Noise cancelling headphones have become a staple in the audio world, especially for people who want to immerse themselves in music, podcasts, or movies without the disturbance of external sounds. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or simply enjoying some downtime, these headphones provide a premium audio experience by eliminating or reducing ambient noise. In this article, we’ll dive into what noise-cancelling headphones are, how they work, their benefits, and some of the top options available today.
What Are Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Noise-cancelling headphones are audio devices designed to reduce or completely cancel out unwanted ambient noise. Unlike traditional headphones that merely block some external noise by design, noise-cancelling headphones actively work to cancel external sounds using advanced technology.
There are two types of noise cancellation technologies:
- Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): This technology uses built-in microphones to pick up surrounding sounds, then generates sound waves that are the exact opposite of the detected noise. The opposite sound waves effectively cancel out the unwanted noise.
- Passive Noise Cancelling: These headphones rely on physical materials and design (like over-ear cups or ear tips) to block external noise. While they don’t offer the same level of noise reduction as ANC, they still reduce the amount of ambient noise.
How Do Noise Cancelling Headphones Work?
Noise-cancelling headphones work by utilizing microphones placed on the ear cups that continuously monitor the surrounding environment for unwanted noises, such as engine hums or chatter. Once these sounds are detected, the headphones create “anti-noise” signals, or sound waves that are the exact opposite in phase. This process is known as destructive interference, and it cancels out the unwanted noise.
Active noise cancellation works best with low-frequency, constant sounds like the hum of an airplane or the noise from air conditioners. However, some high-frequency noises, such as human speech, might not be as effectively canceled but can still be reduced.
Benefits of Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Improved Focus: One of the biggest benefits of noise-cancelling headphones is the ability to block out distractions, helping you focus better on work, study, or entertainment. Whether you’re in a noisy office, a crowded cafe, or traveling, these headphones let you concentrate on your audio experience without interruption.
- Enhanced Listening Experience: By reducing environmental noise, ANC headphones let you hear your music, podcasts, or movies more clearly. You can enjoy your content at lower volumes, which is not only better for your ears but also increases battery life.
- Better Sleep: Many people use noise-cancelling headphones for relaxation, especially when traveling. Whether you’re on a plane or staying in a noisy hotel room, ANC headphones can help you block out disruptive sounds and improve your sleep quality.
- Reduced Hearing Damage: By allowing you to enjoy your audio at lower volumes, noise-cancelling headphones can help prevent long-term hearing damage, which can be caused by listening to music at high volumes over extended periods.
- Comfort During Travel: On long flights or train rides, noise-cancelling headphones can provide a peaceful escape. The technology blocks out engine noise and in-flight announcements, allowing you to enjoy your content uninterrupted or even take a nap.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Noise Cancelling Headphones
When shopping for noise-cancelling headphones, there are several important features to consider to ensure you’re getting the best fit for your needs:
- Battery Life: Battery life is crucial, especially if you’re using the headphones for long trips or work sessions. Some high-end models offer up to 40-50 hours of playback with noise cancellation activated, while others may provide fewer hours.
- Comfort and Fit: Comfort is important for long-term wear, so look for headphones with padded ear cups and adjustable headbands. Over-ear headphones typically provide better comfort and noise isolation than on-ear models.
- Sound Quality: While noise cancellation is the primary feature, sound quality is equally important. Look for headphones with high-quality audio drivers and customizable sound profiles, so you can enjoy the best sound experience for your music or videos.
- Connectivity: Most noise-cancelling headphones come with Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for wireless use with your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Some also offer wired connections for when the battery is low or for better sound quality.
- Portability: If you travel frequently, portability matters. Look for foldable models that can easily be stored in a bag or carrying case.
- Price: Noise-cancelling headphones come in a wide range of prices. High-end models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 45 offer top-tier performance, but there are also more affordable options that still provide decent noise cancellation and sound quality.
Top Noise Cancelling Headphones in 2025
Here are some of the top noise-cancelling headphones currently on the market:
Wireless Headset with AI Noise Cancelling Microphone Bluetooth Headset
EH02U Wireless Headset: Superior Noise Cancelling and Comfort
- Qualcomm CVC8.0 Noise Cancelling Microphone: Equipped with the Qualcomm QCC3024 chip, this headset utilizes AI environmental noise cancellation to eliminate up to 99.99% of ambient noise, ensuring clear communication in any environment.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Connects quickly to phones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The built-in audio sound card offers enhanced clarity and bass for an immersive experience, whether for calls, music, or movies.
- Adjustable and Comfortable Design: The headset features an adjustable padded headband, designed to fit both children and adults. Soft protein memory foam ear cushions ensure long-lasting comfort while preventing heat and sweat.
- 3.5mm Connectivity & Long Battery Life: Includes a 3.5mm audio cable for versatile connectivity with various devices. The Bluetooth headset offers up to 14 hours of continuous talk time and 200 hours of standby on a single charge. A quick 10-minute charge gives you 2 hours of work time.
- 24-Month Warranty: Backed by a 24-month warranty for peace of mind and customer satisfaction.
Perfect for those seeking quality sound, reliable noise cancellation, and comfort in a wireless headset.
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones in Ear with 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, HiFi Stereo Deep Bass Wireless Earphones 40H Playtime, in-Ear Earbud Bluetooth Dual LED Display IP7 Waterproof, USB-C
EH0A97 Pro Bluetooth Earbuds: Advanced Technology and Premium Sound
- Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 & One-Step Pairing: These earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 technology, ensuring faster, more stable signal transmission with low latency. Simply open the charging case, and the earbuds will automatically connect to the last paired device for seamless usage.
- Hi-Fi Stereo & ENC Noise Cancelling: Featuring 13mm high-efficiency speakers, the A97 Pro earbuds deliver rich, punchy bass and clear, balanced midrange. With 4 built-in ENC noise-cancelling microphones, background noise is effectively reduced, ensuring crystal-clear calls in any environment.
- Smart Touch Control & Wide Compatibility: These earbuds come with a capacitive touch interface for easy control, allowing you to play/pause, adjust volume, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate your digital assistant. They are compatible with most iOS and Android devices, as well as Windows laptops and tablets.
- Dual LED Display & 40-Hour Playtime: The unique Dual LED display shows the remaining power of both the earbuds and charging case. Enjoy 6-8 hours of playtime per charge, and up to 40 hours with the charging case, making these earbuds perfect for extended use on the go.
- Comfortable & IP7 Waterproof: Designed for comfort, these lightweight earbuds (3.8g per earbud) fit securely and remain comfortable for long hours, ideal for sports or extended use. The IP7 waterproof rating ensures they can withstand sweat and rain, making them perfect for gym sessions, jogging, or outdoor activities.
Ideal for those seeking superior sound, long-lasting playtime, and a comfortable, waterproof design.
Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones, 60H Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Deep Bass, Memory Foam Ear Cups, for Travel, Home Office
Soundcore Life Q20 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Incredible Sound Loved by 20 Million+ People: The Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver exceptional Hi-Res Audio with custom oversized 40mm dynamic drivers, producing crisp, clear sound with extended high frequencies up to 40 kHz, ensuring extraordinary clarity and detail.
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): With four built-in ANC microphones and advanced digital noise cancellation algorithms, the Life Q20 reduces ambient noises by up to 90%. It effectively cancels out low and mid-frequency sounds such as car engines and airplane noise, providing an immersive listening experience.
- Enhanced Bass with BassUp Technology: Featuring exclusive BassUp technology, these headphones analyze and enhance low frequencies in real time, offering 100% stronger bass. Simply double press the play button when enjoying bass-heavy music genres like EDM and hip-hop for an amplified bass experience.
- Long-lasting 60-Hour Playtime: With up to 40 hours of playtime in wireless active noise cancellation mode (at 60% volume) and up to 60 hours in standard music mode, you can enjoy over 600 songs or several long-haul flights without needing a charge. In a rush? A quick 5-minute charge gives you 4 hours of playtime.
- What’s in the Box: Soundcore Life Q20 headphones x1, USB-C cable x1, AUX cable x1, travel pouch x1.
These headphones are perfect for anyone seeking powerful sound, exceptional noise cancellation, and long-lasting comfort for travel, work, or entertainment.sign.
JBL Tune 670NC – Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient Wireless On-Ear Headphones, Up to 70H Battery Life with Speed Charge, Lightweight, Comfortable and Foldable Design (Black)
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Customize Your Listening Experience: Tailor your sound settings to fit your preferences and enjoy an immersive, personalized audio experience.
Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient: Stay focused and free from distractions with Adaptive Noise Cancelling, perfect for studying or enjoying your music. If you want to stay aware of your surroundings without removing the headphones, Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes enhance the sounds around you or amplify voices. Easily toggle between these modes using the JBL Headphones app.
Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio: Stream high-quality JBL Pure Bass Sound wirelessly from your smartphone with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology. Improve your Bluetooth experience with the Smart Audio & Video feature in the JBL Headphones app, allowing you to select the best mode for either superior sound quality (Audio mode) or optimal gaming and video performance (Video mode). Available via OTA update at a later time.
JBL Pure Bass Sound: Experience the renowned JBL Pure Bass sound, the same audio technology used in the world’s top music venues, delivering deep, punchy bass that elevates your listening experience.
JBL Tune 770NC – Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Bluetooth 5.3, Up to 70H Battery Life with Speed Charge, Lightweight, Comfortable & Foldable Design (Black)
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Hands-Free Calls with VoiceAware: Easily control your sound and manage calls with the buttons on the ear-cup. VoiceAware lets you hear your own voice while talking, ensuring clear and natural conversations.
Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient: Enjoy zero distractions with Adaptive Noise Cancelling, perfect for studying or immersing yourself in music. When you need to hear the world around you, simply activate Ambient Aware or TalkThru through the JBL Headphones app.
Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio: Stream high-quality JBL Pure Bass Sound wirelessly. Use the JBL Headphones app to select Audio mode for optimal sound quality or Video mode for synchronized sound and visuals during movies or games. Available via OTA update.
JBL Pure Bass Sound: Experience the deep, powerful bass that JBL is renowned for, the same sound technology used in world-class music venues, bringing you rich, immersive audio.
Customize Your Listening Experience: Personalize your audio by downloading the JBL Headphones app. Choose from pre-set EQ modes or adjust the EQ curve to match your content, style, and preferences.
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones, Over Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones with Mic, Up To 24 Hours of Battery Life, White Smoke
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Multipoint Bluetooth Headphones: Stay connected to multiple devices at once with multipoint Bluetooth, allowing seamless switching between devices without the hassle of disconnecting and reconnecting.
Noise Cancelling Headphones: Experience superior noise cancellation with advanced technology and passive features, blocking out distractions and enhancing your music experience beyond the beat.
Comfortable Headphones: Plush earcup cushions gently hug your ears, while a padded, secure headband keeps your over-ear headphones comfortably in place for long listening sessions.
2 Listening Modes: Switch effortlessly between Quiet Mode for full noise cancellation and Aware Mode to stay fully aware of your surroundings for versatile sound control.
High-Fidelity Audio/EQ Control: Enjoy high-fidelity audio with adjustable EQ, allowing you to customize the bass, mid-range, and treble for powerful, balanced sound tailored to your taste.
All-Day Battery Life: Get up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge. A quick 15-minute charge provides up to 2.5 additional hours of listening.
Wired Headphones Option: Use the included audio cable with in-line microphone for wired listening, even when the battery runs out, ensuring uninterrupted music enjoyment.
MOVSSOU E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Bluetooth Headphones Wireless Headphones Over Ear with Microphone Deep Bass, Comfortable Protein Earpads, 30 Hours Playtime for Travel/Work, Black
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All-Day Power with 30-Hour Playtime: With a built-in 750mAh battery, these headphones offer up to 30 hours of continuous playtime on a full charge, ensuring you can enjoy your music or take calls without worrying about battery life on long trips.
Advanced Active Noise Cancelling Technology: Enjoy superior sound quality with reduced background noise. The ANC function effectively cancels out low and mid-frequency noises, such as engine sounds or the hum of a plane, allowing you to fully focus on your audio, whether you’re traveling or commuting.
Superior Call Quality: The built-in microphone, combined with advanced audio signal processing, ensures clearer voice quality during phone calls. The additional microphone isolates sound for better clarity, enabling smooth, hands-free conversations with just a short press.
Premium Sound Quality: Equipped with 45mm drivers, these Bluetooth headphones deliver rich, immersive sound with deep bass and clear treble, providing an exceptional listening experience at any volume. Our design focuses on delivering outstanding sound quality.
Pressure-Free Comfort: The E7 headphones offer a perfect blend of style and comfort. Super-soft, pressure-relieving ear pads create a stable fit by distributing pressure evenly across the ears. The lightweight design ensures you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them, even during long listening sessions.
RUNOLIM Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone, 70H Playtime, Foldable Headphones with HiFi Audio, Deep Bass for Home Travel Office
About This Items
- Advanced Active Noise Cancellation: RUNOLIM noise-canceling headphones are designed to reduce up to 95% of external ambient noise, allowing you to enjoy pure music and focus on your tasks, whether you’re on a noisy street or in a bustling coffee shop. The effectiveness of this technology has been proven in over 10,000 experimental results.
- Hi-Fi Audio & HD Microphones: Experience immersive sound with updated sound processing technology that delivers clear bass and mid-range details. The built-in high-definition microphone ensures your voice is captured clearly for voice assistants, video conferences, or online classes.
- 70 Hours Playtime & Backup Audio Cable: These Bluetooth ANC headphones feature low power consumption, offering up to 70 hours of continuous playtime in standard music mode and up to 45 hours in ANC mode. If the battery runs low, you can switch to wired mode with the included 3.5mm audio cable, eliminating power concerns.
- Seamless Bluetooth 5.3 Connection: With Bluetooth 5.3, these headphones ensure ultra-fast and stable connections within a 33-foot (10-meter) range. They’re compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices or those with a 3.5mm audio jack. Note: ANC functionality is only available in Bluetooth mode.
- Ultra-Comfortable Design: The protein leather ear muffs are designed to mimic human skin texture, ensuring a comfortable, pressure-free fit over your ears. The foldable and adjustable design makes them suitable for various head sizes, providing maximum comfort for extended listening sessions.
- RUNOLIM Guarantee: Enjoy peace of mind with a 30-day free return policy and a 1-year warranty. If you have any questions, the RUNOLIM team is available to assist you.
- 4o mini
RUNOLIM Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone, 70H Playtime, Foldable Headphones with HiFi Audio, Deep Bass for Home Travel Office
About This Items
- Advanced Active Noise Cancellation: RUNOLIM noise-canceling headphones are designed to reduce up to 95% of external ambient noise, allowing you to enjoy pure music and focus on your tasks, whether you’re on a noisy street or in a bustling coffee shop. The effectiveness of this technology has been proven in over 10,000 experimental results.
- Hi-Fi Audio & HD Microphones: Experience immersive sound with updated sound processing technology that delivers clear bass and mid-range details. The built-in high-definition microphone ensures your voice is captured clearly for voice assistants, video conferences, or online classes.
- 70 Hours Playtime & Backup Audio Cable: These Bluetooth ANC headphones feature low power consumption, offering up to 70 hours of continuous playtime in standard music mode and up to 45 hours in ANC mode. If the battery runs low, you can switch to wired mode with the included 3.5mm audio cable, eliminating power concerns.
- Seamless Bluetooth 5.3 Connection: With Bluetooth 5.3, these headphones ensure ultra-fast and stable connections within a 33-foot (10-meter) range. They’re compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices or those with a 3.5mm audio jack. Note: ANC functionality is only available in Bluetooth mode.
- Ultra-Comfortable Design: The protein leather ear muffs are designed to mimic human skin texture, ensuring a comfortable, pressure-free fit over your ears. The foldable and adjustable design makes them suitable for various head sizes, providing maximum comfort for extended listening sessions.
- RUNOLIM Guarantee: Enjoy peace of mind with a 30-day free return policy and a 1-year warranty. If you have any questions, the RUNOLIM team is available to assist you.
- 4o mini
JLab JBuds Lux ANC Wireless Headphones, Mauve, Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling, Customizable Sound, Spatial Audio Compatible, Premium Over-Ear Bluetooth Headset
About This Items
- Immersive Lab Quality Sound: Experience exceptional sound with 40mm drivers that bring depth and clarity to your music. With 70+ hours of playtime (40+ hours with ANC on), you can enjoy uninterrupted music sessions or calls. Spatial Audio, compatible with Dolby Atmos, Tempest 3D AudioTech, and Windows Sonic, offers an immersive experience, making you feel as though you’re in the middle of a concert or action scene.
- Hybrid ANC and Be Aware Mode: Featuring Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, these headphones adapt to your environment and continually learn how to best cancel out unwanted noise, offering the best audio experience. Activate Hybrid ANC to reduce external noise by up to 35 dB, or switch to Be Aware mode to stay connected to your surroundings.
- Cloud Foam Comfort: The Form-Fit earcups are ergonomically shaped to fit naturally over your ears. The 1-inch Cloud Foam cushions and adjustable hinges ensure a comfortable, customizable fit, perfect for travel, workouts, or commuting.
- Customize Your Sound + Experience via JLab App: The new JLab App lets you adjust ANC/Be Aware settings, touch controls, and sound preferences to suit your style. Choose from presets like JLab Signature, Balance, or Bass Boost, or use the Safe Hearing option to protect your ears with volume limits. Enjoy easy software updates for your product when they’re available.
- Crystal Clear Calls: Equipped with advanced noise-canceling microphones, these headphones provide crystal-clear communication during calls, ensuring excellent clarity and eliminating external disturbances for a seamless conversation experience.
- Easy Connections + Google Find My: Use Bluetooth Multipoint to connect to and switch between two devices simultaneously. With Wireless Share Mode, you can share audio between two Lux headphones. Effortlessly pair with Android devices using Google Fast Pair, and locate your headphones with Google Find My.
- Foldable Design with Rotating Earcups: The foldable design and rotating earcups make these headphones easy to store and carry, adding to their portability.
- Spatial Audio Compatible: Enjoy a truly immersive listening experience with Spatial Audio support.
Conclusion
Noise-cancelling headphones are a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their listening experience, block out distractions, and enjoy uninterrupted audio. Whether you’re using them for travel, work, or leisure, the right pair of ANC headphones can make a world of difference. With a variety of models available in different price ranges, you’re sure to find the perfect pair to meet your needs.
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