10 Best Wireless Anc Headphones 2026 in the United States

The Beats Studio Pro wireless headphones offer a strong combination of features that cater to music lovers and frequent travelers. These headphones provide excellent sound quality with Beats' custom acoustic platform, ensuring rich and immersive audio whether you're listening to music or taking calls. The noise cancellation features are versatile, with two distinct modes: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) for blocking out external noise and Transparency mode to let ambient sounds in when needed. However, it should be noted that some users may find the ANC not as effective as other high-end competitors.

Battery life is impressive, boasting up to 40 hours of listening time, and a quick 10-minute charge gives you an additional 4 hours of playback, making them great for long journeys or extended use without frequent recharging. Comfort and fit are designed to be user-friendly with over-ear placement, though the 260g weight might feel slightly heavy during prolonged usage for some users. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3, offering a robust range and stability, and the headphones are compatible with both Apple and Android devices, making them versatile.

The controls are intuitive with on-ear buttons for calls, music control, and activating Siri. Build quality is solid with a durable design, but they are not water-resistant, which might be a drawback for those looking to use them during workouts or in rainy conditions. Included accessories such as a woven carrying case, USB-C, and 3.5mm cables add to their practicality. While the Beats Studio Pro may have some competition in terms of noise cancellation effectiveness, they stand out with their sound quality, battery life, and seamless connectivity.

The Apple AirPods Max are premium over-ear wireless headphones designed to deliver a high-quality audio experience with strong active noise cancellation (ANC). They use Apple’s custom H1 chip and advanced computational audio, providing clear, rich sound that adapts to your ear shape with personalized spatial audio for immersive listening. The ANC is very effective, reducing background noise significantly, while Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings when needed. Battery life is solid, offering up to 20 hours of playback with ANC on, and a quick 5-minute charge gives about 1.5 hours of use.

The build quality feels luxurious, featuring memory foam ear cushions and a knit-mesh canopy that provide a comfortable and secure fit, although the headphones are a bit heavier than some competitors, which might affect comfort during very long sessions. Connectivity with Apple devices is seamless, thanks to the H1 chip and Bluetooth 5.0, including easy pairing and automatic device switching. Controls are intuitive, using a Digital Crown for volume and playback, plus a dedicated noise control button. Charging via USB-C is convenient and aligns with other Apple products.

These headphones are not water-resistant, so they're less ideal for sweaty workouts or outdoor use in wet conditions. Also, their premium price point may be a consideration for some buyers. The AirPods Max excel in sound quality, noise cancellation, and integration within the Apple ecosystem, making them a great choice for Apple users seeking top-tier wireless ANC headphones, especially for music, movies, and calls.

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones offer an impressive blend of active noise cancellation and passive features, making them ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in their music without outside interruptions. The headphones boast a robust battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge, with a quick charge option providing 2.5 hours of playback from just a 15-minute charge. This is a significant strength for users needing long-lasting performance for travel or extended use.

Sound quality is another area where these headphones excel, featuring high-fidelity audio with adjustable EQ, allowing users to fine-tune bass, mid-range, and treble to their liking. The inclusion of two listening modes, Quiet and Aware, adds flexibility for different listening environments. Comfort is also well-addressed, with plush earcup cushions and a padded headband designed for long listening sessions. The headphones weigh 8.4 ounces, which is relatively lightweight, adding to their comfort for prolonged use.

Connectivity is seamless, with multipoint Bluetooth allowing easy switching between devices, and an optional wired connection is available for times when the battery is depleted or a Bluetooth connection is not feasible. However, the lack of water resistance could be a disadvantage for users in more active or outdoor settings. Touch controls provide a modern and intuitive way to manage playback, calls, and volume. Built with durable plastic, the build quality seems solid, but some users might prefer metal components for added durability. These headphones are best suited for music enthusiasts, frequent travelers, and anyone needing reliable noise cancellation in a variety of settings.