Top 9 best noise canceling headphones of 2024

Below are the top best noise-canceling headphones to help you enjoy your tunes without being affected by outside noise.

1. JBL Live 460NC

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The JBL Live 460NC wireless noise-canceling headphones are a great choice for enthusiasts who want to enjoy high-fidelity wireless audio on the go. These headphones produce big, powerful, bass-rich sound thanks to 40mm drivers and will operate for up to 50 hours on a full charge.

ANC cuts out unwanted noise, allowing you to focus on your music. Ambient Aware technology increases ambient noise as you walk through crowded environments, helping you move safely. The Talk Thru function reduces music volume and increases voice volume for clear conversations.

Activate your favorite voice assistant with simple voice commands or by tapping the side of the headset to switch between ANC or Ambient Aware mode, check battery level, or manage voice calls. With great sound quality and impressive battery life, these JBL Live 460NC headphones are a recommended choice.

2. Skullcandy Hesh ANC

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Skullcandy Hesh ANC headphones deliver high-quality audio with excellent sound quality and dynamic range, powered by 40mm drivers. They also feature 4-microphone active noise cancellation, for when you want to take a break from the outside world.

For times when you need to pay attention to your surroundings, you can switch to Hesh's Ambient Mode. Two quick taps on the earcup activates this mode and lets you hear everything around you. Once you've safely crossed the street (for example), double-tapping again will reactivate ANC mode.

With noise cancellation enabled, these headphones will operate for approximately 22 hours. In addition, the soft padding on the headband and inside the earcups also helps users feel comfortable when wearing for many hours.

3. JBL Tune 230NC TWS

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There may be times when wearing a large pair of headphones is a bit cumbersome and you need something a little more discreet. Whether it's for exercise, commuting, or you simply like the feel of wireless headphones, there are plenty of noise canceling options. And the JBL Tune 230NC headphones are one of the best value for money options.

This headphone's 10mm drivers deliver great bass, along with an ANC mode that uses two built-in microphones to cancel out outside noise. Ambient Aware mode increases ambient noise when you're out and about, and Talk Thru mode allows for easy voice calls without having to remove the headphones.

Easy voice calls are supported by four microphones that provide stereo sound for every conversation, while a 40-hour battery life gives you enough power to do whatever the day takes you. These are a great pair of noise-canceling headphones at an affordable price.

4. Beats Studio Buds

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Beats Studio Buds are a pair of premium noise-canceling headphones, with both ANC and Transparency Mode, for when you need to hear the sounds around you.

The headphones are IPX4 water and sweat resistant, making them a worthy choice when at the gym or running on the sidewalk. Built-in dual Beamforming microphones deliver high-quality voice call performance, and on-ear controls let you switch easily between music and calling functions.

Battery life is only about 8 hours, but can last up to nearly 24 hours when using the charging case. They're compatible with your favorite voice assistant and allow for easy one-touch pairing with Apple and Android devices. With a stable and comfortable in-ear design and great sound quality, these headphones are sure to impress you.

5. Sennheiser HD 450BT Bluetooth 5.0

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These wireless noise-canceling headphones from Sennheiser may be a little larger than other options available, but once you give them a listen, you'll understand why. These HD headphones deliver exceptional sound quality with deep, dynamic bass. The built-in equalizer ensures that every aspect has perfect clarity.

ANC mode works very well, but unfortunately this headset lacks Ambient or Transparency mode to supplement the ANC function. Transparency mode here only works for voice calls and does not apply to music. However, it allows for outstanding voice call audio quality and works well with your favorite voice assistant. You can enjoy 30 hours of battery life, even with ANC mode activated.

The free Sennheiser Smart Control app lets you customize the audio output even further, with multiple selectable sound modes for tinkerers. Podcast mode also lets you optimize the sound for your favorite podcasts and audiobooks. The superior sound quality makes these headphones a great choice for ANC, as long as you're not handicapped by the lack of an Ambient mode.

6. Soundcore By Anker Life P3

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Another noise canceling headphone worth considering is the Soundcore By Anker Life P3. With three noise cancellation modes: Travel, outdoor and indoor, you can determine without thinking which mode is best suited to your current location.

The headphones feature custom 11mm drivers and a separate Bass Up mode that boosts bass for more powerful sound. Each noise cancellation mode is fully optimized for their respective environments, and you can use the Soundcore app to further improve your custom settings.

6 built-in microphones help isolate voices from chatter or background buzz, for incredibly clear voice calls. Plus, you'll enjoy a whopping 50 hours of battery life with these headphones. Or, if you're pressed for time, a quick 10-minute charge will give you about 4 hours of use. Full of color and personality, this is the ideal choice for those who are active, on-the-go types.

7. Philips PH805

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ANC mode as well as Awareness mode for clearer hearing are available on these Philips PH805 active noise canceling headphones. High-resolution sound, comfortable fit and 30 hours of use on a single charge are also indispensable.

The 40mm driver delivers rich, bass-heavy sound, just as you'd expect from Philips, with all mid-range frequencies sounding clear and crisp. A simple button press activates your voice assistant and the built-in microphone with echo cancellation keeps you loud and clear during voice calls.

Lightweight and comfortable, these headphones can be adjusted for a perfect fit and fold easily for compact storage. The ear cups allow you to adjust volume, skip tracks, etc. with a quick swipe of your finger; making them very convenient to use - a great example of what a great pair of ANC headphones should look and function like.

8. Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid

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If comfort is your top priority, then you need to know that the memory foam earcups on these headphones feel as if you're resting on a soft, fluffy pillow.

The ANC mode here can reduce ambient noise by up to 90%, eliminating many types of low and mid-frequency noise such as traffic sounds. BassUp mode allows for exceptional bass at the press of a button; while standard audio mode uses 40mm drivers to produce superior quality, high-resolution audio.

With up to 40 hours of continuous use in ANC mode (and 60 hours in standard mode), the Q20 is a strong contender. The fast charging feature is also very impressive, with 5 minutes of charging giving 4 hours of use. Add in clear voice calls, and you've got a very good pair of ANC headphones to consider.

9. JVC Compact True Wireless

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ANC with 21 hours of battery life, JVC's compact True Wireless headphones are a decent choice for anyone looking for ANC headphones but doesn't want to break the bank. They will even work when used in one ear and have a low latency mode for streaming video, helping to preserve battery life.

These headphones are IPX4 waterproof, making them suitable for exercising or walking in the rain. There's a bass boost function to make the sound quality a little better, and easy-to-operate touch controls on the side of the headphones make selection fun and interactive.

You won't find any Transparency or Ambient modes here, although there is a convenient one-touch mute option if you have ANC on and need to quickly exit it. High-quality sound and effective ANC mode make this option well worth considering.

Marvin Fry

Update 01 March 2024