Best Noise Cancelling Headphones in 2026

Over-ear noise cancelling headphones remain the gold standard for focused work, travel, and serious music listening. The top models have gotten remarkably close in features, so the differences come down to sound signature, comfort preferences, and ecosystem.

We wore each pair for full work days and long flights to find the ones that actually deliver.

What We Tested For

ANC effectiveness (airplane, office, street noise), sound quality (across genres), comfort (4+ hour sessions), battery life, and call quality. We also tested multipoint Bluetooth — connecting to phone and laptop simultaneously.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's flagship remains the noise cancelling headphone to beat. The ANC is the strongest we've tested — it practically silences airplane engines and makes open offices feel like private rooms. Eight microphones and two processors analyze and cancel noise in real time.

Sound is rich and full, with Sony's characteristic bass emphasis. The EQ in the Headphones Connect app lets you flatten it or boost it further. LDAC support means hi-res audio streaming from compatible devices.

At 250g, they're light enough for all-day wear, and the soft protein leather ear pads don't create hot spots. The 30-hour battery easily covers a week of commuting without charging.

Best Premium: Apple AirPods Max

The AirPods Max are the most beautifully built headphones money can buy. The aluminum ear cups and stainless steel frame feel like jewelry compared to the plastic competition. And the sound matches — wide, detailed, and especially impressive with Spatial Audio in Dolby Atmos content.

Now with USB-C (finally), charging is standard. ANC is excellent — a touch behind Sony in raw performance but with a more natural-sounding transparency mode. The seamless switching between Apple devices is unmatched.

The weight (385g) is the main drawback. After 2-3 hours, you feel it. And at $499, you're paying a significant premium for the Apple tax.

Best Value: Sennheiser Momentum 4

Audiophiles, this is your pick. The Momentum 4 has the most neutral, accurate sound signature in this comparison. Where Sony boosts bass and Apple widens the soundstage, Sennheiser gives you the music as recorded.

The 60-hour battery life is absurd — you'll charge these twice a month. They fold flat for travel (unlike the Sony XM5), and the adaptive ANC adjusts automatically to your environment.

ANC isn't quite as aggressive as Sony's, but it's close enough that most people won't notice the difference outside of a plane.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Sony XM5	AirPods Max	Sennheiser M4
Price	$328	$499	$280
ANC	Best	Great	Great
Sound	Bass-forward	Wide/spatial	Neutral/accurate
Battery	30 hours	20 hours	60 hours
Weight	250g	385g	293g
Foldable	No	No	Yes
Best for	Commuters & travelers	Apple users	Audiophiles

Our Recommendation

Sony WH-1000XM5 for most people — the ANC and comfort combination is unmatched. AirPods Max if you're deep in Apple and want the best build and spatial audio. Sennheiser Momentum 4 if sound accuracy and battery life matter most.