Best Headphones for Working From Home: Our Picks for 2026
We've tested dozens of options to bring you our top headphone picks for 2026.
What to Look For
- Noise Cancellation: Look for adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment
- Sound Quality: Consider your preferred sound signature — warm, neutral, or bass-heavy
- Battery Life: 30+ hours is standard for over-ears
- Comfort: Weight and clamp force matter for long sessions
- Codec Support: LDAC and aptX Adaptive offer higher quality than AAC alone
Our Top Picks
Sony WH-1000XM5 — £299
Rating: 9.2/10 | Battery: 30h | ANC: Excellent
Best for runners and gym-goers. The go-to choice for its ecosystem.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones — £299
Rating: 8.5/10 | Battery: 24h | ANC: Very Good
Best for audiophiles. The go-to choice for its ecosystem.
Sony WH-CH720N — £89
Rating: 7.8/10 | Battery: 35h | ANC: Good
The budget-friendly champion. Punches well above its price point.
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — £499
Rating: 8.0/10 | Battery: 20h | ANC: Excellent
Our top pick for most people. Purpose-built for active use with IP rating and secure fit.
How We Test
We use every product for at least two weeks in real-world conditions before making our recommendations.