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Best Headphones 2026 — Noise Cancelling, Earbuds & Audiophile

Find the perfect headphones for commuting, music, work, and exercise. Compare ANC, sound quality, comfort, and battery life.

AI Top Pick

Our Recommendation: AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

Best-in-class true wireless earbuds with H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, USB-C, and clinical-grade hearing features.

★★★★★4.7/5 (35,200 reviews)
  • Excellent ANC for earbuds
  • Adaptive Audio is magical
  • Great fit and comfort
from£229
View Full ReviewCheck Price on Amazon

What are the best headphones to buy right now?

Our top-rated headphones right now are the Sony WH-1000XM5 (£299) and the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) (£229). These are our editor's picks based on value, performance, and user reviews.

AI Pick
AI RecommendedTop Rated-20%Best Seller
SonyAI VerifiedAI Verified

Sony WH-1000XM5

★★★★½4.6(24,500 reviews)
from£279RRP £3494 retailers
typeOver-ear wireless
ancIndustry-leading ANC
battery30 hours
Best-in-class ANCExceptional sound quality
No fold design
Affiliate link
AI Pick
AI RecommendedTop Rated-13%Lightning Deal
AppleAI VerifiedAI Verified

AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

★★★★½4.7(35,200 reviews)
from£199RRP £2294 retailers
typeTrue wireless earbuds
ancActive Noise Cancellation
battery6h (30h with case)
Excellent ANC for earbudsAdaptive Audio is magical
Only AAC codec
Affiliate link

What are the best noise cancelling headphones?

The Sony WH-1000XM5 remains the king of ANC with industry-leading noise cancellation and 30-hour battery. The Bose QC Ultra is the most comfortable option. For earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2 have the best ANC in the true wireless category.

AI Pick
AI RecommendedTop Rated-20%Best Seller
SonyAI VerifiedAI Verified

Sony WH-1000XM5

★★★★½4.6(24,500 reviews)
from£279RRP £3494 retailers
typeOver-ear wireless
ancIndustry-leading ANC
battery30 hours
Best-in-class ANCExceptional sound quality
No fold design
Affiliate link
Top Rated-5%
BoseAI VerifiedAI Verified

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

★★★★½4.5(6,780 reviews)
from£379RRP £3993 retailers
typeOver-ear wireless
ancWorld-class ANC
battery24 hours
Excellent ANCMost comfortable headphones
Expensive
Affiliate link
AI Pick
AI RecommendedTop Rated-13%Lightning Deal
AppleAI VerifiedAI Verified

AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

★★★★½4.7(35,200 reviews)
from£199RRP £2294 retailers
typeTrue wireless earbuds
ancActive Noise Cancellation
battery6h (30h with case)
Excellent ANC for earbudsAdaptive Audio is magical
Only AAC codec
Affiliate link

Sony XM5 vs Bose QC Ultra — which is better?

The Sony WH-1000XM5 has slightly better ANC and longer battery (30h vs 24h). The Bose QC Ultra is more comfortable and has better Immersive Audio. For pure noise cancellation: Sony. For all-day comfort: Bose.

AI Pick
AI RecommendedTop Rated-20%Best Seller
SonyAI VerifiedAI Verified

Sony WH-1000XM5

★★★★½4.6(24,500 reviews)
from£279RRP £3494 retailers
typeOver-ear wireless
ancIndustry-leading ANC
battery30 hours
Best-in-class ANCExceptional sound quality
No fold design
Affiliate link
Top Rated-5%
BoseAI VerifiedAI Verified

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

★★★★½4.5(6,780 reviews)
from£379RRP £3993 retailers
typeOver-ear wireless
ancWorld-class ANC
battery24 hours
Excellent ANCMost comfortable headphones
Expensive
Affiliate link

What are the best earbuds for iPhone?

The AirPods Pro 2 are the clear winner for iPhone users. Adaptive Audio, seamless ecosystem integration, and excellent ANC make them the top pick. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are the best alternative for Android users.

AI Pick
AI RecommendedTop Rated-13%Lightning Deal
AppleAI VerifiedAI Verified

AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

★★★★½4.7(35,200 reviews)
from£199RRP £2294 retailers
typeTrue wireless earbuds
ancActive Noise Cancellation
battery6h (30h with case)
Excellent ANC for earbudsAdaptive Audio is magical
Only AAC codec
Affiliate link
SamsungAI VerifiedAI Verified

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

★★★★4.3(4,560 reviews)
from£219$249
typeTrue wireless earbuds
ancIntelligent ANC
battery7h (30h with case)
Stylish blade designGreat ANC
Ear fit may not suit everyone
Affiliate link

Which headphones have the longest battery life?

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 leads with an incredible 60 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 follows with 30 hours, and the Bose QC Ultra offers 24 hours.

Top Rated-9%
SennheiserAI VerifiedAI Verified

Sennheiser Momentum 4

★★★★½4.5(5,430 reviews)
from£299RRP £3292 retailers
typeOver-ear wireless
ancAdaptive ANC
battery60 hours
60-hour battery is insaneAudiophile sound quality
ANC not quite Sony/Bose level
Affiliate link
AI Pick
AI RecommendedTop Rated-20%Best Seller
SonyAI VerifiedAI Verified

Sony WH-1000XM5

★★★★½4.6(24,500 reviews)
from£279RRP £3494 retailers
typeOver-ear wireless
ancIndustry-leading ANC
battery30 hours
Best-in-class ANCExceptional sound quality
No fold design
Affiliate link

Are expensive headphones worth it over cheap ones?

Yes, for three reasons: better noise cancellation (critical for commuting/focus), significantly better sound quality, and premium comfort for long wear. The difference between £30 and £300 headphones is night and day. However, above £300, improvements become more subtle.

AI Pick
AI RecommendedTop Rated-20%Best Seller
SonyAI VerifiedAI Verified

Sony WH-1000XM5

★★★★½4.6(24,500 reviews)
from£279RRP £3494 retailers
typeOver-ear wireless
ancIndustry-leading ANC
battery30 hours
Best-in-class ANCExceptional sound quality
No fold design
Affiliate link

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