The best noise-canceling headphones to buy right now

Whether you're wearing them for the morning commute, while traveling, or if you're simply trying to find some peace and quiet while working at home, noise-canceling headphones are a more essential piece of kit nowadays than ever before. And you've got a slew of great options to pick from; it's hard to make a bad choice.

There are longtime heavyweights like Bose and Sony to pick from. Apple has quickly carved into the market with the luxurious AirPods Max. And if you've got an ear that demands the best audio quality, headphones from Bowers & Wilkins and Sennheiser might appeal to you more than the mainstream contenders.

Not everyone loves the feel of earbuds, and there are scenarios where over-ear and on-ear headphones are just simpler or make more sense than wireless buds - particularly if lengthy battery life matters to you.

No matter how you're using them, the criteria for picking the best noise-canceling headphones haven't changed.

The "best" headphones for you will differ based on which of those factors you prioritize and care about most, but our overall pick for the best noise-canceling headphones remains Sony's WH-1000XM5. They offer a combination of sound quality, comfort, and great noise cancellation that's hard to beat.

The best wireless headphones for most people

Sony WH-1000XM5$348$39813% off$348$348$39813% offWith improved comfort, refined sound, and even better active noise cancellation, Sony's WH-1000XM5 offer a compelling mix of features for the price. $348 at Amazon$350 at Best Buy$350 at Target