The finest · Audio

The finest noise-cancelling headphones

Silence on demand. The best noise cancelling turns a flight or an open office into a quiet room.

5 picks worth owning

1Editor's pick

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

££££ Premium

Some of the strongest noise cancelling you can buy, in a soft, light headband you can wear for a whole long-haul flight. Folds flat into its case.

Best for: Frequent flyers and anyone who wants the quietest over-ear headphones.

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2Editor's pick

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

££££ Premium

Strong noise cancelling and rich sound in small, water-resistant buds, with live translation and the best features unlocked on Galaxy phones.

Best for: Samsung Galaxy owners first, other Android phones second.

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3

Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds

££££ Premium

Many reviewers' best all-round earbuds: excellent noise cancelling, adjustable sound, two devices at once and about 8 hours per charge.

Best for: Anyone, on any phone, who wants the best all-rounder.

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4

Apple AirPods Pro 3

££££ Premium

A big step up in noise cancelling over the previous AirPods Pro, a heart-rate sensor for workouts, and instant switching between Apple devices.

Best for: iPhone owners. On Android most of the smart features are missing.

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5Editor's pick

JBL Charge 6 portable speaker

££££ Premium

Big, clear sound from a speaker you can take to the beach or the pool: waterproof, drop-proof, up to 28 hours of play, and a built-in power bank to top up your phone. Auracast links it with other new JBL speakers for a whole-house party.

Best for: Terraces, pools, beaches and trips. Indoors it fills a living room.

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Price guide, roughly: £ under £40 · ££ £40 to £120 · £££ £120 to £400 · ££££ over £400. Prices change with deals, so tap a product for today's price.

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What to look for, wherever you shop

Not every pick is sold in every country. These are the things that make the difference, so you can spot the finest in your own store.

Match your phoneApple, Samsung and Google earbuds save their best features for their own phones. Sony and Bose work equally well on all.
Fit is everythingNoise cancelling only works with a good seal. Try every ear-tip size in the box.
CodecsFor the best sound on Android, look for LDAC or aptX Adaptive support. iPhones use AAC.
MultipointMultipoint lets the buds stay connected to your phone and laptop at once.
Battery with ANC onCompare battery life with noise cancelling switched on; that is how you will use them.

Audio: questions people ask

Headphones or earbuds for flights?

Over-ear headphones usually block more low engine noise and are comfortable for longer. Earbuds are smaller and better for sleeping on your side.

Is noise cancelling bad for your ears?

No. It lets you listen at a lower volume in noisy places, which is better for your hearing.

How we pick. Only products that are current, well made and consistently top-rated by major independent reviewers and long-term owners; editor's picks are our own favourites. We don't publish star ratings, invent reviews or take money from brands. Products and prices differ by country, so check the listing in your store. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Details