Best Noise-Canceling Headphones
Top noise-canceling headphones ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Sony WH-1000XM5
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Best-in-class ANC silences airplane engines and open offices
- Best-in-class ANC silences airplane engines and open offices
- Best-in-class noise canceling
Cons
- Does not fold flat — harder to pack than XM4
- Does not fold flat — harder to pack than XM4
- No fold-flat design
Don't buy this if…
- XM5 ear cups are not removable for washing — use a damp cloth only to avoid voiding the warranty
- XM5 ear cups are not removable for washing — use a damp cloth only to avoid voiding the warranty
- The headband does not fold flat like the XM4—the carrying case is larger and less packable for travel.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Immersive audio with head tracking is genuinely impressive
- CustomTune calibrates sound to your specific ear shape
- Immersive spatial audio
Cons
- Battery life is only 6 hours — shorter than all premium competitors
- Shorter battery life than Sony at 24 vs 30 hours
- 24-hour battery shorter than competitors
Don't buy this if…
- 6-hour battery life is below average — carry the case for all-day use
- Immersive Audio mode reduces battery life to ~18 hours — plan accordingly on long trips
- Immersive Audio mode reduces battery life to about 18 hours—use standard mode for maximum endurance.
- Immersive audio mode drains battery faster — down to about 4.5 hours
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Instant switching between all Apple devices via iCloud pairing
- Exceptional build quality
- Premium aluminum and stainless steel build that lasts years
Cons
- Very expensive — limited value for non-Apple users
- Very expensive
- Smart Case barely protects the headphones
Don't buy this if…
- Lightning charging model is discontinued — USB-C (2024) version is current; confirm before purchase
- These headphones are designed primarily for the Apple ecosystem—Android users lose key features like Spatial Audio.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 60-hour battery life
- Sennheiser audiophile tuning
- Customizable EQ app
Cons
- ANC not quite class-leading
- Plastic build feels less premium
Don't buy this if…
- The touch controls on the ear cup are sensitive and can trigger accidentally—take time to learn the gesture zones.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Premium bio-cellulose drivers
- aptX Adaptive support
- Elegant luxury design
Cons
- ANC behind Sony and Bose
- App could be more polished
Don't buy this if…
- The noise canceling is good but not class-leading—if ANC is your top priority, Sony or Bose may serve better.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Retractable boom microphone
- Teams and Zoom certified
- Busylight indicator
Cons
- Bulky design
- Mediocre music sound quality
Don't buy this if…
- These are optimized for calls and meetings—music playback sounds noticeably less refined than consumer headphones.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Excellent value at reduced price
- Fold-flat portable design
- Proven ANC performance
Cons
- Previous generation model
- No multipoint standard
Don't buy this if…
- As the previous generation, the XM4 may be discontinued soon—buy now if the fold-flat design and lower price appeal.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 4-mic array delivers best-in-class call clarity for remote work
- 50-hour battery life
- VoiceAware lets you hear your own voice naturally during calls
Cons
- Sound quality slightly behind Sony and Bose at similar price
- ANC not quite top-tier
- JBL Headphones app is less refined than competitors
Don't buy this if…
- Firmware updates via JBL app sometimes introduce connectivity bugs — check reviews before updating
- The Personi-Fi setup requires a quiet room and careful attention—rushing it results in a suboptimal sound profile.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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