Looking for the best noise cancelling headphones 2025?
Noise cancelling technology has become essential for travelers, professionals, and music lovers who want crystal-clear sound without distractions. In this guide, we review and compare five of the best noise cancelling headphones: Bose QuietComfort, Sony WH-1000XM4, Beats Studio Pro, Soundcore Q20i, and JBL Live 460NC. We’ll highlight battery life, comfort, ANC performance, and value to help you pick the perfect pair for work, travel, or everyday use.
Top 5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025 Compared
🥇 Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort is often regarded as the benchmark for best noise cancelling headphones 2025. These headphones deliver world-class ANC that blocks out everything from plane engines to office chatter. The sound signature is balanced, with crystal-clear mids, smooth treble, and a pleasant bass thump. The 24-hour battery life, combined with a quick 15-minute charge for 4 hours of playback, makes them ideal for long commutes or flights.
Pros
- Class-leading ANC that cancels even low-frequency hum
- Balanced sound profile, suitable for all genres
- Extremely soft ear cushions and adjustable headband
- Compact folding design
- Strong companion app support
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Slightly limited EQ customization
Best For: Travelers and professionals who need quiet environments for focus and comfort.
🥈 Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium
The Sony WH-1000XM4 remain a strong competitor in the best ANC headphones category in 2025. Their advanced noise cancellation adapts to your environment, reducing everything from traffic noise to keyboard clicks. They offer 30 hours of battery life and support quick charging. Sony’s app allows detailed EQ adjustment and personalized sound profiles.
Pros
- Adaptive ANC with industry-leading performance
- 30-hour battery with 10-minute quick charge = 5 hours playback
- Lightweight build for all-day wear
- Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
- Smart features: Speak-to-chat, wear detection
Cons
- Bulky case for portability
- Slightly warm on ears after long sessions
Best For: Commuters and students who want strong ANC and smart customization options.
🥉 Beats Studio Pro Wireless
The Beats Studio Pro stand out in the noise cancelling headphones for travel market for their stylish design and excellent Apple ecosystem integration. They feature immersive spatial audio and a booming bass signature. Battery life is 40 hours, making them ideal for long trips.
Pros
- Long 40-hour battery life
- Immersive spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- Premium build quality
- Foldable and compact
- Seamless Apple integration
Cons
- Bass-heavy tuning not ideal for classical/jazz
- ANC not as powerful as Sony/Bose
- Lacks customizable EQ
Best For: Apple users seeking travel-friendly headphones with long battery life and bold sound.
💰 Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid ANC
For those looking for the best budget noise cancelling headphones, the Soundcore Q20i are unbeatable. Despite their low price, they offer strong hybrid ANC, 40-hour battery, and surprisingly rich audio. They are lightweight and comfortable for daily use.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- 40 hours battery, 60 in standard mode
- Lightweight and foldable
- USB-C fast charging
- Multipoint Bluetooth
Cons
- Plastic build feels basic
- ANC less effective for human voices
- Limited app support
Best For: Budget-conscious students, office workers, or anyone new to ANC headphones.
🎧 JBL Live 460NC Wireless On-Ear
The JBL Live 460NC are among the top headphones 2025 for battery endurance and portability. Their on-ear design is compact and foldable, ideal for gym or casual use. With 50-hour battery life, they outperform many over-ear rivals.
Pros
- 50-hour battery with quick charge
- Lightweight on-ear fit
- Voice assistants (Alexa, Google)
- Custom EQ via JBL App
- Foldable and portable
Cons
- On-ear pressure can get uncomfortable over time
- ANC is average in noisy areas
- Lacks deep bass
Best For: Casual users who want ultra-long battery life in a compact design.
📊 Comparison Table
| Model | Battery | ANC | Comfort | Sound | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort | 24h | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
| Sony WH-1000XM4 | 30h | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
| Beats Studio Pro | 40h | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | $$$ |
| Soundcore Q20i | 40h | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | $ |
| JBL Live 460NC | 50h | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | $$ |
💡 Buying Tips
- Look for at least 30 hours battery for travel or work use
- Comfort is critical: memory foam pads and lightweight frames reduce fatigue
- Multipoint Bluetooth helps if you switch between phone/laptop
- Companion apps allow EQ tuning and ANC control
- Always check warranty and replaceable parts availability
When looking for the best noise cancelling headphones 2025, focus on models with at least 30 hours of battery life. If you travel often, noise cancelling headphones for travel like the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer adaptive ANC and multipoint Bluetooth. For budget-conscious buyers, best budget noise cancelling headphones such as the Soundcore Q20i deliver solid ANC without breaking the bank. Always compare features to find the top headphones 2025 that balance comfort, sound quality, and price.
❓ FAQ
Q1: How long do noise cancelling headphones batteries last?
A1: Most premium models last 30–50 hours on a single charge. Budget models last 25–40 hours.
Q2: Are ANC headphones safe for daily use?
A2: Yes, ANC is safe. It reduces ambient noise and prevents users from increasing volume too much.
Q3: Do noise cancelling headphones work on planes?
A3: Absolutely. ANC is highly effective against low-frequency engine noise on flights.
Q4: Are expensive ANC headphones worth it?
A4: Yes, if you want top-tier comfort, ANC strength, and audio clarity, premium models are worth it.
📌 Conclusion
These five models represent the best noise cancelling headphones 2025. Bose and Sony lead in ANC quality and comfort, Beats offer immersive sound and long battery, while Soundcore and JBL deliver unbeatable value. Choose based on your lifestyle: travel, study, work, or casual listening, and enjoy distraction-free audio anywhere.
