Noise-canceling headphones have become a daily essential — whether you’re blocking out chatter during your commute, tuning out distractions while working from home, or simply trying to enjoy your music without interruption. With more high-quality options than ever, it’s hard to go wrong, but the right pick depends on what matters most to you.
While wireless earbuds are great for convenience, over-ear headphones still have the edge in comfort, battery life, and stronger noise cancellation for many people. Not everyone likes the feel of buds, and that’s where these full-size models shine.
The best over-ear noise-canceling headphones offer a balance of comfort, sound, and quiet — and which one is best for you depends on your needs. Sony’s WH-1000XM6 stands out as the top overall choice with its superb audio, long battery life, and class-leading ANC. If you’re after something cozy and reliable, the Bose QuietComfort is a favorite for its lightweight build and soothing sound. Budget-conscious listeners will appreciate the Sony WH-CH720N, offering great ANC for the price, or the Soundcore Q20i, which delivers surprising value. And if you like a bass-forward sound with modern features, the JBL Live 770NC is worth checking out.
Each of these has its own strengths — it’s just a matter of what you’re looking for most.
The best over ear noise-canceling headphones
- Sony WH-1000XM6
- Bose QuietComfort
- JBL Live 770NC
- Sony WH-CH720N
- Soundcore by Anker Q20i (Budget option)
Sony WH-1000XM6
Battery life: 30 hours | Multipoint: Yes | Audio codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC | Connectors: USB-C (charging), 3.5mm headphone jack (audio)
The Sony WH-1000XM6 refines everything fans loved about the XM5, offering a sleeker design and even greater comfort for extended wear—whether you’re on a long flight or deep into your workday. Sony has fine-tuned the fit and padding, making these some of the most comfortable headphones in the 1000X series yet.
Noise canceling is superb, edging out rivals with adaptive ANC that responds to your environment. Audio quality is more balanced and detailed than before, with punchy but well-controlled bass and clearer mids. The XM6 supports multipoint connectivity for seamless switching between devices, and call quality has been further improved for crisp voice pickup.
Smart features like Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention Mode, and auto-pause when you take the headphones off make everyday use intuitive and hassle-free. While they may come at a premium, the WH-1000XM6 are easily among the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy today.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Battery life: 30 hours | Multipoint: Yes | Audio codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC | Connectors: USB-C (charging), 3.5mm headphone jack (audio)
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra takes everything great about the standard model and pushes it further with spatial Immersive Audio that creates a more layered, three-dimensional soundstage. Comfort remains a standout feature, with a refined build that feels premium yet remains ultra-light for long listening sessions.
ANC performance is among the best in the industry, dynamically adjusting to your surroundings to block out distractions without sacrificing audio clarity. The addition of aptX Adaptive improves wireless sound quality, especially for Android users, while multipoint connectivity and crystal-clear call quality round out the experience.
With a focus on immersive sound, intuitive controls, and a high-end feel, the QuietComfort Ultra is ideal for those who want cutting-edge audio tech paired with legendary Bose comfort and noise cancellation.
JBL Live 770NC
Battery life: Up to 65 hours (50 hours with ANC on) | Multipoint: Yes | Audio codecs: SBC, AAC | Connectors: USB-C (charging), 3.5mm headphone jack (audio)
The JBL Live 770NC delivers powerful sound with JBL’s signature bass-forward tuning, making it a great pick for listeners who love punchy music. With up to 65 hours of battery life and solid noise cancellation, it’s a reliable companion for work, travel, or casual listening.
Adaptive Noise Cancelling helps minimize background sounds, while Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes keep you connected to your surroundings when needed. Multipoint connectivity allows easy switching between devices, and voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant are built-in for hands-free control.
If you’re after booming sound, long battery life, and practical features at a more affordable price, the Live 770NC checks all the boxes.
Sony WH-CH720N
Battery life: Up to 35 hours | Multipoint: Yes | Audio codecs: SBC, AAC | Connectors: USB-C (charging), 3.5mm headphone jack (audio)
The Sony WH-CH720N offers impressive noise cancellation and comfort at a budget-friendly price point. It’s one of the lightest over-ear headphones in Sony’s lineup, making it ideal for long listening sessions without fatigue.
While the sound leans toward a warm and pleasant profile, it still delivers enough clarity and punch for most users. You also get features like multipoint pairing, voice assistant support, and customizable EQ through the Sony Headphones Connect app.
If you’re looking for dependable ANC and modern features without spending a fortune, the CH720N is a standout value.
Soundcore by Anker Q20i
Battery life: Up to 60 hours (40 hours with ANC on) | Multipoint: Yes | Audio codecs: SBC, AAC | Connectors: USB-C (charging), 3.5mm headphone jack (audio)
The Soundcore Q20i delivers surprisingly solid noise cancellation and deep bass at a budget-friendly price, making it a great entry point into ANC headphones. With up to 60 hours of playtime and lightweight build, it’s perfect for travel or everyday use.
It includes useful features like multipoint connectivity, app-based EQ customization, and transparency mode for staying aware of your surroundings. While it doesn’t match the refinement of premium models, it punches well above its price in performance.
If you’re on a tight budget but still want comfort, battery life, and noise cancellation, the Q20i is an excellent pick.