Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2024

What are Noise-Canceling Headphones and Why Do You Need Them?

Noise-canceling headphones have become a staple for those looking to enjoy immersive sound quality and uninterrupted listening experiences.

These headphones use advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds, allowing you to focus on your music, podcast, or call without distractions.

If you frequently travel, work in noisy environments, or simply desire a quieter listening experience, noise-canceling headphones might be a worthwhile investment for you.

How Do Noise-Canceling Headphones Work?

The technology behind noise-canceling headphones involves microphones that pick up external noise and then create sound waves that are the exact opposite.

This process, known as destructive interference, effectively cancels out the ambient noise, making your audio content clearer and more enjoyable.

There are two types of noise-canceling: passive and active. While passive noise-canceling uses the physical design of the headphones to block out noise, active noise-canceling (ANC) utilizes technology to cancel out sound waves actively.

Key Considerations When Choosing Noise-Canceling Headphones

Before diving into specific models, it’s important to consider your needs and preferences.

Comfort and fit are crucial. Look for headphones that offer adjustable headbands and cushioned ear cups.

Battery life is another critical factor. Active noise-canceling can drain batteries quickly, so opt for models known for longer battery life.

Audio quality should not be overlooked. Ensure the headphones you choose provide a balanced sound profile that suits your tastes.

Lastly, consider additional features like Bluetooth connectivity, touch controls, and built-in microphones for easy call management.

Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones offer top-tier noise-canceling capabilities, making them a favorite among constant travelers and audiophiles.

These headphones feature Adaptive Sound Control, which adjusts the ambient sound settings based on your activity and location.

With up to 30 hours of battery life and quick charging capabilities, you can enjoy your music for extended periods without interruptions.

Many users appreciate the excellent sound quality, featuring deep bass and clear highs, thanks to Sony’s custom audio processors.

These headphones also come with touch controls and can be integrated with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free use.

Pros

• Top-notch noise-canceling technology
• Extended battery life with quick charging
• Exceptional sound quality
• Comfortable and ergonomic design

Cons

• Premium price tag
• Touch controls can be sensitive

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are known for their superior build quality and advanced noise-canceling features.

With 11 levels of noise-canceling, you can customize your listening experience to fit different environments and needs.

These headphones also offer excellent call quality, making them ideal for frequent conference calls or online meetings.

Bose 700 headphones have a sleek and modern design, featuring a stainless steel headband and comfortable ear pads.

Users often praise these headphones for their balanced audio performance and triple microphone system, which ensures your voice is clear during calls.

Pros

• Adjustable noise-canceling levels
• High-quality build and design
• Exceptional call quality
• Comfortable for long-term use

Cons

• Shorter battery life compared to competitors
• Higher price point

Apple AirPods Max

Apple’s AirPods Max bring luxury and top-tier audio performance to the noise-canceling headphone market.

These headphones feature Apple’s H1 chip, offering seamless integration with Apple devices and excellent sound quality.

With up to 20 hours of listening time and active noise cancellation, the AirPods Max are a reliable companion for long flights and commutes.

Their unique design combines stainless steel and anodized aluminum, providing both durability and style.

Users often highlight the spatial audio feature, which offers a theater-like sound experience that adapts based on your movement.

Pros

• Exceptional build quality and design
• Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
• Balanced and immersive sound profile
• Effective noise cancellation

Cons

• Heavier than other models
• High price tag

Jabra Elite 85h

Jabra Elite 85h headphones provide exceptional noise-canceling capabilities, making them a great addition to your tech arsenal.

These headphones boast Smart Active Noise Cancellation that adjusts to your environment, ensuring optimal noise reduction.

With up to 36 hours of battery life on a single charge, the Elite 85h offers an outstanding listening experience without frequent recharging.

Users appreciate the intuitive control buttons that allow easy switching between calls, music, and voice assistants.

The headphones are also rain and water-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use, whether you’re commuting or enjoying a day out.

Pros

• Excellent battery life
• Smart Active Noise Cancellation
• Water-resistant design
• Comfortable for extended wear

Cons

• Sound signature might not suit all audiophiles
• Bulkier design compared to competitors

Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless

The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless headphones offer a blend of luxury and advanced audio technology.

With Active Noise Cancellation and Transparent Hearing features, these headphones allow you to control how much ambient noise you let in.

The Momentum 3 Wireless boasts a 17-hour battery life, ensuring dependable performance for daily use.

Users often highlight the retro-inspired design, which features genuine leather and stainless steel components for a high-end aesthetic.

Audio enthusiasts love the detailed sound profile, with deep bass and clear mids and highs, making these headphones a favorite among audiophiles.

Pros

• High-quality materials and design
• Detailed and well-balanced sound
• Customizable noise cancellation
• Comfortable fit

Cons

• Moderate battery life compared to competitors
• Higher price range

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2

Microsoft’s Surface Headphones 2 shine with their versatile features and comprehensive noise-canceling capabilities.

With 13 levels of adjustable noise cancellation, you can find the perfect balance for any environment.

These headphones deliver up to 20 hours of battery life and support fast charging, giving you ample usage time with little downtime.

Users appreciate the intuitive touch controls on the ear cups, which make it easy to adjust volume, skip tracks, and handle calls.

The Surface Headphones 2 also feature remarkable integration with Microsoft 365 products, making them an excellent choice for productivity.

Pros

• Adjustable noise cancellation
• Intuitive touch controls
• Good battery life with fast charging
• Excellent integration with Microsoft 365

Cons

• Limited color options
• May not provide the same sound quality as audio-specific brands

AKG N700NC M2

The AKG N700NC M2 headphones are well-regarded for their top-tier noise-canceling performance and audio quality.

With adaptive noise canceling, these headphones automatically adjust to your surroundings for an optimal listening experience.

The N700NC M2 offers up to 23 hours of battery life, ensuring you can go through your day without worrying about constant recharging.

Users appreciate the foldable design, making these headphones easy to store and travel-friendly.

These headphones boast a sound profile that emphasizes clear highs and deep bass, making them a great choice for a variety of music genres.

Pros

• Adaptive noise canceling
• Good battery life
• Foldable and portable design
• Rich sound profile

Cons

• Touch controls can be finicky
• Heavier weight can affect comfort

Shure AONIC 50

The Shure AONIC 50 headphones are designed for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality without compromising on noise-canceling capabilities.

With adjustable noise cancellation options, you get to control how much of the outside world you let in.

These headphones offer up to 20 hours of battery life, providing enough power for long listening sessions or flights.

Users frequently commend the AONIC 50 for its sturdy build and sleek design, making them both durable and stylish.

The sound quality is exceptional, offering a balanced profile that ensures clarity, detail, and depth across all genres of music.

Pros

• Best-in-class sound quality
• Durable and stylish design
• Comfortable for long wear periods
• Customizable noise cancellation

Cons

• Premium pricing
• Limited touch controls

Bang and Olufsen Beoplay H95

Bang and Olufsen’s Beoplay H95 headphones offer luxury combined with exceptional audio performance.

Their Active Noise Cancellation adapts to your surroundings, ensuring an immersive and distraction-free listening experience.

With a remarkable 38-hour battery life, the Beoplay H95 can easily handle long trips and busy days without requiring frequent charges.

Users often highlight the premium materials used in their design, including lambskin leather and aluminum, providing both comfort and durability.

The sound quality is superb, offering rich mids, deep bass, and clear highs, making any type of audio a pleasure to listen to.

Pros

• Exceptional battery life
• High-quality materials and build
• Luxury design and comfort
• Outstanding sound performance

Cons

• Very high price point
• Limited color options

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT headphones are a great choice for those who want excellent noise cancellation and high-fidelity sound.

The QuietPoint active noise-canceling technology ensures that ambient noise is kept to a minimum, allowing you to focus on your music or calls.

These headphones offer up to 35 hours of battery life on a single charge, making them perfect for long-term use without frequent recharging.

Users appreciate the touch and swipe controls on the earcups, making it easy to manage music playback and calls.

The sound profile is finely tuned, providing a natural and immersive listening experience that caters to all types of audio.

Pros

• Effective noise cancellation
• Long battery life
• Easy-to-use touch controls
• Natural and immersive sound

Cons

• Design may feel basic to some users
• Touch controls can be sensitive

Sony WH-1000XM5

Building on the success of its predecessors, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is set to offer even more advanced noise-canceling technology and superior sound quality.

These headphones come with a new 40mm driver unit designed to enhance the mid-low frequency range, delivering richer and more detailed sound.

Featuring Adaptive Sound Control, the WH-1000XM5 can adjust its noise-canceling settings based on your current activity and surroundings.

With an impressive 30-hour battery life and quick charging capabilities, you can enjoy long hours of uninterrupted listening.

Users have praised Sony’s user-friendly touch controls and seamless integration with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa.

Pros

• Advanced noise-canceling technology
• High-quality sound with enhanced mid-low frequencies
• Long battery life with quick charging
• Comfortable and ergonomic design

Cons

• High price point
• Touch controls can be overly sensitive

Anker Soundcore Life Q35

The Anker Soundcore Life Q35 headphones offer remarkable noise-canceling capabilities at a more budget-friendly price point.

These headphones feature Multi-Mode ANC, allowing you to switch between Transport, Outdoor, and Indoor modes for optimal noise cancellation.

The Life Q35 provides up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC on, ensuring you can go days without needing a recharge.

Users appreciate the memory foam ear cups and adjustable headband, making these headphones comfortable for extended wear.

Sound quality is also a highlight, with deep bass and clear mids and highs that appeal to various music genres.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Multi-Mode ANC for different environments
• Long battery life
• Comfortable fit

Cons

• Build quality may not be as premium
• Sound profile may not satisfy audiophiles

Philips PH805

The Philips PH805 headphones offer a great mix of affordability, sound quality, and noise cancellation, making them an excellent choice for those on a budget.

These headphones feature a closed-back design and Noise Canceling Pro technology, which reduces ambient sounds effectively.

With up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, the PH805 provides reliable and long-lasting performance.

Users appreciate the foldable design and lightweight build, making these headphones easy to carry and store.

Sound-wise, the PH805 delivers a balanced audio profile with rich mids and deep bass that enhance your listening experience.

Pros

• Affordable price point
• Effective noise cancellation
• Long battery life
• Foldable and portable design

Cons

• Build quality may feel basic
• Sound profile may not suit all music genres

Google Pixel Buds Pro

Google Pixel Buds Pro is a great choice for those looking for a more compact and portable option with strong noise-canceling capabilities.

These wireless earbuds feature Active Noise Cancellation powered by custom 11mm speaker drivers for superior sound quality.

With up to 11 hours of battery life or up to 31 hours with the charging case, the Pixel Buds Pro offers long-lasting performance.

Users appreciate the integration with Google Assistant, allowing for hands-free control and seamless connectivity with other Google devices.

The earbuds are also water-resistant, making them ideal for workouts and outdoor use.

Pros

• Compact and portable design
• Effective noise cancellation
• Long battery life with charging case
• Integration with Google Assistant

Cons

• May not fit all ear shapes comfortably
• Limited sound customization options

Sony WF-1000XM4

The Sony WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds are an excellent choice for those who want premium sound and noise-canceling technology in a compact form factor.

These earbuds feature Sony’s Integrated Processor V1, providing high-quality noise cancellation and superior audio performance.

With up to 8 hours of battery life and up to 24 hours with the charging case, the WF-1000XM4 offers ample listening time.

Users appreciate the IPX4 water resistance, making these earbuds suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.

The sound quality is exceptional, with a balanced profile that delivers rich bass, clear mids, and detailed highs.

Pros

• Premium noise cancellation
• High-quality audio performance
• Long battery life with charging case
• Water-resistant design

Cons

• Expensive price point
• May not fit all ear shapes comfortably

Understanding Cost and Quality

When it comes to choosing the right noise-canceling headphones, price and quality are critical factors to consider.

High-end models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 often come with advanced features and superior sound quality.

However, budget-friendly options like the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 still provide excellent performance without breaking the bank.

It’s essential to balance your budget with your needs, such as battery life, sound quality, and additional features.

Don’t forget to check reviews and ratings to ensure you’re making an informed decision.

For more tips on getting the most out of your technology without spending a fortune, you might want to explore economical solutions for car breakdowns.a>

Durability and Longevity

When investing in a high-quality pair of noise-canceling headphones, you want them to last.

Durability is especially important if you plan to use your headphones daily or during commutes and travel.

Look for designs that use robust materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and high-quality plastics.

Headphones from brands like Sennheiser and Bang and Olufsen are often praised for their durable build and long-lasting performance.

Additionally, consider the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer, as this can save you money in the long run.

To keep your headphones in great shape, it can be helpful to store them in a hard case and clean them regularly.

You may even find more long-term value in a pair of sturdy noise-canceling headphones than in a cheap pair that needs frequent replacement.

Wireless vs. Wired

One of the significant decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go wireless or stick with wired headphones.

Wireless headphones offer more convenience and freedom of movement, which is especially useful for active lifestyles and commutes.

Brands like Apple and Sony offer top-notch wireless options that combine excellent sound quality with the ease of Bluetooth connectivity.

However, wired headphones often provide better sound quality and don’t require regular charging.

Wired headphones can be perfect for audiophiles or those who primarily use their headphones at a desk or at home.

Ultimately, the choice between wireless and wired depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing the best noise-canceling headphones can be a challenging task due to the number of options available on the market.

By considering factors like comfort, battery life, sound quality, and additional features, you can narrow down your choices.

Check online reviews and user feedback to get a comprehensive view of each model’s performance and reliability.

Once you’ve identified the models that meet your criteria, think about your specific needs and usage scenarios.

For instance, if you travel frequently, you might prioritize long battery life and top-tier noise canceling.

If you use headphones primarily at home, comfort and sound quality might be more important.

Ultimately, taking the time to research and compare different models will help you make a well-informed decision you’ll be happy with for years to come.

Remember that investing in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones is just one way to enhance your overall quality of life. Whether you’re looking to enjoy better sound during your daily commutes or needing peace and quiet during work, the right pair of headphones can make a significant difference.