Our top three noise-cancelling headphones
Sony WH-1000XM6
Our starting point for buyers wanting one premium pair for commuting, travel and everyday listening. Try the fit before buying: a feature-rich headphone is poor value if you cannot wear it comfortably.
Good noise-cancelling headphones make steady travel noise less intrusive and let you listen without competing so strongly with your surroundings. They do not create silence, and the most expensive pair is not automatically the best fit.
Our shortlist covers three priorities: Sony for a versatile everyday package, Bose for buyers concentrating on comfort and quiet, and Sennheiser for battery longevity. Soundcore and Apple remain alternatives below for different budgets and device preferences.
The short answer
Start with the Sony if you want a premium all-rounder. Compare Bose directly if long sessions tend to cause pressure or discomfort. Consider the Sennheiser when infrequent charging and a replaceable battery matter more than buying the lightest possible travel kit.
If your budget is tighter, do not stretch it just to buy a flagship. A comfortable lower-priced pair that meets your needs can be a better purchase than a premium model with features you rarely use.
How we chose
This is a research-led shortlist based on manufacturer information and practical buying considerations. It is not a claim of hands-on testing, measured ANC rankings or a blind listening comparison. Descriptions such as “best all-round” express our editorial judgement about the overall package.
- Fit and comfort: cushion depth, headband pressure, heat and a good seal matter throughout a long journey.
- Noise control: useful cancellation and awareness modes should suit where you listen.
- Everyday controls: consider calls, device switching, app settings and wired use.
- Ownership: compare battery life, spare cushions, battery service and local support.
- Total cost: include any case, flight adapter or cable you need.
1. Sony WH-1000XM6
A versatile premium travel companion
The WH-1000XM6 combines adaptive ANC with a folding design, multipoint connectivity and settings in Sony’s Sound Connect app. Sony lists up to 30 hours of music playback with noise cancelling enabled and approximately 254g weight.
Support for SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3 offers flexibility, but the available connection depends on your source device and settings. Do not pay extra for a codec your phone cannot use.
Our reason to start here is the combination of portability, controls and connectivity. That is a buying judgement, not proof that it cancels more noise than every competitor in every situation. Try the touch controls and check the ear-cup fit before committing.
Reasons to consider
- Folding design for packing
- Broad connectivity and app options
- Published 30-hour ANC battery claim
What to know
- Premium purchase price
- Touch controls will not suit everyone
- Fit and seal still determine comfort
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
A comfort-focused alternative for long sessions
The second-generation QuietComfort Ultra offers Quiet and Aware modes, personalised sound through CustomTune, USB-C audio and app adjustment. Bose advertises up to 30 hours of playback, falling to 23 hours with Immersive Audio.
Its appeal is a listening experience built around comfort and noise control. Try it alongside the Sony with your glasses on, if you wear them, and keep it on long enough to notice pressure points.
Confirm the generation when comparing listings. The original Ultra and second-generation model share a similar name. The pictured Cherry Chocolate version was listed for pre-order when checked, so verify the delivery date and selected colour rather than assuming immediate stock.
Reasons to consider
- Quiet and Aware listening modes
- USB-C audio support
- App EQ and personalisation
What to know
- Spatial processing reduces runtime
- Premium pricing
- Colour-specific stock and generation need checking
3. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless
Long listening time with a replaceable battery
Sennheiser lists up to 57 hours with ANC enabled, a user-replaceable battery and 42mm drivers for the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless. Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless support are also listed, alongside sound personalisation.
The ownership argument is compelling: battery wear need not automatically mean replacing the whole headphone. Before buying, check replacement-part availability, cost and the official replacement process.
Codec benefits depend on compatible source hardware and settings. Audition the sound with familiar music and normal volume; a longer feature list does not establish whether its tuning suits you.
Reasons to consider
- Long published ANC runtime
- User-replaceable battery
- Sound personalisation options
What to know
- Substantial initial cost
- Codec support depends on the source
- Check spare-part access and fit
Quick comparison
| Model | Main role | Published battery claim | Consider before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Premium all-rounder | Up to 30 hours with ANC | Check comfort and control preferences |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) | Comfort-focused alternative | Up to 30 hours; 23 with Immersive Audio | Confirm generation and colour availability |
| Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless | Long runtime and battery serviceability | Up to 57 hours with ANC | Check replacement-battery arrangements |
| Soundcore Space One Pro | Lower-cost travel alternative | Up to 40 hours with ANC | Compare fit and total package |
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | Apple ecosystem alternative | Up to 20 hours with ANC and Spatial Audio | Check device compatibility and comfort |
Battery figures are manufacturer maximums, not our test results. Volume, codecs, calls, spatial processing, temperature and battery age can change runtime.
Two alternatives worth considering
Soundcore Space One Pro: the value alternative
The Space One Pro combines a compact folding design, multipoint Bluetooth and app sound adjustment. Soundcore lists up to 40 hours with ANC and 60 without it, plus a five-minute charge for up to eight hours of playback under its test conditions.
At the checked Australian price of A$349.99, it deserves consideration before spending considerably more. Choose it for its practical package and price, not an assumption that it matches every flagship for ANC or calls. Try the fit and check which accessories are included.
Apple AirPods Max 2: for compatible Apple setups
AirPods Max 2 place more emphasis on Apple integration, Adaptive Audio and Personalised Spatial Audio. Apple lists up to 20 hours with ANC and Spatial Audio enabled, and lossless audio over a compatible USB-C connection.
The decision is about whether you will use those ecosystem features. Check the hardware, software and regional requirements for each feature that matters to you. For mixed-device use, compare the everyday experience against Sony and Bose before paying a premium.
What active noise cancellation can and cannot do
ANC uses microphones and processing to reduce external sound. It generally works best on fairly steady low-frequency noise, such as engine rumble and air conditioning. Speech, sudden impacts and higher-frequency sounds are harder to suppress completely.
The physical seal remains important. Glasses, hair, cushion wear and headband position can change isolation. A headphone that performs well for one person may give another person a noticeably different result.
Avoid treating marketing percentages or claims such as “twice as effective” as directly comparable across brands. Test conditions, frequencies and measurement methods can differ.
Comfort matters more than specifications
Try the headphones with your normal glasses, hairstyle and listening posture. Check whether your ears touch the inner fabric, whether the cushions press on your jaw and whether the headband creates a hot spot at the crown.
A brief shop demonstration will not reveal every problem, but it can eliminate a clearly poor fit. Weight is only one factor: balance, clamping force, padding and heat build-up all matter.
Read the seller’s return conditions before opening the box. Do not assume that a change-of-mind return applies to opened headphones simply because the retailer accepts returns on other products.
Codecs, wired audio and multipoint
Both the source and headphones must support a codec for it to be available. A logo on the headphone box does not mean your phone will use that mode. Connection quality and device settings can also affect which mode is selected.
Multipoint can make it easier to move between a computer and a phone, but simultaneous connections are not the same as mixing audio from both devices. Check what happens when a call arrives while you are listening on the computer.
A USB-C socket may provide charging, audio or both. If wired USB listening matters, confirm support for the exact headphone model and source. Also check whether analogue listening works with a depleted battery and which features remain available.
Calls and office use
Microphone quality matters differently in a quiet office, on a windy street and beside busy traffic. If calls are your priority, look for demonstrations made in conditions similar to your own and check how your computer handles Bluetooth headset mode.
Try muting, answering calls and switching devices before relying on the headphones for work. Physical controls, touch gestures and app shortcuts can feel very different in daily use.
Awareness modes can help with nearby conversation, but removing the headphones remains the clearest way to hear an important discussion or announcement.
Battery life and travel
Compare runtime with ANC enabled and allow a margin for calls, higher volume and spatial processing. Quick charging is useful, but it should support a sensible charging routine rather than replace one.
Check that the headphone case fits your bag without forcing the hinges or crushing the ear cups. Store cables so they cannot scratch the finish or press against delicate parts.
For aircraft entertainment, confirm the cable and adapter requirements. A Bluetooth transmitter may be convenient where permitted, but it adds another battery, pairing step and possible source of delay.
Care and long-term ownership
- Follow the maker’s cleaning instructions and let damp cushions dry before packing.
- Check the exact water-resistance rating; do not assume travel headphones are suitable for heavy sweat or rain.
- Keep spare-cushion and battery-service availability in mind when comparing prices.
- Do not leave headphones charging in excessive heat or use damaged charging equipment.
- Stop using a device with a swollen battery, damaged housing or unusual overheating.
- Use the official instructions for any user-replaceable parts.
Listening safely
Consumer ANC is not certified hearing protection
Use approved hearing protection wherever your workplace or activity requires it. Do not substitute ordinary noise-cancelling headphones around hazardous noise simply because the environment sounds quieter.
- Use the lowest comfortable listening volume and take breaks.
- Stop listening if you notice ringing, pain or muffled hearing, and seek advice if symptoms persist.
- Remove the headphones when traffic or other hazards require your full attention.
- Avoid wearing them while driving.
- Do not assume an awareness mode reproduces every warning sound accurately.
Before you order
- Choose a budget that includes any adapter or replacement accessories.
- Match the exact generation, colour and model on the seller’s listing.
- Check compatibility with your phone and computer.
- Try the fit where possible and confirm return conditions.
- Check local stock, delivery date and warranty support.
- Compare the delivered price, not just the advertised discount.
Frequently asked questions
Are noise-cancelling headphones worth it for flying?
They can be especially useful for steady engine noise. Comfort, case size, battery life and a compatible entertainment-system connection still matter over a long flight.
Do they work without music?
Many ANC headphones can reduce noise without playing audio. Check the operating and automatic power-off settings for the particular model. Some listeners dislike the sensation of ANC, so try it if possible.
Is Bose or Sony better?
There is no universal answer. Our Sony recommendation reflects its overall package, while Bose deserves a close comparison for fit and comfort. Your head shape, glasses and control preferences may decide the result.
Can ANC remove conversations completely?
No. Changing speech is difficult to cancel completely. Cushion seal and passive isolation contribute, and nearby voices may remain audible even with ANC active.
Are expensive headphones automatically better?
No. Extra spending can buy features, materials or ecosystem integration you may not need. A comfortable pair with suitable sound and controls is better value than an uncomfortable flagship.
Should I upgrade from a pair that still works?
Identify what you need to improve first. Worn cushions, unsuitable EQ or a poor fit can be more important than the age of the model. Upgrade when the new pair solves a clear problem.
Our verdict
Sony WH-1000XM6 is our all-round starting point, Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) is the comfort-focused alternative, and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless is the battery-longevity pick.
Keep Soundcore on the list when value matters, and consider AirPods Max 2 when its Apple features suit your devices. Buy for fit and actual use, not just the highest specification or largest discount.
Sources and further reading
Manufacturer pages reviewed on 20 September 2026. This article uses published specifications, not independent performance measurements. Model, colour, firmware and stock details can change.
Price and stock notes: Sennheiser Australia listed MOMENTUM 5 Wireless at A$749.95; Soundcore listed Space One Pro at A$349.99. Bose Australia listed the pictured Cherry Chocolate second-generation Ultra at A$699.95 on pre-order. Confirm current prices, selected colours and delivery dates directly. No current Sony or Apple price is asserted here.
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