Top 7 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones in 2026: Sony, Bose, Apple & More

Good noise-cancelling headphones change how you travel, commute and work. They erase engine drone on a plane, soften the chaos of a busy office and let you listen at lower, safer volumes. They are also a significant purchase, so it pays to choose carefully.

We compared the leading over-ear models from Sony, Bose, Apple, Sennheiser and more on noise cancellation, sound, comfort, battery life and value. Here are the seven worth buying.

How we chose

We compared each noise-cancelling headphone against its closest rivals at the same price using manufacturer specifications, independent test data and long-term owner feedback from verified buyers. Every pick is scored out of 10 on performance, value, build quality and longevity — see our editorial policy. We never accept payment for placement.

The 7 best noise-cancelling headphones in 2026

1. Sony WH-1000XM6 — Best overall

Sony’s sixth-generation flagship is the best all-round pair of noise-cancelling headphones you can buy. A far more powerful processor drives twelve microphones that adapt cancellation to your surroundings in real time, and low-frequency noise practically disappears.

The folding design is back, the new case closes with a magnetic clasp, and the warm, detailed sound can be fine-tuned with a 10-band EQ. Battery life of up to 30 hours means one charge covers a long-haul trip.

2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones — Most comfortable

Bose has always prioritised comfort, and the QuietComfort Ultra are the most comfortable noise-cancelling headphones we cover. Clamping force is gentle and the ear cushions are soft, so they disappear on your head during a long flight.

Noise cancelling trades blows with Sony depending on the type of sound, and Bose’s Immersive Audio mode creates a wide, speaker-like soundstage.

3. Apple AirPods Max — Best for iPhone

AirPods Max sound fantastic, with a wide soundstage and punchy bass, and they integrate seamlessly with iPhone, iPad and Mac — including Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking for films.

They are heavy, the Smart Case offers little protection and they do not fold flat, so they suit home and office listening better than backpacking.

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless — Best battery life

The Momentum 4 is the choice for people who care most about sound and battery life. Sennheiser’s tuning is detailed and natural, and a rated 60 hours of playback means you might charge them once a fortnight.

Noise cancelling is very good, if slightly behind Sony and Bose, and the design is understated and comfortable.

5. Sony WH-1000XM5 — Best value flagship

The previous-generation XM5 remains a superb pair of headphones and is now regularly discounted. Noise cancelling and sound are close to the XM6, and they are light and comfortable.

The main drawback is that they do not fold, so the case is bulkier. If you find them on sale, they are exceptional value.

6. Bose QuietComfort Headphones — Best mid-range

The standard QuietComfort Headphones deliver most of what makes Bose great — comfort and noise cancelling — at a much lower price than the Ultra. They fold flat into a compact case and last a full day of travel.

You give up spatial audio and some premium materials, but for many people these are the smarter buy. The QuietComfort 25 pictured is an earlier model in the same family.

7. Soundcore Space One — Best budget

The Space One proves you do not need to spend flagship money for effective noise cancelling. It reduces commuter noise impressively, lasts around 40 hours with ANC on and even supports LDAC for higher-quality streaming on Android.

Build quality and microphones are where the savings show, but as a first pair of ANC headphones they are hard to beat.

Comparison at a glance

Product	Best for	Our score
Sony WH-1000XM6	Almost everyone	9.3/10
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones	Long flights and all-day wear	9.1/10
Apple AirPods Max	Apple ecosystem users	8.5/10
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless	Music lovers who hate charging	8.8/10
Sony WH-1000XM5	Flagship features for less	8.7/10
Bose QuietComfort Headphones	Bose quality for less	8.5/10
Soundcore Space One	Tight budgets	8.1/10

What to look for

• Noise cancelling strength matters most for flights and trains; Sony and Bose lead.
• Comfort decides whether you can wear them for hours — check weight and clamping force.
• Battery life of 30 hours or more covers most trips; Sennheiser leads at around 60.
• Portability: folding models pack much smaller.
• Multipoint lets you stay connected to a laptop and phone at once.

Over-ear or earbuds?

Over-ear headphones generally offer stronger noise cancelling, bigger sound and longer battery life than earbuds, and many people find them more comfortable for long sessions. Earbuds win on portability and for workouts. If you want both, see our list of the best wireless earbuds.

Frequently asked questions

Which headphones have the best noise cancelling?

Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the leaders, with each slightly better depending on the type of noise.

Are noise-cancelling headphones safe?

Yes. They reduce background noise so you can listen at lower volumes, which is better for your hearing.

Can I use noise-cancelling headphones on a plane?

Absolutely — flights are where they shine. Most also include a 3.5mm cable for in-flight entertainment systems.

Shopping for a speaker too? See our pick of the best Bluetooth speakers.