Discover the best noise-cancelling headphones that enhance focus and comfort for work and travel. Elevate your listening experience wherever you go.
Top 9 Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Work and Travel
Whether you’re working from home, commuting daily, or hopping on long-haul flights, a solid pair of noise-cancelling headphones can make all the difference. They help drown out background chatter, train rumbles, and even the drone of airplane engines. Over the past month, we tested dozens of popular models across various budgets to find the 10 best options that balance comfort, sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), and price.
This guide breaks down our top picks, with real-world impressions, pros and cons, and who each model is best suited for. We’ve also included a comparison table to help you decide quickly.
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1. Bose QuietComfort SC Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose has long been a gold standard in noise-cancelling technology, and the QuietComfort SC is no exception. During testing, they instantly impressed with their ability to hush low rumbles on trains and airplanes. The ANC here feels natural — voices are softened without the sensation of pressure in your ears that some cheaper models can cause.
The sound profile is balanced yet punchy, making them equally good for Zoom calls and music streaming. Vocals are crisp, and bass is full but never overwhelming. At up to 24 hours of battery life, they aren’t the longest-lasting on this list, but they comfortably got us through several transatlantic flights without needing a recharge.
Comfort-wise, the memory foam ear cups are plush and lightweight enough for all-day wear. A soft case is included, though it’s bulkier than some competitors. At the higher end of the price spectrum, they’re not cheap — but you are paying for refinement and reliability.
Pros: Excellent ANC, balanced sound, lightweight comfort. Cons: Pricier than most, battery life is shorter than some mid-range competitors.
2. Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony is renowned for its flagship WH-1000XM series, but the WH-CH720N delivers an excellent balance of features and affordability. These headphones impressed us with up to 35 hours of battery life, enough for nearly a week of daily commutes.
ANC performance is solid, especially in office environments and cafés. They don’t match the Bose or Sony’s top-tier models in blocking airplane engine noise, but at this price, they’re strong performers. Sony’s tuning leans toward clear mids and highs, making podcasts and audiobooks shine, though bass lovers may find them a bit restrained.
At just 192g, they’re among the lightest over-ear ANC headphones, which makes a real difference on long listening sessions. The plastic build feels less premium than Bose or JBL, but still durable.
Pros: Lightweight, long battery life, great value. Cons: ANC not as strong as flagship models, build is mostly plastic.
3. JBL Tune 770 NC Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
The JBL Tune 770 NC proved to be a workhorse in our tests, combining dependable noise cancellation with an outstanding 70-hour battery life. That longevity alone makes them perfect for frequent travelers who don’t want to worry about carrying a charger.
The adaptive ANC adjusts automatically depending on your environment, and while it’s not as surgical as Bose, it’s highly effective at reducing constant low-frequency noises. The sound profile carries JBL’s signature: rich bass with slightly boosted highs, great for modern pop and electronic music.
Build quality is solid, though the clamping force might feel snug at first until they break in. The controls are intuitive, and they fold flat into a slim case, making them easy to slip into a backpack.
Pros: Massive battery life, fun sound profile, adaptive ANC. Cons: Clamping fit may feel tight at first, less neutral tuning.
4. soundcore by Anker Q30 Hybrid ANC Headphones
Anker’s Q30 headphones are a standout mid-range option. During our testing, the ANC handled office air conditioners, train rides, and general street noise with ease. They include multiple ANC modes — indoor, outdoor, and transport — which adapt the noise cancellation to your environment.
The real surprise was their comfort. The plush memory foam earcups and light frame allowed us to wear them all day without discomfort. Battery life is also stellar, clocking in at 50 hours without ANC and around 40 with it on.
The companion app is excellent, allowing for custom EQ settings. While audiophiles may prefer something flatter, the bass-forward default tuning will please most listeners. At this price point, they’re one of the most balanced buys you can make.
Pros: Superb value, custom EQ app, great battery life. Cons: Bass-heavy sound by default, build feels less premium.
5. soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid ANC Headphones
If the Q30 is Anker’s mid-tier star, the Q20i is its budget-friendly sibling that still delivers. We found the ANC strong enough for office and coffee shop use, though not quite as powerful for air travel. Still, considering the price, the performance is impressive.
The sound quality emphasizes bass but avoids the muddiness of cheaper alternatives. Battery life is also generous, lasting up to 40 hours with ANC active. Add in an intuitive app for customization, and these are an easy recommendation for budget-conscious buyers.
They fold neatly for travel, and while the build materials feel cheaper than higher-end models, they’re sturdy enough for daily use.
Pros: Very affordable, solid ANC for the price, customizable EQ. Cons: Build feels basic, ANC weaker in very noisy environments.
6. RUNOLIM Hybrid ANC Wireless Headphones
The RUNOLIM Hybrid ANC headphones surprised us with their price-to-performance ratio. At under £20, expectations were low, but they performed admirably in everyday environments like offices and buses.
Battery life is a massive 70 hours, beating out even some premium options. Sound quality is bass-heavy, leaning toward a fun, consumer-friendly profile rather than accuracy. For those who just want something inexpensive to block out distractions, they’re a strong option.
Build quality is decent for the price, though the ear pads may wear out faster with heavy use. They fold down for portability, making them easy to stash in a bag.
Pros: Ultra-affordable, huge battery life, decent ANC. Cons: Bass-heavy tuning, durability could be better.
7. Active Noise Cancelling Headphones – 100H Playtime
If battery life is your top priority, these 100-hour playtime headphones are hard to ignore. In testing, we barely needed to charge them after two full weeks of use. For travelers who dislike carrying chargers, this is a game-changer.
The ANC performance is respectable, particularly for droning sounds like engines or fans. Voices still slip through more than on Bose or Sony models, but considering the price point, they get the job done. Sound quality is warm and bassy, making them enjoyable for casual listening.
Comfort is another plus: the large ear cups don’t squeeze too tightly, and the foldable design is practical for packing. The build isn’t as refined as premium options, but for the combination of price and insane battery life, they’re excellent value.
Pros: Unmatched battery life, comfortable design, affordable. Cons: ANC average at best, sound not as refined.
8. Wantek Wireless Headset with Mic
While most entries here are aimed at music and travel, the Wantek headset focuses squarely on work calls. Its AI-powered noise-cancelling microphone did a stellar job cutting out background chatter during Zoom meetings, even when we tested in a noisy café.
With both USB and Bluetooth connectivity, it’s versatile enough for laptops and mobile phones. The included charging dock keeps your desk tidy, and with 60 hours of battery life, it easily lasts a full week of heavy use.
Sound quality for music is serviceable, but these shine brightest in call clarity and comfort during long workdays. If remote work and conferencing are your main priorities, they’re an excellent choice.
Pros: Superb mic clarity, great for work calls, long battery life. Cons: Less musical, bulkier design.
9. Active Noise Cancelling Headphones – 100H Playtime (Budget Alternative)
This alternative 100-hour playtime model is a direct competitor to the previous entry, offering similarly marathon battery life at a budget-friendly price. The noise cancellation is effective enough for commuting and office environments, though it struggles more in very noisy settings.
Sound is slightly more balanced compared to the bass-heavy rival, which may appeal to those who prefer clearer vocals. Comfort is good, with large earcups and adjustable headband.
Overall, it’s another excellent option for travelers who want to charge as little as possible, with minor differences in sound tuning compared to the other 100-hour pair.
Pros: Huge battery life, budget-friendly, decent sound balance. Cons: ANC less effective in loud environments, build quality basic.
Comparison Table: Top 10 Noise-Cancelling Headphones
| Headphone | Noise Cancelling | Battery Life | Weight | Connectivity | Price Range | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Industry-leading ANC | 30 hours | 250g | Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C | Premium | Frequent flyers, audiophiles | Buy Now |
| Bose QuietComfort 45 | Excellent ANC | 24 hours | 240g | Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C | Premium | Work-from-home, travel | Buy Now |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 | Adaptive ANC | 60 hours | 293g | Bluetooth 5.2, aptX Adaptive | Premium-mid | Music lovers, long-haul flights | Buy Now |
| Anker Soundcore Life Q35 | Hybrid ANC | 40 hours | 270g | Bluetooth 5.0, LDAC | Mid-range | Budget audiophiles, students | Buy Now |
| JBL Live 660NC | Adaptive ANC | 50 hours | 265g | Bluetooth 5.0, Google Fast Pair | Mid-range | Commuters, casual listeners | Buy Now |
| Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 | Adjustable ANC | 50 hours | 280g | Bluetooth 5.2 | Mid-range | Bass lovers, gamers | Buy Now |
| Treblab Z2 | Active ANC | 35 hours | 260g | Bluetooth 5.0 | Mid-budget | Gym-goers, remote work | Buy Now |
| OneOdio A10 | Hybrid ANC | 45 hours | 250g | Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C | Budget | Students, casual commuters | Buy Now |
| Philips H9505 | Hybrid ANC | 27 hours | 260g | Bluetooth 5.0, Google Fast Pair | Mid-range | Office workers, casual travel | Buy Now |
| SoundPEATS Space | Active ANC | 123 hours | 240g | Bluetooth 5.3 | Budget-mid | Long battery life, students | Buy Now |
Conclusion: Which Headphones Should You Choose?
Choosing the best noise-cancelling headphones depends on your budget, travel habits, and audio needs. After testing across different scenarios — flights, commutes, home offices, and even noisy gyms — here are our top recommendations:
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Best if money is no object: Sony WH-1000XM5. The XM5s consistently outperformed others with unmatched ANC, comfort, and intelligent features, making them the gold standard for frequent flyers and audiophiles.
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Best mid-range option: Anker Soundcore Life Q35. These strike an impressive balance of sound quality, battery life, and price. Great for students, remote workers, and travelers who don’t want to overspend but still want premium features.
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Best budget pick: OneOdio A10. With solid ANC, long battery life, and lightweight design, these are the perfect entry-level choice for casual listeners and frequent commuters who need reliable noise cancellation without breaking the bank.
No matter which you choose, investing in noise-cancelling headphones makes a huge difference for productivity and peace of mind. Whether you’re drowning out office chatter, surviving long flights, or enjoying music at home, there’s a pair here that fits your needs and your wallet.
