Reviewed by O'Deady on B&H Photo Video
This is my third set of Noise Cancelling Headphones. My first was an entry-level set of Sony noise cancelling headphones which significantly improved my ability to enjoy music and movies during flight. I was awed by the Bose QuietComfort 35 predecessors, but could never really justify a $300 purchase. I limped along with the Sony for well over a decade, finally replacing them last year with a mid-price range over-the-ear product from Owlee. The Owlee purchase was an impulse buy on Amazon based upon a referral and an appealing price point. This was a huge step-up for me and worth every penny -- especially when one amortizes the cost over at least ten years of use. I've only used the Owlee on a dozen occasions, but I like 'em a lot. This year, I learned that a very modest startup investment I'd pretty much given-up on was being acquired. I purchased this set of Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones as a reward for my patience (waiting out both the investment and the desire to own a set of Bose noise-cancelling headphones). I've only used them twice so far. Once, at home when I opened the box and then on a long flight last week. I don't know why I waited so long, but I finally understand why my colleagues shelled-out three or four C-Notes for a set of headphones. Of course, now I'll never be able to go back, but QuietComfort 35 is incredibly comfortable, stores flat in a nice case (included) and provides the best quality sound I've ever had onboard an aircraft. Although the product is equipped with a high-quality microphone, I've only experimented with it for cell phone use once and can't tell you whether it is a reasonable way to answer the phone while listening to music at your desk, but I'll let you know when I'm back at my desk. In the meantime, I'm still wondering what took me so long to commit to this purchase, but I'm glad I finally got there. ... More
Reviewed by Paul on B&H Photo Video
My work productivity has definitely gone up from having these to block out noise, listen to music, and focus on my work. I used to mock people who spent $350 to cancel noise - well, Ive repented. Its worth every penny. Why did I get the QC 35 IIs instead of the Sony WH-1000XM3s? Im glad you asked! Both the Bose and Sonys have stellar sound and stellar noise canceling, yet the Sony edges out the Bose in both categories by a slight margin according to most peoples ears. Whichever headset I chose would be replacing my critical listening headphones and audiophile-DAC for daily listening while at work. This isnt just about audio quality though - its not less than that, but its certainly more than that. For me, I went with the Bose over the Sonys because of multi-pairing. Being able to connect to my phone and my computer at the same time is a huge bonus so I can seamlessly listen to both without a second thought. Likewise, the telephone call quality on the Bose headphones is absolutely excellent - I can take calls on them fearlessly without callers asking me what, what??? all the time. Sonys headphones? Yeah, not so much. Listen to some comparison samples of phone calls from the Sony headset versus the Bose headset on YouTube - the difference is enormous! Last of all, comfort. I wouldnt describe the Sony headphones as uncomfortable, but as someone who often has his headphones on for 7-10 hours a day, the Bose headphones are just amazingly comfy. No aches, pains, or tension. Its like wearing a fluffy pillow on your head. ... More
Reviewed by Shakil on Argos
These headphones are top notch and easily the best noise cancelling headphones that money can buy, if your someone that appreciates some piece and quiet then your going to love these headphones. I was on the London Underground train and it makes it feel like your in your bedroom because there is absolutely no noise. The audio on the headphones are unbelievable the bass will blow your head clean off if you want it to. The app customisation features also makes this worth the price. ... More
Reviewed by MrZee247 on Argos
I usually stick to my two ‘go to’ brands - Apple and Bose, Apple for most tech and Bose for audio. This time I decided to put my brand loyalty aside for a little while and let the reviews guide me. The choice between the Bose 700 and these headphones is a tight one and there were more than a couple of times that I was very close to clicking buy on the Bose. I went with the top of the range Sony headphones in the end and I’m so glad I did, comfort, sound, noise cancelling and style. 10/10! ... More
Reviewed by Mya on Argos
I love AirPods so much. The only problem with them is I lost them so make sure you bring it everywhere with you. Apart form that they are amazing and I’m going to be a mother pair soon
Reviewed by Rai on Argos
The Apple AirPods 2nd generation is a highly popular and well-regarded pair of wireless earbuds that offer a seamless and convenient audio experience. Here is a comprehensive review highlighting the best features and qualities of the product: Design and Comfort: The AirPods 2nd generation feature a sleek and minimalist design that has become iconic. They are lightweight and ergonomically shaped, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. The earbuds fit securely in most ears, thanks to their customizable fit and lack of wires, which eliminates any tangling issues. Audio Quality: The sound quality of the AirPods 2 is impressive, considering their compact size. The earbuds deliver clear and balanced audio with good bass response. Whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or making calls, the AirPods provide a satisfying audio experience. Seamless Connectivity: One of the standout features of the AirPods 2nd generation is their effortless connectivity to Apple devices. Thanks to the integrated Apple H1 chip, the AirPods connect quickly and automatically to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch as soon as you open the charging case. The connection remains stable and rarely drops, allowing for a hassle-free user experience. Siri Integration: With the AirPods 2, you can activate Siri hands-free by simply saying "Hey Siri." This feature adds convenience, allowing you to control your music, make calls, or ask for information without needing to reach for your device. Battery Life and Charging: The AirPods 2nd generation offer around five hours of listening time on a single charge, which is quite impressive. The accompanying charging case provides multiple additional charges, extending the total battery life to over 24 hours. The case also supports wireless charging, making it convenient to top up your AirPods using a Qi-compatible charging pad. User-Friendly Features: The AirPods 2 come with a range of useful features. They include optical sensors that automatically pause playback when you remove an earbud, and resume when you put it back in. Additionally, the earbuds can detect when you're on a call and route audio accordingly. The AirPods 2 also have accelerometers and motion sensors, which enable features like quick pairing and automatic ear detection. Apple Ecosystem Integration: If you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods 2 seamlessly integrate with other devices and services. They can easily switch between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and you can use them with services like Apple Music and iCloud. Overall, the Apple AirPods 2nd generation are a fantastic pair of wireless earbuds that excel in design, ease of use, and audio quality. They offer a seamless connection, convenient features, and excellent battery life. If you're an Apple user looking for a reliable and user-friendly audio solution, the AirPods 2nd generation are definitely worth considering. I want to become an affiliate marketer for apple’s products. ... More
Reviewed by Steve on Argos
If you Google “What are the best headphones to buy right now”, you will be given a long list of websites all giving their expert opinion. What seems to be most common is that most of these expert reviews point to the Sony WH1000MX4’s as being the ANC Headphone king. I have to agree. The most important factor to me is sound quality. I collect IEM’s so I believe that I know a quality sounding pair when I hear them. The Sony’s have exceeded all my expectations. The sound signature is balanced with rich punchy bass, clear mids and crisp highs. There’s absolutely no sign of sibilance. The MX4’s offer an inviting listening experience. You’ll want to pick them up put them on and enjoy. The Sony Headphone app allows you to customise the sound curve to your liking. For me they sound perfect right out of the box. What ever you’re go to music genre. The Sony’s elevate the experience. When first hearing Guns and Roses Knocking on Heavens door, I got a shiver down my spine. I’m not even a fan of Guns and Roses! At around £300 they ain’t cheap but like the old saying goes “you get what you pay for!” Compared to Apples offering the Sony’s are actually really good value for money and they come with a proper case, not one that looks like a training bra! Considering the amount of tech crammed into these cans they start to pull away from their peers in terms of value. They’re mind blowingly clever with the audiophile pleasing sound quality to go with the tech wizardry. The Active Noise Cancellation works very well blocking out any unwanted external noise. Set up is easy with the very customisable app. The touch controls are responsive and accurate. I could list all the amazing functions the MX4’s have but the review would be way too long. Let me just say if you like gadgets you’re in for a treat. There’s a 3.5mm cable for wired connection. I connected them to a cheap HI RES DAC that I own and again the sound quality went up another notch. Bluetooth sound quality is excellent but when connected to my iPhone the music piped to my ears isn’t full fat HI RES. That said the DSEE Extreme function in the app allows you to to boost compressed audio whilst streaming to sound like it has a higher bit rate. Very clever indeed. The competition is stiff with the likes of Bose and Sennheiser all offering similar priced options. The Apple AirPod Max’s may have the edge in terms of build quality but pound for pound they can’t match the Sony WH1000MX4’s for their sheer all round ability. Long live the King! ... More
Reviewed by Mark on B&H Photo Video
I purchased these about a month ago. This is my first foray into wireless noise canceling headphones in about five years, I am impressed with the improvements. The sound quality is simply terrific, approximately as good as a set of wired headphones of similar cost. The wireless link is reliable, no interference or dropouts noted though in fairness I usually use these with my phone which is never more than a few feet away. I purchased these in part to replace a set of headphones that I use when I cut my grass. That is a very challenging environment for noise reduction as it contains wide band noise from very low frequencies up to almost the limit of human hearing. The noise is also at a fairly high decibel decibel level, something like 90+dba at 1 m. The headphones knocks the mower noise down to a really surprising level, and even with the noise reduction working that hard the audio still sounds great. I also very much appreciate the touch features of these headphones. My experience with non-phone/computer gesture sensing has not been good. However these sense tap and swipe gestures very reliably. The headphones come in a small zippered case and include accessories such as an airplane adapter and hardwired cable. They charge in three hours or less, usually much less, from USB-C. Sony also has an app available for iOS and android that provides various settings for noise reduction, equalizer, and setting the function of a dedicated button on the headphones. I can't speak to the iOS version but the android version works well, I've had absolutely no issues with it. Overall I think these are a great choice, and well worth the price. ... More
Reviewed by DaveyR on Argos
These are brilliant headphones to say the least. I’d say the price point wasn’t the best for what they are, but that’s not Argos’ fault, similar/same price on Apple’s website. The battery power is one of the best around, lasts a day and a bit with constant use and sounds great. If your friends are on them and you want to seize control of them, simply connect to them and your device would take priority. I’d definitely recommend them to friends and family. I chose Argos due to the Argos Card. ... More
Reviewed by Kitkatsox on Argos
I actually bought these specifically for noise cancellation, as my partners snores are up to 59db - whilst they don’t eliminate it entirely, they make a huge difference and they are comfortable enough for me to lie on my side. so if your looking for headphones to play music and immerse yourself into the moment I imagine they are brilliant for that. I listen to tv via Bluetooth and can walk all around house, upstairs and downstairs and signal stays intact ... More
Reviewed by Nancy on B&H Photo Video
I already have a pair of traditional wired ATH-M50X but decided to treat myself to the bluetooth version. They are basically the same headphone I already have, but without a cord. They do come with a cord, but it is quite short and isn't coiled. They come with a USB charging cord that is VERY short at about 14 inches. I find this a little too short, but it gets the job done. The instructions were a little TOO simple and consisted of just images and very little text. It was enough to get me started, but there was no information for any sort of troubleshooting. As this is my first bluetooth device, a little more information would have been helpful. The problem I had was once I connected with the transmitter that connects to my 'legacy' equipment, that was the sole device the headphone wanted to connect to. It took a little fiddling around to figure out how to get the headphone to connect to my laptop and cell phone. It would have been nice to have troubleshooting instructions. All that being said, the headphones sound as great as the wired version. I haven't had any problems with interference or a dropped signal. My house isn't very big so I can't really get out of range without going outside which I haven't tried yet to see how far the signal reaches. Great Headphones!! ... More
Reviewed by Robert on B&H Photo Video
I use these on my android phone wirelessly (bluetooth) and with my linux computer wired directly through the motherboard line out for pc games, youtube, music, and disneyplus. I also use them wired into a surface go reformatted with ubuntu 22.04. Got them to work with bluetooth with the linux desktop computer but I don't actually have the SMA antennae attached to it so it is not really a fair test. (it is laggy, but it did connect and produce sound) They work great anywhere they are wired and wirelessly on android with wired connections sounding better. I don't really use windows often so can't comment on that at this time. I'm not an audiophile, but the audio sounds crisp with nice bass when watching movies with special effects. Music also sounds crisp and precise. They do fit fairly snugly but feel comfortable on the ears and are well made. I previously owned a pair of klipsch reference but these seem slightly better built. I consider them an upgrade in build and sound quality. ... More
Reviewed by Bose headset on Argos
I was looking for headphones to use with my hi-go Arcam amplifier. However I found when it was delivered it was designed to go with my iPhone! Not to worry. I lag behind the changes in technology. From vinyl to tape, from tape to CD, from CD to streaming. I own a library of all formats that clutter up my home, yet I can get practically anything I need on line now. My son asked me why I still used CD as if I was a dinosaur. Back to the Bose headphones. The reception I get is amazing. Although I have little hearing in the left ear, with headphones I get the illusion that I am listening in stereo. Sometimes it appears that my left ear is ok as the sound source comes from the left. I can’t explain this. The Bose headphones are comfortable and allow you to switch between music and phone calls should they occur. It takes getting used to, but I have no regrets that I acquired t this smart headset. You can switch between slowing background sounds in or noise cancellation which is effective. It worries me to know that people can wander around in the street with noise cancellation for their own safety. Not being aware of what’s happening around you isn’t good for wellbeing in my view. Anyway these headphones allow you to choose and are highly recommendable. ... More
Reviewed by Todd on B&H Photo Video
I bought these headphones for my uncle who is in a nursing home. It is a loud environment and he has a lot of downtime. He was able to pair them via Bluetooth with his iPad and Android phone. After using them for a month he has reported back that they are so comfortable he almost forgets he's wearing them. He even takes phone calls with them. The aware mode is handy to hear conversations around him while still using them. I've listened to them and the sound quality is excellent. They can get nice and loud without distortion, and they don't leak a lot of sound so other people in the room won't be bothered if you're listening to loud music (although I can't comment on whether they'll like your singing). They can be used with or without the noise-cancelling feature (but they must be connected with the included cable to be used passively). These set the standard for noise-cancelling headphones and are priced reasonably for their quality. Highly recommended. ... More
Reviewed by Shards on Argos
I needed a pair of headphones for the gym after my airpods dropped out my ears and rolled through a railing while i was stretching- that was the last straw for me. Picked up these after days of searching and they are great, the sound is really good, i love headphones that really emphasise the bass and most importantly they stay on your head no matter what. I tend to get a little sweaty on my ears while working out but just a quick wipe and they are good as new. They also stay in place while running as well which is important. ... More
Reviewed by dave o dave on Argos
JBL are my go to brand for audio equipment. Price and quality cross on the graph at a point called JBL. You can pay more for better and you can pay less and get rubbish. But at this price they are hard to beat (no pun intended). Good battery life and full sound and they seem quite sturdy. Padding is comfortable but I have quite small ears, larger eared folk may experience issues. Very happy with purchase ... More