Short answer: the Sony WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6 are excellent headphones for single-player and casual gaming, especially plugged in with the included cable. For competitive online play on PS5 or Xbox, they’re the wrong tool: consoles don’t send game audio over Bluetooth, and the headset mic doesn’t work over the cable. If you want Sony sound with low-latency wireless and a real boom mic, the INZONE H9 II (same drivers as the XM6) is the one built for gaming. For every Sony option ranked, including the cheaper INZONE H5 and the PlayStation Pulse Elite, see our best Sony headphones for gaming.
How we put this together: this guide is based on Sony’s official specifications and help guides, plus published latency measurements and hands-on reports from independent reviewers (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level.
Can you use the Sony XM5 or XM6 for gaming?
Yes, but how well it works depends almost entirely on how you connect them:
Wired (3.5 mm cable): effectively zero lag on both models. This is the best way to game with them, and it works on a PS5 or Xbox controller, a Switch, a Steam Deck or a PC. The catch: the headset microphone does not work over the cable (Sony’s own help guide says you talk through your phone’s mic when wired), so you’ll need the controller mic or a separate mic for chat.
Standard Bluetooth (SBC / LDAC): around 100–200 ms of delay, according to SoundGuys’ measurements of the XM6. Fine for story games, videos and turn-based games; noticeable in shooters and rhythm games.
AAC and LC3 (lower-latency Bluetooth): about 30–50 ms on the XM6, depending on the source device. That’s much better, but only phones and PCs that support these codecs benefit.
LE Audio gaming mode (XM6 only): a July 2026 firmware update added the Bluetooth Gaming Audio Profile (GMAP) to the XM6, promising lower latency and usable mic chat without game audio dropping to call quality. SoundGuys found it works on a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, but PS5 and Xbox don’t support Bluetooth audio at all, and neither Nintendo (Switch 2) nor Valve (Steam Deck) has enabled it yet.
Bluetooth only; better with LE Audio on supported phones
Detachable cardioid boom mic
Multipoint
Yes
Yes
Not listed
Rated battery (ANC on)
Up to 30 h
Up to 30 h (SoundGuys measured 37 h)
Up to 30 h
Folds for travel
No (lies flat)
Yes
Not listed
Best for
Wired gaming + travel ANC
Wired gaming, phone gaming, travel
Competitive PC/PS5 gaming
Which one should you buy for gaming?
Buy the XM5 if:
You mostly play single-player games and don’t mind plugging in the cable.
You want top-tier noise cancelling for travel and commuting first, gaming second.
You want to save money: the XM5 is the older model and is often discounted.
Buy the XM6 if:
You game on an Android phone that supports LE Audio, where the XM6’s gaming mode actually works today.
You want the newest noise cancelling, a folding design and the lowest Bluetooth latency Sony offers in this line.
You’re buying one headphone for everything and gaming is a regular but not competitive part of it.
Skip both and get a gaming headset if:
You play competitive shooters where every millisecond and clear team chat matter.
You play on PS5 or PC wirelessly and want a proper boom mic. The Sony INZONE H9 II uses the same drivers as the XM6 and adds a 2.4 GHz dongle and a cardioid boom mic.
What about the XM4?
The XM4 behaves much like the XM5 for gaming: great wired, laggy over standard Bluetooth, and no mic over the cable. We cover it in detail in our Sony WH-1000XM4 for gaming guide. If you already own the XM4, upgrading to the XM5 won’t change much for gaming; the XM6’s LC3 and LE Audio support is the only meaningful gaming upgrade in the series.
Setup tips for gaming with Sony XM headphones
PS5 / Xbox: plug the included cable into the controller’s 3.5 mm jack. Game audio comes through the headphones; use the controller’s built-in mic (PS5) or a separate mic for chat.
PC: wired gives zero lag. Over Bluetooth, Windows switches to a low-quality “headset” profile the moment the mic is in use. A USB or desk mic avoids that.
Android phones: on the XM6, enable LE Audio in the Sony Sound Connect app if your phone supports it; otherwise prefer AAC over LDAC for lower lag.
Turn LDAC off for gaming: LDAC sounds great for music but has the highest delay.
Nintendo Switch: the original Switch and Switch 2 both support Bluetooth audio, but expect standard Bluetooth lag. Wired is better for rhythm or action games.
Frequently asked questions
Are Sony headphones good for gaming?
Sony’s WH-1000X series sounds excellent for immersive single-player games, especially wired. For competitive online gaming, Sony’s INZONE headsets are the better choice because they add a low-latency wireless dongle and a boom mic.
Do the Sony XM5 or XM6 have lag when gaming?
Over standard Bluetooth, yes: roughly 100–200 ms with SBC or LDAC. With AAC or LC3 on the XM6 it drops to about 30–50 ms, and with the cable it’s effectively zero.
Can you use the Sony XM5 or XM6 on PS5?
Only wired. The PS5 doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones, so plug the included cable into the DualSense controller. The headset mic won’t work that way; use the controller’s mic instead.
Can you use the Sony XM5 or XM6 on Xbox?
Same as PS5: Xbox consoles don’t support Bluetooth audio, so use the 3.5 mm cable through the controller’s headset jack.
Does the microphone work for game chat?
Only over Bluetooth, and on most PCs that drops game audio to call quality while the mic is active. The XM6’s LE Audio gaming mode fixes this on supported Android phones. Over the cable, the headset mic doesn’t work on either model.
Is the XM6 worth it over the XM5 for gaming?
Only if you game on a phone that supports LE Audio or LC3. For wired console gaming the two perform the same, so the cheaper XM5 is the better value.
The best cheap earbuds for Android are the Soundcore Space A40: LDAC, adaptive noise cancelling and up to 50 hours of battery with the case. They list for $99.99 but often sell for $49–$79. The SoundPEATS Air6 HS are the pick that stays under $50 at full price, and the CMF Buds Pro 2 add dual drivers and strong ANC when they dip below $50.
A note on prices: most earbuds with LDAC list for $60–$100. The picks below regularly drop to about $50 or less in sales, so we show the list price too, which helps you spot a real deal.
Most cheap earbuds skip LDAC and aptX, so Android phones fall back to basic SBC or AAC sound. This guide finds the budget earbuds that do support hi-res codecs, and compares them on noise cancelling, battery life and comfort.
Picks are based on manufacturer specs and published reviews. Read on to see which earbuds earn the top spots, and why.
Comparison at a glance
Product
Price
Key specs
Best Overall Anker Soundcore Space A40
$99.99 list; $49–$79 on sale
LDAC; adaptive ANC; up to 10 h per charge, 50 h with case; wireless charging case
The most feature‑packed true‑ANC earbuds under $50, with LDAC support and a 50‑hour battery.
The Anker Soundcore Space A40 combines LDAC hi-res streaming, adaptive noise cancelling and up to 50 hours of total battery life at a budget price. Multipoint Bluetooth lets you switch between two devices, and the case charges wirelessly.
Up to 10 hours per charge covers a full workday, and a 10-minute charge adds about 4 hours. Anker says the adaptive ANC cuts up to 98% of background noise, adjusting automatically on trains, in cafés and on flights.
Pros
LDAC hi‑res codec for Android
Adaptive ANC reduces noise up to 98%
50‑hour total battery life
Multipoint Bluetooth for two devices
IPX4 water resistance
Cons
List price is $99.99; worth it on sale
ANC not as strong as high-end models
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The Space A40 list for $99.99, so they fit this budget only on sale, but sales are frequent: Gizmodo reported them at a record low, and Amazon has sold them for $49. The noise cancelling handles everyday noise well but can’t match premium earbuds on flights.
Semi-in-ear earbuds with LDAC hi-res audio and 9-hour battery life, for about $30.
The SoundPEATS Air6 HS replaced the Air3 Deluxe HS, which Amazon no longer sells new. It’s still a rare budget pick with LDAC and a semi-in-ear fit, which suits people who find silicone ear tips uncomfortable. SoundPEATS lists a 13 mm driver, Hi-Res Audio certification with LDAC at up to 24-bit/96kHz on Android, and up to 9 hours per charge or 45 hours with the case, with a 10-minute charge giving about 3 hours.
Because the buds don’t seal your ear canal, you stay aware of your surroundings, but there’s no noise cancelling and the bass is lighter than on sealed earbuds. Bluetooth 6.0 adds multipoint, so they can stay connected to a phone and a laptop at once. SoundPEATS itself says they aren’t recommended for gaming. They list for $39.99 and were about $30 on Amazon (sold by SoundPEATS, shipped by Amazon) when we checked on October 7, 2026.
Pros
LDAC support delivers true hi-res wireless audio
Semi-in-ear fit that doesn’t seal the ear canal
Up to 9 hours per charge, 45 hours with the case
Bluetooth 6.0 with multipoint
Cons
No noise cancelling and little passive isolation
Not meant for gaming, per SoundPEATS
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Because the buds don’t seal your ear canal, they let in more outside noise than sealed earbuds, so you may turn the volume up in noisy places. If you want to block noise on a commute, the Space A40 or CMF Buds Pro 2 are better choices.
Dual-driver sound, LDAC and strong hybrid noise cancelling, often on sale for around $50.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 (by Nothing) pair an 11 mm bass driver with a 6 mm tweeter for crisp, punchy sound. CMF rates their hybrid adaptive ANC at up to 50 dB. The case has a Smart Dial, so you can change the volume or noise mode without your phone.
LDAC is supported (turn it on in the Nothing X app), alongside AAC and SBC. Battery life is up to 10 hours per charge and 43 hours with the case, and IP55 protects against sweat. They usually cost a little over $50, but frequent sales bring them into this range.
Pros
Dual‑driver setup delivers rich, balanced sound
Hybrid ANC rated up to 50 dB by CMF
Smart‑dial case provides tactile volume and ANC control
Approximately 43 hours total battery life with case
Cons
LDAC has to be turned on in the Nothing X app
List price is $59; under $50 only on sale
Flaws but not dealbreakers
At $59 they’re slightly over budget at full price, although SoundGuys notes they’ve gone on sale below $50. The tuning leans toward bass (Expert Reviews calls it “overly keen on bass”), and LDAC is off by default, so turn it on in the Nothing X app.
The most affordable hybrid‑ANC earbuds that still deliver customizable sound and solid everyday performance.
The JLab JBuds ANC 3 bring active noise cancelling to a very low price, with a Be Aware mode that lets in traffic and announcements when you need them. Multipoint Bluetooth, Google Fast Pair and IP55 sweat resistance make them easy everyday earbuds.
Battery life is strong: 9+ hours per charge and 42+ hours with the case (34+ hours with ANC on). You can switch between three EQ presets on the earbuds themselves. There’s no LDAC or aptX, though, so they’re best for listeners who value noise cancelling over hi-res audio.
Pros
Hybrid ANC and Be Aware mode at a budget price
Three EQ presets on the earbuds
Multipoint Bluetooth for two simultaneous connections
9+ hours per charge, 42+ with the case
Cons
No LDAC codec for high-resolution streaming
List price is $59.99; look for a sale
Flaws but not dealbreakers
There’s no LDAC or aptX, so these suit listeners who care more about noise cancelling and battery life than hi-res audio. The list price is $59.99, so they fit this budget on sale.
Choosing the right budget earbuds for Android means balancing performance with price. Below are the six most important factors to evaluate before you click ‘Add to Cart’.
Codec support (LDAC, aptX): These codecs unlock higher‑resolution audio streams. Verify that the earbuds list LDAC or aptX in their Bluetooth specifications, because without them you’ll be limited to SBC or AAC.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) quality: Effective ANC should reduce low‑frequency rumble without sacrificing clarity. Look for hybrid or adaptive ANC that can adjust to your environment.
Battery life (earbuds + case): Aim for at least 10 hours of playback on a single charge and 30 + hours total with the charging case. Longer battery life means fewer interruptions during commutes or workouts.
Multipoint connectivity: Being able to pair with two devices simultaneously (phone and laptop, for example) adds convenience for multitaskers.
Fit and comfort: In‑canal, semi‑in‑ear, or open‑ear designs each have trade‑offs. Choose a shape that stays secure for your daily activities without causing fatigue.
Water resistance rating: An IPX4 or higher rating protects against sweat and light rain, essential for gym sessions and outdoor use.
Just over $50: EarFun Air Pro 4
If you can spend a little more, the EarFun Air Pro 4 add aptX Lossless on top of LDAC, adaptive hybrid ANC, multipoint, a Qi wireless charging case and up to 52 hours of battery with the case. They list for $89.99 (SoundGuys) and usually sell for somewhat less, but rarely for $50. They’re also a pick in our best earbuds under $100 and best wireless earbuds under $150.
Weighing codec support, noise cancelling, battery life and value, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 is the best overall pick. It combines LDAC, adaptive ANC and up to 50 hours of battery life at a budget price. If you dislike in-canal earbuds, the SoundPEATS Air6 HS is the best semi-open option and the only pick under $50 at full price. The CMF Buds Pro 2 are the pick for sound and noise cancelling on sale, and the JLab JBuds ANC 3 for noise cancelling without LDAC. If you can stretch a little, the EarFun Air Pro 4 add aptX Lossless and wireless charging.
Yes. The Soundcore Space A40, SoundPEATS Air6 HS and CMF Buds Pro 2 all support LDAC, so Android phones can stream hi-res audio to them. The JLab JBuds ANC 3 don’t.
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
It varies: about 9 hours (SoundPEATS Air6 HS and JLab JBuds ANC 3) and 10 hours (Space A40 and CMF Buds Pro 2). With their cases, most reach 40–50 hours; the SoundPEATS reaches about 45.
Can I use these earbuds with an iPhone or other non‑Android device?
Yes. They all work with iPhones and other Bluetooth devices, but iPhones only use AAC or SBC, because iOS doesn’t support LDAC or aptX.
Do any of these models support wireless charging?
The Soundcore Space A40’s case supports wireless charging, and so does the EarFun Air Pro 4 (just over $50). For the others, check the product listing before you buy.
The best noise-cancelling headphones in 2026 are the Sony WH-1000XM6: top-tier noise cancelling from 12 microphones, up to 30 hours with ANC, LDAC, and a design that folds for travel. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) are the most comfortable, the Sennheiser Momentum 5 last longest (up to 57 hours), and the Soundcore Space 2 are the best budget pick at $129.99. Prefer earbuds? See our best noise-cancelling earbuds.
How we put this together: picks are based on manufacturer specs and published reviews, not hands-on testing by iTech Level. See how we choose products.
On a long commute, in a busy office or on a long-haul flight, the right headphones can turn noise into calm. Today’s market has premium flagships and smart budget options, all promising strong noise cancelling (ANC), all-day comfort and long battery life.
We judge each pair on four things: how well the ANC works, comfort over hours of wear, battery life for travel, and sound quality. We also look at how each one fits your devices, whether you use Apple, Android or both.
Below you’ll find a flagship pick, a comfort pick, a battery-life pick, an Apple pick, a value pick and a budget pick, so you can match the right headphones to your routine.
The most powerful ANC headphones for commuters and travelers, with premium sound and crystal‑clear calls.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 sets the benchmark for noise cancelling. Its QN3 processor is seven times faster than the previous generation and drives 12 microphones to cancel noise in real time. A lightweight carbon-fiber driver keeps vocals and instruments clear and balanced. With up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC on, it lasts through long flights and a week of commutes.
It’s also excellent for calls: a six-microphone beamforming system picks out your voice, even in busy places. And unlike the XM5, it folds into a compact case, which makes it the best all-rounder for travel.
Pros
Top-tier ANC: QN3 processor and 12 microphones
High‑fidelity carbon‑fiber driver
30‑hour battery life with ANC
Excellent call clarity with AI beamforming
Cons
Costs more than the still-excellent XM5
Slightly heavier than the XM5 (about 254 g vs 250 g)
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It costs noticeably more than the XM5, which is still excellent and often discounted. If you don’t need the folding design or LE Audio support, the XM5 is the better value.
Most Comfortable: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)
The most comfortable flagship here, with immersive spatial audio and strong noise cancelling.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) is the most comfortable flagship here. Soft ear cushions and a plush headband make long sessions easy. You get three listening modes (Quiet, Aware and Immersion) plus a new Cinema mode for movies on the go.
Battery life reaches up to 30 hours (23 with Immersive Audio), and you can listen over USB-C while it charges. The mics handle calls and video meetings well, and Immersive Audio places sound around you. It suits listeners who put comfort and flexible listening modes first.
Pros
Ultra‑soft ear cushions for all‑day comfort
Strong noise cancelling with Quiet, Aware and Immersion modes
Immersive spatial audio and dedicated Cinema Mode
30‑hour battery life with USB‑C fast charging
Cons
No LDAC (aptX Adaptive on Snapdragon Sound phones)
One of the priciest pairs here
Flaws but not dealbreakers
There’s no LDAC: Android users get aptX Adaptive only on phones with Snapdragon Sound. It’s also one of the priciest pairs here, so if comfort isn’t your top priority, the Sony XM6 or XM5 may be better value.
Unmatched 57‑hour ANC battery life makes the Momentum 5 the ultimate travel companion for audiophiles.
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless has the longest battery life of these picks: up to 57 hours. Its 42 mm drivers, inspired by Sennheiser’s HD 600, sound rich and detailed. Support for aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive gets the most out of Android phones with Snapdragon Sound. Sennheiser says its hybrid adaptive ANC, with eight microphones, is up to three times stronger in the midrange than the Momentum 4’s.
The battery is user-replaceable, which helps the headphones last for years. It’s a premium pick for listeners who want great sound and very long battery life.
Pros
57‑hour battery life with ANC enabled
42 mm HD 600‑inspired drivers for rich, detailed sound
Hybrid adaptive ANC up to 3× stronger than previous model
Replaceable battery reduces electronic waste
Cons
ANC trails Sony and Bose’s best
Premium price
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Noise cancelling is much improved but still trails the Sony XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra. It’s also a premium purchase, so it makes most sense if you’ll use the extra battery life.
Apple’s over-ear headphones, updated in 2026 with the H2 chip and stronger noise cancelling.
Apple released the AirPods Max 2 in April 2026 at $549. They move to Apple’s H2 chip, and Apple says their noise cancelling is up to 1.5x more effective than the previous generation. They add the features AirPods Pro owners already have, including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation and Loud Sound Reduction, and the USB-C port carries lossless audio over a cable (Apple Newsroom). Apple rates the battery at up to 20 hours with noise cancelling, and they keep the stainless-steel frame and knit-mesh canopy (Apple).
They’re built for iPhone, iPad and Mac owners who want seamless switching between devices. The drawbacks are the price, the weight (Apple lists 386.2 g, heavy for all-day wear) and battery life: 20 hours is well behind the Sony’s 30 and the Sennheiser’s 57. If you see the 2024 USB-C AirPods Max discounted, note that they use the older H1 chip and miss the new features.
Pros
Noise cancelling up to 1.5x more effective than the previous AirPods Max (Apple)
Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and Live Translation
Lossless, ultra-low-latency audio over USB-C
Seamless switching across iPhone, iPad and Mac
Cons
High price ($549)
Heavy at 386 g
Shorter battery life than Sony, Bose and Sennheiser rivals
Premium ANC and spatial audio at a price that undercuts the AirPods Max.
New in 2026: Beats launched the Beats 360 ($349.99) in September 2026, and Apple cut the Studio Pro to $299.99. See Beats Studio Pro vs Beats 360 for which to buy.
The Beats Studio Pro offer a lot for the price: solid noise cancelling, Personalized Spatial Audio and one-touch pairing on both iPhone and Android. Battery life is up to 40 hours with ANC off and 24 with it on, and the USB-C port plays lossless audio over a cable.
The trade-offs: the noise cancelling isn’t as strong as Sony’s or Bose’s best, and Android users don’t get Personalized Spatial Audio, which needs an Apple device.
Pros
Solid ANC and Transparency mode
Personalized Spatial Audio for Apple devices
Long battery life (40 hrs without ANC, 24 hrs with ANC)
USB‑C lossless wired audio and fast‑pair for both Apple and Android
The Space One’s successor: over 50 hours with ANC on, LDAC that works with multipoint, and a very comfortable fit.
Soundcore replaced the popular Space One with the Space 2 in April 2026, at $129.99. In SoundGuys‘ review it lasted 53 hours 21 minutes with noise cancelling on, beating its 50-hour rating, and blocked an average of 84% of outside noise, which is impressive for the price, though not at Sony or Bose level. It supports LDAC for hi-res audio on Android, and unlike most headphones it keeps LDAC while connected to two devices at once. It has Bluetooth 6.1, four noise-cancelling modes (office, transit, airplane and manual), a 3.5 mm input and weighs about 261 g.
SoundGuys found it exceptionally comfortable, with a feature-rich app. The catch is the default sound, which they describe as dull and closed-in until you adjust the EQ.
Pros
Over 53 hours with ANC on in testing
LDAC works with multipoint
Very comfortable, with plush padding
Strong noise cancelling for the price
Cons
Dull default tuning; needs EQ
Transparency mode has audible hiss
$30 more than the Space One’s launch price
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Plan to spend a few minutes in the EQ, and frequent flyers may still want a Sony or Bose for the strongest noise cancelling. If you find the older Space One discounted below $100, it’s still a good buy, with up to 40 hours with ANC on and LDAC. On a tighter budget, see our best headphones under $100.
Sony WH-1000XM5: the XM6’s predecessor, still excellent and often discounted. Up to 30 hours with ANC and LDAC, but it lies flat instead of folding.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st gen): replaced by the 2nd Gen, which adds longer battery life (30 vs 24 hours) and USB-C audio. Worth it at a clear discount.
Soundcore Life Q30: much cheaper than the Space 2 at $79.99, with up to 40 hours with ANC and three ANC modes, but no LDAC.
JBL Tour One M2: adaptive ANC, multipoint and up to 30 hours with ANC (50 without); best bought on sale.
Sony WH-1000XM4: older, but it folds and is often much cheaper; see whether it suits gaming in our guide.
How often will you charge? Battery life in real routines
Battery ratings are easier to compare as days than as hours. We took each pick’s battery life with noise cancelling on and worked out how long a full charge lasts for a 2-hour daily commute, a 4-hour day of commuting plus office or study time, and 10-hour flights. All figures are rounded down. They’re best-case numbers: makers measure at moderate volume, so listening louder or taking lots of calls will shorten them.
Headphones
ANC-on battery
2 h a day
4 h a day
10-hour flights per charge
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless
57 h (rated)
28 days
14 days
5
Soundcore Space 2
53 h (SoundGuys test)
26 days
13 days
5
Sony WH-1000XM6
30 h (rated)
15 days
7 days
3
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)
30 h (rated)
15 days
7 days
3
Beats Studio Pro
24 h (rated)
12 days
6 days
2
Apple AirPods Max 2
20 h (rated)
10 days
5 days
2
The gap is bigger than the hours suggest. At 4 hours a day, the Momentum 5 and Space 2 need charging about every two weeks, the Sony and Bose about once a week, and the AirPods Max 2 every five days. For a long-haul return trip, only the Momentum 5 and Space 2 get you there and back twice without a charger. And the budget Space 2 lasts almost as long as the Sennheiser for a fraction of the price.
What to look for
Choosing over-ear ANC headphones means balancing a few factors. Not every feature matters equally, so focus on what fits your routine:
ANC performance: Look past marketing claims to independent measurements of how much low rumble (engines) and higher-pitched chatter each pair blocks.
Comfort and build: Ear-cup size, padding and headband pressure decide whether you can wear them for hours without fatigue.
Battery life: For travel, aim for at least 30 hours with ANC on; quick charging is a bonus.
Sound and codecs: Balanced sound works for music, podcasts and calls. Hi-res Bluetooth codecs like LDAC or aptX Adaptive help on compatible Android phones, and some Apple and Beats headphones play lossless audio over USB-C.
Device compatibility: Multipoint Bluetooth and platform features (Apple Spatial Audio, Android Fast Pair) make daily use smoother.
Extras: Spatial audio, adaptive ANC, personalization apps and a folding design for travel.
Weigh these against your budget and how you listen, and you’ll find a pair that delivers real quiet, comfort and lasting battery life.
Watch: Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)
Still torn between our top two picks? SoundGuys, whose measurements we cite throughout this guide, put the two flagships side by side in this 12-minute comparison. Their answer matches ours: it depends on what you value most.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 are the best noise-cancelling headphones for most people: top-tier ANC, clear calls, LDAC and a folding design. If comfort matters most, choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen). For the longest battery life, the Sennheiser Momentum 5 last up to 57 hours and have a replaceable battery.
Apple users will feel at home with the AirPods Max 2, the Beats Studio Pro bring Apple-friendly features for less, and the Soundcore Space 2 are the best budget pick, with LDAC and over 50 hours with ANC.
Prime Big Deal Days has ended. Black Friday is November 27, 2026, and Cyber Monday is November 30. Amazon's Black Friday deals often start a few days early. Our picks are chosen on year-round value, not just sale pricing; tap any link to see today's price.
Black Friday 2026 is November 27, with many deals starting the week before and running through Cyber Monday (November 30). For reference, here’s what our picks sold for on Amazon at Black Friday 2025. If this year’s price is at or below these, it’s a genuinely good deal.
Last year’s model is often the best deal. The XM5 fell to $248 while the newer XM6 only dropped to $398, and both are excellent.
New models have no deal history. The Soundcore Space 2 (April 2026) hasn’t been through a Black Friday yet, so compare it against its $129.99 list price.
Compare against the price history, not the “was” price, since some “was” prices are inflated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does active noise cancellation actually work?
ANC uses built‑in microphones to pick up ambient sound, then a processor creates an inverse sound wave that cancels out the noise before it reaches your ears.
Can I use these headphones with both iOS and Android devices?
Yes. Most models support standard Bluetooth and offer platform‑specific features like Apple Spatial Audio or Android Fast Pair, but core ANC and audio playback work on any device.
What battery life can I expect with ANC turned on?
Battery life varies by model; flagship units typically deliver 20‑30 hours with ANC active, while budget and travel‑focused headphones can exceed 40 hours.
Do these headphones support high‑resolution or lossless audio?
Several do. The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Soundcore Space 2 support LDAC, the Sennheiser Momentum 5 support aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) support aptX Adaptive on Snapdragon Sound phones, and the Bose, AirPods Max 2 and Beats Studio Pro play lossless audio over a USB-C cable.
What are the best noise-cancelling headphones for commuting?
The Sony WH-1000XM6. Their adaptive noise cancelling cuts train and traffic noise, the six-microphone call system keeps your voice clear, and they fold into a compact case.
Which noise-cancelling headphones last the longest?
The Sennheiser Momentum 5, with up to 57 hours of battery life and a user-replaceable battery. On a budget, the Soundcore Space 2 lasted over 53 hours with ANC on in SoundGuys’ test.
