8 of the best noise-canceling headphones for blocking out the world
BEST NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES DEALS THIS WEEK:
Bose QuietComfort 25 — $167.95 (save $177.05)
Skullcandy Venue Active Noise Cancelling Headphones — $139.99 (save $40)
Sennheiser PXC 550 — $229.99 (save $119.96)
Sony WHCH700N — $148 (save $51.99)
Listening to music is so much more than a distraction when you're alone in public. It can have a profound effect on your state of mind, and it's the reason we're willing to spend iPad-level cash on headphones instead of opting for a pair in the checkout line. Listening to music (or podcasts, or audiobooks) can be an integral part of getting through that daily commute or a restless transatlantic flight. Read more...
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BEST OVERALL
Bose QuietComfort 35 IIThe QC 35s are the archetype for ANC headphones and have serious customization features.
- Battery life: 20 hours wireless, 40 hours wired
- Wireless range: 30 feet
- Bluetooth codec: AAC
- App-connected: yes
BEST SMART FEATURES
Sony WH1000XM3Sony's most intuitive headphones are Alexa-enabled and have a great high altitude feature.
- Battery life: 30 hours
- Wireless range: 33 feet
- Bluetooth codec: aptX HD
- App-connected: yes
BEST LOOKING
B&O Beoplay H9iThese luxe headphones were carefully crafted with rich looks outside and rich sound inside.
- Battery life: 18 hours
- Wireless range: 121 feet
- Bluetooth codec: AAC
- App-connected: yes
MOST CUSTOMIZABLE NOISE CANCELLATION
Bowers & Wilkins PXThese are classy AF and offer some of the best-in-class ANC, particularly in outdoor settings.
- Battery life: 22 hours wireless, 33 hours wired
- Wireless range: 98 feet
- Bluetooth codec: aptX HD
- App-connected: yes
BEST FOR IPHONE USERS
Beats Studio 3The only Beats with noise cancellation do an impressive job and have an impressive color selection.
- Battery life: 40 hours pure ANC off, 22 hours pure ANC on
- Wireless range: 100 feet
- Bluetooth codec: AAC
- App-connected: yes
BEST MID-RANGE OPTION
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2These Bose alternatives will surprise you with functional smart features and energetic sound.
- Battery life: 24 hours
- Wireless range: 330 feet
- Bluetooth codec: aptX HD
- App-connected: yes
BEST NOISE-CANCELING EARBUDS
Bose QuietComfort 20Noise-canceling earbuds are few and far between, but you'll be wowed by the oomph of these inconspicuous buds.
- Battery life: 16 hours
- Wireless range: N/A
- Bluetooth codec: N/A
- App-connected: no
BUDGET PICK
TaoTronics TT-BH060 (2019 model)Decent noise cancellation and extensive battery life at this price makes these a great buy for casual listeners.
- Battery life: 30 hours
- Wireless range: 30 feet
- Bluetooth codec: AAC
- App-connected: no