Meditation is one of the most proven ways to reduce stress, improve focus, and stay mentally clear. But if you’ve ever tried meditating in a noisy home or city apartment, you know how tough it is to settle your mind when the outside world won’t quiet down. That’s where the best headphones for meditation come in.
The right pair doesn’t just play audio — they help create a mental buffer between you and the noise. Whether you’re using guided sessions, binaural beats, or meditating in silence with noise-canceling on, a solid pair of headphones can transform the experience. Research shows that immersive sound can deepen the meditative state and improve consistency over time.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best headphones for meditating in 2025 — including top picks for comfort, audio quality, and focus. From noise canceling headphones for VR meditation to lightweight earbuds ideal for yoga and meditation, these are the 8 best options to help you stay present, wherever you are.
How to Choose the Best Headphones for Meditation
If you’re looking for the best headphones for meditation or the best headphones for yoga and meditation, you need more than just decent sound — you need comfort, clarity, and the ability to block out the world. Here’s what matters:
Noise cancelation vs. Passive Isolation: When meditating in a noisy space, Active Noise cancelation (ANC) helps block distractions like traffic or background chatter, creating a more focused environment. It’s beneficial for app-based or VR meditation where audio clarity matters.
Passive isolation relies on a good physical seal — like snug earcups or ear tips — to block noise without any tech. It works well in quieter settings and doesn’t drain the battery.
Wired vs. Wireless: For most people, wireless headphones are more convenient, especially for movement-based practices like yoga and meditation. Look for models with Bluetooth 5.0 or higher for stable connections. However, wired headphones still have a place, especially for studio setups or when latency and battery life aren’t negotiable.
Comfort and Fit: Meditation is about being still, but discomfort can easily break your focus. Look for soft ear cushions, adjustable headbands, and a lightweight build. For long sessions, over-ear headphones tend to provide the most comfort, while in-ear models are better for portability or lying down.
Sound Quality: Clarity matters more than bass when it comes to meditation. Look for headphones that offer clear, natural sound. This makes a big difference when you’re listening to calming music, nature sounds, or guided meditations.
Looking for true audio depth? Explore our Best Planar Magnetic Headphones in 2025 ideal for immersive meditation.
Battery Life: There’s nothing worse than your headphones dying mid-session. Look for at least 20–30 hours of battery life in over-ear models and 5–8 hours (plus case charges) in earbuds. Quick charge features are also a bonus.
We’ve put together a detailed breakdown of our Best Headphones with Long Battery Life.
Ready to find your match? Let’s jump into the 8 best headphones for meditation in 2025.
Quick Review of the 8 Best Headphones for Meditation
Our 8 recommended best headphones for meditation are:
| Overall Best | Bose QuietComfort Ultra |
| Best for Pure Noise cancelation | Sony WH‑1000XM5 |
| Best for Apple Users | Apple AirPods Max |
| Best Sound Quality | Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 |
| Best for Travel and Portability | Apple AirPods Pro 2 |
| Best Value | Anker Soundcore Space One |
| Best Balanced All-Rounder | Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless |
| Best for Active Meditation or Yoga | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II |
In-Depth Look – Top 8 Best Headphones for Meditation
Here’s our curated list of the 8 best headphones for meditation you can buy in 2025 — each selected for their sound clarity, comfort, noise control, and overall ability to enhance your meditation practice.
1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Overall Best
- Exceptional ANC
- Deep, immersive spatial audio
- Ultra-soft, pressure-free fit
- 24-hour battery life
- Quick device switching
- Expensive for casual users
- Immersive mode reduces battery
- Touch controls need learning
- Wired mode disables some features
- Slightly bulky for travel
Some headphones are good for music. A few are built for comfort. But when it comes to meditation, Bose QuietComfort Ultra stands out as the overall best. We evaluated a range of headphones specifically for meditation — focusing on noise control, comfort, sound quality, and ease of use — and this is the one that consistently delivered.
What makes them unbeatable is the world-class noise cancelation combined with CustomTune technology, which tailors the sound to your ears. In a quiet room or a noisy city, it creates a deeply immersive environment — ideal for mindfulness, breathwork, or guided sessions. The fit is featherlight, like a soft hug for your ears, which matters when you’re sitting still for long stretches.
They also support both wireless and wired use, with up to 24 hours of battery life (or 18 with immersive audio on), making them reliable for daily practice. Add to that the spatialized sound, and it feels less like you’re listening through headphones and more like you’re surrounded by sound. We’ve assessed plenty — this is the one we’d trust to take your meditation deeper.
View on Amazon: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
2. Sony WH‑1000XM5
Best for Pure Noise cancelation
- Top-tier noise cancelling
- Extremely comfortable fit
- High-resolution audio support
- Long 30-hour battery life
- No water/sweat resistance
- Non-foldable headband design
- Slightly bulky for travel
- Premium price point
If your goal is complete auditory isolation during meditation, Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out as the best for pure noise cancelation — we’ve assessed dozens, and this one wins, hands down. The combination of dual processors and eight microphones doesn’t just block background chatter — it kills it.
Whether it’s airplane hum, fan noise, or people talking nearby, it fades out the moment you put these on. What really impressed us was the Auto NC Optimiser, which adjusts the noise cancelling based on your environment and how you’re wearing the headphones — no fiddling, just pure silence.
We also looked at passive isolation, and the soft-fit leather cups hug your ears gently but firmly, sealing out external noise without pressure.
Comfort during long meditative sessions matters, and these are feather-light at just 250g, which helps you forget you’re even wearing them — wired or wireless, audio stays rich and clear, with support for LDAC and Hi-Res Audio. Add in a massive 30-hour battery life, and you’re never worrying about charging mid-retreat.
After all our evaluation, this was our clear pick for the best for pure noise cancelation meditation headphones. If your meditation needs true silence, this is the one.
View on Amazon: Sony WH‑1000XM5
3. Apple AirPods Max
Best for Apple Users
- Exceptional ANC
- Ultra-soft, breathable ear cushions
- Lossless wired playback option
- Rich, immersive soundstage
- Consistent 20-hour battery life
- Heavier-than-average headphones
- No water resistance
- Expensive price tag
- Limited EQ customisation
- Requires Apple devices for full features
You know a headphone’s doing something right when silence itself sounds cleaner. After evaluating a range of options specifically for meditation, we’re calling the AirPods Max the best for Apple users — and here’s why.
They offer some of the most effective noise cancelation we’ve experienced, cutting out low rumbles and high-pitched distractions alike. Whether you’re deep into breathwork or just trying to stay present, that quiet matters. The adaptive EQ and lossless audio via USB-C let you hear soft ambient tracks with surgical clarity — no fuzz, no harsh highs.
What sealed the deal was comfort. The memory foam cushions and breathable knit-mesh headband create a gentle seal without pressure, which makes them ideal for long meditative sessions. Add to that Personalized Spatial Audio, and you’ve got a soundstage that feels less like it’s coming from headphones and more like it’s surrounding you.
But here’s the kicker: if you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, every feature — from instant pairing to Siri integration — just clicks. For Apple users seeking inner stillness, this is it.
View on Amazon: Apple AirPods Max
4. Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2
Best Sound Quality
- Outstanding noise cancelation
- Deep, clear soundstage
- Comfortable memory foam earpads
- Long 30-hour battery life
- Premium, lightweight build
- No full passive mode
- Slightly bulky case
- Limited EQ adjustment
- Expensive for casual use
- No multi-point Bluetooth
If you’re searching for the best headphones for meditation, the Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2 is the one we keep coming back to. We assessed dozens, and here’s the thing: sound quality matters most when you’re meditating.
It’s not just about hearing music — it’s about sinking into it. The Px7 S2 delivers that through its custom 40mm drivers and 24-bit DSP, offering a sound profile that’s clean, balanced, and incredibly immersive. You catch every layer, every breath, every subtle texture — exactly as the artist intended.
What seals the deal is its class-leading noise cancelation. Six well-positioned mics block out the chaos without dulling your audio, so you can stay in your zone. Add in the luxurious memory foam earpads, a snug over-ear fit, and 30 hours of battery life, and you’ve got a setup that doesn’t break your focus, even in long sessions.
We’ve ranked this as our top pick for best sound quality in meditation headphones after hands-on use and deep comparisons. If your meditation depends on absolute clarity, immersive detail, and a calm, distraction-free space, the Px7 S2 stands out clearly from the rest.
View on Amazon: Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2
5. Apple AirPods Pro 2
Best for Travel and Portability
- Excellent ANC
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Wireless, no cable hassle
- Adaptive ambient sound control
- Plays calming background sounds
- Pricey compared to others
- The battery is not the best in class
If you’re hunting for the best headphones for meditation while traveling, AirPods Pro 2 deserve serious attention. Here’s the thing — after evaluating dozens of options with a focus on deep relaxation, environmental control, and portability, we found AirPods Pro 2 to be unmatched in balancing silence, comfort, and convenience on the go.
The ANC is top-tier — it cuts out droning airplane engines or chatter in a café without feeling suffocating. Adaptive Audio smartly blends ANC and Transparency Mode, so you’re not sealed off from reality when you don’t want to be. What this really means is: you can stay in a meditative headspace even when you’re surrounded by noise.
They’re incredibly lightweight, sweat-resistant, and come with four ear tip sizes, making them comfortable for long sessions in flights, parks, or anywhere else you need to breathe and reset. Battery life? 6 hours per session, 30 with the case — solid for travel days. And with built-in calming background sounds, it’s practically a portable sound therapy device.
For travelers serious about mindfulness, this is our top pick for best in travel and portability. Quiet, compact, and always ready — exactly what meditation on the move demands.
View on Amazon: Apple AirPods Pro 2
6. Anker Soundcore Space One
Best Value for Money
- Strong ANC
- Long battery life (55H)
- Wired + wireless options
- Adjustable transparency levels
- Slightly bulky for travel
- No auto noise profile change
- App needed for full control
- Not fully silent, passively
- Not ultra-lightweight build
If you’re searching for the best value headphones for meditation, the Anker Soundcore Space One stands out — and here’s why. Meditation isn’t just about quiet; it’s about uninterrupted, consistent calm.
That’s where these shine. The adaptive ANC cuts up to 98% of ambient noise, even compensating for sound leakage or imperfect ear placement. In practice, this means you can sit in a noisy room or travel on a train and still be in your own peaceful bubble.
We evaluated many models for noise isolation, comfort, and battery life. For the price, nothing else matched the combination of comfort (rotating ear cups, soft headband), 40mm dynamic drivers with LDAC support, and a massive 40-hour battery life with ANC on. You can go days without charging.
What really makes this our best value for money meditation pick is that you’re getting flagship-level noise cancelling and audio clarity at a mid-range price. The 5 transparency levels let you gently return to the real world when needed.
View on Amazon: Anker Soundcore Space One
7. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Best Balanced All-Rounder
- Excellent noise cancelation
- Extremely long battery life
- Lightweight, ultra-comfy fit
- Customizable ambient sound
- Rich, calming audio profile
- Bulky for side sleepers
- Touch controls can misfire
- No full manual ANC control
- Needs app for best tuning
You don’t just listen with the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless — you feel it. After evaluating dozens of headphones specifically for meditation, this one stood out as the Best Balanced All-Rounder. It checks every box without compromise.
Start with the adaptive noise cancelation — not just strong, but smart. It adjusts to your surroundings automatically, making it ideal for slipping into deep focus or guided meditation without distraction.
If you need to stay lightly aware, Transparency Mode brings in just enough of the outside world. The 42mm transducer system delivers audiophile-grade sound: clear, warm, and immersive — perfect for everything from ambient meditation music to binaural beats.
Comfort matters when you sit for long sessions, and the deep cushioned earpads and light design make this easy to wear for hours without fatigue. Add to that an insane 60-hour battery life — that’s days of uninterrupted mindfulness.
View on Amazon: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
8. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Best for Active Meditation or Yoga
- Excellent noise cancelling tech
- CustomTune adapts to ears
- Very secure, stable fit
- Clear, lifelike sound balance
- Adjustable ambient sound control
- 6-hour battery, not more
- App is required for full setup
- Pricey compared to others
- No multipoint Bluetooth pairing
Sometimes you don’t want total silence — you want clarity in motion, stillness with breath, and the ability to focus while the world keeps turning. That’s why we picked the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II as the best headphones for active meditation or yoga.
These earbuds don’t just block noise, they shape the experience around your ears using CustomTune™ technology, so sound and silence both feel personal. In yoga or moving meditation, that matters. The secure fit and soft silicone tips stay put, even through flow sessions or long walks.
Where they shine most is how they combine exceptional ANC with Aware Mode that lets just enough of the world in. You’re not cut off, but you’re not distracted either.
The sound quality is rich, centered, and non-fatiguing, even during longer practices. Add in simple touch controls, wireless freedom, and a compact case with a 24-hour total battery, and they don’t just support your practice — they disappear into it.
View on Amazon: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
FAQs About Headphones for Meditation
Are headphones good for meditation?
Yes, headphones can be very helpful for meditation, especially if you’re in a noisy environment. The best headphones for meditation block distractions and let you focus on calming music, guided sessions, or binaural beats. Noise-canceling headphones are ideal for creating a quiet mental space.
Which headphones are best for binaural beats?
Binaural beats require stereo separation, so you’ll want headphones with clear, balanced sound and accurate left-right channel separation. Some of the best headphones for binaural beats in 2025 include the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2, Sony WH-1000XM5, and Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless.
What noise is good for meditation?
Soothing ambient sounds like rainfall, ocean waves, soft instrumental music, or white noise can all support meditation. Binaural beats and nature sounds are particularly popular for helping the brain shift into relaxed or focused states.
What Hz is meditation sound?
Most meditation sounds fall in the 4–14 Hz range when using binaural beats. For example, 6 Hz is often used for deep relaxation, while 10 Hz may enhance focus. You’ll need good headphones to hear these accurately.
What should I listen to for meditation?
You can listen to:
- Guided meditations
- Binaural beats
- Nature sounds (rain, forest, ocean)
- Ambient or instrumental music
- Breathing or body scan exercises
Choose what calms your mind and keeps you centered.
Should I meditate with AirPods?
Yes, AirPods Pro 2 are a solid option for meditation, especially with their ANC and small, comfortable fit. They’re not the most immersive on the market, but they’re great for on-the-go meditation or lying down.
Do headphones reduce anxiety?
Indirectly, yes. Using headphones for meditation, especially with noise-canceling features, can help reduce sensory overload and anxiety by promoting a calm environment. Many people find that listening to meditative audio through headphones lowers stress levels.
Final Thoughts
The right headphones can transform your meditation practice—whether you’re using guided meditations, binaural beats, or just need quiet for deep breathing. From over-ear models with world-class noise cancellation to compact earbuds perfect for yoga or VR sessions, there’s something for every need and budget.
If you’re serious about creating a focused, peaceful environment, investing in one of the best headphones for meditation is worth it. Whether you’re looking for the best headphones for yoga and meditation, the best headphones for binaural beats, or just want a way to shut out the world and breathe, this list has you covered.
Take your time, consider your meditation style, and choose the pair that helps you go deeper, stay centered, and find calm wherever you are.
