The best noise-canceling headphones are on sale for the first time ever
Move aside Bose, there's a new sheriff in town.
Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.
To all of you who read this, writing this article has not been easy for me. My loyalties were tested and I have been wracked with guilt. Why you may ask? My pride and joy, my treasure, my precious Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II have been unseated from the top spot on our list of the best noise-canceling headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM3s were just crowned the new winner by our testers. And while I hate to admit it, they are truly incredible. Excuse me while I go mourn.
To add insult to injury, the Sony headphones are currently on sale at Drop (formerly Massdrop). Instead of paying the hefty full retail price of $349, right now you can get them for only $279. This is a deal you won’t want to pass up for two reasons: 1) these headphones were released just last summer to stellar reviews, and are rarely discounted, and 2) you can plant the seeds of envy and despair in my heart.
The Sony WH-1000XM3 over-ears are more than just a pair of headphones. They’re industry-leading, innovative, and smart—and they provide an immersive audio experience. They dethroned the Bose QC35IIs in our Best Right Now Series because of one feature in particular that Sony calls “Adaptive Sound Control.” Basically what it means is that the headphones will determine the perfect level of noise-cancelation depending on your surroundings and adjust accordingly, whether you’re on a plane or walking down the street. You can also easily fine-tune the ambient sound settings to your preferred specs from Sony’s Headphones Connect app.
The WH-1000XM3s are also completely touch controlled. Other than the basics like adjusting the volume or pausing the music, you can activate “Quick Attention” mode by placing your hand over the earcup, so you can communicate without taking off your headphones. I personally hate removing my Bose when I order coffee, so this is one aspect I’m truly impressed by.
While these features sound fancy, these headphones are also incredibly easy to use. They’re very comfortable, they have amazing sound quality, and the battery lasts super long—in other words, you need them in your life. To get them at this sale price, all you have to do is sign up for a free account with Drop. Just note that Drop has a limited quantity of the WH-1000XM3, so the sale is only running until May 20. They will start shipping the headphones out on June 6, but when you’re getting the best noise-canceling headphones money can buy (seethes with anger), you probably won’t mind waiting a bit.
Get the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones at Drop for $279 (Save $70)