Bluetooth: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Battery life: 24hrs
Charging: USB-C
Weight: 250g
Bose is still riding high in the over-ear, noise-cancelling headphones game. These lightweight, foldable headphones are ideal for travel and portable use, and if it's music-listening while silencing the outside world you're after, these are undeniably the best premium ANC headphones around.
For
- Rich, full-bodied sound
- Punchy, dynamic delivery
- Exceptional noise cancelling
- Fully foldable design
- Lightweight and comfortable
Against
- Immersive Audio is unconvincing
- Battery life reduces when Immersive modes are on
- Can’t be used via USB-C
- AirPods Max offer more sophisticated sound overall
Bluetooth: AAC, SBC
Battery life: 20 hours
Charging: Lightning/USB-C
Weight: 385g
Apple's only over-ears remain a lesson in style and substance. They're beautifully made, ANC quality is great (but beaten by Bose) and the updated 2024 model adds useful features at no extra cost. Sound quality is fantastic, with expressive detail and dynamics, precise rhythms and spacious presentation. They will suit Apple users mostly, but justify the high price tag.
For
- Superb sound quality – clear, open, nuanced detail and precise timing
- Cinematic spatial audio
- Great ANC quality
- Exceptional, luxurious build quality
- New 2024 model is cheaper in the UK
Against
- Near-pointless case
- Audio cable/adapters not included
- ANC quality is bettered by Bose
- Most features are Apple-only
