Noise-cancelling headphones have gone from a luxury for long-haul travellers to an everyday essential — whether you’re blocking out an open-plan office, a noisy commute, or just the relentless hum of the world outside your window. The technology has matured considerably, and even mid-range models now offer active noise cancellation (ANC) that would have impressed flagship buyers just a few years ago.
This guide cuts through the noise (literally). We’ve selected six strong performers across a range of price points, from the most affordable option that still does the job properly, to premium picks that justify their cost with genuinely excellent sound and comfort. Every recommendation includes an honest look at where it falls short — because no headphone is perfect for everyone.
Whether you’re a daily commuter, a remote worker craving focus, or someone who just wants to enjoy music without the outside world intruding, there’s something here for you.
Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has held the top spot in the noise-cancelling headphone category for good reason. Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 drives eight microphones to deliver class-leading ANC that genuinely silences low-frequency drone — aeroplane engines, air conditioning units, and train carriages become a distant memory. Paired with Sony’s LDAC codec support, wireless audio quality is noticeably richer and more detailed than the Bluetooth standard most rivals rely on.
The comfort is exceptional for extended wear. The ear cups are generously padded with soft synthetic leather, and the headband distributes weight evenly across the crown. Call quality is equally strong: the microphone array does an impressive job isolating your voice in moderately noisy environments, which matters if you’re using these for video calls as much as music.
The one real limitation is durability anxiety: the WH-1000XM5 does not fold flat. The previous XM4 folded for compact storage; this model is bulkier to pack, which is an irritation for frequent travellers who want the case to slip into a backpack side pocket. The supplied carry case is large enough to feel cumbersome.
Buy this if: you want the best all-round noise cancellation and sound quality available without stepping into specialist audiophile territory.
Best premium: Sony WH-1000XM6
If you want the absolute latest from Sony’s flagship line, the WH-1000XM6 refines what the XM5 started. Expect Sony’s next-generation processor to push ANC performance further still, with improved transparency mode and more granular ambient sound control through the companion app. The sound signature remains Sony’s characteristic warm-leaning tuning, but with noticeably better midrange clarity — vocals and acoustic instruments feel more present.
Build quality sees a meaningful step up here. The headband mechanism feels more robust, the clamping force is better calibrated for a secure fit without fatigue, and the touch controls on the ear cup are more responsive. Battery life is generous, comfortably covering long-haul flights on a single charge with ANC active throughout.
The honest trade-off is the price: the XM6 sits at a clear premium above the XM5, and for the vast majority of listeners, the real-world difference in noise cancellation or sound will be subtle rather than transformative. It’s an incremental upgrade, not a revolution. If the XM5 is readily available at a lower price, only committed Sony fans or those buying fresh need automatically reach for this one.
Buy this if: you want Sony’s most current flagship and won’t settle for anything but the latest iteration of the best ANC technology available.
Best value: Anker Soundcore Q45
The Anker Soundcore Q45 occupies a sweet spot that budget shoppers often overlook: competent ANC at a price that doesn’t require much deliberation. Anker has steadily improved its noise-cancellation algorithms across successive Q-series models, and the Q45 delivers meaningful reduction of ambient drone — enough to make a commute or a noisy café workable. It won’t match a Sony flagship, but the gap is smaller than the price difference suggests.
Sound quality is pleasingly balanced for the price bracket. The low end is present without being bloated, and the highs avoid the harsh sibilance that dogs some cheaper headphones. Multi-device pairing is supported, so switching between a laptop and a phone doesn’t require manual disconnection — a small quality-of-life feature that’s genuinely useful day to day.
The limitation here is build quality: the plastics feel lightweight and the hinge mechanism inspires less confidence than on pricier rivals. These aren’t fragile, but they don’t feel built for years of hard use. The ear pad material also retains heat over long listening sessions, which some users will find uncomfortable in warm weather.
Buy this if: you want reliable noise cancellation on a tighter budget and don’t need the last word in sound quality or prestige.
Best for commuters: Bose QuietComfort 45
Bose built its reputation on noise cancellation, and the QuietComfort 45 continues that tradition with a consistency that’s hard to argue with. The ANC here is tuned specifically for the kinds of continuous low-frequency noise commuters encounter — underground trains, buses, and open-plan offices — rather than the broadest possible frequency suppression. The result is a headphone that feels almost eerily quiet in the environments most people use headphones for.
Comfort is arguably the QC45’s strongest suit alongside the ANC. The ear cups are plush, the clamping force is light, and the overall weight is low. You can wear these for a full working day without the kind of jaw fatigue or heat build-up that plagues heavier competitors. The transparency mode (‘Aware Mode’) is also among the most natural-sounding available, making it easy to have a quick conversation without removing the headphones.
The trade-off is sound customisation: Bose’s companion app offers far less EQ control than Sony or comparable rivals. If you like to fine-tune your sound signature, the QC45 can feel restrictive. The default tuning is competent and inoffensive, but it’s not the last word in detail or dynamics, particularly at the top end.
Buy this if: you commute daily and prioritise all-day comfort and reliable ANC over sonic flexibility or app features.
Best budget: Soundcore by Anker Q20i
The Soundcore Q20i is the most affordable pick in this roundup, and it earns its place by delivering a usable noise-cancelling experience without asking you to spend a significant amount. The hybrid ANC combines feedforward and feedback microphones to tackle ambient noise across a wider frequency range than single-mic budget rivals manage. It won’t compete with the Sony or Bose picks here, but it’s genuinely functional — enough to take the edge off background noise in most everyday settings.
Battery life is where this headphone genuinely surprises. Anker has long prioritised battery performance in its audio products, and the Q20i continues that trend with substantial playback time on a single charge — comfortably among the best at this price point. It charges via USB-C, which is a welcome modern touch that removes the need for proprietary cables.
The limitation is ANC depth: the noise reduction at higher frequencies — voices, keyboard clatter, higher-pitched machinery — is noticeably less effective than at low frequencies. In a genuinely noisy open-plan office, you may still find conversation bleeding through. The sound stage is also relatively narrow, which makes music feel somewhat closed-in compared to pricier options.
Buy this if: you’re new to ANC headphones or working to a strict budget and want a capable, honest first step into the category.
Best mid-range: JBL Live 770NC
The JBL Live 770NC lands in the middle of the market with a lively, energetic sound that suits pop, hip-hop, and electronic music particularly well. JBL’s Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient adjusts the level of noise suppression automatically based on your environment — a feature that works better in practice than many similar implementations, requiring noticeably less manual fiddling with the app.
The 770NC also supports multi-point connection, letting you stay paired to two devices at once. The call quality is solid, with JBL’s four-microphone array doing a reasonable job of voice isolation. The app is well-designed and offers a meaningful EQ, plus the option to create a personalised sound profile — a feature usually reserved for more expensive headphones.
The honest limitation is the ANC ceiling: in the loudest environments — tube trains, aircraft — the noise cancellation is competent but falls slightly short of the Sony or Bose benchmarks set above. JBL’s tuning also leans towards a boosted low end, which suits many listeners but may feel over-emphasised for those who prefer a flatter, more neutral sound.
Buy this if: you want a feature-rich mid-range headphone with a fun, energetic sound and aren’t regularly battling the loudest commuting environments.
How to choose noise-cancelling headphones
ANC quality varies enormously. Active noise cancellation is not a binary feature — the difference between a budget implementation and a flagship one is substantial. Budget ANC takes the edge off low-frequency drone; premium ANC can make a tube carriage feel nearly silent. Think honestly about where you’ll use these most, and match the ANC tier to that environment rather than paying for performance you won’t use.
Sound quality and ANC are separate things. A headphone can have excellent noise cancellation and mediocre audio, or vice versa. If music listening is your primary use, pay attention to the sound tuning described in reviews — whether it’s warm, bass-heavy, neutral, or detailed — and choose one that suits your preferences rather than defaulting to the highest-ANC option.
Comfort matters more than most specs. A headphone rated at 30 hours of battery life is useless if you can only wear it comfortably for two. Clamping force, ear cup depth, ear pad material (real leather, synthetic leather, or fabric all behave differently), and overall weight all affect how long you can wear a pair before fatigue sets in. For office use, prioritise comfort as much as ANC.
Codec support affects wireless audio quality. If you care about high-fidelity wireless audio, check whether both your source device and the headphone support the same high-quality codec — Sony’s LDAC, Qualcomm’s aptX HD, or Apple’s AAC (on iPhone). Standard SBC Bluetooth is perfectly functional but delivers less detail. Android users will benefit most from LDAC or aptX; iPhone users should prioritise AAC support.
App features are genuinely useful, not just marketing. Most ANC headphones come with a companion app that lets you adjust EQ, set ANC intensity, and configure controls. Some apps are far more capable than others. If you like to customise your listening experience, check what the app actually offers before committing — a good app can meaningfully extend the usefulness of a headphone over time.
Frequently asked questions
Do noise-cancelling headphones work without music playing?
Yes — ANC works independently of audio playback. You can activate noise cancellation with nothing playing and use the headphones purely as a quiet cocoon. Many people do exactly this in offices or on flights when they want silence without stimulation.
Is noise cancellation bad for your hearing?
No. ANC reduces ambient noise electronically, which means you can listen at lower volumes to achieve the same perceived clarity. This is actually better for your hearing long-term than turning up the volume to compete with background noise, which is what most people do with passive headphones in loud environments.
What’s the difference between active and passive noise cancellation?
Passive noise isolation is the physical blocking of sound by the ear cup seal and padding — all over-ear headphones have some of this. Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses microphones to sample ambient sound and generate an opposing signal that electronically cancels it before it reaches your ears. ANC is particularly effective on low-frequency drone; passive isolation handles higher frequencies better. The best headphones combine both.
Can I use noise-cancelling headphones for phone calls?
Yes, and most modern ANC headphones include dedicated microphone arrays specifically for calls. Call quality varies considerably between models — some have excellent voice isolation even in noisy environments, while others pick up a lot of background sound. If calls are a primary use case, look specifically for headphones marketed for their call quality rather than just their music performance.
How long do ANC headphones typically last on a charge?
Most modern ANC headphones offer between 20 and 40 hours of battery life with noise cancellation active, which is more than enough for most users’ weekly usage on a single charge. Turning ANC off typically extends battery life significantly. Charging speed has also improved; many models offer a fast-charge feature that provides several hours of use from a short charge.
The verdict
Best overall: the Sony WH-1000XM5 remains the benchmark for noise-cancelling headphones — class-leading ANC, excellent sound, and a refined feature set that suits almost every use case.
Best value: the Anker Soundcore Q45 offers genuinely capable ANC and solid sound at a fraction of the flagship price, making it the smartest buy if budget is a real consideration.
For more, browse all our headphone reviews and roundups.
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