Best Noise‑Cancelling Headphones in Germany (Late 2025)
We compared leading ANC over-ears sold in Germany, prioritizing noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, connectivity, and price. Evidence from RTINGS, The Guardian, German retailer pricing, and brand specs points to Sony WH‑1000XM6 as the best overall, with Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) as the most comfortable alternative, Sennheiser Momentum 4 as the best battery pick, and Soundcore Space Q45 as the best budget option.
Overview
How we chose
What to know before you buy
Caveats and evidence gaps
Top Picks
Sony WH‑1000XM6
The most balanced ANC headphones overall: elite noise cancelling, long battery, modern design, and broad feature set.
Pros
- +Class‑leading ANC per multiple tests and reviews
- +Battery life around 30–32 hours with ANC
- +New QN3 processor, 12 mics, and foldable design improve portability
- +Strong overall sound quality and features for travel/commuting
Cons
- -ANC slightly less effective specifically at very low frequencies per one DE lab
- -Premium price in Germany (~€449)
Verdict
Sony’s WH‑1000XM6 set the bar for overall ANC performance and features, with a portable foldable design and long battery life. While very low‑frequency rumble reduction can trail in one lab’s observation, overall cancellation and daily usability are best-in-class for most buyers.
Criteria Scores
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen)
The comfort king with excellent ANC, modern Bluetooth, and USB‑C digital audio support.
Pros
- +Widely regarded as the most comfortable over‑ear ANC
- +Excellent noise cancelling performance
- +USB‑C audio with lossless support and Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint
- +Up to 30 hours battery with ANC
Cons
- -Expensive in Germany (~€441–€450)
- -Sound signature may be perceived as a bit too clean/neutral by some listeners
Verdict
If comfort is your priority, Bose’s QC Ultra (2nd gen) are hard to beat. They pair strong ANC with modern connectivity, including USB‑C audio, making them a superb everyday and travel choice for long listening sessions.
Criteria Scores
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Great value endurance champ with good ANC and very long battery life.
Pros
- +Exceptional battery life (often 50–60 hours)
- +Good ANC for the price tier
- +Often discounted in Germany, offering strong value
Cons
- -ANC performance trails the very best flagships
- -Design/features feel less premium than Sony/Bose to some
Verdict
For long trips and fewer charges, Momentum 4 are outstanding. ANC is good, though not at Sony/Bose levels, making these a great buy when priced well below flagships.
Criteria Scores
Soundcore Space Q45
Budget ANC standout with performance that punches above its price in Germany.
Pros
- +Excellent value; often €80–€170 in Germany
- +Strong ANC for the money with adaptive system
- +Good feature set for budget category
Cons
- -Build and sound refinement behind premium models
- -App and ANC polish not at flagship level
Verdict
If you want strong ANC on a tight budget, the Space Q45 are exceptional value. They won’t match Sony/Bose on finesse, but they deliver impressive isolation and features for the price.
Criteria Scores
All Products
Apple AirPods Max
Premium Apple over‑ears with strong transparency mode and integration—but high price and shorter battery.
Pros
- +Excellent transparency features and Apple ecosystem integration
Cons
- -Around €555 in Germany and only ~20 hours battery with ANC
Verdict
Great for deep Apple ecosystem users who value transparency and integration, but poor value versus Sony/Bose on price and battery for most buyers.
Criteria Scores
Sonos Ace
Focused on TV integration features; ANC and value lag for general listeners in Germany.
Pros
- +TV‑centric features like TrueCinema and Audio Swap
Cons
- -Reviews in Germany cite middling ANC at a high price
Verdict
Compelling if you specifically want Sonos TV features, but for pure ANC headphones, better performance‑per‑euro is available from Sony/Bose and better value from Sennheiser/Soundcore.