Right now, both Walmart and Amazon have excellent discounts for the Apple AirPods Max 2. Both retailers have knocked the AirPods Max 2 down to $399 (normally $549) ahead of Walmart Deals and Prime Day this week.

Nicely, these deals cover every colorway, so you have options. And, if you don't mind used, Amazon has the orange version for $379.

The AirPods Max 2 just launched in March of this year, and this is the first major discount we've seen for Apple's high-end over-ear headphones. In our AirPods Max 2 review, we praised the refreshed headphones for their rich, complex sound, calling it an upgrade done right.

"If you like how AirPods Pro or AirPods Max Gen 1 sound, you are in for a treat with the AirPods Max 2. Apple has taken everything from its predecessor and dialed it up to 11."

The Max 2s come with personalized spatial audio, Siri integration, Live Translation, and head gestures, making them more useful and smarter than their predecessor.

Unfortunately, especially these days, the normal $549 price tag is high. Now, that's not as much of a worry because at $399, the AirPods Max 2 outshines many of the best headphones.

There are two flaws you should know about if you're considering these headphones. They are a bit heavy weighing nearly a pound and the battery life is the same 20 hours as the previous AirPods Max headphones.

However, if those aren't a problem for you, then we highly recommend you snag a pair of AirPods Max 2 for Prime Day.

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I owe Apple an apology. When the AirPods Max 2 came out after a six-year wait, I thought, "Big deal, they're just another pair of headphones."

Then, my colleague, Erin, awarded the headphones a whopping 4.5-star rating in her full review, and even called them "the best headphones [she'd] ever used." Her article even went viral on Reddit with users disagreeing — and I'm here to disagree with all those commenters.

I admit I was wrong in dismissing them when they first came out, and I'm eating my words now.

Seamless Apple ecosystem integration, well-balanced and fine-tuned sound, and unmatched comfort make the AirPods Max 2 well worth their $500 sticker price. The AirPods Max 2 make listening to music extremely fun thanks to their energetic and immersive sound, which I'll talk about in detail shortly. Would I recommend them to everyone? Well, read on to find out.

Don't judge a book by its cover

I'm sure I won't be the first person ever to say this: the Apple AirPods Max 2 look really bulky and large. I'm used to more sleek-looking headphones, like the Marshall Monitor III that I've been rocking for over a year. The AirPods Max 2 feel very heavy too, at 13.6 ounces, when they aren't sitting on your head and are sitting in their smart case instead.

Because of how heavy they felt in my hands, I was skeptical about how comfortable they'd really be. Never judge a book by its cover, I guess, because the AirPods Max 2 are ridiculously comfortable. The mesh headband does a lot of the heavy lifting here by relieving the pressure you might otherwise feel on the top of your head. As I type this, I've been wearing the AirPods Max 2 for about six hours, and I have no complaints.

The AirPods Max 2 are also quite aesthetically pleasing. The headphones ooze class and luxury. I'm aware that the design remains largely unchanged over the original AirPods Max, but that doesn't bother me much. There's room for improvement, but the AirPods Max 2 still offer world-class design.

The sound is *chef's kiss*

The Apple AirPods Max 2's sound profile, straight out of the box, is immersive, energetic and expansive. Powerful bass that doesn't boom, crisp treble that doesn't pierce through the rest of the soundstage, and a refined midrange brings your favorite tracks to life — the AirPods Max 2 have got it all.

I put on 'Choker' by Twenty One Pilots and could instantly feel the anxious groove baked into the track.

What I love about listening to this song through the AirPods Max 2 is the emphasis on the bassline. It doesn't hit hard the way some bass-forward cans do, but it has room to breathe and it feels controlled. Each note plucked on Tyler Joseph's bass sounds clear and textured, and provides a fantastic drive to the song.

Next up, I listened to 'Lutt Le Gaya' from the Bollywood movie "Dhurandhar," and through the AirPods Max 2, I had newfound appreciation for the Punjabi-pop track. The vocals won me over as the headphones emphasized the vocals' rich, liquid smoothness, and I could feel the words swirling around me rather than just in my ears. The headphones also struck a great balance between the folk-style vocals and polished electronic production underneath, and the midrange and treble had plenty of energy to them.

Regardless of the song I listened to, whether that was Tame Impala's psychedelic 'Let It Happen' or Of Monsters and Men's soft 'From Finner,' the AirPods Max 2 delivered.

Are the AirPods Max 2 for YOU?

By now, you know where I stand on the Apple AirPods Max 2. But does it makes sense to buy the AirPods Max 2 if you're not deep into Apple's vast ecosystem? Not really.

Sure, I own a MacBook Pro M1 and I use a MacBook Air M2 for work. But I also use a Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, and I've used Android phones for a few years now. Are the AirPods Max 2 perfect for someone like me? No, because I listen to music mostly on my phone, and the AirPods Max 2 would be wasted on me.

If I owned an iPhone, or should the day finally come when I decide to go full Apple, I'll be happily buying the AirPods Max 2. But until then, I'll stick to platform-agnostic cans like the Marshall Milton ANC.

Still, coming from someone who loves Marshall, Bose and Sony, the AirPods Max 2 are actually great headphones. You have to try them to believe it.

More from Tom's Guide

• Apple AirPods Max 2 review: ‘Everything from its predecessor dialed up to 11’
• I hate that the AirPods Max 2 are the best headphones I've ever used
• I've been testing the new Marshall Milton ANC for 3 weeks — they fix my biggest gripe with on-ear headphones, and are the new gold standard

In case you missed it, the other week Sony dropped its $649 1000X THE COLLEXION headphones. But don’t worry, I’ll spare you the shouty caps and just refer to them as “1000X The Collexion” or simply “1000X” from now on.

An upgrade to the still fairly recent Sony WH1000-XM6, the 1000X have stolen the XM6’s accolade of being Sony’s flagship over-ears. And naturally, that demands a premium in price. The 1000X will set you back $649. So, some dollars indeed.

Sony sent us a few pairs to try out, and I’ve gotta say, they’re fairly impressive. As it happens, though, when the 1000X landed on my desk, I had at hand my daily drivers — which I think are the Sony headphones’ closest competitors: the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2.

Naturally, then, I did a little back-to-back test to see which came out on top. Here’s what happened.

But first, a note on price

Now, some important context before we start: there’s a $150 delta between these two sets of cans, with the Px8 S2 costing $799 at Amazon. The Px8 S2 don’t drop by much in sales events either, although you can grab a set used (Like New) from Amazon for $686. The Sony 1000X The Collexion come in $150 cheaper at $649.

My point here is to see whether — if you can afford to drop big bucks into headphones to begin with — it’s worth stretching that extra bit further to the pricier cans (spoiler alert… I think it is). For the target demographic, I'd say it's reasonable to assume an extra $150 shouldn't be a huge issue.

Sound quality: a close-run thing

Admittedly, both of these headphones sound fantastic. I went into my back-to-back sound tests thinking the Px8 S2 would wipe the floor with the Sonys, but it wasn’t a total wash out. The 1000X are marketed by Sony as offering a much more refined and spacious sound than the WH1000-XM6 — which are tuned more in line with what the mass market wants: bass.

That said, I still find the 1000X a little too warm in their tuning — for my tastes anyway. Now, I actually enjoyed this in songs where bass isn’t the overriding element to begin with — Metallica’s Seek & Destroy, for example, where the added power on Lars’ kick drum complements the drive and energy of the song.

Listen along to my testing playlist on Qobuz using the widget below.

Elsewhere, I still found softer percussion, shimmering effects and vocals often felt a little buried by the 1000X bass, especially in low-heavy electronica like Burn Water’s super-subby, atmospheric Ikigai. At least via the Standard EQ preset. This wasn’t a huge problem — Sony’s app has a wide range of preset EQs and a custom EQ. I really liked the Clear EQ setting, which controlled the bass a little better, for my tastes at least. But I had to play around a fair bit with EQ on a regular basis (a lot of people like doing this, but I find it distracting).

By contrast, I haven’t really ever needed to play around with the Bowers & Wilkins EQ. These cans just sound so clean and neutral out of the box, with so much fidelity everywhere you listen. Bass is better controlled, with plenty of detail in the treble, giving really bassy songs like Ikigai much more clarity by allowing the soft, ethereal backing vocals and effects the space they need. There’s bags of mid-range definition, too, which added so much crunch to the distorted riffs on Seek & Destroy.

Of note is that the 1000X use 30mm dynamic drivers. Size isn’t everything, of course, but I noticed perceptible distortion on some of the louder sub booms in Ikigai. The Px8 S2 suffered no distortion in the same areas, likely thanks to the larger 40mm drivers.

Both headphones are rather spacious for closed backs, but the Px8 S2 definitely have the edge, sounding noticeably cleaner, brighter and more open than the more intimate-feeling 1000X. Chris Stapleton’s Death Row was pleasingly dynamic on the Bowers & Wilkins, the bluesy guitar licks and Chris’ reverby vocals getting a little closer to the acoustic-esque experience of listening to the track through my Audeze LCD5-S open backs (although, obviously, the LCD5-S are in a different league, space-wise).

To supposedly help with that, the 1000X have a 360 upmix mode. I was excited to try this out, but unfortunately found it borderline unlistenable. I mean, it sorta works: Mk.Gee’s über spatial Dream Police was a perfect candidate, and the extra reverb and echoing made for a live-recording-esque kinda effect. But the sound was incredibly compressed, with a bucket load of audible noise.

An especially noticeable difference between the two is the Px8 S2’s greater detail at low volumes. We discussed this in our Px8 S2 review, so it was on my radar, but I hadn’t grasped the full extent until listening to them in earnest. Even at around 30% volume, the B&Ws retain an incredibly impressive amount of low-end texture and high/mid clarity. By contrast, I had to keep the 1000X at around 70% for a similar sound. Better for your ears, better for battery life, and better for the long term health of the drivers I guess.

Flawless ANC on both

Both the 1000X and Px8 S2 have fantastic ANC. In fact, it’s very hard to draw a verdict here. They both do a better job than my $1,200 Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95. Using the 1000X in the office, they cut virtually everything, including road noise from the open window next to my desk.

All I can say is that the Px8 S2 ANC is probably the best I’ve tested. Perhaps the strongest test was on the flight home from my honeymoon a couple of weeks ago. The seat in front hosted a screaming toddler, flanked by two dismayed parents, open-mouthed between kicks to the face. On the opposing aisle sat the similarly-unparented and only-slightly-older brother, listening to some mindlessly cheerful kids TV at full blast through his iPad speakers. In the midst of the chaos, a flight attendant fought desperately through the ruckus to ensure seatbelts were on — somehow, if the parents’ entitled faces were anything to go by, this was all her fault.

Tiny arms flailed. Dried fruit snacks flew. Someone probably lost an incisor. A flight attendant questioned her life choices by flying Ryanair. Many passengers did the same. Nightmare fuel, usually. But not with the Px8 S2.

Back in the sixth circle of hell — or the row behind the chaos — my wife looked aghast at me laughing maniacally. ‘How can you laugh through this?’ was the subtext. It was the poetry of watching all that happen in mime only, soundtracked instead by the screaming cacophony of Songs For The Deaf’s opener. “You can’t even hear it!”

No matter how loud the hellspawn in front decided to be, nor how long through the flight it decided to be so, I was alright. The Px8 S2’s ANC would drown out everything. And it did.

Everyday comforts

A lot has been said online about the supreme comfort of the 1000X, and I agree… for the most part. They feel like a premium set of cans, and if I’d bought them, I wouldn’t feel shortchanged in the build quality department.

Again, though, the Bowers & Wilkins have the edge. They go beyond premium to feel luxurious. After around an hour of wearing the Sonys, my ears started to feel a little toasty. The Px8 S2 use a more breathable material, as I wore them for most of a seven-hour train journey through Norway with no issues whatsoever.

Both sets of cans are a pain in the butt to carry around, though, as they don’t fold and use bulky carry cases instead. The Sony’s case is markedly thinner at least, so that’s the set I’d pick if portability were my biggest concern. Which it isn’t.

Battery life is another win for the Px8 S2, which offer up to 30 hours. After my seven-hour Norwegian train journey, they’d dropped to 83%, which tallies to our full battery test when we reviewed them. Battery life on the 1000X is just 24 hours. Admittedly, this is only an issue if you’re travelling away from power for any elongated period of time — not really a thing nowadays with the ubiquity of portable power banks.

Frustrating connectivity

I touched on apps a little earlier when talking about EQ, but there’s more to be said on this. Sony’s app is great, don’t get me wrong, but it’s fundamental to the operation of the headphones, and that really grates on me. You seemingly can’t even connect to the 1000X without the companion app, which feels extremely restrictive — especially for a product you’ve paid $649 for.

When you do try to connect, the Sony companion app acts like a typical Sony companion app: janky as all hell. It took me 16 minutes to get the headphones to connect. 16 minutes. To hook up over Bluetooth.

I love that with the Px8 S2, the app is essentially optional. You don’t need to download it in order to get the headphones working, and the driver tuning and default EQ are so good out the box that I rarely, if ever, need to open the app for tweaks.

The Px8 S2 also have USB-C and 3.5mm connectivity, as opposed to only 3.5mm on the Sonys. That means, if you want to play wired from your phone with the 1000X, you’re stuck using the technically subpar phone DAC. Will it make a noticeable difference? Probably not. But I like knowing that I’m bypassing my smartphone DAC altogether and using the Px8 S2’s internal conversion over USB-C, getting the best I can out of the cans when using my phone.

Still, if you’re concerned, you could always invest in a portable DAC/amp, like the FiiO KA13 ($65). Or my go-to portable DAC, the iFi hipdac 3 ($199).

The final word

So which would I buy out of the two? If you hadn’t already guessed, it’s the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2. Look, the Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION are decent headphones. But when you start pricing cans in the ultra-premium range, you’re gonna have to start mixing it with the big boys. And the 1000X can’t quite mix it with the chief.

If you don’t have the extra $150, I doubt you’ll be disappointed by the 1000X. They look great, sound great, and feel great on your head. It’s just that the Px8 S2 do, well, just about everything better.

More from Tom's Guide

• Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sony 1000X The Collexion
• I tested Soundcore’s newest premium flagship earbuds — and they’re coming for the AirPods Pro 3’s crown
• I’m ditching my over-ear headphones for these Sony earbuds to beat the heat this summer — and they offer Bose-like sound for a lot less

It's no secret that Bose is the unbeaten king of noise-canceling headphones. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen are incredible, boasting a plethora of outstanding features, including best-in-class ANC, supreme comfort levels, and great battery life. But it's also no secret that these headphones are very expensive, priced at $449 / £449, and not everyone can afford them.

But just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't have nice things — and British manufacturer Marshall has just shaken up the ANC scene with its brand new Marshall Milton ANC on-ear cans. I know what you'll say to that: a) they're on-ears and not over-ears like the QuietComfort Ultra, and b) how can any brand even conceivably think of dethroning Bose as the ANC king?

To that, I have a few retorts: a) they're on-ears but they're great on-ears, b) the Milton ANC weren't created to dethrone Bose, and a bonus c) they're half the price of the QuietComfort Ultra and for $229 / £179, they're simply fantastic. I've been testing the Milton ANC for three weeks and I've been using the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen for a week. If you can't afford Bose's offering, Marshall's offers bang for your buck. Here's why.

Hi, Nikita here! This isn't going to be a traditional face-off like the others you may have seen on Tom's Guide, such as my Marshall Milton ANC vs Monitor III. It would be unfair to make direct comparisons between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen and the Milton ANC as both vastly differ when it comes to price, so it would be crown just one a winner. Think of this article as more of buying advice instead.

A few tricks up Marshall's sleeve

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen are excellent, but one of the areas they struggle in is battery life. The OG Ultra offered just 24 hours of playback time, but their successor kicks it up a notch to 30 hours... but that's still not class-leading. Meanwhile, one of the things Marshall has historically nailed with its consumer-first headphones (like the Monitor III) is battery life — and the Milton ANC are no different.

Offering 50 hours of battery life with ANC on and 80 hours with ANC off, the Milton ANC blow the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen out of the water. It's not even close, really. Sure, you get better ANC with the latter, but if it's more juice you're after, the Milton ANC are worth the trade-off.

But it isn't a massive trade-off either, which brings me to the Milton ANC's key selling point: these are Marshall's first-ever on-ear cans to feature ANC, and they've knocked it out of the park. I've tested a few on-ear headphones now, and the Milton ANC offer the most effective noise cancellation of them all.

Sounds indoors, like the kettle boiling or the clickity clackity of mechanical keyboards, are muted to ensure you feel immersed in your music. Outdoors, the ANC is alright — the sound of cars zooming past makes it through but it isn't too jarring.

I won't lie: using the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen outdoors blew me away as I couldn't hear anything, and they made me feel like I was in a room so quiet I could hear a pin drop. But I wouldn't hear that pin drop because the headphones would cancel out the noise. The Milton ANC can't compete with that, and they don't need to. For half the price of the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen, you're still getting pretty solid ANC, and the best on-ears have to offer at the time of writing.

Take control

I've spent a fair bit of time using the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen. I've found them extremely comfortable, and the plush ear cushions make my ears feel like they're resting on clouds. The design, though unchanged from the OG headphones, is pretty enough to look at, but the thing that bothers me most? The controls.

This might be a hot take but I think we need to get rid of touch controls on all headphones. They work fine on earbuds — the ones I've tested, at least — but I've never been a fan of them on headphones. The QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen's touch slider to adjust the volume sticks out like a sore thumb, and I've found its placement frustrating and ability to register my commands finicky, at best.

Turns out, I'm not the only one here at Tom's Guide who has struggled with the touch controls on the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen. Our Buying Guide Editor, Tammy, mentioned them in her review of the headphones, and Senior Reviews Writer, Erin, easily gave the win to the AirPods Max 2 when it came to the two headphones' controls.

So, what's better than a strange mix of physical and touch controls that leaves users frustrated? Full physical controls, just like on the Marshall Milton ANC. There are two buttons that control everything on the Milton ANC: a joystick-like power button that can be used to adjust volume and change tracks, and a customizable 'M' button that can be personalized to enable Spatial Audio, change EQ, or enable/disable ANC.

And simplicity works. The controls are easy to understand and don't give you much to complain about. Not to mention, that brass power button looks drool-worthy. The Milton ANC's design, in general, looks classier and more premium than the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen, but that's just my opinion.

Music to my ears

What surprised me most about using the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen and the Marshall Milton ANC to listen to music back-to-back was how similar their tuning is. Both headphones offer deep, rich, bass-first sound profiles, which may not be everyone's cup of tea — and if they aren't, both headphones come with user-friendly apps to customize the EQ.

Personally, I love bass-first tuning because that's the aspect of the soundstage I enjoy the most, so both the Milton ANC and the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen impressed me straight out of the box. 'Let It Happen' by Tame Impala sounds glorious through both pairs, but when it comes to spatial audio, I think the Milton ANC's Soundstage creates more of an immersive listening experience. The QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen's spatial audio is good but it does so at the cost of bass which sounds muted. The Milton ANC's, on the other hand, keeps the bass thumping while making the track sound wider.

'FA9LA' by Flipperachi sounds excellent through both headphones too, with great emphasis on the pounding bass without making the treble sound too shrill or piercing. Vocals? Crystal clear, with each word discernible and not bleeding into the next.

One of the biggest advantages of using the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen is that because the ANC is mindblowing, it makes you feel truly immersed in your music. The ANC on the Milton ANC is good, like I said earlier, but doesn't come close, and that has an impact on your listening experience. Swings and roundabouts.

Looking ahead...

So, should you buy the Marshall Milton ANC or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen? I wish I could say that there's a straightforward "yes" or "no" to that question but there isn't. Question is, how much are you willing to spend? If you've got a budget of over $450, money is no object, or you want to get peerless ANC, the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen are a no-brainer.

But if you can't loosen the purse strings to that extent, the Milton ANC are great value for money. They cost $229, so almost half the price of the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen, but they don't compromise on features that matter most to 90% of users. Here at Tom's Guide, our job is to help you upgrade your life for less, and when it comes to getting premium features and audio at a non-premium price, you can't go wrong with the Milton ANC.

More from Tom's Guide

• Not all on-ear headphones are uncomfortable: I’ve been using the new Marshall Milton ANC for 3 weeks and they’re ridiculously comfortable and offer outstanding sound too
• I’ve been testing the Marshall Milton ANC on-ears vs Marshall Monitor III over-ears — and it’s closer than you think
• I've been testing the new Marshall Milton ANC for 3 weeks — they fix my biggest gripe with on-ear headphones, and are the new gold standard

Marshall has just added the new Milton ANC to its lineup of audio gear and headphones, and these on-ear cans are nothing short of a triumph. As someone who prefers over-ear headphones, these feel like a game-changer, and they're the most comfortable on-ears I've used so far.

But before I started using the Milton ANC, I'd been using the Monitor III over-ears for over a year. This got me thinking, "Do I like the Milton ANC better than the Monitor III?" The answer, unfortunately, isn't a simple "yes" or "no."

To answer this question, I listened to music on both headphones back to back, and compared all their other features. They share some similarities, yes, but is one pair better than the other? And should you spend more nearly $120 more on the Monitor III? Let's find out together.

Marshall Milton ANC vs Marshall Monitor III: Specs

Marshall Milton ANC vs Marshall Monitor III: Price

One of the key differences between the Marshall Milton ANC and the Marshall Monitor III is the price. The Milton ANC sit between the flagship Monitor III and the Major V on-ear headphones, and they cost $229 / £179. These are mid-range headphones that offer some premium features at a non-premium price.

The Monitor III, on the other hand, cost a lot more. They have a retail price of $349 / £299 but given that they've been around since September 2024, you can frequently find them discounted for around $250 — especially during sales events. It remains to be seen what kind of discounts the Milton ANC will get once the headphones have lived a little.

Given their price, the Monitor III are priced similarly to (or even less than) other flagship active noise-canceling headphones from the likes of Bose and Sony. Also given their higher price point, they offer more features than the Milton ANC — but if you're on a budget, the Milton ANC are the way to go. If you can loosen the purse strings, the Monitor III are a no-brainer. This round is a tie.

Winner: Tie

Marshall Milton ANC vs Marshall Monitor III: Design

The next biggest difference between the Marshall Milton ANC and the Marshall Monitor III is the design. The Monitor III are over-ear headphones while the Milton ANC are on-ear cans. We'll talk about the Milton ANC first, as they're newer. They feature square earcups with soft memory foam cushions, and they sit on your ears rather than around them (as is the nature of on-ears).

If you're skeptical about how comfortable on-ears are, I'm here to tell you that as a fellow (and former) skeptic, I think the Milton ANC are the most comfortable on-ear headphones on the market. They don't clamp down on your ears too much, and the earcups themselves are quite spacious — so there's plenty of room for all ear sizes. The only issue is that people with cartilage piercings may find them uncomfortable.

That's where the Monitor III come in. These over-ear headphones are comfortable for all types of ears, and even for those who have several piercings. Because they sit around your ears, they don't press down on piercings. Ear cushions, again, are very comfortable, as is the suspended headband. They're heavier than the Milton ANC, though, as they weigh 8.8oz while the Milton ANC weigh 7.06oz.

Controls on both headphones are nearly identical as both feature a customizable 'M' button and a joystick-like power button for adjusting volume and playback. The buttons give lovely tactile feedback when pressed — kinda like on a guitar amp. Neither headphones' controls give you anything to complain about.

The Milton ANC borrow styling cues from the Monitor III too, which is why they're covered in black with brass accents. Given that the Monitor III did it first, and they're ever-so slightly more comfortable than the Milton ANC, the over-ears get the win in this round.

Winner: Marshall Monitor III

Marshall Milton ANC vs Marshall Monitor III: Features & connectivity

Even though the Marshall Monitor III are the British brand's flagship headphones, the Marshall Milton ANC pack the latest Bluetooth 6.0. They also feature support for LDAC and LC3, while the Monitor III utilize Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC. Multipoint connectivity is at play here, as both sets of cans can connect to two devices at once. Both headphones can be used wired too, thanks to USB-C ports on each.

In addition to this, the Milton ANC become Marshall's first headphones to carry Apple Find My support (along with Google Find Hub). This is a fantastic addition for Apple and Google Pixel owners alike as they can keep track of their headphones at all times.

One thing the Monitor III pack that the Milton ANC don't is wear detection — but honestly, I've never been a fan of wear detection on headphones as I've always found it to be finicky. I'd take Apple Find My and Google Find Hub over wear detection any day. To my surprise (and perhaps yours), the Milton ANC win the features & connectivity battle.

Winner: Marshall Milton ANC

Marshall Milton ANC vs Marshall Monitor III: Sound quality

What good are a pair of headphones if they aren't brilliant for music? Whether you get the Marshall Milton ANC or the Marshall Monitor III, you'll be getting powerful sound regardless — take the word of someone who's been listening to the same songs back to back on both pairs.

The first thing you need to know is that both sets of cans use the same 32mm dynamic drivers but cover different frequency response ranges. The Monitor III cover 20Hz-20KHz while the Milton ANC cover 20Hz-40KHz — so the entirety of the human hearing spectrum and then some.

Both headphones are tuned differently too. The Monitor III have a well-balanced sound while the Milton ANC are more bass-heavy straight out of the box, so it depends on what you like. I don't mind either of the headphones' default Marshall Sound EQ, but if you want to make adjustments to the equalizer, the companion app (Marshall Bluetooth) is very user-friendly.

To compare the headphones, I listened to the same three tracks first on the Milton ANC and then on the Monitor III. I used my Milton ANC testing playlist on Qobuz.

First up, 'Everybody Scream' by Florence + The Machine. Both pairs of headphones handled this witchy track exceptionally well. The Milton ANC put the bass first and it reverberated through the track, while the Monitor III offered a balanced sound profile. Vocals, through both, sounded beautiful, and the treble was never shrill or piercing. I'd say the Monitor III make the track sound more snappy and capture Florence's vibrato better, but the Milton ANC did a respectable job too.

I then listened to 'Elephant' by 070 Shake. Personally, I preferred the Milton ANC's sound profile for this track. Thanks to its bass-forward tuning, I felt immersed in the synthesized, wobbly bassline, and it felt like there was a better balance between the thumping bass and distorted vocals. The Monitor III, on the other hand, made the track sound more clinical which is better for those into detailed listening.

The final song I played was 'Let It Happen' by Tame Impala, and I listened to it to test the Soundstage spatial audio. Soundstage debuted on the Monitor III back in September 2024, and now, Marshall has equipped the cheaper Milton ANC with it too. Soundstage, essentially, moves the sound into a virtual room so it feels like the track is swirling around your head, which is incredible for an immersive listening session.

On both the Milton ANC and the Monitor III, Soundstage works very well. I set the virtual room to 'large' via the app while using both headphones, and it made me feel like I was at a Tame Impala concert. The soaring synths had plenty of height through both headphones. The Milton ANC, again, emphasized the bass but not too much. What I like, though, is that the Monitor III made the song sound wider and more expansive, which makes sense given their price point.

Sound quality was a close call, but the Monitor III take it. The Milton ANC offer excellent sound for the price, but the Monitor III are just a bit better and more well-rounded overall.

Winner: Marshall Monitor III

Marshall Milton ANC vs Marshall Monitor III: ANC

For ANC to be effective, there needs to be a good seal around your ears — or in your ears, if you prefer in-ear buds. It's for that reason that the Marshall Monitor III win this round. Don't get me wrong: the Marshall Milton ANC boast effective ANC, and I even slept through an entire flight without being disturbed. But because they're on-ears, breaks in ANC are to be expected and that's not their fault: it's the nature of on-ears.

By on-ear standards, the ANC is great. By general standards, the Monitor III offer better.

The Monitor III create a great seal around your ears and provide a decent level of passive noise cancelation too. Indoors, I can't hear anything, not even the sound of my very loud mechanical keyboard. Outdoors, I can hear cars going by but not to the point that they disturb my peace or break my immersion when I'm jamming to Green Day.

Winner: Marshall Monitor III

Marshall Milton ANC vs Marshall Monitor III: Call quality

Unfortunately for the Marshall Milton ANC, this round goes to Marshall Monitor III straight off the bat. The Milton ANC's call quality can be described as middling at best as they made me sound scratchy and tinny on the phone. When I spoke with my colleagues on a Google Meet team call, they instantly noted, "You don't sound as good as your other headphones."

The other headphones in question? The Monitor III. I've been told by my partner and many other people I've spoken to on the phone and team calls that I sound warm and true-to-life through the Monitor III. It's disappointing that the Milton ANC don't make me sound as good but it is what it is.

Winner: Marshall Monitor III

Marshall Milton ANC vs Marshall Monitor III: Battery life

I'll be upfront here: it's an uphill battle for any pair of headphones to upstage the Marshall Monitor III when it comes to battery life. These headphones pack monster battery life as they can last up to 100 hours with ANC off or 70 hours with ANC on.

But this doesn't mean that the Marshall Milton ANC have poor battery life — on the contrary, they're long-lasting too. The Milton ANC can last up to 80 hours with ANC off or 50 hours with ANC on. That's quite a big drop compared to the Monitor III, yes, but remember that there's a substantial price difference between the two.

The Milton ANC have an ace up their sleeve though: they feature a consumer-replaceable battery which can be accessed by twisting off the left earcup. This isn't particularly groundbreaking, though, as all Marshall is doing is abiding by E.U. regulations — but at least you can replace the battery yourself now in case it goes kaput.

I'd say the Monitor III win this round by a narrow margin, but rest assured that even though you're spending lesser on the Milton ANC, you're still getting long playback time.

Winner: Marshall Monitor III

Marshall Milton ANC vs Marshall Monitor III: Verdict

When I first held the Marshall Milton ANC in my hands three weeks ago, I thought, "They're on-ears, how good can they really be?" Turns out, very, very good. They're excellent on-ear headphones and are ridiculously comfortable. I've never been happier to be proven wrong.

And truth be told, I'm surprised how close the competition was between the Monitor III and the Milton ANC. As you'll soon see in the ratings scorecard below, the Milton ANC come very close to the Monitor III — which is commendable given that they cost $120 less than the brand's flagship cans.

This face-off ends with the Monitor III earning 93/100 points, followed very closely by the Milton ANC earning 86/100 points. The Monitor III are the superior headphones, yes, but the Milton ANC are a home run for Marshall, too, and they've shaken up the on-ears realm in the best way possible.

Marshall Milton ANC vs Marshall Monitor III: Ratings scorecard

More from Tom's Guide

• I've been testing the new Marshall Milton ANC for 3 weeks — they fix my biggest gripe with on-ear headphones, and are the new gold standard
• Marshall Monitor III review: When heritage meets sonic prowess
• My doctor banned me from earbuds so I got these Marshall headphones instead — and I’m surprised I didn’t do it sooner

There are premium headphones, and then there’s the Sony 1000X “The Collexion” (yes, spelled with an X.) Pronounced “Collection,” this $650 remix of the popular Sony WH-1000XM6 is Sony’s 10-year anniversary victory lap for the XM series, aimed at style-conscious buyers who view tech as a seamless extension of their wardrobe.

But these aren’t just XM6s wearing a nicer coat. Sony upgraded the drivers with rigid carbon components that deliver a wider, richer soundstage with the kind of depth I actually wished the regular XM6 had from day one.

The thing is, that might not be enough to convince people this glow-up is worth paying substantially more than the standard XM6 when it comes to buying the best headphones. The Collexion comes with some weird compromises, such as a shorter battery life and no changes to active noise cancellation performance.

Sony is making a pretty bold pitch here: luxury materials, fashion-forward design and elevated sound without tipping fully into the four-figure territory occupied by ultra-premium audiophile brands. We’re talking stainless steel, vegan leather, and a finish that feels more designer accessory than commuter headphones.

And if Apple could make AirPods Max a status symbol, who’s to say Sony can’t do the same? I spent time with Sony’s most fashion-forward headphones yet to find out in my full Sony 1000X The Collection review.

Sony 1000X The Collexion: Specs

Sony 1000X The Collexion review: Price and availability

• $649/£550
• Cost $200 more than WH-1000XM6
• 10-year anniversary of Sony’s XM products

The Sony 1000X The Collexion costs $649 / £550 and was released on May 19, 2026, to celebrate a decade of Sony's XM lineage. The headphones are available now at major retailers like Amazon, as well as directly through Sony’s website.

Price-wise, these cans land squarely between the Apple AirPods Max 2 ($549 / £499) and the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 ($799 / £629) in a territory not occupied by many other headphone models currently.

And because these are explicitly positioned as a luxury tier above the flagship line rather than a direct replacement for the $449 WH-1000XM6, don't expect to see them heavily discounted during standard holiday sales events anytime soon. They are expensive by any traditional consumer metric, but they occupy a specific high-end ecosystem tailored for buyers willing to pay extra for some aesthetic clout.

Sony 1000X The Collexion review: Design

• It’s in the materials: Sony has stripped out the lightweight, utilitarian plastic of the standard XM6 in favor of a striking, premium metal-and-leather aesthetic.
• Case or clutch?: Rather than a cheap tech pouch, the included carrying case looks and feels like a minimalist designer handbag.
• Heft vs. comfort: The shift to luxury materials introduces an external wireframe structure that alters the headphones' overall weight, but a wider headband does provide superior comfort.

While the Sony WH-1000XM6 built its reputation as a lightweight plastic tech product, The Collexion swaps plastic for solid stainless steel arms, buttons and inputs, plus supple vegan leather wrapping the earcups and headband. Sony even hid the “Left” and “Right” markings inside the earcups to keep the design seamless.

I tested the platinum finish, which accentuates the contrast of premium materials, though there’s also a sophisticated black option with shimmering color-matched metal. Either way, these felt genuinely luxurious to sport around New York City.

They don’t fold inward, but they do swivel flat into a redesigned carrying case that looks more like a minimalist designer bag than a typical tech pouch. It’s a bit chunky, but the reinforced shell makes carrying around $650 headphones feel a lot safer. (Between us, I loved toting it around.)

Sony 1000X The Collexion review: Comfort

On my head, The Collexion felt calibrated for comfort, with the weight balanced on a headband that’s 10% wider and 40% thicker than the standard XM6. Sony also shaved 5mm of thickness off the earcups compared to the XM6, while the earpads feel plush and padded.

But its ultra-premium materials introduce a literal physical weight: 11.3 ounces vs. 9 ounces for the plastic XM6. AirPods Max 2 tip the scales at 13.6 ounces, and since I’ve been using those lately, The Collexion actually felt like a bit of a welcome reprieve.

Sony WH-1000X The Collexion review: Controls

These headphones combine a highly responsive right-earcup touch panel with tactile physical buttons. Swiping for volume and track skipping works flawlessly. Best of all, The Collexion is equipped with a new dedicated hardware feature: a physical Spatial Upmixer button. On the standard XM6, toggling immersive 3D audio required app diving and was only available for Cinema Mode. Here, a simple physical press instantly toggles spatial audio for music, movies, or mobile gaming.

The headphones also feature snappy wear detection, instantly pausing your media the moment you lift an earcup to speak to someone and resuming it seamlessly when placed back on your head. You could always tap and hold on the right earcup to pause and initiate transparency mode, too.

Sony 1000X The Collexion review: Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, The Collexion is future-proofed with Bluetooth 6.0 (an upgrade over the standard XM6’s Bluetooth 5.3), multi-point connectivity, and a USB-C port for charging and a 3.5mm jack for wired listening.

Sony 1000X The Collexion review: Sound quality

• Unidirectional carbon driver: Sony introduced a brand-new, 30mm unidirectional carbon driver designed for wider frequency handling.
• Beefed-up circuitry: The internal circuit board features thicker copper foil layers for a cleaner audio signal.
• Top-tier processing and codecs: Powered by Sony’s new V3 processor, these headphones get DSEE Ultimate AI upscaling alongside LDAC, AAC, and SBC codec support.

The Sony 1000X The Collexion delivers the exact sound quality upgrade I originally wished the standard XM6 would’ve introduced over the WH-1000XM5. At the heart of this upgrade is a brand-new, rigid 30mm unidirectional carbon driver, paired with a beefed-up internal circuit board sporting copper foil layers 1.5 times thicker than the XM6.

For software processing, it steps up to DSEE Ultimate, Sony's highest-grade AI audio engine, and supports high-resolution LDAC alongside standard AAC and SBC codecs. You also get a fully customizable EQ via the Sony Headphones Connect app if you want to tweak the sound.

Listening to ‘bury a friend’ by Billie Eilish the sub-bass sounded cleaner and more controlled than the XM6. The track’s pulsing low-end hits with serious depth and punch, but never overwhelms the rest of the mix or introduces distortion, even at higher volumes.

For mids and instrument separation, I switched to ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac. The vocals, bassline and percussion all felt beautifully distinct, with a warmth and clarity that gave the song room to breathe without sounding crowded.

Then I tested treble and soundstage with ‘Kyoto’ by Phoebe Bridgers. The brass, acoustic textures and layered vocals sounded crisp and airy without teetering on sharp.

Sony 1000X The Collexion review: ANC

• Identical ANC: The active noise cancellation hardware and processing are completely identical to the standard XM6.
• Great, not legendary: It excels at cutting out lower-frequency environmental hums, it stops short of class-leading.

The active noise cancellation on The Collexion is excellent, but it’s exactly the same ANC you get on the cheaper Sony WH-1000XM6. Sony used the same microphones and processing here, which makes the lack of an upgrade feel noticeable at $650.

In testing, the headphones did a great job muting low-frequency noise like a loud studio AC unit and the constant rumble of New York City traffic. But sharper sounds still cut through more than they do on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, which still delivers the strongest isolation I’ve tested.

Sony 1000 The Collexion review: Call quality

• Familiar mic system: The Collexion uses the exact same microphone hardware and noise processing found on the standard Sony WH-1000XM6.
• Excellent voice isolation: With 12 beamforming microphones, the headphones do a fantastic job separating your voice from surrounding noise.
• Clear real-world performance: Calls sounded rich, warm and consistently clean, even while walking through loud New York City streets.

The call quality on The Collexion is excellent, even if it uses the exact same microphone system as the XM6. With 12 beamforming microphones and strong onboard noise processing, these headphones do a fantastic job isolating your voice from chaotic surroundings.

I spent days taking calls while walking through New York City, and everyone I spoke to commented on how clear and natural my voice sounded. Vocals came through rich and warm without the thin, crackly quality some wireless headsets produce around wind or traffic. As a certified yapper who also cares about my style, I thrived with The Collexion as a wearable accessory.

Sony 1000X The Collexion review: Battery life

• Noticeable downgrade: Battery life drops to 24 hours with ANC on, down from the 30 hours offered by the cheaper Sony WH-1000XM6.
• Fast charging helps: A quick 5-minute USB-C charge delivers around 1.5 hours of listening time.

Battery life is easily one of the strangest compromises on The Collexion. Sony rates these headphones for 24 hours with ANC enabled, which is enough for a full workday or long-haul flight, but noticeably worse than the standard XM6 which lasts up to 30 hours.

In my testing, Sony’s numbers were accurate almost down to the hour. The headphones died right around 24 hours of use with ANC running continuously. Thankfully, the fast charging is excellent. Five minutes plugged in gave me roughly 90 minutes of playback, which made topping them off far less annoying day to day.

Sony 1000X The Collexion review: Verdict

The Sony 1000X 'The Collexion' is a niche, luxury statement piece that successfully bridges the gap between mainstream tech and high-end fashion. It delivers an incredibly premium experience with some weird compromises, but the style element is undeniable.

If you view headphones as a core part of your outfit, it is a luxury flex that happens to sound incredible. The designer handbag-style case is, in my opinion, a spectacular touch, and the upgraded rigid carbon drivers deliver the spacious, pristine soundstage I always wanted from the standard XM6.

On the downside, paying a $200 premium forces you into a frustrating battery life drop down to 24 hours and active noise cancellation that offers zero upgrade over the more sensibly-priced base model.

So maybe The Collexion isn't the practical choice for everyone, but hey, style rarely is.

We’ve waited six years for the new Apple AirPods Max 2, but after testing them for myself over the last two weeks, I’m no longer mad about it. The AirPods Max 2 are some of the best headphones I’ve ever had the pleasure of using.

Everything has been turned up to 11 — the sound quality is industry-leading, the ANC has improved massively, and the call quality is now professional-meeting-suitable. They still offer a feeble 20-hour battery life and a somewhat burdensome 13.6-ounce weight, but these issues don't detract from how excellent the AirPods Max 2 are overall.

I’ve tested tons of the best over-ear headphones, but none thus far have sounded quite this good. Sure, the Sony WH-1000XM6 are detailed and clean, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2 are bassy, but the AirPods Max 2 are the best of all worlds. Rich, bassy, detailed, expansive, and clean.

Apple AirPods Max 2 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? Apple’s newest flagship headphones, replacing the AirPods Max
• What does it cost? $549 / £499 / AU$999
• What do we like? They are the best-sounding Bluetooth headphones (at this price point) ever
• What don’t we like? Issues from the previous model have been ignored — still just 20 hours of battery life, still very heavy

Apple AirPods Max 2 review: Specs

Apple AirPods Max 2 review: Price & availability

The Apple AirPods Max 2 are $549 from Apple U.S. In the U.K., they’re £499 from Apple U.K. In Australia, you’re looking at an AU$999 price tag. This is the same launch price as the previous model, in keeping with the precedent set by the AirPods Pro 3, which matched the Pro 2.

As you might expect, the AirPods Max 2 are considerably pricier than their flagship rivals: The Sony WH-1000XM6 have a $459 MSRP and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 regularly retail for $449. This isn’t to say the AirPods Max 2 are the most expensive wireless headphones on the market — you could also spend nearly a grand on the $799 Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, or break the 4-figure ceiling with the $1,199 Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95.

Apple AirPods Max 2 review: Design

• Easy Digital Crown and ANC controls
• Still heavy, but comfortable nonetheless
• Fantastic smart features

If you’ve seen the original AirPods Max, you might be looking at the AirPods Max 2 and thinking, “Hmm. These look awfully familiar. Are you sure you didn’t just mix up your AirPods Max OG and AirPods Max 2 in the photos?”

I am quite sure. The AirPods Max and Max 2 are identical. You’ll see the same anodized aluminum ear cups; the same removable cushions; the same metal-and-mesh headband that tries its very best to alleviate skull pressure. At release, the headphones come in most of the same colors as the OGs — Midnight, Starlight, blue (pictured), orange, and purple. Unfortunately, it appears the green shade is no more.

This also means you have the same "bra" case seen on the AirPods Max OG. Some customers might be incredibly disappointed to see this make a return — it doesn't protect the headband or adjustment areas like other brands' carry cases. Although the case has a smaller footprint in your bag, you might not want to throw it carelessly into a particularly messy or chaotic backpack.

The controls are also the same: you’ve got a Digital Crown and ANC button on the right ear cup. You can adjust all these controls directly in your phone settings (if you have an iPhone).

I’m glad Apple hasn’t swapped the physical, tactile buttons in favor of the ‘touch area’ trend that seems to be sweeping through audio brands. The Bose QC Ultra Gen 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 both suffer from this aberration, with ‘touch areas’ instead of buttons, so you need to stroke your headphones to change volume or skip tracks. These controls are especially egregious on the QC Ultra — I found myself trying to find the multi-purpose button, but accidentally turned the volume to max multiple times.

One of the primary complaints regarding the original AirPods Max was weight. The new AirPods Max 2 are the same weight, 13.6 ounces, making them almost double that of the Bose QC Ultra and Sony XM6 (8.8 ounces). Even so, the mesh headband does a lot of heavy lifting during wear. I didn’t often feel the need to remove or readjust the headphones.

While the Bose and Sony flagships are a lot lighter, they also look cheaper. Personally, I would much rather the uber-sleek, uber-premium AirPods Max 2.

Features

As you might expect from flagship cans, the AirPods Max 2 have are chock-full of features. The AirPods Max 2 are like AirPods Pro 3 in over-ear form: Apple has treated us to seamless Siri assistance, Camera Remote, Live Translation, Head Gestures, Conversation Awareness, and Personalized Volume.

I like that you can choose which features you want to activate. For example, I always turn off Conversation Awareness as it means I can’t (terribly) sing along to my favorite songs — my headphones turn on Transparency after assuming I’m talking to someone instead of warbling tunelessly to myself.

If you want to use Live Translation, however, you’ll need to pre-download the language packs. I tried this out with Korean, and it had about a 3-4 second delay, which is pretty much exactly how it works on the AirPods Pro 3. Perhaps good in a pinch, but wouldn’t be up to scratch for important meetings.

Unfortunately, like the previous model, there’s no IP rating, so I wouldn’t recommend taking these out in the rain. While disappointing, this isn’t a surprise for over-ears — neither the Sony XM6 nor the Bose QC Ultra have an IP rating. I’d recommend one of the best earbuds for that, like the AirPods Pro 3, or the Nothing Headphone (a), which are IP52.

As expected, the AirPods Max 2 integrate seamlessly with any Apple product. I only had to take my AirPods Max 2 out of the box, and my iPhone 16 Pro instantly lit up with a ‘Connect’ request. I didn’t have to manually connect to my MacBook Pro or iPad — the headphones just knew. When switching between devices, the Max 2 followed my output source.

Connectivity

Despite all these highs, I’ll end on a slightly disappointing note: the AirPods Max 2 run on Bluetooth 5.3. This Bluetooth version was released in 2021, so it’s frustrating to see Apple using it now. Samsung launched its new Galaxy Buds 4 series with Bluetooth 6.1. As you might expect, 6.1 provides a longer range (780-980 feet, respectively) and a more reliable connection.

I was able to get a decent distance from my phone — out of my apartment, up the stairs, onto the next floor — before the headphones disconnected, but I’d still like the best-of-the-best on Apple’s most premium offering, especially on what are intended to be the best wireless headphones.

They do, however, have native USB-C hi-res playback, which sounds utterly divine. Keep scrolling and you can read all about it.

Apple AirPods Max 2 review: Sound quality

• Rich, detailed, wide, clear, sonorous — all the adjectives
• Terrific clarity across the entire frequency range
• Most importantly, fun to listen to

I’ll give you some spoilers straight away: the AirPods Max 2 are my favorite headphones to date. The sound quality is sublime. They have an exceptionally wide soundscape with enviable instrument separation. I tested using Apple Music and Spotify, via USB-C wired playback and Bluetooth — in every genre I listened to, I could make out every instrument, every harmony, every beat.

The low-end is rich yet balanced, with propulsive, deep sub-bass and a detailed, clarified upper-bass. Mids are also handled deftly; the soundscape is effusive and complex, with no overpowering frequencies, even in heavy genres. This builds a fantastic foundation for the treble, which is clear and bright. Hi-hats and cymbals clattered over the top of gnarly, crunchy bass, and didn’t overpower even stylistically pushed-back vocals.

When I played ‘Micro Cuts’ by Muse, a cluttered, almost invasive, high-octane track, the Max 2 dealt with the subtle guitar elements and heady falsetto vocals without breaking a sweat. The bass and percussion rounded out the frenetic guitar section, keeping the layers separated yet complementary.

I switched to electronic and played ‘925’ by Sammy Virji. The U.K. Garage beat pounded through the Max 2, sharing the space with the vocals. The bassline cut through the track like a snake racing through the jungle, barely making an impression on the undergrowth but letting everyone know it’s there. I was so impressed.

I then listened to some bluegrass-inspired singer-songwriter tracks. I played ‘Cheers’ by Faye Webster, a southern-blues-meets-modern-pop combo. Webster’s soft vocals were placed at the front of ‘Cheers,’ with the dynamic bass and rolling, bluesy guitar enriching the background.

To test out its video sound, I watched ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ and ‘Twilight’ on Apple TV with Dolby Atmos. The AirPods Max 2 handled both dialogue, action, and soundtrack fantastically. The wide soundscape enabled me to hear off-screen events as if they were truly behind me.

I tested the AirPods Max 2 with a lot more than I had space to include here. You can listen along to this review with my AirPods Max 2 testing playlist:

Apple AirPods Max 2 review: ANC

• 3 ANC modes: Transparency, Adaptive, and Noise Cancellation
• Better than original AirPods
• But still not Bose-beating or Sony-meeting

There are many, many things I love about the OG AirPods Max. The premium feel, the sound quality, the cushioned earcups, the controls, the mesh headband. But I don’t love the ANC.

I am pleased to report that the AirPods Max 2’s ANC is excellent. Sure, it’s not Bose-beating or Sony XM6-meeting, but it’s considerably better than Apple's OG over-ear headphones. Now, the AirPods Max 2 could be some of the best noise-cancelling headphones.

The AirPods Max 2 still allow some high-frequency sounds in: When I was testing ANC in the city, I couldn’t hear buses or motorbikes, but I caught some laughter from passers-by.

In general, the ANC deals with lower frequencies much better than higher frequencies, but this is all you need for day-to-day usage. I’m impressed with the upgraded ANC on the AirPods Max 2.

Apple AirPods Max 2 review: App

• Native customization for iOS users
• Nothing for Android, as expected

If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll be able to access tons of settings controls directly from your settings app. You can configure the Digital Crown and ANC button modes, including switching the orientation of the Digital Crown’s spin, activating Camera Remote, customizing Head Gestures, and more. Take a look at this screenshot so you can see for yourself.

Unfortunately, Android users get nothing. This is nothing new, but it’s still disappointing. You're basically stuck with default controls and none of the aforementioned features.

While unfortunate, this is the current state of play. Samsung’s newest audio products — the utterly fantastic Galaxy Buds 4 Pro ($249) — did not offer an iOS companion app.

Apple AirPods Max 2 review: Call quality

• Voice Isolation has come to the Max series
• Fantastic environmental noise reduction
• Sometimes emphasizes surrounding voices, though

To test call quality of the AirPods Max 2, I used them for personal calls and work meetings. When I called my boyfriend, he said that my voice was perfectly clear and was notably better than that of other headphones I’ve tested recently — AirPods Max Gen 1 and Nothing Headphone (a) ($199).

He couldn’t hear any of the environmental noise around me, not the loud buses or roaring motorbikes, but some passing voices made it through the ambient noise reduction filters. So, while the AirPods Max 2 isolated my voice from traffic noise well, some voices still managed to sneak through.

On work calls, my colleagues reported that my voice was clear, and I “sounded the same as AirPods Pro 2 or 3.” However, one colleague reported that I sounded a little clipped.

I think you could use the AirPods Max 2 on work calls, personal calls, and anything in between. I’d happily use them as my primary call headset from now on.

Apple AirPods Max 2 review: Battery

• 20 hours
• No, that’s not a typo
• Just 20 hours

Unfortunately, the AirPods Max 2 have a meager battery life of just 20 hours. This is the same as the previous model, and, if you couldn’t tell, is my primary issue with the headphones. In 2026, there’s very little excuse for a 20-hour battery.

Other models in this price class — Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 — last for 30 hours. While still not great, especially considering the new Nothing Headphone (a) last for 135 hours (75 with ANC), 30 hours is considerably more impressive.

I tested the AirPods Max 2 for seven days and had to charge them twice. I listened for around 25 hours overall, mostly via Bluetooth.

Apple AirPods Max 2 review: Verdict

I’m glad we waited six years for the AirPods Max 2, because this is an upgrade done right. If you like how AirPods Pro or AirPods Max Gen 1 sound, you are in for a treat with the AirPods Max 2. Apple has taken everything from its predecessor and dialed it up to 11.

Additional features like Personalized Spatial Audio, Siri integration, Live Translation, and Head Gestures are useful, but if the sound was mediocre, smart functions wouldn’t be enough to make me recommend spending $549 on headphones. (I suggest waiting for the first discount if that price feels a bit too steep in this current economic climate.)

But because the sound quality is so excellent, I genuinely would recommend buying the new AirPods Max 2. Yes, the battery life is still as feeble as a Victorian chimney sweep and the cans are still almost twice the weight of Sony and Bose’s flagships, but the flawless, studio-quality sound more than makes up for it. For me, this is a near-perfect audio product.

In the age of hybrid working, many of us have had to adjust to not seeing our colleagues as much, and having virtual calls and briefings — whether that's on Zoom, Google Meet, or a quick huddle on Slack.

Unsurprisingly, the best headphones and headsets for working from home have also shot up in popularity, and if you spend a lot of time on calls, you need a competent headset that you can wear all day long.

But how much are you willing to spend on a conferencing headset? How does $700 sound? It's a lot of dough, isn't it? I've been testing the Jabra Evolve3 85, and although it's expensive, it sounds superb.

Listening comfortably all day long

Before I dive into the sound quality, I want to talk about one of the other things the Jabra Evolve3 85 excels at, and that's its design.

Just like with any other pair of headphones, I don't think you should spend any amount of money on a conferencing headset that you can't wear all day long. The good news is that the Evolve3 85 is extremely comfortable, so rest assured that you're getting bang for your buck here.

One thing I've always loved about my Marshall Monitor III headphones is the lightness, as they weigh just 8.8oz, and they feature a leatherette headband that helps relieve some pressure you'd otherwise feel on the top of your head. I'd say the Evolve3 85 headset is on par with my Monitor IIIs in terms of comfort. Jabra's offering weighs 7.76oz so it's very lightweight, and the breathable cushion padding on the headband feels excellent. The same padding has been used for the ear cushions too, and I love it.

Another thing I love is the cavities on the inside of the earcups, which are there to nestle your earlobes and ensure your ears don't get squished. It's so effective, and now I wish all headphones had these cavities. Having worn the headset for an eight-hour work day (I removed it just once), I can confidently say that it's the comfiest one out there.

A beautifully balanced sound profile

The Evolve3 85 headset is fitted with 32mm drivers that cover a frequency response range of 20Hz-20KHz (so the normal human hearing spectrum), and the headset makes music sound true-to-life and full of character, never once getting overwhelmed by multiple instruments even.

The treble is crisp and vibrant and never overzealous. Through the Evolve3 85, in songs like 'Carnival of Rust' by Poets of the Fall, the hi-hats never sounded too shrill, and worked well with other instruments to create a wonderful melody. Each note plucked on the acoustic guitar was discernible and never harsh to the point that it overpowered the vocals. Speaking of, the vocals in tracks like 'White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter' by Lana Del Rey were nothing short of detailed. The 'tss' and 'sh' sounds — and there are many of them — sounded clean and didn't bleed into one another either.

Bass sounded just as good if not better through the Evolve3 85. Powerful but not booming, especially in songs like 'Money' by Pink Floyd and 'Little Dark Age' by MGMT. The sub-bass and mid-bass packed plenty of detail too, and I found the lower and mid-ranges better on the Evolve3 85 than on my Marshall Monitor IIIs — and that's saying a lot, as I adore the latter. The bass on the Evolve3 85 sounded warm with lots of low-end impact, and truth be told, I wasn't expect that from a headset designed for conferencing!

The elephant in the room

So, the Jabra Evolve3 85 is clearly a phenomenal headset. But it's hard to ignore the elephant in the room that's desperately asking to be addressed, and that's the headset's price. The Evolve3 85 is a premium work headset that retails for $720 / £539. It's more expensive than my PlayStation 5 Slim ($549), my Nintendo Switch 2 ($449), and even the brand new MacBook Neo ($599) and the Nothing Phone 4a Pro ($499).

The Evolve3 85 is supremely comfortable, yes, and its audio quality for calls and music is nothing short of sublime, but is it worth over $700? Kind of, yeah.

I know there are cheaper options out there, like the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 ($250), the HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC ($349), and the Cleer Enduro ANC (1$149), but all of them have significant drawbacks, such as unreliable battery lives, underbaked apps, finicky wear detection, and so on.

And the Evolve3 85 headset doesn't have any such flaws. It's expensive, but for the money, you're getting up to 120-hours of battery life, a sleek charging pad for you to charge the headset between calls, a lovely boomless mic, and peerless sound quality and vocal clarity. If I won the lottery, I wouldn't tell anyone, but there would be signs — and the Evolve3 85 around my neck would be one of them.

More from Tom's Guide

• ‘The king of conferencing headsets’: I just tested the Jabra Evolve3 85 and I’ve never heard my colleagues this clearly before
• Best headphones and headsets for working from home
• My doctor banned me from earbuds so I got these Marshall headphones instead — and I’m surprised I didn’t do it sooner

If you’re a hybrid worker or spend a lot of your work day on team calls, you need one of the best headsets and headphones for working from home — and the Jabra Evolve3 85 is just that. This is the perfect headset if you want to sound professional in online meetings as it boasts excellent vocal clarity. Its boomless mic with AI noise cancellation makes you sound loud and clear on the other end, while a range of productivity features keep you locked in.

The cherry on top of the cake is the headset’s long battery life. If you enjoy listening to music while working or between tasks, then the Evolve3 85 is sure to impress you with its wide and dynamic soundstage… as long as you can stomach the price.

For the complete breakdown, read my full Jabra Evolve3 85 review.

Jabra Evolve3 85 review: Specs

Jabra Evolve3 85 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? Jabra’s flagship work-first headset with a boomless mic
• Who is it for? For hybrid workers and those who spend a lot of time on calls and online meetings — and music lovers
• How much does it cost? It ain’t cheap. The Jabra Evolve3 85 retails for $720 / £539
• What do we like? So many things! The comfortable design, productivity features, clear mic, excellent vocal clarity, long battery life, and more
• What don’t we like? The premium price tag

Jabra Evolve3 85 review: The ups

From its exceptionally comfortable design and plethora of productivity features, to its outstanding vocal clarity and boomless mic, there’s a lot to love about the Jabra Evolve3 85.

All-day long comfort

The Jabra Evolve3 85 is a work-first headset as Jabra claims it’s designed for the “modern worker.” If, like me, you spend a lot of time on team calls and meetings, and need a headset that will let you work comfortably all day long, this is it. Firstly, the Evolve3 85 is very lightweight, weighing just 7.76oz. It’s 35% slimmer and 23% lighter than the Evolve2 line, and lighter than other work-oriented headsets, like the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 (10.2oz, $250), the HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC (9.7oz, $349), and the Cleer Enduro ANC (10.6oz, $149).

Aiding the Evolve3 85’s comfort factor is the lovely breathable cushion padding on its headband. This relieves the pressure you’d otherwise feel on top of your head, enabling you to wear it for hours on end. This same padding has been used for the ear cushions, and they feel excellent to me. I also like the cavities on the inside of the earcups, which are there to nestle your ear lobes and ensure that your ears don’t get squished.

If on-ear headphones are more your speed, you might prefer the Jabra Evolve3 75 ($463) instead — these are very well padded. However, in our testing, Tom’s Guide’s Senior reviews editor Pete Wolinski found them a little uncomfortable after five or six hours due to the on-ear design, with the earcups pushing his ear helixes into the side of his head.

Having worn the Evolve3 85 for eight straight hours, I can confirm that it’s exceptionally comfortable. My ears never felt hot, and my head didn’t feel like it was being weighed down either. I also appreciate that foldable design and included pouch that you can store the headset in when you’re traveling.

Build quality is sublime too, with matte finish on the headband and earcups, and I didn’t think the headset sounded hollow or underbaked when I tapped its different parts with my fingernails.

A plethora of productivity features

There’s no dearth of productivity features on the Jabra Evolve3 85. You can buy the headset with either Microsoft Teams or Unified Communication optimization. If you get the former, a Microsoft Teams logo graces the right earcup, and it doubles as a button that lets you answer/reject incoming Teams calls. The Unified Communication model, on the other hand, offers plug-and-play functionality across multiple platforms, such as Google Meet and Zoom. The UC model is the better choice if, like me, you work across platforms and don’t want to be locked into just Teams.

Whenever you’re on a call, the integrated 360° Busylight located on the left earcup lights up in bright red to let those around you know that you’re busy and shouldn’t be disturbed. This is a great feature to have, especially if you’re on an important call and don’t want to be interrupted by anyone else. I do, however, wish you could turn this light on outside of calls, as I like to be left alone when I’m in the zone and writing away.

In addition to this, you also get AI integration, so you can prompt Gemini, ChatGPT or another assistant of your choice by simply using your voice and not having to use your hands. Jabra says that the Evolve3 85 “accurately captures over 9 out of 10 words in AI voice prompts.” While I personally don’t use AI assistants and chatbots, it’s good to know that this feature exists for users who love using AI. I tested it with Gemini on my Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and it worked well. Gemini understood me clearly and promptly, and instantly made me a to-do list and set a reminder as I asked for.

For those who work across multiple devices, multipoint connectivity is at play so you can connect up to two devices at the same time using Bluetooth 5.3. The box also includes a USB-C dongle (or USB-A, depending on what you choose when you buy the headset) which increases the number of simultaneous connections from two to three. Google Fast Pair also means that you can connect the headset to your phone in mere seconds, as I did, and Apple Find My and Google Find Hub let you keep a track of where your headphones are.

There’s also wear detection which pauses playback if you lift an earcup or remove the headset entirely, and it worked like a charm in my testing. This is perhaps the best wear detection I’ve seen on a pair of over-ear headphones, as it’s something I’ve always disabled on the likes of the HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC and even my trusty Marshall Monitor III ($349) as I found the wear detection on them finicky, and it never worked as intended.

Exceptional vocal clarity

Any work headset needs one thing for certain to be considered excellent, and that’s exceptional vocal clarity. You should be able to hear your on-call colleagues or clients with so much clarity that they feel like they’re in the room with you — and the Jabra Evolve3 85 does just that. It’s fitted with 32mm drivers which cover a frequency response range of 20Hz-20KHz which is fairly standard for most headphones and even gaming headsets, as that’s the spectrum of human hearing.

Having attended five meetings with the Evolve3 85 nestling my ears, I can confidently say that this headset will please anyone who works from home or gives online presentations. These calls took place over Google Meet and Slack (huddles). I could hear my colleagues on the line loudly and clearly, and even when multiple people were speaking at once, I could still understand them. Voices and words never blended together.

I appreciated the Evolve3 85’s adaptive/dynamic noise cancellation here too, as it automatically adjusted itself when there was a loud noise in the background. It kept me focused on the call I was on. In my testing, this worked well both indoors and outdoors. Aside from Google Meet and Slack, I also spoke with my partner on the phone, and I could hear her well even while walking and making my way through crowds.

Voice clarity is further bolstered by active noise cancellation (ANC) which works superbly, isolating you to the point that you can’t hear anything else when you’re outdoors and you feel like you’re the only person in the world. I couldn’t hear people chatting in the office or the sound of my loud keyboard, or cars whizzing past me outdoors. I listened to a podcast and I could hear the host and guest speaking to each other and laughing clearly, like I was in the room with them.

Crisp and clear microphone

There’s no point in spending any amount of money on a work-first headset if it doesn’t make you sound loud and clear on calls — after all, you want to impress your audience, right? The Jabra Evolve3 85 gives you nothing to complain about in that department, and it boasts one of the strongest mic performances I’ve seen so far.

The Evolve3 85 features a boomless mic (an array of six in total) so there’s no mic arm sitting in front of your mouth, and this helps its sleek, inconspicuous appearance. The mic covers a frequency response range of 10Hz-20KHz, so it covers the full spectrum of human hearing and ensures natural sound reproduction. The headset utilizes Jabra ClearVoice which uses AI-powered deep learning to isolate your voice from background noise, and it works extremely well.

The first thing I did to test the headset was call my partner when leaving work. She said I sounded perfect and crystal clear, and didn’t think my words were bleeding into one another either. She also couldn’t hear the birds chirping right overhead, or the sound of lots of people chatting and shuffling around in a busy parking lot — all she could hear was my voice. In fact, she said I sounded like I was in a quiet room indoors.

I had to hear it for myself, so I recorded myself speaking with the TV playing in the background. In the clip above, you can’t hear the characters from Schitt’s Creek speaking, and my voice is the only one that can be heard, which is amazing.

I then recorded myself speaking a few sentences with popping sounds, such as words starting with ‘P,’ ‘B,’ ‘T,’ ‘D,’ ‘K’ and ‘G,’ known as plosives. As you can hear in the clip above (and laugh with me at my goof-up while saying one of the tongue twisters), the ‘P’ sounds don’t sound overly harsh or unpleasant.

Next up, I tested the Evolve3 85’s ability to handle sibilance. These are your ‘s’ and ‘sh’ sounds which are prone to whistling (and can be unpleasant to listen to), so the best way to do this was by trying a famous tongue twister. As you can hear in the clip above, the mic handled the hissing sounds quite well, and again, the sounds don’t bleed into one another.

I also appreciate the Evolve3 85’s sidetone as it enables you to hear yourself speaking when you’re on a call, so you can check that you aren’t speaking too softly or loudly. This is a feature we see on most of the best gaming headsets and is very handy to have. The sidetone’s volume can be adjusted via the companion app (more on that shortly).

Dynamic music performance, too

Look, if I’m spending over $700 on a work-first headset — yes, that’s how much it costs — you’d best believe that I will be using it to listen to music in my downtime too. The Jabra Evolve3 85 is, in fact, excellent at making your favorite songs sound better than ever. I listened to a few tracks from my roster of testing songs on Qobuz with the Evolve3 85 plugged into my MacBook Air M2 via the included 3.5mm aux.

I started things off by listening to ‘Carnival of Rust’ by Poets of the Fall, and each note plucked on the acoustic guitar sounded loud and clear but not so harsh that it overpowered the vocals at the beginning of the song. When the rock instruments kicked in during the first chorus, they created a wonderful melody that sounded thoroughly enjoyable through the Evolve3 85.

To test the Evolve3 85’s bass, I listened to ‘Little Dark Age’ by MGMT and once again, the bassline sounded clear and every note plucked on the bass was discernible but it also worked in harmony with the other instruments to create an immersive soundscape. The bass never sounded booming or overpowering.

Vocals sounded just as beautiful in tracks like ‘White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter’ by Lana Del Rey. Lana’s sibilance, the ‘tss’ and ‘sh,’ in the first verse sounded detailed and clean, and I would expect nothing less from a headset that boasts vocal clarity for work calls. My colleagues tried the Evolve3 85 briefly as well, and all of them complimented the headset’s wide and dynamic soundstage.

Listen along to my review with the Jabra Evolve3 85 testing playlist:

Long battery life

The Jabra Evolve3 85 boasts long battery life, and according to Jabra, the headset can last up to 120 hours for music and 25 hours when used exclusively for calls. While I wasn’t able to drain the entire battery, I noticed that after approximately 16 hours of use, the battery percentage had dropped to 75%. Keep in mind that I had ANC on at all times, and used the headset for work calls as well as listening to music.

The Evolve3 85’s battery life is better than the competition’s. The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 last for just 20 hours, while the HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC lasts for 21 hours and the Cleer Enduro ANC lasts for 60 hours between charges. Also, charging the Evolve3 85 for five minutes provides five hours of runtime. Oh, and they come with a sleek wireless charging pad too!

User-friendly companion app

To customize the Jabra Evolve3 85, you’ll need to download the Jabra Plus app on either iOS or Android. The app is extremely intuitive thanks to its user-friendly interface, and it gives you lots of control over the headset’s settings. Via the app, you can adjust the sidetone volume, enhance treble or bass in calls, swap between EQ presets and customize your own, toggle hearing protection as well as spatial audio in media.

You can also enable a setting which allows you to automatically answer calls if your headset is charging on the included pad and you remove it. I tested this out and it worked as intended, and it’s quite a handy feature to have as you can keep charging the headset between calls without plugging it in.

A desktop version of the app can also be downloaded on Windows machines and it gives you the same level of customization as the mobile version. On macOS, you’ll need to download Jabra Direct instead which, again, gives you the same personalization options.

Jabra Evolve3 85 review: The downs

There isn’t much wrong with the Jabra Evolve3 85, but note that it costs a premium which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Very, very expensive

I’m going to hold your hand when I say this: the Jabra Evolve3 85 costs an arm and a leg. It’s very expensive and will probably burn a hole in most people’s pockets — unless of course this is your work-sanctioned headset, and if that’s the case, never quit your job. The Evolve3 85 costs $720 / £539 at Amazon, making it one of the most expensive headsets I’ve tested. When I told everyone in the office just how expensive the Evolve3 85 was, everyone collectively gasped — and that doesn’t happen very often.

It’s nearly as expensive (or more than) as flagship headphones from heavy hitters in the audio world, like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 ($699), the Sonos Ace ($449) and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 ($449). Is the Evolve3 85 worth the premium? It depends. Can you afford it? Then sure. You get fantastic audio quality and detailed vocal clarity, along with a boomless mic that makes you sound amazing.

But regardless of the things it does exceptionally well, the Evolve3 85 won’t be for everyone, primarily because of the price. If you want cheaper, work-first headsets, there are plenty to choose from. Jabra’s own Evolve3 75 is a little cheaper at around $460, but it’s less comfortable. The $250 Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 is an excellent alternative but its battery life isn’t as long as the Evolve3 85’s, and its app feels underbaked. Or you could go for the $149 Cleer Enduro ANC which is much, much cheaper, but doesn’t feature the best mic.

Jabra Evolve3 85 review: Verdict

What does spending $700 on the Jabra Evolve3 85 get you? A boomless mic with AI noise cancellation that ensures the person on the other end of the phone (or laptop) can hear only you. Crystal clear vocals that make your colleagues sound just like they do in person. A wide soundstage for when you want to listen to your favorite tunes. Up to 120 hours of battery life and a sleek charging pad.

The Evolve3 85 is an exceptional headset, and one I didn’t expect to love as much as I do now. While its premium price tag is a little hard to stomach, it’s worth paying the price if you want refined and rich sound quality as well as monster battery life, all packed into a comfortable design. I’m almost tempted to make the Evolve3 85 my daily driver at work!

The Nothing Headphone (a) are some of the most exciting new headphones on the market right now. I’m so sick of audio brands making boring — sorry, “discreet” — headphones that look like every other pair of over-ears. I respect a brand that goes above and beyond to make visually interesting tech, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the Headphone (a).

But is this enough to make them some of the best headphones you can get? Hmm, well, it depends. Yes, if you wouldn’t class yourself as an audiophile and you just want some funky cans to vibe out to. On the other hand, if you take music quality super seriously, then I’d recommend something else.

At the end of the day, $199/£149 is a solidly mid-range price, and is a heck of a lot cheaper than Bose and Apple’s competition. Want to find out more? Of course you do. Keep reading this Nothing Headphone (a) review.

Nothing Headphone (a) review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? Nothing’s newest flagship headphones
• What does it cost? $199 / £149
• What do we like? They’re so cool
• What don’t we like? I wish the soundstage was a little wider

Nothing Headphone (a) review: Specs

Nothing Headphone (a) review: Price & availability

The Nothing Headphone (a) are $199 from Amazon U.S. and £149 from Amazon U.K.. This is a pretty standard midrange price, but similar cans can set you back upwards of $300.

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (not Ultra) are $359, the Soundcore Space One Pro are $199, and the 3-year-old Sony WH-CH720N are $179. You can also get the detail-forward Cambridge Melomania SE P100 for $299, which might be better for more traditional ‘Hi-Fi’ lovers.

I’m not overly enamored with the Headphone (a)’s Bluetooth sound quality, but if you’re looking for fashion-forward design without breaking the bank, these cans might be a better option over these alternatives.

Nothing Headphone (a) review: Design & controls

• Stylish, fashion-forward design, although divisive
• Easy-to-use, intuitive, and unique on-cup controls
• Quite clampy

There’s no doubt about it: the Headphone (a) are a Nothing product, and you’d be able to tell from one minute glance. Nothing has really mastered its unique design, combining eye-grabbing, sci-fi aesthetics, with intuitive and user-friendly controls.

The Headphone (a) come in four colors: black, white, pink/white, and pink/yellow. I tested the white, but if I were buying for myself, I would probably get the pink. It’s like if a 22nd-Century robot and Marie Antoinette had a weird, shouldn’t-work-but-does baby.

That being said, if you’re of the futuristic-aesthetic opinion, you’d be so impressed with the Headphone (a). However, if you’re more of a traditionalist and you want the classic black, discreet earcups vibe, these probably aren’t the cans for you.

Personally, I love how the Headphone (a) look, and I wish more audio brands were confident enough to play around with design. I want to see how far these manufacturers can push it. Maybe not as far as Dyson pushed it, though — I don’t think I need a face mask with my headphones, thank you very much.

The controls are just as boundary-breaking, too. Instead of your standard buttons on the cups or — god forbid — touch ‘areas’ (that always mean a gust of wind pauses my music), the Nothing Headphone (a) utilize two funky little controls: a roller and a paddle. Yes, think back to when you went to soft play areas as a kid. Remember those abacus-like toys installed on random climbing walls? The roller is basically like the adult version of that.

If you couldn’t tell from its name, the roller controls your volume by rolling. You get to roll up or down to adjust volume, or hold it down to cycle through the (two) ANC settings. How fun is that?

You also get a paddle, which is for skipping tracks and answering calls. I found both of these buttons really fun and functional — you don’t have to memorize which identical-feeling button corresponds to which control. Both the buttons are instantly distinguishable. I’m a huge fan of this, and hope other audio brands are paying attention.

I will say that the overall fit isn’t ideal. I found the headphones a touch clampy, like a Cyberman in Doctor Who. They’re not aggressively uncomfortable, but if you’ve got a particularly sensitive head, you might be better off with the lighter Soundcore Space One Pro.

Nothing Headphone (a) review: Features & connectivity

• Built-in ChatGPT and Nothing Space, but these features are useless to me
• Bluetooth 5.4
• Multipoint

The Nothing Headphone (a) have a range of “smart” features — like ChatGPT integration and AI functionality with Nothing phones — but does anyone ever actually use this? I never feel the urge to ask ChatGPT for advice when I’m wearing my headphones. I just use my noggin. I never use the heart rate monitor on my AirPods Pro 3. My social anxiety is way too crippling for me to use Live Translator in real life. But, at the end of the day, these are all cool features to have should you desire them. It’s nice that they’re there, right?

If you’ve got a compatible phone or a Nothing phone, you get access to LDAC, a hi-res streaming codec. I tested this and found it produced a cleaner, clearer sound profile to the standard AAC. However, this is Android-only, so Apple users, move along, please.

Android users are kind of spoiled, here: you also get Google Fast Pair, which I tested with my Samsung Galaxy S25+ and found it worked seamlessly. This is great, should you switch between devices often.

But one thing that everyone can make use of is the Nothing Headphone (a)’s sparkling IP52 rating. Most over-ear headphones (especially around $200) don’t really have an IP rating — the Soundcore Space One Pro, the JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition — so I’m surprised to see it here. Heck, even the Bose QuietComfort Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM6 don’t have an IP rating. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 are IP54-rated, but cost a huge $1,199. The Nothing Headphone (a) are actually the first over-ears I’ve ever tested with an IP rating.

The IP52 rating isn’t overly impressive compared to the ratings usually found on earbuds — like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro’s IP57 rating — but it means the headphones are protected against sweat and light drizzle, although not heavy downpours.

In terms of connectivity, the Headphone (a) have Bluetooth 5.4, which isn’t as up-to-date as the Bluetooth 6.1 we just saw on Samsung’s newest Galaxy Buds, but is at least an upgrade on Apple’s odd predilection for including Bluetooth 5.3 on flagship headphones in… *checks notes* 2026.

In reality, Bluetooth 5.4 means you get up to 800 feet of range. In reality, I was able to get down the stairs, the entire way across the office, and back upstairs on the other side of the building without the headphones disconnecting. This is really impressive.

Nothing Headphone (a) review: Sound quality

• Soundscape can feel cluttered
• Great vocals and electronic genres are clear
• Rock/metal fans might be left wanting

Of course, I will go into more detail about the sonic performance, but in a nutshell, the Headphone (a) sounds like how a diet of unseasoned mashed potato might taste. Good; will keep you alive, but it won’t exactly fill you with life-altering zeal and zest and zing and all those emotions that make life worth living. You might be a bit happier if your mash had a shedload of heavy cream and salt, but, again, your body wouldn’t exactly flourish.

This is how I feel about the Headphone (a). I don’t hate them, but I also don’t love them either. There’s something missing, some je ne sais quois, some indistinguishable essence. The bass performance is where most of the issues lie: there’s no complexity to the low-end. When I was testing these cans, I was craving more. Exactly like if I ate nothing but mashed potato. I’d always be craving something more.

I listened via Bluetooth on my iPhone 16 Pro, LDAC on my Samsung Galaxy S25+, and wired. I’ll discuss all three of these playback styles here.

When I listened via the provided 3.5mm aux cable on my MacBook Air M2, I was more impressed than wireless. ‘Man Made of Meat’ by Viagra Boys was raucous and unapologetic, with a heavy bassline pounding the track forward like a runaway steam train careening down a railroad, but there was a lack of complexity in the guitar-led soundscape. The vocals sounded excellent, though, and the stereo guitar effects were clear in each ear. I wish the headphones could juggle the difference between bass guitar and a deep rhythm guitar more deftly.

With LDAC enabled on my Samsung Galaxy S25+, the sound quality was much better, although it still can’t compete with the Bose QC Headphones ($359) or the Soundcore Space One Pro ($199). ‘Play Me’ by Fcukers was a little muddled at the top of the treble, as if the sound was underwater. However, the synth-led bassline was clear and melodic, and the vocals were supremely clear. It’s just a shame that the percussion pinched.

After, I switched to my iPhone 16 Pro to test with the basic AAC codec. I listened to ‘Convention’ by Julia Jacklin, which is an acoustic singer-songwriter track. The guitar plucks, and soft, emotive female vocal sounded great through the Headphone (a), but the sibilance in Jacklin’s voice bordered on harsh every now and then. I think the Headphone (a) handles acoustic tracks better than heavy rock or electronic songs, because the lack of bass means there’s less to get confused with, but then the treble gets overwhelmed, resulting in hissing.

If you’re upgrading from sub-$100 headphones and this is your first pair of “treat yo self” cans, I think you’ll get on with the Headphone (a) just fine. The style and features are super impressive for cans of this price.

However, if you’re used to things like Bose QC, AirPods Max, and Sony WH-1000XM6, you might want to consider spending more for some premium flagship cans.

Nothing Headphone (a) review: ANC

• Two ANC modes: on, off, transparency
• Middling ANC, not impressive nor useless

The ANC on the Nothing Headphone (a) is both nothing to write home about and also nothing to get up in arms about. I was able to hear myself typing and general office noises like chairs being pushed back and muffled conversations, but I was in enough of my own bubble not to really pay this any mind.

When I wore these headphones in the city, I could hear a decent amount of car noise, but general chatter was mostly silenced. I suppose this is good for not getting hit by cars in a busy city, but these headphones certainly don’t have the same industry-leading ANC you’d find on Bose cans.

If you’ll be using these headphones primarily for public transport or in loud environments, you might be better off with some of the best noise-cancelling headphones, like the Bose QuietComfort Headphones or the Sony WH-1000XM6.

Nothing Headphone (a) review: App

• NothingX app
• Tons of (rather confusing) EQ adjustments
• Need to switch on dual device connection in the app

Unlike other headphones I’ve tested, if you want to activate multipoint, you have to toggle it on in the Nothing X app. Usually, you only have to connect to your earbuds/headphones on one device, then connect on the second one (usually after following a vaguely confusing course of button-mashing). Not with the Headphone (a). You have to physically activate multipoint in the app.

Once I did this, though, multipoint was great, as you’ll have read in my ‘Features & connectivity’ section above.

There are loads of other features in the Nothing X app: EQ adjustment, headphone locating, toggling between ANC modes, adjusting controls, and more. Here are some screenshots so you can see.

I really like the Nothing X app. Thankfully, it’s very easy to navigate and not overwhelming for those unfamiliar with Nothing’s ecosystem.

Nothing Headphone (a) review: Call quality

• Decent call quality, but not amazing
• Good at silencing ambient noise
• 2 mics

To test the call quality on the Nothing Headphone (a), I called my boyfriend. He’s been the callee on every pair of headphones/earbuds I’ve ever tested, so he’s a great test subject.

He said that while my voice was audible and intelligible, I was a little muffled, as if I were mumbling. My daily drivers — AirPods Pro 2 — made my voice much clearer. However, he said the traffic noise around me was completely silent, which is great if you call in busy areas. I’d say these cans are good enough for everyday, but I’d leave professional calls or important meetings to flagship options.

Nothing Headphone (a) review: Battery

• A mindblowing 135-hour battery life
• Which goes down to 75 with ANC on
• Still phenomenal!

The most attention-grabbing feature of all is, without a doubt, the awesome 135-hour battery life. I’ve seen or tested headphones close to this degree of battery life before — the unkillable EarFun Tune Pro, which last for 120 hours, or the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE, which can go for 100 hours — but nothing matching the Headphone (a). This battery life is incomprehensible, incomparable. There are no other cans — that I know of, anyway — that can outlast the Headphone (a).

I used them for 24 hours and the battery went down to 85%. This is a crazy good battery life, and one of the main USPs of these headphones. Big thumbs up from me.

Nothing Headphone (a) review: Verdict

If you want super-stylish, fashion-forward, sci-fi headphones, you won’t be disappointed by the Nothing Headphone (a). They are seriously some of the coolest cans I’ve ever had the pleasure of putting on my head. While I was wearing them around the city, I felt like a model (well, that’s hyperbole, but you get the gist).

Although the sound quality leaves something to be desired, if you’ve got an LDAC-compatible Android or Nothing phone, you will probably be more impressed than if you’re an iPhone user. I wish the soundscape was a little wider and more detailed, but the vocals drive the tracks enough for this to be ignored if you value style more.

So while these might not be the perfect headphones for me, if you want to look cool and ultramodern and you’ve got an LDAC-compatible phone, they might be the best option for you.

Look! It's a pair of over-ear headphones. It's so good-looking. It sounds so great. It's... not JBL, Bose or Sony?!

Over a year ago, I reviewed the JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition over-ear headphones. I awarded them a 4-star rating and Tom's Guide's Recommended award. When I was done reviewing them and they were sitting on my apartment's coffee table, my partner asked me if she could try them. Try them she did, and loved them as much as I did too (I'll stop speaking like Yoda now).

The Epic Lux Lab Editions are some of the coolest-looking cans I've had the pleasure of reviewing — or testing, even. They don't look like just any other pair of headphones, and they're extremely comfortable too. What I love even more is the sound quality, which is powerful and refined, with punchy bass and clean treble. Long battery life and the highly effective ANC make these a winner, and even a year after having tested them, I still recommend them wholeheartedly. Here's why.

Oh-so-classy

I remember the first time I unboxed the JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition headphones like it was only yesterday. They clearly left an impression on me and it isn't difficult to see why. These are extremely good-looking, classy headphones. JLab is traditionally a budget brand, but these are the brand's "premium" headphones, and they certainly look the part — and like they cost more than $150.

If you want minimalist headphones that look classy, the Epic Lux Lab Editions are the way to go. They sport an all-black design with some silver accents and tasteful branding on the earcups and headband. While they can't fold for easy transport, they're fairly comfortable to wear around your neck as they weigh just 10.58 ounces.

The light weight also means that you can wear them for hours on end without feeling weighed down. After all, what's the point in spending any amount of money on cans if you can't use them all day long? The Epic Lux Lab Editions' headband is made of a soft mesh material while the ear cushions are made of "cloud foam" or plush faux leather. The ear cushions feel very snug and comfortable, and it feels like your ears are resting against clouds — so JLab was clearly on to something when it called the material "cloud foam."

Overall, the Epic Lux Lab Editions are supremely comfortable. While writing this article, I wore them and then swapped to my Marshall Monitor IIIs and then back to the JLabs, and I felt like both headphones were on-par with one another in terms of comfort, which is excellent. When I asked my partner what she thought of the Epic Lux Lab Editions, she said, "These are the most comfy headphones I've ever used," so there's that.

Block out the noise

Similar to how there's no point in buying headphones that aren't comfortable, it's also a waste of your money if those headphones don't sound excellent — and for the most part, the JLab Epic Lux Lab Editions sound excellent and balanced. They're fitted with 32mm dynamic drivers which provide a wide soundstage and cover a wide frequency response range (20Hz-40KHz), so you can hear the sub-bass and upper ranges well.

The Epic Lux Lab Editions are outstanding for detailed listening. Every single ka-ching in Pink Floyd's 'Money' sound crisp and packed full of detail, and directional audio means that you can hear the sound travel from one earcup to the other, creating an immersive soundscape.

As someone who loves discovering new sounds in songs I love, I thoroughly appreciated being able to hear the drumsticks hitting the set's frame throughout 'Minority' by Green Day. The bass is hella punchy while the treble is crisp and never overzealous. Plosives and sibilance sound very clean too, and words never bleed into one another in vocal tracks.

In addition to the lovely sound quality, the Epic Lux Lab Editions boast highly effective active noise cancellation (ANC) too. I highly recommend utilizing ANC when you're on your daily commute so that you can block out the world and simply focus on your Wordle or catching up on the news — or if you just want to focus when you're in the office without being disturbed.

While the ANC I think is awesome, my partner said, "Overall, the ANC is really good and I really like that I can feel immersed in the task I'm doing or the music I'm listening to, but when I'm listening to podcasts, external noise does manage to creep in when I'm walking through town, which can be a bit disruptive." ANC will be subjective depending on your ears, so keep that in mind.

Loooooong battery life

On top of it all, the JLab Epic Lux Lab Editions boast long battery life too: 90 hours with ANC off, and 60 hours with ANC on. For the price, I think that's amazing. The headphones come with a really cool magnetic charging pad as well, if you want to charge them wirelessly, so you can have them on display and show them off if that's something you like doing.

I can't recommend the Epic Lux Lab Editions enough. I love them, my partner loves them, and I'm sure you'll love them too. They're priced at $199 / £199, and during sales events like Black Friday, you can find them for as little as $129 / £149! If Bose, Sony and JBL don't tickle your fancy, I have a feeling the Epic Lux Lab Editions will.

More from Tom's Guide

• JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition review: These $199 “luxury” headphones easily beat JBL and Beats
• My doctor banned me from earbuds so I got these Marshall headphones instead — and I’m surprised I didn’t do it sooner
• Best over-ear headphones in 2026

It's finally happened: Apple has revealed the AirPods Max 2. The company didn't hold an event or tease the announcement. Instead, a post suddenly appeared on Apple's website announcing the new model, which features the powerful H2 chip and vastly improved noise cancellation.

The company says the new AirPods Max 2 features better ANC, improved sound quality, and other intelligent features while maintaining the over-the-ear design for which Apple's most expensive headphones are known. And they're still expensive, coming with the same $549 price tag as the previous model.

AirPods Max 2 — what's new?

According to Apple, the H2 chip and new computational audio algorithms have allowed the cans to reach 1.5x more effective noise cancellation than the previous generation. For anyone who wants to keep the outside out while listening to high-quality music and podcasts, this could be a game-changer.

Beyond noise cancellation, Apple claims the headphones feature improved microphones that make the Transparency sound even more natural. I've never liked the Transparency feature on AirPods, so I'd be curious to try the new and improved version to see how it is.

While most users will probably prefer Bluetooth, Apple also supports 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected via the included USB-C cable. For those willing to trade the convenience of wireless for sound quality, this could be a massive upgrade.

And for the wireless crowd, AirPods Max 2 offers lower-latency wireless audio, making playing in Game Mode on iOS, macOS, and iPadOS games feel even more responsive and immersive.

Spatial Audio is also seeing improvements. The company promises improved instrument localization, more accurate and consistent bass response, and more natural-sounding mids and highs.

The microphones are also better, with Apple saying they include "studio-quality audio recording," which "allows interviewers, podcasters, singers, and other creators to record their content with higher-quality audio and more natural vocal texture."

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 signs you need to upgrade your wireless headphones
• I just tested Skullcandy’s high-end headphones and they’re awesome in so many ways
• 5 ways the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 can revive the series and beat the AirPods

I’ll admit it straight away: I’ve fallen head over heels in love with the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 — in my opinion, some of the best over-ear headphones on the premium market. Chief among the virtues of the H95 are their sublime sound quality: clear and expansive treble; punchy but detailed mids; rich yet supremely balanced bass; plus, a gloriously wide soundstage.

Better yet, the H95 are styled beautifully, with craftsmanship worthy of the Norse pantheon. Their leather earcups (sorry, vegans) and padded headband are extremely comfortable, and with an IP53 rating, you can stand getting caught in the rain.

Obviously, none of the above comes cheap — especially not when made by Bang & Olufsen. And letting the otherwise stellar show down slightly is the ANC, which, although not terrible, feels a little weak for a $1,200 set of cans.

Originally released in 2020, the H95 are still available in 2026, with updated colorways over the original models. So are they still worth buying? Find out more in my full Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 review.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 review: Specs

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 review: Price & availability

• $1,200 / £879 MSRP
• Around the $850 / £600 with deals in 2026
• Luxury finesse a cut above premium competition

The H95 were originally released back in 2020. The design hasn’t changed since, with the exception of colorways. In 2026, you can buy the H95 in blue, brown, black, or white/gold. I tested a slightly older model in white/silver, which are no longer stocked on the B&O site — but performance hasn’t changed.

As a rule, Bang & Olufsen gear doesn’t come cheap, and the Beoplay H95 are no exception. In the U.S., the H95 cost a whopping $1,199, while in the U.K., although not quite as extremely priced, they still cost a buttock-clenching £879 at Amazon. However, that's MSRP, and I've seen them drop as low as $850 in the States and £599 in Britain at the time of writing.

This puts the H95 way, way beyond much of our favorite premium closed-back competition. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2, for example, cost a mere $449; while the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 cost $479; and the Apple AirPods Max cost $549. We’re obviously into ultra-premium territory here, at least in the States, where the H95 compete with the $1,099 Focal Bathys MG.

So, is the steep price worth it over, say, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2? Probably not. I use the Bose at work, and they’re fantastic. But it’s kinda like asking whether a Ferrari is worth buying over a BMW. If you have the money, the H95 give you a luxury finesse that’s just a cut above the rest.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 review: Design & comfort

• Beautiful Scandi design and build quality
• Very comfortable thanks to premium materials
• Not for vegans

The B&O Beoplay H95 are gorgeous to behold, and then to actually hold, too. Aesthetically, they’re pure Scandi chic — simple, minimalist and contemporary. Despite the design being a few years old now, it hasn’t aged a day.

Build quality is phenomenal, partly thanks to the premium materials used: brushed aluminum for the structural bits, lambskin leather earcups, a combined leather and fabric headband — it’s all super luxurious. It isn’t just for show, though, and the H95 are well put together, too, feeling like a long-term investment. The construction is up there with the superbly crafted (and equally pricey) magnesium Focal Bathys, and a big step up over the rattly Bose QC Ultra Gen 2.

Unfortunately, there’s no faux-leather version, so vegans be warned! For vegan-friendly audiophile headphones, check out the FiiO FT13 ($329).

The H95 come with a square, hard-shell aluminum carry case. It’s very protective, but it scratches extremely easily and is hella bulky — which renders it problematic when carrying around in your bag. After scratching my case up taking it to work, I now just leave it at home. I’d prefer a hardened fabric case, as on the Focal Bathys and Bose QC Ultra Gen 2. Thankfully, the H95 fold, so they’re easy to slot into a bag on their own… just avoid them getting crushed.

The H95 are IP53 rated, meaning they’re dust-protected (that’s the 5) and will hold up against light sprays of water (the 3). As such, you needn’t worry about getting caught in a rain shower. IPX3 also makes them sweatproof, although I’d question the sense of getting $1,200 headphones all stinky and sweaty. If you will be doing that, the earcups can at least be removed with a simple twist, then replaced… for $149 a go.

Comfort

Despite all the luxurious materials, the H95 still feel nice and light on the head, although I prefer a suspended headband setup — like that on the Audeze LCD-X ($1,099) — for the feeling of true weightlessness.

The leather earcups are super soft, with thick padding inside. The same is true for the fabric headband interior, too. I love the capacious depth of the earcups, meaning I’ve never felt my helixes touch the drivers. There’s a soft fabric gauze inside the earcups, which is in reach of my ears — but it’s silky soft, delicately thin and, being elasticated, extremely forgiving, so no issues there. I’ve worn the H95 for hours at a time with zero complaints.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 review: Controls

• Combination of physical and touch controls
• Physical dials good but easy to knock
• Touch controls surprisingly reliable

The H95 are operated via a combination of physical and touch controls. On each earcup is a dial. The left controls noise cancellation, allowing you to rotate between transparency mode and ANC, and then to dial in the amount of cancellation you want — different chimes let you know when in each mode, and when ANC is maxed. The right-hand dial controls volume.

Both are easy to use, even when walking, although I’d have liked a little more tension on the dials. I found it easy to knock them when adjusting the headset or repositioning my (long) hair.

Playback controls are assigned to the right earcup, which has a touch-sensitive face. A tap pauses/plays; a finger swipe towards your face skips a track; and a swipe towards the back of your head goes backward. I normally hate touch controls, but I’ve got on with these just fine. Weirdly, they’re less easy to knock and engage than the dials, yet I’ve never failed to trigger them when I want to.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 review: Connectivity

• Bluetooth 5.1
• USB-C and 3.5mm connectivity best
• BT multipoint for everyday versatility

The H95 use Bluetooth 5.1, showing their age in 2026, where we’ve hit Bluetooth 6.1 — which brings (among other things) the LC3 Plus codec for higher-res playback. Of course, 5.1 was de rigueur in 2020 and, even today, most headphones and earbuds are still being released with 5.3 or 5.4 anyway (which have improved range and efficiency over 5.1, but nothing to seriously benefit sound quality). Codec-wise, there’s AAC and SBC, or aptX Adaptive for some higher-quality playback.

To make the most of these cans, though, you’ll want to use them wired, for which there are two ports: 3.5mm and USB-C (with cables and a 3.5mm splitter included in the carry case). I prefer USB-C, as this lets the headphone’s DAC oversee audio conversion when playing music from my laptop.

The Beoplay H95 also pair with the B&O app, which is fairly good. Setup is easy, but the app gets a little shaky if you’ve had to re-pair your headphones with your smartphone between uses. When it is working, the app offers EQ (-ish, more on this later), playback controls, ANC control, a wind guard to prevent buffeting (only accessible via the app, annoyingly) and battery status.

There’s also multipoint connectivity, so you can have the H95 hooked up to two Bluetooth devices at once. When using them for playback from my laptop, I was able to take calls on my phone automatically through the headphones. So useful.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 review: ANC

• ANC passable but not great
• Digital wind guard handy

Noise cancellation is my only major gripe with the H95. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t terrible, but it isn’t great either. I was still able to hear bus engines, as well as conversations around me — admittedly heavily muted on both counts.

The H95 ANC is on par with the much cheaper Shure Aonic Gen 2 ($349), but nowhere near the lofty heights of the Bose QC Ultra Gen 2 — the be all, end all of over-ear ANC. There’s obviously a simple way around this, though: just put on something heavy and turn up the volume.

The H95 also feature a wind guard, available via the companion app. This is useful if you live in a windy, rainy country like me (I’m in the U.K.), as it almost entirely cuts the annoying buffeting sound of wind. The Aonic Gen 2, by comparison, were terrible in this regard.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 review: Sound quality

• Detailed, textured sound
• Bass well controlled
• Wide soundstage

Sound quality is what the H95 are all about. The noise is beautiful and refined, with an expansive and detailed treble, punchy and precise mids, and warm yet controlled bass. There’s just so much detail to enjoy, making these perfect daily drivers for audiophiles.

I tested the H95 using Qobuz, the best music streaming service for audiophiles. I primarily listened over USB-C, at data transfer rates between 16-bit / 44.1 kHz (CD-quality) and 24-bit / 96-192 kHz (high-res). I also tested over Bluetooth when using the headphones out and about, but everything below is based on my notes from USB-C playback, using the headphones’ internal DAC.

EQ

I spent most of my time using the default Optimal EQ profile, which is well-balanced and suitable for almost everything. I’ll point out wherever I diverged from Optimal and why. Just to note, this isn’t a conventional EQ — to create a custom profile, you place a point on a circular map based on the characteristics you want (e.g. more bass). It’s much simpler than a banded or parametric EQ, but still works well for tailoring sound based on the results you want.

Treble

Sound is remarkably detailed. You’ll be hearing effects and noises you’ve never heard before in your most familiar tracks — subtle sparkles, retreating echoes, the softest of backing vocals. Much of this comes down to superb clarity in the treble. I could hear the faintest delay applied to the opening staccato claps in Alphaville’s synth-pop classic, Big in Japan. Danny Carey’s cymbals and high hats in Tool’s Pneuma, meanwhile, were beautifully crisp and sharp. Vocals sound great too — the ethereal vocals of Burn Water’s Ikigai standing tall above the song’s huge booming bass line.

The only uncomfortable treble was that baked into a song’s production to begin with — like Stewart Copeland’s piercing cymbals on The Police’s Truth Hits Everybody (which are usually borderline painful). I simply switched to a custom treble reduction EQ to solve the problem, using the B&O smartphone app via Bluetooth (even while listening on my laptop via USB-C). Very handy.

Mids

The H95 have the cleanest midrange of any cans I can remember using, with plenty of power yet ample definition. Guitar riffs sound super textured and clinical, even on sludgy and distorted songs. I could hear every single scratch of distortion on Metallica’s Seek & Destroy, and Melvins’ Honey Bucket. I use these songs to test mid-tone separation, as each features two guitars playing similar riffs to widen the sound, but which lesser cans can easily muddy together — no such problems on the H95.

Bass

Bass is rich and deep, but deftly controlled. As great as the Bose QC Ultra Gen 2 are, sometimes I find them a little bass-forward when I don’t want them to be. The H95 offer that extra balance and sophistication, scaling back bass to avoid overwhelming everything else. When you want the power and depth, though — in electronic dance music, for example — both are there for you. The big ol’ subby bassline of Burn Water’s Ikigai pulsated warmly through the drivers with no distortion at all.

If you need a little more oomph in the subby region — something I found on Skream’s ultra-low (and aptly named) Sub Island — no bother: simply crank the sound profile slider towards “High Bass”.

Soundstage

The H95 soundstage is lovely and wide, too. Mk.Gee’s Dream Police sounded as atmospherically spatial as it ought to, while the opening xylophonic chimes of Phil Collins’ Hand in Hand floated gracefully in stereo between each ear.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 review: Mic quality

• Mic a little tinny
• But fine for calls

The H95 microphone is a little weak, I’ll admit. I used the mic to record some voice clips and the results were a little scratchy and tinny. Likewise, I called my wife, and she reported my voice sounding a little distant.

Still, I had no problems using the H95 for phone calls over several months testing — speaking to family and friends, sorting admin over the phone, and even arranging a workshop appointment with a hard-of-hearing motorcycle mechanic. In short, the mic isn’t perfect, but it’s fine for calls — you’ll get by (although you may need to speak up).

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 review: Battery life

• Very strong 50-hour battery life
• 38 hours with ANC on
• Better than premium rivals

Bang & Olufsen rate the H95 for up to 50 hours of battery over Bluetooth with ANC off, and around 38 with ANC on. Most of my testing was spent listening through the H95 over USB-C, but I tested the headphones over Bluetooth for around a week, using them at work for four to five hours at a time. I was able to get around a week’s life out of the H95, more or less tracking to the 40-ish hours playback time.

This is strong battery life on paper — the QC Ultra, in comparison, are rated for 30 hours; the Focal Bathys MG for 38 hours. The H95 have the longevity for any situation you can throw at them, save travelling for days on end away from power sources.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 review: Verdict

There’s an old adage that ‘you get what you pay for’. Often, it’s pretty easy to debunk that as a tech journalist. There are a great many products out there which defy that rule — it’s just that the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 don’t.

These headphones look, feel, and behave every cent of their $1,200 price tag: effortlessly refined and highly detailed audio; gorgeous Scandi styling; premium build and construction. My only major gripe with them is the ANC, which could be better, but it’s by no means awful.

As extravagantly pricey as the H95 are, there’s no doubt in my mind: if I could afford these headphones, I’d buy them in a heartbeat.

Beyerdynamic DJ 300 Pro X are some rare headphones, capable of striking the balance between pumping bass and faithful detail without losing any sonic ferocity. But is this enough to make them some of the best headphones?

It depends on you and what you need from headphones. As you might’ve guessed from the name, the DJ 300 Pro X headphones are intended to be used by the disc jockeys amongst you. If you’re after cans with rich, punchy bass and an accurate reproduction of studio-quality detail, you’ll want to know about the DJ 300 Pro X.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The DJ 300 Pro X only really excel with electronic genres like house, DnB, techno, and garage. Rock, indie, and even some pop songs fall a little flat. But are you an electronic DJ? Highly likely, right? Then you’ll want to find out more in this Beyerdynamic DJ 300 Pro X review.

Beyerdynamic DJ 300 Pro X review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? Cans for the disc-jockeys of the world
• What does it cost? $279 / £169
• What do we like? The bass performance is rich and balanced without overpowering the detail in the treble
• What don’t we like? They’re weirdly expensive (especially in the U.S.) and not hugely versatile

Beyerdynamic DJ 300 Pro X review: Specs

Beyerdynamic DJ 300 Pro X review: Price & availability

The Beyerdynamic DJ 300 Pro X are $279 from Amazon U.S. and £169 from Amazon U.K.. This is reasonably pricey for on-ear DJ cans: I tested the $99 Rode NTH-50 and found they performed similarly. While I think the DJ 300 Pro X sound great, they’re probably not the best-value reference cans you can buy.

If you’re a music professional — be that studio or DJ — you’ll likely be familiar with Beyerdynamic. The German brand offers tons of professional-quality cans: the DT collection is ideal for studio recording and mixing thanks to the over-ear design (meaning they can be worn for longer periods than on-ears) and neutral tuning.

We reviewed the $159 Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro earlier in the year and awarded them a magnetic 5 stars, so might be worth checking out if you want Beyerdynamic sound quality for cheaper.

Pioneer also makes DJ headphones: the HDJ-CUE1 are just $89 from Amazon, and the HD-JX7 are $239 from Amazon. These are considerably cheaper than Beyerdynamic’s offering, so, again, could be worth checking out if you’re short on cash.

Finally, Sennheiser’s HD-25 are generally considered the “best in class” DJ headphones, and are just $142 from Amazon. These headphones are supremely comfortable and have swappable parts, so might be worthy competitors.

Beyerdynamic DJ 300 Pro X review: Design

• On-ear rather than over-ear
• Closed-back design to prevent ambient noise interference
• Uncomfortable for long periods

As you might expect from DJ cans, the DJ 300 Pro X are on-ear rather than over-ear. This is both a pro and a con: positively, the on-ear design means you can move the earcup back with little fanfare, so you can interact with the crowd or colleagues as necessary.

Negatively, the on-ear design means the DJ 300 Pro X are uncomfortable to wear for long periods. After just thirty minutes, my ears were aching, and I had to remove the headphones to allow my poor cartilage to recover. This issue was only exacerbated by my glasses, so I’d recommend glasses-wearers steer clear of on-ears.

This was true of the Rode NTH-50, so it’s an on-ear headphones issue rather than a DJ 300 Pro X issue. The Sennheiser HD-25 are on-ears that somehow don’t suffer from this, so I’d recommend them if you’re going to be playing for hours and hours.

If you have problems with on-ear cups like me, you can swap out for over-ear pads. I appreciate Beyerdynamic offering two wear styles with these headphones.

However, the cups themselves are soft, and there’s a decent amount of padding on the headband. You can add your own DJ branding if desired — but I didn’t get a chance to test this out as I didn’t have any replacements available.

The DJ 300 Pro X feel well-made and sturdy, and the integral parts are replaceable, so the $279 asking price isn’t outrageous here.

Beyerdynamic DJ 300 Pro X review: Connectivity

• 3.5mm and ¼ inch connectivity
• Can connect to left or right ear cup

The Beyerdynamic DJ 300 Pro X come with both a 3.5mm jack and a ¼ inch jack. I listened while connected to my MacBook Air M2 and had zero connectivity issues.

The headphones have a 2.5mm jack on both the left and right earcups, so you can switch depending on your listening device. Strangely, my MacBook Air M2 and MacBook Pro M1 have the headphone jack on opposite sides (right and left, respectively), so this is a necessary feature if you’re using multiple devices.

If you’re unfamiliar with DJ cans, you might be surprised by the lack of Bluetooth, but this is normal on studio or professional headphones. If you want optimal sound, you don’t want to be listening via Bluetooth. If you’re mixing tracks live, you want zero latency and zero connection interruptions, so wired headphones will be your savior here.

Beyerdynamic DJ 300 Pro X review: Sound quality

• Rich, clear bass and detailed treble
• Sounds best with electronic music
• Rock, metal, and alternative perform considerably worse

As the DJ 300 Pro X are (shockingly!) DJ headphones, they’ll sound a little different than your standard Bluetooth headphones. With Bluetooth headphones, the sound signature is often quite warm, rich, and bassy. Cans like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM6 are proof of this.

The DJ 300 Pro X are heavy on the detail, but bassier than reference or studio cans. This is a feature rather than a bug. DJ cans need to be bassy because you should mix basslines rather than mids — so being able to hear the low-end over a rowdy crowd and speaker setup is a necessity.

To test the DJ 300 Pro X, I listened to a range of genres on Qobuz, our best music streaming service for audiophiles.

First, I played ‘Blue’ by Billie Eilish, a dynamic, episodic track built over Eilish’s iconic breathy vocals, soft guitars and pianos, closing out with an electronic beat. The electronic, bass-heavy pulse sounded the best, with well-rounded lows and balanced high-frequency effects. I was surprised to find a little crackling at the top of the treble, as this isn’t something I’d expect from detail headphones.

After, I listened to Grimes to test out the balance between soft feminine vocals and electronic instrumentals. I played loads of tracks, but I’ll just discuss ‘Violence’ here. This track has an electrifying techno beat with Grimes’s ethereal vocals floating over the soundstage.

As expected, Grimes’s delicate vocals were prevalent at the front of the track, as were the high-frequency electronic percussion instruments, but there was a touch of softness in the treble. The bass was warm and rich, with no muddiness or confusion. I’ll just throw in one more track here: ‘4AEM’ by Grimes is a DnB-heavy track with clattering percussion and breathy vocals. This song was a particular standout, showcasing the DJ 300 Pro X’s immersive bass performance and ability to balance sound across the frequency range.

However, ‘We Appreciate Power’, a metal guitar-led track rather than electronic instruments, suffered from the same crispiness as the Billie Eilish record, so I wouldn’t recommend these cans for rock or heavy genres.

I’ll discuss ‘Pennyroyal Tea’ by Nirvana. This track has Nirvana’s classic grunge flair, groaning guitars layered over Kurt Cobain’s raspy vocal, with quiet verses and loud choruses. The choruses sounded a little flat, like the guitars and the vocals were recorded smashed together. The verses sounded better — more balance across the frequency range — but this song was far less dynamic than electronic genres.

In general, electronic music sounded the best. I know, shocking, seeing as the DJ 300 Pro X are DJ headphones. Even so, I tested with acoustic and rock music, too, for a balanced analysis. If you’re a rock, metal, or alternative DJ, you might want to consider something else. But for techno, DnB, house, garage, and anything in between, the DJ 300 Pro X balance bass and detail admirably.

Beyerdynamic DJ 300 Pro X review: Verdict

If you’re an electronic DJ, then the DJ 300 Pro X are fantastic headphones that’ll impress you. With faithful bass reproduction that balances studio-quality detail in the treble, you won’t miss a beat.

However, if you’re a rock, metal, indie DJ — anything predominantly guitar-based — you might be disappointed. The DJ 300 Pro X tend to muddy complex guitar-based instrumentals and suffer from a touch of crispness at the top of the treble. Even so — sweeping generalization incoming — many DJs might only need to consider electronic genre performance.

So if you’re one of the aforementioned electronic DJs, the DJ 300 Pro X are well worth looking into. Everyone else might be better off with the flatter Rode NTH-50.

Since the release of the Sony WH-1000XM6 in 2025, the previous model of the beloved headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, have moved into that price sweet-spot, offering great audio quality and noise cancelation at a reduced price.

But when there’s a new version available, why would you buy the old model? I hear ya — but there’s actually a whole bunch of similarities between the two sets of cans. I mean, they’re both some of the best noise-canceling headphones you can be. One's just a little bit newer.

If you want the comfort and stunning sound profile that comes with owning a pair of Sony’s flagship headphones — but are also conscious about your budget — then picking up the previous model is the best option.

The key differences

Upon first glance, the headphones look pretty much identical. It’s when you start looking a little closer that you see all of the details Sony changed to make the WH-1000XM6 a better fit. The most notable difference is that while the XM5 earcups rotate for storage, the XM6s are actually foldable, making them an easier and more compact option to throw in your bag.

The XM6s also benefit from the addition of Bluetooth LE and Auracast, and have heaps more room for EQ adjustment. While both headphones are supported by the Sony Connect app, you can certainly do more with the XM6s.

Active noise cancelation is also improved in the XM6 headphones, thanks to three additional mics. As a bonus, these also improve call quality.

Level playing field

But that’s pretty much where the differences stop. So now we've covered that, what are the similarities? Well, with ANC turned on, both models give 30 hours of battery life. I use the WH-1000XM5 headphones every day when I’m working, and I can go weeks between charges. This obviously depends on how loud I listen to the music, but it’s great to say that even with "older" headphones, I have no concerns about them dying on me.

When I’m looking for new headphones, battery life is one of the main things I take into consideration. I’m generally super forgetful, so I've found myself on more than one occasion ready to head out the door before realising my headphones are totally out of juice. But the 30 hours of battery life mean that this happens way less often, and I can rely on the headphones to power me through my whole day.

Good to be frugal

In this instance, I would advise being frugal. While the sound profile of the WH-1000XM6 headphones pips the XM5s to the post for more detailed listening, there’s not a great deal in it. In fact, when listening to more electronic music, I much prefer the sound profile of the XM5 headphones.

Of course, this is personal preference, but I'd argue $150 is more than just pocket change. It's a sizeable difference in outlay and when both headphones are at full price, it’s a no-brainer to go with the previous generation.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested the Sony WH-1000XM6 for three weeks — here’s my verdict
• YouTube Music is locking this key feature behind a paywall — because apparently Google has no shame
• HBO Max finally confirms U.K. launch date and pricing — and it'll be home to an exclusive Emmy award-winning drama

The Nothing Headphone (1) went from a pair of headphones I was disappointed by to headphones I love — all thanks to software updates. Since then, I've been more curious about what goodies the firm might be cooking up next. Thankfully, I've not got long to wait, because it looks like we'll see a follow-up sooner rather than later.

Thanks to billbil-kun at Dealabs (translated to English here), we've got some idea of when we might see the new (cheaper) Nothing Headphone (a), how much they'll cost in the U.K. and Europe, and what kind of colors we can expect them to come in. Color me intrigued.

What can we expect?

First things first — we've got a date. Apparently, they're launching on March 5 and you'll be able to buy some a week later on March 12. That's not too long to wait at all.

We've also got some colors — Pink, White, Black, and Yellow. That's two colors more than the Headphone (1), which only came in Black or White. These are going to be a whole lot more jazzy, from the looks of things, but you'll likely miss out on some of the more premium features of the costlier pair.

What that looks like remains to be seen, but sacrifices have to be made for price. We have prices too, although we're going to have to read between the lines to get an idea of how much they'll cost in the U.S.

We've got prices in Euros and pounds at the moment — €159 and £149. Looking at the Headphone (1), which cost £299 in the UK and $299 in the US, we could well get a similar pound-to-dollar price with this budget pair.

This is an exciting time for headphones and earbuds, especially now that brands are starting to make models that don't cost the world.

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Remember the Microsoft Surface Headphones? I’m sure you do.

The PC giant’s first-ever wireless headphones were noteworthy, but struggled to compete with the market’s best noise-canceling headphones. It wasn’t until the Surface Headphones 2 launched that business really picked up for Microsoft. Enhanced audio, intuitive features, and powerful connectivity earned them critical acclaim.

Then the product completely disappeared. No marketing. No software updates. No availability. Rumors of a threequel were also put to rest once Microsoft confirmed it was cancelling the next generation of Surface headphones back in 2023.

Microsoft's almost sequel

The closest we ever got to a follow-up was the Surface Headphones 2+. I tested them a few years back…and was greatly disappointed. That all changed recently.

My wife needed a pair of cans to use for business calls, so I passed along my unit since it was the closest option within reach. Never did I think that she would rave about them. Her reaction encouraged me to give the headphones a second shot. What I experienced was eye-opening.

The Surface Headphones 2+ aren’t just the best work-from-home headphones ever created – they’re essential for Microsoft Office enthusiasts.

Now, before you go pointing out other Microsoft Teams-certified headsets, know two things: (1) Office integration feels more natural and seamless with the Surface Headphones 2+ and (2) these headphones offer a lot more value when factoring in other hallmarks.

Come see what I’m talking about.

The perfect Office companion

Let me preface this by stating that I am not a Windows user. I’m a macOS and Android guy. That didn’t affect how I used the Surface Headphones 2+ since most Microsoft-related features are tied to the company’s cloud-based productivity suite: Microsoft 365.

Voice dictation on these headphones is on point. Best of all, it works with all Office apps: OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word. I used voice-to-text to create captions and subtitles for PowerPoint presentations and transcribe email responses. The feature is highly intelligible.

Half the reason why voice dictation performs at an elite level is Microsoft’s excellent software engineering. The other half is credited to the Surface Headphones 2+’s built-in mics, which demonstrate stellar speech recognition. That same functionality carries over to digital assistance for flawless Google Assistant and Siri voice command execution.

The Play My Email feature is just as rewarding. I’m someone who leaves his inbox with zero unread messages at the end of the day. Hearing emails in real-time was more efficient than skimming through dozens of lines of text. This allowed me to multitask around the house and not miss or overlook important emails.

A true Microsoft Teams player

The “big” change that Microsoft implemented on the Surface Headphones 2+ was the USB Link dongle. It comes bundled with the purchase and is exclusive to this version of the headphones. The accessory bypasses Bluetooth to form a dedicated connection for Microsoft Teams. I found it more reliable than standard Bluetooth when paired to my MacBook Pro. Connectivity was stabler and stronger. It also made pairing faster and provided in-call controls for Teams chats.

Everything else that makes the Surface Headphones 2+ an underrated gem

People forget how innovative the original Surface Headphones were when they came out. At the time, it didn’t matter if their active noise cancellation was secondary to category leaders, like the Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000xM4. The fact that Microsoft gave us 13 levels of ANC was astounding. That same technology holds up strong to this day.

Much of the fracas that surrounded me when working on my balcony was muted. That included dogs barking, landscaping tools, and talkative pedestrians by the pool area. High-pitched sounds (e.g., crying babies, whistles) were audible, but never broke my concentration.

It’s also worth reminding people that Microsoft’s headphones were some of the first models to feature Ambient and Passthrough modes. Both work exceptionally well on the Surface Headphones 2+. Ambient mode effectively increases situational awareness, while Passthrough mode demonstrates exceptional vocal capture to hear conversations loudly and clearly.

I’m glad Microsoft hasn’t ended smartphone support for the Surface Headphones lineup. Otherwise, we’d lose out on audio personalization features like the customizable EQ with multiple presets and Qualcomm’s aptX codec for CD-like sound over Bluetooth (Android and Windows only). These are accessible through the Surface app.

Lastly, the Surface Headphones series boasts one of the most attractive and unique designs constructed. It’s all in the details. What’s not to love about the creative dial controls, plush leather padding, sleek arched yokes, and sturdy craftsmanship that outclasses current minimalist-styled favorites (e.g., Apple AirPods Max, Sony WH-1000xM6).

The Surface Headphones 2+ currently sell for $149 at Amazon – an unbeatable deal considering their premium ANC, audio quality, design, and MS365 integration. Believe me when I say that your home office setup is incomplete without them.

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When I'm buying headphones for either myself or someone I love, there are a few things I look for. Solid ANC. Long battery life. Excellent sound quality. Exceptional comfort. These features are absolutely non-negotiable. If the headphones don't sound good, or can't isolate sound well, or they die quickly, I want nothing to do with them.

I take a similar approach when I'm reviewing headphones and earbuds for work. Recently, I tested a set of cans that costs less than $50 and it convinced me that you should always spend more on headphones if you can. Just because something is cheap doesn't mean you have to buy it — take a look at the Tribit QuietPlus 81, as an example.

The QuietPlus 81 caught my eye last week, sitting on our testing shelf, the box with the words "ULTRA LONG BATT, SMOOTH TALKING" staring right at me. So I picked them up to review them. These headphones boast 110 hours of battery life, decent ANC, and a comfortable, foldable design, all for less than $50. So what's the problem? Well, let me take you through it — and present you with a strong case as to why you should always spend more on headphones.

You don't want to start disliking your favorite artists, do you?

Whether you're a casual listener or an audiophile, sound quality is one thing that should never be compromised on. After all, we all love appreciating our favorite musicians for their art, right? Personally, I don't want to use a set of cans that makes me dislike Pink Floyd or Twenty One Pilots. The Tribit QuietPlus 81 are fitted with 40mm drivers which, according to Tribit, deliver enhanced bass response.

I don't agree with this. In my testing, I found the bass sounded muddy and lost all nuance, especially in tracks like ‘Longview’ by Green Day and ‘Casualty' by Linkin Park. Percussion instruments, like drums, struggle when listened to through the QuietPlus 81 too. Snare hits sound shrill and unpleasant, overzealous almost.

The best part of the QuietPlus 81? The vocals, probably, which sound fairly decent and clear, in tracks that don't feature multiple instruments. For pop songs or acoustic tracks, the headphones are fine, but for everything else, I'd recommend other cans, such as the JLab JBuds Lux ANC or the 1More SonoFlow SE. Though they're pricier than the QuietPlus 81, they're well-worth the extra spend as they feature a well-balanced, rounder sound profile.

Premium build quality goes a long way

When you buy headphones (or any tech, really) one of the most important things to consider is the build quality. While not true for all cans, budget headphones usually don't utilize top-notch materials — that's why they're cheap! The Tribit QuietPlus 81 are made of ABS plastic which feels too plasticky for my liking. They squeak a bit, especially when you're folding and unfolding them, which makes me question just how long they'll actually last.

It's also worth noting that when there's no music playing through the QuietPlus 81, there's a static noise that makes it sound like you're underwater. I'm not entirely sure why this is, but it could be related to the poor build quality. Tribit doesn't specify the waterproof rating either, so I wouldn't recommend using these cans when it's raining heavily or while you're dripping sweat at the gym.

An area they do last a long time, though? Battery life. "ULTRA LONG BATT" in bold, all-caps is written on the product box, and Tribit isn't lying. The QuietPlus 81 are rated for a whopping 110 hours (with ANC off) or 70 hours (with ANC on). Even after six hours of using the headphones, I still had 100% battery, which is amazing. It's even longer than the pricier Marshall Monitor III, a premium pair of headphones that can last 100 hours between charges.

What are my options, then?

Okay, so you don't want to buy the Tribit QuietPlus 81 but you also don't want to spend hundreds on a competent set of cans, so what are your options? Lucky for you, there are a few! And though the following aren't as cheap as the QuietPlus 81, I believe it's worth spending the extra dollars on them as they offer better build quality, better sound, and better value for money.

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• ‘These headphones boast 110 hours of battery life — but fail to make up for the poor sound’: Tribit QuietPlus 81 review
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Tribit is well-known for making budget audio gear, and the latest addition to its extensive lineup are the Tribit QuietPlus 81 over-ear headphones. These cans pack some serious battery life, rated at 110 hours with ANC off — yes, they’ve got ANC, which is quite cool considering they cost just under $50!

Alongside long battery life and ANC, you get decent sound quality, as sub-$50 headphones go. But if you’re an audiophile or someone who truly appreciates the nuances in music, I’d consider other options. Muddy bass, tinny percussion and a lackluster companion app really let these cans down.

To find out if they deserve a spot among the best cheap headphones, read my full Tribit QuietPlus 81 review.

Tribit QuietPlus 81 review: Specs

Tribit QuietPlus 81 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A very cheap pair of headphones with ANC
• Who is it for? Anyone who’s on a tight budget and doesn’t mind a few compromises
• How much does it cost? $49 / £49
• What do we like? The low price tag, long battery life, decent ANC, and decent sound quality for the price
• What don’t we like? The muddy bass, tinny percussion, and lackluster companion app

Tribit QuietPlus 81 review: Price & availability

If you’re on the hunt for cheap headphones, then the Tribit QuietPlus 81 should be right up your street. They retail for just $49 / £49 at Amazon, making them some of the cheapest headphones or earbuds I’ve used so far. However, you aren’t exactly spoiled for choice when it comes to colors, as the headphones come in just black.

Since they’re so inexpensive, do they even face any competition? They do indeed. The EarFun Wave Life ($59) cost $10 more, but honestly, I wouldn’t recommend them to even my worst enemy. I would, however, recommend the 1More SonoFlow SE ($54), which boast a robust sound profile. There’s also the JLab JBuds Lux ANC ($79), which are some of the best-sounding budget cans out there.

All of this is to say that I’d happily spend a little more on either the 1More or the JLab over the QuietPlus 81. These headphones aren’t bad per se, but they won’t impress any hardcore music lovers.

Tribit QuietPlus 81 review: Design & comfort

• Soft protein leather earcups
• Hit-or-miss wear detection
• Foldable design for easy transport

I’ll be honest: when it comes to design, the Tribit QuietPlus 81 aren’t winning any awards at Paris Fashion Week. As run-of-the-mill headphones, they look like practically any other pair out there. In fact, if I asked you to draw a photo of headphones — any headphones — I’m fairly certain you’d end up drawing the QuietPlus 81. They come in all-black, with their body made of ABS plastic.

The QuietPlus 81 weigh 10 ounces, which is fairly light. They’re a little heavier than the JLab JBuds Lux ANC (8.2 ounces) and the 1More SonoFlow SE (8.4 ounces), but the difference is barely noticeable. Their headband is fitted with protein, artificial leather cushioning, which helps lighten the pressure you’d otherwise feel on the top of your head.

My favorite design feature on the QuietPlus 81 are the soft ear cushions, which are super comfortable to wear for long periods. Having worn them for six consecutive hours, I didn’t experience much discomfort, and my ears didn’t get too hot, as they had previously done when testing. The earcups also fold inwards, making it easy to carry the headphones in a small bag.

Though Tribit doesn’t mention this on the product page, I noticed that the headphones feature wear detection — but it’s very hit-or-miss. It worked sometimes when I removed the cans, but most of the time, it didn’t. Even my coworker, Erin, noticed this glaring flaw, so I know it wasn’t just me gaslighting myself.

Tribit QuietPlus 81 review: Connectivity

• Bluetooth 6.0 with SBC
• Can connect to two devices at once
• 3.5mm for wired playback

The Tribit QuietPlus 81 boast Bluetooth 6.0, and this is the first time I’ve tried a set of cans with the latest version. This means that the headphones maintain a stable connection to your smartphone even when they’re 50 meters / 164 feet away from the source. I tested this out by walking the entire length of our testing lab, and not once did the connection drop.

As for codecs, the only codec the QuietPlus 81 support is SBC, which means you don’t get access to hi-res codecs, such as AAC, LDAC or aptX Lossless. Keep in mind that these cans cost under $50, so it isn’t surprising that these have been left out. This is also the case with the pricier JLab JBuds Lux ANC, so not unheard of in this price range.

Thanks to multipoint connectivity, you can pair the QuietPlus 81 with two smart devices at once, and swap between input sources as and when needed. I tried this by connecting the headphones to my Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and MacBook Air M2 simultaneously, and it worked like a charm.

If you fancy wired playback, you can do that too, as the headphones feature a 3.5mm jack on the right earcup, and an aux cable is included in the box. Overall, this is a fairly solid feature set for a pair of budget headphones.

Tribit QuietPlus 81 review: Controls & app

• Easy-to-use physical buttons
• Touch controls too!
• Lackluster companion app

The Tribit QuietPlus 81 utilize a combination of touch and physical buttons. The buttons located on the right earcup let you toggle ANC on and off, and change the volume, so they’re fairly straightforward. Tapping the earcups lets you activate a smart assistant, as well as activate the XBass EQ, which, in all honesty, doesn’t make much of a difference.

To customize the touch controls, you first need to update the QuietPlus 81’s firmware via the Tribit smartphone app. Easily done, yes, but customization is very limited. I was unable to assign any playback controls to the earcups, such as increase/decrease volume, as that’s bound to the physical buttons. I wish Tribit had settled for one or the other: either give me full touch controls or a full set of physical ones. It feels convoluted for no reason.

This also brings me to my next point: the Tribit app. The app is… fine, and there’s nothing special about it. It lets you update the firmware, customize controls, choose an EQ preset, and customize the 10-band equalizer. What I dislike, though, is that the app feels very clunky. There are three sub-menus when there only need to be two: one for hardware settings (like controls) and EQ. This app could have definitely been more polished.

Tribit QuietPlus 81 review: Sound quality

• Vocals are probably the best part
• Muddy bass and tinny percussion
• Static noise when nothing is playing

As a senior reviews writer at Tom’s Guide, I’ve tested my fair share of headphones: the good, the bad and the ugly. I feel like the Tribit QuietPlus 81 fall somewhere between the first two categories. I wouldn’t recommend them to hardcore music enthusiasts or audiophiles as the bass is muddy, percussion lacks character and vibrance and the best part is probably the vocals.

To test the headphones, I put on a few tracks I’m intimately familiar with on Qobuz, the best music streaming service for hi-res audio. I’ll talk about the good thing first: the vocals. The folksy vocals in First Aid Kit’s ‘My Silver Lining’ sounded warm and smooth. The duo’s vocals sounded harmonious, and the transition between low notes to high ones towards the end didn’t feel abrupt.

Similarly, in ‘Hayloft II’ by Mother Mother, the male and female voices and pitches were well-balanced. Their screams never sounded too shrill or distant.

The QuietPlus 81 are equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers, which, Tribit claims, deliver “an incredible boost to bass performance.” I don’t fully agree with that because, to me, the bass just sounds loud. Not detailed. Not nuanced. Loud.

This was most apparent while listening to ‘Longview’ by Green Day, a track in which Mike Dirnt’s bassline feels like the protagonist, driving the song. The bass notes here are usually bouncy with a slight growl in the mid-range. The QuietPlus 81 negate that completely, making the bass sound muddy and muffled, and it loses all nuance.

I gave the bass another shot by listening to Linkin Park’s ‘Casualty,’ a post-hardcore track featuring multiple guitars and drums. The bass sounded a little better here with better low-end impact, but I immediately noticed the drums and percussion sounding tinny. The heavy snare hits ended up sounding shrill and unpleasant. It felt like the QuietPlus 81 got overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do with themselves.

It’s also worth noting that when nothing is playing through the headphones, there’s a strange static noise that stops once music plays. It sort of sounds like you’re underwater, but thankfully, it doesn’t intrude on the actual listening experience.

Listen along to my review with the Tribit QuietPlus 81 testing playlist:

Tribit QuietPlus 81 review: Call quality

• Decent microphone
• Works fine in busy environments, too

When you look at the Tribit QuietPlus 81’s box, you’ll notice that it says “SMOOTH TALKING.” It’s hard to miss, really, because it’s in all caps, bold letters. You’d think that the headphones are smooth-talkers, like they’ve got rizz, as the youths say. I can’t attest to whether they have rizz or not, but it basically implies that they have a decent microphone, as proven in my testing.

I spoke with my partner on the phone and through the headphones, and she said that my voice was loud and clear, and that she could hear the construction workers behind me, but only slightly. This is because the QuietPlus 81’s mic features five noise-canceling mics, and clearly, these work well.

Tribit QuietPlus 81 review: ANC

• ANC for very, very cheap
• Okay at best, indoors and outdoors

Before I purchase headphones or earbuds, I always check that they feature active noise cancelation (ANC). It’s a non-negotiable for me, as I like to fully immerse myself in the music I’m listening to, and I don’t want to be bothered on my commute. The Tribit QuietPlus 81 certainly check that box as they feature ANC — at such a low price too. Whether that ANC is good or not is another story. I’d describe it as "okay" at best.

In my testing, I found the ANC worked decently indoors. The clickity-clackity sounds emitting from my Keychron Q12 HE were minimized, but I could still hear my coworkers speaking with each other, as well as the coffee machine whirring to life. Outdoors, I could hear cars honking in the distance. All of this took place while I was listening to music at 60% volume.

If you want better, more effective ANC, I’d recommend the JLab JBuds Lux ANC instead.

Tribit QuietPlus 81 review: Battery life

• Whopping 110-hour battery life
• 70 hours with ANC on

If there’s one thing the Tribit QuietPlus 81 excel at, it’s battery life. After all, the box clearly reads “ULTRA LONG BATT” in all caps. With ANC off, these headphones can last up to 110 hours, and this drops to 70 hours when ANC is active. I still had 100% battery, according to my phone, after having used the headphones for six hours. Mind you, this is even longer than the headphones I use every day: the Marshall Monitor III ($349) can last up to 100 hours with ANC off, and 70 hours with ANC on.

They also blow their competition out of the water in the battery department. With ANC off, the JLab JBuds Lux ANC and the 1More SonoFlow SE can both last 70 hours each, while the EarFun Wave Life are rated at just 60 hours between charges. The QuietPlus 81 are bested only by the EarFun Tune Pro ($69) with their 120-hour battery life.

Tribit QuietPlus 81 review: Verdict

As sub-$50 headphones go, the Tribit QuietPlus 81 aren’t the worst ones I’ve tested so far. For the price, you get fairly decent ANC and up to 110 hours of juice packed into a comfortable, foldable design. Sound quality is where the headphones, unfortunately, suffer the most. While vocals are clear, bass and percussion are not, and you struggle to appreciate the finer details.

But say you’re at an airport and your headphones just broke, and you need a pair to get you through a long-haul flight, and you spot these cans at a shop, you’d buy them. You’d be satisfied for the duration of your flight, yes, but once you’re off the plane, you’ll want to get your broken cans fixed as soon as possible.

The QuietPlus 81 are good in a pinch, but for serious listening, look elsewhere.

The Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro headphones have seriously changed the way I listen to music and practice guitar. Headphones that are comfortable and great at their job are pretty hard to come by, but these studio cans tick all of my boxes.

As studio headphones, the Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro are specifically designed for detailed listening and production. They are great for music listening too, as the balanced sound profile complements pretty much every genre. Lightweight but sturdy, they’re perfect for taking with you anywhere and creating a portable setup.

To find out more about the headphones, keep reading this Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro review.

Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? Compact studio headphones for detailed listening
• Who is it for? Semi-professional musicians who want to hear every detail in their music
• What does it cost? The Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro headphones are available for $159/£89
• What do we like? They are comfortable to wear for longer periods, and are lightweight and compact for travel. They provide detailed sound that suits a wide variety of genres, making them ideal for musicians.
• What don’t we like? Virtually nothing.

Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro review: Specs

Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro review: Price & availability

The Beyerdynamics DT 270 Pro headphones are available in the U.S. from Beyerdynamic direct for $159. In the U.K., they can be purchased on Amazon for £89. Since these are studio headphones, they can’t be compared to typical consumer headphones.

Other studio headphones include the Rode NTH-50s, which cost $109/£99 — a little cheaper in the U.S. than in the U.K. However, in my opinion, these don’t look as good as the Beyerdynamics, which are also far more comfortable as they have an over-ear instead of an on-ear design.

Sony MDR-7506 are beloved studio cans in the audio world and are a little cheaper at $109, but they’re not designed to be taken with you on the go like the DT 270s. The Sennheiser HD25 headphones are well-suited to metal if that’s your bag, but will cost you a little more at $199.

These headphones are a part of the compact collection from Beyerdynamic, making them pretty basic. But if you’re looking to splurge, for $199 you could get the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones, which might be better for you if you have a fixed professional setup. They still feature a closed back design, but these headphones are a pretty big step up from the 270 Pros as they offer a far more durable build, and a fixed aux input.

Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro review: Design & features

• Comfortable to wear for long periods
• Lightweight and compact
• Wired adapters included

Beyerdynamic is known for its studio headphones, and the DT 270 Pro headphones are a compact version of the DT 240 Pros. They are professional headphones for anyone who needs a space-saving solution for on-the-go, detailed listening. They are super lightweight at only 6.8 ounces, so you can take them with you wherever you go.

The all-black design with gray velour ear cups makes them look very sleek while remaining minimal. The padding on the headband makes them incredibly comfortable, and the headband slides to make them bigger or smaller, depending on your desired fit.

They are over-ear headphones, but only just. What does that mean? While they entirely encapsulate my ear, it’s a snug fit. So if you have bigger ears, you may find the cups sit on top of them slightly. This is all in the interest of staying compact. We’ve got an upgrade from the Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro headphones, then, which had smaller earpads. The extra padding means extra comfort in the DT 270 Pros.

This is a welcome change from other studio headphones we’ve tested at Tom’s Guide, like the Rode NTH-50s. When my colleague Erin was testing the Rode NTH-50 headphones, I got to try them on and listen to a couple of songs. One thing that struck me about them was how uncomfortable they were, but they are on-ear headphones. Because of the ultra-padded over-ear cups, the DT 270 Pro headphones are a total no-brainer when it comes to comfort.

Another perk is that these headphones are a lot lighter than the Beyerdynamic DT 770, which are more robust and designed to be left in the studio, rather than taken with you anywhere. Both sets of headphones are closed back, which means that the sealed design will provide great noise isolation, but for more serious studio time, the DT 770s are the better option.

The DT 270 Pros are analog headphones and come with a 3.5mm coiled cable, which I found useful when using the headphones with instruments, as I was able to position the cable out of the way easily. But if you’re looking for Bluetooth, wireless, rechargeable cans, these aren’t for you. But you could look at something like the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 headphones, which come with epic battery life and impressive ANC capabilities.

On top of the 3.5mm coiled cable, the DT 270 Pro headphones ship with a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter and a 1/4" jack included with the headphones. The USB-C adapter allows me to plug into my computer or phone, and I can use the 1/4" jack to plug into my amplifier and listen to my guitar through the headphones. Everything stores away neatly in the included drawstring bag, and the earcups fold in for a better fit when storing them.

Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro review: Audio quality

• Incredible detail
• Can cope with a variety of genres
• Great for instrument practice

Getting to test the Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro headphones has been so much fun, and I would recommend them to any music geeks who want something for detailed listening.

Whether I was just listening to my regular playlist or plugged into my amp or piano, the DT270 headphones gave me accurate and faithful sound replication. These headphones are designed with recording and monitoring in mind, but the balanced sound profile allowed me to hear all of the details in my regular music listening.

To test out the headphones with music, I listened to a variety of genres with different tempos to see how much detail I could hear in the songs. I tested using 24-bit/192KHz tracks on Qobuz, our recommended best streaming service for audiophiles, so I was hearing the least compressed version of the track possible. The headphones showed off how much detail they can really capture.

I started by listening to Delete Ya by Djo, a song that blurs the lines between psychedelic punk and synth pop. There was far more detail in the song with the Beyerdynamics (which comes as a shock to nobody) than my Beats Studio3, which are my go-to consumer headphones for daily listening while I commute. The drums sounded far more detailed and accentuated sibilant, high-frequency sounds on the hi-hats. The pronunciation of the vocals in the mids also sounded enhanced, and I could hear every breath taken by the singer; the treble was well-balanced. The bassline was also prominent — no aspect of the song was left behind.

Next, I listened to Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind & Fire (with The Emotions). This is a classic, but the powerful disco funk can sometimes be a lot for headphones since there is so much going on and a lot of layers to digest. After a little boogie-ing of my own, it was clear that despite the challenge, the DT 270 Pros presented every instrument perfectly with impressive instrument separation. I could hear the frequency of the wind instruments clearly, along with the vocal harmonies and prominent bassline.

Finally, I listened to In My Room by Julia Wolf. This is one of my favorite songs as it starts very melodic and calm before bursting into a gothic explosion from acoustic to electric guitar. These headphones make this song shine, thanks to their excellent sound separation. In the delicate finger-picked acoustic guitar at the start, I felt I could hear every string clearly. Even when it dipped into distortion-heavy electric guitar and powerful drums, there was no issue with balance, and I could still hear Julia’s vocals prominently above the fuzz.

So, in short, these headphones can do it all. They can cope with the delicate whistles of wind instruments stacked up with heavy drums, all the while separating vocals to give the best detailed listening experience.

I also tested the Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pros with my music gear. I plugged the headphones into my amplifier using the jack adapter and connected them to the amp up to my guitar. I ended up trying the headphones out with four of my guitars and was totally impressed by their ability to replicate the timbre of each instrument. Each note I played was clear and sonorous, and I could hear every dynamic movement. They’re a great choice for anyone who wants to get detailed feedback when practicing with an instrument.

Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro review: Verdict

The Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro headphones are virtually perfect. They do exactly what they are designed for and do it well. Since they are compact and lightweight, they’re the perfect addition for any musicians or audiophiles who need a solution for detailed listening on the go.

They offer detailed sound and allow me to hear every layer of the songs I listen to. This is perfect for my eclectic taste, as they work well with pretty much any genre because of the incredible instrument separation. The cherry on top is how comfortable they are to wear all day long, so they're great for intense production sessions. These headphones are a must-have for anyone who wants detailed listening on the go.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are some top-quality headphones, featuring excellent ANC and good sound quality. But did you know that all of the best headphones can benefit from some settings tweaks in their applications?

All it takes is some time and some helpful tips, and you can push your great headphones up to barnstorming headphones. I've managed to dial my WH-1000XM6 in exactly as I like them, to the point that they replaced my Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2 as my ANC cans of choice. Here's how I did it.

1. Activate DSEE

DSEE is very cool indeed, especially if you use an iPhone. It's a clever AI upscaler, like those that take DVD quality movies and brings them up to modern standards in your fancy TV, only it works for music.

It takes previously lower-quality MP3s from sources like Spotify and then enhances their sound quality. For iPhone users who don't have access to higher-quality codecs like LDAC and AptX, this is an audio game-changer.

To activate the setting, open the Sony Sound Connect app and navigate to the Headphone settings menu. From there, find the Sound Quality/Volume menu, and select DSEE Extreme. Set it to Auto, and you're away!

Bare in mind that it uses more battery, so be prepared to offer up the staying power of your headphones on the alter of sound quality. It's a sacrifice worth making.

2. Change the EQ

Out of the box, the WH-1000XM6 sound very good. They're very focussed on the vocals, and still suffer from "flagship headphone-itis" — they're obsessed with low-end to an almost pathalogical degree. It's no great problem, but I find that dialling things in to compensate can make a really big difference to their sound.

You'll want to find the EQ menu first. It's located on the Homepage of the Sony Sound Connect app. Hit the big button, and now you've got a couple of options. There's a good few EQ presets you can use to dial the sound, so that you don't have to get your hands dirty. I like Clear as a good baseline — it raises the highs for a more up top. Cymbals, etc.

For those who want even more granular control, hit the edit button. This will give you a full 10 levels of adjustment. I like to bring the sub and mid-bass down a little to take out some of the rumble.

3. Setup spatial audio

If you're going to be sampling the spatial audio talents of Amazon Music Unlimited, then you're going to need to dial in the 360 reality audio and spatial audio settings of the WH-1000XM6. It's super simple to do, thankfully, and makes your Dolby Atmos experience a whole lot more engaging.

Head to the Settings menu in the Sound Connect app, and look for the Sound Quality/Volume tab. From here, you'll need to initialize the Spatial Sound Optimization. Follow the on-screen instructions, and you're away!

Then there's the 360 Reality Audio Setup. This only works with a few different Sony applications, but it's worth doing to make sure you're all squared away for spatial audio systems.

4. Make sure you're using LDAC

Sad news for iPhone folks — this one is only going to work for Android users. LDAC is a higher quality codec, pumping much higher-findelity music over Bluetooth directly to your earholes. So that you can hear them.

Much like DSEE above, this also dents the battery life of your headphones and can make the Bluetooth connection spottier, but it's well worth it.

Find the setting in the Sound Connect app. It's hidden away in the Settings menu, and then the Sound Quality/Volume section. Find the LDAC setting, and toggle it to Auto. Some Android phones don't support the higher quality audio standard, so make sure your device does by checking its specs.

5. Turn off ANC

OK, so this one is going to take some explaining. Part of ANC uses the frequencies of the music that you're listening to to counteract the noise of the outside world. It's designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, but the algorithm is so strong to make the ANC better that some sonic differences are noticeable.

I've found that it makes your music slightly bassier to compensate for sounds outside. In order to make sure that the audio has as much of a chance of sounding great as possible, I turn the ANC off when I don't need it. Now the sound has more of a chance to breathe.

It's super simple and makes a surprising difference. Bonus — extra battery life! You can turn the ANC off by heading to the Sound Connect app, selecting the Ambient Sound Control tab, and picking the Off setting.

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Straight out of the box, Bose headphones are great. Their ANC ranks amongst the very best noise canceling headphones available, blocking out more sound than just about anything else. But they can get even better thanks to some slight tweaks in their settings menu.

We can improve their sound quality with a quick dip into a sub-menu, extend their sound stage with an extra feature and even improve their useability. There's only one thing that you need (well, two, including the headphones): The Bose app. It's available for Android and iOS, so you have no excuse.

1. Improve the sound quality

Bose headphones sound good. They've got plenty of detail and a powerful low end. But they can sound even better. With a just a quick trip to the EQ section in the Bose app, we can dial in the Quietcomfort lines sound to something even more sonically pleasing.

They all suffer from the same problem — over reliance on the low end. Well, lets take some of that crutch away from them by dialling down the bass slider a couple of notches. I like to leave it around -2. We leave the mids alone, and then we turn our attention to the highs. I like to bring it up around +2, to bring some extra dimension to the sound.

You'd be surprised how much of a difference it makes. It's one of the first things I do to Bose headphones when they arrive on my desk, once I've had a try with the out-of-box sound.

2. Add a multipoint device

If you've ever become irritated endlessly connecting and reconnecting your headphones to different devices, then the multiconnect built into certain Bose models is going to be a lifesaver. Pause your media on your phone, and then instantly connect to your laptop for a work call.

To initialize the system, head to the "multipoint" tab in the app. From there, initiate a connection and find the headphones in the Bluetooth menu of the second source device. Et voilà — done!

You can only connect to two or three things at once, mind you. This works with most Bose headphones and earbuds. Check the Bose app how many devices your headphones support.

3. Change the shortcut

This feature is only compatible with the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones line. Using the touch-sensitive panel on the right earcup, you can activate various features in your headphones. Press and hold to activate.

Find the Shortcut menu in the Bose app, and then choose one of four different options. You can hear the battery level, change the Immersive Audio mode, Access your voice assistant, or start a Spotify listening session.

Or, you can turn it off completely.

4. Create some modes

This feature is unique to the QuietComfort Ultra line of headphones and earbuds. Changing both the ANC and the Immersive Audio settings of your headphones separately can be annoying, so Bose has allowed you to make different "modes" that change both simultaneously.

Perhaps you want max ANC when you're out and about, but the static Immersive Audio mode so that it doesn't sound strange when you're walking around. You can make a mode that instantly sets both to your desired settings. Perhaps you want slightly less ANC and head-tracked spatial audio. You can make a mode that does that too.

Head to the modes tab of the Bose app, and press the "+" button. From there, you can add and change modes.

5. Change how much of yourself you can hear on a call

When you take a call with your Bose headphones, there's a certain amount of your voice that the headphones feed you so that it doesn't sound unnatural. To some people it's either too much or not enough, so you'll want to change the level.

Head to the Bose app, and select the little settings wheel in the top right hand corner of the screen. Scroll down until you see the "Self Voice" setting. From here, choose your preferred level, and back out of the menu.

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I get why the best wireless headphones are so popular. They're convenient, there's no wires to tangle, and you don't have to worry about source quality or wired dongles. You turn them on, connect them to your phone, and you play your music.

Now, as everything around us becomes ever-more convenient, the allure of wired headphones and their juxtaposing simplicity in use and complexity in choice and sound becomes ever more tempting.

We have now been many, many years without a headphone jack in the iPhone line. Many of us think back to wired headphones and remember tangled cables and wrapping wires around phones for continued life.

But times are different, technology has moved on, and wired headphones are better than ever. And, perhaps controversially, a better choice in 2026 when buying some new headphones.

No battery life to worry about

I can't think of many things more annoying (except, perhaps, a rash) than picking up your headphones ready for a day of music only to discover that you forgot to charge them. Instant devastation, day ruined, where on earth did I leave my charging cable?

That's not the case with wired headphones. After all, they're powered by the device you're listening to as opposed to a built-in battery, so you don't need to worry about charging them. Pick them up, put them in your bag, and connect the cable when you want to use them. Simple. Reason one to choose some wired headphones.

Better sound

Generally, to achieve the best sound possible with a pair of wireless headphones, you'll need to spend hundreds of dollars. While some cheaper options sound fine, they pale in comparison to something with a wire that costs the same.

Cheaper options, like the Fiio FT13 (pictured above), cost less than the Sony WH-1000XM6, and sound much better. They don't have to worry about doing double or even triple duty with ANC and other features — all they have to do is play your music. And they do it very well indeed.

Generally, the price-to-sound performance ratio is drastically weighted towards wired headphones. Perfect if you want the best sound possible.

Often better comfort

Ok, so this isn't true for every pair of wired headphones (some of them are very uncomfortable indeed), but it's often much easier to find comfortable wired headphones than it is wireless ones.

It comes by virtue of them not having as many things in them. Instead, they're often very light and covered with snazzy leather (or leather-alike) padding. There are wired models that I've worn for hours and hours and completely forgotten about — even when not listening to music.

Generally, look for something with a leather suspension band and shaped earcups. Even better, try them out before you buy. Then you'll know just how comfortable they might be.

They work with just about anything

While most modern devices support Bluetooth, not all legacy ones do. Even then, some devices that you use now don't want you to use Bluetooth headphones — Xbox Series X, I'm looking at you. What they all will work with, however, is wired headphones.

Phones? Grab a cheapo dongle and get listening. Your game consoles? There are 3.5mm jacks on the controller, or the system itself (a la Nintendo Switch 2). If your laptop doesn't have a headphone jack, then I'll eat my slippers.

So grab that old iPod out of the drawer, and get listening.

There are some sacrifices

There are a few things you're going to have to give up if you opt for some wired headphones. First and foremost is ANC, the technology that separates you from the world around you.

That could be a deal-breaker if you're frequently found on airplanes and other noisy transport. For everyone else, there's something freeing about listening and still being able to hear what's going on around you.

You're also going to lose all those fancy features built into applications, so that means no spatial audio and no EQ adjustment. So there are sacrifices.

Ultimately, though, I think it's worth it. Or, perhaps, you could just buy both.

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I’ve finally reached the level of parenthood where my kids watch, listen to or play their own media. And honestly? I don’t always want to hear it — but I also don’t want to share my headphones with them.

I’ve started exploring kid-friendly headphones with a couple of goals in mind. They need to be durable, they have to have hearing protection audio levels, and they need to be comfortable to wear.

TikTok moms and parenting blogs have recommended the iClever Auraa headphones because they’re colorful, feature active noise cancelling, and Bluetooth connectivity. Let’s check out these kid-forward headphones with my first impressions, plus some thoughts from an actual kid — not just a big one.

Cartoon Looks

Compared to the average black, white, or matte colorways of most adult headphones, the iClever Auraa is cartoonishly colorful, which is great.

The “boy” version comes in red and blue with pops of yellow and art that looks mechanical or more Gundam-inspired. The “girl” version is colored like a muted purple rainbow with art made up of stars and swirls. I think of these as the My Little Pony headphones.

Even with an adult head, the Auraa rests pretty comfortably on my head without needing full extension. The cups mostly covered my ears — kids are going to have no problem at all.

There is one pain point that I could see getting very uncomfortable over an extended listening session, and that is the headband.

There is a thin, cushy bit of foam that sits on your head. Underneath is a ridge of plastic that you can feel through the foam. At first, it’s not annoying, but you can feel the band the longer you wear the Auraa.

I have a pair of older BeyerDynamic Custom One Pro over-ear headphones that I use as my daily drivers. I’ve replaced the headband a few times through wear and tear over the years, but I’ve never felt that something was on my head in the same way.

For kids, if you’re limiting their headphone and screen usage, this may not matter as much. However, my son likes to wear the headphones around the house even if he’s not listening to music or using a tablet. Longer sessions with the Auraa are eventually going to become uncomfortable, even for little heads

Durability and battery life

For the most part, the Auraa headphones seem durable. They’re mostly made of plastic, apart from their foam headband and ear cushions.. I’ve noticed that the ear cushions are already showing signs of wrinkling, which has me concerned long-term.

Additionally, on the red and blue set, my son managed to pop off the little circular decal area, exposing the battery and wires. Note that the ‘Gundam’ Auraa’s have a blue detail that can be pulled off by roving fingers or catch stray clothing threads. The My Little Pony cans don’t have anything similar.

Lastly, the headphones can fold up for travel. I (carefully) tested the Pony headphones while letting my son go wild with the Gundam set. After a month or so, the hinges on the Gundam cans are a little loose, though nothing appears to be falling apart. Still, it’s something I’m keeping an eye on.

Battery life for the Auraa is listed at 47 hours, and without rigorous lab testing, it seemed to last about that long before needing a charge. The Bluetooth 6.0 connection worked well, and I never noticed any connectivity issues.

Sound quality

I wasn’t expecting great sound out of the Auraa headphones; what I was intrigued by was the 80dB noise level cap. That level is a constant loudness level recommended by OSHA and the World Health Organization over an eight-hour period. Anything louder or longer and you risk permanent hearing damage.

I didn’t go a full eight hours, but I did listen to various podcasts and a couple of albums at nearly full volume and never felt like I was pushing it. That said, kids’ ears are more sensitive than my nu-metal destroyed flesh tabs. Still, even at 75% or 50% it felt pretty comfortable.

Surprisingly, the Auraa had a decent soundscape. One song I use to test headphones is Tiesto & Sevenn’s Boom, which has a surprising depth of sound and, for my purposes, a gratuitous amount of bass. DJ Magic Mike, this isn’t, but it’ll get you there. For treble, I like anything from Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All album, which brings the treble.

The bass has a lot of depth on the Auraa headphones. Treble was all over the map. Metallica’s ‘Motorbreath’ sounded like I’d put a blanket over the speakers, while the solo in ‘Phantom Lord’ was nearly perfect.

I’ve been told by kids' headphone manufacturers that active noise cancelling is an important selling point because having it on means kids won’t want to turn the headphone volume up more to drown out competing noise.

I tried listening to music and just wearing the Auraa cans with ANC on and off. I share an office with my partner, whose job requires her to be on a lot of Zoom calls. ANC keeps me distraction-free.

There was some strangeness during my ANC testing. When I had ANC on, my partner’s voice was much quieter. However, voices from her Zoom calls coming through the speakers sounded exactly the same as they would if I took the headphones off. I’m not sure if this is a frequency issue, where the speakers pump out sound in a dead spot for the ANC. In general, I think the ANC does the job, but it won’t match the best noise canceling headphones.

One great thing to note is that the Auraa features a 3.5mm jack, awesome for devices that still support that connection, which should be all of them, but that’s my hill to die on.

What the kids are saying

My son is six years old and chose the blue and red Auraa headphones when given the option. According to him, the headphones are comfortable, and he really liked the Gundam aesthetic. He wishes they could turn into a mechsuit. Me too, buddy, me too.

He really liked the ANC, especially when he wanted to focus on a game or a show on the tablet while his sister was making noise. Though he expressed worry that if he had it on, he would miss out on his parents telling him when he could have ice cream — a universal concern.

“You should tell parents to get these headphones for kids,” he said. “They would have a really good time using them. Goodbye.”

Here’s his true, rambling review (edited for clarity): “You should make the review a comic book that you sell in stores where the headphones turn into a mechsuit and then go 'BOOOOOM!!!!' with the sound. But at the end, the last couple of pages should say, ‘This is not what the headphones can do, but they’re great.’”

Verdict

Audio-wise, I’m not worried about the Auraa headphones. The sound is pretty good, the Bluetooth connection is decent, plus with the 80 dB cap, I’m not as worried about hearing damage.

I am concerned about durability, especially with the “boy” set. And the headband seems like it could get uncomfortable over long use. Once the foam starts to degrade, that will get worse.

With a starting price of $50 (and I’ve seen them sold for as low as $25), the iClever Auraa headphones are ones you can take a flyer on for your kid.

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Klipsch has made an appearance at CES 2026 this year, and amongst its announcements of some very snazzy-looking amps and speakers, there's something very exciting indeed. Returning to the best headphone space, Klipsch has brought three pairs of cans to Las Vegas to give us an idea of what the future holds.

It's been a while since the brand has given us any headphones, so these concepts are extremely exciting. There are two wired "audiophile" models, and then a wireless model. They're called the Atlus series — and I'm excited to see how they perform.

Wireless heroes

Information is thin on the ground, but we know that we'll get them around summertime in the U.S. These are the Atlus HP-1, and they're the wireless member of the family for listening on the go. Expect performance and features similar to the Sony WH-1000XM6 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones.

There's plans for spatial audio and other features, but no news around battery life or other features. We'll learn more closer to the time — for now, know only that I think they look cool. I want a pair.

Wired for your listening pleasure

These are the two wired headphones announced by Klipsch, and they look particularly delectable. The cheaper of the two is called the HP-2, and it's a closed-back headphone that'll give you more bass. There's nothing about how much power you'll need to drive them, but I'd hope they'll sound plenty good out of a dongle attached to your phone.

The higher-end HP-3, on the other hand, might be a bit more demanding. They're an open-backed pair of headphones for a wider soundstage, and they feature more padding for a more 'luxurious' experience. Again, nothing about frequency response or their power requirements, but I am told that the packaging can double as a headphone stand.

Which is pretty cool.

All three headphone models are expected to land in the summer, although there's no news about the prices. Let's hope they're relatively affordable.

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I will be the first to admit that I wasn't very kind to the Nothing Headphone (1) when I reviewed them on launch. As much as I liked their standout design, premium materials and wicked controls, I simply didn't like the way that they sounded out of the box, especially when compared to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and the Sony WH-1000XM6.

Since their launch, however, Nothing has been piling software update after software update into the cans — and having had a play with them in 2026, I think they might have just shifted my perspective on the quirkiest headphones you can buy.

What was once a con...

... has since become a pro. The EQ was already very strong in the Nothing Headphone (1), with an incredible amount of adjustment to fix the underlying poor sound quality.

My issue was that it felt like you had to dip in and change the sound so that they were in any way listenable. Given you're spending triple figures on your new headphones, you should expect good sound out of the box.

When I picked them up again and checked the EQ menu, I was impressed by the custom EQ options available from the Nothing community. I'm used to these things being left by the wayside, forever sinking in a mire of forgotten headphone features.

Now, instead of presets straight from the factory, I can experience music the way others do. The creativity on display here is impressive — I've since had plenty of fun trying out other users' sound profiles. I still like mine the most (it's more subtle, more refined), but it might just be one of the biggest improvements to a pair of headphones I've ever seen.

It would be the biggest, but Nothing saw fit to add one of my favorite headphone things in, like, forever.

More custom audio options

Everyone's ears, and by extension, their ability to hear, are different. Perhaps you hear more bass than your mom, while she's able to hear more high-range frequencies. Maybe your dad needs more volume across the frequency range because he spent his youth at loud punk gigs.

Either way, to assume that headphones should be a "one size fits all" sound profile would be reductive. It's why reviewing headphones can be so contentious — someone else might like bass-heavy headphones because it means they can hear more of their music, while to others it can sound boomy.

Which is where audio customization engines like Audiodo are so helpful and, by extension, good. I love Audiodo. It's effectively a simple hearing test to see what frequencies you can hear and how well you can hear them.

From there, it changes the sound of your headphones, manipulating the core frequencies so that they sound their best for you.

You can then build on the Audiodo tuning with EQ to make them sound just the way you like. I've used Audiodo on more expensive options and cheaper ones alike, and every time it makes a big positive difference to the way headphones and earbuds sound.

So when I saw that Nothing had packed Audiodo tuning into the Headphone (1) with a software update, I was excited. No matter where I've seen Audiodo, it's been a massive improvement to sound, and thankfully, it's no different here.

It allows my slightly-less-useful left ear to hear everything, and improves clarity in the low end. For such a quick process, the improvement is immeasurable. I wouldn't say I no longer needed to dip into the EQ with the core sound, but the difference is still night and day.

Will I be changing the review score?

I gave the Nothing Headphone (1) a 3-star review thanks to the dark sound and other niggly bits. With the improvements to their software, I would be tempted to shift the review score — the core sound, thanks to Audiodo, has improved, and the incredible array of different user EQs to choose from is loads of fun.

That's not to say they'll be getting five stars. There are still issues here, like the lackluster call quality and horrible, grating clicking sounds when you use the controls.

But, after Nothing's Improvements in the software, they're now a viable alternative to the best headphones at a price that undercuts the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2.

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The AirPods Max are, despite Apple's best efforts, an old pair of headphones. We first saw the Lightning model over five years ago, and then the USB-C version only changed the colors and added a new charging port in 2024. We still await the AirPods Max 2.

So what do I think we'll see out of the AirPods Max, and why have we not seen them yet? And perhaps most importantly, what do we want from Apple's next pair of the best noise-canceling headphones?

AriPods Max 2: Where are they?

The AirPods Max 2 have long been rumored. Instead, all we got so far has been the USB-C version of the AirPods Max, launched to placate the EU and its need for a universal charging standard.

Sure, we also got the USB-C listening mode and some lovely new colors, but there was no way you could call them any kind of sequel. They were a stopgap, to keep us happy until the next version comes along.

So when can we expect them? Good question. Now that Apple has launched the USB-C version, I'm not sure we'll be seeing them any time soon. After all, there were 4 years between the Lightning and USB-C versions, so the timeline could well be that long again.

Having said that, I'd like to cast our minds back to the USB-C version of the AirPods Pro 2. They launched a mere year or so after the Lightning version, only to be replaced again another year later by the AirPods Pro 3. Perhaps, then, we could have a similar situation with the AirPods Max 2, and we're only a few months out from a new version.

One can hope.

Why hasn't Apple launched them?

This is a pertinent question. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg believes that it's because the AirPods Max have not been successful enough to warrant a new version, but they're selling well enough to justify leaving them on shelves. That suggests we may not see a new version at all.

There is some degree of "they're still great" that comes into play as well. Despite some points showing their age, like the 20 hour battery life, the current AirPods Max are still top performers. The ANC can hang with the best of them from Sony and Bose, and the sound is still some of the best around.

The true reason, however, remains a mystery.

What do I want from the AirPods Max 2?

As much as I like the AirPods Max (and despite my many criticisms of the headphones), there is some work to be done to make them even better. For one, while the headband is comfortable and extremely cool looking, it loses its elasticity with age.

My Lightning pair has become loose and saggy, and when I wear them, the two metal arms that support the fabric rest on the top of my head. My USB-C version has survived better so far, but it still leaves me worried for the future.

Strengthen that material, and we're onto a winner. When it's taught, there's little more comfortable atop your head — let's see it stay that way.

There are likely hundreds of thousands of words written about the abominable case that comes packed with the AirPods Max — some of them mine — so I won't labor the point too much. Only that it is bad, and I don't like it.

Some form of proper case with the next version would be very welcome, with a way to not only actually protect the headphones but store something like a cable. And make it out of something that doesn't gather dust and grease within a femtosecond.

Then there's the obvious: Battery life. 20 hours is just not enough, no matter how you slice it. The competition can last longer than the AirPods Max, sometimes over twice as long, so I'd like to see at least 30 hours of life in the next model.

There's one thing that really needs to stay, though. The incredible, tactile controls that are a joy to use. There are few control methods built into a pair of headphones that even come close to the dial and button combo on the AirPods Max. If that's gone from the AirPods Max 2, I'll riot.

You have been warned, Apple.

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I can't think of anything much more exciting than unboxing a brand new pair of Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones. Releasing them from their cardboard prison and getting them in hand — glorious. You're the proud new owner of some of the best noise-canceling headphones in the world.

But to get them working their best, there's a couple of things you'll want to do. Let me guide you through your new headphones and the first few hours that you'll be spending with your fresh audio companions.

1. Download the app

As with so many recent ANC headphones, the majority of the WH-1000XM6's features are housed within an app that you need to download and install onto your phone. In this case, it's called the "Sound Connect" app.

You'll find it on the Apple App Store or the Google Play store on your device. Get that downloaded, and then get ready to connect your phone to get everything working properly.

Go to the settings menu of your phone, and pair the headphones with your device. For Android users, you'll find a pop-up when the headphones are near your phone for easy connection. Then, head back to the Sound Connect app.

Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the headphones with the application — and you're done! Now you can change the settings of your headphones to make sure they're working their best.

2. Create your spatial audio profile

Spatial audio is all the rage right now, and Sony doesn't want to be left out of the party. There are two spatial audio options in the WH-1000XM6, and they're both relatively easy to set up.

The first is standard spatial audio, and you'll find it in Device settings > Sound Quality/Volume > Spatial Sound Optimization. Click that option, and then follow the on-screen instructions. This is a very niche option, working with only the background audio setting and select Bravia TVs.

The Sony 360 Reality Audio setting above is the more in-depth setup. You'll need to sit down and get comfy for this one, as it guides you through the process. It also doesn't work with many services, unfortunately, now that Tidal has removed it from the service.

Instead, you can use Spatial Audio upmix for movies, games and other content. You can use it for music, but I wouldn't. You can access it through the "Sound Modes" section and by selecting Cinema.

3. Dial in your sound with EQ

Not a fan of the way that the WH-1000XM6 sound? That's easily fixed by a quick visit to Sony's very in-depth EQ tuner. There are 10 different bands you can adjust in a custom EQ, so you can really dial the sound quality in to your taste.

There are also several presets to choose from if building your own feels a bit too much like hard work. There are plenty of options sound-wise here, so you're sure to find something that suits you.

Just a note, however, that those EQ settings do not carry over if you use the spatial audio modes.

4. Initiate high quality listening, no matter your device

iPhone users generally have to give up high-quality listening on non-Apple headphones thanks to codec limitations — you'll generally only get SBC and AAC with Apple devices, rather than the higher-quality AptX and LDAC codecs in Android devices.

Sony, not happy with this limitation, has built in upscaling called DSEE Extreme. Turning this setting on noticeably makes your headphones sound better, but be warned: the AI models used to make your music sound good do drain some extra battery life.

It works by filling in the gaps in your music left out by lossy compression — it's all very clever. It's also easy to turn on. Just head to the Sound Quality/Volume menu, select DSEE Extreme, and set it to "auto." Now your music will sound great no matter the source.

5. Dial in your ANC settings

The ANC found in the Sony WH-1000XM6 is excellent, and blocks out loads of noise. There are also different modes in the Sound Connect app so you can get it blocking out noise in different environments, depending on where you might be.

You'll find these in the "adaptive sound control" pane of the Sound Connect app. Here, you can allow the headphones to detect your actions (such as sitting down or moving around) and adjust the noise canceling accordingly.

You can also set them to change depending on what time you tend to things, so you don't have to worry about playing with settings. The headphones will learn your routine and react accordingly. It's well worth trying, but you might find — as I did — the accuracy is a little unnerving.

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So you've just opened your new pair of cans — a pair of Bose QuietComfort headphones, ready to block out all the worst noises of the world. But before you go out on a proper road test, there are a few things to make sure that they're working their best.

After all, they might be some of the best noise canceling headphones, but there are a few key things to do to make sure that you get the most out of them. So get your phone good to go, reset that App Store password so that you can get downloading and get those test tracks ready.

1. Download the Bose app

The first thing to do is download the Bose app — it might sound obvious, but its easy enough to forget. A friend of mine didn't even know that his earbuds had an application, and missed out on loads of features.

The app in question is simply called "Bose." You'll find it in the iOS App Store or the Google Play store. Download it, and you can start playing with the features of your new headphones.

Once installed, you'll need to create an account. It's not entirely necessary, but you do get helpful updates from Bose about new products and features. Once logged in, you'll need to connect your headphones.

Make sure your headphones are connected to your phone in the settings menu, and then head back to the app. The app will detect your headphones, et voila — connected!

Now you can play with more features than you'll ever know what to do with.

2. Adjust the EQ

Out of the box, the QuietComfort Headphones are quite bassy. If you enjoy loads of low-end you're in for a sonic treat, but I prefer some extra detail for a more engaging audio experience.

If you're like me, then you'll want to adjust the sound slightly to get just the right level. Find the EQ section in the Bose app — it's aptly named "eq" — and then get adjusting.

I like to bring the bass down a couple of segments. Around -1 or -2 will do it. That will rein in the low end. Then, for some extra dimension, I like to raise the highs. Again, not by much, around +2 or +3. There are only three adjustment bands here, so there's not much to get wrong. And if you do, there's the ever helpful reset button.

3. Familiarize yourself with the controls

The controls attached to the Bose QuietComfort headphones are very intuitive, but as with all headphones, you can't see them when you want to use them. Spending a little time to get used to where they are and what they do makes sure you won't be feeling around when you need to change the ANC mode in a pinch.

The left earcup houses the ANC button, and then the right earcup has the playback controls. The button towards the rear of the right earcup acts as volume up and skip with a double tap, while the bottom button lowers volume and rewinds with a double tap.

The middle button plays and pauses your music. Unlike other headphones, you can't change what these controls do, so it's worth sitting down for a while to make sure you know what they all do.

4. Get multipoint working

If you've got a couple of devices that you'd like to use with your new headphones, there's a great way to instantly switch between the two without dipping into a settings menu every time.

In the Bose app, find the "Multi-point" pane, and then follow the on-screen instructions to get your headphones connected to your devices. From there, you just need to play audio on whatever device you want to listen with, and the headphones will switch over with a quick beep!

If you're going to be listening to music on your phone and then need your cans for a work call on your laptop, multi-point is a game-changer. It only works with two devices, but it's still very useful.

5. Create some noise canceling modes

Straight out of the box, you have two ANC modes; On and transparency. There is no way of turning off the noise canceling system, unfortunately. However, you can create your own custom modes for different environments.

You can make your own modes in the "modes" panel. There you'll find the 'on' and 'aware' (transparency) modes, along with a custom option. Hit the custom option, and you can set ANC settings for different places.

You might want the highest level and wind-blocker for walking around, but only need light ANC for when you're working in an office. You can create these modes here, and then cycle through them with the ANC button.

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Nearly every brand right now has its own version of spatial audio. Apple has the imaginatively named "Spatial Audio," and arguably leads the Dolby Atmos pack. The Sonos Ace contain Dolby Atmos programming for music and movies, and then the Bose QuietComfort Ultra have "Immersive Audio," the brand's own take that works with existing stereo mixes.

Sony, too, has its own version. The WH-1000XM6 (and the XM5 that came before them) have "360 Reality Audio," and it used to be a viable option for spatial audio on the go. Now, though, it's all gotten a bit weird.

As Tidal removed the format from its service, the XM-series of headphones has been left without its primary source of spatial-mixed tunes. Instead, you're now left with a couple of services that play recorded concerts, and the so-called "Spatial Audio Upmix," which is better suited to movies and TV than it is music.

So what's going on — and how should Sony move on in the future?

I hope you like Japanese Jazz concerts

The Sony headphones feature one of the most involved spatial audio setups around. While most just kind of work, with minimal setup, the XM6 plays sounds from different directions so that it can determine where you are and how you perceive spatial sounds.

It's not quite as annoying as the old setup from previous headphones — those saw you taking pictures of your ears. It would also be less irritating if you got something good out of it.

But you just kind of don't. Once you've finished ticking boxes and selecting where sounds are coming from, you're asked to optimize some services. The list for me was as follows:

• Artist Connection
• Nugs
• 360 Reality Audio Live

Never heard of those three streaming services? Me neither, until Sony spat them out at me once I'd finished my 360 Reality Audio setup. Artist Connection is a streaming service for live concerts. So is Nugs. And so is 360 Reality Audio Live.

The former costs $15 a month, Nugs costs the same, leaving 360 Reality Audio as the only free option. It contains, as you might have already guessed, live recordings of concerts. Mostly Japanese Jazz concerts. So, I hope you like complex drum rhythms and scat — because that's about all you're going to get.

Tidal used to be on the list, but then it pulled its spatial audio offerings, leaving Sony users high and dry. If you really want to get some spatial audio, then you're going to have to head over to Amazon Music Unlimited — a music service I pay for only for work.

Upmix this

There remains another option if you want your music to sound more spacious. It's called "360 Upmix," and, much like Bose's Immersive Audio, it takes existing music mixes and makes them wider. There's a large hitch, though. It's designed for movies and TV, and it's called cinema.

Turn it on for your visual content, and it's pretty cool. You get a great surround bubble for your movies, and sounds feel like they're coming from all around you. It's fun. I like it.

Turn it on for music, however, and things aren't as rosy. Your listening is thinner, with some frequencies that seem to completely evaporate. Instruments come from bizarre places, and all of the impact is gone. Not good.

What can be done?

Amazon Music Unlimited is a few things: expensive, irritating and not particularly widely adopted. Apple Music is more widely used, and it features the (personally) superior Dolby Atmos mixes. The Sonos Ace headphones work with both versions of spatial audio, so why can't Sony's?

There's the first step to making the spatial audio inside the XM-series work better. Support more music services, including those from the arch enemy.

Improving 360 Upmix for music is the other part. At the moment, it works very well for movies, but Bose's feature works great for both. Perhaps we need two modes for 360 Upmix: a movie mode and a music mode.

Either way, spatial audio in Sony's best headphones is irritating at best and downright nonsense at worst. Thankfully, it's all software, so I don't see why Sony can't improve on the formula without releasing a new pair of headphones.

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Sony and Sennheiser have battled hard in the ANC over-ear headphones market for years, with the Sony WH-1000XM and Sennheiser Momentum models consistently among the top-value performers in the premium space. I've compared each and every pair over the past decade, and while the most recent generations of Sonys have edged the head-to-head, Sennheiser's rivals haven't been far behind. Helping their case are typically bigger discounts, too.

That narrative somewhat changes with the new arrival of the Sennheiser HBD60, a non-Momentum model that marks the first wireless pair to enter the brand's 'Audiophile' 600 Series. They're the most ambitious and interesting wireless over-ears Sennheiser has produced in years, and challenge the current Sony WH-1000XM6 in ways no other competitor does.

I'll cut to the chase: at the close of 2025, the HDB60 and XM6 are the two best ANC headphones available below $500. But you'll find favour with one over the other depending on your priorities...

Price

Don’t expect to get too much change from $500, mind you. The Sennheiser HDB 630 launched in October 2025 for $499.95 and are, unsurprisingly, holding steady at that price as we enter 2026.

The Sony WH-1000XM6, meanwhile, launched a few months earlier (May 2025) at $449, and $50 discounts are now increasingly common. The $400 mark is also typically occupied by the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 and Apple AirPods Max.

Historically, Sennheiser wireless headphones have been quick to drop in price in the months following their arrival, and frequently pop up in Black Friday, Amazon Prime, holiday season and Labor Day sales. But for now, the Sonys are the cheaper of the two pairs.

• Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6

Design

If you’re after head-turners, neither the Sonys nor the Sennheisers will blow you away. Both opt for simple, discreet aesthetics that prioritise minimal ornamentation and muted colors over luxury materials and flashy looks.

The Sonys look somewhat 3D printed with their sleek, soft shape, matte plastic finish and lack of seams and edges, while the plain, ovular, black-and-silver Sennheisers could well resemble a kindergartener’s effort to draw a pair of headphones.

Such visual austerity isn’t the end of the world if you prefer headwear that doesn’t draw attention to itself, but both design languages do take their toll on the headphones’ perceived value.

The B&W Px7 S3 and AirPods Max both look and feel significantly dearer, the former with their woven fabric and rich colorways, the latter with their textured aluminium earcups and unique volume control.

Admittedly, I miss the distinct style of Sennheiser Momentum headphones of old, whose stitched leather headband and polished earcup finish oozed class. And while the XM6 are visually closer in DNA to their ancestors than the Sennheisers are to theirs, I do prefer the shallower profile of the pre-XM5 generations.

Still, it’s hard to argue with the quality of the two latest pairs’ construction and comfort levels. The Sonys’ are super lightweight – just 250g, compared to the Sennheisers’ 310g – and less cumbersome to wear, making them my pick for long-haul travel. The earcups also collapse inwards, allowing you to scrunch them into a ball and easily shove them into a coat pocket.

My only minor gripe is that the rubbery matte finish tarnishes easily, with marks showing up on the ‘Platinum Silver’ color (presumably this won’t be the case with the alternative Midnight Blue and Black colorways).

Both pairs offer responsive touch-capacitive pads on the right earcup for playback control, the Sennheisers offering a larger, more forgiving area.

The only accompanying button on the HDB 630 launches your phone’s voice assistant; I think it’s a shame you can’t change that shortcut to something more useful, such as ANC mode switching. The Sonys have a dedicated button for that, plus a circular recessed power/pairing button.

Both headphones offer analogue jacks – 3.5mm (Sony); 2.5mm (Sennheiser) – and USB-C sockets, though the latter cannot be used for wired audio with the Sonys, which in my mind gives the Sennheisers a notable practical advantage, as one cable can cover both charging and cabled listening.

Note that wired listening requires the Sennheisers to have battery life, but not the Sonys.

• Draw

Features

Speaking of which, the Sennheisers also pile on the points where battery is concerned, offering a liberal 60 hours of audio playback with ANC on compared to the Sonys’ 30 hours.

Caught short and in a hurry? With the XM6, a three-minute charge grants three hours of playback, while the HDB 630 generate seven hours in 10 minutes.

Which Bluetooth codecs your wireless headphones and phone (or other audio device) support can impact the quality of transmission and, therefore, the sound you hear.

The Sonys support the company’s high-quality LDAC codec, which is handy for LDAC-supporting Android devices. The Sennheisers, meanwhile, support aptX Adaptive, which in pure audio terms is technically inferior to LDAC (it cannot transfer as much signal data per second) albeit still one of the 'better sounding' codecs out there.

If your phone or laptop doesn’t support aptX (iPhones, for example, only support the lowly AAC and SBC codecs), the HDB 630 can actually upgrade their compatibility to aptX Adaptive via an ingenious included accessory – a thumbnail-sized dongle called the BTD 700.

Simply plug it into your iPhone or other device, and the Sennheisers connect to it rather than the device itself, transmitting music over aptX Adaptive. If your device’s Bluetooth skills are limited, this can truly enhance your wireless headphone listening. The dongle also brings the next-gen audio sharing Auracast feature to the table, which the Sonys also offer.

Unsurprisingly, both headphones have companion apps that unlock extra functionality and customisation, plus things like on-head detection and smart pause.

It’s worth calling out two of my all-time favorite practical headphone functions in the Sonys: the Speak-To-Chat feature, which reduces volume when you start talking, and the Quick Attention Mode, which lets you hear ambient sounds by positioning a hand over the right earcup.

The XM6 also offer a Cinema mode that uses Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Upmix technology to create a wider, taller and more dimensional ‘spatial’ soundfield. While I don’t rate it for music listening – the presentation naturally loses stereo focus and precision – with movies and TV shows it’s much more valuable.

Meanwhile, I can’t recall a more comprehensive parametric EQ than the one offered in the Sennheiser app.

• Draw

ANC

Finally, a round with a clear-cut winner – Sony. Physically, the Sennheiser design blocks out more external sound due to its chunkier earcup and tighter seal. Bring active noise cancellation technology into the equation, however, and the Sonys prove more adept at isolating you and your music from the outside world.

Both manage to take the sting out of common disruptive noise, such as general street noise, cafe background chatter and public transport engines. In their own right, the Sennheisers prove up to the task of limiting, if not completely banishing, interruption.

The Sonys put an extra sound-blocking layer in the way, however, and particularly have the edge when it comes to plugging mid to high frequency noise. It’s the difference between you noticing a car driving past while listening to piano music at a decent volume, and not.

Their ANC effect is similar to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2’s, only slightly subtler in execution, while the Sennheiser is clearly below them in the pecking order.

• Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6

Sound quality

But Sennheiser replies in a round Sony has dominated for years: sound quality. The HDB 630 naming actually reflects Sennheiser’s audio ambitions for its headphones – the ‘6’ and ‘0’ represent a ‘warm’ and ‘analytical’ flavour respectively (the ‘3’ indicates the closed-back ANC design).

I could’ve cracked that code within minutes of listening to them. These are indeed obsessively detailed headphones that present information with a ‘just right’ balance between easy listening smoothness and front-footed dynamism. Transparent enough to reveal the extra detail delivered through aptX Adaptive transmission as opposed to AAC? Absolutely.

It’s even-handed, too: no frequency particularly stands out above the other in terms of both quantity and quality.

There’s so much shape to the Sennheiser sound that dynamic variation (how apparent volume fluctuations are) seems ever present and instrument placement is precise and clear cut. And such is the Sennheisers’ talent to communicate texture, emotion and rhythms that the artist's intent is never concealed.

Don’t get me wrong, the XM6 could also be described in this manner. They too strike a rare balance between being just as informative as they are entertaining, communicate the intimacy of music, and impress equally across the frequency range. It’s a challenge to listen to upbeat music without tapping your feet or nodding your head along.

The Sennheisers may not sound quite as cohesive as the Sonys, but they are clearer, dig up an extra layer of subtlety and plot sounds with greater precision on a slightly more spacious and shapely soundstage. I know which pair I’d rather listen to.

• Winner: Sennheiser HDB 630

Which pair should you buy?

The Sennheisers are particularly attractive if you own an iPhone or other audio source that doesn’t support LDAC or one of the better aptX codecs. In that instance, by ‘upgrading’ its Bluetooth transmission capability via the supplied dongle, you’re getting more out of its pairing with wireless headphones than you would with another.

Regardless, the Sennheisers are sonically more sophisticated, have a longer battery life, offer a more extensive (parametric) EQ for those partial to such experimentation, and can be listened to over USB-C.

However, I personally prefer the Sonys’ aesthetic, foldable build and control, their ANC is objectively superior, and I like how you can listen wired (via 3.5mm) with a flat battery.

It's one of the most interesting noise-canceling headphone head-to-heads of 2025, and certainly in Sony vs Sennheiser history. My winner is the Sennheiser HDB 630, but yours will depend on your priorities, or perhaps even your budget.

Ratings scorecard

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It was about 3 months ago that I first left my Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones in my rucksack during a trip in London. Since then, I've not used a pair of ANC headphones at all while walking around outside, so that I can feel safer and more aware of my surroundings.

But there's been more to it, in the long run. It's opened me up to the wider world, the people that live alongside me, and the sounds of everyday life that I had missed for so, so many years.

Am I a better, more rounded person because of it? Perhaps not. But I now have a deeper understanding of my environment and how being more aware of it can make even life's noisier moments more engaging and enjoyable.

I am safer

One of the primary reasons I stopped wearing my ANC headphones while out and about was so that I could feel safer while walking around cities and other busy environments.

I immediately found that I was much safer while crossing the street, and I could more easily guess what the people around me were going to do. People no longer "appeared out of nowhere," and I noticed more in my peripheral vision as I was able to focus more on my surroundings and not my music.

I can hear cars better as they approach crosswalks and other pedestrian crossings. I can tell if a car is going to stop for me instead of guessing, based on the sound that its engine is making. I'm no longer taken by surprise by quiet electric cars as they stealthily approach.

I've heard people trying to get my attention as well. I dropped my wallet at a train station the other day, and I would never have heard the kind lady trying to get my attention with ANC headphones on. Neither would I have been able to help her find the platform that she needed for her speedy connection.

Without ANC, my vision feels more rounded, and my awareness has increased. It's also shown me just how blind we can be when locked into musical cocoons of our own making — the number of people I've seen buried into their headphones step out in front of cars is mind-boggling.

I'm more confident

When I wore my ANC headphones to keep out the outside world, I was hesitant in pretty much everything I did. I would hold myself back from getting involved with things on the street, and I hated talking with shop staff.

I think now it's because I had become so used to being in my own world that I didn't enjoy having to let other people into it, even for a moment. While I shared a physical space with these people, I was living in my head — somewhere I like to keep for myself.

Taking off my headphones — and I mean taking them off, not just activating transparency mode — allowed me to become not just a physical part of the world, but an engaged participant within it. Suddenly I had to take stock of the people around me, and how I might have to interact with them.

Sure, sometimes it's annoying. The people that hand out pamphlets on street corners, noisy sports fans.

But it makes it much easier for me to handle sudden social interactions. I can make more decisive decisions when I'm grabbing coffee at a cafe, and I don't stutter when ordering a sandwich. I have brief chats with the people making my lunch.

I no longer live permanently cemented in my own personal bubble. I can take a more active role in what's going on around me. I am more approachable by people who need help, and I'm able to be more actively engaged in what's going on.

I made a new friend

I like to go to gigs. I go on my own sometimes, so that I can really get involved in the music. Previously, while walking to the gig and in the queue to go in, I'd wear ANC headphones so that I can immerse myself in the music before I get sweaty and half deaf.

But, as you might have guessed, when I ditched ANC while out and about, I had to ditch it when going to gigs. Now I had to interact with the people around me — turns out, the people you go to gigs with actually share a lot in common with you. Who'd have guessed?

I've even made a new friend. We met while I was waiting to go in for a death metal gig, and got chatting about our favorite pasta sauces. We continue to chat now, and go to gigs together. I'd have never met my new friend if not for my ANC experiment — and it goes to show why it's so important to be more aware of what's going on around you.

It's not for everyone

I understand that this is not for everyone. Some neurodiverse people value ANC and how it can isolate them from an otherwise overwhelming world. I'm not saying that everyone should go ANC-free at all — only that I've seen benefits in my experience.

I have had people question parts of my method, understandably. The most common is "why not just turn on transparency mode?" I've gone completely headphone free because it's not just the ANC that keeps me distracted while out and about, but music as well.

If nothing else, I want people to consider how they react to the world while they're wearing their headphones. As loneliness becomes a bigger issue, I can't help but wonder if part of the reason is down to how we lock ourselves away from our fellow humans. Perhaps it's time we untethered ourselves from our noise-canceling headphones.

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Look, the Sony and Bose entries into our best headphones guide are good cans. They're both very comfortable, sound good, and offer otherwise unrivalled ANC. But they're very... safe.

They don't do anything different, barely shaking up the design category, or taking their sound profiles to different and more interesting places. They're the headphones for the everyday person, and that means, in my eyes at least, that they're... kind of boring.

And here's the thing. There are headphones you can buy for a similar price (and even less) that do more interesting things with the medium. That focus on a particular facet — be that sound, style, or battery life — and stand out from the otherwise identikit sea of similar headphones.

So, which headphones would I buy instead of the WH-1000XM6 or the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2? Let me tell you in about 700 words and some pretty pictures.

My top pick: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3

This year has been a weird one for the previous class leaders. We gave both the WH-1000XM6 and the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2 four stars in their reviews, after years of 4.5 and 5 stars for their predecessors. Which headphones received a better score this year?

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3.

The competition has finally caught up with Sony and Bose, and the PX7 S3 merely highlight how difficult the job has become. While the noise canceling might not be quite as powerful, they put more focus on other parts of the formula – namely, sounding really, really good.

They're a wholly more musical and engaging listen than the Sony and Bose options. They bring more detail to the table, while going even lower into the frequency range. The sound is bigger in almost every direction, even if the soundstage is more intimate than expansive.

There are other spots where B&W has overtaken the competition. The build of the PX7 S3 is unlike anything at the same price, and they're more comfortable for long periods of time. The protective case is better too. It's sturdier and more protective. The physical controls are clicky and responsive, no matter what weather you're in — something that can't be said of the touch controls on the alternatives.

The sound focus makes them a far more compelling buy than either the Sony or Bose options in 2026 — and it makes me really excited to see what the future holds for Bowers & Wilkins.

Something a bit cheaper: Cambridge Melomania P100 SE

If you want really good headphones, you gotta spend a few more dollars than something super cheap. But you don't need to spend near $500 to get something that's epic. Case in point: Cambridge's Melomania P100 SE. They cost $299, a whole $150 less than the Sony and Bose cans.

And they beat them in some key areas.

They're not trying to be the kings of everything like the XM6 and QC Ultra 2, so they make some concessions. The case is big and bulky, their features not as extensive — but that's given Cambridge the opportunity to look at more important things. Like sound. And battery life.

The Melomania P100 SE last for 60 hours with the ANC turned on. That's double the battery of both the Sony and Bose options, and more than the Bowers & Wilkins above. Turn the ANC off and they'll last for 100 hours, making them some of the longest-lasting headphones you can buy today.

The sound is extremely clean, but also weighty and meaty. You can really get your teeth into a listening session, savoring each mouthful of delicious music-steak. They're engaging, fun, and revealing all at the same time. For the price, nothing sounds better.

If I had $300 to buy a new pair of headphones I'm pretty spoilt for choice — but I would go for these. They're different enough to stand out from the crowd physically, and their battery life and sound seal the deal.

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Plenty of the best headphones claim that they can be repaired, but very few can be taken apart and rebuilt at home so that you can replace broken bits. Most require a trip back to the manufacturer, so that experienced repairers can fix them, or you just get sent a new pair.

Not so with the Fairbuds XL, the latest version of Fairphones over-ear headphones. They're an upgraded version of the previous model, with improved sound, a more comfortable fit, and even a USB-C audio mode. They're also completely repairable, with their parts available from the Fairphone website. But none of that matters if they're not good headphones — and thankfully, they are.

Just how repairable are they?

Most headphones can be dismantled without damage to some degree. However, once you're inside, you'll typically find seals for water resistance and soldered batteries that can't be replaced. Once your headband material has given way to head grime and started to peel away, you're generally stuck, and forget about easy earpad changing. Even if you can get them off, good luck finding good replacements.

To that end, the Fairbuds XL are completely dismantlable. They're modular, held together by screws that can be removed with the same screwdriver. The headband can be replaced, the earcups swapped, and the hinges changed. Everything comes apart — even the cable carrying the audio from earcup to earcup is a USB-C cable, so you can even change it in a pinch.

They're not entirely modular, of course. You buy the earcup assembly as one piece, so you can change out individual circuit boards. But you can buy batteries in case the one in the headphones loses its charge. It's hidden behind a door that you can easily unclip.

While the parts aren't yet available to buy on the Fairphone webstore, they will be soon so that you can swap out the parts. Owners of the first model of FairBuds XL can swap bits of their headphones out for the upgraded ones from this new pair. The colors won't match, but you'll get all the benefits of the new model without paying new model prices.

Not that they're particularly expensive — they cost the same £219 as the older model in the U.K., and will cost $229 in the U.S. when they launch.

What about those environmental credentials?

Fairphone is well known for not just its repairable tech, but also its work with the environment. It claims that it uses 100% renewable energy during manufacture, for example, backed up with B Corp Certification.

The materials that have gone into the headphones are apparently recycled, including the rare earth elements in the magnets of the headphones. They're also Longtime Certified, so they're going to last a long time.

But how do they sound...

Being environmentally conscious is all well and good, but I want the headphones that I use to be good as well as repairable. Thankfully, the experience at the heart of the Fairbuds XL is a very good one.

They're a handsome pair of cans, for one. I like the fetching green or black color ways, and the patterned headband draws the eye. The control joystick is intuitive and useful, and feels great under the finger.

They're light and comfortable, and the material on the earcups and the headband is soft. The ANC works well, although it isn't quite as impressive as that which you'll find in the more expensive options from Sony and Bose. But those don't have replaceable batteries — and cost $200 more.

30 hours of battery is plenty, and you could even buy an extra battery for your pocket to hot swap them when the one in the headphones runs out of juice. That's cool — and something unique.

But then there's the final question — how do they sound? They sound pretty good. They're not a HiFi experience, designed to reveal all the detail and make Spotify Lossless sound amazing, but they feature a well-considered sound profile that most people are going to really like.

They sound their best connected to your audio source with a USB-C cable, but they sound fine over their Bluetooth 5.3 connection. They're quite bassy, as you might expect from people-pleasing headphones, but there's still enough detail that they don't feel muddy or unpleasant to listen to.

I really like the Fairphone XL, and I really like how serious they are about their environmnetally friendly mission without compromising on the things that make headphones great. For $229, there's some great competition from the likes of Sony, Bose or Soundcore — but only these ones are completely repairable.

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Contrary to popular belief, I don't spend all my time locked up in my office. Sometimes I venture into the outside world, be that to stay with a friend somewhere or to go on vacation somewhere filled with trees and birds. And vanilla ice cream.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to take my full Hi-Fi setup with me when I go. It's big, bulky, and will almost certainly annoy anyone who comes across it. So, when I want to listen to top-quality music while I'm not at home, I turn to some of the best wired headphones and a device called a portable DAC.

Not sure what that is? Allow me to explain and show you why you need one too.

What is a portable DAC?

When you listen to your music through one of the best music streaming services, or even downloaded files, you start with a digital feed of 1s and 0s. Listen to those straight from the source, and it's less "wow, delicious mountain water, fresh from the spring" and more "what on earth is this horrible noise, make it stop."

You need something to take that signal and make it something that you would recognise as "music." That's where a DAC comes in. It stands for Digital to Analog converter, and it takes those digital tracks and "converts" the digital 1s and 0s to something you actually want to listen to.

There's lots more to it, of course — I would suggest Black Magic, but I'm told it's a lot more scientific — but that's a DAC in its simplest terms.

You'll find DACs in basically anything that can make sound. Your iPhone 17 Pro Max has a DAC. Your TV has a DAC, and even your Nintendo Switch 2 has an internal DAC. But not all DACs are created equal. While the digital file that goes into the start of the chain is the same every time, the DAC's ability to translate that file depends on how good it is.

A cheap DAC, like the one in your phone, won't produce an analog signal that's as nice to listen to as something that costs a little more. That's why so many of us buy separate DACs. They bypass the DAC built into your device and make your music sound better.

A portable DAC is a compact DAC that you can fit into your pocket. Still with me? Good! Let me show you the DAC I use, and why you need one — but also that it doesn't need to cost loads of money.

My DAC

The portable DAC I use is called the Chord Mojo 2. It's a stunning little device, and its incredible conversion internals are considered some of the best in the biz. Without going to far into it, it really does make your music sound spectacular.

There's more detail, more bass weight, and a wider soundstage. The Mojo 2 takes the same digital track, sure, but then it's able to spit out a far better analog signal than the DAC that lives in my phone.

I love how old-school the Mojo 2 is as well. There are moving things inside it. It clunks and clicks when you turn it, like a massive amplifier in your pocket. It does help that it's also a fairly potent headphone amp as well, lending more power to drive even the most demanding headphones on the go.

It's been my portable musical companion for the last four years — although getting hold of one isn't cheap. The version I've got costs $639 from Amazon and other retailers. That's a lot of money.

You don't have to spend loads

You don't have to spend loads and loads of money to get a DAC that completely outperforms the one built into your phone, tablet, or laptop. The iFi Go Link Max is a portable DAC that connects into the USB-C port of your device, and looks like a particularly bulky headphone dongle.

It's not as powerful as the Chord Mojo 2, but it does a surprsingly good job with thirstier headphones. It also brings some of the extra sonic merit of the Chord device, although not quite as refined. On account of it being tiny.

It's the perfect portable audio companion that isn't going to break the bank. You'll thank me later, as you get lost in your favorite music all over again. Afterall, even wiring your Bluetooth headphones in is going to make a difference.

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The original Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are still some of my favorite headphones. While their battery life left a lot to be desired and their sound wasn’t quite as impressive as more sonically capable rivals, their ANC was the very best you could buy for a price that matched the competition. They were (and still are) excellent headphones.

The aptly named QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation are now here to carry on the torch. They’re pretty much up to the task — thanks to a very welcome increase in battery life, improved sound profile, and some new spatial audio modes —but they don't surpass the competition in every category.

They are, without a doubt, the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy right now. But, if you’re looking beyond ANC ability, Sony and Bowers & Wilkins might have them beat. Find out why in my Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 review.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation: Specs

• Price £449/$449/AU$699
• Connectivity Bluetooth 5.4
• ANC Yes
• Battery 30 hours (ANC on)
• Weight 0.58 pounds
• Dimensions 7.68 x 5.47 x 2 inches
• Colors Black/ White Smoke/ Midnight Violet/ Driftwood sand/ Desert Gold
• Drivers 35mm
• Compatibility iOS, Android
• Frequency response 10Hz - 22kHz

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? An update to Bose’s flagship noise-canceling headphones
• Who is it for? Users who want to block out every single noise ever
• What does it cost? £449/$449/AU$699
• What do we like? Epic noise canceling, very comfortable fit, reliable and helpful app
• What don’t we like? Aging sound profile, identical design

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Price and availability

As with all things Bose, getting yourself a pair of QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2 is going to be a cinch. They’re available at pretty much any big box retailer like Best Buy, Walmart and Amazon. You can also pick up a pair directly from Bose, if that’s what you'd prefer. Either way, adding some to your backpack isn’t going to entail a lengthy search of store shelves or web pages.

What might make purchasing a pair slightly trickier is the price. The first model cost $429, and this newer model has received a not-insignificant price hike of $30. That makes them about $10 more than the Sony WH-1000XM6 and our current pick for the best headphones, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3. It’s an unwelcome price hike, that’s for sure, especially as everyone tightens their belts in a particularly icy financial climate.

The price wouldn’t sting quite as much if they were a significant update over the previous pair, but they don’t feel like enough of an upgrade to justify the increase. It also makes them an unworthy upgrade for current QuietComfort Ultra Headphones users. My advice? Wait for the next model, you won’t get much extra here.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Build and design

• Slightly rattly
• There’s nothing new…
• But they’re still handsome

Look, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones were a good-looking pair of headphones. Those metal accents in the hinges looked lovely, and they match the pearlescent plastic earcups and headphones nicely.

They’re certainly more interesting-looking than the Sony XM6-flavored competition, but not quite as stylish or premium-looking as the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 headphones. I like the look of the QuietComfort Ultra, but they’re not the best around.

It’s good that the 1st gen looked so nice because the new model doesn’t look even one iota different from their forbears. It's the same metallic hinge pieces, the same plastic earcups, and identical cushioning on both headphones. There are new color options to keep things a little fresher, but at their core, no one is going to know that you’re rocking the new version.

I wasn’t entirely sure I was using the 2nd gen at one point, and had to check in the app to see what they were called. Which perhaps says a lot about just how iterative this update actually is.

Thankfully, that also means the incredible comfort of the old version carries into the second generation. They’re impressively lightweight, and when you combine that with their super soft leatherette pads and ample padding, you end up with one of the most comfortable fits in all of noise-canceling headphone-dom. I had no problem wearing them for hours and hours on end, and I’d wager that neither will you.

Their identikit build also carries one of the biggest disappointments of the older model with them; they don’t feel premium in the hand. They’re a bit rattly, and they don’t feel as put-together as their key rivals.

They don’t feel cheap, but neither do they feel like you’ve just dropped nearly half a grand on a pair of noise-canceling headphones.

The excellent protective case does make it easier to toss them in a busy backpack guilt-free, and my older QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have stood the test of time with no breakages (despite a difficult life). But you’d hope they’d feel more expensive, given that they are expensive.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Features

• Plenty of “immersive” spatial audio modes
• Fairly weak EQ
• AptX adaptive

When you’re looking at the spec sheet of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen, you have to talk about the “Immersive” Spatial Audio sound modes. There are technically three, and one of them is new. Well, there are four if you consider “off” a mode. I don’t, it’s the default; because I still don’t get why everyone raves about these immersive sound modes.

There are two Immersive modes for music. One is for when you’re sitting down, and tracks your head movements to sound like your music is in a static place in space, with you looking around in the middle.

It’s smooth enough, unlike the same feature in the Beats Studio Pro, but I just don’t get it. It thins out the sound, tanking bass response and detail in exchange for an artificially widened soundstage. I don’t even think it sounds that much bigger — I often found my music sounded wider when it was turned off.

The second is for when you’re walking around, centering the music around your head so that it no longer moves. It’s not as disconcerting, but no less uncomfortable-sounding.

To be clear, there are two problems here. The first is that it doesn’t use a Spatial Audio mix like Apple headphones do, and has to work with stereo recordings. They only have a certain amount of information to parse out into a 3D space, and what Bose has done is very impressive. The second is me. I simply don’t like it.

For home-grown musical spatial audio systems, Bose’s Immersive Audio is fine. It works. But the fact remains that standard stereo listening sounds better, and doesn’t use as much battery.

The third immersive mode is cinema — and it’s about the only immersive mode I like. It’s designed, as you might have guessed, for movies, and it does a good enough job of making your movies feel more like surround sound when you're on a train, a plane, or, indeed, an automobile.

TL;DR: Musical Immersive Modes, no thanks. Move Immersive Mode, yes please.

The “Bose” app at the core of the experience works well enough. It’s where you’ll find all those Immersive sound modes, as well as the other settings. There’s a fairly weak (although essential) 3-band EQ, the ANC ‘noise control’ settings, as well as a customizable control for the touch… thing found on the right earcup.

There are fewer features here than you’ll find on Sony’s headphones, but it’s about the same as those in the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3. About the only thing you’ll really miss out on are the fancy ANC modes that Sony has cooked up for the WH-1000XM6, and I’m not entirely sure they’re actually all that useful.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: ANC

• Just about the best around
• No notes.
• Nothing better.

Usually, I’d spend loads of time here waxing lyrical about the ANC of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation's ability to block noise. I’d use fancy words like “indomitable” and “unconquerable.” I might throw in an “indefatigable” or two, perhaps even an “unflinching.”

But I won’t, because I don’t really need to. The ANC that Bose has packed into the Ultra Headphones 2nd gen is somehow even better than the first gen. Press the button, and you’re whisked away into your little noiseless cocoon, your only companion the music or podcast you’re listening to.

It’s still remarkable, still impressive, and continues to set the benchmark for how much noise a pair of headphones can block.

Transparency mode is no less excellent. Your conversation partners (or the station announcer) will sound natural, and it avoids the often robotic sound of similar systems. Bose still sets the bar for noise canceling and transparency modes, outdoing similarly priced and more expensive headphones without breaking a sweat.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Call quality

• Solid mics
• Great sound quality
• Noise isolation is very good

Thanks to all the microphones that Bose has pumped into the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2, the call quality is excellent. But then the call quality of the previous model was also good — and you’re not going to get much of an upgrade here.

My call partners, whether I was sitting in my office seat, a train carriage, or walking down a busy street, all reported that I was clearly understandable. Little noise from my environment seemed to trouble the headphones.

On my end, things were similarly standout. My call partners all sounded good (depending on their source device, of course — the Bose did their best, but a friend's woeful headset still made it sound like he was talking to me from the other end of a massive concrete pipe), and I didn’t have any problem hearing what they had to say.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Controls

• The power button and noise control button are fine
• But the sliding volume touch thing?
• Woeful

My experience with the controls on the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2, much like that with the older model, have been a mixed bag. A mixed bag filled with nails.

While the physical controls for power and noise controls are very welcome indeed, the imprecise touch slider that Bose has placed in the right earcup is straight up bad.

It’s annoying to find, for one. It’s towards the back of the headset, and not quite pronounced enough to find without activating one of its features. While multi-pressing the ANC button changes playback (bad), the touch bar changes the volume (even worse).

It has a habit of wildly shifting volume no matter what you ask of it, whether you swipe up or down. I was really hoping that this version of the headphones would take this control and cast it into the fires of headphone Mount Doom. Alas, it did not.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Sound quality

• It’s fine
• Very bassy
• You’ll need to play with the EQ

Bose’s sound profile has generally been all about the bass, and making things sound warm and velvety. That’s no less true here with the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd gen, although there is a way to tweak them and it’s not all that tricky..

Head into the Bose App’s EQ menu, and set the treble to +2 or +3. That dials in some extra high range, allowing cymbals and other sounds to breathe a bit more. It’s not the perfect solution, but it makes them sound more listenable than they are straight out of the box.

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are otherwise a solid-sounding pair of headphones, especially with the Immersive Sound modes turned off.

They’re reasonably spacious in their soundstage, and there’s some lovely, rich bass here to get things rumbling. The mids provide good vocal representation, although they’re not quite as focused or dialed in as the Sony WH-1000XM6.

The bass, while plentiful and warm, feels one-note. As a result, detail takes a hit, as do dynamics. It’s perfect for some background listening, but not quite as good if you want to sit down and get involved with your music. If that’s what you want, then you should opt for the Sennheiser HDB 630 or the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3.

Katatonia’s metallic melancholy Wind Of No Change allows the headphones to stretch their bassy legs, although I do wish for some more dynamism in that low end. The bass guitar hits nicely, but it feels very flat. With my EQ adjustments, the cymbals can sing more, and the vocals are right in the forefront.

The distorted guitars sound great, with plenty of bite. Instrument separation is fine, but when things get busy, it can be hard to pick out the choir in the background. That’s not a struggle in the Sony WH-1000XM6.

As you might expect, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen fare a whole lot better with Pop music. XG’s Gala brings the glam, and the headphones are more than happy to let the bass go off.

The flatness doesn’t feel like as much of a problem here as the group's vocals layer over the top, and the chirping synths bring some extra dimension. Nothing gets lost here, and the imaging is good. They’re headphones really dialed in for the genre, it feels.

Chvrches' Asking For a Friend feels similarly well defined in the QuietComfort Ultra, although I do miss some bass dynamism again. Mayberry’s vocals are clear and easy to listen to, and the drum beat drives with some gusto thanks to that warmer focus of the headphones. I’ve heard better — but it still sounds good.

• Listen along to the Tom's Guide Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation testing playlist

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Battery life

• Vast improvement over old model…
• But still not class-leading
• 30 hours

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones only featured 24 hours of battery life. You couldn’t extend that battery life either, with the headphones only featuring “on” and “transparency” modes for the noise canceling. Both drank battery life like a thirsty dog, and turning on Immersive Audio brought the staying power down to 18 hours.

We’ve got some improvement here, although it only brings them up to par with the competition rather than bettering it. According to Bose, you’ll be able to pull 30 hours of battery life out of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2.

That’s 6 hours more than the old model, but if you’re after the most battery life possible, then you’re going to want to choose something like the Sennheiser HDB 630. They’re about $40 more again, but they last for 60 hours.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Verdict

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen are a great pair of headphones. The sound is good, they’re incredibly comfortable, and the ANC remains a spectacular example of noise-canceling technology. I can’t not give them 4 stars, and a recommendation. They’re good. Unfortunately, so is the competition.

Making matters trickier is that the old model, a pair you can still buy for often reduced prices, is close enough in performance and is still well worth picking up. Once the stock of the first gen has dried up, the story will be different, but we're still a few months away from that point.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2 are a good upgrade, and they’re now the best noise-canceling headphones by the sheer fact that their ANC is better than anything available right now.

However, when Bose ditches the useless touch control thing on the right earcup, improves the sound and brings us a new design, a higher score will be in order. But as it stands, they’re a solid four-star pair of headphones in a crowded, competitive market.

2025 has been a great year if you're into your headphones. There have been flagship launches from Bose and Sony, a surprise new entry into our list of the best headphones, and plenty of budget options to keep those on a shoestring happy.

But which headphones have impressed me most in 2025? It's been hard to select just three, but I've managed to distil the year down into my favorite headphones with a little cajoling — and a lot of head scratching.

And listening.

3. Cambridge Melomania P100 SE

One of the biggest surprises this year was the hidden upgrades to what were already a fine pair of headphones from Cambridge. That's the headphone brand, not the place in England, where you won't find the very same headphone brand. Don't ask.

The P100s are already a personal favorite of mine, offering excellent specs and sound at a relatively affordable price point. The SE cost slightly more, but they up the ante internally with some well-considered and genuinely helpful improvements.

One of the biggest, of course, is the sound. They've received a sonic refinement to an already successful audio formula, bringing more detail, more bass control, and even more space. They sound better than headphones that cost $100, nay, $200 more.

They're more comfortable, the ANC is better — about the only thing that hasn't changed is the way they look. Not that it's a massive problem; they're a great-looking pair of understated headphones.

And one of the best pairs of headphones I tested in 2025.

2. Sennheiser HDB 630

A late entry to the year, only releasing in the last couple of months, Sennheiser's latest pair of flagship headphones were always going to be a shoo-in for my admiration as the year came to a close. Good sound, great fit, and buckets of battery — all they had to do was stick the landing.

And they did, thanks to a helpful little dongle that came in the box. The HDB 630 feature a USB-C device called the BTD700, and it brings higher-quality wireless listening to iPhone users (like myself) without the need to buy an extra... thing.

It means that I can listen to the headphones closer to their sonic potential with my phone than I can with other options out of the box. Considering that more users are now using services like Spotify Lossless, this can only be considered a good thing.

The rest of the package is as good as you might imagine. They're very comfortable thanks to some lovely thick earpads, and their 60 hours of battery life is top-shelf. They're fairly non-descript looking, and the price is edging into "these are too expensive" territory, but they're another addition to my favorite cans of the year.

1. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 are my pick for the best headphones you can buy right now, thanks to their ability to do everything well without many weak points. Are there better noise cancelers? Yes. Are there headphones that sound better? Just about — but none of them capture everything in a bottle like the PX7 S3.

They block all the noise you could want blocked. They sound excellent, outperforming almost everything else. Their battery life, while not exemplary, is plenty to get you through a couple of work days.

They're incredibly good-looking, especially in the rather fetching shades of blue that you can grab them in. They're spectacularly comfortable thanks to their well-judged clamping force and sumptuously soft foam.

I adore these headphones. They're my chosen companions for many a road trip, and they've earned a permanent place on my desk. You won't find me without them — and I think that you'll find something similar if you give them a road test.

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Wired headphones are experiencing a bit of a comeback, and for good reason. As convenient and easy as the best Bluetooth headphones are, it's physically impossible for "true" hi-res music when listening wirelessly.

So, if you want to branch out into the multifaceted (read: confusing) realm of audiophile audio, you need to get a pair of wired headphones. As I said, the audiophile world is a landmine of jargon and contrasting information, so I'm here to help you. Forget the $1,000 cans that require specially mined copper from the deepest caves of Vietnam (or something). Forget DACs and amps for the time being.

All you need is the FiiO FT13 headphones. I recently tested these brand-new audiophile cans, and I was blown away by the sound quality, accessible price, and beginner-friendly connectivity features.

No DAC? No problem

More seasoned audiophiles might turn their noses up at this, but hear me out. I don't think you need a DAC to get great sound out of the FiiO FT13. If you're not sure what a DAC is, it's a box that you plug your headphones into, and it magically makes music sound better. Everything has one built-in, but dedicated DACs are far superior to a laptop or phone DAC.

When I was testing these cans, I used them with both the FiiO K11 DAC and plugged straight into my MacBook Air M2. While I noticed a tiny difference in the clarity of the mids and highs, I thought the sound straight from my MacBook Air didn't sound half bad.

Nay, it sounded excellent. I enjoyed rich, warm bass (which I'll talk about more later) and layered mids, all underpinned by electric treble. The FT13 struggle a little with the highest of highs — such as very sibilant cymbals or hi-hats — but this wasn't because of the lack of DAC.

DACs are expensive, burdensome, and confusing for newbies, so I completely understand why you might not want to trouble yourself with one. If I were just branching out into the overwhelming world of audiophile headphones, I'm not sure I'd want to spend $$$ on a DAC, either.

That's why I love the FT13. These cans still sound fantastic without a DAC. You can plug 'em straight into your phone or laptop and experience sonic nirvana. Sure, some would disagree, but I digress. I test headphones for a living, and I think the FT13 perform admirably without a DAC, making them much more accessible for newcomers. Other audiophile headphones like the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen come with a DAC, so I'd recommend checking those out, too.

Bass for days

The first time I listened to a pair of wired "audiophile" headphones, I was a little confused. Why does this song sound so flat? I pondered to myself, suddenly unsure if I wanted to spend $$$ on some fancy-schmancy headphones when they didn't pack the punch I thought they would.

However, the more I've listened to reference cans, the more I appreciate the natural, faithful soundscape. Audiophile headphones are tuned much flatter than commercial Bluetooth headphones, and while the difference can be a shock at first, this tuning actually means you can hear and appreciate a larger range of sounds.

A flatter sound signature helps with the instrument separation and expansiveness of a track, and brings you closer to the sound. In my opinion, anyway.

However, the FiiO FT13 are a masterpiece in balancing natural, studio-accurate sound and that insistent, rampant bass that everyone seems to love.

In my full review of the FT13, I wrote, "The radiant, circular bassline climbed up and down its notes deftly, and the low-end was notably impressive. The bass excelled when layered over the slightly sibilant percussion, and this space really allowed the FT13 to show me what they’re capable of."

So if you've been looking to dip your toes into the world of hi-res, wired audiophile headphones but you can't give up your bass addiction, I wholeheartedly recommend the FT13. The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen I mentioned earlier are much flatter, and I don't think they are heavy enough to impress bassheads.

A connection for everyone

Last, but certainly not least, the FiiO FT13 come with a huge variety of connectivity options. On top of the standard 3.5mm aux, these cans also bring a 1/4 inch and XLR cable to the party.

1/4 inch connections are most commonly seen on musical instruments, so in theory, you could link these cans up with your electric guitar and have a private jam session. This is also great for DJs or producers — Pioneer decks mostly have 1/4 inch connections for live headphone monitoring. You might even be able to plug 'em into your turntable if it has a 1/4 output. (Mine doesn't, but some do, like the Audio Technica Sound Burger.)

Finally, the FT13 have an XLR connection. While I've yet to find a device in my personal connection that has an XLR output, I'm sure there are some out there. Do you use headphones with an XLR port? Let me know in the comments!

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The FiiO FT13 are serious contenders for the best headphones title. For audiophile newbies, I don’t think you can get much better. With rich, warm bass and prominent treble, the sound signature will impress those coming from Bluetooth headphones and reference cans alike.

Thanks to the robust 60mm dynamic drivers, I was grooving along to every bassline and melody. While experienced audiophiles might boo-hoo the bassier sound signature, I loved the decadence that the louder low-end provided. On top of expansive, rich sound, the FT13 come with three connectivity types. Oh, and you don’t need a DAC to get high-quality audio. Score!

But are they the cans for you? I’ll discuss everything in full in this FiiO FT13 review.

FiiO FT13 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? Some entry-level audiophile-grade headphones for those dipping their toes into the world of wired audio
• What does it cost? $329 / £289
• What do we like? The sound is really deep, rich, and warm
• What don’t we like? That sound can be a little harsh in the treble, but only in some genres

FiiO FT13 review: Specs

FiiO FT13 review: Price & availability

The FiiO FT13 are $329 from Amazon U.S. and £289 from Amazon U.K., which is a pretty reasonable price for audiophile reference headphones like these. I’ve tested the new Meze 99 Classics Gen 2, which are priced at $349, and would be better for super-long listening sessions in the studio due to the lighter headband.

Sennheiser’s HD 505 are priced identically: $329 at Amazon. Sennheiser also makes the premium HD 650, which are $579 at Amazon. I’d recommend checking out the Sennheiser models if you want open-backed cans with similarly robust sound. If you’re not sure on the difference between closed- and open-back headphones, open-backed headphones lack the casing around the rear of the drivers. This lets in more air and provides a wider soundscape, but, naturally, also sound seeps in and out.

I would recommend the FT13 for those just dipping their toes into the world of audiophile-grade listening. You should be aware that you might want a headphone amplifier to get the best sound, which adds an extra cost.

I tested the FT13 plugged into my laptop and the FiiO K11. The K11 is $175 from Amazon, and is a great investment if you’re serious about experiencing hi-fi audio.

However, the FT13 still sounded good when connected to my MacBook Air M2. Sure, they sounded better with the K11, but if you’re looking to save money, I don’t think the difference is that major.

FiiO FT13 review: Design

• No vegan option
• Plasticky earcups
• Very comfy

The FT13 are a gorgeous pair of headphones. They truly are remarkable. But there’s one major flaw holding me back. I really think FiiO was onto something with the FT13’s design, and then… faceplanted at the final hurdle.

Look at the FT13. They’re gorgeous. The purple wood, the velveteen cups, the floral mandala decoration on the driver casing. They really could’ve been something special. Something for the history books.

But the plasticky coating is so cheap-looking, and completely negates the sumptuous luxury of the purpleheart wood backing. Why? Why ruin such beautiful wood with a plastic-looking varnish?

I hope that FiiO takes a leaf out of Meze’s design books for the next generation of these headphones. The Meze 99 Classics Gen 2 are similarly priced and also constructed of wood, but the difference between the Mezes’ matte wood and the FiiOs’ shiny wood is like night and day. The 99 Classics just look so much more sophisticated.

While on the topic of the next generation of the FT13 (not that I know anything about that, this is pure speculation/wishful thinking), I would really like to see a vegan option on offer in the future. I would never buy a pair of headphones with leather earcups, purely for the fact that the headphones have leather earcups. I would always go for the vegan option.

I know other high-end brands like Bowers & Wilkins — the PX8 S2 for example — use leather cups, but this is still a major turn-off for me.

Anyway, that’s literally the only negative thing I have to say about these headphones. Both the leather and suede earcups are very comfortable, and the headphones are made well. Functionality-wise, they’re perfect. I just wish the wood didn’t look so shiny, and there was a vegan option.

FiiO FT13 review: Connectivity

• Comes with 2 3.5mm jacks, ¼ inch jack, and an XLR jack
• Long, braided copper cable
• Work with or without a DAC

As I said in the “Price & availability” section above, I used the FT13 with and without the FiiO K11 DAC. True audiophiles will boo-hoo me for saying this, but I don’t think a DAC is 100% necessary if you’re a newbie or looking to stretch your pennies.

The K11 made my music sound more immersive, wider, and deeper, but the FT13 still sounded great sans-DAC. It’s up to you if you want to buy the DAC to elevate your listening experience or not.

The FT13 come with four connection types: 2 x 3.5mm (for repairs), a ¼ inch, and an XLR. This is great for studio musicians, as FiiO has covered all bases for all equipment types.

FiiO FT13 review: Sound quality

• Deft bass for audiophile cans
• Some sibilant treble in heavier genres
• Fantastic, expansive soundscape

This is why you’re here, right? You want to know how the FiiO FT13 sound. They are, after all, audiophile headphones.

Despite being closed-back cans, I found the sound to be relatively expansive. Obviously, open-backed headphones are better suited if you want the widest soundscape physically possible, but the FT13 are still expansive for closed-backs.

To test the FiiO FT13, I listened to various genres on Qobuz, our best music streaming service for audiophiles. I listened to much more music than this, but I’ll discuss three standout tracks now.

I listened to ‘Golden Brown’ by The Stranglers. This track has a really immersive, atmospheric section towards the end, with stereo vocals layered over the harpsichord melody. I truly felt like the vocals were being sung directly into my ears, and the music sounded as if it was being played into one ear at a time. The bass was rich and warm, which surprised me. Rich bass is mostly absent on other audiophile headphones I’ve used.

After, I played ‘Angel’ by Massive Attack. The radiant, circular bassline climbed up and down its notes deftly, and the low-end was notably impressive. The bass excelled when layered over the slightly sibilant percussion, and this space really allowed the FT13 to show me what they’re capable of. I found the vocals a little pushed back, but I was more than happy to groove along to the bass.

I also listened to ‘All I Am’ by Ninajirachi, which is an effusive EDM track with glowing synths and squelchy bass, layered over soft vocals. I thought this track sounded immense. Everything from the glitchy synths to the pounding drum machine made me want to get up and dance.

Overall, the sound quality of the FT13 is just what you’d expect from premium headphones. The instrument separation is fantastic, and there’s a tangible expansiveness in every genre. I will say that heavier genres (‘Unravelling’ by Muse and ‘RIDING WITH MY GIRLS’ by Die Spitz’) suffer from slightly sibilant treble, but this wasn’t notable enough to hugely impact my listening experience.

FiiO FT13 review: Verdict

All in all, the FiiO FT13 are a pair of standout audiophiles that could hold their own in a room filled with Focals and Mezes. Of course, serious audiophiles might want something with a touch less bass and a more faithful mid-range, but I think the FT13 are the perfect stepping stone cans for new audiophiles.

With more bass than Meze’s similarly priced cans and a less complex midrange, the FT13 are more my personal taste than the 99 Classics 2nd Gen. Even so, the 99 Classics are more comfortable for longer listening sessions and have a more faithful midsection, so would be my recommendation for studio musicians or producers.

All that being said, I’m still a huge fan of these cans. The FiiO FT13 are a stellar pair of headphones that will make a burgeoning baby audiophile very, very happy indeed.

I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there’s a good chance your iPhone is letting down your wireless headphones.

If you own a decent mid-to-premium pair released within the past few years, such as the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2 found in our best headphones and best wireless earbuds buying guides, there’s a good chance it supports a high-quality Bluetooth codec like LDAC or aptX HD/Adaptive.

That essentially means they can wirelessly receive music over that codec so long as the phone (or other source device) supports it too.

The problem is, iPhones only support the inferior ‘basic’ SBC and AAC codecs. Play a Spotify Lossless song from an iPhone 17 to those B&W over-ears, for example, and the audio signal is transmitted over AAC Bluetooth, even though the headphones support the vastly superior aptX Lossless.

That has a potentially significant impact on sound quality. To understand this, you need to know a little about how Bluetooth codecs work. Let me explain.

Codecs matter, but aren't born equal

In the context of phones, laptops/computers and wireless headphones, each supports one or more Bluetooth codecs. A Bluetooth codec is software that compresses, encodes and decodes music so that it can be efficiently transmitted wirelessly between devices, though not all are born equal.

SBC is the most basic, universally supported codec, followed in terms of ubiquity and quality by AAC. Theoretically, aptX Lossless and LDAC are the most advanced.

I’ll spare you a long rant about Bluetooth codecs, but essentially all you need to know is that these most advanced codecs can handle audio files with the highest bitrates (hi-res songs) and compress them for transport in a way that best retains their integrity.

In other words, they can package a high-quality audio signal, send it between devices, and unpackage it at the other end without losing much of the musical information in the signal.

No Bluetooth codec can do this perfectly and completely losslessly, i.e without some information being lost – there’s simply too much information in a hi-res audio file to squeeze down the Bluetooth technology bandwidth tube without compressing it first. But aptX Lossless is arguably the best at the job.

Its maker, Qualcomm, claims that, with CD-quality audio (16-bit/44.1kHz) anyway, "no data is lost when audio is encoded and decoded with aptX Lossless"; it still compresses, but supposedly anything ‘lost’ in that process is restored.

Therefore, to set yourself up for optimal wireless headphone listening (before the actual quality of your headphones’ hardware comes in to determine that even more!), both your phone/audio source and headphones should support a high-quality codec. Bluetooth headphones and earbuds are doing their bit, increasingly supporting them, but the same can’t be said of most everyday audio devices.

Indeed, iPhones aren’t the only offenders of low-quality (lossy) Bluetooth codec support; MacBooks don’t natively support any version of aptX (they prioritise AAC, as iPhones do), nor do many Windows machines.

Android phones fare better on this front, with many supporting LDAC and at least aptX HD, though support for the better aptX Adaptive and better still aptX Lossless is rarer.

A neat, affordable solution

So you’ve spent a few hundred (or more) dollars on wireless headphones and potentially can’t even hear them at their best due to your phone’s Bluetooth limitations, right? Right.

But there is a way you can easily, affordably and conveniently right that wrong: by plugging a Bluetooth dongle like Sennheiser’s BTD 700 into the USB-C socket of your phone/audio source.

This $45 device brings aptX Lossless (and aptX Adaptive; aptX codecs are backwards-compatible) to your iPhone or other device, improving the Bluetooth transmission (and thus sound quality potential) between it and your aptX codec-supporting wireless headphones.

Sennheiser isn’t the only manufacturer of such small, discrete upgrades, but I’ve recently tested its BTD 700 with a range of devices and headphones and can vouch for its value.

Using the dongle with an iPhone 15 connected to the Sennheiser HDB 630 ($499.95) headphones, Spotify Lossless streams sound significantly clearer, more solid and dynamic.

Remove the dongle from the equation, reverting back to AAC transmission, and the presentation loses its shape and vitality, sounding comparatively meek and flat. I'm talking night and day differences that fully justify the dongle's modest expense.

Okay, so connecting anything to your phone – even something as dinky as the 2.4cm-long, 2g BTD 700 – won’t sit well with some, especially those with an older, Lightning port-toting iPhone who will need to add a Lightning-to-USB-C adaptor into the equation. You also can’t use it while your phone is charging.

But for those who can live with having a small protrusion from their device for the sake of superior sound quality, it’s a no-brainer buy.

Not all wireless headphones will benefit

Remember when I said that optimising Bluetooth transmission quality is a good start but that the quality of your headphones themselves matters more? Well, that’s true, and bears repeating here. Indeed, you can hear clear sonic differences between different qualities of Bluetooth codec transmissions… but only if your headphones are sophisticated enough to reveal those differences in the first place.

It’s like watching a DVD and a 4K Blu-ray through an old HD TV; the latter will offer a much better representation of what the camera captured, but the extra sharpness, detail and colour range information stored within the disc won’t present itself overly obviously on the TV due to the screen's limited pixels and colour reproduction.

In other words, don’t expect the improvements offered by higher-quality codecs to be readily communicated by sub-$200 wireless headphones; you will be wasting your money, hopes and dreams on the dongle upgrade.

The BTD 700 isn’t going to make your headphones better than they are, it’s just going to allow them to perform to their maximum potential for wireless playback. If your mid-to-premium Bluetooth headphones have sonic skills, your wireless listening experience will almost certainly be enriched by upgrading to aptX Adaptive/Lossless transmission.

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Target’s iconic ‘Expect More. Pay Less’ slogan could well be the motto for today’s noise-canceling headphones market. Once the reserve of first-class aeroplane travellers and music fans with the cash to splash, they are much more accessible nowadays, with active noise cancellation (ANC) technology increasingly found in the best headphones under $100.

Not only that, but such budget noise-canceling headphones often have features and specs that rival those of much more premium pairs.

Price gap widening; spec gap shrinking

Of the handful of budget and mid-range noise-cancelers I’ve tested over the past month, from the $50 JLab JBuds Lux ANC to the $100 Audio-Technica ATH-SB300BT and the $249 Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE, every single pair has trounced my $449 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2 (and plenty of other popular premium models) for battery life.

One pair supported a technically superior Bluetooth codec, while another even offered one of Bose’s headline attractions – spatial audio. Bluetooth Multipoint and Transparency modes are virtually ubiquitous, and touch controls don’t always elude budget models either.

Someone shopping for new ANC headphones may cross-reference the specifications of entry-level and flagship models and, very reasonably, wonder how pricier pairs could possibly justify their premium.

It isn’t just features that have made headway in budget ANC headphones of late either. I remember the first wave of affordable noise-cancelers sounding pretty compromised over ‘standard’ similarly priced wireless headphones – somewhat understandably, considering the added implementation cost of this ‘shiny new’ ANC technology. And it wasn’t uncommon for the audio presentation to seem as if it had been dragged through mud when ANC was activated.

Fortunately, ANC is now cheaper for manufacturers to execute (in part due to the availability of lower-cost, higher-efficiency audio chipsets and higher-quality microphones) and generally much less detrimental to performance.

Finally, while I’d pull the Bose pair out of the lineup as the most handsome, I wouldn’t put such a wide gap between their prices on aesthetics alone. It perhaps doesn’t help that the headphone fashion of the day is seemingly minimalist.

Just look at the flagship Sony WH-1000XM6, Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 4 and Sonos Ace… black, grey/white, little-to-no ornamentation; bling is clearly out. Unless you’re Apple or one of the luxury hi-fi-come-headphone brands, of course.

All this is to say that premium pairs, with their less standout specs, arguably ordinary designs and ever-increasing price tags, have a steeper uphill battle on their hands to pull in consumers than ever before.

But do they actually have a leg to stand on? I ditched my $400 Boses for the aforementioned $100 Audio-Technicas (my favorite of my budget haul) to find out. Here’s what I found...

Specs have caught up…

Audio-Technica’s ATH-SB300BT aren’t actually the best featured headphones for their price. (That particular medal would more deservedly hang around the neck of the $100 Sony WH-CH720.)

They don’t have a companion app for EQ adjustment or the other few (mostly wowless) functions typically offered for budget models, nor do they support Bluetooth codecs beyond the ‘vanilla’ and pretty lossy SBC and AAC.

Meanwhile, the Boses support one of the highest-quality codecs, aptX Adaptive, which is a valuable feature if you own an aptX Adaptive/HD-compatible phone, and have a dedicated app that allows you to adjust EQ and ANC strength.

It’s a tug of war when it comes to wired listening. The Boses deliver audio through their USB-C and 2.5mm sockets, but both methods require the headphones to have battery remaining. The Audio-Technicas, meanwhile, only offer cabled listening via their 3.5mm jack, not their USB-C charging port, meaning you have to carry around an extra cable.

That said, wired listening here doesn’t require battery life, which I believe is the more attractive benefit. After all, there’s nothing worse than a pair of headphones being completely redundant if you’re caught short.

Speaking of which, the Audio-Technicas win the battery round, delivering 60 hours with ANC activated compared to the Bose’s 30 hours. That’s the manufacturers’ claimed figures anyway.

In real-world usage, listening at decent volume levels, I recorded that 14 hours of listening drained the Audio-Technica’s battery life by 20 percent, while roughly the same amount of hours took a 50 percent hit on the Bose’s juicepack.

(As an aside, this isn’t necessarily Bose scrimping on chipsets or not prioritising battery life, but could, to some extent at least, be due to the greater battery-draining processing needed for their more powerful ANC and audio.)

But the Boses strike back with one of the most convincing spatial audio implementations I’ve heard, and while I wouldn’t call it particularly valuable for music listening, it is much more so for movie watching.

Ultimately, your priorities (and to some extent the audio source you use) will determine which pair offers the most practical features for you.

As headphones to wear, I’m siding with the Bose – but again, there’s not much in it. The Boses are better looking, there’s no question about that, and I prefer their lighter, less oppressive feel and fit, particularly after two or more hours of wear.

Still, the Audio-Technics are also secure fitting and comfy (if a little too warm after an hour or so), mostly due to their pillowy pleather earpads. And I prefer using their physical volume buttons as opposed to the Bose’s slow-going touch capacitive volume slider, even if they are uglier.

… but performance hasn’t

Up until this point, the QC Ultra 2 don’t convincingly justify their $300 premium over the ATH-SB300BT, which epitomize just how far budget noise-cancelers have come in recent years. Their sound quality is surprisingly mature for the price, too – solid and full-bodied, with decent enough clarity and insight, if a little tonally skewed – bass-heavy and treble-light.

But this is where the Boses begin to pull away. The Boses are also on the richer side, albeit more tonally balanced, and notably clearer and crisper, particularly in the mid and upper frequencies.

Play Waxahatchee’s Right Back To It, and MJ Lenderman’s electric guitar is more rhythmically coordinated with the accompanying banjo pattern, Katie Crutchfield’s Americana-infused vocal drips with texture, and the bass guitar plays a more grounding, as opposed to dominating, role in the mix.

Over to Charli xcx’s Von dutch, and the Boses lean into their upper-mid crispness, propelling the upbeat synths forward with enthusiasm and plotting them more precisely in an open soundstage with greater instrument separation.

It’s an altogether more upfront, musically cohesive and engaging sound. And you know what? Sonically, the Bose-rivalling Sony XM6 and B&W Px7 S3 put even further distance between themselves and the Audio-Technicas.

Where the Boses gain most distance over the $100 headphones, however, is with their noise-canceling performance. Now, the QC Ultra 2’s ANC is unrivalled – at any price. I’ve reviewed $1000 ANC headphones that don’t trouble their sound-blocking ability. So despite the ATH-SB300BT proving decent sound blockers at their level, I wasn’t surprised by their comparable inferiority here.

How inferior? On a train, for example, the Boses completely shush all noise but the highest-frequency voices in the carriage, while the Audio-Technicas drown out the very lowest rumble of the train tracks but can only reduce the rest to be less distracting than they were.

Budget vs premium ANC headphones: where we are today

Every couple of years, new flagship ANC headphones from the likes of Bose and Sony arrive to take wireless sound and/or ANC effectiveness to the next level – sometimes incrementally, sometimes more significantly.

It’s a credit to the development of behind-the-scenes drivers, processors and wireless technology, and the audio engineers finding ways to improve their implementations, that wireless sound is still creeping closer to wired quality and that noise cancelation is almost as effective as it could be.

That keeps the best-performing premium ANC headphones relevant and, indeed, worth it for headphone listeners who value, and can afford, those performances cheaper headphones can still only aspire to.

For the rest of us, however, it’s encouraging to know that performance quality is evolving at the affordable end of the market too, while features and design are no longer areas of discrepancy.

Five years ago, you couldn’t get the sound quality, ANC efficacy and genuinely useful everyday features from $100 headphones. Today, as the Audio-Technicas go to show, you absolutely can.

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When I’m out running or working out, I always prefer to use over-ear headphones since they feel way more secure and comfortable than regular earbuds or on-ear headphones. The only issue is, waterproof over-ear headphones are pretty hard to come by.

It’s for this reason that I find myself reaching for the best workout headphones, which include open-ear earbuds to ensure minimal damage if I find myself caught in the rain. But another issue audio gear faces is sweat. Luckily, I have been testing some headphones that are totally sweat-proof in the H2O Audio RIPT Ultra headphones.

Why is sweat an issue?

It may not seem like it’s doing anything, but sweating when wearing headphones is causing more damage than you think. Your sweat contains salts and oils that your body is getting rid of.

If these salts and oils find their way into the internal components of the headphones, it can cause corrosion, leading to sound performance issues and the overall degradation of the device.

But that’s pretty obvious, right? Moisture and electronics don’t mix. What shocked me most was what sweat can do to the earcups of headphones.

These ear cups are usually made from some sort of faux leather, which is non-breathable. And because of this, the moisture-containing salts and oils are going to be absorbed and will lead to the breakdown of the material.

If you’ve ever noticed the material on your headphones beginning to crack and flake away, this is why.

I always wipe down my headphones after I use them to help them last as long as possible, but even chemicals that kill bacteria in cleaning wipes and cause the earcups to age prematurely. But H2O Audio has the perfect solution.

Silicone ear cups are the answer

I love the comfort of a faux leather ear cup for daily wear, and you don’t have to give this up with the H2O Audio RIPT Ultra headphones, as they come with interchangeable earcups. You get a pair of regular faux leather cups and a set of silicone cups.

I was a little skeptical at first when I looked at the silicone cups because I thought they could be a little uncomfortable, but I was instantly proven wrong. They are still super soft and moldable to the shape of your head.

The silicone material is much easier to wipe down after using the headphones, so I can have peace of mind that I’m killing any bacteria and also protecting the internal components of the headphones.

And if I want to use the faux leather cups when I’m at the office, it’s as simple as quickly twisting the silicone cup to the side, taking them off, and replacing them.

You can find out more about why I like these headphones so much in this full H2O Audio RIPT Ultra review.

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Sure, you could use any old headphones when you're working out, but you probably want the best workout headphones. The H2O RIPT Ultra over-ear headphones offer a solution that is completely sweatproof and won’t leave you with broken earbuds or degrading earcups after a few months of use at the gym.

The interchangeable earcups give you the option of comfort from faux leather or practicality from sweatproof silicone, and the ANC is great when using the faux leather cups. Not to mention, they are extremely comfortable. The 50-hour battery life is also a major win for these cans, so you won’t be charging them up every day.

The lack of environmental noise cancellation for calls is a let-down, though.. An absence of companion software available from most other headphones on the market meant I couldn’t make any personalized adjustments, leaving me with a sound profile that struggled with bassy tracks and controls that I couldn’t customize.

But, if you’re a fitness fanatic, could these headphones be for you? Keep reading this full H2O Audio RIPT Ultra review to find out.

H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? Headphones made with athletes in mind.
• Who is it for? Anyone who wants headphones that can double for gym and daily use.
• How much does it cost? The H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones are available at Amazon U.S. for $249 and at Amazon U.K. for £241.
• What do we like? The headphones are sweatproof and extremely comfortable because of the interchangeable ear cups. They have a massive 50 hours of battery life and effective ANC.
• What don’t we like? There is no environmental noise cancellation for calls, no companion software for EQ alteration, and the bass crackles at times.

H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones review: Specs

H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones review: Price & availability

The H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones are available at Amazon U.S. for $249 and at Amazon U.K. for £241. The headphones are available in a black or gray colorway and have blue detail on the ear cups. I personally think these headphones are far too expensive for what they offer, but over-ear headphones that are sweatproof are hard to come by.

When I’m working out, music is my biggest motivator, so I look for something with the best sound possible. For around the same price, you could pick up the Beats Studio3 headphones ($169), which have far superior audio, but they’re not sweatproof and are more suited for in-depth listening. However, these are the headphones I have used for running for the last three years, sometimes in light rain, and I haven’t had any issues with sound quality or the condition of the ear cups.

Workout audio gear most commonly appears in the form of earbuds or open-earbuds, but then you don’t always experience the same level of ANC that the H2O Audio headphones can offer. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 bone conduction headphones offer a more secure solution as opposed to in-ear earbuds, and have a waterproof rating of IP55, so they are protected from sweat and water splashes. The H2O Audio RIPT Ultra headphones don’t have an IP rating, so you get more peace of mind with the Shokz.

But one of the perks of the H2O Audio headphones is the active noise cancellation capabilities. This is a great feature to keep you focused, but the Soundcore Space One headphones ($99) outperform them in this department. And while the H2Os have 10 extra hours of battery life, there are more color options available with the Space Ones. But again, these aren’t waterproof or sweatproof, but since they are much cheaper, you may be willing to sacrifice the longevity of the earcups to save a bit of cash.

Moreover, the 50-hour battery life of the H2O Audio RIPT Ultra headphones is a huge sell. But the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds ($159) offer up to 65 hours of battery life at a much lower price. The ANC is still epic in these earbuds too, but again, you lose the security that comes with an over-the-head design.

H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones review: Design & controls

• Sweatproof
• Extremely comfortable
• Interchangeable ear cups

The design of the H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones isn’t something I would typically spring for. I’m a fan of minimalist headphones and usually reach for something either completely matte black or totally white with metallic accents. So, naturally, the light blue trim and logo on the ear cups weren’t initially my cup of tea.

That being said, they are undeniably comfortable. H2O Audio says these headphones are designed to best suit the lifestyle of an athlete who could be using these everywhere from the gym to the office. And while I wouldn’t directly describe myself as an athlete (because who am I kidding), I enjoy staying active by hiking and running, so I can appreciate how the comfort of these cans is a big win for anyone who is fitness-obsessed.

A major reason I found them so comfortable is the interchangeable ear cups. The headphones come with two pairs, one for working out and one for everyday wear. You simply twist the ear cups on and off to switch them around.

For day-to-day listening, I used the faux leather ear cushions, which were very soft and molded to the shape of my head with ease. After using these, I noticed how stiff the cups of my Beats Studio3 headphones are — the H2Os are much more comfortable for long-term wear.

I switched to the silicone ear cups when I was running, and while not as comfortable as the faux leather, these are great to wear while working out. It’s totally gross, but these didn’t start to stick to the side of my face like faux leather cups do when I started to sweat. The silicone felt a lot more breathable too. Over time, the oils from your skin and sweat will start to break down the faux leather material, but that issue is completely taken care of by the silicone cups, prolonging their life. The silicone cups can also be wiped and washed, which is more hygienic.

H2O Audio says the headphones are totally sweatproof, but there is no IP rating to indicate what the headphones could potentially withstand. They do, however, state that the headphones should not be fully submerged, so no swimming! Thankfully, models like the H2O Audio Tri Pro 2 offer IPX8 water-resistant, pool-safe musical companions for swimmers.

The adjustable headband is also great for getting the perfect fit, and the headphones are foldable. This means they fit into the included carry bag to keep them dust-free when not in use, and it makes it easier to carry them everywhere with you. The headphones are charged via USB-C on the left side, and can be used wirelessly or with the included 3.5mm aux jack.

There is no app compatibility with the H2O Audio RIPT Ultra headphones, so you have to make all control alterations manually, the old-fashioned way. Unfortunately, this also means there is no scope for EQ personalization, which I think these headphones could benefit from — more on that later.

There are ANC controls on the underside of the left earcups, which are altered by pressing the button and cycling through the options. You can choose from noise cancellation, transparency mode, and noise cancellation off. The buttons on the right ear cup control the volume and play and pause the music. The play button can also be held down to turn the headphones on and off.

Having the controls on the underside of the earcup means they’re not visible when wearing the headphones, so it keeps them out of sight and the headphones looking sleek. However, the positioning is a little tricky to get to grips with at first, especially when moving around.

H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones review: Features & connectivity

• Bluetooth 5.4
• 3.5mm aux included
• No companion app

The headphones use Bluetooth 5.4 to stream wirelessly, but there is no option for Hi-Res or LDAC streaming codecs. Bluetooth 5.4 has a lower latency than previous versions, but without Hi-Res streaming, it’s not something noticeable. While the Bluetooth range of these headphones is not stated by H2O Audio, I was able to walk around my house and away from my phone without any interference.

The headphones also come with a 3.5mm aux jack for lower latency streaming. There are no multipoint connectivity options with these headphones, which is something you can find in most audio gear these days.

As I mentioned, there’s no app connectivity with the H2O Audio RIPT Ultra headphones. This is a letdown, as I think the sound profile could benefit from EQ alterations based on my personal preference and the music I listen to. This also means that the headphone’s settings can only be changed manually.

H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones review: Sound quality

• Crackling bass
• No EQ personalization
• Lack of depth

The H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones have passable audio, but for $250 I expect a lot more, or at least an option for personalization. H2O Audio describes these headphones as having deep bass, but I think the 45mm drivers miss the mark where depth is needed the most.

For example, I listened to Death & Romance by Magdalena Bay. This is the definition of the ultimate pop track with piano, synth, and soft, breathy vocals. But in the chorus, where the drum beat kicks up, the headphones had issues with crackling bass. This is an issue that also cropped up when I listened to pretty much anything by CharliXCX.

Sure, heavy bass isn’t what everyone listens to, and when I work out, my playlist is a little muddled. I get my motivation from different genres on different days… and sometimes I need to be screamed at. I listened to King For A Day by Pierce The Veil, which is a true screamo anthem that uses a mix of death growls, fry screams, and high vocals, and it sounded surprisingly decent. I say ‘surprisingly’ because since the pop track went down like a lead balloon, I thought that such a mix of vocal styles might lead to the headphones struggling. The vocals sounded clear, but some elements of the production were lost, with the rhythm guitar fading into the background.

I finally listened to Heroes by David Bowie. This is a classic that uses sounds like it was plucked right off the score of an epic. The vocals were clear, and I would say this was certainly the best-performing song with these headphones, so they thrive with 70s new-wave. The whole song sounded well-balanced.

H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones review: ANC

• Effective noise cancellation
• Performance depends on the earcups used
• Three levels of noise cancellation

The 30dB of active noise cancellation with the H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones is very effective; however, there is a marked difference in how it performs depending on which ear cups are being used.

There are three levels of noise cancellation (noise cancellation, transparency mode, noise cancellation off), but I used the highest noise cancellation setting to help with focus. When using the faux leather ear cups, the ANC was very effective, and I could hardly hear the tapping of my keyboard or the chatter of the people working around me. But when using the silicone earcups, I could hear more tapping and could start to make out conversations.

The Soundcore Space One headphones offer far superior ANC capabilities and are a fraction of the price of the RIPT Ultras. As someone who values focus, I would certainly be more inclined to reach for the Space Ones.

H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones review: Call quality

• Clear call quality
• No environmental noise cancellation
• Can use the built-in controls to answer calls

Now and again, I have to take a call when I’m out on a run or a long walk. It’s easier to leave my phone in my pocket, so I like that I can use the RIPT Ultra’s buttons to answer calls.

When I spoke to my dad on the phone, he said my call using the built-in microphone of the headphones was clearer than when I spoke on my phone normally. However, since there is no environmental noise cancellation with the microphone, he could hear the traffic near me when I was speaking, which caused some interference.

Environmental noise cancellation is a very useful feature when using headphones or earbuds to take calls, so it’s a shame the RIPT Ultras don’t utilize it. The Edifier WH950NB headphones have great environmental noise cancellation, which makes taking calls a breeze.

H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones review: Battery life

• 50 hours of battery life
• USB-C charger

The H2O Audio RIPT Ultra headphones have a battery life of up to 50 hours, meaning I was covered for all of the activities I was undertaking all week long. After 10 hours of listening over two days, the headphones sat at a respectable 80% battery life. This was with ANC turned on at around 35% volume. The longevity of the battery will change depending on ANC settings and volume usage. The headphones are charged with a USB-C cable, which is included.

If you need more battery life than this, you can look at the Edifier WH950NB headphones, which have 55 hours of listening time, or the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE headphones, which have 60 hours of battery life.

H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones review: Verdict

The H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones may not be my first choice when I want to listen to my favorite music, but they are the perfect headphones to have when working out. They are sweatproof and have interchangeable earcups, so you don’t ruin the faux leather on the cups, and you can use the silicone cups for sweaty workouts instead.

The 50 hours of battery life make them great for long hikes, and they are extremely comfortable to wear for extended periods too. The ANC is also ideal for staying focused, whether it’s at my desk or the gym, but the function reduces when you change the earcups to silicone, which you’ll want to do when working out.

The lack of environmental noise cancellation for calls is a letdown. There’s also no companion software to personalize the headphones, whether that’s tweaking the EQ of the sound profile or the touch controls. And most importantly, the headphones proved unable to cope with much bass.

So while I don’t think these headphones are the right choice for audiophiles, they are a decent choice for anyone who spends most of their free time being active and needs a sweatproof audio solution.

I have now been ANC-free for a month. A long month of hearing traffic noise, of dodging pedestrians with their faces buried in their phones, and being heckled by people with books on the side of the street. But I am resolute, knowing that I am safer without ANC while walking around, so that I can hear cars before they hit me. I am a pinball at train stations no longer.

But the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 look at me with a sultry gaze, tempting me back to the noise-canceling fold. But I stand firm, my inhuman will to hear the outside world stronger than the quiet comfort of Bose's headphones. I will resist. I must resist.

So, how have I really done, and has my experience been worth the lack of noise canceling? Let me tell you of a noisy month, and one that's revealed how I handle quitting something.

I feel safer everywhere I go

One of the primary reasons I gave up ANC was because I felt unsafe while wearing the best noise-canceling headphones. While sealed in a musical cocoon, I found that I couldn't handle what was happening around me, and I was terrified of being hit by a car. Stations and underground stops were particularly gnarly as I dodged my fellow passengers while trying to listen out for station and train announcements.

Now, without ANC over my ears, I do feel safer. Many would call me a pansy (some did, and to you I say, "I hope you don't get hit by a car with your ANC headphones on"), but I am more aware of the world around me than I ever have been before.

I am more grounded, my senses more rounded and less dulled. Turns out, when crossing the road, I don't just use my eyes — I also seem to use my ears, as I listen out for cars that might not stop when they're supposed to. I don't hesitate at the crosswalk, unsure if it's actually safe to go.

I just know.

But it's not just that. When I go to the shop or a fast food joint, I don't have to turn anything off for the cashier. I just, like, talk to them. It's so much more natural, so much more human. There's nothing in the way between me and my conversation partner. They don't have to speak up — and, perhaps crucially, there's no horrible digital filter thing making them sound like they're a computer.

I notice the small things now more than ever. The birds singing in the park I walk through every day, and the sound of cool sports cars that use the roads nearby. I was able to strike up a conversation with an old dude the other day who seemed like he needed the company — with ANC turned on, I don't think I'd have noticed any of those things.

It's been harder than I expected

I am no stranger to quitting. I gave up smoking in 2020, and I've not picked up a death stick since. I've ditched social media to help improve my headspace and avoid toxicity. Quitting is something I'm generally quite good at, so it surprised me how difficult it has been to leave my ANC headphones at home when I go for a walk.

I think part of it is down to my job. I test headphones, and that means I have to see how they perform when you're out and about outside. I need to make sure that the ANC blocks out the noise of traffic, other pedestrians, and other noises that might disturb a potential user's day.

So there are times when I can't avoid ANC outside. And I think that makes it very easy just to grab my headphones when I wander on past the table by the door, stuffing my earbuds in my pocket as I've always done.

Then there's my promise not to use ANC when I'm at home working. When I don't need it, I have reams upon reams of wired headphones that don't feature ANC and generally sound better than wireless options. But the best wireless headphones are so easy.

I just pick up my headphones, put them on my head, and press play. They connect instantly and play music without having to plug anything in or change any device settings. Forgive me, father, I have sinned — I have used my ANC headphones at home. It's too simple, too easy.

And there are no cars in my office to avoid.

It's not for everyone

It was pointed out to me when I first wrote about giving ANC up that a world without noise-canceling headphones is not for everyone. For some neurodiverse people, the world can be overwhelming, buffeting them with millions of different things to divide their attention. Noise-canceling headphones give them at least some form of respite, allowing them a calm mind.

But for those who can give up ANC headphones, I would thoroughly suggest you give it a try. The last month for me has been eye (and ear) opening, and I've felt freer than ever without noise-canceling blocking out half the world.

I feel safer and more involved with what's happening around me — and I can only see that as a good thing.

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There are about as many wired headphone models there are stars in the sky, so making yourself stick out is like, hard. Hedd has done two things to make its new headphones unique. The first is the name — the Heddphone D1, something only Hedd could get away with. The second is the driver tech inside, and it's pretty special.

They're made out of the same stuff as racing cars, and apparently make for a more engaging listening experience. "Well," I thought, "I'll be the judge of that." So I put them on my head, plugged them into my headphone amplifier, and got listening.

And you know what? I wonder if all drivers in the best headphones should be made out of Formula 1 materials.

What's all the fuss about?

Hedd is known for making headphones that are usually packed with exotic panels of goodness-only-knows-what to create their sound. Arguably, the Heddphone D1 are more boring than the rest of the Hedd range, but they've got a trick up their sleeve.

Inside the D1 is a pair of dynamic drivers, a lot like the kind you'll find in the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and the Sony WH-1000XM6. Where the D1 set themselves apart is in the construction of the dynamic drivers — they're made out of Thin-ply Carbon.

That's the same stuff that you'll find making sure that Sir Lewis Hamilton's car is nice and light, and making up bits of space-faring helicopters (Yes, they're real. Yes, they're extremely cool.) But what does that mean, and what does it do for the headphones and how they sound?

Without getting too technical, it's going to mean quicker performance. You've got to remember that the drivers have to make all the sounds in your music, fitting low sounds and high sounds within tiny amounts of time. The quicker that it can shift its vibration pattern, the better your headphones are going to sound.

That's the simplified version — it's actually a lot more complicated than that. What it means for you, the end listener, is better balance, tighter bass, and increased detail. In short, tastier sound than your average set of headphones.

How do they sound?

Ok, so a headphone maker with decades of experience walks into a bar to meet a Swedish company that has spent loads of money developing super materials. They spend time over some drinks designing some headphones, and then send the design off to a factory in Berlin, where, one can assume, magic happens.

Are the Heddphone D1 good? No. They're spectacular.

First things first: bass heads go elsewhere. Your need for more low-end is not welcome here. Go tune your subwoofer or something.

Now that the brutes are gone, we can get on with the matter at hand — how the D1 might have just usurped my usual reference headphones, the Sennheiser HD 600. See, the Sennheisers are lovely. They're about as revealing as a headphone dare be, and open enough to make your music sound like it's being played from somewhere around you. They have a weakness, however, and that's in bass volume.

The D1 retain the incredible detail of the HD 600, and the wide-open sound thanks to their very open design, but they bring a whole lot more bass volume to the table. Bass depth is great too, going plenty far down the frequency range.

The bass heads, as I said before, are still not going to like them — these are headphones about detail — but their more impressive low-end presence makes them a nicer listen than the HD 600, which can sometimes come across as too analytical.

Obscura's The Beyond brings some truly epic tech-death noise to the party, and the D1 make sure that you can hear every single instrument in pin-sharp detail. Bass is quick and engaging, never lingering or becoming to flabby. The guitar is crunchy and devastating, the drums pummeling and furious. Nothing gets too much attention; everything remains extremely well-balanced despite the ongoing metallic din.

Casiopea's Transatlantic gives the D1 plenty of finer detail and little musical nods to get their teeth stuck into. The slight shuffling of a cabasa in the left earcup, the clapping through the track. The guitar that sours, the cymbals that tap. The keyboard that jumps from note to note. Everything is quick, clean and precise.

I have only one complaint about the D1. They're engaging, very well detailed, and stunningly dynamic, but they're a little clinical in their presentation. There's still some of that Germanic precision that you might expect out of Sennheiser reference headphones, and while it's great for critical listening, it can take a smidge of the life out of listening for fun.

Still, the D1 and their carbon-ply diaphragms are easily some of the best-sounding headphones I've tested all year. Perhaps I should look at other things made out of carbon-ply...

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The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen are unlike any of the best headphones I’ve tried before. I’m not going to lie and pretend I’m a seasoned expert in the world of audiophile reference cans, because I’m not. I am, however, a seasoned expert in the world of Bluetooth consumer-focused headphones, and I can tell you that the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen are completely different.

Bluetooth headphones are usually bass-heavy, with a focus on features like ANC, mic quality, and app connectivity. The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen? None of that. These are straightforward, no-nonsense music listening headphones. And I love them.

As someone who seriously adores music, the 99 Classics 2nd Gen are a breath of fresh air. Even so, if you’re after jaw-shaking bass, you won’t find that here. Find out how these are my new go-to headphones for serious listening sessions in this Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen review.

Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? The 2025 model of Meze’s iconic, entry-level Meze 99 Classics
• What does it cost? A pretty premium $349 / £319
• What do we like? The balanced, highly accurate neutral sound signature provides a unique listening experience
• What don’t we like? I wish the high-end were more well-rounded in electronic and rock genres

Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen review: Specs

Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen review: Price & availability

I’ve seen these cans listed as 99 Classics 2nd Gen and 99 Classics V2, but both of these names refer to the headphones reviewed here. If the product is listed as “Meze 99 Classics”, this is the original 2015 model. You need a “2nd Gen” or “V2” in the name.

The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen are brand-new as of October 2025, and, as a result, are in limited supply right now. Don’t fret, though, as the cans are still available to purchase both in the U.S. and the U.K.. In the U.S., you can buy them for $349 from Crutchfield.

In the U.K., you have a few more options: Sevenoaks for £319, and Richer Sounds for £319. Hi-fi audio is more of a “thing” on this side of the pond, but there are still some specialist retailers in the U.S. that stock Meze.

As of November 2025, the 2nd Gen aren’t available on Amazon U.S. or U.K., but other Meze Audio products are sold on Amazon, so I’m positive the 99 Classics 2nd Gen will land on Bezos’ bazaar soon-ish.

Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen review: Design

• Gorgeous walnut closed-back cups and gold accents
• Uber-comfortable vegan leather headband for all-day listening
• Vegan leather soft cloud cups

Meze has outdone itself. The 99 Classics 2nd Gen are a sight to behold.

I’ve used other Meze cans, like the 105 AER ($399) and the Elite ($4,000 — yes, $4,000), so I knew what to expect when I unboxed the 99 Classics 2nd Gen. As anticipated, the 99 Classics 2nd Gen are deliciously well-made, with cloud-soft cushioning cups, thick foam over the driver, and a magically expanding headband that moves to fit your head, not the other way around.

All this makes the headphones a dream to wear for hours on end, which is most certainly what you want when your music sounds this good.

The walnut cups, though, are the best part. As the cups are crafted from real wood, no two pairs look exactly the same, but I can assure you that mine look utterly scrumptious. The walnut is smooth, with no nicks or scratches, and bonded securely to the cushioned cups.

The headphones also have gold flourishes beside the aux jacks, on the base of the headband, and on the outside of the cups. The original model came with silver embellishments, too, so I hope Meze brings that color option back for the 2nd Gen.

As these are wired, analog headphones, there are no controls as you might expect on Bluetooth headphones. You’ll need to use your playback device to control play, pause, skip, and volume.

Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen review: Connectivity

• USB-C DAC dongle — no external DAC needed
• 3.5mm dual-cup aux
• Gold-plated ¼ jack attachment

Because these are analog headphones, there’s no Bluetooth connectivity. Don’t expect as many features as you would on the Focal Bathys or AirPods Max.

So while the 99 Classics 2nd Gen’s prevailing feature is audio quality itself, these cans don’t have anything like ANC. I’m grateful, actually. ANC would definitely dampen the crisp, pristine, detailed soundscape ubiquitous to Meze’s 99 Classics series. However, that means I wouldn’t recommend using these headphones in noisy environments. If you’re commuting or your neighbors are having building work done, you’d be better off elsewhere.

If you want a more “convenient” pair of headphones, I’d recommend the detail-focused AirPods Max ($549) or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($499) if you’re a basshead.

Anyway, back to the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen. These headphones have two connection modes: 3.5mm jack with or without a USB-C DAC dongle (provided), or a ¼ gold-plated jack for studio or hi-fi listening.

I used the Meze 99 Classics Gen 2 with the provided USB-C DAC, connected to both my iPhone 16 Pro and my MacBook Air M2.

I appreciate the inclusion of a USB-C DAC. This means you don’t have to make an additional purchase to get the best sound out of the 99 Classics 2nd Gen. Other analog, audiophile headphones like the Meze 105 AER don’t come with a DAC, so you need to buy one before listening if you don’t have a dedicated playback device.

Thanks to the USB-C DAC, I was able to enjoy the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen’s mind-blowing sound quality straight away.

Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen review: Sound quality

• Immersive, all-encompassing soundscapes
• Wide soundstage and faithful instrument separation
• Some genres have a harsh treble — techno and metal

To test the Meze 99 Classics Gen 2, I listened to a range of genres on Qobuz, our best music streaming service for audiophiles.

As I’m currently chin-deep in my biannual Tame Impala hyperfixation, I listened to Kevin Parker’s entire discography while testing these headphones. Some standouts include: ‘Be Above It’, ’Cause I’m a Man’, and ‘My Old Ways’, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll discuss ‘Be Above It’ here.

This track starts with a whispered, echoing repetition of “Gotta be above it,” which surrounded my head like a mist. I was completely immersed in the song, and could’ve tricked myself into thinking that Parker was breathing the words beside me. The rolling, avalanching drums and guitars added to the expansive atmosphere, and when the warbling synths kicked in, I could feel the drivers pumping air around my ears.

Despite only being able to listen at CD-quality (rather than 24-bit 192kHz-quality available on many Qobuz tracks), the song sounded incredible. I could hear new motifs, even though I’ve been listening to this song since 2012. In the sparse midsection, there’s a ghostly, eerie synth cloud layered over the scattering percussion. Who knew? Not me, until just now.

I’ll also discuss the track ‘My Computer’ by Ninajirachi. This is a scattered, hyperpop electronic track, with modulated vocals and discordant melodies. It kind of sounds like the old dial-up tones, or like an audio representation of the Blue Screen of Death.

The vocals were well-rounded, and the headphones handled the wildly changing soundscape well. The track was dynamic, and I could hear everything from the airy vocals to the squelchy bass to the warm piano equally.

However, not everything sounded mind-meltingly good. Unfortunately, the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen aren’t tuned to every genre. That’s fine — one product can’t do everything perfectly — but I still feel like it’s fair to mention here.

I’ll also explain why. The 99 Classics 2nd Gen, like their predecessor, are tuned more like reference or studio cans than commercial, mass-market Bluetooth headphones. This means the sound signature is more neutral than you might be used to. Luckily, though, this sound signature means that most tracks sound highly accurate, faithful to the recording, and you’ll hear unique parts of the track. You’ll also get more instrument separation, a more expansive soundscape, and more dynamism in your music.

I listened to a few heavier tracks — ’RIDING WITH MY GIRLS’ by Die Spitz, ‘Unravelling’ by Muse, and ‘The Emptiness Machine’ by Linkin Park — and found myself wanting just a little more.

Heavy genres don’t all sound bad, but when there’s a concentration on bass, I longed for depth. I feel like this could be easily fixed with an in-app EQ adjustment (like there is in Apple Music), but I wouldn’t recommend this for everything. These headphones are tuned for reference and detail, not bass, and sometimes I found the EQ in Apple Music muddied the soundscape.

Even so, bass isn’t what these headphones are intended for, so it would be unfair for me to knock a point off for this. If you’re familiar with reference cans, you won’t expect hefty bass performance anyway.

Overall, the 99 Classics 2nd Gen continue Meze’s reputation for faithful, accurate music performance, thanks to the neutral tuning and expansive soundscape. I never wanted to take them off. If you want something a bit more bassy, though, I’d recommend something like the Audeze LCD-2, $899 from Amazon.

Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen review: Verdict

The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen are a worthy upgrade from 2015’s 99 Classics. With a beyond comfortable vegan leather headband, I can happily wear these cans for hours and hours without developing a headache.

The fact that I can wear these headphones for hours can only be a good thing — especially when music sounds this good. Wobbly, glitchy techno and psychedelic rock were my favorite genres to listen to, thanks to the textured soundscapes and interesting sonic structure. Although I longed for a little more in heavier genres, I know that these cans aren’t tuned with a bass-heavy signature for a reason. Even so, most genres are delicately handled, with a nuanced, expansive soundstage and unbeatable instrument separation.

If you’re an audiophile wannabe or a seasoned hi-fi expert, I’m positive that the 99 Classics 2nd Gen won’t disappoint you. I never want to take them off now.

Headphones — if you want to privately listen to music, there's little better. They're a great way to enjoy your tunes with no distractions. But what headphones should you be buying if you want to get right into your favorite tunes?

I'm a weirdo. An audiophile. An audiophile who has spent many, many years testing the best over-ear headphones and working out how good they are — and some of my favorites are on this list. If you're looking for some great headphones and fancy yourself an audiophile, then I'll give you some wicked options.

"Budget" pick: Sennheiser HD 560 S

These headphones currently live on my testing desk, and I'm having a fabulous time. I actually wasn't entirely sure how much they cost when I first recieved them, and my first listen made me presume they cost more than their $200-ish price point. They're really nice.

They sound pretty excellent. They're open-backed, so there's a wide soundstage. Instrument separation is good as well, and each member of your musical ensemble is easy to discern. Detail is top-notch, but thanks to their open backs, you do miss out on a little bass.

They can easily be run from a smartphone as well, as long as you've got a suitable USB-C dongle. The perfect way to dip your toes into the audiophile pool and get listening to those new Spotify Lossless tracks.

Right in the middle: Meze 105 AER

The 105 AER are one of my favorite pairs of headphones. They're extremely comfortable and made out of some lovely materials to make them feel (and look) premium. I particularly like their magically growing headband, which changes size as you pull them over your head.

Sound-wise, you're looking at the best of all worlds. Like all the headphones here, these are open-backed, so you can expect a wide soundstage. The mid-range is buttery smooth, and vocals are pin-sharp. Detail is another massive strength for the headphones, ensuring that you can hear fine elements in your tunes. They've got great bass as well, with plenty of "oomph." They're a bit more expensive, but they're a lovely pair of forever headphones that will last you a lifetime.

They will work if you plug them into your phone with a dongle, but to really get them performing their best, you'll want something more powerful to connect them to. I'd recommend the iFi Go Link Max.

The expensive pick: Sennheiser HD800 S

These are, for many, end-game headphones. They're a very well-regarded set of cans that are often considered some of the most detailed, open-sounding headphones you'll ever put on your head. They're also Tom's Guide's reference headphones, which I use to make sure that any gear we test is up to scratch. I also happen to really like them.

They're, without a shadow of a doubt, the most detailed pair of headphones I've ever listened to, ever. You'll hear every single note, breath, and string movement with HD 800S. It's akin to taking a microscope to your music, so that you can really get into the weeds.

There is one big drawback — they need loads of power to drive. You won't be listening to these through your smartphone or even your laptop. Instead, you'll need to buy some form of desktop amplifier and a separate DAC device. That's going to make an already expensive pair of headphones cost even more. I'd say they're worth it — but only for a select few.

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You may (or may not) remember that I stopped using noise canceling headphones while out and about. Since then, I've discovered that there's still one place that I need ANC, and that's when I'm sitting on a bus or train seat. I've experienced too many chanting sports fans and crying children to go ANC free all the time.

But I thought I'd try something new as I take ANC back into my life — to see how Sony's latest noise cancelers stack up to my personal favorite noise canceling headphones, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra gen 2. I've been using the WH-1000XM6 as my primary noise cancelers for a week now to see whether they'll be my new portable companions. Here's what happened.

Where have I been wearing them?

My headphones need to be very good at blocking out the noise of engines, tires, wheels, and crying children. There is little I enjoy less while trying to relax on a long journey is a child screaming at the top of its lungs. So there's one thing.

My other main consideration for travel headphones is comfort. After all, I could be wearing them for many hours at a time, so I want them to be soft on my ears and head. Anything that makes me want to pull them off is going to be a no go.

Finally, sound. While I travel sound is strangely going to come behind the other considerations — for while other headphones might sound incredible, if I can't hear it over the sound of little Jimmy three seats away as he hurls his toys around, there's little point. Still, they need to sound good.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2 fit pretty much all of those criteria. They are, after all, the best noise canceling headphones you can buy. But are Sony's latest good enough to dethrone them and take their place in my backpack?

1. Noise cancellation

I genuinely thought that this round would be more cut and dry, but I was surprised by just how close everything was. In short, the Sony WH-1000XM6 come much closer to the performance of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones than I had first considered, in some cases bettering them.

They Sony's are really good at blocking out low sounds, like rumbling engines and wheel noise on the road. That makes them very well suited indeed for bus journeys, especially if you like to sit close to the back of the vehicle. The clattering diesels of the buses that I frequent were almost completely silenced by the XM6, even more so than the QuietComfort Ultra.

The Bose still take the edge with voices and other environmental sound, but the low-end performance of the XM6 has made me reconsider which headphones should live in my bag. With the low drone of the engine gone, my music was able to block out the sound of the talking on the bus around.

Alas, however, little Jimmy cut through.

Where the XM6 did a much better job, however, was the transparency mode. Putting the two side by side, I found that the people I talked to while buying a bus ticket and the guards asking for my train pass sounded more natural. The Sony's also did a better job of highlighting the sounds I actually wanted to hear.

Activating the transparency mode was much easier as well. Holding down the touch panel on the Bose is irritating, while holding my hand over the whole earcup of my Sony's is inspired. It works well, instantly pausing the music and turning on transparency. Move my hand away, and it all goes back to normal. Excellent.

So it was close — so much to say that I don't think ANC would actually be a primary decider for whether the XM6 are going to become my new transport headphones. And that's something I really wasn't expecting.

2. The comfort

I didn't find the previous Sony WH-1000XM5 all that comfortable. It was due to that thin headband across the top that made them dig in to my head, making the headphones uncomfortable for longer term wear. The XM6 have a redesigned headband — and it's worked. Mostly.

The XM6 are more comfortable, without a shadow of a doubt. It took much longer for fatigue to wear in as I rode the train to London, and my bus journeys to the local shopping center weren't an issue at all.

However, I still felt some soreness after about 3-4 hours, and I needed to take the Sony's off.

The same can't be said of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra gen 2. They're extremely light, for one, so they don't weigh on your head during wear. The padding is also very thick, and it's soft, so they stay far more comfortable for a long time. I've never needed to pull the QC Ultra off my head — something I've experienced with the Sony headphones.

So, at the moment, the Bose are now slightly ahead.

3. Sound quality

This round was actually more cut and dry than I thought it would be. I've always had issues with the Bose QuietComfort line's sound quality, and the WH-1000XM6 merely highlighted the problems — and then summarily fixed pretty much all of them.

The Bose are a very bassy pair of headphones. Generally, I go into the settings menu and dial back the bass in the three band EQ — as I have done with this pair — but I've always found that (thanks to the relatively restrictive EQ adjustment) that it doesn't do quite enough to make the sound as good as I'd like. They've got decent detail and reasonable mids, but the bass can become overpowering.

I've found this generally to be the achilles heal of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (both gens), and given I completely ignore immersive audio because I don't like it, there's little sound wise to keep me coming back. That's where things get interesting — because the Sony WH-1000XM6 somehow do.

First off, the XM6 are not my favorite sounding pair of headphones around. But I wasn't expecting to enjoy them as much as I did. As we found in our XM6 review, Sony has dialled in the sound quality to focus on vocal clarity. That lends itself well to certain genres, like soul, which rely on their singers and their vocal abilities.

It also means that Sony has taken some off some of the bass weight that made the XM5 too "low-endy" for my personal taste. It's articulate and well crafted, and now doesn't overwhelm the rest of the sound. Add in some lovely detail and solid highs, and you've got a nice sound.

It's not perfect. Soundstage, imaging and instrument separation has taken a hit since the XM5, but it's still a much better experience than the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2. Like I said — it makes things interesting.

So which are my new headphones?

For those keeping score and doing some math, you'll notice that we actually came to a draw. But there are other considerations that I've now had to make that have actually landed the Sony's in my daily carry.

The Sony WH-1000XM6's case is nicer thanks to the magnetic clasp, and the more intuitive touch controls make them easier to use. The battery life is better, and the Sony app is more extensive. They fold up smaller, and I prefer the way that they look.

I wasn't expecting to be here, but now that I've come to the end of my extended, targeted testing period, I'm glad that I've done it. Right now the Sony WH-1000XM6 is my top pick.

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Wi-Fi headphones have been rumored for some time at this point. Correction — more than rumored, we've seen them in real life at events like CES. The promise of top-quality audio on the go that uses your phone's Wi-Fi antenna instead of its Bluetooth module.

So why, then, are we still without a pair of Wi-Fi headphones? Why do I not have a lovely pair of cans that play We Didn't Start The Fire to the best of their ability, instead of relying on lossy Bluetooth codecs and battery-draining sound improvement engines? Where, oh Zeus, are my Wi-Fi headphones?

I've got a few ideas, each one of them more depressing than the last. So join me in what I am calling "a lament for Wi-Fi headphones." Get the tissues ready, we're in for a sad one.

The Wi-Fi headphones promise

To say we haven't had Wi-Fi headphones at all would be a small lie. The Sonos Ace used a form of Wi-Fi connection to play the same audio as your soundbar so that you can enjoy surround sound without bothering the rest of your house at 3 a.m. It's not going to connect your phone to your headphones, but it does, in some way, work.

It's also not entirely what we were promised. See, there were a few things that we were supposed to get out of Wi-Fi headphones. Better sound quality, for one — not so with the Sonos Ace. Improved connection on the go — unless you're going to take your Sonos Arc Ultra on the go, also not going to happen with the Sonos Ace.

So we do, technically, have Wi-Fi headphones. But not the Wi-Fi headphones we were promised, and certainly not Wi-Fi headphones that give us everything we were looking for.

What's gone wrong? Here are three possible reasons we're so far behind my Wi-Fi headphone dream.

Reason 1: Low adoption

If Wi-Fi connection headphones are real, then you need manufacturers to put the technology in their headphones. Any Wi-Fi headphones we've seen at events have been from smaller brands, as opposed to larger ones — and it's the bigger companies like Bose and Sony that need to buy in for it to really take hold.

You may have noticed, if you've spent any time looking at the best headphones, that Sony and Bose have not adopted Wi-Fi connections for their headphones.

Perhaps, deep within the bowels of Sony HQ, there are some mad audio scientists researching the technology but if so, they're keeping quiet about it.

Until the big brands start to make a noise about this, it's always going to stay on the back burner unless a truly disruptive audio start-up grabs the industry by the scruff of the neck.

Reason 2: It doesn't work

There's another reason that might explain why we haven't seen any true Wi-Fi headphones hit store shelves. It simply might not work — after all, we've seen mockups and devices at CES to show us what we could have, but nothing that we can actually buy from a shop.

Perhaps getting the connection to not interfere with other wireless protocols is causing issues. Maybe stability is a problem, or maybe battery drain is simply too much on the source device?

Whatever the case, it would explain why there are no Wi-Fi headphones that I can buy today.

Reason 3: It doesn't actually exist

Wi-Fi headphones don't exist as we hoped. Perhaps the only kind of Wi-Fi headphones we're going to see are rooted in place, connected to a soundbar or other static device. The dream of latency-free, high-quality headphones on the go remains a pipe dream that I'll keep telling myself is right around the corner.

It could all just be vaporware. I hope that it's not the case — I'd actually quite like a pair — but it's certainly starting to feel that way.

Maybe, in a year, a pair will land on our laps and we'll be blown away by their performance. Or, maybe, they'll finally release and it'll be like Duke Nukem: Forever all over again.

Either way, you can count on me to continue to dream (and to write) about Wi-Fi headphones long after everyone else has stopped listening and gone back to enjoying their music on a pair of the best noise-cancelling headphones they can get.

What do we have instead?

There are a couple of ways that firms have managed to give us something similar to what Wi-Fi headphones promise us. High-quality codecs like LDAC and aptX get close, but they don't give us that completely lossless listening that many audio fans are actually looking for.

USB-C listening gets closer, but it misses out the key component – wireless listening. Then there's true wired listening, with a pair of expensive audiophile headphones and some snazzy gear like a DAC and amp. That's going to sound amazing, but again, it misses that crucial wireless connection that would make Wi-Fi headphones so cool.

So, as far as alternatives go, we're pretty much stuck in the mud. It's only when (or if) Wi-Fi headphones land that we'll see the promise fulfilled — and I'm not sure that it's ever going to happen.

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This past weekend, thousands of audio and hi-fi enthusiasts attended the Paris Audio Video Show in the French capital — and I was one of them. I had the pleasure of seeing some of the latest and greatest inventions and innovations in the hi-fi sphere, from home theater systems and projectors to bookshelf speakers and wired headphones.

As someone who uses headphones daily to listen to her favorite tunes, I couldn't help but be drawn to Meze Audio's stand at the show — and I got to try two pairs of wired headphones that could make me ditch wireless for good. The Meze Audio Liric 2nd Gen and the Meze Audio 99 Classics made a lasting impression on me, and I haven't stopped thinking about either since.

I had high hopes before I tried the 99 Classics and the Liric, and that's because I've spent a good chunk of time using the open-back 105 AER. Well, I'm happy to report that neither set of cans let me down. In fact, I liked one of them so much that I instantly asked the representative at the stand how much the headphones cost... and my jaw dropped instantly. Allow me to take you through it all.

Comfort for days

Although priced vastly differently, the Meze Audio Liric 2nd Gen and the Meze Audio 99 Classics have a couple of things in common. Both their earcups sport a walnut wood finish, making them stand out in a crowded market. I love their overall design, and both are extremely comfortable, too.

The 99 Classics (9.17oz) are lighter than the Liric (15.1oz) and even though they sit at opposite ends of the price spectrum, both excel at delivering all-day comfort. I especially love how the Liric feel on my head.

The padded headband relieves pressure you might feel on the top of your head otherwise, and the same goes for the 99 Classics, too. Both their earcups are plenty spacious, and they sat comfortably around my ears during the short time I spent with them. I didn't want to take either off my head! And that's also down to how beautiful they sound.

How music was intended to sound

If you want to stream hi-res audio, you need a pair of wired headphones and a DAC (Digital Analog Converter), which is the setup Meze Audio had in place at its stand at the Paris Audio Video Show. This enabled me to listen to music the way it was intended to sound. And let me tell you, both the Meze Audio Liric 2nd Gen and the 99 Classics sound phenomenal — but more so the Liric, which isn't surprising given their premium price point.

The Liric are fitted with Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array MZ4 drivers with a frequency response range of 4Hz-92KHz. When I put them on and hit play on 'Money for Nothing' by Dire Straits, I was instantly blown away. The slow rise in the non-lyrical intro ending in the drum solo leading into the verse felt like a spiritual experience. Every note plucked on the electric guitar was loud and clear while Mark Knopfler's vocals had never sounded better.

I then thoroughly appreciated the powerful basslines in 'Money' by Pink Floyd (one of my favorite songs of all time) accompanied by the clinging and clanging of change travelling from one earcup to the other, providing a truly immersive listening experience.

And what about the 99 Classics? Just because they're cheaper doesn't mean they should be underestimated. The 99 Classics' dynamic drivers are plenty powerful to deliver detailed, well-balanced sound. Fleetwood Mac's 'The Chain' sounded fantastic and as though Stevie Nicks was singing directly into my ear.

Meze Audio says that the 99 Classics have been designed to deliver "natural sound even to the pickiest of audio lovers." At that, I think, it almost succeeds. While the highs and treble sounded great to me, I found the lows and bass to be slightly lacking. But bear in mind that I tried the 99 Classics after the Liric, so I may have been spoiled by the pricier pair.

Should you buy them? Yes

Both the Meze Audio 99 Classics and the Liric 2nd Gen are outstanding headphones, and I can't recommend them enough if you want the best-in-class sound. But it all comes down to the cost. The 99 Classics are a more budget-friendly pair, retailing for $309 / £269. Meanwhile, the Liric are... a smidge more expensive. They're priced at a whopping $1,999 / £1,899.

Of course, if money were no object, we'd all get the Liric — they are near-perfect, in my opinion, and they are designed for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality and comfort above all else. But even if you get the 99 Classics, you'll still be getting bang for your buck.

Will I finally ditch wireless?

So, am I ready to ditch wireless cans for good? It's a little complicated. I love my wireless headphones. I thoroughly enjoy the convenience of Bluetooth multipoint connectivity that lets me swap between my laptop and smartphone as needed, and I like not having to contend with tangled cables, especially while commuting.

But I also can't ignore the fact that, more often than not, wireless headphones aren't it for streaming hi-res audio. My ideal solution would be having two pairs of headphones: a wireless pair for when I'm on the move, and a wired pair for when I'm at my desk. Detailed listening is hard to top and that's something both the Meze Audio 99 Classics and the Liric deliver.

If I win the lottery, there will be signs — at least one, in the form of the Liric sitting on the top of my head.

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