Wired just refreshed its comprehensive guide to the best noise-canceling headphones, spotlighting standout picks across price ranges. The updated roundup features Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones as a top choice on sale, alongside budget favorite Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro+ earbuds that earned a perfect 10/10 review score. With noise-canceling tech now standard across most audio gear, the guide helps buyers navigate an increasingly crowded field.
The noise-canceling headphones market just got a fresh perspective from one of tech's most trusted voices. Wired rolled out its updated guide to the best noise-canceling headphones, and the results reveal how competitive this space has become - and where the real value lies.
At the budget end, Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro+ earbuds are stealing the spotlight. These unassuming buds earned Wired's perfect 10/10 review score, thanks to what reviewer Ryan Waniata calls their "real superpower" - stellar sound quality delivered through a hybrid driver system. The earbuds combine dynamic drivers for bass with next-generation xMEMS drivers for mids and highs, creating what Wired describes as "gloriously rich, clear, and balanced fidelity."
The $75-$100 price point puts these earbuds in direct competition with budget stalwarts from Anker's Soundcore line, but the xMEMS technology gives Soundpeats a clear edge in audio reproduction. Battery life hits 6.5 hours with noise-canceling active, extending to 36.5 hours with the charging case.
Sony continues its dominance in the premium tier. The WH-1000XM5 headphones maintain their position as Wired's top pick for over-ear models, frequently available at discounts from their $398 retail price. The fifth-generation headphones deliver what Wired calls "more energetic" sound compared to previous models, with 30 hours of battery life and an 8.5/10 noise-canceling rating.
The stranglehold Sony has on this category becomes clear in the honorable mentions. The aging WH-1000XM4 still commands $250-$350 pricing despite being five years old, while the newer WF-1000XM5 earbuds hold steady at $298 with their smaller, slicker design.
Apple makes its presence felt through the Beats brand. The Beats Fit Pro earbuds, priced at $199, earn recognition for their physical control buttons and spatial audio compatibility - features that set them apart in an increasingly touch-control dominated market.
The guide reveals interesting shifts in the premium segment. Bowers & Wilkins commands $400 for both its Pi8 earbuds and PX7 S2e headphones, positioning itself as the luxury alternative to mainstream brands. Meanwhile, Beyerdynamic's Amiron 300 earbuds at $280 target audiophiles seeking "quiet luxury" with 10-hour battery life.
