The 29 best noise canceling headphones brands
Sony, Beats by Dr. Dre and Bose lead our ranking of 29 noise canceling headphones brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Noise Canceling Headphones brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
Sony
Shortly after World War 2, Masaru Ibuka founded the Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K., a telecommunications and engineering corporation. He wanted technology to contribute to Japan’s culture and future. Despite starting small, he never gave up and stressed the importance of doing what had not been done before. As the brand evolved to become what we know as Sony, it has created countless novel products that changed the electronics industry.
Top products: WH-1000XM4· WH-1000XM6· WH-CH720N
Website: sony.com |Brands like Sony
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
Beats by Dr. Dre
Beats leans on bold bass tuning and fashion styling, with the Studio range as its main noise-cancelling over-ear option.
Website: beatsbydre.com |Brands like Beats by Dr. Dre
Popularity 9.5/10
-
3
Bose
Bose puts comfort and quiet first, with soft padding and noise cancelling tuned for long flights and commutes.
Top products: QuietComfort 45· QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Website: bose.com |Brands like Bose
Popularity 7.6/10
-
4
Apple
Apple's noise-cancelling range runs from AirPods earbuds up to the AirPods Max over-ears, tied closely to iPhone features.
Top products: AirPods Max 2· AirPods Pro 3· AirPods Pro 2
Website: support.apple.com |Brands like Apple
Popularity 7.5/10
-
5
JBL
Budget-friendly on-ears and over-ears with adaptive noise cancelling and strong battery life mark JBL's lineup.
Top products: Live 770NC· Live 675NC· Tune Flex 2
Website: jbl.com |Brands like JBL
Popularity 6.6/10
-
6
Skullcandy
Lighter, bass-friendly sound at modest prices defines Skullcandy's wireless noise-cancelling pairs.
Top products: Hesh 540 ANC· Icon ANC
Website: skullcandy.com |Brands like Skullcandy
Popularity 4.0/10
-
7
Sennheiser
Sennheiser's Momentum models are tuned for natural, detailed sound with premium materials and a higher price tag.
Top products: Momentum 4· Momentum 5
Website: en-us.sennheiser.com |Brands like Sennheiser
Popularity 3.8/10
-
8
JLab
Affordable, fitness-minded wireless gear, with the JBuds Lux ANC as its entry into noise-cancelling headphones.
Top products: JBuds Lux ANC
Website: jlab.com |Brands like JLab
Popularity 3.7/10
-
9
soundcore
Value-focused ANC headphones with long battery life, the Q-series spans budget picks up to the Space Q45.
Top products: Space Q45· Q30· Q20i
Website: us.soundcore.com |Brands like soundcore
Popularity 3.3/10
-
10
Jabra
Jabra's Elite 7 Active earbuds are built for workouts, with sweat resistance alongside noise cancelling.
Top products: Elite 7 Active
Website: jabra.com |Brands like Jabra
Popularity 2.8/10
-
11
Samsung
Galaxy Buds earbuds are the main noise-cancelling option, tied closely to Samsung phone pairing features.
Website: samsung.com |Brands like Samsung
Popularity 2.7/10
-
12
Anker
Anker is the world’s leading mobile charging brand, evidently embracing future technology. The company’s hyper flash powerhouses that are portable and can charge almost any device within minutes can completely charge themselves in around an hour. With continuous modernization and...
Website: anker.com |Brands like Anker
Popularity 2.6/10
-
13
JVC
Bass-forward tuning shapes JVC's over-ears and earbuds, which tend to suit a lower budget.
Website: us.jvc.com |Brands like JVC
Popularity 2.4/10
-
14
Plantronics
Plantronics is built with the confidence of the future. Plantronics has been in business since 1969. They have made their appearance on the moon too! Don't believe us? The brand developed the headsets that were used by the crew to...
Website: plantronics.com |Brands like Plantronics
Popularity 2.1/10
-
15
TOZO
Touch controls and hybrid ANC come standard on TOZO's low-cost earbuds and over-ear models.
Website: tozostore.com |Brands like TOZO
Popularity 2.0/10
-
16
Kz
The brand KZ is an ode to its founders, but more importantly, it stands for Knowledge Zenith. KZ. Audio offers trendy yet simple earphones in multiple designs and colors. Today's youth carries earphones with style, and KZ fulfills the need...
Website: kz-audio.com |Brands like Kz
Popularity 2.0/10
-
17
AfterShokz
AfterShokz produces bone conduction headphones that rest on the cheekbones and leave the ears open, so wearers can still hear traffic and conversation. The range includes headphones for running, swimming and communication, along with standard, magnetic and USB charging cables....
Website: us.aftershokz.com |Brands like AfterShokz
Popularity 2.0/10
-
18
Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins is the award-winning British loudspeaker and sound system designer, manufacturer, and retailer. It was founded in 1966 by David Bowers and Roy Wilkins. Founded over 55 years ago, they have grown from an audiophile loudspeaker manufacturer to...
Website: bowerswilkins.com |Brands like Bowers & Wilkins
Popularity 1.9/10
-
19
Cowin
Do you need headphones? Cowin's products are among the best-selling products on amazon. The website is user-friendly and provides detailed information about products, including large-aperture drivers with feedback noise, active noise canceling, and thirty hours of playtime. Cowin has superior...
Website: cowinaudio.com |Brands like Cowin
Popularity 1.9/10
-
20
Monster
Based in California, Monster makes headphones, HDMI cables, AC adapters and computer chargers. Its headphones form the most visible part of the line, and the cables and chargers serve home theater and computer setups. Shoppers comparing cables should check the...
Popularity 1.8/10
-
21
Philips
Credibility and reliability go connected at the hip with the most innovative health and well-being brand, Philips. There are presumably very few people who have yet not given a shot at this brand, for it has been the most promising...
Website: usa.philips.com |Brands like Philips
Popularity 1.8/10
-
22
QCY
QCY is committed to producing audio equipment that delivers an outstanding audio experience. You may select from various TWS portable sport and Bluetooth headsets, as well as TWS headphones. This audio technology provides your ears with CD-quality music. It supports...
Popularity 1.7/10
-
23
Shure
Stage and studio microphones, wireless systems and in-ear monitors define Shure's range. The Illinois company's SM58 and SM57 dynamic microphones are widely recognised, and earphones for performers who monitor their own sound round out the line. Its gear is built...
Website: shure.com |Brands like Shure
Popularity 1.7/10
-
24
BASEUS
The rise in technology resulted in the development of several electronic devices to be used daily. Devices like chargers, cables, earphones, and several other equipment were bought into development. Baseus came up with high-quality and reliable accessories for all your...
Website: baseus.com |Brands like BASEUS
Popularity 1.6/10
-
25
Altec Lansing
Altec Lansing, an American audio brand, sells wireless speakers, computer speakers and headphones. Its Bluetooth speakers include waterproof models for outdoor use, and its earphones are built for everyday listening on the go. Computer speakers serve desk setups, while the...
Website: alteclansing.com |Brands like Altec Lansing
Popularity 1.6/10
-
26
Technics
Feel the beat, re-create it and remember. Technics is for music lovers who want to Rediscover Music. Technics is dedicated to bringing you the world's most musical and musical experience. With Technics, music lovers everywhere can rediscover the joy of...
Website: technics.com |Brands like Technics
Popularity 1.6/10
-
27
HTC
HTC, a Taiwanese electronic company, has been creating smartphones with a tint of its own uniqueness. The company also holds the title of designing the world’s first metal body mobile phone and, since then, has been in the pursuit of...
Website: htc.com |Brands like HTC
Popularity 1.5/10
-
28
Logitech
Logitech, a Swiss company that began in 1981, makes computer keyboards, wireless mice and other computer accessories. Its early products included the laser mouse and the cordless infrared mouse. Its designs serve home and office users who want reliable wireless...
Website: logitech.com |Brands like Logitech
Popularity 1.5/10
-
29
AKG
AKG designs headphones, microphones and wireless audio systems for musicians, studios and listeners. Its range includes studio condenser microphones such as the C414 and noise-cancelling and earbud headphones. The Austrian company has made audio equipment since 1947.
Website: akg.com |Brands like AKG
Popularity 1.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony | sony.com | – | – | – | – |
| Beats by Dr. Dre | beatsbydre.com | /beatsbydre | beatsbydre | @beatsbydre | – |
| Bose | bose.com | /Bose | bose | @Bose | Bose |
| Apple | support.apple.com | – | – | @AppleSupport | – |
| JBL | jbl.com | /JBLIndia | harmanindia | @harmanindia | HarmanIndiaChannel |
| Skullcandy | skullcandy.com | /Skullcandy | skullcandy | @skullcandy | SKULLCANDYTV |
| Sennheiser | en-us.sennheiser.com | /SennheiserUSA | sennheiser | @SennheiserUSA | – |
| JLab | jlab.com | /jlabaudio | jlabaudio | @jlabaudio | JLabAudio |
| soundcore | us.soundcore.com | /SoundcoreAudio | soundcoreaudio | @soundcoreaudio | Soundcore |
| Jabra | jabra.com | /jabra | – | @jabra_us | JabraHeadsets |
Noise Canceling Headphones Buying Guide
Are you tired of noisy environments, whether you are on a plane, train or bus? Do you want to enjoy your music, movies or simply silence without interference? If that is the case, you should consider getting noise canceling headphones. In this buying guide, we will explore everything you need to know before purchasing noise canceling headphones.
What are noise canceling headphones?
Noise canceling headphones, also known as active noise canceling headphones or ANC headphones, are a type of headphones that use technology to reduce or cancel outside noise. ANC headphones work by using microphones to pick up ambient noise and then use circuits, built-in processors or DSP (digital signal processing) algorithms to produce an opposite sound wave that should cancel the ambient noise or a certain frequency of it.
Noise canceling headphones work effectively on constant noises, such as airplane engine or traffic sounds, but they may not be as effective on sudden or intermittent noises, such as a person sneezing or someone yelling.
How do noise canceling headphones differ from regular headphones?
The main difference between noise canceling headphones and regular headphones is the technology used to reduce or cancel outside noise. Regular headphones simply isolate your ears from outside noise by creating a physical barrier between your ears and the noise. This is known as passive noise isolation or noise reduction.
Noise canceling headphones go a step further by using active noise cancellation technology to produce opposing sound waves, as we have mentioned previously. This technology also requires additional components, such as microphones and sound processors, which can make noise canceling headphones more expensive than regular headphones.
What to consider before buying noise canceling headphones?
When you are considering buying noise canceling headphones, there are several factors to consider:
- Noise canceling performance: This is the most important factor when considering noise canceling headphones. You want to make sure the headphones you purchase have good noise canceling performance, especially for the type of environment you will be using it in.
- Sound quality: Sound quality is also important. You want to be able to enjoy your music or movies without sacrificing sound quality for noise canceling performance. Make sure to look for headphones with good frequency response and low distortion.
- Comfort: Since you will be wearing the headphones for a decent amount of time, you want to make sure they are comfortable. Look for headphones with soft ear pads and headbands that evenly distribute pressure.
- Battery life: Noise canceling headphones require power to operate the noise canceling technology. Make sure to look for headphones with long battery life, especially if you will be using them for long flights or bus rides.
- Price: Noise canceling headphones can be more expensive than regular headphones, so make sure to set a budget and look for headphones within that budget. Keep in mind that higher price doesn't always mean better quality, and there are affordable options with good noise canceling performance.
Types of noise canceling headphones
There are two types of noise canceling headphones: over-ear and in-ear. Let's explore the differences between the two:
Over-ear noise canceling headphones
Over-ear noise canceling headphones are the most common type of noise canceling headphones. They feature large ear cups that fully enclose your ears, providing excellent noise isolation and comfort. Over-ear headphones are also known as circumaural headphones.
The downside of over-ear headphones is that they can be bulky and not as portable as in-ear headphones. They are also heavier and can cause discomfort over extended periods of use.
In-ear noise canceling headphones
In-ear noise canceling headphones are also referred to as earbuds or earphones. They are more lightweight and portable than over-ear headphones, making them a popular choice for daily commuters or active individuals.
In-ear headphones use silicone or foam eartips that create a seal within your ear canal, reducing outside noise. However, some people may find this type of noise isolation uncomfortable, and they may not be as effective as over-ear headphones in canceling noise.
Best noise canceling headphones on the market
There are many noise canceling headphones on the market, but we have selected some of the best ones based on their noise canceling performance, sound quality, and comfort.
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is considered one of the best noise canceling headphones on the market. The headphones feature advanced noise canceling technology that adapts to your environment, providing excellent noise isolation. The headphones also feature excellent sound quality and long battery life (up to 30 hours).
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Bose QuietComfort 35 II is a well-known noise canceling headphone model. The headphones feature active noise cancellation that provides excellent noise isolation, and they also have impressive sound quality. The headphones have a comfortable design and long battery life (up to 20 hours).
Apple AirPods Pro
The Apple AirPods Pro is a popular noise canceling headphone choice for Apple device users. The AirPods Pro feature advanced noise cancellation technology and excellent sound quality. The headphones are also water-resistant and have a comfortable in-ear design. The battery life is up to 4.5 hours, but the charging case provides additional charges, totaling up to 24 hours.
Conclusion
Noise canceling headphones are an excellent investment if you want to reduce or eliminate outside noise while enjoying your music, movies, or simply some peace and quiet. When considering purchasing noise canceling headphones, make sure to consider factors such as noise canceling performance, sound quality, comfort, battery life, and price. Additionally, choose a type of headphone that works for your lifestyle, whether it be over-ear or in-ear headphones. Finally, consider some of the best noise canceling headphones on the market, such as the Sony WH-1000XM4, Bose QuietComfort 35 II, or Apple AirPods Pro.