Best noise-canceling headphones for 2022 – CNET [CNET]

We’ve found out in the last few years that noise-canceling headphones help your kids attend online classes with limited distractions and block out external noise like your neighbor’s lawnmower when you’re working from home. If you’re here, you’re either looking to replace an old pair of headphones or dive into the noise-cancellation pool for the first time. From noise-canceling earbuds to over-ear headphones, there are a lot of options out there, and I’m here to help you narrow down your choices.

So, where to start? When it comes to noise-canceling headphones that block out background noise and ambient sound, Bose headphones have been the audio gold standard for years. But other headphone-makers have steadily chipped away at Bose’s lead, and it’s a competitive category with a multitude of noise-canceling options at various prices, including Apple’s new high-end AirPods Max, Sony’s excellent WH-1000XM4, Bose’s Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and QuietComfort Earbuds. Whether you want to use your noise-canceling headphones to listen to music or just block out unwanted noise, there are many superb models to choose from. 

Below, I’ve rounded up all the best noise-canceling headphones available, all of which I’ve fully reviewed or used hands-on over a period of time. I update this list regularly as I review more headphones.