The 7 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones - Spring 2020
Reviews

The best wireless noise cancelling headphones we’ve tested so far are the Sony WH-1000XM3. They have one of the best Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) features we've seen to date and are comfortable, well-built, and highly customizable.

Out-of-the-box, they have a warm, thumpy sound profile that's sure to please fans of bass. You can also tweak the way they sound with their excellent companion app, Sony | Headphones Connect. This app not only gives you access to some great EQ options, but you'll also find more customization options like room effects, different audio codecs, and adaptive noise cancelling.

While their 27-hour battery life is superb, they don't have a proper auto-off timer like the Bose 700 Headphones. Their touch-sensitive controls also don't work as well in freezing temperatures, which can be a deal-breaker for those who live in colder climates. That said, their unparalleled ANC performance makes them a better option if noise isolation is your main priority.

The best noise cancelling earbuds we've tested so far are the Apple AirPods Pro. Their impressive active noise cancelling reduces the hum of bus and plane engines as well as chattering voices, making them good in public spaces.

Whether you're getting your reps in at the gym or typing away in your cubicle, these earbuds are versatile enough to take with you wherever you go. Well-balanced in their sound reproduction, they're great for nearly all genres of music. They're also very comfortable, lightweight, and stable, making them good for more strenuous activities at the gym. While the battery life is just over 5 hours, the case provides five additional charges. If you're in a hurry, under a half-hour of charging can get you about 3-4 hours of battery life.

Unfortunately, if you're an Android user, not all features will be available. They're still a solid choice but if you're using these earbuds with your Apple ecosystem, you'll get the full range of features such as the ability to remap your controls. However, their great active noise cancelling can certainly outweigh the lack of customization available.

The best wired noise cancelling headphones we've tested so far are the Bose QuietComfort 25. They have the same lightweight, comfortable design as the popular Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 at a fraction of the price. Their noise cancelling is excellent and their balanced sound makes them great not only for a wide variety of music, but for audiobooks and podcasts too.

These wired headphones use AAA batteries, which can be convenient during a road trip where you don't have access to a wall charger, especially since they'll provide nearly 33 hours of playback with a fresh set. They also come with an in-line remote that's compatible with either Apple or Android devices, depending on which variant you choose.

While you can still use them passively if they run out of power and you don't have batteries on you, they do lose a bit of audio quality. They also leak quite a bit of sound, which can be an issue if you work in a noise-sensitive office. If you don't listen to your music very loud, though, you shouldn't have a problem.

The best ANC headphones under $200 we’ve tested so far are the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2. They have a comfortable, ergonomic design with super easy-to-use physical controls and a sturdy build quality. Their battery performance is outstanding and they have tons of connectivity options, too.

These headphones have an exciting sound profile that's sure to please fans of music with a lot of low-bass like EDM and dubstep but is versatile enough for other genres too­. Their battery lasts a whopping 30-hours on a charge, and they have a bunch of power-saving features like an auto-off timer and smart pause to help them last even longer.

While these headphones have decent ANC, it's not as good as that of some of the more premium recommendations on this list. They still perform very well for their price though and are an excellent value overall for anyone looking to buy affordable noise cancelling headphones.

The best budget noise cancelling headphones we’ve tested so far are the Mpow H5. For their affordable price, their noise cancelling is a suitable choice for those shopping with their wallets in mind.

These headphones have a decently balanced sound profile for their price. Their build quality feels durable and the hard case is a nice touch if you're prone to dropping things. These headphones also have a solid battery life: they measured up to 12 hours of continuous playtime, which should be enough to get you through your work day. You can also pair them with up to two devices, unlike the Mpow H10 Wireless, which are the next generation of Mpow headphones.

Unfortunately, they leak a lot of sound, so your colleagues at the office will be able to hear your music if you listen to it at high volumes. If you have a bit more to spend, the H10 have better noise cancelling and a more balanced sound. However, if you're trying to save a few dollars, the H5 provide decent bang for your buck.