Top Models: The Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 are among the best noise-cancelling headphones for 2025, excelling in sound quality, comfort, and features.
Sound Quality: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 likely offers the best audio fidelity under $600, while Sony and Bose provide excellent, customizable sound.
Comfort: Bose QuietComfort Ultra stands out for superior comfort, with Sony and Bowers & Wilkins also being highly comfortable but with minor caveats.
Price: All three models are priced similarly, around $400-$450, offering premium features at a comparable cost.
Innovations: Expect advancements like MEMS speakers, lossless wireless audio, and enhanced spatial audio to shape the future of noise-cancelling headphones.
Considerations: Choosing the right pair depends on prioritizing sound, comfort, or specific features, with each model catering to slightly different preferences.

In-Depth Analysis of 2025’s Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

The market is brimming with high-quality options, but three models stand out: the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3. This in-depth analysis compares these headphones based on sound quality, comfort, price, and explores upcoming innovations that will shape the future of audio technology.

Drawing from reputable sources like Wirecutter, CNET, TechRadar, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi?, and SoundGuys, this guide provides a comprehensive look at the best options available as of July 2025.

Comparison of Top Models

Sony WH-1000XM6

Sound Quality: The Sony WH-1000XM6 is celebrated for its warm, detailed sound profile, with a frequency response that emphasizes bass (5 dB boost) while maintaining excellent mid and treble accuracy (RMS deviations of 1.74 dB and 2.82 dB, respectively). Its 10-band graphic EQ and ‘Find My EQ’ feature allow users to tailor the sound to their preferences. Support for 360 Reality Audio and spatial audio enhances immersion, though some reviews note that vocals can sound slightly compressed in noisy environments. The headphones excel in clarity for calls and music, making them versatile for various use cases.
Comfort: Rated 7.5/10 by RTINGS, the WH-1000XM6 weighs 0.56 lbs with a clamping force of 0.8 lbs. The flatter headband and softer ear cups reduce fatigue, but the shallow ear cups may cause discomfort for users with glasses or during prolonged use. The foldable design and magnetic clasp case enhance portability.
Price: Priced around $400-$450, these headphones are a premium investment, reflecting their advanced features and performance.
Key Features: The WH-1000XM6 boasts industry-leading ANC, improved by a faster QN3 processor and additional microphones. It supports Bluetooth LE’s LC3 codec for efficient audio transmission and includes features like ‘Speak-to-Chat,’ head gesture controls, and DSEE audio enhancement. Battery life is impressive at 31.75 hours with ANC on, with a 1.75-hour charge time via USB-C.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Sound Quality: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivers clear, balanced audio with Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS) of 4.8 for timbre, 3.2 for distortion, and 4.2 for immersiveness. Support for aptX Lossless ensures high-fidelity wireless audio, requiring compatible Android devices with Snapdragon 888 or newer. The CustomTune feature adjusts sound to individual ear anatomy, and immersive audio modes (Motion, Still, Off) enhance spatial experiences. EQ presets like Bass Boost and Treble Reducer are accessible via the Bose Music app.
Comfort: With a 9.0/10 comfort rating from SoundGuys, these headphones feature wide ear cups with soft padding and weigh 253g, making them ideal for extended wear, even for glasses wearers. They lack an IP rating, so they’re not suitable for workouts.
Price: At $429, the QuietComfort Ultra is competitively priced among premium models.
Key Features: Features Bluetooth 5.3 with LE audio capability, CustomTune for personalized sound, and head-tracking for immersive audio. Its ANC performance is top-tier, rivaling Sony’s, and the foldable design enhances portability. Battery life is slightly shorter than competitors at around 24 hours with ANC on.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3

Sound Quality: The PX7 S3 is lauded for its full-bodied, detailed sound, with redesigned 40mm paper drivers delivering superior dynamics and textural insight. It outperforms its predecessors and competitors like the Dali IO-8 in vocal clarity and bass response, excelling in tracks like Slipknot’s Left Behind or Massive Attack’s Risingson. Wired USB-C connections offer up to 24-bit/96kHz audio for even clearer sound.
Comfort: Weighing 300g, the PX7 S3 is lighter than its predecessors, with a shallower profile and well-judged clamping force. The earpads blend firmness and suppleness, though some users report heat buildup during extended use. The non-folding design is offset by a compact carry case.
Price: Priced at $449, it’s in line with other premium headphones.
Key Features: Supports Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, aptX HD, aptX Classic, aptX Lossless, and aptX Adaptive codecs. An eight-mic array enhances ANC and call quality with ADI Pure Voice technology. Future firmware updates will add spatial audio and Auracast support, with LE Audio and LC3 codec compatibility. Battery life is 30 hours with ANC on, with 7 hours from a 15-minute charge.

Comparison Table

Model	Sound Quality	Comfort	Price	Key Features
Sony WH-1000XM6	Warm, detailed, customizable, 360 Reality Audio	7.5/10, lightweight, glasses issues	$400-$450	Advanced ANC, LC3 codec, app features, 31.75h battery
Bose QuietComfort Ultra	Clear, balanced, aptX Lossless, CustomTune	9.0/10, wide ear cups, soft padding	$429	CustomTune, immersive audio, head-tracking, 24h battery
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3	Full-bodied, detailed, best under $600	Lighter, well-judged clamping, some heat	$449	aptX HD/Lossless, future spatial audio/Auracast, 30h battery

Upcoming Innovations

The noise-cancelling headphone market is on the cusp of transformative changes in 2025, driven by technological advancements:

MEMS Speakers: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) speakers are expected to proliferate, offering reduced mass, increased power efficiency, and extended high-frequency bandwidth (up to 80kHz). These speakers enhance sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life, as seen in early implementations like the Creative Aurvana Ace 2. Their scalability and reliability make them ideal for both earbuds and over-ear headphones.
Lossless Audio over Wireless: Qualcomm’s S7 and S7 Pro chipsets enable bit-perfect lossless audio via micro-power Wi-Fi, primarily for Android devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or better. This addresses Bluetooth’s limitations in sound quality and battery efficiency, promising a richer listening experience.
Enhanced Spatial Audio: Spatial audio with head-tracking is becoming a standard feature, offering immersive experiences for music, movies, and gaming. Brands like Bowers & Wilkins plan to introduce this via firmware updates, while Sony and Bose already support it. This technology creates a more natural, speaker-like soundstage.
Auracast and LE Audio: Auracast, part of the Bluetooth LE Audio standard, will allow headphones to connect to multiple audio sources seamlessly, ideal for public spaces like airports. The LC3 codec improves audio quality and efficiency, with models like the PX7 S3 set to adopt these features via updates.

Choosing the Right Headphones

Sound Quality: The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 is the top choice for audiophiles, offering unmatched detail and dynamics under $600. The Sony WH-1000XM6 excels in customization and immersive audio, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra provides balanced sound with lossless codec support, ideal for high-fidelity wireless listening.
Comfort: Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra leads with its plush, lightweight design, making it the best for long-term wear, especially for glasses wearers. The Sony WH-1000XM6 and PX7 S3 are also comfortable but may have minor fit issues for some users.
Price: All three models are priced similarly, around $400-$450, so the choice depends on feature priorities rather than cost differences.
Features: Sony’s app ecosystem and advanced ANC make it a versatile all-rounder. Bose’s CustomTune and head-tracking cater to personalized audio experiences. Bowers & Wilkins’ future-proofing with spatial audio and Auracast updates appeals to those looking for longevity.

What’s The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphone?

The Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 are the cream of the crop in 2025’s noise-cancelling headphone market. Each excels in different areas, catering to varied preferences. The PX7 S3 is the audiophile’s choice for its superior sound quality, the QuietComfort Ultra is unmatched in comfort, and the WH-1000XM6 offers a balanced, feature-rich experience. With innovations like MEMS speakers, lossless audio, and enhanced spatial audio on the horizon, the future of noise-cancelling headphones is set to deliver even more immersive and high-fidelity experiences.