Noise-cancelling headphones place third for commuters and people who share a workspace. They offer a more individual listening experience than a speaker, but an e-reader is simpler to match when you know someone loves books. Fit and comfort deserve as much attention as a feature list.
Sony distinguishes noise cancellation from Ambient Sound mode, which lets outside sound in; exact functions vary by model. Check phone pairing, microphone needs and return options. Do not assume the loudest cancellation claim predicts a comfortable fit for the recipient.
Sources: Official guide.
Photo: Florian Fuchs · CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized/compressed.
