Sony WH-1000XM5

If you spend hours on planes, trains or in open-plan offices and need to shut the world out, these noise‑cancelling over‑ears solve that problem — they pair industry‑leading ANC with long battery life, Bluetooth multipoint and Hi‑Res wireless codecs so your playlists stay detailed wherever you go. ## What makes it worth it Sony rebuilt the WH‑1000XM5 around improved active noise cancellation driven by two processors and an array of microphones (Sony cites multiple beamforming mics and mic processing) so it typically outperforms rivals in mid/upper frequencies; reviews repeatedly note clearer background suppression than the Bose 700. The battery delivers up to 30 hours with ANC on and supports quick charging (fast top‑ups via USB‑PD), so a long flight won't leave you hunting for a charger. Sony also keeps audiophile features: LDAC for higher‑bitrate Bluetooth playback plus DSEE upscaling, and multipoint pairing for two devices at once, which makes switching between laptop and phone seamless. This particular listing adds a protective hard case for safer travel. ## Where it falls short They're expensive compared with discounted rivals and the redesigned, less‑foldable frame is slightly less pocketable than the XM4, so they take more luggage space; call quality is much improved but still struggles in extreme wind. Buyers who travel or commute daily and want the best possible ANC, long runtime and Hi‑Res Bluetooth should buy these; if you mostly listen at home or need ultra‑compact folding cans for light travel, look at cheaper or more portable alternatives.

£229