Top Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel, Work and Everyday Use
We’ve all been there – trying to focus in a busy office, relaxing on a long-haul flight, or simply wanting to enjoy a favourite album without the world getting in the way. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has changed the game by turning noisy commutes into personal bubbles of calm.
Picking the best noise-cancelling headphones shouldn’t be a chore, so we’ve curated this guide to highlight the best in comfort, clarity, and battery life. Whether you’re after sizeable over-ear headphones or compact buds, our goal is to help you experience better audio every single day.
What Are Noise-Cancelling Headphones & How Do They Work?
Before looking at specific models, it helps to understand the two ways headphones block out the world. Passive noise cancellation relies on the physical design, like plush ear pads or a snug earbud fit, to create a natural seal against external sound. A key part of this design is whether the headphones are closed-back or open-back. Closed-back headphones feature sealed ear cups that prevent sound from leaking out and, crucially, do a much better job of blocking ambient noise from getting in.
Active Noise Cancellation is a remarkable technology. Built-in microphones monitor ambient noise, and an internal processor generates an inverse sound wave that significantly reduces steady background sounds, such as engine hums, by canceling them at the ear.
Sennheiser HDB 630 Headphones
Top Picks For Work: Focus in The Office
When you’re at your desk, you need headphones that stay comfortable for hours and offer the clarity required for back-to-back video calls. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is widely regarded as one of the reigning monarch of silence. These noise-cancelling headphones for work use the latest AI-assisted tech to block out everything from office chatter to air conditioning hums, all while remaining light enough to wear from 9 to 5.
The Philips TAH6509 is another fantastic choice for the modern professional, offering “Noise Cancelling Pro” technology that rapidly suppresses office chatter and ambient sounds. With large drivers, these headphones deliver smooth, powerful sound, making them ideal for podcasts and speech-based content. There is even a dedicated “Voice” setting in the app, along with a bass boost at lower volume levels, perfect for when you are catching up on your top podcast between calls.
Philips TAH6509 Headphones
For those seeking a sleek set of headphones for the office, the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless offers a perfect blend of style and substance. These headphones feature hybrid Active Noise Cancellation that effortlessly reduces the bustle of a busy workplace, allowing you to stay in your flow. With a massive 50-hour battery life, you could go up to a whole work week on a single charge, and the quick-charge feature ensures you are never without your music for long.
The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Travelling
Frequent flyers need a powerful ANC to drown out engine drone and a battery that won’t give up halfway across the Atlantic. The Argon Audio Quiet Storm is a fantastic companion for wanderlusts. These headphones offer an ideal blend of sound quality and isolation, with deeply padded memory foam ear surrounds that stay comfortable even on the longest flights or shortest of commutes. They are built to keep the music going with a quick 5-minute charge feature that gives you two hours of battery life.
If sound quality is your absolute priority while waiting in the departure lounge, the Sennheiser HDB 630 is a serious contender. While the ANC is top-tier, it is the audiophile-grade clarity and massive up to 60-hour battery life that set them apart, making you feel like you’re in the front row of a concert.
In-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones
You don’t always need bulky over-ears to enjoy peace and quiet. The Beyerdynamic AMIRON 300 brings a hint of studio-quality sound to a compact, in-ear form factor. With high-res audio support and a six-microphone system, they offer exceptional clarity for your music and your work calls, whether you’re relaxing after work or in the middle of a busy commute.
Beyerdynamic AMIRON 300 In Ear Headphones
For a feature-packed experience, the JBL Live Beam 3 stands out with its unique Smart Charging Case, which lets you manage your music and settings via a built-in touchscreen without even touching your phone or other device. They deliver an immersive, bass-rich sound and feature “True Adaptive Noise Cancelling” that automatically adjusts to your surroundings in real time.
If you’re looking for a reliable, everyday choice, the Sony WF-C710N are one of the best in-ear noise-cancelling headphones at their price, as they provide all the essential features you need for top-quality sound on the move. These Sony noise cancelling headphones are lightweight and offer up to 30 hours of total battery life, making them an ideal partner for your daily home workout or your walk to the office.
Protecting Little Listeners
Travelling with the whole family can be an adventure, but long journeys are often overwhelming for younger ears. Noise-cancelling headphones for kids are more than just a way to watch a favourite film or YouTube video; they are a vital tool for creating a calm environment and protecting sensitive hearing during loud flights or commutes.
When choosing for children, safety is our top priority. We look for models with built-in volume limiters, typically capped at 85dB, to ensure that even if they turn the dial up to drown out a jet engine, the sound remains at a safe level.
PowerLocus Tiger Headphones
The PowerLocus Tiger is our top noise-cancelling headphones for kids recommendation, especially for younger children who want a bit of personality in their gear. These headphones feature a vibrant, animal-inspired design with three preset volume limits for total peace of mind. While 85dB is the standard safety limit for everyday listening, they can be switched up to 94dB to help clear audio cut through background noise on aircraft..
Top Budget Noise-Cancelling Headphones
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great listening experience. The Nothing CMF Buds 2 Plus are an exceptional choice for affordability, offering a staggering 50dB of smart noise cancellation that adjusts in real-time to your surroundings. They prove you can get high-end features like LDAC Hi-Res Audio and an incredible 60-hour total battery life without the high-end price tag.
Another brilliant value option is the Nothing Ear (a). These buds are designed for those who want a blend of unique style and powerful sound, featuring 11mm drivers that deliver a punchy, energetic performance. They are incredibly lightweight and support high-resolution streaming, making them perfect for students or anyone who wants expert audio quality during their daily commute.
If you’re looking for a reliable, everyday partner for the gym or the office, the JBL Tune Beam 2 is a standout choice. These earbuds use “Pure Bass” and Spatial Sound to create an immersive listening experience, while the four-microphone system ensures your voice remains crystal clear on calls.
Find Your Perfect Pair with Richer Sounds
Choosing good noise-cancelling headphones is personal, and we’re here to help you get it right. Why not pop into one of our 51 stores nationwide for a friendly chat and a full demonstration of over or on-ear wired or wireless headphones in our dedicated experience rooms?
