I have to admit that I have both the Bose 2 and Sony NC-11. I usually travel with the Bose and really appreciate the improvements made to the old version (including the better carrying case). My Sony works very well under a stocking hat shoveling snow or trying to catch a few winks. If I REALLY want to keep the noise out, I use my Radio Shack NASCAR headphones. They are by far the best at keeping out noise!