Sony WH-1000XM6
- Among the very best noise cancelling
- Rich, detailed sound with a 10-band EQ
- Clear calls, even outdoors
- A snug fit that some find tight on long wear
Updated 18 Oct 2026
Best headphones
Most people should get the Sony WH-1000XM6. If comfort on long flights matters most, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) is just as quiet.
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Comfiest and quietest
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Superb noise cancelling
- Light and very comfortable for hours
- Lossless audio over USB-C
- The sound isn't quite as detailed as the Sony's
Best value Bose
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Noise cancelling close to the Ultra's
- Very light, gentle fit
- Folds into a hard case
- About 24 hours of battery, less than rivals
Best sound and battery
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless
- About 57 hours of battery
- Rich, detailed sound
- Replaceable battery
- Noise cancelling trails the Sony and Bose
Best for iPhone
Apple AirPods Max 2
- Seamless with iPhone, iPad and Mac
- Superb build and transparency mode
- Strong noise cancelling
- Heavy, and only about 20 hours of battery
Best budget
Anker Soundcore Space 2
- Strong noise cancelling for the price
- Over 40 hours of battery
- Light, comfortable fit
- Sound is good, not great
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 18 Oct 2026How we decide