In a world full of background noise—from buzzing traffic to office chatter—noise-cancelling headphones have become more than a luxury. Whether you’re commuting in New York City or working remotely from Bangalore, investing in the right pair can transform your listening experience. With so many options on the market, choosing the right headphones can be overwhelming. We’ve curated a list of the best noise-cancelling headphones in 2025 for both U.S. and Indian consumers, focusing on performance, comfort, battery life, and value.
🎧 1. Sony WH-1000XM5 — The Premium Pick
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Price (USA): ~$399
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Price (India): ₹29,990 – ₹32,990
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Type: Over-ear, Wireless
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Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
Why it’s great:
Sony continues to lead the industry with its WH-1000XM5. With industry-best noise cancellation, ultra-clear call quality, and a sleek, lightweight design, these headphones are perfect for long flights or focused work sessions.
Pros:
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Class-leading ANC (Active Noise Cancellation)
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Superb audio quality with LDAC support
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Multipoint connectivity
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Comfortable for long wear
Cons:
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Premium price
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No water resistance
Best for: Travelers, audiophiles, remote workers
🎧 2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra — Best for Comfort
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Price (USA): ~$429
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Price (India): ₹38,000 – ₹42,000
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Type: Over-ear, Wireless
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Battery Life: 24 hours
Why it’s great:
Bose headphones are legendary for comfort, and the QuietComfort Ultra lives up to the name. Its plush ear cups and clean sound make it ideal for daily wear, whether you’re on Zoom calls or tuning out noisy neighbors.
Pros:
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Superior comfort
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Natural, well-balanced audio
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Great noise cancelling
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Works well for calls
Cons:
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Expensive
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Limited customization options
Best for: Long listening sessions, office use, light travelers
🎧 3. Apple Air Pods Max — For Apple Ecosystem Users
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Price (USA): ~$549
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Price (India): ₹59,900
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Type: Over-ear, Wireless
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Battery Life: 20 hours
Why it’s great:
If you’re fully into the Apple ecosystem, AirPods Max offer seamless integration with iPhone, Mac, and iPad. With spatial audio and top-notch ANC, they provide an immersive experience for music and video.
Pros:
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Premium build quality
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Spatial audio with head tracking
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Excellent ANC
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Instant pairing with Apple devices
Cons:
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Heavy
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Expensive
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Not ideal for Android users
Best for: iPhone users, Apple enthusiasts, premium buyers
🎧 4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 — Best Battery Life
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Price (USA): ~$379
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Price (India): ₹34,990
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Type: Over-ear, Wireless
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Battery Life: A whopping 60 hours
Why it’s great:
With 60 hours of playback, these headphones are a dream for frequent flyers or anyone tired of charging gadgets constantly. They also deliver rich, clear sound and strong noise cancellation.
Pros:
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Exceptional battery life
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Great audio clarity
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Sleek, minimal design
Cons:
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Touch controls can be finicky
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Less known brand among casual buyers
Best for: Frequent travelers, long commutes, audiophiles
🎧 5. OnePlus Buds Pro 2 — Best Budget ANC Earbuds (India)
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Price (India): ₹9,999
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Type: In-ear, Wireless
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Battery Life: 39 hours with case
Why it’s great:
A great choice for Indian users on a budget, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 offers powerful ANC, Dolby Atmos support, and deep bass—all under ₹10,000. They pair beautifully with OnePlus phones but work across Android and iOS.
Pros:
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Affordable
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Strong ANC for the price
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IP55 water resistance
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Wireless charging
Cons:
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Not ideal for audiophiles
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Average call quality
Best for: Students, budget-conscious users, Android fans
🎧 6. Sound core by Anker Space One — Best Value for Money (USA)
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Price (USA): ~$99
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Type: Over-ear, Wireless
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Battery Life: 40 hours
Why it’s great:
A strong pick for American users looking for affordable ANC without sacrificing quality. These headphones surprise with solid noise cancellation, decent audio, and reliable battery life.
Pros:
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Affordable
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Lightweight and comfortable
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Good ANC for price
Cons:
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Basic app support
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Limited brand recognition
Best for: Students, entry-level users, casual listeners
