These days, peace and quiet are often seen as extravagances. Headphones that block out noise can be very helpful when you’re working from home, moving, or just trying to relax. This technology has come a long way over the years. Now, in 2025, there are a lot of headphones on the market that not only block out noise but also sound great, are comfortable, and have smart features.
But there are so many choices, how do you know which pair is worth the money? This review looks more closely at the best noise-canceling headphones of 2025, pointing out their features, pros, and possible cons to help you choose the best pair for your needs.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is an all-around headphone
Sony has been a star in noise-canceling headphones for a long time, and the WH-1000XM6 keeps that up. With better comfort and smarter AI-driven sound tuning, this model builds on the success of the XM5, which is known for its great noise cancellation.
The headphones instantly change the noise-canceling level based on where you are. For example, when you’re outside walking, it lets in background noise to keep you safe, but when you’re in the air, it blocks out almost everything. The sound quality is great, with strong bass and clear singing, so it’s great for both personal and work use.
The battery life has also gotten better. Now it can last up to 40 hours on a single charge, which is great for long trips. The XM6 is one of the best options for 2025 if you need something that you can count on, that can be used in many situations, and that is always great.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Comfort and Clarity Come Together
One brand that tourists have always liked is Bose, and the QuietComfort Ultra takes ease and sound quality to a whole new level. True to its name, this model is very comfortable, with soft ear cups that you can wear all day without getting tired.
It has great noise-cancelling technology, especially for getting rid of background noises like airplane engines or office talk. Bose’s new “Immersive Audio Mode” stands out in 2025. It makes a soundstage that looks and sounds like 3D, which makes you feel like you’re inside the music.
The battery life is about 32 hours, which is a little less than Sony’s, but it’s still long enough for most people. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is a good choice if you care most about ease and sound quality.
For people who love the Apple ecosystem, the Apple AirPods Max 2
The Apple AirPods Max 2 make our list for 2025 because they work well with other Apple products. If you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, these headphones are the most convenient thing you can find.
The noise cancellation works really well, especially when used with Apple’s adjustable transparency mode, which lets in only the things that are important and blocks out everything else. The new H2 chip improves the sound quality by giving all levels a lot more information.
The AirPods Max 2 are a bit heavy and cost a lot, but they are still the best choice for Apple fans who want top-notch performance and smart features like spatial audio.
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 is the choice of audiophiles
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 is a dream come true for people who care most about sound quality. Sennheiser makes headphones that make every note, instrument, and voice stand out. Their sound style is known for being rich and precise.
In this age, noise cancelation has been greatly improved, making it on par with Sony and Bose. The unique thing about Momentum 5 is that the Sennheiser Smart Control app lets users change the sound setting to their liking, making the sound just right.
The comfort is good, but not as plush as Bose, and the battery lasts for about 38 hours. If you really like music and want sound like you’re in a studio, the Momentum 5 is the best choice.
The best value for money is the Anker Soundcore Space One
The Anker Soundcore Space One is great for people who don’t want to spend $400 to $600 on headphones. Even though they are less expensive, these headphones have great active noise cancelation that can often compete with more expensive brands.
They sound good, with a strong bass and clear mids, so they can be used for most types of music. The battery life is great; it can last up to 50 hours with ANC on, which is great for people who move a lot.
Of course, they aren’t quite as comfortable or sound-wise refined as Sony or Bose, but they are a great deal for the price. The Space One is a good choice if you want to save money but still get high-end features.
Important Things to Think About Before You Buy
Before you buy noise-canceling headphones in 2025, here are some things you should think about:
- Noise-Cancelling Performance: Look for ANC that adapts to your surroundings.
- Sound Quality: Detail and clarity are most important to audiophiles, while bass-heavy sound may be more appealing to regular users.
- Comfort: If you wear headphones for a long time, you need ones that are light and have good padding.
- Battery life: Models that can play music for 40 hours or more are good for people who move a lot.
- Price vs. Value: High-end headphones have high-end features, but mid-range headphones can still work well for less money.
FAQs About Headphones That Block Out Noise
Question 1: Are noise-canceling headphones safe to wear every day?
They are safe, yes. In fact, they can protect your ears by keeping the noise down when it’s loud outside.
Can I use headphones that block out noise when I’m not listening to music?
Of course. A lot of people just use them to be quiet, like on planes, in traffic, or while they study.
Is it possible for noise-canceling headphones to work without Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?
Yes. Since most models come with a wired choice, you can still use ANC even if you can’t link wirelessly.
What’s the difference between turning off noise actively and not actively?
Active noise cancellation uses microphones to automatically block out annoying sounds, while passive noise cancellation relies on the way the headphones are built to cut down on noise.
Pick out the headphones that are best for traveling?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra are great for people who travel a lot because they are comfortable, have long battery lives, and ANC that works really well.
In conclusion
In 2025, the market for noise-canceling headphones has something for everyone, from audiophiles to people on a budget. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is still the best choice if you want the best all-around pick. It’s hard to beat the Bose QuietComfort Ultra when it comes to comfort, and Apple users will love how well the AirPods Max 2 work with their products. The Sennheiser Momentum 5 is a great choice for audiophiles, and the Anker Soundcore Space One is a great choice for people on a budget.
In the end, the best pair for you will rely on your price, lifestyle, and listening tastes. No matter which ones you pick, buying noise-canceling headphones this year will help you concentrate, unwind, and have fun no matter where life takes you.