For active noise cancellation, the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra are the two most-recommended over-ear options — Sony edges ahead on adaptive cancellation and battery, Bose on immersive spatial audio and fit. If you want room-filling sound instead of a headset, the Sonos Era 300 brings Dolby Atmos to a single speaker.
Sony's WH-1000XM5 pairs eight microphones and dual processors with a 30-hour battery and quick-charge.
Bose's QuietComfort Ultra leans into immersive spatial audio and a plush, all-day fit with CustomTune calibration.
The Sonos Era 300 angles six drivers up, out, and forward for spatial Atmos playback over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.