From Bose to Nothing: The Best Travel ANC Headphones of 2025

The only perfect in the world is nature. But that doesn’t mean you can’t elevate the rest—especially when you’re stuck in airports, train stations, or a loud Airbnb near a construction site. If you travel often—or just crave a bubble of calm on the go—premium active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones are a game-changer.

In 2025, the best ANC headphones go beyond sound. They’re smart, adaptable, and built to keep pace with ambitious, health-curious travelers who want focus, recovery, or immersion—on demand.

Below is a curated roundup of the best noise-cancelling headphones for 2025, covering every type of traveler—from minimalist nomads to luxury seekers.

Quick Picks for Every Kind of Listener

The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones to Elevate Your 2025 Travels

1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

If you’ve ever worn Bose on a long flight, you already get it. The QuietComfort Ultra doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—it just does what Bose does best: blocks out the world without making a big fuss about it. The 11 levels of noise cancellation feel almost surgical, and the fit is so soft it’s easy to forget you’re wearing them. Battery life lands at 24 hours, which is solid, and the sound is clean and immersive without going over the top.

• Price: Around $429 USD
• Battery Life: 24 hours
• Why We Like It: The detailed noise-cancelling options and luxurious comfort make these a go-to choice for long-haul flights​

2. Nothing Headphone 1

Nothing’s first over-ear headphones are shaping up to be one of 2025’s most compelling surprises. Designed with a bold retro-futuristic aesthetic, they blend clean lines, transparent elements, and high-end detailing into a striking silhouette. The Nothing Headphone 1 feels like the love child of a 1970s hi-fi system and tomorrow’s tech—equal parts nostalgic and next-gen. But this isn’t just about looks: you get 30 hours of battery life, intuitive gesture controls, IP52 splash resistance, hybrid ANC, and swappable ear cushions.

• Price: ~$299 USD
• Battery Life: 30 hours
• Why We Like It: A smart, design-forward alternative that punches above its price. Great for creatives, digital nomads, and travelers who value both function and flair.

3. Sony WH‑1000XM6

Sony’s newest flagship is here—and it’s a real refinement. The WH‑1000XM6 takes everything people loved about the XM5 and builds on it: better noise cancellation (especially for voices and ambient chatter), a slightly slimmer and now foldable design for easier packing, and a few under-the-hood upgrades that improve both clarity and comfort. You get the same great adaptive ANC, Speak-to-Chat, and smart ambient modes—but it all feels just a bit more polished.

• Price: $449 USD (MSRP)
• Battery Life: 32+ hours (ANC on)
• Why We Like It: It’s everything we liked about the XM5—smarter, lighter, and more travel-friendly. A true all-rounder that makes silence feel effortless, wherever you are.

4. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95

We’ll be honest—these aren’t for everyone. But if you care about craftsmanship and audio the way some people care about watches or espresso machines, the Beoplay H95 hits different. The lambskin earcups and cowhide headband feel like something you’d expect in a vintage sports car, not a pair of headphones. The sound is wide, rich, and cinematic, thanks to the 40mm titanium drivers. And while the price is steep, the 38-hour battery life and customizable ANC make them a serious companion for long-haul flights or deep-focus days.

• Price: $999 USD
• Battery Life: 38 hours
• Why We Like It: The premium materials, excellent noise cancellation, and long battery life justify the higher price, especially for those who value luxury and top-tier sound quality​

5. Apple AirPods Max

If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, these might just be your best travel companion. The AirPods Max are sleek, satisfyingly engineered, and offer a polished listening experience with adaptive ANC and spatial audio that makes movies, podcasts, and calls feel richer and more dimensional. They’re heavier than most competitors, and the price isn’t for the faint of heart—but the comfort, ease of pairing, and rock-solid build will appeal to anyone who just wants their tech to work, beautifully.

• Price: $549 USD
• Battery Life: 20 hours
• Why We Like It: The AirPods Max offers a seamless user experience for those deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, with stellar sound quality and sleek design​.

6. Dyson OnTrac™ Headphones

We didn’t expect Dyson’s first entry into audio to go this hard. The OnTrac headphones are unapologetically bold—CNC-milled aluminum, swappable caps, and ANC tech that samples sound 384,000 times a second. They’re heavy, sure, but with 55 hours of battery life, you might forget where your charger is before these run out.

• Price: 500 USD
• Battery Life: Up to 55 hours
• Why We Like It: The Dyson OnTrac™ combines top-tier ANC, luxurious design, and long battery life, making them perfect for users who want performance and style in one package.

7. Jabra Elite 85h

Not the flashiest, but definitely one of the most practical options out there. The SmartSound tech adapts to your environment, and the headphones themselves are tough enough for real-world use—rain, sweat, random drops. If you’re looking for solid ANC, excellent battery life, and a price tag that doesn’t sting, these are hard to beat.

• Price: $249 USD
• Battery Life: 36 hours
• Why We Like It: Excellent battery life and SmartSound technology make these headphones a great choice for outdoor adventurers and long-distance travelers.

8. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT

These headphones are a favorite among minimalist travelers. They’re lightweight, foldable, and still manage to deliver detailed sound with hybrid ANC. You won’t get the flashy app support or high-end materials, but you do get 35 hours of battery, a compact form, and the kind of audio tuning Audio-Technica is known for.

• Price: $299 USD
• Battery Life: 35 hours
• Why We Like It: Great balance between performance and portability, with high-quality ANC for travel

ANC Headphones Comparison 2025

Comparison of Noice Cancelling Headphones

• Best Overall Comfort and Noise Cancellation: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is the leader in comfort and detailed control over noise levels, perfect for long-term use in various environments.
• Most Advanced Features: The Sony WH-1000XM6 shines in terms of smart features, with adaptive sound controls, Speak-to-Chat, and versatile ANC, making it a great all-around option for tech-savvy users.
• Ultimate Luxury and Sound Quality: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 stands out for luxury seekers with its premium build and audiophile-grade sound. Its higher price reflects the superior materials and long battery life.
• Best for Battery and Calls: The Dyson OnTrac Headphones are perfect for travellers who prefer not to think about battery and with great noise reduction for call in busy areas.
• Best for Apple Users: The Apple AirPods Max integrates perfectly into the Apple ecosystem, providing a seamless user experience and impressive spatial audio features for those deeply tied into Apple products.
• Best for Travel Value: The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT offers a great balance between price and performance, with long battery life and hybrid ANC, making it an ideal choice for travelers on a budget.
• Longest Battery Life: If you need long battery life and durability, the Jabra Elite 85h is a solid pick, especially for outdoor use with its weather resistance and 36-hour battery life.