Best noise-cancelling headphones under $400

You are answering a consumer research question. Name your top 3 products, in order, with the exact product name and manufacturer. One short reason each. If you are unsure, say so. Do not invent a product that does not exist. Prices are a constraint where stated; if a constrained pick does not exist, say that and give the closest honest alternative. Date your knowledge. This is not a paid placement.

Reply with only a JSON object, no other text: {"knowledgeAsOf":"month and year your knowledge runs to","picks":[{"rank":1,"product":"exact product name","manufacturer":"brand","reason":"one short sentence","caveats":"price or availability doubts, or empty"}]} with ranks 1 to 3.

Question: Best noise-cancelling headphones under $400

{
  "knowledgeAsOf": "June 2024",
  "picks": [
    {
      "rank": 1,
      "product": "WH-1000XM5",
      "manufacturer": "Sony",
      "reason": "Excellent noise cancellation, clear calls, and adjustable sound make these the strongest all-round pick.",
      "caveats": "US list price was $399.99 before tax; current pricing and availability are unverified."
    },
    {
      "rank": 2,
      "product": "QuietComfort Headphones",
      "manufacturer": "Bose",
      "reason": "Strong noise cancellation and exceptionally comfortable earcups make these ideal for long journeys.",
      "caveats": "US list price was $349 before tax; current pricing and availability are unverified."
    },
    {
      "rank": 3,
      "product": "MOMENTUM 4 Wireless",
      "manufacturer": "Sennheiser",
      "reason": "Excellent sound and up to 60 hours of battery life outweigh slightly weaker noise cancellation.",
      "caveats": "US list price was $379.95 before tax; current pricing and availability are unverified."
    }
  ]
}

{"knowledgeAsOf":"Early 2025 (approximate; newer releases and current prices may differ)","picks":[{"rank":1,"product":"WH-1000XM5","manufacturer":"Sony","reason":"Class-leading noise cancellation, excellent comfort, strong call quality and about 30 hours of battery life.","caveats":"Launched at $399.99 but often discounted to roughly $300-350. The newer WH-1000XM6 (about $449) is above the $400 limit, so I'm not recommending it. Prices may have changed."},{"rank":2,"product":"QuietComfort Ultra Headphones","manufacturer":"Bose","reason":"Superb noise cancellation and the most comfortable fit of the three, with immersive audio features.","caveats":"List price was $429, which is over $400, so it fits only when on sale (often about $349-379). Check the current price."},{"rank":3,"product":"QuietComfort Headphones (2023)","manufacturer":"Bose","reason":"Near-flagship noise cancellation and comfort at a lower price, with about 24 hours of battery life.","caveats":"List price was $349, often discounted to about $249-299. It has fewer premium features than the Ultra. I'm fairly but not fully certain of current pricing."}]}