony WH-CH720N | Budget users, daily listening | Affordable, solid ANC, long battery | No fold design, no carrying case |
| Bose QuietComfort 45 | Comfort-focused users | Lightweight, reliable ANC, long battery life | No EQ customization, older design |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless | Audiophiles, long battery needs | Hi-fi sound, 60h battery, sleek look | ANC weaker than rivals, touch controls tricky |
1. Sony WH-1000XM6 – Best Overall Noise Cancelling Headphones
Best For: Audiophiles, frequent travelers
Pros:
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Industry-leading noise cancellation
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Rich, immersive sound with LDAC support
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Foldable and travel-friendly design
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Long battery life (up to 30 hours)
Cons:
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No aptX support
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Premium price
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra – Most Comfortable Pick
Best For: Long listening sessions, daily commuters
Pros:
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Superb comfort with plush ear cups
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Top-tier noise cancellation
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Balanced sound profile
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Foldable design for portability
Cons:
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Expensive
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No USB-C audio support
3. Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) – Best for Apple Users
Best For: iPhone, Mac, and iPad users
Pros:
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Excellent sound quality and spatial audio
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Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
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Premium build and materials
Cons:
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Heavier than most
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High price point
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No lossless audio over Bluetooth
4. Beats Studio Pro – Best for Bass Lovers
Best For: Multi-platform users, bass enthusiasts
Pros:
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Strong bass response
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USB-C wired lossless audio
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Good noise cancelling and sleek design
Cons:
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No aptX codec support
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Lacks transparency mode
5. Sony WH-CH720N – Best Budget Noise Cancelling Headphones
Best For: Budget-conscious users, everyday use
Pros:
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Affordable price
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Solid ANC performance
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Up to 35 hours battery life
Cons:
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Plastic build
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Doesn’t fold for storage
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No carrying case included
6. Bose QuietComfort 45 – Great Balance of Comfort & Simplicity
Best For: Users who want comfort with minimal setup
Pros:
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Lightweight and extremely comfortable
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Reliable noise cancelling
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Long battery life (24+ hours)
Cons:
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Lacks customizable EQ
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Slightly outdated design
7. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless – Best Battery Life
Best For: Audiophiles who want long battery life
Pros:
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Crystal-clear, high-fidelity sound
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Class-leading 60-hour battery life
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Modern and minimalist design
Cons:
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ANC slightly behind Sony/Bose
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Touch controls can be finicky
How to Choose the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones?
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Comfort: Look for plush ear cups and adjustable headbands
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Battery Life: Important for travel and work
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Codec Support: LDAC, AAC, aptX improve wireless audio quality
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Noise Cancelling: Active vs. passive—choose what fits your environment
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Integration: Apple users benefit from AirPods Max, Android may prefer Sony
Final Verdict
For the best all-around experience, the Sony WH-1000XM6 leads the way. If comfort is your top priority, go for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. Apple fans will love the seamless experience of the AirPods Max, while those on a budget can rely on the Sony WH-CH720N.
No matter your needs or budget, these 7 top picks offer powerful noise cancellation and excellent sound tailored for 2025.
FAQ
Can active noise cancelling damage hearing?
No, active noise cancelling does not damage hearing. It works by creating an anti-noise signal that cancels out certain frequencies of ambient noise, making the sound quieter and more pleasant to listen to. Furthermore, noise cancelling headphones also have volume control settings that allow you to adjust the audio level to a safe level for your ears.
What is the difference between active and passive noise cancelling?
Active noise cancelling headphones use advanced technology to actively create an anti-noise signal that cancels out certain frequency ranges of ambient noises. Passive noise cancelling, on the other hand, works by blocking out background noise more physically with soundproof materials such as memory foam padding and tight-fitting ear cups.
Does noise cancelling headphones work with all devices?
Noise cancelling headphones are compatible with most devices that have a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets and even some gaming consoles. However, it is important to check the specifications of your device to make sure that it is compatible with noise cancelling headphones.
Do noise cancelling headphones require batteries?
Some noise cancelling headphones do require batteries, while others are powered by a USB cable or an included AC adapter. Make sure to check the instruction manual of your headphone model before using it to find out if it requires batteries or other power sources.
I’m Georgie Barton, a reviewer for various magazines . I’ve been testing and writing about household products and electronics for years, and have become quite the authority on the subject. My goal is to help people make informed decisions when purchasing these items, so they can get the most value for their money.
My hope is that through my work, everyone will be able to find a quality and satisfactory product. Thank you for reading!