A long-haul flight, a packed commuter train, a noisy open-plan office — they all have one thing in common: a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones makes them dramatically easier to live with. But “noise-cancelling” covers everything from budget earbuds to flagship over-ears, and they don't all do the same job. This guide explains what active noise cancellation actually does, the features that matter, and which styles suit flights, commuting and working from home — with a quick checklist to buy by.
What noise-cancelling actually does
Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses tiny microphones to listen to the sound around you and generate an opposite sound wave that cancels much of it out. It works best on constant, low-frequency drone — aircraft engines, train rumble, air conditioning — and less well on sudden, sharp sounds like a nearby conversation. Most ANC headphones also include a transparency mode that lets the outside world back in, handy for hearing boarding announcements without taking them off.
Over-ear or in-ear? It depends on the trip
- Over-ear headphones give the strongest cancellation and the most comfort over long periods, making them the better choice for flights and long days at a desk.
- In-ear buds are lighter, pocketable and ideal for commuting, the gym or travelling light — just with slightly less isolation and shorter battery life per charge.
What to look for
- Battery life: aim for 30 hours or more on over-ears, or buds with a charging case that holds several extra top-ups, so a long trip won't catch you out.
- Comfort and clamp: for flights, lightweight cushioning and a gentle fit matter more than sheer power.
- Multipoint Bluetooth: lets you stay connected to your phone and laptop at once, switching automatically when a call comes in.
- Call quality: look for clear microphones if you take calls on the move.
- A travel case and folding design protect them in a bag — and an included cable lets you plug into in-flight entertainment.
Our picks for travel
- Best over-ear all-rounder: the Sennheiser Accentum Plus pairs strong ANC with long battery life and a comfortable fit for long-haul.
- Best value over-ear: the standard Sennheiser Accentum delivers most of the same experience for less — see the full wireless headphones range.
- Best for travelling light: noise-cancelling buds like the Soundcore Liberty 5 or Samsung Galaxy Buds3 slip into a pocket and still hush the engine drone.
Before you fly
- Charge fully the night before — and bring the cable in case the battery runs flat.
- Pair with your phone and tablet in advance so you're set before take-off.
- Download your films, playlists and podcasts while you're still on home Wi-Fi.
Quick checklist
- ☐ 30+ hours battery (or buds with a charging case)
- ☐ Comfortable for long wear
- ☐ Transparency mode for announcements
- ☐ Multipoint Bluetooth
- ☐ Travel case and cable
Final thoughts
For most travellers, a comfortable pair of over-ears with strong cancellation and 30-hour battery is the sweet spot — with a set of noise-cancelling buds as the pack-light alternative. Match the style to how you travel and you'll wonder how you managed without them.
Not sure which pair suits you? Browse the full headphones range online, or call into any of our 60+ stores nationwide and have a chat with the team.
