Noise-Cancelling Headphones That Actually Live Up to the Hype
Here are our top picks.
There’s a brief moment when just after slipping on a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones, the world fades into an almost eerie silence. The drone of the plane engine, the office chatter or the wail of the baby two rows behind you just vanishes.
(And honestly, if you haven’t invested in a good pair of noise-cancellation headphones yet, how are you surviving?)
Noise-cancelling headphones are the modern-day armour against chaos. But not all of them are created equal. A great pair should do more than just hush the world—it should deliver impeccable sound, sit comfortably for long hauls, and last longer than a long-haul flight on a single charge. While you’ll find options ranging from budget-friendly to bank-breaking, few strike the right balance between performance, comfort, and cost.
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There are two ways these sonic shields work: passive and active noise cancellation. Passive methods rely on physical design—snug ear cups, plush padding, and the right fit to keep the noise out. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), on the other hand, is where the magic happens: microphones pick up external sound waves and counteract them with anti-noise signals. It’s a battery-hungry feature, but the trade-off for near silence is worth it.
For this feature, I only considered models with ANC, because let’s be honest – if you’re investing in noise-cancelling headphones, you might as well make it worth the splurge.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Here are the best noise-cancelling headphones for travel, work, and everything in between.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose has been at the forefront of noise cancellation for years, and the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones reaffirm their status as industry leaders. These over-ear headphones are exceptionally comfortable—lightweight, well-padded, and built for long-haul listening. The noise-cancelling is among the best in the business, with a sliding scale that lets you fine-tune exactly how much noise gets through. They fold flat for easy storage, offer up to 24 hours of battery life, and even work in wired mode with noise cancellation—ideal for in-flight entertainment systems.
So, if your priority is blocking out the world and travelling in peace, the QC Ultra Headphones are a top-tier investment.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 takes everything that made its predecessors great and refines it further. It’s sleek, stylish, and packed with features. The noise cancellation is just a notch below Bose’s in certain scenarios (construction noise, for instance), but it outperforms when it comes to handling human voices and everyday office sounds.
The sound is beautifully balanced, with punchy bass and crisp mids. The touch-sensitive controls on the ear cups are intuitive and satisfyingly responsive, and Sony’s ‘speak-to-chat’ feature automatically switches from noise-cancelling to transparency mode when you start talking. Battery life sits at a solid 30 hours, and the fit is plush enough for all-day wear. If you want an immersive yet smart experience, this is the pair to beat.
Sonos Ace
Sonos’ recent foray into headphones, the Ace, is a stunning debut. These headphones deliver crisp, spacious sound with lossless streaming, spatial audio, and dynamic head tracking. Noise cancellation is excellent, easily rivalling Bose and Sony. Aware mode also lets you stay tuned in to your surroundings when needed.
Comfort is another strong suit—the design is well-thought-out, lightweight, and premium. With a 30-hour battery life and dual connectivity (Bluetooth and wired), they’re a worthy addition to Sonos’ audio empire. The only drawback is the steep price tag and the occasional software glitch.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
For those who prefer earbuds over bulky headphones, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are an excellent alternative. They boast class-leading noise cancellation, an ultra-secure fit, and a natural-sounding transparency mode. Bose’s new ActiveSense feature even adjusts the ANC dynamically if your surroundings get too loud.
While they don’t offer the same expansive soundstage as over-ear models, they provide impressive clarity and depth. This is perfect for those who want top-tier noise cancellation without the bulk.
Beats Studio Pro
The Beats Studio Pro offer a surprisingly refined sound signature, solid ANC, and a design that’s unmistakably Beats. These headphones lack some of the high-end features of competitors—no head tracking, for example—but they make up for it with comfort, decent noise cancellation, and a price that’s more accessible than some premium models. Think of them as a stylish, no-fuss alternative.
Apple AirPods Max
Apple’s AirPods Max are unlike any other headphones on this list. With a distinctive metal build, a mesh headband, and a large, tactile dial (inspired by the Apple Watch), they’re as much a fashion statement as an audio device. They deliver excellent sound, immersive spatial audio, and top-tier noise cancellation.
The downsides: they’re heavy, expensive, and lack a proper foldable design for travel. But if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, they integrate seamlessly with all your devices, making them an attractive choice for brand loyalists.