Question 03 · Headphones · Field checked Aug 2026
What is my next headphones?
Noise cancelling is a solved problem at the top of this market. What is left to judge is comfort at hour eight, and whether the price is theatre.
BudgetThe answerPrice
The plusher alternative
Why it might win
Plusher fit, superb call quality
Why it might not
Costs the same as the Sony, and loses on outright noise cancelling
Judged the plusher alternative, but not crowned.
Where it placed →
OR
Money no object
AirPods Max 2
₹67,900
Why it might win
Lush build, seamless with Apple gear
Why it might not
Heavy, and ₹28k more for the privilege
Judged money no object, but not crowned.
Where it placed →
OR
The answer.
My pick
Sony WH-1000XM6
₹39,990
Why it might win
Best-in-class ANC, 30-hour battery, folds flat
Why it might not
Looks are sensible rather than lovely
“Puts a duvet over Indian traffic. I write whole articles inside these.”
Prices from Amazon.in, checked Aug 2026.