TechAudioHeadphonesAre expensive headphones really better? These 3 upgrades are worth the moneyTop-tier headphone picks that really do give you what you pay forWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechAudioHeadphonesAre expensive headphones really better? These 3 upgrades are worth the moneyTop-tier headphone picks that really do give you what you pay forWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Top-tier headphone picks that really do give you what you pay for
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Take a look at ourbest headphoneslist, and you’ll see there are some budget options included: you don’t necessarily have to pay excessive amounts of money for good quality audio, whether you’re buyingthe best wireless earbudsor a pair ofthe best over-ear noise-cancelling cansto wrap around your head.
However, sometimes paying more is very much worth it – especially at back-to-school time, because you’re going to want headphones that enable your audio to really pop, whether you’re revising to lo-fi tunes or travelling to lectures with your favourite tracks. It’s the same if you’re upgrading for a return to work, too, that commute can benefit from the perfect headphones.
Here are three pairs of headphones that are well worth their premium asking prices. All have been through the rigorous T3 testing process, so while you’ll be paying more than a minimum sum, you can be sure we know what we’re talking about and that each pair is a major upgrade that’s worth the cash.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
In ourBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones reviewwe described these over-ears as offering “the ultimate active noise-cancelling (ANC) and stellar sound quality”, so you can be sure you’re getting a lot back for the £449.95 / $429.95 / AU$659 asking price. They sound so good that you’ll soon forget how much you had to pay to get them on your head.
The Immersive Audio feature offers next-level spatial audio as you move your head, while the stylish design and 18 hours of battery life between charges add to the overall appeal. Bose is an audio brand name associated with premium quality, of course, so it’s not difficult to hear why when you’re listening to audio sources through these headphones.
At the T3 Awards 2024, the Bose picked up the Best Headphones gong, but also landed our Product of the Year trophy too. These are very impressive cans if you want to cut out ambient noise. They’re also ideal asthe best travel headphones, thanks to a folding design and included carry case. Keep an eye out for price reductions, as discounts make these over-ears all the more worth buying.
Today’s best Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deals14 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$429$349View Deal$429$349View Deal$429View DealShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deals14 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$429$349View Deal$429$349View Deal$429View DealShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deals
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We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
That ensures greater detail and dynamics in the audio you hear, and in ourBowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e reviewyou’ll see we praised the “outstanding” sound across the board, as well as “supreme” comfort and a “fantastic” fit when you’re wearing them. When you’ve tested as many pairs of headphones as we have at T3, that’s high regard indeed.
However, if you’re looking for noise-cancelling masters, these Bowers & Wilkins headphones aren’t going to match the ‘locked-in’ levels that you’ll find from the Bose featured above, for example. That’s a matter of preference though: the more mild ANC available here still makes a great difference and can refine your working-from-home focus.
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We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Sony WH-1000XM4
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Having extolled the virtues of buying top dollar for your headphones, we’re also going to recommend the Sony WH-1000XM4 rather than the newerSony WH-1000XM5. You’ll often find great value in nearly-new headphones, which is the case here, as these cans are now some way below their original asking price of £349 / $349 / AU$499 if you shop around.
OurSony WH-1000XM4 reviewgets right to the point, describing these headphones as offering “lively, balanced and detailed sound” as well as noise-cancelling that has to be heard to be believed. They were the very best headphones in the world for most people when they first launched, and they remain one of the top picks for premium-level value even now.
Since their on-sale date, however, the newer Sony WH-1000XM5 do also exist. These newer over-ears are naturally also brilliant, but if money-saving is the aim of the game then the MX4 model really is a steller offering. If the Bose above deliver best ANC for travel, and the Bowers & Wilkins above are tuned for audio perfection, the Sony is like a middle-ground between those two.
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Today’s best Sony WH-1000XM4 deals
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151 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
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We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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