Active Noise Cancelling Showdown: Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs. Apple AirPods Max

Joshua Chang reviews and compares the noise cancelling capabilities of Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple AirPods Max using detailed frequency tests.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• 🎧 Joshua Chang meticulously tests the active noise cancellation performance of three top-tier headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple AirPods Max.

• 📊 Utilizing a binaural microphone setup, the test simulates human hearing to evaluate how effectively each headphone cancels different frequencies of noise.

• 🏆 In tests covering bass, mids, and highs, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra generally performs the best across the board, closely followed by the AirPods Max, with the Sony WH-1000XM5 trailing slightly.

• 💡 The test reveals that while all headphones perform strongly, the differences in ANC capability can be subtle and may not drastically alter user experience in everyday situations.

• 💲 Considering the price differences—$430 for the Bose, $350 for the Sony, and $550 for the Apple—it's suggested that factors like comfort, sound quality, and ecosystem integration are crucial in choosing the right model.

📝 Timestamped Summary

00:00 Introduction to Active Noise Cancelling Test:

• Overview of the testing setup using a binaural microphone to simulate human hearing.
• Introduction of the three headphones being tested: Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple AirPods Max.

01:35 Bass Frequency Test Using Airplane Noise:

• Demonstration of how each headphone performs in cancelling low-frequency sounds typical of airplane engines.
• Results show Bose and Apple performing similarly, with Sony slightly behind.

03:05 Mid Frequency Test Using Human Chatter:

• Testing headphones against mid-range frequencies which include sounds like cafe background noise or office chatter.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra shows the most consistent cancellation across mid frequencies.

05:02 High-Pitch Frequency Test:

• Evaluation of each headphone's ability to cancel high-pitched sounds, which are less common in everyday environments.
• All three headphones perform comparably in this test.

06:58 Pink Noise Test Covering Full Spectrum:

• This test challenges the headphones with a full range of frequencies to assess overall performance.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra again performs best, particularly in the full frequency range.

08:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts:

• Joshua concludes that Bose QuietComfort Ultra are the overall winners in noise cancellation.
• Emphasizes the importance of additional factors like comfort and sound quality beyond just ANC performance.

❓ FAQ

Which headphone had the best overall active noise cancelling performance?

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra consistently outperformed the others in most tests, making it the top choice for active noise cancelling.

Are there significant differences in active noise cancelling among these models?

While differences exist, they might not dramatically impact user experience in typical daily environments. All three headphones perform effectively.

Should price be a major deciding factor in choosing between these headphones?

Price should be considered alongside other factors like comfort, sound quality, and how well the headphones integrate with your devices and lifestyle.

🎬 Conclusion

Joshua Chang's detailed comparison of the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple AirPods Max highlights the strengths and nuances in their active noise cancelling capabilities. If you're in the market for top-tier headphones and ANC is a priority, consider how each model fits into your personal and technical preferences. Dive into the full video for a more detailed breakdown and visual representation of the test results.