Whether you are on a long haul flight, a packed commuter train or working from a noisy open plan office, a good pair of headphones can feel like a private room you carry everywhere. The best noise cancelling headphones quiet the low rumble of engines and air conditioning, let you listen at lower volumes and make calls clearer, all while looking sleek enough to wear with your favourite coat.
To find the best noise cancelling headphones for every budget, we researched the most popular models on Amazon from Sony, Bose, Apple, Bowers & Wilkins, Sennheiser and Soundcore. We read the features each brand lists, compared battery life, comfort and app support, and looked at what buyers often mention. Below you will find budget-friendly picks, mid-range favourites and luxury investment pieces.
The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones at a Glance
- Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM6
- Best for Immersive Sound: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)
- Best for Apple Users: Apple AirPods Max 2
- Best Luxury Design: Bowers & Wilkins Px8
- Best Battery Life: Sennheiser Momentum 4
- Best Value Premium: Sony WH-1000XM5
- Best Mid-Range: Soundcore Space One
- Best Lightweight: Sony WH-CH720N
- Best Budget: Soundcore Q20i
The 9 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones to Buy
Each pick below earns its place for a different reason. Colours and bundles vary, so check the current price and options on Amazon before you buy.
1. Sony WH-1000XM6 – Best Overall
Sony’s 1000X series has long set the benchmark, and the WH-1000XM6 is the latest flagship. Sony says its HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is seven times faster than the QN1 used in the XM5, managing 12 microphones in real time. The brand also says the sound was co-created with mastering engineers, and a six microphone AI based beamforming system helps isolate your voice on calls. If you want the best noise cancelling headphones without compromise, start here.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
- HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3
- 12 microphones optimised in real time
- AI beamforming for clear calls
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) – Best for Immersive Sound
Bose is famous for comfort and powerful noise cancellation. The second generation QuietComfort Ultra offers Quiet Mode, an Aware Mode for hearing your surroundings and spatialized audio that places music in front of you. A new Cinema Mode is designed for films, and you can use the headphones over USB-C for high quality calls. Buyers often mention how comfortable the plush cushions are on long flights.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Quiet and Aware modes
- Spatialized audio and Cinema Mode
- USB-C audio for calls
3. Apple AirPods Max 2 – Best for Apple Users
Apple’s over-ear headphones combine an aluminium and mesh design with the H2 chip. Apple says AirPods Max 2 delivers up to 1.5 times more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, along with Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. If you live in the Apple ecosystem, these are among the best noise cancelling headphones for seamless switching between iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
- H2 chip
- Up to 1.5x more ANC than previous generation
- Personalized Spatial Audio
4. Bowers & Wilkins Px8 – Best Luxury Design
For a true investment piece, the Px8 pairs soft Nappa leather with lightweight aluminium arms. Bowers & Wilkins uses angled carbon drive units and offers adjustable EQ, voice assistant control and noise cancelling modes through its Music App. They are as much a fashion accessory as a piece of audio equipment.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
- Nappa leather and aluminium arms
- Angled carbon drive units
- EQ and ANC in the Music App
5. Sennheiser Momentum 4 – Best Battery Life
Sennheiser lists up to 60 hours of battery life for the Momentum 4, which is ideal if you hate charging. The brand highlights 42mm transducers, aptX Adaptive support and the Smart Control Plus app with an equaliser and sound presets. Adaptive noise cancellation and a Transparency Mode round out a strong all rounder.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones
- Up to 60 hour battery
- 42mm transducers with aptX Adaptive
- Adaptive ANC and Transparency Mode
6. Sony WH-1000XM5 – Best Value Premium
The previous Sony flagship is still one of the best noise cancelling headphones you can buy, and it is often easier on the wallet now that the XM6 is out. Sony says two processors control eight microphones, with an Auto NC Optimizer. It offers up to 30 hours of battery, and a three minute charge gives up to three hours of playback.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
- Two processors and eight microphones
- Up to 30 hour battery
- Quick charging
7. Soundcore Space One – Best Mid-Range
Anker’s Soundcore brand offers impressive features for the money. The Space One uses adaptive noise cancelling with five adjustable levels and supports LDAC for Hi-Res Wireless Audio. Soundcore lists up to 40 hours of playback with ANC on and 55 hours with it off.
Soundcore by Anker Space One ANC Over-Ear Headphones
- Adaptive ANC with five levels
- LDAC Hi-Res Wireless Audio
- Up to 40 hours with ANC
8. Sony WH-CH720N – Best Lightweight
At 192 grams, Sony calls the WH-CH720N its lightest wireless noise cancelling headband headphones. It uses the Integrated Processor V1 with dual noise sensor technology and offers Adaptive Sound Control. It is a great everyday pick for commuters and students.
Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Lightweight 192g design
- Integrated Processor V1
- Adaptive Sound Control
9. Soundcore Q20i – Best Budget
If you want to try noise cancelling without a big outlay, the Q20i is one of the best noise cancelling headphones in the budget-friendly range. It uses hybrid ANC with two internal and two external microphones, 40mm drivers with BassUp, up to 40 hours of playback with ANC on and the ability to connect to two devices at once.
Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Hybrid ANC with four microphones
- Up to 40 hours with ANC
- Connects to two devices
How We Chose the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
We did not test these headphones ourselves. Instead, we researched well established brands, compared the specifications published by each manufacturer on Amazon, and looked at recurring themes in buyer feedback, such as comfort, call quality and reliability. We included options across price levels, from budget-friendly to luxury. Read more about our process in our editorial policy.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear or in-ear?
Over-ear models, like every pick on this list, usually block more noise because the cushions create a seal around your ears. They also tend to have longer battery life. Earbuds are smaller and better for workouts, but the best noise cancelling headphones for flights are almost always over-ear.
Active noise cancellation strength
ANC works best on steady, low frequency sounds such as engines and air conditioning. Premium models from Sony, Bose and Apple use more microphones and faster processors to adapt in real time. Budget models still help, but they may let more voices through.
Comfort and weight
If you plan to wear headphones for hours, look for soft cushions, an even clamping force and a lighter weight. The Sony WH-CH720N and Bose QuietComfort line are often praised for comfort.
Battery life and charging
Most of the best noise cancelling headphones now last 30 hours or more. If you travel often, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Soundcore models stand out. Quick charge features are useful when you forget to plug in.
Sound quality and codecs
Android users can benefit from codecs such as LDAC and aptX Adaptive for higher quality streaming. Apple users get the smoothest experience with AirPods Max 2. Companion apps with an equaliser let you fine tune the sound.
Calls and transparency mode
Beamforming microphones help your voice come through clearly. A transparency or aware mode lets you hear announcements without taking your headphones off.
How Active Noise Cancelling Works
Active noise cancellation uses small microphones on the outside and sometimes the inside of each ear cup to measure incoming sound. A processor then creates an inverted sound wave that cancels out much of the noise before it reaches your ears. This is why the best noise cancelling headphones are so effective against a constant hum, such as an aircraft engine, but less effective against sudden sounds like a door slamming.
Passive noise isolation is the physical seal created by the ear cushions and headband. The best noise cancelling headphones combine both: a comfortable seal to block high frequencies and active processing to reduce low frequencies.
Which Pair Is Right for You?
- Frequent flyers: Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra for the strongest noise reduction.
- iPhone owners: AirPods Max 2 for automatic switching and spatial audio.
- Design lovers: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 for leather and aluminium finishes.
- Students and commuters: Sony WH-CH720N or Soundcore Q20i, the best noise cancelling headphones for a smaller budget.
- Home office workers: Sennheiser Momentum 4 for all day battery and clear calls.
Tips for Safe and Comfortable Listening
- Keep the volume moderate: Noise cancelling lets you listen at lower volumes. Health authorities such as the NIDCD warn that long exposure to loud sound can damage hearing.
- Take breaks: Rest your ears for a few minutes every hour.
- Clean the cushions: Wipe ear pads regularly and replace them when they wear out.
- Store them in a case: A hard case protects the hinges in your bag. Our guide to the best travel accessories for women has more packing ideas.
- Update the firmware: Brands often improve noise cancelling and connectivity through app updates.
FAQ
What are the best noise cancelling headphones overall?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is our top pick for its advanced processor, many microphones and strong call quality. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) is an excellent alternative if comfort is your priority.
Are expensive noise cancelling headphones worth it?
Premium models usually offer stronger and more adaptive noise cancellation, better materials and more refined sound. Budget-friendly models like the Soundcore Q20i are still a big improvement over regular headphones.
Can noise cancelling headphones block voices?
They reduce voices but do not remove them completely. ANC is most effective against steady, low pitched sounds.
Are AirPods Max 2 good with Android?
They work over Bluetooth, but many smart features are designed for Apple devices, so Android users may prefer Sony, Bose or Sennheiser.
Final Thoughts on the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
The best noise cancelling headphones make travel calmer, work more focused and music more immersive. Choose Sony or Bose for top tier noise cancelling, Apple for iPhone integration, Bowers & Wilkins for luxury design, Sennheiser for battery life or Soundcore for great value. Whatever your budget, there is a pair here that can turn down the noise of the world.
Building a home listening corner? See our guide to the best record players for beginners, and carry your tech in style with our edit of the best laptop bags for women.
