The 11 best noise-cancelling headphones we use, love, and recommend
In the rapidly evolving world of audio technology, finding the best noise-cancelling headphones can feel overwhelming, especially with new models flooding the market each year. As we step into 2025, Mashable has conducted extensive testing to identify the top contenders for noise cancellation, sound quality, and overall value. Leading the pack is the **Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)**, celebrated for their exceptional comfort, sound fidelity, and effective active noise cancellation (ANC). However, for those seeking the pinnacle of ANC performance, the **Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones** are highly recommended, showcasing the brand’s commitment to superior audio technology. With options spanning various price points and brands, including Apple, Beats, and Sonos, there is a suitable choice for every listener.
Understanding how noise-cancelling technology works is essential for consumers looking to make informed decisions. Active noise-cancelling headphones utilize internal microphones to detect ambient sounds, then produce sound waves that invert those noises, effectively canceling them out. This technology allows users to enjoy their music or podcasts in peace, without the distractions of their environment. While budget options may provide some level of noise isolation, premium models typically deliver a more refined experience, minimizing unwanted noise without the hissing sounds that can plague cheaper alternatives. Recent advancements have also seen wireless earbuds, like the **AirPods Pro** and **Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds**, stepping up in the ANC arena, although over-ear headphones remain the gold standard for achieving maximum sound isolation due to their ability to create a better physical seal around the ears.
The article also highlights several notable updates to the headphone landscape throughout 2025. The **Beats Powerbeats Pro 2** have emerged as the best choice for sports enthusiasts, while the **Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2** headphones are recognized as the best splurge option for audiophiles seeking top-tier sound quality. Additionally, the **EarFun Air Pro 4** earbuds have been crowned the best budget pick under $100, showcasing that high-quality ANC isn’t just reserved for high-end models. With ongoing advancements and rigorous testing, consumers can confidently select from a range of headphones that suit their lifestyle and audio preferences, ensuring that they enjoy a superior listening experience in any environment.
What are the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2025?
Even the
best value headphones
will feel lacking if they don’t come equipped with halfway decent noise cancellation. Besides, there are simply too many
headphones
on the market (our testing pool gets bigger by the month) for you to pay hundreds only to get subpar ANC. So, which brand comes out on top?
For most people,
we think the new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) offer the best overall value
, with the ideal blend of comfort, sound quality, and ANC. However, if you’re looking for the best active noise-cancellation overall, we have to give it up to the Sony XM6 headphones. Fortunately, there are no bad choices here.
To help you wade through the top options from brands like Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony, and Sonos, Mashable editors and reviewers tested dozens of headphones and earbuds. From flagship models to budget buds, we picked out the best options at every price range.
SEE ALSO:
How we test headphones and earbuds
How do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?
Even cheap headphones can block some noise from the outside world. And you can always blast your music loud enough to drown out nearby conversations and street noise via passive noise cancellation. However, if you really want to turn the volume of the world down to the limit, then you need headphones with active noise cancellation.
Active noise-cancelling headphones electronically cover up the sounds coming from your surroundings. They use internal microphones to listen to the world around you, then invert the noise and send it to the speakers. The idea is that both the output and the input will cancel out, leaving you with near-silence. The best over-ear headphones also create a tight seal around your ears, providing an extra layer of passive sound blocking.
Testing the Apple AirPods Max headphones, which didn’t make the final cut for this guide.
Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable
Getting up close and personal with Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones.
Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable
If you’ve tried a pair of noise-cancelling headphones before and haven’t been impressed, don’t be discouraged, as not all ANC performs equally. For instance, cheaper ANC headphones may have a more noticeable hissing sound that you’ll hear when the noise cancellation is turned on, which can be distracting for some folks.
Other headphones may be great at blocking low tones, but more prone to letting in high-pitched tones. Typically, premium headphones will yield better results all around, but we have budget picks below that still do a solid job.
In the past, not many
wireless earbuds
featured active noise cancellation that was comparable to over-ear headphones, but newer iterations like the
AirPods Pro
and
Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds
hold their own in the ANC space. However, even these
earbuds
can’t quite get the same seal (or fit as many mics) that headphones can, so if you’re looking for maximum silence, stick with over-ear headphones.
Recent testing updates
December 2025:
We removed the
Dyson On-Trac headphones
from this guide. While they had unbeatable battery life when they were first released, that’s no longer the case.
December 2025:
We added the
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
as the best sports earbuds.
December 2025: We added the
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones
as the best splurge.
September 2025:
We replaced the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds with the updated second-gen model.
July 2025:
We added the new Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.
February 2025:
We added the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds as our favorite earbuds pick under $100, replacing the Beats Studio Buds+.
August 2024
: With a heavy heart, we said goodbye to the Bose 700 headphones as our recommendation for the best noise-cancelling headphones with adjustable ANC.
