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Finding solitude in a sea of people and distractions can be worth its weight in gold for productivity and the simple pleasure of hearing every note in your favorite song. Noise-cancellation headphones can take you there.
We spent long listening hours reviewing over 40 top noise cancellation headphones and earbuds to bring you this hand-picked selection of superior ambient sound-deadening products.
The best for active noise cancellation is the Sony WH-1000XM6. This impressive headphone brings the biggest reduction in outside decibels and good sound quality to the table.
But, before you rush to buy the Sony XM6, we urge you to consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, which are nearly as good at noise cancellation as the Sony XM6, but are more comfortable and have a smidge better sound quality.
If earbuds are more your style and you can accept slightly less sound reduction in favor of a compact size and in-ear fit, we love the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. If budget is key concern, the 1More Sonoflow has a blend of high performance and lower price that is hard to pass up.
For more inside information on how these and all our other headphones performed during testing, you can check out our reviews for the best wireless earbuds, budget earbuds, and the best wireless headphones for all the details to help you creat your shortlist for the personal audio of your dreams.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 are an over-ear headphone with a magnificent ability to block almost every ambient sound. The Sony XM6 has the widest range of overall decibel deadening, with an average reduction across ranges of 31.4. For the listener, this means the feeling of sweet, sweet isolation in a world of ever-demanding distractions. The combination of the sturdy earcup and active noise cancellation technology blocks everything from noisy coworkers to an exhaust fan humming. The XM6 also offers the best call quality in the business, making them a go-to for those seeking silence and clear call capabilities.
While these Sony headphones have impressive sound quality and better comfort than previous Sony offerings, they aren't the best in either sound or comfort. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is more comfortable, with better padding and a nicer fit than the Sony. The XM6 is also expensive. While you get what you pay for with an expansive sound stage and lots of customization potential to dial in your taste, the price could be a deal-breaker. Similar performance can be found in the Sony WH-1000XM4, which is often on sale and could be a good bet for those with smaller budgets. Overall, we get the appeal of the superior silencing abilities you'll find in the XM6, and if that is your number one goal, they are a shortlist contender.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are well-rounded headphones that do everything well without compromise. Sure, some other pairs might do one thing better, but none hold a candle to the combination of expansive sound, silent noise cancellation, superior comfort, and clear calls you find in the Ultra. These headphones block an average of 30.8 dB across ranges, with slightly less sound reduction than the Sony XM6. To the trained ear, there is only a slight difference, and we suspect that most listeners won't be able to tell that Sony has a slight edge. These headphones lock you into your own world where outsiders need to touch you to get your attention. If this is too much isolation, the awareness mode lets you adjust how much passthrough noise you experience, giving a tailored experience based on your personal preferences.
The Ultra headphones have a premium price that is justified by their premium performance. The high-end price could be a deal-breaker for many. The Bose QuietComfort headphones could save you some money and offer a similar performance, but the sound quality isn't as good, and the headband has less padding. Otherwise, it is hard to find a complaint or problem with the Ultra, and if you can afford them, we think you'll enjoy years of blissful listening in near silence, experiencing music as the artist intended.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer the most noise reduction of any earbuds we've tested. With an average decibel reduction of over 27.4 dB, it can almost swing with the big dogs in headphones. While the fit of the earbuds greatly influences the ability to block sound, if the fit is good, which found to be easy with the 3 different sizes of ear tip and wing included with the Ultra, typing and general office noise are greatly diminished. They struggled with vacuum cleaners and squeaky wheels, but the sound was not offensive or loud, helping us concentrate on the music or other tasks. You almost forget you can't hear stuff until the bud shifts and the world comes flooding back; that is when you really appreciate how effective they are.
While the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are fantastic, they can't compete with the levels of noise cancellation seen in headphones like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones or the Sony WH-1000XM6, which block about 10 more decibels each than these buds. They also aren't as comfortable as those headphones or with some competing earbuds. The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are more comfortable and have impressive noise-blocking powers in their own right. We love the Ultra earbuds and think they are an excellent choice for those who value compact and discreet buds who don't want to sacrifice noise-limiting abilities.
If your heart wants Sony quality and some of the best noise-silencing technology, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones could be a contender. It has an average of 30.2 dB of silencing power. We experienced a decrease in the intensity of conversations around us, general office noise, and traffic sounds. With music and ANC on, it is virtually as silent as it gets.
While it doesn't match the newer Sony WH-1000XM6's stopping power, it could be close enough that you never notice. Depending on the frequency ranges you hope to block, it could be identical as they share similar noise cancellation powers in the highs and mids, with the XM5 blocking less in the low frequency ranges like airplane hums, traffic, and the rumble of HVAC that get significantly quieter but don't disappear. The XM5 is not the most comfortable Sony, with the XM6 and XM4 offering more features for comfort and better earcup designs. While we understand the XM5 is compelling, and you may want to save money by choosing it over the new model, we think the balance of comfort and noise cancellation might be better with the XM4 if you can find it.
If you're looking for impressive Sony noise cancellation but prefer earbuds over headphones, the Sony WF-1000XM5 could be a contender. With an average of 25.5 dB of the outside world squashed thanks to active noise cancellation, with the most isolation in the high range, the WF-1000XM5 calms everything from loud traffic noise, office noises, gym music, crying babies, and keyboard sounds. As one tester stated, “I could still make out the banging of free weights in the gym, but they reduced the jarring edge of weights being dropped.” The passive blocking with the foam tips is impressive in its own right, and we think the feature to block out noise when someone is speaking to the wearer is nifty.
In our earbud review, these buds offer above-average sound quality, but the lows can feel muddled, and the bass is sometimes too much for every genre. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer better sound quality and noise cancellation, but the $50 price bump might not be worth it for most listeners. It also has a shorter battery life than some competitors using ANC, but the charging case offers extended listening after charging. The Sony earbuds could be a miss for some listeners, but those looking for foam tips over silicone or better comfort over the Bose will be excited to find this above-average pair.
The Bose QuietComfort is the unassuming older brother of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. With a lower price than its younger sibling, the QuietComfort stops an average of 27.3 dB of outside noise from reaching your eardrums, with its most significant reduction in the high range where things like sirens, talking, and baby cries live. These headphones do not have a true passive mode, but let you adjust between full ANC and more transparency. In quiet mode, it instantly reduces street noise, and while we can hear the keyboard clicking and the microwave beeping, it is faint in the background. With more awareness, sounds become less lifelike than with no headphones, but we like the ability to choose specific levels based on the environment.
The QuietComfort sound quality isn't on par with the Bose Ultra or any of the Sony headphones. If your goal is better sound paired with terrific noise cancellation, it is better found elsewhere, but there will be a price bump to get it. Overall, if this is your first trip into ANC headphone territory, we think the QuietComfort will more than please. As one tester said, “This is all I need, the more expensive pair wasn't better enough for me to spend more.” If you've experienced more premium models, you might be slightly underwhelmed but happy to save the money.
Apple's step into headphones with the Apple AirPods Max wasn't bad. These cans cut over 29.5dB on average, with a good concentration in the ranges many listeners want the most, like the mids and highs. Passive dampening dramatically reduced coworker shatter and the office radio while still allowing footsteps and microwave whirring in. Active cancellation saw an even greater reduction in sound tuning out fans, heaters, knocking, and microwave beeps. Combined with stellar sound quality and an expansive stage, it could just be you and the music at higher volumes.
These headphones were not universally well-loved for comfort. They are heavy, and the large earcups place more pressure on eartops than most competitors. The mesh headband is great for airflow, but the lack of padding had us taking them off an hour in, seeking pressure relief. While they stayed in place mostly, the extra clamping force to keep their heft in place was noticeable. One wearer said after a long flight, “I'm glad I fell asleep because they were starting to feel uncomfortable.” The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are better at noise cancellation and offer the best universally agreed-upon comfort. The Bose could be a better choice, with a price often lower than the Max. However, if you want uber-easy pairing with an Apple device, impressive sound quality, and ambient noise cancelling, the Max is worth more than a second glance.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are Apple's toe-dip into in-ear pods that work to block noise passively. Most of the AirPods lineup sits outside the ear canal, offering more awareness than the silicone-tipped Pro2, but less comfort to go with it. This pair blocks an average of just over 25 dB, with the mid-range seeing the most significant decrease, but just by a hair. It silenced the nearby highway from our office, but the interior office sounds remained like microwave beeps and typing keyboards. As one tester reports, “It helps to turn down the noise of the world, but it's not totally silent.” It does a respectable job of noise cancellation, but there is room for improvement, especially for the price.
Apple products aren't for everyone, and while you could pair them with an Android device, we think you have better options with more bells and whistles. The Sony WF-1000XM5 are cool in-ear buds that offer similar sound quality and noise cancellation, but come with a better app and more customization for the same price. They play better with Android operating systems, and some users prefer the foam tips of the silicone on the Pro 2. If you love Apple and want more noise cancellation than the Pro 2, consider the Apple AirPods Max. While some testers didn't like the heft of these headphones, others loved the seamless pairing, replaceable cup padding, and better noise cancellation. Overall, the Pro 2 are our favorite AirPod earbuds in any review, and if you love the iOS ecosystem, they could be a good choice.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a discontinued Sony headset with good noise cancellation, impressive sound quality, and better comfort than the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Sony WH-1000XM6. You can still find this gem in some online retailers, often on sale for a killer price that gives you an average of 26.8 dB of noise cancellation for a fraction of the cost of new models and other premium products. We saw the impressive silencing of a crying baby on a plane and the significant quieting of the roar of the plane engine. We could still hear the office radio and people moving about through the passive blocking, but overall, it did a great job providing peace in a busy office and on travel.
The XM4 can be hard to come by, and finding a new pair over time could get challenging, so get 'em while they last. If you want more noise cancellation or better sound, the Sony XM5 or XM6 offer superior sound quality and noise cancellation. The XM4 also doesn't provide the same clarity on phone calls as its newer siblings. However, for the price, we believe most folks will appreciate the Sony quality, features, and impressive functionality and may never know what they are missing.
The 1More SonoFlow is a wallet-friendly, comfy headphone with good sound quality and noise cancellation. It boasts an average decibel reduction of 24.3 dB. Passive cancellation blocks typing and mouse clicking, but footsteps and HVAC hum are still audible. We could hear the microwave whirring but not the beeping alarm. Active noise cancellation wasn't much better with audible snapping and desk knocking, but it dampened most voices and kept office chatter on the fringes, making it less distracting.
The 1More doesn't have the best noise cancellation, but for the price, we think most listeners will accept the trade-off of saving money. If you need more than adequate blocking, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds would be the next step up in performance and price. We had challenges with pairing the 1More when trying to connect it to a new device in proximity to a previously paired device. It isn't a deal breaker, but it could be frustrating depending on your goals. Overall, the 1More is a contender for those who want to spend less and can lower their expectations to match the price.
Unmute to hear the SonoFlow's ANC capabilities. Low-frequency hums and conversations are slightly audible, but largely removed.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
We used a curated playlist designed to push the limits of all of the headphones that we tested to provide you with a comprehensive analysis of their sound profile.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Tested
Our testing process combines extensive listening and day-to-day use of each product with precise lab testing using advanced audio equipment. We invested over 600 hours using these products in normal day-to-day use, examining every detail, from sound quality, depth, and balance across all music genres and volumes to comfort and customizations. We used them at the gym, on long flights, and in busy offices. The result is a thorough review of the top noise cancellation models.
We test each pair of headphones and earbuds in our audio lab and the real world.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Our professional audio testing studio allows us to ensure our headphone reviews are the most accurate and dependable. This facility was designed with inspiration from Steve Temme, CEO of Listen, Inc., to exceed industry standards for audio testing. We partnered with experts from Listen, Inc. to fine-tune for maximum precision.
The Brüel & Kjær Type 5128 Head Simulator is key to our objective noise cancellation analyses.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Our specialized system captures every sound emitted from our state-of-the-art audio studio. We analyze and interpret the data using Listen Inc.'s SoundCheck software.
This review results from scientific analysis and teamwork.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team embodies excellence in sound quality and scientific analysis. Leading the way is Senior Audio Analyst Dave Berkman, who brings over 20 years of audio expertise, having recorded and produced for the History Channel, Apple, and the Food Network.
Our expert audio team is the key to our world-class headphone reviews.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Joining him is Senior Review Analyst Genaveve Bradshaw, a University of New Mexico Music graduate and accomplished classical musician, who uses her musical insight and discerning ear to interpret unique sound qualities. Review Analyst Rachael Lamore brings scientific rigor to our evaluations, with a degree from California Polytechnic State University and years spent in academic research.
We test and use every product we buy for our reviews.
How to Pick the Best Noise-Canceling Headphones
Finding the best headphones to block out noise includes considering your goals and expectations and finding a comfortable-fitting pair at a price you can afford.
Our top-of-the-line head simulator takes accurate measurements of the sound produced by each headphone and their ability to actively block environmental sounds from making it to your eardrums.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation has two components: passive noise cancellation and active noise cancellation (ANC). “Passive” noise cancellation is just a fancy term for describing the amount of sound blocking you get by wearing headphones or earbuds without them even being turned on. Active noise cancellation (ANC), uses technology and competing sound waves inside the device to cancel out external noise sounds from reaching your eardrum. This fancy tech is pretty involved. The better it is, the more relief from outside sounds you can expect.
Frequency Decibel Reduction
Low
(40hz to 250hz)
Mid
(315hz to 2500hz)
High
(3,150 to 20,000hz)
Overall Sound Reduction
Common Noises in this Range
Engine Noise
HVAC
Appliance Hum
Male Voices
Traffic Rumble
Most Voices
Office Chatter
Printers
Keyboards
Street Noise
Sharp Whistles
Baby Cries
Jingling Keys
Paper Rustling
Ringing
Average across all frequencies
Sony WH-1000XM6
24.7 dB
27.2 dB
42.3 dB
31.4 dB
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
22.6 dB
28.4 dB
41.3 dB
30.8 dB
Sony WH-1000XM5
20.7 dB
27.2 dB
42.6 dB
30.2 dB
Apple AirPods Max
23.5 dB
30.1 dB
34.8 dB
29.5 dB
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
30.1 dB
29 dB
23 dB
27.4 dB
Bose QuietComfort
23.3 dB
24.2 dB
34.4 dB
27.3 dB
Sony WH-1000XM4
22.4 dB
25.8 dB
32.2 dB
26.8 dB
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
21.7 dB
25.4 dB
31 dB
26.0 dB
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds
18.9 dB
24.3 dB
33.2 dB
25.5 dB
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds
24.1 dB
26.2 dB
25.4 dB
25.2 dB
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Earbuds
21 dB
24 dB
30.1 dB
25.0 dB
1More SonoFlow
15.6 dB
21 dB
36.2 dB
24.3 dB
EarFun Air Pro 4 Earbuds
17.7 dB
23.7 dB
29 dB
23.5 dB
Passive noise cancellation tends to work best for high-frequency noises, like higher-pitched voices (children and females) and sirens. It isn't as effective on bass-level and mid-range sounds. Active noise cancellation blocks sounds across the spectrum by using microphones to detect ambient noise and algorithms to create competing sound waves to block them. It is most effective on bass and mid-range sounds, like airplane engine hums, HVAC noise, and the rumble of traffic noise.
The AirPods Max does a decent job of handling sounds across frequencies, even dulling startling sounds in the high-pitch range.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Combining both types is the best way to create a silent external environment to help you focus. This is why headphones tend to perform better than earbuds, as they offer more of a physical barrier, and their size allows for more technology packed inside for active cancellation to do its thing.
Depending on where and when you listen, you may not need the best sound suppression on the market.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Do You Need Active Noise Cancellation?
We get the appeal of impressive active noise cancellation (ANC) that lets the world drift away and allows you to focus. Effective ANC could translate into listening at lower volumes and healthier hearing over time. This compelling function has increasing appeal in a world full of audible clutter.
Less effective ANC could be all you need, like the EarFun that cancelled fewer decibels than most other earbuds we tested. Listen in to hear for yourself.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Enjoying music, podcasts, or movies with headphones doesn't necessarily require exceptional noise suppression. Over-ear headphones and most earbuds provide some passive cancellation by creating a physical barrier between your eardrum and outside sound. This blocking could be all you need to dull ambient sounds for clarity or comfort, without the higher price and potential physical drawbacks associated with the best ANC technology.
While not quite as good as the Bose Ultra, the Bose QuietComfort offers a lovely balance between better noise-fighting capabilities and a lower price than the Ultra.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Alternatively, if your goals include hearing every nuanced note as intended without a whisper seeping in, choosing a pair with impressive active noise cancellation is a must. But this feature will cost you, and the better the ANC, the higher the price will often be.
Excellent sound blocking could leave you unaware of your surroundings when you need it most.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Disadvantages of Active Noise Cancellation
The three main disadvantages of active noise cancellation are a lack of awareness of your surroundings (safety), using it drains batteries faster (less listening time), and health.
Awareness of your surroundings could necessitate removing headphones, especially those designed to distance the world around you.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Blocking out the world is great for listening, but it could be a potential safety concern if done in public spaces. Knowing what is happening around you is crucial; be it a bike riding up behind you, a siren indicating an ambulance is upon you, or a stranger stalking you. We think there are compelling arguments not to use ANC in every situation.
The technology that brings ANC to life requires more battery juice than going without. Using it all the time will result in shorter listening spans between recharges. For headphones, this means more extended downtime without any device at all, which can be worse if you aren't near an outlet. With most earbuds, it can mean recharging in their case to gain more listening time.
Some users experience dizziness, headaches, nausea, and more when using active noise cancellation technology, which could limit how and where you use it.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
While ANC blocks out distractions, it can cause some users nausea, headaches, or dizziness. If you're prone to these side effects, consider headphones with adjustable ANC levels. This allows you to tailor the ambient sound cancellation to your comfort, minimizing adverse effects while benefiting from a quieter environment. Also, some users report hearing their own pulse or footfalls while using ANC and find it disconcerting.
Finding the best ANC, like that provided by the Sony WH-1000XM6, could be precisely what you need to enjoy music and limit distractions.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Who Does it Best?
The best noise cancellation can be found in the Sony WH-1000XM6 with the most decibel blocking power in the group. They block the highest average decibels, with a nice range between the frequencies from lows to highs.
Active Noise Cancelling Reduction
Product
Low
Mid
High
Sony WH-1000XM6
24.7
27.2
42.3
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
22.6
28.4
41.3
Sony WH-1000XM5
20.7
27.2
42.6
Apple AirPods Max
23.5
30.1
34.8
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
30.1
29.0
23.0
Bose QuietComfort
23.3
24.2
34.4
Sony WH-1000XM4
22.4
25.8
32.2
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
21.7
25.4
31.0
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds
18.9
24.3
33.2
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds
24.1
26.2
25.4
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Earbuds
21.0
24.0
30.1
1More SonoFlow
15.6
21.0
36.2
EarFun Air Pro 4 Earbuds
17.7
23.7
29.0
While some competitors might perform better in a singular range, the Sony XM6 covers the spectrum better. True peace and a distraction-free environment are almost sure things, with only slight sound leaking in like the dampened roar of a vacuum. They excelled at blocking sounds like typing, fans, claps, snaps, most talking, and even a big garage door. Even without the ANC turned on, they passively blocked talking and keyboard clacking when listening to music.
The Bose Ultra combines excellent noise-dampening technology with a comfortable fit that marries passive blocking with counteracting sound waves to create inner peace.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra has a similar performance with slightly less coverage in the lows and highs but a smidge more in the mids. This pair doesn't have a passive-only mode, but you can customize how much awareness you have of outside sounds, making it ideal for those who suffer from dizziness or other physical effects while using ANC. However, this means the battery will always be working overtime compared to options that allow you to turn the ANC off completely. The Bose and Sony headphones provide the best distraction-free zone, and all but the discerning ear will likely find them virtually identical for daily performance.
While the 1More SonoFlow is not a standout for ANC, it does block a significant amount in the high range, and could be all you need, offering a balance between performance and a lower price.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The poorest performing headphones in our curated list are the 1More SonoFlow. These block on average about six fewer decibels across each range than the Sony XM6, but offer more blocking power in the high range than many competitors, including all but the Sony XM6, XM5 headphones, and the Bose Ultra headphones. While they can't go toe-to-toe with the premium brands, we think they offer something special with adequate performance in noise cancellation, sound quality, and better comfort for a reasonable price.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra provides the best noise cancellation in an earbud.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The best noise-cancelling earbuds are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. While they aren't as good as the Bose headphones, they still provide impressive blocking ability, outperforming some headphones. The worst for noise management are the EarFun Air Pro 4 Earbuds. Given the lower price, it isn't surprising that their noise-cancelling abilities aren't mind-blowing. However, that doesn't mean it isn't potentially “good enough” for many users. We could faintly hear our keyboard with ANC on, but it was muffled. Barking dogs could also be heard, but the quieter barks were easier to ignore. Higher-pitched sounds, like the clinking of a water glass, come through pretty clearly, but microwave beeping is diminished.
One of the adjustments in the Bose app is customizing how much sound the headphones block and how much they purposefully transmit in using the awareness mode.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Transparency or Awareness
While creating a distraction-free zone is paramount to many silence seekers, certain circumstances could call for what manufacturers have dubbed transparency mode, hear-through, or ambient awareness mode. This feature (no matter what it is called) lets in (or transmits) external sounds (aside from the music) to keep you aware of your surroundings.
Transparency mode is beneficial during commutes, allowing you to hear important announcements and navigate safely. Parents find it helpful to tune into their music without tuning out their kids. Gym workouts or running are activities where being more aware is critical for safety. If you hope to make your final selection a cross-over product for activities outside of peaceful pondering, an effective transparency mode could be a great tie-breaker or deal-maker.
An alternative to transparency mode is removing them altogether, which is less desirable for most listeners.
Credit: Laura Casner
All of the headphones and earbuds in this group include some kind of transparency, awareness mode, or customization. The Bose options do not allow the ANC to be turned off; instead, they provide an app-enabled ability to increase or decrease the awareness transmitted through the speakers. The Apple AirPods Max is a standout, bringing in sounds that the earcups alone would traditionally muffle, like footfalls and typing. All of the Sony headphones have a similar performance. While some sounds are not as natural as we'd like, they aren't offensive or distracting either. For earbuds, the AirPods Pro2, Bose QuietComfort, Bose Ultra, and Sony WF-1000XM5 offer the best transparency and environmental awareness, with the Bose and AirPods sounding the most true to life.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers 10 hours of comfortable wear time and is one of the most comfortable we tested.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit matter when it comes to earbuds and headphones, so you'll enjoy wearing them, and for effective passive noise blocking. The clamping force on headphones or the ear tip size on earbuds can impact comfort, fit, and stability so much that the product's ability to block noise could be affected.
A key focus for headphones is clamping force: if it's too tight, it can be a nightmare for anyone with glasses or ear piercings; too loose, and the headphones might slide off or ambient sounds might slide in.
The QuietComfort Ultra has comfortable earcup padding that helps form a sound-blocking barrier against your head for excellent passive cancellation.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers superior comfort for most users. They have a soft but useful clamping force, well-padded earcups, and rotation that helps them fit more head shapes, creating a better sound barrier against your head. The QuietComfort (not ultra) has a similar fit, but the padding is less impressive, the headband has a shorter padded range, and the hinges are bigger. The Sony WH-1000XM4 are close behind the Bose, working well with glasses, but the fit is somewhat loose and tends to slide around for some users. They are lightweight and have breathable padding, but the shifting could impact their ability to passively block sound from reaching your eardrum.
The AirPods Max combine good passive blocking abilities with a size and weight that make them less comfortable.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The least comfortable headphones are the Apple AirPods Max. These headphones are heavy, and the earcups are large. The mesh headband tries to offset the weight, but it doesn't provide as much support and puts pressure on the top of the head. We wore them only for about an hour on average, citing a strong clamping force, weight on the ears, and trouble with glasses and larger earrings. However, the clamping force and larger cups might contribute to the better passive sound reduction we experienced.
Sony offers three ear tip sizes and foam instead of silicone, which could be the ticket to a useful noise blocking seal and long-term comfort for some.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Earbud fit includes how they feel in the canal and the inner fold of the ear. While many earbuds come with multiple tip sizes and some apps include a “fit test” feature, those with smaller ears or ear canals might struggle to find all-day comfort. Because some sound suppression comes from the blocking of the ear canal and some of the discomfort comes from this seal, finding a pair with excellent noise cancellation and impressive comfort is challenging.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 has multiple ear tip sizes to help you find the best fit.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Our favorite buds for comfort in this group are the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5. Each includes multiple tip sizes, with the AirPods being silicone and the Sony foam. We prefer the AirPod 2 over other AirPods as they offer good stability and don't create a stuffy or slick feel. The Sony buds are lightweight, and the foam tips are relatively unique. While we like how easy they are to get in and wear them for multiple hours, they might be annoying for sweaty activities. We worry about long-term durability, as ours showed wear during testing.
Some users with smaller ears struggled to find a good fit with the QuietComfort (not Ultras) because they are relatively large and tended to shift.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The least comfortable earbuds in this lineup are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. They are bulky, and the shape seems to favor some ears over others. While the “wing” design helps with stability, the earbuds rotate and often feel “out of position,” creating discomfort, especially in smaller ears. While they fit better than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds we tested in our wireless earbud review, they still weren't brag-worthy.
Creating excellent sound quality, while simultaneously deleting outside noise, often leads to higher prices.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Check Your Wallet
The technology involved in creating truly stellar noise cancellation is expensive. The extra microphones to pick up ambient sounds and speakers to emit sound waves to counteract them, along with the technology to bring it all together, can significantly increase the price of personal audio. Reducing sensory stressors could be your primary goal, making the cost less of a factor based on your needs. For most of us, budget drives the selection to find the best performance at the best price. Luckily, some options bring peace for most budgets. However, you might need to adjust your expectations to find the right balance for your price range.
Other Notable Noise Cancellation Headphones
We've tested so many headphones and earbuds that it is hard to keep track. Many offer sound-blocking abilities but didn't make our final cut for other reasons, like limited cancellation, a higher price for similar performance, and general discomfort.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 — These buds are more expensive but offer better noise cancellation than most. While not a standout in this lineup, we think some might find their combination of impressive sound and noise dampening very compelling.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds — With a lower price and better sound quality and noise cancellation results, these earbuds could be a contender for those with larger ears, as those with average to smaller ears struggled to find a comfortable fit.
Technics EAH-AZ100 — This pair is interesting because it has higher-than-average noise-deadening properties, but its higher price means it pales compared to cheaper options.
Sonos Ace — The Ace is a premium pair of headphones with a higher price. They offer some of the best noise cancellation we've seen, earning them a place on many a shortlist, but other options combine better ANC with better sound quality and comfort for the price, making the Ace less desirable.
Soundcore Q20i — The Q201 has impressive noise cancellation for its price range. Still, the unimpressive sound quality, meh comfort, and uninspired app customizations mean there are more well-rounded headphones to be had.
EarFun Air Pro 4 — These budget headphones don't offer the best noise cancellation, but for the price, you get punchy sound, and “good enough” noise cancellation for most purposes.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — Popular with those who love to work out or run, these earbuds have impressive stability with a budge-free design. However, we weren't fond of the fit and thought they were uncomfortable, had sub-par sound, and cost more than they should.
Finding the right combination of noise blocking in the range you need, comfort you can wear for hours, and a price you can afford can mean tradeoffs and shifting expectations.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
Noise cancellation headphones aren't for everyone. But if you want a distraction-free zone for listening to your favorite tracks or you hope to block out the world to create singular focus, they can play a significant role. How you plan to use them and where you hope to wear them can help you decide what level of noise blocking you need, and finding the perfect fit at the right price can deliver personal audio that fits your goals and your budget. Our detailed test results can guide you to the best pair with the right features for you.
—Rachael Lamore, Genaveve Bradshaw, and Ross Robinson
