Your choice of headphones is critical for those audiophiles who enjoy listening to music privately. However, standard designs not only lack audio clarity but allow the sounds of the outside world into your personal space.

A set of noise-canceling headphones is essential, then, for any audiophile hoping to listen to music on the go. These sets use microphones to cancel out the sound before it even reaches your ears, allowing you to enjoy your music in relative peace.

Here are the best noise-canceling headphones for audiophiles available today.

It won't surprise any audiophile to see this company on the list. The Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless respects the brand's strong legacy of high-quality audio products. To that end, Sennheiser even lists the frequency response (16Hz to 22,000Hz), active impedance (280 Ohms), and passive impedance (28 Ohms).

They use the apt-X Bluetooth codec for CD-quality wireless audio when connected to any apt-X enabled device. The earcups are slightly larger than on previous editions to increase comfort, especially over long periods. This is especially important, as the company's NoiseGuard active noise cancellation (ANC) can be found inside the headset, granting you a peaceful space to enjoy your music.

The Momentum 2.0 Wireless achieve up to 20 hours of use on a single charge, even with Bluetooth and noise-cancellation enabled. So you don't have to spend time switching, you can connect two devices simultaneously and pair with up to eight. This is useful when coupled with Sennheiser's VoiceMax technology, so you can seamlessly take calls on the headphones.

Key Features
  • Frequency response between 16Hz and 22,000Hz
  • Use the apt-X Bluetooth codec
  • NoiseGuard active noise cancellation
Specifications
  • Brand: Sennheiser
  • Battery Life: 20 hours
  • Material: Stainless Steel, Leather
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
Pros
  • Earcup-based volume controls
  • 20 hours of usage on a single charge with ANC enabled
  • Connect two devices simultaneously
Cons
  • Not vegan-friendly as leather used for earpad coverings
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Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless
Editors choice

2. Jabra Elite 85h

8.20 / 10
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For many years, Jabra was best known for its range of office-based headsets. However, the company has entered the headphones market, releasing some of the best sets available today. One such pair, the Jabra Elite 85h, make the perfect companion for any audiophile. This set comes with three noise-cancellation modes; full active noise-cancellation, HearThrough, and disabled.

Of course, being able to tune out your surroundings is part of the appeal of any ANC set, but HearThrough is one of the best features here. When paired with the Jabra Sound+ app, the headset's AI can determine your surroundings and adjust the noise-cancellation, so you always stay safe and aware when you need to be.

Aside from the intelligent ANC, the headphones can adjust for high-quality calls thanks to six of the set's eight microphones. Using these, it can block unwanted background noise on calls, too. With ANC enabled, you can expect up to 36 hours of use from a single charge. The Jabra Elite 85h are water-resistant as well. A dedicated button on the right earpad gives quick access to Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant.

If you want to know more before investing in a set, check out our review of the Jabra Elite 85h.

Key Features
  • Three noise cancellation modes
  • Eight built-in microphones
  • Dedicated hardware button for access to Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant
  • On-ear detection
Specifications
  • Brand: Jabra
  • Battery Life: Up to 36 hours
  • Material: Fabric, PU leather, ABS plastic, and PBT plastic
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0
  • Noise Cancellation: Digital Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
Pros
  • Rain-resistant
  • 36-hour battery life
  • AI-based automatic noise cancellation modes
Cons
  • Bulky design so the headphones protrude slightly
Buy This Product
Jabra Elite 85h

Anker's reputation for high-quality, affordable electronics is well-earned, and the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 easily live up to these expectations. The noise-canceling headphones come equipped with four external microphones to detect sounds.

The onboard algorithm uses these to reduce noise by up to 90 percent. They are also adept at tackling low and mid-frequency sounds like nearby cars and passing planes.

Despite this, the headphones have an impressive 40-hour battery life with the ANC enabled, far exceeding the competition. Without noise cancellation, this set can last up to 60 hours before needing a recharge. The quick-charge mode allows you to get four hours of playback from just a five-minute charge.

Anker's BassUp technology analyzes the bass on incoming audio and adjusts it to give balanced but weighty bass reproduction. Additionally, the earcups contain memory foam for added comfort and all-day use.

Key Features
  • 40-hour battery life
  • Adaptive ANC
  • Four external noise-cancelling microphones
Specifications
  • Brand: Anker
  • Battery Life: 40 hours
  • Material: Plastic, faux-leather, memory foam
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
Pros
  • Anker's BassUp technology for balanced, weighty bass reproduction
  • Five-minute quick-charge gives four hours of usage
Cons
  • Less streamlined and more plastic design than alternatives
Buy This Product
Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are some of the best noise-canceling headphones around. Bose's reputation for high-quality audio products precedes them, but it is well-earnt. If you travel on public transport or by plane, these headphones will be instantly recognizable. They are firm favorites for anyone looking for high-quality noise-cancelation.

That's not to say they prioritize ANC above all other features, though. The QuietComfort 35 II have a dedicated button for quick access to Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Additionally, if you download the Bose companion app, you can rename the headphones, making them easy to recognize in crowded Bluetooth lists. The app also provides firmware updates to the headphones.

Importantly, they are also comfortable. Thanks to the padded earcups and headband, you can wear them for hours without discomfort. They collapse inwards, too, for easy storage. With the ANC enabled, you can expect the headphones to last around 20 hours before they need recharging via micro-USB. The QuietComfort 35 II come in three colors; black, silver, and rose gold.

The headphones have been revised since their original release to add Bose AR and Alexa support. However, if you're interested in all they have to offer, take a look at our review of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.

Key Features
  • Integration with Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant
  • 20-hour battery life
  • Firmware updates installed via the Bose Connect app
Specifications
  • Brand: Bose
  • Battery Life: 20 hours
  • Material: Stainless steel, faux-leather, Alcantara
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Intercom Range: Not Provided
  • Waterproof: IPX4
  • Microphones: Yes
  • Weight: 0.52lbs
  • Colors: Black, Silver
  • Supported codecs: Not Provided
  • Audio codecs: Not Provided
  • Foldable: Carrying case
  • Charging type: USB
Pros
  • Comfortable to wear over long periods
  • Three color choices
  • Bose AR support
Cons
  • Charge via micro-USB rather than USB-C
Buy This Product
Bose QuietComfort 35 II

The Sony WH1000XM3 are the company's flagship noise-canceling headphones. Reviewers around the world have classed the WH1000XM3 headphones as among the best noise-canceling headphones for great audio, too. Sony has been a world leader in audio products for decades, so if you choose this set, then you'll know to expect a high-quality listening experience.

They come equipped with digital smarts, too. There is integration with Amazon's digital assistant, Alexa, at the touch of a button. The Quick Attention Mode allows you to cover the right earcup to turn down the volume so you can hear your surroundings. The ANC here is intelligent as well, changing with your environment.

Unlike some of the other options on this, these headphones charge via USB-C. That said, you shouldn't need to recharge too often as they offer up to 30 hours of use on a single charge with ANC enabled. The headphones have been designed for comfort as well, so they shouldn't give you sore ears or a headache while listening.

Key Features
  • Integration with Amazon Alexa
  • Quick Attention Mode to rapidly decrease volume
  • 30-hour battery life
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • Battery Life: 30 hours
  • Material: Plastic, faux-leather
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
Pros
  • Intelligent ANC optimized for your environment
  • Large earpads for comfortable listening experience
  • 10-minute quick charge for five hours of usage
Cons
  • Some users report phantom button presses at low temperatures
Buy This Product
Sony WH1000XM3

The Treblab Z2 are an affordable set of noise-canceling headphones. Although they have an over-ear design for passive noise cancellation, they also come with Active Noise Cancellation to remove sounds before they reach your ears. The earpads are soft and comfortable to wear over long periods. The earpads swivel flat for easy storage, and they even come with a convenient carry case.

Similarly, the materials mold themselves around your ear, so you get a snug fit to help with the passive noise cancellation. The headphones are IPX4-rated for water resistance, so they should easily cope with a heavy workout and most outdoor activities. The Treblab Z2 are equipped with a high-speed Bluetooth 5.0 connection, which allows for high-quality sound reproduction.

This set comes with a built-in mic for hands-free calls and interaction with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. They aren't bulky to carry around with you, either. Fortunately, they only weigh 0.53 pounds, so they shouldn't add much to your bag. The headphones recharge in three hours and provide up to 35 hours of usage.

Key Features
  • 35-hour battery life
  • IPX4-rated for water resistance
  • Active Noise Cancelation (ANC)
Specifications
  • Brand: Treblab
  • Battery Life: 35 hours
  • Material: Plastic
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
Pros
  • Recharge in three hours
  • Weigh 0.53 pounds
  • Come with a carry case
Cons
  • When no audio playing, ANC produces a low-volume hiss
Buy This Product
Treblab Z2 Headphones

Any fan of high-quality audio will be familiar with Bowers & Wilkins. The British brand has been producing audio products since 1966, and that experience shows in the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 headphones. The 43mm drivers found in this set are the largest in the company's range and are tuned by the same engineers who work on the notable Abbey Road Studios setup.

That said, these aren't a relic of past generations; the PX7 are equipped with some of the best ANC available. The ANC can automatically adapt to your environment, so you always have the best listening experience. There's an auto-pause too, you just need to lift one earcup, and the audio will stop until you put the set back on your ears.

As the company notes, with 30-hour battery life, you could use them on a round-trip from California to London on a single charge. The 15-minute quick charge feature grants you six hours of use, as well. Bowers & Wilkins state that the carbon fiber composite design was inspired by race cars, a claim largely there for marketing purposes, but this material does make them strong and well-equipped for travel, too.

Key Features
  • 43mm drivers
  • Auto-pause feature pauses playback if you lift the earcups from your ear
  • 30-hour battery life
Specifications
  • Brand: Bowers & Wilkins
  • Battery Life: 30 hours
  • Material: Carbon fiber composite
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Intercom Range: Not Provided
  • Waterproof: No
  • Microphones: Yes
  • Weight: 0.68lbs
  • Colors: Silver, Carbon, Space Grey
  • Supported codecs: Not Provided
  • Audio codecs: AAC, SBC, aptX
  • Foldable: Carying case
  • Charging type: USB-C
Pros
  • Bowers & Wilkins well-known for high-quality audio
  • 15-minute quick charge provides six hours of use
  • Lightweight, durable carbon fiber composite design
Cons
  • Design not comfortable over long periods
  • Bass not as prominent as in other models
Buy This Product
Bowers & Wilkins PX7

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are well-suited for audiophiles in need of an everyday set of headphones. The over-ear noise-canceling set allows you to personalize your experience, with up to 11 levels of cancellation, enough to suit every environment.

The device is designed to be lightweight and comfortable, easy to carry about, and worn throughout the day. To that end, the headphone's arms are much thinner than you'd find on other models. Despite this, the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 can last up to 20 hours on a single charge.

They also integrate with Amazon Alexa for a handsfree experience, which can be activated by using the earcup's touchpad or using your specified wake-word. Likewise, you can access Google Assistant using the touchpad. Bose's SimpleSync technology is also included, allowing you to pair your headphones with your Bose Soundbar 500 or 700.

Key Features
  • 20-hour battery life
  • 11 adaptive noise cancellation modes
  • Lighweight design for all-day use
Specifications
  • Brand: Bose
  • Battery Life: 20 hours
  • Material: Steel, Foam, Faux-Leather
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Intercom Range: 30 feet
  • Waterproof: No
  • Microphones: Yes
  • Weight: 8.8 ounces
Pros
  • Bose SimpleSync for pairing with supported Bose soundbars
  • Alexa and Google Assistant integration
Cons
  • No support for the Bose Connect app and associated firmware updates
Buy This Product
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

FAQ

Q: Are Noise-Canceling Headphones worth It?

Noise-canceling headphones help to reduce or eliminate background or ambient noise while in use. Active noise-cancellation (ANC) makes use of microphones on the headphone's exterior to detect noise. The ANC generates sound waves to cancel out the incoming noise for a distraction-free experience.

While some people enjoy the relative peace of a personal listening experience, it might not be suitable for all situations. For example, while exercising outdoors, while in high-traffic environments, or where you need to hear your surroundings.

Q: Which Is Better; Noise-Cancellation or Noise-Isolation?

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) relies on microphones and sound-canceling software to reduce external or background noise. Noise-isolation, also referred to as Passive Noise-Cancellation, instead uses the headphones' design to reduce external noises. For instance, the earcups may be slightly tighter around your ears or more padded.

Noise-isolation headphones are generally less expensive as they don't require additional hardware or software. However, ANC headphones are more effective and typically have more adaptive and customizable features.

Q: Why Are Noise-Cancelling Headphones so Expensive?

The noise-canceling headphone is a catch-all term for any noise-canceling headphones. However, the term is often used to refer specifically to Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Headphones with ANC are more expensive as these features require additional software built into the headphones, extra hardware, and often some form of app-based customization.