For 10 years, Sony’s WH-1000X series of noise cancelling headphones have been the go-to headphones for the majority of people who wanted the best noise cancelling headphones for traveling by plane, subway, or other noisy means of transportation. And now Sony is releasing a remade WH-1000XM4C (M4 2nd Gen) on September 28: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-WH-1000XM4C-

In relative terms the price is now lower than it was a decade ago, even though the hardware and performance keeps improving. And at $299, the new Sony WH-1000XM4C (M4 2nd Gen) headset is perhaps cheaper than rivals that attempts to perform at the same level of combined noise cancelling with premium audio.

The design works well with frequent travels since the wireless headphones fold flat too, making them easier to carry in a bag without taking up too much space.

Battery life ranges from 34 hours in pure listening mode, to 20 hours when the mics are used and the ANC is on, while it features Hi-Res Audio, 4 Hz – 40,000 Hz frequency response, touch controls, multiple connection points, Bluetooth 6.0, and even a gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug for optimal conductivity when used with a cable.

Still the best noise cancelling headphones for traveling by plane in 2026-2027?