HeadphonesFinderSoundcore Space One
Serious noise cancelling and long battery life at a sensible price.
Compare pricesHow to choose noise-cancelling headphones
Active noise cancelling (ANC) can transform a Tube journey or a noisy open-plan office, as long as you know what it does well and what it doesn't. The selector is set for a noisy environment and maximum isolation.
Updated 13 November 2026
Fine-tune with the selector
Our picks
Sony WH-1000XM6
The noise-cancelling benchmark, with a comprehensive app, multipoint and excellent mics for calls.
Compare pricesBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Outstanding comfort for hours on end and some of the most effective ANC around.
Compare pricesExample models chosen for their reputation in this category. Prices and availability change: check them on the retailer's page.
What ANC does brilliantly… and less well
Microphones pick up the ambient noise and the headphones play an inverted wave that cancels it out. This works brilliantly against low, constant noise: aircraft engines, the rumble of the Underground, air conditioning, the hum of an open-plan office. It is less effective against high-pitched, sudden sounds (nearby voices, clattering dishes, alarms): there, the passive isolation of the ear pads or ear tips does the work.
| Noise | ANC | Passive isolation |
|---|---|---|
| Engines, planes, trains | Very effective | Average |
| Office chatter | Effective | Average |
| Nearby voices, shouting | Limited | Good if the seal is perfect |
Headphones or earbuds?
Over-ear headphones combine ANC with the passive isolation of large ear cushions: that generally gives the best overall noise reduction. The best earbuds come close, provided you pick the right ear tip size: without a good seal, ANC loses most of its effect. Earbuds win on size and discretion.
The features that make a difference
- Battery life with ANC on: aim for 25 to 30 hours for headphones, 5 to 8 hours for earbuds (plus top-ups from the case).
- Transparency mode: essential for hearing a station announcement without taking your headphones off.
- Multipoint: connect to your phone and your laptop at the same time.
- Pressure comfort: some people get a “blocked ears” feeling with very strong ANC; adjustable intensity helps.
Mistakes to avoid
- Expecting total silence from ANC: it reduces noise, it doesn't remove everything.
- Judging ANC earbuds with poorly fitted ear tips.
- Ignoring real battery life with ANC on, often well below the figure quoted with ANC off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is active noise cancelling bad for your ears?
No. If anything, it lets you listen at a lower volume in noisy places. Some people feel slight pressure, which goes away when you turn down the ANC intensity.
Does ANC work without music?
Yes. You can switch on noise cancelling without playing anything, for example to work in peace or rest on a plane.
Earbuds or headphones for the best noise cancelling?
Over-ear headphones are generally still the most effective, as they add the passive isolation of their ear cushions. The best earbuds come close with well-fitted ear tips.