I happen to work with these professionally, and so I've tested all but the latest Jabra in-person. I thought I'd start a thread with basic info and thoughts, feel free to post questions here. I recommend using ANC for any environment with regular noise exposure, these have kept me from losing more hearing due to airplane and other environmental auditory exposures.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is cool science - anti-noise. Good versions of this with control is right now best in $200+ BT in-ear headphones. Other models (including a version we like from Amazon) are a compromise. So comparing name-brand here. Top ones (I will add model numbers later):
Sony - was first out the gate. They sound good and work well with google assistant and android phones. Work ok via BT and iPhones. They have a great microphone for phone calls, zoom call audio. They have a medium-sized case that works in my pocket. They are large, however, and I had a harder time getting the to fit well in my ear. YMMV. Good ANC - likely good enough for an airplane trip.
Apple AirProds Pro - Very convenient, small, great in Apple walled garden. Sound is far better than I expected in such a small device. Case is tiny, wireless and super convenient. I found ear fit to be excellent using smaller earbud pieces. Rubber earplugs that are a PITA to get replaced from Apple, but there are third party options too. Middling ANC; will not take out all airplane noise. But fine to take out lawnmower etc noise. Despite limitations, I use them as my daily drivers except when on an airplane or other serious sound exposure (which is not common today, but I see in my future). I would consider Apple Care if you are going to use them all the time.
Bose - they just came out, their sound is really amazing and a true step up above Apple. Best ANC of the bunch as well - nearly as good as the Quiet Comforts when fit is good. Comfortable to use and are secure (do not fall out of ear like the Sony's can). Audio mic not as good as Sony, but quite usable. Case is ridiculous in size - like 2.5 the size of Apple; this is a potential negative if too large for your pockets (just fits in mine - barely). I have not tried on plane, but I will do so (a lot smaller than carrying QCs for example).
Jabra - just came out. Good recent review here: [
www.theverge.com]
All others I know like Amazon, Google etc are a compromise in their ANC - clearly below Apple. Happy to handle those specifics as interested.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/26/2020 03:41PM by sekker.