Are noise-cancelling headphones worth it for audiobooks?

For most regular listeners, yes — active noise cancellation lowers background rumble on planes, trains, and busy streets, so you can hear narration clearly at a lower, safer volume and with less listening fatigue on long sessions. Popular audiobook picks like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 are loved for comfort and battery life. If you mostly listen in quiet rooms, you can skip the premium and save.