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Tag: Techradar Audio

  • Sony XM5 vs Bose QC Ultra vs AirPods Max: Three-Way Showdown

    Choosing between the WH-1000XM5 and QuietComfort Ultra Headphones? You’re not alone — this is one of the most common dilemmas for audio buyers.

    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 bass-forward sound profile, while the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones leans more analytical. 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

    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 longer battery life. The AirPods Max is also worth considering if you prioritise brand ecosystem integration.

  • Apple AirPods Max USB-C Review: Same Great Sound, New Port

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

    Design and Build

    Apple has iterated on the design with a sleeker profile. The premium feel is immediately apparent. Comfort is excellent for extended sessions.

    Sound Quality

    Audio performance is where the AirPods Max truly earns its keep. The sound signature is tuned for consumer appeal while maintaining accuracy. Apple’s audio processing brings spatial awareness that adds depth to your music.

    Noise Cancellation

    ANC performance is excellent, with strong performance across all frequencies. This is genuinely best-in-class ANC.

    Key Specs

    Feature Detail
    Price £499
    Battery 20h
    Weight 384g
    Codecs AAC
    Our Rating 8.0/10

    Verdict

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

  • Best Wireless Headphones 2026: Top Picks for Every Listener

    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

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

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra — £379

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

    The budget-friendly champion. The go-to choice for its ecosystem.

    Sennheiser Momentum 4 — £299

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

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

    Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — £499

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

    Our top pick for most people. The go-to choice for its ecosystem.

    Sony WH-CH720N — £89

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

    Best for Apple users. The go-to choice for its ecosystem.

    How We Test

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

  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Review: Bose’s Finest Hour

    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 a sleeker profile. The premium feel is immediately apparent. Comfort is among the best we’ve tested.

    Sound Quality

    Audio performance is where the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones truly impresses. The sound signature is punchy and engaging without sacrificing detail. 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.