Famed philosopher Jean-Paul Sarte once said that “hell is other people”, and this list of the best noise-cancelling headphones is the best way to make them go away.
We’ve reviewed plenty of noise-cancelling headphones, from over-ears to true wireless models, testing them in real-world conditions and comparing new models with older ones.
We assess the ANC in a variety of settings such as on public transport and in populated areas. It’s not the only area we consider for selection on this list, as it’s important to recognise comfort levels, the wireless performance and the sound. There’s no point in purchasing a pair of ANC headphones if they sound rubbish.
We have other best lists to help you in your search such as our best wireless earbuds and best wireless headphones. We also have a page for the best noise-cancelling earbuds, and for the best overall picks, check out our best headphones page.
Best noise-cancelling headphones at a glance
-
Best noise-cancelling earbuds:
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) – check price -
Best noise-cancelling over-ears:
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones – check price -
Best Sony noise-cancelling over-ears:
Sony WH-1000XM6 – check price -
Best premium noise-cancelling headphones:
Bowers and Wilkins Px8 – check price -
Best Apple noise-cancelling earbuds:
Apple AirPods Pro 2 – check price -
Best affordable noise-cancelling over-ears:
Sony WH-CH720N – check price -
Best affordable noise-cancelling in-ears:
JBL Live Pro 2 – check price -
Best design for noise-cancelling over-ears:
Dyson OnTrac – check price -
Best noise-cancelling over-ears for call quality:
Philips Fidelio L4 – check price -
Best in-ear headphones for call quality:
Technics EAH-AZ100 – check price -
Best in-ear headphones for working out:
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 – check price
SQUIRREL_ANCHOR_LIST
How we test
Learn more about how we test headphones
Not just anybody can review a pair of headphones. You don’t need superhuman hearing to tell what’s good, but you do need to know what to listen out for.
Our headphone tests are done by some of the best and most prolific reviewers in the industry, with years of experience listening to everything from the plasticky freebie earbuds that come with your smartphone, to five-figure beasts of glass and marble. We love music and we want your tunes to sound good, too.
So we listen every pair of headphones we can get on or in our ears. We use a variety of sources, from basic MP3s playing on a laptop to high-quality tracks on dedicated hi-res audio players.
Our test tracks are wide-ranging to give headphones a thorough challenge. They’re also familiar, so we know every track backwards, and we know which bits might trouble the lesser performers.
We listen again and again, and we do that for weeks in case the sound changes – because it usually does. Then we’ll listen to similarly priced rivals and come up with a verdict that reflects the performance and features for the money.
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Best noise-cancelling earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Pros
- Class-leading noise-cancellation
- Improved call quality
- Tweaks to audio are positive
- Comfortable to wear
- Excellent Bluetooth performance
Cons
- Technics edges it for sound
- Battery life slipping behind others
- Among the most expensive wireless earbuds
Best noise-cancelling over-ears
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Pros
- Class-leading noise-cancellation
- Very comfortable to wear
- Reliable wireless performance
- Richer but still balanced sound
Cons
- Odd call performance
- Sony still the more exciting listen
- Expensive
- Immersive Audio works but lacks detail and sounds thin
Best Sony noise-cancelling over-ears
Sony WH-1000XM6
Pros
- Foldable design is back
- Improved noise-cancellation
- Clearer, more balanced sound
- Stacked with features and convenience
- Strong battery performance
Cons
- New fast-charging feature requires ‘optional’ cable
- Px7 S3 beats it for sound
- ‘Modern’ appearance is arguably bland
Best premium noise-cancelling headphones
Bowers and Wilkins Px8
Pros
- Improves on the PX7's audio quality
- Confident noise cancellation
- Graceful looks
- Tremendous wireless performance
- Very good call quality
Cons
- Expensive
- More natural-sounding and dynamic headphones from Focal and DALI
Best Apple noise-cancelling earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Pros
- Excellent ANC
- Rich, warm sound
- Charging case gets some neat features
Cons
- Many of the best features are iPhone and Mac only
Best affordable noise-cancelling over-ears
Sony WH-CH720N
Pros
- Lightweight, comfortable design
- Affordable price
- Decent noise-cancellation
- Fun, punchy audio
- Long battery life
Cons
- Average call quality
- No carry case
- Better-sounding options available
Best affordable noise-cancelling in-ears
JBL Live Pro 2
Pros
- Genuinely impressive ANC for the money
- Good snug fit
- Long battery life
- Weighty and smooth audio
Cons
- Weak call quality
- Choppy connection at times
Best design for noise-cancelling over-ears
Dyson OnTrac
Pros
- Clear, detailed sound
- Effective noise-cancellation
- Bold sense of style
- Long battery life
Cons
- Bose better for ANC
- More dynamic, and fun-sounding alternatives
- Bit big for smaller heads
- Expensive considering the feature set
Best noise-cancelling over-ears for call quality
Philips Fidelio L4
Pros
- Improved design and sound over predecessor
- Sticky wireless performance
- Excellent call quality
- Warm, agreeable sound
Cons
- Beaten for ANC
- Beaten for sound quality
- A little small for big ears
Best in-ear headphones for call quality
Technics EAH-AZ100
Pros
- Rich but balanced sound
- Excellent noise-cancelling
- Impressive call quality
- Comfortable design
- Lots of ways to customise performance
Cons
- Battery life in LDAC mode
- Shaky connection in busy areas
Best in-ear headphones for working out
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Pros
- Clear, detailed and balanced sound
- Strong noise-cancellation performance
- Long battery life
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Not the most exciting audio delivery
- No customisation of sound or ANC
- Charging case is still on the big side
- Expensive
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Best noise-cancelling earbuds
Trusted Score
Pros
Class-leading noise-cancellation
Improved call quality
Tweaks to audio are positive
Comfortable to wear
Excellent Bluetooth performance
Cons
Technics edges it for sound
Battery life slipping behind others
Among the most expensive wireless earbuds
At this point, we’re half convinced that Bose has managed to weave some sort of magic into its noise-cancelling tech because it’s so far beyond what the competition offers that it hardly seems like a fair race. Still, it’s exactly why the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen are a true staple in our current list of recommendations.
The best way of describing just how powerful these earbuds are is by mentioning that they are as powerful with their ANC as some over-ear headphones. If you’re taking a long-haul flight but you don’t really have the space for headphones in your carry-on bag then Bose’s buds are a compact alternative that do not skimp on efficiency.
In fact, we’ve used the buds on flights and were surprised by how easy they made it to watch a film without needing to crank up the volume. Even when taken to the busier parts of Central London, the QuietComfort Earbuds are able to create a tangible seal around the ears, keeping ambient noise at bay and helping you to stay locked in with whatever you’re listening to.
There is a case to be made that the Sony WF-1000XM5 have the edge when it comes to the overall sound profile, but at this end of the market, you’re comparing two options that massively outdo almost everything else that’s available. There’s still a wonderfully energetic soundscape to be found here, and it’s backed up with plenty of bass which, when paired with the ANC, can really help you to zone out.
While the Ultra Earbuds are a bit bigger than what you’ll find with most options these days (they make the latest AirPods seem minuscule by comparison), the added heft actually goes a long way towards keeping them in place when in use. Even when listening to music whilst running a decent pace on a treadmill, Bose’s earbuds can still keep their composure without any concern that they’re going to fall out mid-run.
Reviewer:
Kob Monney
Full review:
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Best noise-cancelling over-ears
Trusted Score
Pros
Class-leading noise-cancellation
Very comfortable to wear
Reliable wireless performance
Richer but still balanced sound
Cons
Odd call performance
Sony still the more exciting listen
Expensive
Immersive Audio works but lacks detail and sounds thin
Our go-to choice for noise-cancelling over-ears had been the Sony WH-1000XM5 but that’s no longer the case. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the best noise-cancelling over-ears we’ve tested.
They suppress more noise than their Sony rivals or any other wireless over-ear we’ve had the fortune to test. Whether you’re out in a city, riding public transport, wearing these headphones on a plane or just don’t want to hear the person next to you jabbering away, the Bose QC Ultra Headphones are excellent ANC headphones for wherever you are.
The noise-cancelling works without sounding processed or making the audio sound chilly, as was the case with previous headphones like the Bose QuietComfort 45.
They fit well to the head, more comfortable to wear than the Sony, though they aren’t as stylish as the Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700. But with this mode you can collapse and store them away in the carry case.
The audio is richer than before while still maintaining the balanced approach that Bose is known for. There’s plenty of clarity and detail to the midrange, with a clarity and brightness to the top end, while the low end has been reinforced with extra padding. It’s a much more mainstream-sounding pair of headphones that we’re used to from Bose.
The wireless performance is strong, and there’s a decent array of customisation and personalisation options available such as adjusting the sound, call quality, or changing which features are associated with the shortcut. Call quality is slightly odd, leaking noise in whenever we spoke. It’s not enough to distract from what we were saying but the person on the other end did feel it was odd.
The £449 / $449 RRP will be a sticking point some. You do get an excellent noise-cancelling performance, but the Sony along with the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, are available for less money.
Reviewer:
Kob Monney
Full review:
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM6
Best Sony noise-cancelling over-ears
Trusted Score
Pros
Foldable design is back
Improved noise-cancellation
Clearer, more balanced sound
Stacked with features and convenience
Strong battery performance
Cons
New fast-charging feature requires ‘optional’ cable
Px7 S3 beats it for sound
‘Modern’ appearance is arguably bland
For any reader who’s followed our coverage of over-ear headphones, it should come as no surprise that the Sony WH-1000XM6 has earned itself a secure spot on this list. Sony’s flagship headphones have long since set the bar against which all other headphones are tested, and that trend only continues with the XM6.
Admittedly, the XM6 don’t represent a major overhaul on the WH-1000XM5 but there are a few welcome improvements here, the first of which is the design. While the XM5 had a clean aesthetic, the lack of a foldable build meant that they weren’t quite as portable as what came before, something that Sony seems to have recognised as the XM6 can be neatly folded away into a compact case.
The other big change is in noise cancellation. In this area, Sony has typically played catch-up to whatever Bose has managed to achieve with its own headphones, but the gap has finally closed with the XM6. You could be wearing these headphones in a busy cafe with plates clattering, babies fussing and coffee machines steaming, and you’d still be able to lock in with your own personal bubble.
This improved ANC sits on top of the real star of the show which is the sound profile that Sony brings to the table. The company has always gone for that crowd-pleasing sound that gives weight and volume to all aspects of a song and it’s much the same here. You could be listening to stadium rock or the latest Billie Eilish track and it’ll all sound great, making the headphones a solid choice for music fans who love to float between genres.
Of course, if you do have a particular soundscape that you enjoy then you can always dive into the equaliser settings in the Sound Connect app. You can still get a solid 30-hours of battery here with the ANC turned on, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice mid-flight, although there are fast charging capabilities here too for getting the battery topped up quickly.
Reviewer:
Kob Monney
Full review:
Sony WH-1000XM6
Bowers and Wilkins Px8
Best premium noise-cancelling headphones
Trusted Score
Pros
Improves on the PX7's audio quality
Confident noise cancellation
Graceful looks
Tremendous wireless performance
Very good call quality
Cons
Expensive
More natural-sounding and dynamic headphones from Focal and DALI
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones are some of the best-sounding and best-looking headphones on the market.
Launching in Black and Tan leather versions, both colourways look classy and feel very sturdy in terms of build quality. We felt they were comfortable to wear over long periods of time, with the oval shape helping to assist in presenting a more natural soundstage.
These headphones come with adaptive ANC and we felt they were effective at suppressing noise on the underground, hushing voices and managing wind noise to acceptable levels, without needing to sacrifice audio quality. Even in noisy environments, the Px8 headphones condense the volume of a crowd into a more manageable sound, being robust enough to usher in a sense of calm wherever you are. The noise-cancellation is better than the similarly priced Focal Bathys and Master & Dynamic MW75.
With 40mm dynamic full-range carbon cone drive units, these headphones offer a large and expansive soundstage, a big improvement on their predecessor, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7. Bass frequencies have massive definition and punch, with a sharp and open midrange that complements a lot of genres. High frequencies are distinctive and bright, making the B&W Px8 a clean, precise and dynamic pair of headphones.
Call quality here is also nothing to sniff at. While they are not as clear as the Sony WH-1000XM5, they were among the best on the market at the moment, with voices coming across clearly and background noises being kept to a minimum thanks to the dedicated call microphones.
Reviewer:
Kob Monney
Full review:
Bowers and Wilkins Px8
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Best Apple noise-cancelling earbuds
Trusted Score
Pros
Excellent ANC
Rich, warm sound
Charging case gets some neat features
Cons
Many of the best features are iPhone and Mac only
With the AirPods Pro 2, Apple has made one of the best noise-cancelling true wireless available for Apple users.
The design is not too different from the original AirPods Pro, but they feature an extra ear-tip size (XS) to fit a wider range of ears. The force sensor also has the ability to tweak volume levels, though we found it’s not always the most reliable option. IPX4 resistance against moisture remains, so these earphones could be used for exercise as well as listening to music.
And in terms of sound quality, they’re an improvement over their predecessor. Bass has a richness and warmth, but there’s still good clarity to vocals within the soundstage and instruments are defined with more detail.
The star of the show is the AirPod Pro 2’s noise-cancelling prowess. Used on the underground and compared to the WF-1000XM4, they edged the Sony buds with how much high-frequency noises and rumble of the train they removed.
The noise cancellation is adaptive, ramping up and down depending on how much noise is detected. The same is true of the improved transparency mode. We found it piped through a clearer, more realistic impression of the world around us. The lack of control over the noise cancelling/transparency remains a bugbear though.
Battery life is good at six hours per bud and 30 hours overall. That’s a better figure overall than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II (6 and 24 hours) and around similar to the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 (7 and 28 hours). There are much cheaper noise-cancelling buds, such as the JBL Live Pro 2, that offer more longevity (10 and 40 hours).
If you’re an iOS user in need of a ANC true wireless then arguably no other integrates as well as the AirPod Pro. Non-iOS users will want to look elsewhere, as many of the features such as Spatial Audio are exclusive to the iOS ecosystem.
Reviewer:
Max Parker
Full review:
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Sony WH-CH720N
Best affordable noise-cancelling over-ears
Trusted Score
Pros
Lightweight, comfortable design
Affordable price
Decent noise-cancellation
Fun, punchy audio
Long battery life
Cons
Average call quality
No carry case
Better-sounding options available
There are always caveats with budget noise-cancelling headphones. They’re not as powerful as expensive models, but as long as you are aware of it, the WH-CH720N are one of the best value noise-cancelling headphones you can buy.
We would describe the noise cancellation as solid for the price. It focuses on reducing low-frequency sounds and clearing away ambient noise, and while we wouldn’t say that these headphones clear every loud bang or big vehicles, we did find that they made daily commutes less intense and disruptive. They’re effective against large groups of people, though when faced with individuals, we did notice that they made people’s voices more noticeable.
The noise-cancelling is better than the similarly priced Soundcore Space One and Earfun Wave Pro, though the Monoprice BT-600ANC (available in the US) edges it out for ANC.
The sound has a smooth quality to it with an emphasis on bass. Bass is delivered with punch, the midrange is clear and detailed, and the upper frequencies sound bright and clear. The Final UX300 offer a more insightful performance (with its noise-cancelling off, however), but they aren’t as affordable or boast as many convenient features.
Sony claims 35 hours of battery life, our tests showed they could go as far as 40 with noise-cancelling on, which is more than the Soundcore Space One. As well as the hybrid active noise-cancellation, there’s a transparency mode, Bluetooth multipoint, customisation through the Sony Headphones app support and voice assistants in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
The headphones’ frame and earcups are made from recycled plastic, and we found there were no noticeable creaks or groans when we bent the frame. The use of plastic also keeps the headphones lightweight at 192g, and moreover we didn’t experience periods of discomfort thanks to the padding on the headband and earcups.
There’s a growing number of affordable ANC headphones but the Sony puts in the best overall performance.
Reviewer:
Kob Monney
Full review:
Sony WH-CH720N
JBL Live Pro 2
Best affordable noise-cancelling in-ears
Trusted Score
Pros
Genuinely impressive ANC for the money
Good snug fit
Long battery life
Weighty and smooth audio
Cons
Weak call quality
Choppy connection at times
The JBL Live Pro 2 are of the best noise-cancelling earbuds around the £100 mark, better than the Beats Studio Buds.
Walking through Westminster tube station, we found background noise was reduced to little more than inconsequential rustle. The JBL is good at numbing people’s conversations, and subduing bigger crowds in busy areas. It’s a very impressive performance for its price.
These buds proved very comfortable to wear over long periods of time, our reviewer didn’t note any discomfort during use. The IPX5 water makes them more robust than most noise-cancelling earbuds, so they can be used during a workout or when it’s raining.
There are a few issues with the Live Pro 2 buds, namely their wireless performance and call quality. We experienced a choppy connection in busy areas like Victoria train station, but it also occurred in areas when there was fewer people were around. We didn’t feel they fared too well with phone calls, especially in busier areas. Despite their noise-cancelling prowess with calls they have a tendency to let noise in like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, making it harder for the person on the other end of the phone to hear what’s being said.
In terms of their sound quality, the JBL favour a balanced tone that’s not necessarily the most exciting, but we quite enjoyed the sound. They boast a weighty bass, a midrange that is reproduced with clarity and a clear and distinct treble performance. We thought that this made them easy to listen to across a range of genres, though the volume needs to be turned up to widen the soundstage and give the bass richness.
Reviewer:
Kob Monney
Full review:
JBL Live Pro 2
Dyson OnTrac
Best design for noise-cancelling over-ears
Trusted Score
Pros
Clear, detailed sound
Effective noise-cancellation
Bold sense of style
Long battery life
Cons
Bose better for ANC
More dynamic, and fun-sounding alternatives
Bit big for smaller heads
Expensive considering the feature set
The Dyon Ontrac headphones are certainly among the best-looking on the market right now. The CNC copper colourway we received for review is undeniably eye-catching with an impressive level of customisation, offering interchangeable outer caps and earpads in a range of finishes – over 2000 according to Dyson. This allows for unparalleled personalisation of your headphones, even if the individual components are rather pricey.
It’s not just customisable though; while the cans are undeniably bulky with a substantial presence that might not suit everyone’s tastes, we found them surprisingly comfortable to wear. That’s largely down to the ample padding on offer, as well as well-distributed weight that means pressure doesn’t build up in any one particular area, even in extensive listening sessions.
Beyond looks, the Dyson Ontrac cans offer clear and detailed audio quality with a balanced sound profile that prioritises neutrality. While that may mean that some will find it lacking in excitement, its technically proficient performance should appeal to those seeking an accurate reproduction of their music. Battery life is also pretty solid at 55 hours, and while the noise cancellation is good enough to quieten everyday noises, it’s not quite enough to be class-leading.
Reviewer:
Kob Monney
Full review:
Dyson OnTrac
Philips Fidelio L4
Best noise-cancelling over-ears for call quality
Trusted Score
Pros
Improved design and sound over predecessor
Sticky wireless performance
Excellent call quality
Warm, agreeable sound
Cons
Beaten for ANC
Beaten for sound quality
A little small for big ears
If you’re constantly chatting on the phone and want a pair of over-ear cans that won’t let you down, look no further than the Philips Fidelio L4. The ANC-enabled cans truly excel in the call quality department, with noise cancellation tech effectively minimising background noise to ensure a clear voice at the other end of the phone, even in challenging outdoor environments. It’s particularly adept at filtering out wind and traffic sounds, making it ideal for those who make calls on the go.
Beyond its call prowess, the L4 offers a solid set of features including support for LDAC and LC3 Bluetooth codecs for high-quality audio streaming from compatible devices, alongside adaptive ANC and 40 hours of battery life. They also deliver a solid audio experience with warm and smooth sound with a clear focus on the midrange. It might not be the most detailed or dynamic, but it’s a pleasant and relaxing sound signature.
It’s arguably the design that lets the cans down most. While the cans sport a similar design to the Fidelio L3 with a 10% lighter build and softer synthetic leather on the earcups, we found that the L4 sat a bit more on top of our ears than the L3, leading to some discomfort over longer listening sessions. The touch panel used for controlling music wasn’t always perfectly responsive either.
Reviewer:
Kob Monney
Full review:
Philips Fidelio L4
Technics EAH-AZ100
Best in-ear headphones for call quality
Trusted Score
Pros
Rich but balanced sound
Excellent noise-cancelling
Impressive call quality
Comfortable design
Lots of ways to customise performance
Cons
Battery life in LDAC mode
Shaky connection in busy areas
Particularly in the Western markets, Technics isn’t quite as well known as Sony or Bose, but the company has been around since 1965 and if you’re feeling adventurous enough to take a chance on brand that you might not have come across, then you’ll be rewarded tenfold with the Technics EAH-AZ100. These are some of the best ANC earbuds you can buy right now, and it’s not even close.
Admittedly, it’s taken Technics some time to put out a pair of earbuds that can truly rival the latest and greatest, but that’s exactly what it has achieved with the EAH-AZ100. First and foremost, the soundscape is really something to be proud of, and it’s gone down a similar route to Sony in terms of offering a balanced audio experience that just has a sense of energy, the type that’ll get you moving almost instinctively.
Of course, with these buds having a spot on this list, it isn’t just about the sound profile. Noise-cancelling performance is right up there with what Bose has been able to achieve on the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which is no mean feat given that it can be just as good as a pair of over-ear headphones at times.
There’s a case to be made that the EAH-AZ100 will feel right at home for anyone who needs earbuds for a professional setting. The black, understated look that these buds adhere to ensure that they don’t stand out in a gaudy way, and there’s excellent call quality for when you need to have an important chat over the phone.
The EAH-AZ100 are also able to connect to up to three devices at one time, so if you need to jump between a laptop, a tablet and a phone at your desk then you can do so without having to constantly dive into the Bluetooth settings of each device. We could say plenty more about the EAH-AZ100 but the headline here is that Technics has done itself proud with a pair of earbuds that can stand with the best.
Reviewer:
Kob Monney
Full review:
Technics EAH-AZ100
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Best in-ear headphones for working out
Trusted Score
Pros
Clear, detailed and balanced sound
Strong noise-cancellation performance
Long battery life
Comfortable to wear
Cons
Not the most exciting audio delivery
No customisation of sound or ANC
Charging case is still on the big side
Expensive
It took quite a while for a successor to the original PowerBeats Pro to come to market but the wait was more certainly worth it as the Beats PowerBeats Pro 2 are far and away our go-to pick right now for runners and gym-goers who need earbuds to keep up with their routine. In fact, there’s a case to be made that these Beats buds present a more tantalising option than the latest AirPods.
For starters, they have a more eye-catching design, especially if you pick up a pair in the Electric Orange colourway that we had in for review, and the included ear-hook does a solid job of keeping the buds in place during a workout. Even if you’re running at a sprint, these buds will still stay where you want them, so if you’ve had issues with less sturdy options going walkabout in the past then these should be your next upgrade.
The big update this time around is the fact that the PowerBeats Pro 2 can track your heart-rate without any extra help. This data can then be synced with a handful of apps, so if you prefer not to use a smartwatch when working out then these buds can offer an alternative to help you see how your body reacts to certain exercises.
As you would expect from an audio product that has had Apple’s involvement, the noise-cancelling on offer is of a very high quality. If you’re using these at the gym then you won’t have to worry about being distracted by nearby conversations or the sound of the radio, giving you the freedom to focus on your go-to playlists and your workout of choice.
What’s most impressive above all is that the PowerBeats Pro 2 can really go the distance between charges. With the charging case factored in, these buds can run for up to 45-hours in total (36-hours with ANC toggled) which is a great deal longer than most true wireless earbuds. This is great for anyone looking to run a marathon or endurance event and needs a long-lasting pair of earbuds to keep up.
Reviewer:
Kob Monney
Full review:
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Test Data
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM6
Bowers and Wilkins Px8
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Sony WH-CH720N
JBL Live Pro 2
Dyson OnTrac
Philips Fidelio L4
Technics EAH-AZ100
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Full Specs
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Review
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Review
Sony WH-1000XM6 Review
Bowers and Wilkins Px8 Review
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Review
Sony WH-CH720N Review
JBL Live Pro 2 Review
Dyson OnTrac Review
Philips Fidelio L4 Review
Technics EAH-AZ100 Review
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review
UK RRP
£299
£449
£399
£599
£249
£99.99
£129.99
£449.99
£349.99
£259.99
£249
USA RRP
$299
$429
$399
$699
$249
$149.99
$149.95
$499.99
Unavailable
–
$249
EU RRP
–
–
€450
€699
€199
€119
€149.99
€499
€349.99
–
€299
CA RRP
–
–
–
–
CA$329
CA$249
CA$199.98
CA$699.99
Unavailable
–
–
AUD RRP
–
–
–
AU$1199
AU$399
AU$249
AU$199.95
AU$799
–
–
–
Manufacturer
Bose
Bose
Sony
Bowers & Wilkins
Apple
Sony
JBL
Dyson
Philips
Technics
Beats
IP rating
IPX4
No
Not Disclosed
Not Disclosed
IPX4
No
IPX5
IPX2
No
IPX4
IPX4
Battery Hours
24
24
30 00
30
30
35
40
55
40
36
45
Wireless charging
Yes
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
Yes
Yes
Fast Charging
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
Yes
–
Yes
Yes
Yes
Size (Dimensions)
–
x x INCHES
–
x x INCHES
21.8 x 24 x 30.9 MM
x x INCHES
x x INCHES
x x INCHES
x x INCHES
–
–
Weight
77 G
250 G
254 G
320 G
5.3 G
192 G
50 G
451 G
320 G
–
86.4 G
ASIN
B0F7M3HPBD
B0CCZ1HQ39
B0F2TSQL21
B0B33PXPJT
B0BDJ37NF5
B0BTDX26B2
B0B1SJ7YSK
–
B0CLP7CLYL
B0C4LTWXFH
B0DT4WR7ZB
Release Date
2025
2023
2025
2022
2022
2023
2022
2024
2023
2025
2025
Model Number
–
880066-0200
–
FP42951
–
WH-CH720N
JBLLIVEPRO2TWSBLK
–
–
EAH-AZ100
Powerbeats Pro 2
Audio Resolution
SBC, AAX, aptX Adaptive
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptx Adaptive, aptX Lossless
SBC, AAC, LDAC, LE Audio
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX-HD, aptX Adaptive
AAC
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, LHDC
SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 Audio
SBC, AAC, LDAC, LE Audio
SBC, AAC
Driver (s)
–
35mm full-range drivers
30mm neodymium
40mm Carbon Cone
Custom high-excursion Apple driver
30mm dynamic
11mm dynamic drivers
40mm neodymium
Custom-made 40mm
8mm magnetic fluid driver
Custom-designed, dual-element dynamic diaphragm transducer
Noise Cancellation?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth 5.3, Auracast
Bluetooth 5.2
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5mm jack
Bluetooth 5.2
Bluetooth 5
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth 5.3
Colours
Black, Whie, Plum, Violet
Smoky white, Smoky black
Midnight Blue, Black, Silver
Black, Tan
White
Blue, Black, White
blue, rose, black, silver
Copper, Aluminium, Black Nickel, Cinnabar
Black
Black, Silver
Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple,, Electric Orange
Frequency Range
20 20000 – Hz
– Hz
4 40000 – Hz
– Hz
– Hz
20 20000 – Hz
20 20000 – Hz
6 21000 – Hz
7 40000 – Hz
20 40000 – Hz
– Hz
Headphone Type
True Wireless
Over-ear
Over-ear
Over-ear
True Wireless
Over-ear
True Wireless
Over-ear
Over-ear
True Wireless
True Wireless
Sensitivity
–
–
–
–
–
–
105 dB
–
–
–
–
Voice Assistant
–
–
Google Assistant
–
Siri
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
–
Google Assistant
–
Siri
What are the best noise cancelling over-ears?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones tops out list of the best over-ears. with a superb noise cancelling performance that suppresses sounds very effectively.
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The post Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones 2025: Keep the world at bay with these top picks appeared first on Trusted Reviews.

