Headphones with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) can be a godsend if you commute frequently or work in noisy places. But finding the perfect one for you can be a headscratcher. If you are an audiophile, you’ll enjoy the Sennheiser Momentum 4, or maybe you’re looking for a general-purpose pair of headphones, in which case AirPods Max will suffice. So if you can’t make up your mind on which best ANC headphone to get in 2026, then here are 10 options that offer excellent noise cancellation without compromising audio quality, which we’ve tried out, tested, and recommend.
Overview of Our Top Picks for the Best ANC Headphones
We have summarised our picks for the best noise cancellations headphones for 2026 in the table below, along with who they are best suited for, limitations, and pricing.
| Best ANC Headphones | Best Suited for | Limitations | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Those looking for the best ANC headphones experience with a balanced sound output | Premium pricing, lack water resistance, limited sound output tuning | $458 |
| Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | Users who are in the Apple ecosystem, looking for a casual ANC headphones | Bulky, does not offer any hi-res wireless audio codec. high price tag | $449.99 |
| Sennheiser HDB 630 | People looking for high quality sound, details, along with good noise cancellation and battery life | ANC not as strong as the class-leading Sony-WH1000XM6 | $499.95 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) | Anyone who wants most comfortable headphones, with class leading noise cancellation and a V-shaped sound signature | Does not offer most advanced EQ tuning options | $449 |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 | Those looking for great sound quality, comfortable fit, excellent ANC and long battery life | Does not have hi-res codec support, touch controls are finicky | $236.99 |
| Marshal Monitor III | Folks who want the iconic Marshal designed headphones and extremely long battery for trips | Sound output and ANC could be better | $279.99 |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | For everyone who want a daily carry headphones with top tier noise cancellation at a good price | Cannot be folded like the XM4 | $287.60 |
| Soundcore Space One | Those who want an all around good sound quality and noise cancellation for a budget | Build quality feels cheap and plastic-y | $99.99 |
| Edifier W830 NB | People who want enjoyable sound, good ANC and an excellent battery life without spending much | Companion app is pretty lackluster | $79.99 |
| 1MORE SonoFlow-Pro | Students or peeps who want an everyday carry headphone with serviceable noise cancellation | ANC depth is just average | $87.99 |
How We Tested These Best ANC Headphones
For our testing, we used a similar approach across all headphones, by testing each pair over the same set of tracks. For ANC, we checked the noise cancellation in a controlled setting like our office, as well as outdoor busy streets.
Besides our own expertise, we put into consideration other user reviews shared online for each pair of headphones. Based on the results from all those factors, we have compiled this list of the best ANC headphones.
Whether or not you spend heavily on the best ANC headphones, you will find something that fits your budget. The more you spend, the better noise cancellation you get, but it’s not the only thing that defines a “good” ANC headphone, so we will delve into other factors as well.
Best Wireless ANC Headphones
Overall, Sony’s latest XM6 takes the cake for the best ANC headphones, but the Apple AirPods Max and the slightly older Sony XM5 are also good picks. Here’s a detailed look at them.
Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony WH-1000XM6 consistently ranks as one of the best ANC headphones in every list out there. It is even called the “King of ANC headphones”, and that’s for a good reason. These cans offer Sony’s refined flagship formula, featuring an impressive sound signature and noise cancellation that makes you feel as if you’ve locked yourself in a quiet room.
That’s thanks to its QN3 processor and the 12 mics, which offer the most consistent ANC experience in most scenarios. Sound quality is balanced, none of the frequencies overpower each other, and you can enjoy rich details in a song, a blessing of the hi-res LDAC codec and spatial audio support.
In our testing, the Sony WH1000XM6 offers a better battery life than the previous XM5’s that I used for a while. You can go up to 30 hours with ANC without plugging in, making it the best ANC headphones for long battery life. It also offers quick charge support to top up in a jiffy when you are in a rush.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Industry-leading active noise cancellation | No official water-resistance rating |
| Balanced sound with high-res support | Premium pricing |
| Up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC | |
| Comfortable design |
Pricing: $458
Apple AirPods Max (Type-C)
AirPods Max are arguably the most common wireless ANC headphones out there. But their common nature comes from the ease of use and the excellent noise cancellation it offers. Similar to other AirPods in the lineup, the AirPods Max features seamless connectivity with your iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, and other products of the ecosystem.
The sound from these is high-fidelity. The AirPods Max ANC headphones have a 40mm Apple dynamic driver. But the ANC is where it truly delivers, cancelling out most of the sound, while offering a comfortable wear.
In our testing, we loved its spatial audio experience, and the battery easily lasts about 20 hours with ANC. The company has even refreshed them with a USB-C port. This allows you to listen to Hi-res lossless music from Apple Music over a wired connection. There is no wireless hi-res codec available. But, if you have an iPhone or are part of the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro Max are a no-brainer.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Pairs seamlessly with Apple devices | Does not support wireless hi-res codec |
| Excellent noise cancellation and transparency mode | Can feel bulky to some users |
| Up to 20 hours of battery life with ANC | Premium pricing |
| Balanced sound output |
Pricing: $449.99
Sennheiser HDB 630
The Senneheiser HDB 630 are the probably our top pick for those looking for the best audiophile headphones, with ANC. Its 42mm dynamic drivers offer a fairly balanced and neutral sound signature which offers rich details in sound quality, even though these are wireless ANC headphones. It does not support LDAC hi-res codec, but comes with a BTD 700 USB-C dongle, which allows for high quality audio playback over Bluetooth.
However, the reason it made it to the best ANC headphones list is because of the isolating noise cancellation. It blocks out most noise, and after our testing, we would rank it between XM6 and AirPods Max. It also delivers amazing battery life, going on for about 60 hours with ANC enabled. However, this excess battery reflects in its weight, which is why some users might find these headphones a little bulky for everyday wear.
But if you are serious about your sound, especially when you are paying a premium price, then the Sennheiser HDB 630 make perfect sense in 2026.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Neutral and detailed sound signature | ANC not quite as aggressive as Sony’s XM6 |
| Up to 60 hours of battery life with ANC | Can feel bulky for everyday wear |
| Noise cancellation is excellent with Adaptive and transparency modes | Comes at a premium price tag |
| Includes a BTD 700 USB-C dongle for high-res wireless sound output |
Pricing: $499.95
Best ANC Headphones for Rock Music
If you are a fan of rock music, and searching for the best ANC headphones to bang on your favorite track, then the Senheisser Momentum 4 offers the best value for money. But if you can spend a little more, then the Marshal Monitor III and Bose QuietComfort Ultra are good picks too.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2)
QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) is arguably “the best ANC headphone” in the market, setting a benchmark, and putting even the Sony XM6 to shame with its noise cancellation prowess. But the reason, we have added it here is because it is also the only candidate the offers the perfect V-shaped sound signature for rock music. You get a balanced sound, with warm tones and clear vocals.
The QC Ultra also features a similar design as compared to the previous generation, which is not a bad thing, since it is already perfect for long listening sessions. The cans are rated to last 24 hours. The ANC is adjustable, and the cushions on the QuietComfort series are highly regarded as being supremely comfortable as they are made of protein leather.
The Bluetooth codec is limited to AAC and SBC which is another blow to its “Ultra” monicker. Although, they feature spatial audio support and hi-res audio over wired connection. However, if you’re looking for something with great audio and relatively good noise cancellation they’re one of the best ANC headphones to buy. Just don’t buy them at their full price.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Best-in-class active noise cancellation | Battery does not last as long as Marshal’s or Sony |
| Comfortable fit for long listening sessions | Limited EQ customization |
| Balanced, detailed sound with deep bass | |
| Good battery life |
Pricing: $449
Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 falls in the league of the Sony XM4s and XM5s, despite its price tag. Given the Sennheiser branding, the Momentum 4 offer a better sound reproduction. This is thanks to the 42mm dynamic drivers, that are tuned for a warm, and engaging sound signature, which makes them the best ANC headphones for rock music. The soundstage also feels quite wide, while wearing these pair of cans.
And the ANC does not sabotage the music experience at all. The noise cancellation is actually better than what we expected in our testing. The ANC is comparable to the Sony XM5s which is great. Plus, it can last almost double the hours of Sony’s (60 hours), but still less than the Marshalls.
Comfort-wise, they aren’t comparable to XM5s or XM4s but they aren’t terrible either. The Sennheiser app allows you to control a lot of the headphone’s features, including the ability to adjust the frequencies. They aren’t as portable as the XM4s but overall, for $237, they sport a good build so I’d personally prefer getting these over the XM5s.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Excellent active noise cancellation across environments | Touch controls can be finicky at times |
| Balanced sound signature with clear detail | Does not have proper support for hi-res wireless codecs |
| Comfortable fit for long term use | |
| 60 hours with ANC battery life |
Pricing: $236.99
Marshal Monitor III
Marshal Monitor II did many things right and its successor has been improved in many areas but there’s also one big downgrade. The Monitor III comes with ANC and one of the best things about it is its unreal 70-hour battery life. Besides, the headphones are built very well and are extremely portable thanks to their folding design. Speaking of design, they have a retro look going for them which a lot of users may like.
There’s no high-quality audio codec on offer but comfort is another factor where Mashal Monitor III shines. The app is decent and some may find controlling music via the built-in joystick and buttons better than touch controls. However, one of the major downgrades in Monitor III was the removal of the 3.5 mm jack. You do get a type-C to 3.5mm cable in the box, but it definitely takes away the ease of use. For an asking price of $349, they’re among some of the best ANC headphones with the longest battery life out there.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Retro-iconic Marshall design | Sound signature isn’t perfectly neutral for audiophiles |
| Good active noise cancellation for everyday use | No 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Punchy, dynamic sound, perfect for rock music | |
| 70 hours of unbelievable battery life |
Pricing: $279.99
Best Budget ANC Headphones
Your budget shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying your music in complete silence, and therefore, we have picked some of the best budget ANC headphones available out there. From Anker to Nothing, these are the best pair of cans you can get that still offer a pleasant experience.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 are the successor to 2020’s Sony-WH1000XM4 and continues the legacy of the best ANC headphones for a good price. The design has been revamped and the ANC is supposedly better with a slightly better mid-range. However, they’re less easy to carry around and have flaws with the design where users are complaining the adjustable rods are snapping.
Like the XM4s, they support LDAC for higher-quality wireless audio transmission over Bluetooth. The headphones are rated to last 30 hours and charge via Type-C. Comfort-wise, they’re definitely a notch above 1000XM4s. If you handle them with care, they’re solid ANC headphones. This is why we picked these over other Sony offerings that are usually available at a budget like the Sony-CH710N.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Great active noise cancellation | Touch controls can be too sensitive |
| Balanced and detailed sound output | Cannot be folded like the XM4 |
| Comfortable design and good battery life |
Pricing: $287.60
Anker Soundcore Space One
Anker has been making great accessories and the Space One is no different. It’s easily one of the best affordable ANC headphones in the market thanks to LDAC and 40 hours of battery life with ANC on. They come with multipoint connectivity and an app to turn on/off headphone features. The ANC can be pretty effective compared to other headphones on the market. However, they more than make up for it by sounding decent and having good build quality.
It’s worth noting that they do stick out a bit and might not be the best for taking calls due to reportedly below-average microphone quality. The Space One comes with more physical buttons to control music which some may like.
It does bring adaptive noise cancellation, wear detection, and a 3.5 mm audio jack, which is impressive for a budget headphone. Overall, if you’re looking for a headphone that tries to match the quality of expensive headphones for 1/4th of the price, the Space One is the one to check out.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Competitive active noise cancellation | ANC not quite as powerful |
| Enjoyable sound quality | Build quality feels more plastic |
| Comfortable fit and excellent battery life |
Price: $99.99
Edifier W830NB
If you’re looking for an ANC headphone that doesn’t break the bank, while not compromising on sound quality and features, the Edifier W830NB might be for you. For starters, the firm claims it can block out noise up to 45 dB with ANC, which is decent. There’s LDAC on offer which is rare in the sub-$100 price segment. The battery lasts for 54 hours with ANC turned on, which is great for the price.
They also support multipoint connectivity, come with a transparency mode, and Bluetooth 5.4. The EDIFIER ConneX app, while doesn’t have the best rating, can be used to control many features of the headphones.
The headphones are foldable and come with a case. However, they sadly do not have a 3.5mm jack to listen to music when you want low-latency audio or simply run out of battery. Overall, on paper, they punch way above their price and are one of the best affordable ANC headphones on the market.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Decent noise cancellation in outdoor enviroments | ANC not as deep as flagship models |
| Amazing battery life | Companion app is lackluster |
| Hi-res LDAC codec support | |
| Balanced sound signature |
Price: $79.99
1MORE SonoFlow-Pro
1MORE makes all sorts of audio products, even IEMs geared towards audiophiles. The SonoFlow Pro is an excellent option and one of the most affordable ANC headphones to buy. While there are cheaper options, these feature relatively decent active noise cancellation performance and a whopping 65-hour battery with ANC. They also feature LDAC and Multipoint connectivity.
They weigh 240g and should be comfortable to wear. The noise-cancellation is rated 42 dB which is less but perhaps the sound quality can do justice to the same. 1MORE is known for its sound quality and the 40mm “diamond-like” drivers tuned by “Grammy-winning” experts should mean a decent enough sound output. They lack a 3.5mm port but for the price, they’re one of the best ANC headphones on the market.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Good ANC for the price | Build feels not as good as midrange models |
| Comfortable fit and decent sound output | |
| Long battery life with quick charge support |
Price: $87.99
Difference Between Noise Cancellation and ANC Headphones?
Normal noise cancellation headphons, also known as passive noise cancellation rely on the physical design. They try to cover your ears with thick pads, creating a tight seal, prevent most external sounds. On the other hand, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) actively reduces ambient sound in real time, with the help of its mics to pick up sound, and negate it. This makes them more effective against loud enviroments.
So, these are some of the best ANC headphones you can buy. If we had to pick three Active Noise Cancellation headphones from this list, the Sony WH-1000XM5, Marshall Monitor III ANC, and the Boss QC Ultra would be our top picks. For budget buyers, the Soundcor Space One is a great value-for-money headphone.
