Guides · 6 min read · 2026-10-04
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones and Earbuds
Over-ear pairs for flights and open offices, AirPods Pro for iPhone owners, and two budget Soundcore pairs that still cancel noise.
Quick picks
- Best overall for travelSony WH-1000XM5
Our top pick for cabin noise cancelling.
- Premium alternativeBose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Bose's over-ear active noise cancelling pair, USB-C charging.
- Best earbuds for iPhoneApple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise
Active noise cancellation in a pocket-sized case.
- Previous-gen AirPods ProAirPods Pro 2 USB-C
AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C case. Buy only if cheaper than Pro 3.
- Best value over-earSoundcore Life Q30
Hybrid active noise cancelling for a fraction of the premium price.
- Lowest-cost ANCSoundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling
The cheapest noise-cancelling pair on this list.
Sony WH-1000XM5
If blocking a plane engine or office chatter is the whole point, start with the Sony WH-1000XM5. It is the over-ear pair we point frequent flyers to first, and the one the rest of this list gets measured against.
Pros
- Our top pick for cabin and office noise cancelling
- Over-ear fit suits long flights and full workdays
- The older XM4 is a cheaper fallback from the same line
Cons
- One of the pricier pairs here
- Takes more bag space than earbuds
Best for: Frequent flyers and anyone who works in a loud room.
Check price on AmazonBose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are the over-ear alternative at a similar premium. Bose lists up to 24 hours of playtime, USB-C charging, and a built-in mic. At this level, fit and clamp feel matter more than spec sheets, so pick the one that suits your head.
Pros
- Active over-ear noise cancelling
- Bose lists up to 24 hours of playtime
- USB-C charging and built-in mic for calls
Cons
- The most expensive pick in this guide
- Over-ear bulk, like the Sony
Best for: Buyers who want a premium over-ear pair and prefer Bose's fit.
Check price on AmazonApple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise
For earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3 are the pick if you live on an iPhone. You get active noise cancellation in a case that disappears into a pocket, and pairing with Apple devices is the smoothest of anything here.
Pros
- Active noise cancellation in a pocketable case
- Smoothest pairing with iPhone and other Apple devices
- Nothing to carry around your neck
Cons
- Many features are built for Apple devices; Android users have better options
- Earbuds are less comfortable than over-ear for very long sessions, for many people
Best for: iPhone owners who want noise cancelling without headphones.
Check price on AmazonAirPods Pro 2 USB-C
The AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) are the previous generation. Apple's listing covers active noise cancelling, transparency mode, and personalized spatial audio. They are only worth it when they cost meaningfully less than the Pro 3. Check both prices first, because the older model is not always the cheaper one.
Pros
- Active noise cancelling and transparency mode
- USB-C charging case
- Same Apple-device pairing as Pro 3
Cons
- Older generation
- Not always cheaper than the newer Pro 3
Best for: iPhone owners who find a real discount on the older model.
Check price on AmazonSoundcore Life Q30
The Soundcore Life Q30 is the value over-ear pair: hybrid active noise cancelling at a fraction of the Sony and Bose prices. It suits students, commuters, and anyone who wants the quiet without paying flagship money.
Pros
- Hybrid active noise cancelling at a budget price
- Over-ear comfort for long sessions
Cons
- Expect a step down from the premium pairs in noise cancelling and build
- Bulkier than earbuds
Best for: Commuters and students on a budget.
Check price on AmazonSoundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling
The Soundcore Q20i is the cheapest way into hybrid active noise cancelling on this site. Get it as a backup pair, a kid's pair, or a first try at ANC before spending more.
Pros
- Lowest price in this guide
- Hybrid active noise cancelling
Cons
- A step below the Q30, which is the better buy if you can stretch
Best for: A first ANC pair, a backup, or a kid's pair.
Check price on AmazonHow to choose
- Over-ear or earbuds
- Over-ear pairs are usually more comfortable for hours at a time and block more noise. Earbuds win on pocketability and are better for the gym or a short commute.
- Match your phone
- AirPods Pro make the most sense with an iPhone. On Android, an over-ear Sony, Bose, or Soundcore pair pairs over standard Bluetooth without losing features.
- Where you'll use them
- Flights and open offices reward the strongest noise cancelling. For a quiet home office, a value pair like the Q30 is usually enough.
- Check the older model
- The XM4 and AirPods Pro 2 are worth buying only when they are clearly cheaper than their newer versions. Compare the prices on the day.
Our shortlist by budget
If money is no object and you fly a lot, get the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, whichever fits you better. iPhone owners who prefer earbuds should get the AirPods Pro 3. On a budget, the Soundcore Life Q30 is the value pick, and the Q20i is the cheapest way in.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy the Sony XM4 instead of the XM5?
Only when it is noticeably cheaper. The XM4 is the older model in the same line; we list it as the pair to buy when its price drops below the XM5.
Do AirPods Pro work with Android phones?
They connect over Bluetooth like other earbuds, but many of their features are designed for Apple devices. Android owners usually get more from a non-Apple pair.
Are budget noise-cancelling headphones worth it?
For commuting and home offices, yes. The Soundcore Q30 and Q20i both use hybrid active noise cancelling. Expect the premium pairs to do better on flights.