I tested all the top ANC headphones in 2025 — this is the clear winner

Wireless headphones had a big year in 2025, with Sony and Bose updating their flagship active-noise canceling (ANC) over-ears. Plus, other competitors like the AirPods Max and Sonos Ace are still going strong, so there’s plenty of room for consumer choice. Apple even came out with the AirPods Pro 3, a pair of wireless earbuds with ANC good enough to rival the best over-ear headphones. There has never been a better time to invest in a great pair of headphones, but which one should you buy?