Key takeaways
- Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM6 ($399 – $459).
- Best value: Soundcore by Anker Space One ($69 – $99).
- Noise cancelling strength varies most on low hums such as engines and air conditioning, so judge it on travel use rather than spec sheets.
In this article
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Not sure which noise cancelling headphones to buy in the US? This list keeps it short: our top pick, the best-value option, the premium choice and the models we would avoid, all with typical prices.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Quick answer
- Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM6 ($399 – $459)
- Best value: Soundcore by Anker Space One ($69 – $99)
Noise cancelling headphones compared
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Buy | 9.2/10 | $399 – $459 |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Buy | 9.1/10 | $330 – $400 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Buy | 9.0/10 | $379 – $449 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Buy | 9.0/10 | $380 – $430 |
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Buy | 8.5/10 | $199 – $349 |
| Sony WH-CH720N | Buy | 8.2/10 | $100 – $150 |
| Soundcore by Anker Space One | Buy | 8.0/10 | $69 – $99 |
| Apple AirPods Max | Consider | 7.9/10 | $450 – $550 |
| Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | Consider | 7.6/10 | $449 – $549 |
Our picks in detail
Sony WH-1000XM6
Best all-round ANC · Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.2/10 · Typical price: $399 – $459
Why we like it: Class-leading noise cancelling with a folding design.
Pros: Excellent noise cancelling on planes and trains · Folding design returns with a slim case · Clear call quality thanks to a multi-mic array · Long battery life
Cons: Pricier than the XM5 it replaces · Not rated for sweat or rain
Buy it if you want the strongest all-round noise cancelling, great calls and a case that finally folds flat for travel.
Skip it if you only listen at home; you are paying for travel features you won't use.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.1/10 · Typical price: $330 – $400
For most people, Sony WH-1000XM5 is worth its usual price of $330 – $400. Our score: 9.1/10.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Comfort on long flights · Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $379 – $449
Why we like it: Plush fit and top-tier noise cancelling.
Pros: Very comfortable for hours · Noise cancelling on par with the best · Lossless audio over USB-C · Immersive Audio mode for movies
Cons: Expensive · Immersive Audio drains the battery faster
Buy it if you put comfort first on long flights and want noise cancelling that rivals the best.
Skip it if you want the longest battery or the lowest price for great ANC.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $380 – $430
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is one of the noise cancelling headphones we would buy in the US. It scores 9.0/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $380 – $430.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Value Bose comfort · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.5/10 · Typical price: $199 – $349
Why we like it: Bose comfort and ANC for less.
Pros: Light and comfortable · Strong noise cancelling for the price · Folds into a compact case
Cons: No spatial audio · Plain, older design
Buy it if you want the famous Bose comfort and strong noise cancelling without paying flagship prices.
Skip it if you want spatial audio or the very best call quality.
Sony WH-CH720N
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.2/10 · Typical price: $100 – $150
Sony WH-CH720N is one of the noise cancelling headphones we would buy in the US. It scores 8.2/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $100 – $150.
Soundcore by Anker Space One
Budget pick · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.0/10 · Typical price: $69 – $99
Why we like it: Surprisingly strong ANC under $100.
Pros: Strong noise cancelling for the price · Very long battery life · Customizable EQ in the app
Cons: Plastic build · Calls sound thin in wind
Buy it if you want real noise cancelling and long battery life for well under $100.
Skip it if you want premium materials or top-tier call quality.
Apple AirPods Max
Verdict: Consider · Score: 7.9/10 · Typical price: $450 – $550
Apple AirPods Max is worth considering if it suits your needs exactly or drops below its usual $450 – $550, but it is not our first choice.
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
iPhone owners who want premium · Verdict: Consider · Score: 7.6/10 · Typical price: $449 – $549
Why we like it: Seamless iPhone pairing and spatial audio.
Pros: Superb build quality · Easy pairing and switching across Apple devices · Strong noise cancelling
Cons: Heavy at about 13.6 oz · Shorter battery than rivals · Odd Smart Case offers little protection
Buy it if you live in the Apple ecosystem and want instant pairing, spatial audio and a premium aluminum build.
Skip it if you want the best value, a folding design or a battery that outlasts the Sony and Bose flagships.
What to check before you buy
- Noise cancelling strength varies most on low hums such as engines and air conditioning, so judge it on travel use rather than spec sheets.
- Comfort decides whether you wear them for hours: look at weight, clamping force and how deep the ear cushions are.
- Battery life of 30 hours or more and multipoint pairing (phone and laptop at once) make daily use much easier.
What to skip
Common mistake: Buying on noise cancelling alone and ignoring fit, call quality and the companion app.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November. Last year's flagship model usually drops sharply when a new version launches and still beats most new mid-range pairs.
Compare more options
Search noise cancelling headphones on Amazon See top-rated noise cancelling headphones on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best noise cancelling headphones in the US?
Our top pick is Sony WH-1000XM6 (typically $399 – $459). For the best value, choose Soundcore by Anker Space One (typically $69 – $99).
What should I check before buying noise cancelling headphones?
Noise cancelling strength varies most on low hums such as engines and air conditioning, so judge it on travel use rather than spec sheets. Comfort decides whether you wear them for hours: look at weight, clamping force and how deep the ear cushions are.
When is the best time to buy noise cancelling headphones in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
What is the most common mistake when buying noise cancelling headphones?
Buying on noise cancelling alone and ignoring fit, call quality and the companion app.