Best noise cancelling headphones in Singapore ranked
In fast-paced, always-on Singapore, peace and quiet can feel like a luxury. From TikTok videos blasting on your morning commute to the constant hum of office chatter or your neighbour’s late-night karaoke session, noise is everywhere. A solid pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be a game-changer, letting you tune out distractions and focus on what truly matters.
From premium models that block out the world to budget-friendly picks that still do the trick, we’ve rounded up the best noise-cancelling headphones in Singapore.
Table of Contents [hide]
- Best noise cancelling headphones in Singapore ranked
- What to look out for in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones
- Price breakdown of best noise-cancelling headphones in Singapore
- 1. Best overall noise-cancelling headphones – Sony WH-1000XM4
- 2. Best noise-cancelling headphones for travelling – Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- 3. Best budget noise-cancelling headphones – Soundcore by Anker Space One
- 4. Best noise-cancelling headphones under $100 – Srhythm NiceComfort25
- 5. Best wired headphones – Sennheiser HD 505
- 6. Best noise-cancelling headphones for exercise – Beats Studio Pro Wireless
- 7. Best sound quality for music – Sennheiser Momentum 4
- 8. Best noise-cancelling headphones for gaming – SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
- Keep the world quiet with these noise-cancelling headphones
What to look out for in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones
- Active vs. Passive Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) uses microphones to counteract external noise, while Passive Noise Cancellation relies on physical design to block sound. ANC is better for eliminating background noise like chatter or traffic.
- Battery life: You don’t want your headphones to die on you while you’ve got a long MRT ride ahead. Look out for pairs with quick charge functions, or an extra-long battery life if you tend to be forgetful.
- Call quality & mic performance: If you take calls frequently, look for headphones with noise-reducing microphones to ensure clear conversations.
- Portability: If you plan to travel with your headphones, then look out for foldable designs that come in sturdy carrying cases, so they’re easy to store in your carry-on.
- Extra features: Touch controls, voice assistant support, and customisable EQ settings can enhance your user experience.
Price breakdown of best noise-cancelling headphones in Singapore
| Headphones | Key features | Price | Battery life | Buy link |
| Sony WH-1000XM4 | An all-rounder, multipoint connection, conversational awareness, and top-tier audio | $299 | Up to 30 hours | Buy on Amazon |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Ultra-comfortable, ANC works even when plugged in | $479 | Up to 24 hours | Buy on Amazon |
| Soundcore by Anker Space One | 98% noise reduction, strong voice reduction, budget-friendly | $129 | Up to 55 hours | Buy on Amazon |
| Srhythm NiceComfort25 | Cancels up to 90% ambient noise, quick charge | $56.99 | Up to 50 hours | Buy on Amazon |
| Sennheiser HD 505 | Open-back wired design, passive noise cancelling, breathable velour earpads | $479.74 | N/A (wired) | Buy on Amazon |
| Beats Studio Pro Wireless | Adaptive ANC, Transparency Mode, spatial audio, comfortable for exercise | $453.15 | Up to 40 hours | Buy on Apple |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 | High-fidelity sound, adaptive ANC, custom music settings | $287.14 | Up to 60 hours | Buy on Amazon |
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 | 100+ game-specific presets, crisp mic audio | $197.11 | Up to 60 hours | Buy on Amazon |
1. Best overall noise-cancelling headphones – Sony WH-1000XM4
Crowd-favourite option
Image credit: Sony
Sure, the Sony WH-1000XM4 ($299) headphones may be older than the current WMH-1000XM5 model currently on the market, but this oldie is a certified goodie. Thanks to their unbeatable combination of active noise cancellation, impressive sound quality, and a lightweight, comfortable design, the Sony WH-1000XM4s have remained a firm fan favourite since their 2020 launch.
These headphones can take you from your favourite bass-heavy track to a work call seamlessly, supported by winning features such as conversational awareness, multipoint Bluetooth connection – which allows you to connect to both your mobile phone and laptop at the same time, and advanced noise cancelling capabilities. Its 30-hour battery life and fast charging function, which gets you 4 hours of play with just 10 minutes of charge, is also a lifeline if you’re a tad scatterbrained.
However, it’s worth noting that these aren’t water-resistant, so they’re not ideal if you plan to wear them in or around water.
Price: $299
Battery life: Up to 30 hours
Sony WH-1000XM4 review: “As far as I know, as of now these are the best wireless headphones on the planet! Great sound, feature-rich and very comfortable.” – Benoit L. via Amazon
Get the Sony WH-1000XM4.
2. Best noise-cancelling headphones for travelling – Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Multiple noise-cancelling modes
Image credit: Bose
Long-haul travel is stressful enough – you don’t need crying babies on your flight to make it worse. Block it all out with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($479) headphones, which promise top-of-the-line ANC capabilities, including noise reduction peaks of around 50db.
Another perk: the Bose’s ANC function runs while the headphones are plugged in, which isn’t something the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers. This means you can watch movies on the plane in complete silence, without your seatmates’ conversations bleeding through. Different noise-cancelling modes, such as Aware, Focus, Calm, and Quiet, also tailor the headphones’ ANC to the situation you’re in, whether you’re locking in to study, or are simply plugged into a game while hopping in and out of a conversation.
Comfort, sound quality, and an up to 24-hour battery life are some other reasons why the Bose QuietComfort Ultras are so beloved.
Price: $479
Battery life: Up to 24 hours
Bose QuietComfort Ultra review: “The comfort of the headband and ear covers are awesome. I can be working out at the gym with loads of noise around me, but utilising the immersive or quiet mode completely shuts off the distracting noise allowing me to focus on my own music and workout. They are high quality and the protective case that comes with it is 10/10. Highly recommend making the switch if you haven’t already. Bose is top tier for a reason.” – Canada via Amazon
Get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
3. Best budget noise-cancelling headphones – Soundcore by Anker Space One
Affordable option under $200
Image credit: Soundcore by Anker
It’s rare to find noise-cancelling headphones for under $200, let alone a pair that can go toe-to-toe with some of the pricier options on this list. The Soundcore Anker Space One ($129) is exactly that gem. For an affordable $129, you get premium noise cancellation, high-quality audio, and all-day comfort without breaking the bank.
With 2X stronger voice reduction, the Space One keeps you focused even in bustling environments, effectively blocking mid to high-frequency sounds. Its adaptive noise-cancelling technology reduces external noise by up to 98%, automatically calibrating for optimal sound isolation—whether you’re on a noisy train, in a busy café, or if your headphones aren’t sitting perfectly on your ears.
Plus, with up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC on—or a massive 55 hours with it off—you can enjoy uninterrupted music for days. It doesn’t have all the adaptive bells and whistles more premium headphones do, and its microphone isn’t state-of-the-art, but overall, you’re getting more than you pay for with this model. What’s more, it comes in adorable pastel hues to match your vibe.
Price: $129
Battery life: Up to 55 hours.
Soundcore by Anker Space One review: “It performs above average for the price. Always put that in the context because these are budget headphones. There are better headphones, in the technical sense, of course. I will tell you this though: Earphones priced three times or more, do not give you thrice the performance of these.” – u/ginogon via Reddit
Get the Soundcore by Anker Space One.
4. Best noise-cancelling headphones under $100 – Srhythm NiceComfort25
Cheapest for the quality
Image credit: Srhythm
Not everyone has 3 figures to splash on headphones, so if you’re looking for a decent option under $100, turn to the Srhythm NiceComfort25 ($56.99). It can cancel up to 90% of ambient noise, reducing distractions from aeroplanes, subways, and crowded environments at the press of a button. While human voices aren’t fully eliminated, it still provides a more immersive listening experience, whether you’re in Bluetooth or wired mode.
Battery life is another standout feature, with a 1000mAh battery that lasts up to 50 hours on a single charge. Need a quick boost? A 10-minute charge gives you 3 extra hours of playtime, and if you ever run low, simply plug in using the 3.5mm audio cable to keep the music going.
Price: $56.99
Battery life: Up to 50 hours
Srhythm NiceComfort25 review: “It is lightweight, comes with nice packaging and is very comfortable to wear. Sound quality is okay for the price.” – Tim Sheng via Amazon
Get the Srhythm NC25.
5. Best wired headphones – Sennheiser HD 505
Pro-level audio quality at a competitive price
Image credit: Sennheiser
Wired headphones are making a comeback, thanks to their superior sound quality and reliability. Sans Bluetooth, they’re less prone to technical issues, such as lags and connection bugs. Enjoy the best of all worlds with the Sennheiser HD 505 ($479.74), an all-new pair of open-back wired headphones from the German audiotech brand.
It’s worth noting that these don’t have ANC, but instead rely on a comfortably snug fit and plush, velour earpads to passively cancel external sound. Next, its open-back design mimics the way we listen to sound from speakers in a room, providing a clearer and more lifelike audio experience. They are perfect for extended listening sessions because they are breathable, reducing ear heat and pressure – a plus for Singapore’s hot weather. Reviewers have cited this as a wallet-friendly entry into the ultra-high-end headphones, praising the HD 505’s crisp, pure audio quality, lightweight frame, and comfortable fit.
Price: $479.74
Battery life: NA
Sennheiser HD 505 review: “These headphones are not for going to the gym or to wear on the street. They are made to be enjoyed calmly. They offer deep sound (as expected from Sennheiser and the cable connection) together with a build quality that is well above average. A highlight is the velvety fabric of the [ear] cushions.” – Sayonara via Amazon
Get the Sennheiser HD 505.
6. Best noise-cancelling headphones for exercise – Beats Studio Pro Wireless
Suitable for indoor & outdoor workouts
Image credit: Beats
Whether you’re a pilates gworl, a budding marathon runner, or a certified gym rat, the Beats Studio Pro ($453.15) noise-cancelling headphones are built to keep up with your workouts.
With fully adaptive ANC, they block out distractions so you can stay in the zone, no matter if you’re flowing through a reformer class or pounding the pavement. For those who prefer exercising outdoors, the Beats Studio Pro comes with Transparency Mode, letting in ambient noise to keep you safe while on night runs or in a crowded gym. Plus, with Beats’ signature Personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking capabilities, every beat feels immersive, like you’re in your own private workout studio.
Price: $453.15
Battery life: 40 hours
Beats Studio Pro Wireless review: “The audio profile sounds really good and clear, I prefer it over the XM5’s and AirPod Max’s for the most part. They sound clear at all volumes which to me the competitors in this area can start to sound a little muddy.” – u/jcamca via Reddit
Get the Beats Studio Pro.
7. Best sound quality for music – Sennheiser Momentum 4
Lets you customise your equaliser
Image credit: Sennheiser
When it comes to pure, high-fidelity sound, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 ($287.14) is in a league of its own. Designed for audiophiles and music lovers, these headphones deliver maximum audio resolution with Sennheiser’s Signature Sound technology.
Plus, with the Sennheiser Smart Control App, you can customise your listening experience with an integrated equaliser, presets, and sound modes – ensuring your favourite tunes sound exactly the way they should. When you need to focus, Adaptive Noise Cancellation keeps distractions out, while Adjustable Transparency Mode lets the outside world in when necessary.
To sweeten the deal, its phenomenal 60-hour battery life means you can go nearly a week without a charge.
Price: $287.14
Battery life: 60 hours
Sennheiser Momentum 4 review: “The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless Headphones are really great for those who are looking for excellent audio quality. The sound profile leans towards the bass, but without overwhelming the mix. What truly stands out is how crisp and clear the instruments and vocals are—almost as if the musicians were performing right next to you.” – Tindaro via Amazon
Get the Sennheiser Momentum 4.
8. Best noise-cancelling headphones for gaming – SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
Presets for over 100 games
Image credit: SteelSeries
With 100+ game-specific audio presets, the SteelSeries Arctise Nova 5 ($197.11) allows you to fine-tune your soundscape for everything from heart-pounding shootouts in Call of Duty to the atmospheric worlds of GTA V. Its high-fidelity drivers – the technical term for the speakers in the ear cups – deliver crystal-clear highs, precise mids, and deep bass, ensuring you catch every crucial in-game detail. Plus, the next-gen ClearCast 2.X microphone offers 2 times the clarity when you’re on a call, keeping your voice crisp and commands sharp when you’re gaming with the clique on Discord’s voice chat.
Its Quick-Switch wireless function also lets you seamlessly toggle between 2.4GHz gaming mode and Bluetooth 5.3, making it easy to take calls or listen to media without interrupting your game. With 60 hours of battery life and 6 hours of playtime with just 15 minutes of charge, you’ll never have to sit out a raid just because your headphones have died.
Price: $197.11
Battery life: 60 hours
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 review: “They’re good, especially for consoles. The app with the presets is a good bonus. ” – u/Deviant_Raven via Reddit
Get the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5.
Keep the world quiet with these noise-cancelling headphones
No matter your budget or lifestyle, there are noise-cancelling headphones out there to help you tune out distractions and enjoy crystal-clear audio.
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Cover image adapted from: Sony, Beats