Immerse yourself in pure sound with our guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones in Canada. We've reviewed top models for sound quality, noise cancellation effectiveness, and comfort.
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: Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Upgrade Pick: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Budget Pick: Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Apple Exclusive: Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Best Quick-Charge: Sonos Ace Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Our Top Pick for The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones Review
What We Think of the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
There are a lot of things to like about the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones. The Speak-to-Chat is one of the features we love most — if you need to have a conversation with someone, all you have to do is start talking. Your headphones will automatically pause the audio and allow the ambient noise in. So cool.
With five built-in microphones and excellent ambient noise cancellation, your phone calls will be clearer than they ever have been before. Plus, since these headphones have Amazon Alexa built-in, you can control your audio without needing to touch the controls. Perfect for when your hands are busy. We also really like that you can pair two devices at once — you can listen to music on your laptop and receive calls on your phone without needing to take your headphones off!
We are very happy to report that there is nothing wrong with these headphones. At all. The price tag might be the only thing that makes you think twice about choosing them. Although they are more expensive than other options, you’re getting a lot of quality in return. If you can afford to invest in these headphones, we promise you won’t regret it.
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones are the best things you can buy in this arena right now. With highly effective noise cancellation, a ton of useful features, and a great battery life, these headphones are perfect for every listening scenario.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 3.5/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Reviewers are very pleased with the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones. The sound quality is great, the noise-cancelling technology works very well, and they are very happy with the fit and comfort of the earpieces. They also really love that the headphones work with Alexa and can pair to two devices at once. They have no complaints about battery life, either.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You’ll need to have conversations while wearing your headphones
Voice assistant compatibility would be nice
You’ll be using your headphones for phone calls
You’ll want to pair multiple devices
Don’t Buy If…
You’re not looking to spend very much
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones Specifications
Dimensions: 7.3” x 3” x 9.9”
Weight: 0.6 lbs
Colour: Silver
Noise Cancellation Technology: Active
Battery Life: 30 hrs
Quick Charge: 10 min charge for 5 hrs of playback
Warranty: 1 year
Our Upgrade Pick
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones Review
What We Think of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
We really like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones. In fact, we think they’re one of the best pairs of headphones you can buy right now if you’re looking for excellent sound quality (hello immersive audio!) and noise cancellation in all kinds of environments. No matter where you are or what’s going on, these headphones will deliver your audio the way it’s meant to be heard, perfectly clear and perfectly isolated.
With three different noise-cancellation modes (Quiet mode, Aware mode, and Immersive mode), these headphones are truly suited for everybody in every situation. And since the included case is so high-quality, you’ll be able to travel anywhere without worrying about your headphones staying safe. With cushy ear cups and a very well-padded band, your comfort is prioritized, too.
There are only two reasons these headphones might not be your perfect fit. The battery life isn’t as great as we’d expect considering you only get 24 hours of playtime before they need a recharge. And since 15 minutes of charging only gives 2.5 hours of playback, the quick charge system isn’t great for last-minute-ers. Otherwise, the high price tag might be your only deterrent.
Overall, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones are simply unbeatable when it comes to sound quality and noise-cancelling effectiveness. It’s 100% true that you get what you pay for with these ones. Even the case is top-notch.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 3/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Reviewers have nothing but good things to say about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones. They’re incredibly comfortable, are very effective at cancelling all kinds of ambient noises, and the audio quality could not be better. They really appreciate how high-quality the case is, too. They’d all choose these headphones again, even with the high price.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You’ll want to adapt your noise-cancellation to different situations
Comfort is a priority
You’ll be travelling with your headphones fairly often
You like to be fully immersed in your audio
Don’t Buy If…
You’re shopping on a budget
You frequently forget to charge your headphones when the battery is low
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones Specifications
Dimensions: 2” x 5.5” x 7.7”
Weight: 0.6 lbs
Colour: Black, white, or lunar blue
Noise Cancellation Technology: Active
Battery Life: 24 hrs
Quick Charge: 15 min charge for 2.5 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
Also Great
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones Review
What We Think of the Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones
There are a lot of reasons to like the Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones. Especially if you’re a dedicated Apple user. You’ll be able to charge them with the same cables you use for your other devices, and your new headphones will pair in seconds. You can also rely on them to elevate your style — they come in five stunning and unique colours.
When it comes to actual performance, these headphones are almost unbeatable. A personalized spatial audio experience adapts the sound to your ear shape and tracks your head movements to make sure every note is crystal clear. With pro-level noise cancellation, your environment will disappear entirely whenever you need it to.
There are a few reasons you might not love these headphones. First of all, they’re some of the most expensive ones out there, and they just might not be worth it for you. Also, the battery life is pretty short at 20 hours, and combined with the heavier weight, they aren’t very well-suited to folks who spend a lot of time wearing headphones every day.
Overall, the Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones are pretty impressive all around. Whether you’re keen on blocking out every sound or enjoying crystal clear audio (or both!), these headphones are a great choice.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 2/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Reviewers have a great opinion of the Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones. They could not be happier with the sound quality — every note is crystal clear no matter what the source is. And the noise-cancelling performance is truly flawless. The short battery life and heavier weight are their only complaints.
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones Pros and Cons
Buy If…
Style matters to you
You need highly effective noise cancellation
Personalized audio appeals to you
You’re a loyal Apple user
Don’t Buy If…
You don’t want to spend a lot on new headphones
You don’t want to charge very often
You frequently wear headphones for hours at a time
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones Specifications
Dimensions: 7.4” x 6.6” x 3.3”
Weight: 0.9 lbs
Colour: Midnight, blue, purple, orange, or starlight
Noise Cancellation Technology: Active
Battery Life: 20 hrs
Quick Charge: 5 mins for 1.5 hrs of playback
Warranty: 1 year
Sonos Ace Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones Review
What We Think of the Sonos Ace Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The Sonos Ace Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones have a lot going for them. One of the standout features is the spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. You’ll feel completely surrounded by sound, and since the speakers are incredibly high-quality, your music will have never sounded better. And the effective noise cancellation will help you enjoy it more than you thought possible.
The battery life on these ones is also quite impressive. A 30-hour battery life is nothing to scoff at, but the true gem is the quick-charge feature. In as little as three minutes, you’ll get at least three hours of playtime. Isn’t that remarkable? These headphones also allow you to listen to your environment while your audio is playing, and you can swap between two connected devices almost instantly. Talk about convenience!
The only thing that might not quite suit you here is the price of these headphones. They’re on the more expensive side, and unless you really take advantage of all they have to offer, they might not be a worthwhile investment for you. The quality is there to make them worth it, though.
All in all, the Sonos Ace Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones are pretty special. They’re easy to pair with every kind of device, they perform exceptionally well in every environment, and they have the best quick-charge system out there. What’s not to love?
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 3/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Sonos Ace Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Reviewers have a high opinion of the Sonos Ace Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones. They’re incredibly comfortable to wear and store very easily in the included case. And they’re very pleased with the sound quality — they hear subtleties in songs they’ve never noticed before! And the noise cancellation is very reliable.
Sonos Ace Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones Pros and Cons
Buy If…
Comfort is a priority for you
You enjoy spatial audio
You like to stay aware of your environment while enjoying audio
You’d appreciate seamless switching between connected devices
Don’t Buy If…
You’re shopping on a budget
Sonos Ace Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones Specifications
Dimensions: 7.5” x 6.3” x 3.3”
Weight: 0.7 lbs
Colour: White or black
Noise Cancellation Technology: Active
Battery Life: 30 hrs
Quick Charge: 3 min charge for 3 hrs of playback
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.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.