IN-EAR HEADPHONES
1 Sony WF-1000XM5
£218
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go.stuff.tv/WFXM5
The WF-1000XM5 in-ears are significantly smaller than the XM4s, which were already a lot more compact than their predecessors. And yet Sony has still squeezed even larger drivers inside each earbud, along with the firm’s best noise-cancelling yet. The feature list is as extensive as ever, and they’re priced to compete with Bose’s best. Add in decent battery life and a strong app, and you won’t find anything more well-rounded for less.
Stuff says ★★★★★ Excellent noise-cancellation, a comfy fit and simply stellar audio
TIPS & TRICKS
Sony’s eartips are great, as long as you use the right size. Be sure to try all four included in the box.
360 Reality Audio upmixing can add a sense of space to tunes, but not every track sounds better.
Give personalised EQ a try in the app. Its A/B choices are far simpler than a multi-band equaliser.
● NOW ADD THISSpigen Rugged Armor Case This drop-resistant outer shield comes with a carabiner clip for keeping your buds within reach. £20/amazon.co.uk
2 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
£219 /go.stuff.tv/QCUBuds
These in-ears don’t provide much of a design upgrade over their predecessors, but they do deliver a fresh audio experience (as well as industry-leading ANC). While rivals may have them beat for nuance or engagement, spatial sound technology is put to great effect here. Apple’s AirPods Pro and the Sony buds at No1 both deliver effective ANC and a fantastic listen for less cash, though… and if you already have a pair of QC Earbuds II, the Ultras probably aren’t worth the upgrade.
Stuff says ★★★★★ A top option if you prioritise audio with minimal interruptions
3 Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
£349 /go.stuff.tv/Pi8
For a company with such hi-fi pedigree, B&W’s previous in-ears fell just short of what we’d hoped for, but these are an improvement in all the right places: a better fit, more consistent connectivity, and a case that means you don’t need an aptX-ready device to stream in max quality. It seems mid-range and top-end detail were the tuning priorities here, with clarity and precision that make rivals sound almost muffled. Bose is still the ANC king, and Sony the all-rounder pick, but the Pi8s’ sonic chops mean audio purists simply won’t care.
Stuff says ★★★★★ Comfortable and capable, these should be the music-lover’s choice
4 Beats Fit Pro
★★★★★ £200 /go.stuff.tv/BeatsFitPro Good battery life, punchy sound and a solid fit: some of the finest fitness buds around.
5 Apple AirPods Pro 2
★★★★★ £229 /go.stuff.tv/AirPodsPro Apple’s pricier in-ears sound superb, and now come with the bonus of charging via USB-C.
6 Technics EAH-AZ100
★★★★★ £260 /go.stuff.tv/AZ100 Nice ergonomics, a thorough control app, bold and articulate sound, and fine adaptive ANC.
7 Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
★★★★★ £199 /go.stuff.tv/Momentum4 A definitive upgrade on the TW3 buds with positive, detailed and spacious sound.
8 Apple AirPods 4
★★★★★ from £129 /go.stuff.tv/AirPods4 ANC is nice to have, but it’s the standard version of Apple’s latest ‘basic’ buds that really shines.
9 JBL Tour Pro 3
★★★★★ £219 /go.stuff.tv/TourPro3 Engaging and nuanced, with good battery life… and the case’s touchscreen is genuinely useful.
10 Beats Studio Buds+
★★★★✩ £126 /go.stuff.tv/StudioBudsPlus The ‘+’ brings a fine upgrade to buds that were pretty good already… but rivals are even better.