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1

Why We Love It

Experts and users alike rave about the Sony WH-1000XM4's impressive noise cancelation and rich, detailed sound. They love the comfortable fit, which makes them ideal for long-haul flights, and the handy Speak-to-Chat feature is a standout. The ability to connect to two devices simultaneously is another plus point.

Pros

  • Excellent noise cancelation
  • Premium sound quality
  • Comfortable fit

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No IPX rating for water resistance

Sony's top-tier wireless, over-ear, noise-canceling headphones.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 delivers top-notch noise cancelation and superb sound quality all in a comfortable, stylish design. They're loaded with features like Speak-to-Chat, which automatically reduces volume during conversations, and seamless multiple-device pairing. They also have touch sensor controls, up to 30 hours battery life, and a foldable design.

2

Why We Love It

Users and reviewers love the Sony WH-1000XM4's noise cancelling capabilities, stating it's second to none, making it perfect for travel. The headphone's long battery life is also a standout feature, making it reliable for long journeys. Reviewers have also praised the intuitive touch controls, which make usage a breeze. Additionally, the Speak-to-Chat feature has been lauded for its practicality.

Pros

  • Superior noise cancellation
  • Long battery life
  • Intuitive touch controls

Cons

  • Pricey
  • No IP rated water resistance

Overhead wireless headphones with industry leading noise cancellation.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones feature industry-leading noise cancellation technology that has been further enhanced with the new Integrated Processor V1. They have touch sensor controls to pause/play/skip tracks, control volume, activate voice assistant, and answer phone calls. The headphones offer up to 30 hours of battery life with quick charging capabilities. They also come with Speak-to-Chat technology and wear detection that pauses music when headphones are removed.

3

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the Sony WH-1000XM4 for its excellent sound quality and industry-leading noise cancellation. The long battery life is highly praised, making these headphones perfect for long flights or commutes. Users also appreciate the comfortable fit that allows for hours of listening, and the touch sensor controls are mentioned as being very user-friendly.

Pros

  • Superb noise-cancellation
  • Long battery life
  • Comfortable design

Cons

  • High price tag
  • No water resistance

Black, wireless, over-ear headphones with touch sensor controls.

Sony WH-1000XM4 is a premium pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones that offers industry-leading noise cancellation, improved call quality, and music upscaling. The headphones come with a battery life of 30 hours and quick charging. They feature touch sensor controls, voice assistant compatibility, and a comfortable over-ear design.

4

Why We Love It

Reviewers praise the Bose QuietComfort 35 II for its superior noise cancellation, balanced sound, and day-long comfort. Its Alexa-integration is seen as a plus for easy voice control. Users also appreciate the adjustable noise-canceling levels, allowing for customization depending on their environment.

Pros

  • Strong noise cancellation
  • Balanced audio performance
  • Comfortable over-ear fit

Cons

  • Relatively high cost
  • No auto-pause feature

Bose's popular wireless, over-ear, noise-canceling headphones.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation, balanced sound, and exceptional comfort. They feature three levels of noise cancellation for a better listening experience in any environment. They're Alexa-enabled for voice access to music, information, and more. Plus, Bose AR, an innovative audio-only version of augmented reality, enhances your audio experience.

5

Why We Love It

Users and reviewers alike praise the Bose QuietComfort 35 II for their exceptional noise cancellation and superior sound quality. The comfortable fit is often mentioned, making them great for long periods of use. Additionally, the inclusion of Google Assistant and Alexa is loved for its convenience.

Pros

  • Great sound quality
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Comfortable fit

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No touch controls

Silver, wireless, over-ear headphones with built-in Google Assistant and Alexa.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are wireless Bluetooth headphones that offer three levels of world-class noise cancellation for a better listening experience in any environment. They feature built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice access to music, information, and more. The headphones have a noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear sound and voice pick-up.

6

Why We Love It

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is praised by reviewers and users for delivering excellent value. Its combination of effective noise cancelation, good sound quality, and long battery life at a budget-friendly price has won many fans. Users also appreciate its comfort, making it great for extended use.

Pros

  • Impressive sound for the price
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Bass can be overpowering on some tracks
  • Not as durable as premium models

Anker's budget-friendly, wireless, over-ear, noise-canceling headphones.

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 offers hybrid active noise cancellation, reducing ambient noise up to 90%. They deliver Hi-Res Audio with custom oversized 40 mm dynamic drivers to produce exceptional sound quality. Its memory foam ear cups and headband ensure comfortable all-day wear. With a 40-hour playtime, these headphones are perfect for long travel days.

7

Why We Love It

The Apple AirPods Pro are highly praised by users and reviewers for their compact size and impressive noise cancellation abilities. Their sound quality is consistently commended, with many noting the richness and clarity of audio. The customizable fit is another well-loved feature, providing comfort for long periods of use.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Good sound quality

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Battery life could be better

Compact earbuds with active noise cancellation and transparency mode.

Apple AirPods Pro feature active noise cancellation for immersive sound and a transparency mode for hearing and connecting with the world around you. They come with three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit. The AirPods Pro are sweat and water-resistant and have an adaptive EQ that automatically tunes music to the shape of your ear.

8

Why We Love It

The Jabra Elite 85h is loved by reviewers for its long battery life and durable design, which includes water resistance. The sound quality is often praised, and users appreciate the automatic adaption of audio to the surroundings. The fast charging is also a favorite feature among users.

Pros

  • Long battery life
  • Durable design
  • Good sound quality

Cons

  • Bulky size
  • App has limited equalizer options

Black, wireless, over-ear headphones with SmartSound audio and water resistant design.

The Jabra Elite 85h are wireless noise-canceling headphones designed for optimal usability and durability. They offer SmartSound audio that automatically adapts to your surroundings and a water resistant design. The headphones come with a battery life of up to 36 hours and fast charging.

9

Why We Love It

The Jabra Elite 85h earns high marks from reviewers for its sound quality and adaptive noise cancelation. Users appreciate the long battery life and the fact that they're water-resistant. The ability to customize the EQ settings via an app is another feature that users love.

Pros

  • High-quality audio
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Durable and water-resistant

Cons

  • Bulky design
  • Can be uncomfortable for some over long periods

Jabra's premium wireless, over-ear, noise-canceling headphones.

The Jabra Elite 85h offers SmartSound Audio, which automatically adapts the audio experience based on your surroundings. It provides top-tier noise cancelation, 36-hour battery life, and water-resistant durability. With eight microphones and wind protection, these headphones ensure your calls are clear even in noisy environments. They also feature a customizable EQ in the Jabra Sound+ app.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 6 Products Updated Oct 03, 2025
Product Active Noise Cancellation Battery Life Voice Assistant Integration Sound Quality Water Resistance Comfort Features
1 Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
Yes 30 hours Yes (Voice Assistant) Premium sound quality No Touch controls, Speak-to-Chat
1 Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
Yes 30 hours Yes (Voice Assistant) Rich, detailed sound No Comfortable fit, foldable design
2 Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Yes 20 hours Yes (Alexa) Balanced audio performance No Adjustable noise-canceling levels
4 Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Yes 40 hours No Hi-Res Audio No Memory foam ear cups
4 Apple AirPods Pro
Yes 4.5 hours (24 hours with case) Yes (Siri) Exceptional sound quality Yes (sweat and water-resistant) Customizable fit with multiple ear tips
5 Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
Yes 36 hours Yes (multiple assistants) High-quality audio Yes (water-resistant) SmartSound Audio adaptation
1

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones

Active Noise Cancellation
Yes
Battery Life
30 hours
Voice Assistant Integration
Yes (Voice Assistant)
Sound Quality
Premium sound quality
Water Resistance
No
Comfort Features
Touch controls, Speak-to-Chat
1

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones

Active Noise Cancellation
Yes
Battery Life
30 hours
Voice Assistant Integration
Yes (Voice Assistant)
Sound Quality
Rich, detailed sound
Water Resistance
No
Comfort Features
Comfortable fit, foldable design
2

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Active Noise Cancellation
Yes
Battery Life
20 hours
Voice Assistant Integration
Yes (Alexa)
Sound Quality
Balanced audio performance
Water Resistance
No
Comfort Features
Adjustable noise-canceling levels
4

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

Active Noise Cancellation
Yes
Battery Life
40 hours
Voice Assistant Integration
No
Sound Quality
Hi-Res Audio
Water Resistance
No
Comfort Features
Memory foam ear cups
4

Apple AirPods Pro

Active Noise Cancellation
Yes
Battery Life
4.5 hours (24 hours with case)
Voice Assistant Integration
Yes (Siri)
Sound Quality
Exceptional sound quality
Water Resistance
Yes (sweat and water-resistant)
Comfort Features
Customizable fit with multiple ear tips
5

Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

Active Noise Cancellation
Yes
Battery Life
36 hours
Voice Assistant Integration
Yes (multiple assistants)
Sound Quality
High-quality audio
Water Resistance
Yes (water-resistant)
Comfort Features
SmartSound Audio adaptation

Frequently Asked Questions About Noise-Canceling Headphones

What makes a noise-canceling headphones the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your noise-canceling headphones recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of noise-canceling headphones?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.