Are you struggling to figure out which headphones to buy? The landscape of over ear headphones has changed a lot in recent years, now trying to balance price, comfort, and noise cancellation in one package can be challenging, especially in 2025. Whether you are working from home, commuting, or just trying to get work done, having a pair of good noise cancelling headphones is even more important than before.
The goal of this guide is to provide you with clearer reviews and options for noise cancelling headphones available from clear and trusted sources, whatever your budget is.
I. Why Noise Cancelling Headphones Are More Relevant Than Ever (2025 Update)
We know 2025 is not getting quieter. Hopping from Zoom calls at home, to shared office spaces, or onto the train with a podcast on – finding peace and focus has never been harder to find. This need for peace and focus is primarily achieved with active noise canceling (ANC) headphones that are more popular than ever before.
With more people living a hybrid lifestyle, we recognize the need for gear that blocks distractions without emptying your pockets. However, the key to finding a good pair of noise-canceling headphones is finding the right pair that delivers solid sound quality, solid noise-canceling ability, and all-day comfort without a very high price tag is surprisingly difficult to find.
This is why we have done the hard yards of testing and reviewing the best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones in 2025 that meet price points of offers from different brands and for a variety of realty uses. For the people who travel regularly or people with hybrid workplaces, and people that enjoy listening to music in background noise there are options!
II. Top Picks of 2025 – Tested Across Different Needs and Budgets
Here are some top picks of 2025 that you can consider having:
- OneOdio Focus A6 – Best Budget-Friendly Choice
If you’re in the market for a budget ANC headphone and want to stay under $100, the Focus A6 by OneOdio is surprisingly great — and surprisingly good at both noise reduction and sound quality.
With hybrid ANC and dual-mic technology that effectively reduces ambient noise and wind noise, it is a perfect fit for commuting or just in the office. It has 40mm drivers and is certified LDAC, Hi-Res audio, etc. The sound clarity and low end are impressive considering the price.
The battery life is also incredible at a whopping 75-hours, ultra-low latency Bluetooth 6.0, and customizable EQ in the OneOdio application. The design is a little nicer than you’d expect at the price point, with CNC finished aluminum alloy parts and protein leather earcups that make it feel a little premium.
If you want a product under $100 that still offers flagship-quality ANC, a customizable sound profile, and a nicer build quality, the OneOdio Focus A6 is a fantastic value.
- Sony WH-1000XM5 – Best Premium Pick
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a top-tier pair of high-end headphones for 2025. They have exceptional noise cancellation, eliminating external sounds from subways, planes, cafes, or busy offices. There are eight microphones and two powerful chips that sync together to cancel sound.
The sound is rich and clear. They support Hi-Res Audio and LDAC so your music sounds full of details, deep bass, and crispy high notes. Sony additionally includes a feature that upscales lower-quality music files in real time, improving the listening experience. Whether you are listening to music, watching a movie, or taking a phone call, the XM5 sounds incredible.
These headphones are also lightweight and comfortable, even over long periods. You get about 30 hours of general usage out of one full charge, and a quick charge of 3 minutes will give you approximately 3 hours of playback. You will love touch controls, voice assistant, and being able to connect to two devices at the same time.
Sure, they are pricey compared to others, but the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers industry leading noise canceling, high-end audio, and remarkable comfort and design, for the elite crowd.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra – Best for Travel
Travelers will love the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, my top pick among travel headphones. It provides first-class noise canceling and adjustment to fit your surroundings while blocking unwanted sounds. It has something that makes it unique called Bose Immersive Audio, it creates an audio space that sounds 3D like you are in a live concert or theater.
The sound is very clear and balanced. Bose also uses CustomTune technology which tunes audio frequencies specifically for your ears, offering a more personalized listening experience. No matter whether you are on a plane, in a noisy airport terminal, or walking the streets of a city, these headphones help you focus on your audio.
These headphones are light and incredibly comfortable, they also have soft ear cushions and a durable and sleek frame. Battery life lasts up to 24 hours and 18 hours if you are using immersive audio; plus, a short charge of up to 15 minutes gets you about 2.5 hours of playback time (perfect for a short flight or commuting).
With features including Bluetooth 5.3 technology, connection to two devices at once, excellent call quality, and seamless intuitive controls, the QuietComfort Ultra is the best choice if you are on the go regularly, and want premium comfort and sound.
4. Anker Soundcore Space One – Best Value Under $150
The Anker Soundcore Space One gives you a lot of features at a budget-friendly price. It has advanced noise cancellation that reduces up to 98% of background sounds, which is impressive for headphones under $150. The 40mm drivers and LDAC support make sure your music sounds clear and powerful.
One of its best features is the personalized sound settings. With the Soundcore app, you can adjust the EQ or use HearID, which customizes the sound based on your hearing. It also has three mics that help with clear calls, and a foldable, lightweight design that’s great for travel or daily use.
Battery life is also strong. You can get up to 55 hours without noise cancelling, and 40 hours with it on. Plus, charging it for just 5 minutes gives you up to 4 hours of playback, which is great if you’re in a rush. You can also connect to two devices at once with Bluetooth 5.3.
If you’re looking for a great pair of ANC headphones without spending a lot, the Soundcore Space One offers excellent value. It’s a smart choice for students, commuters, or anyone wanting premium features at a low price.
5. Sennheiser Momentum 4 – Best Audiophile-Grade Option
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 is made for people who care deeply about sound quality. It uses 42mm drivers and supports advanced audio codecs like aptX Adaptive, giving you rich, detailed sound. If you enjoy hearing every note and instrument clearly, this is the headphone for you.
Its noise cancellation is smart and adjusts based on your surroundings. While it may not block out as much noise as Sony or Bose, it still works well and doesn’t affect the quality of your music. There’s also a transparency mode that lets you hear what’s happening around you when needed.
The battery life is one of the best — up to 60 hours on a full charge. If you’re in a hurry, charging for 5 minutes gives you about 4 hours of playback. It has auto pause, touch controls, and lets you switch between two devices at once.
Although it’s a little heavier than others, it’s still very comfortable and has a clean, modern look. If you’re an audiophile or someone who wants amazing sound for long listening sessions, the Momentum 4 is a top choice.
III. Honorable Mentions (Quick Picks)
If none of the top picks quite match your needs, here are a few more solid options worth checking out. Each of these headphones has its own strengths and could be a great fit depending on your preferences:
Apple AirPods Max – Premium for iOS Users
The USB-C AirPods Max deliver top-tier ANC, seamless Apple-device switching, and now support 24-bit/48 kHz lossless audio and ultra-low latency over USB-C, perfect for music lovers and gamers. However, battery life remains around 20 hours, and the smart case still lacks protection.
JBL Tour One M2 – Good for Bass Lovers
The JBL Tour One M2 offers punchy bass, clear mids, and adaptive ANC. With about 50 h battery off-ANC, 30 h on, plus quick-charge, they’re ideal for extended listening. Users enjoy comfort and powerful low-end, though lack of LDAC/aptX limits wireless fidelity.
OneOdio Studio Max 1 – Studio-Style Sound, Wireless
The Studio Max 1 headphones target DJs and creators with 120 h battery life, ultra-low 20 ms latency via included transmitter, and versatile connectivity (USB-C, 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm, TF slot). Their sound is bold and bass-heavy—great on stage but less precise for critical mixing.
IV. How to Choose the Right ANC Headphones in 2025
Looking for ANC headphones? Here are the key things to keep in mind:
Noise Cancelling
Better ANC means less background noise. Premium models like Sony and Bose block noise best. Budget picks like OneOdio or Anker are great for daily use.
Tip: Get headphones with transparency mode so you can hear around you when needed.
Sound & Codecs
For better sound, check for codecs like LDAC or aptX (great for Android). Apple users should look for AAC support.
Price
Headphones range from $60 to $500+. Pick what fits your needs. Budget models offer good value; premium ones offer more features and comfort.
Extras to Look For
Here are a few more things that are good to have:
- 40+ hours of battery
- Soft, comfy design
- Connects to 2 devices
- App for sound settings
V. Final Thoughts – Which One Should You Choose?
At the end of the day, the best over ear noise cancelling headphones for you will depend on your budget, daily routine, and sound preferences. Some users want the absolute best ANC for travel or work (think Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC Ultra), while others just need something comfortable with decent sound for less money.
Remember — there are no perfect headphones, only suitable headphones. The right pair is the one that fits your lifestyle without overcomplicating things or breaking the bank.
If budget is a concern, the Focus A6 by OneOdio punches above its weight — offering real ANC and comfort under $100. It’s proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a quiet, immersive audio experience.
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