Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $400
Only the headphones that fit "best noise cancelling headphones under 400", measured on the same ear simulator and worn for a week each.
Last Updated: Sep 2026 · prices checked weeklySuggested noise-cancelling headphones for you
BBose QuietComfort Headphones
Very Good
8.6
Lightest pair in the test at 240 g, with Bose's...Learn More
We Recommend
SSennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Very Good
8.9
Most accurate frequency response measured; won t...Learn More
SSony WH-1000XM5
Very Good
8.6
Within 2 dB of the XM6 on cabin noiseLearn More
Under $400
Noise cancelling headphonesHeadphones for travelHeadphones for iphoneHeadphones with long battery lifeSounding noise cancelling headphones
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
See Price
$379.95 · checked Sep 11
60 h
293 g
2
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023) - The classic QuietComfort: most of the Ultra's cancelling and all of its comfort for $100 less, with physical buttons Tested Aug 2026 by Team RankingRight
- Lightest pair in the test at 240 g, with Bose's cushions
- Cancelling within 3 dB of the Ultra
- Physical buttons and a 2.5 mm cable for planes
Very Good
8.6
See Price
$349 · checked Sep 11
24 h
240 g
3
Sony WH-1000XM5 (Black) - Last year's flagship at this year's discount: nearly the XM6's cancelling and calls, without the folding hinge Tested Aug 2026 by Team RankingRight
- Within 2 dB of the XM6 on cabin noise
- Regularly $100–$150 below list since the XM6 launched
- Same excellent call quality and LDAC
Very Good
8.6
See Price
$399.99 · checked Sep 11
30 h
250 g
4
Anker Soundcore Space One (Black) - Real adaptive noise cancelling, 40 hours of battery and LDAC for under $100 — the budget pair that embarrasses some $300 ones Tested Aug 2026 by Team RankingRight
- Cut 22 dB of cabin noise — more than some $300 pairs
- 40 hours with ANC; 55 without
- LDAC, multipoint and a full EQ app
Fair
7.9
See Price
$99.99 · checked Sep 11
40 h
265 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
See Price