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Tag: Audio Benchmarks

  • How to EQ Your Headphones for Better Sound: A Data-Driven Guide

    Getting the most from your audio gear doesn’t have to be complicated.

    Step 1: Initial Setup

    Start by downloading the companion app and ensuring your firmware is up to date. Firmware updates often include significant ANC improvements.

    Step 2: Finding the Right Fit

    Adjust the headband so the cups sit centrally over your ears with even pressure. Most people use tips that are too small — try going one size up.

    Step 3: Optimising Sound

    Enable the highest quality codec your device supports. 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

    • Multipoint connection lets you switch between phone and laptop seamlessly
    • Store in the case when not in use to protect the ear pads

  • Sony WH-1000XM5 Long-Term Test: 6 Months Later

    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 32dB 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 V-shaped 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 0.2% 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 commuters who prioritise comfort.

  • Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 Measured: Sports Earbuds Under the Microscope

    We put the Elite 10 Gen 2 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 Elite 10 Gen 2 achieved an average attenuation of 28dB across low-frequency bands (50-500Hz), which places it in the middle of our current benchmark rankings. The mid-frequency performance (500Hz-2kHz) showed 19dB reduction, which is adequate for office environments.

    Sound Quality Analysis

    Frequency response measurements show a V-shaped tuning profile. Bass extension reaches down to 20Hz at -3dB, with a gentle 1dB 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 £229
    Battery 6h (27h case)
    Weight 5.7g
    Codecs aptX, AAC, LC3

    Verdict

    Based on our measurements, the Elite 10 Gen 2 performs competently in its price category. The data supports a recommendation for commuters who prioritise noise cancellation.

  • Microphone Quality Test: Best Headphones for Video Calls

    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 fun. In our blind listening tests, the WH-1000XM5 was preferred by 60% of participants.

    Noise Cancellation

    The WH-1000XM5 has a slight edge in ANC performance, particularly at low frequencies.

    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 AirPods Max is also worth considering if you prioritise different features.

  • Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Measured: How Does Galaxy AI ANC Perform?

    We put the Galaxy Buds3 Pro 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 Galaxy Buds3 Pro achieved an average attenuation of 27dB across low-frequency bands (50-500Hz), which places it in the middle of our current benchmark rankings. The mid-frequency performance (500Hz-2kHz) showed 16dB reduction, which is adequate for office environments.

    Sound Quality Analysis

    Frequency response measurements show a V-shaped tuning profile. Bass extension reaches down to 29Hz 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 £219
    Battery 6h (18h case)
    Weight 5.4g
    Codecs Samsung Seamless, AAC

    Verdict

    Based on our measurements, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro performs competently in its price category. The data supports a recommendation for frequent travellers who prioritise comfort.

  • Budget ANC Shootout: Sony WH-CH720N vs JBL Tune 770NC Measured

    We’ve run both the WH-CH720N and Tune 770NC through our complete measurement suite to provide an objective, data-driven comparison.

    Head-to-Head Comparison

    Feature Sony WH-CH720N JBL Tune 770NC
    Price £89 £69
    Type over-ear over-ear
    Anc good basic
    Battery 35h 44h
    Weight 192g 225g
    Codec AAC AAC
    Rating 7.8/10 7.2/10

    Sound Quality

    The WH-CH720N offers a neutral sound profile, while the Tune 770NC leans more balanced. In our blind listening tests, the WH-CH720N was preferred by 47% of participants.

    Noise Cancellation

    The WH-CH720N has a slight edge in ANC performance, particularly at low frequencies.

    Comfort and Design

    The WH-CH720N is lighter and more comfortable for extended wear.

    Our Pick

    It’s a close call, but the Tune 770NC wins for most people thanks to more balanced sound signature.

  • How to Read Headphone Frequency Response Graphs: A Beginner’s Guide

    Getting the most from your audio gear doesn’t have to be complicated.

    Step 1: Initial Setup

    Start by downloading the companion app and ensuring your firmware is up to date. The app gives you access to EQ customisation and ANC profiles.

    Step 2: Finding the Right Fit

    Take time to try all the included ear tips — the difference is remarkable. The app’s fit test can help verify you’ve got a good seal.

    Step 3: Optimising Sound

    For a more balanced sound, reduce bass by 2-3dB and boost the upper mids slightly. 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

    • Multipoint connection lets you switch between phone and laptop seamlessly
    • Reset to factory settings if you experience connectivity issues

  • Bluetooth Codec Shootout: LDAC vs aptX Adaptive vs AAC in 2026

    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 V-shaped sound profile, while the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones leans more reference-tuned. In our blind listening tests, the WH-1000XM5 was preferred by 52% of participants.

    Noise Cancellation

    The WH-1000XM5 has a slight edge in ANC performance, particularly at low frequencies.

    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 superior noise cancellation. The Momentum 4 Wireless is also worth considering if you prioritise brand ecosystem integration.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 2 Measured: ANC Performance and Sound Accuracy

    We put the AirPods Pro 2 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 AirPods Pro 2 achieved an average attenuation of 35dB across low-frequency bands (50-500Hz), which places it in the middle of our current benchmark rankings. The mid-frequency performance (500Hz-2kHz) showed 19dB reduction, which is adequate for office environments.

    Sound Quality Analysis

    Frequency response measurements show a slightly warm tuning profile. Bass extension reaches down to 24Hz at -3dB, with a gentle 3dB 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 £229
    Battery 6h (30h case)
    Weight 5.3g
    Codecs AAC

    Verdict

    Based on our measurements, the AirPods Pro 2 delivers class-leading performance in its price category. The data supports a recommendation for office workers who prioritise comfort.

  • 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.