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Good noise cancelling turns a noisy Tube carriage or a long-haul flight into a calm, private space. Over-ear headphones still block more noise than earbuds.
We compared the most popular noise cancelling headphones sold in the UK on ANC strength, comfort, battery life and call quality.
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Typical UK price |
|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Best overall | £380–£450 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Most comfortable | £300–£450 |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Best value premium | £250–£320 |
| Soundcore Space One | Best budget | £60–£100 |
The 4 best picks
1. Sony WH-1000XM6 – Best overall
Class-leading ANC, great sound and long battery. Class-leading noise cancelling.
Why we like it:
- Excellent ANC
- Great sound
- Long battery
Watch out for:
- Pricey
- Not water resistant
Key specs: Battery: 30 h; ANC: Yes; Multipoint: Yes.
Buy it if you want the best all-round ANC headphones. Skip it if you have a tight budget. Typical UK price: £380–£450.
👉 Check the price of the Sony WH-1000XM6 on Amazon.co.uk
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones – Most comfortable
Very strong ANC with a light, comfortable fit for long flights. Very comfortable with strong ANC.
Why we like it:
- Comfortable
- Strong ANC
- Immersive audio
Watch out for:
- Shorter battery
- Pricey
Key specs: Battery: 24 h; ANC: Yes.
Buy it if comfort on long flights matters most. Skip it if you want the longest battery. Typical UK price: £300–£450.
👉 Check the price of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones on Amazon.co.uk
3. Sony WH-1000XM5 – Best value premium
Previous flagship at a lower price. Previous flagship at a lower price.
Why we like it:
- Great ANC
- Good sound
- Discounted
Watch out for:
- Does not fold
- Older model
Key specs: Battery: 30 h; ANC: Yes.
Buy it if you want flagship ANC for less. Skip it if you need a folding design. Typical UK price: £250–£320.
👉 Check the price of the Sony WH-1000XM5 on Amazon.co.uk
4. Soundcore Space One – Best budget
Impressive ANC for the money. Strong ANC at a low price.
Why we like it:
- Cheap
- Good ANC
- Long battery
Watch out for:
- Plastic feel
- Average mics
Key specs: Battery: 40 h; ANC: Yes.
Buy it if you want ANC cheaply. Skip it if you want premium build. Typical UK price: £60–£100.
👉 Check the price of the Soundcore Space One on Amazon.co.uk
How to choose the right one
Commuting vs flying
For flights, comfort and battery life matter most. For commuting, a compact case, fast pairing and good transparency mode for announcements matter more.
Battery and charging
Look for 24+ hours with ANC on and quick charging for short top-ups before you leave.
Comfort on long journeys
Clamping force, ear cup depth and headband padding matter most on long flights. If you wear glasses, softer ear cushions avoid pressure on the arms. Take short breaks on very long flights and lower the volume – with good ANC you rarely need to turn it up.
Using transparency and wear detection
Transparency mode lets in announcements and conversation without removing the headphones. Wear detection pauses music when you lift an ear cup, which is handy at security and when ordering drinks on trains.
Looking after your headphones
Store them in the case to protect the hinges, wipe the ear cushions regularly and replace them when worn – replacement cushions are available for the most popular Sony and Bose models.
Over-ear headphones or earbuds?
Over-ear headphones block more noise and last longer per charge, making them better for flights. Earbuds are smaller and easier to carry on a daily commute. Many frequent travellers own both.
Wired listening on flights
Most premium noise-cancelling headphones include a 3.5 mm cable, so you can plug into in-flight entertainment. Pack a two-pin airline adapter for older aircraft, and keep the headphones charged so noise cancelling works while wired.
Buying tips for UK shoppers
On the London Underground, strong ANC makes a real difference to low-frequency rumble – but use transparency mode near traffic and on platforms.
How we chose these products
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, and only included products that are widely available from UK retailers. Our picks are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not carried out. Read our editorial guidelines to see how we work.
Frequently asked questions
Sony or Bose?
Sony for features and battery; Bose for comfort.
Can I use ANC headphones on a plane?
Yes, and many include an airline adapter.
Do cheap ANC headphones work?
Budget models block steady noise well; premium models handle voices better.
Our verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the best all-rounder; choose Bose for comfort or Soundcore on a budget.