Overview
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) With MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
Best Earphones for iPhone Users - Jump To Details
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best Noise-Cancelling Earphones Overall - Jump To Details
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Overall - Jump To Details
Sony WF-1000XM5
Best Earphones for Audiophiles - Jump To Details
Sony WH-1000XM5
Best Headphones for Audiophiles - Jump To Details
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Best Earphones Under $200 - Jump To Details
Urbanista Los Angeles
Best Energy-Efficient Headphones - Jump To Details
Apple AirPods Max
Best Headphones for iPhone Users - Jump To Details
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2
Best for Runners - Jump To Details
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Most Stylish Headphones
The Best Headphones Deals In Australia – Live Now
- Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones – A$448 (was $549, 18% off)
- JBL Live 460 Wireless On-Ear ANC Headphones – A$119 (was $199, 40% off)
- Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro – A$158.63 (was $349, 55% off)
- Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones – A$199 (was $242, 18% off)
- Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earphones – A$345 (was $399, 14% off)
- Technics Premium Noise Cancelling, Multi-Point Wireless Headphones – A$344 (was $549, 37% off)
Check out more Australian electronics deals here.
Headphones are great for enjoying your favorite music, podcast, or audiobook in peace, but sometimes the outside world can bleed through. If you want to avoid all the noise, you need headphones or earphones with active noise cancellation (ANC). We've been testing noise-cancelling headphones for around 15 years, so you can trust that our analysis is comprehensive and informed. Our coverage is and always has been free of manufacturer influence, too.
Although some headphone makers are closing the gap with long-time leader Bose, the company's Editors' Choice-winning QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Earbuds still offer the most effective ANC overall. At the more affordable end, the Editors' Choice-winning Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earphones outpace everything else close to $200. It's still worth clicking through to our detailed reviews of each model to find which best suits your needs since they all have particular strengths. We also cover everything you need to know during your search further down.
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) With MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
Best Earphones for iPhone UsersWhy We Picked It
The second-generation AirPods Pro deliver exceptionally strong noise cancellation, even though the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds edge them out slightly overall. Nonetheless, the AirPods Pro wipe out deep, low-frequency rumble and are effective against more complex, higher-frequency sounds. Beyond ANC, Apple's Adaptive Audio mode gives you a more natural way to monitor your surroundings without letting loud noises harm your hearing and it works much better than Bose's equivalent mode. In addition, a USB-C port makes charging more convenient than the previous Lightning models.
Who It’s For
First and foremost, anyone who wants seamless integration between their earphones and iPhone should enjoy the AirPods Pro experience. Pairing is as simple as opening the case, while the iOS settings menu offers all the controls and features you need. The other stealth use for these earbuds is as active, transparent earplugs—in Adaptive Audio mode, you can wear them to a concert (if you're OK with getting some confused looks) or a job site and still monitor your surroundings without the risk of hearing damage.
Pros
- Rich, well-balanced audio performance
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Conversation Aware feature adjusts your music volume when you speak
- Charging case has a built-in speaker, USB-C port
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
Cons
- No hi-res codec support
- EQ presets aren't adjustable
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best Noise-Cancelling Earphones OverallWhy We Picked It
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds reset our expectations for noise-cancelling earphones. They use a combination of calibration tests and subtle adaptive ANC tweaks to produce impressive results. Although their performance against higher frequencies is comparable with that of other high-end models, Bost comes out on top against low-frequency noise. The earbuds also offer an Active Aware mode that tamps down louder environmental noises while still allowing you to hear your surroundings. Support for immersive (spatial) audio and the AptX Adaptive codec both add value as well.
Who It’s For
Audiophiles might prefer Sony's WF-1000XM5 earphones (for their superior codec support and better EQ) and iPhone owners might favor the second-gen AirPods Pro (for their seamless integration with Apple products), but you should choose the QC Ultra Earbuds if you want the most effective noise cancellation. Check out our full comparison between the three for more details. Other top-tier options come close but aren't quite as consistent overall or effective against the deep lows.
Pros
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Crisp, full-bodied audio
- Active Aware feature blends noise cancellation and transparency modes
- Spatial audio support with head tracking
- Good Bluetooth codec support
Cons
- Case doesn’t support wireless charging
- No multipoint connectivity
Learn MoreBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ReviewBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones OverallWhy We Picked It
There are a lot of headphones on this list, but no over-ear model delivers more consistently excellent noise cancellation than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Compared with the AirPods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose is slightly better at dialing back complex mids and highs, as well as mitigating the lows. AptX Adaptive support, immersive (spatial) audio modes, and multipoint connectivity make the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones more competitive in other aspects, too.
Who It’s For
Anyone looking for the absolute best noise-cancelling headphones should start their search here. You get more in the audio and app department from Sony's WH-1000XM5, but Bose is our top pick if noise cancellation is your main priority. (Don't count out the standard QuietComfort Headphones if you want nearly as effective ANC and can forgo some of the latest model's upgrades; we have a full comparison between the two to help you decide which pair is right for you.)
Pros
- Class-leading active noise cancellation
- Crisp audio with rich bass
- Adjustable EQ
- Immersive audio modes with spatial effects
Cons
- Expensive
- Adaptive noise cancellation might cause ear pressure
Sony WF-1000XM5
Best Earphones for AudiophilesWhy We Picked It
Sony's WF-1000XM5 earphones aren't quite as effective overall at blocking out distractions as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, but their foam eartips help them perform better against high frequencies. Otherwise, they sound excellent, work with an app that has an adjustable EQ, support the audiophile-friendly LDAC Bluetooth codec, and offer exceptional mics.
Who It’s For
If you value noise cancellation and audio performance equally, these are the earphones to buy. They're a particularly strong option for Android users who can take advantage of the hi-res-capable LDAC codec.
Pros
- Rich bass response and crisp, detailed highs
- Adjustable in-app EQ
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Top-tier mic clarity
- Case supports wireless charging
- Hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Expensive
- Some bloat in companion app
Learn MoreSony WF-1000XM5 ReviewSony WH-1000XM5
Best Headphones for AudiophilesWhy We Picked It
Two headphones sit at the front of the pack for active noise cancellation: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and the Sony WH-1000XM5. Both are so good that it almost feels absurd to pick a winner, but Sony's headphones sound better, while Bose maintains an ever-so-slight edge in the noise cancellation department. That makes the WH-1000XM5 our top pick for audiophiles.
Who It’s For
If you like to make changes to how your headphones sound, Sony's companion app (with its adjustable EQ) offers more flexibility than you get with Bose. And, if you use an Android device, Sony's support for the high-end LDAC codec can help you take the fullest advantage of hi-res streaming services.
Pros
- Excellent audio performance with robust bass depth and crisp highs
- Top-notch active noise cancellation
- Intuitive on-ear controls
- App offers an adjustable EQ and other customization settings
- Comfortable, stylish design
Cons
- Expensive
Learn MoreSony WH-1000XM5 ReviewAnker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Best Earphones Under $200Why We Picked It
We've reviewed several excellent noise-cancelling earbuds under $100, including some from Anker. But the company's latest Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earphones punch far above their price with the best active noise cancellation in this segment yet, detailed audio quality, and an excellent app with a customizable EQ.
Who It’s For
If you have a budget of around $100 and don't want to compromise on sound quality or noise cancellation performance, look no further. These earphones deliver a natural sound signature by default and last for roughly 10 hours on a charge (with ANC off). Android users even get LDAC support.
Pros
- Potent bass depth with bright highs
- Commendable noise cancellation for the price
- LDAC support for Android users
- Capable companion app includes EQ
Cons
- Default sound signature has noticeable sculpting
- Average water-resistance rating
Learn MoreAnker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC ReviewUrbanista Los Angeles
Best Energy-Efficient HeadphonesWhy We Picked It
What’s not to love about headphones that recharge via all sources of light, from the sun to an ordinary light bulb? The Urbanista Los Angeles over-ears are one of the most unique picks on this list. In addition to their admirable eco-friendly solar charging tech, they cancel noise effectively and reveal plenty of details in your music.
Who It’s For
This Urbanista pair is an obvious pick for anyone who wants to use less energy or spend less time charging their devices (the company says the headphones should last for around 80 hours on a full charge, which is impressive). You do get a USB-C port for charging, but you likely won't need it often.
Pros
- Solar-powered charging
- Impressive audio performance with rich, deep bass and crisp highs
- Quality noise cancellation for the price
- Stylish design
Cons
- No in-app EQ
- Noise cancellation slightly impacts sound signature
Learn MoreUrbanista Los Angeles ReviewApple AirPods Max
Best Headphones for iPhone UsersWhy We Picked It
If you want to stay in the Apple ecosystem and prefer proper headphones, the AirPods Max are a striking (but very expensive) option. They offer effective noise cancellation that's just slightly less consistent than that of the best Bose and Sony models and look cooler than most of the competition.
Who It’s For
Like the AirPods Pro, the primary advantage of these headphones is their seamless integration with Apple devices and services. And, in addition to excellent audio and noise cancellation performance, you get Spatial Audio support.
Pros
- Excellent audio performance with rich lows and crisp, detailed highs
- High-quality active noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency rumble
- Stunning, unique design
- Adaptive EQ and Spatial audio
- Hands-free Siri access
Cons
- Expensive
- Sound signature and Adaptive EQ/spatial audio aren't for purists
- No user-adjustable EQ
- Button placement makes it easy to misfire when adjusting fit
- Smart Case does little to protect the headphones
Learn MoreApple AirPods Max ReviewJabra Elite 10 Gen 2
Best for RunnersWhy We Picked It
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 earphones are highly durable thanks to their IP57 rating and can eliminate consistent, low-frequency noise better than every other model we've tested. They also sound quite good and provide a feature-packed companion app with an EQ and on-ear control adjustments. Meanwhile, their case offers wireless charging and a neat audio transmission feature that supports practically any source with a 3.5mm or USB-C output.
Who It's For
For activities in dusty or rainy conditions, these Jabra earbuds don't sacrifice audio quality or ANC performance to realize their rugged design. The variety of color options also means you can match them to your style.
Pros
- Full-bodied bass and bright highs
- Excellent noise cancellation, especially against deep lows
- Dust-resistant and waterproof
- Case can charge wirelessly and stream audio to the earbuds
Cons
- Expensive
- App hides some features
Learn MoreJabra Elite 10 Gen 2 ReviewSennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Most Stylish HeadphonesWhy We Picked It
Although the aforementioned Bose and Sony headphones are our clear front-runners, Sennheiser's Momentum 4 Wireless over-ear headphones are also worth a look. They sport a refined design, deliver excellent audio performance, and cancel ambient noise quite well.
Who It’s For
If you don't want to buy headphones from Bose or Sony for whatever reason, this pair is a great alternative. The headphones look handsome and boast excellent audio chops. They also offer strong Bluetooth codec support—you don't get LDAC, but AptX Adaptive is an option.
Pros
- Excellent audio performance with robust bass, detailed highs
- Effective noise cancellation
- Strong Bluetooth codec support
- Handsome design with easy-to-operate on-ear controls
Cons
- Underwhelming in-app EQ
- App sometimes has trouble connecting to headphones
Learn MoreSennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Review
Buying Guide: The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for 2024
What's the Difference Between Active Noise Cancellation and Passive Noise Isolation?
Plenty of headphones and earphones claim to isolate or reduce noise, but that doesn't mean they offer proper ANC.
Passive noise isolation, sometimes called passive noise cancellation, is basically a fancy term for what earplugs do. Simply, when an object (such as a thick earpad with memory foam) blocks sound, it is passively (without any battery power) reducing the ambient noise you hear. Putting your fingers in your ears when a loud siren goes by is a form of passive noise isolation.
Active noise cancellation is much more complicated. It involves microphones that actively sample the noise in an environment and then produce an inverse wave that cancels out those sounds. Think of it like this: If you have a perfect sine wave and play it along with its inverse wave—the mirror opposite—the result would be no wave at all. It works in theory on a graph, but the results are messier in real life. Regardless, modern ANC implementations are quite effective at (nearly) eliminating low and mid-range frequencies. This all requires battery power to work, of course.
Nearly all ANC headphones and earphones use some degree of passive noise isolation in addition to their active circuitry, primarily because it's an easy way to improve performance against high-frequency noises, which tend to give headphones more trouble.
What Noise Cancellation Can and Can't Do
If you haven't used noise-cancelling headphones before, you need to understand that they don't fully eliminate noise and are notably less effective at eliminating inconsistent noise. It's not like going into a soundproof chamber every time you put them on—it's more like using highly effective earplugs.
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What does this mean in practice? Most of the headphones and earphones worth their price can tamp down the low, consistent rumble of an airplane or a train quite well. The same goes for the ongoing whir of a loud AC unit or fan. That's because these are consistent, relatively unchanging noises. But noise like music, conversation, or dogs barking—anything that is more complex than a constant drone—is usually more problematic. The best noise-cancelling models eliminate these sounds to a degree, but you're still going to hear some of them.
What Is Adaptive Noise Cancellation?
Adaptive noise cancellation refers to active noise cancellation that adjusts to environmental sounds it measures with mics in real time. Technically, all ANC must be adaptive to a degree or it wouldn’t work—after all, as the sound around you changes, so too must the ANC’s inverse response. But the term adaptive ANC refers to models that adjust not only to surrounding noise changes but also to shifts in your head’s position. Apple's Adaptive Audio mode is one of the best we've tested and can protect your hearing.
With plenty of adaptive models, you can quite literally hear the noise cancellation changing in real time when you turn your head slightly or even feel pressure changes in your ear canal. For some users, adaptive ANC represents a crucial advancement, and to others, it’s quite distracting. As such, some apps now let you switch between adaptive or manual ANC modes. You might even be able to set the ANC to focus on a specific frequency range or use a fader to change its overall intensity.
![](https://sm.pcmag.com/pcmag_au/photo/default/01npxlj2h3fmdvjfb6rbqft-19_6254405_29zx.jpg)
What Is Hybrid Noise Cancellation?
Hybrid ANC is the combination of feed-forward (exterior mic-based) and feedback (interior mic-based) noise cancellation technology. While many of the most effective (and expensive) models use hybrid technology, that feature doesn't guarantee top-notch performance. Even within hybrid ANC implementations, the number of mics and their placement (to highlight only two of many factors) can have a tremendous impact on the system's effectiveness. Hybrid ANC implementations are present on both in-ear and over-ear models.
Should Noise Cancellation Add Hiss?
Some noise cancellation modes add an audible hiss—think white noise—to the signal. It doesn't sound awful, but it serves to mask the high frequencies that the circuitry is less effective at eliminating. As mentioned, active noise cancellation works far better against lows and mids than highs, so reducing some of the high-frequency noise passively is essential. The hiss adds another layer that can enhance the sense of quiet you get but is actually somewhat deceiving.
You can tell if a hiss is present when you enable the ANC mode in a quiet room. If it's there, the hiss will have the opposite effect of noise cancellation in this scenario—it will sound louder than the room itself. Most hiss is not a deal breaker, and it (hopefully) won't even be audible when your music is playing. But generally speaking, the better the noise cancellation mode, the less it relies on a masking hiss.
We should also note that some people feel pressure inside their ears with powerful ANC, while others don't notice a thing. It's worth trying on multiple pairs of headphones in a store before you invest in an expensive product that can potentially cause you discomfort.
Should You Get Noise-Cancelling Headphones or Earphones?
Over-ear (circumaural) headphones typically offer the most effective ANC. Their earcups can create a tight seal, and the earpads act as an additional barrier. That said, the less-common on-ear ANC models can still eliminate plenty of surrounding noise, are often far more comfortable, and stow away more easily.
![](https://sm.pcmag.com/pcmag_au/photo/b/bose-quiet/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones_kj4p.jpg)
ANC-capable earphones have also improved dramatically in recent years. The greatest advantage of these models is their passive isolation; their eartips seal off your ear canal and effectively eliminate high frequencies even before you enable the ANC.
The advantages one style may present over another are less about ANC performance at this point and more about your preference and comfort. You can find class-leading active noise cancellation in each category.
How Do Noise Cancellation Apps Work?
Many noise-cancelling headphones work with free apps that can alter the experience to better suit your environment. And most ANC models feature an ambient mode that allows you to hear your surroundings and talk with someone nearby without removing your headphones. The latter is a useful, nearly ubiquitous feature, but some manufacturers go further and let you blend ANC and ambient levels to your preference. When this is available, you can usually adjust the levels with a slider in a companion app.
Is It Worth Buying Noise-Cancelling Headphones?
Noise cancellation circuitry isn't cheap. If a model has been around for more than a year or two, you might find some deals, but a quality pair of headphones rarely sells for less than $200. If they do, the ANC on offer is probably acceptable for the price but not on the same level as the top-tier options. If you're looking for the best of the best, prepare to pay between $350 and $400. Earphones are the exception, and you can get good performance for less than $200.
Whether it's worth spending that much depends on your typical listening environment. If you can't focus in the wake of noisy people, pets, or machines, then noise-cancelling headphones are absolutely worth the sense of quiet they can provide.
But if noise cancellation isn't a big deal to you, focus on other characteristics with our lists of the best wireless headphones, the best earphones, and the best headphones overall. And if you're on a tight budget, check out the best headphones for under $50.
Once you find the right pair of headphones, make sure to take good care of them. To start, explore more of our audio coverage: 5 Easy Tips to Extend the Life of Your Headphones and 8 Ways You're Using Your Headphones Wrong.