10 Best Wireless Anc Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Max are premium over-ear wireless headphones designed to deliver a high-quality audio experience with strong active noise cancellation (ANC). They use Apple’s custom H1 chip and advanced computational audio, providing clear, rich sound that adapts to your ear shape with personalized spatial audio for immersive listening. The ANC is very effective, reducing background noise significantly, while Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings when needed. Battery life is solid, offering up to 20 hours of playback with ANC on, and a quick 5-minute charge gives about 1.5 hours of use.

The build quality feels luxurious, featuring memory foam ear cushions and a knit-mesh canopy that provide a comfortable and secure fit, although the headphones are a bit heavier than some competitors, which might affect comfort during very long sessions. Connectivity with Apple devices is seamless, thanks to the H1 chip and Bluetooth 5.0, including easy pairing and automatic device switching. Controls are intuitive, using a Digital Crown for volume and playback, plus a dedicated noise control button. Charging via USB-C is convenient and aligns with other Apple products.

These headphones are not water-resistant, so they're less ideal for sweaty workouts or outdoor use in wet conditions. Also, their premium price point may be a consideration for some buyers. The AirPods Max excel in sound quality, noise cancellation, and integration within the Apple ecosystem, making them a great choice for Apple users seeking top-tier wireless ANC headphones, especially for music, movies, and calls.

Apple AirPods 4 are designed for users looking for wireless earbuds with strong active noise cancellation (ANC) and a comfortable fit. They feature an improved design that fits securely and feels comfortable for long periods, making them suitable for daily use and workouts thanks to their IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. The ANC works well to reduce outside noise, helping you focus on music or calls, and the Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings when needed. Sound quality is enhanced by Apple’s H2 chip, offering clear and immersive audio with Personalized Spatial Audio, which gives a surround-sound experience that changes as you move your head. Calls are easier to hear on both ends thanks to voice isolation technology.

Battery life is solid, providing up to 4 hours of playback with ANC on, and up to 30 hours total with the charging case, which supports USB-C and wireless charging. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3, plus the pairing process is very simple for Apple device users. The controls are intuitive, using press gestures and voice commands with Siri, including new hands-free responses.

While the battery life per charge (around 4 hours) might be shorter compared to some competitors, especially with heavy ANC use, the very compact case is easy to carry. However, it may be prone to scratches due to its smooth finish, and the charging cable is sold separately, which is a minor inconvenience. AirPods 4 are an excellent choice if you want easy integration with Apple products, solid noise cancellation, and a comfortable all-day fit, though those prioritizing longer single-charge battery life or a more rugged case might find other options more suitable.

The Beats Studio Pro wireless headphones offer a strong combination of features that cater to music lovers and frequent travelers. These headphones provide excellent sound quality with Beats' custom acoustic platform, ensuring rich and immersive audio whether you're listening to music or taking calls. The noise cancellation features are versatile, with two distinct modes: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) for blocking out external noise and Transparency mode to let ambient sounds in when needed. However, it should be noted that some users may find the ANC not as effective as other high-end competitors.

Battery life is impressive, boasting up to 40 hours of listening time, and a quick 10-minute charge gives you an additional 4 hours of playback, making them great for long journeys or extended use without frequent recharging. Comfort and fit are designed to be user-friendly with over-ear placement, though the 260g weight might feel slightly heavy during prolonged usage for some users. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3, offering a robust range and stability, and the headphones are compatible with both Apple and Android devices, making them versatile.

The controls are intuitive with on-ear buttons for calls, music control, and activating Siri. Build quality is solid with a durable design, but they are not water-resistant, which might be a drawback for those looking to use them during workouts or in rainy conditions. Included accessories such as a woven carrying case, USB-C, and 3.5mm cables add to their practicality. While the Beats Studio Pro may have some competition in terms of noise cancellation effectiveness, they stand out with their sound quality, battery life, and seamless connectivity.