This article is a top 15 list and buyers guide for the best noise-canceling headphones on the market in 2020. We provide a number of options different useful features and options for every budget.

The best noise-canceling headphones of 2020 - Buyers Guide

One of the most common questions we get asked is what are the best noise-canceling headphones? Just like with any of our other top 10 lists or buyers guides the answer is never straight forward. A lot of what will be the best headphone comes down to your budget, the styling and the features. It makes it very hard to recommend just one.

I have updated this list for 2020 to incorporate more of the great sounding ANC models that have been released over the past year. A lot of the original ANC headphones we listed in the buyers guide last year also remain on the list because they are still very good options and have come down significantly in price. We only refresh them if a model has been updated or another significantly worthy headphone has entered the marketplace and replaced them.

If you came here wanting to know what the best noise-canceling headphones are we really hope this list helps but if you want more of our in-depth thoughts on a particular set of headphones below, or you want to know they compare to each other in real life situations then please don't hesitate to drop us a comment below and we will get back to you with a personalised recommendation as soon as possible.

If you are looking for noise-canceling earphones then you can check out out list of the best noise canceling earbuds which covers the topic in more depth.

What are noise-canceling headphones?

Noise-canceling headphones are different from noise isolating headphones in that they use technology to actively try and cancel unwanted external noise. They use a series of chips, algorithms and microphones to caputure the unwanted noise and play and opposing sound wave in real time to effectively cancel out the noise.

Isolating headphones just try and reduce the external volume by blocking that sound via insulation. They use a combination of padding, enclosing design and pressurised seal against the head to reduce but not cancel the outside noise.

Both of these styles of headphones can be very effective at reducing the amount of decibels that reach your ears from intrusive sources. Where noise-canceling headphones are better than non noise canceling headphones is when you are dealing with prolonged and consistent noises like aeroplane engines and crowd noise. For that reason they are one of the most common headphones sought by people why fly and travel a lot.

For more information about the technology you definitely want to read this article about how noise canceling headphones work but if you are just here for a list of the best headphones then keep reading below.

Noise Canceling vs Noise Reduction

If you want to get into the geeky side of things you will want to read our full article on how noise cancelation works we mentioned above. However, if you just want a quick overview then know that Noise Canceling usually involves a process called ANC (Active Noise Canceling) where the consistent external noise is picked up by a microphone inside your headphones and then an algorithm matches that sound wave and plays it back inverted thus cancelling out the external noise.

Noise Isolation is different and works by just isolating you from that external noise via a good fitting seal on earbuds or via a closed back design and insulating materials on full-size headphones. traditionally noise isolating headphones sound better than ANC headphones but that gap is closing fast with advancements in technology.

Where do ANC headphones work best?

These headphones, contrary to popular belief, do not cancel out all external noise. They work to reduce consistent and predictable noise. This makes them perfect for flying as the algorithm can latch on to that consistent hum of the engines and block it out almost entirely. However, if someone is to suddenly shout or drop something you are probably going to hear it because the cancelation algorithm cant catch up in time to implement a canceled sound wave.

Without a doubt, the best use case for ANC headphones is when you are traveling. As mentioned above flying is one place where this type of headphones truly excels. In truth these headphones will be a great addition if you decide to take a train or a bus and they are also great at reducing city hum.

Another use case where people find ANC to be extremely beneficial is in the office where noisy co-workers can be distracting but easily drowned out.

LIST OF THE CURRENT 15 BEST NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES OF 2020