Noise Canceling Headphones GURU
Choose the best noise canceling headphones
TOPsSee our product TOPs
Best Noise-Canceling Headphones

The best active noise canceling headphones: our top 16 (June 2026)

Oliver Bainbridge
Oliver Bainbridge
Hearing Specialist
9 February 2026 1 min read
Discover our ranking of the 16 best active noise canceling headphones based on our tests.
What are the best active noise canceling headphones in june 2026? Comparison, reviews, tests & buying guides
  1. 🏆 Apple AirPods Max Review: Solid Noise Cancellation and Spatial Audio, but Is It Worth the Price?
  2. 🥈 Apple AirPods Max Review: Premium Sound with Some Quirks
  3. 🔥 Beats Studio Pro Review: everyday wireless cans with strong ANC and battery, held back by comfort and price
  4. ⭐ Bose QuietComfort Headphones Review: light, comfy ANC cans that keep things simple
  5. ✨ Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION Review: luxury WH-series headphones for people who care about feel as much as sound
  6. 💫 Sony ULT WEAR Review: bass-heavy ANC cans that are great if you don’t live on Zoom
  7. 🌟 Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review: A Solid Choice with Some Quirks
  8. 💰 Rebocico ANC Headphones Review: budget cans with big battery and heavy bass
  9. 👍 Rebocico Noise Cancelling Headphones Review: budget ANC cans with huge battery and heavy bass
  10. 🎯 Rebocico Q20 ANC Headphones Review: cheap workhorse with long battery and a few quirks

Ranking

#1 🏆 Best choice
AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Midnight USB-C Midnight Without AppleCare+

Apple

AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Midnight USB-C Midnight Without AppleCare+

⭐ Très bien noté 🔥 Populaire
  • High-quality noise cancellation
  • Seamless integration with Apple devices
  • Premium build quality
The AirPods Max are a well-crafted set of headphones with high-end sound and features like noise cancellation and spatial audio that stand out. However, they come with a hefty price tag that may not be justifiable for everyone. If you’re deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, you’ll appreciate the seamless connectivity and design consistency. For those who aren’t as brand-loyal or who are budget-conscious, there are other headphones on the market offering similar performance at a lower cost. The design and build quality are premium, but the weight and comfort during extended use might be drawbacks for some users. Overall, they’re ideal for Apple users who value seamless integration and a premium feel. Non-Apple users or those who prioritize value over brand might want to look elsewhere.
8.6 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#2
AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Starlight USB-C Starlight Without AppleCare+

Apple

AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Starlight USB-C Starlight Without AppleCare+

⭐ Très bien noté 🔥 Populaire
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
The Apple AirPods Max are a solid choice for those who want high-quality sound and are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem. They offer excellent performance with effective noise cancellation and impressive spatial audio features. The build quality is robust, and the design is sleek, though the weight can be a downside for long listening sessions.However, the price is a significant consideration. If you're not committed to the Apple ecosystem, you might find better value elsewhere. The lack of wireless charging is another minor setback for a product in this price range.In conclusion, these headphones are perfect for Apple fans who want the best of what the brand offers in terms of audio experience. But for those who are price-sensitive or looking for cross-platform compatibility, there might be better options out there.
8.6 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#3 🔥 Most popular
Beats Studio Pro - Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Up to 40-Hour Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatible - Black Black Standalone

Beats

Beats Studio Pro - Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Up to 40-Hour Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatible - Black Black Standalone

⭐ Très bien noté 🔥 Populaire
  • Very strong battery life with useful fast charging
  • Punchy, enjoyable sound and solid ANC for everyday use
  • Good Apple and Android compatibility with USB‑C and 3.5 mm options
The Beats Studio Pro are solid everyday wireless over-ear headphones with a few clear strengths: long battery life, simple controls, decent noise cancelling, and a sound profile that works well for modern music and streaming. They’re easy to use, play nicely with both Apple and Android, and the USB‑C plus 3.5 mm options give you flexibility if you want to go wired. For commuting, travel, studying in a noisy place, or just watching movies at home, they get the job done without much hassle.On the downside, they’re not the most comfortable for very long sessions, and the folding hinges don’t inspire huge confidence if you’re rough with your gear. ANC is good but not class-leading, and at full retail price they sit in a tough spot against Sony and Bose. In my view, they make the most sense if you catch them on sale and you want something simple, with strong battery and a fun, punchy sound, rather than chasing audiophile-level detail.Who are they for? People who want one pair of headphones that can handle travel, work, and casual listening, especially if you use both Apple and Android devices. Who should skip them? Anyone super sensitive to head pressure who wears headphones 8 hours a day, or someone who wants the absolute best ANC in the market. If you fall in the first group and you can grab them at a discount, they’re a good, practical choice. If not, it’s worth comparing carefully before paying full price.
8.5 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#4
QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black

Bose

QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black

⭐ Très bien noté 🔥 Populaire
  • Very comfortable and lightweight for long listening sessions
  • Strong noise cancelling for constant background sounds like AC and plane engines
  • Reliable multi-point Bluetooth connection between phone and computer
Overall, the Bose QuietComfort headphones are very solid everyday ANC headphones with comfort as their main selling point. The sound is clean and enjoyable, the noise cancelling cuts down background hum and office noise well, and the multi-point Bluetooth connection actually works in real life, not just in the spec sheet. The app is straightforward, the controls are simple, and the battery life is enough that you mostly forget about it. If you spend long hours on calls or listening to music while working, these are easy to live with.They’re not perfect. At full price they feel a bit expensive for a plastic-heavy build and a feature set that’s more practical than fancy. The ANC doesn’t create total silence, the max volume could be slightly higher, and the customizable button is weirdly limited. But in day-to-day use, they get the basics right: they’re light, comfortable for long sessions, quiet down your environment, and don’t give you pairing headaches. I’d recommend them to people who prioritize comfort, work-from-home users, travelers, and anyone who hates in-ear buds. If you’re chasing audiophile-level sound, metal construction, or the absolute lowest price, you might want to look elsewhere or at least wait for a good discount.
8.5 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#5
1000X THE COLLEXION Luxury Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Studio-Grade Hi-Res Sound,Premium Noise Cancelling, 360 Spatial Audio, Durable Case, iOS & Android – Black, New Model

Sony

1000X THE COLLEXION Luxury Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Studio-Grade Hi-Res Sound,Premium Noise Cancelling, 360 Spatial Audio, Durable Case, iOS & Android – Black, New Model

  • Sound is more spacious and detailed than the regular WH‑1000XM line while still staying punchy
  • Materials and build feel clearly more premium than Sony’s usual plastic models
  • Very comfortable for long sessions, with effective ANC and useful 360 upmix modes for movies and gaming
After using the Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION as my main headphones, my takeaway is pretty clear: they’re a luxury spin on Sony’s already strong WH series, not a full technical leap. The sound is a step up — wider soundstage, better detail, still fun and punchy without turning into a bass mess. The materials and comfort are also a big plus; they feel like a more grown‑up, more premium version of the XM line, and wearing them for hours is easy.On the other hand, ANC and battery life are more “in line with” the WH‑1000XM5/XM6 than beyond them. Noise cancelling is still very good, but not a dramatic upgrade. Battery is fine but nothing special for the price, and there are some odd choices like no USB‑C audio and no true passive wired mode. So you’re not paying for giant technical gains; you’re mainly paying for nicer materials, slightly better sound, and the overall feel.I’d recommend these to people who already know they like Sony’s ecosystem, care a lot about how their headphones look and feel, and are willing to spend extra for that comfort and build. They fit well for office workers, frequent flyers, and home listeners who want one high‑end pair for music, films, and some gaming. If you just want top ANC and good sound at a more sensible price, or you’re very battery‑focused, the regular WH‑1000XM6 makes more sense. In short: strong headphones, but clearly aimed at enthusiasts who value luxury touches over pure value for money.
8.5 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#6
ULT WEAR - Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, ULT POWER SOUND, Ultimate Deep Bass, Same Processor as WH-1000XM5, Clear Calls, 30hr Battery, IOS & Android - White Off White

Sony

ULT WEAR - Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, ULT POWER SOUND, Ultimate Deep Bass, Same Processor as WH-1000XM5, Clear Calls, 30hr Battery, IOS & Android - White Off White

⭐ Très bien noté 🔥 Populaire
  • Strong, adjustable bass and clear sound once you tweak the EQ in the app
  • Very good comfort and light weight, easy to wear for long sessions
  • Long battery life with fast charging and useful multipoint Bluetooth
After living with the Sony ULT WEAR for a bit, my take is straightforward: they’re great midrange headphones for people who mainly care about music and noise reduction, and not so great if your life is full of calls and video meetings. The sound can go from muddy to genuinely enjoyable once you spend 5–10 minutes in the app adjusting the EQ and playing with ULT 1/ULT 2. Bass lovers will be happy, especially with ULT 2, while more neutral listeners can tone it down and still get clear mids and decent detail.ANC is solid for travel and commuting, especially for low, constant noise, but don’t expect top-of-the-line isolation for voices. Comfort is a strong point: light, easy to wear for hours, and the clamping force settles nicely after a few days. Battery life is one of the best things about these; you basically charge them once and forget about it for days. On the flip side, the plastic build feels a bit cheap compared to Sony’s higher-end models, and the microphone is clearly behind the rest of the package, especially in noisy environments.If you want bass-heavy, feature-packed ANC headphones for music, movies, and everyday use, and you can grab them around the £100 mark, they’re a pretty solid deal. If you’re upgrading from something like the XM3/XM4 mainly for sound quality, or you need crystal-clear mics for work, I’d skip these and look at higher-end options. For most casual users who just want good sound, strong battery, and decent ANC without spending flagship money, they get the job done well.
8.5 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#7
AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Live Translation, Heart Rate Sensing, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, USB-C Charging

Apple

AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Live Translation, Heart Rate Sensing, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, USB-C Charging

🔥 Populaire
  • Solid sound quality
  • Seamless Apple device integration
  • Effective noise cancellation
In conclusion, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are a reliable choice for those deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem. They offer a range of useful features like Active Noise Cancellation, heart rate monitoring, and Live Translation, making them versatile for both everyday use and specific needs like workouts or travel. The sound quality is good, and the design is typical of Apple's clean, minimalistic style.However, for those who prioritize cost-effectiveness, there are other earbuds on the market that provide similar features at a lower price point. The lack of a charging cable and power adapter in the box is a small but significant downside that could be a dealbreaker for some. They're not the most innovative earbuds out there, but they are dependable and perform well in most aspects.If you own multiple Apple devices and can afford to spend a bit more, these earbuds will fit seamlessly into your life. But if you're on a budget or don't need all the extra features, you might want to explore other options that offer better value for money.
8.4 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#8 💰 Best price
Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, 100H Playtime Headphones Wireless Bluetooth, with Microphone, Over- Ear Deep Bass,Fast Charging for Travel,Office,Home Black Gold

Rebocico

Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, 100H Playtime Headphones Wireless Bluetooth, with Microphone, Over- Ear Deep Bass,Fast Charging for Travel,Office,Home Black Gold

🔥 Populaire
  • Battery life that easily stretches into multiple weeks of casual use
  • Strong, punchy bass that many casual listeners will enjoy
  • Comfortable enough for a few hours at a time with soft pads and adjustable headband
After using the Rebocico Active Noise Cancelling headphones day to day, my overall feeling is pretty straightforward: they’re not perfect, but they’re solid for the price. The big strengths are clear: very long battery life, strong bass-heavy sound, simple pairing and decent comfort. For casual listening, commuting, office work and travel, they do the job without drama. The ANC is helpful for low background noise but doesn’t compete with high-end models, so don’t expect total silence on planes or in very loud environments.Who are they for? People who want cheap wireless over-ear headphones that last ages on a charge, like a fun bassy sound, and don’t care about advanced features or ultra-premium finish. Students, budget-conscious users, or as a second pair for travel, they fit well. Who should skip them? Anyone very picky about sound balance, those expecting top-tier ANC like Sony/Bose, or people who want a super durable, metal-heavy build that will survive years of abuse. In short: good value if you know what you’re getting, average if you expect miracles. For the current price, I’m comfortable giving them a solid score, mainly thanks to the battery and overall practicality.
8.4 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#9
Headphones Wireless Bluetooth, 100H Playtime Active Noise Cancelling Headphone, Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone, Wireless Headsets with Deep Bass, Over-Ear Headphones with Fast Charging White

Rebocico

Headphones Wireless Bluetooth, 100H Playtime Active Noise Cancelling Headphone, Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone, Wireless Headsets with Deep Bass, Over-Ear Headphones with Fast Charging White

🔥 Populaire
  • Very long battery life with genuinely rare need to recharge
  • Comfortable over-ear fit with soft pads suitable for long sessions
  • Strong bass and loud output that work well for casual music and movies
Overall, the Rebocico noise cancelling headphones are a solid budget choice if your priorities are long battery life, strong bass, and decent comfort. The 100-hour battery claim isn’t just marketing fluff; in real use, the battery feels almost endless, and the fast charging is genuinely handy. The over-ear design with soft pads makes them comfortable enough for multi-hour sessions, and the Bluetooth connection is stable and easy to manage. The sound is clearly tuned for bass lovers—fun and punchy, but not the most balanced or detailed.On the downside, the active noise cancelling is basic. It takes the edge off low-frequency noise but doesn’t compete with premium brands. Build quality is clearly budget: mostly plastic, with pads that will probably be the first part to age. Call quality is okay for occasional use but not something I’d rely on all day for work. There’s no app, no EQ, and no advanced features, which may or may not bother you depending on how you use your headphones.If you want cheap headphones for commuting, office, school, or watching movies at home, and you don’t obsess over perfect sound, these make sense and offer good value for money. If you’re after top-tier ANC, very clean and detailed audio, or a more premium feel, you should skip these and look higher up the price ladder. For the price bracket they’re in, they get the job done and then some, especially on battery life.
8.4 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#10
Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphone with Microphone,120H Playtime, Foldable Overhead Headphones with Deep Bass, Fast Charging for Home Travel Office Black

Rebocico

Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphone with Microphone,120H Playtime, Foldable Overhead Headphones with Deep Bass, Fast Charging for Home Travel Office Black

  • Very long battery life that easily covers many days of use
  • Comfortable enough for multi-hour sessions with decent ear padding
  • Active Noise Cancelling that reduces low background noise at a low price
The Rebocico Q20 is a practical budget headset that does a few important things right: long battery life, decent comfort, and acceptable ANC for the price. It’s not trying to be high-end, and you can feel that in the materials, the slightly rough sound at high volume, and the basic feature set. But if you need something cheap that you won’t be afraid to toss in a bag or leave at the office, it gets the job done without too many headaches.I’d recommend these for people who mainly want a wireless over-ear for commuting, work calls, and casual music, and who care more about price and battery than perfect sound or premium build. They’re also a good choice as a secondary pair alongside a more expensive main headset. On the other hand, if you’re sensitive to sound quality, want strong ANC that really blocks out noisy offices or planes, or expect a premium feel, you should save up for a higher-end model from Sony, Bose, or similar brands. For the money though, the Q20 is a pretty solid value with clear trade-offs that are easy to accept if you go in with realistic expectations.
8.4 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#11
WH-1000XM5S Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones - 30hr Battery Life - Over-Ear Style - Optimized for Alexa and Google Assistant - Built-in mic for Calls - Silver/Gold With Hard Case Silver

Sony

WH-1000XM5S Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones - 30hr Battery Life - Over-Ear Style - Optimized for Alexa and Google Assistant - Built-in mic for Calls - Silver/Gold With Hard Case Silver

🔥 Populaire
  • Very effective noise cancelling for travel, commuting, and office use
  • Comfortable and lightweight for long listening sessions
  • Strong feature set: multi-point Bluetooth, app EQ, speak-to-chat, fast pairing
The Sony WH-1000XM5S are strong all-round wireless headphones with very good noise cancelling, comfortable design, and a lot of smart features that genuinely help in daily use. They’re light on the head, you can wear them for hours without much discomfort, and once you tweak the EQ in the app, the sound is clear, punchy, and enjoyable for most genres. Battery life is one of the strong points – you charge them once every few days and then forget about it, and the fast charge is handy when you’re in a rush.They’re not perfect. Out-of-the-box sound is a bit dull and bass-heavy, the build relies heavily on plastic and doesn’t feel super tough, and there’s no water resistance. You also don’t get a cable in this listing, which feels cheap at this price. If you just want a simple pair of headphones for quiet home listening, this is probably overkill. But if you travel, commute, or work in noisy spaces and want one pair that handles music, calls, and long sessions in comfort, they make a lot more sense.I’d say they’re best for people who: fly or take trains regularly, work in open-plan offices, or just value quiet and comfort during the day. If you’re more of a pure audio nerd or you want something rugged for gym and outdoor use, you’ll likely find better or cheaper options that fit those needs. Overall, solid purchase if you catch them on discount and you’ll actually use the ANC and features often.
8.3 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#12
WH-1000XM5 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Premium Active Noise Cancelling with personalized Spatial Audio, Up to 30hr Battery Life, Bluetooth Headphones, Midnight Blue With Hard Case Midnight Blue

Sony

WH-1000XM5 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Premium Active Noise Cancelling with personalized Spatial Audio, Up to 30hr Battery Life, Bluetooth Headphones, Midnight Blue With Hard Case Midnight Blue

🔥 Populaire
  • Top-tier noise cancelling that really cuts down engine and background hum
  • Very comfortable and lightweight for long listening sessions
  • Strong battery life with genuinely useful fast charging
After living with the Sony WH‑1000XM5 for a while, my take is pretty straightforward: great ANC, very good sound once tuned, excellent comfort, average toughness. They’re ideal if you spend a lot of time on planes, trains, or in noisy offices and you want a quiet bubble to work or relax in. The noise cancelling is genuinely strong, the battery life is long enough that you rarely worry about it, and the light weight plus soft pads make long sessions easy.On the flip side, they’re not perfect. The default sound profile is just okay until you fix it with the EQ, the touch controls can be a bit fussy, and the build doesn’t feel super robust for the price. If you’re rough with your gear, or you mainly sit at home in a quiet room, you might not get full value out of the ANC and features you’re paying for. I’d strongly recommend buying them during a sale rather than at full price, if you can.So who are they for? People who commute, travel, or work in noisy environments and want strong ANC, comfort, and a bunch of smart features will likely be very happy. Who should skip them? If you’re on a tight budget, need something tough for the gym or heavy outdoor use, or hate fiddling with apps and EQ, there are simpler and cheaper options that make more sense. Overall, they’re a solid high‑end choice, as long as you know what you’re getting and you handle them with a bit of care.
8.3 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#13
WH-1000XM5SA Special Edition Soft Case Premium Noise Cancelling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Bluetooth, Clear Call Quality, Hi-Res Audio, Up to 30hr Battery Life, iOS & Android - Black With Soft Case Black

Sony

WH-1000XM5SA Special Edition Soft Case Premium Noise Cancelling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Bluetooth, Clear Call Quality, Hi-Res Audio, Up to 30hr Battery Life, iOS & Android - Black With Soft Case Black

🔥 Populaire
  • Strong active noise cancelling, especially for constant low noises like engines and fans
  • Comfortable and lightweight for long listening sessions with soft earpads
  • Good sound quality once EQ is adjusted in the Sony app, plus handy multi-point connection and long battery life
After using the Sony WH‑1000XM5SA as my main headphones for a while, my conclusion is pretty straightforward: they do the core stuff very well – ANC, comfort, battery, and sound (once you tweak the EQ). The soft case version doesn’t change the actual listening experience; it just makes the package a bit lighter and slightly less protected. If you want a quiet bubble on planes, trains, or in a noisy office, these handle that job really well and are easy to wear for long sessions.They’re not perfect, though. The build feels a bit delicate around the hinges, the touch controls can be annoying for volume, and the default sound profile is only “okay” until you use the app. I’d say they suit people who: wear headphones several hours a day, care a lot about strong noise cancelling, and don’t mind using an app to tune the sound. If you’re rough with your gear, hate touch controls, or just need something cheap for occasional travel, there are more basic and tougher options out there that might fit you better.So overall, I’d rate these 4/5. Very capable, nice to use, good value at the right price, but not flawless and not the best choice if you want something you can throw around without thinking.
8.3 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#14
WH-1000XM5 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Premium Active Noise Cancelling with personalized Spatial Audio, Up to 30hr Battery Life, Bluetooth Headphones, Smoky Pink With Hard Case Smoky Pink

Sony

WH-1000XM5 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Premium Active Noise Cancelling with personalized Spatial Audio, Up to 30hr Battery Life, Bluetooth Headphones, Smoky Pink With Hard Case Smoky Pink

🔥 Populaire
  • Very effective active noise cancelling for commuting, office and flights
  • Comfortable and lightweight enough for multi-hour listening sessions
  • Good sound quality once EQ is adjusted in the Sony app
The Sony WH-1000XM5 in Smoky Pink are strong all-round wireless headphones if you actually use ANC and wear them for long stretches. The noise cancelling is very effective on planes, public transport, and in open offices, and the comfort is good enough for multi-hour sessions without feeling like your head is in a clamp. Sound quality out of the box is a bit bland, but with a quick EQ tweak in the app they become genuinely enjoyable for most genres and podcasts.They’re not perfect: the touch controls can be a bit hit-or-miss, the hinges feel like something you shouldn’t abuse, and they rely heavily on being powered on for both sound quality and noise cancelling. At full price they’re expensive, but if you catch them on sale, the value is much easier to justify. I’d recommend them to people who commute a lot, work in noisy environments, or travel often and want one pair of comfortable, wireless headphones that handle music, calls, and ANC well.If you’re rough with your gear, hate apps and settings, or just want simple wired headphones, these are probably not for you. But if you’re fine treating them with a bit of care and don’t mind spending a few minutes tuning them in the app, they’re a pretty solid choice that covers most everyday use cases very well.
8.3 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#15
WH-1000XM5 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Premium Active Noise Cancelling with personalized Spatial Audio, Up to 30hr Battery Life, Bluetooth Headphones, Black With Hard Case Black

Sony

WH-1000XM5 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Premium Active Noise Cancelling with personalized Spatial Audio, Up to 30hr Battery Life, Bluetooth Headphones, Black With Hard Case Black

🔥 Populaire
  • Strong noise cancelling for commuting, office, and flights
  • Very comfortable and lightweight for long listening sessions
  • Good sound quality after EQ tuning, with stable Bluetooth and long battery life
The Sony WH‑1000XM5 are strong all‑round wireless noise cancelling headphones, but they’re not magic and they’re not perfect. The main strengths are clear: very effective noise cancelling for travel and commuting, good sound quality once you tweak the EQ in the app, and comfort that works for long work sessions without headaches or sore ears. Battery life is basically a non‑issue, and the multi‑point Bluetooth plus quick pairing make them easy to live with across phone and laptop.On the downside, the sound out of the box is a bit bland, the build feels more fragile than you’d expect at this price, and the touch controls can be annoying in windy conditions or if your hair brushes the earcup. You also have to keep them powered on for best sound even when using the cable, which means you’re always burning battery. At full retail, those flaws are noticeable. On sale, they’re much easier to justify.I’d say these are for people who: travel often, work in noisy environments, or wear headphones 4+ hours a day and care about comfort and ANC. They’re less ideal if you’re rough with your gear, want something for workouts or rain, or hate using apps and EQ. If you fit the first group and can grab them at a discount, they’re a very solid choice. If not, you might want to look at cheaper Sony models or competitors and keep your wallet a bit happier.
8.3 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#16
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX – Premium Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, 40 Hours Battery, 6 Microphones, Headset for Work with Carrying case - Timber Beoplay HX Timber

Bang & Olufsen

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX – Premium Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, 40 Hours Battery, 6 Microphones, Headset for Work with Carrying case - Timber Beoplay HX Timber

🔥 Populaire
  • Premium materials and build quality that feel solid and look classy
  • Balanced, detailed sound that works well for long listening sessions
  • Strong battery life (around 30+ hours in real use) and practical carrying case
After using the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX day to day, my overall feeling is that they’re very solid premium headphones with a few clear trade-offs. The sound is clean, balanced, and detailed, especially good for vocals, acoustic, and classical. The build and materials feel genuinely high-end, and the comfort is good enough for long work sessions. Battery life is strong, and the case is practical for commuting or travel. They feel like a product you’ll enjoy picking up, not just a tool you tolerate.On the flip side, the active noise cancelling is good but not class-leading, and the touch controls are the weak spot: they work, but not reliably enough for the price. The app is also a bit limited if you like fine-grained EQ control. If you mainly care about blocking out as much noise as possible on planes or you want heavy bass and maximum features for your money, models from Sony or Bose usually make more sense. But if you want something that looks and feels more premium than the usual black plastic, and you’re okay with “very good” instead of “best” ANC, the Beoplay HX is a nice choice.So, who is this for? People who care about design, build quality, and a balanced sound profile more than raw spec sheets, and who are fine paying a bit extra for that. Who should skip it? Bass addicts, frequent flyers obsessed with maximum ANC, and anyone who hates unreliable touch controls. If you find them around the £250–280 mark, they’re a pretty solid buy. At full retail, you really have to want the B&O look and feel to justify the spend.
8.2 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon

Comparison table : Active noise canceling headphones

Overall score Value for money Design Battery Comfort Performance Durability Presentation
AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Midnight USB-C Midnight Without AppleCare+
#1 Apple
AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones...
See offer Amazon
8.6/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ - -
AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Starlight USB-C Starlight Without AppleCare+
#2 Apple
AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones...
See offer Amazon
8.6/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ - -
Beats Studio Pro - Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Up to 40-Hour Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatible - Black Black Standalone
#3 Beats
Beats Studio Pro - Premium Wireless Over...
See offer Amazon
8.5/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black
#4 Bose
QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluet...
See offer Amazon
8.5/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
1000X THE COLLEXION Luxury Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Studio-Grade Hi-Res Sound,Premium Noise Cancelling, 360 Spatial Audio, Durable Case, iOS & Android – Black, New Model
#5 Sony
1000X THE COLLEXION Luxury Over-Ear Wire...
See offer Amazon
8.5/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ - ★★★★★ ★★★★★
ULT WEAR - Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, ULT POWER SOUND, Ultimate Deep Bass, Same Processor as WH-1000XM5, Clear Calls, 30hr Battery, IOS & Android - White Off White
#6 Sony
ULT WEAR - Wireless Noise Cancelling Hea...
See offer Amazon
8.5/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Live Translation, Heart Rate Sensing, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, USB-C Charging
#7 Apple
AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds, Active N...
See offer Amazon
8.4/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ - ★★★★★ ★★★★★ - -
Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, 100H Playtime Headphones Wireless Bluetooth, with Microphone, Over- Ear Deep Bass,Fast Charging for Travel,Office,Home Black Gold
#8 Rebocico
Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, 100H...
See offer Amazon
8.4/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Headphones Wireless Bluetooth, 100H Playtime Active Noise Cancelling Headphone, Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone, Wireless Headsets with Deep Bass, Over-Ear Headphones with Fast Charging White
#9 Rebocico
Headphones Wireless Bluetooth, 100H Play...
See offer Amazon
8.4/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphone with Microphone,120H Playtime, Foldable Overhead Headphones with Deep Bass, Fast Charging for Home Travel Office Black
#10 Rebocico
Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wire...
See offer Amazon
8.4/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

According to our tests, the best active noise canceling headphones is the AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Midnight USB-C Midnight Without AppleCare+ with a score of 8.6/10.

The cheapest active noise canceling headphones in our comparison is the Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, 100H Playtime Headphones Wireless Bluetooth, with Microphone, Over- Ear Deep Bass,Fast Charging for Travel,Office,Home Black Gold.

The most popular active noise canceling headphones is the Beats Studio Pro - Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Up to 40-Hour Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatible - Black Black Standalone with 26 980 customer reviews.

To choose a active noise canceling headphones, we recommend comparing performance, build quality, value for money and user reviews. Our comparison table above helps you make the right choice.

We have tested 16 Active noise canceling headphones to establish this ranking.
#1 AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Midnight USB-C Midnight Without AppleCare+
Apple
AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Midnight USB-C Midnight Without AppleCare+
8.6/10 Best choice
See offer Amazon