10 best noise-cancelling headphones our editors never travel without

The tourism boom has made noise-cancelling headphones more important than ever. The general background noise emitted by the aeroplane itself, plus the chitter-chatter of passengers and fussy babies on board, can make it difficult to catch some shut-eye. And of course, a good set of noise-cancelling headphones can improve a long-haul flight, but can also benefit anyone commuting, taking frequent meetings or just needing to get into the zone (I often throw on a pair to write). But with so many options, making a choice can get overwhelming, which is why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. We’ve narrowed down a list of the best noise-cancelling headphones with the help of our editors, who tested out the sound quality, battery life, look and feel, comfort and ease-of-packing, whether you’re hopping on a flight or just commuting.

Is it worth getting noise-cancelling headphones?

It depends on your priorities, but our editors all agree, that yes, it is definitely worth it. Noise-cancelling headphones can put a dent in your wallet, but they tend to last for an extended period of time, not to mention many offer warranties. For example, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are covered by a limited warranty of two years and the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX headphones offer a three year limited warranty.