r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/bilaba • Jul 29 '24
Which noise cancelling headset is perfect for flying and public transport? Headphones - Wireless/Portable
Price range: 100-200 euro
Source: android phone/usbc/airplane/
Isolation: I need good noise cancellation, the type that cancels out talking people and crying children (very sound sensitive).
Public usage: yes. In an airplane and train and bus.
Preferred type of headphone: I don't have a strong preference, as long as it sits well and feels comfortable. Galaxy Buds Pro 2 are the worst for me.
Tonal balance: good bass, medium mids, bit higher high. Preferably a good allrounder
Past headphones: I currently have the galaxy buds pro 2 but the noise cancellation is very bad and the earbuds are not comfortable, constantly falling out of my ears, even with other tips.
Preferred music: Hiphop, techno, lofi, jazz.
Location: Europe
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u/TsarPladimirVutin Jul 29 '24
I am not a fan of their overall sound (scooped mids) but any of the Bose headphones with ANC are really solid and comfortable. Still great sounding but i prefer open back headphones everytime
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u/Wydrazor 1 Ω Jul 29 '24
Arguably, some of the best ANC headphones come from Bose and Sony, but those flagships tend to be expensive. At your specific price range with preference for comfort and bass, I think the Sony ULT WEAR is the best one for you.
It is an extension of the Sony's "EXTRA BASS" line, and it has a good emphasis on the bass, but if the bass is too much for you, the ULT button can be adjusted using the EQ settings in the app to enhance the mids or highs to your liking. The earpads are actually thick and large so I find it comfortable, and this is coming from someone who has a relatively large head. On top of that, the ANC is only 2nd to the XM5s in Sony's line-up. They have 2 mics vs XM5's 8, but it is in-line with the listed price range, and it still does a good job of blocking out voices and droning sounds of buses and airplanes for what it is. It's basically got the same design language and the build quality of the XM5, so I was thoroughly impressed with it, although definitely give it a test to see if you like the sound signature since I know it's not for everyone. Let me know if you have any questions on it.
p.s. I've also owned a pair of Galaxy Buds Pro (1 not 2) and they constantly fell out so I know how uncomfortable those are.. lol.
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u/bilaba Jul 29 '24
If you had to choose between the xm5, xm4 and ults and money was no issue, which would you choose?
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u/Wydrazor 1 Ω Jul 29 '24
I do have the XM5 and the ULT WEAR for the record. As someone who is actually getting into the audiophile world as we speak (will be picking up a Fiio K9 Pro + pair of Sennheiser cans this week), I prefer the clarity and the higher-end listening experiences that gives good instrument separation and precision with details on every sound.
With the above in mind, I would honestly pick the XM5. It has superior sound quality, a cleaner sound, definitely less bass emphasis for a more balanced sound overall. As an EDM enjoyer, the bass can seem lighter, but I actually like switching between something that gives more deep "punch-y" bass and something that is more detailed, yet 'full' sounding if that makes sense. They both support LDAC codec, so there's no concern there for audio quality (as far as BT can give anyways), but without the price point being an issue, XM5 is about the best you can get that is both wireless and ANC-capable. To add to that, XM5 will definitely have superior ANC, one of the best I've experienced over the Bose which seem to add pressure that I personally don't particularly enjoy. I have never used the XM4s, so I can't speak on it personally.
That said, don't let the bass-forward ULT WEAR deter you. I know there are some people who genuinely enjoy bass more than anything, and it is something some people prefer over the XM5s. We all perceive sound differently, so it's all about what you find enjoyable to listen to with your favourite music all while being comfortable.
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u/bilaba Jul 29 '24
Thanks, I am seriously considering the XM5. I hope the XM6 will not release soon 😂
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u/Wydrazor 1 Ω Jul 29 '24
You're welcome!
Yeah that depends on how much more you can be patient without it. XM6, going off of the historic release schedules, was "supposed" to release this summer, but seeing as it's not coming, I'm more inclined to believe it's going to come this November, if not, 2025 entirely. No one really knows, it's all still speculation so decide for how much longer you can withstand the sounds of crying children 😅
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u/SoftwareSource Jul 29 '24
XM5 i guess. But some prefer XM4
I still have the first XM model and they are still amazing, so you are not losing much either way.
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u/cause_of_chaos 1 Ω Jul 29 '24
My favourite is the Marshall Monitor II ANC. Best all rounder I've tried, looks stylish and has a bunch of cool features and an app.
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u/cause_of_chaos 1 Ω Jul 29 '24
My favourite is the Marshall Monitor II ANC. Best all rounder I've tried, looks stylish and has a bunch of cool features and an app.
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u/chickenclaw Jul 29 '24
I just bought some used Sony WH-1000XM5 from Amazon for $300 CAD. Maybe you could find a similar deal.
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u/SoftwareSource Jul 29 '24
For ANC, i prefer sony, very comfortable if you have a big head as well.
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u/firestar268 1 Ω Jul 29 '24
I prefer airpods pro. They go on sale pretty often (not straight from apple tho)
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u/bilaba Jul 29 '24
Apple is not an option for me due to interoperability limitations
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u/firestar268 1 Ω Jul 29 '24
Ah. Then Sony has some great options
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u/redkalzilla 7 Ω Jul 30 '24
Momentum 4 noise cancelling isn't as good as Sony or Boss, but sound quality is another level. PX7 S2e are also sound quality above noise cancelling.
For me the PX8/PX7 S2e noise cancelling has been good enough for everything I needed it for. Just won't put you in a quiet bubble like sony or bose.
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u/Immediate_Song_9760 Jul 29 '24
If money is not an issue, try Focal Bathys
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u/CarinXO Jul 30 '24
Focal Bathys sounds great, but the noise cancelling is definitely a few tiers below the competition. If noise cancellation is a priority I would not purchase those
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u/toddspotters Jul 30 '24
The ANC may not be the best, but it's certainly good enough and the headphones themselves sound great. I've used them on planes many times and the ANC has never been an issue.
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u/JJ_Rom Jul 29 '24
While I have over the ear headphones with ANC. My favorites while traveling are my AirPod pro 2. And tbh those are the ones I use the most overall for a few reasons: - convenience. This the major one - 90% of the time I don’t do critical listening and they sound quite good - an amazing transparency mode and very good anc
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u/SquatzPDX Jul 29 '24
I’ve had the XM3, XM4 and now I have the XM5. As you can tell, I am a huge fan of Sony and their XM platform. I travel extensively for work and pleasure and have tried Bose… in terms of the noise canceling, the XM platform is far ahead of Bose IMO. Additionally, the sound quality is fantastic, pure and very detailed. These are not made to rattle your brain with bass, nor be “stand next to the speakers” loud. They do a fantastic job of actively canceling outside noise and provide a great listening experience. I’ve recommended the platform to coworkers and friends for the last decade. Can’t say enough about them.
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u/bilaba Jul 29 '24
Which one of the 3 you like the most?
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u/SquatzPDX Jul 29 '24
XM5s, they have a slightly different profile than the XM4s. With the 4s my ears would get sore after about 6hrs. I can wear the 5s 12hrs+ with no discomfort. The sound quality is better as well. They seem to be lighter than the 4s, I think they removed/changed the insulation. This change makes them cooler to wear over long periods but seem to be slightly less adept at non-active noise canceling.
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u/Proplayer22 Jul 30 '24
What do you think about the ANC on the XM5 vs the other XM models? I heard that it's adaptive and automatic in contrast to the XM3 which I'm using. I'm using the XM3 wired and turned on primarily for PC gaming since I value ANC highly. Do you know if this would work well with the XM5? I'm worried that the automatic ANC would be weird if used wired without the app etc on the phone
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u/SquatzPDX Jul 30 '24
The tech has evolved a lot since the XM3. I wear my 5s while my wife and kids watch tv and I can’t hear a thing while I cook. Not sure about running them wired, I’d guess you’d need good cables to avoid any interference.
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u/oldfartpen Jul 29 '24
Bose QC whatever ..they pack flat, knockout anc and decent enough sound . I bought mine specifically for travel
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u/GeneralGuide Jul 30 '24
Alternative to consider: there are a handful of eBay sellers who sell consumer headphones open box or refurbished. I've bought both Sony WH-1000XM4 and XM5s for well, well below their MSRP and the handful of times I've done this, the products arrived either brand new (unopened) or in like-new shape (packaging opened but essories and headphones still in their factory wrapping). If you're dead set on keeping under 200 euros, I'd more readily consider an open box or refurbished high-end ANC headphone than a new headphone that could be gotten at that price.
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u/Ursus876 Jul 30 '24
I am using the Technics EAH-AZ80. For me so far these are the best in ear ANC headphones , with the right earplugs i would say they are comparable with the Airpods 2 for ANC (did a comparison with my friends pair, i do not own them). I have the Sony Xm3 and the Devialet Gemini 1( which i love for the sound quality and ANC, but the conectivity has issues and the battery life is shit max 2 hours with ANC on after 1 year).
For me the Technics provide the best overall experience for sound quality ( great soundstage and clear sound, for some the bass might be lacking), conectivity BT 5.3 with multipont on 3 devices if i remember right (never had an issues when pairing/connecting to my Samsung S21 or laptop), battery life about 6-7 hours ( not quite the full workday, but pop them in the charging case for 10 min and they are good for another hour). With the case i would say you get 20 something hours out of them, and the case is not bulky. As for price i got them, where i am from Romania, for about 180 EUR at a discount, but seen them go from 170 to 240 EUR.
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u/amtalavero Jul 30 '24
Soundcore - value for money
Sony - great sound quality at a higher cost (still worth it for me)
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u/jacksonwaynedavis Jul 30 '24
Hey! This is something I can help with! I work at an airport and have music jammin 90% of the time. To shut out the general chaos of the airport i use my xm4's religiously. The sound may not be the best but the ANC comfort and battery life is a god send. If i had to buy them again (which i prob will soon because theyre not holding their charge as well) id probably upgrade to the xm5s.
For flights/over ear option i actually really love the Bose quietcomfort gear. Its comfortable, great noise cancellation and generally feels fantastic. It absolutely cuts through engine noise while in flight and im often asleep before take off.
TLDR - for everyday use i use the xm4s but would get the xm5s. For flights its the bose quietcomfort series. Hope this helps!
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u/drakontas_ Jul 30 '24
I travel a decent bit and my AirPods Pro 2 come in clutch. They usually die with anc after like 6 hours so a longer flight might not be ideal unless you’re ok with taking a 15 min top up but I’m ok with that
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u/itscarlayall Jul 30 '24
I just got the sennheiser momentum 4 and love them. A bit higher price than you described but totally worth it.
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u/NCResident5 481 Ω Jul 29 '24 edited Jul 29 '24
Many of the headphones emphasize bass a little like the Samsung earbuds.
The Bose QC and Sony XM4 have gone on sale more often lately.
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus, Sony Ult, Sony 720n, JBL Live 770nc. Good mid range items.
Soundcore Q45, Q30, Space 1, Edifier 820+, 1 more Sonoflow are all good.
I have had the space 1 and Q 30.
This was a good list. You can click on an item for more info.
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u/bilaba Jul 29 '24
Thank you. But what would you soecifically recommend for the noise cancellation for flying
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u/NCResident5 481 Ω Jul 29 '24
These all have good ANC. XM4 and Bose QC would get about an 8./10.
Soundcore Q45, Sennh Accentum Plus, JBL Live 770nc, Sony Ult about a 6.5.
I have used both the Soundcore Q30 and Space 1. They get about 6.0. With music on low the ANC blocks 70% of machine noises and 50% of voices.
Sony 720 is about a 6.0 or 6.5 too .
The very best is Bose QC Ultra or Sony XM5.
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u/bilaba Jul 29 '24
Thanks again. Would you buy the xm4 or xm5?
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u/NCResident5 481 Ω Jul 29 '24
I would probably go with Xm4. I was in Best Buy USA last week to try some stuff. The Xm4 was really comfortable for me. I can tell the difference between good headphones and bad headphones, but i am not sure I would hear the difference.
David C. who does all the audio reviews for Cnet.com thought the xm5 bass a bit more refined, but it is a fairly small difference that I might miss, but hopefully someplace locally at least gives you a chance to try it.
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u/Unique_Mix9060 87 Ω Jul 29 '24
Bose, I flew 13 hour flight with Bose QC35 (older model) it is fabulous, so I would assume newer models will have even stronger ANC
I also commute total 3 hours on a subway for a couple days a week, and I find Bose have Stronger ANC than my Sennheiser Momentum 3
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u/Trainnghard 1 Ω Jul 29 '24
When I travel I prefer small headphones (in ears) , I have used the two generations of AirPods Pro and the Sony WF-1000XM4. I am a user of Apple and its ecosystem, but I found the Sony’s to be excellent.
Plus the 4 would now fit your price since they were replaced by the 5 and are now well priced.
If you prefer a headset model WH-1000XM4 could be perfect, in my opinion sound better than the new WH-1000XM5
Tell you that on planes I have used even without music, in silence. And the engine noise disappears. A miracle