The best noise-cancelling headphones from top brands

If you’re shopping for over-ear headphones anywhere other than the Apple store, look no further than the Sony WH-1000XM4. They’re rated as some of the best headphones in every other category.

Sony’s QNe1 processor chip delivers some high-powered, innovative technology. This includes exceptional ANC, with Dual Sense microphones that can adjust 700 times per second to deliver real-time noise cancellation. You can control the amount of external noise you want to let in or set different ANC levels for different locations, which adjusts automatically as you enter those locations (such as the office or the gym). Other features include an automatic pause when you take the headphones off, auto-switch off, voice assistant, and a “Speak-to-Chat” function that pauses the music when you begin a conversation.

The sound quality is fantastic, bolstered by advanced LDAC Bluetooth and other audio-enhancing tech. What else do you expect from the world’s most popular audio brand? The battery life is impressive too, maxing out at 30 hours (that's with ANC switched off). It’s fast charging too, with five hours of juice from just ten minutes plugged in. 

It's worth noting that the next-gen version of these headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5, are now available. They're fantastic, of course, but considering the price hike we're still recommending the Sony WH-1000XM4.

The brilliance of Bose is no secret. Everyone knows about the audio brand. One of the reasons people rave about Bose is that its active noise cancellation offers best-in-class quality. Not to mention the fact that Bose pretty much invented the noise-cancellation headphone category.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are no exception, with an ANC upgrade that makes these as good as any premium noise cancelling cans available. As you’d expect, these on-ear headphones look the business — a sleek, almost futuristic style with the streetwise Bose logo.

The next-gen tech comes courtesy of Bose’s NC chip. There’s an eight microphone system (six for noise cancelling, two for voice pick-up). It has 11 levels of noise cancellation. You’ll find different levels work best in different environments — whether it’s the office, commute, or busy street. You may need to experiment. Just pre-set and adjust on the Bose Music app.

There's always a level of ANC at play — even dialling down to zero doesn't turn it off, it just allows more ambient noise in. There's also a Conversation Mode if you need to stop for a chat. The built-in microphone is impressively advanced too. It adjusts to your surroundings and is excellent at drowning out surrounding noise — a noticeable improvement on competing headphones. 

If classic-style headphones are more your thing, Apple has your ears covered. Quite literally in the case of the Apple AirPods Max, with their comfy, memory foam ear pads. They’re feature-packed too, with Apple-built dynamic drivers, top-of-the-range ANC, and iOS extras. And — thanks to Apple’s increasingly broad palette — there are good colour options too, something that can be frustratingly unusual in high-end, high-price headphones.

The AirPods Max have just two physical controls — one for controlling the ANC (including a transparency mode) and a multi-functional dial to cycle through the volume and playback options. The ANC operates via an eight-microphone system. The ear cups are stacked with sensors, plus an accelerometer and gyroscope. They also boast spatial audio with dynamic head tracking.

Less impressive is the battery life of just 20 hours. Other headphones in this price range (or lower) offer much more. But the Apple AirPods Max do go into a low power mode when you put them in the carry case. Be warned that they will need to be charged even when you have them wired to your device. Those small quibbles aside, headphones for the iPhone don't get much better.

The German-built Sennheiser brand has been perfecting the art — and it very much is an art — of masterful audio technology for generations. The family-owned manufacturer is well known for highly durable craftsmanship. Their headphones are built both to last and excel in performance. It’s no coincidence than Sennheiser is a go-to brand for serious audiophiles. 

For over-ear fans, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless are arguably their best ever. The sound is pretty much unmatched in their range, which combines with high-quality build and multifunctional features. 

The sound is both big and nuanced, picking out details within a rich, full-bodied depth. Sound performance is further boosted by high-end codecs and fully adjustable levels within the Sennheiser Smart Control app. 

Also adjustable within the app are the noise cancellation levels. There are three ANC modes each designed for listening in different environments — Max, Anti-Wind, and Anti-Pressure. Plus, an adjustable Transparent Hearing mode for keeping tuned in to the outside world. 

You can’t help but be impressed by the sleek, retro-esque design of the headset. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless are built with a genuine leather head strap, steel arms, sliders, and oval ear cups. Indeed, the upgraded Sennheiser Momentum 4 are also available. They also sound excellent but they don't have the classic style of the Momentum 3.

The ear cups do a good job of passive noise cancellation — that’s even before you’ve switched on the active noise cancellation on. Meanwhile, the headset is equipped with three control buttons for playback, volume, switching between music and calls, and connecting to the voice assistant. Another handy feature is smart TILE tech which helps you find your headset if you lose it.

Needless to say, a pair of headphones like this are not made for fitness, so if exercise is part and parcel of your listening lifestyle these aren’t for you. There’s better noise cancelation (check out Sony) and battery life around too, in case those are crucial features for you.

Never one to let Apple take all the plaudits, Microsoft has worked wonders with this upgraded (but thankfully down-priced) set of headphones. 

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 aren’t just tech-minded, they’re brilliantly intuitive too. The outer surfaces of each ear cup can be tapped and touched to control playback and call functions. Most impressively though, the outer rim of each cup works as a dial to control both volume and noise cancellation levels. It’s arguably the best feature of all, being able to spin through a whopping 13 levels of noise cancellation.

They offer multipoint pairing too, which switches seamlessly between different Bluetooth devices. Though you have the option of listening via Bluetooth or wired. They also include a solid microphone, with an additional feature that makes these very adept for the modern world: a mute button. With video calls and conferences being a huge part of modern work, you’ll find this especially useful during work hours. Just remember to unmute again.

Sound comes via 40mm drivers, and the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 have been praised for having a big, open soundstage — they also support high-end aptX and SBC codecs. However, serious audiophiles will find some flaws in the overall quality and may want to look elsewhere. 

The 18.5 hours battery life isn't world-beating, but these do give you battery life reminders whenever you power up. If you are using them for work, they promise a respectable 15 hours of battery for voice calls.

There’s more to headphones than getting some good tunes banging in your ears. To some, they’re an essential modern accessory — a style statement and lifestyle choice. If that rings true to you — and your headphones are more than some audio tech to wrap around your head — Bowers and Wilkins PX7 Wireless are the pair for you.

The style is pure premium: A contemporary but timeless frame with a soft fabric finish. There’s also pleather-covered memory foam on both ear cups, ensuring that they’re extremely comfortable.

The ear cups swivel flat but like other high-end styled headphones, they don’t fold inwards for added portability. You’re better off keeping these around your head and neck at all times.

The style is matched by audio quality. They sound amazing, thanks to 4mm full-range drivers and the aptX Adaptive which allows glitch-free listening. The aptX Adaptive codec makes them especially good for perfectly-synced, lag-free video streaming. And for the first time ever, Bowers and Wilkins have added EQ adjusting via the app.

The noise cancellation is also customisable. It has three modes, including a transparency mode for letting in ambient sounds. Other features include automatic pause (which stops music as soon as you take the headset off,) and a reassuring 30 hours of battery. They charge quickly, too. Just 15-minutes of charging gives you an impressive five hours of runtime. 

If you want headphones with reliable sound, ANC, and connectivity — and you don’t need the latest tech — check out the JBL Tune 660NC. These mid-level favourites are made from premium, hard-wearing plastic, with a sound that's robust and bass-heavy. Large, over-ear cups block out external sound, which combines with highly efficient ANC tech to keep out any unwanted ambient noise. The noise cancellation is as good as it gets at this low price.

They have multi-point pairing, which means they can hook up to two devices at once. It's a very handy addition to the overall package. They’re very portable too, with ear cups that fold and turn inwards. Just throw them in your bag and off you go. They're certainly tough enough to handle being bashed about.

JBL has upgraded to Bluetooth 5.0, meaning that connection problems reported on older models are no longer a problem. The controls — placed on the right ear cup — are tricky at first but you soon get used to them. You’ll get up to 50 hours of battery life, depending on which features are switched on.