$398 at Amazon
Sony’s best noise-canceling headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5
View details
$280 at Amazon
Flagship Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
View details
$179 at Walmart
Upgraded Beats over-ear headphones
Beats Studio Pro
View details
$374 at Amazon
Next-gen Bowers & Wilkins noise-canceling headphones
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
View details
$100 at Best Buy
Top midrange noise-canceling headphones
Sony CH-720N
View details
$230 at Amazon
Latest Bose noise-canceling headphones
Bose QuietComfort 45
View details
$189 at Amazon
Even better Apple noise-canceling wireless earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro 2
View details
$299 at Bose
Best noise canceling with top-notch sound
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2
View details
$100 at Amazon
Premium noise-canceling headphones for less
Soundcore by Anker Space Q45
View details
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$398 at Amazon
Sony’s best noise-canceling headphones Sony WH-1000XM5
When you have a product that a lot of people love, change can be risky. Such is the case for Sony’s WH-1000XM5, the fifth generation of the 1000X series headphones, which were first released in 2016 as the MDR-1000X Wireless and have become increasingly popular as they’ve improved with each generation.
Battery Life Rated up to 32 hours
Noise Canceling Yes (ANC)
Multipoint Yes
Headphone Type Over-ear wireless headphones
Water-Resistant No IP rating
When you have a product that a lot of people love, change can be risky. Such is the case for Sony’s WH-1000XM5, the fifth generation of the 1000X series headphones, which were first released in 2016 as the MDR-1000X Wireless and have become increasingly popular as they’ve improved with each generation.
David Carnoy/CNET
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David Carnoy/CNET
Over the years, Sony has made some tweaks to the design, but nothing as dramatic as what it’s done with the WH-1000XM5. Other than the higher $400 price tag, most of those changes are good, and Sony’s made some dramatic improvements with voice-calling performance, as well as even better noise canceling and more refined sound.
Because of all that, the WH-1000XM5 have earned a CNET Editors’ Choice Award.
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Sony’s best noise-canceling headphones Sony WH-1000XM5
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David Carnoy/CNET
Battery Life Rated up to 32 hours
Noise Canceling Yes (ANC)
Multipoint Yes
Headphone Type Over-ear wireless headphones
Water-Resistant No IP rating
When you have a product that a lot of people love, change can be risky. Such is the case for Sony’s WH-1000XM5, the fifth generation of the 1000X series headphones, which were first released in 2016 as the MDR-1000X Wireless and have become increasingly popular as they’ve improved with each generation.
Over the years, Sony has made some tweaks to the design, but nothing as dramatic as what it’s done with the WH-1000XM5. Other than the higher $400 price tag, most of those changes are good, and Sony’s made some dramatic improvements with voice-calling performance, as well as even better noise canceling and more refined sound.
Because of all that, the WH-1000XM5 have earned a CNET Editors’ Choice Award.
$280 at Amazon
Flagship Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Sennheiser’s previous-generation Momentum Wireless headphones have always had a pretty distinct look that was part retro/part modern and stood out for the exposed metal on the headband. For better or worse, that’s all gone now, and the new Momentum 4 Wireless, Sennheiser’s flagship noise-canceling headphones, look a bit more subdued and also a bit more like some competitors.
Battery life Rated up to 7 hours
Noise Canceling Yes
Multipoint Yes
Water-Resistant Yes (IPX4– splash-proof)
Sennheiser’s previous-generation Momentum Wireless headphones have always had a pretty distinct look that was part retro/part modern and stood out for the exposed metal on the headband. For better or worse, that’s all gone now, and the new Momentum 4 Wireless, Sennheiser’s flagship noise-canceling headphones, look a bit more subdued and also a bit more like some competitors.
Sennheiser
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Sennheiser
The Momentum 4 Wireless offers superior performance over the Momentum 3 Wireless in every regard, though the biggest gains are with noise canceling and voice-calling performance as well as battery life, which is outstanding. It’s up to 60 hours at moderate volume levels. There’s also a transparency mode that allows ambient sound in and the ability to create a custom sound profile in the Smart Control app for iOS and Android using the built-in EQ. Other features include sound modes and a new Sound Personalization feature that “assesses the user’s listening preferences and adjusts the listening experience according to their taste.”
Equipped with 42mm drivers, Sennheiser says the Momentum 4 Wireless offer “best-in-class” sound, which is debatable. I’d say the Momentum 4’s sound quality is right there with other models in this price range — they sound excellent, with the requisite well-defined, punchy bass, relatively wide soundstage (they sound pretty open) and smooth treble that brings out some of the finer details in well-recorded tracks. They’re a pleasure to listen to.
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Flagship Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Sennheiser
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Sennheiser
Battery life Rated up to 7 hours
Noise Canceling Yes
Multipoint Yes
Water-Resistant Yes (IPX4– splash-proof)
Sennheiser’s previous-generation Momentum Wireless headphones have always had a pretty distinct look that was part retro/part modern and stood out for the exposed metal on the headband. For better or worse, that’s all gone now, and the new Momentum 4 Wireless, Sennheiser’s flagship noise-canceling headphones, look a bit more subdued and also a bit more like some competitors.
The Momentum 4 Wireless offers superior performance over the Momentum 3 Wireless in every regard, though the biggest gains are with noise canceling and voice-calling performance as well as battery life, which is outstanding. It’s up to 60 hours at moderate volume levels. There’s also a transparency mode that allows ambient sound in and the ability to create a custom sound profile in the Smart Control app for iOS and Android using the built-in EQ. Other features include sound modes and a new Sound Personalization feature that “assesses the user’s listening preferences and adjusts the listening experience according to their taste.”
Equipped with 42mm drivers, Sennheiser says the Momentum 4 Wireless offer “best-in-class” sound, which is debatable. I’d say the Momentum 4’s sound quality is right there with other models in this price range — they sound excellent, with the requisite well-defined, punchy bass, relatively wide soundstage (they sound pretty open) and smooth treble that brings out some of the finer details in well-recorded tracks. They’re a pleasure to listen to.
$179 at Walmart
Upgraded Beats over-ear headphones Beats Studio Pro
Love ’em or hate ’em, Beats Studio headphones are among the most popular headphones of all time, launching as a wired headphone back in 2008. This is their fourth generation, and they carry the same list price as their predecessor and look very similar on the outside but have some big changes on the inside that make them significantly better headphones. I’m tempted to describe them as more affordable plastic versions of the AirPods Max. However, that’s not quite accurate due to a choice in chipsets and one notable missing feature. But read our full review to find out what makes this a very good headphone — and good AirPods Max alternative — with some caveats.
Battery life Rated up to 40 hours
Noise Canceling Yes (ANC)
Multipoint No
Headphone Type Over-ear wireless headphones
Water-Resistant No IP rating
Love ’em or hate ’em, Beats Studio headphones are among the most popular headphones of all time, launching as a wired headphone back in 2008. This is their fourth generation, and they carry the same list price as their predecessor and look very similar on the outside but have some big changes on the inside that make them significantly better headphones. I’m tempted to describe them as more affordable plastic versions of the AirPods Max. However, that’s not quite accurate due to a choice in chipsets and one notable missing feature. But read our full review to find out what makes this a very good headphone — and good AirPods Max alternative — with some caveats.
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Upgraded Beats over-ear headphones Beats Studio Pro
Battery life Rated up to 40 hours
Noise Canceling Yes (ANC)
Multipoint No
Headphone Type Over-ear wireless headphones
Water-Resistant No IP rating
Love ’em or hate ’em, Beats Studio headphones are among the most popular headphones of all time, launching as a wired headphone back in 2008. This is their fourth generation, and they carry the same list price as their predecessor and look very similar on the outside but have some big changes on the inside that make them significantly better headphones. I’m tempted to describe them as more affordable plastic versions of the AirPods Max. However, that’s not quite accurate due to a choice in chipsets and one notable missing feature. But read our full review to find out what makes this a very good headphone — and good AirPods Max alternative — with some caveats.
$374 at Amazon
Next-gen Bowers & Wilkins noise-canceling headphones Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
Available in three color options (gray, blue and black), Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones offer some significant improvements over the first-generation version. Not only are these headphones more comfortable — they tip the scales at 307 grams — but they sound better and have better noise-canceling and voice-calling performance with improved noise reduction. I don’t necessarily think they’re a better option than the lighter and even more comfortable Sony WH-1000XM5. But the PX7 S2 certainly looks and feels luxurious, with its sturdy design, and delivers very good sound with better voice-calling performance thanks to an upgraded microphone setup.
Battery Life Rated up to 30 hours
Noise Canceling Yes (ANC)
Multipoint No
Water-Resistant No
Available in three color options (gray, blue and black), Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones offer some significant improvements over the first-generation version. Not only are these headphones more comfortable — they tip the scales at 307 grams — but they sound better and have better noise-canceling and voice-calling performance with improved noise reduction. I don’t necessarily think they’re a better option than the lighter and even more comfortable Sony WH-1000XM5. But the PX7 S2 certainly looks and feels luxurious, with its sturdy design, and delivers very good sound with better voice-calling performance thanks to an upgraded microphone setup.
David Carnoy/CNET
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The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2.
David Carnoy/CNET
Bowers & Wilkins has also released a step-up model, the PX8, that features even better sound but costs significantly more.
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Next-gen Bowers & Wilkins noise-canceling headphones Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
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The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2.
David Carnoy/CNET
Battery Life Rated up to 30 hours
Noise Canceling Yes (ANC)
Multipoint No
Water-Resistant No
Available in three color options (gray, blue and black), Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones offer some significant improvements over the first-generation version. Not only are these headphones more comfortable — they tip the scales at 307 grams — but they sound better and have better noise-canceling and voice-calling performance with improved noise reduction. I don’t necessarily think they’re a better option than the lighter and even more comfortable Sony WH-1000XM5. But the PX7 S2 certainly looks and feels luxurious, with its sturdy design, and delivers very good sound with better voice-calling performance thanks to an upgraded microphone setup.
Bowers & Wilkins has also released a step-up model, the PX8, that features even better sound but costs significantly more.
$100 at Best Buy
Top midrange noise-canceling headphones Sony CH-720N
Sony’s improved entry-level noise canceling headphones, the CH-720Ns, have a bit of a plastic-y budget vibe, but they’re lightweight and very comfortable. Part of me was expecting them to sound pretty mediocre, but I was pleasantly surprised. No, they don’t sound as good as the WH-1000XM5s. But they sound more premium than they look (and feel), and their overall performance is a nice step up from their predecessor, the CH-710Ns.
Battery life Rated up to 35 hours
Noise Cancelling Yes
Multipoint Yes
Headphone Type Over-ear wireless headphones
Water-Resistant No IP rating
Sony’s improved entry-level noise canceling headphones, the CH-720Ns, have a bit of a plastic-y budget vibe, but they’re lightweight and very comfortable. Part of me was expecting them to sound pretty mediocre, but I was pleasantly surprised. No, they don’t sound as good as the WH-1000XM5s. But they sound more premium than they look (and feel), and their overall performance is a nice step up from their predecessor, the CH-710Ns.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
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The Sony CH-720N headphones have physical buttons for controls, bot touch controls like the step-up WH-1000XM5.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
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Top midrange noise-canceling headphones Sony CH-720N
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
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The Sony CH-720N headphones have physical buttons for controls, bot touch controls like the step-up WH-1000XM5.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
Battery life Rated up to 35 hours
Noise Cancelling Yes
Multipoint Yes
Headphone Type Over-ear wireless headphones
Water-Resistant No IP rating
Sony’s improved entry-level noise canceling headphones, the CH-720Ns, have a bit of a plastic-y budget vibe, but they’re lightweight and very comfortable. Part of me was expecting them to sound pretty mediocre, but I was pleasantly surprised. No, they don’t sound as good as the WH-1000XM5s. But they sound more premium than they look (and feel), and their overall performance is a nice step up from their predecessor, the CH-710Ns.
$230 at Amazon
Latest Bose noise-canceling headphones Bose QuietComfort 45
The QuietComfort 45 has virtually the same design as its predecessor, the QuietComfort QC35 II, which many people considered one of the most comfortable over-ear headphones — if not the most comfortable. It has the same drivers, according to Bose, and the buttons are in the same place. However, there are small but notable changes. First off, these thankfully have USB-C instead of Micro-USB.
Battery Life Rated up to 25 hours
Multipoint Yes
Headphone Type Over-ear wireless headphones
Water-Resistant No IP rating
The QuietComfort 45 has virtually the same design as its predecessor, the QuietComfort QC35 II, which many people considered one of the most comfortable over-ear headphones — if not the most comfortable. It has the same drivers, according to Bose, and the buttons are in the same place. However, there are small but notable changes. First off, these thankfully have USB-C instead of Micro-USB.
David Carnoy/CNET
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David Carnoy/CNET
Secondly, the microphone configuration is different. Not only have the mics been shifted on the headphones, but there’s now an extra external microphone for voice pick-up, which means the QC45 has a total of six microphones, four of which are beamforming and used for voice. By contrast, the QC35 II has a total of four, two of which are used for voice. (The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 also have six microphones total.)
These headphones are excellent for making calls. They’re similar to the Bose Headphones 700 in that regard. They also include top-notch noise canceling and multipoint Bluetooth pairing, so you can connect them with a PC and your phone simultaneously. Read our Bose QuietComfort 45 review.
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Latest Bose noise-canceling headphones Bose QuietComfort 45
David Carnoy/CNET
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David Carnoy/CNET
Battery Life Rated up to 25 hours
Multipoint Yes
Headphone Type Over-ear wireless headphones
Water-Resistant No IP rating
The QuietComfort 45 has virtually the same design as its predecessor, the QuietComfort QC35 II, which many people considered one of the most comfortable over-ear headphones — if not the most comfortable. It has the same drivers, according to Bose, and the buttons are in the same place. However, there are small but notable changes. First off, these thankfully have USB-C instead of Micro-USB.
Secondly, the microphone configuration is different. Not only have the mics been shifted on the headphones, but there’s now an extra external microphone for voice pick-up, which means the QC45 has a total of six microphones, four of which are beamforming and used for voice. By contrast, the QC35 II has a total of four, two of which are used for voice. (The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 also have six microphones total.)
These headphones are excellent for making calls. They’re similar to the Bose Headphones 700 in that regard. They also include top-notch noise canceling and multipoint Bluetooth pairing, so you can connect them with a PC and your phone simultaneously. Read our Bose QuietComfort 45 review.
$189 at Amazon
Even better Apple noise-canceling wireless earbuds Apple AirPods Pro 2
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are powered by Apple’s H2 chip, which delivers more processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple. The H2 chip, combined with new low-distortion drivers, allows for improved sound that offers better clarity and depth.
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are powered by Apple’s H2 chip, which delivers more processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple. The H2 chip, combined with new low-distortion drivers, allows for improved sound that offers better clarity and depth.
David Carnoy/CNET
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David Carnoy/CNET
The noise canceling is also improved. Apple says the AirPods Pro 2 have “double” the noise canceling of the original AirPods Pro. The new AirPods add an extra hour of battery life, up from five to six hours with noise canceling on. Plus, a speaker in the case that emits a sound that helps locate your buds via Find My should they decide to hide from you.
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Even better Apple noise-canceling wireless earbuds Apple AirPods Pro 2
David Carnoy/CNET
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David Carnoy/CNET
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are powered by Apple’s H2 chip, which delivers more processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple. The H2 chip, combined with new low-distortion drivers, allows for improved sound that offers better clarity and depth.
The noise canceling is also improved. Apple says the AirPods Pro 2 have “double” the noise canceling of the original AirPods Pro. The new AirPods add an extra hour of battery life, up from five to six hours with noise canceling on. Plus, a speaker in the case that emits a sound that helps locate your buds via Find My should they decide to hide from you.
$348 at Bose
Best noise canceling with top-notch sound Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2
Bose’s second-generation QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are not only about 30% smaller than their predecessors, but their case is about 40% smaller and truly pocketable. They feature best-in-class noise canceling and improved sound, thanks to Bose’s new CustomTune sound calibration system that customizes the sound for your ears. Voice-calling performance is also significantly better than that of the original QuietComfort Earbuds.
Battery Life Rated Up to 6 Hours
Noise Canceling Yes (ANC)
Multipoint No
Headphone Type Wireless Earbuds
Water-Resistant Yes (IPX4 — Splash-Proof)
Bose’s second-generation QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are not only about 30% smaller than their predecessors, but their case is about 40% smaller and truly pocketable. They feature best-in-class noise canceling and improved sound, thanks to Bose’s new CustomTune sound calibration system that customizes the sound for your ears. Voice-calling performance is also significantly better than that of the original QuietComfort Earbuds.
David Carnoy/CNET
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David Carnoy/CNET
The other big change is to the ear tips. Bose has ditched its one-piece StayEar wing tips for a two-piece Fit Kit system that features separate ear tips and “stability bands” in three size options, giving you more flexibility to get a secure fit and tight seal.
These changes helped the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 earn a CNET Editors’ Choice Award.
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Best noise canceling with top-notch sound Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2
David Carnoy/CNET
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David Carnoy/CNET
Battery Life Rated Up to 6 Hours
Noise Canceling Yes (ANC)
Multipoint No
Headphone Type Wireless Earbuds
Water-Resistant Yes (IPX4 — Splash-Proof)
Bose’s second-generation QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are not only about 30% smaller than their predecessors, but their case is about 40% smaller and truly pocketable. They feature best-in-class noise canceling and improved sound, thanks to Bose’s new CustomTune sound calibration system that customizes the sound for your ears. Voice-calling performance is also significantly better than that of the original QuietComfort Earbuds.
The other big change is to the ear tips. Bose has ditched its one-piece StayEar wing tips for a two-piece Fit Kit system that features separate ear tips and “stability bands” in three size options, giving you more flexibility to get a secure fit and tight seal.
These changes helped the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 earn a CNET Editors’ Choice Award.
$100 at Amazon
Premium noise-canceling headphones for less Soundcore by Anker Space Q45
If you can’t afford Sony’s WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC45, the Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 (yes, there’s a bit of copying going on here) is a good alternative for $150, and we occasionally see discounts pop up (currently $10 off with an instant coupon at Amazon). While it may not fit some smaller heads, it’s comfortable to wear, with nicely padded ear cups and a dual-hinge folding design. Sound quality is very good and the headphones offer better noise canceling than the step-down Q35, as well as multipoint Bluetooth pairing (these are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3) and support for the LDAC audio codec for streaming high-resolution music tracks over Bluetooth, if you have a device that supports LDAC. Many Android phones do, although Samsung’s Galaxy phones don’t.
If you can’t afford Sony’s WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC45, the Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 (yes, there’s a bit of copying going on here) is a good alternative for $150, and we occasionally see discounts pop up (currently $10 off with an instant coupon at Amazon). While it may not fit some smaller heads, it’s comfortable to wear, with nicely padded ear cups and a dual-hinge folding design. Sound quality is very good and the headphones offer better noise canceling than the step-down Q35, as well as multipoint Bluetooth pairing (these are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3) and support for the LDAC audio codec for streaming high-resolution music tracks over Bluetooth, if you have a device that supports LDAC. Many Android phones do, although Samsung’s Galaxy phones don’t.
David Carnoy/CNET
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David Carnoy/CNET
Battery life is very good at up to 50 hours with noise canceling on at moderate volume levels and the headphones come with a hard carrying case for travel.
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Premium noise-canceling headphones for less Soundcore by Anker Space Q45
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David Carnoy/CNET
If you can’t afford Sony’s WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC45, the Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 (yes, there’s a bit of copying going on here) is a good alternative for $150, and we occasionally see discounts pop up (currently $10 off with an instant coupon at Amazon). While it may not fit some smaller heads, it’s comfortable to wear, with nicely padded ear cups and a dual-hinge folding design. Sound quality is very good and the headphones offer better noise canceling than the step-down Q35, as well as multipoint Bluetooth pairing (these are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3) and support for the LDAC audio codec for streaming high-resolution music tracks over Bluetooth, if you have a device that supports LDAC. Many Android phones do, although Samsung’s Galaxy phones don’t.
Battery life is very good at up to 50 hours with noise canceling on at moderate volume levels and the headphones come with a hard carrying case for travel.