Edifier makes some good-sounding PC speakers and true-wireless earbuds and it's done a nice job with its W820NB noise-canceling headphones, now on their second-gen version, the Edifier W820NB Plus. The first thing you'll notice about them when you put them on is that they're comfortable -- Edifier has upgraded the ear pads with higher-grade memory foam -- and the headphones fit snugly on your head. They also sound good for their price, offering slightly improved audio quality from the originals, thanks to what appear to be upgraded drivers (also, they now support the LDAC audio codec for Android devices). You get a bit more clarity and slightly better bass definition. Their sound didn't necessarily blow me away -- they lack a bit of openness -- but it's very good for what the headphones cost. Like their predecessor, they're pleasant-sounding headphones -- and even a bit more so now.
Other features include an ambient mode that lets outside sound in and a low-latency gaming mode. The noise canceling has been upgraded slightly and they're decent for voice calling. Battery life is pretty impressive with up to 49 hours of battery life on a single charge at moderate volume levels (and noise canceling off).
A couple of things are still missing. There's no carrying case or headphone jack, though you can connect them to your computer with the included USB-C to USB-A cable. But the 820NB Plus headphones are still a good value.
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.
If you’re trying to find some peace and quiet when working from home, at the office, at school or during your morning commute, then a great pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones can work wonders for your sanity. Think of headphones as self-care for your ears.
From the travelers to the budget-conscious, we rounded up the best headphones from the top brands, including Bose, Sony, Apple and more. If you’re looking for something with amazing battery life, or looking for something with excellent audio quality, then we have you covered with our recommendations.
Below, check out the best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy online.
Amazon
For the best overall pair of headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones are made for anyone looking for a comfortable fit, premium audio and excellent noise-cancelling settings. They feature an over-the-ear design to physically block out background noise, while Sony’s powerful HD Noise-Cancelling Processor QN1 chip works with their built-in eight-microphone setup to analyze and reduce ambient sounds on-the-fly.
In addition, these headphones have a long battery life of up to 30 hours, so you can immerse yourself in your favorite music and podcasts all day before plugging them back into a charger.
Amazon
Traveling can be stressful, especially if you are on a loud flight with a roaring engine on your left side and a crying baby on your right. However, you can enjoy a pleasant and calm trip with a pair of Bose 700 Noise-Cancelling Headphones — thanks to their eight-microphone system that’s designed to reject ambient noise.
Meanwhile, the microphone system is used to boost your voice, while blocking out background noise for crystal clear phone calls — even in a busy airport. These wireless headphones also feature the premium and customizable audio in which Bose is known. They even come with a durable and tough carrying case designed for travel.
$299
$379
21% off
Amazon
If you’re an iPhone user, then the Apple AirPods Max are the best over-the-ear wireless headphones for your Apple smartphone. Equipped with dual H1 headphone chips (one for each earcup), the AirPods Max feature premium audio quality with full lossless support for a richer music experience. They also feature a handy Digital Crown on their right ear cup for volume and music controls, while they also get up to 20 hours of battery life per charge for nearly all-day use.
Meanwhile, the Apple AirPods Max pair to every Apple product, like the iPhone, iPad, MacBook and others. In fact, once these headphones are paired with an iPhone, they can seamlessly switch between Apple devices without missing a beat, so you don’t have to fiddle with any settings.
$479.99
$549
13% off
Amazon
If sound quality is most important to you, then the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Headphones feature robust and detailed audio with a comfortable and lightweight fit. Compatible with Apple and Android devices, these headphones offer clarity and richness — thanks to their acoustic audio system and angled drive design to deliver music and podcasts to your ears. They also have advanced noise-cancelling settings, so you can enjoy your favorite tunes and podcast episodes in peace and quiet.
Amazon
Looking for wallet-friendly headphones? The Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Wireless Headphones are a fantastic pair — thanks to their plush memory foam design, immersive audio and impressive noise-cancelling features at an affordable price. These headphones are designed for work, home use and travel, while they offer up to a long 40-hour battery life per charge. That’s nearly two days of use!
$54
$59.99
10% off
Amazon
The Beats Studio Pro headphones stand out for their sleek and stylish design with the brand’s iconic “b” logo imprinted on each earcup. While they’ll turn heads when you’re wearing them, these wireless headphones also have Beats’ signature audio quality and noise-cancelling settings for clarity and deep bass.
Meanwhile, since Apple owns Beats by Dre, they also have iOS features without the hefty price tag, including spatial audio for immersive virtual surround sound and seamless syncing with Apple products.
Amazon
With up to a whopping 50 hours of battery life per charge, the Sennheiser Accentum Headphones offer detailed and expansive audio quality for over two days of use. And best of all, these headphones are also very comfortable to wear with their lightweight design that doesn’t clamp on your head or put a lot of pressure on your ears during long sessions. They also have top-of-the-line noise-cancelling features, so you can focus on your music or your phone calls without any distractions from the outside world.