In a world full of background noise, distractions, and endless Zoom calls, a good pair of over-ear noise cancelling headphones with a built-in mic is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. Whether you’re working from home, traveling, gaming, or just enjoying your favorite music, you need headphones that deliver top-tier noise cancellation, crystal-clear call quality, long battery life, and premium comfort.

But here’s the catch: with hundreds of models on the market, how do you know which pair gives you the best value under $500?

We’ve done the research and testing so you don’t have to. After comparing performance, comfort, mic quality, and real-world usability, here are the top picks for the best over-ear noise cancelling headphones with mic under $500 in 2026:

• Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. – Best for long battery life + travel.
• Sony WH-1000XM6 – Best overall noise cancellation & sound tuning.
• Bose QuietComfort (2026 edition) – Best comfort + balanced sound profile.

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Quick Comparison – Best Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $500

Headphones	Battery Life	Noise Cancellation	Microphone Quality	Price
Marshall Monitor III A.N.C.	Up to 100 hrs (w/o ANC), 45 hrs (with ANC)	Advanced ANC	Built-in mic, clear for calls	👉 Check Price
Sony WH-1000XM6	Up to 30 hrs	Industry-leading ANC w/ 12 mics	Studio-grade mic clarity	👉 Check Price
Bose QuietComfort	Up to 24 hrs	Adaptive ANC	Crisp voice pickup, dual mic array	👉 Check Price

Best Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

1. Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. – Best for Battery Life & Travel

If you’re a frequent traveler or someone who hates charging devices constantly, the Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. headphones are a dream come true. With a staggering 100+ hours of wireless playtime (45 with ANC on), these headphones redefine battery endurance.

Key Features

• Battery Life: Up to 100 hours (no ANC), 45 hours (with ANC).
• Noise Cancellation: Advanced hybrid ANC technology.
• Microphone: Built-in mic with noise reduction for clear calls.
• Design: Lightweight, foldable, and travel-friendly.
• Audio Profile: Classic Marshall sound with powerful bass and crisp highs.

Why They’re Perfect for Travelers & Commuters

• Unmatched battery life — you can travel internationally multiple times before needing a recharge.
• Foldable, lightweight design makes them ideal for carry-on bags.
• ANC is strong enough to block airplane engines, train noise, or office chatter.

Real-World Performance

Frequent flyers praise these headphones for lasting entire trips without a single recharge. Sound quality is dynamic, with bass-forward tuning that works well for modern genres.

Pros ✅

👉 Best-in-class battery life.
👉 Comfortable for long listening sessions.
👉 Classic Marshall aesthetic + durability.
👉 Foldable and portable.

Cons ❌

👉 Sound signature leans bass-heavy (not for neutral purists).
👉 ANC slightly behind Sony and Bose in ultra-low frequencies.

👉 Check Price for Marshall Monitor III A.N.C.

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2. Sony WH-1000XM6 – Best Overall Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sony has dominated the noise-cancelling headphone market for years, and the Sony WH-1000XM6 continues the legacy with industry-leading ANC, studio-quality sound, and 12-microphone adaptive noise processing.

Key Features

• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours with ANC.
• Noise Cancellation: Next-gen HD NC Processor QN3 + 12 microphones.
• Microphone: Adaptive NC optimizer ensures crystal-clear call quality.
• Audio Profile: Neutral-tuned with customizable EQ.
• Comfort: Plush earcups with ergonomic headband.

Why They’re Ideal for Professionals & Audiophiles

• Best ANC in the market — cancels everything from coffee shop chatter to subway rumbles.
• Studio-grade sound with custom EQ via Sony Headphones Connect app.
• Microphone captures your voice cleanly even in windy or crowded environments.

Real-World Performance

Gamers, professionals, and musicians love the XM6’s versatility. In live streaming tests, voices came through crisp, without background noise. In music playback, the detail is breathtaking — from jazz highs to EDM bass.

Pros ✅

👉 Industry-leading ANC.
👉 Studio-quality audio with EQ customization.
👉 Excellent mic clarity.
👉 Comfortable even for marathon listening.

Cons ❌

👉 More expensive than Marshall/Bose.
👉 Battery life shorter than Marshall.

👉 Check Price for Sony WH-1000XM6

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3. Bose QuietComfort – Best Comfort & Balanced Sound

The Bose QuietComfort series is legendary, and the latest 2026 edition delivers what Bose does best: comfort + balanced sound + reliable ANC. If you want a lightweight, plush fit with warm audio, this is the pair for you.

Key Features

• Battery Life: Up to 24 hours.
• Noise Cancellation: Adaptive ANC technology.
• Microphone: Dual mic array with strong noise reduction.
• Audio Profile: Balanced sound with rich mids and deep bass.
• Comfort: Lightweight with cushioned ear cups.

Why They’re Great for All-Day Use

• Easiest headphones to wear for long hours — they don’t squeeze or overheat your ears.
• Sound signature is warm and inviting, perfect for jazz, classical, or long calls.
• Bose’s ANC is consistent and adaptive, adjusting automatically to your surroundings.

Real-World Performance

Users consistently praise Bose for comfort and voice clarity. They may not have Sony’s advanced ANC, but for long office calls and music listening, they remain unbeatable in wearability.

Pros ✅

👉 Lightweight and ultra-comfortable.
👉 Balanced sound profile.
👉 Adaptive ANC works seamlessly.
👉 Great for phone calls.

Cons ❌

👉 Shorter battery life than competitors.
👉 ANC slightly behind Sony in very noisy places.

👉 Check Price for Bose QuietComfort

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Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones with Mic

When shopping for the best over-ear noise cancelling headphones under $500, consider:

1. Noise Cancellation Quality

• Sony WH-1000XM6 leads with the best adaptive ANC.
• Marshall Monitor III is good but bass-heavy.
• Bose QuietComfort is balanced and consistent.

2. Microphone Performance

• Look for multi-mic arrays with noise filtering.
• Sony and Bose excel here for work calls and streaming.

3. Battery Life

• Marshall: unmatched at 100 hours.
• Sony: 30 hours with ANC.
• Bose: 24 hours.

4. Comfort

• Bose wins for long sessions.
• Sony offers a snug fit.
• Marshall is lightweight and foldable.

5. Sound Profile

• Marshall = punchy, bass-forward.
• Sony = neutral, customizable.
• Bose = warm, balanced.

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FAQs – Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

Q1: Which headphones have the best mic for calls?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 has the clearest, most reliable mic.

Q2: Can I use these for gaming or streaming?
Yes — all three models have low-latency modes and strong mic clarity, though Sony is best for professional streaming.

Q3: Are these headphones good for flights?
Yes — the Marshall is perfect for long trips due to battery life, while Sony and Bose excel in cabin noise cancellation.

Q4: Can I wear these all day?
The Bose QuietComfort is the most comfortable for extended sessions.

Q5: Are they worth the price under $500?
Absolutely — these are premium headphones at mid-range pricing, perfect for serious users.

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Final Verdict – Best Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones with Mic Under $500

• Best for Travel & Battery Life: Marshall Monitor III A.N.C.
• Best Overall ANC & Audio Quality: Sony WH-1000XM6
• Best Comfort & Balanced Sound: Bose QuietComfort

👉 Check Today’s Deals on Noise Cancelling Headphones

No matter whether you’re working remotely, gaming, or flying across the world, these headphones combine quiet operation, comfort, studio-grade sound, and excellent microphones — all for under $500.

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