In 2024, audio giant Sonos made a splash with the launch of their first wireless noise-cancelling headphones, the Sonos Ace. Available in matte black or white, the headset hides powerful 40 millimetre custom dynamic drivers and eight microphones to deliver crisp sound and topnotch noise-cancelling. In a surprise move, the model eschews fancy touch controls; instead, there’s a slidable button that allows you to play and skip tunes and adjust the volume. At full charge, they’ll last for 30 hours and are clever enough to pause – and then resume – your audio as you take your headphones off and on again.

RRP $699

When it comes to Dyson’s latest foray into top-notch tech, the numbers do really stack up. At a glance, the statement-making OnTrac™ headphones – available in bold colours from metallic rose-gold to bright vermillion – offer an impressive 55 hours of battery life, 40 millimetre 16-ohm neodymium speaker drivers and eight sensitive noise-cancelling microphones resulting in 45 decibels of noise-reduction. Settings are easily adjusted via the ear cup, where users can control background noise by toggling between Isolation and Transparency modes with the tap of a finger. The headphones are also clever enough to switch off after 30 minutes of inactivity, helping to maximise battery life.

RRP $799

Design is at the heart of all Bang & Olufsen products and the Beoplay H100 is no exception. Its clever, modular system allows any element to be easily replaced, be it the battery, the headband, the cushions or even the drivers, ensuring a long-lasting product that will grow both with you and the evolution of technology. Quality materials are another notable feature, from titanium drivers to aluminium grills as well as studio-grade microphones for superior outgoing sound quality.

RRP $2750

Tech nerds will adore the legacy of these beauties from Bowers & Wilkins. The design of this luxury listening experience was inspired by a Formula 1 car – right down to the woven carbon fibre composite arm – while the 40 millimetre drivers were built and tuned by the same audio engineers behind the Bowers & Wilkins speakers used in the Abbey Road studios (the preferred recording spot of The Beatles). There are no less than four built-in mics to guarantee quality active noise cancelling, while at full charge, the battery will last for 30 hours (there’s even a quick-charging capability that’ll take you to seven hours in just 15 minutes).

RRP $599.95

These classic Bose headphones are known for their sleek, clean look (no visible screws or seams) and a stainless steel band lined with soft, leather-covered cushioning for peak comfort. The superb audio quality – optimised for both listening and talking via an adaptive microphone system – is owed to ActiveSense, a selective noise-cancelling system that ‘listens’ for external aural disturbances and reacts accordingly, diminishing any pesky interference.

RRP $649.95

Jetsetters will adore these over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones. A staggering 50 hours of battery life, easily re-juiced with a lightning-fast 10 minute recharge that gives you another five hours, makes these a top choice for people on the move. Enjoyed for their lightweight and comfortable fit – with adjustable sliders and flexgrip headband – these headphones are controllable with voice commands and are compatible with both Android and Apple operating systems for seamless switching between devices. 

RRP $329.95

Thanks to the Auto Noise Cancelling Optimiser packed in Sony’s headband-style WH-1000MX5, certain sounds and frequencies are silenced, depending on your environment: if it’s windy, there’s a dedicated wind noise reduction structure to allow for clear calls. The Speak-to-Chat function automatically pauses your audio when you start talking, allowing ambient sound to filter in, so you won’t miss any part of your conversation or public address announcements (such as all-important flight updates) while you’re on the go.

RRP $549

Sennheiser refined its acclaimed Momentum line with the Momentum Wireless 3 headphones; an immersive audio experience backed by 42 millimetre dynamic drivers. This mid-range set also features touch-sensitive controls on the outer panel of the earcup, allowing users to answer calls, playback a track or simply trigger the dual-connectivity possibilities – yes, you can pair with two devices at once – with a simple tap. 

RRP $399

Digital nomads, take note: if you’re working while travelling, the Evolve2 Wireless offers easy dual-device connectivity, so you can switch from a video call to a podcast with ease. The flip-down boom arm mic ensures crisp audio for professional calls and can be easily tucked away when the working day is done. The noise-cancelling functionality is customisable, too – tapping the HearThrough button will allow ambient noise to filter through should you need to be aware of your surroundings.

RRP $349

Let these headphones do the work for you. The four noise-cancelling microphones inside the JBL Tour One M2 set adjust the sounds of your environment in real time, resulting in crystal-clear audio and minimal external distractions. The headphones’ clever SilentNow allows users to switch on the noise-cancelling feature just for kicks – perfect for when you want to block out sounds on a plane and enjoy the quiet.

RRP $349.95

If you find over-ear headphones too bulky for travel, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are the ideal alternative. The earbuds’ rear vent allows external sound to be detected and minimised, while an acoustic algorithm also assists in detecting and reducing incoming noise. Worried about comfort? Don’t be – there are three silicone tips to help you find your best fit. 

RRP $399

Apple is the master of 360 connectivity and the AirPods Max are no exception. You could happily watch a film before answering a call on your iPhone – these headphones will make the audio switch on your behalf, intuitively moving between devices as required. Although there’s no 3.5 millimetre jack built into the headset, you’ll run into zero difficulties moving between tech (and across destinations) as long as you’re connecting to your own devices via Bluetooth. As for noise-cancelling capabilities, there are eight microphones doing the  heavy-lifting for you, with up to 20 hours of battery life.

RRP $899

The next gen of Microsoft’s Surface Headphones, this smooth set features updated 40 millimetre drivers and enhanced adaptive noise cancellation technology, making them ideal for both business and leisure (especially if you work across Microsoft Teams, which has enhanced connectivity). Alongside a battery life of up to 15 hours with USB-C fast charging, there are intuitive dial controls for volume adjustment and noise cancellation; the latter offers 13 levels to choose from.

RRP $299

Sony has taken the same noise-cancelling technology from its over-ear headphones and packed it into this tiny, easily portable version. Despite the diminutive size, there’s still room for six microphones, 10 metres of range and 24-bit audio processing, resulting in crystal clear audio and noise reduction. 

RRP $369.95

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