Best-Sounding Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Only the headphones that fit "best sounding noise cancelling headphones", measured on the same ear simulator and worn for a week each.
Last Updated: Sep 2026 · prices checked weeklySuggested noise-cancelling headphones for you
SSony WH-1000XM6
Very Good
8.8
Best combined noise cancelling and call quality...Learn More
We Recommend
SSennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Very Good
8.9
Most accurate frequency response measured; won t...Learn More
AApple AirPods Max
Fair
7.7
Best integration with iPhone, iPad and MacLearn More
for audiophile
Noise cancelling headphonesHeadphones for travelHeadphones for iphoneNoise-Cancelling Headphones Under $400Headphones with long battery life
1
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless (Black) - The best-sounding pair in the ranking with a 60-hour battery — noise cancelling is good, not class-leading Tested Aug 2026 by Team RankingRight
- Most accurate frequency response measured; won the blind listening
- 58 hours measured with ANC on — twice the field
- aptX Adaptive for Android
Very Good
8.9
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$379.95 · checked Sep 11
60 h
293 g
2
Sony WH-1000XM6 (Black) - Sony's 2025 flagship brings back the folding hinge, adds a faster processor and 12 microphones, and edges Bose on voices and wind Tested Aug 2026 by Team RankingRight
- Best combined noise cancelling and call quality in the test
- Folds again — the XM5 did not
- LDAC and a 10-band EQ in the app
Very Good
8.8
See Price
$449.99 · checked Sep 11
30 h
254 g
3
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) - The iPhone pick: instant pairing, spatial audio with head tracking, lossless over USB-C — heavy, pricey, and a step behind on cancelling Tested Aug 2026 by Team RankingRight
- Best integration with iPhone, iPad and Mac
- Spatial audio with head tracking is the best implementation here
- Lossless and low-latency audio over USB-C
Fair
7.7
See Price
$549 · checked Sep 11
20 h
385 g
Frequently asked questions about noise-cancelling headphones
Which headphones cancel the most noise?
On our ear simulator the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM6 cut the most recorded cabin noise, within a decibel of each other. Bose is slightly stronger on low rumble; Sony handles voices and wind better.
Are AirPods Max worth it?
On an iPhone they are the most seamless — instant pairing, spatial audio with head tracking, Find My. They are also the heaviest here, the most expensive, and their noise cancelling measured a step behind Bose and Sony. Worth it for Apple households who value the integration.
How long should the battery last?
With ANC on we measured 24–60 hours across the ranking; the Sennheiser Momentum 4 lasted longest at 58 hours. Anything over 25 hours covers the longest flight with a full recharge to spare.
How do you test headphones?
Same ear simulator, same recorded aircraft, train and office noise played through a speaker array, attenuation measured with ANC on. Frequency response is measured against a target curve; then two listeners rate the same 20 tracks blind. Battery is timed at 50% volume with ANC on.
*Scores: Noise cancelling 30 · Sound quality 25 · Comfort & build 15 · Battery & features 15 · Value 15; score = Σ ÷ 10, ties break on the earlier test date. Prices shown were checked on the date beside each and may change. Affiliate links are added only after a score is locked and can never change it. How we rank.
#1 Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless8.9 · $379.95
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