Best wireless over-ear noise-cancelling headphones

Top pick: Sony WH-1000XM6 — the most complete travel headphone here: class-leading noise cancelling, a light folding-friendly build, and the full set of modern Bluetooth codecs (LDAC, LC3, multipoint, LE Audio) so it pairs with everything and switches between phone and laptop. Best all-rounder for flights and daily commutes.

Who the others suit:

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) — if comfort and quiet on long flights matter more than codecs; the most comfortable of the group.
• Sennheiser Momentum 4 — the battery champion (up to 60 hours with ANC on), so you can leave the charger at home on a trip.
• Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — for iPhone/Mac households that want seamless switching and spatial audio.
• JBL Live 770NC — a solid everyday pair with adaptive ANC and long battery if you'd rather spend less.
• Sony WH-CH720N — the light, cheap commuter option; fine for podcasts and calls, less isolating on a plane.
• Sonos Ace — worth it mainly if you already own a Sonos soundbar and want TV audio in the headphones.

Skip the on-ear models if you want over-ear comfort for long flights.