Whether you’re listening to a podcast on a noisy bus or trying to focus while the neighbour drills a hole in the wall, noise‑cancelling headphones makes it easier. They expertly block out background hustle, so you hear what matters - and nothing else.
There are loads of different types of headphones to choose from, from secure earbuds built for the gym to over-ear headphones that music fans love. So if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, let us walk through some models that suit different types of user - and different budgets.
Best for music lovers
If music is your main thing, a good pair of over‑ear headphones can make all the difference. Their large, cushioned ear cups sit around your ears, not on them, creating a cosy sound bubble that blocks out outside noise. This lets every beat, note, and tiny detail come through clearly, making the sound feel bigger, richer, and all around you. Listening with them is like sitting in a tiny private concert hall- completely immersive and totally transporting!
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones (released 2022, usual price around £279)
Sony WH‑1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones are a solid choice. The noise cancelling adjusts depending on where you are, cleverly toning things down without making you feel like you're in a vacuum. And the sound is really rich - you can hear all the little layers in a track. Vocals sound clear, bass has real punch, and nothing gets lost.
They're comfy too. The ear cups are soft and padded and the whole design feels light, even though it's packed with tech. You can wear them for hours without getting that pinch feeling some headphones give. And you get a whopping 30 hours of battery life, so you won’t need to charge them every night.
And there’s now a newer kid in town. The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones were launched in May this year, so if you don’t mind paying a little extra they could be the ones for you. To help you make that decision, here’s a rundown of the Sony WH-1000XM6 vs. WH-1000XM5.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (released 2023, usual price around £449)
If you’re after headphones that make you feel like you’re in complete control, Bose QuietComfort Ultra noise-cancelling headphones are the way to go. You get to choose how much of the world you want to let in with Quiet Mode, Aware Mode and Immersion ModeBose. Meanwhile, Immersive Audio adds depth and a sense of space to your favourite music, so you almost sound like you’re in the same room as your favourite artist. Our favourite piece of built-in tech has to be CustomTune, which analyses the shape of your ears and adjusts the sound so it's perfect for you.
Best all‑rounders
If you want headphones that do it all—music, calls, podcasts, work—look for ones with great sound, a clear mic, comfy fit, and easy portability.
Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds (released 2022, usual price around £279)
Sony WF‑1000XM5 earbuds are a good option here. They’re wireless, small enough to keep in your pocket, and really easy to use. They come with a case that charges them when they’re not being used, so they’re pretty much always ready to go. One full charge gives you around 8 hours of listening, with another 16 hours in the case.
The noise cancelling is seriously impressive for earbuds. They do a great job blocking out all sorts of background sounds. The sound is rich, with a good mix of bass and detail, and you can adjust it with the app if you prefer a different tone.
They’re also good for phone and video calls. The mics are clear and background noise gets reduced so your voice cuts through, even on busy streets.
Best for gym junkies
If you move a lot, you need headphones that will move with you. In-ear buds are the best pick here. They stay put, don’t overheat your ears, and many are water resistant too.
Bose QuietComfort earbuds (released 2024, usual price around £179)
The Bose QuietComfort earbuds are built for action. They give you proper noise cancelling—great if your gym blasts loud music you don’t love—and a comfortable, secure fit. They also have an "aware" mode, which lets you hear traffic or someone talking to you with one quick tap. So you don’t have to keep taking them out if you want to be alert to what’s going on.
Best budget noise‑cancelling headphones
Don’t want to spend loads? You’ve got lots of options that won’t make your wallet cry.
Sony WH CH720N (released 2023, usual price around £74.99)
Sony WH‑CH720N noise-cancelling headphones are a good entry point, usually priced under £100. They do a decent job of blocking out random noise, and the sound is well-balanced. Plus, they come with a Multi-Point Connection that lets you seamlessly switch between two Bluetooth devices. So, you can go from watching a movie on your tablet to taking a call on your phone. You also get a huge 35 hours of battery life. If you forget to charge them one night, you’re not stuck without music the next day.
JBL Tune 770NC (released 2023, usual price around £120)
If you’re willing to stretch your budget a tiny bit, the JBL Tune 770NC noise-cancelling headphones are a good shout. They feature JBL Pure Bass sound - the same tech that powers the most famous music venues all around the world! The Adaptive Noise Cancelling features lets you instantly shut out the noise around you and enjoy your tunes uninterrupted. But if you need to stay aware of your surroundings, just switch on Smart Ambient mode. You can choose how much ambient sound you let in, so you can still hear things like flight boarding announcements or your coffee shop order.
Over‑ear vs in‑ear: which should you choose?
Over or in. Which style works best? It all depends on what you want them for...
Over‑ear headphones are all about comfort and sound quality. They’re great if you’re listening for long stretches, or if you’re watching films or doing focused tasks. They also do a better job of blocking out background noise, partly because they physically cover your ears. But they can be bulky, and they’re not ideal if you're short on bag space or out in really hot weather.
In‑ear headphones, or earbuds, are much smaller and more portable. They’re ideal if you like travelling light, and they’re better for exercise. A good seal makes a big difference to noise cancelling and sound quality - so make sure you try the different tip sizes that come in the box. Most have little cases that charge them while you’re not using them, which is really handy.
In the end, it comes down to what matters more to you: immersion and comfort, or portability and flexibility.
Need more help?
Looking for a new set of headphones but not sure which type to go for? Check out the options below or browse our full range of noise-cancelling headphones.
Our audio buying guide is also worth a read. It’s packed with useful info to help you choose the tech that’s right for you.
