Discover the top 5 Noise cancelling headphones of 2025 for unbeatable sound quality, comfort, and immersive listening experiences.
Table of Contents
Introduction
In today’s world, where noise pollution and constant distractions are becoming increasingly common, having a pair of high-quality noise cancelling headphones has become more than just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re commuting, working from home, or simply trying to focus, noise cancelling headphones can provide the peace and quiet you need. As technology continues to evolve, the landscape of noise cancelling headphones is also changing, offering better sound quality, comfort, and innovative features than ever before.
In 2025, the market for noise cancelling headphones is more diverse than ever, catering to a range of budgets and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a premium option, a mid-range model, or a budget-friendly pick, this guide will help you navigate the best options available. Here, we present a carefully curated list of the top 5 noise cancelling headphones for 2025, considering factors such as sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, and overall value.
Why Choose Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Noise cancelling headphones are not just a trend; they have become an essential tool for anyone looking to enhance their listening experience and maintain focus in a noisy world. Unlike regular headphones, noise cancelling headphones use advanced technology to reduce ambient sounds, such as traffic, construction, and office chatter, providing a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience. This makes them perfect for a variety of situations, whether you are working, studying, traveling, or simply relaxing.
Choosing the right noise cancelling headphone involves more than just considering the noise cancellation feature. You should also think about sound quality, comfort, battery life, design, and connectivity. The headphones listed below are the best choices for 2025, offering top-notch features that cater to different needs and preferences.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 – Best Noise Cancelling Headphone Overall
Overview
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a legendary pair of headphones, renowned for its exceptional noise cancellation and premium sound quality. In 2025, this model remains a top choice for many due to its cutting-edge features and overall performance. It combines a comfortable fit, high-quality audio, and effective noise cancelling capabilities, making it one of the best noise cancelling headphones on the market.
Key Features
- Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation: Sony has improved the noise cancellation in the WH-1000XM4 through its proprietary QN1 noise cancelling processor, which intelligently cancels ambient noise in real-time.
- Premium Sound Quality: The 40mm drivers provide a rich and balanced sound profile, delivering a crisp and clear audio experience.
- Adaptive Sound Control: The headphones adjust to your activity by sensing your surroundings and automatically changing the sound settings for optimal audio quality.
- Comfortable Design: With soft, pressure-relieving ear pads and a lightweight design, these headphones are comfortable to wear for long hours.
- Battery Life: Offering up to 30 hours of battery life, the WH-1000XM4 ensures you can enjoy music or podcasts all day long without needing frequent recharges.
Pros:
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Superb sound quality
- Comfortable design for long listening sessions
- Adaptive sound control for personalized audio experience
- Long battery life
Cons:
- The touch controls might take some time to get used to
- The design may look a bit bulky to some users
Ideal for:
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is ideal for commuters, travelers, office workers, and music enthusiasts who need a pair of headphones that provides both comfort and the best sound experience while isolating background noise.{1}
2. Sony WH-CH720N – Best Mid-Range Noise Cancelling Headphone
Overview
If you are looking for an option that offers impressive noise cancellation at a more accessible price point, the Sony WH-CH720N is an excellent choice. It’s a mid-range model that delivers high-quality audio and noise reduction without breaking the bank. With its well-balanced sound profile and effective noise cancellation, this model is suitable for those who want a premium experience without the premium price tag.
Key Features
- Effective Noise Cancellation: It uses Sony’s noise cancellation technology to block out ambient sounds, making it ideal for use in noisy environments.
- Clear Sound and Balanced Audio: The 30mm drivers provide a clear, balanced sound, and the headphones can be customized to suit various audio profiles through Sony’s companion app.
- Comfortable and Lightweight Design: The WH-CH720N has a comfortable, adjustable headband and soft ear cushions, making it ideal for long listening sessions.
- Battery Life: It offers up to 35 hours of playback with noise cancellation on, ensuring you can enjoy music and other content without interruptions.
Pros:
- Excellent noise cancellation at the mid-range price
- Clear, balanced sound profile
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Limited premium features compared to higher-end models
- Touch controls may be challenging for some users to operate intuitively
Ideal for:
The Sony WH-CH720N is perfect for those who need effective noise cancellation without spending a fortune. It’s ideal for travel, study, or work, offering a comfortable and enjoyable listening experience at a reasonable price.{2}
3. Sony WH-1000XM5 – Best Features Noise Cancelling Headphone
Overview
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 is the latest addition to the renowned series, offering even better features than the previous model. In 2025, this headphone is a standout choice, particularly for those looking for cutting-edge noise cancellation and advanced features. With improved design and updated noise cancellation technology, the WH-1000XM5 is an ideal option for audiophiles and tech-savvy users.
Key Features
- Enhanced Noise Cancellation: The WH-1000XM5 offers superior noise cancellation with improved processing power and optimized sound settings.
- High-Resolution Audio Support: It supports high-resolution audio, allowing you to experience music as it’s intended, with greater clarity and depth.
- Improved Design and Comfort: The headphones are lighter and more comfortable than the XM4, with a sleeker design and soft, pressure-relieving ear pads.
- Multipoint Bluetooth Connection: You can connect to two devices simultaneously, which is a useful feature for multitasking.
- Long Battery Life: With up to 40 hours of battery life, you can enjoy music and content all day without worrying about recharging.
Pros:
- Superior noise cancellation technology
- High-resolution audio support for a premium listening experience
- Multipoint Bluetooth for easy connection to two devices
- Improved design and enhanced comfort
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to previous models
- Lacks some intuitive touch controls
Ideal for:
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the best choice for tech enthusiasts and music lovers who want the most advanced noise cancellation and the best audio quality. It’s ideal for travel, work, or home use, especially for those who value comfort and enhanced features.{3}
4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones – Best Premium Noise Cancelling Headphone
Overview
Bose has been a leader in noise cancelling technology for years, and the QuietComfort Ultra headphones continue that tradition in 2025. These headphones are designed to deliver the ultimate noise cancelling experience, premium sound quality, and cutting-edge comfort. If you’re willing to invest in a high-end headphone, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is one of the best options on the market.
Key Features
- Advanced Noise Cancellation: These headphones provide unparalleled noise reduction, making them perfect for air travel, commutes, and office use.
- High-Quality Sound: Bose’s signature sound is known for its rich and warm tone, and these headphones deliver that in spades, even at high volume levels.
- Comfortable and Durable Design: They feature an ergonomic design with soft, pressure-relieving ear pads and a lightweight frame that ensures comfort during long wear.
- Smart Features: The headphones come with voice assistant compatibility, multipoint Bluetooth, and an app that allows you to customize the noise cancellation settings and sound profile.
- Battery Life: The battery lasts up to 24 hours with noise cancellation turned on, which is still respectable but may not be as long as the Sony models.
Pros:
- Unmatched noise cancellation
- Premium sound quality and balanced audio
- Ergonomic, comfortable design
- Smart features and voice assistant compatibility
- Multipoint Bluetooth connection
Cons:
- Higher price point than other models
- Battery life could be longer compared to competitors
Ideal for:
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are perfect for travelers, professionals, and audiophiles who want the best noise cancellation, high-quality sound, and top-notch comfort. If you don’t mind paying a premium price for a premium product, these headphones are worth the investment.{4}
5. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless – Best Budget Noise Cancelling Headphone
Overview
If you’re on a budget but still want excellent noise cancellation, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless is an outstanding option. It offers impressive features, including effective noise reduction and clear audio quality, at a much lower price than the high-end models. This headphone provides an excellent balance between cost, quality, and functionality.
Key Features
- Strong Noise Cancellation: The Q30 offers hybrid noise cancellation, making it suitable for most environments, such as offices, public transportation, and more.
- Clear Sound and Bass-Boosted Audio: With 40mm dynamic drivers, the Q30 provides clear and well-balanced sound, especially with bass boosts that enhance the overall listening experience.
- Comfortable and Adjustable Design: It’s built with a padded headband and ear cups, providing a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
- Long Battery Life: The Q30 lasts up to 40 hours with noise cancellation on, making it a strong contender in the budget category.
- Easy Setup and Connectivity: It offers Bluetooth 5.0 and easy pairing with various devices.
Pros:
- Excellent noise cancellation for a budget headphone
- Well-balanced sound with boosted bass
- Comfortable and adjustable design
- Long battery life
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Build quality may not be as premium as higher-end models
- Sound quality may not be as detailed at high volumes
Ideal for:
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 is ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want a quality pair of noise cancelling headphones. It’s perfect for travel, work, and everyday listening, especially if you don’t want to spend a fortune.{5}
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
When selecting the right noise cancelling headphones, it’s important to evaluate several factors to ensure you get the most out of your purchase. Here are some key considerations:
- Noise Cancellation Technology: Look for headphones that offer effective noise cancellation, especially if you are using them in noisy environments.
- Sound Quality: Ensure the headphones provide high-quality sound with clear, balanced audio.
- Comfort: Check the design, ear cups, and headband to make sure the headphones are comfortable to wear for extended periods.
- Battery Life: Consider how long the headphones can last on a single charge, especially if you plan to use them for travel or long workdays.
- Connectivity: Consider headphones that have a good range, Bluetooth compatibility, and multipoint connections for seamless multitasking.
- Price and Value: Determine how much you are willing to spend and what features you are willing to sacrifice to get the best value for your budget.
Conclusion
In 2025, noise cancelling headphones have become an integral part of modern life, offering an escape from the chaos of daily life. Whether you need a premium model, a mid-range option, or a budget-friendly choice, the best noise cancelling headphones can help you enjoy music, podcasts, and movies in peace, free from outside distractions.
The Sony WH-1000XM4, Sony WH-CH720N, Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are all standout choices, each offering unique features tailored to different needs. Whether you value superior noise cancellation, high-quality sound, or long battery life, one of these headphones is sure to be the perfect choice for you. Consider your priorities, budget, and the features that matter most to you, and make the best choice based on your specific requirements.
FAQs
What are the benefits of noise cancelling headphones?
Noise cancelling headphones reduce unwanted ambient sounds, helping you enjoy music, podcasts, or calls in noisy environments. They also improve focus and productivity by blocking out distractions, making them ideal for commuters, travelers, and those who work in noisy spaces.
How do noise cancelling headphones work?
Noise cancelling headphones use microphones to pick up external sounds, then create sound waves that are the exact opposite (anti-noise) to cancel them out. This active noise cancellation (ANC) technology reduces ambient sounds, providing a quieter listening experience.
What’s the difference between active and passive noise cancellation?
Active noise cancellation (ANC) involves the use of built-in microphones and processors to create anti-noise waves to cancel out external sounds. Passive noise cancellation, on the other hand, relies on the physical design of the headphones (e.g., earcups and ear pads) to block noise by creating a seal around the ears.
Which is the best noise cancelling headphone for travel in 2025?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are excellent choices for travel in 2025 due to their superior noise cancellation, comfort for long hours of use, and long battery life. Both offer great portability and a noise-free experience during flights or in crowded spaces.
Do noise cancelling headphones drain the battery faster?
Yes, noise cancelling technology uses power to generate anti-noise sound waves, so it can consume more battery. However, most modern noise cancelling headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra have long battery life, ranging from 20 to 40 hours, even with ANC turned on.
Are noise cancelling headphones good for calls?
Yes, many noise cancelling headphones, like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra, feature advanced microphones and noise cancelling technology that provide clear, crisp sound during calls, even in noisy environments. These models also include noise-cancellation for the person on the other end of the call.
Can I use noise cancelling headphones for gaming?
While noise cancelling headphones, such as the Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5, are primarily designed for music, travel, and work, they can also be used for gaming. However, some gaming headsets are specifically tuned for immersive sound and might offer more specialized features like surround sound and a built-in mic for communication.
What is the best budget noise cancelling headphone for 2025?
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless is the best budget noise cancelling headphone for 2025. It offers hybrid noise cancellation, clear sound, and long battery life at an affordable price, making it a great value for those on a budge