For daily commuters, frequent flyers, or anyone navigating noisy environments, blocking out the world can turn an exhausting journey into a moment of calm. The hush created by a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones, paired with the opening chords of your favorite song, can melt away tension faster than slipping under a weighted blanket. Whether you’re on a crowded train, in a bustling airport, or working from a noisy café, the right headphones create a private sanctuary wherever you go, and they’re compact enough to pack effortlessly in any bag.
Our top pick for noise-cancelling headphones is the Sony WH-1000XM6, offering outstanding sound quality, effective noise reduction, and comfortable all-day wear. But great noise cancellation isn’t limited to premium over-ear models, we’ve also included recommendations for earbuds and more budget-friendly options to help you find the perfect balance between price, portability, and immersive quiet.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Best Overall Option
Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver industry-leading noise cancellation, superb sound quality, and exceptional comfort, making them perfect for travel or focused work sessions.
Buy on AmazonThe Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones offer an impressive combination of noise reduction, comfort, and sound quality in a lightweight design suited for travel, commuting, or focused work. Their active noise cancellation ranks among the top performers, providing an exceptionally quiet experience in airplanes, trains, and offices alike. While the ANC performance is slightly below the absolute highest decibel reduction in the airplane band, its passive isolation blocks high-frequency sounds better than most competitors, creating an immersive environment free from distracting noise.
Audio quality on the WH-1000XM6 is outstanding straight out of the box. High frequencies are clear without becoming harsh or piercing, while bass notes sound natural and controlled without boominess. Although these headphones reveal slightly less spatial detail compared to some open-back audiophile models, they deliver a fuller feature set with noise cancellation, making them a versatile choice for everyday listening, travel, and calls.
For those who prefer personalized sound, the Sony Connect app allows EQ adjustments with multiple presets and manual fine-tuning options. This flexibility ensures listeners can tailor the audio to their tastes, whether prioritizing crisp vocals or deeper bass. Call quality is also a strong point, with six microphones that deliver natural-sounding voices and effectively minimize background noise in office settings. While the mics handle ambient sounds like running sinks or coffee grinders with ease, voices may sound compressed in busier environments, though speech remains intelligible.
The headphones include a hear-through mode to keep users aware of their surroundings when needed. This can be activated with a physical button, by placing a palm on the right earcup for quick attention, or through the speak-to-chat mode, which automatically pauses playback and engages external microphones when it detects speech. These options provide convenience in situations where engaging with others or listening for announcements is essential.
Comfort is a highlight of the WH-1000XM6, featuring a padded headband that distributes pressure evenly and plush earcups that conform to the head, accommodating glasses comfortably. The lightweight build makes long listening sessions fatigue-free. When not in use, the headphones fold into a compact hard-sided case secured with a magnetic latch, ensuring easy storage in any bag. Available in black, blue, and silver, the WH-1000XM6 combines premium aesthetics with practical design and industry-leading performance.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Best Runner-Up
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones offer top-tier noise cancellation, a rich sound profile with deep bass, and plush comfort, making them an excellent alternative to the Sony WH-1000XM6.
Buy on AmazonThe Bose QuietComfort Headphones build upon the strengths of their predecessor, the QuietComfort 45, with an updated sound profile and refined design. These headphones emphasize deeper, richer bass while smoothing out the highs for a balanced listening experience that suits a wide range of music genres. The 40mm dynamic drivers remain unchanged from the previous model but benefit from digital signal processing adjustments that enhance low-frequency performance without muddying the overall sound.
Noise cancellation remains a standout feature. The QuietComfort Headphones excel at reducing low-frequency rumbles, such as airplane engines or traffic, while also effectively cutting down on mid and high-frequency sounds. Although some higher tones remain faintly audible, the overall performance creates an immersive, quiet environment ideal for travel or focused work. The Aware mode enables users to remain aware of their surroundings when needed, providing clear ambient sound without removing the headphones. While their ANC is excellent, the Sony WH-1000XM6 edges them out slightly with more customizable noise cancellation levels and finer control over environmental sound filtering.
Comfort and practicality are hallmarks of the QuietComfort design. The headphones feature plush memory foam earpads combined with vegan leather for a soft, secure fit suitable for long listening sessions. Fresh color options, including Cypress Green and Moonstone Blue, join the classic black and white finishes, offering subtle aesthetic variety. The foldable design allows for compact storage in the included hard-shell case, which also houses a USB-C charging cable and a 3.5mm audio cable with an inline microphone for wired listening and calls.
The controls are intuitive, featuring physical buttons for playback, volume, calls, and quick toggling between ANC and Aware modes. Users can customize modes and shortcuts via the Bose Music app, which also provides EQ adjustments with presets and manual controls for bass, midrange, and treble. Multipoint connectivity allows seamless switching between two devices, and the SimpleSync feature enables easy pairing with compatible Bose speakers and soundbars for synchronized audio playback.
With up to 24 hours of battery life per charge and a full recharge taking approximately 2.5 hours, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones are well-suited for daily use and extended trips. Although they do not support high-resolution Bluetooth codecs such as LDAC, which gives the Sony WH-1000XM6 an edge in audio fidelity on compatible devices, their reliable Bluetooth 5.1 performance combined with excellent noise cancellation and a comfortable build make them the best runner-up choice for listeners seeking straightforward, premium headphones without advanced spatial audio features.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds deliver top-tier noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and a secure, comfortable fit, making them ideal for everyday use in a compact wireless design.
Buy on AmazonThe Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds deliver superlative noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and a suite of practical features that place them ahead of many competitors. Their active noise cancellation achieves up to 28.7 dB reduction in the airplane range, combined with specially designed ear tips that passively block higher-frequency sounds. This combination creates a quiet environment that reduces low-frequency engine noise while muffling conversations, making them an ideal choice for flights, commutes, or working in noisy spaces.
Sound quality is a strong point for the XM5. High notes are delicate and clear, while bass is refined and controlled without sounding overwhelming. The Sony app allows EQ customization to match personal listening preferences, but the default tuning already delivers a balanced and satisfying experience. These earbuds also include full touch controls with Alexa and Google compatibility, intuitive tap patterns, and a gentle confirmation beep to minimize accidental inputs.
The microphone system is enhanced by multiple mics, AI software, and bone-conduction sensors to ensure your voice is heard clearly during calls. Background noises such as traffic and wind are significantly reduced, and while your voice may sound slightly compressed in noisy environments, your conversation partner will not be distracted by whooshing or harsh background sounds. Additional features like dual-device connectivity make switching between a phone and laptop seamless.
The design is compact and practical, with a battery life of six to eight hours per charge, plus two extra full charges provided by the small charging case. The case supports wireless charging and USB-C, while the earbuds offer IPX4 water resistance to protect against rain. The raised braille mark on the left earbud helps distinguish sides easily without looking, and the Sony app is accessible for screen readers, adding inclusivity to its feature set.
However, these earbuds may not suit everyone. People with small ears or those sensitive to in-ear pressure might find the fit uncomfortable for long periods. The XM5 lacks stabilizing wings or hooks, relying solely on the grip of its flexible foam and silicone tips to stay in place. While this design enhances noise isolation, it may not feel secure during high-impact workouts, and the water resistance rating is insufficient for heavy sweating. Despite these limitations, the Sony WF-1000XM5 remains the best overall choice for those prioritizing top-tier noise cancellation and premium sound quality in a truly wireless form factor.
Soundcore Space One
Best Budget Option
The Soundcore Space One headphones deliver impressive noise cancellation, solid sound quality, and comfortable design at a budget-friendly price.
Buy on AmazonThe Soundcore Space One headphones offer an impressive combination of features, performance, and affordability, making them the best budget pick for noise cancelling headphones. Priced around $100, they deliver noise cancellation that rivals headphones costing two to three times as much. Their adaptive ANC automatically adjusts to your surroundings, or you can select from different levels manually. For travel, the ANC continues to function even when using the supplied cable with in-flight entertainment systems, adding to their versatility.
Sound quality on the Space One is enjoyable, with an adjustable EQ available through the Soundcore app. Out of the box, the audio has some coarseness, with slight blurriness in the male vocal range and a touch of harshness in the highs. Although the bass can feel slightly bloated, these issues are minor considering the price, and most listeners will find a satisfying balance with EQ adjustments. The optional volume limiting feature also helps keep listening at safer levels, which is ideal for long sessions.
Comfort is another strong point for these headphones. The lightweight build, large earcups, and plush memory foam padding ensure a secure and comfortable fit, even for all-day wear. The memory foam is flexible enough to accommodate glasses without breaking the ear seal. While the construction is primarily plastic, it feels sturdy and looks more premium than expected at this price point. Soundcore backs the Space One with an 18-month warranty, providing additional peace of mind regarding durability.
Battery life is excellent, offering up to 40 hours of playtime with ANC enabled and even more with ANC turned off. A quick five-minute charge provides around four hours of listening time, making it easy to top up before heading out. For controls, the layout is logical, but the buttons are small, requiring some practice to locate them quickly. This may be an inconvenience for those with larger fingers or reduced dexterity.
Call quality is serviceable, supported by three microphones that reduce background noise such as traffic or café chatter. However, the voice can sound reedy and distant, and in windy conditions, while wind noise is suppressed, the user’s voice often cuts out during stronger gusts. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Soundcore Space One headphones stand out as an excellent budget-friendly option that delivers features and performance well above their price class.
Earfun Air Pro 4
Best Budget Earbuds
The Earfun Air Pro 4 earbuds offer impressive noise cancellation, clear call quality, customizable sound, and long battery life at an affordable price.
Buy on AmazonThe Earfun Air Pro 4 earbuds are the best choice for those seeking excellent noise reducing earbuds under $100. Their active noise cancellation outperforms many competitors that cost more than twice as much, making them a remarkable value in the budget category. Although their ANC does not quite match the breadth and strength of reduction offered by premium models like the Sony WF-1000XM5, they effectively reduce low and mid-frequency noise to create a quieter listening environment suitable for commuting, working, or traveling.
Sound quality is solid for this price range, with a default tuning that boosts both bass and high frequencies for an energetic presentation. While this may sound overhyped for some genres, the EarFun app offers extensive customization, including over a dozen EQ presets, a personalized listening test to match your hearing profile, and manual slider adjustments to tailor the audio to your preferences. Despite these options, the drivers do not deliver the same refined high-frequency clarity or dimensionality found in more expensive earbuds, but the overall performance remains satisfying for daily listening.
Battery life is another strong feature of the Air Pro 4. A single full charge provides up to 11 hours of playback, with the charging case extending total listening time to over 50 hours. The quick-charge function adds approximately two hours of playback from just 10 minutes in the case, ensuring you are rarely without music or calls. The charging case itself supports both wireless charging and USB-C for added convenience.
Call quality is reliable, thanks to three sets of microphones working with noise reduction software to keep voices clear even in busy environments. Wind noise handling is especially impressive, maintaining intelligibility in conditions where other budget earbuds often fail. While voices may sound slightly thinner and compressed in strong gusts, the clarity remains sufficient for uninterrupted conversations.
The touch controls, however, may require patience to master. Users can customize controls for playback, volume, ANC toggling, and digital assistant activation via the EarFun app, but memorizing the combination of taps and holds can be challenging. Additionally, the sensors can be overly sensitive, sometimes registering an unintended tap when readjusting the earbuds. Despite this minor drawback, the Earfun Air Pro 4 remains an outstanding budget pick for noise cancelling earbuds with excellent features and performance.
Finding the right pair of noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds can transform daily routines, commutes, and work sessions into moments of calm focus. Whether prioritizing immersive quiet for travel, reliable call clarity for remote meetings, or simple comfort for hours of listening, there is an option that fits both your lifestyle and budget without compromise.
Noise-cancelling technology continues to evolve, offering impressive performance even in budget models. Investing in a pair that suits your needs will ensure every playlist, podcast, and call is delivered with clarity and peace, allowing you to move through noisy environments with confidence and ease.