7 Best noise-cancelling headphones

The Sun

28-04-2025

SILENCE is golden, and the right headphones provide it anywhere.
I've tested everything from budget heroes to premium heavyweights to find the best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy.
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Whether you're trying to focus in a noisy café, drown out the daily commute, or just want a moment of peace at home, a good pair of noise-cancellers makes all the difference.
The best ones don't just block the world out; they sound fantastic and stay comfy for hours.
Having already rounded up the best wireless headphones for running, I know just how key it is to find the right fit, whether it's for fitness or focus.
I've put top brands and bargain picks through their paces, so I know what's worth your cash, and what's not.
Torn between two fan favourites? Check out my comparison to see which one comes out on top.
How I tested
As the tech eCommerce writer for The Sun Shopping, I've tested plenty of headphones, and these days, noise cancellation is the headline feature promised by many.
So, I decided to separate the hype from the real deal.
I've found out which ones deliver for anyone looking to tune out the world and lose themselves in their music.
Over a few months, I tested them in everyday life; on my morning commute, battling London traffic and chatty train passengers.
And as someone who jumps from gritty true crime podcasts to Chappell Roan bangers and the odd Sinatra classic, I gave their noise-cancelling chops a workout across all kinds of genres.
Best noise-cancelling headphones
Apple AirPods Pro 2
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Apple AirPods Pro 2, £229
BUY HERE
Pros: Great sound quality, strong noise cancellation, transparency mode and spatial audio, comfortable for long wear.
Cons: Limited compatibility with Android
Rating: 9/10
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are a top contender, delivering fantastic noise-cancelling without stretching your budget.
They're my go-to headphones for shutting out distractions, and they never fail to impress.
The sound quality is superb; sharp, clear, and perfectly balanced in both standard and noise-cancelling modes. They're among the best I've tested.
You'll often find them discounted to around £189 on Amazon (since Apple themselves rarely offer deals).
When you need to stay aware of your surroundings, Transparency Mode is handy to switch to, letting you hear traffic or nearby conversations.
The standout feature, though, is Spatial Audio. It creates a 3D sound experience that does a great job, making it feel like you're in the room with the music.
That said, they're not without flaws. As with most Apple products, compatibility with Android devices is limited, so they're best suited for those already in the Apple ecosystem.
Battery life is decent, 6 hours per earbud, with an extra 30 hours from the case. It's solid but not groundbreaking.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
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Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, £219 £194
BUY HERE
Cons: Limited iOS optimisation
Rating: 8/10
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a strong contender in the world of noise-cancelling earbuds, and they blew me away.
The sound quality is equally impressive, delivering rich, balanced audio with just the right amount of bass.
The clarity is hard to fault, putting them toe-to-toe with Apple's AirPods.
They come with easy-to-use haptic touch controls for seamless music and call adjustments, which makes them feel premium.
Battery life is impressive, offering up to 7 hours on a single charge and 31 hours with the charging case, edging out ahead of the AirPods Pro 2.
Android users get the best experience, with added perks, including seamless Google Assistant integration and Transparency Mode.
However, iPhone users won't get the same optimised experience, and the lack of additional noise-cancelling modes is a small drawback.
All in all, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 deliver premium noise cancellation, excellent sound, and solid battery life.
At their price, they're a worthwhile investment if you're already in Google's ecosystem.
For more of my thoughts, have a gander at my full Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review.
Beats Fit Pro
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Beats Fit Pro, £219.99 £164.49
BUY HERE
Pros: Solid sound quality with Spatial Audio and Transparency Mode, wingtip design for a secure fit, decent battery life with fast charging
Cons: Noise cancellation isn't as polished as competitors', pricey for what's offered at full price
Rating: 7/10
Beats headphones are always worth considering if you're on the hunt for quality audio gear, and the Beats Fit Pro are no exception.
Packed with Apple-grade smarts wrapped in the signature Beats aesthetic, these earbuds have plenty to offer.
Active Noise Cancellation is included, but it's not quite up to scratch compared to other options on this list.
Instead of a blanket of silence, the ANC feels slightly white-noisy, which is disappointing given their price point. At full price, this feature doesn't compete with earbuds that do the job better.
On the upside, sound quality is solid and enhanced by standout features like Spatial Audio and Transparency Mode.
The wingtip design ensures a secure fit, particularly for workouts, though users with smaller ears may find them less comfortable.
Personally, I found them noticeable during wear, unlike the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2, which are so comfy I forget they're in.
Battery life is decent, offering 6 hours per charge and 24 hours total with the case, in a nice perk for those on the move, a quick 5-minute charge adds an extra hour of playback.
While the Beats Fit Pro are a solid choice, it's a much better value if you can snag them on sale.
Beats Solo4
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Beats Solo4, £199
BUY HERE
Pros: Great battery life, lightweight design, punchy sound, decent passive noise cancellation
Cons: No active noise cancelling, ear cups rest on top of the ears instead of fully covering them
Rating: 7/10
The Beats Solo 4 is a great option for lovers of overhead audio gear, but they were a bit of a mixed bag in testing.
They don't come with active noise cancellation, instead, they offer passive noise isolation, which in everyday life, makes more of a difference than you'd think.
While the sound-blocking isn't quite on par with ANC, they help to muffle a good amount of background noise, enough to make commuting or busy environments feel a little more focused.
It's not total silence, but it's a step up from open-back or loose-fitting cans.
That said, the ear cups sit on top of your ears rather than over them, which is a bit of a bugbear for two reasons.
First, it can become uncomfortable during long listening sessions. Second, fully covering your ears would add an extra physical layer of sound blocking, a missed opportunity, really.
Still, the Solo 4 is lightweight, looks sharp, and boasts a mammoth 50-hour battery life, which is leagues ahead of any other option on this list.
If you don't need the absolute silence of ANC, and staying power is important, they're a solid everyday pick.
JLab Go Air Pop+
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JLab Go Air Pop+, £25
Cons: Plasticky build, basic features
Rating: 8/10
Noise-cancelling headphones often come with steep price tags, especially if you're after a big-name brand.
But there are budget-friendly options that hold their own, and one standout is the JLab Go Air Pop+.
At just £25, they're incredibly affordable yet still manage to pack in noise-blocking smarts, and it's surprisingly effective for a sub-£30 pair.
These buds use passive isolation, rather than built-in ANC, but do a solid job of quieting background hums, which is a big win if you need to focus.
Add to that a comfy fit, over 8 hours of listening time (32 hours with the case), and you've got serious value for money.
Of course, there are trade-offs—the build feels plasticky, and you won't get premium audio quality or detailing.
But for everyday tasks, podcasts, or background music, the Go Air Pop+, they more than pulls its weight.
Great as a backup pair or your daily beater buds, especially if you want to block out noise on a shoestring.
Sennheiser Momentum Sport
Sennheiser Momentum Sport, £195
Pros: Exceptional sound quality, adaptive active noise cancellation
Cons: Battery life could be better, given the price, expensive at full price
Rating: 9/10
If you're after premium sound in a sport-friendly package, the Sennheiser Momentum Sport ticks all the boxes.
The standout feature is its 'adaptive' active noise cancellation, which takes your typical sound-blocking audio to the next level.
When switched on, it dynamically adjusts to your surroundings, blocking out distractions so you can focus entirely on the tasks at hand.
At £279.99 full price, you'd expect top-tier sound quality, and Sennheiser doesn't disappoint.
The Momentum Sport were easily the best sounding headphones I tested, delivering well-rounded audio, deep bass, and a clean, polished listening experience.
Battery life is solid but not groundbreaking, offering 6 hours of playback with an additional 24 hours from the case.
While it's sufficient, at this price point, a little extra stamina would have been appreciated.
Overall, if your budget allows, the Momentum Sport meets the mark all around, with top-tier sound, the best sound-blocking smarts I tested, and a decent, if modest, battery life.
Powerbeats Pro 2
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Powerbeats Pro 2, £249
Cons: Bulky case, pricier than alternatives
Rating: 8.5/10
The second-gen Powerbeats Pro 2 have finally added active noise cancellation to its arsenal, and it's for the better.
These are still the same sporty champs you know and love, but with ANC onboard, you can tune out distractions and focus more during workouts or day-to-day.
The noise cancellation makes a world of difference, cutting through the hum of a busy train or drowning out the windy whistles on a blustery commute.
Battery life remains strong, offering up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, with over 45 hours when you factor in the case.
Another welcome addition is the built-in heart rate monitor. While it's not essential for focus-driven listening, it's a fantastic tool to keep tabs on their heart health during exercise.
The downsides? The charging case is still on the bulky side, which isn't ideal for portability, and at full RRP, they're definitely an investment.
Where to buy
There's no lack of noise-cancelling headphones on the market, with something for every budget across big-name retailers like Amazon and Currys.
If you're looking to save, refurbished models are a great shout, they often offer the same quality for less.
Big sale events like Prime Day, Black Friday, or seasonal sales are also perfect for snapping up a bargain.
What are the pros and cons of noise cancellation?
The biggest perk of noise-cancelling headphones is their ability to block out unwanted noise and chatter, creating a much-needed bubble of calm.
They also make your playlists sound even better by eliminating background interference, so you won't have to crank up the volume, which is kinder to your ears in the long run.
That said, noise-cancelling headphones do come with a few downsides. They're usually pricier than standard ones and tend to drain your battery faster.
On top of that, some people (myself included) also feel a slight pressure in their ears from ANC, so I tend to switch it on only when the chatter really gets to me.
Which noise-cancelling headphones are best for Android?
When it comes to Android, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are hard to beat.
Designed with Android users in mind, they offer superb noise cancellation, rich sound quality, and seamless integration with Google features like Assistant and device switching.
While they're the best choice for Android, other brands like Sennheiser and JLab also deliver top-tier noise-cancelling headphones that work brilliantly across devices.
Which noise-cancelling headphones are best for iPhone?
There's no surprise that one of the best noise-cancelling headphones for an iPhone comes from the Apple family.
The AirPods Pro 2 are the top pick, offering impressive sound-blocking smarts, seamless connectivity, and personalised Spatial Audio that makes everything feel more immersive.
While they're the best choice, Beats headphones, like the Powerbeats Pro 2, also pack Apple smarts and solid noise cancellation.
If you're an iPhone user, sticking with Apple or Beats is a no-brainer for the smoothest experience.
Which noise-cancelling headphones have the best sound quality?
If sound quality is your top priority, the Sennheiser Momentum Sport headphones are a clear standout.
These premium headphones had the best rich, well-rounded sound, deep bass, and an overall polished listening experience that's hard to beat.
Their adaptive active noise cancellation is another win, dynamically adjusting to your environment to block out unwanted noise and keep you fully immersed.
At £279.99 full price, they're certainly an investment, and while the battery life is decent, 6 hours on a single charge, plus 24 hours from the case, it's not quite as impressive as some competitors.
That said, if you're after the best sound quality around and can stretch your budget, the Momentum Sport are worth considering.
What kind of speakers do noise-cancelling headphones use?
Noise-cancelling headphones rely on dynamic drivers (tiny speakers tucked inside the earbuds) to deliver the sound you hear.
But the real magic lies in the addition of microphones and processors that work together to block out unwanted noise.
The microphones pick up ambient sounds, like the chatter on a train, while the processor generates sound waves that effectively cancel them out.
So, while the drivers handle your music, podcasts, or calls, it's the clever noise-cancelling tech running behind the scenes that creates the calm, immersive listening experience we all love.