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The Best 5Reviewed by Mike Hun·April 22, 2026

Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Top 5 noise cancelling headphones reviewed and ranked.

Quick answer

Sony WH-1000XM5 is our top pick for noise cancelling headphones — an averaged 4.7/5 across 7 published reviews at about $399. Runner-up: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless (~$350).

Read the Sony WH-1000XM5 review →$399 · Check Price on Amazon

At a glance

Tap any product for the full review
1Sony WH-1000XM5Top Score
(7 sources)
$399Best for: Travelers prioritizing call quality and top-tier noise cancellation
$399 · Check Price on Amazon
2Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
(6 sources)
$350Best for: Audiophiles and travelers needing extreme battery longevity
$350 · Check Price on Amazon
3Apple AirPods Max
(6 sources)
$549Best for: Apple ecosystem users valuing build quality and seamless integration
$549 · Check Price on Amazon
4Bowers & Wilkins Px8
(7 sources)
$699Best for: Discerning listeners prioritizing luxury materials and high-fidelity sound
$699 · Check Price on Amazon
5Bose QuietComfort Ultra
(7 sources)
$429Best for: Commuters seeking maximum comfort and effective noise blocking
$429 · Check Price on Amazon
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Reviews aggregated from
SoundGuysTechRadarTom's GuidePCMagWhat Hi-Fi?RecordingnowTechGearLabCNET

The full ranking

How we rank →
Sony WH-1000XM5
#1 · Top Score
Best for: Travelers prioritizing call quality and top-tier noise cancellation
Sony WH-1000XM5
from 7 sources$399as of Apr 22

The Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers top-tier active noise cancellation and significantly improved sound quality with precise bass and clear highs, making it a leader in the flagship ANC category. While the new design offers superior comfort for larger ears and excellent call performance, the headphones lack an IP rating and feature a non-folding build that feels slightly less premium than their predecessors.

Strengths
  • — Outstanding active noise cancellation performance that excels in travel and office environments
  • — Sensational sonic clarity with punchy delivery and precise, agile bass
Watch-outs
  • — Build quality feels less premium than previous generations with a non-folding design
  • — No IP rating makes them vulnerable to moisture and unsuitable for gym use or rain
$399 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless →
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
#2
Best for: Audiophiles and travelers needing extreme battery longevity
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
from 6 sources$350as of Apr 22

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless offers exceptional sound quality and a massive 60-hour battery life, making it a strong value proposition despite a more generic design. While its active noise cancellation and microphone performance lag behind key competitors like Sony and Bose, the headphones excel in audio fidelity and comfort for long listening sessions.

Strengths
  • — Exceptional 60-hour battery life that outperforms competitors
  • — Clean, neutral, and musical sound quality ahead of the pack
Watch-outs
  • — Active Noise Cancellation is technically inferior to Bose and Sony top-tier models
  • — Microphone noise rejection is mediocre for calls
$350 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Sony WH-1000XM5 →
Apple AirPods Max
#3
Best for: Apple ecosystem users valuing build quality and seamless integration
Apple AirPods Max
from 6 sources$549as of Apr 22

The Apple AirPods Max deliver premium sound quality and industry-leading noise cancellation within a luxurious, durable metal build. However, their high price is compounded by significant drawbacks like a non-protective smart case, the lack of a 3.5mm jack, and limited functionality outside the Apple ecosystem. They are an excellent choice for dedicated Apple users but less ideal for those seeking versatility or better value.

Strengths
  • — Best-in-class active noise canceling and transparency mode
  • — Sturdy all-metal build with stainless steel headband and aluminum ear cups
Watch-outs
  • — Smart case provides virtually no protection and is considered terrible
  • — No 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring an adapter for wired listening
$549 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Sony WH-1000XM5 →
Bowers & Wilkins Px8
#4
Best for: Discerning listeners prioritizing luxury materials and high-fidelity sound
Bowers & Wilkins Px8
from 7 sources$699as of Apr 22

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 delivers exceptional audio clarity and a luxurious build quality that justifies its premium price for discerning listeners. However, the experience is marred by inconsistent wear detection, a lack of low-volume adjustment in wired mode, and significant weight that can cause discomfort during extended use.

Strengths
  • — Outstanding clarity with a fast and punchy sonic presentation
  • — Luxurious build featuring soft Nappa leather and cast aluminium arms
Watch-outs
  • — Sound quality becomes limp at lower volume levels
  • — Wear-on/wear-off detection function can be erratic
$699 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Sony WH-1000XM5 →
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
#5
Best for: Commuters seeking maximum comfort and effective noise blocking
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
from 7 sources$429as of Apr 22

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones deliver top-tier noise cancellation and exceptional comfort, making them a strong upgrade for daily travelers and commuters. However, the lack of water resistance and the premium price tag may deter some buyers, alongside minor reports of audio channel inconsistencies.

Strengths
  • — Industry-leading Active Noise Cancelling with CustomTune calibration
  • — Exceptional comfort with soft padding and a lightweight 253g design
Watch-outs
  • — No IP rating for water or sweat resistance
  • — High retail price point compared to competitors
$429 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Sony WH-1000XM5 →

Spec comparison

5 products
SpecSony WH-1000XM5Sennheiser Momentum 4 WirelessApple AirPods MaxBowers & Wilkins Px8Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Driver Size30 mm42 mm40 mm40mm—
Driver TypeDynamicDynamicDynamic40mm carbon coneBose custom
Bluetooth Version5.25.25.05.15.3
Weight250 g295 g386 g320g250g
Charging MethodUSB-CUSB-CLightning connectorUSB-CUSB-C
CodecsSBC, AAC, LDACSBC, AAC, aptX, aptX-HD, aptX AdaptiveAAC, SBCaptX adaptiveAAC, aptX Adaptive
ANCYesYesyesYesYes
Battery Life30 hours60 hours20 hours30 hours24h

Frequently asked questions

What is the best noise cancelling headphone?
Sony WH-1000XM5 is our top pick for noise cancelling headphones, with an averaged rating of 4.7/5 from 7 published reviews. The Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers top-tier active noise cancellation and significantly improved sound quality with precise bass and clear highs, making it a leader in the flagship ANC category. While the new design offers superior comfort for larger ears and excellent call performance, the headphones lack an IP rating and feature a non-folding build that feels slightly less premium than their predecessors.
Is there a cheaper alternative worth considering?
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless (around $350) rates 4.6/5 in our analysis. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless offers exceptional sound quality and a massive 60-hour battery life, making it a strong value proposition despite a more generic design. While its active noise cancellation and microphone performance lag behind key competitors like Sony and Bose, the headphones excel in audio fidelity and comfort for long listening sessions.
How does Verdict rank these products?
Every rating on Verdict is the numerical average of scores published by independent review sites, YouTube reviewers, and Reddit buyer reports. No editor adjusts the order — the ranking is whatever the source data produces. See our methodology page for the full process.
When was this guide last updated?
This guide was last re-checked in April 2026. We re-run our research pipeline for each category on a rolling basis so prices and rankings reflect current market reality.

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