Best Noise‑Cancelling Headphones in Germany (2026): Top Picks for ANC, Battery, and Value
We reviewed recent lab tests, editorial roundups, and Germany‑specific pricing to find the best active noise‑cancelling (ANC) headphones. Sony’s WH‑1000XM6 rise as the new overall leader for ANC, while Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) impress with features and frequent discounts. Budget‑minded buyers in Germany get standout value from Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Cambridge Audio’s Melomania P100.
Overview
How we chose
Key takeaways
Caveats and evidence gaps
Who should buy what?
Top Picks
Sony WH‑1000XM6
Class‑leading ANC with improved mid‑chatter suppression versus XM5, 30h battery, and wide availability in Germany.
Pros
- +Top overall ANC ranking in recent testing, notably strong against midrange chatter
- +Up to 30 hours battery life with ANC
- +Widely available in Germany around €369–€399
Cons
- -Street price still premium compared with Momentum 4 deals
- -Detailed public attenuation charts less available than XM5’s
Verdict
If you want the strongest all‑round ANC right now, the WH‑1000XM6 sets the bar while maintaining solid battery life and availability in Germany. It costs more than frequent Momentum 4 deals but delivers superior noise reduction by most accounts.
Criteria Scores
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd gen)
Feature‑rich travel cans with USB‑C lossless, improved Aware Mode, Cinema Mode, and up to 30h battery; frequent German discounts.
Pros
- +USB‑C lossless audio support and improved Aware Mode
- +Up to 30 hours battery life
- +Frequent discounts in Germany significantly below MSRP
Cons
- -List price similar to Sony yet ANC leadership varies by source
- -Discounted prices can fluctuate by seller and stock
Verdict
A top travel pick thanks to excellent noise canceling, awareness features, and USB‑C lossless. In Germany, deals often bring the price far below list, making them a compelling alternative to Sony.
Criteria Scores
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Outstanding battery life (~60h) and strong ANC for voices at aggressive German street prices.
Pros
- +Exceptional ≈60h battery life from lab testing
- +Often discounted in Germany to ~€219–€329
- +Strong ANC for voices and daily noise
Cons
- -Less effective at very low‑frequency rumbles than top tier
- -Design/features are more utilitarian than Sony/Bose
Verdict
If battery life and value are priorities, Momentum 4 are hard to beat in Germany. ANC is very good for chatter, though Sony/Bose do better with deep rumbles.
Criteria Scores
Apple AirPods Max (USB‑C)
Premium over‑ears for Apple users with lossless and ultra‑low‑latency modes via firmware; pricey in Germany.
Pros
- +Lossless and ultra‑low‑latency modes added via firmware
- +Seamless Apple ecosystem integration and spatial audio
Cons
- -Significantly higher price in Germany (~€579)
- -Value lags vs. similarly performing ANC rivals when discounted
Verdict
For iPhone and Apple ecosystem users, AirPods Max (USB‑C) now support lossless and ultra‑low‑latency audio, enhancing premium appeal. High German pricing keeps them a niche buy unless ecosystem convenience is paramount.
Criteria Scores
All Products
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Audiophile‑leaning tuning with adequate ANC; better for sound quality seekers than maximum noise blocking.
Pros
- +Very good sound quality for the price segment
- +Solid but not class‑leading ANC; simple operation
Cons
- -ANC around ~20 dB, trailing recent leaders
- -No adaptive ANC or level adjustments
Verdict
Choose the Px7 S2e if sound quality is your top priority under €300. If you need the strongest noise suppression, Sony or Bose are better fits.
Criteria Scores
Sony WH‑1000XM5
Proven ANC performer with measured −25.8 dB overall attenuation and strong mid/treble suppression; often cheaper than XM6.
Pros
- +Excellent measured ANC with broad‑spectrum attenuation
- +Frequently recommended as a top overall pick by roundups
Cons
- -ANC slightly trails XM6 in newer rankings
- -Design doesn’t fold flat for some cases; successorship pressure lowers prestige
Verdict
The XM5 remains a superb ANC choice and often costs less than XM6. If you want near‑flagship noise reduction at a lower price, it’s a smart buy.
Criteria Scores
Cambridge Audio Melomania P100
Budget‑friendly over‑ears with aptX Lossless and marathon battery (up to 60h ANC‑on, 100h off); ANC is decent but not class‑leading.
Pros
- +Excellent value with aptX Lossless support
- +Up to 60h ANC‑on and 100h ANC‑off battery claims
- +Aggressive German pricing starting around €198
Cons
- -ANC performance lags Bose/Sony flagships
- -Brand support footprint smaller than big OEMs in some regions
Verdict
For the lowest price with modern codecs and very long battery, the P100 is compelling. If maximum noise canceling is your priority, step up to Sony or Bose.