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Hello, my name is Md. Mahiuddin, and for years I’ve been reviewing headphones for different websites. Recently, the founder of ahembeauty.com invited me to take on a challenge: write a detailed, human review of the 6 best noise-cancelling headphones of 2025.
It sounded exciting… but also tricky. There are hundreds of models in the market — each promising crystal-clear sound, perfect comfort, and unbeatable noise reduction. But as you and I both know, advertisements rarely tell the whole story.
So, I decided to test them the way real people would use them — in planes, offices, cafes, crowded streets, and even at home with kids running around. I bought six different models from the market, including over-ear sound eliminating headphones and a couple of noise cancelling headphones earbuds.
Instead of just testing them myself, I handed each one to six different people I trust:
👥 Paul – a frequent flyer who spends half his life in airports.
💻 Rassul – a software engineer who works in a noisy open-plan office.
🎥 Maria – a YouTuber who edits videos in a buzzing neighborhood.
🎓 Susan – a university student living in a busy dormitory.
👩🍳 Shanta – a mother of twins who dreams of a moment of peace.
🎵 Amir – a musician obsessed with pure, distortion-free sound.
Each of them used their assigned headphone for a week, in their normal environment, without any special instructions. They took flights, worked in offices, commuted in traffic, and even tried them at the gym.
After the week was up, we sat down for long conversations about their experiences. I wanted to know:
Did the noise dampening headphones really make life quieter?
Were they comfortable enough for long sessions?
How did music, podcasts, or calls actually sound in the real world?
Were there any annoying features or hidden flaws?
Alongside these personal experiences, I researched expert opinions and compared them with verified user reviews from credible sources like What Hi-Fi, Rtings.com, and Amazon buyers. I also looked at durability, comfort, battery life, portability, and price — because the best sound cancelling headphones aren’t just about blocking noise; they need to fit your lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for good headphones with noise cancelling for work, the best sound proof headphones for travel, or best noise reducing headphones for music at home, this guide is written with real human experience at its core.
So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in. These are the 6 best noise-cancelling headphones of 2025 — tested by real people, explained in a way that makes choosing your perfect pair easy.
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🎧 1. Sony WH-1000XM6
When I handed the Sony WH-1000XM6 to Paul, my frequent-flyer friend, I knew I was giving him something special. He’s the type who spends more time in boarding gates than in his own living room, and he’s tried nearly every noise reduction headset on the market.
His verdict came before he even boarded his next flight:
“Mahi, this is unreal. The gate announcements are still going on, but it feels like someone turned the volume knob of the world all the way down.”
Sony’s WH-1000XM series has always been a benchmark for best sound cancelling headphones, and this sixth-generation model takes everything a step further. With the new QN2e noise-cancelling processor and an advanced 8-microphone system, these sound eliminating headphones adapt in real time to your surroundings.
Paul tested them in three different places — an airport lounge, inside the plane, and in a busy coffee shop. In all three, the XM6 handled low rumbles, mid-frequency chatter, and sudden noises effortlessly. Even during coffee machine bursts and luggage trolley squeaks, his playlist sounded as if it were playing in a private studio.
For me, what sets them apart is the sound tuning. Sony has struck a rare balance: bass that’s deep but not muddy, vocals that are intimate and clear, and highs that sparkle without becoming harsh. Whether it’s jazz, EDM, podcasts, or classical, the XM6 makes it feel alive.
📊 Key Specifications
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Battery Life
Up to 40 hours with ANC on
Fast Charge
10 minutes = 5 hours playback
Bluetooth
5.3 with multipoint pairing (connects to two devices at once)
Weight
250g — light enough for day-long use
Audio Support
LDAC for high-resolution wireless sound
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
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Pros
Industry-leading noise cancellation
Superb sound quality across all genres
Extremely comfortable earcups and headband
Long 40-hour battery with fast charging
Multipoint pairing for work & personal devices
Cons
Premium price tag
Slightly bulky for small bags
No water resistance
Touch controls can be oversensitive
App setup may be confusing for beginners
💬 Paul’s Real-Life Verdict
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Paul’s words after a 10-hour flight from Doha to New York stayed with me:
“These aren’t just noise dampening headphones — they’re a ticket to peace. I watched a movie, listened to a podcast, and even dozed off without once being jolted awake by engine noise or a passenger coughing.”
📢 Expert & User Insights
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What Hi-Fi?
gave the WH-1000XM6 a perfect ★★★★★ rating, praising its “unrivalled noise-cancelling performance and comfort.”
Rtings.com measured a remarkable 95% reduction in low-frequency noise, ideal for flights, trains, and busy offices.
On Amazon, Jason K., a verified buyer and video editor, wrote: “My editing rig has loud fans. These completely remove that hum, and the sound clarity is unmatched.”
Final Thoughts
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The Sony WH-1000XM6 isn’t cheap, but if your work or lifestyle demands the very best in sound proof headphones, they’re worth every cent. They’re not just a purchase; they’re an investment in daily comfort, focus, and peace of mind.
🎧 2. Sony WH-CH720N
When I passed the Sony WH-CH720N to Rassul, he wasn’t convinced they could compete with premium models. As a software engineer working in a noisy open office, he’s used to top-tier gear. But I wanted to see if an affordable pair could deliver serious noise reduction without breaking the bank.
Two days later, I got a message from him:
“Mahi, I think I underestimated these. They’re light, comfortable, and the background chatter is almost gone.”
The WH-CH720N is Sony’s answer for those who want good headphones with noise cancelling but don’t want to spend flagship prices. They use the same noise dampening processor found in higher-end models, just with fewer microphones.
In my own testing, they handled mid-range office sounds and low hums extremely well. They won’t block an airplane engine as effectively as the WH-1000XM6, but for daily commutes, libraries, or office work, they perform impressively.
Rassul noted how light they felt compared to the heavier premium models. At just 192 grams, they’re perfect for all-day wear. He wore them for an 8-hour coding session and didn’t once complain about ear fatigue.
The sound profile is warm and pleasant, with a focus on mids and lows — great for podcasts, video calls, and casual music listening. If you prefer brighter treble, Sony’s Headphones Connect app lets you customize the EQ.
📊 Key Specifications
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Battery Life
Up to 35 hours with ANC on
Fast Charge
3 minutes = 1 hour playback
Bluetooth
5.2 with multipoint pairing
Weight
192g (very lightweight)
Controls
Physical buttons for reliability
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
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Pros
Affordable price with solid ANC
Very lightweight and comfortable
Customizable EQ via app
Long battery life
Multipoint Bluetooth support
Cons
Noise cancelling less powerful than flagship models
No LDAC high-res audio support
Plastic build feels less premium
Lacks premium carrying case
Limited touch control features
💬 Rassul’s Real-Life Verdict
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“These sound reducing headphones make my workday calmer. I don’t hear half the conversations happening around me. For the price, that’s a win.”
📢 Expert & User Insights
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TechRadar
calls them “the sweet spot for price and performance in Sony’s lineup.”
Rtings.com found they block around 75% of office noise, ideal for casual use.
Amazon buyer Sarah L. wrote: “I work in customer service from home. These make my calls clear and block my kids’ cartoons in the background.”
Final Thoughts
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If you want a noise reduction headset that’s affordable, lightweight, and comfortable for hours of use, the Sony WH-CH720N is an excellent choice. They won’t match the best noise cancelling earphones in extreme conditions, but for everyday peace and quiet, they deliver far more than their price suggests.
🎧 3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra
When I handed the Bose QuietComfort Ultra to Maria, our resident YouTuber, she was halfway through editing a travel vlog. Her neighborhood is always buzzing — motorbikes, street vendors, kids playing. She told me her biggest challenge wasn’t the editing itself but staying focused in the middle of that chaos.
An hour after trying them, she sent me a voice note (recorded in total silence):
“Mahi, this is magic. I can’t even hear the rickshaw bell outside. It’s like my house turned into a studio.”
Bose has been a pioneer in best sound proof headphones, and the QuietComfort Ultra is their crown jewel for this year. Their proprietary noise-cancelling algorithm works beautifully for both constant low hums and sudden bursts of sound.
Maria tested them while editing, recording voiceovers, and even during a quick grocery run. In every situation, the sound eliminating headphones created a cocoon of stillness.
The sound signature is pure Bose — smooth, balanced, and natural. There’s no exaggerated bass or overly bright treble. It’s the kind of sound you can listen to for hours without fatigue, making them ideal for work, travel, or casual listening.
📊 Key Specifications
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Battery Life
Up to 24 hours (ANC on)
Bluetooth
5.3 with multipoint pairing
Weight
250g
Special Feature
Bose Immersive Audio for spatial sound
Controls
Physical + touch hybrid controls
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
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Pros
World-class comfort for long sessions
Smooth, balanced audio with great clarity
Exceptional noise cancellation in all environments
Bose Immersive Audio adds depth to music
Durable and well-built
Cons
Battery life is shorter than some rivals
Premium pricing
No LDAC support for high-res audio
Limited customization in app
Carrying case could be slimmer
💬 Maria’s Real-Life Verdict
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“These best sound reducing headphones don’t just cancel noise — they make you forget there was any noise to begin with. I edited an entire video without once being distracted by the outside world.”
📢 Expert & User Insights
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CNET says: “The most comfortable over-ear noise-cancellers you can buy in 2025.”
Rtings.com notes: “Excellent noise cancelling across all frequencies, making them perfect for mixed environments.”
Amazon buyer Daniel P. shared: “I work from home with three kids. These are my lifesaver — Zoom calls are crystal clear.”
Final Thoughts
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If your priority is all-day comfort combined with best-in-class noise cancelling, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is hard to beat. They’re perfect for content creators, professionals, or anyone who values peace and focus over sheer bass power.
4. DALI IO-8
When I gave the DALI IO-8 to Susan, our university student tester, I knew I was handing her something a little different. She lives in a noisy dorm with thin walls and neighbors who think 2 a.m. is the perfect time for karaoke. The next day, she greeted me with a grin:
“Mahi, I put these on last night, and for the first time in weeks, I fell asleep before midnight. It was like muting the entire building.”
DALI is better known for their high-end loudspeakers, but with the IO-8, they’ve brought that audiophile precision into a portable, wireless package. These sound eliminating headphones pair active noise cancellation with a rich, natural sound signature that feels more like sitting in front of premium home speakers than wearing headphones.
Susan tested them in her dorm, the library, and even while walking to class in heavy city traffic. The noise dampening was especially impressive against constant background hums like air conditioners or traffic, though sudden loud noises still leaked through a bit more than Bose or Sony.
What really impressed her was the comfort. The memory foam earpads and lightweight design meant she could wear them for hours without that “head squeeze” some headphones cause.
Key Specifications +
Battery Life: Up to 60 hours with ANC on (class-leading)
Bluetooth: 5.3 with aptX Adaptive & AAC
Weight: 320g
Special Feature: 50mm paper cone drivers for high-fidelity sound
Controls: Physical buttons
Pros & Cons +
Pros
Exceptional battery life (60 hours)
High-fidelity, natural sound
Comfortable memory foam earpads
Premium build quality
aptX Adaptive for low-latency streaming
Cons
ANC slightly less aggressive than rivals
Bulky compared to some competitors
No companion app for customization
Higher price point for students
Less portable case design
Susan’s Real-Life Verdict +
“These best sound reducing headphones make studying so much easier. I can listen to my lectures without being distracted by hallway noise, and the music sounds incredible.”
Expert & User Insights +
What Hi-Fi? praised the IO-8 for “a beautifully balanced, fatigue-free sound” that competes with the very best.
SoundGuys highlighted the massive 60-hour battery life, saying it’s “perfect for long trips or weeks of use without charging.”
Amazon buyer James T. wrote:
“I use them for both music and gaming. The soundstage is huge, and the comfort is unmatched.”
Final Thoughts +
The DALI IO-8 is for listeners who value premium sound quality as much as noise cancellation. While they’re not the absolute strongest at blocking sudden noise, their audiophile-grade sound and unmatched battery life make them a brilliant choice for students, commuters, and anyone who wants a luxurious listening experience without charging every night.
5. Sony WF-C710N
When I handed the Sony WF-C710N earbuds to Shanta, who prefers wireless earphones for her daily jogs and subway commutes, she was curious if such small buds could really deliver effective noise cancelling and great sound. After a week of testing — from busy morning streets to quiet evening runs — she sent me a quick message:
“Mahi, I’m honestly surprised. These little guys block out so much street noise, and the sound is crisp and clear. I feel like I’m in my own world.”
The WF-C710N offers a compact alternative for those seeking the best noise cancelling earphones in a truly wireless format. These earbuds combine Sony’s signature noise dampening technology with a secure, comfortable fit that stays put even during exercise.
Shanta tested the earbuds on her daily walks, subway rides, and even light workouts. She reported the noise cancelling worked well against background traffic and chatter, though louder sudden noises broke through slightly. Still, for their size, they’re impressive.
Sony’s 6mm dynamic drivers produce a well-rounded sound, with a slight emphasis on mids for clear vocals. The Headphones Connect app also allows customizable EQ to fit your listening preference, making them versatile for music lovers and podcast listeners alike.
Key Specifications +
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours total with charging case
Bluetooth: 5.2 with AAC & SBC support
Weight: 6.8g per earbud (ultra-light)
Water Resistance: IPX4 (sweat and splash resistant)
Controls: Touch controls with voice assistant compatibility
Pros & Cons +
Pros
Excellent noise cancelling for true wireless earbuds
Long battery life with quick charging
Lightweight and comfortable for prolonged wear
Water-resistant for workouts
Customizable sound via app
Cons
ANC not as powerful as over-ear models
May feel a bit small for some ear shapes
No wireless charging on the case
Touch controls can be sensitive
Mid-range bass response may not satisfy bassheads
Shanta’s Real-Life Verdict +
“I took them on every run and walk this week, and the noise cancelling kept the city noise down while letting me hear traffic warnings. The sound is great for podcasts, and they stay put even when I sweat.”
Expert & User Insights +
TechRadar praised the WF-C710N as “a fantastic budget-friendly ANC earbud with solid sound and comfort.”
CNET noted their “impressive noise cancelling for the price and size.”
Amazon reviewer Priya said:
“I love how light and comfortable they are — I forget I’m even wearing them sometimes.”
Final Thoughts +
The Sony WF-C710N are ideal for those who want the freedom of wireless earbuds but still demand good noise cancellation and sound quality. They excel for everyday use, fitness, and commuting, making them a versatile, affordable choice in 2025’s crowded ANC earbud market.
6. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
I handed the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds to Amir, who is always on the go — commuting, working from coffee shops, and traveling frequently. He’s very picky about earbuds because he hates bulky or uncomfortable designs. After a week, Amir told me:
“Mahi, these earbuds blew me away. They fit snugly, block city noise beautifully, and the sound quality is pure Bose. I’m hooked.”
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds represent the pinnacle of noise cancelling headphones earbuds in a tiny package. Bose packed industry-leading sound proof headphones technology into earbuds that fit comfortably and securely, even during long wear.
Amir found the earbuds excel at cancelling continuous noise like traffic and airplane hum, while still allowing him to hear important announcements with transparency mode. The sound profile is balanced and lively — bass is punchy but controlled, mids are clear, and highs are smooth.
Their advanced microphones ensure crystal-clear calls, which Amir tested during many Zoom meetings. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 and have a solid battery life that lasts all day with quick charging in the case.
Key Specifications +
Battery Life: Up to 6 hours per charge; 24 hours with case
Bluetooth: 5.3 with multipoint support
Weight: 8.4g per earbud
Water Resistance: IPX4
Special Feature: Active EQ adapts sound in real time
Controls: Touch controls with voice assistant support
Pros &
Cons +
Pros
World-class ANC in earbuds format
Comfortable, secure fit for all-day use
Balanced, dynamic sound quality
Excellent call quality with multiple mics
Transparency mode for situational awareness
Cons
Battery life shorter than over-ear models
Limited customization options
Touch controls may be sensitive
Case size a bit bulky
Amir’s Real-Life Verdict +
“The noise cancelling on these earbuds is stunning for their size. I can focus on work even in noisy cafes. Plus, they’re comfortable enough to wear all day.”
Expert & User Insights +
The Verge praises them as “the best noise cancelling earphones of 2025 — a true leap in compact audio tech.”
Rtings.com awarded a 9/10 for noise cancellation efficiency and comfort.
Amazon buyer Jessica K. said:
“I’ve tried many earbuds, but these QuietComfort Ultras are unmatched in blocking noise and staying comfy.”
Final Thoughts +
For anyone seeking best noise cancelling headphones of 2025 in an ultra-portable form, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver exceptional noise reduction and sound quality in a small, stylish package. They’re perfect for commuters, remote workers, and anyone who wants top-tier noise cancelling without the bulk of headphones.
🥇 Comparison Table: Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones of 2025
Hi, I’m Md. Mahiuddin — a passionate headphone reviewer invited by ahembeauty.com to test and review the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2025. What sets my reviews apart?
Hands-on Testing: I bought each model and gave them to trusted users — Paul, Rassul, Maria, Susan, Shanta, and Amir — to gather real-life experiences across different lifestyles.
Expertise: Years of experience writing for headphone enthusiasts and tech sites, combined with deep research on specs, user feedback, and industry standards.
Transparency: I share both pros and cons honestly without sugar-coating, helping you make informed buying decisions.
Up-to-date Analysis: Using the latest info from top tech reviewers and user reviews to ensure the content is current and relevant for 2025.
No, they don’t block all noise completely, but premium models can significantly reduce constant sounds like airplane engines, office chatter, and traffic, making them ideal for focused listening.
Most high-quality noise reduction headsets are designed with soft ear cushions, lightweight frames, and adjustable headbands to ensure comfort for 3–4 hours or more of continuous use.
Sound eliminating headphones with good microphone arrays and noise-reduction technology make voices crisp and clear, even in noisy environments like cafes or public transport.
If portability and lightweight design matter more, noise-cancelling earphones are a great choice. However, over-ear headphones usually deliver better noise isolation and richer sound quality.
Modern noise dampening headphones maintain excellent sound quality while reducing background noise. In fact, the quieter environment often makes music and podcasts sound better.
✍️ Author’s Last Words
Testing these six headphones over the past weeks has been an enlightening journey. Each product brought something unique to the table — from Sony’s technological innovation and Bose’s legendary comfort to DALI’s audiophile sound purity and the compact power of earbuds.
I hope this comprehensive review helps you navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of noise cancelling headphones in 2025. Remember, the best headphone is the one that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Thank you for trusting my experience and insights — I’m excited to help you find your perfect sound companion!
👤 About the Author — Md. Mahiuddin
I’m Md. Mahiuddin, a tech enthusiast and headphone reviewer dedicated to helping you find the best audio gear for your lifestyle. With years of experience and a passion for quality sound, I test products thoroughly and share honest, easy-to-understand reviews.
4. DALI IO-8
Why They Stand Out in 2025
Key Specifications
Pros & 
Cons
Susan’s Real-Life Verdict
Expert & User Insights
