In today’s fast-paced world, finding some peace and quiet can be a challenge—whether you’re commuting on a noisy subway, working in a bustling coffee shop, or just trying to focus at home. That’s where noise cancelling headphones come in, offering a way to block out distractions and immerse yourself fully in your favorite music, podcasts, or calls.
When shopping for the best noise cancelling headphones, there are several important factors to keep in mind. Comfort matters because you’ll likely wear them for hours at a time; sound quality is crucial to enjoy your audio content as intended; battery life determines how long you can go between charges; and connectivity options ensure compatibility with your devices. To help you navigate the many options available, we’ve rounded up five of the best noise cancelling headphones on the market today, each offering a unique combination of features to suit different needs and preferences.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4-Noise Cancelling
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is often hailed as the gold standard in noise cancelling headphones—and for good reason. Sony’s proprietary industry-leading noise cancellation technology excels at blocking out everything from airplane engine noise to the hum of an office air conditioner, allowing you to fully focus on your music or calls.
The sound quality of the WH-1000XM4 is exceptional, delivering deep, punchy bass, clear mids, and sparkling highs for a balanced, immersive listening experience. The headphones also feature adaptive sound control, which automatically adjusts noise cancellation based on your activity and location. Comfort hasn’t been overlooked either—the ear cups are plush and lightweight, making them suitable for extended wear.
With up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge and quick charging capabilities (10 minutes of charging gives you 5 hours of playback), the WH-1000XM4 are designed to keep up with even the longest days.
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2. Bose QuietComfort 35 II- Noise Cancelling
Bose has long been synonymous with excellent noise cancellation, and the QuietComfort 35 II headphones live up to that reputation. These headphones offer comfort like no other, with soft ear cushions and a lightweight design that makes them ideal for long listening sessions—whether you’re on a transcontinental flight or working at your desk.
The noise cancelling technology is top-tier, efficiently reducing ambient sounds without sacrificing audio clarity. Bose’s signature balanced sound profile ensures rich, clear audio that enhances every genre, from classical to hip-hop.
Battery life is solid at around 20 hours of wireless playback, and the QuietComfort 35 II supports easy Bluetooth pairing with both iOS and Android devices. Plus, they have built-in support for voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, making them a smart choice for tech-savvy users.
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3. Sennheiser PXC 550-II-Noise Cancelling
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II is a fantastic option for those who want premium noise cancelling headphones with adaptive features. The adaptive noise cancellation intelligently adjusts to your surroundings, ensuring that whether you’re on a busy street or in a quiet room, the sound you hear is perfectly optimized.
Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the superb sound quality, characterized by crisp highs, detailed mids, and a full-bodied bass response. These headphones also offer touch controls for easy management of music and calls, plus an intuitive voice assistant integration.
With an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours, the PXC 550-II is designed to keep you connected and entertained for long stretches, making it an excellent companion for frequent travelers and professionals.
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4. Apple AirPods Pro
For those who prefer a truly wireless and highly portable option, the Apple AirPods Pro deliver remarkable noise cancellation in a compact form factor. Unlike over-ear headphones, these earbuds fit snugly inside your ears, making them ultra-convenient for commuting, exercising, or just casual listening.
The AirPods Pro feature active noise cancellation that significantly reduces background noise, along with a Transparency mode that lets you hear important ambient sounds when needed. Their rich, immersive audio brings out the best in your music and podcasts, thanks to adaptive EQ and spatial audio support.
Battery life is around 4.5 hours per charge, with the included charging case providing up to 24 hours of total playback time. Their seamless integration with Apple devices, effortless setup, and hands-free Siri access make them a top choice for Apple users.
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5. Jabra Elite 85h
The Jabra Elite 85h offers a compelling blend of comfort, performance, and smart features. These headphones are especially well-suited for commuters and frequent travelers who want reliable noise cancellation combined with excellent sound quality.
The Elite 85h features advanced noise cancelling technology that actively blocks out ambient noise and wind, providing a quieter listening environment. Sound quality is rich and detailed, with customizable EQ settings available through Jabra’s smartphone app.
One of the standout features is the impressive battery life of up to 36 hours, which means you can go for days between charges. The headphones are also designed to be water-resistant, adding an extra layer of durability for outdoor use. Compatibility with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, rounds out the Elite 85h’s versatility.
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Final Thoughts
Choosing the right noise cancelling headphones depends on your personal needs—whether that’s maximum noise isolation, superior sound quality, portability, or battery longevity. Each of the headphones listed above brings something unique to the table, and all have earned 5-star ratings for their performance and value.
If you want the best overall package, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is hard to beat. For comfort and balanced sound, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is a timeless favorite. If adaptability and premium audio matter most, consider the Sennheiser PXC 550-II. For Apple users on the go, the AirPods Pro offer convenience and solid noise cancellation. And for long battery life and smart features, the Jabra Elite 85h is a great all-rounder.
No matter which pair you choose, investing in quality noise cancelling headphones will transform how you listen, work, and relax in noisy environments.