Wireless headphones with noise cancelling can make train noise, office chatter and engine noise during a flight less intrusive. However, a high price doesn’t guarantee that a model will suit the way you use it. The differences often come down to comfort, battery life, microphones, app support and how active noise cancelling works.
Brands often quote the longest battery life, but this may not apply when active noise cancelling is switched on. So check both figures. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is rated for up to 40 hours without noise cancelling and 30 hours with it. The Sony WH-CH720N is rated for up to 50 hours without ANC and 35 hours with ANC.
For long journeys, battery life with ANC switched on is the more useful figure to compare. Also check whether fast charging is available and which cable or connector is included.
ANC headphones use microphones and electronics to reduce certain sounds around you. Low, constant sounds such as train or aircraft noise are generally different from voices, sudden bursts of noise or ringing phones. So don’t expect to be completely cut off from your surroundings.
A transparency mode, called “Aware” or “Ambient Sound” on some models, is useful when you want to hear an announcement or have a quick chat. Don’t use headphones while cycling, driving or in other situations where you need to hear what’s going on around you.
Over-ear headphones should completely enclose your ears without putting too much pressure on your head. Consider the weight, the shape of the ear cushions and how adjustable the headband is. A heavier model may feel more tiring than a lighter one on a long flight or during a working day.
The material matters too. Leather or faux-leather ear cushions can feel soft, but may become warmer. Clean the cushions regularly and store the headphones somewhere dry, especially if you use them every day.
Check that the product really supports Active Noise Cancelling and whether you can adjust its intensity. App controls can be useful for different settings, such as travelling, working or taking calls. Multiple microphones and wind noise reduction are useful specifications for calls, but call quality also depends on your phone, surroundings and Bluetooth connection.
Claims such as “industry-leading noise cancelling” come from the brand. So also look at the information you can verify: the number of microphones, supported Bluetooth version, multipoint support and whether a microphone is included.
Modern Bluetooth headphones work with Android and iOS devices, but always check the Bluetooth version and supported codecs. LDAC, AAC and SBC can differ in compatibility and audio quality. LDAC, for example, is mainly relevant if your phone and streaming settings support it.
With multipoint, you can connect your headphones to two devices, such as a laptop and smartphone. This is useful when working from home. A detachable audio cable also gives you an alternative if the battery runs out or you’re using a wired audio source.
Compare battery life with ANC switched on, the weight and the charging port. USB-C is now common. Some models can also be used passively with an audio cable.
The product information for the models below lists different figures. When buying, always check the latest product specifications, what’s included in the box and the warranty terms. In the EU, consumers are generally entitled to a statutory guarantee of conformity of at least two years; this is separate from any additional manufacturer’s warranty.
Why it suits this profile: This model combines over-ear comfort, multipoint and ANC with a weight of 192 grams. That makes it suitable for everyday use, online meetings and train journeys.
The specifications list up to 35 hours with ANC and up to 50 hours without ANC. This helps you get a more realistic idea of how long they’ll last.
192 grams, USB-C, multipoint and adjustable ANC levels via the Sony app, according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: These feature-rich wireless headphones are aimed at music lovers, frequent travellers and anyone who switches between a laptop and phone.
Battery life is specified as 30 hours with ANC and 40 hours without ANC. Multipoint also means you don’t have to keep switching manually between two devices.
Bluetooth 5.2, LDAC/AAC/SBC, 3.5mm connection, 250 grams and fast charging, according to the stated specifications.
Why it suits this profile: Its stated battery life makes this model a good option for long journeys, everyday commuting and extended listening without needing to recharge in between.
The product information states up to 60 hours of playback and describes separate adaptive ANC and transparency modes.
42mm transducers, four microphones, an app with EQ and a 3.5mm cable, according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: Multipoint, app controls, over-ear cushions and built-in microphones make these headphones well suited to working, taking calls and listening to music.
Battery life is rated at 24 hours and an audio cable is included. This means you can still listen with a cable if charging isn’t convenient.
Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint, active noise cancelling, app support and a stated weight of 380 grams.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Some models let you listen through an audio cable without an active Bluetooth connection. ANC usually still needs battery power, even when you’re using the cable. Check each product, as this varies by model.
Battery life per charge ranges from around 24 hours to 60 hours for the models in this selection. How long the headphones last overall depends on factors such as charging habits, use, storage and the built-in battery. Store them somewhere dry, avoid extreme heat and follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions.
Yes, if the model has a built-in microphone. Multiple microphones, wind noise reduction and multipoint are useful features for clear calls. If you work from home, it’s also worth checking whether your laptop supports the Bluetooth codecs and microphone profiles you need.