WH-1000XM6

Sony's WH-1000XM6 is the sixth-generation flagship over-ear — a slimmer, quieter, folding update to a headphone that has been the segment reference for a decade. A new QN3 processor drives twelve microphones for what is, measurably, the best active noise cancellation currently shipping. The 30 mm carbon-fiber driver is tuned with an emphasis on separation; LDAC and Sony's own 360 Reality Audio are supported end to end. Battery is thirty hours with ANC on, and multipoint keeps a laptop and phone paired at the same time. They're the pair for anyone whose commute or open office is more of an obstacle than they'd like it to be.

Tokyo electronics giant with a serious audio bench.