(Noise) cancel culture: These are the very best headphones to survive the subway and more

In the city that never sleeps, it’s nice to have a few moments of quiet.

And though it’s rarely quiet here in New York City, a good pair of headphones can create that silent oasis for you. Which headphones are the most NYC-proof, though?

Even if it seems simple, there are many factors that go into picking the right headphones. Rather than comparing pairs in controlled office environments, we took to the streets. Twelve testers tried between one and three pairs each, running each pair through a series of tests.

It all led to this.

See our full testing criteria

These are the headphones that stand up to subway noise, offer crystal clear phone calls even when you’re walking through Times Square and help you stay aware of your surroundings as you navigate the city.

Best earbuds

Best overall: Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro

Pros:

Customizable fit
App-less design
Flexible noise cancelation
Bluetooth multipoint connection

Cons:

“Bean-like” shape may be a dealbreaker for some

Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro has five levels of noise cancellation that can be adjusted to your preferences, with one being a step above nothing at all and five being extreme active noise cancellation. On a five, you’re getting extremely effective noise cancellation.

Entertainment Reporter Eric Todisco tested these on the subway and noted that the noise cancellation was so effective he “mostly only wore one” so he could hear his surroundings.

The headphones come with a full charge out of the box (all three testers called out the excellent battery life), and the case is unique in that it has a touchscreen for controls, showing battery life, sound modes (noise cancelling, transparency, etc.), and even has a screen that acts as a remote for your phone’s camera. The “bean-like’ shaped buds are customizable with five sizes of ear-tips and three wing-tip sizes included in the package so you can find your perfect, secure fit.

Commerce Partnerships Manager Frank Massaro was impressed from the jump. “The LED interface showing battery of case and buds with easy to read visual indicators is a major plus,” he said.

Massaro also praised the case’s durability. He dropped them from a few different heights and never found himself scrambling to pick up scattered earbuds.

In terms of sound, these are equipped with Dolby Spatial Audio and optimized for Dolby Atmos. Massaro puts it, “sound really pops.” All of the testers were impressed with the sound quality and mentioned being able to dissect songs by identifying instruments within them.

Best Apple headphones: Apple AirPods Pro 3

Pros:

Best suited for Apple devices
Hearing health protection features

Cons:

Fall out of the case easily
Only available in white, dirties easily

Despite not being an overall winner, AirPods are a classic option and after using a few pairs of Apple headphones over the past 10 years, I can confidently say these are the best pair from the tech giant.

The latest AirPods Pro 3 are loaded with features, including live translation when paired with an iPhone using Apple Intelligence and hearing health protection with the option to use as a hearing aid for perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

AirPods are incredibly easy to set up and use with other Apple products, and connect seamlessly to your devices without the need for an additional app download.

The noise cancellation is as good as it gets, with interesting features like an adaptive mode, which sits somewhere between active noise cancellation and transparency mode, dynamically adjusting the level of external noise based on your changing environment. Additionally, it adjusts volume based on your surroundings no matter which mode you’re using.

There’s also Conversation Awareness mode, which automatically lowers your media volume and enhances voices in front of you once you start speaking, then restores your audio when you finish. I’ve found this to be especially useful as someone who doesn’t typically use modes other than noise cancellation.

AirPods Pro 3 support Dolby Atmos where possible, but only on Apple Music. As someone who switches between Apple Music and Spotify, there is a noticeable difference depending on which app I’m currently using. With AirPods, Apple Music audio has more depth, while Spotify’s has more volume.

Battery life: Up to 8 hours on one charge, up to 24 hours with charging case | Water resistant: Yes, IP57 rating against dust, sweat and water | Noise cancelling: Yes + Transparency mode | AUX option: no | Case included: Yes | Weight: 2.56 ounces | Special features: Live translation, hearing health protection, customizable fit, auto-adjusting volume | Warranty: 1-Year Apple limited warranty, AppleCare add-on option available

Best noise-canceling: Sony WH-1000XM6 Earbuds

Pros:

Effective noise cancellation
Great call quality
Sleek design

Cons:

Earbuds themselves are heavy
Case isn’t as secure as other pairs tested

Like all the other earbuds tested, the Sony WH-1000XM6 earbuds have noise cancelling and transparency modes; Massaro called it “too good,” while Todisco noted that it was just the right amount when on the subway and Reporter Jolie Zenna agreed.

Dual processors and eight adaptive microphones help adapt noise cancellation or transparency to your environment in real time without sacrificing music quality. Developed with mastering audio engineers, you’re getting studio-level clarity no matter what mode you’re listening in.

Two of three testers also mentioned that the call quality was better on these than other tested pairs, thanks to the dual beamforming microphones, a bone conduction sensor and AI-powered noise reduction technology.

The design is sleek, but testers still noted some flaws. Massaro found them heavy and Todsico found they sat awkwardly inside his ear. However, Zenna found them comfortable. “Sometimes I even forget I’m wearing them,” she said.

The case also wasn’t as durable, as dropping it sent the earbuds flying almost every time.

Battery life: 24 hours total (eight with the earbuds and 16 hours with the case) | Water resistant: Yes, IPX4 rating | Noise cancelling: Yes + Transparency mode | AUX option: No | Case included: Yes | Weight: 2 ounces | Special features: Mastering Engineer tuned + 10 Band EQ, bone conduction sensor for phone calls | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

Best over-ear headphones

Best overall: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)

Pros:

Lightweight, with comfortable cushioning
Adjustable levels of noise cancellation
Spatial audio

Cons:

Price may be prohibitive for some
Ear cups are not removable or washable

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) really stood out for its comfort and was the best-sounding pair of over-ear headphones.

Tester, Commerce Partnerships Associate Brooke Parker, has a number of ear piercings and sometimes wears glasses (as do I), and found that these were so comfortable that she “forgot [she] even had them on at times.” Parker also noted that the sliders adjusting the headband size are easy to use, pushing the headphones up rather than widening the width.

The sleek design and shiny chrome details are another great touch. “I feel like Charli XCX when I wear these,” Senior Commerce Social Media Marketing Manager Michelle Moezam said.

As for sound, Bose has a great setting in its app that allows complete customization of the sound profile, from levels of noise cancellation to transparency mode and different types of spatial audio. Quiet mode (one of the defaults, with high noise cancellation and static audio) impressed our testers.

“Minus the music, I couldn’t hear anything,” said Commerce Deputy Editor Holly J Coley. “I tried the mode while standing next to my TV on full blast and couldn’t hear anything other than my SoundCloud playlist.”

The same goes for the opposite, transparency mode. The awareness mode “picks up train announcements and oncoming bikes, cars and foot traffic,” Parker shared.

With all these features, the battery life was something to consider, as more active features tend to drain it faster. Coley noted the battery dropped quicker when using more of the immersive features. Parker used them for two full workdays with noise cancellation on and finished with about 30% of battery remaining.

Best for travel: Beats Studio Pro

Pros:

Available in a range of colors
Integration with Apple devices
Folds up small both inside and outside the case

Cons:

Ear cups are not removable or washable
More structured, can become uncomfortable

Available in a range of trendy colors, the Beats Studio Pro are stylish and great for travel.

Coley noticed that the Beats did not impact the weight of her bag when she needed to store them. Parker echoed this sentiment, saying that even though the Beats, which fold up into a rectangular soft case, are still a little bulky, “it was a minimal issue.”

The Beats Studio Pro are also my favorite for traveling, in part because of the included AUX cable that allows me to plug them into the TV on a plane. The case is also easier to pack compared to other large headphones.

Testers also noted the Beats’ call clarity (Coley said she felt less disconnected from the call while wearing them, and Parker said they offered a little more transparency).

With active noise cancellation, a transparency mode and support for Dolby Atmos, you’re always getting crisp, immersive sound. Coley found the noise cancellation to be less all-encompassing than the Bose, but noted that when she waited on the subway platform, she could see the train approach without hearing it.

It is worth mentioning that the Beats are a little heavier and have less cushioning than the Bose. The ear cups are slightly smaller, but still do the job, though one tester did have to take them off to give her ears a break after a while.

Battery life: Up to 40 hours | Water resistant: No | Noise cancelling: Yes, Adaptive ANC, Transparency Mode, with quiet controls | AUX option: Yes | Case included: Yes | Weight: 260 grams | Special features: Built-in sound profiles, 10-minute fast charge, Personalized spatial audio | Warranty: 1-year limited and 90-day complimentary technical support

Most stylish: Apple AirPods Max (2nd Gen)

Pros:

Multiple color options available
Sleek aluminum and stainless steel design
Ear cups are removable and can be washed

Cons:

Never fully turn off
Case does not protect the headband
Less cushioned headband

The Apple AirPods Max are incredibly stylish. Available in five color options that range from bold navy to pastel purple, the aluminum casing and stainless steel headband look great on anyone.

However, I found comfort was sacrificed for style here. The headband lacks any real cushioning and the almost rectangular shape of the ear cups made them a pair of headphones that I struggled to wear for long periods. By the end of my hour-long commute, I wanted to rip them off of my head.

But comfort is extremely subjective and Moezam liked how cozy these are. Like the AirPods Pro 3, these over-ear AirPods have conversation mode and the automatically adjusting volume feature that I find a huge pro, especially when using them on the subway or walking across Times Square.

I have no complaints about the sound, either, as the quality is excellent and the personalized spatial audio is a great addition, especially when listening to music on Apple Music. Moezam found these “less ‘techy’ than the others” despite being more expensive.

A design difference worth mentioning is that, unlike other tested headphones, these don’t completely power down. They lack a traditional power button and enter low-power sleep modes once placed inside the smart case. Since they’re still actively using battery, you may need to charge them more frequently.

Best open-ear headphones

Best overall: Shokz OpenDots 2

Pros:

Interchangeable (no left or right)
Five color options
Dolby audio
Multipoint connection

With open-ear headphones, noise cancellation becomes less of a priority, as these pairs will all sit on top and curve around your ear instead of sitting inside it. Still, Commerce Senior Manager of Growth Adam Schubak said, “The Shokz were effective in blocking out most noise but failed to cancel out the sound of a screeching train entering the station.”

Commerce Associate Editor Hannah Southwick intentionally tried making noise (shuffling papers, cooking, etc.) around her apartment while wearing these to see what she could hear, and in the end, heard slightly more than when she wore a different pair.

Essentially, they’re doing their job and doing it well, making them the best in this category.

Even without fancy modes like noise cancellation, OpenDots 2 are equipped with Dolby Audio. When testing for sound quality, Southwick said the music felt immersive and she could “hear the different instruments clearly.”

Commerce reporter Nishka Dhawan noted that there was little-to-no audio leakage and pointed out that in the office, she was able to listen to music and have a full conversation with a coworker.

Southwick, who has also tried an earlier version of this product, said, “These feel far more secure.” They are, in fact, the only open-ear headphones I can comfortably wear for hours, sometimes forgetting they’re even there.

Best for working out: JBL Soundgear Clips

Pros:

Bold color options and fun design
Clip-on design, but still secure
Waterproof and sweatproof

Cons:

No noise cancelation
Case can be tricky to put headphones in
Some may find these uncomfortable

If you’re taking a pair of headphones to the gym, you may want to consider these.

“These were the most effective in drowning out noise for me,” Schubak said. “I had co-workers walk in and try to get my attention for several minutes, which I was totally oblivious to. They also successfully drowned out common subway noise aside from the train brakes.”

Designed for minimal sound leakage, the JBL Soundgear Clips use an Adaptive Bass Boost algorithm for smooth, rich sound.

It’s the clip-on design that pushes them toward the top of the heap when it comes to working out. Due to the larger back part of the clip, these are a lot more secure and you won’t feel like you’re constantly needing to adjust them just to stay on.

However, this design is also a flaw in some cases, as multiple testers found them to get uncomfortable after a little while, specifically due to that larger piece of the clip.

Best transparency mode: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Pros:

Best transparency mode
Waterproof

Cons:

Require more adjusting to stay on

If you’re looking for Bose sound in a smaller, less noise-cancelling package, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds are a solid choice.

With Bose Immersive Audio spatialized sound, these open-ear earbuds bring you closer to the music without drowning out everything else around you.

Commerce and Content Strategy reporter Victoria McDonnell was impressed by the sound after listening to four different pieces of instrumental music, noting she “heard an immersive 360-degree soundstage with every instrument sounding crisp, defined, and well separated.

“The bass was full without overpowering the rest of the mix, and the layered orchestration came through beautifully.”

Schubak found that these open-ear headphones offered the most transparency, explaining that the “open-ear offering sits enough outside of the ear that you can still hear what’s happening in the world around you.”

Headphones compared

Headphones	Price	Standout Features
Best Overall: Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro	$169.99	Touchscreen case, Dolby audio, customizable fit, five levels of noise cancellation, waterproof
Best Apple headphones: Apple AirPods Pro 3	$249.00	Live translation, hearing health features, auto-adjusting volume, waterproof
Best noise-canceling: Sony WH-1000XM6 Earbuds	$328.00	Bone conduction sensor for phone calls, AI-powered noise reduction technology, waterproof
Best over-ear headphones: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)	$449.00	Customizable sound profiles with ANC, transparency, spatial audio, long battery life
Best for travel: Beats Studio Pro	$299.99	AUX connection, fast charge, spatial audio
Most stylish: Apple AirPods Max (2nd Gen)	$549.99	Multiple color options, removable ear cups, Dolby Atmos spatial audio, live translation, auto-adjusting volume
Best open-ear headphones: Shokz OpenDots 2	$199.95	Multipoint pairing, Dolby audio, interchangeable (no assigned left or right), waterproof
Best for working out: JBL Soundgear Clips	$149.95	Super secure design, bold color options, bass boost, multipoint connection, waterproof
Best transparency mode: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds	$299.00	Spatialized sound, easy pairing, waterproof

How we tested

We tested headphones across three different categories: earbuds, over-ear and open-ear. For the most part, testers were consistent across categories to not only determine which pair was the absolute best, but also to have something to compare to.

For each category, the question was always the same: Which pair of headphones is best for long NYC days, from subway to streets?

Testing criteria

Subway noise (for over-ear and earbuds): Can it block screeching brakes, platform announcements, performers, crying babies and the person watching TikTok out loud?
Call clarity: Can someone hear you while you’re walking down Broadway, near construction?
Comfort: Can you wear them from commute to office to errands without ear pain?
- Over-ear: Consider pierced ears and glasses as things that may make headphones less comfortable. Is the headband itself tight?
- Earbuds: Do they come with ear tips in different sizes? Did you have to change the size of the ear tips to comfortably wear them? How long do you last before you want to rip them out of your head?
- Open-ear: Do they feel secure on your ear, or do you find yourself having to constantly adjust?
Battery life: Can they last a full outside-all-day New York schedule?
Awareness mode (for all, but especially for open-ear): Can you hear enough to not miss your stop or get hit by a Citi Bike?
Bag compatibility (primarily for over-ear): Do they store well or are they eating up your entire work tote?
Style factor: Do they look sleek or like you work in airport security?
Durability (for open-ear and earbuds): Drop your earbuds in the case. Does it stay closed? Do they fall out and fly everywhere?
Sound quality: Listen to these four songs from film scores. How do they sound? Are songs layered and complex, or do they sound flat? Can you clearly hear the different instruments? Which of the pairs make these songs sound the best?
- “Cantina Band” by John Williams (“Star Wars: A New Hope”)
- “Run Free” by Hans Zimmer (“Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron”)
- “The Mandalorian” by Ludwig Göransson (“The Mandalorian – Chapter 1”)
- “Enterprising Young Men” by Michael Giacchino (“Star Trek”)

Which is worth it? Final verdict

Nine pairs of headphones and one very musical testing period later, here we are: completely blown away by the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro.

Our testing proved that these headphones have what it takes to make it in NYC. They’re comfortable, with plenty of adjustments available to maximize that comfort, have battery life for a week at a time and do noise cancellation better than any other pair we tried. Fun bonuses, like a touchscreen case and Dolby audio, also make the pair even better.

That’s not to say all of the other headphones aren’t worthy of city life. Headphones, like most things, are extremely subjective, which is why we tried to bring you well-rounded recommendations. Not an earbud person? Then our over-ear overall winner, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen), might be the one for you.

But for the average, on-the-go New Yorker, it’s hard to beat the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro.

Our testers

Angela Tricarico, commerce streaming reporter | Products tested: all nine pairs

“After using a few pairs of Apple headphones over the past ten or so years, I can confidently say these AirPods Pros are the best pair the tech giant has ever put out.”

Michelle Moezam, senior commerce social media marketing manager | Products tested: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen), Beats Studio Pro, Apple AirPods Max (2nd Gen)

“As a woman, I get scared sometimes wearing over-the-ear headphones with noise cancelling and I love how [Bose has] so many options in the app about customizing the specific levels of sound cancelling you’d like.”

Holly J Coley, commerce deputy editor | Products tested: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen), Beats Studio Pro

“I never understood what noise cancellation was until I tested the Beats Studio Pro. However, Bose noise cancellation may have Beats beat. I walked through a block party — maybe I heard one voice.”

Brooke Parker, commerce partnerships associate | Products tested: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen), Beats Studio Pro

“Both the Beats and Bose have great awareness mode that picks up train announcements and oncoming bikes, cars and foot traffic.”

Frank Massaro, commerce partnerships manager | Products tested: Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro, Sony WH-1000XM6

“There is a noticeable difference between ANC and transparency sound mode [on the Soundcore Liberty Pro 5], much more comes through on transparency mode.”

Jolie Zenna, Reporter | Products tested: Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro, Sony WH-1000XM6

“Both Sony and Soundcore earbuds effectively block loud noises on the subway, but Soundcore blocks the extra loud noise like screeching brakes a bit better.”

Eric Todisco, Entertainment Reporter | Products tested: Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro, Sony WH-1000XM6

“The Soundcore fit much more comfortably and never bothered me when I was on the move, to the point where I’d forget they were in.”

Adam Schubini, commerce senior manager of growth | Products tested: Shokz OpenDots 2, JBL Soundgear Clips, Bose Ultra Open

“For me, the JBL wins out simply because the design sits better on my ear and makes for a more comfortable and enjoyable listening experience.”

Nishka Dhawan, commerce reporter | Products tested: Shokz OpenDots 2, JBL Soundgear Clips

“The music sounded much more well-rounded [with Shokz]. Whether I was listening to musical scores or jamming out to some Bollywood dance hits, the sound felt even and clear, and there was little to no audio leakage.

Hannah Southwick, commerce associate editor | Products tested: Shokz OpenDots 2, JBL Soundgear Clips

“Overall, I liked the sound quality much better on the Shokz. It made these songs feel immersive, and I could definitely hear the different instruments clearly.”

Victoria McDonnell, commerce & content strategy reporter | Products tested: Bose Ultra Open

“[Bose] delivered a truly impressive listening experience. Across all four film score tracks, I heard an immersive 360-degree soundstage with every instrument sounding crisp, defined, and well separated.”

Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.