Best buys · The desk

The best noise-cancelling headphones worth buying

Our pick is the Sony WH-1000X noise-cancelling headphones. Below: why, what actually matters when buying one, what to get for less, the step up, and whether today's price is a good one.

The headphones

Sony WH-1000X noise-cancelling headphones

Among the best noise cancelling you can buy, comfortable for a full day, with battery for a week of commutes. When a new generation launches the previous one usually falls in price, and this page will show you when it has.

Buy it for
Open-plan offices, flights, a house with children in it.
Skip it if
You want them for the gym. Buy earbuds that can get sweaty.

What actually matters when buying a noise-cancelling headphones

  1. Noise cancelling that handles low, constant noise: engines, air conditioning, office hum.
  2. Comfort over hours. Clamping force and ear-cup depth matter more than any spec sheet.
  3. Multipoint, so the headphones stay connected to your laptop and phone at once.
  4. Battery life measured in days of use, and a way to keep listening while it charges.

Either side of the pick

The step up

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

The main rival at the top. Some find them more comfortable; try both if you can.

Check the price at Amazon ↗

Discounted today, if you would rather

Not our pick. These are the noise-cancelling headphones offers live right now at stores we track, ranked on the evidence behind the price.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Advanced Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones for $357 + free shipping
Tech & Gear · checked 21h ago

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Advanced Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones for $357 + free shipping

from $357
1 current offer 1 merchant up to −52% claimed
Compare offers →
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
Tech & Gear · checked 11m ago

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones

from $357.15
1 current offer 1 merchant
Compare offers →
JBL Live Buds 3 6-Mic 40H Playback Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Tech & Gear · checked 11m ago

JBL Live Buds 3 6-Mic 40H Playback Noise Cancelling Earbuds

from $114.99
1 current offer 1 merchant
Compare offers →