Travelling, working, or just trying to find some peace — nothing spoils the moment faster than background noise. The roar of a jet engine, the hustle of city streets, or the hum of a busy office can leave you longing for silence. That’s where noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds come in, creating your own private world of sound.

Now, you might be wondering: what the heck is noise cancellation anyway? And are there different types of noise-cancelling headphones? The short answer is yes. Some use advanced technology to actively block out external sound, while others rely on a snug fit and padding to passively keep noise at bay. The best models combine both, allowing you to block out distractions whether you’re on a flight, commuting, or working from home.

To make things easy, we’ve pulled together the 14 best noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds you can buy right now. From premium over-ears that make long-haul travel feel like business class to sleek earbuds that slip into your pocket, these are the audio essentials you’ll actually want to take everywhere.

• Best Overall Headphones: Sony WH-1000 XM6
• Best Noise Cancellation: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
• Best Luxury/High-End Pick: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95
• Best Earbuds: Sony WF-1000 XM5
• Best Value: Beats Studio Pro

• Type: Over-Ear Headphones
• Features: Industry-leading active noise cancellation, adaptive sound control, touch controls, Bluetooth 5.3, hi-res audio support
• Battery Life: Up to 40 hours (ANC off), 30 hours (ANC on)
• Colour Options: Black, Silver, Midnight Blue
• Price: USD $448

When people talk about the best noise-cancelling headphones in the game, this is the benchmark. The WH-1000XM6 builds on everything the XM5 did well and pushes it to new heights—powerful ANC that eliminates engine rumbles, city traffic, and office chatter without breaking a sweat. The comfort remains equally impressive, thanks to its plush earcups and lightweight design, while adaptive sound control learns your habits and adjusts automatically based on your location. With hi-res audio support, intuitive touch controls, and a battery life capable of lasting through several long-haul flights, the XM6 demonstrates why it remains at the top of the noise-cancelling market.

• Type: Over-Ear Headphones
• Features: CustomTune sound calibration, advanced ANC, immersive spatial audio, Bluetooth multipoint pairing
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours (23 with Immersive Audio)
• Colour Options: Black, White, Midnight Violet, & Driftwood Sand
• Price: USD $449

Bose has been the king of quiet technology for decades, and the QuietComfort Ultra shows they’re not about to lose the crown anytime soon. These headphones blend top-tier noise cancellation with an extra layer of spatial audio that makes music feel more vivid and three-dimensional. They’re ridiculously comfortable—true to the QuietComfort name—and designed for those who want premium sound without hassle. Plus, Bose’s smart CustomTune tech customises audio to your ears, giving you a pair that makes every playlist, podcast, or in-flight movie sound like it’s been remixed just for you.

• Type: In-Ear Earbuds
• Features: Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Find My integration, seamless Apple ecosystem pairing
• Battery Life: Up to 6 hours (30 hours with case)
• Colour Options: White
• Price: USD $179

Apple finally brought ANC to the standard AirPods lineup, and the AirPods 4 are the sweet spot for those who want premium features without AirPods Pro pricing. With Adaptive Audio that automatically adjusts based on your surroundings, these earbuds balance comfort and sound clarity in a way that feels effortless. The tight integration with iOS makes them ideal for iPhone users—pop open the case, and they’re instantly ready to go. Add in a comfy fit and improved battery performance, and these are easily the best all-rounders for Apple fans who want that extra hush in their daily grind.

• Type: In-Ear Earbuds
• Features: Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat, Hi-Res Audio Wireless, Head Tracking for spatial audio
• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours (24 hours with case)
• Colour Options: Smoky Pink, Black & Platinum Silver
• Price: USD $328

Smaller, lighter, and sleeker than their predecessors, these earbuds show just how far Sony has pushed portable audio. Despite the compact size, they deliver some of the best noise cancellation in the industry, cutting out city chaos, plane engines, and office chatter with ease. Add in head-tracked spatial audio and a secure, comfortable fit, and you’ve got a set of earbuds that can handle everything from work calls to immersive music sessions. For those chasing both convenience and world-class performance, the XM5s tick every box.

• Type: Over-Ear Headphones
• Features: Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, Customizable Sound EQ, Luxury Build with Titanium & Lambskin Leather, Foldable Design
• Battery Life: Up to 38 hours with ANC
• Colour Options: Black, Chestnut, Gold Tone, & Navy
• Price: USD $1,250

Luxury has a sound—and it comes through the Beoplay H95. These headphones are less about drowning out the world and more about enhancing your experience of it. Wrapped in lambskin leather with titanium details, they feel like a first-class cabin for your ears. But it’s not just about style; the adaptive ANC is sharp, the drivers are tuned to perfection, and the staggering 38-hour battery life means they’ll outlast even your longest haul flights. If you’re looking for performance that matches prestige, this is the gold standard.

• Type: Over-Ear Headphones
• Features: Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, USB-C lossless audio support
• Battery Life: Up to 40 hours (24 with ANC)
• Colour Options: Black, Navy, Sandstone, & Deep Brown
• Price: USD $349

The Studio Pro shows just how much Beats has advanced—these aren’t just about deep bass anymore; they’re designed for serious listening. Adaptive ANC blocks out distractions while Transparency Mode keeps you aware, and Spatial Audio with head tracking makes playlists and movies feel like live performances. With an impressive 40-hour battery life (24 hours with ANC active), foldable design, and a sleek range of colours, they combine Apple ecosystem convenience with a sharper edge, making them an easy choice for anyone seeking style, power, and endurance in one package.

• Type: Over-Ear Headphones
• Features: World-class Active Noise Cancellation, Aware Mode, Adjustable EQ, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing
• Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
• Colour Options: Black, White Smoke, Blue Dusk, Cypress Green, Twilight Blue, Ice Blue, Sandstone, Petal Pink, & Chilled Lilac
• Price: USD $349

If silence had a name, it would probably be Bose. The QuietComfort Headphones live up to their reputation by making background noise disappear while keeping your music clear and balanced. They’re designed for those who want all-day comfort without pressure, and the multipoint Bluetooth pairing lets you switch easily from your laptop to your phone. And if you’re not the type to stick with basic black, Bose offers colours like White Smoke and Cypress Green — because noise cancelling can still look stylish.

• Type: Over-Ear Headphones
• Features: Active Noise Cancellation, 40mm custom-designed drivers, Wear-detection sensors, App-based sound customization
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
• Colour Options: Black
• Price: USD $399

These headphones bring a rich, layered sound perfect for anyone who takes their playlists seriously. Active Noise Cancellation blocks out distractions, while wear-detection sensors add a smart feature by pausing your music the moment you remove them. With a sleek all-black design, they strike a perfect balance between subtlety and luxury—making them suitable for the boardroom or a long-haul flight.

• Type: Over-Ear Headphones
• Features: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Digital Crown controls
• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
• Colour Options: Blue, Purple, Orange, Midnight, & Starlight
• Price: USD $549

Apple’s first over-ear headphones serve as both a bold design statement and an impressive audio device. Featuring stainless-steel frames, memory foam ear cushions, and that iconic mesh headband, the AirPods Max look as luxurious as they feel. However, it’s the soundstage that truly stands out—Spatial Audio makes music, movies, and games feel cinematic, while ANC and Transparency Mode switch seamlessly based on your environment. Certainly, they come with a premium price tag, but for Apple enthusiasts seeking effortless integration within their ecosystem, these are the ultimate choice.

• Type: Over-Ear Headphones
• Features: Active Noise Cancellation, Aware Mode, Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, lossless audio support, seamless Sonos ecosystem integration
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
• Colour Options: Black, Soft White
• Price: USD $399

Sonos finally entered the headphone market with the Ace, and they meant business. Known for their high-end home speakers, Sonos has brought that same immersive sound into a stylish over-ear design. The Ace not only offers powerful bass and clear highs but also pairs effortlessly with your Sonos home system, making it easy to switch from personal listening to room-filling audio. With spatial audio and premium ANC included, it’s a strong contender for both music enthusiasts and home theatre fans who want the best of both worlds.

• Type: In-Ear Earbuds
• Features: World-class ANC, Aware Mode, Bose Immersive Audio with spatialized sound, CustomTune sound calibration
• Battery Life: Up to 6 hours (24 hours with charging case)
• Colour Options: Black, White Smoke, Deep Plum, & Midnight Violet
• Price: USD $299

Sometimes you just need complete silence in a small package, and that’s exactly what Bose delivers with the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. These buds bring Bose’s legendary noise cancellation to a compact form without sacrificing power. Immersive Audio adds a sense of space to your playlists, while CustomTune technology personalizes the sound profile for a perfect fit. They’re comfortable enough for long flights, stylish enough for everyday wear, and powerful enough to block out distractions wherever life takes you.

• Type: Over-Ear Headphones
• Features: Industry-leading ANC, 8 microphones, Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat, Hi-Res Audio support
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours (with ANC on)
• Colour Options: Black, Midnight Silver, Smoky Pink, & Silver
• Price: USD $399

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 might be making the latest headlines, but the XM5 is the model that initially set the benchmark so high. With a sleek, redesigned look and some of the best active noise cancellation available, these headphones remind us that not every “previous gen” becomes outdated overnight. The XM5 still features adaptive sound control that adjusts to your environment, crystal-clear call quality powered by eight microphones, and that signature Sony sound full of detail and depth. For many, it strikes the perfect balance of innovation, performance, and value—making it a popular choice even with the XM6 now available.

• Type: Over-Ear Headphones
• Features: Hybrid ANC, Transparency Mode, Hi-Fi sound with 40mm aluminum-magnesium drivers, built-in DAC with USB-D audio support
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
• Colour Options: Black Silver, Deep Black, & Dune
• Price: USD $699

When a French hi-fi brand like Focal makes wireless headphones, you know they’re not messing around. The Bathys take audiophile-grade sound and pack it into a travel-friendly design with hybrid ANC that keeps distractions out while letting the music shine. Thanks to the built-in DAC and USB-D audio support, you can plug in for true hi-res listening when Bluetooth isn’t enough. Premium materials, plush comfort, and a sound profile that feels alive make the Bathys perfect for anyone who wants more than just “good headphones”—these are portable hi-fi for the modern listener.

• Type: Over-Ear Headphones
• Features: Advanced ANC, aptX™ Adaptive wireless, custom 40mm carbon cone drivers, luxurious build with cast aluminum arms and Nappa leather trim
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
• Colour Options: Black, Tan, Royal Burgundy, Dark Forest
• Price: USD $699

The Px8 is what happens when Bowers & Wilkins decides to go all out. These aren’t just headphones; they’re a statement piece. Wrapped in Nappa leather with sleek aluminium detailing, they look and feel as premium as the price tag suggests. More importantly, they sound incredible—thanks to custom carbon cone drivers that bring out rich detail across your music. Add in reliable ANC and aptX Adaptive for smooth wireless playback, and you’ve got a pair of headphones built for those who want style, comfort, and hi-fi sound rolled into one.

You might be wondering: what exactly are noise-cancelling headphones, and why do everyone from frequent flyers to remote workers rave about them? Essentially, these headphones are designed to block out unwanted external sounds so you can focus on what truly matters—your music, your calls, or simply enjoying a moment of peace and quiet. Instead of turning up the volume to drown out the chaos around you, noise-cancelling technology addresses the issue before it even reaches your ears.

There are two primary methods by which this functions. Passive noise cancellation is the traditional approach, achieved through physical design. Thick padding, snug ear cups, and tight seals act as barriers to block out sound—similar to how a good pair of earmuffs reduces outside noise. While effective, it only works to a certain extent, especially against low-frequency hums like engines or air conditioners.

That’s where Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) comes into play. Using tiny microphones built into the headphones, ANC detects surrounding noise and then plays back an inverted sound wave to cancel it out. Think of it as two waves colliding and neutralizing each other. The result is a significant reduction in background sound—whether it’s the roar of a jet, office chatter, or city traffic—allowing your audio to come through clearly.

Modern headphones often include another feature: Transparency or Aware Mode. This reverses the traditional idea of noise cancellation by allowing outside sound to pass through when needed—ideal for quick conversations, crossing busy streets, or staying alert while exercising. These features make noise-cancelling headphones more than simple listening devices—they turn into your personal sound environment, giving you control over how much of the outside world you hear or block out.

When it comes to noise cancellation, the technology is important — but so is the form factor. The way headphones or earbuds are designed can completely change the experience, from comfort to portability. Here are the main types you’ll encounter:

• Circumaural (Over-Ear Headphones): The classic choice for travellers and audiophiles. These fully enclose your ears, providing strong passive isolation in addition to ANC. They typically offer the best soundstage and longest battery life, making them ideal for flights, long work sessions, or simply relaxing.
• Supra-Aural (On-Ear Headphones): A slimmer option that rests on your ears with cushioned pads instead of fully enclosing them. They’re lighter and more portable, though they allow more outside noise compared to over-ears. Ideal for casual listeners seeking something less bulky.
• In-Canal (Earbuds): These slip directly into your ear canal, sealing out noise while remaining very compact. Modern ANC earbuds can match larger headphones in noise cancellation, and many feature transparency modes for safety on the go. Battery life is shorter than over-ear models, but the pocket-sized charging cases make them a popular travel choice.

Choosing between them really comes down to lifestyle: if comfort and immersive sound are top priorities, go for over-ears. If portability and everyday convenience matter most, earbuds are tough to beat.