There are plenty to choose from and our selection of headphones represent the very best we’ve tested. All products are tested in comparison with rival products in the same price category, and all review verdicts are agreed upon by the team as a whole rather than an individual reviewer, again helping to ensure consistency and avoid any personal preference. They are more ergonomic in shape and smaller in size than the previous models and this helps them sit in the ear better and stay seated, with the new polyurethane noise isolation ear-tips helping to dissipate noise within the ear. The XM4 improve upon the XM3 with plusher ear cups, better noise-cancelling technology and a raft of new features including Speak to Chat, which allows you to talk to someone without removing the headphones from your head. From budget cans to the latest premium efforts, there’s enough variety to suit your budget. But at this price, and with such excellent build and design, it’s hard to fault the Triple Drivers.
In fact, for this price, it’s basically a steal and if I could write long, convoluted sentences about how magical it is, I’ll just ask you to get off your desk and go listen to it at your closest audio shop. We listen again and again, and we do that for weeks in case the sound changes – because it usually does. They are one of the best, if not the best ANC wireless earbuds available. ‘end-game’ and own one pair of headphones for bragging rights that screams ‘BEST’ in every regard – more leather…more detail…more bass…more accessories…more everything. The Sony WF-1000XM4 may not be class-leading in terms of noise cancellation, in pretty much every other category they excel. So we listen every pair of headphones we can get on or in our ears. The only real irritant is the lack of on-board volume controls but you’ll soon get used to this. The What Hi-Fi? team has more than 100 years experience of reviewing, testing and writing about consumer electronics. That’s why if you take the plunge and buy one of the products recommended above, or on any other Best Buy page, you can be assured you’re getting a What Hi-Fi?
The audio is fantastic; delivering a big, textured and sumptuous listening experience that make the PX7 one of the finest-sounding ANC headphones on the market. Some improvements are rather subtle, such as the design, but they reap dividends with cushier, more comfortable wearing experience. Is the noise cancelling the best? The noise cancelling is lighter than you’d expect, but as a overall package they’re up there with the best. There was a problem. That said, purists will bemoan the lack of high-end codec support and there are punchier headphones on the market at this price point. At $199 / £160 (around AU$290) the Philips PH805 offer exceptional value for money. Each pair of headphones here offer clear and powerful sound. On top of this, features like active noise-cancelling, social mode, an IPX3 rating, Immersion mode, a great battery life, and the ability to attach an analog cable for 3.5mm headphone jacks makes this pair of wireless earbuds truly shine. Sony’s WH range has consistently set a benchmark for timing and dynamics and the XM4 continue that trend. Therefore, it won’t be fair to call them “expensive.” The brand has provided you with everything “best” to ensure a stellar listening experience.
The Momentum True Wireless 2 refine areas the original were lacking and bump up the feature set for a a great true wireless experience. Sony is largely responsible for the health of the active noise-cancelling, true wireless earbuds market. Nowadays, you can even find true wireless earbuds with effective noise cancellation built-in, so there really is an option for everyone as you’ve seen above. Then we’ll listen to similarly priced rivals and come up with a verdict that reflects the performance and features for the money. We’ve put these headphones through our tests, as well as being compared to similar priced and feature sets so you can be confident that you’re getting what you want. And they’re priced appropriately. The sound is brimming with authority, and there’s a satisfying sense of weight to proceedings. The presence of Sony’s new DSEE Extreme sound processor, coupled with Sony’s inspired DAC and analogue amplifier combo, delivers a sense of musicality and enthusiasm that is nothing less than addictive. If you want an alternative to Sony’s WH-1000XM4, these are a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones.