Ultimate Comparison of Top Noise-Cancelling Headphones by Ali Abdaal

Electronics & Technology Comparison Ali Abdaal SoundCore Q30 Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Sony WH-1000XM4 Bose 700 Apple AirPods Max Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95

Ali Abdaal tests six leading noise-cancelling headphones to find the best in terms of aesthetics, fit, comfort, noise cancellation, and sound quality, ultimately choosing the Sony WH-1000XM4 as his top pick.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • 🎧 The Sony WH-1000XM4 emerges as Ali's top choice for its balance of comfort, sound quality, and battery life, despite its less preferred aesthetic.

  • 🏆 For budget-conscious buyers, the Anker SoundCore Q30 offers the best value for money with surprisingly good performance in noise cancellation and comfort.

  • 🍏 The Apple AirPods Max provides superior sound quality and is ideal for Apple device users, though its weight may limit long-term comfort.

  • 🎵 Despite their high cost, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 headphones were not favored due to their weight and comfort over extended periods, despite excellent aesthetics.

  • 💸 The Bose 700 and Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are decent mid-range options, but they fall short in battery life and some features compared to others in the test.

📝 Timestamped Summary

00:10 Introduction and Overview:

  • Ali introduces the six headphones being compared.
  • Criteria for comparison include aesthetics, fit, comfort, noise cancellation, and sound quality.

02:00 Anker SoundCore Q30 Review:

  • Highlighted as the budget pick with good noise cancellation.
  • Noted for its plasticky design but decent comfort and incredible battery life.

04:00 Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Review:

  • Praised for aesthetic and multi-device connectivity.
  • Criticized for less effective sound quality and battery life issues.

06:00 Sony WH-1000XM4 Review:

  • Ali’s preferred choice due to its light weight, comfort, and good sound quality.
  • Although not the best in aesthetics, it offers great functional balance.

08:00 Bose 700 Review:

  • Good aesthetics but average performance in comfort and sound quality.
  • Ali plans to replace these with the Sony WH-1000XM4.

10:00 Apple AirPods Max Review:

  • Superior sound quality, but heavy and uncomfortable for long use.
  • Integrated well with Apple ecosystem but lacks a 3.5mm jack.

12:00 Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 Review:

  • High-end aesthetics with customizable parts.
  • Disappointing in comfort and sound quality relative to its high price.

❓ FAQ

Which headphones did Ali Abdaal find to offer the best value for money?

The Anker SoundCore Q30 headphones are highlighted as the best value for money, offering decent performance at a budget-friendly price.

Why did Ali choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 over others?

Ali preferred the Sony WH-1000XM4 for its optimal balance of comfort, sound quality, and battery life, despite its average looks.

Are the Apple AirPods Max worth the high price?

While the Apple AirPods Max offer unmatched sound quality and seamless integration with Apple devices, they may not be suitable for everyone due to their weight and high price.

🎬 Conclusion

This extensive comparison by Ali Abdaal provides valuable insights into selecting the right noise-cancelling headphones based on various needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize budget, sound quality, or comfort, this review helps streamline your decision. For a more detailed look at each model's strengths and weaknesses, check out the full video on Ali's channel.