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Noise-canceling headphones can be used for various purposes. They can be used to reduce distractions while working from home, to enjoy peace of mind while traveling, or to gather your thoughts. However, no matter what you use them for, it is important that they do their job well. It is important to search for the best Noise cancellation headphones. Thankfully, today’s market is full of excellent products, so there’s never been a more exciting time to upgrade or get a new one.
In this article, we will review the best noise-cancelling headphones available in 2025. We’ll discuss how they work and what to look for, and we’ll review our top picks after reading user reviews. We’ve also added insights from experts and the latest research to give you the most precise picture of what’s worth your investment.
What Are Noise Cancelling Headphones and How Do They Work?
Noise-cancelling headphones are designed to block unwanted sounds. They use Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology that relies on microphones to detect external noise. These mics capture the sounds around you, and the headphones generate sound waves that are the exact opposite (anti-phase). These mics capture the sounds around you, and the headphones generate sound waves that are the exact opposite (anti-phase). This process cancels out much of the noise before it even reaches your ears. This makes Noise-cancellation headphones the best for work and productivity.
Here are our top 5 picks:
Sony WH-1000xm5
These headphones Boost audio clarity thanks to its being equipped with 8-microphone Active Noise Cancellation. Four of the microphones are beamforming microphones for clear calls. This headphone offers 30mm dynamic drivers to improve high-frequency sensitivity for more natural sound quality.
Engineered with intuitive control, the headphone features a wear detection that controls the instant pause and play command and at the same time issues out voice commands to a preferred voice assistant.
With its lightweight and comfortable design, the headphone can be worn for an extended period without causing discomfort. The headphones allow a swift pair and Google fast pairing connection.
Noise Cancelling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Bluetooth, Clear Call Quality, Hi-Res, Up to 30hr Battery Life, Quick Charge, Alexa & Google Assistant, iOS & Android - Silver£379.00
£246.00
Bose Quiet Comfort 35
Let’s start with the bass, which is present and heavy. The bass on these headphones is plenty for almost all listeners, and while the biggest mega-bass fans out there might want a little more, those who prefer a more appropriate bass boost will love what these have on offer. There is a boost, but it’s not unnatural or overbearing by any means.
The midrange is also very well tuned. It helps round out the music with nice warmth and presence without going overboard and sounding like an AM radio — just like the midrange should.
The high-end is crisp, present, and helps bring things like the vocals and guitars straight through the mix. High-end is generally the most overlooked frequency range by headphone manufacturers, but Bose has avoided that issue easily.
1More Sonoflow Pro
The 1MORE SonoFlow Pro is a successful further development of the SonoFlow and improvement significantly in many areas. Up to 100 hours of battery life, improved sound and excellent active noise suppression.
The headphones combine this with an appealing design and good wearing comfort and also come with features such as Bluetooth 5.4 and Multipoint.
- Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones with LDAC for Hi-Res Wireless Audio, 100H Playtime, Bluetooth 5.4, QuietMax 42dB ANC, Comfortable Fit (Deep Black)£99.99
£69.99
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
The Bowers & Wilkins px7 S2e is a no-nonsense, over-the-ear Bluetooth headphone with ANC that sounds good. The app has no hearing test or advanced EQ, head-tracking for spatial audio, and no “immersive audio” settings. But by ignoring those features and focusing on what’s important to most people- these headphones do a great job of reproducing sound. It also looks more “grown up” than some of the other popular choices that are primarily made out of plastic.
Noise Cancelling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, Quick Charge, 30 Hours Playback, Six Built-In Microphones - Anthracite Black£379.00
£269.00
Sony ULT wear Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Part of a brand new Sony ULT family of products designed to deliver powerful sound with rich bass, the ULT Wear wireless noise-canceling headphones are an exciting new addition to the renowned maker’s audio lineup. These new over-ear cans are a sequel to the Sony WH-XB910 headphones — a longtime favorite of bass aficionados.
The headphones’ noise cancellation is excellent, courtesy of Sony’s proprietary V1 chip. Comfort-wise, the Sony ULT Wear is among the best in the product category. The headphones are lightweight, and, thanks to a headband with a perfectly measured clamping force and cushy ear pads, ideal for prolonged use.
- Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with ULT POWER SOUND, Ultimate Deep Bass, Clear Call Quality, Up to 30hr Battery Life, Alexa & Google Assistant, IOS & Android - Forest Gra...£179.00
£118.00
Overall, the type of noise cancellation that is right for you, in fact, depends on how you’ll be using the device and in what situations. The usage cases of noise cancelling headphones vary from listening to music or watching a movie, making a call or working in a noisy office, or simply wearing the headphones to block out ambient noise.
A better question would be to ask yourself: “What do I need noise cancelling headphones for?” The answer to this question will help you decide.
