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Headphone, earbud and soundbar reviews

Noise-cancelling headphones, everyday earbuds and soundbars for clearer TV speech, judged on how they fit real UK homes and journeys.

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Start here: Audio guides and comparisons

Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphonesBlack Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones second generationBlack JBL Tune 780NC over-ear headphones

Buying guide

Best noise-cancelling headphones for journeys and work

Active noise cancellation, or ANC, uses microphones and processing to reduce background sound, which can make trains and busy offices easier to listen in.

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Black Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbarHisense HS3100 soundbar with its wireless subwooferSamsung HW-Q600F soundbar and subwoofer

Buying guide

Best soundbars for clearer TV speech

If you turn the TV up to follow conversations, clearer speech is a better buying goal than the biggest wattage number.

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Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphonesvsBlack Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones second generation

Head to head

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Choose the Sony for travel and switching between phone and laptop. Choose the Bose if comfort on long journeys matters most and the higher price is worth it to you.

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Black Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbarvsHisense HS3100 soundbar with its wireless subwoofer

Head to head

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) vs Hisense HS3100

Choose the Beam Gen 2 for a compact, speech-first setup. Choose the HS3100 for fuller film sound for much less, if you have floor space for its subwoofer.

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Sony WF-C510 wireless earbudsSony WF-C710N wireless earbudsSony WF-1000XM6 wireless earbuds

Budget guide

Best Wireless Earbuds by Budget, 2026

Three genuinely good wireless earbuds at three price points, from a no-frills budget pick to a class-leading pair with the best noise cancellation money can currently buy — with an honest look at what actually improves as you spend more.

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All Audio reviews

23 reviews

Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphonesSony
AudioResearch-based

Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony's WH-1000XM6 are over-ear noise-cancelling headphones that can connect to a phone and laptop at once and last up to 30 hours with noise cancelling on, by Sony's figure.

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Apple AirPods 4 earbuds and USB-C charging caseAmazon product listing image
AudioResearch-based

Apple AirPods 4

Apple's open-fit wireless earbuds for people who want easy switching between Apple devices and do not need noise cancellation. They are rated IP54 against sweat and splashes and charge over USB-C.

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Beats Studio Pro — manufacturer product photographManufacturer product image · Beats
AudioResearch-based

Beats Studio Pro

Over-ear headphones with active noise cancelling, Bluetooth, USB-C and 3.5mm connections, and easy pairing with both iPhone and Android. Battery drops from a rated 40 hours to 24 when noise cancelling is on.

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Black Bose QuietComfort SC over-ear headphones with soft caseAmazon product listing image
AudioResearch-based

Bose QuietComfort SC

Closed, over-ear Bose headphones built for travel, with noise cancelling that Fnac's laboratory rated among the best it measures. A good fit if quiet matters more to you than fashionable looks.

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Black JBL Reflect Aero wireless earbudsAmazon product listing image
AudioResearch-based

JBL Reflect Aero

At £19.99, the Reflect Aero are very cheap sports earbuds with active noise cancellation, an IP68 dust and water rating and fins to hold them in place. Keep expectations modest for the noise cancelling, and check fit and battery condition.

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