Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM5Best overall | Bose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesBest for comfort | Apple AirPods MaxBest for iPhone | Sony WH-CH720NBest value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Consider | Buy |
| Best for | Travel and commuting | Long flights | Apple users | Budget noise cancelling |
| Key feature | Class-leading noise cancelling | Plush fit and strong ANC | Premium build and spatial audio | Light, affordable ANC |
| Typical price | $330–$400 | $380–$430 | $450–$550 | $100–$150 |
| Battery | Up to 30 h (ANC on) | Up to 24 h | Up to 20 h | — |
| Weight | About 250 g | — | — | — |
| Charging | USB-C, fast charge | USB-C | — | — |
| Where to buy | Check price Paid link | Check price Paid link | Check price Paid link | Check price Paid link |
9.1/10 research score
Sony WH-1000XM5
Class-leading noise cancelling. Our pick for travel and commuting.
- Buy it if
- You want some of the best noise cancelling available plus long battery life for flights.
- Skip it if
- You need headphones that fold small; the XM5 folds flat but not inward.
Pros
- Excellent noise cancelling
- Light and comfortable for long wear
- Up to 30 hours with ANC on
- Multipoint Bluetooth
Cons
- Does not fold inward
- Premium price
Key specifications
- Battery
- Up to 30 h (ANC on)
- Weight
- About 250 g
- Charging
- USB-C, fast charge
9.0/10 research score
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Plush fit and strong ANC. Our pick for long flights.
- Buy it if
- Comfort over many hours matters as much as noise cancelling to you.
- Skip it if
- Battery life is your top priority; Sony lasts longer per charge.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Strong noise cancelling
- Folds into a compact case
- Immersive audio mode
Cons
- Shorter battery life than Sony
- Expensive
Key specifications
- Battery
- Up to 24 h
- Charging
- USB-C
7.9/10 research score
Apple AirPods Max
Premium build and spatial audio. Our pick for apple users.
- Buy it if
- You use an iPhone, iPad and Mac and want seamless switching with premium build quality.
- Skip it if
- You want light headphones or use Android.
Pros
- Premium aluminium build
- Seamless with Apple devices
- Excellent transparency mode
Cons
- Heavy
- Minimal case
- Very expensive
Key specifications
- Battery
- Up to 20 h
8.2/10 research score
Sony WH-CH720N
Light, affordable ANC. Our pick for budget noise cancelling.
- Buy it if
- You want real noise cancelling without paying flagship prices.
- Skip it if
- You need flagship-level noise cancelling for frequent flights.
Pros
- Very light
- Good ANC for the price
- Long battery life
Cons
- Plastic build
- ANC is a step below flagships
Compare more headphones on Amazon Paid link
How we chose
Over-ear noise cancelling headphones for flights, commutes and focus at work, compared on noise cancelling, comfort, battery life and call quality. We compared specifications, manufacturer documentation, warranty terms and typical prices, then gave every product a clear verdict with the people who should skip it.
What to look for in headphones
- Noise cancelling strength matters most for flights and trains; all premium models block engine rumble well, fewer handle voices.
- Comfort decides whether you keep them on for a long-haul flight: check weight and clamping force.
- Look for multipoint Bluetooth if you switch between a phone and a laptop.
- Battery life of 20+ hours with ANC on is enough for most trips.
Related guides and comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Are noise cancelling headphones worth it?
If you fly, commute or work in noisy spaces, yes. They let you listen at lower volume and cut fatigue from constant background noise.
Sony or Bose?
Sony usually wins on battery life and app features; Bose is often more comfortable and folds smaller. Both cancel noise extremely well.