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Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones: The best ANC headphones tested
In This Article
Famed philosopher Jean-Paul Sarte once said that “hell is other people”, and this list of the best noise-cancelling headphones is the best way to make them go away.
We’ve reviewed plenty of noise-cancelling headphones, from over-ears to true wireless models, testing them in real-world conditions and comparing new models with older ones.
We assess the ANC in a variety of settings such as on public transport and in populated areas. It’s not the only area we consider for selection on this list, as it’s important to recognise comfort levels, the wireless performance and the sound. There’s no point in purchasing a pair of ANC headphones if they sound rubbish.
We have other best lists to help you in your search such as ourbest wireless earbudsandbest wireless headphones. We also have a page for thebest noise-cancelling earbuds, and for the best overall picks, check out ourbest headphonespage.
Best noise-cancelling headphones at a glance
How we test
Not just anybody can review a pair of headphones. You don’t need superhuman hearing to tell what’s good, but you do need to know what to listen out for.Our headphone tests are done by some of the best and most prolific reviewers in the industry, with years of experience listening to everything from the plasticky freebie earbuds that come with your smartphone, to five-figure beasts of glass and marble. We love music and we want your tunes to sound good, too.So we listen every pair of headphones we can get on or in our ears. We use a variety of sources, from basic MP3s playing on a laptop to high-quality tracks on dedicated hi-res audio players.Our test tracks are wide-ranging to give headphones a thorough challenge. They’re also familiar, so we know every track backwards, and we know which bits might trouble the lesser performers.We listen again and again, and we do that for weeks in case the sound changes – because it usually does. Then we’ll listen to similarly priced rivals and come up with a verdict that reflects the performance and features for the money.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Best noise-cancelling over-ears
Our go-to choice for noise-cancelling over-ears had been theSony WH-1000XM5but that’s no longer the case. TheBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphonesare the best noise-cancelling over-ears we’ve tested.
They suppress more noise than their Sony rivals or any other wireless over-ear we’ve had the fortune to test. Whether you’re out in a city, riding public transport, wearing these headphones on a plane or just don’t want to hear the person next to you jabbering away, the Bose QC Ultra Headphones are excellent ANC headphones for wherever you are.
The noise-cancelling works without sounding processed or making the audio sound chilly, as was the case with previous headphones like theBose QuietComfort 45.
They fit well to the head, more comfortable to wear than the Sony, though they aren’t as stylish as theNoise-Cancelling Headphones 700. But with this mode you can collapse and store them away in the carry case.
The audio is richer than before while still maintaining the balanced approach that Bose is known for. There’s plenty of clarity and detail to the midrange, with a clarity and brightness to the top end, while the low end has been reinforced with extra padding. It’s a much more mainstream-sounding pair of headphones that we’re used to from Bose.
The wireless performance is strong, and there’s a decent array of customisation and personalisation options available such as adjusting the sound, call quality, or changing which features are associated with the shortcut. Call quality is slightly odd, leaking noise in whenever we spoke. It’s not enough to distract from what we were saying but the person on the other end did feel it was odd.
The £449 / $449 RRP will be a sticking point some. You do get an excellent noise-cancelling performance, but the Sony along with theSennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, are available for less money.
Reviewer:Kob MonneyFull Review:Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Best noise-cancelling earbuds
When it comes to the best noise-cancelling earbuds, theQuietComfort Earbuds IIfrom Bose leaves the competition in its wake.
The noise-cancellation performance here is class-leading as the QuietComfort II zaps away noise with impressive confidence. Not every sound is removed but these buds aren’t far from total silence. During testing we found there were gains over the original QuietComfort Earbuds in terms of suppressing people’s voices and the noise-cancelling sounded more natural than before.
Walking in and around London, there was a wonderful sense of calm and isolation from the outside world, but the one minor issue we noticed was some minor wind noise to contend with, which we had hoped was eradicated with the new design.
The Aware mode also impresses, piping in a clear, detailed, and natural sound, and Bose’s ActiveSense technology works in a similar manner to theAirPods Pro 2‘s transparency mode, automatically reducing background noises in the Aware mode to stop the wearer from being startled by sudden, loud sounds. This worked very well on the London Underground.
Sound quality has been improved with the top end of the frequency range brighter and bass is bigger and punchier than before. Vocals carry slightly more weight too, and there’s a better sense of depth and space than we can recall with the original.
When it comes to features, the QuietComfort Earbuds II aren’t stacked with as many as its rival, but we are pleased to see a three-band EQ in the Bose Music app. The wireless connection is excellent with barely a dropout when walking around London, and battery is on more competitive terms with theSony WF-1000XM4with 24 hours in total if you include the charging case. If there’s a fault, it’s that call quality is not the most impressive. The Bose can let a lot of sounds through which made it harder for the person on the other end to hear what was said.
Nevertheless, in our opinion, the QuietComfort Earbuds II are the best noise-cancelling buds you can buy even though they’ve been replaced by theQuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which we don’t find to be as good at cancelling noise.
Reviewer:Kob MonneyFull Review:Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Sony WH-1000XM5
Best Sony noise-cancelling over-ears
Sony’s WH-series of wireless headphones have been some of the best we’ve tested, especially where noise cancelling is concerned, and theWH-1000XM5are Sony’s best effort yet.
Improvements to the noise cancellation bring refinements over theWH-1000XM4, with Sony claiming they deal with voices and higher frequency sounds better than previous generations did. We find that large crowds were silenced and commutes were noticeably quiet, though the XM4 dismissed voices better, we did find the XM5’s noise cancellation sounds cleaner. The Sony Headphone app offers 20 different levels of noise cancellation, with the Ambient Mode much clearer and more expansive in its performance than the older models.
The biggest change is the look of the headphones, with redesigned earcups (now oval in shape to fit more ears), and tweaked earpads for comfort. They carry a more modern look and like theBose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700and theAirPods Max, they can’t be collapsed and folded. It’s a change some won’t like but we did feel it reduced wind noise.
There’s a huge number of features that includes the the Quick Attention mode (which filters outside sound for a brief moment) and Speak To Chat (which pauses music when you’re speaking). Battery life (with ANC) is the same as the older models at 30 hours but with noise cancelling off the XM5 ekes out a couple of hours of playback. Over the course of testing we got a week’s use before we felt the need to charge.
The steady rate of small but useful improvements continue in the audio department, with the WH-1000XM5’s mid-range sounding richer, the soundstage more spacious and the low-end featuring more depth and texture. While the noise-cancelling is surpassed by theBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, they’re still above the rest of their close rivals for sound.
Reviewer:Kob MonneyFull Review:Sony WH-1000XM5
Bowers and Wilkins Px8
Best premium noise-cancelling headphones
TheBowers & Wilkins Px8headphones are some of the best-sounding and best-looking headphones on the market.
Launching in Black and Tan leather versions, both colourways look classy and feel very sturdy in terms of build quality. We felt they were comfortable to wear over long periods of time, with the oval shape helping to assist in presenting a more natural soundstage.
These headphones come withadaptive ANCand we felt they were effective at suppressing noise on the underground, hushing voices and managing wind noise to acceptable levels, without needing to sacrifice audio quality. Even in noisy environments, the Px8 headphones condense the volume of a crowd into a more manageable sound, being robust enough to usher in a sense of calm wherever you are. The noise-cancellation is better than the similarly pricedFocal BathysandMaster & Dynamic MW75.
With 40mm dynamic full-range carbon cone drive units, these headphones offer a large and expansive soundstage, a big improvement on their predecessor, theBowers & Wilkins Px7. Bass frequencies have massive definition and punch, with a sharp and open midrange that complements a lot of genres. High frequencies are distinctive and bright, making the B&W Px8 a clean, precise and dynamic pair of headphones.
Call quality here is also nothing to sniff at. While they are not as clear as theSony WH-1000XM5, they were among the best on the market at the moment, with voices coming across clearly and background noises being kept to a minimum thanks to the dedicated call microphones.
Reviewer:Kob MonneyFull Review:Bowers & Wikins Px8
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Best Apple noise-cancelling earbuds
With theAirPods Pro 2, Apple has made one of the best noise-cancelling true wireless available for Apple users.
The design is not too different from the originalAirPods Pro, but they feature an extra ear-tip size (XS) to fit a wider range of ears. The force sensor also has the ability to tweak volume levels, though we found it’s not always the most reliable option.IPX4 resistanceagainst moisture remains, so these earphones could be used for exercise as well as listening to music.
And in terms of sound quality, they’re an improvement over their predecessor. Bass has a richness and warmth, but there’s still good clarity to vocals within the soundstage and instruments are defined with more detail.
The star of the show is the AirPod Pro 2’s noise-cancelling prowess. Used on the underground and compared to the WF-1000XM4, they edged the Sony buds with how much high-frequency noises and rumble of the train they removed.
The noise cancellation is adaptive, ramping up and down depending on how much noise is detected. The same is true of the improved transparency mode. We found it piped through a clearer, more realistic impression of the world around us. The lack of control over the noise cancelling/transparency remains a bugbear though.
Battery life is good at six hours per bud and 30 hours overall. That’s a better figure overall than theBose QuietComfort Earbuds II(6 and 24 hours) and around similar to theSennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3(7 and 28 hours). There are much cheaper noise-cancelling buds, such as theJBL Live Pro 2, that offer more longevity (10 and 40 hours).
If you’re an iOS user in need of a ANC true wireless then arguably no other integrates as well as the AirPod Pro. Non-iOS users will want to look elsewhere, as many of the features such asSpatial Audioare exclusive to the iOS ecosystem.
Reviewer:Max ParkerFull Review:Apple AirPods Pro 2
Sony WH-CH720N
Best affordable noise-cancelling over-ears
There are always caveats with budget noise-cancelling headphones. They’re not as powerful as expensive models, but as long as you are aware of it, theWH-CH720Nare one of the best value noise-cancelling headphones you can buy.
We would describe the noise cancellation as solid for the price. It focuses on reducing low-frequency sounds and clearing away ambient noise, and while we wouldn’t say that these headphones clear every loud bang or big vehicles, we did find that they made daily commutes less intense and disruptive. They’re effective against large groups of people, though when faced with individuals, we did notice that they made people’s voices more noticeable.
The noise-cancelling is better than the similarly priced Soundcore Space One and Earfun Wave Pro, though the Monoprice BT-600ANC (available in the US) edges it out for ANC.
The sound has a smooth quality to it with an emphasis on bass. Bass is delivered with punch, the midrange is clear and detailed, and the upper frequencies sound bright and clear. TheFinal UX300offer a more insightful performance (with its noise-cancelling off, however), but they aren’t as affordable or boast as many convenient features.
Sony claims 35 hours of battery life, our tests showed they could go as far as 40 with noise-cancelling on, which is more than theSoundcore Space One. As well as the hybridactive noise-cancellation, there’s a transparency mode, Bluetooth multipoint, customisation through the Sony Headphones app support and voice assistants inGoogle AssistantandAmazon Alexa.
The headphones’ frame and earcups are made from recycled plastic, and we found there were no noticeable creaks or groans when we bent the frame. The use of plastic also keeps the headphones lightweight at 192g, and moreover we didn’t experience periods of discomfort thanks to the padding on the headband and earcups.
There’s a growing number of affordable ANC headphones but the Sony puts in the best overall performance.
Reviewer:Kob MonneyFull Review:Sony WH-CH720N
JBL Live Pro 2
Best affordable noise-cancelling in-ears
TheJBL Live Pro 2are of the best noise-cancelling earbuds around the £100 mark, better than theBeats Studio Buds.
Walking through Westminster tube station, we found background noise was reduced to little more than inconsequential rustle. The JBL is good at numbing people’s conversations, and subduing bigger crowds in busy areas. It’s a very impressive performance for its price.
These buds proved very comfortable to wear over long periods of time, our reviewer didn’t note any discomfort during use. TheIPX5water makes them more robust than most noise-cancelling earbuds, so they can be used during a workout or when it’s raining.
There are a few issues with the Live Pro 2 buds, namely their wireless performance and call quality. We experienced a choppy connection in busy areas like Victoria train station, but it also occurred in areas when there was fewer people were around. We didn’t feel they fared too well with phone calls, especially in busier areas. Despite their noise-cancelling prowess with calls they have a tendency to let noise in like theBose QuietComfort Earbuds II, making it harder for the person on the other end of the phone to hear what’s being said.
In terms of their sound quality, the JBL favour a balanced tone that’s not necessarily the most exciting, but we quite enjoyed the sound. They boast a weighty bass, a midrange that is reproduced with clarity and a clear and distinct treble performance. We thought that this made them easy to listen to across a range of genres, though the volume needs to be turned up to widen the soundstage and give the bass richness.
Reviewer:Kob MonneyFull Review:JBL Live Pro 2
Dyson OnTrac
Best design for noise-cancelling over-ears
The Dyon Ontrac headphones are certainly among the best-looking on the market right now. The CNC copper colourway we received for review is undeniably eye-catching with an impressive level of customisation, offering interchangeable outer caps and earpads in a range of finishes – over 2000 according to Dyson. This allows for unparalleled personalisation of your headphones, even if the individual components are rather pricey.
It’s not just customisable though; while the cans are undeniably bulky with a substantial presence that might not suit everyone’s tastes, we found them surprisingly comfortable to wear. That’s largely down to the ample padding on offer, as well as well-distributed weight that means pressure doesn’t build up in any one particular area, even in extensive listening sessions.
Beyond looks, the Dyson Ontrac cans offer clear and detailed audio quality with a balanced sound profile that prioritises neutrality. While that may mean that some will find it lacking in excitement, its technically proficient performance should appeal to those seeking an accurate reproduction of their music. Battery life is also pretty solid at 55 hours, and while the noise cancellation is good enough to quieten everyday noises, it’s not quite enough to be class-leading.
Reviewer:Kob MonneyFull Review:Dyson Ontrac
Philips Fidelio L4
Best noise-cancelling over-ears for call quality
If you’re constantly chatting on the phone and want a pair of over-ear cans that won’t let you down, look no further than the Philips Fidelio L4. The ANC-enabled cans truly excel in the call quality department, with noise cancellation tech effectively minimising background noise to ensure a clear voice at the other end of the phone, even in challenging outdoor environments. It’s particularly adept at filtering out wind and traffic sounds, making it ideal for those who make calls on the go.
Beyond its call prowess, the L4 offers a solid set of features including support for LDAC and LC3 Bluetooth codecs for high-quality audio streaming from compatible devices, alongside adaptive ANC and 40 hours of battery life. They also deliver a solid audio experience with warm and smooth sound with a clear focus on the midrange. It might not be the most detailed or dynamic, but it’s a pleasant and relaxing sound signature.
It’s arguably the design that lets the cans down most. While the cans sport a similar design to the Fidelio L3 with a 10% lighter build and softer synthetic leather on the earcups, we found that the L4 sat a bit more on top of our ears than the L3, leading to some discomfort over longer listening sessions. The touch panel used for controlling music wasn’t always perfectly responsive either.
Reviewer:Kob MonneyFull Review:Philips Fidelio L4
We also considered…
A solid enough example of cheap noise-cancelling headphones
Impressive all-round wireless headphones
An excellent pair of premium wireless headphones
A stylish and effective pair of budget ANC cans
Are Apple’s high-end ANC headphones worth the staggering price?
Impressive noise cancellers with massive battery life
We’ve reviewed
FAQs
Our vote goes to the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. No other earbud we’ve tested offers as much suppression as they do, though it comes at the cost of reduced battery life compared to rivals. You can get the still excellent original for nearly half the price.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones tops out list of the best over-ears. with a superb noise cancelling performance that suppresses sounds very effectively.
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Comparison specs
Kob began his career at What Hi-Fi?, starting in the dusty stockroom before rising up the ranks to join the editorial and production team as the Buyer’s Guide editor. Experienced in both magazine and …
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Why trust our journalism?
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
