Best Headphones November 2026
Compare the top-rated headphones on features, comfort, and noise cancellation to find the ideal match for your daily routine. This independent ranking highlights leading over-ear and in-ear models across various price tiers.
Last updated: 1 November 2026
The list is unchanged since the last update.
Headphones: Top 5
1
Sony WH-1000XM6
from £257.6712 stores
from £257.67
12 stores
2
Apple AirPods Pro 3 2025
from £176.6015 stores
from £176.60
15 stores
3
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
from £629.007 stores
from £629.00
7 stores
4
Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
from £119.009 stores
from £119.00
9 stores
5
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) 2022
from £245.582 stores
from £245.58
2 stores
The Sony WH-1000XM6 delivers long battery life and strong noise cancellation in a classic over-ear design. With support for LDAC and high-resolution codecs, it provides detailed audio across a wide frequency range. It also folds neatly to fit inside a travel bag.
Pros
Up to 40 hours of battery life
Supports LDAC and high-res audio
Foldable design for easy travel
Effective active noise cancellation
Cons
Ear pads may cause ears to feel warm
Relatively firm headband clamp force
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 offers advanced active noise cancellation alongside dedicated health features like a built-in heart rate monitor. Its IP57 rating provides reliable resistance against water and dust during workouts. Seamless integration with Apple devices makes setup and switching effortless.
Pros
IP57 dust and water resistance
Built-in heart rate monitor
Up to 8 hours listening time per charge
Adaptive audio and transparency modes
Cons
No built-in equalizer in settings
Some users report subtle background hiss
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 focuses on audiophile-grade sound reproduction and luxurious materials. Built with custom drive units and genuine leather finishes, it delivers expansive sound and solid noise cancellation. It is tailored for listeners who prioritize build quality and acoustic clarity.
Pros
High-end acoustic components
Premium leather and metal construction
Clear sound with refined audio detail
Over-ear active noise cancellation
Cons
Positions at a premium price tier
Genuine leather finish is not vegan
The Apple AirPods 5 combines an open-ear design with active noise cancellation and a wireless charging case. Weighing only 4.3 grams per earbud, they provide a barely-there fit without deep silicone tips. They also feature an IP57 rating for dependable weather resistance.
Pros
Lightweight design at just 4.3 grams
IP57 dust and water resistance rating
Wireless charging case included
Active noise cancellation in open fit
Cons
Lower ANC battery life at 5 hours
Open design isolates less external noise
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 remains a popular choice thanks to its balanced acoustic performance and proven noise cancellation. It delivers up to 30 hours of listening time when combined with the charging case. Touch controls and device tracking make it practical for everyday commutes.
Pros
Up to 30 hours total battery with case
Convenient find-my tracking features
Effective active noise cancellation
Multiple silicone ear tip sizes
Cons
IPX4 water resistance is lower than newer models
6 hours per charge is shorter than Gen 3
Compare specifications
| Suitable for | Training | Training | — | Training | — |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear headphones | In-ear headphones | Over-ear headphones | In-ear headphones | In-ear headphones |
| Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) | Yes | Yes | — | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Color | Black, White, Silver, Grey, Brown, Blue, Green, Beige, Pink | White | Black, Grey, Blue, Beige | White | Black, White, Blue, Green |
| Features | Detachable cable, Folding, Multi Point, Supports NFC, Equalizer, Supports fast charging, Ambient sound mode, Spatial sound | Built-in heart rate monitor, Built-in wireless charging, Buttons/controls adapted for iPhone, Charging via USB, Supports fast charging, Compatible with voice assistant, QI Charging, True Wireless, Ambient sound mode, Microphone ANC, Spatial sound, Adaptive EQ | — | Built-in wireless charging, Buttons/controls adapted for iPhone, Charging via USB, Supports fast charging, Compatible with voice assistant, QI Charging, True Wireless, Ambient sound mode, Microphone ANC, Spatial sound, Adaptive EQ | Built-in wireless charging, Buttons/controls adapted for iPhone, QI Charging, True Wireless, Ambient sound mode, Microphone ANC |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
