Premium noise-cancelling headphones cost $200–$380; mid-range options with solid ANC start around $100. Sony and Bose trade the top spot, with Amazon and Best Buy regularly discounting both brands by $50–$100.
Cheapzix compares retailer listings when available. Prices and availability can change by retailer. Affiliate disclosure — always verify details on the retailer site before buying.
About Noise Cancelling Headphones
Popular models: Sony WH-1000XM5 ($349, class-leading ANC), Bose QuietComfort 45 ($279), Apple AirPods Max ($549), and Anker Soundcore Q45 ($59, budget).
Best deal: The Sony WH-1000XM4 (prior generation) frequently drops to $199–$229 and still offers industry-leading noise cancellation — the best ANC value available.
Premium pick: Apple AirPods Max at $549 deliver exceptional audio quality and seamless iPhone integration, though the Sony XM5 beats them on pure noise cancellation at $150 less.
Where to Buy Noise Cancelling Headphones
Amazon, Best Buy, Apple Store, Target, Costco The comparison above covers the major retailers so you can review options before buying.
Buyer Questions
Sony vs Bose — which has better noise cancellation?
Sony's WH-1000XM5 leads in ANC performance in most lab tests; Bose QC45 is slightly better at canceling certain low-frequency sounds and more comfortable for long sessions.
Do noise-cancelling headphones work without music?
Yes — ANC functions independently of playback, so you can use it purely for blocking noise while reading or working.
Are noise-cancelling headphones good for flying?
Absolutely — they excel at eliminating the constant drone of airplane engines, which is exactly the low-frequency noise ANC is designed for.
How long do ANC headphone batteries last?
Sony XM5 lasts 30 hours with ANC on; Bose QC45 lasts 24 hours; AirPods Max lasts 20 hours.