I still remember the first time I slipped on noise-cancelling headphones during a busy Dhaka bus ride. The traffic horns, street chatter, and rickshaw bells faded into a gentle hum, replaced by the soft voice of Norah Jones singing “Don’t Know Why.” That moment made me realize how magical good noise cancellation can be.
Fast forward to 2025, and noise-cancelling technology has evolved so much more. It’s no longer just about blocking sound — it’s about creating an immersive experience where your favorite songs, podcasts, or audiobooks feel alive. Whether you’re trying to focus at work, relax on a noisy flight, or simply escape the world for a while, the right headphones make all the difference.
In this guide, I’ll share my personal journey testing dozens of headphones, listening to everything from Bollywood hits to classical symphonies, and bring you the best noise-cancelling headphones in 2025. These five models stood out in sound quality, comfort, noise cancellation, and value.
Why We Chose These 5 Headphones
Finding the best noise-cancelling headphones isn’t as simple as checking specs online. It’s about how they perform in real life, how they feel on your ears after hours, and if they fit your budget and style.
We tested dozens of models and considered:
- How well do they cancel different types of noise (traffic, voices, engines)?
- Do they sound great across all music genres?
- Can you wear them all day without discomfort?
- How long does the battery last, and how fast does it charge?
- Is the design durable and attractive?
- Are they easy to use and compatible with different devices?
These five headphones scored highest in all these areas — and in honest, everyday use by testers from busy cities to quiet home offices.
1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Why We Picked It
Bose has long been a pioneer in noise cancellation technology, and the QuietComfort Ultra is a masterpiece in 2025. I took these on a rickshaw ride through Dhaka’s busy streets and was amazed: the honking horns and shouting vendors simply disappeared. When I put on Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” it felt like a private concert inside my head.
About This Item
- Class-leading active noise cancellation with customizable modes
- Spatial audio with head-tracking for an immersive 3D sound experience
- Up to 24 hours of battery life with quick charging
- Lightweight and ultra-comfortable for long listening sessions
- Touch controls and voice assistant compatibility
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredible noise cancellation | Premium price point |
| Super comfortable for all-day use | Bulky carrying case |
| Immersive spatial audio | No aptX codec support |
| Reliable Bluetooth connection |
User Experience
Once, during a flight to London, I used these headphones and slipped into silence despite crying babies nearby. Listening to Coldplay’s “Fix You” with spatial audio made me forget I was thousands of feet in the air. Even after 8 hours, my ears felt fresh and pain-free.
⭐ Our Rating: 4.9/5
2. JLab JBuds Lux ANC Headphones
Why We Picked It
JLab JBuds Lux ANC stands out as the best budget-friendly noise-cancelling headphones in 2025. My cousin, a university student, uses them during his long online classes in a noisy dorm. They block out street noise and are light enough to wear for hours without discomfort.
About This Item
- Three ANC modes for different noise levels
- Over 40 hours of battery life — perfect for long days
- Customizable EQ settings via the JLab app
- USB-C fast charging
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price | Small ear cups |
| Very long battery life | No aptX or LDAC codecs |
| Good ANC for price | Plastic build feel |
| Custom sound tuning | Average mic quality |
User Experience
My nephew uses these for studying, saying they block out the “noise of the busy street” so well he can focus on his Bollywood playlists. Lightweight and comfy, he forgets he’s wearing headphones during 4-hour study sessions.
⭐ Our Rating: 4.4/5
Check this review
3. Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Headphones
Why We Picked It
Sony’s WH-1000XM6 is the gold standard for noise cancellation in 2025. Adaptive ANC learns your environment and adjusts to cancel noise perfectly. Walking through the busy streets of Gulshan, I listened to Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me” as if she were singing right beside me.
About This Item
- Adaptive noise cancellation with AI learning your habits
- Supports LDAC and DSEE Extreme for high-resolution audio
- 30-hour battery life for all-day use
- Plush memory foam ear pads for comfort
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top-tier noise cancellation | Expensive |
| Crystal clear audio | Bulky carrying case |
| Multi-device Bluetooth support | Touch controls sensitive |
| Sleek, elegant design | Bass-heavy default EQ |
User Experience
On a calm evening, Norah Jones’ voice through these headphones was so rich and clear, I almost forgot I was outdoors. The headphones muted street noise perfectly and provided an immersive listening experience.
⭐ Our Rating: 4.8/5
More useful Review: Sony WH-1000XM6 review
4. Marshall Monitor III Bluetooth Headphones
Why We Picked It
Marshall Monitor III combines vintage style with modern sound quality and ANC. At a friend’s rooftop party, I rocked out to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” with warm, punchy audio and received numerous compliments on the retro look.
About This Item
- Signature Marshall sound with active noise cancellation
- Collapsible design for portability
- 30+ hours battery life
- Classic retro styling
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Warm, vintage Marshall tone | ANC is less strong |
| Comfortable and stylish | Slight clamp for larger heads |
| Easy-to-use physical controls | No app for EQ customization |
| Long battery life | Slightly heavier than others |
User Experience
The Monitor III gave me that rock concert feeling, with crisp guitars and powerful vocals. The retro style was a hit at the party — stylish yet functional.
⭐ Our Rating: 4.6/5
5. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 Headphones
Why We Picked It
For audiophiles who want premium sound and build quality, the PX7 S3 is a Rolls-Royce. Jogging in the early morning with classical music felt like a private concert hall experience.
About This Item
- 40mm custom drivers for pristine audio
- Adaptive noise cancellation
- Ambient pass-through mode to stay aware
- Luxurious memory foam ear cups
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Audiophile-grade sound | Expensive |
| Elegant design and finish | Not bass-heavy |
| Comfortable long wear | Limited EQ customization |
| Great noise cancelling |
User Experience
Listening to Bach or Mozart felt like being in a concert hall. The wide soundstage and clarity make every note shine.
⭐ Our Rating: 4.7/5
Comparison Table: Top 5 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones in 2025
| Headphones | Noise-Cancelling | Battery Life | Audio Quality | Comfort | Price Range | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Excellent | Up to 24 hours | Studio-quality | Very Comfortable | $$$$ | 4.9/5 |
| JLab JBuds Lux ANC | Good | Up to 40 hours | Balanced | Lightweight | $$ | 4.4/5 |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Outstanding | Up to 30 hours | Hi-Res, LDAC | Plush Fit | $$$$ | 4.8/5 |
| Marshall Monitor III | Very Good | Up to 30 hours | Warm & Punchy | Retro Feel | $$$ | 4.6/5 |
| Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 | High-End | Up to 30 hours | Audiophile-grade | Premium Comfort | $$$$ | 4.7/5 |
The Evolution of Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Before we dive into the reviews, let’s take a quick look at how noise-cancelling technology has evolved.
Early noise-cancelling headphones from the 1980s were bulky and had limited battery life. They mainly used “feedforward ANC,” which meant a microphone outside the ear cup detected noise and generated an opposite sound wave to cancel it out. This worked okay but struggled with sudden noises.
Fast forward to today, modern headphones combine feedforward and feedback ANC, with multiple microphones inside and outside the ear cups, using AI to adapt cancellation in real time. This means better blocking of a wider range of sounds — from low engine hums to mid-frequency chatter.
In 2025, some models even include “spatial audio” with head tracking, creating 3D soundscapes that feel incredibly immersive, like being inside a concert hall. Others offer “transparency modes” so you can hear your surroundings without removing your headphones, perfect for crossing streets safely or quick conversations.
The best noise-cancelling headphones now are lightweight, stylish, and can last all day without recharging.
How We Tested the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Testing headphones isn’t about just looking at the numbers. We wanted to feel the experience — to walk the noisy streets of Dhaka, take long flights, and power through work sessions with music and silence.
- In real traffic: We tried the headphones during rush hour, with honking cars, construction noise, and shouting vendors.
- Long hours: We wore the headphones for 6-8 hour sessions to check comfort and battery endurance.
- Music testing: From Bollywood hits and classical to jazz and rock, each headphone was tested across genres.
- Calls and meetings: Tested microphone clarity and multi-device switching for Zoom and phone calls.
- Portability: How easy are they to carry and charge on the go?
Three testers with different head sizes and listening preferences contributed their feedback for a well-rounded review.
How to Choose the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for You
Not all headphones are the same, and your lifestyle matters.
- If you travel a lot: Look for long battery life and strong ANC like Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WH-1000XM6.
- For budget buyers: JLab JBuds Lux ANC offers great features without breaking the bank.
- Music lovers: Audiophile-grade sound is key; Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 is your best bet.
- Style fans: Marshall Monitor III mixes classic looks with solid sound.
- Comfort seekers: Look for lightweight designs and plush ear pads for long wear.
Understanding Noise-Cancelling Technology & Terms (Easy Guide)
- ANC (Active Noise Cancelling): Uses microphones and sound waves to cancel external noise.
- Feedforward vs Feedback ANC: Different mic placements for detecting noise; combined for better cancellation.
- Spatial Audio: Creates a 3D sound environment for immersive listening.
- Transparency Mode: Lets outside sounds in without removing headphones.
- LDAC & aptX: Audio codecs for higher-quality wireless sound. LDAC offers near lossless quality, aptX is good but not as high-res.
How to Care for Your Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Keep ear pads clean with gentle wipes.
- Store in a protective case to avoid damage.
- Avoid moisture — don’t wear in heavy rain unless water-resistant.
- Charge regularly but avoid overcharging overnight.
- Update firmware through the brand’s app for best performance.
FAQs
Q1. Are noise-cancelling headphones safe for long use?
Yes, modern models are designed for extended wear without ear damage.
Q2. Can I use these for calls and Zoom meetings?
Yes, all models have built-in mics and support multi-device connections.
Q3. Which is the best budget option?
JLab JBuds Lux ANC is best for affordable quality.
Q4. Which headphone offers the best sound?
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 and Sony WH-1000XM6 deliver audiophile-grade sound.
Q5. Are these compatible with both iOS and Android?
Yes, all five work well with both platforms.
Q6. How long does the battery last?
From 24 to 40 hours depending on the model.
Q7. Can I use these headphones on airplanes?
Absolutely, ANC helps drown out engine noise and crying babies.
Why Trust Us?
We are not just another tech blog. We’re real people — music lovers, remote workers, travelers — who rely on headphones every day. We tested these models in real life: noisy streets, quiet homes, flights, and work sessions.
We share honest stories and real experiences, not just specs copied from manuals. Our mission is to help you find headphones that fit your life, budget, and style.
For more trusted reviews, visit ahembeauty.com/best-noise-cancelling-headphones.
🌟 Ready to Grab Your Next Pair?
Don’t settle for noise. Whether you want peace, premium sound, or budget value, these are the best noise-cancelling headphones in 2025 — tested and trusted.
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Written for AhemBeauty.com by Fahim Feroz
