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Category: headphones

  • ANC Headphone Benchmark: Sony XM5 vs Bose QC Ultra vs Apple AirPods Max

    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 Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
    Price £299 £379 £499
    Type over-ear over-ear over-ear
    Anc excellent excellent excellent
    Battery 30h 24h 20h
    Weight 250g 250g 384g
    Codec LDAC, AAC aptX Adaptive, AAC AAC
    Rating 9.2/10 9.0/10 8.0/10

    Sound Quality

    The WH-1000XM5 offers a warm sound profile, while the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones leans more analytical. In our blind listening tests, the WH-1000XM5 was preferred by 59% of participants.

    Noise Cancellation

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

    Comfort and Design

    Both are comfortable, though the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones has a slight edge for larger heads.

    Our Pick

    It’s a close call, but the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones wins for most people thanks to more comfortable fit. The AirPods Max is also worth considering if you prioritise brand ecosystem integration.

  • The Audiophile’s Guide to Noise Cancelling Headphones

    Based on hundreds of hours of listening, we present 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

    The budget-friendly champion. Purpose-built for active use with IP rating and secure fit.

    Sennheiser Momentum 4 — £299

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

    Best for Apple users. A brilliant all-rounder that excels in every category.

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra — £379

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

    Best for Apple users. Exceptional sound quality meets industry-leading ANC.

    How We Test

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

  • Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QC Ultra: The Ultimate ANC Showdown

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

    Head-to-Head Comparison

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

    Sound Quality

    The WH-1000XM5 offers a V-shaped sound profile, while the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones leans more fun. 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

    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 better value for money.

  • I Tried the Sony WH-1000XM5 for a Month: Here’s What Happened

    So I’ve been living with the WH-1000XM5 for a while now, and I have some thoughts. Spoiler: there’s a lot to like here, but it’s not all perfect.

    First Impressions

    Right out of the box, the WH-1000XM5 looks and feels premium. Sony has clearly put thought into the unboxing experience. The build quality is solid and they’re a bit snug at first but they break in.

    The Good Stuff

    Noise cancellation is genuinely excellent — like, walk-through-a-busy-airport-and-hear-nothing excellent. Sound quality is really engaging. I found myself rediscovering tracks I’d heard a thousand times.

    The Not-So-Good

    The carrying case feels like an afterthought, which is a shame at this price.

    Should You Buy Them?

    Absolutely. These are among the best you can buy right now.

  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Review: Premium ANC With Spatial Audio

    The QuietComfort Ultra 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 refined the design with improved materials. The premium feel is immediately apparent. Comfort is good, though larger heads may find them slightly tight.

    Sound Quality

    Audio performance is where the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones truly shines. The sound signature is balanced and revealing across all frequencies. Bose’s audio processing brings a level of clarity that reveals new details in familiar tracks.

    Noise Cancellation

    ANC performance is excellent, with effective noise reduction in most environments. This is genuinely best-in-class ANC.

    Key Specs

    Feature Detail
    Price £379
    Battery 24h
    Weight 250g
    Codecs aptX Adaptive, AAC
    Our Rating 9.0/10

    Verdict

    We highly recommend the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones — it sets the standard in its category.

  • Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: The Benchmark for Wireless Headphones

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

    Design and Build

    Sony has refined the design with a more modern aesthetic. The premium feel is immediately apparent. Comfort is excellent for extended sessions.

    Sound Quality

    Audio performance is where the WH-1000XM5 truly shines. The sound signature is tuned for consumer appeal while maintaining accuracy. Sony’s audio processing brings spatial awareness that adds depth to your music.

    Noise Cancellation

    ANC performance is excellent, with effective noise reduction in most environments. This is genuinely best-in-class ANC.

    Key Specs

    Feature Detail
    Price £299
    Battery 30h
    Weight 250g
    Codecs LDAC, AAC
    Our Rating 9.2/10

    Verdict

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

  • Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancellation Test: Measured Performance

    We put the WH-1000XM5 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 WH-1000XM5 achieved an average attenuation of 27dB across low-frequency bands (50-500Hz), which places it at the top of our current benchmark rankings. The mid-frequency performance (500Hz-2kHz) showed 17dB reduction, which is impressive for office environments.

    Sound Quality Analysis

    Frequency response measurements show a slightly warm tuning profile. Bass extension reaches down to 27Hz at -3dB, with a gentle 2dB lift in the sub-bass region. The midrange is remarkably clean, with less than 0.2% THD at normal listening levels.

    Specifications

    Spec Value
    Price £299
    Battery 30h
    Weight 250g
    Codecs LDAC, AAC

    Verdict

    Based on our measurements, the WH-1000XM5 delivers class-leading performance in its price category. The data supports a recommendation for frequent travellers who prioritise battery life.

  • Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: The Noise Cancelling King Retains Its Crown

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

    Design and Build

    Sony has refined the design with subtle but meaningful improvements. The premium feel is immediately apparent. Comfort is good, though larger heads may find them slightly tight.

    Sound Quality

    Audio performance is where the WH-1000XM5 truly shines. The sound signature is balanced and revealing across all frequencies. Sony’s audio processing brings spatial awareness that adds depth to your music.

    Noise Cancellation

    ANC performance is excellent, with excellent low-frequency attenuation. This is genuinely best-in-class ANC.

    Key Specs

    Feature Detail
    Price £299
    Battery 30h
    Weight 250g
    Codecs LDAC, AAC
    Our Rating 9.2/10

    Verdict

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