Active noise cancellation has become one of the most essential features for modern listening. Whether you’re tuning out traffic, powering through deep work, or relaxing with a playlist, today’s top ANC headphones deliver engineered quiet with impressive processing, comfort, and sound refinement. As of late 2025, the leading models offer stronger noise reduction, smarter adaptive modes, and more polished tuning than ever before.
Below is the definitive, thoroughly verified rundown of the best noise-cancelling headphones available right now.
The Leaders in ANC Performance
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s dependable flagship remains the benchmark for ANC excellence.
- Dual-processor cancellation handles airplane rumble and voices exceptionally well
- Lightweight, long-wear comfort
- Warm, detailed, easily customizable sound
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose continues to dominate low-frequency suppression with some of the cleanest ANC processing available.
- Outstanding drone suppression for travel
- Natural, balanced sound signature
- Comfortable clamping force ideal for long listening
Apple AirPods Max
Apple’s metal-frame flagship is still one of the top options for iPhone users.
- Exceptional transparency mode with lifelike ambience
- Expansive, immersive sound profile
- Instant ecosystem pairing and dynamic head-tracked audio
The Best for Travel
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
A long-distance champion built for trips and all-day listening.
- Up to 60 hours of real-world battery with ANC
- Clear, balanced Sennheiser tuning
- Folds flat for easy packing
Bose QuietComfort
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2024–2025 model)
A simpler, more affordable travel-friendly ANC option.
- Strong isolation that rivals higher-priced models
- Lightweight design with easy controls
- Smooth, warm sound profile
The Best Sound Quality with ANC
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e
Designed for listeners who prioritize musicality as much as silence.
- Spacious, warm, refined soundstage
- Very good ANC performance
- Premium materials and build feel
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e
Mark Levinson No. 5909
A luxury ANC headphone that genuinely earns its high-end status.
- Audiophile-grade clarity and detail retrieval
- Strong but not overwhelming ANC
- One of the best-tuned ANC headphones available today
The Best Value Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Sony ULT Wear (2024–2025 revision)
A bold, energetic option with impressive ANC for the price.
- Bass-forward sound that remains clean
- Excellent battery life
- Great comfort for daily wear
JBL Tour One M2
A strong budget-friendly pick with reliable all-around performance.
- Satisfying tuning with clear mids and punchy bass
- Comfortable and lightweight
- ANC performance beyond its price class
Ideal Picks Based on Your Needs
Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM5
Best for flights: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Best for Apple users: AirPods Max
Best sound quality: Mark Levinson No. 5909
Best value: Sony ULT Wear
Final Byte
Noise-cancelling headphones in 2025 are more capable, more comfortable, and more refined than ever. Whether you care about deep silence, premium audio, or standout value, the top models today deliver impressive leaps in both hardware and processing. Whatever you choose from this list, you’ll be stepping into a level of quiet and clarity that sets a new standard for everyday listening.
