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Filter every product we've reviewed by category, brand, price, and rating. Ratings are synthesized from real user reviews and independent testing — never paid placements.

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6 products

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noise-cancelling headphones 4.5★ & up Clear all filters

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Sony WH 1000XM6 Wireless

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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Sony XM6

Sony XM6

$449

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 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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Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony

$449

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 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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Apple AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max

Apple

$549

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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