Introduction
The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones In 2025, noise-cancelling headphones are more advanced than ever, offering unrivalled sound isolation, improved battery life, and cutting-edge AI-powered features. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, remote worker, gamer, or just a music lover, a high-quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones can block out distractions and improve your listening experience.
With brands like Sony, Bose, Apple, and Sennheiser pushing the boundaries of active noise cancellation (ANC), choosing the right pair can be tricky. The latest models now come with adaptive noise filtering, spatial audio, lossless sound support, and even real-time AI adjustments to optimize your experience in different environments.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2025, reviewing their key features, ANC performance, sound quality, battery life, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which headphones best suit your needs – whether for work, travel, or pure music enjoyment.
Table of Contents
2. What’s New in Noise-Canceling Headphones in 2025?
- AI-powered adaptive noise cancellation
The latest active noise cancellation (ANC) systems now use artificial intelligence to dynamically adjust noise cancellation levels in real-time.
Instead of a fixed ANC setting, headphones analyze the environment around you and optimize noise cancellation for airplanes, offices, coffee shops, or outdoor spaces.
Example: The Sony WH-1000XM6 can detect ambient noise patterns and instantly adjust ANC without manual input. - Personalized sound profiles and spatial audio
Many 2025 models offer personalized sound tuning, where the headphones analyze the structure of your ear to create a custom sound experience.
Spatial audio has improved dramatically, providing a 3D surround sound effect that makes movies, games, and music more immersive.
Example: Apple AirPods Max 2 now feature an advanced head-tracking spatial audio system for a cinematic experience. - Lossless audio and high-res sound
Many brands are now integrating lossless audio support via Bluetooth 5.3 and advanced codecs like LDAC, aptX Lossless, and Apple’s ALAC.
Some high-end models come with built-in DACs (digital-to-analog converters) for audiophile-grade sound.
Example: Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless delivers studio-quality sound with support for 24-bit/96kHz audio over Bluetooth.
- Battery life and ultra-fast charging
Battery life has improved, with top models now offering 40+ hours of playback on a single charge.
Fast charging technology means that 5-10 minutes of charging can provide several hours of playtime.
Example: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivers up to 35 hours of battery life and a 10-minute charge delivers 5 hours of playtime.
- Improved microphones and call quality
The latest noise-cancelling headphones feature improved microphone arrays, which improve voice clarity for calls and voice assistants.
Many models use beamforming mics and AI-enhanced voice isolation for clear calls, even in noisy environments.
Example: The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX 2 features six-microphone technology with real-time noise suppression for crystal-clear calls.
- Smart features and AI voice assistance
Many 2025 headphones now include built-in AI assistants that let you control music, answer calls, or check notifications hands-free.
Gesture controls and wear detection have also been improved for a seamless user experience.
Example: The Sony WH-1000XM6 allows gesture-based controls and AI-powered voice assistance for hands-free operation.
3. Top 5 Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2025 (Detailed Reviews)
- Sony WH-1000XM6 – Best Overall ANC Headphones
Pros:
Industry-leading AI-powered noise cancellation
Up to 45 hours of battery life
Improved LDAC and aptX lossless support for high-resolution sound
Comfortable design for longer listening sessions
Adaptive sound control that automatically adjusts ANC based on your environment
Cons:
Slightly heavier than the previous model
Expensive than competitors
Why buy it?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 remains the king of noise cancellation, offering the best balance of ANC, sound quality, and battery life. With AI-powered adaptive noise cancellation, Hi-Res audio support, and unmatched comfort, these are perfect for commuters, travellers, and audiophiles.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra – Best for comfort and call quality
Pros:
Extremely lightweight and comfortable design
Best-in-class call quality with AI-enhanced voice isolation
Powerful adaptive ANC
Spatial audio support for immersive listening
Cons:
Battery life (35 hours) is shorter than competitors
Not as bass-heavy as Sony’s XM6
Why buy it?
If you prioritise comfort and call clarity, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is the best choice. It’s perfect for professionals, remote workers, and frequent travellers who need clear communication and long-lasting comfort.
- Apple AirPods Max 2 – Best for Apple users and spatial audio
Pros:
Seamless integration with Apple devices (Mac, iPhone, iPad)
Unmatched spatial audio and head-tracking for a cinematic experience
Premium aluminium build with a luxury feel
Adaptive transparency mode for a natural listening experience
Cons:
Very expensive compared to competitors
Bulky design may not be comfortable to wear for long hours
Why buy it?
For Apple ecosystem users, the AirPods Max 2 is the best option, offering seamless connectivity, immersive spatial audio, and premium design. If you watch movies or listen to Dolby Atmos music, these headphones offer an unmatched experience.
- Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless – Best for audiophiles
Pros:
Hi-res audio support with aptX Lossless and LDAC
Deep, rich bass and clear mids/highs
Luxurious leather and stainless-steel build
Excellent noise cancellation with transparency mode
Cons:
ANC is a little weaker than Sony and Bose
Not as many features (no AI enhancements)
Why buy it?
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless is the best choice for audiophiles, offering a natural, high-fidelity sound experience with deep bass and crisp highs. If you prioritise sound quality over smart features, this one is for you.
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX2 – Best Premium Luxury Headphones
Pros:
Ultra-premium design with aluminium and leather finish
Balanced, natural sound signature
Great ANC and transparency mode
Advanced microphone for crystal-clear calls
Cons:
Extremely expensive
Not as feature-rich as Sony or Apple
Why buy it?
If you want the most luxurious headphones with premium materials and sound quality, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX2 is a statement piece that also offers great ANC and sound clarity.
4. How to Choose the Right Noise-Canceling Headphones?
- Noise cancellation type: ANC vs. passive isolation
Active noise cancellation (ANC): Uses microphones and sound waves to cancel out background noise. Ideal for flights, offices, and commutes.
Passive noise isolation: Relies on the earcup design to naturally block out external sound. Best for budget-conscious buyers who still want some noise reduction.
Pro tip: If you travel often or work in a noisy environment, get headphones with high-quality ANC (like the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra).
- Sound quality: Balanced vs. bass-heavy vs. audiophile-grade
Balanced sound: Offers clear mids, crisp highs, and deep bass, perfect for all genres. (For example, Bose QuietComfort Ultra)
Bass-heavy: Ideal for hip-hop, EDM, and movies with immersive sound. (for example, Sony WH-1000XM6)
Hi-res audiophile sound: Crystal-clear sound with LDAC, aptX Lossless or FLAC support for high-fidelity audio. (for example, Sennheiser Momentum 5)
Pro tip: If you like deep bass, choose Sony WH-1000XM6. If you like natural sound, Sennheiser Momentum 5 is a better choice.
- Battery life and charging speed
Long battery life (30+ hours): Best for travelers and professionals (for example, Sony WH-1000XM6 – 45 hours)
Fast charging support: A quick charge in 5-10 minutes gives 3-6 hours of playback (great for busy users).
Pro tip: If you need headphones for long trips, look for 35+ hours of battery life. If you don’t like waiting, get a fast-charging model like the AirPods Max 2.
- Comfort and fit
Lightweight design: Allows for long-term wear without discomfort. (e.g., Bose QuietComfort Ultra)
Soft earcups and adjustable headband: A must for long-term listening.
Pro tip: If you wear headphones for work or travel, choose lightweight models with memory foam ear cushions.
- Smart features and connectivity
Multipoint connectivity: Easily switches between two devices (e.g., phone and laptop).
Touch controls and voice assistant: Hands-free convenience for calls, music, and more.
Companion app: Lets you customize ANC, EQ settings, and spatial audio.
Pro tip: If you want AI-powered adaptive noise cancellation, choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Apple AirPods Max 2.
- Price vs. value for money
Budget (under $200): Great noise cancellation, but may lack premium features.
Mid-range ($200-$400): The best balance of ANC, sound quality, and battery life.
Premium ($400+): High-end build, top-tier ANC, spatial audio, and premium materials.
Pro tip: If you want the best value for money, look for models in the $250-$400 range, like the Sony WH-1000XM6 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
5. Comparison Table: Best Noise-Canceling Headphones 2025
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra | AirPods Max 2 | Sennheiser Momentum 5 | B&O Beoplay HX 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Best-in-class ANC | Premium ANC | Adaptive ANC | Balanced ANC | Effective ANC |
| Sound Quality | Deep bass, immersive | Natural, clear vocals | Spatial Audio | Hi-Res, audiophile-grade | Rich, dynamic audio |
| Battery Life | 45 hrs (ANC on) | 35 hrs (ANC on) | 30 hrs (ANC on) | 40 hrs (ANC on) | 38 hrs (ANC on) |
| Fast Charging | 3 min = 3 hrs playback | 15 min = 5 hrs playback | 10 min = 6 hrs playback | 10 min = 4 hrs playback | 15 min = 5 hrs playback |
| Comfort & Fit | Lightweight, plush | Ultra-soft ear cushions | Aluminum build, heavy | Memory foam padding | Premium leather build |
| Connectivity | Multipoint, Bluetooth 5.3 | Multipoint, Bluetooth 5.3 | Apple-exclusive H2 chip | aptX Lossless, LDAC | Bluetooth 5.3, AAC, SBC |
| Smart Features | Adaptive ANC, EQ control | Custom ANC profiles, smart pause | Apple Spatial Audio, Siri integration | Hi-Res Audio, Custom EQ | Luxurious design, premium controls |
| Best For | Gaming, travel | Comfort & long listening | Apple users | Audiophiles & Hi-Res audio lovers | Premium users |
| Price (Approx.) | $399 | $399 | $499 | $449 | $599 |
Which noise-cancelling headphones should you choose?
For great ANC and overall value → Sony WH-1000XM6
For comfort and calls → Bose QuietComfort Ultra
For Apple ecosystem users → AirPods Max 2
For audiophile-grade sound → Sennheiser Momentum 5
For premium build and sound → Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX 2
This comparison table gives you a quick overview of the top noise-cancelling headphones in 2025 so you can choose the right headphones based on features, price, and your personal needs.
6. Conclusion: Which Headphones Should You Buy in 2025?
With so many great noise-cancelling headphones available on the market in 2025, choosing the right pair depends on your specific needs. Whether you prioritize better ANC, premium sound quality, long battery life, or comfort, there’s a perfect pair for you. The best noise-cancelling headphones based on your needs:
Best and best ANC → Sony WH-1000XM6 (unmatched noise cancelling, excellent battery life and immersive sound)
Most comfortable for long-term listening → Bose QuietComfort Ultra (lightweight, ultra-soft ear cushions and balanced sound quality)
Best for Apple users → AirPods Max 2 (seamless Apple ecosystem integration, spatial audio and premium build)
Best for audiophiles → Sennheiser Momentum 5 (hi-res audio, rich soundstage and premium materials)
Most stylish and stylish → B&O Beoplay HX 2 (high-end build, premium sound and elegant design)
If you need powerful noise cancelling and all-day comfort, then Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra are the best There are great options. If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Max 2 offer great connectivity. Audiophiles looking for great sound quality should consider the Sennheiser Momentum 5 or the B&O Beoplay HX 2.
