Noise Cancelling Headphones

[josep]

Morning all,

Looking to get some noise cancelling headphones. I would be using them to block out noise on flights and train journeys, but also listening to music/podcasts etc.

Looks like Sony and Bose are the main contenders? I did look at the AirPod Max, but seems to a bit overpriced vs the competition?

For those Bose and Sony offerings, are the top end ones worth paying more for, or are the mid range good enough?

I noticed JL had £50 off these https://www.johnlewis.com/bose-quiet...ack/p110950051 Bose ones and £69 off these Sony MX4s? https://www.johnlewis.com/sony-wh-10...emote/p5100480

Anything else I should be looking at?
Many thanks

Joe

[Matt London]

I'm on my second set of Bose QC earphones. Both were/are very lightly used, maybe 8 times a year.

The first pair went back under warranty after one ear suddenly stopped working, apparently it was not uncommon. As for the second pair, I have recently had to replace the plastic part of the on/off slider as it broke. That can't be that uncommon either as you can easily buy aftermarket 3D printed replacements online.

I only use my Bose for travel, so when they do break it is very inconvenient.

I bought my Son some Sony NC headphones about four years ago. He uses them heavily and has not reported any problems.

[josep]

Thanks Matt - that’s very useful information.

I must try and resist the marketing lure of Bose and Apple 😀

[Bluemoon7]

John Lewis have the Bose QC45 at £189. These are very good. I have a couple of pairs of Bose. An older set of QC35s that are still fantastic. Great sound. I’ve just changed the ear pads on them which was very cheap and easy. I also have the Bose ones in the link you posted. The Sony ones are as good but I prefer button controls rather than touch slider controls which I think the Sony’s have. I also use mine for Teams work calls. Comfortable and a good microphone.

[Bluemoon7]

Forgot to add. The QC35s are around five years old. Used heavily (4 or 5 time a week) and are still going strong. Never had a problem. Can’t comment on the newer ones in terms on longevity but the build quality appears to be as good….

[Griswold]

Bought my BOSE QC35's back in 2016 when they first launched, so coming up 8 years, and they are still going strong. Might need to change the ear cushions late this year as they're showing some wear - but they're still as comfortable as the day I got them, just don't look as nice now.

Tried the Sony's and there was little difference in sound quality or noice cancellation, but the BOSE were way more comfortable; especially on a long journey/flight.

[j17ykp]

I have some Bose nc700 which I bought when amazon had them at £169 a few years back- they are great for the price I paid very comfortable - not sure I’d pay the current price for them compared to other options at that price point.

For the gym I recently bought some soundcore q45 for around £100 and I have to say for the money they more than hold there own, the build quality isn’t as good as Bose, Sony etc but they are about 1/3 the price.

[Mj2k]

John Lewis have the Bose QC45 at £189. These are very good. I have a couple of pairs of Bose. An older set of QC35s that are still fantastic. Great sound. I’ve just changed the ear pads on them which was very cheap and easy. I also have the Bose ones in the link you posted. The Sony ones are as good but I prefer button controls rather than touch slider controls which I think the Sony’s have. I also use mine for Teams work calls. Comfortable and a good microphone.

Did you use Bose pads or aftermarket ones as mine need changing.

[timor54]

Did you use Bose pads or aftermarket ones as mine need changing.

I’m also interested in this as my QC35 ones are looking very worn and I’ve been putting off buying replacements as I don’t know which to buy.

[Mj2k]

I’m also interested in this as my QC35 ones are looking very worn and I’ve been putting off buying replacements as I don’t know which to buy.

Bose ones are £30, friend has recommended a different route which is these: https://amzn.eu/d/i83g7tp

I imagine the softer leather will be more comfortable and hopefully last a bit longer.

[Matt London]

Did you use Bose pads or aftermarket ones as mine need changing.

I bought these replacements 20 months ago and they have been fine.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0748LSF...1_TE_dp_1?th=1
I dont use the earphones often, but these replacement pads have been comfortable enough on 3hr flights.

[Mj2k]

I bought these replacements 20 months ago and they have been fine.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0748LSF...1_TE_dp_1?th=1
I dont use the earphones often, but these replacement pads have been comfortable enough on 3hr flights.

Thanks will have a look at those. The current ones flaked all over me on the flight to St Lucia before Xmas & the return journey, know if I don’t get them done the next holiday will be the same black dandruff lol.

Used them to commute on the train pre-covid for 3 months (the original purchase need), but now prefer EarPods in with no music & listening to people revealing far more than they should on a phone in a public place & finding them on LinkedIn for fun. Once a month fun for 25 mins.


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[josep]

Thanks for the comments and advice!

I think that I am leaning towards the Sony WH-CH720N at the moment I think. Not as good as the higher end models but a third of the price, so it won’t be too painful when I eventually realise I should have bought the Xm5s 😀. Reviews look decent.

Joe

[xxnick1975]

These were recommended on here before Xmas, so bought some and they are great.

https://uk.1more.com/products/1more-...ing-headphones

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[Toddy]

Have 3 pairs of BOSE QC35's in our family. All heavily used and apart from replacing the ear cushions they've been excellent. Very comfortable when wearing for longer periods, good sound cancelling and sound good to me. Getting a bit long in the tooth now so I'm guessing there's better out there now but they've been great for us.

[bloater]

Multiple Sony ones in use in our house and they have heavy use and have lasted well. Oldest is used multiple hours per day and is about six years old, other than replacement pads no issues.

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[Mj2k]

How did I know you would use an abbreviation for that.

[100thmonkey]

Having had the Sony XM4 and XM5 both are superb. I now have airpod max and they are twice the price but equally as good less the finish which is pure indulgence

[Toshk]

I am looking for a set as well. Are those good:

https://www.dali-speakers.comen-gb/p.../io/dali-io-12

Thanks

[JGJG]

I am looking for a set as well. Are those good:

https://www.dali-speakers.comen-gb/p.../io/dali-io-12

Thanks

To do noise cancelling right, you need a lot of r&d, which needs amortising over a lot of units.

So as a consumer you want to go with the main players, of which there’s only a handful.

[Toshk]

To do noise cancelling right, you need a lot of r&d, which needs amortising over a lot of units.

So as a consumer you want to go with the main players, of which there’s only a handful.

Makes sense. Cheers

[MartynJC (UK)]

Have Sony XM4 and now XM5 both excellent and ANC good for blocking out aircraft noise and passengers and machinery. Also have Jabra are good - but Sony sound quality I think is a little better. Jabra have physical buttons which may or may not be to your liking. Jabra have better water resistance so maybe better for sports.

[the big fella]

Don't be put off by the price, they are excellent especially for travel take a look, buy a pair and say thank you.Check the space1's out too.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Soundcore-C...s%2C157&sr=1-4