Whether you're on a long-haul flight or trying to focus in a noisy office, active noise cancellation (ANC) is a lifesaver. We've tested the market leaders to see which ones actually block out the world.
Quick Top 3 Picks
- Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM5 - The undisputed king of ANC.
- Best Comfort: Bose QuietComfort Ultra - Wear them all day without pain.
- Best Value: Anker Soundcore Space Q45 - Premium features for half the price.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony continues to lead the pack. The XM5s feature two processors controlling eight microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. The sound is rich, bass-heavy (in a good way), and customizable via their app.
What we like
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- 30-hour battery life
- Excellent microphone for calls
What we don't
- Non-foldable design (larger carrying case)
- Pricey
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Bose knows comfort. The plush ear cushions and lightweight design make these disappear on your head. The new "Immersive Audio" mode creates a wider soundstage that makes music feel live.
What we like
- Incredibly comfortable clamping force
- Immersive audio is a cool feature
- Folds down compact
What we don't
- Battery life (24h) is lower than Sony
- Expensive
Anker Soundcore Space Q45
Anker proves you don't need to spend $300+ for silence. The Q45 blocks out about 90% of the noise the big brands do, but for a third of the price. Plus, it has a monstrous 50-hour battery life.
What we like
- Unbeatable price-to-performance
- 50 hours battery (65h with ANC off!)
- LDAC support for high-res audio
What we don't
- Sound quality is good, but not "audiophile"
- Build feels slightly less premium