Headphones - time for a new pair

[Denali]

Hi and the Bose headphones I currently have (QC15) were bought at least 10yrs ago (used points, better than getting a toaster), and I've replaced the ear pieces a couple of times and now the piece over the head is fraying and looks like I have black dandruff so time for a new pair and I'm looking for suggestions.

Wish list:
Use for inflight entertainment, can I use blue tooth or do I still need a wire/prong thingy for flights?
Bluetooth so it can pair with the phone/music
Noise cancelling
Over ear only (dont like the ones that you have to put inside your ears)
Budget $500 max
Open to other brands but not Apple as Apple is banned in this house

Looking at the Bose site, I see:
Bose 700. This also had a mic so I can use for office calls?
QC30 and QC45 - seems updated version of my QC15.

Do you have any thoughts on these or suggestions on better? Many thanks,

 

[smckay]

I have QC15 too, and next upgrade will be wireless. However, of late I have been noticing my ears are getting sore from wearing them for a couple of hours (please don't tell me I am getting Old Man Ears and they are growing wider and hairer). QC30 or 45 depending on financial statement at the time.
I'm not sure how they pair with the IFE onboard, maybe a prongy thing is included?
Looked at the Sony (can't recall model sorry) which seem to be on par with Bose for quality, and roughly same cost when they were released, there may be better reviews on them now.

 

[Brissy1]

Not hijacking your thread but I'm also considering updating my qc15, if anyone has feedback on the latest tech.
I find my old bose have a very slight "hiss" when using them to just cancel noise.
Previously owned Sony, the Bose were better. But I read that the new Sony was now the better, perhaps a case of whichever is the most recent technology?
My primary featured needed is whichever cancels noise most effectively...zzz.

 

[Hvr]

I have an actual big head and am also looking for new headphones, criteria as listed above plus a large size.
A microphone for WFH meetings is essential.

And yes my ears are getting very hirsute.

 

[TomVexille]

I've gone from QC25s to the Sony WH-1000XM4. There is a new model WH-1000XM5 out now. The various internet review consensus seem to have the Sony's marginally ahead of the comparable Bose options. Particularly when used with android devices.

 

[Chalkie]

I have a pair of Bose QC35II. They are Bluetooth wireless or wire connected, as you wish. On aeroplanes you connect using the wire and supplied connector which has one or two jacks (the second jack can fold in). They have an inbuilt microphone and can be used for telephone and video calls. They charge using a USB micro B connector. I can't say how long the charge lasts, but I've never run out on long haul flights (I think Bose claims it might be up to 20 hours but I've not tested that limit).

I think the ear cups are on the larger size as my ears on the larger size and they've always been comfortable. They have a cushioned headband so soft on the top of the head too.

I've been totally happy with the noise-cancelling and audio performance, both at home and when flying. I've had no difficulties connecting them to my Lenovo laptop, my Samsung phone, my Samsung tablet, my Samsung TV (I am also an Apple-free zone) and my piano keyboard.

These are my fourth pair of Bose noise cancelling headphones. My first pair had the external battery pack. My second and third pairs were battery operated. I've been very impressed with my QC35IIs. I know some audiophiles say that Sennheiser or some other brands are better for listening to music, but as workhorses I've nothing about which to complain with my Boses.

 

[Hux]

I went from QC35's to Sony WH-1000XM3. Sony was a big improvement, supremely comfortable, great battery life and great Bluetooth support. They still have the XM4 available and the new XM5, which review wise are beating Bose. That said, the Bose QC45 are great and worth a look.

Sony often have specials available on XM3/4 series you can grab them for around $300 which is a great deal. [eBay Plus] Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones $316.00 @ e.t.r.a.d.e eBay

 

[OZDUCK]

My wife is still using her pair of NoiseHush i7 headphones that I bought as a 'Special Offer' on this site way back in 2013!

 

[tgh]

I have the XM4's… preferred the Bose "tone" .. otherwise a smart product..

 

[offshore171]

I have a clapped out pair of QC25's.

The Mrs uses Bang and Olufsen H9 which are excellent. Normally well above your budget at around the $800 mark, but sometimes it appears as specials. Here it's listed for $1 under budget

Beoplay H9 3rd Gen from Bang & Olufsen - Premium Sound

Beoplay H9. Premium, wireless, over-ear Active Noise Cancellation headphones with superior sound and luxurious materials.

premiumsound.com.au

 

[mitti]

Just received my new pair of Sony WH-1000MX5 after having Bose QC25s for many years. Wireless makes a huge difference, and the sound on the Sonys I find better than the old Bose ones. Plus all the other tech, they are hard to beat.

 

[Denali]

Many good responses here - hard to choose. Thinking of going to my local JBHIFI that have both in stock and trying.

Im kinda loyal to Bose but hearing good things about Sony.

 

[craven morehead]

Following

 

[TiredOldFlyer]

Recently replaced my QC 15 bose. After a great deal
of research I purchased the QC 45. I went to JB and tried them all. The Sony and the Bose are very similar but my decision was made from the fit. I tested them with the noise cancelling turned off and the Bose filtered more ambient sounds. I don't use then on telephone calls but my son-in-law does and he preferred the Bose 700. Apparently they have a different noise cancelling system and microphone that works better in outdoor wind situations.

 

[Townsend]

I realise that this is not what you are asking but….I have tried the in ear versions of the Bose and the Sony. I think I have deformed ears as they all fall out of my ears. I would recommend you try before you buy first if you are interested in that style. I have purchased a new pair of Bose QC20’s for flying as my old pair has been great.

 

[Hvr]

I think I have deformed ears as they all fall out of my ears

I am so glad to learn that I'm not the only person who has this problem. I tried using a pair of in ear buds and they were horrible.

 

[Denali]

Im not a fan of in ear buds, I find they hurt plus I know I will lose them very quickly.

Over the ear is much more comfortable and I can sleep with them on as well.

 

[Denali]

Many thanks for all the responses, its been very helpful.

I had a discussion with hubby and I think I will be going with the Bose700

Although Im tempted very much by the Sony, it think this is a case that I could have the Sony and be happy but will wish I went with the Bose but if I buy the Bose, I wont be wishing I had the Sony. I guess its a case of brand loyalty.

 

[coriander]

Bit late to the party, but here's my experiences. I have Bose QC25 (wired), Sony WF-1000MX3 ear buds and Mifo 05 earbuds.

QC25 still work perfectly, ok for work from home for calls, battery goes flat after only 4-5 hours. wired is nuisance in moving around, enclosed ears means I don't hear Mrs C calling (feature!) but get sweaty ears after prolonged use.

Sony WF-1000MX3 ear buds - great sound quality with sound cancelling, great battery life, great range, charge up in their own charging case (easy to put in and out), excellent microphone (never have a complaint from people I'm talking to) so perfect for WFH use and I use them all the time ......... but they fall out of your ears after about 30 minutes, doesn't matter which ear pad you attach to them. Ok for office / home use, would never take them on a walk or any travel as I'd lose them (actually just one which would be worse). I'd strongly recommend them for WFH.
Mifo 05 earbuds: great sound for listening, long battery life, DON'T fall out of your ears, comfortable, claim they are waterproof (who'd a thunk it for swimming?), BUT are almost impossible to put back in their case (very non intuitive) and have a microphone that's as useless as t!ts on a bull, making them impossible for calls (callers say "I can't hear you" or "speak up"). Mifo don't like feedback or questions on their microphone problem and delete reviews/questions/ feedback on their website, don't respond to chat or email. Highly recommend you avoid them.

Mrs C (considered to be the Bermuda Triangle of IT by her company) tells me that most people on her company's Teams / Zoom calls are continually fiddling with their cordless headphones/buds with dropouts and poor microphone volume and so prefers a cheap wired USB-C set of AKGs which work faultlessly.

Finally, her new iPad Pro doesn't work with her cheap AKG USB-C wired headphones (which however do work on Samsung Note 20, Samsung Galaxy S20 and S21, Microsoft Surface, Dell XPS, Dell desktop) - apparently a hardware "feature" of the new iPad Pros.

HTH.

 

[Matt_01]

I am also a bit late however if you can pick up the B&O's for less than $500 it is well worth the investment. Between us we have x2 H8 and x1 H9 they are excellent.

Edit. I got the first H8 when it was first released and from memory were around $429. When I picked up the second set they had jumped to around $469. The H9s I picked up in the US as they were not yet available in AU, and the B&O shop I got them from had a promotion on so a set of Form 2i were provided free. I think I paid around AUD450 for them.