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Tag: Headphone Hq

  • Best Headphones for Working From Home: Our Picks for 2026

    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 Headphones — £299

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

    Best for audiophiles. The go-to choice for its ecosystem.

    Sony WH-CH720N — £89

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

    The budget-friendly champion. Punches well above its price point.

    Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — £499

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

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

    How We Test

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

  • Sony ULT WEAR Review: Bass Lovers Rejoice

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

    Design and Build

    Sony has iterated on the design with a sleeker profile. It punches above its weight in terms of build quality. Comfort is good, though larger heads may find them slightly tight.

    Sound Quality

    Audio performance is where the ULT WEAR truly impresses. 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 basic, with excellent low-frequency attenuation. It handles most daily noise scenarios effectively.

    Key Specs

    Feature Detail
    Price £129
    Battery 50h
    Weight 255g
    Codecs LDAC, AAC
    Our Rating 7.5/10

    Verdict

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

  • Sony WH-1000XM4 vs XM5: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

    Two of the most popular choices in their category, the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 go head-to-head in this comprehensive comparison.

    Head-to-Head Comparison

    Feature Sony WH-1000XM4 Sony WH-1000XM5
    Price £199 £299
    Type over-ear over-ear
    Anc very good excellent
    Battery 30h 30h
    Weight 254g 250g
    Codec LDAC, AAC LDAC, AAC
    Rating 8.7/10 9.2/10

    Sound Quality

    The WH-1000XM4 offers a bass-forward sound profile, while the WH-1000XM5 leans more analytical. Both sound excellent, though your preference will depend on what genres you listen to most.

    Noise Cancellation

    The WH-1000XM4 has a slight edge in ANC performance, particularly at low frequencies.

    Comfort and Design

    The WH-1000XM4 is lighter and more comfortable for extended wear.

    Our Pick

    Both are exceptional, but the WH-1000XM4 edges ahead thanks to longer battery life.

  • Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Review: Audiophile Earbuds Perfected

    The Momentum True Wireless 4 is a strong contender in Sennheiser’s current lineup. We’ve spent extensive time testing them to give you our definitive verdict.

    Design and Build

    Sennheiser has iterated on the design with subtle but meaningful improvements. The premium feel is immediately apparent. Comfort is among the best we’ve tested.

    Sound Quality

    Audio performance is where the Momentum True Wireless 4 truly impresses. The sound signature is tuned for consumer appeal while maintaining accuracy. Sennheiser’s audio processing brings spatial awareness that adds depth to your music.

    Noise Cancellation

    ANC performance is good, with excellent low-frequency attenuation. It handles most daily noise scenarios effectively.

    Key Specs

    Feature Detail
    Price £259
    Battery 7.5h (30h case)
    Weight 6g
    Codecs aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC
    Our Rating 8.6/10

    Verdict

    The Momentum True Wireless 4 is a solid choice that will satisfy most listeners, though it faces stiff competition at this price point.

  • Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 Review: The Runner’s Companion

    The Elite 10 Gen 2 is a strong contender in Jabra’s current lineup. We’ve spent extensive time testing them to give you our definitive verdict.

    Design and Build

    Jabra has iterated on the design with improved materials. It punches above its weight in terms of build quality. Comfort is among the best we’ve tested.

    Sound Quality

    Audio performance is where the Elite 10 Gen 2 truly earns its keep. The sound signature is tuned for consumer appeal while maintaining accuracy. Jabra’s audio processing brings impressive dynamic range that handles everything from quiet passages to crescendos.

    Noise Cancellation

    ANC performance is good, with effective noise reduction in most environments. It handles most daily noise scenarios effectively.

    Key Specs

    Feature Detail
    Price £229
    Battery 6h (27h case)
    Weight 5.7g
    Codecs aptX, AAC, LC3
    Our Rating 8.3/10

    Verdict

    The Elite 10 Gen 2 is a solid choice that will satisfy most listeners, though it faces stiff competition at this price point.

  • How to Set Up Multipoint Bluetooth on Your ANC Headphones

    Follow these steps to optimise your WH-1000XM5 setup.

    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

    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

    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. Transparency mode with voice focus is perfect for quick conversations.

    Pro Tips

    • Enable auto-off after 5 minutes to preserve battery
    • Store in the case when not in use to protect the ear pads

  • Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Sennheiser Momentum 4: Sound Quality Face-Off

    Two of the most popular choices in their category, the WH-1000XM5 and Momentum 4 Wireless go head-to-head in this comprehensive comparison.

    Head-to-Head Comparison

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

    Sound Quality

    The WH-1000XM5 offers a bass-forward sound profile, while the Momentum 4 Wireless leans more fun. Both sound excellent, though your preference will depend on what genres you listen to most.

    Noise Cancellation

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

    Comfort and Design

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

    Our Pick

    Both are exceptional, but the WH-1000XM5 edges ahead thanks to superior noise cancellation.

  • Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Review: Samsung’s Best Earbuds Yet

    The Galaxy Buds3 Pro is a strong contender in Samsung’s current lineup. We’ve spent extensive time testing them to give you our definitive verdict.

    Design and Build

    Samsung has iterated on the design with a more modern aesthetic. It punches above its weight in terms of build quality. Comfort is good, though larger heads may find them slightly tight.

    Sound Quality

    Audio performance is where the Galaxy Buds3 Pro truly shines. The sound signature is punchy and engaging without sacrificing detail. Samsung’s audio processing brings impressive dynamic range that handles everything from quiet passages to crescendos.

    Noise Cancellation

    ANC performance is very good, with effective noise reduction in most environments. It handles most daily noise scenarios effectively.

    Key Specs

    Feature Detail
    Price £219
    Battery 6h (18h case)
    Weight 5.4g
    Codecs Samsung Seamless, AAC
    Our Rating 8.4/10

    Verdict

    The Galaxy Buds3 Pro is a solid choice that will satisfy most listeners, though it faces stiff competition at this price point.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5: Which Should You Buy?

    Two of the most popular choices in their category, the AirPods Pro 2 and WF-1000XM5 go head-to-head in this comprehensive comparison.

    Head-to-Head Comparison

    Feature Apple AirPods Pro 2 Sony WF-1000XM5
    Price £229 £259
    Type earbuds earbuds
    Anc very good excellent
    Battery 6h (30h case) 8h (24h case)
    Weight 5.3g 5.9g
    Codec AAC LDAC, AAC
    Rating 8.7/10 9.1/10

    Sound Quality

    The AirPods Pro 2 offers a bass-forward sound profile, while the WF-1000XM5 leans more reference-tuned. Both sound excellent, though your preference will depend on what genres you listen to most.

    Noise Cancellation

    The WF-1000XM5 slightly outperforms the AirPods Pro 2 in our noise cancellation tests, though the difference is marginal.

    Comfort and Design

    Both are comfortable, though the WF-1000XM5 has a slight edge for larger heads.

    Our Pick

    Both are exceptional, but the AirPods Pro 2 edges ahead thanks to longer battery life.

  • 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