The 6 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones - Fall 2024

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are the best noise cancelling headphones we've tested. These premium over-ears have outstanding noise isolation. They're outfitted with the manufacturer's CustomTune technology, meaning the headphones can adjust their sound and noise cancelling performance based on your hearing abilities and surroundings. As a result, their ANC system reduces a fantastic amount of ambient noise around you. This includes the low rumble of bus engines, office chit-chat, and the high-pitched whirl of PC fans. With their ANC on, they last 29 hours continuously. However, they don't support passive playback, and the headphones must be on if you want to use them wired via USB.

These over-ears have a bass-heavy sound that emphasizes thump, rumble, and boom in mixes by default. Their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets if you prefer a different sound. Since they support multi-device pairing, you can connect them with your PC and smartphone simultaneously. They even have aptX Adaptive, a Bluetooth codec that automatically adjusts to your content, either lowering latency to keep your audio and visuals in sync or raising audio quality.

If you're looking for similar over-ears at a slightly lower price point, it's worth checking out the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless. They perform very similarly to the Ultra and have a similarly powerful ANC performance. However, they aren't as well-built, lack Immersive Audio support, and stick to just SBC and AAC codecs.

Although the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless have been discontinued, you can still find these premium over-ears online via retailers like Amazon, and sometimes they go on sale for under $300. They're also worth considering as they deliver a high degree of noise isolation. Their ANC system does an outstanding job of blocking out the low rumble of bus engines, office chit-chat, and the hum of computer fans, making them a great choice for on-the-go use. They even block out more bass-range noise than our top pick, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless. With their ANC on, these headphones last over 37 hours continuously.

They're equipped with an auto-off timer to conserve battery life when not in use, or you can just use them over a wired connection if you don't want to worry about running out of juice. These over-ears have a bass-heavy default sound profile that delivers plenty of thump, rumble, and boom to mixes. But don't worry: if you find all that bass overwhelms vocals and lead instruments, you can customize their sound profile with a graphic EQ and presets in the companion app. Unfortunately, if you're looking to use these cans for calls, their mic makes your voice sound thin and muffled, and noise around you can drown out your voice.

If you want to spend less without sacrificing noise isolation, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless are our pick in the mid-range price category. Unlike the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless, these over-ears have an adaptive ANC system designed to detect your current environment and adjust its performance accordingly. This feature does a fantastic job of blocking out noise across the spectrum, meaning you can enjoy busy commutes and crowded cafes in peace. You can also switch to manual ANC via the companion app, which has five different levels if you want to customize the amount of ambient noise you hear, and you can use the ANC while connected via analog. That said, they have a high noise floor when ANC is on, which is noticeable.

Their V-shaped sound profile is a solid choice if you listen to a lot of rock and pop music, as they deliver extra thump and boom while higher-pitched instruments like cymbals are crisp. You can fine-tune their sound to suit your preferences using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. They last over 27 hours continuously and support multi-device pairing, meaning you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously. If you'd prefer a longer battery life, consider the Sony ULT WEAR Wireless, whose battery lasts over 40 hours on a single charge. Their ANC is comparable to the Anker, and their mic is a bit better, but they leak more audio and are more expensive. At their price point, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless remain a great noise cancelling pick.

The best budget-friendly ANC headphones we've tested are the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless. They aren't quite as sturdy as the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless; some users have even reported that their unit's headband or hinges cracked with regular use. However, their adjustable ANC feature delivers a comparable noise isolation experience. They can easily reduce commuter noise like the rumble of engines and ambient chatter. Unfortunately, Anker removed the ability to use the ANC while wired in later product batches, so if you purchase them, you'll likely get a pair of headphones that don't support this feature. That's a huge downside if you want to use them for in-flight entertainment, but it's less of an issue if you use them wirelessly in your day-to-day life. If you're interested in other great headphones to use while out and about, check out our recommendations for the best travel headphones.

These comfortable over-ears have over 44 hours of continuous battery life with their ANC on, which is great for long days on the go. They also support multi-device pairing, meaning you can simultaneously stay paired with two devices. They have an excited sound out of the box, delivering heaps of thump, punch, and warmth to your mixes while ensuring that vocals and instruments are bright and present. If that's not your favorite sound profile, you can adjust their sound using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets.

If you're on a tight budget, try the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless. This manufacturer dominates the low- to mid-range over-ear market, especially for ANC. These headphones are no exception, delivering a good overall noise isolation performance for a relatively low price. Although they're weaker than their successors when tackling the rumble of bus and plane engines, they do a better job cutting down office chit-chat and the hum of A/C fans. They don't have ANC presets, but they support ANC while wired, which is handy if you want to watch in-flight entertainment.

These headphones have a V-shaped sound profile that delivers intense bass to your audio, while keeping vocals and lead instruments sounding bright and sparkly. Unfortunately, that extra boom and punch muddies the rest of your mix, and unlike the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless, they lack sound customization features to help you adjust the sound to your preferences. While they have a comfortable fit and last over 32 hours continuously, their affordable price reflects their build quality. Their plasticky hinges feel hollow, making them the weakest point of their frame. Their carrying pouch also doesn't protect them from accidental impact or water damage.

To see other affordable picks, check out our noise cancelling headphones under $100 article.

Focal are known for their high-end audiophile headphones, which don't have noise cancelling. However, consider the more casual-listener-focused Focal Bathys Wireless if you care about audio quality and ANC. These headphones bridge the gap between audio enthusiast headphones and a casual, wireless design, offering the best of both worlds. The premium cans won't isolate you from noise quite as well as our top pick, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless, but they still deliver a very good overall performance. They also have a wired DAC mode, which can help deliver your favorite tunes at a higher bit rate than their default wireless mode. Using them via Bluetooth, you can use aptX Adaptive to stream Hi-Res audio with low latency.

These over-ears have a fairly flat sound profile that's versatile enough for most audio content. While vocals and instruments sound slightly veiled, you can customize their sound to your liking using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. Their comfortable fit means you can wear them for long periods without significant fatigue. Although they're not very lightweight, their weight is well-distributed, and with their ANC on, they last over 29 hours continuously. They're a great pick for audiophiles who still want a distraction-free listening experience while on the go.