Struggling to focus with all that background noise? Whether you’re studying in a busy dorm, a bustling coffee shop, or even a shared home, the right noise cancelling headphones can help you concentrate better and block out distractions. We’ve handpicked the best headphones for studying in 2025—from affordable gems to premium noise-blocking beasts—based on ANC performance, comfort, battery life, and student-friendliness.
Top Pick: Sony WH-1000XM5 – unmatched focus, all-day comfort.
Scroll down for detailed reviews, study tips, and smart buying advice.
If you’re organizing your study time, it might also be helpful to explore the best study planners for students, which can further improve your productivity and time management.
Quick Pick: Best Headphones at a Glance
Short on time? Here are our top two picks:
- Sony WH-1000XM5 – Best overall for distraction-free studying
- Anker Soundcore Q20 – Best budget-friendly option for students
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Studying (Top Picks)
These top-rated headphones balance comfort, price, and premium noise cancellation to help students focus in any environment — from crowded dorms to loud libraries.
Sony WH-1000XM5 – Best Overall for Focus
4.7/5 | Battery: 30 hrs | Type: Over-ear | Price: $200 to $220
The gold standard in noise cancelling headphones—designed for serious focus and long study sessions.
✅ Pros:
- Industry-leading ANC performance
- Super comfortable for extended wear
- Excellent sound clarity and ambient sound control
❌ Cons:
- Premium price point
Why it’s good for studying:
Whether you’re in a busy coffee shop or a noisy apartment, the WH-1000XM5 blocks out distractions with pinpoint precision. Its all-day battery life and light build make it a top pick for marathon study sessions.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 – Best Budget Option for Students
⭐ 4.5/5 | Battery: 40 hrs | Type: Over-ear | Price: $
Affordable ANC headphones that punch well above their price tag.
✅ Pros:
- Great value for the price
- Comfortable ear cushions
- Long battery life
❌ Cons:
- ANC isn’t as powerful as premium models
- Slightly bulkier design
💬 Why it’s good for studying:
The Q20 delivers solid noise reduction without breaking the bank—perfect for students needing reliable focus in shared spaces or dorms.
Bose QuietComfort 45 – Best for Comfort & Libraries
⭐ 4.6/5 | Battery: 24 hrs | Type: Over-ear | Price: $$$
Exceptional comfort with balanced noise cancelling—ideal for quiet environments.
✅ Pros:
- Lightweight and ultra-comfortable
- Balanced audio for low-volume studying
- Smooth, simple controls
❌ Cons:
- Slightly dated design
- Pricey compared to newer models
Why it’s good for studying:
If you’re spending hours in the library, the QC45 offers a gentle fit with strong ANC that doesn’t add pressure—keeping you focused without fatigue.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 – Best Compact Option
⭐ 4.6/5 | Battery: 6 hrs (+24 w/case) | Type: In-ear | Price: $$
Pocket-sized power with smart ANC for students on the go.
✅ Pros:
- Excellent ANC in a tiny form
- Seamless pairing with Apple devices
- Transparency mode for quick awareness
❌ Cons:
- Shorter battery compared to over-ears
- May not fit all ear types perfectly
Why it’s good for studying:
Ideal for quick study bursts, library hopping, or those who prefer earbuds over bulky headphones. Great for iPad/Mac users.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 – Best Sound Quality for Audiophile Students
⭐ 4.6/5 | Battery: 60 hrs | Type: Over-ear | Price: $$$
Premium ANC headphones with elite sound quality and extra-long battery life.
✅ Pros:
- Best-in-class sound detail
- 60-hour battery (yes, really)
- Sleek, minimalist design
❌ Cons:
- App features can be glitchy
- Slightly looser fit than competitors
Why it’s good for studying:
If you enjoy listening to music while studying, the Momentum 4 gives you immersive, fatigue-free sound that won’t die mid-session—ideal for all-day library use.
Comparison Table: Best Headphones for Studying at a Glance
| Headphones | ANC Quality | Comfort Level | Battery Life | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 30 hrs | $$$ | Overall performance |
| Anker Q20 | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 40 hrs | $ | Budget-conscious students |
| Bose QC45 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 24 hrs | $$$ | Library & long study sessions |
| AirPods Pro 2 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | 6 hrs (+24) | $$ | Portability & Apple users |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 60 hrs | $$$ | Audiophile students |
Tip: Use this table to quickly compare your top choices. For in-depth reviews, scroll up or down.
How to Choose the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Studying
Whether you’re studying in a loud dorm or commuting to campus, finding the right pair of headphones is about more than just blocking sound. Here’s what students should look for when choosing the best noise cancelling headphones.
Along with headphones, various free study tools can complement your study sessions. These tools help streamline your study materials and keep distractions at bay, making it easier to stay on task.
Noise Cancellation (ANC) Type
There are two main types of noise cancellation:
- Passive Noise Cancellation: Physically blocks noise using the headphone’s design. Common in over-ear headphones with thick padding.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Uses microphones to detect and cancel external noise. Best for unpredictable or loud environments.
ANC Comparison Table
| ANC Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passive | Libraries, quiet spaces | No battery needed, affordable | Limited in noisy areas |
| Active | Dorms, commutes, noisy cafés | Blocks most external noise | More expensive, needs power |
| Hybrid ANC | Mixed use, smart environments | Adaptive, powerful isolation | Premium models only |
Comfort & Fit
Studying for hours? Choose headphones that won’t make your ears ache.
- Over-Ear: Cushioned and best for long sessions.
- In-Ear (Earbuds): Lightweight and portable but may cause ear fatigue.
- Check for memory foam padding, adjustable headbands, and ear pressure relief if you’re sensitive.
Comfort & Fit Table
| Type | Comfort Level | Ideal For | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over-Ear | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Long sessions, libraries | Bulky, less portable |
| In-Ear | ⭐⭐⭐ | On-the-go, short bursts | May slip, less passive isolation |
| On-Ear | ⭐⭐ | Occasional use | Pressure on ears |
Battery Life
Long battery life means fewer distractions from your study flow. Look for:
- 20+ hours for over-ear ANC models
- 5–8 hours for true wireless earbuds (+ charging case)
- Quick charge = 10 min charge for 2–5 hours of use
Battery Life Comparison
| Headphones | Battery (ANC On) | Fast Charging |
|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | 30 hrs | Yes (3 hrs in 10 min) |
| Anker Soundcore Q20 | 40 hrs | Yes |
| AirPods Pro 2 | 6 hrs (+24 case) | Yes |
Bluetooth vs Wired Options
Bluetooth is flexible and wireless—ideal for digital learners.
Wired is best when audio lag must be avoided (exams, Zoom calls, or editing).
Bluetooth vs Wired
| Connection Type | Pros | Cons | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No wires, easy to pair, mobile | Needs charging, possible lag | Studying, commuting, wireless setups |
| Wired | No lag, no battery needed | Tethered, fewer new devices support it | Exams, test-taking, desktop study |
Pro Tip: Some over-ear models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 offer both Bluetooth and wired modes for flexibility.
Budget & Student Discounts
Good news: You don’t need to spend $300 to block out distractions.
- Budget Picks: Anker Soundcore Q20, TOZO NC9, JBL Tune 760NC
- Student Discounts: Check Amazon Prime Student, Best Buy Student Hub, and UNiDAYS for special offers.
Affordable Noise Cancelling Headphones
| Model | Price Range | ANC Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anker Soundcore Q20 | Under $60 | Moderate | Best under $100 |
| TOZO NC9 | Under $50 | Moderate | In-ear budget option |
| JBL Tune 760NC | ~$100 | Strong | Great value pick |
➡️ See Best Budget Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100
Study Tips: How to Use Noise Cancelling Headphones Effectively
Noise-cancelling headphones are powerful tools—but only if you use them right. These tips help you get the most out of them during your study sessions:
Pair ANC with Focus Music or White Noise
- Total silence can feel unnatural. Try pairing ANC with:
- Lo-fi beats
- White noise
- Nature sounds
- Spotify, YouTube, and apps like Brain.fm offer great study playlists.
Pro Tip: Use over-ear models (like the WH-1000XM5) to enhance immersion.
Use Headphones as a Focus Signal
Train your brain to associate headphones with “study mode.” Every time you put them on, it becomes a signal: It’s time to focus.
Habit stacking like this can improve concentration over time.
Study in Pomodoro Sessions
- Wear headphones for 25-minute deep work blocks.
- Take a short break without them to rest your ears.
- Tools like Forest pair well with ANC headphones for time-blocked focus.
Adjust Noise Cancelling Levels Based on Your Space
- Some headphones (like Bose QC45 and Sony XM5) let you adjust ANC levels.
- Full ANC for noisy cafés.
- Ambient mode if you still want to hear important sounds (like in a library or home setting).
Don’t Use Them for Hours Without a Break
- Long use can cause ear fatigue or pressure.
- After every hour, take a 5-minute headphone break to stay refreshed.
Important: Prolonged ANC use at high volume can cause discomfort. Keep it moderate.
Customize EQ Settings for Study Music
- Many headphones come with an app (Sony | Headphones Connect, Bose Music).
- You can tweak audio settings to emphasize vocals or de-emphasize bass—ideal for ambient music.
Ready to Boost Your Focus?
Choose your ideal pair of noise-cancelling headphones and level up your study game:
See Best Picks on Amazon
Who Should Use Noise Cancelling Headphones for Studying?
Noise cancelling headphones aren’t just a luxury — they’re a study essential for many students. Here’s who benefits the most:
Students in Noisy Dorms or Shared Living Spaces
Dorm life means roommates, hallway chatter, and unpredictable noise. ANC headphones help create a personal bubble of silence — ideal for late-night cram sessions or early morning reviews.
if you’re stressed about studying, remember that how to not stress about AP exams is all about creating a calm and efficient study environment—something noise cancelling headphones can contribute to significantly.
Learners with ADHD or Focus Issues
Distractions can completely derail focus, especially for students with ADHD. By minimizing background noise, ANC headphones support concentration, reduce sensory overload, and make it easier to stay on task.
Tip: Pair with white noise or instrumental music for best results.
Online Learners or Remote Class Attendees
Studying from home? ANC headphones cut out household noise (talking, kitchen sounds, etc.) and make virtual lectures or Zoom classes clearer. Look for models with good mic quality and Bluetooth connectivity.
Library or Café Study Regulars
If you study in public spaces, noise cancelling headphones help you focus while still being portable and discreet. Ambient sound modes (available on many models) are useful for staying aware of surroundings when needed.
Commuting Students (Bus, Train, etc.)
Studying on the go can be tough with constant background noise. ANC headphones block out engine hums and chatter, turning your commute into a focused study window.
Bonus: Some headphones even support simultaneous device pairing—great for switching from study playlist to class call.
Is It Worth It for You?
If background noise regularly disrupts your study time, ANC headphones could be the best investment you make this semester.
➡️ Compare Top Picks on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are noise cancelling headphones good for studying?
Yes — especially in loud environments like dorms or cafes. Noise cancelling headphones reduce background distractions, helping improve focus, productivity, and study quality. Many students say they can concentrate better and retain more with ANC (active noise cancellation) enabled.
Which headphones block out the most noise?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose 700 offer industry-leading active noise cancellation. These models use adaptive ANC tech to block a wide range of ambient sounds — from human voices to low-frequency hums — making them ideal for serious study sessions.
Are over-ear or in-ear headphones better for studying?
Over-ear headphones are usually better for studying because they provide stronger noise isolation and are more comfortable for extended use.
In-ear headphones, however, are lighter and more portable — perfect for short study bursts or studying on the go.
Can noise cancelling headphones help students with ADHD?
Yes. Many students with ADHD report that ANC headphones reduce sensory overload, making it easier to focus on reading, lectures, or writing assignments. Blocking out distractions can help maintain attention during long or complex study tasks.
Final Thoughts – Which One Should You Pick?
Still undecided? Here’s a quick recap:
- Want the best overall? Go for the Sony WH-1000XM5 – unbeatable ANC and comfort.
- On a budget? Grab the Anker Soundcore Q20 – solid performance without the price tag.
- Prefer in-ear? Try the Apple AirPods Pro 2 – compact and powerful for mobile studying.
Pro Tip: Always check Amazon for the latest student deals, renewed models, or limited-time discounts!
In conclusion, noise cancelling headphones are an essential tool for students who need to create a productive study environment.
Pair them with other productivity hacks, like effective study planning and GPA improvement strategies, to maximize your success. Check out our Last-Minute AP Exam Tips for additional advice on how to use your study time wisely.
You Might Also Like:
- Best Study Planners for Students
- Free Study Tools for Students
- How to Improve Your GPA Before the Semester Ends
Nawab, an educator with a decade of K-12 teaching, holds a graduate degree and a diploma in elementary education. He has also been blogging for five years, sharing insights for educators and parents.
