As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear ahead of Black Friday on November 28 and Cyber Monday on December 1, shoppers looking to snag deals on noise-canceling headphones and earbuds will find a wealth of options already on sale. Major brands such as Apple, Sony, Bose, and others are offering discounts on select models, some reaching their lowest prices of the year or close to it. This presents an excellent opportunity to upgrade your audio gear with premium noise-canceling technology at a more affordable cost.
Having tested noise-canceling headphones for nearly two decades, I’ve curated a comprehensive list of top-performing models across various price points. While most selections are full-size, over-ear headphones favored for their comfort and immersive sound, I’ve also included a few true wireless earbuds for those who prefer a compact, wire-free listening experience. For budget-conscious buyers, there are solid options under $100 that deliver respectable noise canceling and sound quality without breaking the bank. Additionally, there are curated lists featuring the best noise-canceling true wireless earbuds and budget earbuds for those seeking affordable yet effective solutions.
### Sony WH-1000XM6: The Current Gold Standard
Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM6 headphones, retailing at around $450, continue to be arguably the best noise-canceling headphones on the market, earning the coveted CNET Editors’ Choice award. Building on the success of the WH-1000XM5, which debuted three years prior, the XM6 improves in several subtle but meaningful ways. Sony has refined the design to eliminate small flaws, enhanced noise-canceling performance, and elevated sound quality to a more studio-like vibe reminiscent of their wired headphones.
These headphones are particularly well-suited for frequent travelers, remote workers, and commuters who demand superior sound, excellent noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality—all wrapped in a comfortable fit for extended wear. The inclusion of USB-C audio support marks a welcome update, improving versatility for wired listening.
However, the WH-1000XM6’s premium price tag may deter budget-conscious buyers or those who already own the XM5, as the improvements, while notable, may not justify an immediate upgrade. Waiting for a sale on either model is advisable to maximize value.
### Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): A Strong Rival
Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, now in their second generation, rival the Sony WH-1000XM6 closely in noise-canceling prowess. Though their physical design closely resembles the original 2023 release, Bose has enhanced sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life (now rated up to 30 hours), and added new features like immersive-audio Cinema Mode and USB-C audio support. Unlike many headphones that require charging downtime, these can be charged during use, a practical touch for heavy users.
Comfort is on par with Sony’s offering, making the choice between these two a matter of personal preference regarding fit and brand loyalty. These headphones excel at noise-muffling and are ideal for travelers and professionals seeking a blend of performance and comfort. However, their price range still places them out of reach for those looking for midrange or budget options.
### Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3: A Stylish Alternative
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 headphones, priced similarly to the Sony WH-1000XM6, offer a sleek and refined design with strong noise-canceling abilities and improved sound quality over their predecessors. While not the company’s flagship (that’s the PX8 S2 at $799), the PX7 S3 strikes a balance between premium performance and value. Their 40mm biocellulose driver units deliver clarity, low distortion, and dynamic sound, though some audiophiles may still prefer the PX8’s carbon cone drivers.
The PX7 S3 supports USB-C audio, a feature the Sony WH-1000XM6 lacks. However, the Sony model slightly edges out the PX7 S3 in noise cancellation and call quality and offers additional features like Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention mode. If you already own earlier PX7 or PX8 models, an upgrade to the PX7 S3 might not be worth the investment.
### Budget-Friendly Contenders: Baseus Inspire XH1, CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro, Earfun Wave Pro
For those seeking noise-canceling headphones without the premium price, several models stand out. Baseus’s Inspire