Drowning out the distractions of a busy office or the drone of airplane engines is key to focused work and relaxing travel. Noise-canceling headphones have become essential for both professionals and adventurers alike. But with a saturated market of options, finding the best noise-canceling headphones for your specific needs can feel overwhelming.
This is where we come in. We’ve researched and tested a range of models to bring you a curated list of the top-performing noise-canceling headphones, considering factors like comfort, sound quality, battery life, and special features. Whether you prioritize crystal-clear audio calls, immersive music listening, or simply a peaceful sanctuary amidst the chaos, our guide will help you discover the perfect pair to elevate your work and travel experiences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are the current flagship model in Sony’s acclaimed noise-canceling lineup. They boast industry-leading noise cancellation that effectively silences distractions, making them ideal for both busy work environments and long flights.
Audio quality is exceptional, with a focus on clarity and a wide soundstage. The XM5s also feature improved call quality with precise voice pickup.
While comfort is subjective, the XM5s are designed with plush earcups and a lightweight build for extended wear. They offer a sleek and modern aesthetic, although their design doesn’t allow them to fold flat like previous models.
Battery life is excellent, providing around 30 hours of playback with ANC enabled. They also offer quick charging capabilities for those on the go.
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones deliver a premium listening experience with top-tier noise cancellation, making them a strong contender for the best noise-canceling headphones for work and travel.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are a premium choice for those seeking a combination of excellent noise cancellation, sophisticated design, and impressive call clarity.
These headphones excel in blocking out distractions, making them ideal for both bustling workspaces and long flights. Their sleek and modern design is complemented by comfortable earcups, ensuring a pleasant listening experience even during extended use.
A standout feature of the Bose 700 is the advanced microphone system that sets a new standard for call quality in the headphone market. Your voice is captured with remarkable clarity, effectively minimizing background noise for seamless communication.
Apple AirPods Max
Apple’s AirPods Max make a statement with their luxurious design, featuring a breathable knit mesh canopy and memory foam earcups. They deliver high-fidelity audio alongside impressive active noise cancellation that rivals the best on the market.
While they’re on the pricier side, the superior sound quality, comfortable fit, and seamless integration with Apple devices make them a compelling choice for Apple users seeking a premium listening experience for both work and travel.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones deliver exceptional noise cancellation alongside impressive sound quality. Their comfortable design makes them ideal for long flights or busy work environments.
A major strength of these headphones is their battery life. They can last for an outstanding 60 hours on a single charge, outperforming most competitors. The Transparency Mode is also noteworthy, allowing you to hear your surroundings without taking off the headphones.
While the touch controls are responsive, some users may miss having physical buttons. Overall, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones offer a premium listening experience with top-tier noise cancellation, making them a strong contender for both work and travel.
Jabra Elite 85h
The Jabra Elite 85h headphones are a strong contender for both work and travel, thanks to their impressive comfort and noise-cancelation capabilities.
The adjustable ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) lets you personalize the level of noise blocking, which is excellent for adapting to different environments. The battery life is also a highlight, boasting up to 36 hours of playtime with ANC activated, ensuring you stay immersed in work or entertained during long journeys.
While their sound quality is good overall, they don’t quite reach the audiophile-grade levels of some competitors. However, with features like SmartSound, which automatically adjusts audio based on your surroundings, and comfortable earcups designed for extended wear, the Jabra Elite 85h headphones are a reliable and practical option for those seeking a balance of features and performance.
Beats Studio3 Wireless
Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones offer a combination of style and effective noise cancellation, making them a popular choice for both work and travel. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) continuously blocks out external sound, creating a more immersive listening experience, whether you’re focused on work or escaping the drone of an airplane engine.
The iconic Beats design is known for its comfort, and the Studio3 doesn’t disappoint. The earcups provide a snug fit, and with up to 22 hours of battery life, they’re reliable for even the longest journeys. Seamless integration with Apple devices via the W1 chip ensures quick pairing and stable connectivity, a major plus for Apple users.
While the sound quality is generally well-regarded, some audiophiles find it a bit bass-heavy. However, for those who enjoy a punchy and energetic sound profile, the Beats Studio3 deliver.
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 offer a comfortable and stylish listening experience with effective noise cancellation. They excel in office settings thanks to their intuitive on-ear controls for adjusting volume and noise cancellation levels.
While their noise cancellation may not be the absolute best in the market, the Surface Headphones 2 compensate with impressive sound quality. The audio is well-balanced and clear, making them suitable for various music genres and podcasts. Additionally, the battery life is commendable, providing up to 20 hours of playback time.
If you’re deeply embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem, the Surface Headphones 2 offer seamless integration with Windows devices and Microsoft Teams. However, they also work well with other devices via Bluetooth.
Shure AONIC 50
The Shure AONIC 50 headphones are a premium option for those seeking excellent noise cancellation and impressive sound quality. Shure leverages its expertise in audio engineering to deliver a balanced and detailed soundscape that caters to both casual listeners and audiophiles.
The AONIC 50 boasts adjustable noise cancellation, allowing you to control the level of ambient sound you want to let in. This makes them versatile for various environments, from a bustling office to a noisy airplane cabin.
Comfort is another strong suit, with plush earcups and a well-padded headband that remain comfortable even during long listening sessions. Battery life is also a highlight, offering up to 20 hours of playtime with noise cancellation enabled.
While the AONIC 50 comes at a higher price point compared to some competitors, the combination of exceptional audio quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable design makes it a worthy investment for discerning listeners.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 are a premium pair of noise-canceling headphones that excel in both sound quality and design.
Pros:
- Exceptional audio quality with deep bass and clear highs.
- Effective noise cancellation that minimizes distractions.
- Comfortable fit for extended wear, even with glasses.
- Sleek and stylish design with high-quality materials.
Cons:
- Pricey compared to some competitors.
- Touch controls can be a bit sensitive at times.
The PX7 headphones are perfect for professionals who demand the best audio experience for both work and travel. The active noise cancellation effectively blocks out office chatter and airplane noise, while the exceptional sound quality brings music and podcasts to life.
AKG N700NC M2
The AKG N700NC M2 headphones offer a well-rounded package for both work and travel. These over-ear headphones deliver impressive noise cancellation, effectively silencing distractions in busy offices or during commutes.
Comfort is a key feature, with plush earcups and a well-padded headband allowing for extended wear without fatigue. Battery life is also a strong point, providing up to 23 hours of playback with ANC activated, ensuring uninterrupted listening throughout long journeys or workdays.
While the N700NC M2 may not boast the absolute best sound quality in its class, it still delivers a balanced and enjoyable audio experience suitable for various genres. The inclusion of a transparency mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings when needed, a convenient feature for office environments.
