Noise-Canceling Headphones to Watch for in 2025

Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 30 hours | Transparency mode: Yes

Read our comprehensive review of the Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony has integrated two advanced audio chips into its 1000XM5 over-ear headphones, featuring a V1 Integrated Processor alongside a QN1 HD Noise Canceling Processor chip, which significantly enhances distraction blocking. The M5 model is equipped with a total of eight microphones, effectively doubling the number of mics designed to detect and eliminate unwanted background noise. Moreover, there’s a real-time ANC optimizer that automatically adjusts based on the fit of the headphones and the surrounding noise level, ensuring an exceptional listening experience. This innovative setup provides unparalleled noise-canceling performance, particularly in the frequency range that includes human voices, making it a standout choice for users.

For years, Sony has been diligently enhancing its flagship headphones with an array of features, and the 1000XM5 is no exception. It includes functionalities like automatic pausing through Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention mode, support for 360 Reality Audio, and DSEE Extreme audio upscaling to combat compression. Additionally, the headphones utilize Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically adjusts settings based on your surroundings or activity level, allowing you to fine-tune your listening experience for optimal noise reduction.

Somehow, Sony has managed to enrich the already impressive sound profile of its M4 model, resulting in noticeable improvements in the subtleties of various tracks. The audio now resonates with greater depth, creating a more immersive experience, while also enhancing overall clarity. This elevates the listener’s experience, particularly with intricate sounds like the texture of an acoustic guitar or the unique nuances of Jake White’s signature guitar work. The headphones deliver robust bass when necessary, ensuring powerful sound without overwhelming the overall listening experience.

Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 24 hours | Transparency mode: Yes

Read our comprehensive review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Bose’s innovative approach to spatial audio is one of the standout features of its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, but the company has not compromised on the ANC capabilities of this model. Being touted as “the quietest quiet” that Bose has ever produced, the ANC in this model significantly surpasses that of the Bose 700 and the classic QuietComfort Headphones. This improvement stems from microphone enhancements that also elevate call quality. The benefits are particularly noticeable when dealing with the challenging frequency range of human speech. Additionally, Bose provides presets that blend ANC, transparency mode, and its unique Immersive Audio feature, allowing for seamless transitions in sound depending on your surroundings. The intuitive touch controls make these over-ear headphones incredibly user-friendly, combining excellent noise cancellation, superior sound, and enhanced convenience in one package.

While the spatial audio functionality presents a mixed bag of results, the default sound tuning of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones remains impressive, even before activating Immersive Audio. Historically, Bose has lagged behind its competitors in terms of audio performance, but these over-ear headphones indicate that this gap is closing. The default sound profile is warmer, clearer, and more inviting than previous models, with a noticeable increase in bass response that enhances the listening experience. When the Immersive Audio feature is activated, the audio quality reaches remarkable heights, although it relies on signal processing rather than specially crafted content, leading to variable outcomes.

Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC type: Hybrid | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 35 hours | Transparency mode: Yes

Read our full review of the Sony WH-CH720N

The WH-CH720N may not win any awards for its design, but the value it offers for the price is remarkable. Constructed entirely from plastic, these over-ear headphones are incredibly lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for extended use. While the ANC in these budget-friendly headphones isn’t as powerful as that found in more premium models, it still performs admirably for their price range. With customizable options and a convenient transparency mode, the CH720N presents an impressive value proposition at just $150, often available for around $100.

Aside from providing decent noise cancellation for a modest investment, the CH720N boasts a remarkable 35-hour battery life, physical control buttons, DSEE upscaling, and compatibility with Sony’s immersive 360 Reality Audio. Users can also adjust both the equalizer settings and the ambient sound level. Additionally, the Adaptive Sound Control feature automatically modifies sound settings based on your activity or location, enhancing usability. Most importantly, the sound quality exceeds expectations for headphones in this price bracket, revealing intricate details and subtleties, such as the gritty texture of distorted guitars and the clarity of acoustic instruments.