Sony, Bose and Apple make the headphones most people shortlist. They are close on features, so price, rating and review count are the easiest way to separate them.
We compared the main models on Amazon UK. We haven't tested them ourselves. This comparison is based on the Amazon listings and customer ratings, so check the latest price and details before you buy.
| Model | Approx. price | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | £199 | 4.3 | 12,000+ |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | £349 | 4.2 | 1,900+ |
| Bose QuietComfort | £229 | 4.5 | 21,900+ |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra | £318 | 4.4 | 9,900+ |
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | £499 | 4.5 | 500+ |
Before you buy: the newest models (Sony XM6, AirPods Max 2) have fewer reviews so far, so their ratings are less proven.
1. Best rated: Bose QuietComfort
A 4.5 rating from more than 21,900 buyers. The most reviewed pair here, at around £229.
Check Price on Amazon2. Best value Sony: WH-1000XM5
A 4.3 rating from more than 12,000 buyers at around £199. The newer WH-1000XM6 costs roughly £150 more with a 4.2 rating so far.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Sony WH-1000XM6 Flagship Wireless Noise Cancelling — £349 (4.2★, 1,923 reviews)
3. Step up: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
A 4.4 rating from nearly 10,000 buyers at around £318. A newer 2nd Gen version is also on sale at a higher price.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones — £399 (4.2★, 2,951 reviews)
4. For iPhone owners: Apple AirPods Max 2
A 4.5 rating from 500+ buyers at around £499. The original AirPods Max is cheaper with the same 4.5 rating from more than 1,800 buyers.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones — £424 (4.5★, 1,809 reviews)