Tested: The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Distraction-Free Listening

Though a solid pair of headphones has long been a fairly essential piece of tech, the growing number of Zoom calls and video conferences that are now part of our daily routine has made owning a quality set of cans an absolute must — and that’s before factoring in the rise of mobile gaming and streaming platforms and devices. This increased demand over the last few years alone has given way to a slew of new headphone models — including a handful of stellar work-from-home-specific models. While this does give buyers more options to select from than ever before, the sheer abundance of available offerings can admittedly make the shopping process a daunting experience. Well aware of this reality, we’ve closely monitored this space, keeping tabs on all the latest and greatest releases in the segment over the last few years before comparing them side-by-side in order to boil this expansive sector down to the best noise-canceling headphones that you can buy.

How We Tested

There are countless headphone options offered, with new models coming out every month. For this guide, we wanted to provide an array of headphones across multiple price points, all featuring top-shelf noise cancellation. To make our initial shortlist, we went to our favorite brands first, along with some newcomers, looking specifically at over-ear monitors and paying attention to aesthetic, price, ANC tech, drivers, materials, and any other features.

For testing, we used each and every headphone model for a significant amount of time, listening to an array of songs across all genres, as well as podcasts. If there was an accompanying app, we looked at how the apps affected the audio quality. Other things we focused on were ANC and transparency effectiveness, comfort, usability, and how versatile the audio was, among other things. Our results are detailed below.

What to Look For

Drivers: Considering that these are the transducers that are actually producing a headphones’ sound, drivers are beyond crucial to review when buying headphones. When checking out this area, you’ll want to look at driver size and driver construction, as well as the type of diaphragm that the driver is using. Traditionally, 40mm has been something of an industry standard, though in recent years, we’ve seen larger, more impressive drivers on the more premium models in this space.

Tuning & Audio Quality: The drivers being utilized will play an enormous role in a pair of headphones’ sound quality, though there are additional factors that impact this area, one of the biggest of which is how said drivers are tuned. Because the modern headphone market is such a fiercely competitive space, it’s become increasingly commonplace to see drivers that are tuned by big-name, Grammy Award-winning audio engineers and technicians.

Bluetooth & Codec: Every pair of headphones on this list is of the wireless Bluetooth variety, however, the performance of each model’s Bluetooth can vary based on the generation being used, as well as the codec being utilized. These factors will directly impact a headphones’ range and connection. What’s more, some codecs and systems are substantially more reliable and less finicky than others.

ANC Tech: Active noise-cancellation is another trait that every model on this list shares; however, the capabilities of this technology can vary from model to model. Some brands utilize their own proprietary ANC systems — combining this tech with passive noise-cancellation to maximize its efficacy. Moreover, quite a few headphone models boast supplementary ANC modes such as TalkThru, Ambient Aware, Transparency Mode, and Conversation Mode.

Materials & Construction: Next to the drivers and sound quality, another area that hugely defines a pair of headphones’ overall quality is the materials used to construct it. While some models utilize plastics, most of the more high-end pairs feature metal frames and bands paired with leather-wrapped memory foam earcups. Some models also use ultra-top-shelf constructions such as polymers, anodized aluminum, Alcantara, lambskin, and carbon fiber.

Durability & Waterproofing: While this area largely boils down to the materials used to construct a pair of headphones, there are other factors to consider here. Waterproofing is at the top of this list, though it’s incredibly easy to get an objective sense of a headphones’ weather and water resistance by referencing its IP — or “Ingress Protection” — rating.

Battery Life: Because every model on this list is wireless, battery life is another important area to explore. It’s also important to point out that features like active noise-cancellation will drain a battery’s life faster, making it pivotal to check out a headphones’ maximum battery life, as well as how long its battery lasts when using ANC.

Latency: One minor downside to using wireless Bluetooth headphones is that there can be a slight delay between audio and video playback when streaming content or gaming. As such, latency is well worth taking into account if you plan on primarily using your headphones for playing games or watching videos, as doing these things with a pair of headphones that have a half-second delay can be incredibly annoying.

Brand: In the premium audio space, brands live and die by their reputation. As such, most of these companies tend to deliver products with a fairly uniform level of consistency in terms of sound and overall quality. So, while we wouldn’t necessarily suggest making your purchase exclusively based on the manufacturer, taking the brand into account can be a great way to land on a final decision should you find yourself on the fence between two pairs.

App Support & Connectivity: Alongside connecting to your phone, computer, or tablet, some wireless headphones also have the ability to pair with dedicated smartphone apps that afford a pair with supplementary features such as the ability to customize the EQ or adjust ANC settings, just to name a few.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Best Mid-Tier Headphones: Touted by Sony as offering world-class active noise-cancellation technology thanks to the use of Dual Noise Sensor tech, the Japanese brand’s WH-1000XM5 headphones are unequivocally cutting-edge cans. The WH-1000XM5 boasts an ANC-backed onboard eight-microphone setup, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and smart wearing detection that automatically pauses music playback when the headphones are removed. And, on top of featuring a proprietary AI-based noise reduction algorithm, this model’s battery also affords 40 full hours of life (30 with ANC) and can receive three hours of music playback after only 3 minutes of charging. 

The Sound

At this price point, Sony has the best-sounding headphones we tested. If you can’t get to your phone app right away, the default audio settings here are very good, regardless of the music genre. However, note that this still won’t compare to higher-end models per se; I found it to be not quite bright enough. But with the app, this can be fixed a bit. Likewise, podcasts were too bassy pre-EQing. I personally loved the manual controls, which feature a bass “clarity” scale, which I ended up using a lot, surprisingly. There’s also a free equalization test that’s pretty fun to play around with.

As stated earlier, there’s an optional feature that will automatically play and pause your music when your headphones detect they’ve been removed from your head or put back on. This works even if you just remove one side. It’s especially helpful, say, when I was at the gym and someone started talking to me.

While I didn’t really use it outside of the house for obvious reasons, the voice assistant capability was really cool. I should also mention that there’s an ear analysis feature, but unfortunately, you need a 3rd-party subscription to even set this up, which was a drag.

The Look and Feel

Super minimalist in terms of styling and branding, the Sony WH-1000XM5 feels even more premium because of it. This is perhaps taking notes from Apple’s AirPods Max but I still loved Sony’s take on the aesthetic. I should also point out, however, that the ear caps did smudge really easily, making noticeable markings on the outside. While the monitors had buttons that were really easy to find on the cups, they could’ve used a volume control. In terms of comfort, the unit didn’t overstay its welcome after a couple of hours of use over the ears.

The hard case that the headphones come in is very attractive, with a zippered closure and flexible edges that allow for some give if something is stacked on it –– but without compromising the structural integrity or protective nature of the case. Inside, there’s a magnetic compartment for storing small cables, while a hanging loop on the outside gives you some holding options.

Verdict: From one of the most diverse tech brands on the planet, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones have a handsome, minimalist styling and are rather comfortable for long-term wearing. Expectedly impressive from an audio perspective, the monitors also have in-depth EQing in the app, but sound good without it too. While the caps could’ve used a volume control, we loved how our music automatically paused when you took the headphones off.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Best for Travel: You don’t have to closely follow the audio gear space to know that Bose has long been a leader in this space, with the American audio brand having been the first to introduce noise-cancelling tech to the public and boasting a 58-year history of churning out truly stellar headphones and speakers — and the outfit’s 700 model is far from an exception. Built around a collapsible design with a stainless steel headband, the Bose 700 wireless ANC headphones sport a wildly sophisticated onboard quad-unit microphone arrangement that offers unparalleled voice pickup, the ability to receive a full recharge in under 2 hours, Bose’s signature active EQ, 11 levels of noise-cancellation, and the ability to launch Spotify with the touch of a button; plus connectivity to the Bose app and Alexa compatibility. 

The Sound

I’ve spoken before about my history with Bose’s noise-cancelling headphones. They were the first I’d ever used and were synonymous with the tech for years afterwards –– this was over 15 years ago. But my inkling wasn’t incorrect; the brand has stood as the proverbial master of ANC, still improving on the tech. In terms of sound signature, Bose’s audio is my preferred taste, with its brighter profile and balanced bass. On its default settings, the QuietComfort Ultra is best when used with rock genres, while bass-heavy genres like rap or techno will be best handled via the app’s EQ controls. These controls are somewhat simple but make a difference after toying with them a bit. Fortunately, Bose’s audio quality is good anyway.

$80 more expensive than the non-Ultra version of the QuietComfort, the QC Ultra features more advanced noise cancellation from a wider range of pitches, accomplished with more microphones in each ear cup. Needless to say, these headphones have some of the best ANC I’ve heard. However, if you don’t want noise cancellation, you can turn on the “Aware” transparency mode. Modes can be adjusted and scaled in the app. The Ultra also adds spatial audio tech. This feature was very responsive when I walked into different environments, such as inside my house to a windy outdoors.

I should also point out that the Ultra takes about 30 minutes longer to charge compared to the non-Ultra, which might be a good option for you if you don’t care about spatial audio and marginal ANC improvements.

The Look and Feel

Looking expectedly good when wearing them, the QC Ultra blends its distinct styling cues with minimalism. Not as bulky as other models, the headphones have a low-enough profile for a discreet wearing experience (although the non-Ultra are even slimmer). I loved how easily they fold up and fit into the protection case, which is obviously durable and great for traveling.

Sleek and stylish, the vegan leather headband and ear pads are also super comfortable against the ears and around the head with all of the padding. However, I found it interesting that some of the buttons have been removed from the ear caps, including the volume control. Luckily, the mode toggling button is still present, doubling as a voice assistant activator and battery status indicator if you hold it down. While I do love how you can customize this button as a Spotify remote instead, it could definitely have more customization options available.

Verdict: As good as you’d expect from Bose, the QuietComfort Ultra is stylish, comfortable, and sounds superb, especially once you employ the EQ controls from the app. The 24-hour battery life is very good, however it takes a bit more to charge than the cheaper, non-Ultra counterpart. You can adjust the ANC levels in the app, although we did notice a lack of volume controls from the ear cups. You could reasonably save $80 and go with the cheaper option, although you’d lose some of the bonus features like spatial audio and head-tracking.

Apple AirPods Max

Best Everyday Headphones: The over-ear successor to Apple’s industry-leading AirPods Pro true wireless earbuds, the Cupertino company’s AirPods Pro Max model is just as beautifully designed and technologically advanced as one would expect of a product from Apple. Produced in currently five different colors — and sold with the option for custom engraving — these headphones are crafted around a knit mesh canopy structure that’s paired with a plush set of memory foam earpads. What’s more, true high-fidelity audio is afforded through a set of Apple-designed drivers that provide ultra-crisp and clear sound and minimal distortion, even at higher decibels. You also have the brand’s custom noise cancellation, which is some of the best around. Seamlessly connecting to your Apple devices is a huge plus, improving workflow if you don’t want to deal with the niceties of Bluetooth connectivity.

Updates for the second-gen model included personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, improved battery life, and improved “Pro-level” ANC. For transparency, we’ve been using an older model AirPods Max for the past year during work and travel, which just omits these latter features but is a very similar unit overall. However, we were able to briefly check out a newer 2024 model for reference.

The Sound

Not as fully immersed in the Apple ecosystem compared to all of my coworkers, I admittedly love the sound signature of the company’s audio products. Compared to my older model, the updated model doesn’t really display much of an audio difference, but that’s just fine since these are some of the best-sounding wireless headphones I’ve tested. The profile is simply eclectic, with a balanced sound no matter what genre, and always coming in crisp and clear. Likewise, these might be the very best for voice calls and podcasts, with voices sounding very intimate as though the people are in the same room as you. While the app provides some pretty solid EQ controls, I didn’t ever feel like I needed to use them because of the quality of the default audio. However, I did love the hearing test in the app, which gives you some useful readouts and is fun to disect.

In terms of its transparency mode, the AirPods Max are also some of the best I’ve experienced. Unlike some models, which barely make out your surroundings, your surroundings with these are actually audible, even while listening to music. I should also mention, I’ve noted in the past of the interference with the AirPods earbuds but didn’t experience that here.

The Look and Feel

Like the Sony headphones above, the AirPods Max features minimalist styling with essentially no branding. Available in five color options, these are sleek and stylish on your head and can actually complement an outfit. These were also some of the most comfortable headphones I put on, feeling lighter than the others in weight, in part thanks to the mesh canopy headband which not only looks unique but helps distribute the unit’s weight in an interesting way. While a more traditional carrying case might be a better choice when traveling or going to the gym, the one that’s included still provides an easy fold-away option for quick stowing.

Simplifying functionality, the headphones feature a button for swapping modes, but only transparency and ANC. Frustratingly, no “normal” mode can be toggled without going into the app first. There’s also a unique volume dial that utilizes a knob instead of a button layout. You can also press it to play or pause your music. I really loved this feature and wished more (or any other) headphones had it.

However, my biggest complaint is that these headphones do NOT have an off button on the units themselves, even with the newer 2024 model. This is highly frustrating, especially when trying to save battery. You literally have to put them back into the charging case when not in use in order to prevent them from dying. For as seamless of an experience as Apple provides here, this is one setback for sure.

Verdict: Surprisingly low in setbacks, the AirPods Max are arguably the best headphones out there for everyday use with its lightweight design that’s great for long-term wearing, its excellent weight distribution, its seamless connectivity, and its exceptional voice quality when taking calls. In terms of audio, these headphones were some of our favorites with their eclectic sound profile and intimate voice output for podcasts and calls. However, we still note that there should be some sort of off button to save battery when you’re not using it. Sleek, stylish, and understandably ubiquitous, the Apple flagship headphones are truly worth the price.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX

Best Overall: When it comes to diversifying their premium hi-fi lineup, Bang & Olufsen knows how to make their quality headphones available to a range of budgets. With options as low as $100 to as high as $1,550, the Danish high-end consumer electronics company has never priced out those who want a piece of what they’re selling. For this guide, we went with their Beoplay HX, falling somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, balancing price and quality. Whether you’re looking for a good pair of Apple-like everyday headphones or monitors for listening to music, these are your best bet, featuring custom 40mm drivers with neodymium magnets for sonic precision and adjustable noise cancellation to suit your needs. Weighing just 10oz, these aluminum cans have premium lambskin leather touches and also give you up to 35 hours of playback in ANC mode (40 hours without ANC).

The Sound

For $600, the Beoplay HX will satisfy most listeners, and perhaps even the most self-proclaimed audiophiles out there. The custom drivers deliver pristine audio quality, very similar to what you’ll get with the AirPods above, and perhaps even more eclectic. Whether I was listening to rock, classical, rap, or house, the sound profile was excellent. Honestly, I preferred these over the $1,000 Beoplay H95 from the company.

In the past, I haven’t been a fan of B&O’s in-app EQing controls, seeing that it’s not the most sophisticated around, despite being somewhat fun to play around with. Opposed to the typical line graph system used in other apps, the B&O app utilizes a four-quadrant graph, which can tailor elements of the sound in different directions for a more visual, if not divergent, approach to balance. Likewise, the app itself is really easy to use with its three-tab layout, and there’s a section where you can browse public radio stations too, which is pretty cool.

I really liked the ANC in the HX headphones, while the on-cap button to toggle sound modes actually features normal, along with transparency. Most headphones make you go into the app to turn on normal mode. Just like my report on the H95, I wasn’t a huge fan of the transparency mode with the HX either, finding it hardly effective when listening to music or podcasts. Aside from sound mode, on-board controls include a voice assistant button, which can be activated when held down. This was a cool feature and I appreciated that it didn’t turn on too easily (i.e., you had to hold it down). On the other hand, I would’ve appreciated some sort of volume control on the ear caps.

The Look and Feel

For this price, the HX is one of the best-looking headphones around, nearly approaching the Master & Dynamic MW75 below, with some even preferring the B&O over the latter. The sunray-finished ear caps are a handsome touch, with textured grooves encircling the middle, almost evoking a turntable of sorts. The lambskin leather headband adds a premium touch, while the memory foam on the underside, as well as on the ear pads, provides exceptional comfort for long-term wearing. These are also very lightweight, as mentioned above.

Verdict: Balancing premium audio quality, price, and comfort, the Bang & Olufsen HX will rival even some of the pricier models from the Danish hi-fi brand. We loved the luxurious look and feel of the headphones, as well as the light 10-ounce weight that allowed us to wear them all day long. Best of all, the audio quality here was top-notch, requiring zero EQing, with an eclectic soundscape across all genres.

Master & Dynamic MW75

Most Stylish Headphones: Shouldn’t headphones be as stylish as your hat or sunglasses? After all, these de facto clothing accessories are being worn over your head for sometimes hours at a time. Enter Master & Dynamic, a New York-based premium audio brand who’s built a reputation for blending form and function for over a decade. Combining top-shelf materials with clean, modern designs, the hi-fi firm knows a thing or two about both style and audiophile-grade hardware. A fan-favorite for the past couple of years, their MW75 model pumps out pristine tunes via custom 40mm Beryllium drivers with ANC supported by 8 mics inside acoustically tuned chambers. With 32 hours of battery life, the monitors support all-day wear with memory foam ear pads underneath their lambskin leather headband.

The Sound

As I expected, the MW75 were arguably the best-sounding wireless headphones I’ve ever put on. I love the brand’s sound design, supporting an eclectic profile across all genres, be it rock, reggae, or hip-hop. Despite a custom EQ option, I didn’t feel the need to touch the controls at all. Instead, I opted for the “Audiophile” preset (there were only 4 presets total), which provided fantastic audio with superb clarity and fullness across the board. These were the most comparable to the DAC option of the Focal Bathys below (though not quite that level).

I wasn’t a huge fan of the transparency, or “Ambient,” mode right away, with very little effectiveness. Fortunately, the app allows you to adjust the settings on both this and the ANC modes. However, I didn’t love how you couldn’t turn on the normal mode from the headphones themselves. Like the Sony headphones, these have a smart wearing detection, which plays or pauses music when you take them on or off, respectively. As an aside, the volume buttons on the ear caps aren’t very responsive, with a heavy delay when trying to go up or down.

The Look and Feel

Making you proud to wear them over your ears, the MW75 sports a superb design ethos with its lambskin leather headband and brushed aluminum ear caps featuring a signature porous edge. However, in terms of implementing fantastic audio quality alongside this aesthetic, the headphones are second to none. Resting well on your head, the memory foam ear pads never become uncomfortable throughout the day and are complemented with the unit’s solid weight distribution.

While the buttons take some getting use to, they’re relatively easy to find when feeling around. However, the “L” and “R” indicators are nowhere to be found, which forced me to guess which side was which based on where these buttons were in relation to my fingers.

Verdict: Despite some issues with the hardware and its buttons, the Master & Dynamic MW75 were among the best-sounding wireless headphones we’ve ever listened to with an eclectic audioscape that needed almost zero EQing. Finicky volume controls and a lack of L/R notation felt like mere quibbles compared to the upside of these monitors. These are proof that you can hear the difference when you spend more on headphones.

Focal Bathys

Best Audiophile Pick: A major issue most audiophiles have with wireless headphones is their inferiority compared to wired headphones. As it stands right now, there are few wireless options that can compare to even some lower-end wired options. Some wireless headphones will come with auxiliary jacks to mimic a wired connectivity, but this will not get you much better audio, if at all. However, hi-fi brand Focal has given their Bathys headphones the authentic ability to scale up the audio with its USB DAC (digital-to-audio converter) input. Not to mention, they’re also great on a wireless level, with their 40mm aluminum-magnesium drivers. Sporting a unique porous aesthetic, the unit will also last you 42 hours in DAC mode, or 30 hours in regular Bluetooth mode. 

The Sound

It goes without saying that the wired DAC connection on the Bathys are exceptional. Literally, no matter which genre of music I was listening to, it was almost like I was listening to CD-quality tunes. The output was clear, full, and gentle (i.e., well-balanced). I only used wireless for testing. Even when I left the house, I brought the USB-C cord with me. It was long enough to reach inside my pocket from the headphones. It’s also important to mention that the DAC connection is seamless. You literally don’t have to set anything up, just like your standard wired connectivity. The EQ settings are pretty standard as well, with a few presets and a typical graph control.

On the Bluetooth front, the audio was pretty good. Again, it handled all genres well, but lacked the clarity and fullness of the DAC connection. I also noticed that the transparency mode was only really effective when listening via Bluetooth, where it was actually quite good, allowing me to hear my surroundings well. Likewise, I loved how the noise cancellation wasn’t too aggressive, not feeling like it was trying to vacuum my ear drum.

I should also mention that I had issues connecting on my Android phone and had to borrow my wife’s iPhone to connect via Bluetooth and use the app.

The Look and Feel

With its porous ear caps, the Focal Bathys certainly has a unique look, albeit one that might not be for everyone. Also, the logo on the outside lights up when powered on, which some people might not love. Fortunately, you can turn this off or dim it from the app. I also love the distinct on/off/DAC switch that doesn’t obfuscate whether you’re headphones are on or not (as if the bright light on the ear cups won’t let you know anyway).

I also love the adjustability of the headband here, with click stems rather than the stepless sliding ones of most headphones. This was not only very old-school but prevented them from closing on their own. However, it also created sharp edges above the ear caps when opened up, which scratched me a couple of times (no skin was broken). As an aside, the “L” and “R” designations were difficult to find, especially in low light (they’re located on the inside, above the ear pads.

Verdict: Boasting unparalleled listening with DAC connection, the Focal Bathys headphones are also solid headphones with Bluetooth connectivity if you’re in a pinch. The eclectic sound profile worked well with any genre, plus over 40 hours of playback makes these beneficial if you happen to forget to charge them up at night. While we had some connectivity issues, the headphones offer some cool features such as its unique aesthetic and (divisive) light-up ear cups.

Bowers & Wilkins PX8

Best Upgrade Headphones: Whether it’s high-fidelity speakers, cinema-grade soundbars, or audiophile-quality headphones, Bowers & Wilkins unequivocally produces some of the most elite audio gear that money can buy. Taking inspiration from modern supercars, the British brand’s PX8 model gets its audio quality from high-resolution 24-bit DSP and 40mm Carbon Cones. Using proprietary adaptive noise cancellation, the brand promises not to affect musicality while blocking out noises. On top of their ability to afford world-class sound, these headphones can also do so for up to 30 hours at a time before needing to be plugged in — plus 15 minutes of charging affords these cans an additional 7 hours of music playback time. 

The Sound

I expected a lot from the Bowers & Wilkins PX8, and honestly, they totally delivered. I loved how high-end the audio sounded, regardless of the music genre. On the other hand, these headphones totally rely on the inherent mix of the source music, as well as the EQ controls in the app. This is where B&W keeps it delightfully simple: a single control for treble and a single control for bass. A couple of notches up or down can and will improve clarity. This isn’t too sophisticated but it’s honestly all you need, as long as the brand trusts in the quality of its drivers and build.

From a features perspective, you can adjust the wear sensor sensitivity or turn it off entirely. Like the Bang & Olufsen, the on-board sound mode toggle includes normal mode, along with ANC and transparency. The ANC here is good as well, and not too much, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your priorities. Inside the app, B&W offers connectivity to a myriad of services, including Tidal, a lossless streaming service that gives you CD-quality versions of music, which is pretty cool!

The Look and Feel

I will admit, comfort-wise, the PX8 isn’t my favorite. No matter how wide I set the headband, these just fit rather tight. And I think this has less to do with how big it gets and more to do with how narrow the ear caps are in relation to each other. Either way, it made it tough to wear these for extended periods, which could be an issue for some when on long plane trips or car rides, etc.

Nevertheless, I loved the look of the headphones, with their simple aesthetic yet elevated touches, like the brushing on the stems and the ear caps. I tested the forest green colorway, which was unique in and of itself, plus the matching leather headband just made these look luxurious.

Verdict: Offering superb audio quality that relies on the drivers themselves rather than your ability to adjust EQ controls, Bowers & Wilkins’ PX8 were our favorite headphones in terms of sound while making us look good in the process. While we didn’t love the narrow fit of the unit, making it harder to wear it all day, the headphones had some cool features including access to lossless streaming services.

ANC Headphones Comparison Chart

are noise-cancelling headphones worth buying?

There’s no denying the significant price tag that comes with a solid pair of noise-cancelling headphones, and you may be asking yourself if you even need them. If you commute via public transportation, work in a loud setting, or travel often, then noise-canceling headphones are a godsend, and can significantly improve these situations (and you don’t even need to be playing audio to enjoy the effect). However, if you’re a casual music/podcast listener who works from home, in a quiet environment, and/or doesn’t travel much, these headphones can still be super convenient, but not quite as necessary.

Honorable Mentions

If you’re looking for a sub-$100 model, check out Soundcore’s Space One, which offers good audio and ANC for the price. There’s also a ~$200 Pro option. These won’t offer the same level of value as some on this guide above but they will certainly give you good bang for your buck.

Another good sub-$100 option is the Edifier W820NB, with arguably better ANC than the Soundcore above, and from a brand that specializes in packing features into an affordable product.

The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 is well regarded but doesn’t offer anything different than similarly-priced headphones. We also really love the Sony cans we tested above, and for only about $70 more.

Known for its home Bluetooth speakers, Sonos also has a popular headphone model called the Ace. This pair is super advanced and tech-laden, loaded with spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, dynamic head tracking, wear detection, aware mode, and rapid charging. 

Recently dropped by Noble Audio, these ridiculously high-end pair of ANC cans called the FoKus Apollo represent the brand’s inaugural entry into the headphone market. Based on their normal audio quality (and the fact they have hybrid ANC with a reduction depth of up to -35db), these could be a solid choice, although don’t have the rep of some of the others here at a similar price point.

Tested: The Best Travel Headphones

If you want to narrow in on travel-friendly ANC monitors, head over to our latest guide on the best travel headphones for your next trip.