The 10 Best Anc Headphones [2023 Update]

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Industry 

Making modifications to a product that many customers like might be dangerous. This is the situation with the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, the 1000X series' fifth iteration. The MDR-1000X Wireless, the initial iteration of these headphones, was released in 2016. Since then, every subsequent iteration has increased its popularity by being better. The majority of these modifications are positive, and Sony has significantly improved the functionality of voice calls as well as the sound quality and noise cancellation. Over the years, Sony has altered the appearance of several products, but never to the extent that it did with the WH-1000XM5.

• Best High-fidelity: Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless  

The most obvious difference between the Bose QuietComfort 45 and its well-liked predecessor, the QuietComfort 35 II, is that a USB-C connection has taken the place of the Micro-USB port. (The QC45 weighs 3 grams more than the QC35, but as both devices weigh 238 grams, the difference shouldn't be felt.) The noise cancellation will grow better, and it could even be the best you can purchase right now (there is a transparency setting). The "unwanted sounds in the intermediate frequencies," which are often voices and may be heard on commuter trains, in crowded workplaces, and in cafés, are better blocked out by the new ANC system, according to Bose. This is because it is driven by improved circuitry.

• Best Battery Life: SENNHEISER HD 450BT Bluetooth 5.0 

The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3 headphones are significantly more comfortable to use for extended periods of time, sound better, and have more bass definition than the 450BT headphones. The 450BT model seems to function as a call-taking headset rather effectively. You may hear your own speech via the headphones thanks to a sidetone function on them. The only thing that may go wrong is that some individuals might not find standard headphones to be the most comfortable.

• Best for Volume Control: Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear 

The AirPods Max is more costly than cheaper Sony and Bose headphones, but they sound better and have more clarity. Additionally, they offer a higher build quality, maybe the greatest noise cancellation on the market, and simulated surround sound for watching films. They are quite cozy despite being so large. But in order to obtain a decent, snug fit when I went for a walk wearing them, I had to shift the mesh canopy's headband forward. There will be some individuals whose skulls don't fit them properly, but the majority should.

• Best Bluetooth: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless  

The gray, blue, and black Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones significantly outperform the original model in a number of areas. These headphones are not only lighter and more comfortable, but they also sound better and perform voice calls and noise cancellation better, thanks to their 307-gram weight. They may not always be superior to the Sony WH-1000XM5, which is even lighter and comfier. On the other hand, the PX7 S2 includes a modern microphone configuration that improves the quality and functionality of voice calls. Additionally, since it is made to last, it feels and looks good.