10 Best Active Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 offers a highly advanced active noise cancellation feature that effectively minimizes background noise, improving the listening experience significantly. The Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio features allow users to seamlessly switch between hearing their surroundings and enjoying immersive audio. Additionally, Conversation Awareness automatically adjusts the volume when speaking to someone nearby, enhancing usability in social settings. Sound quality is top-notch, thanks to the Apple-designed H2 chip, delivering clear highs and rich bass. Voice Isolation ensures high-quality phone calls even in noisy environments.

Comfort and fit are well-addressed with four sizes of silicone tips, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for a wide range of ear shapes. The earbuds are also IP54-rated for dust, sweat, and water resistance, making them suitable for various activities and conditions. Battery life is decent, offering up to 6 hours of listening time with active noise cancellation enabled, and up to 30 hours with the charging case. Charging is versatile, supporting MagSafe, Apple Watch, Qi-certified chargers, and USB-C. Connectivity is robust with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable and efficient wireless connection.

Additional features like Personalized Spatial Audio, dynamic head tracking, and comprehensive touch controls add to the appeal. The new hearing health features, including a scientifically validated hearing test and active hearing protection, are pioneering and offer added value for users concerned about their hearing health. However, these headphones come with a premium price tag and are best suited for users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, as many features are optimized for Apple devices. Users of other platforms may not fully benefit from all the capabilities.

The Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds offer impressive features for those seeking active noise-cancelling headphones. Their Active Noise Cancellation effectively reduces external noise, allowing for an immersive listening experience. The Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode provide flexibility by blending noise cancellation with the ability to hear ambient sounds when needed. Sound quality is elevated with Personalized Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ, making music and calls clear and enjoyable.

Comfort has been a priority in the redesign, ensuring a secure and stable fit for all-day wear. Quick-press controls add to the convenience, and Siri integration allows for hands-free operation with just voice commands or simple head gestures. The addition of a skin-detecting sensor ensures that audio only plays when the earbuds are in use, conserving battery life. Speaking of battery life, users can expect up to 4 hours of listening time with noise cancellation on, and up to 20 hours using the charging case. Without noise cancellation, the battery can last up to 30 hours.

Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3, and the redesigned charging case with USB-C and wireless charging capabilities adds to the convenience. It is also water and dust resistant, making it suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. One downside is that the USB-C Charge Cable is sold separately, which might be an inconvenience for some users. The AirPods 4 are a solid choice for anyone looking for high-quality active noise-cancelling headphones with a blend of advanced features and comfort.

The Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones offer a range of features that cater to music lovers and frequent travelers alike. With their custom acoustic platform, they deliver rich, immersive sound suitable for both music and phone calls. The headphones provide two distinct listening modes: fully-adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) for blocking out background noise, and Transparency mode for when you need to stay aware of your surroundings. This makes them versatile for different environments, whether you're on a busy street or in a quiet office.

One standout feature is the personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, which offers an immersive 360-degree listening experience. The battery life is another strong point, boasting up to 40 hours on a single charge and a quick 10-minute Fast Fuel charge that provides 4 additional hours of playback. This means you can use them extensively without constantly worrying about recharging. They are also highly compatible, offering seamless one-touch pairing with both Apple and Android devices. The on-ear controls allow you to manage calls, music, and access Siri easily.

On the downside, the headphones are not water-resistant, which could be a limitation for those who plan to use them during workouts or in less-than-ideal weather conditions. At 9.17 ounces, they are not the lightest option available, which might affect comfort during prolonged use. However, they do come with a woven carrying case, making them easier to transport. Connectivity is robust, thanks to Class 1 Bluetooth which ensures extended range and fewer dropouts. The inclusion of USB-C for lossless audio is a nice touch for audiophiles. These headphones excel in sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life, but may not be the best choice for heavy physical activity due to their lack of water resistance and slightly heavier weight.