LOTS of links mentioned in this video, so posting in the comments for visibility. Listed in order of appearance, NOT recommendation. *Note: Product links are affiliate and help me bring more of these reviews to you. Minor notes: 1. Not all Android phones handle LDAC, but those that do are a treat. 2. Noise canceling on the Beats Studio3 is on par with the SoundCore Life Q30. 3. See my friend, Panda! twitch.tv/pandopinions # AIRPODS MAX * Product - amzn.to/3rS8FLr * WiWu Travel Case - amzn.to/3qi68db * Full Review - th-cam.com/video/lzr2xdykeBY/w-d-xo.html * Real People Review - th-cam.com/video/YtLZ2QF9MLA/w-d-xo.html * Versus Sony XM4 - th-cam.com/video/efdO1OpPDro/w-d-xo.html # SONY WH-1000XM5 * Product - amzn.to/3qhk1Zc * Full Review (vs XM4) - th-cam.com/video/FQeEHAIA3H4/w-d-xo.html * Real People Review - th-cam.com/video/EgpnJANYlTs/w-d-xo.html # SONY WH-1000XM4 * Product - amzn.to/3qjBccy * Full Review - th-cam.com/video/NnaIRNdzIQk/w-d-xo.html (This was one of my first reviews, so expect awkwardness.) * Versus AirPods Max - th-cam.com/video/efdO1OpPDro/w-d-xo.html # BOSE QUIETCOMFORT 45 * Product - amzn.to/3KrCZ64 * Full Review - th-cam.com/video/p-jja6SMhr4/w-d-xo.html * Real People Review - th-cam.com/video/aQAt1mTuguk/w-d-xo.html # BOSE NC 700 * Product - amzn.to/3OH2kLP * Real People Review - th-cam.com/video/aQAt1mTuguk/w-d-xo.html # SOUNDCORE LIFE Q30 * Product - amzn.to/3OJ7UO0 *Real People Review - th-cam.com/video/n3p1SoGBEhs/w-d-xo.html # SOUNDCORE SPACE Q45 * Product - amzn.to/44VtNiv # BEATS STUDIO3 * Beats Studio3 - amzn.to/44XkLlo (I don't recommend them for travel, but great for looks) # OTHER PRODUCTS MENTIONED ## SENNHEISER MONENTUM 4 * Product - amzn.to/47gF8eJ * Full Review - th-cam.com/video/RtUq_6ifOSs/w-d-xo.html * Versus Focal Bathys - th-cam.com/video/9xgFyJrHeWY/w-d-xo.html ## FOCAL BATHYS * Focal Bathys - amzn.to/3DOo2ap * Full Review - th-cam.com/video/S3miH54g1Wk/w-d-xo.html * Versus Momentum 4 - th-cam.com/video/9xgFyJrHeWY/w-d-xo.html # OTHER PRODUCTS MENTIONED * Beats Studio Pro - amzn.to/3OIohdu * Bowers & Wilkins PX8 - amzn.to/3DOo7Lf * Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX - amzn.to/3Ykcoh4
Perfect timing. I'm supposed to fly on Friday and I feel pretty good about my Bose now. (Though they are 35 II and not 45, their differences aren't that important to me.) Thanks!
For timing reasons, I actually cut out info on the QC35ii. Basically except for battery life, style, and the ability to actually shut ANC entirely off, they’re effectively identical. You made a great choice.
Great comparisons! Important to remember that context for use matters so much for a pair of headphones. Being good in one area and not in others doesn't suddenly make them bad, just need to consider what *you* actually want them for. I have a question though: As someone with a large headphone 'collection' do you ever go about your day with more than one pair, for reasons other than testing? I value aesthetics and sound a lot, and am very happy with my new pair of HD450BT's for that. I also do a lot of travel on loud buses and trains, and while the ANC on them is an improvement over my old faithful bare-bones headphones, I know it's not as good as much of the field. I'm wondering how reasonable it may be to have two different sets of headphones for different contexts throughout the day.
Thanks for the kind words! To answer your question: I switch ALL THE TIME. Mostly because I'm lazy and just go for the first thing I find. But often I favor one for a while. I do, however, tend to AVOID headphones I can't really use for later comparisons, which is sad because some of my favorites just aren't made anymore. (Prime example: the Know Calm. I *LOVE* mine, but Know Headphones went out of business, so I rarely use them, even though I adore them. Sad as it might seem, my brain is always "on the job" with this, even though this is more of a hobby. I usually recommend that a second pair be earbuds, to be honest: extra portable and usually good for sweaty situations, like the gym. AirPods Pro, Sony WF-1000XM4 or XM5, QuietComfort Earbuds 2... all great options. In all those cases, you'll get both portability and great ANC (plus transparency). But they're also expensive. If you're looking for great ANC at a solid price, something to pair with the HD450, I'd either do the SoundCore Space Q45 or go to eBay and find the Secondipity store, then look for refurb XM4's. (I've bought from them plenty of times and love them.) And if you just want a pair of earbuds you can sweat in, an older generation pair of earbuds can usually be found at a GREAT price: Sony WF-1000XM4, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, Samsung Galaxy Buds, and even AirPods Pro 1st Gen. This all said, the HD450BT are a solid pair of headphones. If what you're looking at is improvement with ANC, you might just want to jump a price tier and get a good all-around headphone, rather than pair them with something else. And if you can find the Momentum 4 at a great price, I'd 100% recommend just jumping on that. ANC is decent enough, but the sound is just leagues better. Best of luck and let me know if I can be of further help.
What I miss in your review of the Souncore Q30's, I personally think you should've mentioned that ANC does not work when the cable is attached. This is quite a crucial feature for (international) travel, where you make use of the audio/screen in the seats.
Good call out, thank you. I only really fly within North America, most often under 4 hours, so I don’t use my headphones plugged in during flights. (Most of my flights don’t even have screens, and for those that do, I literally never use the screens on those flights, just my phone or tablet.) The only exception was a recent trip to Asia, and I didn’t take the Q30 for that. Sorry for the miss!
Norb! Are there any alternatives to the XM5's? I just got those, but I can't stand it due to discomfort. It really presses my ears and the top of my head. I'm returning them today, which is so unfortunate, cause the ANC and features are just perfect for my day-to-day use. I'm really considering the QC45's. Great ANC and comfort are a must for me. Do you have any other suggestions? Airpods are way too expensive to me, and I'm not part of apple ecosystem either. I thought of the Momentum 4's, but as i mentioned, i need top notch ANC because of my noisy work environment. What do you recommend besides the QC45?
QuietComfort 45 is a safe bet. Maybe consider the QuietComfort Headphones (yep, that’s their name) which just came out. I’ll try to do a review on this and the QC Ultra, but there may already be some reviews out there. Another option might be the either the Sony XM4 (which has softer pads) or the Momentum 4 (which is my favorite sounding headphone at this price tier). I’m not a HUGE fan of their comfort because I get warm ears, but they are both comfortable. The XM4 is very different than the XM5. Finally, consider the NC700’s, which have good noise canceling, somewhat better than the QC45, even if they’re older. Best of luck, and I’d love to hear what you decide on.
@@NorbReviews Thank you so much for your reply. I will definitely let you know what i decide next.. Also, have you ever tried the Edifier WH950NB? I have had a pair for about 3 months and can't really complain about them. Seems like they compete at a similar price range to the Soundcore q45. Amazing sound, a lot better than the XM5's to my ears, but lack on ANC performance. If you have not heard them yet, i definitely suggest you give them a shot, you might love them, especially for it's price.
If you like Sony, stick with Sony. It’s a fantastic headphone. I happen to prefer Bose, and love the QC45, but either is good. Guessing the Bose comes from Costco? Maybe you can buy and test?
these Sennheiser's HD 450BT's are 129 ( Canadian ) 95 ( USD ) for black friday....i just need a set for watching netflix and my ipad for movies and utube....the noise cancellation and calls are not important but good sound is ....would these be a good buy ?....cheers from Canada
Thank you for watching. Yes, I have: th-cam.com/video/RtUq_6ifOSs/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/9xgFyJrHeWY/w-d-xo.html I disagree wholeheartedly that they’re the best for traveling. Good? Sure. I like them and highly recommend them. (They’re probably my most recommended headphones outside of the Bose QC ultras.) But the ANC is relatively weak and they’re bulky. (I also find their ear heat to be bothersome and didn’t enjoy them in flights, but that’s very personal.) They also have a bug with the case that will cause them to turn on and randomly connect to a device even while still in the case. (I have a video on fixing that, too, though I found a better method.) All in all, good headphones (fantastic sound, great battery) but others are better for travel.
I have the Soundcore Life Q30 and I can definitely recommend them. Some additional information about them: The microphone picks up on everything and it makes it impossible to be on the phone outside if there is wind or other noise like cars, escalators etc. Also the fake leather fabric feels great, but expect a lifespan on it for about 3 years. It may be because I dropped them several times when jumping over a gate or skateboarding etc, but it has started to break off in small pieces, hence why I'm here. The sound is still great, absolutely nothing wrong with that, sounds like new. Also note that this is pretty much daily use to and from work and on the train etc, going for walks and whatnot.
Wow! You’re putting these through a LOT of use! 3 years using them like that and they still being around? Kind of amazing, TBH. Thanks for the good info!
I think I’ll probably be buying them soon and testing them for myself :-). (But it will mean selling my QC45’s.) Loaded with tech, but I want to see whether there’s more than just gimmicks.
This is the best video I have seen on this topic so far! Question: Did you experience any soreness at the top of your head, caused by the headband, during the first few days of use with of any of these headphones? I recently bought the bose QC 45s and the top of my head got pretty sore after about one and a half hours of use during my first time taking it with me traveling, which was shortly after I had bought them, meaning I had barely worn them at the time. I am definitely used to more plush up top, as I use the extremely comfortable DT 770 pros at home all day.
@@AstraProc - Thanks for the kind words! I’m happy to hear you found it useful! As for hotspots at the top of the head, definitely a thing I’ve experienced! What I’ve seen is, the wider the headband, the less likely that is to happen. (This is why I wish the APMs had an actual headband, rather than a mesh.) I never experienced with the QC45’s, but that’s really individual so do give that any weight. It might just be a matter of time: that padding softens up the more you use it. But if that doesn’t work, what has worked for me was getting a headband cover like this one: amzn.to/3SBEDGy The fabric makes the headband both softer and, more importantly, broader so it should provide better weight distribution across the top of the head. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look its best, but comfort > looks in my book. Another option, though one I don’t think is available for the Bose, is a fabric mesh pad like this one that moves the pressure points to the sides of the head, instead of the top: amzn.to/4ftvWHU I’d try the first option before the second. Best of luck. I hope this helps.
@@NorbReviews Thank you so much for the extensive answer! I will definitely give the headband cover a try, alongside just giving it a bit more time. Wishing you all the best!
Thanks for this video. I don't usually wear over the ear headphones because I have a big head and I am prone to headaches. The problem is, my airpods pro do not cut it when I travel because I usually am on a long-haul flight. I don't listen to music, I just put them on noise cancelling, so I'm thinking the XM5, even with it being in a huge case, because I need comfort and noise cancelling.
That’s a good choice then. From a battery life perspective, the XM5 and Bose QC Ultras are about the same, and both have excellent ANC. You can also consider the Momentum 4. The ANC is not that great, but it’s on par with the AirPods Pro 2, and it has a 60hr battery life, so 2x the XM5. And it has better sound than both. It just has a bulky case. I have just done comparisons on all these over the past 2 weeks if you check the channel, and I think those will help. Best of luck, and I hope this helped!
Great vid, I was wondering if you had any opinion on whether I should go with the xm4s or wait it out for any potential releases (I haven't looked into this). I currently have the sony mdr 100x and they have served me well, I don't find anything particularly wrong with them, the sound is good enough (not an audiophile by any means), and I love the anc. The xm4 seems like a good option, a familiar chassis with a few generations of improvements. Although I could just get some new ear pads for my 1000x's and wait for something more polished. I was really interested with the momentum 4s sound quality that I could be missing out on but it seems like they have an abundance of issues you mentioned in your videos, like the anc not being up to par amongst other things. Love the content.
Thank you for the kind words! The XM4 is a great choice, if you’re already a fan of the Sony sound. I prefer the XM5 myself, but both are fantastic. If you can keep what you have by just replacing three ear pads, then the question is whether you want something new. I don’t think Sony will be doing an update to their 1000X line for another year, at least. Even if they do, I expect there price of the XM4 to not drop much more than what you can find out already. I don’t know if you caught out, but I did an XM5 review (th-cam.com/video/FQeEHAIA3H4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=WvwAXEvQvD2yQB8g), where I heavily compared the XM4. I hope you might find that useful. Best of luck, and please let me know what you decide!
Appreciate the reply, I had a look at the comparison video and I think I'll get the xm5. Disappointed to leave some sound quality on the table compared to other options, but I guess you can't have everything. These seem to have the things that I value most, and if I really wanted the best sound quality I wouldn't be looking for a wireless pair of anc headphones in the first place😅
@@jamieyau9107 - this will help with improving the sound quality: th-cam.com/video/JqPn_S0nJ4s/w-d-xo.html It won’t do anything about things like resonance and detail, but it will help improve the overall sound signature. And I agree, if you’re looking for the best quality, wired all day long. Best of luck!
But the traveler that is going to buy one of this expensive headphones is either going to have an Iphone or the best of Android, so the user will not be lacking LDAC when using it on Android.
AptX has not helped themselves by having multiple similarly named specifications, but AptX Adaptive is arguably just as good as LDAC: www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/aptx-adaptive-vs-aptx-hd-vs-ldac-best-codec/
Great video! What do you recommend for people with smaller head and who wear glasses. For instance, I have pair of Bose QC 35s. They are too big at the smallest settings. Thaks!
Thank you for the kind words! As for headphones, my wife has the same issue. Her favorite headphones have been the Sennheiser PXC 550-II. Those have excellent sound, decent ANC, and are compact. They work OK with glasses, but sometimes the on-head detection reacts to the legs of the glasses. They are also not great with multi-device connect, so I wouldn’t use the. But they ARE comfortable for her, a perfect size. They run small on me (I have to extend all the way and even then they’re tight), but on her, they’re great. Not too long ago, they were rebranded as the EPOS Adapt 600 amzn.to/46o3qDs They are supposed to be office headphones, but they were originally branded as travel headphones. Not sure why they switched. Regardless, thats what I’d recommend. If they’re just rebranded and everything else is the same, then I think you’ll find them comfortable.
@@NorbReviews Thanks much. I asked a similar question and provided more detail so please feel free to ignore if you're busy. I will check out the ones you recommended!
By the way, I was just thinking about this, but the Bose NC700 might actually do you well. My wife ended up liking those more than the QC45 and almost as much as her PXC 550-II. Sorry for taking so long to get back!
@@NorbReviews Thanks! I've considered those but haven't seen any sales. The QCs did go on sale on amazon in the last day though. So fingers crossed. I can trade in my old QC35s directly to bose and get the new Ultras for $299, but I don't think they would be returnable if too big.
Hi i am an android user and am looking for a compact and comfortable set that i will be primarily using for travel. I think that both of the bose headphones would work best for me but i am just wondering if the fact that i will be using them with an android device is a deal breaker. Thanks
The Bose QC Ultra will probably be your best choice. I didn’t have it when I did this video (it wasn’t out yet), but it has all the advantages of the QC45, better in every part that matters, and handles aptX Adaptive, including aptX Lossless, plus Snapdragon Sound. I’ll be posting a review in the next week or 2, but if you’re considering Bose on Android, that’s the way to go. Shameless affiliate link here, since it’s at $379 right now: amzn.to/3ODaNiK
I am buying headphones for my father. He has an iPhone and iPad, and he needs things as easy as possible so I am tempted by the Apple product- but he is going to be using whatever I buy for a 24-hour train ride first. You would say a definite no for that?
I think the Apple product would probably be the best, to be honest. They did a really good job in the user interface, provided he sticks to just using the buttons and doesn’t really dive into the audio menus. (Although Apple is WAY better about this now: a few key updates have made this easier.) For something even simpler, the Bose QuietComfort headphones. Super simple and sounds great. (Not the Ultra, because that introduces some features which are nice, but make things a little complex, I think.)
@@NorbReviews Thank you! That is very helpful! He has an updated iPhone but only knows how to take pictures and make calls and how to Google things. It will already be a challenge to get him music.
@@NorbReviews Thank you, that is very nice. I have made my internal list for him. First, he is not technical at all and he is on Apple phone and Apple tablet. Second, he lives in Florida so it has to be cool to wear. He mostly will use it on walks outside, so I added in how they handle the wind sounds. He has tinnitus and I heard that Bose has a sound that people found annoying in some conditions. He is taking 2 24-hour train trips, so being able to wear them all day matters. My thoughts are that nothing will be perfect. So I am narrowing from there.
@@wishingb5859 ok, so this actually gives me a LOT of good context. I’m very… VERY… familiar with FL, so I can speak from a lot of experience. 1. From a temperature perspective, both the Bose and the AirPods Max are good. I’ll also toss in the Beats Studio Pro. (I have my issues with them, but they’re simple to use, work super well with Apple products.) 2. The AirPods and Beats handle wind better than Bose. 3. The Tinnitus thing is *BIG*. When mine acts up because of ANC, it’s because of the pressure it causes. The new Bose QuietComfort Headpones have adaptive ANC, as do the AirPods Max and Beats Studio Pro, so they’ll do very well in adjusting to the environment. 4. As for comfort, that’s a very personal thing. I think the Bose are the most comfortable because they’re light has have big ear cups, but the AirPods Max aren’t bad. I just don’t love the headband and weight. The Beats are OK, but they have zero swivel, so they’ll press on the ears a lot. If he wears glasses, they’ll get exhausting. (Or if he has big ears.) The tinnitus thing is what really gives me cause for concern with the Bose QuietComfort and that’s where I start thinking that the Bose QuietComfort Ultra might be the best choice, since you can turn ANC off with it. I just think the touch controls can get a little confusing if he accidentally switches ANC mode on and off. Nothing is perfect, but some general recommendations, listed in my recommended order. Pick the most important areas and go from there: - Comfort: QuietComfort (ultra or headphones) - simplicity: (QuietComfort Headphones, Beats Studio Pro) - Apple integration: (AirPods Max, Beats studio pro) - Tinnitus prevention: (AirPods Max, QuietComfort Ultra, Beats Studio Pro) - Heat: (AirPods Max, Bose) My gut reaction: the AirPods Max, but maybe find him something that can provide extra head support, because the mesh in the headband loosens up and the bars end up making annoying indentations. There are covers for this that help.
i wanna get the bose qc45 but I listen to a lot of bass heavy music. ive heard they are not really good when it comes to the low ends. should i buy them?
The QC45 can handle bass well if you use the EQ to boost the bass. But if you love your bass - like love love and you want massive rumbles - the QC45 will be OK at best. I’d recommend considering the Sony WHXB910N, the Skullcandy Crusher 2, and the Urbaniata Miami or Urbanista Los Angeles. The QC45 are better than all of these for every other range and for clarity but for bass, look at those three. The Sony has great bass, but it’s more muddy than I’d like. I like clarity, even when I have my bass. The Skullcandy is just plain fun, but when you turn the bass off, it’s pretty meh for the price. Not bad, actually very neutral, but lacking detail. (I’ve reviewed the Crusher, but not the Crusher 2.) The Urbanista is weird. Fun sound, good presentation, a few technical flaws if you sweat on them, and a TIGHT fit (which helps with the bass). (I’ve done a review on these.) If I had to pick one, I’d probably go for the Skullcandy: good build, fun sound, and all around good quality for the price.
@@NorbReviews thank you for the reply, i like bass but i would also prefer some clarity as well. i could buy the bose headphones for 180€ refubished. would you say that they are worth it at the price? i was also considering the airpods pro gen2 but they are about 80 euros more expensive and im afraid the soundstage wont be as good.
Obviously this will depend on things like how far they stick out, but I like the Focal Bathys a lot for this very reason. Another might be the Bose QuietComfort 45, which has an angled driver inside and thinner (but still supportive) pads. I find the QC45 more comfortable because of the light weight and more compact size, but the sound on the Bathys is better. From one big-eared guy to another, best of luck!
@@NorbReviews Thanks for your input. I'll see if I can find a store nearby that has the Bose so I can test it out. I used to have a Sennheiser HD595, Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro, Several Sony's and now a Philips Fidelio X2HR. The Sennheiser HD595 was the most comfortable one as it was larger and my ears fit inside the cups. with all the others my ears touched the cups and/or the driver. I can't remember if my ears touched the driver of the HD595 though, it's a long time ago.
Connectivity hasn’t ever been an issue for me. It’s true that other BT signals might interfere, so if you’re using something like LDAC then the bit rate might be a little lower. But I’ve never noticed an issue. As for HiFi, I very often take my Focal Bathys, and I haven’t had any issues. (I haven’t been traveling as much lately and therefore haven’t had the chance to travel with the PX8, so I can’t speak to those.) The ANC is not quite as strong as something like the XM5, but if you watch my review on it, you’ll see that I felt it was decent, regardless. I don’t remember if I included an actual sample of the ANC while on a plane, though.) Note: For this video, I was considering only the headphones I most commonly saw while traveling myself, which is part of the reason the Bathys are not on this list. I was also looking for travel-specific + bang for the buck, and given the noise level of a plane and the generally weaker ANC, I didn’t feel the gains in sound quality were worth the price difference IF you’re only looking at these for travel. But again, if you watch my review, you’ll see that I think VERY highly of the Bathys.)
I don’t think so. But it does have better overall usability features and mics. If you’re just looking for music, go with the Bathys. If you want movies and are in the Apple ecosystem, the APMs are great.
Unless you’re plugged in via wire, make sure you’re using the best possible codec (AAC on iPhone/Mac, LDAC or AptX HD or Adaptive on Windows), and make sure you have a high quality file. If your headphones have an app, use that to EQ the headphones to your taste. (All the headphones in this video do, except for the AirPods Max and the Beats Studio3.)
Not a wireless. I use the Sennheiser PC38X for my day to day work. I’ve tried wireless for work and not a fan. If I had to choose wireless, of these, definitely the APMs if I had a Mac. If not… tougher question, but probably the Focal Bathys? I do like the Bose QC45, though. Multipoint is funky on pretty much everything, though.
I love the sound, but the relatively weak ANC makes it a bad choice for travel. (This despite the absolutely fantastic battery.) I put the ANC on par with the QC45, but the QC45 also has the advantage of being a more compact design. Finally, when it’s in the case, the power management features are still buggy, and will sometimes connect to your phone, even in the case. I touch on this at the end of the video, but the above gives more context.
I prefer the Bose QC45 because it’s more comfortable, better built, and I think it’s tuned better. But the Soundcore Q45 is 2.5x cheaper, and… well, that makes a difference. If budget isn’t a problem, Bose.
Look into Koss products.The Koss KPH30i and Koss Porta Pro are both fantastic options AND easily the best bang for the buck in audio. Buy a pair of Yaxi pads for them and you have exactly what you're looking for. For something a little more portable, the KSC75, which I talk about in some detail here: th-cam.com/video/G_5gnHfQ3eQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=CabBy5vQhgv5Tdct&t=122
@@NorbReviews Hey, thanks so much!! Already have the KPH40s and love em! So the Yaxi pads do actually make a difference?? If so will order some pronto! Also love the foldability (is that even a word? 🙂) & idea of the Porta Pros...are they comparable in audio quality?
@@cmln2413 (1) The Yaxi pads make them MUCH more comfortable. (2) It’s a word. If it’s not, then the dictionary is wrong and needs updating. (3) Yes, I feel they are, but I haven’t done any strict side by side tests with those.
The Sony XM5 headset’s ANC is awesome BUT the headband cause pain on top of my head after an hour of wearing the XM5 headset. I do have a large manly head so proceed with caution. I returned them for a refund and will try the Bose Ultra headset
Yeah, the headband on the XM5 is very much a point of contention with a lot of people. Good luck with the QC Ultra: I’ll be looking to get the myself, but would love your thoughts.
Yeah, they tried to be a little TOO magical with it. Pushing the middle flap down and storing them ear pads up instead of down will prevent this from happening.
I don’t know of any newer models that are wired and have noise canceling, which was a requirement for this list. If wired, I would go with an IEM and change the tips to foam tips so that you get a good seal. Barring that, any good closed back with a good seal would do. I’m a fan of the Sony MDR7506, which is a good value for the price. Now, all of these can be used wired as well. But I get there are many reasons you might want to go wired only. If sound quality is concerned, the Focal Bathys, Sennheiser Momentum 4, and the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e are good options. If Bluetooth exposure is a concern, many shut the antenna off when you plug them in, though not all do. The Sony XM4 and XM5, and all Bose headphones do this, though in that case I’d recommend the Ultra now. The Bathys will also do this, and my recommendation with that is always to use DAC mode if you can, which improves the sound as well. Hopefully this helped. Best of luck!
Glad you found it useful! One that wasn’t out when I did this video was the Bose QC Ultra. I’ve been using that for a while now and I very much it would be worth considering. (it would have made this list if I’d been able to use it when this video came out.)
They are mentioned at the end and I mention why I didn't more deeply go into them. (Spoiler: cost to benefit ratio isn't there for travel because of the ANC, which is decent, but easily beat out by most items on the reviewed list.) But you can find my full review here, th-cam.com/video/S3miH54g1Wk/w-d-xo.html if that's what you're looking for. (I do an ANC test during a flight partway through the video, and I spend time talking about my travel experience with it.) Spoiler to that: I LOVE the Bathys. It’s fine for travel. It’s not the best ANC, and it doesn’t have a ton of features. It’s primary focus is a high quality, relaxing sound signature. FWIW, I’ve used it on flights regularly and have never had an issue, except that it doesn’t block out voices as much as something like the AirPods Max or Sony XM5.
I Have a blue pair of sound core space Q45 headphones. I think there great. I also own soundcore lifenote c bluethooth headphones ( look like airpods) black ones. there way better and i own an android
Dre3 does not sound great, but honestly they are super light weight and have been the most comfy pair I've had. Got them as an addition with a laptop. If I were to purchase something now, I'd much rather get 700ANC or QuietComfort. Much better balanced sound quality, better ANC, better cold resistance---as the Dre3 turns OFF to save battery when it's really cold. Not ideal in Norway 😆
I only tested the Dre3 in a warm climate so I wasn’t aware of the shut off! I will say, if you’re going the Bose route, the 700 is a magnificent deal right now, with prices having dropped as low as they have. But if you’re going to pay close to full price, I find the new QC Headphones and QC Ultra are *magnificent*.
QC45 DONT work good when you're in a call and there is surrounding sound or wind. people always complaining and I eventually, take them off and use the phone.
20,000 miles? Those are rookie numbers you're putting up. I think my kids do that just going to school and back. :). I'm still a fan of the AirPods Max. I've never noticed a change in noise cancelling during takeoff, but next time I fly I'm going to listen for it. The noise canceling changes depending on my position sometimes (maybe I'm breaking the seal). The one thing that works great for me is switching devices with it. I used to have a pair of Bose QC35s and switching between my laptop and phone would never work right. The AirPods Max work perfectly almost every time.
Switching devices is fantastic, I’m 100% with you on that. As for ANC, I do wonder if it’s because a break in the seal, but it’s happened to me every time I’ve flown. The big question is, what airline do your kids use when you’re send them to the South Pole for school? 20,000mi is a long daily commute!
Not so much instable as bandwidth dependent. It scales down quickly if the signal strength isn’t optimal. But when it works well, when it has an optimal signal, it really does make a difference.
A few things to consider: 1. “Best” is relative to conditions. Sony has been better for me on planes and with conversation around me, but I’ve heard that Bose tends to be better on trains and busy subways. (I don’t love somewhere with subways so I can’t test that out.) 2. This was before the QC Ultra was released. Yes, the XM5 *IS* better than both the NC700 and the QC45. But the frequent automatic adjustment of the ANC level on the XM5 drives some people nuts. (This doesn’t bother me all that much, but I 100% get and agree with the complaint.) I haven’t tested the XM5 vs the QC Ultra in a real-world scenario like this yet, but the Ultra is an improvement over the NC700 and QC45. (Of note: I did still find the XM4 to be better than the QC45, but on par for my needs vs the NC700.) The point is, they’re both excellent for ANC. Personal opinion: Between everything mentioned, I tend to prefer the QC Ultra, however: even if it might not the best for ANC, it’s still fantastic, and I find it more comfortable, easier to store, plus I like the sound a bit better.
@@NorbReviewsi so appreciate your reviews and feedback! this video is amazing. what i’m having trouble is figuring out which one to get - basically i don’t want anyone to be perceivable to me! for conversations & eating etc i need maximum noise cancelling. I’m going to fly in a few months and just want to pick a headset and be done. I used to have a bose set i loved but i could still hear people… which one would you tell me to get? (i’m really asking to just be told so i can stop ho-humming! i’m not an audiophile, i just need to not hear people lol)
@@limeseller Hey first off, my apologies for not seeing this earlier. I just saw the notification. You've probably already chosen, but just in case: You'll get max noise canceling from the XM5, but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra are nearly up there. None of them will completely block out all voices -- ANC only works on lower frequencies and anything above a certain point will be entirely due to build materials, which is where XM5 has an advantage due to the ABS used on it (I cover this in my review of the XM5.) That said, I would never call the XM5 an audiophile headphone. The Momentum 4 and Focal Bathys fit that description better. But the ANC on both is weaker than the Bose QC Ultra. In all honesty, my recommendation to you would probably be the QC Ultra, since it seems to strike the right balance of ANC + sound quality. Again, sorry about the delay: YT is bad about telling me about responses, and the email notification about this got buried. Best of luck, and travel safe!
They are mentioned at the end and I mention why I didn’t more deeply go into them. (Spoiler: cost to benefit ratio isn’t there for travel because of the ANC, which is decent, but easily beat out by most items on the reviewed list.) But you can find my full review here, th-cam.com/video/S3miH54g1Wk/w-d-xo.html if that’s what you’re looking for. (I do an ANC test during a flight partway through the video, and I spend time talking about my travel experience with it.)
I agree. They are mentioned at the end and I mention why I didn’t more deeply go into them. (Spoiler: cost to benefit ratio isn’t there for travel because of the ANC, which is decent, but easily beat out by most items on the reviewed list.) But you can find my full review here, th-cam.com/video/S3miH54g1Wk/w-d-xo.html if that’s what you’re looking for. (Spoiler: I like it.)
![Best Premium Headphones 2024 [Tested & Compared!] - AirPods Max vs Bose vs Sony vs Sennheiser..](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/l5qootmFQx0/mqdefault.jpg)
LOTS of links mentioned in this video, so posting in the comments for visibility. Listed in order of appearance, NOT recommendation.
*Note: Product links are affiliate and help me bring more of these reviews to you.
Minor notes:
1. Not all Android phones handle LDAC, but those that do are a treat.
2. Noise canceling on the Beats Studio3 is on par with the SoundCore Life Q30.
3. See my friend, Panda! twitch.tv/pandopinions
# AIRPODS MAX
* Product - amzn.to/3rS8FLr
* WiWu Travel Case - amzn.to/3qi68db
* Full Review - th-cam.com/video/lzr2xdykeBY/w-d-xo.html
* Real People Review - th-cam.com/video/YtLZ2QF9MLA/w-d-xo.html
* Versus Sony XM4 - th-cam.com/video/efdO1OpPDro/w-d-xo.html
# SONY WH-1000XM5
* Product - amzn.to/3qhk1Zc
* Full Review (vs XM4) - th-cam.com/video/FQeEHAIA3H4/w-d-xo.html
* Real People Review - th-cam.com/video/EgpnJANYlTs/w-d-xo.html
# SONY WH-1000XM4
* Product - amzn.to/3qjBccy
* Full Review - th-cam.com/video/NnaIRNdzIQk/w-d-xo.html
(This was one of my first reviews, so expect awkwardness.)
* Versus AirPods Max - th-cam.com/video/efdO1OpPDro/w-d-xo.html
# BOSE QUIETCOMFORT 45
* Product - amzn.to/3KrCZ64
* Full Review - th-cam.com/video/p-jja6SMhr4/w-d-xo.html
* Real People Review - th-cam.com/video/aQAt1mTuguk/w-d-xo.html
# BOSE NC 700
* Product - amzn.to/3OH2kLP
* Real People Review - th-cam.com/video/aQAt1mTuguk/w-d-xo.html
# SOUNDCORE LIFE Q30
* Product - amzn.to/3OJ7UO0
*Real People Review - th-cam.com/video/n3p1SoGBEhs/w-d-xo.html
# SOUNDCORE SPACE Q45
* Product - amzn.to/44VtNiv
# BEATS STUDIO3
* Beats Studio3 - amzn.to/44XkLlo
(I don't recommend them for travel, but great for looks)
# OTHER PRODUCTS MENTIONED
## SENNHEISER MONENTUM 4
* Product - amzn.to/47gF8eJ
* Full Review - th-cam.com/video/RtUq_6ifOSs/w-d-xo.html
* Versus Focal Bathys - th-cam.com/video/9xgFyJrHeWY/w-d-xo.html
## FOCAL BATHYS
* Focal Bathys - amzn.to/3DOo2ap
* Full Review - th-cam.com/video/S3miH54g1Wk/w-d-xo.html
* Versus Momentum 4 - th-cam.com/video/9xgFyJrHeWY/w-d-xo.html
# OTHER PRODUCTS MENTIONED
* Beats Studio Pro - amzn.to/3OIohdu
* Bowers & Wilkins PX8 - amzn.to/3DOo7Lf
* Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX - amzn.to/3Ykcoh4
Perfect timing. I'm supposed to fly on Friday and I feel pretty good about my Bose now. (Though they are 35 II and not 45, their differences aren't that important to me.) Thanks!
For timing reasons, I actually cut out info on the QC35ii. Basically except for battery life, style, and the ability to actually shut ANC entirely off, they’re effectively identical.
You made a great choice.
So what do you think about the Cowin E8 headphones noise cancelation please explain 👍🏾💯🏆
I’ve never used them, so I can’t say.
Great comparisons! Important to remember that context for use matters so much for a pair of headphones. Being good in one area and not in others doesn't suddenly make them bad, just need to consider what *you* actually want them for.
I have a question though: As someone with a large headphone 'collection' do you ever go about your day with more than one pair, for reasons other than testing? I value aesthetics and sound a lot, and am very happy with my new pair of HD450BT's for that. I also do a lot of travel on loud buses and trains, and while the ANC on them is an improvement over my old faithful bare-bones headphones, I know it's not as good as much of the field. I'm wondering how reasonable it may be to have two different sets of headphones for different contexts throughout the day.
Thanks for the kind words!
To answer your question: I switch ALL THE TIME. Mostly because I'm lazy and just go for the first thing I find. But often I favor one for a while. I do, however, tend to AVOID headphones I can't really use for later comparisons, which is sad because some of my favorites just aren't made anymore. (Prime example: the Know Calm. I *LOVE* mine, but Know Headphones went out of business, so I rarely use them, even though I adore them. Sad as it might seem, my brain is always "on the job" with this, even though this is more of a hobby.
I usually recommend that a second pair be earbuds, to be honest: extra portable and usually good for sweaty situations, like the gym. AirPods Pro, Sony WF-1000XM4 or XM5, QuietComfort Earbuds 2... all great options. In all those cases, you'll get both portability and great ANC (plus transparency). But they're also expensive. If you're looking for great ANC at a solid price, something to pair with the HD450, I'd either do the SoundCore Space Q45 or go to eBay and find the Secondipity store, then look for refurb XM4's. (I've bought from them plenty of times and love them.) And if you just want a pair of earbuds you can sweat in, an older generation pair of earbuds can usually be found at a GREAT price: Sony WF-1000XM4, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, Samsung Galaxy Buds, and even AirPods Pro 1st Gen.
This all said, the HD450BT are a solid pair of headphones. If what you're looking at is improvement with ANC, you might just want to jump a price tier and get a good all-around headphone, rather than pair them with something else. And if you can find the Momentum 4 at a great price, I'd 100% recommend just jumping on that. ANC is decent enough, but the sound is just leagues better.
Best of luck and let me know if I can be of further help.
What I miss in your review of the Souncore Q30's, I personally think you should've mentioned that ANC does not work when the cable is attached. This is quite a crucial feature for (international) travel, where you make use of the audio/screen in the seats.
Seriously. He spent forever talking about comfort but missed a huge feature there. Thanks
Good call out, thank you.
I only really fly within North America, most often under 4 hours, so I don’t use my headphones plugged in during flights. (Most of my flights don’t even have screens, and for those that do, I literally never use the screens on those flights, just my phone or tablet.) The only exception was a recent trip to Asia, and I didn’t take the Q30 for that.
Sorry for the miss!
Norb! Are there any alternatives to the XM5's? I just got those, but I can't stand it due to discomfort. It really presses my ears and the top of my head. I'm returning them today, which is so unfortunate, cause the ANC and features are just perfect for my day-to-day use.
I'm really considering the QC45's. Great ANC and comfort are a must for me. Do you have any other suggestions? Airpods are way too expensive to me, and I'm not part of apple ecosystem either. I thought of the Momentum 4's, but as i mentioned, i need top notch ANC because of my noisy work environment. What do you recommend besides the QC45?
QuietComfort 45 is a safe bet. Maybe consider the QuietComfort Headphones (yep, that’s their name) which just came out. I’ll try to do a review on this and the QC Ultra, but there may already be some reviews out there.
Another option might be the either the Sony XM4 (which has softer pads) or the Momentum 4 (which is my favorite sounding headphone at this price tier). I’m not a HUGE fan of their comfort because I get warm ears, but they are both comfortable. The XM4 is very different than the XM5.
Finally, consider the NC700’s, which have good noise canceling, somewhat better than the QC45, even if they’re older.
Best of luck, and I’d love to hear what you decide on.
@@NorbReviews Thank you so much for your reply. I will definitely let you know what i decide next.. Also, have you ever tried the Edifier WH950NB? I have had a pair for about 3 months and can't really complain about them. Seems like they compete at a similar price range to the Soundcore q45. Amazing sound, a lot better than the XM5's to my ears, but lack on ANC performance. If you have not heard them yet, i definitely suggest you give them a shot, you might love them, especially for it's price.
what did you go with or any input here i hate the xm5 headband@@miguelvieites4406
Look for an upgrade from my 5 years old Sony hear on 2 and don’t know what to pick. I can get the Bose QCSE (45) for 190$ or the XM4s for 220$ 🤔
If you like Sony, stick with Sony. It’s a fantastic headphone.
I happen to prefer Bose, and love the QC45, but either is good. Guessing the Bose comes from Costco? Maybe you can buy and test?
@@NorbReviews Thanks Norb! No it’s actually in Sweden. So what is better with the QCs? I guess I would be happy with either!
these Sennheiser's HD 450BT's are 129 ( Canadian ) 95 ( USD ) for black friday....i just need a set for watching netflix and my ipad for movies and utube....the noise cancellation and calls are not important but good sound is ....would these be a good buy ?....cheers from Canada
Have you tried the Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless? They are rated as the best for traveling from multiple sources and im kind of leaning that way
Thank you for watching. Yes, I have:
th-cam.com/video/RtUq_6ifOSs/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/9xgFyJrHeWY/w-d-xo.html
I disagree wholeheartedly that they’re the best for traveling. Good? Sure. I like them and highly recommend them. (They’re probably my most recommended headphones outside of the Bose QC ultras.) But the ANC is relatively weak and they’re bulky. (I also find their ear heat to be bothersome and didn’t enjoy them in flights, but that’s very personal.) They also have a bug with the case that will cause them to turn on and randomly connect to a device even while still in the case. (I have a video on fixing that, too, though I found a better method.)
All in all, good headphones (fantastic sound, great battery) but others are better for travel.
I have the Soundcore Life Q30 and I can definitely recommend them. Some additional information about them: The microphone picks up on everything and it makes it impossible to be on the phone outside if there is wind or other noise like cars, escalators etc. Also the fake leather fabric feels great, but expect a lifespan on it for about 3 years. It may be because I dropped them several times when jumping over a gate or skateboarding etc, but it has started to break off in small pieces, hence why I'm here. The sound is still great, absolutely nothing wrong with that, sounds like new. Also note that this is pretty much daily use to and from work and on the train etc, going for walks and whatnot.
Wow! You’re putting these through a LOT of use! 3 years using them like that and they still being around? Kind of amazing, TBH. Thanks for the good info!
What do you think of the coming Bose QuietComfort ultras?
I think I’ll probably be buying them soon and testing them for myself :-). (But it will mean selling my QC45’s.)
Loaded with tech, but I want to see whether there’s more than just gimmicks.
This is the best video I have seen on this topic so far!
Question: Did you experience any soreness at the top of your head, caused by the headband, during the first few days of use with of any of these headphones? I recently bought the bose QC 45s and the top of my head got pretty sore after about one and a half hours of use during my first time taking it with me traveling, which was shortly after I had bought them, meaning I had barely worn them at the time. I am definitely used to more plush up top, as I use the extremely comfortable DT 770 pros at home all day.
@@AstraProc - Thanks for the kind words! I’m happy to hear you found it useful!
As for hotspots at the top of the head, definitely a thing I’ve experienced! What I’ve seen is, the wider the headband, the less likely that is to happen. (This is why I wish the APMs had an actual headband, rather than a mesh.)
I never experienced with the QC45’s, but that’s really individual so do give that any weight. It might just be a matter of time: that padding softens up the more you use it. But if that doesn’t work, what has worked for me was getting a headband cover like this one: amzn.to/3SBEDGy
The fabric makes the headband both softer and, more importantly, broader so it should provide better weight distribution across the top of the head. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look its best, but comfort > looks in my book.
Another option, though one I don’t think is available for the Bose, is a fabric mesh pad like this one that moves the pressure points to the sides of the head, instead of the top: amzn.to/4ftvWHU
I’d try the first option before the second.
Best of luck. I hope this helps.
@@NorbReviews Thank you so much for the extensive answer! I will definitely give the headband cover a try, alongside just giving it a bit more time.
Wishing you all the best!
Thanks for this video. I don't usually wear over the ear headphones because I have a big head and I am prone to headaches. The problem is, my airpods pro do not cut it when I travel because I usually am on a long-haul flight. I don't listen to music, I just put them on noise cancelling, so I'm thinking the XM5, even with it being in a huge case, because I need comfort and noise cancelling.
That’s a good choice then. From a battery life perspective, the XM5 and Bose QC Ultras are about the same, and both have excellent ANC. You can also consider the Momentum 4. The ANC is not that great, but it’s on par with the AirPods Pro 2, and it has a 60hr battery life, so 2x the XM5. And it has better sound than both. It just has a bulky case.
I have just done comparisons on all these over the past 2 weeks if you check the channel, and I think those will help.
Best of luck, and I hope this helped!
Great vid, I was wondering if you had any opinion on whether I should go with the xm4s or wait it out for any potential releases (I haven't looked into this). I currently have the sony mdr 100x and they have served me well, I don't find anything particularly wrong with them, the sound is good enough (not an audiophile by any means), and I love the anc. The xm4 seems like a good option, a familiar chassis with a few generations of improvements. Although I could just get some new ear pads for my 1000x's and wait for something more polished. I was really interested with the momentum 4s sound quality that I could be missing out on but it seems like they have an abundance of issues you mentioned in your videos, like the anc not being up to par amongst other things. Love the content.
Thank you for the kind words!
The XM4 is a great choice, if you’re already a fan of the Sony sound. I prefer the XM5 myself, but both are fantastic. If you can keep what you have by just replacing three ear pads, then the question is whether you want something new.
I don’t think Sony will be doing an update to their 1000X line for another year, at least. Even if they do, I expect there price of the XM4 to not drop much more than what you can find out already.
I don’t know if you caught out, but I did an XM5 review (th-cam.com/video/FQeEHAIA3H4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=WvwAXEvQvD2yQB8g), where I heavily compared the XM4. I hope you might find that useful.
Best of luck, and please let me know what you decide!
Appreciate the reply, I had a look at the comparison video and I think I'll get the xm5. Disappointed to leave some sound quality on the table compared to other options, but I guess you can't have everything. These seem to have the things that I value most, and if I really wanted the best sound quality I wouldn't be looking for a wireless pair of anc headphones in the first place😅
@@jamieyau9107 - this will help with improving the sound quality: th-cam.com/video/JqPn_S0nJ4s/w-d-xo.html It won’t do anything about things like resonance and detail, but it will help improve the overall sound signature.
And I agree, if you’re looking for the best quality, wired all day long.
Best of luck!
Great video, just a note: not all android devices support LDAC.
That's a good point. My apologies for that oversight. Thanks for calling it out!
But the traveler that is going to buy one of this expensive headphones is either going to have an Iphone or the best of Android, so the user will not be lacking LDAC when using it on Android.
I thought LDAC was only for Samsung devices?
All Android smartphones with at least Android 8 support LDAC.
AptX has not helped themselves by having multiple similarly named specifications, but AptX Adaptive is arguably just as good as LDAC: www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/aptx-adaptive-vs-aptx-hd-vs-ldac-best-codec/
@NorbReviews
Have you ever tried Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones?
Yes! th-cam.com/video/RtUq_6ifOSs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=uCJCo97uE3chtUvc
th-cam.com/video/9xgFyJrHeWY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=gwOMsVu2hi2s-IWW
Great video! What do you recommend for people with smaller head and who wear glasses. For instance, I have pair of Bose QC 35s. They are too big at the smallest settings. Thaks!
Thank you for the kind words!
As for headphones, my wife has the same issue. Her favorite headphones have been the Sennheiser PXC 550-II. Those have excellent sound, decent ANC, and are compact. They work OK with glasses, but sometimes the on-head detection reacts to the legs of the glasses. They are also not great with multi-device connect, so I wouldn’t use the. But they ARE comfortable for her, a perfect size. They run small on me (I have to extend all the way and even then they’re tight), but on her, they’re great.
Not too long ago, they were rebranded as the EPOS Adapt 600 amzn.to/46o3qDs They are supposed to be office headphones, but they were originally branded as travel headphones. Not sure why they switched.
Regardless, thats what I’d recommend. If they’re just rebranded and everything else is the same, then I think you’ll find them comfortable.
@@NorbReviews Thanks much. I asked a similar question and provided more detail so please feel free to ignore if you're busy. I will check out the ones you recommended!
By the way, I was just thinking about this, but the Bose NC700 might actually do you well. My wife ended up liking those more than the QC45 and almost as much as her PXC 550-II.
Sorry for taking so long to get back!
@@NorbReviews Thanks! I've considered those but haven't seen any sales. The QCs did go on sale on amazon in the last day though. So fingers crossed. I can trade in my old QC35s directly to bose and get the new Ultras for $299, but I don't think they would be returnable if too big.
Hi i am an android user and am looking for a compact and comfortable set that i will be primarily using for travel. I think that both of the bose headphones would work best for me but i am just wondering if the fact that i will be using them with an android device is a deal breaker. Thanks
The Bose QC Ultra will probably be your best choice. I didn’t have it when I did this video (it wasn’t out yet), but it has all the advantages of the QC45, better in every part that matters, and handles aptX Adaptive, including aptX Lossless, plus Snapdragon Sound. I’ll be posting a review in the next week or 2, but if you’re considering Bose on Android, that’s the way to go.
Shameless affiliate link here, since it’s at $379 right now: amzn.to/3ODaNiK
@NorbReviews awesome! thanks for the reply! I am looking forward to the review!
I am buying headphones for my father. He has an iPhone and iPad, and he needs things as easy as possible so I am tempted by the Apple product- but he is going to be using whatever I buy for a 24-hour train ride first. You would say a definite no for that?
I think the Apple product would probably be the best, to be honest. They did a really good job in the user interface, provided he sticks to just using the buttons and doesn’t really dive into the audio menus. (Although Apple is WAY better about this now: a few key updates have made this easier.)
For something even simpler, the Bose QuietComfort headphones. Super simple and sounds great. (Not the Ultra, because that introduces some features which are nice, but make things a little complex, I think.)
@@NorbReviews Thank you! That is very helpful! He has an updated iPhone but only knows how to take pictures and make calls and how to Google things. It will already be a challenge to get him music.
@@wishingb5859 best of luck. Please let me know if I can offer any other guidance.
@@NorbReviews Thank you, that is very nice. I have made my internal list for him. First, he is not technical at all and he is on Apple phone and Apple tablet. Second, he lives in Florida so it has to be cool to wear. He mostly will use it on walks outside, so I added in how they handle the wind sounds. He has tinnitus and I heard that Bose has a sound that people found annoying in some conditions. He is taking 2 24-hour train trips, so being able to wear them all day matters. My thoughts are that nothing will be perfect. So I am narrowing from there.
@@wishingb5859 ok, so this actually gives me a
LOT of good context. I’m very… VERY… familiar with FL, so I can speak from a lot of experience.
1. From a temperature perspective, both the Bose and the AirPods Max are good. I’ll also toss in the Beats Studio Pro. (I have my issues with them, but they’re simple to use, work super well with Apple products.)
2. The AirPods and Beats handle wind better than Bose.
3. The Tinnitus thing is *BIG*. When mine acts up because of ANC, it’s because of the pressure it causes. The new Bose QuietComfort Headpones have adaptive ANC, as do the AirPods Max and Beats Studio Pro, so they’ll do very well in adjusting to the environment.
4. As for comfort, that’s a very personal thing. I think the Bose are the most comfortable because they’re light has have big ear cups, but the AirPods Max aren’t bad. I just don’t love the headband and weight. The Beats are OK, but they have zero swivel, so they’ll press on the ears a lot. If he wears glasses, they’ll get exhausting. (Or if he has big ears.)
The tinnitus thing is what really gives me cause for concern with the Bose QuietComfort and that’s where I start thinking that the Bose QuietComfort Ultra might be the best choice, since you can turn ANC off with it. I just think the touch controls can get a little confusing if he accidentally switches ANC mode on and off.
Nothing is perfect, but some general recommendations, listed in my recommended order. Pick the most important areas and go from there:
- Comfort: QuietComfort (ultra or headphones)
- simplicity: (QuietComfort Headphones, Beats Studio Pro)
- Apple integration: (AirPods Max, Beats studio pro)
- Tinnitus prevention: (AirPods Max, QuietComfort Ultra, Beats Studio Pro)
- Heat: (AirPods Max, Bose)
My gut reaction: the AirPods Max, but maybe find him something that can provide extra head support, because the mesh in the headband loosens up and the bars end up making annoying indentations. There are covers for this that help.
i wanna get the bose qc45 but I listen to a lot of bass heavy music. ive heard they are not really good when it comes to the low ends. should i buy them?
The QC45 can handle bass well if you use the EQ to boost the bass. But if you love your bass - like love love and you want massive rumbles - the QC45 will be OK at best. I’d recommend considering the Sony WHXB910N, the Skullcandy Crusher 2, and the Urbaniata Miami or Urbanista Los Angeles.
The QC45 are better than all of these for every other range and for clarity but for bass, look at those three.
The Sony has great bass, but it’s more muddy than I’d like. I like clarity, even when I have my bass.
The Skullcandy is just plain fun, but when you turn the bass off, it’s pretty meh for the price. Not bad, actually very neutral, but lacking detail. (I’ve reviewed the Crusher, but not the Crusher 2.)
The Urbanista is weird. Fun sound, good presentation, a few technical flaws if you sweat on them, and a TIGHT fit (which helps with the bass). (I’ve done a review on these.)
If I had to pick one, I’d probably go for the Skullcandy: good build, fun sound, and all around good quality for the price.
@@NorbReviews thank you for the reply, i like bass but i would also prefer some clarity as well. i could buy the bose headphones for 180€ refubished. would you say that they are worth it at the price? i was also considering the airpods pro gen2 but they are about 80 euros more expensive and im afraid the soundstage wont be as good.
I have large ears I guess, and I dislike when they touch the driver or cushion.
Wich one(s) do you think is best for that comfort wise?
Obviously this will depend on things like how far they stick out, but I like the Focal Bathys a lot for this very reason. Another might be the Bose QuietComfort 45, which has an angled driver inside and thinner (but still supportive) pads.
I find the QC45 more comfortable because of the light weight and more compact size, but the sound on the Bathys is better.
From one big-eared guy to another, best of luck!
@@NorbReviews
Thanks for your input. I'll see if I can find a store nearby that has the Bose so I can test it out.
I used to have a Sennheiser HD595, Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro, Several Sony's and now a Philips Fidelio X2HR.
The Sennheiser HD595 was the most comfortable one as it was larger and my ears fit inside the cups. with all the others my ears touched the cups and/or the driver.
I can't remember if my ears touched the driver of the HD595 though, it's a long time ago.
Nice video, what about hifi headphones for flying? you mentioned PX8, but what about connectivity on a plane of those?
Connectivity hasn’t ever been an issue for me. It’s true that other BT signals might interfere, so if you’re using something like LDAC then the bit rate might be a little lower. But I’ve never noticed an issue.
As for HiFi, I very often take my Focal Bathys, and I haven’t had any issues. (I haven’t been traveling as much lately and therefore haven’t had the chance to travel with the PX8, so I can’t speak to those.) The ANC is not quite as strong as something like the XM5, but if you watch my review on it, you’ll see that I felt it was decent, regardless. I don’t remember if I included an actual sample of the ANC while on a plane, though.)
Note: For this video, I was considering only the headphones I most commonly saw while traveling myself, which is part of the reason the Bathys are not on this list. I was also looking for travel-specific + bang for the buck, and given the noise level of a plane and the generally weaker ANC, I didn’t feel the gains in sound quality were worth the price difference IF you’re only looking at these for travel. But again, if you watch my review, you’ll see that I think VERY highly of the Bathys.)
The Air Pod Mac Sounds better than the Focal Bathys?
I don’t think so. But it does have better overall usability features and mics. If you’re just looking for music, go with the Bathys. If you want movies and are in the Apple ecosystem, the APMs are great.
@@NorbReviews last question how do the Mark Levinson’s stack up sound wise against the Gi Al Bathy’s?
@@jonathanbarnes7641 Unfortunately, I haven't been able to test the ML5909's, so I can't say.
Do you know how to get the best audio quality on a laptop? Or an iPhone?
Unless you’re plugged in via wire, make sure you’re using the best possible codec (AAC on iPhone/Mac, LDAC or AptX HD or Adaptive on Windows), and make sure you have a high quality file. If your headphones have an app, use that to EQ the headphones to your taste. (All the headphones in this video do, except for the AirPods Max and the Beats Studio3.)
What would be your fav for work (music sound and calls are priority)?
Not a wireless. I use the Sennheiser PC38X for my day to day work. I’ve tried wireless for work and not a fan.
If I had to choose wireless, of these, definitely the APMs if I had a Mac. If not… tougher question, but probably the Focal Bathys? I do like the Bose QC45, though. Multipoint is funky on pretty much everything, though.
Why isn't the momentum 4 on your list? :(
I love the sound, but the relatively weak ANC makes it a bad choice for travel. (This despite the absolutely fantastic battery.) I put the ANC on par with the QC45, but the QC45 also has the advantage of being a more compact design. Finally, when it’s in the case, the power management features are still buggy, and will sometimes connect to your phone, even in the case.
I touch on this at the end of the video, but the above gives more context.
Would you go with the Bose q45 or Soundcore q45?
I prefer the Bose QC45 because it’s more comfortable, better built, and I think it’s tuned better. But the Soundcore Q45 is 2.5x cheaper, and… well, that makes a difference.
If budget isn’t a problem, Bose.
What if sound quality and portability are primary, you have zero qualms with wired and you don't care "at all" about Bluetooth or noise canceling??
Look into Koss products.The Koss KPH30i and Koss Porta Pro are both fantastic options AND easily the best bang for the buck in audio. Buy a pair of Yaxi pads for them and you have exactly what you're looking for. For something a little more portable, the KSC75, which I talk about in some detail here: th-cam.com/video/G_5gnHfQ3eQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=CabBy5vQhgv5Tdct&t=122
@@NorbReviews Hey, thanks so much!! Already have the KPH40s and love em! So the Yaxi pads do actually make a difference?? If so will order some pronto!
Also love the foldability (is that even a word? 🙂) & idea of the Porta Pros...are they comparable in audio quality?
@@cmln2413 (1) The Yaxi pads make them MUCH more comfortable. (2) It’s a word. If it’s not, then the dictionary is wrong and needs updating. (3) Yes, I feel they are, but I haven’t done any strict side by side tests with those.
@@NorbReviews Thanks again! Just subscribed!!!
@@cmln2413 thank you!
The Sony XM5 headset’s ANC is awesome BUT the headband cause pain on top of my head after an hour of wearing the XM5 headset. I do have a large manly head so proceed with caution. I returned them for a refund and will try the Bose Ultra headset
Yeah, the headband on the XM5 is very much a point of contention with a lot of people. Good luck with the QC Ultra: I’ll be looking to get the myself, but would love your thoughts.
Excellent reviewb informative and enjoyable to listen to.
Very happy with my sennheiser Momentum 4. After many many years with my Sony whxm3.
Thank you for the kind words! The M4 is a fantastic headphone!
@@NorbReviews only thing is when the case is in my backpack, my phone connects to it!!
There really needs to be a decent off button or off mechanism
Yeah, they tried to be a little TOO magical with it. Pushing the middle flap down and storing them ear pads up instead of down will prevent this from happening.
Momentum 4 , no?
Not for this.
Is there any one wired?
I don’t know of any newer models that are wired and have noise canceling, which was a requirement for this list. If wired, I would go with an IEM and change the tips to foam tips so that you get a good seal. Barring that, any good closed back with a good seal would do. I’m a fan of the Sony MDR7506, which is a good value for the price.
Now, all of these can be used wired as well. But I get there are many reasons you might want to go wired only.
If sound quality is concerned, the Focal Bathys, Sennheiser Momentum 4, and the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e are good options.
If Bluetooth exposure is a concern, many shut the antenna off when you plug them in, though not all do. The Sony XM4 and XM5, and all Bose headphones do this, though in that case I’d recommend the Ultra now. The Bathys will also do this, and my recommendation with that is always to use DAC mode if you can, which improves the sound as well.
Hopefully this helped. Best of luck!
My rigth ear of my xm5 doesn't sound or work now so looking for one for my next flight 👀, your video really helps much
Glad you found it useful! One that wasn’t out when I did this video was the Bose QC Ultra. I’ve been using that for a while now and I very much it would be worth considering. (it would have made this list if I’d been able to use it when this video came out.)
The thumbnail shows the focal... but its not in the video. Was curious how it would stack vs the rest. Am still on the verge to buy a focal.
They are mentioned at the end and I mention why I didn't more deeply go into them. (Spoiler: cost to benefit ratio isn't there for travel because of the ANC, which is decent, but easily beat out by most items on the reviewed list.)
But you can find my full review here, th-cam.com/video/S3miH54g1Wk/w-d-xo.html if that's what you're looking for. (I do an ANC test during a flight partway through the video, and I spend time talking about my travel experience with it.)
Spoiler to that: I LOVE the Bathys. It’s fine for travel. It’s not the best ANC, and it doesn’t have a ton of features. It’s primary focus is a high quality, relaxing sound signature. FWIW, I’ve used it on flights regularly and have never had an issue, except that it doesn’t block out voices as much as something like the AirPods Max or Sony XM5.
Very helpful thank you
Thank you for the kind words!
I Have a blue pair of sound core space Q45 headphones. I think there great. I also own soundcore lifenote c bluethooth headphones ( look like airpods) black ones. there way better and i own an android
Great review
Thank you!
Dre3 does not sound great, but honestly they are super light weight and have been the most comfy pair I've had. Got them as an addition with a laptop. If I were to purchase something now, I'd much rather get 700ANC or QuietComfort. Much better balanced sound quality, better ANC, better cold resistance---as the Dre3 turns OFF to save battery when it's really cold. Not ideal in Norway 😆
I only tested the Dre3 in a warm climate so I wasn’t aware of the shut off! I will say, if you’re going the Bose route, the 700 is a magnificent deal right now, with prices having dropped as low as they have. But if you’re going to pay close to full price, I find the new QC Headphones and QC Ultra are *magnificent*.
QC45 DONT work good when you're in a call and there is surrounding sound or wind. people always complaining and I eventually, take them off and use the phone.
Just god the NC700 refurbished for 179 on the bose website!
That’s a FANTASTIC price! Enjoy!
Thanks my dude for the vid
My pleasure. Thank you for watching!
With. Beats your paying for the name. Apple runiend beats. Soundcore space Q45 are way better then beats and cost less.
Soundcore 😍😍
Yep! I see them regularly when traveling now!
Momentum 4s better than all
Yo! Yeah-amazing ~ 🤚
Thank you!
Nothing beats the Sony XM4s for travel, nothing.
Is the bass boomy ?
these are too huge and bulky for travel imo.I like smaller buds
20,000 miles? Those are rookie numbers you're putting up. I think my kids do that just going to school and back. :).
I'm still a fan of the AirPods Max. I've never noticed a change in noise cancelling during takeoff, but next time I fly I'm going to listen for it. The noise canceling changes depending on my position sometimes (maybe I'm breaking the seal).
The one thing that works great for me is switching devices with it. I used to have a pair of Bose QC35s and switching between my laptop and phone would never work right. The AirPods Max work perfectly almost every time.
Switching devices is fantastic, I’m 100% with you on that. As for ANC, I do wonder if it’s because a break in the seal, but it’s happened to me every time I’ve flown.
The big question is, what airline do your kids use when you’re send them to the South Pole for school? 20,000mi is a long daily commute!
Ldac is not that great because it is unstable
Not so much instable as bandwidth dependent. It scales down quickly if the signal strength isn’t optimal. But when it works well, when it has an optimal signal, it really does make a difference.
Thta's strange, I see everywhere that the Bose has the best ANC but here the sony is much better...
A few things to consider:
1. “Best” is relative to conditions. Sony has been better for me on planes and with conversation around me, but I’ve heard that Bose tends to be better on trains and busy subways. (I don’t love somewhere with subways so I can’t test that out.)
2. This was before the QC Ultra was released. Yes, the XM5 *IS* better than both the NC700 and the QC45. But the frequent automatic adjustment of the ANC level on the XM5 drives some people nuts. (This doesn’t bother me all that much, but I 100% get and agree with the complaint.) I haven’t tested the XM5 vs the QC Ultra in a real-world scenario like this yet, but the Ultra is an improvement over the NC700 and QC45. (Of note: I did still find the XM4 to be better than the QC45, but on par for my needs vs the NC700.)
The point is, they’re both excellent for ANC.
Personal opinion: Between everything mentioned, I tend to prefer the QC Ultra, however: even if it might not the best for ANC, it’s still fantastic, and I find it more comfortable, easier to store, plus I like the sound a bit better.
@@NorbReviewsi so appreciate your reviews and feedback! this video is amazing. what i’m having trouble is figuring out which one to get - basically i don’t want anyone to be perceivable to me! for conversations & eating etc i need maximum noise cancelling. I’m going to fly in a few months and just want to pick a headset and be done. I used to have a bose set i loved but i could still hear people…
which one would you tell me to get? (i’m really asking to just be told so i can stop ho-humming! i’m not an audiophile, i just need to not hear people lol)
@@limeseller Hey first off, my apologies for not seeing this earlier. I just saw the notification. You've probably already chosen, but just in case:
You'll get max noise canceling from the XM5, but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra are nearly up there. None of them will completely block out all voices -- ANC only works on lower frequencies and anything above a certain point will be entirely due to build materials, which is where XM5 has an advantage due to the ABS used on it (I cover this in my review of the XM5.)
That said, I would never call the XM5 an audiophile headphone. The Momentum 4 and Focal Bathys fit that description better. But the ANC on both is weaker than the Bose QC Ultra. In all honesty, my recommendation to you would probably be the QC Ultra, since it seems to strike the right balance of ANC + sound quality.
Again, sorry about the delay: YT is bad about telling me about responses, and the email notification about this got buried. Best of luck, and travel safe!
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Personally for the AirPods Max sounds so sterile. It was offensive .
I can definitely see that. I found them crisp and clear, but yeah, if you want a warmer sound, the APMs are *not* it.
Bathys in your thumbnail but not review argh! Haha
They are mentioned at the end and I mention why I didn’t more deeply go into them. (Spoiler: cost to benefit ratio isn’t there for travel because of the ANC, which is decent, but easily beat out by most items on the reviewed list.)
But you can find my full review here, th-cam.com/video/S3miH54g1Wk/w-d-xo.html if that’s what you’re looking for. (I do an ANC test during a flight partway through the video, and I spend time talking about my travel experience with it.)
In terms of the sound quality alone, the Focal Bathys trumps all of those.
I agree. They are mentioned at the end and I mention why I didn’t more deeply go into them. (Spoiler: cost to benefit ratio isn’t there for travel because of the ANC, which is decent, but easily beat out by most items on the reviewed list.)
But you can find my full review here, th-cam.com/video/S3miH54g1Wk/w-d-xo.html if that’s what you’re looking for. (Spoiler: I like it.)