Here at My Product Guides, we are obsessed with everything audio. So when it comes to noise cancelling headphones, we know the score. Choosing a new pair of noise canceling headphones is an important decision, whether you go for the known (and frankly overpriced) brands or choose other equally well made alternatives for half the price. This guide will give you some recommendations of our preferred, high quality and reasonably priced products.
We'll be constantly updating the prices of the products below to reflect the latest deals and promotions that are available.
1. Oneodio A Series Wireless Active Noise Canceling Headphones
Overview: The A Series provided the best overall features and value for money. Exceptional sound quality, noise cancellation and build quality are just a few of the factors as to why they are at the very top of our list.
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation: Utilizes a custom ANC chip to block out up to 95% of low and mid-range frequency noises, providing immersive listening experiences in various environments.
- Hi-Res Audio: Experience high-quality sound with dual 40mm drivers. The A Series exclusive bass boost technology conducts real-time analysis to strengthen low frequencies, making it the perfect headphone for audio enthusiasts.
- Long-lasting Battery Life: The 800mAh battery offers up to 45 hours of playback and 3-6 months of standby time on a single charge, ideal for long-term use without frequent charging.
- Clear Phone Calls: Leveraging CVC 8.0 technology and a 5-Mic HD Call Experience for crystal clear phone calls directly through your headphones, effectively separating environmental noise in real-time.
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Comes equipped with massive 40mm dynamic speaker drivers and dual sound chambers for unparalleled sound clarity, detail, and bass. Ideal for audio enthusiasts.
- Latest Bluetooth Technology: Features Bluetooth 5.0 technology, offering enhanced listening range, audio stability, and improved connectivity for a seamless audio experience.
- Comfortable and Lightweight Design: The ergonomic design with memory foam earcups and rotating headband joints ensures maximum comfort and a secure fit, suitable for prolonged use.
- Premium Extras: Comes with a high-quality carry case for protection and portability, and the option to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously for switching between calls, video conferencing, and music without needing to reconnect.
So, why are the Oneodio A Series our top choice out of all the headphones I've tested? Firstly when comparing the headphones to name brands like Sony and Bose, the sound differences were extremely comparable. Let's compare the full range of factors:
Noise Cancellation
This is down to the 40mm dynamic drivers that power both speakers and 6 external microphones which provide active noise cancellation and reduces outside noise by up to 40dB - the equivalent of the noise of a lawnmower being reduced to the equivalent to the sound of moderate rainfall. This kind of reduction is great for airplanes, getting some peace and quiet in loud coffee shops or just listening to music without interruption pretty much anywhere.
Sound Quality
The Oneodio A Series gave really exceptional, clear and crisp sound output. I cannot stress how well the Hi-Res Audio performs. Listening to a large variety of music from rock, pop and R&B to rap, classical and techno, it was a truly pleasurable experience. All in the headphones gives a great sound at all frequency ranges. Featuring strong punchy bass and clarity in the midrange, the Oneodio A Series are a pleasure to use.

Oneodio A Series Active Noise Canceling Headphones: $199.99 $159.99
Battery Life
Featuring a 50 hour battery life without using the active noise cancellation and a 45 hour usage with it enabled. These headphones never really felt like they needed a charge. The specs also indicate that the unit will last between 3-6 months in standby mode too which is an obvious plus, although I'm not sure why you'd leave them on in this state. The headphones are charged with a USB-C charging port which enables fast-charge, so just over an hour is all it took to charge them fully.
Build Quality
Considering the price point of the Oneodio A Series, it's astonishing how well these headphones are built. They feel comparable to most $250-$300 pairs of headphones in terms of how they feel and look. The A Series feature a great level of comfort with a comfortable amount of padding around the ears and over the top of the headband. In multiple 3.5 hour tests, no discomfort was experienced at all, they kind of just sit floating on your head without weighing you down. The noise cancelling microphone technology is great and works wonders in a variety of environments. The product comes with all the accessories you could need: aux cable, USB-C charging cable, and a very nice protective case.
Pricing
So this is why they are number one in the list of headphones you should buy. It comes down to price and practicality. Why pay more? When it comes to having a good pair of wireless noise cancelling headphones, you could choose the overpriced alternative Bose QuietComforts, which are great headphones but you really are just mainly paying for the brand name. You get everything you could possibly want in these headphones: amazing sound, top noise cancellation, exceptional 50 hour battery life, and an extended 2 year warranty (when purchased through Shopsta).
Considering the quality of the headphones and the active noise cancellation, we would fully expect these headphones to sell for about $250-$350. Which gives you the saving of roughly $100-$200 versus competitors, so you could literally buy two pairs of these for the same cost! The Oneodio A Series have seriously impressed us and that's why it's our top pick for 2025.
Oneodio A Series Active Noise Canceling Headphones: $199.99 $159.99
Special February 2025 Deal: You can also get an extra 20% discount off the Oneodio A Series at Shopsta using their promo code F20 during the checkout process.
2. Focus A5 Wireless Active Noise Canceling Headphones
- Up to 95% noise cancellation with custom ANC chip.
- Immense 40mm dynamic speaker drivers for unparalleled sound and bass.
- Huge 40 hours worth of playback and 3-6 months of standby time in one single charge.
- CVC 8.0 technology for crystal clear phone calls straight through your headphones.
- Omnidirectional noise cancelling microphones invert outside noise to allow for up to 95% of active noise reduction.
- Bluetooth 5.0 technology gives the latest in Bluetooth connection giving further listening range, audio stability and enhanced connectivity.
- Ergonomic lightweight design with premium carry case included.
- Charge for 5 minutes and get up to 4 hours of play with quick charge technology.
The Focus A5's are probably one of the best 'cheaper' options you can go for with actual true ANC capabilities. Coming in slightly cheaper than the Oneodio's, you do get that price advantage. They are slightly smaller in build and don't come with a hard carry case (although it does come with a soft one), they are a well designed foldable pair of ANC headphones. I must say that the sound quality is really great. Listening to all kinds of music, the Focus A5's don't disappoint. The only thing that I would say is that the noise cancellation isn't quite as good as the Oneodio A Series when it comes to very busy environments. Overall, it's a great pick for someone who wants a pair of noise cancelling headphones and for those who are slightly more budget conscious. It get's number 2 on the list due to very similar features compared to the Oneodio but at a cheaper price.
3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- LEVELLED-UP LISTENING: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with spatial audio give you an immersive experience that makes music feel more real; CustomTune technology offers personalised sound, shaped to you
- WORLD-CLASS NOISE CANCELLATION: These noise cancelling headphones feature Quiet Mode, Aware Mode and Immersion Mode, which combines full noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio
- CRYSTAL-CLEAR CALLS: Microphones focus on the sound of your voice and the noise cancelling headphones with mic filter out background noise for the clearest phone calls of any Bose headphones
- ELEVATED DESIGN, LUXE COMFORT: Soft ear cushions hug your ears, the band spreads pressure evenly and elevated materials let you make a statement with these noise cancelling over-the-ear headphones
- BLUETOOTH WIRELESS HEADPHONES: Advanced Bluetooth 5.3 offers connection within 9 metres of your device; SimpleSync allows you to sync with a Bose Smart Soundbar so you can listen to TV at your own volume
- 24-HOUR BATTERY LIFE: Listen longer with up to 24 hours of battery life (up to 18 hours with Immersive Audio); a 15-minute charge offers up to 2.5 hours of play time (up to 2 hours with Immersive Audio)
- CONNECT AND CONTROL: Touch controls on each earcup allow you to change volume, skip tracks, answer calls and change modes; you can also turn the Bluetooth headphones on/off simply with head motions
- BOSE APP: Download the Bose app to receive the latest software updates. Ensure optimal functionality and get access to all the latest features and cutting-edge tech
You've probably heard of the Bose QuietComfort's before and the old QC35's were my go-to pair of headphones for travelling for many years. The QC45 brought a few minor updates to the 35's with better noise cancellation and battery life than it's predecessor. Now the Ultra version is available. There's a reason why they have sold so many of these and continue to do so well, they are consistently good. Although the design hasn't changed much and it's hard to distinguish them from the 35's, 45's and the SC model. The Ultra's feature a Bluetooth 5.3 upgrade, minor sound improvements and a fixed headband (which doesn't fold in two). Putting them and the Oneodio's side by side for comparison, I couldn't really see why they cost nearly triple the price. The ANC was comparable and I couldn't find a tangible benefit or feature over why I'd pick these over the A Series. All in, although these are an excellent pair of headphones, I do think you need to acknowledge that you are basically spending an extra one to two hundred dollars for the Bose logo but if that is something that's important to you, then go for it. It seems every couple of years Bose upgrades their headphones with minor tweaks and improvements in order to justify their high prices. As much as we can talk about price, if you remove it from the equation, they are really robust pair of headphones to pick.
4. Sony WH-1000XM5
- The new Integrated Processor V1 unlocks the full potential of our HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 to deliver our biggest step forward in our (already!) industry-leading noise cancellation technology.
- Precision-engineered to deliver exceptional High-Resolution Audio quality. Our Precise Voice Pickup Technology with newly developed wind noise reduction will also ensure you can hear and be heard clearly when taking calls on these noise cancelling headphones.
- Smart, intuitive, and intelligent. Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts the sound settings based on your environment and activity, and Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses the music when you want to have a conversation, without you having to remove the over ear headphones!
- For total convenience, these Bluetooth headphones can be paired with two devices at the same time. Fast Pair will help you locate the WH-1000XM5 if you can't find them and Swift Pair makes pairing with your PC or tablet simple.
- With up to a huge 30 hours of battery life, you’ll have enough power, even for long trips! A collapsible case is included with these Sony headphones for easy storage and travel.
- Age Range Description: Adult,Kid
Sony have continued to produce high quality headphones in the open market for many years now and the WH-1000XM5 is the latest model to buy. High quality sound, good noise cancellation, great battery life and overall high quality build. As with most of Sony's products, they provide excellent audio capabilities and build quality. They are a solid choice for anyone who likes the brand and is looking to spend around $350. Although I can't help but wonder if forking out over a third of a thousand dollars for this pair is worth it. Overall though, based on price alone it is a more suitable option than the Bose.
5. Apple Airpods Max
- Apple-designed dynamic driver provides high-fidelity audio
- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking provides theater-like sound that surrounds you
- Computational audio combines custom acoustic design with the Apple H1 chip and software for breakthrough listening experiences
- Designed with a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions for an exceptional fit
Fashionable and well built, a bit like all Apple products, the Airpods Max headphones do put a breath of fresh air into the pretty boring looking headphones market. They work well with Apple devices (as you'd expect) and I do like them - although as a DJ I wouldn't be caught dead around my friends wearing them (sorry Apple!). I was lucky enough to have a test pair for the week and if you are an Apple enthusiast willing to part with the best part of $500, then each to their own. All I'll say is that there are similar quality options for much less money available on the current market.
6. Jabra Elite 85h
- Audio automatically adapts to your surroundings: SmartSound analyses your sound environment and applies your personalised audio – Active noise cancellation and our HearThrough feature give you the sound you need
- Extra-long battery life: With up to 41 hours of battery time and fast charging, the Elite 85h earphones let you take calls and play music while staying wirelessly connected
- Unmatched call quality and durability: 8 microphones greatly enhance call quality, blocking out more wind noise and background distractions – Certified rain-resistant and dustproof
- On-ear detection and voice assistant enabled: Headphones recognise when you remove them from your ears, auto-playing and pausing audio – One-touch connection to your digital assistant of choice
- Scope of delivery: Jabra Elite 85h headphones, carry case, USB-C charging cable, audio cable – Weight: 296g – Colour: Titanium black
- Product comes with a 2-year warranty
Decent battery life of 35 hours, the Elite 85h makes number 7 on the list. I can't help but feel that if you are going to spend circa £250 on a pair then unless you really love the design, I would go for some options further up the list.
7. Beats Solo3
- High-performance wireless Bluetooth headphones in black
- Features the Apple W1 chip and Class 1 wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- With up to 40 hours of battery life, Beats Solo3 wireless is your perfect everyday headphone
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- With Fast Fuel, 5 minutes of charging gives you 3 hours of playback when battery is low
- Adjustable fit with comfort-cushioned ear cups made for everyday use
- Sleek, streamlined design that’s durable and foldable to go everywhere you do
- Take calls, control your music, and activate Siri with the multifunction on-ear controls
- The award-winning sound and design you’ve come to love from Beats, with premium playback with fine-tuned acoustics that maximize clarity, breadth, and balance
Owned by Apple now, the Beats Solo3's are well made and offers a skinnier over-the-ear headphone profile, if that's your thing. Some people complain that they are overpriced for the sound quality but they just about make the list due to their high build quality and overall design.
8. Bose 700
- Powerful noise cancelling headphones—11 levels of active noise cancelling let you enjoy music, podcasts, videos & calls without distractions.
- Astonishing sound—Crisp, clear details. Deep, full bass. These wireless headphones produce exciting, lifelike sound that’s full and balanced at every volume level.
- Unrivalled voice pickup—A revolutionary microphone system adapts to noisy and windy environments so your voice always sounds crystal clear on calls.
- Keep your head up and hands free—With easy access to voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant for music, navigation, weather and more, and intuitive touch control on the earcups—you can stay connected without reaching for your phone.
- Premium design and comfort—With a lightweight stainless steel headband and earcups tilted for the perfect fit, you can comfortably wear these Bluetooth headphones for hours.
- Up to 20 hours of non-stop music—Get up to 20 hours of wireless battery life on a single charge.
- One touch to listen to Spotify—Instantly listen to your last Spotify session or discover new music by tapping and holding the right earcup. Currently only available when using iOS devices with your headphones.
- Pair with Bose soundbar—Use Bose SimpleSync technology to pair these wireless Bluetooth headphones to the Bose Smart Soundbar 500 or 700 for a personal listening experience.
- Alexa-to-Alexa calling—Use these wireless noise cancelling headphones to place a call to a Bose smart device or Amazon Echo device with the Alexa mobile app.
Basically the QC45's in a fancier frame. If you like this design over the QC45's then this model would be the better choice. I do love Bose products for ANC headphones, but again we're going to have to go with the Oneodio A Series as the top choice for best overall, here's why:
How We Determine Our Reviews
It's important to look at what's required in a great pair of noise canceling headphones. We've come up with 6 must-have essentials for any ANC headphones that you need to consider:
1) Great Sound - we can't go without this essential component!
2) Portability - is it easy to carry around?
3) Battery Life - how long the battery does it last?
4) Reliability - do I need to worry about the build quality?
5) Connectivity - how easy is it to connect?
6) Price - is it affordable or am I overpaying?
We have reviewed and ordered the above noise canceling headphones based on these factors. Covering all bases is important when choosing headphones as you only need one aspect to let you down to ruin your experience. All in, our top choice is the Oneodio A Series which can be found here: https://www.shopsta.com/products/oneodio-a-series-anc-active-noise-cancelling-headphones
Our Rating
Why Was The A Series The Best?
In our tests we found that a higher price didn't always equal higher quality. Some of the better known brands like Sennheiser, Sony and Bose did produce really good headphones, but the cost put them at double or triple the price of the Oneodio A Series. When comparing things like bass, sound clarity and features, we found that there wasn't enough substantial difference to warrant the extra price.
When it comes to a pair of noise cancelling headphones, you want all the features packed into a great design. The Oneodio A Series in our opinion delivers everything you could want in a set of noise cancelling headphones at a phenomenal price.
Featuring high build quality, great battery life, ultra reliable connectivity and incredible sound, we rate the A Series at 9.8 out of 10.
After using the unit for approximately 5 months now with daily use, we can't see ourselves switching to another unit any time soon.
Get free delivery when purchased at Shopsta.
The A Series features 40mm dynamic speaker drivers, which is more than enough for the average user. At full volume, the headphones could be considered too loud. This is great though as you can tailor the sound output to your setting. With other features like voice activation, a 800mAh battery and a portable design, the A Series definitely allows for ultra portability, great sound and also a great price. If you're going to go for this unit, make sure you get 20% off the retail price when you use the discount code F20 at checkout. Thanks for reading our above reviews and we hope we've helped you to find the right pair of headphones to suit your needs.
Limited 20% Discount Available:

$199.99
$159.99
Get an extra 20% off using discount code: F20 at checkout to apply promotional price.