2024’s Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Hey there, are you someone who values peace and quiet? Maybe you’re a frequent traveler annoyed by the constant rumble of airplane engines or a student struggling to study in a noisy dorm or apartment. You’ve come to the right place. We’ve tested the latest and greatest noise-canceling headphones on the market in 2024 so you can find the perfect pair to block out the world.

Whether you want to escape the cacophony of the city or just immerse yourself in your music, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our picks of the best noise-canceling headphones for every need and budget. Your oasis of calm is just a click away.

Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose NC 700, Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2, Apple AirPods Max, and Focal Bathys are the top contenders for the best noise-canceling headphones in 2024.


Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony WH-1000XM5

Soaring to the top of 2024’s best noise-canceling headphones list is Sony’s WH-1000XM5. Known for its advanced noise-canceling technology and high-quality sound isolation, this model doesn’t disappoint.

An upgrade from its predecessor, the praised WH-1000XM4, it boasts a comfortable over-ear design that allows you to jam out all day without any discomfort.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 uses multiple microphones to deliver effective noise reduction and block out those annoying high and mid-frequency sounds, taking your audio experience to the next level.

No wonder it’s one of the most searched-for headphones along with Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700! All these remarkable features make Sony’s WH-1000XM5 an exceptional choice if you’re hunting for premium noise-blocking headphones for enhanced sound clarity.

Read Detailed Review!

What We Like

  • Well-built design
  • ANC performance
  • Outstanding microphone
  • App features, including custom EQ
  • Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, LDAC, and wired connectivity options
  • Bluetooth multipoint
  • Find My Device enabled
  • Long Battery Life

What We Don’t Like

  • No IP rating

bose headphone 700

Bose Noise Cancelling 700

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are a popular choice for their exceptional noise-canceling capabilities, sound quality, and call performance.

With adjustable noise cancellation and innovative Conversation Mode, they offer an unparalleled auditory experience. The sleek design and comfortable fit make them ideal for extended wear.

The headphones boast an eight-microphone system for crystal-clear calls and voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Capacitive touch controls and physical buttons provide convenient management.

However, their high price compared to competitors and lack of folding hinges may deter some buyers. Overall, the Bose 700 headphones are a top-notch choice for premium audio and call performance.

See Detailed Review!

Pros

  • Great active noise canceling
  • Sleek design
  • Comfortable fit
  • Low latency over wired connection
  • Good recording quality

Cons

  • Bulky design

Airpods Max With Plants

Apple AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max – the best noise cancelling headphones you can snag in 2024. As high-end over-ear headphones, they’re brimming with cutting-edge audio technology that ensures a premium and immersive listening experience.

Forget about pesky ambient sounds; these bad boys come fitted with top-tier noise cancellation tech that transports you into your very own sonic world.

Their outstanding high-fidelity sound quality and adaptive equalization set them apart from their peers, which includes powerhouses like the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.

And we’re not done yet! The superior build quality of the AirPods Max is another perk to rave about – it’s simply unmatched in today’s market!

Let’s also talk spatial audio technology – an amazing feature that contributes massively to their superb sound reproduction capabilities, making each song feel like a live performance right inside your head!

So if you have been saving up for some serious eargasmic delights, look no further than these beauties – available at reputable online retailers such as Amazon.

See Detailed Review!

Pros

  • Excellent design and solid build quality
  • Amazing active noise canceling and transparency mode
  • Comfortable ear pads and fabric headband
  • Decent battery life
  • Button and digital crown are great to use
  • Good sound quality with no distortion
  • Bluetooth 5.0

Cons

  • Heavy, bulky design
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack

Focal Bathys

Focal Bathys

The Focal Bathys headphones are the epitome of cutting-edge wireless headphone technology. Designed for those seeking an enhanced and immersive audio experience, these high-end noise-canceling headphones boast advanced noise reduction technology that effectively blocks out unwanted background noise.

With dual noise cancellation modes, including a specialized “Silent” mode optimized for maximum noise reduction, you can immerse yourself in your favorite music or podcasts without any distractions.

Priced at $800, the Focal Bathys are premium-priced, but they deliver a sound quality that is unparalleled in the market. These audiophile-friendly headphones even support lossless audio up to 24-bit/192kHz, ensuring every note and beat is reproduced with utmost precision.

Plus, with convenient wireless connectivity through Bluetooth 5.1 and active noise cancellation capabilities, you’re guaranteed both convenience and superior sound when using the Focal Bathys headphones.

Pros

  • Sound quality
  • USB-DAC mode available
  • Comfort
  • Durability
  • Very good noise isolation performance

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Weight

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

Upgrading your audio experience to a whole new level, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 stands as one of the best noise cancelling headphones in 2024. This luxurious headphone is hailed for its superior noise cancellation, enhanced by advanced sound engineering and exquisite design.

Riding on wireless connectivity for convenience, this headset doesn’t disappoint when it comes to delivering impeccable audio quality, making it an essential gear for travel and commuting.

The PX7 S2 goes beyond being merely aesthetically pleasing with its premium construction. It also sets impressive standards in technical capabilities, sporting such features as new drive units, unique geometry and fresh microphones designed specifically for cellular phone use.

However, these high-performing headphones come with limited control options and are notably pricey compared to competitors. Despite this caveat, they remain our top choice among noise-canceling headphones due largely to their sophisticated balanced sound output.

See Full Review

Pros

  • Great ANC
  • Insightful, clean, focused sound
  • Great Build Quality
  • Decent Battery Life
  • Supports multi-device pairing

Cons

  • No mini jack input
  • Not Recommended For Spatial audio
  • Disappointing wear-sensor

Best In-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

Experience superior noise cancellation on the go with the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, Sony WF-1000XM4, Anker Soundcore Liberty 4, Google Pixel Buds Pro, and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen).

Ready to discover which one suits you best?

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is one of the top-rated in-ear noise cancelling headphones of 2024. Using advanced noise cancellation technology, these earbuds effectively block out both low-frequency and higher-frequency sounds, ensuring an immersive audio experience.

What sets them apart is their customizable sound profiles, allowing you to tailor the sound to your personal preferences. With all-day comfort for extended wear, these sleek and stylish earbuds provide a snug fit that won’t cause discomfort even during long listening sessions.

Offering seamless wireless connectivity and a compact size, they are perfect for on-the-go use. Tech experts highly recommend the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II for their exceptional performance and long battery life with the included charging case.

These facts show why the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II stand out as the best in-ear noise cancelling headphones of 2024. Their advanced technology ensures superior noise cancellation while delivering lifelike audio quality.

The ability to customize sound profiles adds another layer of personalization to your listening experience. Additionally, their comfortable design allows for extended wear without any discomfort or fatigue.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • App-supported updates
  • Auto-EQ feature
  • Solid battery life
  • Decent call quality

Cons

  • No Multipoint Connectivity
  • Price

Sony WF-1000XM4

Sony WF-1000XM4

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are truly something special when it comes to noise-canceling headphones. These wireless in-ear wonders provide exceptional sound quality and cutting-edge noise cancellation technology that will transport you into a world of immersive audio bliss.

With their expertly tuned audio performance, you can expect crystal-clear sound and highly effective noise isolation. Plus, the extended battery life ensures that you can enjoy your favorite tunes or make phone calls all day long without interruption.

And let’s not forget their seamless wireless connectivity and sweatproof design, making them perfect for workouts or outdoor activities. Trust me, if you’re looking for top-rated in-ear noise-canceling headphones with enhanced sound quality and superior wireless capabilities, the Sony WF-1000XM4 should be at the top of your list!

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • ANC can block out ambient chatter
  • 360 Reality Audio support
  • Excellent Isolation, ANC
  • Foam ear tips
  • IPX4 rating
  • Bluetooth 5.2  SBC, AAC, and LDAC

Cons

  • Lacking ear tip choices
  • Bad Recording Quality

Google Pixel Buds Pro

Google Pixel Buds Pro

The Google Pixel Buds Pro are wireless earbuds that feature active noise cancellation, making them one of the best in-ear noise cancelling headphones available. These earbuds deliver improved sound quality and effectively reduce low-frequency rumble for a distraction-free listening experience.

They also come with a transparency mode, allowing users to hear their surroundings when needed. With an ergonomic design for a comfortable and secure fit, the Pixel Buds Pro adapt to your ears for long-lasting comfort.

Plus, they offer customizable sound settings so you can personalize your audio experience. Positive reviews praise their active noise cancellation, audio quality, and transparency mode.

In 2024, the Pixel Buds Pro are recognized as one of the top contenders in the best noise cancelling headphones category alongside major brands like Sony, Apple, Bose, Jabra, and Beats.

Pros

  • Good active noise cancellation
  • Hands-free Google Assistant access
  • Consistent audio delivery
  • Multipoint support
  • Fast, wireless, and USB-C charging
  • Battery Life

Cons

  • AAC and SBC codecs only, no aptX
  • Fit is a bit loose

Apple AirPods Pro

Apple AirPods Pro (second-generation)

The second-generation Apple AirPods Pro are among the best in-ear noise-canceling headphones available in 2024. With advanced H2 chip technology, these wireless earphones offer up to two times better noise cancellation compared to their predecessor.

The upgraded transparency mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings when needed, providing an immersive audio experience. Priced at $249, the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) deliver a premium audio quality and enhanced performance.

These innovative earphones from Apple utilize cutting-edge audio technology, ensuring high-quality sound and reducing unwanted background noise for a superior listening experience.

Pros

  • Active noise canceling and Adaptive Transparency modes
  • Great auto-wear detection
  • Water-resistant buds and case
  • Good fit with four ear tip options (XS-L)
  • New swipe volume controls
  • Better battery life (6 hours)
  • Upgraded microphones

Cons

  • Charges via lightning cable
  • Old design

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 is a top level contender for the best budget-priced in-ear noise-cancelling headphones. These affordable earbuds offer an immersive audio experience, delivering clear and rich sound quality that rivals more expensive options.

With advanced noise reduction technology, they effectively block out ambient noise by up to 98.5%, ensuring a peaceful listening session. The innovative audio effects, powered by ACAA 3.0 technology, provide crisp and immersive spatial audio with 360° sound, enhancing your overall music or movie experience.

Not only do these earbuds excel in performance, but they are also comfortable for extended wear due to their smaller size compared to previous models like the Liberty Air 2 Pro. For fitness enthusiasts, the Liberty 4 even comes equipped with a heart rate monitoring feature.

Pros

  • Powerful and articulate audio
  • Decent noise cancellation
  • Spatial audio support
  • Comfortable
  • Great Build Quality

Cons

  • Limited control options
  • Spatial audio rapidly drains the battery

Best Mid-Priced Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

Looking for mid-priced over-ear noise-canceling headphones that won’t break the bank? Check out our top picks for 2024 and find your perfect balance of quality and affordability. Stay tuned to discover the best options!

Anker Soundcore Space Q45

Anker Soundcore Space Q45

The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 is one of the best mid-priced over-ear noise-canceling headphones. With solid audio quality and effective noise cancellation, these headphones offer a great combination of performance and affordability.

The sleek design and ergonomic build provide comfort for long listening sessions, while the advanced noise reduction technology can reduce up to 98% of surrounding sounds. With up to 50 hours of playtime, you can enjoy uninterrupted music on your journeys.

The Space Q45 headphones have been highly praised for their sound quality, comfort, and aesthetics, making them a popular choice among users. At just $149, they deliver exceptional value for high-quality ANC headphones that rival top-tier models like the Sony WH-1000XM4.

Pros

  • Outstanding noise cancelling performance
  • Multipoint connectivity
  • Wired connection
  • Comfort
  • Battery life and efficient fast charging

Cons

  • Finicky app experience

Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones are a fantastic option for those looking for mid-priced over-ear headphones in 2024. These headphones come with dedicated microphones that ensure crystal-clear call quality by isolating your voice from the background noise.

With Bluetooth 5.0 technology, you can enjoy seamless wireless connectivity and the freedom to move around without any hassle. The bass-enhanced audio experience and adjustable sound equalizer make listening to music a treat for your ears.

Not only are these headphones affordable, but they also provide decent noise cancellation capabilities, making them perfect for silencing distractions at work or during airplane travel.

See Full Review!

Pros

  • Comfortable and well-built
  • Over 22 hours of continuous playback time
  • Decent noise cancellation
  • Excellent sound for the price

Cons

  • Fatiguing highs
  • Bulky

Factors to Consider When Shopping for Noise-Canceling Headphones

When shopping for noise-canceling headphones, it’s important to consider factors such as sound quality, battery life, wireless connectivity, compatibility with devices, and comfort and fit.

Sound quality

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing noise-canceling headphones is their sound quality. Manufacturers are focusing on creating headphones that not only cancel out unwanted noise but also deliver exceptional audio performance.

Achieving a balance between effective noise cancellation and crystal clear sound can be challenging, but there are standout options available.

The Apple AirPods Max offers well-balanced sound with excellent clarity and impressive noise cancellation, making it an ideal choice for Apple users.

Another top contender is the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, praised for its great sound quality and immersive audio experience.

When shopping for noise-canceling headphones this year, make sure to prioritize models that provide enhanced sound performance without compromising on noise reduction capabilities.

Battery life

Battery life is a crucial consideration when shopping for noise-canceling headphones, especially if you plan to use them for extended periods. You want headphones that can keep up with your lifestyle and won’t leave you stranded without music or silence when you need it most.

The new headphone models in 2024 are designed with improved battery capacity, offering longer usage times of up to 30 hours with noise canceling enabled. Some models even have quick charging capabilities, ensuring shorter charging times and longer listening sessions.

So whether you’re jamming out on your daily commute or trying to find some peace and quiet during a long flight, make sure to choose headphones that can go the distance.

Wireless connectivity

Wireless connectivity is a crucial factor to consider when shopping for noise-cancelling headphones. With advancements in technology, many headphones now offer Bluetooth 5.0 as a wireless connectivity option.

This ensures a stable and high-quality connection between your headphones and your device, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted music or calls without the hassle of tangled wires.

Whether you’re commuting, working out, or simply relaxing at home, the convenience of wireless connectivity allows you to move freely without worrying about cords getting in your way.

So, when searching for the best noise-cancelling headphones for 2024, be sure to prioritize models that offer seamless wireless connectivity for an enhanced audio experience on the go.

Compatibility with devices

When it comes to finding the best noise-canceling headphones, one important factor to consider is their compatibility with devices. Top headphone models prioritize being compatible with various devices to enhance the user experience.

Whether you use a smartphone, tablet, or computer, having headphones that seamlessly connect and work well with your devices can make a huge difference.

With Bluetooth connectivity and advanced technology like adaptive noise cancellation, these headphones ensure that you can enjoy high-quality audio without any hiccups.

So whether you’re an Android user or an Apple aficionado, there are options available that will cater to your device preferences and provide an exceptional listening experience.

Comfort and fit

Comfort and fit are crucial factors to consider when shopping for noise-canceling headphones. You want a pair that not only blocks out unwanted noise but also feels great on your ears.

With long battery life and easy setup, you can enjoy uninterrupted music or movies without any discomfort. Brands like Bose, Sony, and Apple offer excellent options with adjustable headbands and cushioned ear cups that provide a snug and comfortable fit.

Whether you’re using them during air travel or at work, having noise-canceling headphones that feel good on your head ensures a pleasant listening experience throughout the day.


How We Test Noise Cancelling Headphones

To ensure that we bring you the most accurate and reliable information, we follow a rigorous testing process when evaluating noise-canceling headphones. Here’s how we put these headphones to the test:

  1. Sound Quality: We assess the overall sound performance of each pair of headphones, paying close attention to clarity, balance, and depth of sound. We evaluate how effectively the noise cancellation technology reduces external distractions and enhances audio immersion.
  2. Noise Cancellation Effectiveness: We test the effectiveness of the noise cancellation feature in different environments, including busy streets, crowded cafes, and airplane cabins. We measure how well the headphones block out ambient noise without compromising the quality of the audio playback.
  3. Battery Life: Our team thoroughly tests each pair of headphones’ battery life by continuously playing music with noise cancellation enabled until they run out of power. We take note of both manufacturer claims and real-world usage to give you an accurate estimate of how long you can enjoy uninterrupted listening.
  4. Wireless Connectivity: We evaluate each headphone’s wireless connectivity options, including Bluetooth stability and range. We test their compatibility with various devices and assess any additional features like multi-device pairing or voice assistant integration.
  5. Comfort and Fit: Comfort is crucial when it comes to long listening sessions. We consider factors such as earpad materials, adjustability, weight distribution, and headband pressure to determine if the headphones are comfortable for extended use. Fit plays a significant role in noise isolation effectiveness as well.
  6. Durability: Our team examines build quality, materials used, and overall durability to ensure that your investment is built to last.
  7. User Experience: We take into account user reviews and feedback from various sources to gain insights into common issues or standout features reported by users.

The top 10 best noise cancelling headphones in 2024 include models from popular brands such as Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, and Jabra. These headphones offer exceptional sound quality and advanced noise cancellation technology.

Noise cancelling technology in headphones works by using built-in microphones to detect ambient sounds around you. The headphones then produce an opposite sound wave to cancel out the unwanted noise, allowing you to enjoy your music or audio without distractions.

Wireless noise cancelling headphones offer more convenience and freedom of movement since they don’t require a physical connection to your device. However, wired noise cancelling headphones may provide slightly better audio quality due to the direct connection.

Yes, most noise cancelling headphones have a built-in microphone that allows you to make and receive phone calls while wearing them. These microphones are designed to pick up your voice clearly while filtering out background noises for improved call quality.

Absolutely. If you live or work in a noisy environment, commute frequently, or just value peace and quiet, noise-canceling headphones are a game changer. By using tiny microphones to pick up ambient sound waves and produce inverse waves to block them out, noise-canceling headphones can hush annoying ambient noises so you can enjoy your music, podcasts, audiobooks, or just blissful silence.

Noise-canceling headphones use active noise control to block out consistent ambient noise like engine rumble, HVAC systems or crowd chatter. They are less effective at blocking out sudden, irregular noises like people talking or doors slamming. However, many models now also provide passive noise isolation using plush earcups and padding that physically block more erratic noises.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the year 2024 offers a range of exceptional noise-canceling headphones that cater to different preferences and budgets. From the top-performing Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones to the discreet Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, there is something for everyone seeking premium sound quality and superior noise reduction.

Whether you’re an audiophile or simply want to enjoy the sound of silence, these cutting-edge headphones are sure to elevate your music listening experience. Upgrade today and immerse yourself in a world of high-quality audio with the best noise-canceling headphones.

Author at Budsera
Bilal Naeem is the Tech Gadgets Reviewer and Author of Budsera.com, He was born in Pakistan and has lived most of his life in Lahore. He loves to write about Technology and Gadgets. You can visit his site https://budsera.com. (Get the earbuds Habit!)
Bilal Naeem

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