The best active noise-cancelling headphones are at their lowest price yet.
When it comes to cancelling the noise around you, no other headphone does it better than the Bose's QuietComfort Ultra lineup. They top the list of the best active noise cancelling (ANC) earbuds as well as headphones. While the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are discounted to their lowest price of $249 (originally $299), it's the QuietComfort Ultra headphones that are seeing an impressive new record low price of $249.99 (originally $429.99) from Verizon. After looking at price-checking tools, I can say these headphones have never been under $300 before.
QuietComfort Ultra headphones $249.99 (originally $429.99)
QuietComfort Ultra earbuds $249 (originally $299)
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones came out in the fall of 2023 with a lot of praise for their quality but some grievances over their steep price. When it comes to ANC, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones have been comfortably sitting at the top, but then again, not many ANC headphones go for $429. For their current price, there is no more excuse as to which ANC headphone gives you better value for your money.
As PCMag's "outstanding" review explains, the headphones do the best job at dialing back low-frequency rumbles as well as lows and mids. Although they're the best, they're not perfect. You will still hear high-frequency sounds pierce through the ANC. But they did better than their other two main competitors, Apple AirPods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Like most ANC headphones and earbuds, you will feel a noticeable amount of ear pressure when you activate them. The pressure can shift depending where the noise is coming from, which can be distracting if you're not used to it, but it's normal. The headphones also have a transparency mode, which is good for hearing your surroundings when outdoors, like cars and people around you, mainly for safety reasons. The headphones give you up to 24 hours per charge or 18 if you have ANC on.
