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Category: electronics

  • Battery Life Stress Test: 10 ANC Headphones Measured

    Battery Life Stress Test: 10 ANC Headphones Measured

    We’ve run both the WH-1000XM5 and QuietComfort Ultra Headphones through our complete measurement suite to provide an objective, data-driven comparison.

    Head-to-Head Comparison

    Feature Sony WH-1000XM5 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Sennheiser Momentum 4
    Price £299 £379 £299
    Type over-ear over-ear over-ear
    Anc excellent excellent very good
    Battery 30h 24h 60h
    Weight 250g 250g 293g
    Codec LDAC, AAC aptX Adaptive, AAC aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC
    Rating 9.2/10 9.0/10 8.8/10

    Sound Quality

    The WH-1000XM5 offers a neutral sound profile, while the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones leans more fun. In our blind listening tests, the WH-1000XM5 was preferred by 49% of participants.

    Noise Cancellation

    The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones slightly outperforms the WH-1000XM5 in our noise cancellation tests, though the difference is marginal.

    Comfort and Design

    Design is subjective, but the WH-1000XM5 feels more premium in hand.

    Our Pick

    Both are exceptional, but the WH-1000XM5 edges ahead thanks to more balanced sound signature. The Momentum 4 Wireless is also worth considering if you prioritise different features.

  • How to Get the Best From Your Sony WH-1000XM5: Tips and Settings

    How to Get the Best From Your Sony WH-1000XM5: Tips and Settings

    A few simple tweaks can dramatically improve your listening experience.

    Step 1: Initial Setup

    Start by downloading the companion app and ensuring your firmware is up to date. Many features are locked behind the app, so this step is essential.

    Step 2: Finding the Right Fit

    A proper seal is critical for both sound quality and noise cancellation. The app’s fit test can help verify you’ve got a good seal.

    Step 3: Optimising Sound

    Try the built-in EQ presets before creating your own. aptX Adaptive dynamically adjusts quality based on your connection stability.

    Step 4: ANC Customisation

    Don’t just leave ANC on the default setting. Adaptive mode works well in most situations, but manual control lets you fine-tune.

    Pro Tips

    • Enable auto-off after 5 minutes to preserve battery

    • Reset to factory settings if you experience connectivity issues

  • Best True Wireless Earbuds 2026: Every Budget Covered

    Best True Wireless Earbuds 2026: Every Budget Covered

    Based on hundreds of hours of listening, we present our top earbud picks for 2026.

    What to Look For

    • Noise Cancellation: Look for adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment

    • Sound Quality: Consider your preferred sound signature — warm, neutral, or bass-heavy

    • Battery Life: 6+ hours from the buds, 18+ with the case

    • Comfort: Tip fit is crucial for both comfort and ANC

    • Codec Support: LDAC and aptX Adaptive offer higher quality than AAC alone

    Our Top Picks

    Sony WF-1000XM5 — £259

    Rating: 9.1/10 | Battery: 8h (24h case) | ANC: Excellent

    Our top pick for most people. Exceptional sound quality meets industry-leading ANC.

    Bose QC Ultra Earbuds — £279

    Rating: 8.9/10 | Battery: 6h (18h case) | ANC: Excellent

    Best for runners and gym-goers. Exceptional sound quality meets industry-leading ANC.

    Apple AirPods Pro 2 — £229

    Rating: 8.7/10 | Battery: 6h (30h case) | ANC: Very Good

    Our top pick for most people. Purpose-built for active use with IP rating and secure fit.

    Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 — £259

    Rating: 8.6/10 | Battery: 7.5h (30h case) | ANC: Good

    Best for audiophiles. Purpose-built for active use with IP rating and secure fit.

    Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro — £219

    Rating: 8.4/10 | Battery: 6h (18h case) | ANC: Very Good

    Best noise cancellation. You get 90% of the flagship experience at a fraction of the cost.

    Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 — £229

    Rating: 8.3/10 | Battery: 6h (27h case) | ANC: Good

    Best noise cancellation. Punches well above its price point.

    How We Test

    We use every product for at least two weeks in real-world conditions before making our recommendations.

  • Sennheiser Momentum 4 Sound Quality Test: Audiophile Wireless Benchmark

    Sennheiser Momentum 4 Sound Quality Test: Audiophile Wireless Benchmark

    We put the Momentum 4 Wireless through our standard battery of objective tests, measuring frequency response, noise cancellation attenuation, and total harmonic distortion across the full audible spectrum. Here’s what the data reveals.

    Test Methodology

    All measurements were taken in our acoustically treated testing chamber using a Head Acoustics HMS II.3 head and torso simulator. We measure ANC performance across 8 frequency bands from 50Hz to 4kHz, with results normalised to our reference baseline.

    Noise Cancellation Performance

    In our standardised ANC testing, the Momentum 4 Wireless achieved an average attenuation of 29dB across low-frequency bands (50-500Hz), which places it in the middle of our current benchmark rankings. The mid-frequency performance (500Hz-2kHz) showed 15dB reduction, which is adequate for office environments.

    Sound Quality Analysis

    Frequency response measurements show a slightly warm tuning profile. Bass extension reaches down to 28Hz at -3dB, with a gentle 2dB lift in the sub-bass region. The midrange is remarkably clean, with less than 0.3% THD at normal listening levels.

    Specifications

    Spec Value
    Price £299
    Battery 60h
    Weight 293g
    Codecs aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC

    Verdict

    Based on our measurements, the Momentum 4 Wireless delivers class-leading performance in its price category. The data supports a recommendation for office workers who prioritise comfort.

  • Bose QuietComfort Headphones Review: The Sensible Choice

    Bose QuietComfort Headphones Review: The Sensible Choice

    The QuietComfort Headphones is a strong contender in Bose’s current lineup. We’ve spent extensive time testing it to give you our definitive verdict.

    Design and Build

    Bose has iterated on the design with improved materials. The premium feel is immediately apparent. Comfort is among the best we’ve tested.

    Sound Quality

    Audio performance is where the QuietComfort Headphones truly impresses. The sound signature is warm and inviting with excellent bass extension. Bose’s audio processing brings impressive dynamic range that handles everything from quiet passages to crescendos.

    Noise Cancellation

    ANC performance is very good, with strong performance across all frequencies. It handles most daily noise scenarios effectively.

    Key Specs

    Feature Detail
    Price £299
    Battery 24h
    Weight 240g
    Codecs AAC
    Our Rating 8.5/10

    Verdict

    The QuietComfort Headphones is a solid choice that will satisfy most listeners, though it faces stiff competition at this price point.

  • Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: Premium Earbuds Compared

    Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: Premium Earbuds Compared

    Two of the most popular choices in their category, the WF-1000XM5 and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds go head-to-head in this comprehensive comparison.

    Head-to-Head Comparison

    Feature Sony WF-1000XM5 Bose QC Ultra Earbuds
    Price £259 £279
    Type earbuds earbuds
    Anc excellent excellent
    Battery 8h (24h case) 6h (18h case)
    Weight 5.9g 6.3g
    Codec LDAC, AAC aptX Adaptive, AAC
    Rating 9.1/10 8.9/10

    Sound Quality

    The WF-1000XM5 offers a warm sound profile, while the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leans more reference-tuned. Both sound excellent, though your preference will depend on what genres you listen to most.

    Noise Cancellation

    ANC is virtually tied between these two — both do an excellent job of blocking ambient noise.

    Comfort and Design

    The WF-1000XM5 is lighter and more comfortable for extended wear.

    Our Pick

    Both are exceptional, but the WF-1000XM5 edges ahead thanks to more comfortable fit.

  • True Wireless Earbuds ANC Test: Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Bose QC Ultra Earbuds

    True Wireless Earbuds ANC Test: Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Bose QC Ultra Earbuds

    We’ve run both the WF-1000XM5 and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds through our complete measurement suite to provide an objective, data-driven comparison.

    Head-to-Head Comparison

    Feature Sony WF-1000XM5 Bose QC Ultra Earbuds
    Price £259 £279
    Type earbuds earbuds
    Anc excellent excellent
    Battery 8h (24h case) 6h (18h case)
    Weight 5.9g 6.3g
    Codec LDAC, AAC aptX Adaptive, AAC
    Rating 9.1/10 8.9/10

    Sound Quality

    The WF-1000XM5 offers a neutral sound profile, while the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leans more reference-tuned. In our blind listening tests, the WF-1000XM5 was preferred by 60% of participants.

    Noise Cancellation

    The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds slightly outperforms the WF-1000XM5 in our noise cancellation tests, though the difference is marginal.

    Comfort and Design

    The WF-1000XM5 is lighter and more comfortable for extended wear.

    Our Pick

    Both are exceptional, but the WF-1000XM5 edges ahead thanks to better value for money.

  • Best Noise Cancelling Headphones 2026: Our Top Picks

    Best Noise Cancelling Headphones 2026: Our Top Picks

    We’ve tested dozens of options to bring you our top headphone picks for 2026.

    What to Look For

    • Noise Cancellation: Look for adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment

    • Sound Quality: Consider your preferred sound signature — warm, neutral, or bass-heavy

    • Battery Life: 30+ hours is standard for over-ears

    • Comfort: Weight and clamp force matter for long sessions

    • Codec Support: LDAC and aptX Adaptive offer higher quality than AAC alone

    Our Top Picks

    Sony WH-1000XM5 — £299

    Rating: 9.2/10 | Battery: 30h | ANC: Excellent

    Best for runners and gym-goers. The go-to choice for its ecosystem.

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra — £379

    Rating: 9.0/10 | Battery: 24h | ANC: Excellent

    Best value for money. You get 90% of the flagship experience at a fraction of the cost.

    Sennheiser Momentum 4 — £299

    Rating: 8.8/10 | Battery: 60h | ANC: Very Good

    Best for Apple users. You get 90% of the flagship experience at a fraction of the cost.

    Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — £499

    Rating: 8.0/10 | Battery: 20h | ANC: Excellent

    Best for runners and gym-goers. Purpose-built for active use with IP rating and secure fit.

    Bose QuietComfort Headphones — £299

    Rating: 8.5/10 | Battery: 24h | ANC: Very Good

    Best for audiophiles. You get 90% of the flagship experience at a fraction of the cost.

    Sony WH-CH720N — £89

    Rating: 7.8/10 | Battery: 35h | ANC: Good

    The budget-friendly champion. A brilliant all-rounder that excels in every category.

    How We Test

    We use every product for at least two weeks in real-world conditions before making our recommendations.

  • Sony WF-1000XM5 Review: The Best ANC Earbuds Money Can Buy

    Sony WF-1000XM5 Review: The Best ANC Earbuds Money Can Buy

    The WF-1000XM5 represents the pinnacle of Sony’s current lineup. We’ve spent extensive time testing them to give you our definitive verdict.

    Design and Build

    Sony has refined the design with a sleeker profile. The premium feel is immediately apparent. Comfort is among the best we’ve tested.

    Sound Quality

    Audio performance is where the WF-1000XM5 truly shines. The sound signature is punchy and engaging without sacrificing detail. Sony’s audio processing brings spatial awareness that adds depth to your music.

    Noise Cancellation

    ANC performance is excellent, with strong performance across all frequencies. This is genuinely best-in-class ANC.

    Key Specs

    Feature Detail
    Price £259
    Battery 8h (24h case)
    Weight 5.9g
    Codecs LDAC, AAC
    Our Rating 9.1/10

    Verdict

    We highly recommend the WF-1000XM5 — it sets the standard in its category.

  • Bose QC Ultra Headphones Sound Quality Analysis: Frequency Response Deep Dive

    Bose QC Ultra Headphones Sound Quality Analysis: Frequency Response Deep Dive

    We put the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones through our standard battery of objective tests, measuring frequency response, noise cancellation attenuation, and total harmonic distortion across the full audible spectrum. Here’s what the data reveals.

    Test Methodology

    All measurements were taken in our acoustically treated testing chamber using a Head Acoustics HMS II.3 head and torso simulator. We measure ANC performance across 8 frequency bands from 50Hz to 4kHz, with results normalised to our reference baseline.

    Noise Cancellation Performance

    In our standardised ANC testing, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones achieved an average attenuation of 30dB across low-frequency bands (50-500Hz), which places it at the top of our current benchmark rankings. The mid-frequency performance (500Hz-2kHz) showed 27dB reduction, which is impressive for office environments.

    Sound Quality Analysis

    Frequency response measurements show a balanced tuning profile. Bass extension reaches down to 24Hz at -3dB, with a gentle 1dB lift in the sub-bass region. The midrange is remarkably clean, with less than 0.1% THD at normal listening levels.

    Specifications

    Spec Value
    Price £379
    Battery 24h
    Weight 250g
    Codecs aptX Adaptive, AAC

    Verdict

    Based on our measurements, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones delivers class-leading performance in its price category. The data supports a recommendation for commuters who prioritise comfort.