The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Good noise-cancelling headphones make long flights calmer, help you focus in a busy office, and let you listen at lower, safer volumes. Comfort matters as much as cancellation, because you may wear them for six hours straight.

Why you should trust us

Nivef guides are written to answer one question clearly: which one should you buy? We compare specifications and prices, read long-term owner reviews, check warranty and customer-support policies, and use products hands-on wherever possible. Manufacturers never pay for placement, and they don't see our guides before they're published. Read more about how we test.

Who this is for

These are for frequent travelers, commuters, and anyone working in a noisy space. If you want something pocketable for the gym, see our wireless earbuds guide instead.

How we picked

Here's what we looked for:

• Strong cancellation of low rumble and voices
• All-day comfort with soft pads and moderate clamping force
• At least 20 hours of battery life with ANC on
• Clear, balanced sound with an adjustable EQ
• A good microphone for calls
• A folding design or carrying case for travel

Our picks in detail

Our pick

Sony WH-1000XM5

Superb noise cancelling, long battery life, and comfortable, lightweight design.

Sony's over-ear flagship remains one of the most complete noise-cancelling headphones you can buy. It quiets engine drone and office chatter impressively, lasts through long-haul flights, and the light design stays comfortable for hours.

What we like

• Excellent cancellation
• Long battery life
• Lightweight and comfortable

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Doesn't fold flat into a small shape

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Most comfortable

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Plush comfort and class-leading quiet, with an immersive sound mode.

Bose has long been the comfort leader, and the QuietComfort Ultra continues that with soft cushions and an even, gentle fit. Its noise cancelling is among the best available, especially for voices.

What we like

• Exceptionally comfortable
• Top-tier noise cancelling
• Folds for travel

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Expensive
• Immersive mode drains battery faster

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Budget pick

Soundcore by Anker Space One

Effective noise cancelling and good sound for well under flagship prices.

The Space One brings genuinely useful noise cancelling and a comfortable fit to a budget price. It's a smart pick for students or as a backup pair for travel.

What we like

• Great value
• Comfortable fit
• Long battery life

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Build feels less premium
• Average call quality

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For Apple fans

Apple AirPods Max

Premium build and seamless Apple integration, at a premium price.

AirPods Max offer excellent sound, great noise cancelling, and instant switching between Apple devices. They're heavy and expensive, but Apple users who want over-ears will appreciate the polish.

What we like

• Premium materials
• Seamless Apple switching
• Excellent transparency mode

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Heavy
• Very expensive
• Unusual case

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What to look for

Comfort over specs

Weight, pad depth, and clamping force decide whether you can wear headphones for a full flight.

Wired backup

A 3.5mm input lets you use in-flight entertainment and keep listening if the battery dies.

Multipoint pairing

Connecting to a laptop and phone at the same time is a big convenience for work calls.

Frequently asked questions