The best noise cancelling headphones depend on where you'll use them. Sony's WH-1000X series and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the top all-rounders for travel and offices, the Jabra Evolve2 range suits heavy call days, and AirPods Pro or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds suit calls on the move.
Noise cancelling headphones are the cheapest office upgrade I know of that feels like a new office. Put a good pair on in a busy cafe, on a train or at the kitchen table during school holidays and the world goes quiet. The best pair for you depends on where you'll wear them, so I've sorted the options by situation rather than by spec sheet.
Pick by where you'll use them
Long flights and train journeys
Over-ear headphones block the most low rumble, which is what engines and air conditioning produce. Look at Sony's WH-1000X series and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, both long-standing favourites for travel. They fold or pack flat and last for long trips on a charge. If you're packing for one, my business trip packing list covers the rest of the bag.
Open-plan offices and coworking spaces
Here you want strong cancelling of voices, comfort for hours and a clear mic for calls. Over-ears from Sony, Bose and Sennheiser's Momentum range all work well. If you live on video calls, a business headset such as the Jabra Evolve2 range is worth a look, because it's built around the microphone and is certified for Microsoft Teams and other meeting apps.
Calls on the move
Earbuds are easier to carry and less obvious in public. Apple's AirPods Pro suit iPhone users, while Sony's WF-1000X earbuds and Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds work across devices. Expect slightly less cancelling than the best over-ears, in a far smaller case.
Deep work at home
If you mostly work at one desk, comfort and sound quality matter more than portability. Apple AirPods Max suit people in the Apple world who want premium build. Sennheiser's Momentum headphones are a favourite with people who care about how music sounds.
Shortlist at a glance
| Headphones | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000X series | Over-ear | All-round cancelling and travel |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Over-ear | Comfort on long journeys |
| Sennheiser Momentum Wireless | Over-ear | Sound quality and long battery life |
| Apple AirPods Max | Over-ear | Apple users who want premium build |
| Jabra Evolve2 range | Over-ear and on-ear headsets | Heavy video call days |
| Apple AirPods Pro | Earbuds | iPhone users on the move |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds | Earbuds | Strong cancelling in a small case |
New models arrive often and older ones stay on sale for years, so check you're comparing the current version on each brand's own site.
What to check before you buy
- Cancelling strength. Read reviews that test in real places such as planes and offices, not just quiet rooms.
- Microphone quality. Ask a colleague how you sound on a call during the return window.
- Multipoint. This lets you connect to your laptop and phone at once, so a call can come through while you're listening on your computer.
- Comfort. Clamp, weight and ear cushion size decide whether you'll wear them for a full afternoon.
- Transparency mode. A quick way to hear announcements or the person at your desk without taking them off.
- Battery and charging. Check how long they last with cancelling on and whether they work wired when the battery dies.
- App and updates. A good companion app lets you tune the sound and cancelling, and brings fixes over time.
Get more from the pair you buy
- Update the firmware through the brand's app as soon as you unbox them. Updates often improve calls and connection.
- Pick the right ear tip or cushion size. A good seal does more for cancelling than any setting.
- Turn on multipoint and pair your laptop and phone on day one.
- Run a test call with a colleague and adjust the mic settings if they say you sound distant.
- Set a shortcut to switch between cancelling and transparency, so you're not digging through menus when someone talks to you.
Ear cushions and tips wear out with daily use. Most of the big brands sell replacements, and fresh cushions can make an older pair feel new again.
A word on comfort and safety
Cancelling headphones let you listen at lower volumes because you're not competing with background noise. Use that. Keep the volume moderate, take breaks on long days, and switch to transparency mode when you're walking near traffic. Some people feel a slight pressure in their ears with strong cancelling. Most adjust after a few days, and many headphones let you turn the effect down.
Headphones for recording are a different job
If you record a podcast or voiceovers, wireless cancelling headphones aren't the right tool, because Bluetooth adds a delay and cancelling can change how you hear your own voice. Wired studio headphones are better for that. I explain why in do you need headphones to start a podcast.
Keep them safe on the road
A hard case pays for itself the first time your bag gets squashed in an overhead locker. Keep the case in the same pocket every trip so you don't leave them on a seat. If you're upgrading your travel kit, my guide to the best travel backpack has a few with padded pockets that fit a headphone case well.
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Frequently asked questions
Are expensive noise cancelling headphones worth it?
For people who travel often or work in noisy places, a premium pair usually brings stronger cancelling, better microphones, longer battery life and more comfort. If you only use them now and then, a mid-range pair from a big brand is often enough.
Should I choose over-ear headphones or earbuds?
Choose over-ears for the strongest cancelling and long sessions at a desk or on a plane. Choose earbuds if you want something pocketable for calls and commuting. Many people end up with one of each.
What are the best noise cancelling headphones?
For most people, Sony's WH-1000X series and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the top all-rounders. Apple AirPods Max suit Apple users, and Sennheiser Momentum headphones suit people who prioritise sound.
Are noise cancelling earbuds as good as headphones?
The best earbuds come close, but over-ear headphones usually block more low-frequency noise such as engine rumble. Earbuds win on portability.
What headphones are best for work calls?
Look for a strong microphone and multipoint. Business headsets such as the Jabra Evolve2 range are built for calls and certified for meeting apps.
Can noise cancelling headphones damage your ears?
Cancelling itself doesn't, and it can help you listen at a lower volume. Loud volume over long periods is what to avoid.
Do noise cancelling headphones block voices?
They reduce voices, but less than steady sounds such as engines and fans. Playing quiet music or white noise helps block conversations.
