Best Noise Isolating Headphones of 2023

If you‘re looking to block out distractions and immerse yourself in music, podcasts, or calls, noise isolating headphones are a must-have accessory. The best models can reduce ambient noise by up to 30 decibels or more, allowing you to listen at lower, safer volumes while still enjoying great sound quality.

There are two main types of noise isolating headphones:

  1. Passive noise isolating headphones physically block sound from reaching your ears, usually by creating a tight seal. They work best for mid-high frequency noise.
  2. Active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones use microphones and digital signal processing to analyze ambient sound and generate an opposite sound wave to "cancel out" the noise, especially in the bass frequencies. They require battery power.

The best noise isolating headphones use a combination of passive isolation and ANC to greatly reduce background noise across the frequency spectrum. This allows you to listen at lower volumes, preventing ear fatigue and potential hearing damage over time.

Noise isolating headphones offer many benefits:

  • Productivity – Block distracting chatter and ambient noise at the office, coffee shop, or shared workspace so you can focus.
  • Travel – Cut out engine drone and cabin noise on flights, trains, and buses for a more relaxing journey.
  • Communication – Built-in microphones with noise suppression technology can provide clearer calls even in noisy environments.
  • Immersion – Enjoy your entertainment with fewer interruptions and pick up more subtle details in your music and movies.

With so many noise isolating headphones to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. We‘ve analyzed expert reviews and customer feedback to round up the very best noise cancelling headphones you can buy in 2023.

Whether you prefer over-ear, on-ear, or in-ear designs, wired or wireless connectivity, we have top picks for every style, budget, and use case. We‘ll explain the key features and technologies so you can choose the perfect pair for your needs.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the gold standard for noise cancelling headphones in 2023. The latest model improves on the already stellar performance of their predecessors while introducing a sleeker, more comfortable design.

Sony has upgraded the noise cancelling technology with an additional processor and auto NC optimizer. Along with the 8 microphones, this allows the XM5 to automatically adapt the noise cancelling and sound to your wearing conditions and environment in real-time.

The 30-hour battery life (with ANC on) is incredibly impressive, and a 3-minute quick charge provides 3 hours of playback. The touch controls are responsive and intuitive, and the headphones fold flat for travel. Sony also has one of the best companion apps, allowing you to fine-tune the EQ and level of noise cancellation.

Crucially, the sound quality is fantastic. The XM5‘s new 30mm carbon fiber drivers deliver well-balanced, detailed audio with punchy bass and excellent instrument separation. DSEE Extreme audio upscaling enhances compressed audio. Call quality is also top-notch thanks to Sony‘s Precise Voice Pickup technology.

While not cheap at $400, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are the most advanced noise cancelling headphones on the market and worth the investment for frequent travelers and audiophiles. They provide an exceptionally immersive listening experience in a stylish, feature-packed design.

Best In-Ear: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

If you prefer the compact, lightweight design of wireless earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are the best noise cancelling model available. Building on the excellent performance of the original QC earbuds, the second gen model introduces several major improvements.

Bose has completely re-engineered the earbuds with its new CustomTune sound calibration technology. This automatically optimizes the noise cancellation and sound frequency profile to the unique shape of your ears, ensuring you get the best possible performance every time you put them in.

The noise cancellation is truly impressive for a pair of earbuds, using 4 microphones and a new ANC chip to minimize a wide range of frequencies. With 10 levels of adjustable ANC, you can choose how much of the outside world to let in. The Aware mode is great when you need to hear your surroundings.

Sound quality is also excellent, with deep, powerful bass and crisp, well-balanced mids and highs. The new earbuds are 30% smaller than their predecessors but still manage to pack in 6 hours of battery life (24 hours with the case). They are also IPX4 sweat and water resistant.

While more expensive than most competitors at $299, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II deliver unrivaled noise cancellation and sound quality in an incredibly comfortable, pocketable design. They are an excellent choice for commuters, travelers, and athletes.

Best of the Rest

Shure AONIC 50

The Shure AONIC 50 are a great alternative to the Sony WH-1000XM5 for audio purists. They have a neutral, accurate sound signature ideal for critical listening and a wide soundstage. The noise cancellation is also very effective, with an Environment Mode to hear your surroundings.

Apple AirPods Max

While very expensive at $549, Apple‘s AirPods Max have phenomenal build quality, excellent ANC, and spatial audio support. The mesh canopy and memory foam earcups are incredibly comfortable. They are best for iPhone users, with seamless pairing and hands-free Siri.

Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 have a refined, bass-rich sound signature, solid ANC performance, and remarkable 60-hour battery life. The retro-modern aesthetic stands out from the crowd, and the companion app offers lots of customization options.

1More SonoFlow

If you‘re on a tighter budget, the 1More SonoFlow are an excellent value at under $100. They have surprisingly good ANC for the price, a punchy, dynamic sound profile, and premium features like wear detection, multipoint pairing and LDAC support. Battery life is an impressive 50 hours.

Buying Advice

With such a wide range of noise isolating headphones available, here are the key things to consider when choosing the best pair for you:

Fit & Comfort – Noise isolating headphones need to create a good seal around or in your ears to be effective. Over-ear designs tend to be most comfortable for long listening sessions, while in-ear monitors are more portable. Consider models with multiple ear tip sizes and soft, breathable materials.

Sound Quality – Noise cancellation shouldn‘t come at the expense of sound quality. Look for headphones with large, high-quality drivers, a wide frequency response, and support for high-resolution Bluetooth codecs like LDAC and aptX HD. Many models offer EQ customization via a companion app.

Noise Cancellation – While no headphones can completely eliminate noise, the best models can significantly reduce it. Adaptive ANC that automatically adjusts to your environment is very convenient. Transparency modes are also useful when you need situational awareness.

Controls & Extra Features – Consider what controls are most important to you, such as volume, play/pause, track skipping, and voice assistant activation. Touch controls are convenient but can be prone to accidental taps, while physical buttons provide great tactile feedback. Other useful features include multi-device pairing, wear detection, companion apps, and smart assistants.

Battery Life – Noise cancelling headphones can be power-hungry, so longer battery life is always better. 20 hours is a good benchmark for over-ear headphones, while true wireless earbuds should last at least 5-6 hours per charge, with several additional charges in the case.

Price – Expect to pay a premium for the best ANC technology, with flagship models costing $300-400 or more. That said, there are very capable mid-range options in the $100-200 range that offer great performance and value for money.

We hope this roundup has helped you find the perfect pair of noise isolating headphones for your needs and budget. Whether you opt for our top overall pick, the feature-packed Sony WH-1000XM5, the super-compact Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, or another model on this list, you‘ll enjoy immersive sound and peaceful listening wherever you go. Happy listening!

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