Find the best ANC headphones for work, travel, gaming & music—without wasting money.
⭐ Introduction
Whether you’re commuting, studying, working remotely, or traveling by plane, a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can completely transform your audio experience. In 2025, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology has become more affordable, more powerful, and more comfortable than ever.
We reviewed dozens of models and narrowed down the Top 10 Noise-Cancelling Headphones that offer the best performance, comfort, battery life, and value—across all budgets.
🎧 Top 10 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones (2025)
1. Sony WH-1000XM5 — Best Overall
Price: Premium
Best For: Music lovers, travelers, office use
Key Features
- Industry-leading noise cancellation
- Up to 30 hours battery
- Excellent comfort
- Amazing sound quality (LDAC support)
Why It’s #1
The XM5 offers class-leading ANC and balanced, rich sound. Perfect for anyone who wants the best of the best.
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra — Best For Comfort
Price: Premium
Best For: Long flights, movies, comfort-sensitive users
Key Features
- World-class ANC
- Ultra-comfortable ear cushions
- Clear, detailed sound
- Great call quality
Why It’s Great
Bose still makes the most comfortable noise-cancelling headphones on the market.
3. Apple AirPods Max — Best for Apple Users
Price: Premium
Best For: iPhone, Mac, iPad ecosystem users
Key Features
- Exceptional spatial audio
- Elite ANC
- Premium aluminum build
- Instant Apple connectivity
Why It’s Great
Unmatched integration with iOS devices + beautiful soundstage.
4. Soundcore Space One — Best Budget ANC
Price: Affordable
Best For: Students, budget-conscious buyers
Key Features
- Strong ANC for the price
- Lightweight design
- 40–55 hour battery
- Custom EQ via app
Why It’s Great
For under $100 (often $79–$99), no other ANC headphone performs this well.
5. Sennheiser Momentum 4 — Best Battery Life
Price: Mid–high
Best For: Audiophiles, long trips
Key Features
- 60-hour battery
- Superb sound clarity
- Strong ANC
- Premium comfort
Why It’s Great
The best battery life among premium ANC headphones.
6. Sony WH-CH720N — Best Mid-Range Value
Price: Mid-range
Best For: Everyday users
Key Features
- Lightweight 192g body
- Solid ANC
- 35-hour battery
- Great sound for the price
Why It’s Great
The perfect mid-range Sony option—great balance of quality & price.
7. Beats Studio Pro — Best for Bass Lovers
Price: Mid–high
Best For: Hip-hop, EDM, and pop listeners
Key Features
- Punchy, deep bass
- Good ANC
- USB-C lossless audio
- Stylish design
Why It’s Great
Bass-heavy sound signature + modern features.
8. JBL Tour One M2 — Best for Balanced Sound
Price: Mid-range
Best For: Balanced audio, podcasts, calls
Key Features
- Adaptive ANC
- 50-hour battery
- Clear mid-tones
- Comfortable fit
Why It’s Great
Clean, neutral sound with effective ANC at a fair price.
9. Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 — Best for Professionals
Price: Premium
Best For: Musicians, editors, audiophiles
Key Features
- Studio-grade sound
- High-end ANC
- Premium build
- Supports advanced codecs
Why It’s Great
High-resolution audio and professional tuning make it ideal for critical listening.
10. Soundcore Life Q35 — Best Under $100
Price: Budget
Best For: Travelers, students
Key Features
- Hybrid ANC
- 40+ hour battery life
- Lightweight
- Hi-Res audio support
Why It’s Great
Great ANC performance at a low price—best for budget users who want comfort + clarity.
🏆 Category Winners
| Category | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Best ANC + sound + comfort |
| Best Budget | Soundcore Space One | Amazing value under $100 |
| Best for Apple Users | AirPods Max | Best for iPhone ecosystem |
| Most Comfortable | Bose QC Ultra | Perfect for long wear |
| Best Battery Life | Sennheiser Momentum 4 | Up to 60 hours |
| Best Mid-Range | Sony WH-CH720N | Great value |
| Best Bass | Beats Studio Pro | Strong low-end performance |
🔍 How We Picked the Top 10 ANC Headphones
We tested and compared based on:
✔ Noise Cancellation Strength
Performance in:
- Airplane cabin noise
- Office noise
- Traffic / outdoor noise
✔ Sound Quality
Bass, mids, treble clarity, and codec support.
✔ Battery Life
From 20 hours (low) to 60 hours (excellent).
✔ Comfort & Fit
Headband pressure, padding quality, weight.
✔ Microphone & Call Quality
Clarity during calls and online meetings.
✔ Price vs Performance
Is the product worth it? Not all expensive models are worth the premium.
🧳 Who Should Buy Noise-Cancelling Headphones?
✔ Students
Great for studying in noisy environments.
✔ Remote Workers
Blocks distractions for better productivity.
✔ Frequent Travelers
ANC makes flights, trains, and buses dramatically quieter.
✔ Music Lovers
Cleaner, deeper, more immersive listening.
⭐ Final Verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM5 remains the best overall noise-cancelling headphone in 2025. For premium comfort, choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
If you want great ANC at an affordable price, the Soundcore Space One is unbeatable.
Every headphone in this list is reliable, powerful, and a great value in its category.
