Nothing — the design-first tech startup best known for turning phones and earbuds into style statements — just dropped its first over-ear headphones. Called the Headphone 1, this slick new pair blends British audiophile tuning (courtesy of KEF) with futuristic features like dynamic head-tracked spatial audio and built-in ChatGPT integration. At ₹21,999, it’s positioned as a premium offering, without the “if-you-have-to-ask” price tag of its competitors.
But this isn’t a one-horse race. The over-ear ANC category is crowded with big hitters — from the feature-rich Sony WH-1000XM5 to the iPhone-obsessed AirPods Max. So, whether you're commuting, coding, flying long-haul or just avoiding your roommate's cooking show obsession, these are the headphones that truly cancel the world out — and deliver serious sound while doing it.
Nothing Headphone 1
Price: ₹21,999
Nothing didn’t just build its own headphone — it got British audio royalty KEF to co-engineer it. The result? Surprisingly refined sound for a debut product, with clear mids, tight bass, and no exaggerated tuning. Add hybrid ANC that samples your environment every 600 milliseconds, 80 hours of playback without ANC, ChatGPT integration, and dynamic spatial audio that tracks your head — and you’ve got a tech-forward, good-looking package that punches above its price. It's not perfect, but it proves Nothing means business.
Best for: Early adopters, KEF-curious listeners, tech nerds who want OpenAI in their ear.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Price: ₹34,990
If noise-cancelling had royalty, Sony would be first in line for the crown. The WH-1000XM5s improve on an already winning formula — with eight microphones, auto-optimising ANC, class-leading battery life, and a balanced soundstage that suits everything from podcasts to orchestras. It’s still the pair to beat for most users, even if the design has gone a bit… egg-shaped.
Best for: Daily commuters, audiophiles on a budget, people who like things that just work.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Price: ₹34,500 (approx)
Sleek, minimalist, and with ANC that can go toe-to-toe with anything on the market, the 700s remain Bose’s most complete headphones. The real flex, though, is their call clarity — they’ll make your voice sound cleaner on Zoom than in real life. Sound profile leans neutral, which can feel clinical next to warmer rivals, but it’s precise and dependable.
Best for: Professionals, frequent flyers, chronic conference callers.
Bose QuietComfort 45
Price: ₹27,900
Where the Bose 700s are sharp and modern, the QC45s are old-school comfort kings. Plush earcups, warm tuning, and simple buttons over finicky touch controls. The ANC isn’t quite as surgical as its sibling, but it’s still strong — and the sound is rich enough to forget you’re in economy middle seat.
Best for: Long-haul travellers, Bose loyalists, those who just want comfort and quiet.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
Price: ₹29,400
These are headphones for people who miss hi-fi systems and use the word “timbre” unironically. The Px7 S2s bring beautifully detailed audio, a sleek woven fabric finish, and a 37-hour battery. The ANC is solid but not class-leading — this one’s about fidelity and finesse.
Best for: Music purists, design snobs, people who refuse to stream at anything below FLAC.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Price: ₹34,999
Sennheiser’s ace card? Sixty hours of battery life. That’s not a typo. Combined with a clear, dynamic sound signature and surprisingly good ANC, the Momentum 4s are ideal for work, travel, or any situation where charging is a chore. The design is safe, but the performance isn’t.
Best for: Audiophiles with endurance, remote workers, serial forget-to-chargers.
Jabra Elite 85h
Price: ₹28,990
Don’t let the lack of buzz fool you — the Elite 85h is still a very capable pair. Eight mics mean great calls, SmartSound auto-adjusts ANC and EQ based on your surroundings, and the rain-resistant build is made for city life. They’re not the flashiest, but they’re quietly excellent.
Best for: Urban professionals, fuss-free users, value hunters.
Beats Studio Pro
Price: ₹37,900
The Studio Pro is what happens when Beats stops chasing bass and starts thinking about soundstage. Spatial audio with head tracking, USB-C lossless streaming, and actual tuning refinement make this a serious option. Battery hits 40 hours without ANC — just 24 with — but they look great doing it.
Best for: Apple users who want style with substance, casual audiophiles with attitude.
Apple AirPods Max
Price: ₹59,900
Let’s be honest: these are too expensive. But also? Too good to ignore. Immaculate hardware, class-leading spatial audio, seamless Apple ecosystem pairing, and ANC that’s up there with the best. Just don’t look at the price tag. Or that strange "case". Or the fact you can’t fold them. But that sound? Unreal.
Best for: Apple die-hards, design freaks, people who value experience over logic.
