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The Revolver Club's Guide to The Best Travel & Commute Headphones of 2024
Are you tired of enduring noisy commutes without a soundtrack to ease the journey? Whether you're a frequent flyer navigating bustling airports or a daily commuter braving crowded buses or trains, we've got you covered with the perfect headphone solutions. Our curated selection prioritizes comfort, convenience, and cutting-edge features to enhance your commuting experience.
In the world of travel headphones, versatility is key. You need a companion that seamlessly adapts to your on-the-go lifestyle, offering stellar sound quality along with active noise cancellation (ANC) to drown out the chaos of your surroundings. For those jetting off on adventures, battery life becomes paramount. Imagine never having to worry about your headphones running out of juice mid-trip.
In this guide, we'll explore the top headphones for you folks who are always on the go.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless represents a significant evolution from its predecessors, combining sleek design with impressive functionality tailored for the modern traveler.
Embracing a more minimalistic aesthetic, the Momentum 4 ditches the previous aviator-inspired look for a streamlined, contemporary profile that enhances portability without sacrificing comfort. Weighing in at just 295 grams, these headphones are notably lighter than their predecessors, thanks to a reduction in metal components and an upgraded foldable design that fits snugly into a new, sturdier hard-shell case.
A standout feature of the Momentum 4 is its remarkable battery life. With up to 60 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, it outpaces many competitors, including the Sony WH-1000XM5, making it an ideal choice for long-haul journeys.
Despite the absence of some high-end sound tuning features and the switch from aptX-LL to aptX Adaptive codec, the Momentum 4 maintains impressive sound quality and active noise cancellation (ANC). The ANC effectively reduces ambient noise across various frequencies, though it may not match the top-tier models in isolating very low frequencies.
Comfort is a key strength of the Momentum 4. The redesigned ear cups, now softer and more accommodating for larger ears, coupled with improved padding, ensure a pleasant listening experience even during extended use. The headphones also feature a user-friendly interface with mobile app support, allowing for customization of sound profiles and ANC settings, although the app's data collection may be a consideration for privacy-conscious users.
Overall, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless offers a compelling package of comfort, longevity, and audio performance. While it may not surpass the very best in ANC, its substantial battery life and refined design make it a strong contender in the premium headphones market.
3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones represent a notable advancement in Bose's lineup, merging exceptional comfort with cutting-edge technology to deliver a top-tier listening experience.
Launched in late 2023, these headphones uphold Bose's legacy of superb noise cancellation while incorporating new features to stay competitive in the premium market.
Comfort and build quality are paramount with the QuietComfort Ultra, designed with wide, plush ear cups and a lightweight frame of just 253 grams. The soft padding and angled dynamic drivers ensure a snug yet comfortable fit, even for those with thin glasses frames. While the headphones lack waterproofing, making them less ideal for intense workouts or exposure to rain, they excel in comfort and portability, thanks to a durable carrying case that accommodates essential cables and accessories.
Sound quality and active noise cancellation are standout features. Bose’s renowned ANC technology continues to impress, effectively reducing ambient noise by around 87%, making it highly effective for frequent travelers and commuters. The QuietComfort Ultra also introduces Aware Mode, accessible via the Bose Music app, which provides a natural representation of your surroundings without overly aggressive filtering.One of the QuietComfort Ultra's notable advancements is its support for aptX Lossless and Snapdragon Sound, positioning it well for future wireless audio standards.
However, the headphones' battery life falls short compared to competitors, offering 24 hours of playback with ANC and 18 hours with Immersive Audio mode activated. This is a step behind rivals like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, which boasts up to 60 hours of use on a single charge.In terms of features, the QuietComfort Ultra includes multi-point Bluetooth for seamless device switching and an advanced spatial audio mode, offering an immersive listening experience that adjusts based on head movements. While lacking USB-C audio support and full aptX or LDAC capabilities, the headphones provide a high-quality audio experience that justifies their premium price.
As the flagship model, the Px8 builds upon the foundation set by the Px7 S2 Wireless but distinguishes itself with premium materials and advanced technology. The headphones feature an aluminum and Nappa leather construction, which not only enhances durability but also contributes to a premium feel. The ear cups are cushioned with soft Nappa leather, providing superior comfort even during extended listening sessions.
With a weight of 320 grams, they strike a balance between robustness and comfort, though they are slightly heavier than some competitors like the Apple AirPods Max.
Bowers & Wilkins has equipped the Px8 with 40mm Carbon Cone dynamic drivers, designed to deliver lower distortion and improved clarity compared to traditional materials. This results in a sound signature that is both detailed and engaging, with a remarkable ability to reveal subtle nuances in music. The headphones offer a high level of precision and clarity, making them a standout choice for music lovers. The sound performance is further enhanced by aptX Adaptive support, which ensures high-quality audio streaming with minimal latency.
The Px8’s active noise cancellation (ANC) is effective but not the best in class. While it does a commendable job at reducing ambient chatter and general background noise, it struggles more with low-frequency sounds like bus and plane engines compared to some competitors.
For those who prioritize noise isolation, alternatives like the Sony WH-1000XM5 may offer superior performance in this area.The Px8 offers over 30 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, which is sufficient for most travel and daily use scenarios. This is competitive but still falls short of the extraordinary battery life offered by some rivals, such as the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, which can last up to 60 hours.The Px8 includes several notable features such as multi-device pairing and customizable ANC modes. The headphones use physical buttons for controls, which many users find more reliable than touch-sensitive alternatives.
The Bowers & Wilkins Music app complements these features by allowing users to adjust sound settings, including a two-band EQ, and manage other functionalities like wear sensors and ANC modes.The Px8 is available in several exclusive designs, including the 'McLaren' model with a dark grey and orange theme and the '007' model with a midnight blue finish and James Bond-themed details. These special editions offer a unique aesthetic appeal for fans and collectors.
4. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 represents a refined update to a well-loved classic, merging studio-grade audio with modern wireless features. As an evolution of the ATH-M50x series, this model maintains the core design and performance that fans appreciate, while introducing thoughtful enhancements.
Visually, the ATH-M50xBT2 retains the familiar look of its predecessors, with a design that mirrors the wired ATH-M50x and the earlier ATH-M50BT. It features a sturdy plastic and metal build with a sleek aesthetic, although the tight clamping force and heat-retaining padding from the older models remain. The design continues to be functional, with rotating ear cups that facilitate portability despite the lack of a more compact folding mechanism. The included vinyl carrying sack, though basic, is a minor drawback compared to the more sophisticated cases seen with other headphones.
Audio quality remains a strong suit for the ATH-M50xBT2. The headphones are equipped with 45mm dynamic drivers that deliver detailed and balanced sound. The audio performance is notably clear, though there is a slight dip in midrange and upper-bass frequencies. This characteristic is typical of consumer headphones but is less pronounced compared to other models in the same price range. The ATH-M50xBT2 does well with high frequencies, offering a crisp and clean treble that aligns with the series’ reputation for quality sound.
The ATH-M50xBT2 includes Bluetooth 5.0 and supports a variety of codecs, including AAC, SBC, LDAC, and a low-latency mode for video. While the lack of aptX is a notable omission, the available codecs provide good flexibility for different devices and listening preferences. The headphones also feature Google Fast Pair and multipoint connectivity, which are convenient for users who need to switch between devices seamlessly.
Battery life is one of the ATH-M50xBT2’s standout features. With up to 64 hours of playback on a single charge, it offers some of the best battery performance available, especially when compared to other models that include power-hungry features like active noise cancellation. A quick 10-minute charge provides ample power for several hours of use, adding to the convenience of these headphones.
While the ATH-M50xBT2 does not offer active noise cancellation, it provides decent passive isolation. The clamping force, combined with the closed-back design, helps to block out some external noise, though it falls short of the isolation provided by higher-end noise-cancelling headphones. The comfort level may vary, especially for users who wear glasses, as the padding can feel tight over extended periods.The headphones are equipped with a straightforward control layout, including dedicated buttons for volume and multifunction functions.
The omission of the touch-sensitive controls from the previous model simplifies the operation, though the close placement of the power button and multifunction button could lead to occasional confusion. The Audio-Technica Connect app adds useful features, allowing for EQ adjustments with five preset options and custom settings, but does not support extensive remapping of controls.