Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony's XM series has been the noise cancellation benchmark since the XM3, and the XM6 (2025) extends that lead with a new Integrated Processor V2 that delivers approximately 12dB more attenuation in the 200-1000Hz range (human voice frequencies) compared to the XM5. In our open-plan office tests, the XM6 was the only headphone tested that made normal conversation at 3 meters inaudible. The 40-hour battery (with ANC on) is industry-leading. Sound quality uses Sony's LDAC codec at up to 990kbps — objectively the highest-resolution Bluetooth audio available. The criticism: the XM6 dropped the foldable hinge that made the XM4 so portable (a regression from XM5 that disappointed many). Price: $350. For pure ANC performance in an open environment, nothing tested matched it.