Whether you want the best over-ear noise cancelling or the most convenient earbuds, these are the two pairs worth your money this year.
Active noise cancelling, battery life and sound quality all took a step forward in 2026. After testing comfort, ANC strength, call quality and value, two pairs stand out — one for over-ear listening, one for true wireless earbuds.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 are the best all-round headphones you can buy. Their noise cancelling is the strongest on the market, the sound is rich and customisable, and 30 hours of battery plus multipoint Bluetooth make them perfect for travel and work alike.
The AirPods Pro 3 are the best true wireless earbuds for most people, and unbeatable if you own an iPhone. ANC is twice as effective as the previous generation, the H2 chip delivers crisp audio and voice isolation, and the compact case slips into any pocket.
We weigh sound quality, noise cancelling, comfort over long sessions, call clarity, battery life and price. We favour headphones that stay comfortable for hours and get long-term firmware support. Prices change often, so always check the current price before buying.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 are the best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones, with class-leading ANC, 30-hour battery and LDAC hi-res audio. For earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3 are the top pick, especially for iPhone users.
Pick the Sony for the best sound, strongest ANC and all-day comfort. Pick the AirPods Pro 3 if you prefer compact earbuds and use an iPhone, where they offer the most seamless experience.