Silence please

Get in the zone with our pick of the best noise-cancelling earphones.

Best for comfort

Apple AirPods Pro

The world’s top-selling wireless earphones now come in a noisecancelling version (left) with silicone tips that are by far the most comfortable of all the models we tested. The tips come in three sizes and iPhone users can run a digital test via an app to determine which one is the perfect fit. The sound quality is extremely crisp and the noisecancelling technology not only wipes out all external sounds but internal ones (such as chewing) as well. If you want to be more alert to your surroundings, simply press one of the stems to switch on Transparency mode. The only drawback is not being able to connect wirelessly to the inflight entertainment system when you’re next on a plane.

$399; apple.com

Best for style Sony WF-1000XM3

Available in two colours – black and silver – these earphones (top) win our vote for being the most stylish; the slick, goldtrimmed charging case is a conversation starter in itself. Being wireless, they offer freedom from cords but like the Apple AirPods, can’t be connected to an inflight entertainment system. The Sony product is excellent at cancelling external sounds but personal noises, such as the sound of your footsteps, aren’t entirely wiped out. You can switch between two modes

– Noise Cancelling and Ambient (which allows you to hear your surroundings) – with a tap but we found it didn’t always work so download the app as backup.

$400; sony.com.au

Best for battery life Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E4

Of the four models tested, this one (far left) offers the greatest battery life – 20 hours of play time so you won’t run out of juice mid movie. The ear tips are not the most comfortable but they come in four sizes, making a good fit possible. The sound quality is exceptional and noise-cancelling mode remarkably effective.

$400; bang-olufsen.com

Best for sound quality Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic

Winner of countless awards for its noise-cancelling products, Bose continues its form with these earphones (left), which are available for Apple or Android devices. There’s deep bass when you need it and sharp treble in all the right moments, even when you’re watching low-res YouTube videos. The silicone ear tips fit well and the included case makes them convenient to stow – and to find again.

Why choose noise-cancelling earphones over their heftier headphone counterparts? For starters, earphones are extremely light and easy to move around with, whether you’re using them at home or in the office. They’re also more compatible with glasses or sunnies and their compact size makes dozing off listening to your favourite tunes more comfortable. Here’s what to buy.