BEST FOR noise cancellation

BOSE QUIETCOMFORT EARBUDS II

Even though everyone knows Bose is a master of active noise cancellation, the decisive way in which the QuietComfort Earbuds II deal with any and all external sound is nevertheless startling in its effectiveness. If you want to utterly banish ambient sound in favour of listening to your favourite tunes in peace, these are the earbuds for you. £279, bose.co.uk

PANASONIC RZ-S500W

Get an earful of the Panasonic RZ-S500W true wireless earbuds and then have another look at the asking price. Some mistake, surely? Well, no. Panasonic wants less than three figures for earbuds that sound grand, cancel noise like champs and have very respectable battery life too. Authentic bargains are hard to come by, but there’s one right here. £99, panasonic.com

AUDIO TECHNICA ATH-CKS50TW

Yes, they could have even greater rhythmic certainty and yes, they could punch even harder in the bass frequencies. But if it’s properly effective noise cancellation you came for, the ATH-CKS50TW have got what you need. Add in very respectable comfort, moisture-resistance and nicely balanced sound and these earbuds are well worth a listen. £149, audio-technica.com

GOOGLE PIXEL BUDS PRO

Google has taken its sweet time to deliver a pair of true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, but the Pixel Buds Pro are (just about) worth the wait – especially if you’re a Pixel smartphone owner. Fit is good, sound is poised and the ANC is very effective, banishing all but the closest and/or loudest external intrusions without difficulty. £179, store.google.com