Headphone with Effective noise isolation have become increasingly popular in recent years as technology has improved to block out more ambient sound. This allows listeners to immerse themselves in their audio without distractions. In 2023, there are many excellent noise canceling headphones to choose from on Amazon in the US, Canada, and Australia.
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This article will review the top 10 best noise canceling headphones across all price ranges that are available on Amazon this year. We’ll cover key features, pros and cons, and price for each model. A comparison table is also included below to help summarize the key specs and differences between the top headphones.
What Are Noise Canceling Headphones?
Noise canceling headphones use tiny microphones built into the earcups to pick up ambient noise around you. The headphones then create an opposite “anti-noise” waveform to cancel out background sounds before they reach your ears. This allows you to hear your music, movies, or calls much more clearly, even in noisy environments like planes or commuting.
There are 2 main types of noise cancellation:
- Active noise cancellation (ANC) – Uses battery-powered electronics to analyze incoming sound and cancel it out in real time. This is the most effective form of noise cancellation.
- Passive noise cancellation – Relies on physical design and padding over the ears to block noise. Less effective than ANC but doesn’t require power.
Many of the top noise canceling models today use a combination of both active and passive noise cancellation for the best isolation.
Now let’s dive into the top noise canceling headphones you can buy on Amazon!
1. Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Key Specs:
- Style: Over-ear
- Connection: Wireless Bluetooth
- Battery Life: 30 hours (ANC on)
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes (adaptive)
- Ambient Sound Mode: Yes
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 are widely considered one of the best noise canceling headphones you can buy today. They are the latest update to Sony’s premium 1000X series.
The WH-1000XM5 boast a refreshed design that is slimmer and lighter than previous models. The new Integrated Processor V1 gives these headphones exceptional noise canceling capabilities using Sony’s adaptive ANC technology. It automatically adjusts ambient sound reduction based on your environment and activity.
For audio, the WH-1000XM5 deliver crystal clear, high-res sound powered by a new 30mm driver and neodymium magnets. They also support Sony’s LDAC codec for near high-resolution wireless audio, along with Bluetooth multipoint connectivity.
Other great features include “Speak to Chat” which pauses your music when you speak, helpful touch controls, wearing detection, and an impressive 30 hour battery life per charge. An accompanying app lets you customize settings like EQ and ANC.
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 give you first class noise cancellation, great sound quality, and smart features that make them easy to use everyday. They are lighter and more comfortable than previous Sony models too. If you want the very best ANC experience, these are a top choice.
Price: $349
Pros:
- Industry leading noise canceling performance
- Great sound quality and wireless connectivity
- Adaptive ANC adjusts to your environment
- 30 hour battery life
- Light and comfortable new design
Cons:
- Expensive compared to competitors
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive
2. Bose QuietComfort 45
Key Specs:
- Style: True wireless headphone
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.3
- Battery Life: 6 hours (ANC on)
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes (adjustable)
- Ambient Aware Mode: Yes
- Water resistance: IPX4 sweat/water resistant
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are among the best noise canceling true wireless headphone available today. They offer stellar noise blocking capabilities in a lightweight and comfortable design.
An updated “CustomTune” audio calibration process provides a more personalized listening experience that optimizes sound quality to your individual ear shape. Music comes through the new proprietary drivers sounding clear and immersive.
For noise cancellation, Bose uses a unique “ActiveSense” technology that automatically adapts to noisy environments. You can also manually switch between noise canceling, transparent, and aware listening modes using simple touch controls.
Call quality is another highlight with a new voice isolation system that filters out background noises for clear voice pickup. The sweat/water resistant rating also makes them suitable for workouts.
With ANC turned on, battery life reaches 6 hours per charge, extending to 24 hours with the charging case. Fast charging quickly provides 2 hours of use in 15 minutes.Overall, the refined sound, adjustable ANC, and enhanced comfort make the Bose QuietComfort 45 a top choice for noise cancellation in an headphone design.
Price: $299
Pros:
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Customized EQ tuning for better audio
- Aware and transparency listening modes
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance
- Reliable touch controls
Cons:
- More expensive than competing headphone
- Noise isolation creates “in-ear” pressure effect
3. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Key Specs:
- Style: True wireless earbuds
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.3
- Battery Life: 6 hours (ANC on)
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes (adaptive)
- Transparency Mode: Yes
- Water Resistance: IPX4
The 2nd generation Apple AirPods Pro are among the best noise canceling earbuds you can get right now, especially for iPhone users.
Apple’s new H2 chip enables improved active noise cancellation that uses two beamforming microphones in each earbud to block external sounds. The ANC can adapt on-the-fly to your environment. Transparency mode lets in outside sound when you need it.
Audio quality gets a nice boost with the new low distortion driver and custom amplifier. The sound has better clarity across the frequency curve. You also get spatial audio with head tracking and touch controls.
The contoured design with interchangeable silicone tips creates a very secure in-ear seal. The IPX4 water resistance also makes them suitable for workouts and running.
Like all Apple products, the AirPods Pro 2 pair seamlessly with iPhones and other Apple devices. The charging case provides an additional 24 hours of battery life.
Overall, the AirPods Pro 2 offer great active noise cancellation, quality sound, and a comfortable fit perfect for iPhone owners looking for noise isolation on the go.
Price: $239
Pros:
- Excellent noise canceling with adaptive ANC
- Better sound quality than previous model
- More secure in-ear fit
- Seamless pairing/controls for iOS devices
- Spatial audio and touch controls
Cons:
- Very expensive
- More limited controls for Android users
4. Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2
Key Specs:
- Style: Over-ear
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 and wired
- Battery Life: 20 hours (ANC on)
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes (adjustable)
- Ambient Aware Mode: Yes
- Audio Codecs: aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, AAC
The AONIC 50 Gen 2 are premium noise canceling headphones by Shure focusing on audio quality.
They have a comfortable over-ear design crafted from lightweight materials like carbon fiber and aluminum. Adjustable ANC lets you control the level of noise cancellation, or you can enable Environment Mode to let in ambient sound.
With Bluetooth 5 and advanced audio codecs like LDAC and aptX HD, the AONIC 50 provides incredible wireless sound quality. Wired listening with the included audio cable brings CD-like resolution.
An expanded 50mm driver and improved tuning ensures music sounds clean and accurate across lows, mids and highs. The soundstage is open and spacious. Battery life reaches 20 hours per charge.
At this higher price point, the Shure AONIC 50 appeal most to audiophiles who demand better sound performance from their noise canceling headphones. But they also have great ANC and comfort for everyday use.
Price: $399
Pros:
- Audiophile-grade sound quality
- LDAC, aptX HD for high-res wireless
- Good balance of sound and noise canceling
- Quality lightweight build
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Touch controls could be more responsive
5. Anker Soundcore Life Q30
Key Specs:
- Style: Over-ear
- Connection: Bluetooth 5
- Battery Life: 40 hours (ANC on)
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Ambient Sound Mode: Yes
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 offer surprisingly great noise cancellation and sound quality at a very affordable price point.
These comfortable over-ear headphones provide effective hybrid active noise cancellation that blocks out ambient sounds around you. The ANC can be easily turned on or off with the touch of a button.
40mm custom drivers deliver powerful, bass-forward sound with nice clarity and detail. You get punchy bass response along with vibrant mids and crisp treble. Battery life is an impressive 40 hours per charge.
Onboard controls let you manage music, calls, volume, noise cancellation, and ambient sound mode. An app allows you to pick from 22 sound profiles to customize the EQ.
For the price, the Soundcore Q30 provide great value without compromising on important features like noise cancellation, sound quality, and battery life.
Price: $80
Pros:
- Strong noise cancelling performance
- Excellent battery life
- Fun sound with good clarity
- Comfortable over-ear design
- Great value for money
Cons:
- More bass-heavy than neutral sound
- ANC not as effective in low frequencies
6. Anker Soundcore Space Q45
Key Specs:
- Style: Over-ear
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery Life: 50 hours (ANC on)
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Ambient Mode: Yes
- Fast Charging: 5 min = 4 hours
The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 are another great budget noise cancelling option with a focus on battery life and lightweight comfort.
Hybrid active noise cancellation uses external and internal microphones to block unwanted noise. Battery life reaches an incredible 50 hours with ANC turned on. Fast charging provides 4 hours of use in just 5 minutes.
Space Q45 feature 40mm silk dome drivers for clear, natural sound. The headphones have a comfortable, breathable fit thanks to the headband’s lightweight build and memory foam earpads. Take calls and control music intuitively with onboard buttons.
At just 0.51 lbs, the Space Q45 are easy to wear on long trips or commutes when you want distraction-free listening. The combination of ANC performance, battery life, and wearing comfort make these headphones a great value buy.
Price: $100
Pros:
- 50+ hours battery life
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Impressive noise cancellation
- Affordable price
- Good sound quality for the cost
Cons:
- Sound quality isn’t audiophile-grade
- ANC mainly reduces mid/high frequencies
7. Focal Bathys Wireless Headphones
Key Specs:
- Style: Over-ear, closed-back
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 and wired
- Battery Life: 25 hours (ANC on)
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Ambient Listening Mode: Yes
Focal is a prestigious French audio company. The Focal Bathys are a set of high-end, audiophile-quality wireless noise cancelling headphones.
The Bathys have a clean, stylish design crafted from aluminum and steel. Memory foam ear cushions provide a comfortable fit over long listening sessions. Battery life reaches 25 hours with ANC enabled.
Powerful 40mm PET dome drivers deliver stunning sound clarity and spatial imaging. You can hear every detail with crystal clear precision across the entire frequency range. Focal includes special noise dampening foam inside the earcups for better noise isolation.
While expensive, the Focal Bathys provide incredible sound performance that discerning music lovers will appreciate. The noise cancellation is effective for blocking out daily distractions. If sound quality is your top priority, these are among the best headphones available.
Price: $799
Pros:
- Amazing sound clarity and resolution
- Audiophile-quality tuning
- Classy, durable design with metal accents
- Effective noise cancelling feature
Cons:
- Extremely expensive
- Noise cancellation could be more adjustable
8. Marshall Monitor II ANC
Key Specs:
- Style: Over-ear
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.0, wired
- Battery Life: 30+ hours (ANC on)
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Ambient Listening Mode: Yes
With its iconic styling, the Marshall Monitor II ANC bring the British audio brand’s signature sound to a noise cancelling headphone design.
These on-ear headphones channel the look of classic Marshall guitar amps with vinyl and brass accents. The earcups swivel 90° for easy one-ear listening. You get physical control knobs for volume, music, and phone calls.
Marshall tuned the custom dynamic drivers to deliver punchy, rock-ready sound with plenty of detail and warm mids. The active noise cancellation blocks outside distractions effectively.
With 30+ hours of battery per charge, the Monitor II headphones work great for travel and everyday use. While expensive, the cool retro Marshall design and audio quality make them stand out.
Price: $319
Pros:
- Iconic Marshall amp design
- Dynamic, detailed sound
- Good noise cancellation
- Physical knobs for volume/controls
Cons:
- Expensive for less premium features
- On-ear fit isn’t most comfortable
9. Sony WF-1000XM5 True Wireless Earbuds
Key Specs:
- Style: True wireless earbuds
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.2
- Battery Life: 8 hours (ANC on)
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes (adaptive)
- Ambient Sound Mode: Yes
- Speak to Chat feature
The Sony WF-1000XM5 are another top noise cancelling option from Sony in a true wireless form. They have an all new design and many upgraded features.
Sony’s QN1e processor enables powerful noise cancellation that automatically adjusts based on your environment. The earbuds have an optimized fit that helps block noise while staying comfortable. Speak to Chat intelligently pauses your music when you speak.
The 6mm drivers deliver exceptional musical sound quality with a wide frequency range. LDAC and Hi-Res wireless audio are supported. You also get Sony’s 360 Reality Audio tech for immersive listening.
While expensive, the Sony WF-1000XM5 buds provide best-in-class active noise cancellation in a compact, stemless design. The combination of great sound, smart features, and a secure fit make them hard to beat.
Price: $278
Pros:
- Industry-leading adaptive ANC
- Natural musical sound quality
- Integrated speak-to-chat feature
- Improved wireless connectivity
- Personalized fit for better isolation
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Battery life only 8 hours with ANC on
10. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Key Specs:
- Style: True wireless earbuds
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.2
- Battery Life: 4.5 hours (ANC on)
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Aware Mode: Yes
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are lightweight true wireless earbuds with most advanced noise cancelling from Bose.
Tiny microphones inside and outside the earbuds pick up noise which is filtered out via a new customized ANC chip. The sound reduction is impressive across frequencies. Aware Mode pipes in ambient sounds around you.
The earbuds have slim silicone eartips for a secure and comfy fit. Onboard touch controls make it easy to manage music, calls, volume and modes on the go. You get up to 4.5 hours per charge with ANC on.
The audio performance is hallmark Bose – clean, balanced, and vibrant. While not cheap, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds provide industry-leading active noise cancellation in a compact wireless design.
Price: $299
Pros:
- World-class active noise cancelling
- Natural, immersive sound
- Comfortable secure fit
- Easy touch controls
- Sweat/water resistant
Cons:
- Below average battery life
- Very expensive
What To Look For In Noise Canceling Headphones?
Here are some key factors to consider when shopping for your ideal pair of noise cancelling headphones:
- Noise Canceling Performance – The effectiveness of noise reduction is important. Look for advanced ANC that actively adapts to the environment.
- Audio Quality – Sound clarity, accuracy, and resolution should all be robust. Audiophile-level headphones will sound best.
- Battery Life – For wireless headphones, battery life of 20+ hours is ideal for travel and all-day use.