Over-ear ANC headphones compared on noise cancelling, comfort, battery and calls.
Best ListNoise-Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear ANC headphones picked for noise cancelling, comfort, battery life and call quality, based on specs and owner reports.
Top pickSony WH-1000XM6
ComparisonNoise-Cancelling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen)? We compare the differences that matter and tell you which one to…
ReviewNoise-Cancelling Headphones
Is the Sony WH-1000XM6 worth buying? Our verdict, who it suits, who should skip it and the best alternatives.
VerdictRecommended $399–$459
Every product with its verdict. Buy picks first.
Bose
Buy it if you want the famous Bose comfort and strong noise cancelling without paying flagship prices.
Bose
Buy it if you put comfort first on long flights and want noise cancelling that rivals the best.
Sony
Buy it if you want the strongest all-round noise cancelling, great calls and a case that finally folds flat for travel.
Soundcore
Buy it if you want real noise cancelling and long battery life for well under $100.
Apple
Buy it if you live in the Apple ecosystem and want instant pairing, spatial audio and a premium aluminum build.
ReviewNoise-Cancelling Headphones
Is the Sony WH-1000XM6 worth buying? Our verdict, who it suits, who should skip it and the best alternatives.
VerdictRecommended $399–$459
ComparisonNoise-Cancelling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen)? We compare the differences that matter and tell you which one to…
Best ListNoise-Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear ANC headphones picked for noise cancelling, comfort, battery life and call quality, based on specs and owner reports.
Top pickSony WH-1000XM6
Looking for the best noise-cancelling headphones? Buyzello compares 5 noise-cancelling headphones you can buy online, including the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Bose QuietComfort Headphones, and gives each a clear Buy, Consider or Skip verdict. Typical prices run from $69 to $549, so there is a sensible pick for every budget.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 usually sells for $399–$459. We rate it Buy for best all-round ANC thanks to class-leading noise cancelling with a folding design. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones ($379–$449) earns a Buy verdict and suits comfort on long flights: plush fit and top-tier noise cancelling. For value Bose comfort, look at the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, typically $199–$349. Its standout is bose comfort and ANC for less, and our verdict is Buy. The Soundcore by Anker Space One ($69–$99) earns a Buy verdict and suits budget pick: surprisingly strong ANC under $100. The Apple AirPods Max usually sells for $449–$549. We rate it Consider for iPhone owners who want premium thanks to seamless iPhone pairing and spatial audio.
What should you look for in noise-cancelling headphones? Noise cancelling strength matters most for flights and transit; mid-priced models now get close to flagships. Comfort decides whether you'll wear them for hours. Weight and clamping force matter more than looks. Battery life of 24 hours or more covers a long round trip without charging. Call quality varies a lot. If you take calls on the go, favor models praised for wind handling.
A good product can still be the wrong product for you. Skip the Sony WH-1000XM6 if you only listen at home; you are paying for travel features you won't use. Skip the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if you want the longest battery or the lowest price for great ANC. Skip the Bose QuietComfort Headphones if you want spatial audio or the very best call quality. Skip the Soundcore by Anker Space One if you want premium materials or top-tier call quality.
Want a ranked shortlist? Our guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones picks a winner for most people, a budget choice in the $69–$99 range and premium options, with pros, cons and key specs. If two models look alike, our head-to-head comparisons explain the differences that actually matter.
Noise cancelling strength matters most for flights and transit; mid-priced models now get close to flagships. Comfort decides whether you'll wear them for hours. Weight and clamping force matter more than looks. Battery life of 24 hours or more covers a long round trip without charging.
