Top 5 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones of 2024
In 2024, the market for noise-cancelling headphones continues to expand, offering consumers a wide array of options tailored to different preferences and budgets. Whether you're a frequent traveler, an audiophile, or someone seeking peace in a noisy environment, there's a perfect pair for you. This comprehensive ranking synthesizes expert reviews, user feedback, and detailed testing from reputable sources such as CNET, Wirecutter (NYT), TechRadar, Audiophile ON, and RTINGS. Here are the top five noise-cancelling headphones of 2024:
1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Why It’s Ranked #1
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have earned the top spot for their unparalleled active noise cancellation (ANC), exceptional comfort, and superior sound quality. Bose has long been a pioneer in noise-cancelling technology, and the QC Ultra continues this legacy with advanced features that cater to both casual listeners and audiophiles alike.
Key Features
- Active Noise Cancellation: Industry-leading ANC that adapts seamlessly to various environments, effectively blocking out a wide range of frequencies.
- Sound Quality: Balanced audio profile with enhanced bass and crystal-clear highs, delivering an immersive listening experience.
- Comfort: Lightweight and ergonomically designed with plush ear cushions and a soft headband, ensuring comfort during extended use.
- Battery Life: Impressive battery performance with up to 29 hours of playback with ANC enabled.
- Immersive Audio: Supports spatial audio for a more dynamic and three-dimensional soundstage.
- Price: Premium pricing at approximately $429.
Pros
- Unmatched noise cancellation across all frequencies.
- Exceptional comfort suitable for long listening sessions.
- Superior sound quality with immersive audio features.
- Long battery life supporting extended use.
Cons
- High price point may be a barrier for some consumers.
- Limited advanced EQ customization compared to some competitors.
- No passive playback when using wired connections.
Best For
Ideal for travelers, commuters, and audiophiles who prioritize ANC, comfort, and superior sound quality.
Sources
2. Sony WH-1000XM5
Why It’s Ranked #2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are lauded for their exceptional sound quality, adaptive ANC, and a suite of smart features that make them a formidable competitor in the premium noise-cancelling market. Building on the success of their predecessors, these headphones offer refinements that enhance user experience across the board.
Key Features
- Active Noise Cancellation: Adaptive ANC with multiple microphones that adjust in real-time to environmental changes.
- Sound Quality: Rich, detailed audio with customizable EQ settings, providing a personalized listening experience.
- Comfort: Lightweight construction with soft ear cups, ensuring comfort during prolonged use.
- Battery Life: Outstanding battery performance with up to 30 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled.
- Smart Features: Includes multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, touch controls, and integration with voice assistants.
- Price: Premium pricing around $399.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality and adaptive noise cancellation.
- Extended battery life surpassing many competitors.
- Comfortable design suitable for long listening periods.
- Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity allows seamless device switching.
Cons
- Higher price compared to previous models.
- Non-foldable design may affect portability.
- Limited ANC customization options.
Best For
Perfect for audiophiles and tech enthusiasts seeking top-tier sound quality, versatile features, and adaptive noise cancellation.
Sources
3. Apple AirPods Max
Why It’s Ranked #3
The Apple AirPods Max stand out in the high-end over-ear headphone market, offering seamless integration with Apple devices, exceptional build quality, and a unique spatial audio experience. While they come with a premium price tag, their features cater specifically to users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
Key Features
- Active Noise Cancellation: Highly effective ANC with transparency mode for situational awareness.
- Sound Quality: Clear and balanced audio with rich details and spatial audio support for an immersive experience.
- Comfort: Memory foam ear cushions and a breathable mesh canopy headband provide superior comfort.
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours of playback with ANC and spatial audio enabled.
- Integration: Seamless pairing and automatic switching with Apple devices, enhancing user convenience.
- Price: Premium pricing around $549.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem.
- Premium design and high build quality.
- Excellent spatial audio experience enhancing media consumption.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other high-end models.
- Heavier than most competitors, which may affect long-term comfort.
- Limited customization options outside of the Apple ecosystem.
Best For
Ideal for Apple users who prioritize seamless device integration, premium build, and immersive audio experiences.
Sources
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Why It’s Ranked #4
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are celebrated for their exceptional sound quality and extended battery life, making them a favorite among audiophiles. While their ANC might not match the leaders like Bose and Sony, they compensate with superior audio fidelity and comfort.
Key Features
- Active Noise Cancellation: Effective ANC, particularly adept at reducing midrange and high-frequency noises.
- Sound Quality: Audiophile-grade sound with deep bass, clear mids, and detailed highs, delivering a rich listening experience.
- Comfort: Plush ear cups and a lightweight design ensure comfort during prolonged usage.
- Battery Life: Outstanding battery performance with up to 60 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC enabled.
- Customization: Sennheiser Smart Control app offers customizable EQ settings to tailor the sound to personal preferences.
- Price: Approximately $349.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality catering to audiophiles.
- Longest battery life in its category, supporting extended use without frequent recharging.
- Comfortable design suitable for long listening sessions.
Cons
- ANC isn’t as potent as Bose or Sony models.
- Minimal design updates from previous iterations.
- Touch controls can be somewhat finicky.
Best For
Perfect for audiophiles and users who prioritize sound quality and battery longevity over the most advanced ANC features.
Sources
5. Soundcore by Anker Space One
Why It’s Ranked #5
The Soundcore by Anker Space One headphones are an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking effective noise cancellation without compromising on quality. These headphones deliver impressive performance at an affordable price point, making them a standout option in the budget category.
Key Features
- Active Noise Cancellation: Surprisingly effective ANC for a budget pair, capable of reducing a wide range of ambient noises.
- Sound Quality: Balanced audio with a slight emphasis on bass, suitable for casual listening.
- Comfort: Lightweight and adjustable design with soft ear cushions for comfortable extended wear.
- Battery Life: Up to 40 hours of playback with ANC enabled, outlasting many premium models.
- Price: Affordable pricing under $100.
Pros
- Exceptional value for money, offering premium features at a budget price.
- Good ANC performance within its price range.
- Long battery life supporting extended use without frequent recharging.
Cons
- Build quality is not as premium as higher-end models.
- Lacks advanced features such as spatial audio.
- Limited customization options compared to more expensive counterparts.
Best For
Ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking solid ANC performance and long battery life without the premium price tag.
Sources
Honorable Mentions
- Focal Bathys: Best for audiophiles seeking high-end sound quality and effective ANC, though at a premium price.
- Jabra Elite 85h: Excellent for call quality and Bluetooth connectivity, offering solid ANC and comfort.
- Monoprice SonicSolace II: A budget-friendly option with decent ANC and build quality.
Conclusion
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones lead the pack in 2024, offering unmatched noise cancellation, comfort, and sound quality. Following closely are the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max, both of which excel in their respective niches—Sony with its versatile sound quality and smart features, and Apple with seamless ecosystem integration and premium design.
For audiophiles, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless provides top-tier sound quality and impressive battery life, making it a worthy contender despite slightly less robust ANC performance. Meanwhile, the Soundcore by Anker Space One stands out as the best budget option, delivering effective ANC and long battery life at an accessible price.
Each of these headphones caters to different needs and preferences, ensuring that whether you prioritize noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort, or budget, there's a perfect pair for you in this lineup.
Last updated January 2, 2025