travel 5 anc

We tested the 6 best noise-canceling headphones for travel

I can't fly anywhere without a pair of noise-canceling headphones.

Even if I'm not actively listening to music or enjoying a TV show, I often use noise-canceling headphones to drown out background noise.

If you've traveled recently, I probably don't need to convince you of the value of a pair of these headphones. These days, there are more distractions than ever in airports and on planes — there are only so many times I can hear the same canned pitch for a cobranded airline credit card.

However, if you really want to drown out everything, which pair of headphones or earphones does it best? Here's a guide to my current favorites based on portability, sound experience, comfort, battery life and, of course, how well their noise-canceling abilities fare in the TPG hair dryer test.

Apple AirPods Pro

How portable are they.

Since their introduction in 2019, Apple's AirPods Pro have been my go-to travel headphones, thanks in no small part to their portability.

AirPods Pro have two components: a charging case and the earbuds. The charging case is where the AirPods sit when they're not in your ears, and there's even a built-in speaker to help you find the case if you misplace it.

The actual earbuds are much smaller than Apple's entry-level AirPods, and they're much less bulky and unwieldy than some other earbuds on the market.

How is the sound?

Apple recently introduced the second-generation AirPods Pro with a claim of double the active noise cancellation of the legacy model. If you were on the fence about these earbuds before, this updated model should make them a no-brainer for most travelers who use an iPhone.

With the second-generation buds, I am disturbed by fewer announcements and chatty passengers than with the original model. The sound quality is also noticeably better, thanks to a more powerful audio driver.

How comfortable are they?

Aside from the portability, the AirPods Pro also excel in terms of comfort.

As you decide which headphones are right for you, you'll need to choose between in-ear and over-ear models. Back in the day, in-ear headphones didn't offer great noise cancellation. However, Apple and its competitors have since introduced earbuds that feature this travel must-have.

That's great news since I find earbuds are generally more comfortable than over-ear headphones. Also, with four tip sizes included with the AirPods Pro, you're bound to find the right fit.

How is the battery?

The second-generation AirPods Pro offer up to six hours of listening time with a single charge. The charging case offers 30 hours of listening time, and just five minutes in the case provides about one additional hour of listening time.

The hair-dryer test

To simulate the background noise on an airplane, I borrowed my wife's Dyson hair dryer and blasted it at full force next to my ears while listening to the same song (Taylor Swift's "Enchanted") through each of the following six pairs of headphones (set at the same 80% volume level).

The verdict? I could hear the blow dryer when it was at the highest setting, but only just.

Are they worth it?

The fact that the AirPods Pro fit in my pocket makes them a game changer for travel. I used to lug around bulky over-ear headphones, but why bother when you can get great sound quality in a pair of earbuds that fit in the palm of your hand?

Sure, there are headphones that offer better noise cancellation, but the AirPods Pro pack the best mix of sound, noise cancellation and portability that an iPhone user will find in a small package.

Additionally, with multiple microphones, they double as a great set of headphones for those who make phone calls while on the road.

Buy now for $199.00 and save 20% on the standard price of $249.00

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Bose's Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are the company's sleekest over-ear headphones, but you'll still need to tote around a nearly 1-pound pouch when the headphones are stowed safely in your bag.

Aside from Bluetooth wireless connectivity, I love that you can also use the provided 3.5-millimeter audio cable to plug the headphones into seatback entertainment systems that don't yet support Bluetooth.

Bose is renowned for its best-in-class noise-canceling headphones, and the 700 series builds on that legacy with some of the best sound and noise cancellation you'll get in a pair of headphones.

I always feel immersed in my music when I listen to these headphones, and the noise cancellation is among the best I've experienced.

I also love that you can adjust the noise-cancellation levels to control how much of the outside world you want to hear.

These headphones are much more comfortable than some of Bose's older models, but they aren't for everyone.

During long-haul flights, I find that my ears sometimes start feeling numb after wearing these headphones for prolonged periods (something that hasn't bothered me with other over-ear headphones like the AirPods Max).

Bose's top-of-the-line headphones offer up to 20 hours of nonstop listening. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to fully recharge the headphones, and a quick 15-minute charge will provide up to 3 1/2 additional hours of battery life.

I couldn't hear the faintest sound from the hair dryer, even when it was blasting at full force.

Back in the day, Bose was No. 1 when it came to noise-canceling headphones. The company now has some formidable competitors, but Bose builds on a very strong foundation with the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.

These are among the world's best over-ear noise-canceling headphones, and you certainly can't go wrong with them. I just wish they were a tiny bit more comfortable for prolonged periods of use.

Buy now for $299.00 and save 21% on the standard price of $379.00

Sony WH-1000XM5

Like any over-ear noise-canceling headphones, you'll need to make room in your bag for Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones, though they only weigh around 250 grams and shouldn't add too much weight to your luggage. They come with a carrying case to keep them in tip-top shape while you're on the move — just note that the ear cups don't fold in for a more compact carrying experience.

Like the Bose headphones, Sony's top-of-the-line model can connect directly to seatback entertainment systems using a 3.5-millimeter audio cable.

These headphones pack some serious active noise-cancellation chops, building on the company's already industry-leading noise-canceling technology.

Unlike the Bose offering, you can't adjust the level of noise cancellation, but you'll have no issue tuning out your surroundings when listening to music with these headphones.

I find these headphones to be perfectly comfortable for long-haul flights. They aren't too heavy on the head and ears, and the padded headband helps keep them in place throughout the journey.

Sony's headphones offer some of the best battery life you'll find. The company advertises up to 30 hours of nonstop use, with the ability to quickly charge the headphones for three minutes to unlock an additional three hours of music playback.

Just like the Bose 700s, I couldn't hear any noise from the hair dryer while listening to music with these headphones. To test them further, I blasted some music at 100% volume on my home speaker, and I could still barely hear any distractions with the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are about as good as you can get in the roughly $400 range. They've got great sound in a (somewhat) portable package with top-notch battery life.

In my experience, the Sony WH-1000XM5s slightly outperform the similarly priced Bose headphones in terms of noise cancellation — I am usually less distracted when wearing Sony's headphones on a plane.

Buy now for $328.00 and save 18% on the standard price of $399.99

Apple AirPods Max

There's no denying that these are among the sleekest headphones on the market, though that comes at the expense of some portability.

The AirPods Max include a magnetic smart carrying case, but it only protects the actual earpieces themselves. The headphones can't be folded to create a more compact configuration, so you'll need to make room in your bag for them.

While you might think that the AirPods Max only connect via Bluetooth, there's some great news. You can actually plug them directly into seatback entertainment systems using a Lightning to 3.5-millimeter Audio Cable, sold separately for $35.

As the most expensive headphones in this guide, you might not be surprised to learn that they offer the best noise cancellation I've experienced yet.

You can't control the level of noise cancellation, but when flying around with these headphones, you won't want to. With the AirPods Max, I had no trouble drowning out a crying baby sitting three rows behind me.

Combine this impressive noise cancellation with immersive sound, and these headphones offer travelers the best listening experience.

The AirPods Max aren't just sleek — they also boast an incredibly snug fit on the ear.

Apple did a great job designing the AirPods Max for inflight use, and for most domestic and transatlantic flights, your ears should stay cool and comfortable while using these headphones.

That said, some friends have complained about them getting a bit uncomfortable during the longest flights, something experts call "eardrum suck."

The AirPods Max offer up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge, and five minutes of charging provides roughly an additional hour and a half of listening.

These numbers mean that you're set for all but the longest flight in the world (nearly 20 hours from pushback in New York to landing in Singapore).

As you might expect, the AirPods Max passed the hair-dryer test with flying colors.

The AirPods Max combine a best-in-class audio experience with top-notch noise cancellation in a modern and sleek package.

As the most expensive headphones in this guide, the AirPods Max are most definitely a splurge. However, if you're already in Apple's ecosystem and looking for the best travel headphones, these are it.

Buy now for $449.00 and save 18% on the standard price of $549.00

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Much like the AirPods Pro, these earbuds are among the most portable noise-canceling headphones you'll find. They also magnetically snap into a separate charging case, which is longer and narrower than the AirPods Pro case.

The buds themselves are small and sleek and should fit into your ear without any issues — more on that below.

What sets these earbuds apart is the noise cancellation. They're just as good, if not a tiny bit better, than Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro.

That said, I find the overall listening experience on AirPods Pro to be more immersive — I don't feel nearly as engrossed with my music when using the Bose earbuds.

Bose's QuietComfort Earbuds II are very comfortable. There are three different size options for the tips and ear bands.

With nine different possible combinations, you shouldn't have a problem finding a very stable fit, no matter the shape of your ear.

Bose advertises up to six hours of battery life on a single charge, but I was able to beat that estimate by about 30 minutes on a recent flight.

The charging case offers 18 additional hours of battery life, and just 20 minutes of charging in the case should deliver up to two additional hours of listening time from the earbuds.

Bose's earbuds outperformed the AirPods Pro on the hair-dryer test. They blocked slightly more noise, but both sets of in-ear headphones should do the trick on most flights.

For most travelers, these earbuds will compete head-to-head against the AirPods Pro. If you aren't in the Apple ecosystem, the Bose buds may be the right choice for you.

For everyone else, the choice is much trickier. AirPods integrate seamlessly into the entire iPhone (and Apple product) experience. Coupled with a quick setup and familiar controls, the AirPods will certainly do the trick for many.

However, if you're looking for best-in-class noise cancellation, I'd consider the $50 splurge over the AirPods Pro for Bose's earbuds.

Buy now for $236.55 and save 21% on the standard price of $299.00

Soundcore by Anker Life Q20

One of the best travel features of the Life Q20 headphones is that they swivel inward for increased portability. They come with a drawstring travel pouch, and they won't take up as much space as the other over-ear headphones in this guide.

Aside from Bluetooth wireless connectivity, you can use the provided 3.5-millimeter audio cable to plug the headphones into seatback entertainment systems that don't yet support Bluetooth.

As you might expect for a sub-$60 pair of headphones, the Life Q20s aren't going to beat the likes of Apple, Bose or Sony.

That said, given the price tag, they offer an impressive amount of active noise cancellation. I find that the sound quality is better than expected for such an inexpensive pair of noise-canceling headphones.

With memory foam ear cups, these headphones do a pretty good job of molding to your ears. They're a bit bulkier than some of the other over-ear models, but that's a trade-off you have to make, given the price.

Of all the headphones in this guide, the cheapest ones also pack the longest battery life. Anker advertises 40 hours of wireless playback on a single charge.

If you're pressed for time, you can quickly charge these headphones for five minutes to add four hours of listening time.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, these headphones did the worst job of blocking out the background noise from the hair dryer. At the highest setting, I could definitely hear the noise from the Dyson.

If you aren't a super-frequent traveler, the Life Q20s may be a great starter option for you. The active noise cancellation and sound quality aren't as impressive as with the other, more expensive brands, but you're saving around $300 with these headphones.

Several other features may feel quite basic, including the outdated micro USB charging port. However, that's not stopping nearly 50,000 customers from leaving five-star Amazon reviews for these headphones.

Buy now for $59.99

• Reviews TV REVIEWS   v1.11 HEADPHONES REVIEWS   v1.6 MONITOR REVIEWS   v1.2 SOUNDBAR REVIEWS   v1.3 MOUSE REVIEWS   v1.5 KEYBOARD REVIEWS   v1.3.1 PRINTER REVIEWS   v1.2 VACUUM REVIEWS   v1.2 PROJECTOR REVIEWS   v0.8 TOASTER REVIEWS   v1.0 BLENDER REVIEWS   v1.0 KEYBOARD SWITCH REVIEWS   v1.0 SPEAKER REVIEWS   v0.8 CAMERA REVIEWS   v0.12.1 LAPTOP REVIEWS   v0.8.2
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• Table of Contents
• Best Headphones
• Best Upper Mid-Range
• Best Mid-Range
• Best Budget
• Best Earbuds

Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 6 best travel headphones - spring 2024 reviews.

Whether you're a jet setter or just taking the subway to work every day, a good pair of travel headphones can be a total game-changer. Having something comfortable with great noise isolation can make your travels much easier to endure and even enjoyable at times.

When looking for travel headphones, you'll want something easy to use when hunting down your gate or running to catch a bus, with a long enough battery life to last you throughout the day. While many prefer over-ear headphones for long flights or train rides, earbuds or in-ear headphones are popular for their portability. Usually, models with active noise cancelling (ANC) do the best job at reducing the deep rumbling noises of bus or plane engines, but some in-ear headphones block out lots of noise passively.

We've tested over 775 pairs of headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best headphones for airplane use, traveling, and commuting. Also, make sure to check out our recommendations for the  best headphones , the  best noise cancelling headphones , and the best budget noise cancelling headphones .

Best Travel Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are the best travel headphones we've tested. These top-of-the-line over-ears have a very comfortable fit and are suitable for long trips. They are equipped with powerful ANC and can block out a wide array of sounds, including the low rumble of bus and plane engines. And with their ANC on, they last 29 hours continuously, so you don't need to worry about running out of battery life. Unfortunately, the headphones need to be powered on if you want to use them wired, but at least you can plug them into in-flight entertainment without losing ANC.

These well-built over-ears have a bass-rich sound out of the box, delivering extra thump, rumble, and boom to your favorite tracks. You can adjust their sound to your liking using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. You can even access a head-tracking feature for a more dimensional audio experience. Additionally, you can connect these headphones with up to two devices at a time, so you can stay connected to your smartphone and laptop simultaneously, and they come with a sturdy, durable carrying case to keep them safe in your bag.

See our review

Best Upper Mid-Range Travel Headphones

For something premium at a less steep price, try the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. Even though they've been replaced by the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless and are getting harder to find in stock, these still provide the best noise cancelling performance for long journeys. Their fantastic ANC feature blocks bass-range noises like bus and plane engines and passenger chit-chat. They also last about 37 hours continuously, so you won't need to recharge them during a long trip. You can even use them wired while keeping ANC on, and they come with an airplane adapter, all of which you can safely store in their sturdy carrying case.

They have a lightweight and well-padded fit, though the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless still have the edge regarding comfort. However, you can wear them during long trips without experiencing too much fatigue. Their bass-heavy sound profile adds extra thump and rumble to your audio, and if you prefer a different sound, you can also tweak them via their app's graphic EQ and presets.

If you need to take calls on the go, it's worth considering the Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless . They're hybrid headphones designed for casual use as well as gaming but have a sleek design that doesn't stand out from the crowd. Their integrated mic offers a better overall performance, so your voice sounds clear and natural. However, their ANC system doesn't block out quite as much ambient noise as that of the Sony.

Best Mid-Range Travel Headphones

Travel is expensive enough without adding the cost of premium headphones. Fortunately, if you're looking for something more affordable, check out the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless, the best headphones for airplane trips we've tested at this price point. They have a shorter battery life than the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless and aren't quite as comfortable or well-built. However, they have an adaptive ANC system that adjusts itself to the noise around you and can block out a remarkable amount of ambient sound, including rumbling engines. Their overall noise isolation performance is even almost as good as the Sony.

Out of the box, they have a V-shaped sound profile with extra emphasis in the bass and treble, which lends your audio with intense rumble and punch, while instruments and vocals are bright and somewhat harsh. There's a companion app with graphic EQ and presets if you prefer a different sound. They last for around 27 hours continuously with their ANC on, and in a pinch, you can always plug the included audio cable into your phone or laptop to listen to audio passively.

Best Budget Travel Headphones

If you're looking for a cheaper option, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless are the best commuter headphones under $100 we've tested. Anker tends to dominate the mid-to-budget price range for over-ear headphones, especially when noise cancelling is important for use on a noisy plane or train. These headphones are significantly cheaper than the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless , but their ANC performs similarly, even though it's standard ANC and not adaptive. It does a fantastic job of blocking out the low rumble of engines and effectively reduces higher-pitched sounds like voices. Out of the box, their sound packs a lot of extra bass into your audio, so music has intense thump, rumble, and punch, but mixes can also sound muddy or cluttered. Like the previous pick, they have companion app support, including a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization.

These headphones are well-built and comfortable and have a long continuous battery life of around 44 hours. Unfortunately, they leak much more audio than the Q45, so your music is more likely to be audible to people nearby, especially if you like to listen at louder volumes. The Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones Wireless are also a good option if you want budget-friendly headphones with less leakage. They don't isolate from bass-range noise, like rumbling engines, as well as the Q30, but they still have a great overall noise isolation performance.

Best Cheap Travel Headphones

If you're on a tighter budget, the best cheap travel headphones we've tested are the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless. These are an earlier version of the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless that are still available. Like their successor, they outshine similarly priced headphones from other brands in noise cancelling. Their ANC system doesn't block out as much bass-range noise as the previous picks but still does a decent job of reducing engine noise. It also does a great job of reducing higher-pitched sounds like background conversations.

They have a V-shaped sound profile out of the box, with intense rumble and punch in the bass, bright and sparkly instruments, and lead vocals in the treble. This sound suits bass-heavy genres like EDM, hip-hop, pop, and rock. However, sibilants like S and T sounds can seem harsh, and they don't have sound customization features, unlike the Q30. That said, they have a similarly comfortable fit and a decently sturdy build quality, although they feel plasticky and only come with a cloth pouch instead of a rigid protective case like the Q30.

Best Travel Earbuds

Over-ears can be bulky and take up precious space in your bag or carry-on. If you're looking for something smaller and more portable, earbuds like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless are worth checking out. They're comfortable and come with a selection of ear tips and stability fins to help you find the best fit for your needs. Their compact design also makes it easy to toss them into your pocket. If their bass-heavy default sound profile isn't to your tastes, you can revamp it using their companion app's EQ and presets.

Like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless , they can block out a significant amount of ambient noise, thanks to their ANC system. They easily tackle common commuter noise like rumbly buses and trains as well as ambient chatter. While their seven-hour continuous playback time falls short compared to over-ear headphones, their carrying case holds an extra three charges if needed. They don't support multi-device pairing, so if you want to stay connected to your smartphone while working on your laptop, try the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless . They aren't quite as comfortable, though.

If you're looking for more earbuds, check out our recommendations for the best noise cancelling earbuds !

• Apple AirPods Max Wireless: The Apple AirPods Max Wireless headphones have a premium design and a remarkably effective ANC feature, but they don't fold into a more compact design. Unlike the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless, they come with a carrying sleeve, which doesn't completely cover the headphones and won't protect them from significant damage. See our review
• Bose 700 Headphones Wireless: The Bose 700 Headphones Wireless are premium ANC headphones designed for business professionals. If you care about call quality, their mic offers significantly better overall performance than the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. However, their ANC doesn't block out as much bass-range noise, but they still do an excellent job of reducing ambient noise around you overall. See our review
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3: The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are wireless earbuds with a longer continuous battery life than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless. They're cheaper but less comfortable, and their ANC isn't as effective, particularly when blocking out low-pitched noise like rumbling engines. See our review
• Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless: The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless have a more premium build than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless, which you might appreciate, considering the price of either pair. They have an excellent noise isolation performance but don't block out as much noise as the Bose, and they have an even shorter battery life. See our review

Mar 04, 2024: As the Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless are the same price as the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless, we've removed the Razer as a separate pick and added them as a comparison to the Sony since they can be a viable choice if you care about call quality. We've also renamed the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless as the 'Best Mid-Range Travel Headphones' we've tested.

Jan 08, 2024: We've made the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless our top pick as they have a versatile performance and slightly outperform the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. We also replaced the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless with the next generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless.

Nov 02, 2023: Confirmed accuracy and availability of our picks. Some minor text edits for clarity.

Sep 06, 2023: Added the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless as an alternative to the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless. Moved the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless to Notable Mentions.

Jul 13, 2023: We've made minor changes to the text of this article to improve its clarity, but our picks have remained the same.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best noise cancelling headphones for travel for most people to buy. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

If you would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our reviews for headphones, ranked by their suitability for commuting and traveling. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection, especially if you listen to audio at high enough volumes to drown out the ambient noise of your travels.

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The 11 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested noise-canceling headphones to find the best options for all of your travels.

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Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Whether you can’t get enough of music, podcasts, or audiobooks, a pair of the best noise-canceling headphones can significantly improve the quality of your listening experience — especially if you’re traveling on a plane, commuting on a busy route, or working amid an abundance of background noise. 

In our New York City lab, we tested 27 pairs of noise-canceling headphones from the industry’s leading brands, including Apple, Samsung, and Jabra. We performed a series of tests that evaluated ease of use, functionality, comfort, and, of course, sound quality. We listened to a series of noises at different frequencies, such as a screaming baby, an airplane cabin, and a siren, to discover which headphones truly have the most ear-saving power. We then also tested all of these headphones out in the real-world to guarantee the best results to guide you while you shop.

The best noise-canceling headphones we tested are the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700. These tried-and-true wireless headphones blew us away with the ability to silence any fracas with their active noise-canceling. On top of that, they are exceptionally comfortable to wear and are easy to set up and use. If over-the-ear headphones aren’t your style preference, we also have versatile earbud recommendations as well as verdicts on the best multi-use and budget options.

Best Overall

Bose noise cancelling headphones.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Functionality 5 /5
• Sound Quality 5 /5
• Noise Cancelation 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

These have a unique adjustability with an expandable headband and ear cups that slide up and down for an even better fit.

They didn't feel as secure on the head as other headphones we tested.

The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 earned the top spot on our list for the best noise-canceling headphones with superior performance across all of our testing categories. Most notably, these headphones blocked almost all outside sound with their active noise-canceling feature turned on. There are 11 levels of passive and active noise-canceling on this Bose model, and when we used the headphones at the highest setting, we couldn’t even hear ourselves voice talking. Even after six months of use, we found these to have the best noise cancellation capabilities of any headphones we tested.

Along with the great noise cancellation quality, we also love how slim the case is — those two qualities seem ideal for commuting to the office. We wore these on a five-hour flight, and they were comfortable the whole time. The right earcup has touch sensors to adjust the sound level and noise-canceling presets as well as power the headphones on and off. Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa can work with these Bose headphones to allow hands-free assistance for answering texts or changing music selections. They're simple and easy to set up, but users will need to download the Bose app to take advantage of the headphones’ full functionality. Additionally, they're comfortable to wear, but when we moved around a bit, they didn’t feel as secure as some of the other headphones we tested.

The Details: Up to 20 hours battery life | Up to 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 8.96 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Anker soundcore life p3.

• Sound Quality 4 /5
• Noise Cancelation 4 /5
• Comfort 4.5 /5

The sound quality of the music is sharp and vibrant.

The sound quality isn’t as good during phone calls and it takes a few moments to turn them off and on.

For a pair of noise-canceling headphones at such an accessible price, we were impressed with the excellent sound projected from the Anker Soundcore Life P3 during testing. When listening to music at a low level, the active noise-canceling concealed all outside sounds, including the decibel tests with a baby screaming, a siren, subway sounds, and more. However, during the phone test, the person on the other end of our call could hear outside sounds. If some background noise during phone calls doesn’t bother you, this shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s something to consider if your primary use of these headphones would be for something requiring no disturbances.

After using these headphones for a full month, we found them to be so comfortable that we often forget we're wearing them. There are also several different sizes of tips included so you can tailor your headphones to your own preference. Users will need to download the Soundcore app to control the noise-cancelation settings, but the app was simple to use and the earbuds paired to our device immediately. 

The Details: 7 hours of playing time and another 35 hours with the case | Android and iOS | 2.24 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Sound, Earbuds

Samsung galaxy buds pro.

The headphones have crisp and clear sound quality. 

The price depends on the color — some are more expensive than others.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro headphones block out all surrounding noise and provide a vibrant sound. We love how lightweight and comfortable the earbuds are to wear, and they feel secure when you’re on the move. In lab testing, the active noise-canceling feature prevented almost all outside noises from being heard, except for some ambient noise at 84.5 decibels. Other than that, we couldn’t hear a siren, a baby screaming, an airplane cabin, or a construction drill at various decibel levels. Although Samsung is an Android product, we used an iPhone to pair with the earbuds and it was simple and hassle-free. Users can tap an earbud to adjust the active noise-cancelation and transparency levels as well as pause or play a song. We loved that it does a great job of adding bass to songs, creating a vibrant listening experience.

The Details: Up to 8 hours battery life | Up to 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 1.2 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Best Sound, Over-ear

Jbl tour one m2.

The smart noise cancelation instantly adapts to mask any new sounds introduced to your environment.

Talking on the phone or during video calls takes some getting used to as your own voice may sound echoey.

For daily commuters, frequent travelers, or anyone else who wants to be completely immersed in sound, JBL's Tour One M2 headphones have the adaptive technology you need to get that concert-quality experience. You can use these over-ear headphones right out of the box without the app, you just connect them to your device as you would any other Bluetooth device. The app, however, is helpful with interactive images to help guide you through headphone setup or to change the settings including the tap controls. Throughout our tests, we were able to connect to multiple devices, and especially love how it prioritizes your phone so, if you get a call while listening to your computer, it automatically switches devices when you answer.

These headphones are perfect for audiophiles as the noise-blocking capabilities are so advanced, it actually takes some getting used to. The Tour One M2's have smart noise cancelation that continuously adjusts as you’re wearing so if, for example, a train or siren goes by, the noise is blocked along with the regular nat sound of the room. We loved listening to music on these and felt more focused when listening to podcasts and audiobooks because there wasn’t any distracting background noise. It really allows you to be in your own world with whatever you’re listening to.

The Details: Up to 50 hours battery life | Android and iOS | 9.6 ounces | Over-ear

Most Comfortable, Over-ear

Sony wh-1000xm5 headphones.

 Amazon

• Ease of Use 2 /5
• Functionality 4 /5

They completely block out loud sounds and background noises.

The set-up can be tricky at first.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are one of the most impressive all-around noise-canceling headphones we've used. We loved the lightweight and comfortable fit of the headphones; they aren't too snug or too loose but do appear slightly bulky on the head. During lab testing, these headphones impressed us with their automatic adaptive noise-canceling, which turns the noise-canceling on and off when someone starts speaking and allows users to easily skip or pause songs by tapping the side of the ear cups. When the active noise-canceling was turned on, it could prevent the sounds of a ride-on lawnmower from being heard while landscaping. And, when we walked around the city, the headphones created a “bubble” where outside noises were completely tuned out.

We did have some difficulties setting up the headphones due to a lack of instructions included by Sony, but once the app was downloaded, it became a much more intuitive experience. While the setup was tricky, these headphones more than made up for the inconvenience with incredible active noise cancelation.

The Details: Up to 30 hours battery life | Up to 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 8.8 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Most Comfortable, Earbuds

Jabra elite 85t earbuds.

• Functionality 4.5 /5
• Sound Quality 4.5 /5
• Noise Cancelation 4.5 /5

The Jabra app has a tool that tests sound leakage and recommends which size of the rubber earbud tip should be used.

You may have to read the directions to help with connecting to your computer.

Earbuds can be uncomfortable to wear for long amounts of time, but the Jabra Elite 85ts come with several thoughtful features to enhance comfort. There are three different sizes of rubber earbud tips, and the Jabra Sound+ app has a tool that emits a sound to test for leakage so that it can recommend the best fit for improving sound and comfort quality. We loved how lightweight and secure the earbuds felt.

There are 11 sound levels with active noise-canceling and a transparency mode for when you need to hear surrounding sounds better. You can toggle between six included sound settings and create custom presets on the app or by tapping the earbud. After wearing these headphones regularly for one month, we found that the noise-canceling aspect does work really well and makes for much more pleasant rides on the commuter train. These earbuds would be ideal for commuting or extended flights when travelers want to listen to music for long periods of time without having to worry about ear pain. 

The Details: Up to 25 hours battery life | 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 1.06 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen

Best Splurge

Apple airpods max.

The sound quality and noise-canceling are excellent during phone calls.

They don't turn off unless they're in the case, so you have to always carry the case with you.

Apple’s first pair of over-the-ear headphones, the AirPods Max earned our fandom with noise-canceling abilities that blocked out nearly all outside commotion while providing crisp and vibrant sound for music and phone calls. We found the sound quality to be much higher than other options, and the cancel/transparency range is larger. We also appreciated how intuitive the headphones are to use thanks to buttons along the earpiece that allow you to adjust the sound level, play or skip a song, and change the active noise-cancelation and transparency settings. During our decibel tests, the headphones only let in the sound of a screaming baby at 75.3 decibels; otherwise, the noise-cancelation blocked out sirens, talking, construction drills, and more. Even with the transparency setting on, we noted that the headphones provided a noise-blocking effect.

The headphones are comfortable to wear and shaped nicely to our heads without many adjustments needed, but they still not be the best option to use during your workouts. Although these Apple headphones have a higher price point than some, we think the sound and material quality match the cost for those who have a larger budget. Even after six months of regular use, these headphones certainly live up to the hype and continue to deliver an amazing listening experience.

The Details: Up to 20 hours battery life | 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 13.6 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Best Battery Life

Jabra elite 85h.

There are six preset equalizer settings, but you can save custom presets, too.

The noise-cancelation didn’t feel as strong as other headphones we tested.

On one single charge, the Jabra Elite 85H has a 36-hour battery life with the active noise cancelation turned on — an ideal length for travelers that might not have regular access to a power-up. To pair the headphones and control the noise-canceling abilities, users will have to download the Jabra Sound+ app, which includes features like sleep mode and a headphone tracker to find them if they get misplaced. We had no issues setting up the app and appreciated the tour the app gave that outlined how to use the headphones. After one month of regular use, these exceeded our expectations. The audio quality is amazing and the noise cancelation and hear-through mode works like a charm.

The noise-canceling feature especially impressed us by blocking out ambient noise like the sounds of an airplane cabin. We were able to hear the highest-pitched sounds like a baby screaming, but thoughtful features like the ability to play white noise from the app help block out noise. The headphones are comfortable to wear but aren’t as lightweight as the others we tested. On the plus side for portability, they fold up and fit into a compact carrying case that is perfect for air travel. 

The Details: Up to 36 hours battery life | 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 10.4 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Best for Apple Users

Apple airpods pro.

• Durability 4.5 /5

It takes Apple users seconds and almost no effort to pair Apple AirPods Pro.

After six months of use, we noticed the battery life doesn't last as long as when they were new.

Apple users who are looking to stay within the iOS family should consider the AirPods Pros. The pairing process for Apple users takes minimal effort and almost no time at all. We paired the headphones to a phone easily and were able to adjust the active noise-canceling and transparency features without issue. The sound quality of the headphones didn’t blow us away, but we were thoroughly impressed with the noise-canceling ability that silenced any outside noise, including our simulated tests with sounds like a siren, a screaming baby, and a car honking. On a flight, we were impressed with the quality and its ability to drown out the airplane noises.

To suit your size preference, the Apple earbuds come with three different earbud tips so you can customize how snug you want them to feel in your ear. Another great feature for Apple users is the ability to track your earbuds if you misplace them by using the Find My Friends app on an iPhone. Android users can certainly enjoy a pair of AirPods Pros, but we think Apple users or people new to using wireless earbuds will appreciate the convenience the most. [Note: We tested the first generation headphones here, but we've also later reviewed the newer model as well.]

The Details: Up to 5 hours battery life | Android and iOS | 0.18 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Best Multi-use

Beats fit pro noise canceling earbuds.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

You can skip songs and adjust the volume level by tapping on the earbud.

The control buttons aren't easy to locate; you may have to feel around to find them.

Whether you're traveling, commuting, or working out at the gym, you'll love how comfortable and intuitive the Beats Fit Pros are. Pairing the headphones to a phone is incredibly easy — all you have to do is open the case and the device will automatically connect via Bluetooth. These earbuds have special audio that allows users to adjust the sound transparency to completely block out noise or allow it to filter through while using the earbuds. The sound quality for playing music was powerful, and nothing leaked through the active noise-cancelation. However, when talking on the phone, you may not want to activate the noise-canceling feature, otherwise you may not sound clear on the other end. After six months of regular use, we're so impressed with the battery power on these headphones and find that they only need to be charged once a week.

The Details: Up to 24 hours battery life | 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Best Customizable

Bose quietcomfort earbuds.

• Ease of Use 4 /5
• Comfort 3.5 /5
• Noise-Cancellation 5 /5

We love the quiet mode for when you really need to focus.

They may not be comfortable for people with small ears.

When it comes to noise-canceling headphones, we usually focus on blocking out sound so you can hear your music or movie without distraction. These headphones take things one step further by allowing users to customize their own noise-cancelation mode from a full cancelation "quiet" mode to a fully aware mode that automatically adjusts based on your surroundings. There's also an app you can use to track you earbuds — not just the case — in case one gets lost. We were also very impressed with the sound quality of these earbuds when listening to music. It feels like a full surround system and the music is so clear. The downside is that the left earbud doesn't work on its own since the Bluetooth actually connects to the right bud. Both earbuds also have tap controls, so these are best used together for optimal listening.

The Details: Up to 6 hours battery life | 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 0.3 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

We gathered our product testers in our New York City lab to find the best noise-canceling headphones through a series of tests that evaluated ease of use, functionality, sound quality, comfort, noise-cancelation, and overall value. We tested 27 earbuds and headphones from industry-leading tech and audio brands like Apple, Bose, Sony, and more.

To test the ease of use, we had our participants unbox each set of headphones and note how easy it was to pair their cellphones to them. Some brands require an app to be downloaded that controls the features of each headphone, whereas others can be controlled by tapping on the earbud to adjust the settings. These features were tested for functionality to determine how difficult it was to navigate the headphones’ features.

Next, we carefully considered the comfort of each pair of headphones and earbuds. Some earbuds came with multiple sizes of rubber tips, and the over-the-ear headphones could be adjusted to fit the shape of the user’s head. Everyone made a phone call to test the microphone and asked the person on the other end of the call how clear their voice sounded. 

Our team used the headphones during a variety of noise-canceling challenges that included listening to music while walking around outside and participating in frequency assessments to listen for sounds at different levels with and without music playing. The decibel tests included a baby screaming, sirens, subway noises, construction drills, cars honking, and airplane cabin noises.

Travel + Lesiure / Vicky Wasik

Other Noise-canceling Headphones We Liked

Some noise-canceling headphones came close to making our list of top performers, but the pairs below lacked features and qualities compared to our winners. 

Bose QuietComfort 35 II : These headphones were comfortable to wear and easily blocked ambient sounds, but the sound quality didn’t impress us, and we think there are better headphones out there for the same price or less. 

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX : These have a great battery life and the app is easy to use, but the price is high considering we couldn’t fully tell the difference between the active noise-canceling and transparency settings. 

Sony WH-1000XM4 : Despite having excellent sound quality and noise-canceling abilities, the newer version of these headphones outperformed this older set during testing. 

OnePlus Buds Pro True Wireless Earbuds : These earbuds are simple to use, but they weren’t the most comfortable to wear and felt disorienting when listening to only one earbud at a time.

Tips for Buying Noise-canceling Headphones

Consider your primary use .

Depending on what you plan on using a pair of noise-canceling headphones for, be sure to consider factors like earbuds versus headphones, noise-canceling ability with phone calls versus music, and the price. If you’re planning on using a pair of noise-canceling headphones for work, consider prioritizing headphones that block out noise during phone calls specifically. For travelers, a lightweight pair of earbuds will be best for portability as well as long battery life and overall comfort for long journeys. 

Know the pros and cons of overhead versus earbuds

Overhead headphones and earbuds can both offer excellent noise-canceling abilities but differ when it comes to style, portability, and comfort. Travelers might find earbuds to be easier to carry around — especially if they are already bringing along a travel pillow — but headphones that go over the ears may end up being more comfortable for longer amounts of time. Plus, while earbuds are small and discreet, headphones are noticeable and could get in the way of workouts or sleeping on your side.

Noise-canceling headphones are designed to reduce background noise while listening to music or talking on the phone. While they can’t eliminate all surrounding sounds, active noise-cancellation can help with drowning out ambient noise and providing clear and crisp sound quality whether you’re listening to music or taking a phone call. Some headphones, like those from the Jabra brand, have white noise features that let users listen to sounds like ocean waves to help cover outside noise.

Active noise-canceling (ANC) neutralizes outside sounds using built-in microphones to pick up sounds and using sounds that are out of phase with the external sounds to counteract ambient noise. Passive noise-canceling features are the physical design of the earbud or headphones that prevent outside noise. For example, the shape and cushion of ear cups and the rubber tips on earbuds are passive noise-canceling features. 

Noise-canceling headphones, especially over-ear headphones, generally have padding and other components that block noise even when they are not projecting music. Active noise-canceling headphones (ANC) can block noise whether or not you are playing music.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best noise-canceling headphones based on a series of tests completed by our testers in our lab.

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10 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Travel [2023]

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We picked the best travel-friendly noise-canceling headphones for you in 2023.

Visiting other countries and seeing new places can be a fantastic experience; however, traveling itself can get pretty stressful.

When you’re in transit, unforeseeable things can happen – some of them unavoidable, and others downright annoying. It can be difficult to relax even when you’re on vacation with the added bother of different intrusive sounds, like engine noise and noisy passengers.

One of the best ways to stay sane during those long hours spent in transit is just to tune it all out – and that’s where noise-canceling headphones come in.

Several factors ought to be considered when picking a pair of noise-canceling headphones, and, the good news is, you don’t have to look far because we’ve compiled them all in this extensive guide. We’ve also put together a list of top-scoring noise cancelling headphones for travel that hit many of the buying factors we’ve listed.

So, let’s dive in!

How to Pick the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel?

Traveling can present many unpredictable scenarios, so naturally, the goal is to make it as stress-free as possible. Noise cancellation is undoubtedly one way to make those long hours spent in-transit more bearable, but there are also several other elements to consider to get the most out of your investment and travels.

To help guide you in choosing the best noise-canceling headphones to suit your travel needs, as yourself the following questions:

• Which type of active noise cancellation is best for traveling?
• Do the headphones have a long battery life?
• Are the headphones portable?
• How’s the build quality of the headphones?
• Are the headphones comfortable?
• How is the sound quality of the headphones?
• How much do the headphones cost?

Active noise cancellation

When traveling, you’ll want a pair of headphones that can effectively eliminate unwanted background noise, and this is best achieved with active noise cancellation (ANC) . In contrast to passive noise isolation, which only uses physical properties to block out noise and can be added to any headphones , ANC uses advanced technology built into the headphones to detect and combat unwanted ambient noise.

In fact, the first Active noise-canceling headphones were initially made for flights. After the tech was first patented in 1936, it was used mainly by airplane and helicopter pilots throughout the 1950s to help with the loud, constant drone of their engines.

Because of this, a lot of advancements in noise cancelling headphones are focused on this purpose. That’s why you can find some of the best of the best noise cancelling headphones on the market on this list.

Active noise cancellation is specifically geared towards blocking consistent, low-frequency noises such as the sound of engines humming.

Adaptive ANC

If you’ve already set your sights on a pair of ANC headphones, it’s important to remember that there are different types of active noise cancellation. The common types of ANC include feedforward , feedback , and hybrid , which only differ on how the dedicated ANC microphones are placed inside the ear cups. You can usually find these types in ANC headphones below $100.

However, if you’re someone who travels quite often or is easily bothered by the noisy disturbances we encounter while traveling, it’s more advisable to opt for adaptive ANC .

Adaptive ANC is essentially a hybrid ANC with built-in artificial intelligence. It’s designed to monitor the listener’s surroundings and make automatic adjustments depending on how loud or quiet the environment is. It continually does so as you move from one place to another.

This makes adaptive ANC perfect for travelers since the likelihood of being exposed to all manner of noises is expected. Adaptive ANC also eliminates the need to tweak your noise-canceling settings continually and is more known for better sound quality and battery life. But as with any product with built-in AI, you can expect it to be more expensive than other types.

Ambient mode

Battery life.

The sheer horror of being on a long flight and knowing your headphones aren’t going to make it until the end is a feeling that most of us would rather avoid, which is why battery life is a priority.

ANC technology requires more power to work, which is why ANC headphones come with a built-in battery dedicated solely to powering the noise-canceling system.

When that battery gets drained, the ANC won’t run, even when the device is connected via an AUX cable. In addition to that, a solid battery will give you longer listening hours so that you can enjoy your music or your favorite podcast without worrying about charging.

Portability

Another valuable feature for frequent travelers is portability. You’ll want a pair of headphones that are easy to pack and carry and won’t add to your baggage weight, especially since some airlines can be unforgivingly strict about these things.

Consider the following features:

• Weight: The lighter your headphones are, the better portability they have. Headphones on the lighter end of the weight spectrum are no heavier than 0.55 lbs, while anything weighing 0.75 lbs or more is already considered quite heavy.
• Foldable: You’ll want something compact and space-saving, particularly since some ANC headphones tend to be on the bulky side because of the materials. Check to see if the headphones can be easily folded into a smaller configuration to prevent packing headaches later on.
• Accessories: Look for a pair that comes with a sturdy carrying case (ideally not one of those drawstring bags) that’ll let you carry it on its own and give ample protection on lazy days when you can’t be bothered to organize the contents of your luggage. Also, check to see if it comes with a flight adapter, which can be helpful on long flights.

Build quality

Adventurous travelers will want to place importance on build quality so that the headphones can endure environmental and climate exposure.

Build quality refers to the soundness and durability of the headphones’ overall design, and several factors can help you determine this.

Materials used

Headphones crafted with dense, high-quality plastics and metal frames will give better longevity. Likewise, the foam and padding used on the ear cups should also feel thick and sturdy enough to endure everyday wear and tear.

Foldable headphones will have joints in the headband, and it’s important to examine their quality, as they could be potential weak spots later on. They should move smoothly and have a decent amount of resistance to stay in position. If your headphones come with wires, thicker cables encased in rubber or fabric have better durability.

Warranties don’t just assure you of added security; they’re also a great way to get a feel of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s overall design and performance. Warranties that provide two or more years of protection are good indicators that the company has invested a great deal in durability.

User reviews

Comfortable fit.

Headphones for travel are likely going to see most use during long flights, so comfortability is a huge factor to consider. It’s especially important since small nuisances, if prolonged and repeated, can flare up into bigger, more annoying problems.

Good fitting headphones don’t just assure comfort; they also give a better seal over the ears so that less sound leaks out and less noise comes in, effectively enhancing the ANC.

A sure-fire way of knowing how comfortable headphones are is to try them on, but if you’re buying online, other factors can help you determine the comfortability of headphones.

Clamping force

Clamping force refers to the headband’s tightness or tension and may affect people differently depending on the user’s head shape and size.

Go for headphones with a clamping force that’s firm enough to keep them securely in place and give your ears a good seal without making your head feel like it’s in a vice. If you cannot try on the headphones in person, your next best move is to look for reviews that talk about comfort and fit.

Aside from cushioning the ears, ear pads also act like a grip that prevents your headphones from sliding down and helps maintain good sound quality by blocking out noise. You’ll want to look for high-quality padding like memory foam, which is soft and springy yet dense and breathable. Regular foams may not offer enough support and can flatten over time.

The size or amount of the padding is also something to consider. Thin and shallow ear pads may not leave enough space between the ears and the hardware, while too-thick padding may compress the ears too much.

Adjustability

Sound quality.

Even if your only concern is blocking out ambient noise, given the hefty price range of good ANC headphones, it’d certainly be worthwhile to invest in something that sounds impeccable as well. Though we all may have different preferences regarding what sounds good, ultimately, good sound quality is determined by accuracy and clarity.

Accuracy and clarity of sound quality should give you a close-to-precise audio recreation of whatever it is you’re listening to, with less deviation between frequencies.

To get a better understanding of the sound quality of a pair of headphones, check the following:

• Driver units: Drivers are small, speaker-like devices located inside the ear cups and are responsible for delivering audio to your ears by converting electrical signals into sound waves. There can be anywhere between 1 to 4 drivers in each ear cup, ranging from 20mm to 50mm in diameter. While these variations can affect sound quality, more often than not, it’s how well a driver is manufactured that makes the difference.
• Frequency range: The average person has an audible frequency range of 20Hz to 20000Hz, which refers to the degree of high and low sounds they can perceive. Headphones that can reproduce a broader range of frequencies will give you better sound quality.
• Sound signature: Sound signatures refer to a unique combination of frequencies and how each of those frequencies is amplified or decreased. The tricky part is those sound signatures are based entirely on personal taste, so it depends on what type of music you listen to and what sound qualities you like emphasized.

For example, a flat sound signature is the most natural-sounding and is ideal for jazz or classical music because it allows the listener to hear all the instrumental elements. Fans of pop or dance music should go for a V-shaped sound signature , enhancing the bass and treble, while a balanced sound signature is best for most music genres.

• Bluetooth audio codecs: Bluetooth codecs are algorithms that compress, transmit, and receive audio data between devices. These codecs have different ways of compressing data that’s unique to them. It’s this combined with the bandwidth of the Bluetooth connection and the size of the audio file that can affect overall sound quality.

SBC, for example, is one of the most common, universally-used codecs; however, it’s also known for producing poor sound quality due to its high lossy compression.

To ensure you’re getting the best sound quality possible, go for devices that support aptX, aptX-HD, and aptX-LL audio codecs. These codecs compress data more efficiently and have higher transfer rates so that less data is lost.

• User reviews: Doing a deep dive into reviews and discussions on sites like Amazon, Youtube, Quora can yield a wealth of information from actual customers with real-world experience with these devices. A little research can help you make a more informed choice.

Additional features

Sometimes, you may find yourself juggling several things at once while traveling – handling luggage, taking last-minute calls, getting directions from airport staff, etc. Some headphones are designed with extra features that make multitasking effortless for the busiest of travelers.

If you’re one such traveler, here are a few features to keep an eye out for:

Voice assistant integration

Headphones with voice assistant integration allow you to access your phone’s default voice assistant program, such as Siri or Google Assistant, by making specific voice commands. Through this, you can easily play your music, answer calls, send messages, or check other important information online without having to take out your phone or remove your headphones.

Smart Sensors

Some headphones have smart sensors that respond when they detect movement or speech. These sensors will automatically pause your music when you’re speaking or if the headphones are removed and resume playing when worn again. This is incredibly helpful if you need to take a call or quickly listen to something without fussing with buttons.

Intuitive controls

Some headphones have more intuitive touch controls as an alternative to physical buttons for play/pause and volume. While it does take some getting used to, it can be quite convenient to swipe a finger to skip tracks or adjust volume, or simply place a palm over your ear cup to pause your music when you need to listen to essential sounds in your surroundings.

Pressure-relief technology

Active noise cancelling headphones generally come at more expensive prices than headphones with passive noise cancellation .

While expensive headphones are often better than cheap ones, it’s essential to keep in mind that a high price doesn’t always mean high quality. Sometimes, what drives up those retail prices is how stylish or popular the brand attached to them is.

Essentially, the price differences come down to the quality of the noise-canceling circuitry, drivers, and materials used.

Expensive ANC headphones are outfitted with more plush, high-quality materials that enhance the noise-canceling effect and are equipped with larger, more sensitive drivers that give listeners a more expansive “soundstage.” They also usually have a more advanced ANC technology, primarily with the use of artificial intelligence.

Budget ANC headphones , on the other hand, tend to use cheaper build materials and lower quality drivers, so the sound you’ll likely get won’t be as clear or dynamic. Some midrange ANC headphones, on the other hand, have been able to marry quality and affordability , so you’re better off just sticking to a budget and look for specific features that best suit your needs.

10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel in 2023

Here are our picks for the best noise-canceling headphones for travel:

1. Jabra Elite 85h

Key features for travel:

• Adaptive noise cancellation of up to 20-35 dB
• Eight built-in microphones for sound and call clarity
• Long battery life with fast-charge
• Wearing detection
• Rain and water-resistant
• Withstands tough temperatures

Combined with their SmartSound and HearThrough technology, the Jabra Elite 85h is designed for toughness and hands-free convenience and engineered with a sophisticated AI that adapts to your needs to deliver superior sound quality.

It’s not surprising that Jabra Elite 85h is also our top pick in the best ANC headphones under $300 category .

Zero noise wherever you go

The Jabra Elite 85h comes with adaptive noise cancellation called SmartSound Audio, which works in tandem with the eight built-in microphones. SmartSound automatically analyzes the sound levels in your environment and implements customized sound settings that enhance your listening experience, which can be helpful if you’re traveling through different places.

You can personalize the different sound settings on the accompanying app called Sound+, along with call and voice assistant settings.

Hours of convenient, hassle-free playtime

The lithium-ion battery can easily give 36 hours of ANC listening on a single full charge. Charging concerns are also no longer a worry for those who are always on the move. Thanks to the fast-charge function, a quick 15-minute charge will get you 5 hours of battery life.

The on-ear wearing detection also eliminates the need to fuss around with buttons to pause your music or mute calls. Simply remove the device from your ears, and the headphones automatically do it for you.

Tough build meant for the outdoors

One thing that brought Jabra Elite 85h on top of this article’s list is the tough build quality.

The Jabra Elite 85h is solidly built to perform in the out and open – best for venturesome travelers. The headphones’ internal mechanisms are nano-coated, making them rain and water-resistant, and able to endure temperatures ranging from -5 to 45 degrees celsius. It also comes with a 2-year warranty against water and dust, so you know you’re doubly protected.

Despite the impressive specs, the Jabra Elite 85h does have its fair share of shortcomings. The device is indeed reliable when it comes to delivering superior sound quality for music listening and ANC. Still, there are mixed reviews regarding call quality, particularly when pairing the headphones directly with a computer and taking PC calls. Additionally, some users report that the ANC may not work correctly during calls.

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• Adaptive noise cancellation that automatically adjusts to your environment
• Eight built-in microphones for optimum noise cancellation and call clarity
• Long battery life with up to 36 hours of ANC listening
• Fast-charge battery yields 5 hours of listening on a 15-minute charge
• On-ear detection pauses audio and mutes calls when the headphones are removed
• iOS and Android compatible
• 40mm drivers
• 2-year warranty against water and dust
• Comes with Sound+ app that allows you to customize your sound settings further
• Comes in 4 sleek colors
• ANC may not work correctly during calls
• May have reduced sound quality when connected directly to a PC to take calls

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

• Adaptive noise cancellation reduces noise by 25-30 dB
• Ambient sound control
• Superior sound quality
• Five built-in microphones for sound clarity
• Hands-free controls

Dubbed as having “industry-leading noise cancellation,” the award-winning Sony WH-1000XM4 comes outfitted with a slew of intelligent and adaptive tech that prioritizes premium sound quality.

Adjusts with you and the noise around you

The headphones are fitted with two microphones in each ear cup and a robust HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1 chip designed to pick up and analyze ambient noise in any setting. With these features, the ANC system can make as many as 700 real-time adjustments per second to give you the best sound quality no matter where you are.

The ANC capabilities are further enhanced with Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing, which detects the change in atmospheric pressure during flights, and Personal Optimizing, which examines the acoustic effects caused by glasses, hair, or head size and optimizes sound output accordingly.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 also comes with an adjustable Ambient Sound Control feature, which travelers can activate with a hand gesture and allows them to keep an ear out for transport calls and other audible warnings.

Listen to your favourite music like never before

The headphones are outfitted with DSEE Extreme™ software, which works in tandem with Sony’s own Edge-AI to bring superior sound quality. Together, they can better perceive the minute variations in instrumentation and vocals and enhance the overall quality by restoring compressed data almost to its original state.

The headphones are also fitted with Sony’s LDAC audio codec, which has three times the transfer rate as standard Bluetooth codecs, ensuring that less music data is lost and that you’re getting a quality sound experience on those long dreary hours in transit.

Easy controls that adapt to your needs

The Touch Sensor allows you to control your music and answer calls using simple tapping or swiping gestures over the headphones’ outer panel. Activating the Quick Attention mode is as easy as placing your palm over the ear cup. It automatically lowers music volume and lets ambient noise in – great for when you need to listen to boarding calls or voices quickly.

Its Speak-to-Chat and Precise Voice Pickup technology makes use of the five built-in microphones to listen and respond to your voice. Once you start talking, your music is instantly paused, and ambient noise is filtered in, making it easier to communicate or take calls when you can’t take off your headphones or have an armful of luggage.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 seamlessly adapts to you, regardless of where you are or what you’re doing. Wearing Detection senses when the headphones are removed and pauses playback accordingly while putting them on again resumes playback. Adaptive Sound Control also recognizes locations you frequent, which allows it to tailor your listening experience further.

Longer, more comfortable listening hours

The headband and ear cups are fitted with super-soft urethane foam and pleather padding designed to distribute pressure evenly. Its powerful battery also gives 30 playtime hours on a single full charge – great for undisturbed listening on long haul flights. The quick-charge function gives five hours of playtime on ten minutes of charging, handy when in a rush.

While the Sony WH-1000XM4 gets an undisputed five stars for its superb sound quality and adaptive noise-canceling capabilities, the hands-free controls need a bit of familiarization. Some users report that the touch controls can be confusing at first, often triggering unwanted track skips or volume adjustments.

The Quick Attention mode can be overly sensitive and activate when not needed, a feature that can be easily turned off in the accompanying app called Sony Headphones Connect. Bluetooth pairing is also done through the said app, in contrast to other headphones with a dedicated button for pairing on the device.

• Adaptive noise cancellation with sound optimizers
• Ambient sound control that allows you to listen to important sounds
• Long battery life with 30 hours of playtime
• Adaptive Sound Control adjusts sound quality based on your location
• Wearing Detection pauses playback when headphones are removed
• DSEE Extreme™ software and LDAC audio codecs ensure superior sound quality
• Quick Attention and Speak-to-Chat features enable you to communicate and hear essential sounds without removing your headphones
• High-quality plastic build with super-soft pleather and foam ear pads designed for pressure-relief
• Sensitive touch controls can sometimes trigger track skips and volume adjustments
• Bluetooth pairing is done through an app instead of a dedicated button on the device
• Quick Attention mode can activate when not needed

3. Anker Soundcore Life Q20

• Hybrid noise cancellation reduces noise up to 35 dB
• Hi-Res Audio certified sound quality
• Quick charge function
• Comfortable and adjustable build

As one of the more affordable ANC headphones in the market, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 offers decent noise cancellation and immersively clear sound quality.

Provides a more engaging listening experience

The Q20’s custom 40 mm dynamic drivers are Hi-Res Audio certified and equipped with Anker’s BassUp technology, giving listeners exceptionally clear highs, detailed midranges, and amplified bass. Sound quality is further improved by the hybrid active noise cancellation, which reduces unwanted low-frequency noise from airplane jets or car engines by up to 90%.

Use comfortably for long hours

A single full charge can yield a solid 40 hours of ANC listening, and you can get an additional 20 hours of use with the ANC turned off. If you’re transferring between flights and need to recharge your headphones quickly, you can easily get 4 hours of listening from a 5-minute charge.

The headphones are outfitted with memory foam earpads that fit snugly around the ears, 90-degree rotating ear cups, and an adjustable headband. These don’t just make them comfortable after prolonged use; it makes them easy to store in your carry-on bag too.

Hearing “popping sounds” when the ANC is activated is a common issue many users have with the Anker Soundcore Life Q20, particularly when the headphones are either jolted or exposed to percussive sounds. Some users have also reported that Bluetooth tends to disconnect at random times.

The upside is that Anker provides its customers with a 30-day money-back guarantee, an 18-month product warranty, and lifetime customer support for all its products.

• Hybrid active noise cancellation reduces 90% of low- and mid-frequency sounds
• Hi-Res Audio certified sound quality, further boosted with BassUp technology
• Long battery life with quick charge function
• Comfortable build with memory foam ear pads and adjustable headband
• Four built-in cVc 8.0 microphones for noise cancellation
• Affordable price for ANC headphones
• Comes with a micro USB charging cable and a 3.5mm audio cable
• May hear popping noises caused by jolting movement or loud sounds
• Bluetooth may randomly disconnect at times

4. Srhythm NC35

• Active noise cancellation reduces sound by up to 20-25 dB
• Lightweight, adjustable, ergonomic design
• Built-in microphones for noise cancellation and calls
• 40 mm HD Stereo drivers

Labeled as having “world-leading digital ANC,” the Srhythm NC35 combines style with portability and practical design aesthetics, making it ideal for a lifestyle on the road.

Less noise in busy surroundings

The NC35’s feedforward ANC and improved Dual Noise Reduction sensor minimizes low-frequency ambient noise by 90%, making it ideal for office work and travel. Combined with the ANC and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, the built-in cVc 8.0 microphone ensures that calls are always crystal clear, stable, and hands-free.

Outstanding comfort you can enjoy for hours

The device itself weighs in at 0.40 lbs and comes with 90°-170° multi-angle rotatable ear cups and a Japanese-designed headband that can stretch up to 8 levels to accommodate all head shapes. Soft memory foam padding and protein leather allow more breathability so that you can keep your headphones on for as long as you like – perfect for those long layovers.

And if that wasn’t enough, Srhythm goes a step further with its air pressure balance technology, which reduces the air pressure produced by the headphones’ drivers, keeping your eardrums safe even with prolonged use.

For people who are always on the go

The 800 mAh lithium-ion battery provides up to 40 listening hours, thanks to the NC35s more energy-efficient ANC algorithm. Its fast charging function affords you three hours of playtime on just ten minutes of charging, so you never have to worry about running out of juice at inopportune times.

Sound quality you can love

Two powerful 40 mm HD drivers, coupled with the headphones’ one-of-a-kind sound chambers, takes care of tinny audio and delivers high-fidelity music. Simultaneously, the Bluetooth V5.0 CSR chipset also ensures a low latency audio connection up to 33 feet away.

The Srhythm NC35 gets great marks in sound quality, comfort, and noise cancellation. However, some users have expressed frustration over some audio stutter issues when connecting the headphones to a PC and the lack of audible notifications for battery levels. Others have also reported the battery not charging after a few months.

• Feedforward active noise cancellation reduces ambient noise by 90%
• Good battery life with 40 hours of ANC listening
• Fast-charge function gets you 3 hours of playtime on a 10-minute charge
• Air pressure balance technology keeps your ears safe
• Built-in cVc 8.0 microphone for noise cancellation and call clarity
• Comfortable, lightweight, highly-adjustable design
• Comes with a USB-C charging cable, 3.5mm audio cable, and flight adapter
• Comes in three colors
• Audio may stutter when connected to PC
• May stop charging after a few months
• No audible notification for battery levels

5. Master & Dynamic MW65

• Hybrid noise cancellation up to 20-25 dB
• Long battery life with super-fast charging battery
• Aluminum metal build
• 40mm Beryllium drivers

Designed with remarkable attention to detail and engineered to last, the Master & Dynamic MW65 combines sophisticated style, durability, and impressive acoustics that will keep you entertained for hours.

Withstands daily wear and tear

A leather-padded headband and lambskin-wrapped memory foam earpads give the MW65 a luxurious yet comfortable feel, while the anodized aluminum metal frame provides durability against the wear and tear of everyday use and travel. The earpads are also removable and can be replaced if needed.

Suits any environmental noise

The headphones come with a dedicated ANC button and two ANC modes – high power and low power – which you can easily toggle depending on how noisy your environment is. It comes in handy if you’re moving from place to place and don’t want to remove your headphones.

Little to no downtime

A single full charge gives these headphones 24 hours of playtime, which you might think is relatively low until you realize how quickly you can get back on track once you’ve drained your battery. A speedy 15-minute charging session can yield a whopping 12 hours of playtime – enough to last an entire long haul flight.

Well-crafted sound quality you can enjoy

The MW65’s signature rich and warm sound is delivered through 40mm Beryllium drivers, giving you a balanced sound quality ideal for all music genres.

The Master & Dynamic MW65 leaves nothing to be desired for noise cancellation and sound quality; however, some users feel that the over-ear ear cups may be too small and tend to squish the ears.

Other snags include weak mic gain that can’t be adjusted separately, making conference calls slightly troublesome. Some have also noted that the headphone where the charging port is located can get particularly hot while being charged.

• Adjustable hybrid active noise cancellation
• Decent battery life with super-fast charging function
• Dual built-in microphones for call clarity and noise reduction
• Bluetooth 4.2 with AptX audio codecs
• 65-foot Bluetooth connection range
• Robust, stylish build
• Ear cups may be too small for some ears
• Weak mic gain that can’t be adjusted separately
• Fast charging function can make the headphones quite hot

6. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless

• Adaptive noise cancellation reduces noise up to 20-30 dB
• Ambient Sound mode
• TILE technology
• Wearing Detection
• Decent battery life with fast-charge

Classy design aesthetics, straightforward controls, and excellent sound quality make the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless an ideal all-around pick for the stylish traveler.

Keeps you aware when it matters

The Transparent Hearing feature allows you to be alerted to essential sounds by letting in ambient noise so that you never miss out on important information while in transit and addresses safety concerns when used outdoors .

Never lose your headphones again

Sennheiser’s integrated TILE technology helps you quickly locate your headphones in the event you misplace them – excellent for forgetful folks who are always on the go. The tracking app works via Bluetooth and notifies you by setting off an alarm tone on your phone or showing you your device’s last known location on a map in the app.

Physical and gesture-based controls that make life easy

The headphones have dedicated buttons for volume control, play/pause, ANC, and voice assistance that can be easily accessed. They also have gesture-based controls such as Smart Pause, which detects if you’ve removed your headphones and pauses your music accordingly, and Auto On/Off, which automatically turns off the headphones once folded.

Some of the more common complaints from users involve poor sound quality when taking calls. Some users have also reported that the headband design can be uncomfortable for those who wear glasses . If you have glasses but are determined to go with this pair, however, feel free to check out our guide on how to wear headphones with glasses comfortably .

• Adaptive noise cancellation with three modes to suit any setting
• Transparent Hearing that lets ambient noise in
• TILE technology keeps you from losing your headphones
• Decent battery life with fast charging function
• Bluetooth 5.0 multi-device connectivity
• aptX LL, aptX, SBC and AAC supported audio codecs
• Premium leather and matte steel build
• Large memory foam ear cups
• Foldable design
• Comes with a USB-C charging cable, USB-C to A adapter, and 3.5 mm cable
• Sound quality for calls may not be the best
• Can be uncomfortable for those who wear glasses

7. Bose 700

• Hybrid noise cancellation reduces noise up to 27-35 dB
• 11 settings for Ambient Sound mode
• Eight built-in microphones for noise cancellation and clear voice pick-up
• Ultra-comfortable build

Popular for its exceptional noise-canceling capabilities and unmatched sound quality, the Bose NC 700 headphones gives you full control over what you want to hear and what you don’t. It’s hailed as “the best active noise cancellation you can buy” by PCMag and won the Red Dot Product Design Award in 2020.

Adjusts to your preferences

The headphones have a total of 8 microphones, 6 of which are dedicated to the ANC, and come with 11 different settings that allow you to customize the level of noise cancellation you’re getting. Together, they work to enhance audio quality and fine-tune the noise reduction feature.

You can choose a range of ANC modes from full noise reduction for loud, busy locations to full transparency, which lets you hear ambient noises, important warnings, or transit advisories when you need to. A single push of a button also activates Conversation Mode, which takes your headphones straight to full transparency mode without having to run through the other modes.

Truly clear calls on both ends

Six microphones work to inhibit unwanted background noise, and four microphones work to boost your voice’s clarity, To ensure you’re getting the clearest calling experience. These tweaks are consistently being done in real-time, allowing the headphones to adapt even as you move so that you can have smooth, straightforward conversations no matter where you are.

Outstanding comfort you can look forward to

The ear cups, furnished with luxurious protein leather, is designed to tilt at 15 degrees to accommodate the head and ears’ natural anatomy. So, if you’re the type of traveler that likes to shut out the world or even sleep for the entirety of a long haul flight, it shouldn’t be a problem with these headphones.

The stainless steel headband also comes with soft silicone-wrapped foam padding on its underside, and though it isn’t foldable, you can slide the ear cups up and down to adjust its size. As one of the most comfortable headphones on this list, the Bose 700 will have you looking forward to using them at any chance you get.

The most common gripe that users have with the Bose 700 has to do with the Bose Music app. According to reviews, the headphones not only require the app to fully function, but users are also required to sign up for an account. The app also tends to be buggy, causing log-in difficulties and pairing problems with PCs and phones.

• Hybrid active noise cancellation with 11 Ambient Sound settings
• Eight mics for ANC and clearer voice calls
• Premium build made for comfort
• 20-hour battery life
• Quick charging gives 2.5 hours of playtime on a 15-minute charge
• Multi-device connectivity
• Comes with 3.5 mm audio cable, USB-C charging cable, and carrying case
• Users need to download and sign-up on the Bose Music app
• Users may encounter difficulties logging into the app or pairing the headphones to a PC or phone

8. Avantree ANC032

• Active noise cancellation reduces noise up to 18 dB
• Decent battery life
• Lightweight build for on-the-go listening

What the Avantree ANC032 lacks in stellar, high-powered specs, it makes up for with a portable, practical build that provides decent sound quality and active noise cancellation for an affordable price.

Don’t let its price fool you! Despite being the most affordable, this pair of headphones is truly one of the best noise cancelling headphones for travel.

Comfortable, weightless fit

At 0.39 lbs, the Avantree ANC032 is the lightest pair of headphones on this list. More lightweight headphones feel less stuffy over the ears after prolonged use and lessen the likelihood of experiencing ear, shoulder, or neck aches. Additionally, lighter headphones mean more baggage space, especially for airlines with stricter weight limitations, making this a smart choice for travelers.

The headphones are designed for convenience and fully adjustable with swiveling ear cups padded with soft protein leather and a foldable headband that accommodates all head shapes.

Keep distractions away

The headphones are equipped with feedforward ANC that works to minimize low-frequency background noises from plane engines, buzzing crowds, or large household appliances so that you can focus longer and have a more enjoyable listening experience.

Some users have reported the Avantree ANC032’s inefficiency at blocking out irregular, high-frequency sounds. However, it’s important to note that Avantree themselves put a disclaimer on ANC032’s noise reduction capacity for high-frequency sounds.

Other users also say that the plastic build can be prone to breaking over time, but the bright side is that you’ll be covered with Avantree’s 2-year warranty.

• Hybrid ANC reduces low-frequency noises
• Good battery life yields 48 hours of wired playtime with ANC, 18 hours with Bluetooth only, and 10 hours of listening with both Bluetooth and ANC activated
• FastStream, SBC & AAC audio codecs
• 40 mm stereo drivers
• Comes with 3.5 mm audio cable, micro USB charging cable, and carrying pouch
• The ANC may not block sudden high-frequency sounds
• The plastic build may break after a few months

9. Beyerdynamics Lagoon

• Hybrid noise cancellation reduces noise by up to 20 dB
• Long battery life
• Built-in microphone with Qualcomm CVC
• Lightweight, comfortable build

The German-made beyerdynamics lagoon won recognition from the CES Innovation Awards in 2019 and Goldenes Ohr in 2020 for its excellence in sound quality and noise cancellation, as well as its intuitive MOSAYC sound personalization feature.

Hours of top-notch sound quality

Equipped with hybrid ANC, the headphones come with 3 ANC modes – off, level I, and level II – and are geared towards canceling out those ever-present low-frequency droning sounds characteristic of planes, trains, and automobiles, without compromising sound quality.

Combined with a battery that yields as much as 24 hours of ANC-activated listening and integrated Qualcomm aptX, aptX LL, and AAC audio codecs, you can rely on the Beyerdynamics Lagoon to deliver hours’ worth of pristine sound quality from your iOS or Android device.

These codecs also ensure minimal sound delays. And other than the improvement in music listening, minimal sound delays also ensure a great gaming experience. So, these ANC headphones can accompany you while playing mobile games to pass time while traveling.

Using the MOSAYC sound personalization app by Mimi Defined, you can further adjust your sound quality preferences by taking the in-app hearing test and improve the audibility of your voice for calls.

Excellent voice call quality anywhere

As a company that knows how to manufacture reliable microphones, you can be sure that the beyerdynamics lagoon won’t disappoint in that arena. The headphones are fitted with a built-in microphone with Qualcomm cVc designed to make sure all your voice calls are uncomplicatedly clear, whether indoors or outdoors, making this a great all-rounder choice for traveling.

Aside from traveling, the call quality makes these an amazing option for ANC headphones for online classes . With these, you can travel anywhere without missing a lecture.

Designed for comfort and compact storage

The rotatable circumaural ear cups are cushioned with soft, high-quality memory foam and artificial leather and are designed to accommodate the natural anatomy of the ear so that you can wear it longer without problems. The headphones can also be easily folded into a more compact size, making them easy to pack into your luggage or carry-on.

The headphones’ accompanying Light Guide System (LGS) is either a hit or miss for users. The unique lights installed inside the ear cups work by flashing in specific combinations of 6 colors and patterns to alert the user to battery levels, calls, and Bluetooth connections.

It’s an innovative idea; however, some users have found it confusing and cumbersome to remember what each pattern means without whipping out the user manual every time.

• Hybrid noise cancellation with 3 ANC modes
• Long battery life gives 46 hours of non-ANC listening and 25 hours with ANC
• Built-in microphone with Qualcomm cVc for clear calls
• MOSAYC sound personalization for further sound customization
• Qualcomm aptX, aptX LL, and AAC audio codecs
• Sturdy plastic and leather build
• Light Guide System may be challenging to get used to

10. Philips PH805

• Hybrid noise cancellation reduces noise up to 27 dB
• 40mm neodymium acoustic drivers

The Philips PH805 blends reliably good specs with a sturdy premium build and decent noise cancellation for a more affordable price, making it one of the best noise cancelling headphones for traveling.

Choose what you hear

The PH805’s effective active noise cancellation takes care of distracting background noise, so you can enjoy your music or favorite podcast without turning your volume up to ear-damaging levels. When you need to get back to the real world, activating Awareness Mode helps you stay connected with what’s going on around you without needing to remove your device.

Extended listening experience you can enjoy

The headphones’ 40mm neodymium acoustic drivers are Hi-Res Audio certified and deliver detailed, balanced sound quality with clear midrange frequencies suited for many music genres. The battery yields as much as 25 hours of ANC-activated listening, and its fast charging function gets you 6 hours on a 15-minute charge, making sure you’re covered for long flights.

While the Philips PH805 performs decently when it comes to sound quality and noise cancellation, some audiophile users have reported that the bass quality can be a little weak compared to similar models.

• Hybrid noise cancellation
• Long battery life gives 30 hours of playtime and 25 hours with the ANC on
• Rapid charge function gives 2 hours of playtime on a 5-minute charge and 6 hours on a 15-minute charge
• Awareness Mode keeps you connected to your surroundings
• Built-in microphone with echo cancellation
• Memory foam and leather-padded ear cups
• Compact, foldable design
• Bass quality may not be up to par with other headphones on this list

Ultimately, when it comes to buying the best noise cancelling headphones for travel, don’t let high prices or fancy aesthetics drive you to make a purchase. Take the time to do research and read reviews, and if you’re on a budget, choosing headphones with good ANC, sound quality, and comfort at the very least will still give you the most out of your investment.

How did you find our list? Did you like our recommendations? If you think there are other devices that should’ve been on this list, please share them in the comments section below. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

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• Electronics

The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

For frequent flyers or commuters on public transit, reducing the noise around you is the difference between enduring a trip and enjoying it. Noise-cancelling headphones can make your music easier to hear and your world a little more peaceful.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is our favorite pair of noise-cancelling headphones, but we also have recommendations for people who want to spend less or prefer earbuds over headphones.

Everything we recommend

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The best wireless noise-cancelling headphones.

These over-ear headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

Buying Options

Sony WF-1000XM5

The best wireless noise-cancelling earbuds.

This pair of wireless earbuds sounds fantastic and cancels noise better than any others we’ve tested. However, people with very small ears might struggle to keep them securely in place.

Budget pick

Soundcore Space One

The best budget noise-cancelling headphones.

This pair of over-ear headphones cancels noise impressively, sounds great, is comfortable to wear, and has a long battery life—all for less than $100.

Soundcore Space A40

The best budget noise-cancelling earbuds.

This wireless pair of earbuds offers excellent noise cancellation, great sound, long battery life, and lots of extra features. But the touch controls are slightly limited.

You save $30 (38%)

How we picked and tested

We use a specialized audio-measurement system with a simulated ear to test how much noise the headphones can reduce.

Our audio experts listen for detailed, authentic sound and clear microphone quality for phone and video calls.

A good design should fit most ear shapes and head sizes, so we have a variety of people try on our top contenders.

True wireless earbuds should play for at least five hours, ideally more. Over-ear headphones should go for at least eight to 10 hours.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is the best set of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones that Bose currently offers. This pair is worth the investment for the frequent traveler who puts a premium on performance and comfort, and we recommend the 700 over newer, pricier Bose offerings for as long as it is still available.

These headphones can provide the superior noise cancellation that Bose has been known for, but the level of the active noise cancellation (ANC) is adjustable on a scale from 0 to 10, enabling you to find the amount that works best for you.

This pair also has a lightweight design that is comfortable to wear for hours, and features an easy-to-use combination of touch controls and physical buttons that you can access without looking. Plus, you can use the headphones in wired mode with the ANC engaged if, for example, you want to access an in-flight entertainment system. They fold flat for easy storage in the supplied case, too.

The Bose 700 isn’t entirely without flaws, however: The sound quality is good but not as crisp as that of our favorite everyday audiophile headphones , the app can be vexing, and the battery life isn’t the longest we’ve seen—though at 20 hours, it’ll still get you through a very long flight.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are small but powerful. This pair combines excellent active noise cancellation and passive isolation to better suppress all the sounds around you—not just the low-frequency ones. The sound quality is fantastic right out of the box, and you can customize it further in the Sony app. The eight hours of battery life (with ANC enabled) will get you through a long day of listening.

If you want to hear your surroundings, simply hold a finger to the left earbud, and the hear-through mode (sometimes called awareness or transparency mode) kicks in. Or, an optional feature automatically enables hear-through when you speak—handy for people who frequently have their hands occupied. The large, touch-based controls handle the full suite of music playback, call answering, and digital-assistant activation, and they aren’t as prone to misfires and missed taps as the controls on other earbuds we’ve tested.

The XM5 is loaded with helpful features, including Alexa and Google voice activation, dual-device connectivity, noise-reducing microphones, and even the ability to accept or reject calls with a nod or shake of your head.

The earbuds are quite small. Sony includes four sizes of tips, but this pair may still prove challenging to keep in place for folks with small ears or who are very active. And the unique foam and silicone tips can make your ears feel full, a sensation some people may find uncomfortable. Additionally, as with all true wireless earbuds, you can’t use these in wired mode, so you’ll need a Bluetooth transmitter to use this pair with certain in-flight entertainment systems that require a cable connection.

If you want a surprisingly great pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones for around $100, we recommend the Soundcore Space One . In our tests, the active noise cancellation was nearly as effective as that of the Bose 700, and the level is adjustable. The sound, while not as refined as that of the Bose 700, is nonetheless enjoyable to listen to and can be customized to your preference in the Soundcore app. The chassis is lightweight and comfortable to wear, with full controls.

Dual-device connectivity is supported, and a hear-through mode can be activated by the press of a button or automatically when you speak. The 40-hour battery life with ANC on (55 hours with it off) means you may only have to charge this pair once a week or less.

The Space One comes with a cable so you can use it in wired mode on a flight or when you run out of power—but note that the ANC and microphone do not work if you’re out of battery. Luckily, the quick-charge feature will give you four hours of listening after just five minutes plugged in.

While this set has three noise-reducing microphones, we found that voices can sound compressed and somewhat distant to callers—especially when compared with more expensive headphones.

Our top pick for the best wireless earbuds , the Soundcore Space A40 pair is also a great option if you want a more affordable pair of noise-cancelling earbuds. Though this set’s active noise cancellation isn’t as broad or effective as what you can get from the Sony WF-1000XM5, it still ranked near the top in our tests.

The sound quality is enjoyable right out of the box, but if it’s not your ideal, you have multiple ways to fine-tune the sound using the Soundcore app. The small, lightweight earbuds should fit most ears comfortably, and 10 hours of battery life per charge is impressive. The tiny charging case holds an additional 40 hours’ worth of power and supports wireless charging.

Six microphones deliver clear phone calls, and the pair’s dual-device connectivity allows you to effortlessly switch between listening to music on your laptop, for example, and taking a call on your phone.

The touch-based controls work reliably and are customizable in the app, but they don’t offer everything: You have to choose one function, such as track reverse, to omit. As with all true wireless earbuds, you can’t use these with a cable, so you’ll need a Bluetooth transmitter to for use with some in-flight entertainment systems.

The research

Why you should trust us, how noise-cancelling headphones work, who this is for, the best wireless noise-cancelling headphones: bose noise cancelling headphones 700, the best noise-cancelling earbuds: sony wf-1000xm5, best budget noise-cancelling headphones: soundcore space one, the best budget noise-cancelling earbuds: soundcore space a40, other good noise-cancelling headphones, what to look forward to, the competition.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in both music performance and audio production from Ithaca College, and I’ve reviewed high-end home audio equipment for publications such as Home Entertainment and Sound & Vision. I also spent several years in terrestrial radio before becoming a professional voice actor in Los Angeles—so I’ve been in and out of recording studios for over a decade.

Senior staff writer Brent Butterworth also tested all of the finalists and performed the noise-cancelling measurements. Brent has been reviewing audio gear professionally since 1990. He previously worked as an editor or writer for Sound & Vision , HomeTheaterReview.com , Home Theater Magazine, and numerous other publications.

Whenever possible, we also engage the ears of experts, including audio reviewers, musicians, and composers.

It’s a popular misconception that ANC headphones cancel out all noises equally. They don’t. Active noise cancellation is generally more effective on lower frequencies of sound, such as the hum of a jet engine or an air conditioner. It’s not as successful with human voices and other higher frequencies.

The technology never works perfectly, but it can work well enough in certain environments to make listening more enjoyable. The best noise-cancelling headphones combine this “active” noise cancelling with passive noise reduction—that is, physical barriers and dampers built into the headphones that help block or absorb noise. If you want to learn more about how ANC works and what sounds it works on, check out “ What Your Noise-Cancelling Headphones Can and Can’t Do .”

Additionally, more active noise cancelling doesn’t necessarily lead to a better experience. We say this because of a phenomenon we refer to as “ eardrum suck ,” which seems to produce the same uncomfortable reduction of pressure on the eardrums as you’re likely to experience when riding a high-speed elevator in a very tall building. And this sensation can lead to headaches or queasiness, especially in people who have sensory processing differences that involve the vestibular system. Typically, the headphones that create the most intense eardrum suck have a combination of very effective noise-cancelling circuitry and ineffective passive sound isolation. You can read more about this phenomenon in this blog post .

If you travel on airplanes a lot, or if you commute every day on a bus or subway, you’ll benefit from having a set of ANC headphones. If, on the other hand, you just want something that reduces chatter of your office colleagues or fellow Starbucks patrons, conventional headphones will probably do about as good a job as noise-cancelling headphones—and they’ll often cost less.

The four main things to consider in a set of noise-cancelling headphones are:

• efficacy of the noise cancelling
• sound quality
• battery life (in wireless models)
• overall comfort

Since we first published this guide, we’ve tested more than 270 active-noise-cancelling headphones and considered many more. In today’s market, almost every new pair of wireless headphones and earbuds has ANC capabilities, so the products we test for our wireless earbuds guide and our Bluetooth wireless headphones guide are considered for this guide, too.

Although most noise-cancelling headphones today are Bluetooth, many over-ear wireless headphones still support a wired connection, which is important if you want to connect to some in-flight entertainment systems. We recognize that sustainability issues are important to many of our readers. Unfortunately, until manufacturers create earbuds with rechargeable batteries that owners can replace, or offer broader refurbishment systems, most wireless earbuds—especially true wireless earbuds—are trash once their batteries die. You can read more in our piece about sustainability concerns related to wireless earbuds .

To evaluate sound quality, we listen to the headphones with a variety of musical tracks, with noise cancelling on and off—because some headphones sound great in one mode and not so great in the other. You can read more about how we evaluate and test for sound quality in these articles:

We also test the microphone call quality in quiet, noisy, and windy environments. We check battery life, control sensitivity, and Bluetooth signal reliability/compatibility. We go through the manufacturer’s app (if there is one) and check the effectiveness of any bonus features and settings.

Testing the noise cancelling is more complicated. We do this both by ear and by using test equipment. To test the noise cancelling by ear, I play airplane noise at a loud level through a JBL L16 wireless speaker and try each set of headphones, moving my head and adjusting settings to see which mode cancels noise most effectively. I stand in front of a fan to check the effect of wind noise on the microphones and take the top performers on walks outside near busy streets.

Brent does his subjective tests in his audio lab, using a mix of cabin noise recorded in four different airliners, fed through eight speakers and a subwoofer at a level of 80 decibels, which is about the level you’d experience in the fairly loud cabin of an older jet such as a Boeing 737 or a McDonnell Douglas MD-80.

Brent then performs lab tests, measuring the degree to which the headphones block different frequencies of sound. To do this, he places each set of over-ear headphones on his GRAS 43AG ear-and-cheek simulator connected through an M-Audio USB interface to a Windows laptop, plays pink noise through the same speaker system described above, and uses TrueRTA audio-spectrum analyzer software to see how much sound leaks through the headphones.

To test noise-cancelling earbuds, Brent places the right-channel earpiece of each set of in-ear headphones into a GRAS KB5000 anthropometric pinna mounted on the GRAS 43AG ear-and-cheek simulator fitted with a GRAS RA0402 high-resolution ear simulator. He connects this fixture through an M-Audio USB interface to a Windows laptop, plays pink noise through the same speaker system, and uses the TrueRTA audio-spectrum analyzer software to see how much sound leaks through the earbud.

To provide a simple way of looking at these measurements, Brent calculates the average amount of noise (in decibels) that the headphones cancel in the 100 Hz to 1,200 Hz frequency band, which is where more airplane-cabin noise occurs, based on his analysis of the four recordings he made in the cabins of different airliners. The higher the number, the greater the average noise reduction. Here is a rundown of our top performers, compared with a couple of pairs of headphones that lack active noise cancellation:

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is our favorite pair of over-ear ANC headphones because it provides the best combination of effective, adjustable noise cancellation, comfort, audio performance, build quality, and price.

The adjustable noise cancellation guarantees the right amount of quiet. Many noise-cancelling headphones are limited to ANC on/off or maybe high/low/off, but the Bose 700 allows you to choose a reduction level from 0 to 10, so you can dial in the ideal setting for your comfort or activity. At the maximum setting, this pair measured among the highest levels of reduction for over-ear headphones while costing significantly less than the newer Bose QuietComfort Ultra or the Apple AirPods Max.

The adjustability is especially helpful for people who experience “ eardrum suck .” You can simply adjust the intensity down in small steps until you no longer feel discomfort. Through the Bose Music app, you can assign three favorite levels, after which you can toggle between them using the button on the left earcup.

The sound is consistently pleasant. If you’re a fan of Bose’s signature sound, you won’t be disappointed with this set. We heard a smidgen of extra bass, a little roll-off in the high-frequency range, and forward-sounding upper-mids. As a result, male vocals and bass lines were a bit more prominent in the mix than snare-rim clicks and consonants in words.

Audiophile critics might say that the Bose 700 lacks crispness and detail—if that’s you, consider the Sony WH-1000XM5 , which has more high-end detail. Other folks may actually prefer this lack of high-end intensity. The Bose Music app includes EQ settings that enable you to adjust the bass, mids, and treble regions. The changes apply a little broadly, but they allow for some personalization of the overall sound profile.

Bose has done a fantastic job of ensuring that the sound quality remains nearly the same no matter what setting or method you use to listen: via Bluetooth or cable, with noise cancelling on or off, low or high. This is impressive stuff, as most headphones have mild to very noticeable sound-quality differences across their listening methods.

The 20 hours of battery life is sufficient. Of course, this number will vary based on how you use the headphones. But even when your headphones run out of power, it won’t be too long before they’re back up and running: The quick-charge feature gives you 2 hours 30 minutes of battery life after 15 minutes of charging time.

The controls are easy to learn and use by feel. Bose employs a combination of physical buttons and a touchpad to provide all the control options you need. It’s compatible with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, and you can program the system (via the app) to be always listening for the wake word associated with your favorite voice assistant. For quick conversations, you can hold the ANC toggle button on the left earcup to turn off the active noise cancellation, pause your music, and turn on the microphones to hear your surroundings better.

The design is especially comfortable to wear for long periods of time. This pair is lightweight, with supersoft memory-foam padding on the earcups and headband. Covering the padding on the underside of the headband is an unusual, silicone-esque material that’s softer than solid plastic or metal yet feels as though it would be less likely to degrade over time in comparison with the fabric or leatherette material covering the headbands on much of the competition.

The earpads are made of protein leather (higher-quality fake leather), and they’re replaceable and spacious enough to accommodate larger ear sizes. The earpad foam is pliable enough to work well with most glasses, though wider arms may cause some gaps that result in sound leakage. The fit felt secure on our heads, and most of our testers thought the clamping force wasn’t too tight.

Calls and video chats are clear, but the mics pick up some room noise. The microphone sound feeds into the noise-cancelling headphones themselves, so you get your own vocal feedback; this effect is helpful in reducing the instinct to yell when your ears are covered, but it can be distracting if you’re taking a call in a busy office and the mics pick up some chatter or keyboard clicks from your surroundings. If you prefer to reduce the amount of your own voice that you hear, or if you want to completely turn off this effect, you can do so in the Bose Music app.

The protective case is slimmer than average. Although over-ear noise-cancelling headphones can’t compete with earbuds in portability, the Bose 700’s case does a decent job of minimizing the space these headphones take up in a bag. The headphones themselves fold flat, and the semi-firm case uses the gap between the headband and the earcups for cable storage. At about 2.5 inches thick, the case will slip easily into a briefcase or a plane’s seat-back pocket.

How the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 has held up

We’ve been really happy with how the Bose 700 headphones have held up over time. No major complaints concerning their performance have surfaced so far. The only vulnerable point seems to be the earpads, which, depending on your situation, can start to break down over time. Fortunately, the pads are replaceable .

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The app can be frustrating to set up. The Bose Music app is required to do a whole lot of things, including altering which digital assistant you use, turning on the always-listening wake word for your digital assistant, changing the assigned ANC preferences, adjusting how much of yourself you hear during calls, and setting the auto-off timer.

It can be downright annoying to get the app to recognize your headphones. Both Brent and I had difficulty pairing them, and after speaking with Bose representatives, we can offer the following tips. When you first power on the headphones, if they don’t show up in your Bluetooth list, there are two possible things you can do. First, if you use a VPN, turn it off; once the initial pairing is complete, you can turn your VPN back on again. Second, you may need to reduce the number of Bluetooth devices that are in your device’s paired-items list. Remove or “forget” as many unnecessary gadgets as possible and try the setup again.

A Bose account is required to use the app. Privacy advocates may find this troublesome. You can use a throwaway email address for the account, but we know that some folks would prefer not to need an account just to use their audio gear.

The cable lacks a mic and is not a common size. The Bose 700 set has a 2.5 mm input. A 2.5 mm–to–3.5 mm audio cable is included, but it has no remote or mic. Depending on your device, you may have trouble taking phone calls when your headphones are tethered via the cord.

Superlative noise cancellation, impressive microphone clarity, excellent sound quality, and a bevy of bonus features make the Sony WF-1000XM5 true wireless earbuds a standout in a very large crowd of competitors. But if you have ears that are very small or sensitive to pressure, you may want to consider alternatives.

These are the best earbuds for blocking noise. This pair takes the most-effective ANC of any earbuds we’ve measured—28.7 dB in the airplane range—and pairs it with specially designed ear tips that passively block the higher-frequency sounds that ANC can’t reduce. The result is an enjoyably quiet experience that reduces low-frequency engine noise and muffles people talking.

Although this pair technically doesn’t have the ability to adjust the amount of active noise cancellation, the added passive isolation may help to reduce the sensation of eardrum suck .

The XM5 lets in outside sounds on your terms. This pair offers adjustable ambient hear-through, which can function as a less-intense noise-cancellation mode. The lowest hear-through settings are essentially the ANC mode dialed down. Higher modes start piping in outside sounds.

If you only want to hear your surroundings for a brief moment, you can simply hold a finger to the left earbud to engage the hear-through mode until you let go, or you can enable the “speak-to-chat” feature that switches it on when the earbuds sense you speaking. This is very handy if you are someone who can’t reach up every time you need to have a quick conversation.

Though the hear-through mode is perfectly fine for conversation, it isn’t as natural sounding as what we heard from the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds .

Simply put, the XM5 sounds great. These earbuds are capable of delicate, clear high notes and deliver an appropriate amount of refined bass. We were satisfied with the sound right out of the box, but we found our sweet spot by adjusting the EQ in the Sony app.

To reduce background and wind noise, Sony employs a combination of multiple microphones, AI software, and bone-conduction sensors to recognize when you’re speaking. Traffic sounds are diminished, and wind noise is nearly gone. While in these noisy scenarios, your voice may sound more compressed to your caller, but your conversation partner will be spared the assault of whooshes and other annoying interruptions.

This pair has the full complement of touch controls, with Alexa and Google compatibility. The touch controls are large and relatively resistant to misfiring, and the gentle beep that confirms your touch makes it easier to navigate the series of taps and holds needed for different tasks.

Amazon and Google users can access their digital assistant by speaking. Apple users can still call-up Siri by tap-holding on the right earbud. If you frequently switch between a phone and laptop, the XM5 offers dual-device connectivity, so you don’t need to fiddle with the Bluetooth menu to take a call.

The earbuds are small but packed with bonus features. Both the buds and the charging case are tinier than we expected for true wireless earbuds that have so much processing power. The earbuds hold anywhere from six to eight hours of battery life when fully charged (depending on whether you have ANC on or take calls), the case provides two additional full charges, and it can be charged wirelessly or via USB-C. IPX4 water resistance will protect the buds from a bit of rain.

We love that the left earbud has a raised braille mark to make left and right easier to distinguish without looking, and that the app supports a phone-screen reader. In addition to these basics, the Sony app is filled with a cornucopia of bonus features and beta applications that range from pretty helpful to mostly superfluous.

The fit may not be right for people with small ears, sensitive ears, or very active lifestyles. The diminutive earbuds don’t have stabilizing wings or hooks, which is often needed to hold true wireless earbuds in smaller ears for high-impact activities. Instead, the XM5 relies on the grippy quality of the tips to keep the earbuds in place, and the unique flexible foam and silicone material ensures the entire tip molds to your ear canal shape.

The design is great for noise isolation, but folks who don’t like a feeling of “fullness” in the ear will probably dislike the outward pressure. Seated properly, the XM5 buds felt secure in our ears, but we wouldn’t wear these for intense workouts—both for fear of losing one and because the IPX4 water resistance isn’t rated for profuse sweating.

Additionally, people with very large ear canals may find the largest tips to be inadequate. However, swapping in a pair of Comply tips resolved that issue for us. If you lose an eartip, Sony sells replacements through Authorized Parts Distributors .

If you only have around $100 to spend on headphones, check out the Soundcore Space One earbuds. The noise cancellation is price-defying, the sound quality enjoyable, and the fit comfortable. Plus, the extra features make this set feel far more expensive than it is.

The ANC is competitive with that of our pricier picks. In our tests, the noise cancellation came pretty darn close to the Bose 700’s. And like the Bose pair, the Space One has adjustable levels, or you can switch on the adaptive noise cancellation that will adjust based on your surroundings. If you like to plug into in-flight entertainment, the Space One’s ANC stays on when you use the supplied cable.

To have a quick conversation, you can hold a finger on the left earcup to enable “easy chat” mode—a hear-through mode with an emphasis on the human vocal range. We thought it sounded surprisingly natural. If your hands are frequently occupied, the optional speak-to-enable hear-through can prove useful.

The adjustable sound is enjoyable to listen to—but a little coarse. Out of the box, this pair has some blurriness in the male vocal range and harshness in the high frequencies. However, the Soundcore app offers various methods of EQ, so you should be able to find a sound you fancy.

Though we found a balance we preferred, astute ears will notice that there is still some coarseness to these drivers that you won’t hear in pricier pairs, and no matter how much we fussed, the bass still had a slightly bloated quality. Minor quibbles for a pair this affordable.

We love that this set has optional volume limiting so that your listening levels stay in safer ranges.

These headphones have a lightweight design and long battery life. The large, roomy earcups and plush memory foam ensure that you can wear this pair all day. The memory foam is pliable enough that it conforms to thin glasses arms to help keep a seal around your ears.

Though the body is largely plastic, the design feels sturdy and looks posh. We had to pull our recommendation of previous Soundcore budget headphones due to build-quality complaints, but it looks as though the company has addressed that with this new pair. If something does go wrong, Soundcore backs the Space One with an 18-month warranty.

Fully charged, the Space One will play for 40 hours with ANC on (and longer with it off.) If you run out of power, five minutes of charging will provide about four hours of listening time.

Using the controls may take practice. Though the layout of the physical control buttons makes sense, their size is small, and it takes some practice to get the muscle memory of where they’re located. Folks with large fingers or who struggle with dexterity might find this frustrating.

Three microphones remove a good bit of traffic noise or cafe clatter, but it also gives your voice a reedy and distant quality. In windy conditions, your caller won’t be blasted by air noise, but your voice is often ducked in stronger gusts.

The Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are a great affordable alternative to the Sony WF-1000XM5 . This true wireless pair is the top pick in our guide to wireless earbuds because it packs great sound, 10 hours of battery life, good microphone quality, dual-device connectivity, and excellent noise cancellation into tiny earbuds—all for around $100 or less.

The ANC ranked among the best we measured for earbuds. This Soundcore pair was not as effective in the airplane band as the Sony WF-1000XM5, but it still reduced an average of 20.8 dB. That means it can reduce lower-pitched noises like the rumble of air conditioners or plane engines well, and the included ear tips do a decent job of dampening higher-pitched sounds, such as babies crying or dogs barking.

Using the Soundcore app, you can adjust the intensity of the noise reduction or choose an adaptive mode that automatically shifts the ANC to match the kind of sounds around you. For people who are bothered by eardrum suck , the ability to choose a comfortable ANC level is a nice benefit.

The smooth, ergonomic design allows them to sit comfortably in a variety of ears. Not only are the earbuds small, but they’re also lightweight—so the design isn’t fighting gravity and tugging at your ear canal. We were able to wear the Space A40 pair painlessly through an entire workday. However, people with very active lifestyles or smaller ears may appreciate a pair with stabilizing wings.

To get the full rundown of the Soundcore Space A40 set’s performance, check out our guide to the best wireless earbuds .

If you work in an open office or from home: The Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones have great passive noise isolation to block out voices around you, and they have the same adjustable speak-to-chat feature as the WF-1000XM5 . The ANC isn’t as potent in the airplane range as that of the Bose 700, and it’s not adjustable. But the XM5’s isolation makes this pair better than the Bose at muffling higher-pitched sounds like voices. Read more in our Bluetooth wireless headphones guide .

If you’re willing to pay more for the absolute best active noise cancellation and a more-luxurious design: The Apple AirPods Max over-ear headphones sound great and reduce the most noise in the airplane band of any set we’ve tested. However, the intense ANC isn’t adjustable, so it can cause eardrum suck . Plus, the headphone design is hefty with a snug clamping force. If you wear headphones all day, the added weight and pinch are a literal pain.

The AirPods Max supports Dolby Atmos and Apple’s spatial audio, but not Apple Music’s lossless audio or any high-resolution service , even if you buy Apple’s Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable for an additional $35. Call quality is excellent, but when you’re near a busy street, the hear-through mode becomes a cacophonous mess, and it isn’t adjustable.

The baffling case design doesn't protect the headband or keep debris out of the earcups, but you need the case to put the headphones into standby mode ( third-party cases are available ). This restriction is problematic because if the battery dies, you can’t listen to these headphones at all—they must have some charge to function, even corded. We love the sustainability of the replaceable battery; the service fee of $79 could be worth it financially to keep these working for many years.

If you want to spend a little less for a great all-purpose set of headphones: The JBL Tour One M2 is our top overall pick for Bluetooth wireless headphones , with an intuitive design, a comfortable fit, and great battery life. The sound is good right out of the box, and it can be further improved with the use of the EQ settings in JBL’s app. The ANC is useful, but not as good as what we got from the best noise-cancelling headphones.

If you want a durable pair for the gym: The JBL Reflect Aero TWS set is the top pick in our guide to workout headphones because the winged earbuds stay securely in place, have simple controls, and are waterproof and sweatproof, with an IP68 rating. But this pair goes beyond workouts, as it offers the option to choose either Alexa or Google Assistant wake-word functionality, and the ANC is quite effective (you can compare its performance with that of our picks here in the chart above ). The sound is good out of the box, and you can fine-tune it to your preferences using the EQ in JBL’s mobile app. This pair’s eight hours of battery life is solid for true wireless earbuds.

If you are an Apple fan looking for true wireless earbuds: A pair of  Beats Fit Pro takes all the features you might find attractive in a pair of AirPods Pro—easy Apple pairing and device swapping, touchless “Hey Siri” control, and so forth—and puts them in a smaller, more secure pair of earbuds with physical button controls.

We couldn’t override this set’s wear sensors, so we were unable to use our usual ANC measurement equipment . Instead, we set up a perception-based test, comparing the Fit Pro with the Soundcore Space A40 . We determined that the ANC is useful for airplane noise, but for higher pitches such as voices, the Fit Pro set is only about as good as any pair of passive earbuds. People prone to eardrum suck may discover that the ANC triggers that feeling, and the level of reduction is not adjustable. Even though the Beats Fit Pro is one of our favorites for Apple fans , it’s not worth the extra money if ANC is your most valued feature.

If you are looking for earbuds that provide hearing protection: Although active noise cancellation reduces lower-frequency sounds, it isn’t effective enough to provide adequate protection during very loud activities like mowing the lawn or operating a jackhammer. For that, consider the Elgin Rebel true wireless earbuds, which are NRR-rated and OSHA-compliant, and will keep your ears safe when worn properly. These are the first protective earbuds we’ve tested that are comfortable, sound good, and easy enough to use that most people should be able to find an effective (and safe) fit.

Twelve hours of battery life per charge should get you through a full workday, and the IP65 dust- and water-resistant rating means you can work up a sweat without worry. The microphone works well for taking calls (though you’ll need to do so in a quieter environment), and the charging case doubles as a flashlight. Elgin includes several pairs of tips; however, the standard black pair is not protective and only for day-to-day activities—be sure to use the yellow triple-flange or foam tips when on the job.

The only flaw is that the Rebel lacks a hear-through function, which would be really helpful for job-site conversations. But considering there literally isn’t anything else available that comes close to the Rebel’s performance, we will just have to hope it’s included in the next version.

A lot of new ANC headphones and earbuds were announced at CES 2024 . Here are some of the most notable:

JBL announced two noise-cancelling headphones that have very similar features and specs. The on-ear Tune 670NC ($100) and over-ear Tune 770NC ($130) both offer adaptive noise cancellation, a smart ambient mode, and up to 70 hours of battery life (44 hours with ANC on). Both will have Bluetooth 5.3, which is compatible with Auracast , and be available in March.

On the earbuds side , JBL’s Live Buds 3 earbuds ($200) will feature a smart charging case, adaptive ANC, Bluetooth 5.3, support for LDAC, an IP55 dust/water rating, customizable sound, multipoint connectivity, and a 10-hour play time. The Live Beam 3 earbuds ($200) have a closed-ear, stick design and offer nearly identical specs as the Live 3, but with a slightly longer battery life of 12 hours per charge.

JLab’s JBuds Lux over-ear headphones will offer an awareness mode, multipoint capabilities, and Google Fast Pair/Find My functions. The Lux will be available in late February for $80.

EarFun announced its first over-ear ANC headphones, the Wave Pro, due in March. This pair will reportedly offer up to 80 hours of battery life, quick-charge capabilities, multipoint connectivity, and support for LDAC for $80.

EarFun also announced updates to its ANC earbud lineup: The Free Pro 3, Air 2, and Air Pro 4 are all due in the spring. Each pair offers an upgrade in battery life and features, as well as Bluetooth 5.3. We don’t know exact pricing yet, but EarFun anticipates the Air Pro 4 will be under $100.

1More’s SonoFlow over-ear headphones , our former budget pick, will get an update this spring. The new version reportedly offers improved performance, a more substantial metal chassis, a physical dial control, and wireless charging via a charging stand.

Phiaton announced the BonoBuds Plus earbuds ($80), featuring an IPX4 water/dust rating, support for up to 24-bit/96-kHz audio resolution, six hours of battery life (with ANC on), and 14 additional hours of battery in the charging case.

We’ve tested more than 250 pairs of headphones for this guide. That’s a lot to cover, so we focus below on the newest and most high-profile competitors. However, if you’re curious about a specific model, we’ve archived many of our previous testing notes in a spreadsheet .

Over- or on-ear headphones

1More SonoFlow : This pair is our former budget headphones pick. The noise cancellation is effective, but it was bested by that of the Soundcore Space One headphones. The sound quality is pleasant and adjustable, and the design is lightweight and comfortable, though not as sturdy-feeling as the Space One. The 50-hour battery life with ANC on (70 hours with it off) is impressive for a model in any price range. However, the ANC does not work in wired mode, so if you’re on a plane that requires a wired connection to the in-flight entertainment system, you’ll have to either go without ANC or pick up a Bluetooth transmitter .

1More SonoFlow SE : A bare-bones edition of the SonoFlow, this set has similar battery life/quick-charge capabilities, app-adjustable tuning, and a lightweight design. But the SE lacks the water resistance, software-driven noise-cancelling microphone, and ability to listen wired. The noise cancellation doesn’t sound as effective as the original, and we noticed that facing the source of a noise resulted in less reduction than when we turned to the side. The hear-through mode sounds muffled, but the microphone does a good job of reducing background noise for phone calls. If you want to spend the least amount possible for decent ANC headphones, this pair is light and comfy, sounds good, and reduces some noise, but we think spending a bit more for our budget pick is worth it for the extra functionality.

Beats Studio Pro : For every positive, this pair has an equally disappointing downside. The noise cancellation and hear-through modes sound great, but neither is adjustable. It’s easy to use the larger physical buttons, but the power/ANC toggle button is inexplicably small. The foam earpads are soft but not replaceable. Android users get a dual-device connection feature; Apple users do not. There are three EQ settings, but they’re only accessible when listening via USB-C. But most importantly, the sound quality is dramatically impacted by use of the spatial audio: When it’s turned on, the lower bass is emphasized, and higher-pitched sounds have an artificial sharpness. With spatial audio off, the bass is notably diminished.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones : These are good headphones, but they aren’t remarkable enough to justify the $350 price—especially while the Bose 700 still exists. The ANC is not as effective as what the rest of the current Bose line can deliver. In fact, at the highest intensity, these headphones reduced less noise in the airplane band than our budget pick. Despite this, the amount of reduction is still effective and useful, and the ANC intensity is adjustable. The build is very comfortable, with a lightweight feel and squishy earpads that should accommodate many glasses arms. These headphones utilize physical buttons rather than the touch controls, and the buttons are easy to learn and find. The hear-through mode sounds natural, and music sounds good, albeit slightly bass-forward out of the box. The Bose app provides an EQ feature that can adjust the tuning, but it consists of only three faders, which is too simplistic. The microphones sound very clear in a quiet room, but background noises in the human vocal range, like a sink running nearby, will be pronounced. We love that Bose includes a cable with a three-button remote and mic––a rare old school nicety.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones : Bose’s newest premium over-ear pair, the Ultra headphones use a test tone to calibrate the noise reduction to your ear shape. It works well, reducing a lot of noise in the airplane band (second only to the Apple AirPods Max). However, people who are susceptible to eardrum suck should know that this pair induced that feeling more strongly in us than any other headphones we’ve tested. This is especially noteworthy if you’ve had challenges concerning your vestibular system. Of course, you can always use the app to dial down the ANC intensity, but really the powerful noise cancellation is the only compelling reason to buy these headphones. While the Ultra sounds good and is constructed in the lightweight, comfortable style Bose is known for, we’d like to see more bonus features to justify the steep $430 price tag. Many headphones that cost under $250 are similarly comfortable and offer better sound customization, longer battery life, always-listening wake words, voice-activated awareness modes, a higher IP rating, and better microphone noise reduction. So, as long as the lower-priced Bose 700 is still available, we suggest that most people save the money and go with that model.

Edifier W820NB Plus : The noise cancellation is moderately effective, but the overall reduction is marred by the design’s lack of passive isolation. You might not hear the lowest pitches of an engine, but you’ll hear the upper whine, as well as people talking. The sound quality is decent, and the padding on the earcups is comfortable, but with so many other great options, this pair just fell a bit short.

Edifier WH950NB : This pair is a mixed bag. Like the W820NB Plus, this Edifier pair is lacking in passive isolation. So although the noise cancellation is effective in a band of lower frequencies, you can still hear things like babies crying or dishes clinking. This combo of intense ANC and lack of isolation can exacerbate eardrum suck if you’re sensitive to it. Sonically, the bass is a touch bloated in the upper lows, and the highs have a slight coarseness to them, but neither flaw makes listening unenjoyable. The fit is lightweight and comfortable, and the earcups are deep, which can be more comfortable for people who have prominent or sensitive ears. However, the control buttons are small and tricky to feel, especially if you have larger fingers or challenges with dexterity.

Phiaton BonoBeats Lite : It has been a while since we’ve tested a new pair of on-ear headphones, so we were hopeful that the BonoBeats Lite would be recommendable for someone who prefers that style. Sadly, this pair wasn’t what we’re looking for. The headband is small with a lot of clamping force. The noise cancellation is middling, the sound quality has recessed vocals, and the hear-through mode has a hissing quality. Bummer.

PSB M4U 9: This set’s noise cancellation takes the edge off of low frequencies, but the intensity isn’t competitive with even our budget pick . PSB is known for excellent bass reproduction, and the M4U 9 is a great example of why. The bass is slightly forward in the mix, but the notes have actual pitch, even at volumes that might cause distortion in other headphones. Out of the box, the highs have a slight icy spike, and male vocals are slightly recessed, but it’s subtle enough to be a matter of preference. Taking the time to complete the hearing-test-based EQ test can improve the experience, and unlike many wireless headphones, this pair sounds just as good wired as it does wireless. The headband transfers a lot of noise, so a small bump or scratch resonates noisily. On a more affordable pair, we might be able to overlook this given the great sound quality, but for $500, we want better.

Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 : This pair is an evolution of studio headphones and may be considered by people specifically for that purpose. It retains the Shure sound (narrowly boosted high frequencies and extra energy in the lows around 60 Hz) when you listen passively. However, via Bluetooth, the sound out of the box is very boomy, and the three preset EQ modes all go too far in their application of filters. The sound can be customized in the app, but the interface is not user-friendly for beginners and not dexterous enough for experts. We eventually got to a sound that was “close enough” to what we wanted, but it wasn’t easy to get there. The noise cancellation is intense and restricted to lower frequencies, so for those sensitive to eardrum suck, you’ll want to make adjustments. The microphones are clear but pick up external noise and are easily overwhelmed by wind.

Skullcandy Crusher ANC XT 2 : The noise cancellation is minimal, and the isolation isn’t great. But that’s not why someone would be drawn to this pair. This is for someone who wants the experience of a car-trunk subwoofer in a wearable format. The bass is loud and boomy, and a small motor vibrates the headphones so that you can feel the bass. It’s not our thing, but if you’re into that, we won’t yuck your yum. We’ll just say, don’t get these if you want effective ANC or balanced sound.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) : This set offers a few neat features for Apple fans, such as the ability to charge the case with your Apple Watch charging cable. But most of the major specs—including six hours of battery life, always-listening Siri voice control, head-tracking spatial audio, and an IPX4 water-resistance rating—are similar to those of the Beats Fit Pro pair , which has a smaller design, a more secure fit, easier-to-use controls, and a lower price. The AirPods Pro controls are frustrating to use compared with the more-straightforward button design on the Beats Fit Pro set. And the active cancellation isn’t nearly as effective in the airplane band as our picks (you can read more about this pair’s ANC in this piece ). We recommend these earbuds only for people who use Apple devices exclusively and who prioritize the niceties of staying in the Apple ecosystem above all else. Otherwise, you have better options for the money.

Astell & Kern UW100MKII : Astell and Kern is a brand known for high-end audio equipment, so we were excited to try these true wireless earbuds. The earbuds are large—around the size of a nickel—so people who have medium or small outer ears will likely find that their ears feel stuffed. The noise cancellation is mild, but is good enough for reducing an air conditioner. Although the drivers are capable of reproducing low frequencies, the sound is heavily tilted to the mids and highs. There are bass notes present, but even the most thumping hip-hop feels unsupported. There also seems to be a spike around 7 kHz that adds a twang to grand pianos, plus a sizzly quality to snares.

Beats Studio Buds + : The upgraded version of the Studio Buds , this pair offers better battery life (nine hours), Android customization, and noise cancellation compared with the original—and a stylishly transparent shell. But the core earbud design remains the same. This is a solid pair of earbuds overall and shares a lot of iOS-friendly features with the Beats Fit Pro set —but we like the Fit Pro earbuds better because they’re more secure in the ears, they still offer better noise cancellation, and their button design is more ergonomic.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds : This pair replaces the QuietComfort Earbuds II and is excellent at reducing noise. These earbuds measured second only to the Sony WF-1000XM5 at reduction in the airplane band. But the way the reduction functions can cause a lot of eardrum suck, so if you’re susceptible, you may need to dip the ANC intensity for comfort. The fit is secure, and the sound is consistent with the quality and tuning Bose is known for. In other performance areas, Bose said that the Ultra pair remedied some issues that marred its predecessor, but that wasn’t our experience. Phone calls are still problematic. Though the microphones perform well in quiet settings, the sound falls apart with any level of background noise. On one test call, ordinary street sounds rendered our caller unable to understand us. Plus, the Ultra Earbuds still lack dual-device connectivity. The hear-through mode is designed to automatically duck the volume when you’re in a noisier area, but the effect is way too heavy-handed. We also weren’t impressed with the Immersive Audio mode, which made music sound like a speaker playing from a specific point in a metal hallway. Six hours of battery life per charge (four with Immersive Audio active) is low for earbuds that lack an always-listening assistant. For a pair that’s originally priced at $300, we expect better and more.

Devialet Gemini II : The Gemini II has high-quality drivers capable of producing excellent low-bass notes with clear pitch, attack, and decay—a far cry from the thudding, tone-less boom of many true wireless earbuds. Out of the box, this pair showcases that bass a bit too much for our taste, with a hyped tuning that also has a spike in the highs. Fortunately, there is a six-fader EQ system in the Devialet app that can restrain the boosted frequencies and make this pricy ($450) pair sound fantastic. However, the Gemini II is lacking in features. The hear-through mode makes it sound like you have a head cold, and the controls are limited.

Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 : If you’re on a tight budget, this is the only under-$50 pair of noise-cancelling earbuds we’ve tested that won’t immediately inspire buyers remorse. While this pair doesn’t have the level of performance of the Soundcore Space A40 , it nonetheless reduces noise in a useful way, and the sound quality is excellent for the price. We like the IP54 water/dust resistance, and the adjustable awareness mode, too. But the battery life of four hours with ANC on is too short, and the suite of touch controls is limited.

Google Pixel Buds Pro : These colorful, true wireless earbuds feature ANC, spatial audio, dual-device connectivity, a hear-through mode, and always-listening “Hey Google” capabilities (on Google devices). The earbuds themselves have IPX4 water resistance, and the case is IPX2-rated. The battery life of 11 hours of listening time (up to seven hours with ANC turned on) is impressive for true wireless earbuds. However, the earbud design, while smooth and comfortable in larger ears, is likely to be tricky for people with medium to small ear canals to keep in securely—and the touch-control sensor is easy to activate accidentally when you’re pushing the earbuds back into place. In our tests, the sound was decent, but we found the peak in the cymbal and consonant range to be fatiguing, especially when the volume was turned up a bit. Overall, if you have bigger ears and want to stay in the Google ecosystem, these earbuds are fine but not excellent.

HiFiMan Svanar Wireless : This $500 pair focuses on audio performance, not noise cancellation. As such, its ANC was below average. As for audio performance, the earbuds use high-quality drivers, but the balance leans heavily toward high frequencies. So unless you prefer a top-heavy sound, these aren’t for you. It’s a shame that the Svanar lacks an EQ function, because this set might have broader appeal if tuned a little differently.

HyperX Cirro Buds Pro : This pair is middle-of-the-road in most ways. The noise cancellation is effective on very low frequencies but not not much else, the sound is a little bloated in the lows and dull in the highs (but not offensively so), and the fit is on the larger side. The tap controls can be finicky, and the case is large. None of these flaws alone is a dealbreaker, but the sum total disqualified this pair from being a pick.

Jabra Elite 4 : Though the earbud design is comfortable and the full suite of controls is intuitive, active users might feel as though these earbuds aren’t secure enough in their ears. The noise cancellation is minimally effective, and the sound is just okay—the highs have a sizzling aspect that the five-band EQ can’t fix. Five and a half hours of battery life is decent, but is only half the playtime of the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds.

Jabra Elite 8 Active : This pair is built to be comfortable and durable, and we compare them to our workout headphone picks in that guide. But as noise-cancelling headphones, they are not a standout.

Jabra Elite 10 : When used for work, the Elite 10 pair is fantastic: These earbuds sound good, feature dual-device connectivity, have clear mics for calls, and are perhaps the most comfortable earbuds we’ve tested. You can read about how they compare overall in our Bluetooth earbuds guide . However, the six-hour battery life may not be enough for long days, and the noise cancellation isn’t competitive with the picks in this guide.

JBL Tour Pro 2 : There isn’t much bad to say about the Tour Pro 2; this pair was simply edged out by our earbud picks. These earbuds come with a control-panel case that duplicates app functionality without a phone, which is nifty. The noise cancellation is well above average, but not the best we tested. The fit is comfortable, and the six microphones reduce wind noise on calls better than just about anything we’ve tested. The nine hours of battery life is excellent, the IPX5 rating a benefit, and the sound quality is very good after you adjust the EQ. We wish the touch controls included the full suite (you have to choose one to leave out, be it volume, track forward/back, etc.). But overall these are fantastic, albeit pricey, earbuds if you don’t need the absolute best in noise cancellation.

JBL Tune Buds : We love the 12 hours of battery life and the sound quality (once we adjusted it a tad in the app to reduce the high highs). However, the somewhat bulky shape might pose a fit challenge for smaller ears, and the noise cancellation and passive isolation, while above average, aren’t competitive with our picks.

JBL Tune Flex : This pair is designed to be worn either sealed or unsealed, depending on which tips you choose. However, the ANC is limited to a narrow band of low frequencies. And all of the tips are small. Because the buds aren’t fixed in place by the tips or wings, the earbuds can shift, causing the sound to change drastically depending on the angle at which the sound tubes aim at your ear canal. When they are positioned perfectly, the Tune Flex can sound quite good. But once the buds shift, the experience is less enjoyable. Open/closed earbuds is an interesting idea, but to swap on the go, you need to carry the tips with you separately (there isn’t a place to store them in the case), and we didn’t feel either style was excellent enough to recommend these as a pick.

JVC Marshmallow Noise Cancelling HA-A25T : This pair suffers from subpar ANC efficacy, a muffled-sounding hear-through mode, and three EQ settings that never quite find a decent sonic balance.

LG Tone Free T90 : This set has some interesting features, including a UV light that LG says disinfects the earbuds and a case that doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter. However, these earbuds and the included tips are very small, so folks with medium to XL ears may find them tricky to keep in place. The noise cancellation is decent, but the sound quality isn’t worth the higher price tag. While the idea of a transmitter case is somewhat neat, we’d say to get a better, less expensive pair and a separate inexpensive transmitter for travel.

Motorola Moto Buds 270 ANC : If noise cancellation is your priority, these aren’t for you. The majority of reduction came from passive isolation, and it didn’t sound as though it was making much difference.

Motorola Moto Buds 600 ANC : The noise reduction is above average, but the sound has boomy bass, and the chunky earbud design can make it difficult to get a seal. The controls are limited and, like many touch-control earbuds, can be fussy. Even with the added benefit of wireless charging, this pair doesn’t meet our high standards.

Nothing Ear (2) : Although not on a par with our top picks, this pair’s average of 14.5 dB of ANC reduction is quite good. Nothing’s app is very well designed, with some beneficial personalization of ANC and EQ that make the listening experience quite pleasant. The fit is comfortable, the microphone quality is clear, and the futuristic design could be appealing to some. However, the squeeze-style controls are limited and very frustrating to use. Not only are they prone to misreading your squeeze, but the act of squeezing can dislodge the earbuds and is likely to be difficult for people with dexterity issues.

OnePlus Nord Buds 2 : The most compelling feature is access to the Melody voice-activated assistant. (Melody is OnePlus’s version of Alexa or Siri.) Otherwise, this pair is middling. The noise cancellation is average, and the music reproduction has too much bass emphasis, recessed mids, and peaked highs that make female vocals sound recessed and yet consonants coarse and shushing. It’s not objectionable, but not fantastic, and there’s no EQ.

Poly Voyager Free 60 + UC : If you work in an office environment, especially one where you work regularly on desktop computers that lack Bluetooth, this pair could be worth the expense. The case has a touchscreen that mimics features generally found in a mobile app, which is helpful for desktop users, since app features like EQ and control customization aren’t accessible to people connected to a desktop. The charging case also stores a USB Bluetooth transmitter that enables these true wireless earbuds to connect to computers that otherwise lack wireless capabilities. The microphones are designed for voice clarity and background noise reduction, which reduces the frequency ranges it picks up, so don’t be surprised if colleagues think you sound like you’re calling from an old-school landline. Importantly, the noise cancellation is only average.

Raycon The Impact : This pair is not among the best at reducing noise. We discuss the merits of these as gym earbuds in our guide to workout headphones , but as noise-cancelling earbuds, they aren’t as successful.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro : The fit is comfortable, the case is adorably small, and the sound is flawed yet still pleasant. But the noise cancellation is significantly less successful than we’d like, and the Buds 2 Pro pair doesn’t offer dual-device connectivity. The touch controls are easy to inadvertently activate when you’re adjusting the earbuds in your ears. And the voice-activated hear-through mode isn’t as seamless as that of the Sony WF-1000XM5 .

Skullcandy Rail ANC XT : The standout feature is the inclusion of the “Hey Skullcandy” suite of voice controls (which is also available in the Grind Fuel) . It functions separately from your phone’s digital assistant and works even if you are in a service-less or Wi-Fi–less location. Aside from that, these are middle-of-the-road earbuds. The sound quality is decent, but a bit bloated in the bass no matter how you fuss with the EQ. The ANC is comparatively mild, and the hear-through mode is somewhat unnatural and compressed sounding. The touch controls are easy to accidentally trigger when adjusting the earbuds in your ears.

Soundcore Liberty 4 NC : This pair has noise cancellation that sounds to be on a par with that of the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds, but there’s slightly less passive isolation, which can create the sensation of eardrum suck. The Liberty earbuds also has an overabundance of bass that can’t be tamed even by dropping the lowest EQ fader to the very bottom, so it’s challenging to hear male vocals, especially on hip-hop tracks.

Status Audio Between 3ANC : This pair has above-average noise cancellation and can sound quite good if you are willing to spend the time meticulously adjusting the EQ. The controls are a combination of touchpads and physical buttons, which we generally don’t mind. However, the tiny buttons are placed too close to the microphones, so every time you press them, you also get a loud brushing sound if the hear-through mode is enabled. Additionally, the volume adjustments jump in dramatic chunks, which can quickly become too loud or quiet.

Technics EAH-AZ40M2 : Unfortunately, the ANC is very mild and not adjustable, and it only affects very low frequencies. Out of the box, the sound has a veiled midrange and harsh highs that we weren’t able to remedy in the app’s EQ. We appreciated the small charging case and the earbuds’ ergonomic, lightweight design, but the plastic felt less premium than the price tag would suggest, especially when compared with the Soundcore Space A40 .

Technics EAH-AZ60M2 : Although we appreciate the inclusion of seven pairs of tips and the brushed-metal design, these earbuds may be too chunky for people with smaller ears to wear comfortably. The background-noise-reducing mic is quite good at removing constant sounds like an air conditioner or breeze. The sound is decent out of the box, but we weren’t quite able to dial in a balanced sound with any of the presets or custom EQ settings. The noise cancellation is above average but not remarkable.

Technics EAH-AZ80 : This pair is essentially the EAH-AZ60M2 with bigger drivers, so all of the 60M2’s flaws not associated with sound also apply to this pair. The larger drivers provide better bass response, and we found it was easier to dial in a sound profile we preferred. And the active noise cancellation is above-average. Like other pricey earbuds, the flaws seem small until you consider the original $300 price.

This article was edited by Adrienne Maxwell and Grant Clauser.

Meet your guide

Lauren Dragan

Lauren Dragan is a senior staff writer and has tested nearly 2,000 headphones for Wirecutter. She has a BA from Ithaca College in music performance and audio production. She’s been featured in Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News , The New York Times, and more. Additionally, she’s a voice actor whose work includes projects for Disney and Mattel.

Further reading

The Best Headphones

by Lauren Dragan

We’ve tested several hundred headphones, including wireless, noise-cancelling, and even kids headphones, to pick the best headphones in each category.

Do Noise-Cancelling Headphones Hurt Your Ears? You’re Not Alone.

by Brent Butterworth and Lauren Dragan

Before buying noise-cancelling headphones, you should think about what kinds of noise you want to reduce—and find out if you’re susceptible to “eardrum suck.”

What Your Noise-Cancelling Headphones Can and Can’t Do

Before you invest in noise-cancelling headphones, it’s important to understand what kinds of sounds they will and won’t block.

The Best Bluetooth Wireless Headphones

The JBL Tour One M2 over-ear Bluetooth headphones sound great, have a long battery life, and offer premium features at a lower price than the competition.

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ENERGY SISTEM travel5 User Manual

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• Introduction
• Care and Maintenance
• General Features
• Technical Specifications
• Product Content
• General Overview
• Main Functions
• Bluetooth (BT)
• Noise Cancelling (ANC)
• Voice Assistant
• Audio Input
• Call Control
• Charging the Battery
• Warranty Procedure
• Declaration of Conformity

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Energy Sistem Headphones BT Travel 5 Anc (Active Noise Cancelling Headset, Wireless, 5.0, Voice Assistant, Control Talk, Foldable)

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About this item

• ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING: Bluetooth headphones with Active Noise Cancelling technology to listen to music without background noise.
• EXTENDED BATTERY: Rechargeable lithium polymer battery with up to 16 hours of battery life in Bluetooth and ANC mode.
• VOICE ASSISTANT: for voice access to music, information, and more. Activate with a simple touch
• CONTROL TALK: Control your playlists. Turn the volume up or down and answer calls from the headphones using the built-in buttons.
• FOLDABLE: Adjustable headband and 90-degree rotatating ear pads that cover your ears completely, thus adapting to your ear shape.

Product details

• Batteries ‏ : ‎ 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included)
• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• Language ‏ : ‎ English, English, English, English, English
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 18 x 21.5 x 8.6 cm; 500 g
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ 27 October 2019
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Energy Sistem Technology
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07Z83NK2K
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ Headphones BT Travel 5 ANC
• #1,233 in Over-Ear Headphones
• #46,051 in Mobile Phone Accessories

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No More Noises

Active Noise Cancelling technology eliminates ambient noises so nothing stops you from enjoying your music. Turn on ANC and discover a new way to listen to music.

• Voice Assistant
• Noise Cancellation

For a cordless world

Thanks to Bluetooth 5.0, you can listen to your songs completely wirelessly. In addition, you can volume up/down, advance or backward the song, activate your smartphone's voice assistant and answer your calls without using your device.

• Active Noise Cancelling technology reduces outside noise so you can see every nuance of your music.
• Bluetooth 5.0 to play your music wirelessly.
• Voice Assistant to keep you connected to your smartphone's functions.
• CONTROL PLAYBACK - Turn up or down the volume, advance or backward the track and answer your calls with its built-in microphone.
• Folding system, rotating pads and storage case anywhere.
• Lithium polymer battery with 16 hours of battery life.

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Best noise canceling headphones

Sometimes, listening to the sounds of nature or the sounds of the people around you can be an enlightening experience, but sometimes, you just need a vacation from the world. As people who ride subways and buses every day, we know how necessary it is to block out the world sometimes just to keep your sanity—and hearing—intact. Whether you’re always in crowded areas, working at your desk, or a frequent commuter, noise canceling can be a much-needed feature . Here are the best noise canceling headphones currently on offer based on our experience and testing.

What's new?

• This article was updated on February 1, 2024, to ensure the timeliness of the information within.
• If you are interested in other product recommendations, check out our list of the best headphones and the best noise canceling earbuds.

Everyone can benefit from noise canceling headphones . Besides sound quality, a good pair of noise canceling headphones does two things: provide a comfortable fit for extended use and also accurately cancel out unwanted outside noise. Without getting too technical, Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) is achieved by using built-in microphones that pick up what is going on around you. The headphones then produce their own out-of-phase sound waves that destroy outside noise. With so many options out there (and a lot of them are quite expensive ), we decided to make a list of the best noise canceling headphones you can get.

Why is the Sony WH-1000XM5 the best set of active noise canceling headphones?

Sony brought a big update to its flagship noise canceling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 . This new model features a redesign from its predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM4 , and an improvement to the already best-in-class active noise canceling.

Most listeners will enjoy a consumer-friendly sound, but for those who want a little less bass, use the Sony Headphones Connect app to boost mids and drop highs a bit. While it’s a little annoying to need to equalize headphones instead of having them sound perfect out of the box, at least it’s easy enough to navigate.

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Sony has been regarded as having the best active noise canceling headphones on the market, and that legacy continues with the WH-1000XM5. The newer headset attenuates noise even better than its predecessor, canceling out sounds such as the hum of an air conditioner or the rumble of a jet engine—perfect for travelers and commuters. Passive isolation is also better, so it blocks out more high-pitched noises than the Sony WH-1000XM4 as well.

Additional features that make the Sony WH-1000XM5 our top pick include Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, automatic ear detection, support for multiple audio codecs (SBC, AAC, and Sony’s LDAC), fantastic microphone quality that makes it our favorite ANC work headset , intuitive touch controls, Sony 360 Reality Audio , and great in-app control. If you’re looking to go all-in for a pair of active noise canceling headphones and are willing to pay a pretty penny for the best experience, look no further than the Sony WH-1000XM5.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 has a highly advanced noise canceling microphone system that effectively blocks out background noise.

Sony WH-1000XM5 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sony wh-1000xm5 microphone demo (office conditions):, how does the microphone sound to you.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is still a great headset and compares well against the WH-1000XM5 . If you don’t want to spend $400 USD on the latest model, you will still enjoy very good ANC from the XM4 headset. Sound quality isn’t nearly as good out of the box on the fourth-generation model compared to the newest one, but you can equalize some of the XM4’s heavy treble away.

Neither pair of headphones is water-resistant, but you should still be able to skate by with some sweat so long as you clean them regularly. As far as software features go, you still get 360 Reality Audio and ANC optimization with the WH-1000XM4, along with the option to prioritize connection stability or sound quality. Unless you absolutely need the best ANC around, you’ll still be happy with the WH-1000XM4 and the extra cash in your wallet.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are future-proof

If you have deep pockets and want high-performing active noise canceling (ANC) headphones that will stay relevant for the next few years, look no further than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Despite the lack of waterproofing, the QuietComfort Ultra stands out for its effective noise cancelation, reducing noises like bus engines and airplane whines by approximately 87%. This is complemented by an impressive Aware Mode, which allows ambient sounds to pass through without aggressive band-limiting, making it suitable for street or café environments.

Connectivity-wise, they come with Bluetooth 5.3 and support Snapdragon Sound and aptX Lossless, offering high-quality wireless audio. However, this is currently limited to devices with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or newer. Apple users, unfortunately, miss out on this feature. Additionally, they provide a substantial 27 hours and 37 minutes of battery life, with fast charging capabilities that offer 2.5 hours of listening time with just a 15-minute charge.

Sound quality is another strong point for the QuietComfort Ultra, featuring CustomTune technology that adjusts sound to the individual’s ear anatomy, providing a personalized audio experience. Users can also customize their experience further using the Bose Music app. Overall, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are a top pick for those seeking cutting-edge noise canceling capabilities, comfortable design, and advanced wireless audio technology, albeit at a premium price point.

The Sennheiser ACCEMTUM Wireless is great value

The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless headphones present themselves as a valuable option in the ANC headphone market, especially for those seeking a balance between price and performance. While they may not offer the most advanced noise canceling technology compared to higher-end models, they still deliver a respectable level of ANC, suitable for most everyday environments. They reduce outside noise by up to 75% under 1kHz and achieve a 90% drop in loudness above 1kHz. Although their ANC performance might not match that of premium competitors from Bose, Sony, or Apple, it’s important to note that they are priced significantly lower.

These headphones are designed to provide a decent seal against the head, which aids in both sound quality and isolation. Beyond their ANC capabilities, the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless also impresses with a battery life of approximately 46 hours and 40 minutes, making them suitable for extended use without frequent recharging. Comfort is another strong suit, thanks to their lightweight design and adequate padding, ensuring they can be worn for hours without discomfort. The sound quality is generally pleasing, with an emphasis on sub-bass and a 5-band equalizer available through the Sennheiser Smart Control app for personalized adjustments.

Overall, the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless headphones offer a compelling mix of effective ANC, extended battery life, and comfortable wear, all at a more affordable price point. They are ideal for users who value sound quality and effective noise cancelation without the need for the most advanced features or the highest level of noise suppression available in the market.

Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless microphone demo (Office conditions):

Sennheiser accentum wireless microphone demo (street conditions):, sennheiser accentum wireless microphone demo (windy conditions):.

As you can probably hear, there’s an issue with noise rejection and mitigating wind noise, but intelligibility is okay.

The Apple AirPods Max offers the best noise canceling for iPhone owners

There’s no getting around it: Apple’s first set of over-ear headphones are the best pure noise cancellers you can buy, with only the Sony WH-1000XM5 really giving the AirPods Max a run for its money . However, the AirPods Max may not be the ones to buy owing to their high cost and relatively poor flexibility. Unless you own an iPhone and have a large budget, there are too many competing models out there that offer a similar level of ANC performance and comparable sound quality.

As top-tier noise canceling headphones, the AirPods Max use hybrid active noise canceling for optimal noise cancelation. As we’ve seen from the Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation) , the AirPods Max supports Adaptive EQ, which adjusts the frequency response in real-time, adjusting for how the headset fits.

Audio performance is right where you’d expect it to be for an Apple product, with much better performance than some of the cheaper options on this list. However, the headphones use only SBC and AAC — meaning no higher-bitrate codecs like LDAC.

Maybe. Only iPhone users will truly enjoy all the benefits the AirPods Max has to offer. As an Android user, you’ll miss out on call quality, firmware updates, Spatial Audio, and more. Hence, if you’re choosing between the Apple AirPods Max and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 or the Sony WH-1000XM5, pick one of the latter two or get an iPhone.

The microphone performance is very good, but you may notice better performance when you pair the headphones to an Apple device.

Apple AirPods Max microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Apple airpods max microphone demo (office conditions):, how does the mic sound to you, the soundcore by anker life q30 are good bang for buck.

For those seeking a budget-friendly option with active noise cancelation (ANC), plus the benefits of fast charging long and decent sound quality, we recommend the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 . This set of headphones is designed for everyday use thanks to its comfortable design and a battery life that exceeds 40 hours on a single charge. The inclusion of a hardshell carrying case, USB-C charging cable, and an analog audio cable for wired listening make it a complete package.

The Q30’s ANC capability performs well in reducing environmental noise. You also get three ANC modes to toggle between in the app, depending on if you and indoors, outdoors, or on the go. The Soundcore app further allows customization of the sound profile through its equalizer, though the EQ presets aren’t as effective as you’ll find in more expensive options. As is becoming common with headphones, there is a lot of over-emphasis on the bass and higher harmonics, which, while not ideal, can be fun for listening to high-energy genres.

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones have great noise canceling but an odd frequency response

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones showcase effective noise cancelation capabilities, adept at attenuating low-frequency noises like engine and street sounds by 50-85%. They manage to reduce noise by 10 to 30dB under 1kHz, and high-pitched noise sees a reduction of 20-45 dB. This performance, coupled with their well-designed ear cups that create a good seal, makes them a solid choice for commuters or those in moderately noisy environments.

In terms of sound quality, the QuietComfort headphones present a mixed bag. The sub-bass is noticeably over-emphasized, overshadowing the mid frequencies and creating an unbalanced sound profile. This heavy bass can distort the perception of mid-range sounds, making them appear weaker. The headphones do align well with our preferred headphone curve above 60Hz, but the irregularities in the high frequencies (notably around 6-8kHz) can lead to an unusual listening experience. Compared to its predecessor, the Bose QuietComfort 45 , the new model falls short in delivering a well-rounded audio experience. Despite the availability of the Bose app, it doesn’t rectify these sound issues fully.

In summary, while the Bose QuietComfort Headphones excel in noise cancelation, their peculiar frequency response in the sub-bass and high frequencies may not appeal to all users, especially those sensitive to tonal balance and treble clarity.

The best noise canceling headphones: Notable mentions

• Anker Soundcore Space Q45 ( $149 at Amazon ): Although they fall short in terms of frequency response, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 deliver solid active noise canceling for a low price ( $149 at Amazon ). They are a decent option for anyone looking for an inexpensive headset that still handles loud environments with a deft touch.
• Anker Soundcore Space One ( $99.99 at Amazon ): These are the latest noise canceling cans from Soundcore by Anker, stated to reduce outside noise by 98%. We are still in the process of testing these, but based on the majority of user feedback, it looks like another success in the brand’s value headset lineup.
• Bowers & Wilkins PX7 ( $99 at Amazon ): While this set of headphones is very clearly geared to compete with the high-end cans listed here, it may be too pricy for the sound you get out of it. If they fit well, you’ll enjoy the ANC though.
• Bose QuietComfort 35 II ( $374 at Amazon ): Though they are outperformed by the headphones on this list, the Bose QC 35 II are still a great pair of noise canceling cans. Even with the latest Bose QuietComfort 45 surpassing them, the QC 35 II’s price is a bit easier to swallow. And, if you want to use them for gaming, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset offers everything the regular QC 35 II has, plus a detachable boom microphone for $279 at Amazon .
• Focal Bathys ( $699 at Amazon ):We have these tested, and they’re great—but they’re also $800 and only cancel noise as well as the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, so they’re a tough sell to a general crowd. For an audiophile, however, they’re definitely worth a look.
• Jabra Elite 85h ( $190.99 at Best Buy ): These headphones offer great sound and good noise canceling for the mid-range market, and also have automatic ear detection and water resistance, amongst other more unusual features.
• Monoprice BT-600ANC   ( $84.99 at Amazon ): For most casual listeners, these are the best bang for your buck headphones. The combination of great isolation and noise cancelation, decent sound, and premium features is a sight for sore eyes in the sub-$100 headphone category.
• Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet ( $139 at Amazon ): An affordable and sleek pair of active noise canceling headphones for children. The design fits smaller heads and limits the maximum volume to help protect your kiddo’s hearing.
• Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless ( $179.95 at Amazon ): For a set of ANC headphones that cost roughly half the price of the top-end competitors, these offer exceptional sound quality.
• Sennheiser HD 450BT ( $129 at Amazon ): A great choice because of their sound quality. However, unless you have tiny ears, the ear cups probably fit more like on-ear headphones than over-ears. A bit more affordable than the Sennheiser PXC 550-II, but the active noise canceling isn’t quite as good .
• Shure AONIC 50 ( $298 at Amazon ): This is an excellent headset for listeners who want as many options to connect as possible. You get SBC, AAC, aptX HD, and LDAC support, along with a standard wired connection and support for USB-C passthrough audio. We also love this headset for its premium build, extremely comfortable design, and excellent sound quality. If you want something a bit lighter and more affordable from Shure, check out the AONIC 40 .
• Sony WH-CH710N ( $748 at Amazon ): This headset boosts bass a bit more than we like, but can still be pleasant to most peoples’ ears. You get great noise canceling performance and a nice, compact build.
• Sony WH-CH720N ( $799 at Amazon ): If you’re looking for a decent set of noise canceling cans but don’t want to shell out the top-tier headphones, consider these as a good in-between option. They balance app support, good battery life, and solid functionality.

Hold up! Something’s different:

Some of our picks’ frequency response and isolation charts were measured with our old testing system. We have since purchased a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 test fixture (and the appropriate support equipment) to update our testing and data collection. It will take a while to update our backlog of old test results, but we will update this article (and many others!) once we’re able with improved sound quality measurements and isolation performance plots. These will be made obvious with our new chart aesthetic (black background instead of white).

Thank you for bearing with us, and we hope to see you again once we’ve sorted everything out.

What you should know about the best noise canceling headphones

How do noise canceling headphones work.

Active noise cancellers attempt to increase the quality of your music by using destructive interference to eliminate noise. By using active noise cancelation tech (ANC), you can simultaneously make your music sound better in noisy environments. Still, you can also reduce how much sound your inner ear is subjected to, staving off hearing loss . Even if you use noise canceling headphones, you’re still at risk for noise-induced hearing loss because it doesn’t block out  all noise. Be sure to limit your exposure to all sounds above 85dB SPL if possible.

Can a firmware update make the noise canceling worse on your headphones?

There have been many accounts of ANC performance declining after an update; we’ve seen this with the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and others. When you experience worse noise canceling after an update, try to factory reset the headset. After resetting the headset, try to install the latest firmware again, but only after your source device and headset are fully charged.

Yes, noise canceling can get better after an update, and we’ve seen this with multiple headsets, most notably the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 and Bose QuietComfort 35 II. Let’s look at the Bose NCH 700. Above, you can see the NCH 700 noise canceling improved after Bose released firmware 1.8.2. Bose takes its headphone updates seriously, and the fact that you get improved performance throughout a headset’s lifespan increases the product’s value.

What should you get if you don’t want noise canceling headphones?

Active noise cancelation requires the use of batteries, and that’s a pain for many people. There’s really no way around it unless you ditch the active noise cancelation and go for passive isolators. Really, the best way to do that is to get some in-ears . You may find them uncomfortable, but we’ve had good luck with Comply memory foam tips . They conform perfectly to your ear canal every time, which not only means super-good isolation with whatever earbuds you want, but also they’re as comfortable as it gets with that type of audio device.

Do Bluetooth codecs matter for noise canceling headphones?

Additionally, you may find that you may need to upgrade your phone if you haven’t in the last few years to get the most out of your audio. Remember how I just said Bluetooth is messy? Well, that’s because its great irony is that despite its namesake , it’s a fractious and varied set of standards that don’t play well together. Unless you have a flagship phone like an iPhone, Galaxy, or V20, chances are good that you’ll be stuck on an older, crappier codec. When studying spec sheets, you’re going to want to make sure that both the headphones  and the phones support either AAC , aptX , or LDAC . However, Android phones with Android 8.0 or higher will have these standards by default.

What about ANC headphones in the office?

The truth of the matter is that what makes a set of ANC headphones good in general will make them good for the office. We cover this topic in another article , but it shouldn’t surprise you that our picks for that category look suspiciously similar to the ones listed here.

In general, the level of ANC isn’t as important to an office setting as it is commuting, so don’t get too hung up on the headphones with the most attenuated noise. Instead, you want a good balance of battery performance, sound quality, and microphone performance. It’s probably no surprise then that the Sony WH-1000XM5, with its impressive mic array, does so well in this setting. You can compare how well each headset does in reviews by playing the appropriate office simulation, like so:

Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT: Office conditions

Sony wh-1000xm5: office conditions, how soundguys tests headphones.

How well headphones and earphones attenuate noise is simple to test . Using our Bruel & Kjaer 5128 test head, we can offer accurate measurements of what a human would experience. Basically, we measure how much the headset under test attenuates our test signal (shaped noise) with and without ANC enabled.

While ANC is certainly getting a lot better, it won’t always be perfect at getting rid of incidental noise like people talking, people dropping things, crashes, kids banging pots and pans. In those instances, passive acoustic isolation will serve you better (shown as a solid pink line on our charts)

How SoundGuys chooses candidates and winners

We’ve been covering the consumer audio industry for some time, and we’re aware of what’s happening in the market. However, we give everyone their fair shot because we’re not all-knowing gods of consumer audio or anything, and there are always some surprises out there; yes, even for this best noise canceling headphones list.

It’s also important to check our ideas about what people want at the door because we’re not the ones buying; you are. So, from time to time, we take to Twitter or YouTube to publish polls to see just how people are actually buying these headphones. Like good journalists, we posted the question, and the results were a little surprising:

So, with that in mind, we set off to assess each candidate’s product in the order of importance established by the poll.

After using all of our candidates, we hashed out which headphones are the most comfortable, best sounding, etc. From there, we went down the list of the most important factors and averaged the ranks based on a system of weighting that rewarded categories in order of performance. If we ever encountered two headphones that were roughly “the same” as each other in any one metric, we didn’t split hairs; they got the same sub-rank. Once we got our new number, it was easy to pick our winners!

Why you should trust SoundGuys

The writers at SoundGuys have accumulated years of experience reporting on the consumer audio market, testing audio products, and helping consumers find the right audio product for them. Our staff adheres to a strict ethics policy , and no writer will gain anything from recommending one brand over another.

We pride ourselves on transparently outlining objective facts and measurements while accounting for the subjective experience to contextualize an audio product’s performance. When we do misspeak, we correct and own up to it .

Frequently asked questions about the best noise canceling headphones

Although the ATH-M50xBT2 is a great headset, it doesn’t have noise canceling. You get decent isolation, though, and very good sound quality that works well for daily listening and studio work. We love the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 for its uniquely long battery life and various connection options too.

Great question! We’re actually looking at expanding our current ANC test to include various noise types you’d commonly encounter and assess headphones on their ability to cancel out each one separately. Stay tuned.

JBL makes decent budget-friendly headphones, but their active noise canceling options don’t perform as well as these higher-end choices. That being said, some models, like the JBL Live 650BTNC , have decent active noise canceling for the price, but the sound quality is only okay. If you’re willing to fork over a bit more money, you can get better-quality headphones in the Sennheiser PXC 550-II.

Active noise canceling headphones work by detecting the sound going on around them and then creating a sound wave exactly opposite to the detected sound wave. If a sudden sound occurs, it’s difficult for this technology to detect it and cancel it on time.

For those looking for a solid all-rounder, you’ll probably dig the Sony WH-1000XM5. They tick all the boxes — from fab noise cancelation to slick sound quality. But remember, “best” can be pretty personal. It all depends on what you’re after.

They sure do! It’s all about that Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) magic. Put simply, these headphones listen to the outside world, and then they create their own sound waves to cancel out the noise. But, just to set the record straight, they won’t turn your surroundings into a zen-like silence. It’s quieter, not mute.

If the quiet life is what you’re chasing, the Apple AirPods Max has got your back. They’re top-notch when it comes to turning the volume down on the world.

Both over-ear and in-ear headphones have their perks. If you’re not big on battery life, in-ear headphones, especially with those squishy memory foam tips, can block out noise without the tech. But, if it’s the best ANC capabilities you’re after, over-ear headphones are usually where it’s at.

So, while we’re all for jamming out, sometimes you gotta unplug and stay alert. Think walking on a bustling street, cycling, or when you’re behind the wheel. Sometimes, it’s cool to just vibe with the world around you.

Just a heads up: even with any of these bad boys on, super loud environments can still be, well, loud. Aim to not expose your ears to sounds over 85dB to keep your hearing in check . And, you know, sometimes it’s good to give your ears a breather, especially for young ones .

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The best noise-cancelling earbuds 2024: top ANC earphones for all budgets

Need the best noise-cancelling earbuds? Look no further

• Best overall
• Best budget

Best mid-range

• Best for Apple
• Best for Samsung
• Best for sound
• Best for features
• Best for sports
• Also consider
• How to choose
• How we test
• Latest updates

The list in brief   ↴ 1. Best overall 2. Best budget 3. Best mid-range 4. Best for Apple 5. Best for Samsung 6. Best for sound 7. Best for features 8. Best for sports 9. How to choose 10. How we test

For music lovers who want the clearest, purest sound devoid of low-level constant interruptions, the best noise-cancelling earbuds are essential. You no longer need to invest in large, over-ear cans to block out unwanted noise for an immersive, forget-the-world listening experience; now, you can get that with smaller, more convenient earbuds. And you can simply slip back into their pocket-sized charging case when you need to be back in the room.

Some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds in this guide even rival the models in our best noise-cancelling headphones roundup in terms of performance and features. Several rank in our best earbuds guide too, our ultimate list of the best buds today. We’ve put a lot of true wireless earbuds in our ears (and through their paces), and for sound quality, features and comfort, only the best options make it here. 

You'll find our recommendations for the best ANC earbuds here, from affordable pairs to throw in a coat pocket to more premium options. If you're specifically looking for totally wireless 'buds, check out our best true wireless earbuds guide too. And safe travels, friend.

I've reviewed over 150 audio products since becoming a tech journalist, ranging from super-budget earbuds to high-end Hi-Res Audio music players. Before joining TechRadar, I spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing everything the world of audio had to offer; before that, I was a professional dancer. My love of music ties it all together.

Recent updates

20 March 2024 Added a new 'Also consider' section to highlight more earbuds that aren't in the list, and removed some products to streamline selections.

The quick list

Do you want to find out which noise-cancelling earbuds are the best? Below, you'll find a roundup of our top choices. You can also jump to a more detailed review of every top pick, along with our price comparison tool to help you find the best deals.

Best noise-cancelling earbuds overall

You can't get better noise-cancellation than this. Bose has long been the top brand for ANC, and these latest QuietComfort buds are the best of the bunch.

Read more below

Best budget noise-cancelling earbuds

Yes, better ANC buds exist, but for decent immersion at an affordable price, these EarFun options are our top pick – and they're often discounted, too, nearly half the price of our Sony mid-range picks.

Sony has taken the best bits of its higher-end buds and put them into this smaller, cheaper package. At the £100/$100 price mark price, the audio quality can't be beaten.

Best noise-cancelling earbuds for Apple

If you have an iPhone, then these buds are offer excellent ANC that's almost the best. Build quality and sound is fantastic here too, as you'd expect from Apple.

Best noise-cancelling earbuds for Samsung

If you use a Samsung phone, you'll get the most from these buds. They offer both good sound, impressive ANC and plenty of Samsung-friendly features.

Best noise-cancelling earbuds for sound

Not the top pick for noise-cancelling in the list, but if you want good immersion and the best quality sound, these are the buds for you. 

Load the next products...

Best noise-cancelling earbuds for features

If you're looking for the best specs and high-end features on the market right now, these buds from Technics truly deliver. You'll get great sound and ANC, too. 

Best noise-cancelling earbuds for sports

The best choice for ANC when you're on the move, with an IP rating for sweat-resistance and a design that ensures they stay secure.

The best noise-cancelling earbuds of 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The best noise-cancelling earbuds overall

1. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ Noise-cancellation really matters to you: These buds are at the top of the ANC game as it stands right now, and that’s without compromising on the sound quality.

✅ You want beautifully balanced sound: CustomTune works remarkably well, with a heck of a lot of details and textures coming through. 

❌  You’d prefer high-definition wireless sound quality: With support for just low-definition wireless codecs, the QCE II may not be for everyone.

❌  Size and wireless charging matter to you: Despite Bose managing to shrink its flagship ANC buds, the QCE II aren’t the smallest true wireless options you can get.

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are our top picks for sheer ANC power and they're an upgrade on the already fantastic original Bose QuietComfort buds. The biggest improvement here is CustomTune audio. Bose has figured out a way to customize both the audio response and noise cancellation of the QCE II to the individual user’s ear canal. The result is fantastic ANC that's a vast improvement even over the originals – which were our top pick for some time.

However, improvements to ANC aren't at the expense of sound quality. In our review, we wrote: "We can’t stress this enough – the sound is very well balanced, with a heck of a lot of details and textures coming through. And if you still find you need to tweak it, you can via the EQ in the app."

Bose also improved the design of the QuietComfort Earbuds this time around. They weigh 6.2g per bud, which Bose says is a whole 30% smaller than the originals and, therefore, feel much more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. They also come with a range of both ear tips and stability bands to ensure you get the perfect fit. It took us a while to figure this out during our testing, but once we did it was worth it.

These new buds might not be the cheapest picks in this guide and battery life leaves a lot to be desired at only 6 hours from the buds and 3 hours from their charging case. But, if you can afford to splurge, these are hands-down the best noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds you can get for your money today. 

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 review

• ^ Back to the top

The best budget noise-cancelling earbuds

2. EarFun Air Pro 3

✅ You like the long stem design: Many buds have a stem these days but these are on the longer side.

✅ You want all-rounder buds for less: Few buds tick the boxes for comfy design, good ANC, solid sound and great battery life for under $100/£100. 

❌  You need ANC that places you in a cocoon of silence: ANC is good here, but it doesn’t deliver that almost eerie silence you get from higher-end buds.

❌  You want compact buds: The stem design literally stands out and the mirror finish does draw attention to the buds, rivals are more subtle.

If you're on a budget the EarFun Air Pro 3 earbuds are our top recommendation. The ANC doesn't deliver the cocoon of silence you'd expect from higher-end options, but we thought it was good – especially considering the price. The buds block a decent amount of bass range sounds, like the rumble of traffic. Other features include an impressive 45 hours of battery life in total, including the case, as well as multipoint pairing, which we found worked well. 

The Earfun Air Pro 3 come with some good audio specs. And, while these noise-cancelling earbuds might not win awards in sound quality, those specs deliver an audio performance that is great for the price, although not perfect. 

Design-wise, they look a little boring with long stems. When you first pick up these buds you’ll notice they feel plasticky – by which I mean: cheap – but that’s kind of good news as they’re also incredibly light at 52g for both buds and case. We often find the lighter the buds, the comfier the fit, but that's not always the case.

The Earfun Air Pro 3 buds are accomplished, especially considering their price. Amid a sea of similarly-priced efforts on Amazon , they stand out thanks to their superior design and solid audio chops, showing a high level of competence and excellent value. 

Read our full Earfun Air Pro 3 review

The best mid-range noise-cancelling earbuds

3. Sony WF-C700N

✅ You have smaller ears: These earbuds are some of the most secure and comfortable we've tested.

✅ You want the best sound-per-pound value on the market: You get effective ANC alongside the most exciting and fun audio at this level.

❌  Your ears are on the large side There's every chance these lovely little units might even be  too  small for you.

❌  You want the track to turn off when you remove them: This isn't a feature of the WF-C700N. Small gripe for some, potential game-changer for others.

The Sony WF-C700N are our top noise-cancelling earbuds if you're looking to spend mid-range money around the $100/£100 mark. Multi-point connectivity and adaptive sound control are also here (you can select 'Walking', 'Waiting', 'Travelling' or 'Registered places' in the app, which is frankly incredible at this level) 

Their talents go above and beyond their Adaptive ANC, too, into Sony's 360 Reality Audio, guided by the excellent Sony Headphones Connect app. Plus you get Sony's standard DSEE audio 'upscaling' engine. Those with a Tidal account are in for a real treat, but even when I stream lossy Spotify tracks or much better  Apple Music streams, the WF-C700N put on a resoundingly agile, meaty, enthusiastic performance. 

The build quality is good and they're 37% lighter and 38% smaller than the higher-end Sony WF-1000XM4 buds. For that reason, these are some of the most easy to wear, comfortable earbuds we've ever had the pleasure of wearing. While a little fuller over the body, they fit without having to screw them in, in any way. And thanks to the new material (which Sony says "holds on to the inner cup of your ear") they stay put for hours on end. 

Yes, the Sony WF-C700N earbuds can be bettered by rivals. But not for this money. You'll have to set your sights much farther up the food chain if you want to beat this suite of features and sound quality. 

Read our full Sony WF-C700N review

The best noise-cancelling earbuds for Apple

4. Apple AirPods Pro 2

✅ You want great sound: The AirPods Pro 2 sound brilliant and shut out the real world so well.

✅ You've got all manner of Apple things: If you've got an iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch or similar, then you'll really get the benefit of these buds.

❌  You want to save money: Not the most expensive buds, but you can find cheaper options that do similar – but, crucially, not better.

❌  You don't have an iPhone: If you're in the Android world, you won't get as much benefit from these earbuds.

The AirPods Pro 2 might not be as accomplished as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 at the top of our list in terms of ANC, but they're not far off. We found the noise-cancelling to be so good in the Pro 2 buds it was almost eerie. As with other ANC buds, there's a transparency mode on offer for conversations, and that's now been upgraded so it adapts to your conversations, making them sound more natural. Features-wise, these buds have a lot to offer, but you'll get the most from them – like 'Find My' features – if you have an iPhone.

During our testing, we found the audio performance to be stunning, offering up a rich sound regardless of genre and a wide and expansive soundstage, which is thanks to new drivers and amplifiers. One of the key features here is the ability to set up Personalized Spatial Audio, where a scan of your face and ears will be able to re-calibrate the sound performance of the AirPods Pro 2.

Design-wise, they look similar to the Pro model that came before them. Expect the clean lines and solid build quality Apple is famous for, and slightly smaller stems that protrude from your ears. We enjoyed wearing them and liked the addition from volume control in the stems.

As always with Apple products, the AirPods Pro 2 are best suited to those with an iPhone and a big budget. If that's you, these are among the most impressive noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy today and are well worth the higher than average price tag.

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

The best noise-cancelling earbuds for Samsung

5. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro

✅ You own a Samsung Galaxy smartphone: These buds present themselves on your device for easy pairing and give you handy home-screen widgets.

✅ You want Samsung's best sound-per-pound audio quality: We didn't expect to enjoy Samsung's immersive, expressive, head-tracked 24-bit audio as much as we did.

❌  You prioritize a long-lasting battery: Five hours with ANC deployed (or eight without it) won't get you through a long-haul flight without charging.

❌  You own an iPhone: You'd need to be looking to earbuds that offer a dedicated app for iOS.

If you own a Samsung phone and want the best noise-cancelling around, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are for you. These buds are packed full of useful perks such as excellent ANC, voice detect, wearer detection and customizable on-ear controls – all of which work very well indeed – plus IPX7 water ingress protection. The only downside is there's a slightly underwhelming battery life of 5 hours on offer here and up to 18 hours from the case, which is small and easily pocketable.

If you own a Samsung Galaxy device (and thus, access to the Samsung Wearable companion app and home-screen widget) is 360 audio with optional head-tracking, thus allowing you to use your phone as the focal point to direct more of that new end-to-end 24-bit high-res audio to whichever ear you prefer. Sheryl Crow's  Soak Up the Sun  has us nodding our heads happily as we seek out backing vocals other earbuds can't deliver as cleanly or with as much space around each singer.

At 5.5g per bud, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are smaller, more comfortable and less arrogant than many Samsung has previously launched (remember the Galaxy Buds Live ?). In our review we wrote: "The result is a stylish, minimalist, secure and ergonomic fit that almost feels as if you're not wearing earbuds."

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro prioritize great 24-bit sound and head-tracked spatial audio in a design that fits comfortably and noise-cancelling that delivers the goods and then some. If you have a Samsung phone to make the most of additional features, these buds are excellent value for your money.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review

The best noise-cancelling earbuds for sound

6. Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2

✅ You want best-in-class music: For music clarity, breadth, depth and impact, the Pi7 S2 are unbeatable. But you'll have to shell out for it.

✅ You've already paid for Tidal: If you use a hi-res streaming service, these buds will make the most of every MQA or FLAC file you've got. 

❌  You're on a tight budget: Simply put, these are not a wallet-friendly proposition. This is Bowers & Wilkins, after all...

❌  You want the best ANC and passthrough profiles: Your (premium-level) money would be better spent on Bose or Apple's flagship earbuds. 

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 buds don't offer the best ANC of the bunch, but if you want good immersion and truly excellent sound, these are for you. You'll find the usual features here, as well as audio transmission – connect the case's USB-C port to a computer or analog audio source, and sound broadcasts in aptX quality to the buds. However, B&W has shied away from ear-fit tests, EQ presets and hearing profiles – when they sound this good, we don't care. But, if you're someone who likes to crank up the bass in your earbuds, you can't do that here. Having said that, B&W's music app is truly a joy to use.

In our review, we said that these buds are "sonically outstanding" and "practically perfect in every way." They provide delightful sonic insight and clarity, and hi-res support on offer here adds immense value. During our testing, we found the 2001 remaster of XTC's  Wake Up  on Tidal to be crisp and frankly joyous, as jagged guitars attack each ear in a cohesive and well-balanced mix. We wrote: "FKA twigs'  Two Weeks  celebrates every drop of bass and thud in the backing track, but never at the expense of Tahliah Debrett Barnett's ethereal and breathy vocal." 

The buds have a jewel-like build and finish, which we found quite beautiful. But this is Bowers & Wilkins, so the finish here was always bound to be classy. The case too is pocketable, and feels every millimeter a premium product. Our only issue with the design is the size. At 7g per bud, they're a fair bit heavier than rivals, so might not be the best choice for smaller ears. 

Yes, these earbuds offer a better-quality listen than any other similarly wireless design on the market. So if you're looking for fantastic sound and good ANC, pick these up – just be prepared to pay a high-end price for them. 

Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 review

The best noise-cancelling earbuds for features

7. Technics EAH-AZ80

✅ You prioritize comfort: A carefully considered design and lavish selection of silicone ear tip makes them incredibly comfortable. 

✅ You want to switch between devices: Triple-point connectivity is rare, and it’s brilliantly convenient for those of us with many sources of audio.

❌  You intend to wear your earbuds all day: Even at its best, the battery life available here is nothing special – long-haul flights are a non-starter.

❌  You prefer an animated, exciting sound: For all of their poise, balance and accuracy, they don’t produce the most out-and-out animated sound

The Technics EAH-AZ80 buds sound great, deliver decent ANC performance and are packed full of more features than any other options on the list. There's triple-point connectivity (a first in a product of this type), which proves stable and useful, high-resolution LDAC codec compatibility as well as the more prosaic SBC and AAC alternatives, and thanks to ‘Just My Voice’ technology these earbuds are far less prone to wind-noise interference than any number of rivals. In our review we wrote that battery life is just fine with 7 hours from the buds and 25 hours from the case.

But these buds aren't just about the cool features. They make an accomplished sound we called "swift and accurate" and "balanced and detailed" in our review. They offer convincingly realistic and coherent listening in all circumstances. Granted, it's not the most energetic sound we've heard but we think most people would find it to be a thoroughly enjoyable listen. ANC is fine, but not the best on this list by a long way.

The Technics EAH-AZ80 buds have a carefully considered design, along with a lavish selection of silicone ear tips, so they should stay comfortable no matter the size or shape of your ears. The plastic they're made from feels sturdy and robust even though they only weigh 7g each – the charging case is an equally trim 50g. 

The Technics EAH-AZ80 represent great value. There are minor shortcomings in terms of battery and ANC, but in our opinion they look and feel every bit of the asking price, and all their clever functions are implemented flawlessly.

Read our full Technics EAH-AZ80 review

The best noise-cancelling earbuds for sports

8. Beats Fit Pro

✅ You want an AirPods Pro-like experience for less: The AirPods Pro 2 are better buds, but you'll find a similar experience and features here.

✅ You want them to feel comfy and secure: Our top picks for movement throughout the day with fins, a stable fit and a good battery life. 

❌  You want excellent ANC: The noise-cancelling here is fine at this level, but if you want ultimate immersion look to the Apple AirPods Pro 2 instead.

❌  You have an Android phone: You'll get a good experience with Android, but iPhone users are going to get the most from the features here.

If you're looking for good noise-cancelling while you're working out, the Beats Fit Pro are our top choice. You can think of these as the original AirPods Pro in a different design. You get the same Apple-specific features (Spatial Audio, Siri) provided you have an iPhone, Android users should look elsewhere. You'll get a marginally better battery life here than from other Beats buds. 6 hours with ANC from the buds themselves and an additional 18 hours with the charging case.

There's a custom-designed driver here for a bassy low end. The new sound profile Beats has gone with keeps things exciting with elevated highs and lows and good overall clarity. We really enjoyed testing Dolby Atmos with these buds. In our review we wrote: "Being able to dynamically change the audio mix as you move your head is electrifying—giving you a concert-like experience anywhere."

Design-wise, they're build for movement. An IPX4 water-resistance rating makes them sweat-proof. There's also a prominent wing tip that gives you a better fit when you're working out, it's built as part of the buds themselves, giving extra flexibility. Once they're in they stay put, although some users may find they become a little uncomfortable over longer periods: the wing tip is fairly unforgiving. 

The Beats Fit Pro aren't the best on the list for ANC, although it's decent here. But they are arguably the best Apple-made earbuds for gym-goers and outdoor exercise, especially if you want to save a little money and not splash out on the AirPods Pro 2 but enjoy a few of the same features.

Read our full Beats Fit Pro review

More noise-cancelling earbuds to consider

You might be wondering about the absence of the Sony WF-1000XM5 from this list. Surely the Sony flagship noise-cancelling buds should rank among the best out there, right? Well, you would think so, but… they're not that great at noise cancellation! They're impressive in many other ways, but the merely good ANC coupled with a price rise means that we think there are better-value options out there – specifically, the options above, and particularly the Bose QC Earbuds II. If you're a big Sony fan, we'll still recommend these earbuds in general – you can read our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review for more on what we liked about them – but in this noise-stopping guide, they're pushed out.

One set of buds we want to note here is the Sony WF-1000XM4. These used to be our number one pick, thanks to being fantastic value after some price drops. We've removed them from the list because they seem to be very hard to find in-stock now (though when we asked Sony, the company insisted that they haven't been discontinued…) – but if you do happen to find them in-stock, for under £200/$200, we still strongly recommend them! Read our full Sony WF-1000XM4 review for more about them.

Another strong recent contender for this list is the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4. As usual, Sennheiser's sound quality is excellent, and these buds come with some great forward-looking features, including being among the first to support Bluetooth Auracast. However, the noise cancellation isn't as strong as Bose's, and the buds are more expensive – and when it comes for forward-looking features, the Technics EAH-AZ80 have them matched or beaten in many areas. So while we really like them (you can read all about it in the full Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 review ), they're being slightly held out of this list by even stronger incumbents.

It's a similar story, though at the much more affordable end of things, for the Soundpeats Air4 Pro. They're extremely well-priced – and we were especially impressed by the noise cancellation's effectiveness given their cost, as well as the strong battery life – but we found the transparency mode to be a little flaky, and the Earfun Air Pro 3 in this list are a better overall package for the price. Take a look at the in-depth Soundpeats Air4 Pro review if you're curious to know more about this good cheaper option, though.

How to choose the best noise-cancelling earbuds

If you're looking for the best noise-cancelling earbuds, a good place to start is the design. Do you need earbuds for working out ? Then look for a pair that come with a water-resistance rating of IPX4 or above, interchangeable eartips, and earhooks that will keep them securely in place while you exercise. 

Do you want a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds for the commute? Then you may want to consider a pair with a simple design that look unobtrusive.

It's also a good idea to have a budget in mind before you start looking for a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds. Earbuds that block out ambient sound most successfully tend to be more expensive, with most of the best models costing at least $200 / £200 / AU$300. However, you can still get great active noise cancellation on a budget, with some of the best earbuds in this guide costing less than $100 / £100 / AU$150 – just don't expect best-in-class ANC at mid-range and budget prices.

Of course, noise cancellation isn't the only thing to consider when buying a pair of earbuds. Whatever you're buying earbuds for, you want them to sound fantastic. If you consider yourself an audiophile, look for models with aptX HD or aptX Adaptive support, so you can enjoy your hi-res audio streams and get the most detail out of your music.

How we test the best noise-cancelling earbuds

☑️ More than 3,000 headphones reviewed ☑️ 15 years of product testing ☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total ☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech

We've thoroughly tested all of the noise-cancelling earbuds in this guide, so you can be confident that you're making an informed decision when you buy. 

We've spent lots of time using these earbuds in different situations, putting the active noise cancellation to the test in noisy environments, on public transport, on flights, and in shared offices – and of course we listen to a wide range of music from various sources to check whether the noise cancellation negatively affects your music collection. However effective the noise cancellation is when deployed, it's no good if the track you're listening to becomes constricted, tinny or otherwise compromised. 

The audio performance of these earbuds is thoroughly analysed to test how well balanced they are across the frequencies, how wide the soundstage is, and how much detail they eke out from audio files. 

Battery life and connectivity are also tested rigorously, so you can be sure that the earbuds you're buying live up to the manufacturer's claims.

At the moment, we're beginning a new process for scoring earbuds' performance in certain areas, to make it easier for you to compare models in our buying guides. You can read all about it in our guide to how we test earbuds at TechRadar , but the most relevant parts are that we'll be scoring earbuds specifically on their sound quality with ANC turned on and off, since that can make a notable difference. We'll also offering recordings of microphone quality so you can compare different earbuds on that front, and we'll give you exact figures for how long the battery in them lasts with active noise cancellation turned on.

We'll re-test the earbuds in this guide with these new process in mind, and we'll use the new process for new reviews in the future.

Latest updates to the best noise-cancelling earbuds

4 March 2024 Added new products based on the latest reviews.

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Becky is a senior staff writer at TechRadar (which she has been assured refers to expertise rather than age) focusing on all things audio. Before joining the team, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.  

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The best noise-cancelling earbuds in 2024

Silence the world around you with the best noise-cancelling earbuds recommended by our audio experts

• Best overall

Best battery life

• Best for iPhones

Best under $100

• Best Galaxy ANC
• Best for Android
• Best budget
• How to choose
• How we test

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best value 4. Best battery life 5. Best for iPhone 6. Best under $100 7. Best Galaxy ANC 8. Best for Android devices 9. Best budget 10 . Best fit 11. How to choose

With the best noise-cancelling earbuds you can block out the sound of the world around you. They're discreet to wear while having unbelievably powerful active noise cancelation technology that makes distracting external sounds fade into the background. 

As audio editor, I've listened to almost every pair of noise-canceling wireless earbuds to find out which models are the most effective at silencing the world around you. Although not all models perform the same, each of the wireless earbuds tested here achieve a useful reduction in external noise using sophisticated noise-canceling tech to enable the wearer to focus on their favorite music or podcast, or simply relax in a pool of hush while the world carries on around them. 

With models spanning $60 to $300 there really is something for everyone in our round up of the best noise-canceling earbuds we've tested. Rest assured that all have been selected for their stellar ANC performance and differences come down to the kind of features you're after, style and price.

Read on to discover which of these top-performing noise-canceling earbuds have the right credentials for your needs.

The quick list

Best ANC overall

Bose brings unrivaled ANC performance to its QC Ultra Earbuds and introduces Immersive Audio. Despite the flagship status though, they sacrifice some nice-to-have features in favour of world-class noise canceling.

Read more below

The Sony WF-C700N may be an entry-level set of ANC wireless earbuds, but they have many similar features and a brand experience as you get with the company's WF-1000XM5. 

Sony's next-gen WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds build on the strengths of their predecessor with strong ANC, outstanding sound, and one of the best user experiences around.

Best for iOS

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 take performance to the next level for iOS users with a raft of adaptive and personalized audio enhancements and battery life has been improved, too. 

Read more below  

These $99 buds carry a wider feature set than most luxury competitors. On the list: adaptive ANC, Hi-Fi audio streaming, and multiple wireless technologies for seamless connectivity with OnePlus and third-party Android devices.

Best-ever Samsung Galaxy Buds Samsung’s ANC holds its own against the category best and blocks out close to 90% of ambient noise. The updated design also provides improved comfort and noise isolation. 

View three more products...

Best for Android This fourth generation model takes the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless series to the next level with top-tier connectivity and audio support, and a re-tuned sound signature that sound awesome.

Best budget   ANC

If you want outstanding ANC and sound in a stylish, affordable package then look no further. These are a strong performer for a third of the price of pair of the AirPods Pro.

While the superb ANC and transparency mode are thanks to Apple's H1 chipset, the wingtip fit makes these a secure option for anyone with an active lifestyle. Their punchy sound ensures exercisers stay motivated.

These are best noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy right now

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Below are full write-ups for each of the best noise-canceling earbuds on our list. We've tested each entry on the list extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

Best noise-canceling earbuds overall

1. bose quietcomfort ultra earbuds.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have gone straight to the top of our buying guide for their outstanding noise canceling capabilities. They replace the still available Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 that launched in September 2022, and perform even better. These are a remarkable follow-up that brings the same top-tier noise-canceling performance while introducing immersive audio. With better stabilizing fin alignment, they deliver improved fit and stability and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds could be ones you wear all day long. 

In comparison to near rivals though, our review found that the QC Ultra Earbuds were missing some nice-to-have features. I'm disappointed that there's still no wireless charging or multipoint connectivity on the Bose flagship earbuds at the price. 

I can't argue with the strength of the noise-canceling, though. Where many approach ANC as a mode that's either on or off, I love that the Bose earbuds allow you customize sound profiles with 10 different degrees of isolation as presets that balance ANC and awareness depending on your activity. The Ultra's Aware transparency passthrough mode sounds highly natural, while ActiveSense automatically lowers ambient sounds when loud noise is detected. 

Lastly, the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds include aptX Adaptive support, making them compatible with high-performance audio codecs increasingly supported by the  best Android phones . If you're after the best-in-class ANC from a pair of wireless earbuds, these are the best I've tried. 

• Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Best value noise-canceling earbuds

2. Sony WF-C700N

The Sony WF-C700N may be an entry-level set of ANC wireless earbuds, but they have many similar features and a brand experience as you get with the company's WF-1000XM5 (below). Despite the budget price tag, our review found that the adaptive ANC technology worked much better than anticipated at the price. It learns your behavior and tweaks noise neutralization to your environment, while the 20 levels of ambient listening is boon for everyone who needs to maintain a level of awareness while wearing these earbuds. 

They have an IPX4 rating meaning that they're protected from moisture ingress, and is the same level as the more costly WF-1000XM5. When it comes to sound balance with music, you're in good hands. During our tests, the Sony’s punchy low end handled complex bass-filled tracks with ease, while the Headphones Connect app provided plenty of sound customization via EQ and DSEE to boost fidelity on lo-fi recordings. Upgrades to battery life, strong ANC and overall performance make these buds a sweet pickup for brand enthusiasts on a budget.

• Read the full Sony WF-C700N review

Best battery life, control app and personalization features

3. Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony's XM-series earbuds go from strength to strength with each new generation. As the latest flagship, the WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds are smaller and lighter, yet they're equipped with some of the strongest features and performance I've ever seen from a pair of wireless earbuds. In my review, I found they had some of the most dynamic and engaging sound I've heard, and their noise-canceling performance easily matched that of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or Apple AirPods Pro 2.

Battery life hasn't been stepped up over the outgoing XM4 predecessor. But at 8 hours with ANC enabled, these top-tier Sony wireless earbuds still outperform close rivals and have some of the highest battery life of any set of more recently launched earbuds. There's LDAC support for higher-quality music streams form compatible devices, adaptive listening mode, Google and Alexa digital assistant support, and full EQ customization. 

Call quality is greatly improved, thanks to a new noise reduction engine with AI that's able to make voices clear even in noisy surroundings. Wind noise was kept to a minimum too, thanks to the mesh on the feed forward microphone helping to reduce its influence during calls. Ultimately, I found these to be Sony's best-ever and one of the most versatile wireless earbuds you can buy right now.

• Read the full  Sony WF-1000XM5 review

Best Apple noise-canceling earbuds

4. Apple AirPods Pro 2

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 bring significant upgrades to the popular AirPods Pro original. Along with the USB-C version and a new suite of adaptive audio features, the AirPods Pro 2 are Apple's best-ever ANC earbuds. I regularly use them on my routine work commutes and at the gym . 

Externally, they look pretty similar to the first generation but battery life has been increased to offer 6 hours on a single charge from the earbuds and a further 30 hours from the wireless charging case. The Lightning version of the Pro 2 earbuds are IPX4-rated, while the USB-C version has been upgraded to IP54 for both the earbuds and the wireless charging case.

Designed for  iPhone owners looking for a more tailored listening experience, these are the pinnacle of Apple technology and the USB-C version may sound even better . On the audio front, Apple has included a new H2 chip with custom amp and driver that delivers better lower and higher frequencies, and you can use the iPhone's TrueDepth camera to create a personalized  spatial audio  sound to listen to some of the best  Dolby Atmos  sound in any pair of earbuds. Noise cancelation is double what the original AirPods Pro offered, and gets remarkably close to the pool of silence conjured up by the #1 Bose QC Ultra Earbuds. 

• Read the full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

5. OnePlus Buds 3

The noise-canceling market offers plenty of sub-$100 buds with solid ANC and sound quality, but the OnePlus Buds 3 take things to another level. OnePlus’ adaptive ANC technology does a noteworthy job of analyzing environments and tweaking noise reduction for optimal sound, which is also clean, energetic, and vibrant. 

LHDC codec support lets you stream music up to 900kbps to hear more detail and nuance from recordings. Special features such as BassWave and Golden Sound provide unique ways to personalize sound, be it louder bass response or greater emphasis on select frequencies. These are also some of the best voice-calling earbuds we’ve tested. Had it not been for the substandard battery life and spatial audio, the OnePlus Buds 3 would rank much higher, but neither flaw impacts their unbeatable value. 

• Read our full OnePlus Buds 3 review

Best Galaxy earbuds

6. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro

For Galaxy phone owners, Samsung’s ANC tech holds its own against the category best. In our review we found it blocked out close to 90% of ambient noise, while the updated design provided good comfort and noise isolation. Each earbud houses three mics that work to analyze external sounds and block them out at the highest level. 

In our review we were disappointed to see Samsung’s noise-canceling model rated with short ANC playtimes — at 5 hours these are one of the shortest ANC performers on test — although in practise I didn't notice them needing significantly more frequent top ups than the AirPods Pro 2. 

Sound alone makes the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro worth the investment though, giving you a high-quality audio experience thanks to Samsung's Scalable Codec, and compelling 3D sound with precise head tracking. Despite the claimed short ANC playback times, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are a stellar option to consider and have excellent mic quality for calls too, and a recent firmware update enables 360-degree recording with Galaxy phones. 

• Read our full Samsung Buds 2 Pro review  

Best for Android devices

7. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

The fourth generation of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 buds look identical to the their predecessor. They have the same slightly bulky case as the TW3, but cram in a raft of improvements to take stability and sound quality to the next level with the same high level of comfort. In fact, comfort levels are so high that I was able to wear these earbuds for my review for longer listening periods, which is just as well because they sound spectacular. 

Sennheiser's Smart Control options are extensive and reliable, and the Sound Personalization and Sounds Zones work exceptionally well. Adaptive noise cancelation, especially where wind noise is concerned, remains competitive. It does have a very tendency to alter the sound presentation and quite manage the pool of silence achieved by the top rankers in this list. The sound quality on the other hands is an exceptional combination of detail and an engaging approach to rhythms and tempos. If you're seeking top sound quality from a pair of ANC wireless earbuds with high comfort levels, these deserve your full attention.

• Read our full Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 review

Best budget noise-canceling earbuds option

8. 1More PistonBuds Pro

The 1More PistonBuds Pro are a win for budget-conscious consumers who desire outstanding ANC and sound in a stylish, affordable package. Are they going to replace your AirPods Pro? No, but they are easily one of the  best AirPods alternatives  that can be had for a third of the price. 

They're comfortable to wear and the touch controls execute intended commands without a hitch. Audio quality is gratifying with a balanced and clear sound that has an emphasized low end. There are two ANC settings – Strong and Wind Resistance (WNR) — each engineered for a different purpose. Okay, battery life isn’t anything to write home about, and nor is call quality, but these shortcomings are forgivable when factoring in ANC performance these buds deliver, especially at their low price. 

• Read our full  1More PistonBuds Pro review

Best ANC earbuds with a secure fit for exercisers

9. Beats Fit Pro

Beats Fit Pro are designed for those with active lifestyles and rank top in our  best sports earbuds  for their secure fit even when carrying out demanding activities. In our review, we found they delivered great noise canceling performance thanks to the use of Apple's H1 chipset. They integrate plenty of iOS features like automatic switching, audio sharing, and FindMy support to locate misplaced buds. Adding wingtips is a huge plus for exercisers, ensuring the buds remain locked on the ears when moving around. AirPods Pro features like active noise cancellation and Spatial Audio for 3D-like sound are on board and perform at high levels.

Android users end up losing out on several iOS-exclusive features like “Hey Siri ” voice activation and head-tracking. The Eartip Fit Test also isn’t as accurate as the AirPods Pro’s version, granted the wingtips and bundled ear tips in different sizes should accommodate all ear shapes.

• Read our full  Beats Fit Pro review

Frequently asked questions

What is anc.

ANC explained: Active noise cancellation (ANC) models employ built-in mics to pick up ambient sounds around the wearer. An identical but inverted audio signal of the noise is played back to the listener through the headphones. Listeners aren't aware of this happening of course, as the inverted (or out of phase) signal effectively 'cancels out' the noise of the surroundings for the headphone wearer. The process removes the external sounds, which results in a significant reduction in the level of background noise at the very least.

For more information check out our complete guide to active noise-canceling .

Do noise-canceling earbuds actually work?

In most cases, noise-canceling earbuds are very effective at reducing ambient sounds. There are limits, though, and some designs are less effective at silencing certain types of sounds than others. The process is fast but it can’t physically occur in real time, so ANC works best with consistent low-frequency sounds as opposed to higher-pitched, inconsistent sounds like human speech. Vehicle engines and droning air conditioners are easy to cancel out, but the shorter wavelength of high-frequency sounds, like a sudden blast from a car horn, makes it tougher for the ANC’s anti-noise waves to perfectly mask these bursts.

Even so, all sounds will be at least a little quieter when you’re wearing noise-canceling headphones, and many sounds can be completely silenced even on low-cost pairs or earbuds. Check out our explainer on active noise cancellation for more information.

What do IP-ratings mean? 

IP-ratings refer to the level of Ingress Protection (IP) from liquids and dirt that a device is protected from. This is part of a device's durability. 

IP-ratings explained: The first digit refers to the level of protection from solid particles, such as dust and sand. The scale ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust-tight) for full protection. For example, an IP6X rating ensures that the device is completely dust-tight, making it ideal for harsh outdoor conditions or industrial settings where fine dust particles are common. 

The second digit refers to a devices resistance to moisture, and the scale ranges from 0 (no protection) to 8 for the highest level of protection. For example, with an IPX4 rating, earbuds are protected from water splashes from any direction, while an IPX7 rating ensures that the device can be submerged in water up to 1 meter (around 3 feet) for 30 minutes without any damage.

Most common IP ratings explained

How to choose the best noise-canceling earbuds for you, 5 things to consider before you buy the best noise-canceling earbuds.

The first item to check off the list when shopping for the best noise-canceling earbuds is their active noise cancellation performance, which shouldn’t be confused with passive noise cancellation. What are the differences?

1. Active vs. passive noise cancellation:  ANC uses advanced circuitry and microphones to pick up noise signals and create inverse waves that cancel out these sonic disruptions, whereas PNC physically isolates high-pitched sounds through the headphone design and materials. Most headphones advertised with noise cancellation are categorized under ANC.

2. Battery life:  Noise-canceling earbuds have a reputation for sucking up lots of power, so you’ll want a pair that holds a charge long enough to get you through a long business flight or weekly commutes. Noise-canceling wireless earbuds are usually rated for 4.5 to 8 hours, but with included charging cases the total possible playback time might be much more competitive. 

Think about how long and how often you’d want to wear your earbuds for on lengthy trips. A longer “per charge” battery life is better, but if you only want some entertainment on short commutes then it not quite so important, as you’ll probably be storing the buds in their case more regularly.

3. Sound quality:  ANC technology can compress sound and reduce dynamics, which may affect audio performance when turned on. In some cases, you’ll notice a background hiss when listening to music. However, the best noise-canceling earbuds limit these disruptions to deliver full, crisp sound.

4. Design:  The look, build and feel of a pair of in-ear 'buds is massively important when selecting the best noise-canceling earbuds, so consider how they look and feel and whether the style is right for you. In our best noise-canceling headphones round up we mention that over-ear headphones tend to give the best noise cancellation, but some of the more recent wireless in-ear models are proving to be just as effective.

5. Pricing considerations:  Obviously, price is a big consideration when looking for the best noise-canceling earbuds. Although there are always exceptions, big-name brands will typically command a bit extra, but generally speaking, the less you spend on a pair of headphones the greater the chance that sound and features will be compromised. Going for a budget option isn't always the best choice, as any money you save on your purchase won't do you much good if you're constantly needing to recharge your audio gear, or the sound quality is poor. 

As the saying goes: timing is everything; and right now many of our favorite models are being discounted by online retailers, meaning you can bag a bargain for even less. Bookmark our  best headphone deals  page to keep track on the latest price drops.

How we test noise-canceling earbuds

We've judged the best noise-canceling earbuds on several factors: audio performance, battery life, Bluetooth range, call quality, comfort and fit, and the effectiveness of the noise cancellation. We also weigh special features, such as included apps, and how easy they are to use.

During the testing phase, our reviewers wear each pair of headphones for 2 hours at a time throughout the course of a week, to test comfort over time.

ANC, meanwhile, is tested in both indoor and outdoor environments where ambient sounds are produced at high levels. This includes airplanes, city parks, convenience shops, offices, and public transportation. ANC headphones programmed with transparency modes are also tested thoroughly to determine how well the listener can hear their surroundings.

For sound quality, we listen to many different sample tracks and span as many music genres as possible, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical and R&B, while evaluating volume, clarity and fullness. Find out what we listen for during our testing process and how to get the  best headphone sound for you .

And now that more streaming music services are offering high-resolution audio, be sure to read our  audio codec FAQ  for all you need to know.

Finally, we’ll rate noise-canceling earbuds on our five-point system, with 1 being the worst and 5 the best. If a pair is particularly excellent, with a robust range of qualities, we may award it an Editor's Choice badge.

Contributions from Alex Bracetti, Simon Lucas, Nick Pino

Find out  how we test  for more information on our reviewing procedures.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best noise-canceling headphones overall
• Montblanc unveils AirPods Pro 2 challenger  
• How to set up the Sony WF-1000XM5 for the best sound

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As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.

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• zkzkz I read the whole article and still don't know which ones have the best call quality. I'm not interested in audiophile music quality, but call quality on both ends and no review says anything about call quality for any of these except that it's not great. Every "earbud" at I've tried has had absolutely abysmal call quality. I read every review looking for one that has decent call audio but nobody ever says anything about it Reply
• sonicmustard Each of the entries has a link to the full review where call quality has its own section. Also try our guide to the best headphones for call quality: https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-headphones-with-a-mic-for-voice-and-video-calls Reply
• Stjondoh Unless I received a bad pair of the Sony WF-1000XM5, they were inferior to my Apple airpods pro 2. Noise cancellation was nonexistent and battery life was far below advertised length. I returned my xm5s Reply
• View All 3 Comments

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Wireless Headphones

HX-HP110-BK

Hear the music, not your environment. The Travel ANC headphones include active noise cancellation to reduce unwanted background noise so you can focus on what’s important. Made to keep up with your busy lifestyle on the go, Travel ANC’s 24 hours of playtime and compact folding design make them the ultimate travel-friendly companion. The plush ear cushions and comfortable shape are perfect for extended listening on that long commute. It’s all about the journey. Travel ANC will help you get there.

Superb Noise Cancellation

ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) uses technology to identify background noise and generates counter frequencies that cancel out the noise.

Listen Longer

Up to 24 Hours of playtime with Bluetooth® only; Up to 18 Hours of playtime with Bluetooth® & ANC.

Folds and Pivots

Fold the headphones to easily fit in a compact space. Use the pivot and fold feature together to fold flat and slide into the narrow space in your bag.

Quick Specs

• Height: 7.00 in
• Width: 6.00 in
• Depth: 2.50 in

• Jam “Travel ANC” headphones
• Auxiliary cable
• USB Charging Cable
• Welcome Card
• Quick Start Guide
• 1 Year Warranty
• Register your JAM

Customer Reviews

Noise cancelling isn't great.

My husband bought these for me to assist with my studying at home. He was sold these in store and told that this will assist to cancel out the noise of annoying native birds we have surrounding our home. They aren't effective in cancelling out any noise and if anything I feel constant pressure in my ears that I need to release by yawning. I'm sure these are great headphones but for the intended purpose they were a let down.

Probamos los auriculares Energy Headphones BT Travel 5 ANC

Con un sistema de cancelación de ruido activo, aíslan de los sonidos no deseados, permitiendo concentrarse mejor en el estudio o en el trabajo.

Durante la etapa de confinamiento en los hogares, los auriculares con cancelación de ruido se han convertido en grandes aliados de los estudiantes, los docentes y el resto de ocupantes de la casa que necesitan aislarse de los sonidos propios del hogar para concentrarse en sus tareas. Energy Headphones BT Travel 5 ANC es la propuesta de Energy Sistem para ellos: un modelo con un precio ajustado que ofrece esta tecnología y puede usarse tanto de manera inalámbrica como conectado por cable.

Índice de contenidos

• 1 Con o sin cable
• 2 Sistema ANC
• 3 Con asistente de voz
• 4.1 Bose HP 700
• 4.2 Energy Sistem BT Travel 7 ANC
• 4.3 Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Over Head
• 4.4 Sony WH-XB900N

Con o sin cable

En la construcción y diseño de estos auriculares es donde más se nota su precio: son uno de los más económicos del mercado con esta característica. Estéticamente son muy sobrios, construidos en su mayor parte en plástico gris oscuro, con botones de goma y almohadillas flexibles para las orejas y la diadema.

Este diseño es solvente a la hora de utilizarlos: no resultan incómodos para nada, y pueden ser utilizados durante largas horas (incluso con gafas) sin generar molestias. Cuando terminan de utilizarse, sus cascos plegables y bolsa de viaje facilitan su almacenamiento.

Para ponerlos en marcha, lo primero es cargar su batería, indispensable para poder utilizar su función de cancelación de ruido. Luego, es suficiente con vincularlos con un dispositivo (smartphone, tableta, ordenador…) con Bluetooth para comenzar a utilizarlos. Todas las funciones básicas se controlan desde los botones del propio auricular: pausar o reanudar la música pulsando en el botón de encendido o apagado, subir y bajar volumen desde controles específicos, cambiar de canción con una pulsación larga sobre ellos…

¡Importante! Si se utilizan conectados por cable en lugar de a través de Bluetooth, no hace falta vincularlos, pero tampoco funcionará el control de la reproducción desde el propio dispositivo y habrá que recurrir al equipo al que estén conectados.

Sistema ANC

Del mismo modo, para aislarse del ruido se puede activar el sistema ANC integrado en los auriculares de Energy Headphones desde un botón. Acompañado de un pequeño LED, se ilumina en color verde para mostrar que, efectivamente, está funcionando.

Sin llegar a ser el sistema más solvente de cancelación que hemos probado, hace un trabajo adecuado teniendo cuenta el rango de precio en el que se mueve. De esta manera, funciona especialmente bien cuando se trata de ruidos de bajas frecuencias, obteniendo, según la firma, una disminución de hasta 18 dB.

Cuando más se nota el efecto es cuando se está escuchando música, aunque también es posible disfrutar de él ‘en silencio’. El resultado no es tan logrado, eso sí. En cuanto a la calidad del sonido, sorprende positivamente, con buen equilibrio entre las diferentes frecuencias y un bajo grado de distorsión a volúmenes controlados.

Con asistente de voz

Los Headphones BT Travel 5 ANC son además compatibles con el asistente de voz del smartphone. Así, cuando se pulsa dos veces sobre el botón de encendido, lo ‘despierta’, haciendo posible realizarle preguntas e instrucciones sin necesidad de tocar el dispositivo móvil.

Por supuesto, también incorporan micrófono, haciendo posible su uso durante las videoconferencias como sistema manos libres.

Resta hablar de autonomía. Tras tres horas de carga, ofrece 12 horas de reproducción a través de Bluetooth con la cancelación de ruido activada (a niveles medios de volumen, tal y como advierte el fabricante). Si se desconecta el sistema ANC, la autonomía se extiende hasta 16 horas y, si por el contrario, no se reproduce música pero sí se activa el sistema para aislarse del exterior, alcanza 40 horas.

Otras alternativas

Si buscas unos auriculares de este tipo y quieres ver otras alternativas, tienes una completa selección de opciones de distintas gamas de precio en este enlace .

Bose HP 700

Ofrecen 11 niveles de cancelación de ruido que se adaptan a cada necesidad y permiten adentrarse en la plataforma de realidad aumentada del audio de la firma. 

Energy Sistem BT Travel 7 ANC

Estos auriculares Bluetooth cuentan con un sistema de rotación de sus almohadillas de 90 grados, micrófono y hasta 27 horas de autonomía (18 con la cancelación de ruido activada).

Ver en Amazon

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Over Head

Con posibilidad de utilizarlos con cable pero también en modo inalámbrico, se caracterizan por contar con la tecnología NoiseGard, que ofrece una cancelación de ruido activa híbrida, capaz de eliminar virtualmente el sonido ambiental no deseado. Cuentan, además, con micrófono dual y una autonomía de 22 horas con Bluetooth y cancelación activados. A esto añaden tecnología NFC: se vinculan con dispositivos compatibles con solo ponerlos en contacto.

Sony WH-XB900N

Incorporan un sistema de carga rápida que, en 10 minutos, permite disfrutar de hasta 60 minutos de reproducción. Son compatibles con Alexa y Google Assistant. 

Laura Pajuelo

Periodista amante de las nuevas tecnologías. Me encanta explorar cómo las TIC pueden convertirse en la mejor herramienta para lograr el (necesario) cambio educativo.

• Laura Pajuelo https://www.educaciontrespuntocero.com/author/laura-pajuelo/ Objetivo: garantizar la seguridad de los menores en Internet
• Laura Pajuelo https://www.educaciontrespuntocero.com/author/laura-pajuelo/ Así pueden defenderse los centros educativos de los ataques informáticos
• Laura Pajuelo https://www.educaciontrespuntocero.com/author/laura-pajuelo/ Probamos Avast Ultimate, el antivirus que te protege ante todo (y todos)
• Laura Pajuelo https://www.educaciontrespuntocero.com/author/laura-pajuelo/ Probamos PocketBook InkPad Color 2, un eReader para cómics o libros con ilustraciones

Probamos el nuevo iPhone 13 Pro, ¡ideal para grabar vídeos!

Lleva el Wi-Fi por toda la casa con estos dispositivos de amplificación

La Inteligencia Artificial y la creatividad

Altavoces ‘todoterreno’: ¡con la música a todas partes!

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Paneles interactivos diseñados por y para los docentes

1 Comentario

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Los auriculares Headphones BT Través 5 ANC que tengo no sincronizan, en la tv, el sonido con la imagen, tienen desfase, sabe alguien si es normal o que se puede hacer para solucionarlo? Gracias

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Picun Active Noise Cancelling Headphones with Built-in Microphone, 40H Playing Time Deep Bass Bluetooth Wireless Over Ear Foldable Headphones for Travel, Home, Office, Gym (Black)

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• 🎧【Active Noise Canceling】- Industry-leading Active Noise Canceling technology effectively reduces noise in aviation, subways, cars, crowded and other noisy environments by up to 95%. Press the ANC button to create your own quiet space thus you can focus on what are you doing—your music, movies and videos. Picun make noise quieter and music better. Experience world-class performance and superior comfort.
• 🎧【AI ENC】- The built-in microphone comes with automatic ENC technology ensures you make clear calls even hands-free, which allows you to easily get rid of the wires' shackles. The headphones automatically enables the call noise reduction function in the call state and automatically shields the ambient noise. Microphone enhances voice pick-up to ensure you sound crystal clear on the other end. Appreciate your understanding the microphone only work in bluetooth mode not with aux cord.
• 🎧【40 Hours Long Last】- USB-C fast charging technology ensures it reach up to be fully recharged within 1-hour. A single full charge gives you enough juice to enjoy almost 600 songs or 25 movies. If you’re in a rush, charge ANC-05L bluetooth wireless headphones 10 minutes to get 4 hours of listening. Definitely travel essentials!
• 🎧【Hi-Res Certified & Bluetooth 5.3 Version】- Exclusive 40mm dynamic drivers with Hi-Res tech deliver clear sound with rich details Picun ANC-05L active noise canceling headphones reproduce high frequencies reach up to 20 kHz, high fidelity deep bass and clear treble, deep accurate bass response. Latest 5.3 chip enables its fast connection and the stability is compatible with 99% mobile devices, 3.5mm aux cable fits for all kinds of PC and desktops, bring convenience to remote meetings or online teaching.
• 🎧【Ergonomic Design】- The soft over-ear pillows have advanced ventilation, memory foam earcups gently mold around your ears, 100° swiveling ear cups,self-adjustable and flexible headband delivers a fatigue-free listening experience.This ensures its active noise cancelling headphones deliver maximum comfort and a secure seal. Picun ANC-05L is the best choice for elders, autisms, teenagers, gym.

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From the brand.

Pincun , Founded in 2012.

Has our own R & D center and production factory in Shenzhen. With more than 50 patents, is a high-tech enterprise in Guangdong, China.

• 12 Years of Specializing in Master Sound Quality.
• 10 years of wireless audio technology leadership.
• The first to integrate wireless technology into the headset.
• The number of brand users has reached more than 30 millions.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bluetooth Wireless Headphones

Product description.

What's in the box

• 3.5mm Aux Cable
• USB-C Cable
• User Manual
• Wireless Headset

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

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Customers like the noise cancelling and value of the headphones. For example, they mention that it's a clear sounding product and worth the price.

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Customers like the noise cancellation of the headphones. They mention that the headphones have clear sounding.

"These work really well. They drown out airplane noise . They connect easily to Bluetooth...." Read more

"It reduces noise , but doesn't cancel outside noise. Very clear for phone calls and listening to music. Incredibly comfortable around my ears." Read more

"These block out background noise like cars and wind during phone calls really well...." Read more

"... Noise cancellation is good , but I haven't gotten a chance to try out the sound quality because I keep trying to charge them." Read more

Customers appreciate the value of the headphones. They say it's worth the price.

"...and I love them I love the look and the bass it has its a great headphones for great price !! Don’t miss out on this badass headphones get you one !!" Read more

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The trains and stations of the Moscow Metro

2 Comments · Posted by Alex Smirnov in Cities , Travel , Video

The Moscow Metro is the third most intensive subway system in the world after Tokyo and Seoul subways. The first line was opened on May 15, 1935. Since 1955, the metro has the name of V.I. Lenin.

The system consists of 12 lines with a total length of 305.7 km. Forty four stations are recognized cultural heritage. The largest passenger traffic is in rush hours from 8:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 19:00.

Cellular communication is available on most of the stations of the Moscow Metro. In March 2012, a free Wi-Fi appeared in the Circle Line train. The Moscow Metro is open to passengers from 5:20 to 01:00. The average interval between trains is 2.5 minutes.

The fare is paid by using contactless tickets and contactless smart cards, the passes to the stations are controlled by automatic turnstiles. Ticket offices and ticket vending machines can be found in station vestibules.

Tags:  Moscow city

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Tomás · August 27, 2012 at 11:34 pm

The Moscow metro stations are the best That I know, cars do not.

Alberto Calvo · September 25, 2016 at 8:57 pm

Great videos! Moscow Metro is just spectacular. I actually visited Moscow myself quite recently and wrote a post about my top 7 stations, please check it out and let me know what you think! :)

http://www.arwtravels.com/blog/moscow-metro-top-7-stations-you-cant-miss

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• February 2024
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ELECTROSTAL HISTORY AND ART MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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