Wireless headphones with active noise cancellation are one of the most popular gadgets of late 2025. Our ranking features models that deliver clear sound without extraneous noise, from flagship solutions to budget-friendly options. An excellent choice for yourself or as a gift for the New Year holidays.

List of models

Table of Contents

  1. Sony WH-1000XM6 — Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Overall

  2. Sony WF-1000XM5 — Best Noise-Canceling TWS Earbuds

  3. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless — Record-Breaking Battery Life and Audiophile Sound

  4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra — Best Bose Model for Comfort and Calls

  5. Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 — Best AirPods Alternative for Android

  6. Apple AirPods Pro 2 — Best Headphones for iPhone

  7. Apple AirPods Max — Best Full-Size Apple Headphones

  8. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro — AirPods Pro Alternative for Android

  9. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro — Redesign, 'Blades,' and Artificial Intelligence

  10. Anker Soundcore Space Q45 — Best Budget Full-Size Headphones

  11. JBL Tune 230NC — Best Budget TWS Headphones with ANC

  12. Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro — Hi-Res Sound and Ceramics at an Affordable Price

1. Sony WH-1000XM6 — Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Overall

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the flagship model for 2025, setting a new standard in the class of wireless headphones with active noise cancellation. After a three-year wait, the company introduced a model that combines the strengths of previous generations and eliminates their shortcomings.

The main innovation is the return of the foldable design, which was sorely missed in the WH-1000XM5. Now the headphones are compact and convenient for travel again. The active noise cancellation system has been upgraded to 12 microphones (up from 8 in the predecessor) and a new QN3 processor. The result is impressive: the headphones effectively suppress airplane hum, subway noise, and office conversations. In terms of ANC effectiveness, they even surpass recognized leaders like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.

Sound quality has reached a new level thanks to 30mm drivers and support for the Hi-Res LDAC codec. The sound is detailed and balanced: deep but not overpowering bass, clear mid-frequencies with transparent vocals, and bright highs without harshness. The proprietary DSEE Extreme technology enhances the quality of streaming audio from Spotify or Apple Music.

Battery life is about 30 hours with ANC enabled. A quick charge provides 5 hours of playback from just 3 minutes of charging. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices. Controls are touch-based, located on the right earcup. The Speak-to-Chat feature automatically pauses music when you start a conversation, and the transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings without taking off the headphones.

Comfort is top-notch: soft artificial leather earpads, a weight of 254 grams, and even pressure distribution. The headphones can be worn for hours without fatigue.

Pros: unprecedented noise cancellation, outstanding sound quality, return of the foldable design, long battery life, rich functionality.

Who it's for: for those seeking maximum ANC and sound quality, frequent travelers, or people working in noisy environments.

Search for Sony WH-1000XM6 on Yandex Market →

2. Sony WF-1000XM5 — Best Noise-Canceling TWS Earbuds

The Sony WF-1000XM5 are flagship in-ear headphones that take noise cancellation in a compact form factor to a new level. Compared to their predecessors, the WF-1000XM4, the new model is 25% smaller and lighter, with even more effective ANC.

The active noise cancellation performs almost on par with full-size headphones. The V2 processor and two microphones per earbud ensure silence on the subway, on a plane, and in a noisy office. The algorithms adapt to the environment, automatically selecting the optimal level of noise cancellation.

Sound is the hallmark of this model. The 8.4mm dynamic drivers deliver detailed, rich sound with expressive bass and crystal-clear highs. LDAC support (for Android devices) enables Hi-Res audio transmission via Bluetooth. The DSEE Extreme feature enhances the quality of compressed tracks.

The ergonomics are meticulously designed. Each earbud weighs just 5.9 grams, and the anatomical shape ensures that long-term wear doesn't cause discomfort. The polyurethane tips provide a secure fit and passive isolation. IPX4 water resistance allows for use in the rain and at the gym.

Battery life: up to 8 hours on a single charge with ANC, plus 16 hours from the case. That's a total of 24 hours — enough for a full day of active use. The case supports Qi wireless charging.

The features are impressive: touch controls, transparency mode, automatic pause when an earbud is removed, and Speak-to-Chat. The Sony Headphones Connect app offers a 10-band equalizer and ear canal shape analysis for sound personalization.

Pros: outstanding ANC for the TWS format, excellent sound with LDAC, compact and lightweight, rich functionality.

Who it's for: for lovers of high-quality sound in a compact format, and Android users who appreciate Hi-Res audio.

Search for Sony WF-1000XM5 on Yandex Market →

3. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless — Record-Breaking Battery Life and Audiophile Sound

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is a model for those who critically value long battery life and audiophile-grade sound quality. In these aspects, these headphones set records in their class.

The battery life reaches 60 hours with active noise cancellation enabled — twice as long as Sony and Bose. For business trips, long journeys, or simply for those who forget to charge their gadgets, this is a critically important advantage. A quick charge provides 6 hours of playback after just 10 minutes of being plugged in.

The sound is signature Sennheiser: detailed, rich, with natural tonality of instruments and deep, controlled bass. The 42mm drivers create a wide soundstage. Support for the aptX Adaptive codec (for Android) ensures high-quality sound transmission with minimal latency. For audiophiles, these are some of the best Bluetooth headphones on the market.

The active noise cancellation is adaptive, using 8 microphones. In terms of effectiveness, it's slightly behind the Sony WH-1000XM6 but still handles the constant hum of transport and office noise excellently. The transparency mode allows you to hear your surroundings without taking off the headphones.

The construction is foldable, and the build is reliable. The earpads are soft, made of high-quality material. At 293 grams, they are slightly heavier than competitors, but comfort remains high. The controls are button-based (some prefer physical buttons over touch sensors). Multipoint is supported, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices.

The Smart Control app offers a parametric equalizer, sound presets, and ANC settings. For music lovers, this is an important feature for fine-tuning the sound to their preferences.

Pros: record-breaking battery life of up to 60 hours, outstanding detailed sound, reliable build, adaptive ANC, aptX Adaptive for Android.

Who it's for: for connoisseurs of high-quality sound, those who need maximum battery life, and Android users.

Search for Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless on Yandex Market →

4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra — Best Bose Model: Comfort and Calls

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is the flagship of the legendary QuietComfort series, which essentially created the category of active noise-canceling headphones. The new model continues this tradition while adding modern features.

Noise cancellation from Bose remains the benchmark. The company has spent decades perfecting ANC, and the QuietComfort Ultra demonstrates this. The hum of an airplane, the noise of a crowd, office conversations — all of it practically disappears. According to the subjective feelings of many users, Bose creates a more complete silence than its competitors.

Comfort is a signature Bose trait. The earpads are incredibly soft and plush, with good support. They weigh 254 grams, the headband pressure is gentle, and the weight distribution is even. These headphones are made for long-haul flights and extended work sessions. Many note that the QuietComfort Ultra are some of the most comfortable headphones on the market.

The sound has become bolder and more energetic compared to previous Bose models. Bass density has been added, and spatial audio (Immersive Audio mode) is now available for movies and music. The sound is not audiophile-neutral but rather mass-market-oriented, pleasant for a wide audience.

The quality of the microphones for calls is one of the best in the category. Your voice is transmitted clearly even in noisy places thanks to background noise suppression algorithms. If you often make calls from the subway, the street, or a cafe, the QuietComfort Ultra will be an excellent choice.

Battery life is about 24 hours with ANC (up to 30 hours without spatial audio, which consumes more energy). It supports Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint. The controls are physical buttons on the earcups. The design is foldable, with a compact case for transport.

Pros: outstanding wearing comfort, benchmark noise cancellation from Bose, excellent microphones for calls, spatial audio.

Who it's for: for frequent travelers, those who value comfort above all else, and for making calls in noisy places.

Search for Bose QuietComfort Ultra on Yandex Market →

5. Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 — Best AirPods Alternative for Android

The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 are flagship TWS headphones with one important advantage: full cross-platform compatibility. Unlike AirPods, which lose features on Android, the FreeBuds Pro 3 work equally well with any device — iOS, Android, or Windows.

The Adaptive ANC 3.0 active noise cancellation is one of the best among TWS earbuds. The algorithms effectively cancel out the noise of city transport, the subway, and the office. There is a wind noise reduction mode, which is useful for outdoor use or when riding a bicycle. In terms of ANC effectiveness, the FreeBuds Pro 3 compete with Sony and even surpass the Samsung Buds2 Pro.

The sound is high-quality, with expressive bass and detailed highs. It uses a dual-driver system: an 11mm dynamic driver for bass and a planar diaphragm driver for high frequencies. It supports the Hi-Res L2HC (Huawei's proprietary) and LDAC codecs. According to some reviewers, the bass on the FreeBuds Pro 3 is even richer than on the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro.

The functionality is rich: dual connection (two devices simultaneously), gesture controls on the stems of the earbuds, and Qi wireless charging for the case. IP54 water resistance means they can be used in the rain and at the gym.

Battery life: about 6 hours with ANC, up to 30 hours total with the case. Quick charge: 5 minutes provide an hour of playback.

The ergonomics are well-thought-out. The shape of the earbuds ensures a secure fit, and the weight is comfortable. Control via the Huawei AI Life app (available for iOS and Android) provides access to an equalizer, ANC settings, and sound personalization.

Pros: works equally well with any device, powerful ANC, bass-rich detailed sound, multipoint, wireless charging.

Who it's for: for Android users looking for an AirPods alternative, and for those who switch between different platforms.

Search for Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 on Yandex Market →

6. Apple AirPods Pro 2 — Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for iPhone

The second-generation Apple AirPods Pro are the most popular TWS earbuds among iPhone users, thanks to their deep integration with the Apple ecosystem and significantly improved active noise cancellation.

The H2 chip provides twice as effective ANC compared to the first-generation AirPods Pro. On the subway, on a plane, or in a noisy office, the headphones create a silence comparable to full-size models. The Adaptive Transparency mode automatically reduces loud, sudden noises (sirens, drills) while still letting in normal ambient sounds, which enhances safety on the street.

The sound has improved thanks to a redesigned driver and amplifier. The sound is balanced and detailed, though it doesn't quite reach audiophile standards like the Sony WF-1000XM5. It supports Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, creating a movie theater-like experience when watching films on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Ecosystem integration is the main advantage. Instant connection to all Apple devices, automatic switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The Find My feature helps locate a lost case. The new case with USB-C (2023 version) simplifies charging — no more need for a Lightning cable.

The ergonomics are top-notch: the earbuds are lightweight (5.3 grams each) and comfortable for hours of wear. They have IPX4 water resistance. Controls are touch-based, located on the stems of the earbuds.

Battery life: about 6 hours with ANC, up to 30 hours with the case. Quick charge: 5 minutes provide an hour of use.

On Android, the AirPods Pro 2 work but lose some features (Spatial Audio, auto-switching, Find My). Therefore, these headphones are optimal specifically for Apple users.

Pros: seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, significantly improved ANC, Adaptive Transparency, Spatial Audio, comfortable for long-term wear.

Who it's for: for owners of iPhones, iPads, and Macs who value the convenience of ecosystem integration.

Search for Apple AirPods Pro 2 on Yandex Market →

7. Apple AirPods Max — Best Full-Size Apple Headphones

The Apple AirPods Max are Apple's only over-ear headphones, which, despite being released in 2020, remain relevant thanks to their premium design and top-tier technologies.

The active noise cancellation uses 8 microphones and two H1 chips (one in each earcup). The result is impressive: the AirPods Max effectively suppress the steady hum of an airplane, air conditioner noise, and a significant portion of city noise. In terms of ANC quality, they are on par with industry leaders.

The sound is rich and detailed. The 40mm drivers deliver deep bass, clear mid-frequencies with natural vocal presentation, and bright highs. The adaptive equalizer adjusts the sound based on how the headphones fit on your ears. The main feature is Spatial Audio with head tracking. When watching movies on Apple TV+, Disney+, or listening to music in Apple Music, it creates an immersive surround sound effect.

The design and materials are premium: aluminum earcups, a steel headband with a mesh canopy, and earpads made of soft memory foam. They look expensive and very Apple-like. However, at 385 grams, they are the heaviest in their category. Some may experience fatigue during long-term wear, although this is subjective.

The controls are intuitive: a Digital Crown for volume and track skipping, and a button to switch between ANC and transparency mode. Integration with the Apple ecosystem is top-notch: instant connection and auto-switching between devices.

Battery life is about 20 hours with ANC. Charging is via Lightning (or a USB-C adapter). There is no fast charging. The Smart Case is controversial: it protects the headphones and puts them in a low-power state, but it looks strange and takes up a lot of space.

Pros: premium design and materials, rich detailed sound with Spatial Audio, excellent noise cancellation, perfect integration with Apple.

Who it's for: for dedicated fans of the Apple ecosystem, and those who appreciate design and spatial audio in movies.

Search for Apple AirPods Max on Yandex Market →

8. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro — AirPods Pro Alternative for Android Users

The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro are top-tier TWS earbuds for owners of Galaxy smartphones and Android devices in general. They are the optimal choice for those who want an AirPods Pro equivalent but with better integration into the Android ecosystem.

Deep integration with Samsung devices is the main advantage. When paired with Galaxy smartphones, the proprietary Samsung Seamless Codec Hi-Fi is activated, transmitting 24-bit audio. Features like Auto Switch (automatic switching between Samsung devices) and quick pairing via One UI provide an experience similar to AirPods within the Apple ecosystem.

The active noise cancellation is decent, with a claimed noise reduction of up to 33 dB. The headphones effectively handle the constant hum of transport and loud sounds, although they don't quite reach the level of the Sony WF-1000XM5. Three levels of transparency mode (Ambient) allow for flexible adjustment of external sound pass-through.

Size and comfort are strong points. The Buds2 Pro are 15% more compact than their predecessors and fit snugly in the ears. With an IPX7 rating, they can be used safely in the rain, at the gym, and can even withstand brief immersion in water.

The sound is clean and rich. The dual-driver system (woofer + tweeter) provides a balance with an emphasis on bass — exactly what many people love in modern music. It supports SBC, AAC, and Samsung Seamless Codec.

Battery life: about 5 hours with ANC (up to 18 hours with the case), and up to 8 hours without ANC. The case supports Qi wireless charging.

For Android users, and especially Samsung users, these headphones are one of the best options, combining sound quality, ANC, and ecosystem integration at a level close to that of AirPods Pro for iPhone.

Pros: compact and comfortable, excellent ANC for their size, 24-bit audio when paired with Samsung, IPX7 protection.

Who it's for: for owners of Samsung Galaxy smartphones, and Android users looking for an alternative to AirPods Pro.

Search for Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro on Yandex Market →

9. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro — Redesign, 'Blades,' and Artificial Intelligence

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro — the most radical update in the history of Samsung headphones. The company has completely abandoned the 'bean' shape (like the Buds2 Pro) and switched to a design with 'stems,' reminiscent of AirPods, but with its own futuristic style featuring Blade Lights.

Active noise cancellation has become adaptive and even smarter. The headphones constantly analyze the environment: they can automatically enhance noise cancellation near a construction site and switch to transparency mode when they hear a siren or if you start talking (Voice Detect feature). In terms of ANC effectiveness, it has come very close to the leaders from Sony and Bose, excellently cutting out low-frequency hum.

Sound — this is the main upgrade. Each earbud now has two drivers: a 10.5mm dynamic driver for bass and a 6.1mm planar tweeter for high frequencies. This is a rare solution for TWS, providing incredible detail in the highs and fast, punchy bass. When used with Samsung smartphones, it supports high-resolution audio transmission (24-bit/96 kHz) via the SSC UHQ codec.

Microphones and calls have reached a new level thanks to the stem design (the microphone is now closer to the mouth) and AI-based algorithms. The headphones can restore your voice even in very noisy conditions (Super Wideband Call). If speech transmission quality is important to you, these are some of the best headsets on Android.

Ergonomics and design. Controls are now handled by squeezes and swipes on the edge of the 'stem' (like AirPods Pro), which is more precise than the touch panels of older models. The Blade Lights are not just decorative; they also show the battery level or help find a dropped earbud. The body's protection has been improved to IP57 — now the headphones are resistant not only to water but also to dust.

Features. Galaxy AI is fully utilized: when paired with new Samsung smartphones, the headphones can translate a live conversation directly into your ears (Interpreter mode).

Important: The first batches of these headphones had an issue with delicate silicone eartips that could tear when removed. This has been fixed in new batches, but when changing the tips, it is still recommended to be careful and pull from the base, not the edge.

Battery life: up to 6 hours with ANC enabled and up to 26 hours with the case. Without noise cancellation — up to 7 and 30 hours, respectively.

Pros: superb detailed sound (dual-driver system), excellent microphones, smart adaptive noise cancellation, AI translation features, IP57 protection.

Who it's for: for owners of modern Samsung smartphones (to unlock all codecs and AI features) and those who talk a lot using a headset.

Search for Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro on Yandex Market →

10. Anker Soundcore Space Q45 — Best Budget Full-Size Headphones with ANC

The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 is a model that proves high-quality active noise cancellation and good sound are available without paying a premium for top brands. For a price 2-3 times lower than Sony or Bose, these headphones offer nearly flagship-level features.

The active noise cancellation is adaptive, with effectiveness reaching 85-90% of market leaders according to independent tests. The headphones confidently handle the hum of transport, office noise, and conversations. For everyday use, this is more than enough. The algorithms automatically adjust to the level of external noise, and there is a transparency mode for safe movement on the street.

The sound is high-quality thanks to 40mm drivers and support for the Hi-Res LDAC codec (for Android devices). The sound profile has an emphasis on bass but is sufficiently balanced. The Soundcore app offers a parametric equalizer and numerous presets, allowing you to customize the sound to your preferences.

The battery life is record-breaking for this price category: up to 50 hours of playback with ANC, and up to 65 hours without it. A quick charge provides 4 hours of use from just 5 minutes of charging. This is a huge plus for business trips and long journeys.

The construction is foldable, and the build is solid, made of high-quality plastic. The earpads are made of soft leatherette, and comfort during long-term wear is high, although the materials are slightly inferior to premium models. They weigh 290 grams, which is average for the category.

The additional features are impressive for the budget segment: multipoint (simultaneous connection to two devices), a wear detection sensor (automatic pause), and an app with detailed settings. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 with improved connection stability.

When considering alternatives in this price range — like the JBL Tour One M2 or Sony WH-XB910N — the Q45 often receives higher ratings for its price-to-performance ratio.

Pros: low price with flagship features, effective ANC, LDAC support, record-breaking battery life of up to 50 hours, multipoint.

Who it's for: for those looking for high-quality full-size headphones with ANC without overpaying for a brand, for students, or as a gift.

Search for Anker Soundcore Space Q45 on Yandex Market →

11. JBL Tune 230NC — Best Budget TWS Headphones with Noise Cancellation

The JBL Tune 230NC are affordable in-ear headphones with active noise cancellation that prove high-quality ANC is no longer a luxury. For 5,000-7,000 rubles, you get full-fledged features that were only available in flagship models a couple of years ago.

Despite being a budget model, the active noise cancellation is real and functional, with a claimed noise reduction of about 25 dB. The headphones handle the hum of the subway, office conversations, and air conditioner noise. They might let through strong, sharp sounds, but for everyday use, the effectiveness is sufficient. The Ambient Aware mode lets in surrounding sounds, which is useful for safety on the street.

The sound is signature JBL Pure Bass. Pronounced low frequencies, an energetic sound profile, perfect for modern electronic music, hip-hop, and EDM. It's not an audiophile balance, but most listeners enjoy the rich bass. It supports standard SBC and AAC codecs, which is sufficient for high-quality playback from any device.

The headphones have a 'stem' design (like AirPods Pro), are lightweight, and comfortable. They stay securely in the ears, and the three pairs of silicone tips included help you find the perfect fit. IPX4 water resistance protects them from sweat and rain, so they can be used for running and gym workouts.

The battery life is decent: about 8 hours without ANC (around 6 hours with ANC), and up to 24 hours total with the charging case. Quick charge: 10 minutes provide 2 hours of playback.

Features via the JBL Headphones app include equalizer settings, noise cancellation mode selection, and the ability to use one earbud separately (Mono Mode). The controls are touch-based, on the panels of the earbuds.

The model is very popular — the JBL Tune 230NC regularly appears in rankings of the best budget headphones thanks to its combination of price, functionality, and recognizable JBL sound.

Pros: low price, functional ANC for everyday noise, powerful signature bass, decent battery life, IPX4 water resistance.

Who it's for: for those who want to try ANC without a big investment, for teenagers, students, or as a gift.

Search for JBL Tune 230NC on Yandex Market →

12. Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro — Hi-Res Sound and Ceramics at an Affordable Price

If commentators accuse you of loving 'fruit' products and demand technology, show them these headphones. The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro are a demonstration of Chinese engineering prowess. The engineers have packed technologies into a budget-friendly body that were previously only found in models costing over 20,000 rubles.

Sound and Architecture. The main feature of this model is its coaxial dual-driver system. Each earbud houses an 11mm titanium-diaphragm dynamic driver (for bass) and a 10mm piezoelectric ceramic tweeter (for crystal-clear highs).
The sound is V-shaped, energetic, and highly detailed. For audiophiles, there's support for the LDAC codec (and LHDC 5.0), allowing you to listen to music in Hi-Res quality (up to 24-bit/96 kHz) if your Android device supports it.

Noise Cancellation. A record-breaking noise reduction of up to 52 dB is claimed for its class. In practice, this means that the hum of the subway and street noise are excellently blocked out. There is a transparency mode and three levels of noise cancellation intensity. In the Xiaomi Earbuds app, you can even take an ear tip fit test.

Design and Ergonomics. The case is compact, but the materials give away the price — the plastic is a bit basic (though the 'Marble Black' color version looks interesting). The earbuds themselves are neat 'stems,' fit snugly, and are great for sports (IP54 protection).

Real Reviews:
Buyers are thrilled with the price-to-sound ratio. Many note that after adjusting the equalizer, they sound better than the basic AirPods.

  • Nuances: The touch controls are sometimes too sensitive. The microphones are good for their price, but in strong wind, the noise cancellation during calls can 'swallow' the ends of words.

  • Important: There is a 'Gaming Version' with a dongle for PC, but the regular version is more common and versatile.

Specifications:

  • Drivers: Dual (11mm dynamic + 10mm ceramic tweeter)

  • Noise Cancellation: Active, up to 52 dB

  • Battery Life: 10h (without ANC) / 38h with case

  • Codecs: LDAC, LHDC 5.0, AAC, SBC

Who should buy them: Frugal audiophiles and Android owners who want to get the most technology (Hi-Res, multipoint, top-tier ANC) without overpaying for the Sony or Samsung brand.

Search for Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro on Yandex Market →

How to Choose Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

When choosing headphones with active noise cancellation, you should pay attention to several key parameters that will determine your comfort of use and how well they meet your needs.

Active Noise Cancellation Quality

Not all ANC is created equal. The effectiveness depends on the number of microphones (flagship models have up to 12), processing algorithms, and the presence of adaptive modes. The best models, like the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra, create almost complete silence on an airplane or subway. Budget options handle constant hum but may let through sharp sounds. Important: pay attention to reviews about ANC performance in real-world conditions, not just marketing claims.

Sound Quality and Codecs

Discussions about high-quality sound often mention balanced armature or hybrid headphones. What does that mean?

  • Dynamic: The classic type. A single driver moves air to create both bass and treble. They produce a full, rich sound but can lose detail in the high frequencies.

  • Balanced Armature (BA): Originally from hearing aids. Very precise and detailed, but they struggle with bass.

  • Hybrid/Dual-Driver: The golden mean, now used by advanced brands (Samsung in Buds3 Pro, Xiaomi in Buds 5 Pro, Anker). Two drivers are placed in the earbud: one (dynamic) is responsible for powerful bass, and the second (balanced armature, planar, or piezoceramic) for crystal-clear high frequencies. This provides that 'soundstage' effect and detail.

The standard 20-20,000 Hz range is present in all headphones, but the real quality depends on audio codec support. AAC is the base for iOS and Android, providing good quality. LDAC (Sony, Huawei) and aptX Adaptive (Sennheiser, Anker) transmit Hi-Res audio via Bluetooth — important for audiophiles with Android devices. Apple has its own proprietary optimization technologies. The size of the drivers also matters: the larger they are, the potentially richer the sound and deeper the bass.

Form Factor and Comfort

Full-size over-ear headphones generally provide better ANC and a more spacious sound, but they are bulky and weigh around 250-390 grams. They are suitable for work, travel, and home use. In-ear TWS earbuds are compact (weighing 5-6 grams each), convenient to carry in a pocket, and suitable for sports thanks to water resistance. However, they are slightly inferior to full-size models in terms of ANC quality and sound depth. It's worth noting the trend of 2024-2025: even Samsung, which for a long time produced 'bean'-shaped earbuds, has switched to a 'stem' design (Galaxy Buds3 Pro). This shape allows the microphones to be placed closer to the mouth, which dramatically improves speech quality during calls and the performance of noise cancellation. The materials of the earpads, the weight of the construction, and pressure distribution are important — these factors determine whether you can wear the headphones for hours without discomfort.

Battery Life

TWS earbuds last 5-8 hours on a single charge (plus 15-30 hours from the case), for a total of 20-30 hours. Full-size headphones provide 20-60 hours on a single charge. If you are often on the go without access to an outlet, choose models with long battery life like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 (60 hours) or Anker Q45 (50 hours). Fast charging is also a plus: a 5-10 minute charge can provide several hours of playback.

Additional Features

Multipoint (simultaneous connection to a laptop and phone) simplifies switching between devices. Transparency mode is important for safety on the street, as it lets in ambient sounds without having to take off the headphones. The quality of the microphones is critical if you plan to make frequent calls or video conferences — Bose and Apple have the best microphones. IPX4/IPX7 water resistance is necessary for sports and use in the rain. Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming the new standard: modern models (like Samsung or Google Pixel Buds) can translate a conversation in real-time directly in the earbud — an indispensable feature for travel.

Budget

The market can be roughly divided into three segments: premium (20,000-40,000 rubles) — flagships from Sony, Bose, and Apple with maximum ANC and sound quality; mid-range (10,000-20,000 rubles) — Sennheiser, Huawei, Samsung with an excellent price-to-quality ratio; and budget (up to 10,000 rubles) — Anker, JBL, where you get functional ANC and decent sound even for a modest price. In 2025, even inexpensive models have received high-quality noise cancellation, but flagships are still ahead in terms of effectiveness and functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is active noise cancellation harmful to hearing?

No, active noise cancellation is not harmful when used correctly. ANC works on the principle of anti-phase: microphones capture external noise, and a processor generates an opposite sound wave that cancels it out. This does not create excessive pressure on the eardrums. Moreover, ANC can be beneficial: in noisy environments, people often turn up the volume to dangerous levels, but with noise cancellation, you can listen to music more quietly, which is better for your hearing.

Which headphones are best for an airplane?

For an airplane, full-size over-ear headphones with powerful ANC are ideal — they are best at dealing with the low-frequency hum of engines. The leaders are: Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Sennheiser Momentum 4. These models almost completely block out the monotonous noise of turbines, allowing you to sleep or work peacefully during a flight. Among TWS earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Pro 2 will perform well, although the effect will be slightly weaker.

What is the difference between active and passive noise cancellation?

Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses microphones and a processor: it captures external noise and generates an opposite sound wave to cancel it out. It is effective against constant hum (airplane, subway, air conditioner). Passive noise cancellation is physical isolation due to the design: dense earpads on over-ear headphones or silicone tips on earbuds create a barrier to sound. The best result is achieved by combining both types.

Is it true that the eartips on the new Samsung headphones tear?

This problem did indeed occur in the very first batches of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro in the summer of 2024. The company acknowledged the defect, suspended shipments, and changed the silicone composition. In the units currently being sold, the problem has been resolved. However, the attachment mechanism is specific, so when changing the tips, it is recommended to grip the rigid base of the eartip with your fingers, rather than pulling on the soft silicone edge, and to avoid using your nails.

Can you find headphones with ANC for under 5000 rubles?

Yes, there are models with active noise cancellation in this price range. The best example from our ranking is the JBL Tune 230NC (around 5,000-7,000 rubles). You could also consider the Huawei FreeBuds 5i or some Soundcore models from Anker. It's important to understand that ANC in budget headphones is less effective than in flagships, but it handles everyday noise. It's a good option for a first experience with the technology.

I bought cool headphones with LDAC/LHDC, but the sound is still muffled. Why?

Support for the codec by the headphones alone is not enough.

  1. Make sure your smartphone supports this codec (iPhones, for example, do not support LDAC or aptX HD).

  2. Go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone, tap the gear icon next to your headphones, and manually enable the 'LDAC' or 'High-quality audio' switch.

  3. The quality of the music file itself must be high (Yandex.Music in high quality, Apple Music Lossless, or FLAC files). If you listen to low-bitrate MP3s, expensive codecs won't help.

Conclusion

All the models in our ranking are the best in their categories in terms of the balance of active noise cancellation quality, sound, comfort, and price. The choice depends on your needs: for maximum ANC quality, get the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra; for compactness, the Sony WF-1000XM5; for the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 2; for Android, the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 or Samsung Buds2 Pro; for record-breaking battery life, the Sennheiser Momentum 4; and to save money without sacrificing quality, the Anker Q45 or JBL Tune 230NC.

Late 2025 is a great time to buy: it's the sales season with New Year discounts, and the range of high-quality models with ANC is wider than ever. Any option from our top 10 will provide clear sound and silence in a noisy world. Choose based on the criteria that are important to you — and enjoy your music without interference!

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