I worked as a transcriber for quite a number of years and one thing I loathed was distracting sounds while trying to transcribe audio or video.
When I finally bought noise cancelling headphones, it was total bliss.
No hums, no distracting pesky sounds—it was just pure, uninterrupted audio or video.
And I know distractions hinder you when trying to stream your favorite shows, listen to music, or maybe even work.
The best thing you can do is invest in the best noise cancelling headphones to improve your listening experience.
To help you find the best, I’ve done a thorough review of the 11 best noise cancelling headphones for 2024.
Our list features top performers in noise reduction, sound fidelity, battery life, and innovative features. Keep reading!
11 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
In this section, we’ll review 11 best noise cancelling headphones that can elevate your listening experience.
1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphone is the best noise-canceling headphones on our list.
The headphone elevates the listening experience with spatial audio and CustomTune technology, offering personalized sound.
With world-class noise cancellation, these headphones feature Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, and Immersion Mode to suit various listening environments.
Crystal clear calls are ensured by microphones that focus on your voice and filter out background noise.
The elevated design and soft ear cushions provide a comfortable, luxurious fit, and the advanced Bluetooth 5.3 offers a reliable connection.
The 24-hour battery life, touch controls, and head motion controls enhance usability.
Pros:
- Top-performer for noise cancellation
- Excellent sound quality
- Features immersive audio
- Comfortable, sleek design
Cons:
Battery life could be better
2. Soundcore by Anker Space One
The Soundcore by Anker Space One is another top noise cancelling headphone.
It offers impressive noise cancellation with 2X stronger voice reduction and adaptive noise canceling that detects and calibrates external sounds.
The Hi-Res Audio from its 40mm dynamic drivers ensures a detail-rich listening experience.
With up to 40 hours of ANC playtime and 55 hours without, these headphones are perfect for long journeys.
The design is both comfortable and stylish, featuring rotating ear cups and a soft headband for prolonged wear.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Impressive battery life
Cons:
- Sound quality not as premium as other models
3. Sonos Ace
Sonos Ace is another excellent noise-cancelling headphone.
The Sonos Ace headphones deliver a high-fidelity sound experience with custom-designed drivers and spatial audio for a three-dimensional soundstage.
Active Noise Cancellation and Aware mode enhance the listening experience, while plush memory foam ear cushions and an extendable headband offer exceptional comfort.
With up to 30 hours of battery life and rapid charging capabilities, these headphones ensure you stay immersed in your music.
Enhanced voice targeting and intuitive tactile controls make these headphones user-friendly.
Pros:
- Fantastic noise cancellation
- Sleek design
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Pricey
4. Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2
Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 is a top-notch noise-canceling headphone that offers premium, studio-quality sound through 50mm dynamic drivers and spatialized audio technology for an enhanced listening experience.
The hybrid active noise canceling technology provides an immersive experience, and the customizable EQ allows for personalized sound settings.
With up to 45 hours of battery life and quick charge capabilities, these noise cancelling headphones are perfect for long use.
The comfortable design and premium communication features make them a great choice for critical listeners.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable design
- Impressive battery life
Cons:
- May feel large on smaller heads
5. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 offer 11 levels of active noise canceling, delivering crisp and balanced sound.
A revolutionary microphone system ensures clear calls even in noisy environments.
The headphones are designed for comfort, with a lightweight stainless steel headband and tilted earcups.
With up to 20 hours of battery life and easy access to voice assistants, these headphones are highly functional.
Bose SimpleSync technology allows for seamless connection with Bose smart soundbars.
Pros:
- Impressive noise cancellation
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable pads
- Easy to use
- Sleek, lightweight design
Cons:
- Touch sensors take some acclimation
- Cannot be folded into a more compact form
6. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 is another best noise cancelling headphone that offers an upgrade to their award-winning predecessor with enhanced acoustic performance and powerful noise cancellation.
Designed for comfort with contemporary technical fabrics and lightweight polymer arms, these headphones provide a great fit.
The iOS/Android compatible app allows for easy setup and customization. With a 30-hour battery life and quick charge support, these headphones are ideal for on-the-go use.
Pros:
- Impressive noise cancellation
- Great sound quality
- Long battery life
- Easy to use
Cons:
- A bit heavy when compared to other models
7. Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones feature the best noise cancellation with two processors controlling eight microphones.
Engineered for exceptional sound quality with the new Integrated Processor V1, these headphones provide crystal clear hands-free calling.
The lightweight design with soft fit leather ensures comfort, and the multipoint connection allows for quick switching between devices.
With a 30-hour battery life and quick charging, these headphones are perfect for extended use.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Easy to use and navigate
Cons:
- Carrying case could be more compact
8. Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max deliver breathtaking audio quality with Apple-designed dynamic drivers and computational audio.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode enhance the listening experience, while personalized spatial audio provides immersive sound.
Designed with a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions, these headphones ensure a comfortable fit.
With up to 20 hours of battery life and intuitive controls, AirPods Max seamlessly integrate with Apple products.
Pros:
- Trendy design with multiple color options
- Great sound quality and noise cancellation capabilities
- Intuitive controls
- Seamless integration across Apple products
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Lacks headphone jack
9. Sennheiser Momentum 4
Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones offer exceptional sound quality with the TrueResponse transducer system and lossless audio technology.
The adaptive ANC and Anti-Wind Mode provide excellent noise cancellation.
Designed for comfort with a secure fit and soft silicone ear tips, these headphones are perfect for long listening sessions.
With up to 30 hours of battery life and quick charging, these headphones ensure uninterrupted listening pleasure.
Pros:
- Great noise cancellation and sound quality
- Impressive battery life
Cons:
- Controls can be confusing
10. Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds offer the best noise cancellation with two proprietary processors and dual feedback microphones.
The specially designed driver unit delivers astonishing sound quality, and AI-based noise reduction ensures the best call quality.
With a comfortable, secure fit and water resistance, these earbuds are ideal for active use.
The battery life of up to 8 hours and wireless charging capability make them highly convenient.
Pros:
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Comfortable, secure fit
- Water- and sweat-resistant
- Can be wirelessly charged
Cons:
- Total battery life could be longer
11. Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)
Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2) is another top-notch noise-cancellation headphone with active noise cancellation and adaptive transparency for an enhanced listening experience.
Personalized spatial audio and multiple ear tips provide a comfortable fit and immersive sound.
With easy setup and seamless integration across Apple products, these earbuds are highly user-friendly.
Water- and sweat-resistance make them suitable for various activities.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Impressive noise cancellation and sound quality
- Easy setup
- Seamless integration across Apple products
- Water- and sweat-resistant
Cons:
- Not as comfortable as over-ear headphones for most people
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
When choosing the best noise-cancelling headphones, consider the following factors:
1. Noise Cancellation Quality
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Levels: Evaluate how well the headphones can block out external noise. Look for models with adjustable ANC levels.
- Passive Noise Isolation: Consider the physical design and how well it naturally blocks noise without electronic assistance.
2. Sound Quality
- Frequency Response: Check the range of sound frequencies the headphones can reproduce.
- Driver Size and Type: Larger drivers often deliver better bass and overall sound quality.
- Codec Support: Look for support for high-quality codecs like aptX, LDAC, or AAC for better audio performance.
3. Comfort and Fit
- Ear Cushion Material: Memory foam or plush materials provide better comfort for extended use.
- Adjustability: Ensure the headband and ear cups can be adjusted to fit your head comfortably.
- Weight: Lighter headphones are generally more comfortable for long listening sessions.
4. Battery Life
- Playtime with ANC On/Off: Check how long the battery lasts with ANC enabled and disabled.
- Quick Charge Feature: Some models offer quick charging capabilities, providing hours of use with a short charge time.
5. Connectivity
- Bluetooth Version: Newer versions like Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.3 offer better range and stability.
- Multipoint Connectivity: Allows connection to multiple devices simultaneously for seamless switching.
- Wired Option: A 3.5mm audio jack can be useful for situations where Bluetooth is not available.
6. Controls and Features
- Touch Controls: Look for intuitive touch or button controls on the ear cups.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri can be a handy feature.
- Companion App: Some headphones come with an app for customizing sound profiles and ANC settings.
7. Build Quality and Design
- Materials Used: High-quality materials such as metal and premium plastics ensure durability.
- Folding Design: Headphones that fold for compact storage are easier to carry around.
- Aesthetics: Choose a design that suits your personal style.
8. Call Quality
- Microphone Performance: Clear and noise-free microphone performance is essential for calls.
- Noise Reduction for Calls: Some models feature technology that enhances call clarity by reducing background noise.
9. Price and Warranty
- Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend and find the best option within that range.
- Warranty and Support: Check the warranty period and availability of customer support for any issues that may arise.
10. Additional Features
- Transparency/Ambient Mode: Allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones.
- Customizable EQ Settings: Provides the ability to tweak the sound profile to your preference.
- Spatial Audio: For a more immersive sound experience, some headphones offer spatial or 3D audio features.
Finally
We’ve come to the end of the review, and I really hope you found the best noise cancelling headphones for your needs.
Remember, different noise cancelling headphones excel in various features, and your choice should align with your specific preferences and lifestyle.
Whether it’s superior sound quality, exceptional comfort, or long battery life, there’s a perfect pair out there for you.
Get your best noise cancellation headphones today and elevate your listening experience!
