Our Experts Written by David Carnoy Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement How we test Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Kobo e-books and audiobooks. Expertise Headphones, Bluetooth speakers, mobile accessories, Apple, Sony, Bose, e-readers, Amazon, glasses, ski gear, iPhone cases, gaming accessories, sports tech, portable audio, interviews, audiophile gear, PC speakers Credentials Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer See full bio What to consider Budget Value can reflect quality. Consider your needs and what your budget allows. Fit (Comfort) Ensuring the headphones you choose fit your head help minimize any discomfort from extended wear. Durability Sturdy quality help ensure your headphones hold up well over time. Table of Contents vs Compare Back to selection Whether you need to focus on something important in an uncooperative space or you just want to zone into your favorite book or music, the best noise-canceling headphones can be a huge help. The number of options for noise-canceling headphones is gigantic, and I've tested these types of headphones for 15 years. During this time, I've made a list of the best models across a range of prices. Most of these are over-ear headphones, but there are true wireless earbuds, a great pair on a budget, and more options as well. We've done the research and we've got a handy rundown for you. Our Picks Best Bose noise-canceling headphones Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones View details $429 at Bose View details Best noise-canceling headphones from Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 View details $398 at Amazon View details Top new noise-canceling headphones Sonos Ace View details $449 at Sonos, Inc. View details Top budget noise-canceling headphones QCY H3 Pro View details $66 at Amazon View details Best for noise-canceling Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds View details $299 at Bose View details Best Sony earbuds Sony WF-1000XM5 View details $298 at Amazon View details Best Apple noise-canceling wireless earbuds Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) View details $199 at Amazon View details Top midrange noise-canceling headphones Sony CH-720N View details $150 at Amazon View details