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The best noise-cancelling headphones to buy now
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) win for exceptional noise cancellation and comfort, with strong cheaper options below.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | JLab JBuds Lux ANC |
| Price | about $369 | about $319 | about $85 |
| Why | Tom’s Guide names them its best overall, praising their class-leading noise cancellation and comfort. SoundGuys also found they substantially reduced bus, train and airplane noise. | TechRadar’s comparisons found the first-generation model’s noise cancellation nearly indistinguishable from newer premium rivals, while it typically costs less. It’s a comfortable, foldable alternative if you can find it around $100 below the newer generation. | Tom’s Guide recommends them as its best noise-cancelling option under $100, praising their sound, comfort and long battery life. Its reviewer found the cancellation useful for buses, trains and office noise. |
| Good to know | They’re expensive, and Tom’s Guide found the touch controls frustrating. | Battery life is limited to about 24 hours with noise cancellation on. | They don’t include a carrying case. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AITom’s Guide names them its best overall, praising their class-leading noise cancellation and comfort. SoundGuys also found they substantially reduced bus, train and airplane noise.
Good to know: They’re expensive, and Tom’s Guide found the touch controls frustrating.
See on Amazon
picture by AITechRadar’s comparisons found the first-generation model’s noise cancellation nearly indistinguishable from newer premium rivals, while it typically costs less. It’s a comfortable, foldable alternative if you can find it around $100 below the newer generation.
Good to know: Battery life is limited to about 24 hours with noise cancellation on.
See on Amazon
picture by AITom’s Guide recommends them as its best noise-cancelling option under $100, praising their sound, comfort and long battery life. Its reviewer found the cancellation useful for buses, trains and office noise.
Good to know: They don’t include a carrying case.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Fit and comfort matter because a poor seal can let noise in, and you may wear these for hours. Compare noise cancellation, battery life and price; the best budget pairs reduce noise well but not as completely as premium models.
Who this is for
These picks suit travelers, commuters and anyone who wants to focus in a noisy place. The cheaper options are for buyers willing to trade some refinement and top-tier noise blocking for a lower price.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Tom’s Guide names them its best overall, praising their class-leading noise cancellation and comfort. SoundGuys also found they substantially reduced bus, train and airplane noise. Tom’s Guide reports 30 hours of rated battery life, or 24 hours with Immersive Audio. Its reviewer found the noise cancellation especially effective on journeys and the transparency mode natural. Sound is rich and bass-heavy, and you can adjust it in the Bose app. Skip them if the high price or touch controls bother you.
Good to know: They’re expensive, and Tom’s Guide found the touch controls frustrating.
See on AmazonBest value: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
TechRadar’s comparisons found the first-generation model’s noise cancellation nearly indistinguishable from newer premium rivals, while it typically costs less. It’s a comfortable, foldable alternative if you can find it around $100 below the newer generation. TechRadar says its tests found it particularly effective against varied real-world noise, including higher-frequency sounds. The reviewer also describes it as light and comfortable for long wear. Its 24-hour battery life is shorter than the second-generation model’s, and its sound is less neutral than Sony’s WH-1000XM6. Consider the newer Bose if longer battery life is a priority.
Good to know: Battery life is limited to about 24 hours with noise cancellation on.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: JLab JBuds Lux ANC
Tom’s Guide recommends them as its best noise-cancelling option under $100, praising their sound, comfort and long battery life. Its reviewer found the cancellation useful for buses, trains and office noise. Tom’s Guide lists 40 hours of rated battery with noise cancellation on and 70 hours with it off. The reviewer also liked the spatial audio features and found them comfortable. They’re a sensible low-cost choice for everyday listening, though their noise cancellation won’t match the Bose flagships. Skip them if you need a carry case or want premium-level noise blocking.
Good to know: They don’t include a carrying case.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Reviewers compared noise reduction in everyday settings such as buses, trains, offices and flights, alongside sound, comfort, controls and battery life. SoundGuys tested the Soundcore Space One for a week and measured its battery with noise cancellation on. Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.