Noise-cancelling headphones are incredibly useful devices. They can sound out the noise to help you hear your music more clearly, focus while you study and even sleep better. To help you find the best noise-canceling headphones for your needs and budget, we’ve created this buying guide.
Top products in this article
Apple AirPods Pro 2, $200 (reduced from $249)
Soundcore by Anker Life noise-canceling headphones, $72 after coupon (reduced from $80)
JBL Tune 130NC noise-canceling wireless earbuds, $100
With so many top headphone brands offering noise-canceling headphones now, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy. That’s why we’ve compiled the best noise-canceling headphones across different purposes, categories and budgets to help you find the noise-cancelling headphone that is best for you.
Keep reading to explore the best noise-canceling headphones in 2023. There’s a deal on the Apple AirPods Pro 2 that you won’t want to miss.
Best budget noise cancelling headphones
Looking for the best budget noise-cancelling headphones? Check out our selections.
Soundcore by Anker Life noise-canceling headphones
These Soundcore by Anker Life headphones feature dual noise-detecting microphones that pick up and filter out up to 95% of low-frequency ambient noise. The Anker Soundcore Life headphones offer 40 hours of playback time on a single charge and feature ultra-soft leather earcups with memory foam padding for a pressure-free fit.
Soundcore by Anker Life noise-canceling headphones, $72 after coupon (reduced from $80)
JLab Studio Pro ANC Bluetooth wireless over-ear headphones
These JLab Studio Pro noise canceling headphones offer 45 hours of wireless playtime. The headphones include cloud foam cushions around the ears, which are easily adjustable for a comfortable fit. They also have a built-in microphone with a voice assistant for hands-free calling.
JLab Studio Pro Bluetooth wireless over-ear headphones, $80 (reduced from $99)
JBL Tune 130NC noise-canceling wireless earbuds
These JBL earbuds feature advanced noise-canceling technology for a solid price. You can connect the earbuds to the JBL app to activate noise-canceling or ambient-aware noise-canceling. They offer a 40-hour battery life without noise-canceling or 32 hours of battery life with noise-canceling engaged.
They are designed to offer JBL’s pure bass sound, though users can easily adjust the sound to fit their preferences in the app. The earbuds are also water-resistant and sweat-proof.
JBL Tune 130NC noise-canceling wireless earbuds, $100
Best noise canceling headphones for sleeping in 2023
Noise-canceling headphones aren’t just for music; many people also use them while they’re sleeping. If your partner snores or you live in a loud area, noise-canceling headphones can help you get a better nights sleep.
Bose SleepBuds II
Sleepbuds are headphones specifically designed for sleeping. They don’t stream music or podcasts like regular headphones. Instead, they deliver relaxing and noise-masking sounds to help you drown out snoring or other noises and sleep peacefully.
Best Bose noise canceling headphones
Check out the best wireless noise-canceling headphones and earbuds from Bose.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Bose products are known for their excellent sound quality, and the new Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are no exception. They claim to offer the world’s best active noise cancellation, and have a new CustomTune technology that auto-adjusts music to your ears’ liking. They also have an “aware mode” that pauses noise cancellation for when you need to hear your surroundings. These noise-cancelling earbuds are also water- and sweat-resistant, so you can wear them to the gym.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offer six hours of battery life in a single charge and come with a charging case that holds three additional charges (24 hours of battery life in total). You can control music, answer calls and adjust the volume by simply tapping your earbuds instead of having to use your phone. These Bluetooth 5.3-compatible earbuds are available in black and soapstone colors.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, $249 (reduced from $299)
Bose QuietComfort 35 II wireless noise canceling headphones
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones feature three levels of noise cancelation, as well as a noise-rejecting microphone system for crisp call quality. The headphones maintain balanced audio performance at any volume level.
Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless noise cancelling headphones (silver), $399
Bose QuietComfort 45 wireless noise canceling headphones
The Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones feature high-fidelity audio and 24-hour battery life. You can adjust bass, mid-range and treble levels via a downloadable smartphone app.
Amazon reviewers praise the 4.6-star-rated Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones for their sound quality. One verified reviewer stated that “the overall sound is full, rich and natural, as expected from Bose.”
Bose QuietComfort 45 wireless noise canceling headphones, $279 (reduced from $329)
Best on-ear canceling headphones
On-ear or over-ear noise-canceling headphones are a popular option for those who use their headphones to workout, listen to music or study. They’re a bit too bulky to sleep in, but these stylish and functional headphones are great for blocking out noise.
Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max use active noise-cancelation technology to block out unwanted noise and feature a transparency mode so you can hear what you need to. These headphones feature 20 hours of listening. They come in a variety of colors including blue, green, red and silver. They’re also compatible with Siri.
Apple AirPods Max, $500 (regularly $549)
Sony WH-1000XM5 noise cancelling headphones
These over-ear noise-canceling headphones from Sony offer 30 hours of listening on a single charge, with quick charging that gives up to three hours of playback with three minutes of charge. They also offer one-touch NFC pairing and noise cancellation with ambient sound mode. The Sony WH-1000XM5 offer a sound upgrade over the prior model, the Sony WH-1000XM4.
Sony WH-1000XM5 noise cancelling headphones, $398
Beats Solo3
The on-ear Beats Solo3 may be a good fit for music fans looking for a pair of bright-sounding headphones, especially those partial to rock, folk and country tunes. These headphones support spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience, soft ear foams for comfort, and up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge. They also feature noise-cancelation and Siri voice control.
Treblab over-ear noise-canceling headphones
The Treblab over-ear workout headphones feature advanced active noise cancellation technology and great sound quality. They offer 35 hours of playtime per charge and recharge quickly.
One Amazon reviewer wrote, “I use these at the gym, and they’re perfect. They’re comfortable, hold a charge for a long time, have great sound, are lightweight and stay snug on my head.”
Treblab over-ear workout headphones, $90 (reduced from $120)
Best wireless earbuds with noise cancelation in 2023
While the large over-ear noise cancelation headphones have been quite trendy, many people prefer noise canceling earbuds. Check out the top options below to find the best Apple AirPods for noise cancellation and the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 which are excellent wireless earbuds for Android users.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
The latest Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds have an upgraded wireless chip for improved audio functionality, a new low distortion driver for clearer audio and improved active noise cancelation. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 provide truly custom sound: You can use your iPhone’s camera to analyze your unique ear anatomy and find the perfect audio settings for you.
The design of the AirPods Pro 2 is fairly similar to the previous generation, but Apple has introduced touch control to the AirPods Pro 2 to help users more seamlessly control their AirPods.
Apple AirPods Pro 2, $200 (reduced from $249)
Samsung Galaxy Buds2
Samsung’s highly coveted earbuds, the Galaxy Buds2, make great workout earbuds. Featuring active noise cancelation and ambient sound passthrough, the lightweight Galaxy Buds2 are built for users with an active lifestyle.
One Amazon reviewer shared their experience with these earbuds: “I have no complaints with these at all. I wear them for running and when I do chores around the house, and they have not disappointed me yet! These are well worth the price and I won’t go back to my other earbuds or headphones!”
Samsung Galaxy Buds2, $100 (reduced from $150)
Beats Studio Buds
These sweat-resistant earbuds are ideal for avid runners or gym enthusiasts. They offer two levels of noise-canceling; active noise canceling and transparency mode. Meanwhile, the IPX4 water resistance ensures they’re protected even when you’re sweating on them every day. They come in five colors.
How to choose the right pair of headphones
If you’re not sure how to find the best headphones, we’ve got you covered with answers to your most common headphone shopping questions.
Are noise canceling headphones worth buying?
Noise-canceling headphones can certainly be more expensive than standard headphones or earbuds, but they are worth buying if you plan to make good use of the active noise cancellation features. Noise cancelling headphones are great for limiting outside noise to help you focus while you work out, study, listen to a podcast or take a call. They’re also helpful for sleeping or for people that get overstimulated by a lot of noise.
How much db noise cancelation is best?
The best noise-canceling headphones offer 20-40db of noise cancellation. A higher number indicates greater noise cancellation.
What type of noise cancelation technology is best for sleeping?
If you want to get the best sleep possible, consider headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC). Active noise-canceling earbuds and headphones are most effective at blocking out snoring and outside noise.
