The best noise-canceling headphones (and whether they protect your hearing)

Sony WH-1000XM5 specs: Form factor: Over-ear, closed-back | Wireless protocol(s): Bluetooth 5.2 | Charging options(s): USB-C | Battery life: 30 hours (3 hours on a 3-minute charge) | Frequency response: 4Hz-40,000Hz | Speaker size: 30mm driver 

Sony has long been considered the best in class for audio equipment. Therefore, it's no surprise that Sony's WH-1000XM line offers some of the best active noise-canceling headphones since the technology's invention. Since then, Sony has continued to enhance its sound quality, ANC functionality, and battery life with the WH-1000XM5 model. 

While customers and reviewers are divided on the latest iteration's slimmer aesthetic, it seems nearly everyone can agree that Sony nailed the ANC quality. ZDNET also came to that consensus after we reviewed the headphones last year, giving Sony props for improving an already outstanding sound quality and an ANC experience optimal for focus.

Review: Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are basically perfect

These upgrades don't come cheaply, but they offer an excellent value proposition for the shopper who's interested in a long-wearing, comfortable pair of wireless headphones that block out all the noise. Plus, their lightweight form factor makes for a great pair of workout headphones when it comes to both low and high intensity training.

Sony WH-1000XM4 specs: Form factor: Over-ear, closed-back | Wireless protocol(s): Bluetooth 5.0 | Charging options(s): USB-C | Battery life: 30 hours (5 hours on a 10-minute charge) | Frequency response: 4Hz-40,000Hz

While Sony's latest and greatest ANC headphones are the WH-1000XM5s seen above, don't count out the company's ever-popular WH-1000XM4s, which debuted in 2020. This model may lack the secondary ANC processor that gives the newer version its extra noise-canceling boost, but it still provides superb sound and noise-canceling quality. ZDNET's 2020 review indicates extreme ANC efficacy, able to block out all the distractions in the thick of COVID-19 quarantine. 

One of those features includes the folding design and compact carrying case. For me, headphones are often synonymous with traveling and commuting, so this comes as quite a beneficial bonus. Plus, the subtle metallic ANC microphone complements the overall aluminum construction and gives the headphones an overall sleek, professional look.

Review: Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-canceling headset

This balance of more broadly appealing aesthetics, high-quality ANC audio, and lower cost may even make these headphones a wiser choice than the more expensive successor -- especially if you're looking to quickly block out noise and slip the headphones into a work bag, gym tote, or suitcase. 

Apple AirPods Max specs: Form factor: Over-ear, closed-back | Wireless protocol(s): Bluetooth 5.0 | Charging options(s): Lightning | Battery life: 20 hours (1.5 hours on a 5-minute charge) | Frequency response: 10Hz-20,000Hz (estimated)

Apple's pocket-sized AirPods have been a cultural moment for wireless audio. It came as no surprise that the AirPods Max metal-constructed over-ear headphones quickly rose in the ranks as a popular noise-canceling option, especially for Apple users who want to keep everything in the family and benefit from the exceptional sound and instant, multi-device connectivity. Speaking of Apple's ecosystem, the AirPods Mac unexpectedly leverages the same "digital crown" control scheme as the Apple Watch. 

In his review, ZDNET's Jason Cipriani praised the AirPods Max for their crisp sound quality and truly impressive ANC capabilities. Like that of many, however, his only complaint concerned the case that's not really a case. But these complaints are largely drowned out by the relative chorus of praise for the sound quality and overall comfort from the mesh canopy headband.

Review: AirPods Max: Stunning sound and performance mean I'm keeping the $550 headphones

While the $400 range is a large ask for headphones, the AirPods Max built off AirPods' impressive base, upgrading both size and sound without compromising the convenience of an Apple ecosystem. Combine this with a level of ANC that meets or exceeds what's currently offered by leaders like Sony and Bose, and you may find that ZDNET's Jason Perlow is right -- they're a rightfully expensive splurge. 

Razer Barracuda Pro specs: Form factor: Over-ear, closed-back | Wireless protocol(s): Bluetooth 5.2, 2.4GHz wireless | Charging options(s): USB-C | Battery life: Up to 40 hours  | Frequency response: 20Hz-20,000Hz

Quality ANC gaming headphones usually come with a price tag, and unfortunately, even lag. The vast majority of ANC headphones exclusively use Bluetooth as their connectivity nexus point, which can cause some latency issues. This delayed discrepancy between audio and video could even be a game-altering factor, meaning blocking out noise for gaming laser focus only goes so far. Gamers need both quiet and speed.

This is where the Razer Barracuda Pro comes in. It combines Bluetooth, ANC, and most important, 2.4GHz wireless connectivity. When ZDNET put the Pro headphones to the test, we noticed almost no perceptible latency, putting them on par with wired solutions for gaming on your PC or modern console. 

Meanwhile, the model supports Bluetooth 5.2 technology for use with your phone, streaming device, laptop, and tablet. You can even switch between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes with a single tap to take a call and hop right back into your game after. The muted aesthetics help with versatility.

Review: Razer Barracuda Pro: Active noise ruination

Keep in mind, however, that there were some issues with how the built-in ANC reacts to certain games, specifically when we tested the game's directional sound. But the rare combination of features still makes it an option for gamers who want impressive ANC for playing games or listening to music.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 specs: Form factor: Over-ear, closed-back | Wireless protocol(s): Bluetooth 5.0 | Charging options(s): Micro USB | Battery life: up to 40 hours | Frequency response: 16Hz-40,000Hz

The microphone arrays, onboard processing, and required power cells push the price of most ANC headphone options well into triple digits. Not for Soundcore, Anker's audio company known for creating high-quality equipment for a lower price tag. 

The company's best budget-friendly take on ANC headphones at the moment is the Soundcore Life Q20. This unit offers one of the longest battery lives on the list, supports the same Bluetooth 5 protocol as the AirPods Max, and claims to block out up to "90% of ambient noise."

Also: The best wireless headphones 

You shouldn't expect it to have quite the same sound quality as options that cost over three times as much, but that doesn't mean it can't get you very, very close. Between the surprisingly small size of that performance gap and the shockingly low price, these headphones are a great option for the commuting youngster or even "responsible" adults whose headphones go through a little more rough and tumble. 

Bose QuietComfort 45 specs: Form factor: Over-ear, closed-back | Wireless protocol(s): Bluetooth 5.1 | Charging options(s): USB-C | Battery life: up to 24 hours | Frequency response: N/A

Bose's QuietComfort 45 headphones are a personal staple in my bag. Not only are they comfortable and double as ear muffs in the winter, but they're also equipped with Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, USB-C fast charging, and up to 24 hours of battery life. An array of microphones powers the ANC system, providing what Bose says is its "best noise canceling" option. This QuietComfort iteration also comes with hardware and software updates for a more customizable listening experience. Plus, the compatible Bose Music app leverages active EQ technology for additional sound profile customization to noise-cancellation preferences.

Also: The best Bose headphones

All of this technology and comfort is packaged in Bose's trademark minimalist design that may not be as futuristic-looking as the AirPods Max but is just as (if not more) durable. The QC 45 also provides the option to switch between its ANC-enabled Quiet Mode for times when you need to concentrate and its Aware Mode for when you want to be alert to your surroundings -- a feature I encourage for commuters. Speaking of commuting, I take most of my calls as I walk home from work, and these have the reigning best mic quality even when my voice is competing against New York City chaos.

Actively filtering out noise from the minute the cups slip over your ears, these headphones do their job so I can focus on doing mine -- all while lasting for days without a battery top-up. So if you're on the hunt for a pair of headphones that fit like that pair of jeans, look no further.

Bose 700 specs: Form factor: Over-ear, closed-back | Wireless protocol(s): Bluetooth 5.0 | Charging options(s): USB-C | Battery life: Up to 20 hours | Frequency response: N/A

I talk a lot. I also get distracted easily. With eight total microphones and Bose's world-class ANC tech, these headphones were made for people like me. Out of the eight mics, six have ANC technology, and four have voice pickup, two of which also employ noise-canceling.

Offering a whopping total of 11 noise cancellation levels, it's our understanding that these headphones likely give the perfect amount of background noise for all you working-while-listening folks. With the right earcup as the touch-control center, it's easy to play/pause, skip tracks, take calls, or even issue voice commands to Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Siri.

Also: The best studio headphones

The 20-hour battery life provided by the 700 line is almost as long as the QC line on its own. While the 20-hour battery life is not the best compared to competitors, travelers can extend the battery life further with the unit's included Charging Case. This enclosure provides security for the thinner-than-most headphones as well as a built-in battery pack that can fully recharge the built-in power cell twice, adding an extra 40 hours of listening time. As a multitasker, this sounds like a dream.