OVER-EARS
1 Sony WH-1000XM5
£293 /go.stuff.tv/WHXM5
Nobody was able to displace Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones from the top of this list for two years… yet the latest model manages to be even better. Key to the XM5s’ overall quality is the new carbon-fibre composite 30mm drivers: they bring even greater clarity than the previous generation, and the sound reproduction is beautifully precise. The simple fact is that these are the best noise-cancellers around by almost every measure. You really won’t regret buying them.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Sony keeps its grip on the top spot with an unrivalled combo of great sound, ANC and comfort
2
Sennheiser Momentum 4
£279 /go.stuff.tv/SM4
These are headphones that sound naturalistic, engaged and entirely musical, making every recording sound like an event. And they’ll last a startling 60hrs –even with ANC switched on.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Great audio, great battery life, great price
3
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
£379 /go.stuff.tv/S2e
There really wasn’t all that much wrong with the Px7 S2 cans –in audio and build quality they rubbed shoulders with the best. But the ‘e’ model brings significant upgrades… and now matches the old one on price.
Stuff says ★★★★★
A worthwhile tinker with a winning formula
4
Focal Bathys
★★★★★ £699 /go.stuff.tv/Bathys
Brilliant ’phones in every respect, from build quality and comfort to deft sound and ANC.
5
Grado GW100X
★★★★★ £229 /go.stuff.tv/100X
No ANC, no app, no travel case… but more complete sound than any of Grado’s rivals.