Best Noise Cancelling Headphones in Australia 2025 — Value vs Premium
CompareMates Editorial Team 
Shopping for the best noise cancelling headphones Australia has to offer in 2025? Whether you’re commuting through Sydney traffic, working in a busy Melbourne office, or flying from Perth to Brisbane, active noise cancellation (ANC) technology can transform your listening experience. But here’s the big question Australian buyers face: do you need flagship premium models, or can mid-range and budget options deliver the noise-blocking performance you actually need?
This guide compares premium vs budget noise cancelling headphones available at JB Hi-Fi, Amazon AU, The Good Guys, Harvey Norman, and Myer—helping you decide where to invest your money in 2025.
Table of Contents
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones in Australia (2025 Overview)
Active noise cancelling headphones use built-in microphones and clever audio processing to reduce ambient sound—especially low-frequency rumbles like aeroplane engines, train noise, and office air conditioning. Premium models from Sony and Bose have set the benchmark for years, but 2025 has brought impressive improvements to mid-range and budget ANC technology.
Value vs premium explained: Premium headphones (roughly $300–$600) deliver the most advanced ANC algorithms, superior sound quality, longer battery life, and premium materials. Mid-range and budget models ($60–$250) now offer surprisingly effective noise cancellation and solid audio performance—perfect if your priority is blocking distractions rather than audiophile-grade sound reproduction.
For Australian shoppers, the choice often comes down to how you’ll use them and whether flagship features justify the price difference.
Premium Noise Cancelling Headphones (Top-Tier ANC & Features)
If you want the absolute best ANC headphones Australia can deliver—with market-leading noise cancellation, exceptional sound quality, and all-day comfort—these premium picks are worth the investment.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM6 continues Sony’s dominance in the ANC space, offering class-leading noise cancellation that adapts to your environment, rich audio quality, and incredibly comfortable earcups for long listening sessions. With up to 30+ hours of battery life and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, these are the go-to choice for frequent travellers and serious listeners. Available around $579.95 at Sony Australia and major Australian retailers.
Nothing Headphone (Over-Ear)
Nothing’s over-ear headphones bring a stylish, minimalist design with solid ANC performance and premium build quality at a slightly lower premium price point. Available around $355 at Amazon AU, these offer excellent value if you want premium features without reaching flagship pricing.
Sony ULT WEAR Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony’s ULT WEAR delivers strong active noise cancellation, impressive battery life, and premium comfort at a mid-premium price bracket. Available around $245 at The Good Guys, these hit a sweet spot for buyers wanting Sony’s ANC expertise without the WH-1000XM6 price tag.
![Sony WH1000XM6 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones, Black [2025] - Premium Sound, Hi-Res Audio with Multi-Noise Sensor Technology, Up to 30-Hour Battery-Life with Premium Folding Design](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61sEQtYxBlL._SS520_.jpg)
Best Mid-Range & Value Noise Cancelling Headphones
These noise cancelling headphones Australia buyers love for balancing performance and affordability—ideal if you want effective ANC without premium pricing.
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless Headphones
Sennheiser’s ACCENTUM Plus offers reliable ANC technology, excellent audio quality, and comfortable design at a mid-range price point. Available around $198 at Harvey Norman Australia, these are perfect for office workers and commuters who want proven German audio engineering without flagship costs.
JLab JBuds Lux ANC Headphones
The JLab JBuds Lux ANC brings surprisingly capable noise cancellation at a budget-conscious price. Available around $99 at JB Hi-Fi, these punch well above their weight class for blocking out ambient noise during daily commutes and office work.
Edifier W820NB Plus Active Noise Cancelling Wireless
The Edifier W820NB Plus represents exceptional value for money—offering active noise cancellation, impressive battery life, and solid audio performance at an entry-level price. Available around $60 at Amazon AU, these are perfect for budget-conscious buyers who still want genuine ANC technology.
How to Choose Noise Cancelling Headphones in Australia
ANC Performance
Premium models use advanced multi-microphone arrays and adaptive algorithms to cancel a broader range of frequencies—particularly effective for plane cabins, train carriages, and busy offices. Mid-range options still block substantial low-frequency noise (engine hum, air conditioning) but may let through more mid-range sounds like conversations or keyboard typing.
Sound Quality & Comfort
Best noise cancelling headphones Australia reviewers highlight often excel in both areas. Premium picks deliver richer soundstages, tighter bass response, and better detail across all frequencies. Comfort matters too—look for plush memory foam earcups and adjustable headbands if you’re wearing them for long flights or full workdays.
Battery Life
Modern ANC headphones typically offer 20–40+ hours of playback with noise cancellation active. Premium models often include quick-charge features (10 minutes charging = several hours playback), while budget options may sacrifice some battery longevity.
Price vs Performance
Consider where you’ll use them most. If you’re a frequent flyer or work in noisy open-plan offices, premium ANC delivers measurable benefits. For occasional use or daily commutes on Melbourne trams, mid-range models often provide excellent value.
Australian Sales Events
Watch for Boxing Day sales, Black Friday deals, and mid-year EOFY promotions at JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys, and Amazon AU—premium models often see significant discounts during these periods.
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones by Use Case
Travel & Flights
Premium models like the Sony WH-1000XM6 excel at cancelling constant low-frequency engine noise on long-haul flights. Their extended battery life means you won’t run out of power halfway to London or Los Angeles.
Office & Work
Both premium and mid-range options work brilliantly for open-plan offices. The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus and Sony ULT WEAR strike an excellent balance between ANC effectiveness and all-day wearing comfort during video calls and focused work.
Everyday Listening
For daily commutes, gym sessions, and general listening around Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane, mid-range models like the JLab JBuds Lux ANC deliver excellent performance without the premium investment.
Tight Budgets
The Edifier W820NB Plus proves you don’t need to spend hundreds for genuine active noise cancellation. At around $60, these represent outstanding value for students, budget-conscious buyers, or anyone wanting to test ANC technology before upgrading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are premium ANC headphones worth it in Australia?
If you’re a frequent flyer, work in noisy environments, or prioritise exceptional sound quality alongside noise cancellation, premium models justify their pricing through superior ANC algorithms, better audio reproduction, and enhanced durability. For occasional use or casual listening, mid-range options often deliver everything you need.
Do budget ANC headphones actually work?
Yes—modern budget ANC headphones genuinely block noise, particularly low-frequency sounds like traffic rumble and air conditioning hum. They won’t match premium models for cancelling complex soundscapes or mid-range frequencies, but options like the Edifier W820NB Plus offer impressive performance given their price point.
What’s the best noise cancelling headphone for flights?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 remains the gold standard for air travel, with industry-leading ANC that effectively silences jet engine noise and long battery life for international flights. The Nothing Headphone and Sony ULT WEAR also perform excellently for frequent travellers at lower price points.
How does ANC work?
Active noise cancellation uses internal microphones to detect external sound waves, then generates opposite sound waves (anti-noise) to cancel them out. This works best on consistent low-frequency sounds like aeroplane engines, train noise, and air conditioning—less effective on sudden or irregular sounds like conversations or door slams.
Conclusion
Choosing the best noise cancelling headphones Australia retailers stock in 2025 depends entirely on your budget, usage patterns, and feature priorities. Premium models deliver unmatched ANC performance and audio quality for demanding users, while mid-range and budget options now offer genuinely impressive noise cancellation for everyday Australian life.
Whether you’re blocking out Qantas 737 engines, Melbourne tram noise, or your neighbour’s lawnmower, there’s an ANC headphone that fits your needs and wallet. Compare prices across JB Hi-Fi, Amazon AU, The Good Guys, Harvey Norman, and Myer through CompareMates to find the best deal on your perfect pair.
Disclaimer
CompareMates may earn commission from purchases made through retailer links on this page. Prices shown are in AUD and accurate as of December 2025 but may change. Product availability and specifications are subject to change by manufacturers and retailers. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional health or medical advice. Always verify current pricing and product details before purchasing.
Last Updated: December 2025
