Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones — Top Pick
Amazon deal price: $300 (deal on blue or white); street price: $400
Bose deal price: $300 (deal on blue or white); street price: $400
What we like: Our new top pick for the best noise-cancelling headphones. They sound good, and are very comfortable. A test tone calibrates the noise reduction to your ear shape, and it works well, reducing a lot of noise in the airplane band.
Other things to know: Available in four colors. Noise reduction is second only to the Apple AirPods Max, and a little better than our previous top pick, the discontinued Bose 700. Not as many bonus features as the price would suggest, and we wish the microphones did better in loud environments.
Read more: The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Apple AirPods Max Headphones (Lightning) — Worth Considering
Best Buy deal price: $400; street price: $470
Amazon deal price: $400; street price: $470
What we like: A good pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones worth considering if you’re willing to pay more for the absolute best active noise cancellation and a more-luxurious design. Sleek and distinctive look. Pairs with Apple products effortlessly. Excellent call quality. Replaceable battery.
Other things to know: This version still uses the Lightning connection port, not the newer USB-C version. Too hefty for all-day wear. Supports Dolby Atmos and Apple spatial audio, but not Apple Music’s lossless audio. 3.5 mm cable not included. ANC isn’t adjustable, so it can cause eardrum suck. Case doesn’t protect headband or keep debris out of earcups. Available in most colors.
Read more: The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Loop Switch Earplugs — Upgrade Pick
Amazon deal price: $52; street price: $65
What we like: Our upgrade earplugs pick for adjustable noise reduction. Offers three levels of noise reduction to suit different uses. Each earplug has a dial to easily switch reduction levels. Includes four sizes of silicone tips, fits a wide range of ear sizes and shapes, and is comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Other things to know: Aren’t as sleek or attractive as our top pick. Doesn’t pass sound as evenly as custom earplugs. Replace the tips about every three to six months. The printed graphics indicating the reduction levels are quite small.
Read more: The Best Earplugs for Concerts
Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds — Top Pick
Amazon deal price: $228 (deal on black; other colors are $4 more); street price: $280
What we like: Our top wireless noise-cancelling earbuds pick. Small but powerful. Sound fantastic. Eight hours of battery life. Features include a simple hear-through mode, Alexa and Google voice-activation, dual-device connectivity, and noise-reducing microphones.
Other things to know: Includes four sizes of tips, but may still prove challenging to keep in place for folks with small ears or who are very active. No wired mode. Three color options.
Read more: The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Soundcore Space One Noise-Cancelling Headphones — Budget Pick
Amazon deal price: $69; street price: $100
Walmart deal price: $69; street price: $100
What we like: Our budget over-ear noise-cancelling headphones pick. Impressive noise cancellation and good sound for under $100. Comfortable and lightweight. 40-hour battery life with ANC on. Offers dual-device connectivity, hear-through mode, and quick-charge feature.
Other things to know: The three noise-reducing microphones can make voices sound compressed and somewhat distant to callers. Layout of physical control buttons makes sense, but they’re small and take some practice to master. Customizable sound via Soundcore app.
Read more: The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
