Best noise-cancelling headphones in 2026

We tested nine pairs of over-ear ANC headphones across a month of commutes, flights and open-plan offices. Three stood out.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 remains the class leader — its noise cancellation is the quietest we've measured, and the 30-hour battery plus speak-to-chat make it the most practical daily companion. The Bose range counters with better comfort for long sessions and a more neutral sound signature.

For budget buyers, the active noise-cancelling RW75 is a knockout at its price, cutting train and office hum with surprising effectiveness. Our full recommendation matrix is below — every one of these is in stock at ELEKTRIX.