Headphones, speakers, earbuds, and audio gear hands-on tested in our acoustic lab.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 remains the noise-canceling headphone to beat in 2026. After 8 months of testing, we measured class-leading ANC (36 dB attenuation), real 29:48 battery life on a 30-hour rated claim, and the most comfortable fit in this category.
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus is the rare budget noise-canceling headphone that doesn't feel like a compromise. We measured 51 hours of real battery life (against a 50-hour claim), good-not-great ANC, and Sennheiser's signature warm sound at $179 — half the price of the Sony WH-1000XM5.
The Bose QC Ultra is the most comfortable noise-canceling headphone we've worn, with class-leading spatial audio and immersive sound. But for $100 more than the Sony WH-1000XM5, you get 6 fewer hours of battery and slightly worse call quality. A great pick if comfort is your top priority.