These days, in our busy, busy world, it can be tough to find moments of peace and serenity. Things are just plain loud. Everywhere. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could entirely escape all of that noise and all of those distractions? And enjoy your music, podcasts, and other passions the way they’re meant to be heard. Well, with the right pair of headphones, you can!
Noise-cancelling headphones are the end-all-be-all of headphones if you’re interested in isolating your sound and tuning out the outside world. They are highly effective at blocking out sounds from your surroundings; they’re extremely comfortable, and they’re super convenient to use since most of them are wireless and offer pretty great charge times and runtimes.
If noise-cancelling headphones sound like the thing you’ve been waiting for, but you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help. Noise-cancelling headphones will vary in price, comfort/fit, audio quality, noise-cancellation technology, battery life, and more. And every feature matters, trust us. That’s why we want you to think about each and every single one to get the best fit.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best noise-cancelling headphones in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Right Now
- Top Pick: Bose 2nd Generation QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones
- Upgrade Pick: Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones
- Budget Pick: Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Beats Pick: Beats By Dr. Dre Beats 360 Over-Ear Headphones
- Apple Pick: Apple AirPods Max 2 Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Our Top Pick for the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Bose 2nd Generation QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones Review
What We Think of the Bose 2nd Generation QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones
There are lots of features to enjoy when you choose the Bose 2nd Generation QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones. One of our favourite things about them is the battery life. With 30 hours of playtime available from a single charge, you can enjoy your music for days before plugging in. Plus, you can still use your headphones while they’re charging! That isn’t always an option, so we love this thoughtful addition.
You won’t have to worry about these headphones ruining your look, either. With a sleek design and six stunning colours to choose from, these headphones will only add to your aesthetic. We also really appreciate having three noise cancellation modes to choose from. With full noise cancellation paired with immersive audio for a complete escape, quiet mode to give your brain a break, and aware mode for environmental awareness, there’s a perfect fit for every situation.
There are a few small downsides to consider before fully committing to this choice, though. First, the cost might be a bit high if you’re shopping on a budget, and that’s always something to think about. You might also need to consider whether a looser fit is something that works for you, and how you’ll feel about the weight over long listening sessions. Half a pound makes more of a difference than you’d think.
All in all, the Bose 2nd Generation QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones are far superior to many other options out there. They’re not perfect, but they come pretty darn close. If you want a well-rounded and reliable pair of headphones, you’ve just met your perfect match.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 5/5
- Price: 2/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Bose 2nd Generation QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones
Reviewers have a very high opinion of the Bose 2nd Generation QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones. They find the audio quality and noise cancellation to be excellent, and the long battery life means they don’t have to charge too often, even with immersive audio draining the battery a bit faster. They love the look of them, and most people find the fit comfortable, too. Most people would choose these headphones again.
Bose 2nd Generation QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- Style matters to you
- Battery life is something you don’t want to compromise on
- You’d love to explore three different modes for noise cancellation
- You need headphones that can be used while charging
Don’t Buy If…
- You prefer exceptionally light headphones
- You have a smaller head and want to move around with your headphones
- Price is a factor
Bose 2nd Generation QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones Specifications
- Dimensions: 8.4” x 6.1” x 2.2”
- Weight: 1.1 lbs
- Colour: 6 options
- Noise Cancellation Technology: Active
- Battery Life: 30 hrs
- Warranty: 1 year
Our Upgrade Pick
Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones Review
What We Think of the Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones are nearly flawless. When it comes to your audio experience, they’ve got you covered. High-fidelity sound from a specially designed driver, ultra-fast and accurate noise cancellation through 12 mics, and ultra-clear calls from a 6-microphone beamforming system are simply unbeatable.
These headphones pack a punch in more than audio and noise cancellation, though. They’re a great travel companion since they fold compactly and come with a magnetic storage case, and they also offer a 30-hour battery life with a 3-minute quick charge system so you always have power when you need it. You won’t have any complaints about the fit, either. These headphones have it all.
Of course, a pair of headphones this spectacular is bound to come with a high price tag, and this choice is no exception. If you’re shopping on a budget, you might need more time to save up for this one, or you might have to consider an alternative. If price won’t be an issue for you, there’s no better pair of noise-cancelling headphones to bring home.
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones are an easy pair for us to pick as an all-time favourite. You won’t find more impressive sound quality, noise cancellation, or comfort anywhere else. If you want the best, you’ve found it.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 5/5
- Price: 2/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones
Reviewers are incredibly happy with their Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones. They’ve never had better sound quality or noise cancellation in another pair of headphones, and the wider headband makes them a lot more comfortable to wear for hours. The battery life is awesome, too. They are all very pleased with their choice.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- High-fidelity sound is what you’re looking for
- You want unbeatable noise cancellation in all environments
- Your headphones will be on the go with you a lot
- You don’t want to worry about battery life
Don’t Buy If…
- A low price is important for your budget
Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones Specifications
- Dimensions: 8” x 9” x 3.1”
- Weight: 0.56 lbs
- Colour: 6 options
- Noise Cancellation Technology: Active
- Battery Life: 30 hrs
- Quick Charge: 3 min charge for 3 hrs of playback
- Warranty: 1 year
Our Budget Pick
Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones Review
What We Think of the Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones have so much going for them. At this price point, you really can’t beat the sound quality — they’re almost on par with headphones 5x their cost. Impressive, huh? And with three different modes for noise cancellation (Travel, Indoor, and Outdoor), the tech will always be working most effectively for your environment. It makes a difference.
You’ll also be ridiculously pleased with the battery life. A single two-hour charge gives you 50 hours of listening time, and a simple 5-minute charge provides 4 hours of playback — talk about a true quick charge! Plus, since these headphones are lightweight and have some extra-cushy ear cups, you can wear them for hours at a time without getting uncomfortable.
There are two things that are a bit of a disappointment. Our first issue is the fact that the noise cancellation doesn’t work if you connect with an AUX cord. Only a Bluetooth connection will activate it. Bummer, we know. Also, the microphone quality is terrible, so if you plan to use your new headphones for phone calls, you’ll want to steer very, very clear of these ones.
All in all, it’s pretty much impossible to beat the Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones when you’re shopping at this price point. No matter what feature you look at (as long as it isn’t mic quality), these ones will come out the winner.
- Performance: 4.5/5
- Usability: 4/5
- Price: 5/5
- Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Reviewers are blown away by the quality of the Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones considering the price. They have no complaints about sound quality or noise-cancellation effectiveness, and they’re incredibly comfortable to wear for hours at a time. They also really love how great the battery life is. The main complaint is the mic quality — it’s admittedly terrible.
Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- A long battery life is ideal
- You’d appreciate noise-cancellation technology that can be tailored to your environment
- You like to listen to your favourite audio content for long sessions
- You’re passionate about sound quality
Don’t Buy If…
- You’ll want to use noise-cancellation with an AUX connection, not just Bluetooth
- You want headphones that you can make calls with
Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones Specifications
- Dimensions: 7.9” x 7.8” x 3.8”
- Weight: 0.6 lbs
- Colour: Black, blue, or pink
- Noise Cancellation Technology: Active
- Battery Life: 50 hrs
- Quick Charge: 5 min charge for 4 hrs of playback
- Warranty: 1 year
Our Beats Pick
Beats By Dr. Dre Beats 360 Over-Ear Headphones Review
What We Think of the Beats By Dr. Dre Beats 360 Over-Ear Headphones
There’s a long list of things to share about the Beats By Dr. Dre Beats 360 Over-Ear Headphones, so we’ll dive right in. Across the board, the audio quality leaves nothing to be desired. Reliable Bluetooth connections, a beam-forming mic system, and many other features work together to produce excellent sound quality and unparalleled call quality. They’re perfect for every audio experience.
With a water resistance rating of IPX4, these headphones offer protection against sweat, so they’re perfect for workouts. Plus, with soft and durable ear cushions (that can be swapped out for other colours or another style with additional purchases) plus a fold-flat design, they’re comfortable whether they’re on your ears or around your neck. The all-day battery life doesn’t hurt, either.
The only complaint you might have about these headphones is the price. Unfortunately, the higher price tag might put them out of reach for some budgets. The cost is certainly worth it, but it’s still disappointing. (They’re worth saving for!)
All in all, the Beats By Dr. Dre Beats 360 Over-Ear Headphones are the complete package. With versatile noise-cancelling options, unbeatable call quality, and the thoughtful extras you’ve been missing, they’re just about perfect.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 5/5
- Price: 3/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Beats By Dr. Dre Beats 360 Over-Ear Headphones
Reviewers have very positive things to say about the Beats By Dr. Dre Beats 360 Over-Ear Headphones. They love being able to purchase extra ear cushions for cleanliness or a style change, and people love that they’re water-resistant for worry-free workouts. They have no complaints about noise-cancelling performance or audio quality, either. They highly recommend them.
Beats By Dr. Dre Beats 360 Over-Ear Headphones Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- You’d love the option of swapping out the ear cushions for different occasions
- You’re looking for headphones that are workout-friendly
- Exceptional call quality is a priority for you
- You need all-day comfort
Don’t Buy If…
- You need really affordable headphones
Beats By Dr. Dre Beats 360 Over-Ear Headphones Specifications
- Weight: 0.65 lbs
- Colour: Black, pink, sky, or cloud
- Noise Cancellation Technology: Active
- Warranty: 1 year
Our Apple Pick
Apple AirPods Max 2 Noise-Cancelling Headphones Review
What We Think of the Apple AirPods Max 2 Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The Apple AirPods Max 2 Noise-Cancelling Headphones have so much working in your favour, it’s hard to know where to start. Obviously, as an Apple product, they offer seamless Bluetooth connections to your other Apple devices. It doesn’t get more convenient than that! They also offer some of the best sound quality you’ll find right now, so every track will hit the way it’s supposed to.
Spatial audio takes things a step further, too. The sound is tuned specifically to your ear shape and head movements, so you’ll be immersed like never before. With multiple noise-cancellation modes to choose from as well, you’ll always be able to customize your listening experience for your preferences and your environment. These headphones are the perfect all-rounders!
There are only a couple of things that might sway you in a different direction. The cost of these headphones is at the top of the price range, so if you’re shopping on even a forgiving budget, they might not work for you. Also, with a battery life of only 20 hours, you might find yourself charging more often than you’d like.
Overall, the Apple AirPods Max 2 Noise-Cancelling Headphones are the ideal choice for dedicated Apple users. Whether your priority is isolating sound, immersing yourself in your audio, or enjoying a comfortable fit that’s still stylish, these headphones have everything you need.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 4.5/5
- Price: 1/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Apple AirPods Max 2 Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Apple users are really making the most of their Apple AirPods Max 2 Noise-Cancelling Headphones. The noise-cancelling modes are really helpful for office work, conversations on busy streets, and shutting out the world anytime, anywhere. They’re also really impressed by the overall sound quality and how seamlessly the headphones integrate with their devices. They would all choose these headphones again.
Apple AirPods Max 2 Noise-Cancelling Headphones Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- Multiple noise-cancelling modes will suit your lifestyle best
- You’re after an immersive experience
- You’re loyal to the Apple brand
- You want the best sound quality money can buy
Don’t Buy If…
- You’re not prepared to spend a lot of money on headphones
- You want a really long battery life
Apple AirPods Max 2 Noise-Cancelling Headphones Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.6” x 3.3” x 7.4”
- Weight: 0.85 lbs
- Colour: 5 options
- Noise Cancellation Technology: Active
- Battery Life: 20 hrs
- Warranty: 1 year
How to Properly Choose Your Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Price
Some pairs of noise-cancelling headphones cost only $100 or so, but others can easily exceed $600. In general, more expensive noise-cancelling headphones will have more effective noise-cancelling technology, better sound quality, better longevity, and a longer battery life with a more efficient quick-charge system.
Noise Cancellation Technology
There are three types of noise cancellation technologies out there — passive, adaptive, and active. Active noise cancellation is the most effective and also the most common — it uses sound waves to cancel out the noises in your surroundings. Adaptive noise cancellation is a more effective and versatile form of active noise cancellation. Passive noise cancellation is less effective but also more affordable — it uses the design of the headphones alone to block out sound.
Audio Quality
The audio quality offered by a pair of noise-cancelling headphones is another important thing to pay attention to. Some headphones offer crystal clear audio that surrounds you and adapts to your movements, and some headphones offer lower-quality speakers that won’t perform as well with a wide range of notes.
Battery Life
Almost all noise-cancelling headphones will be wireless, so the battery life is something to consider. At the low end, you’ll get around 20-24 hours of playtime for a 2-3 hour charge, and the average for the industry is around 30 hours. You can find a rare exception that can offer as many as 50 hours of playtime per charge, though. If you listen to a lot of audio every day, a longer battery life will serve you better.
Quick Charge
Every pair of noise-cancelling headphones will come with a quick-charge feature. Sometimes you’ll only get 1.5 hours of playtime for a 15-minute charge, but more advanced headphones can charge for only three minutes and give you four hours of listening time. Obviously, a more efficient quick-charge system is ideal if you never want to be without your headphones.