Tried and tested: the best noise cancelling headphones

We’ve put headphones to the test so you can block out the world and blast some summer tunes.

Sennheiser Momentum 3 active noise-cancelling headphones come in a classic design but feature smart, modern features.

Bose QuietComfort 45

Top headphones for those who appreciate the sound of silence

$500, bose.com.au

PROS

Seriously good noise-cancellation

Lightweight, comfortable form

24-hour battery life

CONS

Can’t adjust ANC

No equaliser

No touch controls

Only the very loudest noises can sneak inside the ears of people wearing the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones and, even then, they sound more distant than they really are. The company’s newest cans are capable of tuning out even more din than before, with improved noise isolation helping to silence noisy buses, plane engines, and even renovation-obsessed neighbours. Little has changed in their design from the last model, but they offer quick button controls on their ear cups, a comfortable fit that doesn’t clamp your head, and they fold up into a travel-friendly size.

Five stars

Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3

These headphones do more than look the goods

$495, sennheiser.com.au

Sennheiser Momentum Wireless headphones.

PROS

Classic, stylish look

Advanced audio features

Button controls

CONS

Automatic on can be tricky

Shorter battery life (17 hours)

Bulky size

Audiophiles will love the sound quality and high-end build, and office workers/commuters will appreciate customisable noise-cancellation, play and volume controls, and features that let you unfold them to turn them on, and take them off to pause music. Sennheiser keeps adding software features, like an anti-pressure version of noise cancellation to help your equilibrium. Store in a case to avoid accidental connections.

4.5 stars

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX

The most stylish noise-cancelling headphones

$840, bang-olufsen.com

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX headphones feature adaptive noise cancellation.

PROS

High-quality sound

Most attractive design

Up to 35 hours of play

CONS

Premium price

Less comfortable than some

Do not fold

Winning the style stakes, these deliver on sound too. The 40mm drivers powering the audio deliver vibrant sound, and it can be personalised in an accompanying app. Users can choose their audio profile, or create their own, and swap between adaptive and maximum active noise-cancellation. While they don’t cancel as many distractions as some, the stylish build, low profile and colours appeal.

4.5 stars

Sony WH-1000XM4

A compelling combo of smart features and noise cancellation

$399, sony.com.au

Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones.

PROS

Excellent noise cancellation

AI and touch controls

Comfortable design

CONS

Not as powerful as Bose

Smart controls can be tricky

App required for use

These are well-known among audiophiles because they combine impressive active noise-cancellation with smart features like adapting sound to your location, pausing songs when you remove them, and touch controls that let you put your hand over the right cup to hear bystanders. Sometimes the features are too smart – singing can make the music pause – but those who customise them could find these shortcuts compelling.

4.5 stars

EPOS Adapt 660

Comfortable wireless headphones to make work easier

$479, amazon.com.au

PROS

Uncommonly comfortable

Customisable sound

Extra call settings

CONS

High price

Inexpensive feel

Bulky size

Elongated ear cups make sense when you put them on: they totally cover your ears and sit comfortably even on bespectacled users. These are designed for office work – they’re ergonomic, easy to use and offer plenty of settings to make phone and video calls easier. That includes controlling how you hear your own voice during calls, and a “speech” mode to prioritise voices. They’re lightweight with straightforward touch controls, though a bit on the large side.

4 stars

Originally published as Tried and tested: the best noise cancelling headphones