I checked the current 2025 reviews and roundups (sources below). Here are the top noise‑cancelling over‑ear headphones for 2025, with short pros/cons and who each is best for.

Top picks (2025)

• Sony WH-1000XM6 — Best overall ANC and features

  • Why: Sony’s 2025 flagship improved ANC (new QN3 chip, 12 mics), excellent sound, long battery and advanced features (LE Audio, multipoint, Scene‑based Listening). Great all‑rounder for travel, work and media. (Sony.mediaroom.com)
  • Tradeoffs: Premium price; fit may not suit everyone.

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra (and QuietComfort Ultra 2) — Best comfort / top-tier noise blocking

  • Why: Class‑leading comfort and strong ANC that reviewers call “world‑class” for blocking ambient noise — excellent for long flights/commutes and office use. Recent QuietComfort Ultra 2 refines battery and materials (2025 reviews). (techgearlab.com)
  • Tradeoffs: Battery life often shorter than some rivals; price is high.

• Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 / Px8 (PX8 S2 is 2025 refresh) — Best for audiophiles who want premium build

  • Why: Luxury materials, very good ANC and hi‑res support (aptX Adaptive / Lossless), premium sound tuning; positioned as a top luxury option in 2025. (theverge.com)
  • Tradeoffs: Expensive; aimed at listeners who prioritize sound and materials.

• Apple AirPods Max (and alternatives for iOS users) — Best for Apple ecosystem (if you want wired/space audio)

  • Why: Still a top pick for iOS users due to integration and spatial audio features; reviewers keep it recommended for Apple-centric setups. (Mentioned as best for iOS in multiple 2025 roundups.) (tomsguide.com)
  • Tradeoffs: Heavy; battery/price considerations.

• Sennheiser / Value and battery contenders (e.g., Sennheiser Momentum series or midrange models)

  • Why: Sennheiser and other brands continue to offer balanced sound, effective ANC and good battery life across price tiers; some budget and midrange models are excellent value picks in 2025 roundups. (tomsguide.com)
  • Tradeoffs: ANC may not match Sony/Bose at top levels, but sound quality is often superior for audiophiles.

• Budget / long‑battery alternatives — Anker / Marshall / 1More / others

  • Why: If you want long battery life and good ANC on a budget, models from Anker (Soundcore), Marshall and 1More appear in 2025 guides as strong value picks. (tomsguide.com)

How to choose (quick guide)

• If ANC performance is your #1 priority (airports, noisy offices): Sony WH‑1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra. (techgearlab.com)
• If you prioritize comfort for very long wear: Bose QuietComfort Ultra / Ultra 2. (theguardian.com)
• If you want the best materials / hi‑res audio and don’t mind the price: Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2. (theverge.com)
• If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem: AirPods Max (or Apple‑friendly Beats models) for seamless iOS features. (tomsguide.com)
• If budget and battery life matter more than absolute noise‑blocking: look at value models from Anker, 1More, Marshall and some Sennheiser options. (techradar.com)

Prices (US, typical ranges in 2025)

• Sony WH‑1000XM6: about $400–$450. (techgearlab.com)
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra: ~$350–$450 (Ultra 2 may be higher). (techgearlab.com)
• Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2: premium ($650–$800+). (theverge.com)
• AirPods Max: premium Apple pricing (varies). (tomsguide.com) (Prices vary by retailer and sales—check current retailers for exact pricing.)

Notes on my sources and timing

• I checked multiple 2025 reviews and roundups (TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, The Verge, TechGearLab, The Guardian and manufacturer announcements) to compile recommendations above, so these reflect the state of the market as of late 2025. (techradar.com)

If you want, I can:

• Suggest the single best pick for your exact needs (commute, flight, office, music genre, budget).
• Pull current prices/stock links from US retailers right now (I’ll look up live prices).