The best noise-cancelling headphones in 2025

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the best noise-cancelling headphones available in 2025, focusing on sound quality, comfort, and price, with additional insights into upcoming innovations. The evaluation is based on reviews from reputable sources such as Wirecutter, TechRadar, CNET, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi?, and SoundGuys, ensuring a thorough understanding for users seeking top-tier options.

The analysis considers both over-ear and in-ear models, as the term “headphones” can encompass both in modern usage, given the user’s lack of specification. Models were selected based on frequent mentions in 2025 reviews, with a focus on those released or highly rated early in the year, given the current date of April 5, 2025. Comparisons are drawn from detailed reviews, and upcoming innovations are sourced from industry trend reports.

Over-Ear Headphones: Top Contenders

Two models dominate for over-ear noise-cancelling headphones: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and the Sony WH-1000XM5. Both are priced at approximately $400, positioning them in the high-end category.

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones:
  • Sound Quality: Described as bass-heavy by default, with the option to adjust via a graphic EQ in the companion app (Wirecutter). This makes it suitable for users who enjoy deep bass, with customization for other preferences. RTINGS notes it emphasizes “thump and punch,” ideal for genres like hip-hop or electronic music (RTINGS).
  • Comfort: Highlighted as lightweight and comfortable, with a traveler-friendly design, according to Wirecutter. The fit is praised for extended wear, such as long flights (Wirecutter).
  • Price: Approximately $400, aligning with premium offerings (CNET).
  • Key Features: Features Bose’s CustomTune technology, adjusting sound and noise cancellation based on the user’s hearing and environment. It offers 29 hours of battery life with ANC on and supports multi-device pairing (RTINGS).
• Sony WH-1000XM5:
  • Sound Quality: Noted for a balanced presentation, detailed and insightful across frequencies, making it versatile for various music genres (What Hi-Fi?). SoundGuys praises its sonic prowess, enhanced by Sony’s upscale sound technologies (SoundGuys).
  • Comfort: Generally comfortable, though some users may find the fit slightly tight, as mentioned in reviews. The design includes plush ear cushions for long wear (SoundGuys).
  • Price: Approximately $399, competitive with Bose (TechRadar).
  • Key Features: Supports LDAC codec for high-quality audio streaming, offers touch controls, and includes a robust Headphones Connect app for customization. Battery life is strong at 30 hours with ANC on (Tom’s Guide).

Comparison Table for Over-Ear Models:

Model	Sound Quality	Comfort	Price	Key Features
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones	Bass-heavy, adjustable EQ	Lightweight, comfortable	~$400	CustomTune, 29h battery, multi-device pairing
Sony WH-1000XM5	Balanced, detailed	Comfortable, may feel tight	~$399	LDAC codec, touch controls, 30h battery, robust app

The choice between these models may hinge on sound preference: Bose for bass enthusiasts with ANC focus, Sony for a balanced, detailed sound with additional features.

In-Ear Headphones: Top Contenders

For in-ear noise-cancelling options, the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro 2 are frequently recommended, catering to users preferring earbuds.

• Sony WF-1000XM5:
  • Sound Quality: Praised for excellent sound with a focus on detail and balance, making it a top pick for audiophiles (Wirecutter). RTINGS notes its superb ANC and customizable sound via EQ (RTINGS).
  • Comfort: Offers various ear tip options for a comfortable fit, though may not suit small ears, as noted by Wirecutter (Wirecutter).
  • Price: Approximately $299, positioning it as a premium in-ear option (CNET).
  • Key Features: Excellent ANC, dual-device connectivity, and a hear-through mode for situational awareness (TechRadar).
• Apple AirPods Pro 2:
  • Sound Quality: Offers good sound quality with clarity and bass response, enhanced by spatial audio support (CNET). Suitable for Apple users seeking integration.
  • Comfort: Includes multiple ear tip sizes for a comfortable fit, though fit can vary by user, similar to other in-ears (What Hi-Fi?).
  • Price: Approximately $249, making it a more affordable option compared to Sony (The Independent).
  • Key Features: Seamless integration with Apple devices, good noise cancellation, and touch controls for ease of use (PCMag).

Comparison Table for In-Ear Models:

Model	Sound Quality	Comfort	Price	Key Features
Sony WF-1000XM5	Excellent, detailed, balanced	Various tips, may not fit small ears	~$299	Superior ANC, dual-device, hear-through mode
Apple AirPods Pro 2	Good, clear, bass response	Multiple tips, fit varies	~$249	Apple integration, spatial audio, touch controls

Sony WF-1000XM5 is preferred for sound quality and ANC, while Apple AirPods Pro 2 offers value and ecosystem integration, appealing to Apple users.

Price Analysis

Prices range from $249 for Apple AirPods Pro 2 to around $400 for both over-ear models, reflecting their premium positioning. Budget options like Soundcore Space One (~$100) were mentioned but did not make the top list due to sound and ANC trade-offs (Wirecutter).

Upcoming Innovations

Research suggests several innovations are on the horizon for noise-cancelling headphones, particularly by 2025, based on industry trends reported by SoundGuys. These include:

• MEMS Speakers: Expected to proliferate, offering reduced mass, increased power efficiency, and improved noise cancellation. Full-range drivers are set to hit the market in 2025, with extended bandwidth up to 80kHz, enhancing spatial audio (SoundGuys). Already seen in products like Creative Aurvana Ace 2 as tweeters, this technology promises better performance ceilings (SoundGuys).
• Lossless Audio over Wireless: Qualcomm S7 and S7 Pro chipsets will support micro-power Wi-Fi for bit-perfect lossless audio, platform-limited to Android smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or better, potentially improving sound quality (SoundGuys).
• Earbuds as Hearing Aids: Leveraging Auracast and hearable devices, earbuds may take on hearing aid duties, driven by 2022 US legal changes. This could integrate noise cancellation with hearing assistance, reducing stigma and costs (SoundGuys).
• Solar Power for Headphones: Photovoltaic cells from companies like Exeger and Urbanista may increase market penetration, extending battery life with outdoor exposure, though less directly related to noise cancellation (SoundGuys).

These innovations suggest a future where noise-cancelling headphones offer enhanced performance and versatility, particularly through MEMS speakers.

Conclusion

The best noise-cancelling headphones in 2025, focusing on sound quality, comfort, and price, include Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM5 for over-ear, and Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro 2 for in-ear. Sound quality varies by preference, with Sony models offering balanced audio and Bose leaning bass-heavy. Comfort is high across all, though fit may vary, especially for in-ear models. Prices range from $249 to $400, with upcoming innovations like MEMS speakers promising further improvements in noise cancellation and sound quality.

Key Points

• The best noise-cancelling headphones in 2025 seem to be Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM5 for over-ear, and Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro 2 for in-ear, based on reviews.
• Sound quality varies: Sony models offer balanced audio, while Bose leans toward bass-heavy with EQ adjustments.
• Comfort is high for all, though fit may vary by user, especially for in-ear models.
• Prices range from $249 for Apple AirPods Pro 2 to around $400 for over-ear models.
• Upcoming innovations include MEMS speakers for better noise cancellation and sound, expected by 2025.