The Best Over-Ear ANC Headphones in 2026: Test Winners Compared
Image: RPSkokie / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
In short: If you want good over-ear noise-cancelling headphones in 2026, you will probably end up with Sony or Bose. The FAZ Kaufkompass tested 108 headphones and named the Sony WH-1000XM6 its winner. IMTEST picked the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen). Its value pick is the Soundcore Space 2, often under €100.
Test results
| Model | Verdict | Price approx. | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | FAZ winner | €320 | 60+ h (IMTEST) |
| Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) | IMTEST winner | €450 | 45+ h |
| Sennheiser HDB 630 | best ANC sound (FAZ) | n/a | n/a |
| Sonos Ace Ultra | top sound and ANC | n/a | 32 h |
| AirPods Max 2 | Apple ecosystem | n/a | about 22 h |
| JBL Live 780NC | mid-range | €180 | 50+ h |
| Soundcore Space 2 | IMTEST value pick | under €100 | 47+ h |
According to FAZ Kaufkompass (July 2026) and IMTEST. Prices vary.
The models
The Sony WH-1000XM6 combines strong ANC, good sound and LDAC support for Android, though it lacks aptX. The Bose QC Ultra is the choice for maximum quiet on planes and trains. FAZ says the Sennheiser HDB 630 sounds best among ANC models, while the Sonos Ace Ultra pairs well with a Sonos soundbar for private TV listening; see our Sonos speaker comparison. The AirPods Max 2 suit iPhone users but last only about 22 hours and weigh roughly 385 g. On a budget, the Soundcore Space 2 lasts over 47 hours.
Over-ear or in-ear?
Over-ear headphones have real advantages. The large cushions block plenty of noise even before ANC kicks in, so noise cancelling often feels stronger. There is room for a bigger battery, which is why many models last 45 hours or more, and the larger drivers often sound fuller. On the other hand, they are bulky and heavy, they slip during sport, get warm in summer and do not fit in a jacket pocket. That is why many people own both: over-ears for travel and the home office, in-ears for the commute and the gym.
Who should buy what
Best all-rounder: Sony WH-1000XM6. Maximum quiet: Bose QC Ultra. Sound first: Sennheiser HDB 630 or Sonos Ace Ultra. Apple-only households: AirPods Max 2, if the weight is fine for you. Tight budget: Soundcore Space 2.
Buying tips
Check noise cancelling, comfort over several hours, battery life, codecs (LDAC for Android, AAC for iPhone), multipoint for phone and laptop, a good app with an equaliser and decent microphones for calls.
Prefer something smaller? Read our in-ear comparison. More in the headphones section.
