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 Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones offer an impressive blend of active noise cancellation and passive features, making them ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in their music without outside interruptions. The headphones boast a robust battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge, with a quick charge option providing 2.5 hours of playback from just a 15-minute charge. This is a significant strength for users needing long-lasting performance for travel or extended use.

Sound quality is another area where these headphones excel, featuring high-fidelity audio with adjustable EQ, allowing users to fine-tune bass, mid-range, and treble to their liking. The inclusion of two listening modes, Quiet and Aware, adds flexibility for different listening environments. Comfort is also well-addressed, with plush earcup cushions and a padded headband designed for long listening sessions. The headphones weigh 8.4 ounces, which is relatively lightweight, adding to their comfort for prolonged use.

Connectivity is seamless, with multipoint Bluetooth allowing easy switching between devices, and an optional wired connection is available for times when the battery is depleted or a Bluetooth connection is not feasible. However, the lack of water resistance could be a disadvantage for users in more active or outdoor settings. Touch controls provide a modern and intuitive way to manage playback, calls, and volume. Built with durable plastic, the build quality seems solid, but some users might prefer metal components for added durability. These headphones are best suited for music enthusiasts, frequent travelers, and anyone needing reliable noise cancellation in a variety of settings.