HeadphonesFinderSoundcore Space One
Serious noise canceling and long battery life at a reasonable price.
Compare pricesHow to choose noise-canceling headphones
Active noise canceling (ANC) can transform a subway commute or a noisy open-plan office, as long as you know what it does well and what it doesn't. The selector is set for a noisy environment and maximum isolation.
Updated November 13, 2026
Fine-tune with the selector
Our picks
Sony WH-1000XM6
The noise-canceling benchmark, with a full-featured app, multipoint and excellent call mics.
Compare pricesBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Outstanding comfort for hours on end and some of the most effective ANC around.
Compare pricesExample models chosen for their reputation in this category. Prices and availability change: check them on the retailer's page.
What ANC does really well… and not so well
Microphones pick up ambient noise and the headphones play an inverted sound wave that cancels it out. It's remarkably effective against low, steady noise: jet engines, subway rumble, HVAC, the hum of an open-plan office. It's less effective against high-pitched, sudden sounds (nearby voices, clattering dishes, alarms): that's where the passive isolation of the ear cushions or ear tips does the work.
| Noise | ANC | Passive isolation |
|---|---|---|
| Engines, planes, trains | Very effective | Moderate |
| Office chatter | Effective | Moderate |
| Nearby voices, shouting | Limited | Good with a perfect seal |
Headphones or earbuds?
Over-ear headphones combine ANC with the passive isolation of large ear cushions, which generally makes for the best overall noise canceling. The best earbuds come close, provided you use the right ear tip size: without a good seal, ANC loses most of its effect. Earbuds win on size and discretion.
What makes the difference
- Battery life with ANC on: aim for 25 to 30 hours for headphones, 5 to 8 hours for earbuds (plus the case's extra charges).
- Transparency mode: essential for hearing a gate or platform announcement without taking your headphones off.
- Multipoint: connects to your phone and your computer at the same time.
- Pressure comfort: some people feel a "plugged ears" sensation with very strong ANC; an adjustable intensity setting helps.
Mistakes to avoid
- Expecting total silence from ANC: it reduces noise, it doesn't erase everything.
- Judging ANC earbuds with poorly fitted ear tips.
- Ignoring real-world battery life with ANC on, often well below the figure quoted with ANC off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is active noise canceling bad for your ears?
No. If anything, it lets you listen at a lower volume in noisy places. Some people feel slight pressure, which goes away when you lower the ANC intensity.
Does ANC work without music?
Yes. You can turn on noise canceling without playing anything, for example to focus at work or rest on a plane.
Earbuds or headphones for the best noise canceling?
Over-ear headphones are generally still the most effective, because they add the passive isolation of their ear cushions. The best earbuds come close with well-fitted tips.