I've generally been working with cheap headphones. I currently have a pair of MPow H7 headphones. They're not bad for a non-audiophile, but I am not fooling myself into thinking these are premium noise-cancelling headphones.
I have never considered a high-end set of headphones because I've broken every pair I've ever owned at some point. I'd like to think I'm a little more careful these days with them though, so I think it's time to grab a solid upgrade.
I'm looking for Bluetooth, noise-cancelling, great sound and ideally a great built-in microphone. An optional wired option would be nice as well. Ideally, I would like to spend no more than 350$ USD. It's a chunk of change, but I'm in it for the long haul with whichever headphones I decide on.
I'm going to throw out a couple here that I might consider, but I'd love to hear peoples suggestions as I've only begun my research.
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Oldest comments (30)
I own the Sony WH-1000XM3s and love them. I actually bought a pair of QC-35 II at the same time to compare, and the Sony's easily won. The noise cancelling and sound quality was noticeably better.
I haven't tested the mic on them, and I don't plan on it. For calls I either use my Airpods, or my Shure mic for video calls.
My one complaint with the Sony's is that you need to disconnect them from one device before connecting them to another. E.g, if they're connected to your computer and you want to use them with your phone, you need to manually disconnect them from your computer's bluetooth before you can use them with your phone. I wish they handled multiple device connectivity like the Bose do, but this isn't a huge issue for me. I've had these for about a year and think they were a great purchase.
Awesome, thanks for the advice!
I would go as far as saying they compete with the Bose 700 (almost 100 pounds pricier).
I tried both and the only reason I went for the Bose 700 is because the Sony XM3 didn't feel as comfortable (I guess I have a weird head lol)
Otherwise, +1 on all that Steven said.
I purchased the XM3s a year ago and they're the best pair of headphones I've ever owned. The sound quality is top notch for listening to music or calls. Having said that, the microphone leaves a lot to be desired. People on the other end often tell me that I sound too distant or muffled.
I got a Sony one too, love it! Don't want to be without anymore.
I really like the Audio Technica M40x and M50x's Come with a really nice long cable. Sound great and are very comfortable for long periods of time. The M50's are a bit more Bassy to me.
Honestly, the best one till date - Bose QC-35 II.
I have those and really like them. I don't need a new pair any time soon, but I have seen that Bose has a new model that I'm curious about.
Even though they have a new, simpler naming convention they seem like the next generation of this line.
One problem with bluetooth in general is that it's kind of a pain in the ass to switch between sources. Bose has a dedicated app which helps, but it's still a pain. Native Apple products (Airpods and Beats) have the best chance at this being smooth.
All that is to say that right now I have a pair of headphones which is both for office and walking around, and I'm considering making them just for office and getting something new for walking around with.
Yeah I can see the switching being annoying, but that’s definitely not a deal breaker for me. More of a nice to have feature. I didn’t realize the AirPods and Beats made it seamless.
I’m reluctant to buy AirPods or the Pro ones because earbuds in general always pop out of my ears. I blame rugby and wrestling for that although my ears aren’t really mangled. I’m still available for ear modelling contracts if anyone is looking. 😂
I feel what you are talking about @ben . Switching between devices is not as seamless as other headphones. I occasionally had to restart them while switching between my Mac and the phone.
@nickytonline - I also have an extra pair of earphones for leisure use because Bose is not handy to carry around everywhere. Especially, gym or in winter when you are wearing a winter cap. So I use Bose when I am working. Otherwise, I prefer using stock Apple headphones. And for gymming and wireless purposes, I have RHA MA650 Wireless headphones. Sound quality wise they are nothing compared to Bose or Sony or Sennheiser.
Also, I am sure that the new Bose headphone are good. I liked their design, but it looks a little bit delicate to me. QC-II are robust-looking headphones. Tech specs-wise, it'd be good to compare with Sennheiser MOMENTUM Wireless.
I've been really happy with my Bose QC-35s. The noise cancelling on them is AMAZING.
I've had a pair of Audio Technica before - and I was disappointed at how quickly they broke.
The only Reddit post you'll need:
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Thanks for sharing Omri!
I'm a huge fan of AKG headphones, but I think that there aren't wireless models
For items like this I wait until Black Friday. Go through what's on sale and pick the best from the lot.
Whens the black Friday this year? :D
I have owned different iterations of the Bose QC series and they are so good I have never looked at any other NC competitors. I have had the QC15s and now have the QC25s. They've held up so I haven't had to upgrade to the QC35 IIs yet, but may soon just out of want rather than need. They have my business for life.
For me QC-35 IIs are the best ones, maybe not the best NC (I've tried the WH-1000XM3 and seems to work in most environments) but Bose are super comfortable, I can wear them for hours without any discomfort in my ears.
Try Audio Technica amazon.in/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50XB... , you will not regret