Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for 2026

The Bose QuietComfort 45 delivers industry-leading noise cancellation with premium comfort for all-day wear and exceptional battery life. These wireless headphones combine high-fidelity audio, intuitive button controls, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity in a durable over-ear design suitable for both work and travel.

The Apple AirPods Pro deliver premium wireless audio with class-leading active noise cancellation and seamless integration across Apple devices. Featuring customizable silicone tips, transparency mode, and impressive battery life, they offer comfort and convenience for daily use. While the premium price point and limited cross-platform functionality may give pause to non-Apple users, the overall quality justifies the investment.

The Apple AirPods Max are premium over-ear headphones delivering exceptional sound quality with advanced spatial audio and industry-leading active noise cancellation. They excel within the Apple ecosystem with seamless connectivity and offer exceptional comfort for extended wear, though their high price point and heavy weight may not suit all users.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen delivers industry-leading noise cancellation with immersive spatial audio and exceptional comfort for extended wear. These premium headphones combine luxurious build quality, 30-hour battery life, and innovative features like Cinema Mode and lossless USB audio, making them a top choice for frequent travelers and audiophiles despite their premium price point.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 delivers industry-leading noise cancellation with exceptional sound quality, comfortable fit for extended wear, and impressive 30-hour battery life. Users consistently praise the superior ANC performance, clear audio, and reliable connectivity across devices, though some note the plastic build and occasional Bluetooth switching delays. With proven durability and widespread acclaim, these headphones represent an excellent value in the premium noise-canceling category.

The JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx offers premium noise-cancelling performance with exceptional 70-hour battery life and versatile connectivity options including the included Smart Transmitter. These comfortable, feature-rich headphones deliver customizable sound through Personi-Fi 3.0 EQ and spatial audio, though mastering the settings requires some effort and the included transmitter adds unnecessary cost for many users.

The Beats Studio Pro delivers excellent sound quality with effective active noise cancellation and impressive battery life, making them ideal for travel and daily use. Reviewers consistently praise their comfortable design, premium build quality, and seamless compatibility with Apple and Android devices. However, some users note they can feel tight during extended listening sessions and occasional connectivity quirks when switching between devices.

The Soundcore Space Q45 delivers impressive active noise cancelling that blocks up to 98% of ambient noise, exceptional 50-hour battery life, and balanced audio quality with LDAC Hi-Res support at an exceptional value under $100. While the sound doesn't quite match premium competitors like Sony XM4s, the combination of adaptive ANC, comfortable ergonomic design, and outstanding durability makes these headphones an excellent choice for travelers and commuters on a budget.

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX delivers premium audio quality with exceptional comfort and 30-hour battery life, wrapped in minimalist Scandinavian design. Featuring effective hybrid ANC, well-balanced sound, and customizable EQ through the Beosonic app, these headphones excel for extended wear on commutes and travel. While the price point is steep, the combination of luxury materials, superior craftsmanship, and immersive listening experience justifies the investment for audio enthusiasts.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 delivers exceptional sound quality and reliable noise cancellation in a compact, comfortable design with impressive battery life. Users consistently praise the audio fidelity, stability across Apple devices, and effective wind noise reduction, though some note the noise cancellation falls slightly short of the over-ear XM5 model. The premium price tag is justified by superior performance, though potential battery durability concerns from previous Sony models warrant consideration.

These lightweight wireless headphones deliver solid noise cancellation and excellent sound quality at an affordable price point. With 35-hour battery life, multipoint connectivity, and comfortable all-day wearability, they offer strong value for everyday users. The dual noise sensor technology and adaptive sound features provide a refined listening experience for work and travel.

The Marshall Monitor II delivers excellent sound quality with a distinctive rock-oriented tuning and robust build quality that rivals premium competitors. With 30 hours of battery life, reliable Bluetooth connectivity, and effective noise cancellation, these headphones offer strong value for music enthusiasts. However, the tight clamping force and compact ear cups may cause discomfort during extended listening sessions.

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II deliver exceptional noise cancellation and sound quality with excellent fit and stability during use. Users praise the immersive audio experience and reliable connectivity with multiple devices, though some report occasional pairing issues and app usability concerns. Overall, these premium earbuds excel at their core function of noise cancellation despite minor software and connectivity quirks.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 delivers excellent sound quality and reliable noise cancellation with intuitive controls and strong connectivity. These premium earbuds offer extended battery life, comfortable fit, and solid build quality, though the ANC performs better on low-frequency noise than high-frequency sounds.

The Shure Aonic 215 Gen 2 delivers strong sound isolation with up to 37 dB of noise blocking, exceptional battery life up to 32 hours total, and a secure over-ear hook design ideal for active use. While users praise comfort, durability, and the customizable ShurePlus PLAY app, some report connectivity issues and occasional hardware reliability concerns that may require warranty service.

The Beats Studio Buds + deliver impressive active noise cancellation and sound quality with seamless Apple device compatibility, though some users report connectivity issues and durability concerns. These earbuds excel in call quality and battery life, making them a solid mid-range option for those invested in the Apple ecosystem despite occasional technical glitches.