We compared 15 noise-cancelling headphones. A $99 pair made our top 5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 remains one of the most recommended noise-cancelling headphones for good reason. Reviewers rank its noise cancelling near the top of the category, and its sound is full and detailed with an adjustable EQ in Sony's app. It's lighter than many rivals, so long flights stay comfortable, and battery life is rated at up to 30 hours with noise cancelling on. Call quality is strong thanks to multiple mics. The headband doesn't fold, so the case is bulky, and the price is high. Sony now sells a newer XM6, but the XM5 often costs less and remains a top pick.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the pick if blocking noise matters more than anything else. Independent reviews consistently put Bose's noise cancelling at or near the top, especially with low rumbles like engines. The soft, cushioned fit is a long-time Bose strength, and owners often say they forget they're wearing them. Immersive Audio adds a spatial effect for music and movies. Battery life is shorter than Sony's, rated up to 24 hours, and the price is steep. If you fly often or work in loud spaces, the extra quiet is worth it.

The Soundcore Space One is proof that good noise cancelling no longer needs a $400 budget. Reviewers say it handles everyday noise like office chatter and traffic far better than most headphones at its price. Battery life is long, so you can go days between charges, and the Soundcore app offers an adjustable EQ. Comfort is good for a few hours at a time. It can't match Sony or Bose on silence or sound refinement, and the plastic build feels less premium. For students, commuters or a backup travel pair, it's a smart, affordable pick.

AirPods Max are built like luxury headphones, with aluminum cups and a mesh canopy band. Reviewers rate their noise cancelling and transparency mode highly, and spatial audio with head tracking makes movies feel more immersive. The big draw is Apple integration: they pair instantly with an iPhone and switch between your Apple devices automatically. They're heavy, which some owners notice on long wears, and the minimal Smart Case offers little protection. They also cost more than our top pick. For committed Apple users who want headphones that simply work with everything they own, they're the premium choice.

The Sony WH-CH720N is a great fit for anyone who finds big flagship headphones heavy. It's very light, so it suits long workdays and commutes, and reviewers say its noise cancelling is solid for the price. Sound is balanced with a little extra bass, and battery life is rated at up to 35 hours with noise cancelling on. It supports multipoint, so it can stay connected to a laptop and phone at once. Materials are mostly plastic and it doesn't fold flat. It's a comfortable middle ground between the Soundcore and Sony's XM5.