Best Noise Cancelling Headphones of 2024

The first one on our list is Bose QuietComfort Ultra. The QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Headphones by Bose stands out as a top-of-the-line choice in the realm of noise-canceling headphones.

The premium design features speckled aluminum accents, providing a luxurious yet robust feel. The lightweight build, at 254 grams, enhances comfort, and the “protein” leather padding ensures a plush sensation during extended use.

The control scheme, featuring touch-sensitive sliders and buttons, adds convenience, although some users may find the volume slider slightly inconsistent. Additionally, the carrying case enhances portability, ensuring protection for the headphones during travel.

The Bose Music app supplements physical controls, allowing extensive customization, from adjusting automatic power-down timing to fine-tuning sound modes.

Additionally, these headphones introduce the innovative CustomTune technology. This feature allows the headphones to adapt their sound profile and noise-canceling settings according to individual hearing capabilities and environmental conditions.

One noteworthy aspect is the incorporation of Immersive Audio, providing an enhanced audio experience with head tracking. Furthermore, the headphones support aptX Adaptive, a dynamic codec adjusting performance based on usage scenarios.

In terms of performance, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones excel in various categories. With a commendable noise isolation system, they effectively block out the ambient hum of bus and plane engines, making them ideal for commute and travel. The active noise cancellation performance is outstanding, contributing to an immersive audio environment.

On the sound front, the headphones deliver a neutral sound profile, making them versatile across different usage scenarios. However, The 24-hour battery life takes a hit when using the immersive mode, falling to 18 hours.

Overall, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones emerge as a compelling option for those seeking premium noise-canceling headphones with advanced features, and a comfortable design.

The second one on our list is Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2. The Crusher ANC 2 headphones by Skullcandy offer a compelling audio experience with a focus on delivering powerful bass that truly stands out.

Designed as the latest iteration in the Crusher series, these headphones combine the beloved bass response from the previous model with the addition of active noise cancellation.

In terms of design, the Crusher ANC 2 is both stylish and comfortable. The inclusion of physical buttons for various functions adds a premium touch, and the folding design makes them travel-friendly. Despite being slightly heavier than some competitors, the weight distribution is well-managed, ensuring comfort during extended use.

The standout feature of the Crusher ANC 2 is its ability to produce deep and impactful bass that can literally shake your skull. The bass control, adjustable through a convenient wheel, allows users to fine-tune the levels according to their preferences.

The Active Noise Cancellation performance, while not class-leading, effectively reduces external sounds. The personalized sound feature, in collaboration with Mimi Hearing Technologies, adds a layer of customization to the audio profile.

The battery life of the Crusher ANC 2 is noteworthy, boasting an impressive 60 hours with  Active Noise Cancellation off and 50 hours with Active Noise Cancellation on. The headphones also come with built-in Tile tracking, enhancing their practicality.

While the bass performance is a standout feature, it comes at a cost. The emphasis on low frequencies can sometimes overshadow higher-end details, impacting the overall dynamics.

In short, the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones deliver a fun and bass-centric audio experience, complemented by a stylish design, excellent battery life, and thoughtful features. 

The third one on our list is the Sony WH-1000XM5. The WH-1000XM5 headphones by Sony represent a significant evolution in the acclaimed 1000X series, showcasing a thoughtful redesign and an enhanced sound profile.

The departure from the dual-hinge design to a single hinge with swivel and rocker marks a noticeable change, allowing the headphones to fold flat but not up. Despite a larger carrying case, the weight reduction to 250 grams, coupled with a more comfortable fit, makes them ideal for extended use.

The new synthetic leather ear pads contribute to both durability and breathability, addressing concerns about heat during prolonged wear. The design, available in black and silver, boasts matte finishes that resist fingerprints. 

In terms of features, the WH-1000XM5 retains popular elements like Quick Attention mode and Speak-To-Chat, offering hands-free functionality. Noteworthy upgrades include Bluetooth 5.2 and dual processors, improving noise canceling and call quality. The four beam-forming microphones significantly enhance voice call clarity, making them stand out in noisy environments.

Sound-wise, the WH-1000XM5 showcases a refined profile with 30-millimeter carbon fiber drivers, resulting in a more balanced, accurate sound, improved clarity, and tighter bass. 

The headphones maintain a commendable battery life of up to 30 hours, with a quick charge feature providing 3 hours of use from just a 3-minute charge. Whether you’re a loyal Sony fan or in search of top-tier noise-canceling headphones, the XM5 model asserts itself as a compelling choice in the market.

While comparisons with the previous model, XM4, may spark debates, the XM5’s distinct audio profile proves its worth, particularly in reproducing intricate details in multi-instrumental tracks.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones maintain their position as a top-tier choice for audio enthusiasts, combining exceptional noise-canceling capabilities, smart features, and impressive audio quality.

The fourth one on our list is Beats Studio Pro. The Studio Pro headphones by Beats present a mixed bag of features and modernity. 

The design, reminiscent of the Studio3 headphones, offers a familiar aesthetic, with a choice of stylish colours. The plastic exterior, while not feeling premium, contributes to a lightweight and compact build. The headphones feature a tight and stable fit, akin to a helmet, with new ear pad designs providing reasonable comfort.

On the positive side, they boast excellent noise-canceling capabilities and calling performance, coupled with a natural-sounding transparency mode. The inclusion of a USB-C plug-in for high-resolution audio, one-touch pairing for both Apple and Android devices, hands-free Siri, and head-tracking for spatial audio enhances their appeal. The headphones also impress with a fantastic wireless range and a compact, stable design.

In terms of technology, the Studio Pro headphones no longer utilize Apple’s in-house chipsets but offer a Beats Proprietary Platform. This decision sacrifices certain Apple-exclusive features but allows for compatibility with both Apple and Android ecosystems. The ambient sound system excels, delivering strong noise-canceling performance, while the transparency mode facilitates clear conversations. The audio quality has seen improvements, offering a balanced sound profile with a crisp upper register and robust bass.

The headphones excel in battery performance, boasting a continuous usage time of over 28.5 hours with ANC activated. This longevity positions them as reliable companions for long commutes or travel. 

The absence of auto-pause functionality and an adjustable EQ may be significant misses for users accustomed to such features at this price point.

Overall, the Beats Studio Pro Wireless headphones deliver a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of genres. 

The fifth one on our list is Sennheiser Momentum 4. The MOMENTUM 4 Wireless headphones by Sennheiser present a compelling evolution from their predecessor, the MOMENTUM 3, boasting a sleek and minimalist design that aligns more closely with contemporary aesthetics. 

The headphones’ build quality is generally solid, though there have been reports of potential quality control issues based on user experiences. The plastic construction, cloth detailing, and faux leather ear cups contribute to a premium feel, though the plastic ear cups are prone to fingerprints.

Control-wise, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless introduces a touch-sensitive surface on the right ear cup, offering intuitive functionality. The unique pinching movement adjusts the strength of the Active Noise Cancellation and transparency modes, enhancing user customization. 

Commute and travel enthusiasts will appreciate the headphones’ comfort, & premium build. The inclusion of a sturdy hard carrying case adds to the headphones’ portability. 

In terms of sound, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless delivers a neutral audio profile with a particular emphasis on bass, providing an immersive experience for genres like EDM and hip-hop. The absence of High-End Sound Tuning is compensated by the introduction of aptX Adaptive support, ensuring low latency and a high-resolution audio experience. 

One standout aspect is the headphones’ frequency response, although initially marked by a notable bass boost, which can be easily fine-tuned using the Sennheiser app’s EQ feature.

The ANC system, while effective against ambient chatter, falls short in attenuating the low rumble of bus and plane engines. The increased battery life of over 60 hours outshines its predecessor and many other competitors.

In summary, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless headphones emerge as a formidable option for those seeking a blend of style, comfort, and impressive sound performance. 

The last one on our list is Apple AirPods Max. The AirPods Max Wireless headphones represent Apple’s foray into the realm of over-ear wireless audio, and they bring a blend of style, technology, and performance to the table.

Boasting a refined and minimalist design, these headphones feature an aluminum frame with knit padding in various color options, elevating their aesthetic appeal. The closed-back design and premium materials contribute to their excellent build quality, although some user reports indicate concerns about condensation forming on and inside the drivers after extended use.

One standout feature is the Adaptive EQ, a technology that automatically adjusts the sound profile based on the unique shape of the user’s ears. This results in a slightly warm sound profile, offering a touch of thump and warmth suitable for various music genres. 

The noise-canceling capabilities are commendable, providing an immersive listening experience by effectively reducing ambient noise. The integration of the H1 chip ensures seamless pairing with iOS/iPadOS devices, enhancing the overall user experience.

For travel and commute, the AirPods Max performs well, particularly after a firmware update, showcasing effective noise reduction for bass-range sounds. The continuous battery life is impressive, making them suitable for long journeys. The carrying case, while offering limited protection, adds to the overall portability.

In terms of comfort, the headphones are decent, with replaceable plush padding on the ear cups. However, their weight and clamping force might lead to fatigue during extended use. The controls, featuring a unique Digital Crown, offer convenience, although the absence of a power on/off button could be a drawback for some users.

To conclude, the Apple AirPods Max Wireless headphones deliver a premium audio experience with a focus on design, adaptive technology, and noise cancellation.