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10 Best Noise Canceling Headphones 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Adaptive NC Optimizer, Mastered by Engineers, Studio-Quality, 30-Hour Battery, Black

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is a strong choice for anyone seeking high-quality noise-canceling headphones. Its advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system uses 12 microphones and a fast processor to block out a wide range of noises, making it excellent for noisy environments like airplanes or busy streets. The sound quality is impressive, thanks to collaboration with mastering engineers and a lightweight carbon fiber driver that keeps music clear and balanced across all frequencies. Comfort is another highlight, with a wider, softly padded headband and adjustable ear cups designed for long listening sessions without discomfort. Battery life is generous, offering up to 30 hours on a full charge, and quick charging means just a few minutes plugged in can provide hours of playback. The headphones also feature touch controls and support both Bluetooth wireless and wired connections, adding to their versatility.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,189
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Type
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
2045 reviews

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Type
The noise cancellation is exceptional, blocking out a wider range of sounds more effectively than previous models and most competitors, making it ideal for noisy environments.
Sound Quality
Sound quality rivals much more expensive headphones, offering clear, balanced audio across all frequencies, especially when customized with the ten-band equalizer.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is enhanced by a wider, softly padded headband and memory foam ear cups, allowing for extended wear without discomfort despite a slightly firm clamping force.
Battery Life
Battery life is solid with up to 30 hours per charge, and quick charging provides several hours of playback from just a few minutes plugged in, though the short charging cable limits use while charging.
Controls and Features
Innovative features like gesture controls for calls and voice commands add intuitive convenience, while the magnetic carrying case makes portability effortless.
Portability and Design
The folding design is cleverly reimagined for better portability, and the matte finish on certain colors feels more premium and resists fingerprints better than glossy versions.
#2
9.1 score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones deliver strong active noise cancellation with three modes—Quiet, Aware, and Immersion—giving you flexibility depending on your environment. Their spatial audio and CustomTune technology provide a rich, immersive sound experience that adjusts to your ears, which is great for music lovers wanting detailed sound. Comfort is a highlight, thanks to soft ear cushions and a pressure-distributing headband, making long listening sessions easier on the ears. Battery life is solid, offering up to 24 hours of playback, though it drops to about 18 hours when using the immersive audio feature. Quick charging is handy, with 15 minutes providing a couple of hours of use. Controls are intuitive with touch-sensitive earcups and gesture activation, and the Bose app adds customization and updates. The design is sleek and portable, including a sturdy hard case, but the headphones don’t offer water resistance, so they’re best kept away from moisture.

Rating
9.1
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Type
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
9157 reviews

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Type
The noise cancellation is exceptional, effectively silencing even loud environments like airplane cabins while still allowing some ambient awareness when desired.
Sound Quality
The immersive audio feature creates a surround sound experience so convincing it feels like listening to speakers in a concert hall, with sound remaining fixed in space as you move your head.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is outstanding for long listening sessions, with a lightweight design and soft ear cushions that prevent ear fatigue.
Battery Life
Battery life is solid, lasting over 20 hours on standard use, and quick charging provides a couple of hours of playback from just 15 minutes of charge.
Controls and Features
Multipoint connectivity works flawlessly, seamlessly switching between devices and automatically entering sleep mode when removed to conserve battery.
Portability and Design
The sleek design and slim carrying case enhance portability, while clear left/right markings help ensure proper fit and optimal noise isolation.
#3
8.8 score

Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke

The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones are a solid choice if you want effective noise cancellation combined with comfort for long listening sessions. Their active noise cancelling technology, paired with passive noise blocking, does a good job of reducing background sounds in busy places. You can easily switch between full noise cancellation and an awareness mode that lets in outside sounds, which is handy for safety or quick conversations.

Rating
8.8
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Type
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit

Most important from
17607 reviews

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Type
Noise cancellation effectively eliminates constant background sounds like air conditioning, creating a soothing quiet environment without music.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is impressive, offering clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass that can be tailored easily through the intuitive app.
Comfort and Fit
The headphones deliver exceptional comfort with plush cushions that prevent ear fatigue even during long listening sessions.
Battery Life
Battery life surpasses expectations, lasting for days on a single charge and supporting quick top-ups with a fast USB-C charge.
Portability and Design
The folding, durable build and included hard carrying case enhance portability and protection for travel.
Call and Microphone Quality
Call quality is clear with minimal issues, even during extended phone conversations, outperforming some competitors in real-world use.

Top 10 Best Noise Canceling Headphones 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Adaptive NC Optimizer, Mastered by Engineers, Studio-Quality, 30-Hour Battery, Black

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Type: Advanced ANC with 12 microphones
Sound Quality: Clear, balanced, carbon fiber driver
Comfort and Fit: Wider padded headband, adjustable cups
Battery Life: 30 Hours
Controls and Features: Touch controls, Bluetooth, wired
Portability and Design: Folding design, compact carrying case
Call and Microphone Quality: AI noise reduction, clear voice

Chosen by 1189 this week

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Type: Three modes: Quiet, Aware, Immersion
Sound Quality: Spatial audio, CustomTune technology
Comfort and Fit: Soft cushions, pressure-distributing headband
Battery Life: Up to 24h playback, 15min quick charge
Controls and Features: Touch earcups, gesture, Bose app
Portability and Design: Sleek, portable, sturdy case, not water-resistant
Call and Microphone Quality: Mic filters background noise clearly

Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Type: Active Noise Cancellation
Comfort and Fit: Over Ear, plush cushions
Battery Life: 24 Hours
Controls and Features: Touch, Bose App, Noise Control
Portability and Design: Over Ear, White Smoke, leather case
Call and Microphone Quality: Good

Beats Studio Pro - Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Up to 40-Hour Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatible - Navy

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Type: Fully-adaptive ANC
Sound Quality: Custom platform, personalized spatial sound
Comfort and Fit: Over-ear, lightweight
Battery Life: Up to 40 hours, 10-min charge
Controls and Features: Touch, button, voice, Siri
Portability and Design: Foldable, carrying case included
Call and Microphone Quality: Voice-targeting mics reduce noise

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Midnight

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation
Battery Life: Up to 20 hours listening time
Comfort and Fit: Knit-mesh canopy, memory foam cushions
Sound Quality: Dynamic driver, Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
Durability and Build Quality: Premium materials, not water resistant
Additional Features: Digital Crown, Siri, USB-C, Transparency

Beats Solo 4 - Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones, Up to 50-Hour Battery Life, Ultra-Lightweight Comfort, Powerful and Balanced Sound, Apple & Android Compatible - Matte Black

Noise Cancellation Type: Sound Isolation
Battery Life: up to 50 hours
Comfort and Fit: ultralight ergonomic design, adjustable ear cups
Sound Quality: custom acoustic architecture, dynamic head tracking
Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C audio, 3.5 mm input
Additional Features: Fast Fuel, voice assistant, lossless audio

Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen), Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, Up to 30 Hours of Play time, Driftwood Sand - Limited Edition

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Type: Active Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality: lossless USB, CustomTune, spatial audio
Comfort and Fit: plush cushions, metal headband, even pressure
Battery Life: 30 Hours
Controls and Features: buttons, Bose app, customizable, updates
Portability and Design: modern, stylish, lightweight, protective case
Call and Microphone Quality: noise-rejecting mics, AI noise suppression

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro AI True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Noise Cancelling, Sound Optimization, Redesigned Comfort Fit, Silver [US Version, Amazon Exclusive, 2Yr Warranty]

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Type: Active Noise Cancellation
Comfort and Fit: Redesigned fit, lightweight design
Battery Life: 6h, 26h with charging case
Controls and Features: Touch, customizable, fast & wireless charging
Portability and Design: Compact, water resistant, lightweight
Call and Microphone Quality: Good, real-time translation feature

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip

Noise Cancellation Type: Active Noise Cancellation
Battery Life: 4 hours ANC, 20 hours with case
Comfort and Fit: Redesigned fit for all-day wear
Sound Quality: Personalized Spatial Audio
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
Additional Features: Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Voice Isolation, IP54

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 - Wireless Noise Cancelling Workout Earbuds with Secure- Fit Earhooks, Up to 45-Hour Battery with Charging Case, Sweat & Water Resistant, Heart Rate Monitoring - Jet Black

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Type: Active Noise Cancellation, Sound Isolation
Sound Quality: Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio
Comfort and Fit: Flexible lightweight earhooks, five ear tip sizes
Battery Life: 45h case, 10h charge, 1.5h quick charge
Controls and Features: Button, Siri, Touch, Voice, App control
Portability and Design: Smaller case, wireless Qi, IPX4 water resistant
Call and Microphone Quality: Clear calls, updated mics, Class 1 Bluetooth
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Buying Guide for the Best Noise Canceling Headphones

Choosing the right noise-canceling headphones can greatly improve how you enjoy music, movies, or even silence in noisy environments like planes, offices, or busy streets. It's not just about blocking sound; you want comfort, great audio quality, a battery that lasts, and extra features that fit your lifestyle. By understanding the key specifications, you can find a pair that feels tailor-made for your daily habits and preferences.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) TypeActive Noise Cancellation (ANC) uses special technology to create sound waves that cancel out background noise. It's important because it determines how effectively the headphones block unwanted sounds, especially constant noises like engines or air conditioning. ANC performance can be light, moderate, or strong. Lighter ANC is fine for quieter places like libraries, moderate is good for open offices, and strong ANC is best for travel or loud environments. If you frequently find yourself in very noisy places, prioritize headphones with a strong, adjustable ANC; if you're mostly in quiet areas, you might not need powerful noise cancellation.
Sound QualitySound quality refers to how well the headphones deliver music and other audio, including clarity, bass, and balance of tones. This is crucial if you care about the way your music or podcasts sound. Some headphones focus on deep bass, others on balanced sound, and some on enhanced vocals. If you listen mostly to bass-heavy music like hip-hop, pick those with good low-frequency response; for classical or podcasts, prioritize clear mids and highs. Try to read reviews or test the headphones to match your listening style.
Comfort and FitComfort and fit describe how the headphones feel when worn, especially over long periods. This is important because you'll likely be wearing them for hours, and discomfort can ruin the experience. Headphones range from lightweight, small-on-ear designs to large, cushioned over-ear models. On-ear is more portable but may cause ear fatigue, while over-ear models spread weight more and are generally more comfortable for extended use. Consider your head size, whether you wear glasses, and how long you typically use headphones at a time when deciding.
Battery LifeBattery life tells you how long the headphones will work on a single charge when using features like ANC and Bluetooth. It's essential if you plan to use them on long commutes or flights. Battery life can range from about 15 hours (short trips) to more than 30 hours (for extended travel or infrequent charging). If you’re always on the move or dislike frequent charging, opt for longer battery life. Check also for fast charging, which can give you hours of use after just a short charge.
Controls and FeaturesControls and features cover how you manage playback, calls, and how the headphones interact with your devices. Features include touch controls, buttons, voice assistants, and auto-play/pause sensors. Intuitive controls make it easier to use the headphones without looking, while features like multi-device pairing or customizable EQ tune it to your habits. If you value convenience or work hands-free, look for headphones with good controls and smart features.
Portability and DesignPortability and design refer to how easy the headphones are to carry and how they look. Folding or collapsible designs help if you need to pack them in a bag, while sleek designs blend better into daily style. If you travel often or switch between home, office, and outdoors, consider compact, foldable models; if style matters to you, don’t forget to pick a design you love.
Call and Microphone QualityCall and microphone quality become important if you use your headphones for phone or video calls. Some models have noise-reducing microphones so your voice is clear even in noisy places. If you make frequent calls or use voice assistants, prioritize headphones with strong mic performance and good reviews on call clarity.

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