TL;DR
- Noise-canceling headphones reduce ambient sound using advanced ANC technology, creating a quieter listening environment: great for travel, commuting, and working in noisy spaces.
- In 2025, wireless models often outperform wired ones in both sound quality and features.
- Premium brands like Sony, Apple, and Soundcore offer Hi-Res audio, long battery life, and custom sound experiences.
- From budget to premium, ANC headphones are now more accessible. And definitely worth the investment if you value focus, sound quality, and convenience.
Why are people sacrificing the convenience of wired earphones for wireless, noise-canceling headphones? Because in 2025, they offer more value than wired earphones. Arguably, they have better build quality, better sound profiles, and if you are worried about losing them, they have a “find my -” tracking feature baked in.
The noise-canceling headphone market size is expected to reach $41.6 billion by 2031, increasing at a market growth of 12.9% CAGR. Here’s why that number makes perfect sense.
How do Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) Headphones Work?
Sound travels in waves. Noise-canceling headphones use built-in microphones to detect ambient noise, like the hum of an airplane or traffic. Then, using ANC, they generate a sound wave that is the opposite phase of the incoming noise. When these two waves meet, they cancel each other out. This process happens in real time, giving you a quieter listening environment.
But remember, they can only cancel sound up to a certain decibel level, which is more than enough for any consumer. Unless you work with a construction crew, in which case you probably shouldn’t be wearing headphones at the job.
Also Read: Best Bluetooth Neckbands for Gym & Outdoors in 2025
Why Should You Pick Noise-Canceling Headphones?
Say, you travel a lot. From home to work, from work to home, the cycle repeats. You have traffic, or even the noise of your plane taking off. In situations like these, high-quality noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver.
They can also be especially helpful for people who regularly work in public places, from co-working offices to Starbucks. Noise-canceling headphones help you stay focused without isolating you completely. You still get the social energy of a co-working space, but without the distractions.
Top Picks: Noise-Canceling Headphones
Here are some of the best noise-canceling headphones available on the market:
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Sony WH-1000XM 4/5/6
To counter the audio loss in wireless noise-canceling headphones, Sony launched LDAC. This increased the bitrate of your audio transmission. Remember a simple trick: more bitrate, better media quality.
This increased bitrate made Sony’s WH-1000XM series the best noise-canceling headphones in 2024 and in 2025.
These headphones feature a battery life of up to 30 hours, fast charging (10 min charge = 5 hours of playback), and advanced speak-to-chat technology.
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Soundcore Space Q45
Soundcore, a brand by Anker, has taken leaps in technology, providing GaN chargers at a cheaper rate. Their headphones brand does the same: providing good quality, long-lasting noise-canceling headphones at a decent price.
The Space Q4 headphones feature 50 hours of playtime, an adjustable ambient sound option, and Hi-Res wireless sound.
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Apple AirPods Max
Released in 2020, Apple was ahead of the times, with this product. Their AirPods Max support their own version of Hi-Res audio, while also offering the features you would expect from premium quality noise-canceling headphones. Add in a sound stage that is custom-made for you!
Despite being half a decade old, these headphones are popular in the market for all the right reasons. If reports are to be believed, Apple is working on the 2nd version of AirPods Max with even more features.
If you are looking for premium noise-canceling headphones, you should check e-commerce websites as well. Check out amazon com discount coupon for deals on high-quality headphones, at an affordable price.
Also Read: Best Gym Headphones 2025: Over-Ear and Wireless Picks
Spending Extra on Premium Noise-Canceling Headphones
You can find many ANC headphones for as low as $30. Wireless earphones work well if you have the old relic 3.5mm Headphone jack. So why should you pay for more expensive models? Because transmitting audio wirelessly is a complex process, and it can compromise audio quality.
Here is how a usual pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones works:
- They convert the audio you want to listen to into “bits” for your phone to understand it
- These bits are then converted into an ultra-high-frequency radio wave.
- The radio wave is then taken to your Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones by a carrier wave
- The radio wave is decoded back into “bits”
- Then your headphones convert those bits into an electric signal and send it to the speaker
The cheap headphones lose their audio quality when juggling all of these conversions. This can lead to an uncomfortable listening experience.
Are Noise-Canceling Headphones Worth the Hype?
If you have read this far and your mind doesn’t scream “yes”, you should read again! Noise-canceling headphones are a modern invention, created to solve an ultra-modern problem. They offer a high quality, enhanced listening experience, along with the convenience of never having to untangle any wires on the subway.
Opt for high-quality headphones that can last you a long time because some technology is worth the investment. Remember to look for offers that can help you bag the best deals on tech. For the best deals on tech, fashion, travel, and more, you can check out My Exclusive Deals.
FAQs
1. Is there 100% noise cancelation?
No, they can only cancel noises up to a certain decibel level. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM4 has an overall 28dB noise cancelation.
2. Are noise-canceling headphones worth it?
Yes, they are worth getting if your lifestyle involves you to be on the run, take meetings, attend calls, and more. For attending meets, travelling, and isolating voices, they work really well.
3. What are the downsides of noise-canceling headphones?
Prolonged use with ANC switched on, with high volume, may lead to headache, hearing fatigue, or hearing damage if the volume is above the recommended level.
4. Which is better: ANC or ENC?
Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) is a better choice to go with if you listen to music a lot. Environmental Noise Cancelation (ENC) is for calls and meetings.
5. Does noise canceling work without music?
Yes, you can switch on the noise cancelation of your headphones in the settings without needing to play music. It would work just as well.