In 2025, noise-canceling headphones have reached a new level of perfection. Whether you’re traveling, working from a busy café, or mixing tracks in a studio, today’s best ANC (Active Noise-Canceling) headphones offer crystal-clear sound, adaptive noise control, and unmatched comfort.
In this guide, we review the best noise-canceling headphones of 2025, from premium over-ear models like the Sony WH-1000XM6 to affordable yet impressive options like the Soundcore Space One.
Best Overall Noise-Canceling Headphones 2025
🥇 Sony WH-1000XM6 – The Industry Standard
Sony continues to dominate the market with the WH-1000XM6, offering the best blend of comfort, battery life, and intelligent ANC.
Its adaptive sound adjusts automatically to your environment, while the 30-hour battery life ensures you never run out of music.
Pros:
-
Market-leading ANC
-
Rich, detailed sound
-
30-hour battery life
-
Fast charging (5 min = 5 hrs playback)
Cons:
-
Slightly expensive
Best for: Travelers and professionals seeking premium performance.
Best for Apple Users
🍏 Apple AirPods Max 2 – Luxury & Precision
Apple’s second-generation AirPods Max improve comfort, battery life, and ANC efficiency.
Powered by the H3 chip, these headphones deliver incredible spatial audio and tight integration with iOS devices.
Pros:
-
Unmatched spatial sound
-
Premium design and materials
-
Excellent ANC
Cons:
-
Pricey
-
Heavy for long wear
Best for: iPhone and Mac users who want the ultimate Apple experience.
Best Budget Noise-Canceling Headphones 2025
💰 Soundcore Space One – Value King
The Anker Soundcore Space One provides outstanding ANC and sound for its price.
It features adaptive noise canceling, LDAC support, and 40-hour battery life — all under $100.
Pros:
-
Great ANC for the price
-
Comfortable fit
-
Long battery life
Cons:
-
Soundstage less dynamic than premium models
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers wanting premium features at half the price.
Best for Studio & Professional Use
🎚️ Bose QuietComfort Ultra – Studio-Level Sound
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers studio-grade clarity and balanced tones, ideal for sound engineers or serious listeners.
Its “Immersive Audio Mode” gives a 3D listening experience that’s perfect for mixing or mastering.
Pros:
-
Excellent clarity
-
Best in class comfort
-
Superior ANC control
Cons:
-
Slightly warm sound signature
Best for: Studio professionals or long work sessions.
Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds 2025
🎧 Sony WF-1000XM6 – Tiny but Mighty
Sony’s WF-1000XM6 earbuds combine the same ANC technology as the WH-1000XM6 in a compact form.
They offer adaptive sound, Hi-Res wireless audio, and excellent call quality.
Pros:
-
Top-tier ANC in earbuds
-
Compact and ergonomic
-
Great mic for calls
Cons:
-
Battery life shorter than over-ear models
Best for: Commuters and gym users who prefer earbuds.
Best for Work & Calls
💼 Jabra Evolve2 85 – Productivity Powerhouse
The Jabra Evolve2 85 is designed for professionals who work in noisy environments.
It delivers clear voice pickup, excellent ANC, and Microsoft Teams certification.
Pros:
-
Great mic clarity
-
Strong ANC for office noise
-
Long 37-hour battery
Cons:
-
Bulky design
Best for: Remote workers and business professionals.
Best Design & Comfort
🖤 Sennheiser Momentum 5 – Elegance Meets Engineering
Sennheiser’s Momentum 5 balances elegance, comfort, and hi-fi sound.
Its adaptive ANC, leather earcups, and 40-hour battery make it a stylish travel companion.
Pros:
-
Premium design
-
Long battery life
-
Balanced sound
Cons:
-
Touch controls can be too sensitive
Best for: Audiophiles and travelers who value style and substance.
What to Look for When Buying Noise-Canceling Headphones
-
ANC Quality: Test how well it blocks constant and sudden noises.
-
Sound Profile: Balanced, detailed, and customizable EQs are best.
-
Battery Life: 25+ hours for over-ear, 8+ for earbuds.
-
Comfort: Lightweight build and soft ear cushions matter.
-
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3+ and multipoint pairing are must-haves.
-
Extra Features: App support, touch controls, and voice assistants add value.
FAQ – Noise-Canceling Headphones 2025
Q: What are the best all-around ANC headphones in 2025?
A: The Sony WH-1000XM6 leads in ANC, sound, and comfort.
Q: Which noise-canceling headphones are best for Apple users?
A: The AirPods Max 2 integrate perfectly with iPhone and Mac.
Q: What’s the best budget ANC headphone in 2025?
A: The Soundcore Space One offers premium performance at under $100.
Q: Which ANC earbuds are best for travel?
A: The Sony WF-1000XM6 provides great portability and ANC.
Conclusion
From studio-grade models to affordable noise-canceling champions, 2025 brings something for every listener.
If you want the best overall, go for Sony WH-1000XM6.
For Apple fans, AirPods Max 2 is unmatched.
If you’re on a budget, the Soundcore Space One delivers incredible value.
Whichever you choose, these best noise-canceling headphones of 2025 ensure you enjoy your music — and your silence — anywhere, anytime.
