For a noisy coffee shop or when every note of a song matters, a pair of Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones makes all the difference. The market currently has more pairs of Bluetooth headphones with noise-canceling features than ever before. However, with nearly every pair of Bluetooth headphones offering some sort of noise-canceling or isolation, it can be challenging to find the right pair. If a user is working out, durability and sturdiness will be higher priority qualities. However, if a user is mixing an album, audio quality and precision will be at the top of the list. Therefore, finding the right pair of Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones for the correct uses is essential.
Knowing what is needed from the pair of Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones when looking for a pair is the best way to buy the ones that will work the best for you.
Earbuds will fit comfortably inside a user’s ear while still offering solid noise-canceling features. Some come with a wire connecting the two buds, while others have them as separate entities. On-ear headphones will fit right on top of the ear and provide better noise-canceling while still being portable for use outside of a home. Over-ear headphones will offer the most comprehensive noise-canceling capabilities but are also the heaviest and largest to wear.
Some noise-canceling headphones will block out exterior sounds simply by using thick, high-density foam making up the cups. However, these headphones are generally over-ear models and can sometimes not fully isolate the music or audio being listened to, especially in loud situations. Active noise-canceling headphones detect outside noises and then emit a unique frequency to eliminate the sound inside of the cups. These offer more dynamic noise-canceling capabilities but are usually more expensive than the alternative.
How crisp a sound is in the ear is crucial. Finding a pair of headphones with solid equalization and audio quality makes all the difference for a user that uses them for editing a song or a video. For more casual users, audio quality can still make a big difference but may not be as important.
The ability to adjust the amount of noise cancellation on a pair of headphones helps users who still need to have spatial awareness of their surroundings. Lower level noise-canceling still blocks out most sounds while maintaining enough to hear loud voices. Bringing the noise-cancellation feature to a very high level is also vital when using the headphones in a particularly loud location.
For users wearing the headphones out in the world, a stylish pair with enough durability to handle a heavy impact can help prevent damage and maintain a fashion-forward profile. Some of the best headphones come in various colors and are equipped with hard plastic to protect the delicate wiring.
Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds
What you need to know: Equipped with the most effective noise-canceling technology for earbuds, this device can offer a portable and quiet experience.
What you’ll love: The sweat and weather resistances ensure the earbuds won’t damage from daily commutes or workouts.
What you should consider: With just 6 hours of battery life, the earbuds will need to be recharged throughout the day if used extensively.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
EarFun Air Pro Wireless Earbuds
What you need to know: Offering some of the best noise-canceling capabilities for earbuds under $100, these headphones are affordable and of high quality.
What you’ll love: The portable charging case extends battery life up to 32 hours, and the tap controls can keep a user from needing to pick up their phone to change a song or answer a call.
What you should consider: Some users report drops in Bluetooth connection every once in a while. This option offers 80% true noise reduction.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: A high-quality device with great audio and 8 hours of battery will work for any basic need.
What you’ll love: The built-in microphone offers strong call quality and automatically lowers volume for conversations.
What you should consider: The earbuds do not contour to the shape of any individual ear leading to some discomfort after prolonged periods of use.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
What you need to know: With some of the best sound quality and noise-cancellation, these headphones are in a class of their own.
What you’ll love: Three different noise-cancellation levels match extremely loud situations or ones where the user needs to be more aware.
What you should consider: Some users report slight issues with connectivity and how delicate the headphones can be.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Hybrid
What you need to know: Equipped with three different noise-cancellation levels and an equalization app to ensure proper sound, these headphones have every feature at an affordable price.
What you’ll love: The headphones have over 40 hours of battery life for easy listening all day without needing to recharge.
What you should consider: Headphones can become uncomfortable after long periods of use due to the weight and shape.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sennheiser HD 4.50 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
What you need to know: A solid all-around headphone with 19 hours of battery life and 4.0 Bluetooth connectivity for seamless use with all devices.
What you’ll love: The mounted cup controls make it easy for users to keep their phone in their pocket while changing songs, volume, or answering calls.
What you should consider: The headphones may be too small for users with a large head or ears.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Philips Noise Canceling Headphones Wireless Bluetooth Over The Ear Headphones
What you need to know: 30 hours of playtime and a built-in mic help make these headphones great for a full day of work with no interruptions.
What you’ll love: The fast charging feature gives users an additional two hours of playtime in 2 hours in 5 minutes and 6 hours in just 15 minutes.
What you should consider: Many users report some discomfort wearing them for long periods and a lack of durability.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you should know: Adaptive noise-canceling technology at multiple levels to always match the sound around the user helps make these headphones great for all types of environments.
What you’ll love: It has connection capabilities with two devices simultaneously for those using a computer and a phone.
What you should consider: Lacks convenient portability even when the earcups are folded.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Tom Price writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.