Sony WH 1000XM6 Wireless
Sony
$449
★★★★☆ 4.5/5
Backed by 18 credible sources. What reviewers liked: They sound very good, have excellent ANC, and are equipped to handle demanding users. The main drawback they noted: I can't bear to wear the Sony WH-1000XM6 Poor comfort prevents the WH-1000XM6 from being my daily driver.
+They sound very good, have excellent ANC, and are equipped to handle demanding users.
+the older pair still provides excellent sound in a comfortable and stylish package.
+check out our picks for the best noise-cancelling headphones TOPICS Lewis Empson Senior Staff Writer Lewis Empson is a Senior Staff Writer on What Hi-Fi?.
−I can't bear to wear the Sony WH-1000XM6 Poor comfort prevents the WH-1000XM6 from being my daily driver.
From Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under 400 · Aug 10, 2026
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★★★★☆ 4.5/5
Backed by 18 credible sources. What reviewers liked: They offer superb noise cancellation and a comfortable build The main drawback they noted: their style does offer an alternative to the largely indistinct, blocky look adopted by the Sony XM6 and Sennheiser HDB
+They offer superb noise cancellation and a comfortable build
+the earpads and headband are well-cushioned, ensuring a comfortable fit and good seal.
+the Sony XM6 remains a class leader at this premium price.
−their style does offer an alternative to the largely indistinct, blocky look adopted by the Sony XM6 and Sennheiser HDB
−though the juicepack does take a hit when the power-hungry Immersive Audio mode is used, dropping to 23 hours.
From Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under 400 · Aug 10, 2026
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Bose QC Ultra Headphones
Bose
$450
★★★★☆ 4.5/5
Backed by 8 credible sources. What reviewers liked: is really well implemented, and we find them to be intuitive and easy to manage. The main drawback they noted: No wired audio listening via USB-C
+is really well implemented, and we find them to be intuitive and easy to manage.
+The Momentum 5's ANC isn't on the same level as the excellent Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
+Bose has also updated the proprietary algorithm so ANC automatically kicks in to prevent sharp spikes of noise from drowning out your music.
−No wired audio listening via USB-C
−Don't fold away as neatly
From Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under 400 · Aug 10, 2026
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★★★★☆ 4/5
Backed by 19 credible sources. What reviewers liked: As these are the top-of-the-line when it comes to contemporary ANC headphones, both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen.) and Sony WH-1000XM6 represent some of the best experiences you can get with that category. The main drawback they noted: I can't bear to wear the Sony WH-1000XM6 Poor comfort prevents the WH-1000XM6 from being my daily driver.
+As these are the top-of-the-line when it comes to contemporary ANC headphones, both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen.) and Sony WH-1000XM6 represent some of the best experiences you can get with that category.
+Fast forward to the present day, and it has a handful of options from the range still on sale
+In either case, a little bit of discipline and good charging habits should keep your headphones out of the landfill for several years.
−I can't bear to wear the Sony WH-1000XM6 Poor comfort prevents the WH-1000XM6 from being my daily driver.
From Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under 400 · Aug 10, 2026
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Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones
Sennheiser
$379
★★★★☆ 4/5
Backed by 14 credible sources. What reviewers liked: Sennheiser Momentum 4 MSRP: USD299.99 8 Check price Pros Cons Positives Excellent battery life Excellent sound quality Connectivity options Price USB-C listening Negatives Middling ANC Mic noise rejection Read more... The main drawback they noted: The latest iteration of this line, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, has a lot of stiff competition in its category from Bose, Sony, and Apple.
+Sennheiser Momentum 4 MSRP: USD299.99 8 Check price Pros Cons Positives Excellent battery life Excellent sound quality Connectivity options Price USB-C listening Negatives Middling ANC Mic noise rejection Read more...
+Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: Praised for excellent sound, long battery life, and strong ANC.
+Sennheiser Momentum 4 If you're looking for a slightly more affordable set of ANC headphones in comparison to the Bose or Sony offerings: the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless is not a bad way to go.
−The latest iteration of this line, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, has a lot of stiff competition in its category from Bose, Sony, and Apple.
−Fixing Sennheiser Momentum 4 Sound Issues (Popping and ....
From Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under 400 · Aug 10, 2026
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose
$450
★★★★☆ 4/5
Backed by 9 credible sources. What reviewers liked: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): Best-in-class noise cancelling, comfortable, highly portable, great sounding, and offers spatial audio. The main drawback they noted: You couldn't listen to them wired over USB-C
+Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): Best-in-class noise cancelling, comfortable, highly portable, great sounding, and offers spatial audio.
+The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen.) are a solid set ofheadphones that compete well with the current ANC leaders.
+they sound more solid and musically tighter.
−You couldn't listen to them wired over USB-C
−their battery life fell short of that delivered by their closest rival
From Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under 400 · Aug 10, 2026
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★★★★☆ 4/5
Backed by 8 credible sources. What reviewers liked: They have excellent sound quality and noise canceling capabilities, decent durability, potentially eliminating the fragile hinge from the XM5, a proper folding design, and intuitive touch controls. The main drawback they noted: The XM5's lack of a folding mechanism was a dealbreaker for me, so I was thrilled to see Sony create a workaround that meant the slick new design was also functional.
+They have excellent sound quality and noise canceling capabilities, decent durability, potentially eliminating the fragile hinge from the XM5, a proper folding design, and intuitive touch controls.
+Sony also gets bonus points here for including a fantastic case.
+The magnetic clasp is satisfyingly snappy, and it allows for quick access to the headphones
−The XM5's lack of a folding mechanism was a dealbreaker for me, so I was thrilled to see Sony create a workaround that meant the slick new design was also functional.
−albeit not as rich or full
From Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under 400 · Aug 10, 2026
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Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700
Bose
$450
★★★☆☆ 3.5/5
Backed by 4 credible sources. What reviewers liked: Sennheiser’s estimates have historically been accurate or conservative, so we expect the final result to land close to or above that figure. No specific criticism surfaced in the sources we read — not proof none exists, so check recent reviews before buying.
+Sennheiser’s estimates have historically been accurate or conservative, so we expect the final result to land close to or above that figure.
From Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under 400 · Aug 10, 2026
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★★★★☆ 4.8/5
Clear winner for flight travel if budget permits. Ranked #1 by What Hi-Fi, RTINGS, and Medium flight reviewers. Unmatched ANC performance on engine noise, excellent battery for long-hauls, and practical foldable form factor make it the safest recommendation despite slightly dry sound signature. Only downside is price premium; still justified by ANC superiority.
+Best-in-class noise cancellation in 2026 with superior performance on jet engine frequencies and cabin rumble
+30+ hours of battery life (real-world flight testing confirms 20-22 hours with ANC on at normal volume)
+Rapid charging: 0-50% in under 30 minutes, critical for missed-overnight-charge scenarios
−Sound quality rated 'very good' but not exceptional (7.5/10 vs. Bose's 7.6/10)—mid-range occasionally recessed
−At 250g, lighter than AirPods Max but heavier than some competitors; prolonged wear can cause ear fatigue for sensitive users
From Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Flights · Apr 16, 2026
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Bose
$429
★★★★☆ 4.6/5
Best choice if comfort is non-negotiable or you prioritize sound quality alongside ANC. Only 0.2 points behind Sony on noise reduction but excels in long-wear comfort and audio fidelity. Price now competitive with Sony due to frequent sales. Ideal for business travelers who value call quality and music during flights.
+Superior comfort engineering: 9.0/10 comfort rating, padded headband distributes weight excellently for 8+ hour flights
+Exceptional spatial audio and sound imaging (7.6/10 sound quality, highest in this tier) with natural bass presence
+Noise cancellation rated 9.0/10, nearly matches Sony on cabin noise; PCMag's top pick until Sony XM6 launch
−Noise cancellation slightly less effective on ultra-low frequency engine rumble compared to Sony WH-1000XM6 (noticeable on 8+ hour flights)
−Heavier at ~250g and bulkier when folded; less convenient for compact carry-on packing
From Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Flights · Apr 16, 2026
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★★★★☆ 4.5/5
Excellent ANC for flights but weight penalty limits appeal compared to Sony/Bose. Best for Apple-ecosystem users or those who prioritize premium design and spatial audio for entertainment. Real-world flight testing confirms ANC rivals Sony, but 384g becomes problem on 10+ hour journeys. Buy only if you're in Apple ecosystem and value that integration.
+Best-in-class active noise canceling per Apple's in-flight testing; reduces cabin and engine noise to 'distant hum' (verified by multiple independent flight tests)
+20 hours of battery life with ANC on, sufficient for long-haul flights (confirmed real-world in Medium travel review)
+Exceptional build quality with aluminum and mesh design; premium feel justifies premium price
−384g weight is significantly heavier than competitors; users report noticeable neck and ear fatigue after 6+ hours (one reviewer notes aviation headset comparison misleading—AirPods Max is objectively heavy for extended wear)
−Clamping force is firm; some users experience discomfort on flights lasting 8+ hours, though reviewers note this is preference-dependent
From Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Flights · Apr 16, 2026
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Anker Soundcore Space One
Anker
$79.99
★★★★☆ 4.2/5
Best value for budget-conscious travelers or casual flyers on short routes. ANC works but isn't class-leading; acceptable for 2-4 hour flights where you prioritize cost savings over maximum noise isolation. Don't expect Sony-level performance, but excellent bang-for-buck. Good backup headphone for traveling with kids or non-critical flights.
+Impressively effective noise cancellation for the price ($79.99); handles cabin noise adequately for budget travelers
+Lightweight at ~240g, comfortable for long flights without neck fatigue
+40+ hour claimed battery life (real-world ~25-28 hours with ANC), excellent value for money
−Noise cancellation noticeably less effective than Sony/Bose on ultra-low engine frequencies; adequate for casual travelers but not best-in-class
−Sound quality is flat and uninspiring (6.5/10 range); mid-range muddy, bass uncontrolled compared to premium models
From Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Flights · Apr 16, 2026
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★★★★☆ 4.4/5
Premium audio quality wasted on airplanes where cabin noise masks nuanced sound. Better choice for studio work or quiet commutes, not flights. Noise cancellation is competent but not exceptional compared to Sony/Bose at half the price. Only buy if you also use for non-travel audio work.
+Exceptional high-fidelity sound tuning (8.2/10 sound quality); audiophile-grade audio for in-flight music listening
+Effective active noise cancellation with natural-sounding ambient mode for announcements
+Premium build with aluminum frame and premium materials; ultra-durable for frequent travelers
−Noise cancellation is good but not best-in-class compared to Sony XM6 or Bose QC Ultra; engine rumble bleeds through slightly more than competitors
−Price premium at $799 is unjustifiable for flight-specific use; premium sound quality wasted in noisy cabin environment where you can't hear nuanced audio
From Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Flights · Apr 16, 2026
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★★★☆☆ 3.5/5
Backed by 2 credible sources. What reviewers liked: Naturally, I was eager to have a quick demo to see if they could tempt me away from my beloved XM4 headphones. The main drawback they noted: My second and only other gripe is more of a personal preference, and it's to do with touch controls.
+Naturally, I was eager to have a quick demo to see if they could tempt me away from my beloved XM4 headphones.
+Unsurprisingly, they turned out to be really quite good
+good enough that I started to question if it was time to take the leap and upgrade.
−My second and only other gripe is more of a personal preference, and it's to do with touch controls.
From Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under 400 · Aug 10, 2026
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