Tech Desk 
Aug 28, 2024
Whether you're using headphones for the morning commute, while travelling, or simply trying to search for some peace while working at home, noise-cancelling headphones are an important piece of kit nowadays.
Not everyone loves the feel of earbuds, and there are situations where over-ear and on-ear headphones are just easier or make more sense than wireless buds.
The "best" noise-cancelling headphones for you might differ based on which factors you prioritise and care about most.
Gadinisder has compiled a lineup of the best noise-cancelling headphones to select.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s WH-1000XM5s have a different design from their predecessors. The changes mean greater comfort when you’re wearing them on your head for the expanded period — like on a flight or if you’re at the office.
Noise cancellation has been enhanced from the already-stellar performance of the M4, putting Sony at the front of the pack compared to all major competitors. The Sony WH-1000XM5 provides the best voice call performance and it can connect to two devices concurrently, so you can stay clued to what’s happening on your phone when you’re working away on your laptop or tablet.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones
Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra headphones are a combination of the company’s prior Noise Canceling Headphones 700 and QuietComfort 45 that borrow the best traits from both — while throwing in a new “immersive audio” listening mode.
Their 24-hour battery life is more than adequate, and Bose has integrated support for the aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec for enhanced audio fidelity on Android devices.
Apple AirPods Max
Apple’s AirPods Max features exemplary build quality, sounds phenomenal, and keeps up with the best at noise cancellation.
The AirPods Max costs significantly more money than any of our other recommendations. However, Apple’s build quality is on another level: these trade the plastic you’ll look for in many noise-cancelling headphones for steel and aluminium, and the ear cups are a breathable mesh fabric.
Read more: Best streaming devices under $200 — Our top recommendations
It is important to note that the AirPods Max offers audio quality up there with the best high-end Bluetooth headphones. They have an immersive, wide soundstage and fantastic dynamics, and you’ll find yourself hopping around your music library to hear what they bring out in your favourite songs.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e noise-cancelling headphones boast a luxurious design and enhance the previous S2 model with superior dynamics and richer overall sound quality.
If sound quality is a priority, then Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e are the best headphones for you. They exhibit superb, detailed sound quality that some people prefer to the AirPods Max. The Bowers & Wilkins cans are true to the company’s legacy and style, with a fine-crafted design that exudes quality. The newer “e” variant has redesigned digital signal processing that can include the best audio quality from streaming music.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless make good on the company’s reputation for detailed, expansive sound quality.
They can last for up to 60 hours on a single charge. However, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless also sound terrific and extremely comfortable over long listening periods. This combination doesn’t come cheap, but you can search for some good occasional deals.
Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Wireless headphones edge out Bowers & Wilkins on comfort because of their lighter design, and the noise cancellation is slightly better.
Marshall Monitor II ANC
Marshall’s noise-cancelling headphones stand out for their unique appearance and simple-to-use joystick controlling your music. They’re also a battery life champ with up to 45 hours of playback.
The Marshall’s wireless headphones have proven surprisingly popular, and the company’s most expensive pair is also its best yet. The Monitor II ANC headphones are available at $320, which puts them on the same playing field as Bose, Sony, and other tech companies that have been making premium noise-cancelling cans for many years.
