1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The best headphones overall
Specifications
Weight: 8.8 ounces
Battery life (rated): 30 hours (ANC on); 40 hours (ANC off)
Bluetooth range: 33 feet
ANC: Yes
Reasons to buy
+ Articulate and engaging sound
+ Great control options
+ Impressive noise-cancelation
reasons to avoid
- Redesign and eco credentials ups the price
- Gets hot around the ears during longer listening
Premium over-ears with great sound
Specifications
Weight: 10.8 ounces
Battery life (rated): 30 hours
Bluetooth range: >30 feet
ANC: Yes
Reasons to buy
+ Balanced, engrossing and confident sound
+ Improved noise-cancelation over its Px7 sibling
+ Sophisticated looks (if you like that sort of thing)
reasons to avoid
- No touch-controls and featured are a bit basic
- Noise cancelation is bettered by rivals
- Anonymous looks (if you don’t)
The best active noise-cancelling headphones
Specifications
Size and weight: 8 x 6.5 x 2 inches; 9 ounces
Battery life (rated): 20 hours (ANC on)
Bluetooth range: 30 feet
ANC: Yes
Reasons to buy
+ Adjustable ANC levels
+ Excellent noise-cancelling on calls and music
+ Smart, intuitive buttons and touch controls
reasons to avoid
- Shorter battery life than 1000XM5Best-ever battery life for a wireless headphone with ANC
Specifications
Size and weight: 7 x 7.67 x 1.82 inches; 10.3 ounces
Battery life (rated): Up to 60 hours (with ANC)
Bluetooth range: > 30 feet
ANC: Yes
Reasons to buy
+ Spectacular battery life + Great sound
+ Effective noise-cancelling performance
+ Reliable touch controls
+ Robust design with plain styling (if you like that sort of thing)
reasons to avoid
- Anonymous styling
- Ear pads may make ears hot
- Flaky connectivity issues with Smart Control app
The best Apple headphones, money no object
Specifications
Size and weight: 7.4 x 6.6 x 3.3 inches; 13.6 ounces
Battery life (rated): 20 hours (ANC on)
Bluetooth range: 33 feet
ANC: Yes
Reasons to buy
+ Luxury design
+ Excellent noise-cancellation
+ Spatial Audio sounds great
reasons to avoid
- ExpensiveGreat sound and ANC for the value
Specifications
Size and weight: 1.2 x 0.8 x 0.8 inches; 0.15 ounces
Battery life (rated): Up to 7 hours; 38 hours (with charging case)
Bluetooth range: 32 feet
ANC: Yes
Reasons to buy
+ Punchy sound
+ Great build quality
+ Decent battery life
reasons to avoid
- Sluggish controls
- Some features unavailable on most phones
The best noise-cancelling wireless sport earbuds
Specifications
Size and weight: 0.75 x 1.18 x 0.94 inches; 0.2 ounces
Battery life (rated): Up to 7 hours (ANC Off); 30 hours (with charging case)
Bluetooth range: 40 feet
ANC: Yes
Reasons to buy
+ Powerful ANC and Transparency modes
+ Dynamic sound stage with Spatial Audio support
+ Respectable battery life
+ Comfy, secure fit
reasons to avoid
- Some H1 features exclusive to Apple devices
- Android app offers very few extras
The best standard AirPods overall
Specifications
Size and weight: 1.21 x 0.72 x 0.76 inches; 0.15 ounces
Battery life (rated): 6 hours; 30 hours (with charging case)
Bluetooth range: 40 feet
ANC: No
Reasons to buy
+ Adaptive EQ with well-balanced sound
+ Spatial audio support
reasons to avoid
- Mediocre battery life
- Fit may not work for all
The best headphones for getting ANC on the cheap
Specifications
Size and weight: 7 x 6.6 x 3 inches;10.6 ounces
Battery life (rated): 60 hours (ANC on)
Bluetooth range: 30 feet
ANC: Yes
Reasons to buy
+ Very good value
+ Class-leading battery life
+ Bass-rich sound
+ Effective ANC
reasons to avoid
- ANC mics pick up wind noise
- Comfort wanes over time
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