Noise-Cancelling Headphones Worth Buying Right Now
Beoplay H95 wins on sound and build; Sony and Anker beat it on value and ANC.
Shortlistd Editorial
Editor
By Editorial Team | April 2026
The Beoplay H95 is the pick if you want your noise-cancelling headphones to sound like proper hi-fi, not just a travel accessory. It costs a lot, but it earns the money with cleaner tuning, better materials, and a more satisfying listen than the usual ANC heavyweights.
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Product | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Beoplay H95 | £861.42 | Travel and everyday listening when sound quality matters as much as ANC |
| Best upgrade | Sony WH-1000XM6 | £449.99 | Stronger noise cancelling and better all-round value |
| Best budget | Anker Soundcore Space Q45 | £99.99 | Getting solid ANC without paying flagship money |
Based on hands-on research, expert review consensus (RTings, Wirecutter, relevant subreddits), and current pricing.
Best overall: Beoplay H95
Beoplay H95 — £861.42
This is the pair you buy when you care more about listening pleasure than chasing the last decibel of silence. Our score for it is 7.8/10, and that fits the brief: the H95 gives you a wide soundstage, detailed treble, punchy mids, and controlled bass in a package that feels expensive the second you pick it up.
Why we picked it:
- The 40mm drivers are tuned for detail and separation, so music sounds more open than on most closed-back ANC headphones.
- The build is the real luxury angle: titanium, lambskin leather, memory foam, and a hard case make it feel like a product you keep for years.
- Battery life is competitive at up to 50 hours, and the six-mic setup is good enough for calls and travel use.
The trade-off: the ANC is good, not class-leading, and at this price you are paying for sound and materials more than raw noise blocking.
If that sounds like your priority, buy the Beoplay H95 and stop overthinking it.
Best upgrade: Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony WH-1000XM6 — £449.99
This is the sensible premium alternative if your first job is to kill airplane rumble, train noise, and office chatter. The XM6 is currently the better buy for most people because it combines top-tier ANC with better value and a much lower price than the H95.
Worth it if: you want the strongest all-round noise cancelling without paying luxury-audio money.
Best budget pick: Anker Soundcore Space Q45
Anker Soundcore Space Q45 — £99.99
The Space Q45 is the budget answer because it does the basics properly: useful ANC, long battery life, and a price that makes sense for commuters or occasional travellers. RTINGS currently names it the top budget ANC pick, and that tracks with how these get recommended online.
You do give up refinement, comfort polish, and the kind of tuning the H95 offers. But if you mainly want to reduce noise on a budget, this is the one to beat.
Worth it if: you want decent quiet for under £100 and do not care about luxury materials.
How we chose
We looked at the things that actually decide whether noise-cancelling headphones are worth buying: sound quality, ANC strength, comfort, battery life, and real-world value. We also checked current pricing and current review consensus from RTINGS, PCMag, SoundGuys, and buyer discussion around Sony, Bose, and Anker models.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Beoplay H95 better than Sony and Bose? For sound quality and build, yes. For pure noise cancelling, no — Sony and Bose still do that better for less money.
Why is the Beoplay H95 so expensive? You are paying for the materials, finish, and tuning, not just the feature list. If you only care about ANC-per-pound, it is overpriced.
How long does the battery last on the H95? Up to 50 hours, and around 38 hours with ANC on by manufacturer-style claims.
Products in this article
