Table of Contents
- View the 15 Best Noise Canceling Headphones Below
- QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones II with Bose AR
- Sony Noise Canceling Headphones WH-CH700N
- Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones for Apple
- Cowin E7 PRO Active Noise Canceling Headphones (Upgraded)
- iTeknic Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Cowin E7 Active Noise Canceling Headphones
- Mpow H16 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH1000XM3
- Mpow H12 Noise Cancelling Headphones Bluetooth
- LETSCOM Bluetooth Headphones
- TaoTronics Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Wireless Earbuds Active Noise Cancelling
- Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Sony MDRZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Noise Cancelling Headphones: Buyer’s Guide
- Conclusion
Users are raving about the benefits of noise canceling headphones and how amazing they are at enabling you to listen to your favorite music clearly and without any distractions.
Noise canceling headphones are perfect for anyone who wants a great listening experience, without unwanted background sounds.
But the range of products, price points, and features may have you feeling confused and not know where to begin.
Luckily, we did the legwork, reviewing dozens of the top-selling noise canceling headphones and have determined that these are the 15 best noise canceling headphones currently available on the market.
OUR #1 OVERALL BEST PICK
QuietComfort Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones
BEST VALUE
Sony Noise Canceling Headphones WH-CH700N
When investing in a noise canceling headphone, make sure you’re choosing a brand and model that’s backed by a solid manufacturer. Don’t just assume any set of headphones will protect your hearing or that they all block noise well.
The choices below are based on thorough research into real performance and verified reviews, plus manufacturer’s studies and claims.
Without further ado, here are our top choices for the best noise canceling headphones and earbuds.
View the 15 Best Noise Canceling Headphones Below
#1
QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones II with Bose AR
As a global sound guru, Bose is leading the way once again with this great noise cancelling headphone set.
While customers love its practical features, we can’t help but mention the AR capability right off the bat. That’s right: this headphone set has what Bose says is the world’s first audio-only augmented reality (AR) feature. (So far it’s only available for connection with an iPhone or iPad. Make sure your device is compatible.)
The rest of the headset’s capabilities are impressive, too. You get hands-free help from Alexa, three levels of superior noise cancellation, and a noise-rejecting dual-microphone system to keep conversations clear.
Pair these do-it-all noise canceling headphones with Bluetooth via the Bose Connect app.
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Our Rating
#2
Sony Noise Canceling Headphones WH-CH700N
Wow – this headset has everything customers want at a price that’s surprising.
The company utilizes what it calls next-gen AI technology to deliver a full-bodied, distraction-free experience. Background noise is blocked without sacrificing music quality.
The built-in microphone allows hands-free calling via the set’s voice assistant. Use the Sony Headphones Connect app to totally customize your sound with audio presets and other features.
The headphones have up to 35 hours of battery life. You’ll be recharging less often, which customers say is a definite plus.
When not in use, the headphones fold for easy storage. All of this comes at a very affordable price, earning it top honors in our 15 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones list.
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#3
Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones for Apple
Here’s another nifty little device from Bose. The set is compatible with iPhones and iPads and iTouch. (Check for version compatibility.)
What’s great about these headphones is that they deliver amazingly deep, rich sound but are lightweight. Customers say they’re superior when it comes to comfort plus noise cancellation. Wear during your commute, while studying or all day long for great sound.
Control is a breeze with the inline mic and remote. Easily switch between calls and music. Both will be rich and clear, according to verified reviews.
The ear cups are soft and form-fitting. Fold the set and take along in the enclosed carry case while traveling.
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#4
Cowin E7 PRO Active Noise Canceling Headphones (Upgraded)
Customers already liked the Cowin. Now the upgraded model is earning rave reviews, too.
This cool headset has extra-large 45mm aperture drivers for full-bodied sound. Music and conversations are crisp, clear and natural, according to verified reviews.
The ear cushions have also received an upgrade with extra-soft cushioning and 90 degrees of swivel.
The built-in microphone has NFC pairing with Bluetooth-enabled devices. Verified users say this allows for quick, stable connectivity.
Battery life is better than ever, too. The new EZ-7 Pro delivers 30 reliable minutes of music without powering down.
This cool model is fashion-forward in seven color choices to fit your style.
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#5
iTeknic Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
This affordable option from iTeknic doesn’t skimp on features. iTeknic has boosted the performance of these noise cancelling headphones. The response from verified customers has been overwhelmingly positive.
The new Hyper Speed charger delivers 30 hours of listening time with just 5 minutes of charging time. That’s phenomenal, especially for on-the-go commuters or students.
The model has connectivity to Bluetooth-enabled devices. Music is crisp and clear without annoying background noise. The 40mm aperture delivers a combination of tones for a realistic listening experience.
The comfortable ear cups rotate and fold so you can take them along wherever you go. The cups offer extra comfort for all-day wear.
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#6
Cowin E7 Active Noise Canceling Headphones
Here’s another great choice from Cowin. These headphones come at an easy price point and offer a range of features customers appreciate.
The headset uses Cowin’s Noise Cancelling technology that works in both wire and wireless modes. Traffic, airplane cabin noise and busy office sounds are kept out so you can hear your music clearly.
Using proprietary 40mm aperture drivers, the E7 delivers a deep bass response for full-bodied music, movies or conversations. Make hands-free calls via NFC pairing with your Bluetooth-enabled device.
The ear cups are exceptionally comfortable for extended wear. Customers say they have a skin-like texture that’s non-irritating. Users also appreciate the 30 hours of sound from one charge.
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#7
Mpow H16 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
For its low cost, the Mpow H16 is one heck of a performer. The company backs this assertion with a 45-day money-back guarantee so customers can purchase with confidence. This headset blocks traffic sounds and airplane cabin noise while letting the human voice in.
Verified reviewers say the H16 really does the job while feeling comfortable on the ears. The headset is ultra-flexible and adjustable. The protein-filled ear cups allow for extended wear, according to customers.
Bluetooth connects in just seconds from more than 30 feet away. The battery life is an impressive 30 hours per full charge.
The headphones are bendable for storage or travel.
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#8
Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
This fantastic headset shuts out 85% of unwanted ambient noise while delivering stereo-quality sound. Bluetooth connectivity allows wireless performance. (The headphones can also be plugged in, but Bluetooth won’t be enabled in that mode.)
The ear cups are ergonomically designed. They’re incredibly soft and cover the ear for natural sound, according to verified customers.
These headphones have a clean, tech-forward look. Turn Noise Cancellation on or off depending upon your needs.
You’ll get 13 hours of sound after a full charge, or you can plug the headset in for backup. When traveling, put the headset into the enclosed storage case and go.
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#9
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH1000XM3
Sony does it again with this sleek-looking noise cancelling headset. Pair it with your smartphone or tablet. Customers say they get amazing sound quality without unwanted background noise.
The ease of use of the WH1000XM3 is unparalleled. Start your music, skip tracks and more without touching the device. You can even voice-control it while it’s in your pocket, according to the specs.
The Li-ion battery is rechargeable for 35 hours of sound with a 10-minute charge. Per verified reviewers, that’s one of the best features of this headset.
The device uses one-push Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancellation. Background noise is analyzed and automatically adjusted.
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#10
Mpow H12 Noise Cancelling Headphones Bluetooth
Wow –– this handy headset delivers 40 hours of listening time with one full charge. (It also plugs in for backup when the battery is low.)
The manufacturer states that the Series II cancels unwanted background noise by 25 dBs. Make hassle-free calls with clear, crisp sound quality and no distractions. Bluetooth stability means your call won’t be dropped, according to verified users.
This headset is very wearable. The ear cushions have been upgraded for superior comfort. They completely cover the ear for full sound while listening to music or taking phone calls.
The headphones are extremely durable and fold up to take along on your commute.
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#11
LETSCOM Bluetooth Headphones
Let conversation in while keeping unwanted noise out. This headset reduces city traffic and airplane cabin noise by up to 85%. You’ll hear clear, full-bodied music without distractions, according to verified customer reviews.
This model delivers hi-fi stereo sound with crisp tones and full bass. Charge it for two hours and get 25 hours of sound. That’s incredibly convenient for people who are on the go.
This headset looks solid, but it’s lightweight and comfortable, customers say. The ear cups mold comfortably over the ears and swivel 90 degrees for just the right fit.
The price point is fantastic, and you get the added confidence of a 30-day money back guarantee plus 12 months replacement warranty.
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#12
TaoTronics Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
For music lovers who like a trim look and feel, these earbuds are the perfect solution. They’re small, but they block unwanted noise exceptionally well, according to verified reviews. That’s the best of both worlds.
The wearer can switch to Increase Awareness and Monitoring mode to hear airplane or subway announcements. Simply press a button to enable this handy feature.
This set has an active noise cancellation slider, inline volume controls and a noise-canceling microphone to clearly hear phone conversation. The manufacturer notes that this is possible via MEMS (micro electrical mechanical system) technology.
Charge for just one hour and get 15 hours of listening/phone time.
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#13
Wireless Earbuds Active Noise Cancelling
These were one of the smallest earbud-style noise cancelling headphones we found. Customers are impressed with this affordable, high-performance headset.
These earbuds are getting the thumbs-up from thousands of happy customers. They include Bluetooth connectivity for easy pairing with your smartphone or tablet. Set these up with two devices at a time so you never miss a phone call.
This model is billed as a sports-friendly device. It lives up to those claims: it’s sweatproof and doesn’t get in the way of activity, according to verified users.
Your purchase includes a 12-month worry-free warranty and fast-response customer service if you have questions.
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#14
Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
These headphones include special technology to enhance the bass. Verified reviewers say the result is full-bodied, realistic sound when listening to music.
At the same time, they cancel out low– to mid-range ambient noise. This means a better listening experience on the subway, in airplane cabins or anywhere things might get loud.
The leather ear cups cushion the ears and head so you can wear them comfortably for longer periods. They fit completely over the ear and are adjustable for a great fit.
Meidong says the sound technology is proprietary. However, the company describes the effect as “(a) thumping bass, prominent mids and sparkling highs.” The result is a relaxing, distraction-free listening experience, according to verified users.
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#15
Sony MDRZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones
Don’t be fooled: this budget set really performs. The headset features a 12-22,000 Hz frequency response. This means high quality sound in all ranges, from bass to mid-range to treble.
Sony verifies that the MDRZX100NC reduces 95% of unwanted ambient noise. The company states that the noise cancelling function works best in low-frequency ranges.
While they’re sturdy and durable, these headphones are remarkably lightweight. They’re mid-sized, with a 30mm Neodynium driver. Customers say they’re comfortable on virtually any size head and cover the ears completely.
Perhaps most impressive is the fact that this model delivers 80 hours of listening time with just one full charge. You’ll be recharging much less frequently, which is a plus.
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Noise Cancelling Headphones: Buyer’s Guide
Ready to make a purchase, but you’re still not sure what your needs are? Here are the basics to keep in mind.
Noise Canceling Headphones if You’re Hearing Impaired
If you’re hearing-impaired and looking for headphones, noise cancelling headphones are ideal for shutting out distracting, background noise.
If this is your concern, make sure you choose a model that allows you to switch to an attentive or similar mode. This mode brings more sound in temporarily so you don’t miss subway announcements, airline announcements or close voices.
Noise cancelling headphones can also help protect you from further ear damage by minimizing high-decibel sounds.
Noise Canceling Headphones if You’re Non-Hearing Impaired
Make no mistake: while noise cancelling headphones are fantastic for the hearing impaired, they’re used by everyone nowadays. Noise cancelling headphones protect your ear health now and for the future, since you won't feel the need to crank up the volume, in order to hear over everything that's going on outside!
The Size of the Noise Canceling Headphones
During our research, we noted that customers were very particular about the size of the ear cups. In general, a larger size will work for most people provided the headband is adjustable.
If you’d rather not be encumbered by a headband, go much smaller instead. With current technology, there is now such a thing as noise cancelling earbuds. They’re particularly great if you’re active.
If you’re going with noise cancelling earbuds, choose a model that fits comfortably in your ear canal without slipping.
The Degree of Noise Cancellation
If the manufacturer states a certain amount of noise cancellation (85% or 95%, for example), make sure these are backed claims. It can be difficult to determine the actual degree of noise cancellation. Most suppliers won’t state a percentage unless actual studies have been done.
In addition, the percentage may be a comparison either to other headphones or to not wearing headphones at all. If you have very specific noise cancellation needs, double-check how much you will and won’t be able to hear with the headphones on.
Recharge Time and Total Charged Time
This is true of any electronic device, and it’s especially notable with noise cancelling headphones: you’ll tend to run out of charge just when you need it most. Make sure you’re buying a device that recharges quickly and delivers a long play time.
Most over-the-ears headsets will deliver 15-30 hours of listening time. Earbuds may charge for a shorter period of time. A few deliver music to your ears for 35, 40 or even (yes, really) 80 hours. We’ve pointed out some of the longest-lasting charge options above.
Your Phone or Tablet Device
Make sure you’re choosing headphones that are compatible with your phone. Nearly all the headsets we found were compatible with iPhone/Apple. More and more are android-compatible, too.
Some options can work without Bluetooth via plugin, but you won’t have the hands-free capability that way. Again, this choice will depend upon your needs.
How Much Do Noise Cancelling Headphones Cost?
You’ll find a fairly large price range when it comes to noise cancelling headphones. Earbuds are often, but not always, a bit less pricey.
Be careful of overspending if you’ve never used noise cancelling headphones, but do make sure you’re not sacrificing quality to save a dollar or two. The difference between a high-quality and cut-corners model can be pretty surprising.
Make sure you purchase a model that offers a money–back guarantee in case the headphones don’t perform the way you’re expecting them to.
Conclusion
Noise cancelling headphones aren’t just a trend. They’re a step up in comfort and convenience plus ear health. People like them because they cancel out noises that can be harmful and distracting, but still allow them to hear what they want to hear: great music, important phone calls and more.
Your ear health is important. So is your satisfaction. Choosing the best noise cancelling headphones can make a huge difference.
We’ve gotten you started with the choices above. Be sure to read customer reviews and focus on your own needs so you can have your best possible listening experience.