The 5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones - Fall 2023 Reviews

The best noise cancelling headphones we've tested are the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. While they're the previous generation of the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless, these premium over-ears offer a better noise isolation performance than their successor. Their ANC system does an outstanding job of blocking out the low rumble of bus engines, office chit-chat, and the hum of computer fans, making them a great choice for on-the-go use. With their ANC on, these headphones last over 37 hours continuously. They're equipped with an auto-off timer to help conserve battery life when not in use, or you can just use them over a wired connection if you don't want to worry about running out of juice.

These over-ears have a bass-heavy default sound profile that delivers immense thump, rumble, and boom to mixes. If you find that the bass overwhelms vocals and lead instruments, their companion app offers customization via a graphic EQ and presets. If you're looking for ANC headphones with a more neutral default sound, it's worth checking out the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless instead. While they still have a touch of extra bass, it's less exaggerated and bloated-sounding than the Sony. They're also more comfortable, thanks to their lightweight fit, which doesn't clamp as tightly on your head. However, their ANC blocks less background noise across the spectrum.

If you're looking for more affordable over-ears without sacrificing ANC performance, consider the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless. Unlike the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless, these over-ears have an adaptive ANC system designed to detect your current environment and adjust its performance accordingly. This feature does a fantastic job of blocking out noise across the spectrum, meaning you can enjoy busy commutes and cafes in peace. You can also switch to manual ANC via the companion app, which has five different levels if you want to customize the amount of ambient noise you hear and use the ANC while connected via analog.

Their V-shaped sound profile is a solid choice if you listen to a lot of rock and pop music, as they deliver extra thump and boom while higher-pitched instruments like cymbals are crisp. You can fine-tune their sound to suit your preferences using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. They last over 27 hours continuously and support multi-device pairing, meaning you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously. For a little less, they remain a great noise-cancelling pick.

The best ANC headphones we've tested at the budget level are the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless. Although they aren't quite as sturdy as the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless and some users have reported that their unit's headband or hinges crack with regular use, they deliver a comparable noise isolation experience thanks to their adjustable ANC system. They can easily reduce commuter noise like the rumble of engines and ambient chatter. Unfortunately, Anker removed the ability to use the ANC while wired in later product batches, so if you purchase them, you'll likely get a pair of headphones that don't support this feature. It's a huge downside if you want to use them for in-flight entertainment, but it's less of an issue if you use them wirelessly in your day-to-day life.

These comfortable over-ears have over 44 hours of continuous battery life with their ANC on, which is great for long days on the go. They also support multi-device pairing, meaning you can simultaneously stay paired with two devices. They have an excited sound out of the box, delivering intense thump, punch, and warmth to your mixes while ensuring that vocals and instruments are bright. You can adjust their sound using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets to suit your tastes.

If you're on a tight budget, check out the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless. This manufacturer dominates the low-to-mid-range over-ear market, especially for ANC. These headphones are no exception, delivering a good overall noise isolation performance. Although they're weaker than their successors when tackling the rumble of bus and plane engines, they do a better job cutting down office chit-chat and the hum of AC fans. They don't have ANC presets, but they support ANC while wired, which is handy if you want to watch in-flight entertainment.

These headphones have a V-shaped sound profile that delivers intense bass to the audio, while vocals and lead instruments are bright and sparkly. Their extra boom and punch muddy the rest of your mix, and, unlike the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless, they lack sound customization features to help you adjust them to your preferences. While they have a comfortable fit and last over 32 hours continuously, their affordable price reflects their build quality. Their plasticky hinges feel hollow, making them the weakest point of their frame.

Focal is known for their high-end audiophile headphones, which don't have noise cancelling. However, if you care about audio quality, consider the Focal Bathys Wireless, which bridges the gap between high-quality sound and a casual, wireless design, offering the best of both worlds. These premium cans may not isolate you from noise quite as well as our top pick, but they still deliver a very good overall performance. They also have a wired DAC mode, which can help deliver your favorite tunes in higher quality than their default wireless mode. If you want to use them via Bluetooth, you can use aptX Adaptive for streaming hi-res audio with low latency.

Out of the box, these over-ears have a bass-rich sound profile that delivers satisfying punch, thump, and boom. While vocals and instruments sound veiled, you can customize their sound to your liking using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. Their comfortable fit means you can also wear them for long periods without significant fatigue, and with their ANC on, they last over 29 hours continuously. They're a great pick for audiophiles who still want a distraction-free listening experience while on the go.