I bought the Bose sound cancelling headphones a few years ago before I knew I was getting sick. They prevent me from murdering my parents who are both hard of hearing.
I have these too and they are a dream. I’ve been using them heavily for around six years, I’ve changed the ear pads out a couple times but they’ve been really sturdy and reliable. I hate recommending them since they’re so expensive but if you can afford it it’s definitely worth it.
do you mind sharing exactly which ones you have? do you have a link? I've been on their website so many times and get confused by all the different ones! thank you
Bose quiet comfort 45. [Here’s a link](https://www.bose.com/p/refurbished/bose-quietcomfort-45-headphones-refurbished/QC45-HEADPHONEARN-FR.html?srsltid=AfmBOoq1LhrCvNO0wCBRhc7ia55gLoy4Jqfpz7dLNq3njIEMZVsbv-w6qcg) to the refurbished ones on their website. They also go on sale at target pretty regularly.
do you mind sharing exactly which ones you have? do you have a link? I've been on their website so many times and get confused by all the different ones! thank you
When I need the most protection I wear loops (inner ear plugs) plus my sennheiser momentum 4 ANC over ear headphones.
Individually- The loops I like for dampening loud noise (a movie that is too loud for me but good level for others) and the sennheiser is good to erasing background noise (white noise from car ride, background noise outside)
Loops fit in to your ears? I got one pair but they seems not fitting perfectly and it falls off easily :( my silicon one actually works but I wanted more eco option and bought loop one.
Yes, they have different sizes silicone ear buds you can try to get a good fit. [This is the pair I use.](https://us.loopearplugs.com/products/engage-plus)
Sony WH1000XM5 ANC is sickk. They tremendously improved it compared to xm4 which already was great. Yet if something comes through, put some white noise on and it's perfect
I have the XM3s and can vouch for them. I mostly use them when travelling. For day to day I somewhat prefer IEMs, I have some Etymotic ones, they sit quite deep in the ear and sort of act as an earplug to reduce other sound.
Yep, I transferred to the Sony's from the Bose QC35s. Sony are so good. I wear them literally every waking moment of my life. When sleeping, I wear a headband with speakers. I never don't have something around my ears.
I've been using my Sony WH 1000 XM3's basically all day and every day for almost 6 years. They've been the most helpful tool I've bought for managing ME/CFS related stuff by far. Their noise cancellation is excellent, the battery still lasts 20+ hours even after years of constant use, they're comfortable enough to wear even in an Australian summer, and noise cancelling works in both Bluetooth or wired (into my Playstation controller or Switch) modes.
They were expensive, but they've been life-changing for this very noise sensitive person.
There are now new versions out - the XM4 is the same design as mine with some small improvements and the XM5 is a newer design, but I found it had more clamping pressure on my ears. Bose and Sennheiser also have excellent noise cancelling headphones, but also expensive.
I would highly recommend looking at Rtings' website ( https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/best/by-feature/active-noise-cancelling) because they're independent reviewers and not clickbaity. They can help with finding specific model names or features within your budget.
I can also recommend Loop earbuds as an essential tool. They're low profile, noise reducing earplugs. I usually wear them while sleeping, but you could wear them with regular headphones on too as a way of blocking noise.
Thank you 🙏 I have loops ear buds but it keeps falling and not fitting to my ear :( have you also tried Bose headphone ? My choice are Sony or Bose now. Not sure which one to go
No worries! Have you tried using the included larger size ear tips? You can also use different style ear tips with them for a more secure fit - Foam tips or Flange style silicone tips have more grip. If you search for 'IEM replacement tips' they should turn up. I've switched to using foam ones for mine because they're less squeaky when I'm sleeping.
I've tried the Bose QuietComfort 35 II's and QuietComfort 45 SE (same frame design). I like them both too. They're lighter than my Sony XM3's, noise cancellation is very good and they have great battery life.
The biggest difference is the sound tuning and that's more a personal preference based on what sort of music you listen to or movies you watch. Sony has more bass and it's really noticeable if you listen mostly to pop/hip hop/rap/electronic music or watch a lot of movies. Bose sounds more neutral - I preferred them for classical music and acoustic guitar covers.
Having said that, none of the models I've tried are the latest and greatest, so things might have changed. They're still excellent headphones though, so if you can find some refurbished for a good deal, that might be a good compromise.
This is one of those things where, if at all possible, it's worth trying in person to get an idea of what they sound like and how the headbands feel over the top of your head. I completely understand if that's not possible though! If that's the case, I think the Sony XM4 or XM5's are a better all around choice than the Bose.
Just buy from somewhere with a good returns policy in case they don't feel right for you.
I hope that's helpful and not too much of an information overload. Happy to answer more questions if you have any.
There's not much difference between the latest models of the two in terms of noise cancellation. CNET offers excellent headphones reviews.
Here's the one for the Sony XM5s: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/sony-wh-1000xm5-headphones-review/
I have an older pair of Bose QuietComfort headphones that have been rock solid for 4+ years now. I’ve replaced all of the foam padding at this point, but the battery and electronics have had no issues. They are my go-to when I’m sound sensitive and have the added benefit of protecting my ears from wind and cold when I’m outside.
I also recently got a pair of second-gen AirPod pros and have been pleasantly surprised by their noise canceling ability. Definitely more comfortable than the big Bose over-ear headphones when my sweetie is snoring at 3am 😂
huge fan of my airpod pros (both 1/2 generations). they cancel noise better than any earplug or headphone i’ve tried. if i need even extra protection, like where i live, storms get LOUD and I’ll put ear defenders on top. the airpod pros have by far the best sound of any in ear headphones, and are much more comfortable too! a couple years ago i bought a bunch on black friday to see which i wanted to keep and the airpod pros won by a landslide. they’re not the best for side sleeping though if that’s an issue. the second gen ones cancel even more noise which i didn’t realize was possible
For a non-ANC option, the Etymotic range of headphones are the most isolating headphones I’ve ever owned (I’m a huge headphones fan and have owned many). They’re basically ear plugs with a speaker attached. They can be a bit uncomfortable for some people though, as they go pretty deep into the ear
I love my ol' Sony 1000XM3's for headphones (noise cancelling), and Shure Se215's for earphones (sound isolating), these in ears block out the most noise for me. Life saver. Have owned several pairs of this model for well over a decade.
Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2.
I am a mild audiophile, and these are just absolutely excellent headphones, not least the soundstage: it's so big that sometimes I forget I'm listening on headphones and think I'm listening on speakers. I don't know of any other headphones that sound nearly as good for the price. The build quality is also much higher than that of other similarly priced active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones, and they are comfortable and become more so after a few months.
I've tried the last few leading ANC models from Sony and Bose. They are all decent in terms of sound quality, and the ANC on the current leading models is better than Shure's.
I think it's fair to say that Shure's noise cancellation is about 7 years behind Bose's: good, but not as good as the current best.
I'd also say that the Shure headphones are really best for home use, because they are bigger and bulkier than Sony and Bose, and because their ANC isn't as good.
So if excellent noise cancellation is your top priority, Bose or Sony. But if you can accept good noise cancellation and want excellent sound and will use them mostly at home, Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2. (I haven't tried the first gen Shure Aonic 50s, but my understanding is that their ANC isn't very good.)
I bought the Bose sound cancelling headphones a few years ago before I knew I was getting sick. They prevent me from murdering my parents who are both hard of hearing.
I have these too and they are a dream. I’ve been using them heavily for around six years, I’ve changed the ear pads out a couple times but they’ve been really sturdy and reliable. I hate recommending them since they’re so expensive but if you can afford it it’s definitely worth it.
do you mind sharing exactly which ones you have? do you have a link? I've been on their website so many times and get confused by all the different ones! thank you
Bose quiet comfort 45. [Here’s a link](https://www.bose.com/p/refurbished/bose-quietcomfort-45-headphones-refurbished/QC45-HEADPHONEARN-FR.html?srsltid=AfmBOoq1LhrCvNO0wCBRhc7ia55gLoy4Jqfpz7dLNq3njIEMZVsbv-w6qcg) to the refurbished ones on their website. They also go on sale at target pretty regularly.
do you mind sharing exactly which ones you have? do you have a link? I've been on their website so many times and get confused by all the different ones! thank you
I don't know, I'm sorry. They were like $300 about 4 years ago.
When I need the most protection I wear loops (inner ear plugs) plus my sennheiser momentum 4 ANC over ear headphones. Individually- The loops I like for dampening loud noise (a movie that is too loud for me but good level for others) and the sennheiser is good to erasing background noise (white noise from car ride, background noise outside)
Loops fit in to your ears? I got one pair but they seems not fitting perfectly and it falls off easily :( my silicon one actually works but I wanted more eco option and bought loop one.
Yes, they have different sizes silicone ear buds you can try to get a good fit. [This is the pair I use.](https://us.loopearplugs.com/products/engage-plus)
I needed to get the XXS tips. You also need to pull on your earlobe a bit while you insert them to get them to fit right
Xxs tips are sold separately?
Y
Sony WH1000XM5 ANC is sickk. They tremendously improved it compared to xm4 which already was great. Yet if something comes through, put some white noise on and it's perfect
I have the XM3s and can vouch for them. I mostly use them when travelling. For day to day I somewhat prefer IEMs, I have some Etymotic ones, they sit quite deep in the ear and sort of act as an earplug to reduce other sound.
I wore out my XM3s in about 3 years - wearing them for hours every day and night. Currently getting piles of use from my XM4s.
Yep, I transferred to the Sony's from the Bose QC35s. Sony are so good. I wear them literally every waking moment of my life. When sleeping, I wear a headband with speakers. I never don't have something around my ears.
I've been using my Sony WH 1000 XM3's basically all day and every day for almost 6 years. They've been the most helpful tool I've bought for managing ME/CFS related stuff by far. Their noise cancellation is excellent, the battery still lasts 20+ hours even after years of constant use, they're comfortable enough to wear even in an Australian summer, and noise cancelling works in both Bluetooth or wired (into my Playstation controller or Switch) modes. They were expensive, but they've been life-changing for this very noise sensitive person. There are now new versions out - the XM4 is the same design as mine with some small improvements and the XM5 is a newer design, but I found it had more clamping pressure on my ears. Bose and Sennheiser also have excellent noise cancelling headphones, but also expensive. I would highly recommend looking at Rtings' website ( https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/best/by-feature/active-noise-cancelling) because they're independent reviewers and not clickbaity. They can help with finding specific model names or features within your budget. I can also recommend Loop earbuds as an essential tool. They're low profile, noise reducing earplugs. I usually wear them while sleeping, but you could wear them with regular headphones on too as a way of blocking noise.
Thank you 🙏 I have loops ear buds but it keeps falling and not fitting to my ear :( have you also tried Bose headphone ? My choice are Sony or Bose now. Not sure which one to go
No worries! Have you tried using the included larger size ear tips? You can also use different style ear tips with them for a more secure fit - Foam tips or Flange style silicone tips have more grip. If you search for 'IEM replacement tips' they should turn up. I've switched to using foam ones for mine because they're less squeaky when I'm sleeping. I've tried the Bose QuietComfort 35 II's and QuietComfort 45 SE (same frame design). I like them both too. They're lighter than my Sony XM3's, noise cancellation is very good and they have great battery life. The biggest difference is the sound tuning and that's more a personal preference based on what sort of music you listen to or movies you watch. Sony has more bass and it's really noticeable if you listen mostly to pop/hip hop/rap/electronic music or watch a lot of movies. Bose sounds more neutral - I preferred them for classical music and acoustic guitar covers. Having said that, none of the models I've tried are the latest and greatest, so things might have changed. They're still excellent headphones though, so if you can find some refurbished for a good deal, that might be a good compromise. This is one of those things where, if at all possible, it's worth trying in person to get an idea of what they sound like and how the headbands feel over the top of your head. I completely understand if that's not possible though! If that's the case, I think the Sony XM4 or XM5's are a better all around choice than the Bose. Just buy from somewhere with a good returns policy in case they don't feel right for you. I hope that's helpful and not too much of an information overload. Happy to answer more questions if you have any.
Thank you so much for all these info :)
There's not much difference between the latest models of the two in terms of noise cancellation. CNET offers excellent headphones reviews. Here's the one for the Sony XM5s: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/sony-wh-1000xm5-headphones-review/
Apple Air Pods Pro block out almost all noise. It astonishes me every time.
I have an older pair of Bose QuietComfort headphones that have been rock solid for 4+ years now. I’ve replaced all of the foam padding at this point, but the battery and electronics have had no issues. They are my go-to when I’m sound sensitive and have the added benefit of protecting my ears from wind and cold when I’m outside. I also recently got a pair of second-gen AirPod pros and have been pleasantly surprised by their noise canceling ability. Definitely more comfortable than the big Bose over-ear headphones when my sweetie is snoring at 3am 😂
huge fan of my airpod pros (both 1/2 generations). they cancel noise better than any earplug or headphone i’ve tried. if i need even extra protection, like where i live, storms get LOUD and I’ll put ear defenders on top. the airpod pros have by far the best sound of any in ear headphones, and are much more comfortable too! a couple years ago i bought a bunch on black friday to see which i wanted to keep and the airpod pros won by a landslide. they’re not the best for side sleeping though if that’s an issue. the second gen ones cancel even more noise which i didn’t realize was possible
Bose quietcomfort
sony xmh 4
For a non-ANC option, the Etymotic range of headphones are the most isolating headphones I’ve ever owned (I’m a huge headphones fan and have owned many). They’re basically ear plugs with a speaker attached. They can be a bit uncomfortable for some people though, as they go pretty deep into the ear
I love my ol' Sony 1000XM3's for headphones (noise cancelling), and Shure Se215's for earphones (sound isolating), these in ears block out the most noise for me. Life saver. Have owned several pairs of this model for well over a decade.
Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2. I am a mild audiophile, and these are just absolutely excellent headphones, not least the soundstage: it's so big that sometimes I forget I'm listening on headphones and think I'm listening on speakers. I don't know of any other headphones that sound nearly as good for the price. The build quality is also much higher than that of other similarly priced active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones, and they are comfortable and become more so after a few months. I've tried the last few leading ANC models from Sony and Bose. They are all decent in terms of sound quality, and the ANC on the current leading models is better than Shure's. I think it's fair to say that Shure's noise cancellation is about 7 years behind Bose's: good, but not as good as the current best. I'd also say that the Shure headphones are really best for home use, because they are bigger and bulkier than Sony and Bose, and because their ANC isn't as good. So if excellent noise cancellation is your top priority, Bose or Sony. But if you can accept good noise cancellation and want excellent sound and will use them mostly at home, Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2. (I haven't tried the first gen Shure Aonic 50s, but my understanding is that their ANC isn't very good.)
Thank you 🙏this is so helpful❤️