I hadn't anticipated needing a quality set of noise-canceling headphones. I typically find the consistent, low hum of airplane engines on long flights acceptable, and I generally prefer not to feel completely isolated from my surroundings, which is why I’ve always favored open-back headphones that allow some ambient sound to filter through. However, the circumstances of 2020 changed my perspective.

I’ve consistently found the subtle background activity of a shared workspace more conducive to productivity than working from home (no disrespect intended to my wife, who is frequently engaged in video conferences). Without the stimulating atmosphere of a busy office, I suddenly discovered a significant need for genuine quiet. And I was prepared to make an investment to achieve it. 

We will concentrate on over-ear headphones in this discussion because, if you require the highest level of noise cancellation available, larger, ear-enclosing headphones will invariably outperform earbud-style alternatives. Furthermore, after experiencing the audio quality of any of these selections, you will likely concur that the same principle applies to sound fidelity.

Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony’s range of premium wireless, over-ear, active noise-canceling headphones has earned a reputation as the best available, and this assessment is well-justified. Priced at $350, Sony’s latest Sony WH-1000XM4s represent a substantial investment, but the quality extends from the robust carrying case to the durable construction, ensuring you receive value for your money. To be transparent: I initially purchased the previous generation of these headphones at the start of the pandemic and have since recommended them to numerous friends with similar requirements.

The audio performance of these headphones is exceptional. If you are an audiophile who would not compromise sound quality by using standard earbuds, you will be impressed. The setup process for the Sonys was straightforward, and the accompanying application is genuinely helpful, offering detailed EQ adjustments, preset sound profiles, and a slider to control the intensity of the noise cancellation. Alternatively, simply covering the earcups with your hand allows ambient sound to pass through. These headphones also achieve considerable volume levels if you enjoy listening to music at high intensity (which I do).

This headphone model excels in numerous areas. The music reproduction is outstanding, the noise cancellation is remarkably effective, even without audio playback. Several minor enhancements make this model even more appealing than its already impressive predecessor (which now represents excellent value). A subtle change also appears to have been made to the fit, and the M4s felt less constricting on the top of my head compared to the M3s. Sony also incorporated multi-device pairing and a new ear-detection sensor with this generation, causing them to pause automatically when removed – a feature I consider essential. Sony also refined the call quality for the M4s, although it isn’t their strongest attribute.

Are there any drawbacks to the Sony WH-1000XM4s? There are few, but these headphones, like most in their category, are somewhat heavy. Prolonged use – perhaps five hours or more – might prompt a desire for a brief respite, but they function exceptionally well for focused, hour-long periods of uninterrupted work. If you dislike Sony’s characteristically strong, bass-emphasized sound signature, you might explore alternative options. They feature a conventional, bulky over-ear design, which may not appeal to everyone, but it remains a stylish aesthetic. And if you anticipate making frequent calls using over-ear headphones, you might consider other choices.

If you require superior noise cancellation to minimize distractions from those sharing your workspace, these are the headphones you need. The fact that music sounds so remarkable is simply an added benefit.

Verdict: Exceptional noise cancellation combined with incredible sound quality

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Between these headphones and the Sonys, anyone comfortable with over-ear headphones should find a suitable option. The noise cancellation on the Bose 700s is top-tier, delivering Bose’s renowned precision and clarity alongside the ability to completely silence the surrounding environment.

These headphones deliver excellent performance for a feature-rich, wireless, all-purpose option. Bose’s neutral, balanced sound is less bass-heavy than Sony’s and feels slightly less dynamic, but if you have enjoyed Bose headphones previously, you will likely be satisfied.

The Bose model represents a departure from traditional designs. Instead of extending in the middle of the headband, this pair features a stem on the side of the earcups that slides up or down for adjustment. The sizing mechanism is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most users, but it does contribute to a different look, feel, and balance compared to conventional, bulkier designs. The touch controls are highly responsive, and you can switch between noise-canceling modes using mirrored buttons on the earcups. They also offer a respectable 20 hours of battery life, which is substantial, though 10 hours less than the Sony pair if extended battery life is a priority.

The setup process was initially problematic, as the headphones sounded muffled and poor, but this was resolved with a firmware update. Unfortunately, Bose requires users to create an account to use the application and configure their headphones, which is unnecessary and frustrating, but ultimately a minor inconvenience for most. I also encountered an error message during a second firmware update prompted by the application and had to troubleshoot the connection, which was annoying but eventually resolved. Without that update, I was unable to adjust the EQ settings, so ensure that your headphones ship with the latest version. It’s worth noting that the update doesn’t provide full EQ sliders, only adjustments for bass, mids, and treble. This may be a significant drawback for some users or a non-issue for others. 

The Bose 700s are currently available for $340 on Bose’s website, with a “soapstone” color variant discounted to $300. If you prefer lighter-colored headphones over standard black, this is a great option. We tested a silver review unit that had a futuristic aesthetic, complemented by the smooth, matte finish on the headband. Bose’s model is sleek and modern, offering a more visually appealing alternative, particularly in its non-black color options.

If you use your noise-canceling headphones for frequent phone calls, this Bose pair is highly regarded for its microphone and call quality, although the newer Sony pair has made improvements in this area as well. Both the Bose and Sony models include an auxiliary cable to extend their usability beyond their impressive battery life. Both also connect to Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri if you prefer voice commands.

For anyone who appreciates Bose’s signature clean sound and requires headphones with excellent noise cancellation and a quality microphone, this pair is a very reliable choice.

Verdict: Another excellent option for serious noise-canceling requirements

Sennheiser PXC 550-II

Sennheiser’s PXC-550 II may not be competing for the title of the absolute best noise-canceling headphones, but they emerged as a surprising contender during our testing. Like the others on this list, Sennheiser’s noise-canceling headphones are wireless and feature an over-ear design, but that’s where the similarities end.

While the Bose and Sony models feel premium and substantial, the Sennheiser PXC 550-IIs are relatively constructed with plastic – but this might actually be an advantage. The noise cancellation here is adequate for typical needs, but not as extreme as the other two options. It effectively reduces background noise without transporting you to an eerily silent environment, which is likely sufficient for many users. The sound quality is notably good for the lower price range ($200 from Sennheiser, at the time of writing), characterized by Sennheiser’s signature clean, clear style. If you have enjoyed Sennheiser sound in the past, you will likely appreciate it here.

The Sennheisers truly excel in everyday use. I found myself reaching for this pair more often than not during my testing, which was unexpected given that I own several higher-end headphone models. The reason? Firstly, they are made of plastic; they are lightweight and comfortable for extended periods of wear (many hours at a time). Pairing and setup were effortless.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the power mechanism for the PXC 550-IIs: Instead of fumbling for a tiny button among other small controls, you can twist the headphones on and off with a satisfying click. I initially thought this would be a gimmick, but it’s incredibly convenient and reassuring to know your headphones won’t drain battery life accidentally. There’s also a small battery indicator light that provides an estimate of the remaining charge, a feature that some might consider unnecessary but I personally found very useful.

The drawbacks of the PXC 550-IIs? The less premium feel may not appeal to everyone. They charge via an outdated micro-USB port, which is inconvenient as it requires carrying an extra cable. The headphones can also connect to multiple devices simultaneously, which is useful but resulted in a robotic British voice repeatedly announcing “phone one connected, phone two connected” in a monotonous tone – a minor annoyance.

I’m not sure what it is about these Sennheisers, but I genuinely fell in love with them. Despite using a pair of Sony WH-1000XM3s as my daily headphones, I will likely purchase a pair of these as well, eventually. They are simply that appealing – and for $150 less than our other recommendations, they offer excellent value.

Verdict: All-day noise-canceling headphones with crisp sound and a great price

If you dislike ear-enclosing headphones, don’t worry – we will soon be publishing recommendations for earbud-style noise-canceling options. But if you are open to larger headphones and require top-notch noise cancellation combined with exceptional sound, none of these selections will disappoint.