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Tag: Sound Daily

  • The Best Headphones We’ve Tested for Every Budget

    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 Apple users. 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 runners and gym-goers. Punches well above its price point.

    Sony WH-CH720N — £89

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

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

    JBL Tune 770NC — £69

    Rating: 7.2/10 | Battery: 44h | ANC: Basic

    Best noise cancellation. A brilliant all-rounder that excels in every category.

    Sennheiser Momentum 4 — £299

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

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

    How We Test

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

  • Sony LinkBuds S Review: Tiny Earbuds, Surprising Sound

    So I’ve been living with the LinkBuds S 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 LinkBuds S looks decent for the price. Sony has clearly put thought into the unboxing experience. The build quality is solid and they’re surprisingly comfortable.

    The Good Stuff

    Noise cancellation does its job. It won’t make the world disappear, but it’ll keep the coffee shop chatter at bay. Sound quality is really engaging. I found myself rediscovering tracks I’d heard a thousand times.

    The Not-So-Good

    The companion app could use some work — it’s functional but not exactly intuitive.

    Should You Buy Them?

    They’re a solid choice, especially if you value a good all-rounder that doesn’t break the bank.

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds vs Sennheiser MTW4: Which Sounds Better?

    The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Momentum True Wireless 4 debate comes up constantly, so I figured it was time to settle this once and for all.

    Head-to-Head Comparison

    Feature Bose QC Ultra Earbuds Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
    Price £279 £259
    Type earbuds earbuds
    Anc excellent good
    Battery 6h (18h case) 7.5h (30h case)
    Weight 6.3g 6g
    Codec aptX Adaptive, AAC aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC
    Rating 8.9/10 8.6/10

    Sound Quality

    The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offers a warm sound profile, while the Momentum True Wireless 4 leans more analytical. 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

    Both are comfortable, though the Momentum True Wireless 4 has a slight edge for larger heads.

    Our Pick

    Both are exceptional, but the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds edges ahead thanks to longer battery life.

  • How to Get the Best ANC on Flights: Tips From a Frequent Flyer

    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

    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

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

    Pro Tips

    • Enable auto-off after 5 minutes to preserve battery
    • Clean ear tips weekly with a dry cloth for hygiene and fit

  • JBL Tune 770NC Review: Great Sound for Pocket Change

    So I’ve been living with the Tune 770NC 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 Tune 770NC looks decent for the price. JBL has clearly put thought into the unboxing experience. The build quality is impressive and they’re comfortable enough for long sessions.

    The Good Stuff

    Noise cancellation does its job. It won’t make the world disappear, but it’ll keep the coffee shop chatter at bay. Sound quality is surprisingly good. I found myself rediscovering tracks I’d heard a thousand times.

    The Not-So-Good

    Call quality is just OK — not terrible, but not what I’d hoped for.

    Should You Buy Them?

    They’re a solid choice, especially if you value sound quality over everything else.

  • Sony WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2: The Everyday Carry Debate

    The WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2 debate comes up constantly, so I figured it was time to settle this once and for all.

    Head-to-Head Comparison

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

    Sound Quality

    The WF-1000XM5 offers a V-shaped sound profile, while the AirPods Pro 2 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

    Both are comfortable, though the AirPods Pro 2 has a slight edge for larger heads.

    Our Pick

    It’s a close call, but the AirPods Pro 2 wins for most people thanks to more comfortable fit.

  • Best Earbuds for the Gym: Our Top Workout Picks

    We’ve tested dozens of options to bring you 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

    Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 — £229

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

    Best value for money. A brilliant all-rounder that excels in every category.

    Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro — £219

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

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

    Sony WF-1000XM5 — £259

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

    Best for audiophiles. 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.

  • How to Clean and Maintain Your Wireless Earbuds

    Follow these steps to optimise your your headphones 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

    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

    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. Wind noise reduction is essential for outdoor use.

    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

  • AirPods Max USB-C vs Sony XM5: Which Premium Headphone Wins?

    The AirPods Max vs WH-1000XM5 debate comes up constantly, so I figured it was time to settle this once and for all.

    Head-to-Head Comparison

    Feature Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) Sony WH-1000XM5
    Price £499 £299
    Type over-ear over-ear
    Anc excellent excellent
    Battery 20h 30h
    Weight 384g 250g
    Codec AAC LDAC, AAC
    Rating 8.0/10 9.2/10

    Sound Quality

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

    Noise Cancellation

    The AirPods Max has a slight edge in ANC performance, particularly at low frequencies.

    Comfort and Design

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

    Our Pick

    Both are exceptional, but the AirPods Max edges ahead thanks to more comfortable fit.

  • Sony WH-CH720N Review: The Best Budget ANC Headphones

    So I’ve been living with the WH-CH720N 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-CH720N looks decent for the price. Sony has clearly put thought into the unboxing experience. The build quality is impressive and they’re comfortable enough for long sessions.

    The Good Stuff

    Noise cancellation does its job. It won’t make the world disappear, but it’ll keep the coffee shop chatter at bay. Sound quality is surprisingly good. I found myself rediscovering tracks I’d heard a thousand times.

    The Not-So-Good

    The companion app could use some work — it’s functional but not exactly intuitive.

    Should You Buy Them?

    They’re a solid choice, especially if you value comfort for long listening sessions.