Choosing the best noise cancelling headphones in 2025 isn’t easy, with so many options promising immersive sound and world-class noise cancellation. Whether you’re hunting for the best headphones for travel, commuting, calls, or long flights, the latest models from Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, and Soundcore stand out for their performance and value.
This guide covers top-rated over-ear headphones with premium ANC, strong microphones for work, and features ideal for flying or blocking distractions at the office. No matter your budget or needs, discover which noise cancelling headphones offer the best balance of comfort, sound quality, and effective noise isolation.
Quick Overview: Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for 2025
Sony WH-1000XM6
⭐ Editor’s Choice

Driver: 30mm carbon fiber composite dome | Noise Cancelling: QN3 Adaptive, 12 microphones
Battery Life: 30 hours (ANC on), 3 hours from 3-min quick charge | Charging: USB-C (play while charging)
Bluetooth: SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3, Multipoint, LE Audio, Auracast | Weight: 254g
Finishes: Black, Silver, Midnight Blue | Price: $449 (MSRP)
The Sony WH-1000XM6 take everything people loved about the XM5 and dial it up for 2025. These wireless headphones deliver best-in-class noise cancelling, powered by Sony’s new QN3 processor and an expanded array of 12 microphones—making them among the most effective noise cancelling headphones for travel, flights, or even busy office settings.
A new foldable design and wider, more comfortable headband make them ideal for long listening sessions, while the plush earcups and lighter weight mean you can wear them for hours, even with glasses. The XM6 also adds advanced features like Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast, and support for high-resolution LDAC streaming, giving you future-proof connectivity for all your devices.
Sound quality is simply outstanding, with a spacious and dynamic signature that brings out the best in any track—from deep, punchy bass to clear, textured vocals. Combined with class-leading call quality and useful features like Quick Attention Mode, Speak-to-Chat, and seamless multipoint pairing, the WH-1000XM6 are a top choice for anyone seeking the best noise cancelling headphones for 2025.
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✅Pros
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❌Cons
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No aptX HD support
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Bulky case
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No USB-C audio
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Sony WH-1000XM5
🥈 Best Flagship Value

Driver: 30mm dynamic | Noise Cancelling: 8 microphones, QN1 Processor
Battery Life: 30–31 hours (ANC on), ~53 hours (ANC off) | Charging: USB-C, 3 min for 3 hours playback
Bluetooth: 5.2, SBC, AAC, LDAC, Multipoint | Weight: 250g
Features: Custom EQ, 360 Reality Audio, Find My Device, Ambient Mode | Price: $399 (MSRP)
The Sony WH-1000XM5 remains one of the best noise cancelling headphones for daily use, travel, and work. Its adaptive ANC blocks everything from plane engines to office chatter, while the lightweight build, plush padding, and wide earcups ensure lasting comfort for most listeners—even during long flights or commutes.
Sound quality is tuned for punchy bass and crisp treble, though the midrange is slightly recessed out of the box. You get strong microphone performance for calls, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, and long battery life with fast charging, making these headphones a top flagship value—especially if you find them at a discount in 2025.
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✅Pros
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❌Cons
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- Class-leading ANC for travel and office
- Comfortable, lightweight design
- Long battery life with quick charge
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- No IP/water resistance rating
- Mids can sound recessed without EQ tweaks
- No aptX HD or USB-C audio playback
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra
📞 Best for Comfort & Calls

Driver: 40mm dynamic | Noise Cancelling: Advanced ANC, CustomTune technology
Battery Life: 24 hours (ANC on) | Charging: USB-C, fast charge
Bluetooth: 5.3, SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, Snapdragon Sound | Weight: 253g
Features: Immersive Audio, Aware Mode, Custom EQ, Touch & Button Controls | Price: $429 (MSRP)
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones build on Bose’s reputation for comfort and top-tier noise cancelling, delivering plush ear padding and a lightweight fit that’s great for long sessions, glasses wearers, and frequent travelers. With support for aptX Lossless and Snapdragon Sound, these headphones are ready for high-quality wireless audio on the latest Android phones, and Bose’s CustomTune tech optimizes sound for your ears every time you wear them.
Battery life is strong, passthrough (Aware Mode) is natural, and controls are easy to use. While the ANC is powerful and the sound is lively, there’s no official water resistance and the immersive audio mode may be hit or miss for some. Still, these headphones are a top pick for comfort and calls, especially if you value hassle-free listening and a future-proof feature set.
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✅Pros
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❌Cons
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- No water or sweat resistance
- Immersive audio mode is not always useful
- App is less customizable than some competitors
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Sennheiser Momentum 4
🔊 Best Sound Quality

Driver: 42mm dynamic | Noise Cancelling: Adaptive ANC
Battery Life: Up to 60 hours (ANC on) | Charging: USB-C, quick charge
Bluetooth: 5.2, SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, Multipoint | Weight: 293g
Features: Custom EQ, Smart Control App, Wired USB-C & analog support, Sound Zones | Price: $349.95 (often discounted)
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless stands out with its marathon 60-hour battery life—double that of most premium ANC headphones. These headphones deliver a clear, balanced sound signature with lively detail and strong ANC performance that rivals Sony and Bose, especially for the price. Lightweight construction, plush comfort, and a practical app with custom EQ make them a versatile choice for both travel and all-day use.
While the design is more understated than past Momentums, and the earcups only swivel flat (not fully foldable), their value is hard to beat—especially now that prices are frequently discounted. If you want a best-in-class blend of sound quality, battery life, and features, the Momentum 4 Wireless is a smart pick for audiophiles and commuters alike.
✅Pros
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❌Cons
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- Outstanding 60-hour battery life
- Clean, neutral, engaging sound
- Strong ANC and effective adaptive mode
- Comfortable and lightweight for long sessions
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- Plainer design than previous generations
- Earcups only swivel flat (not fully foldable)
- ANC not quite as strong as Sony’s in some environments
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Soundcore by Anker Q20i
💰 Best Value for Money

Driver: 40mm dynamic | Noise Cancelling: Hybrid ANC
Battery Life: Up to 60 hours (ANC off), 40 hours (ANC on) | Charging: USB-C, 5 min = 4 hours
Bluetooth: 5.0, Multipoint | Weight: 242g
Features: Transparency mode, Custom EQ via app, Foldable design, Wired/wireless modes | Price: $69.99 (MSRP, often lower)
The Soundcore Q20i is the best value pick for budget-conscious buyers, offering impressive sound quality and active noise cancellation rarely found at this price point. Battery life is outstanding, with up to 60 hours of playtime and fast charging, while the app-enabled EQ lets you tune the sound to your liking. Lightweight and comfortable, the Q20i is portable and practical for daily commutes, travel, or just relaxing at home.
While the ANC isn’t as powerful as premium models, and the plastic build feels a bit basic, these headphones deliver surprising clarity, strong bass, and features like transparency mode and multipoint Bluetooth. For the price, the Q20i is tough to beat for general use.
✅Pros
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❌Cons
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- Excellent value for money
- Long battery life and fast charging
- Customizable sound with app EQ
- Lightweight and foldable for travel
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- Plastic build and buttons feel cheap
- Wired mode sounds muffled
- ANC is good, but not on par with top brands
- No LDAC or hi-res Bluetooth codecs
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Final Thoughts
Choosing the best noise cancelling headphones in 2025 depends on your needs and budget, but the options above deliver standout performance for every type of listener. Whether you’re looking for the best noise cancelling headphones for travel, need top-notch ANC for flying, want clear calls and comfort at the office, or crave immersive sound for music at home, there’s a pair here to fit your lifestyle.
From flagship picks like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra to great-value contenders like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and Soundcore Q20i, you’ll find impressive battery life, customizable features, and reliable active noise cancellation at every price point. No matter where you’re headed or what you’re listening to, these best noise cancelling headphones are designed to keep distractions out and let your music, meetings, and moments come through crystal clear.
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