The verdict in 10 seconds
Best Apple
Apple AirPods Pro 3Superb noise blocking and comfort, best enjoyed with an iPhoneSuits you if
- You use an iPhone and other Apple devices
- You commute, travel, or work somewhere loud and want real quiet
- You take lots of calls or want workout tracking without a watch
Best Sonos
Sonos AceSupremely comfortable, strong noise cancelling, with some software quirksSuits you if
- You wear headphones for hours and comfort comes first
- You travel or commute and want long battery life with strong noise cancelling
- You own a compatible Sonos soundbar and want private late-night TV audio
Which brand wins?
Apple is the stronger brand for noise cancelling headphones right now. The best single model of the two is the Apple AirPods Pro 3, which suits you if you use an iPhone and other Apple devices.
We researched 35 expert reviews, analyzed 76,364 owner ratings and comments across 26 sources for every Apple and Sonos model we cover, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.
Show me the receipts
Brand scoreboardAverage score 78 vs 68 · reliability 56 vs 56
| Apple | Sonos | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Review score | 78 | 68 |
| Experts | 88 | 76 |
| Owners | 78 | 67 |
| Reliability | 56 | 56 |
| Models scored | 2 | 1 |
| Most reliable model | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Sonos Ace |
Averages across scored models. ● marks the better number on each row.
Questions people actually ask
Which is better, Apple or Sonos?
Apple, on balance. Its models do better overall.
Based on: Average Product Review score 78 for Apple vs 68 for Sonos.Which brand is more reliable, Apple or Sonos?
Neither stands out. Their models have a similar record.
Based on: Average reliability 56 vs 56.What is the best Apple noise cancelling headphones?
The Apple AirPods Pro 3. It suits you if you use an iPhone and other Apple devices.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among Apple models (82).What is the best Sonos noise cancelling headphones?
The Sonos Ace. It suits you if you wear headphones for hours and comfort comes first.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among Sonos models (68).