It’s time to head back to school with the ultimate study buddy: a pair of noise-canceling headphones or earbuds. Whether you’re hitting the books in a crowded coffee shop or trying to focus in a bustling dorm room, the right headphones can make all the difference.Â
With so many options out there, it can be tough to know which headphones or earbuds are worth your hard-earned cash. We’ve rounded models that deliver great noise-cancellation, all-day comfort, and battery life that won’t quit halfway through your study marathon.
You’ve probably already chosen a computer desk and laptop as well as a new smartphone. Don’t forget to add a pair of these noise-canceling headphones to your back-to-school checklist. Block out the noise and focus on what matters this year.Â
The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Students in 2024
Beats Studio Pro
Beats Studio Pro
These Beats offer excellent noise cancellation whether you’re using them to listen to a recorded lecture or chatting with friends while walking around campus. They’re also luxurious and plush, and comfortable enough for lengthy wear sessions.Â
Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max
For those who love the sound quality of AirPods but prefer the fit of over-the-ear headphones, the AirPods Max are a good choice. Activate the Active Noise Cancellation mode to reduce ambient noise while enjoying the music, or activate Transparency mode to hear surroundings. They’re an excellent companion for school or elsewhere.Â
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are perfectly portable and compact for students and anyone else needing a minimalistic earbud. From smarter noise cancellation to superior three-dimensional sound and battery life, Apple’s H2 chip improves on the best features of AirPods Pro in a big way.
Monoprice BT-600 ANC Bluetooth Headphones
Monoprice BT-600 ANC Bluetooth Headphones
This budget buy will surprise you in terms of quality. They’re absolutely fantastic in terms of noise cancellation. They use internal and external microphones to cancel out low and mid-frequency noises. They’re also low-profile and sleek, and their over-the-ear design rivals some of the more expensive models out on the market.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones
These are built for audiophiles, but they’re great for students who want a comfortable pair of headphones. While they block out sound (a boon for students), their transparency mode lets you hear all the important things. But you can melt back into the music as soon as you’re ready. They’re sleek, lightweight, and offer 60 hours of playback time with fast charging.
Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones
Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones
These crisp, great-sounding headphones are eye-catching and lightweight, which makes them perfect for style-conscious students. They include fantastic noise-cancellation options, spatial audio support and voice control so you can spin through your favorite songs without manually changing each tune.
Razer Opus X Wireless Headphones
Razer Opus X Wireless Headphones
Students are going to need to blow off some steam by gaming. And what better way to do so than with a gaming headset with noise cancellation? These come in fun candy colors and feature an excellent “Gaming Mode” for low latency connections to reduce lag. Its ANC swiftly reduces ambient noises and outside annoyances to keep you in the game or enjoying your favorite tunes.
Beats Studio Buds
Beats Studio Buds
Beats Studio Buds are great for students looking for style and quality in one package, with up to eight hours of listening time and active noise cancellation. They come with multiple ear tip sizes so you can find the right fit, and are water-resistant so you can work out without worrying about them being damaged or malfunctioning.
Find everything you need to head back to class for the 2024-2025 school year in our Fall 2024 Back-to-School Shopping Guide.
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