Forage Shopping

Tag: Sound Daily

  • How to Choose Your First Pair of ANC Headphones

    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

    A proper seal is critical for both sound quality and noise cancellation. A good fit can improve bass response by up to 6dB.

    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
    • Clean ear tips weekly with a dry cloth for hygiene and fit

  • Bose vs Sony: Which Brand Makes Better Headphones in 2026?

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

    Head-to-Head Comparison

    Feature Sony WH-1000XM5 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Sony WF-1000XM5
    Price £299 £379 £259
    Type over-ear over-ear earbuds
    Anc excellent excellent excellent
    Battery 30h 24h 8h (24h case)
    Weight 250g 250g 5.9g
    Codec LDAC, AAC aptX Adaptive, AAC LDAC, AAC
    Rating 9.2/10 9.0/10 9.1/10

    Sound Quality

    The WH-1000XM5 offers a neutral sound profile, while the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones leans more balanced. 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

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

    Our Pick

    It’s a close call, but the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones wins for most people thanks to better value for money. The WF-1000XM5 is also worth considering if you prioritise different features.

  • Best Headphones Under 100: You Don’t Need to Spend a Fortune

    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-CH720N — £89

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

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

    JBL Tune 770NC — £69

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

    Best for Apple users. 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.

  • AirPods Pro 2 Review: Still the Best for iPhone Users?

    So I’ve been living with the AirPods Pro 2 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 AirPods Pro 2 looks and feels premium. Apple has clearly put thought into the unboxing experience. The build quality is what you’d expect at this price point 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 exactly what you’d expect from Apple. 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?

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

  • 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.