Active noise canceling (ANC) headphones have been around for a long time, but the technology has improved a lot and become much more common in the last few years. ANC headphones can help you stay focused in a noisy office or block out engine noise on planes, trains, or buses. Not all ANC works the same, and now there are so many options in every price range that it’s hard to know which ones are worth it.
We’ve tried out more than 200 sets of headphones with ANC, and here are our top picks. If you want something in a certain price range, check out our choices for the best noise-canceling headphones under $200 and the best noise-canceling headphones under $100.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless ANC headphones are the best ones we’ve tried. Even though they are the first version of the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless, these high-end over-ear headphones block out noise better than their successor. Their ANC system does a great job of blocking out low noises like bus engines, office chatter, and computer fans. You can use the ANC even when you’re using a wired connection, and with the ANC on, they can be used continuously for over 37 hours. They have an auto-off timer to save battery life when not in use, and they can be paired with more than one device at once, so you can use them with two things at once.
These over-ear headphones have a default sound profile that is heavy on bass and gives mixes a lot of thump, rumble, and boom. But if you find that the bass overpowers the vocals and lead instruments, you can use the app’s graphic EQ and presets to change the sound. The Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless are a better choice if you want ANC headphones with a more neutral sound by default. Even though they still have a little extra bass, it doesn’t sound as big and bloated as it does on the Sony. They are also more comfortable because they are lighter and don’t squeeze your head as hard. Their ANC, on the other hand, doesn’t block as much background noise across the board.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless ANC headphones are the best ones we’ve tried. Even though they are the first version of the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless, these high-end over-ear headphones block out noise better than their successor. Their ANC system does a great job of blocking out low noises like bus engines, office chatter, and computer fans. You can use the ANC even when you’re using a wired connection, and with the ANC on, they can be used continuously for over 37 hours. They have an auto-off timer to save battery life when not in use, and they can be paired with more than one device at once, so you can use them with two things at once.
These over-ear headphones have a default sound profile that is heavy on bass and gives mixes a lot of thump, rumble, and boom. But if you find that the bass overpowers the vocals and lead instruments, you can use the app’s graphic EQ and presets to change the sound. The Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless are a better choice if you want ANC headphones with a more neutral sound by default. Even though they still have a little extra bass, it doesn’t sound as big and bloated as it does on the Sony. They are also more comfortable because they are lighter and don’t squeeze your head as hard. Their ANC, on the other hand, doesn’t block as much background noise across the board.
2. Sony’s WH-H910N/h.ear on 3 Wireless
The Sony WH-H910N/h.ear on 3 Wireless are the best noise-canceling headphones we’ve tried in the upper mid-range. Even though they don’t feel as high-quality as the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless, they have a great ANC system that blocks out background noise. It can help cut down on background noise and high-pitched sounds like the hum of a computer fan, but it isn’t as effective for low-pitched sounds like plane engines. So, their ANC performance is better for busy places like offices than for places like buses and planes. Still, you can use their ANC while they are plugged in, and their 40-hour continuous playback time means you don’t have to stop and charge them during long days.
Their bassy sound has enough thump and rumble to please fans of electronic music and hip-hop. If you want to change how they sound, the app that goes with them has a graphic equalizer and presets. Since they fit well, they are a good choice for long listening sessions. Unlike our top pick, though, they only come with a double-lined carrying pouch, which won’t protect them if you drop them by accident.
3. A wireless Anker Soundcore Space Q45
If you’re looking for more affordable over-ears without sacrificing ANC performance, you’ll want to consider the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless. Unlike the Sony WH-H910N/h.ear on 3 Wireless, these over-ear headphones have an adaptive ANC system that automatically adjusts its performance based on your environment. This feature does a great job of blocking out all kinds of noise, so you can relax in noisy places like cafes and on busy commutes. You can also switch to manual ANC through the companion app, which has five levels if you want to change how much outside noise you hear and use ANC while connected via analog.
The sound of these comfortable headphones right out of the box has a “V” shape. If you listen to a lot of rock and pop music, this is a good choice because the bass and drums sound more powerful and the cymbals are clear. Using the graphic EQ and presets in the app that goes with them, you can fine-tune their sound to suit your tastes. They can be used nonstop for more than 27 hours and can connect to more than one device at once, so you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone at the same time.
4. A wireless Anker Soundcore Life Q30
When you’re on a tight budget, it’s hard to find headphones that don’t make huge trade-offs in terms of build quality or performance. But if these limitations don’t bother you, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless are a good choice. Even though they aren’t quite as sturdy as the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless and some users have said that their unit’s headband or hinges crack after regular use, their adjustable ANC system makes them just as good at blocking out noise. They can easily cut down on noise from commuters, like the rumble of engines and background talk. In later product batches, Anker took away the ability to use ANC while the headphones were wired, so if you buy them, you’re likely to get a pair that doesn’t have this feature. It’s a big problem if you want to use them for entertainment on a plane, but less of a problem if you use them wirelessly in your everyday life.
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With the ANC turned on, these comfortable over-ear headphones can stay charged for more than 44 hours. This is great for long days on the go. They also let you connect to more than one device at once, so you can use them with two devices at once. Right out of the box, they have a lively sound and give your mixes a lot of thump, punch, and warmth while keeping vocals and instruments clear. With the graphic EQ and presets in their companion app, you can change how they sound to suit your tastes.
