Measured buying guides

Tech reviews for screens, sound, and everyday upgrades.

Side-by-side reviews for the tech you actually live with: sound, screens, and everyday upgrades.

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Automatically ranked by the overall review score you set for each tech review.

  1. 1LG C4 OLED The C4 is the TV to shortlist when you want cinematic contrast and serious gaming features in one clean package.94
  2. 2Sennheiser HDB 630 (2025)If you want wireless noise cancelling but can’t stand the thick, bass‑bloated tuning of most mainstream ANC cans, the Sennheiser HDB 630 is one of the few options that actually respects detail and neutrality.92
  3. 3Focal Bathys (2022)The Focal Bathys is still one of the best-sounding wireless ANC headphones you can buy. It delivers a genuinely 'hi-fi' tuning with strong dynamics and clarity, backed by a built-in USB-DAC mode that elevates it beyond typical Bluetooth headphones.91
  4. 4Dell U2723QE A reliable desk upgrade for people who care more about clarity, ports, and ergonomics than flashy gaming specs.90
  5. 5Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro (2026)For once, the Pro label isn't just marketing. Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are a genuine top-tier all-rounder with controlled bass, clean mids, smooth highs, and strong ANC, especially for Android/Samsung users.89
  6. 6Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 (2025)The Px8 S2 is the most musically satisfying wireless ANC headphone B&W has made. The build is genuinely luxurious, the sound is engaging and detailed, and it supports aptX Lossless for true high-res wireless playback.88
  7. 7Sonos Era 100 A polished speaker for people who want better everyday music without building a full audio rack.87
  8. 8Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025)The AirPods Pro 3 are the ultimate all-round Apple buds with best-in-class in-ear ANC, deep iOS integration, and health monitoring features. However, a sharper V-shaped tuning with brighter treble makes them more fatiguing than their predecessors.87
  9. 9Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) (2026)The 2nd-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra is exactly what you'd expect: world-class active noise cancelling, near-effortless comfort, and a warm, smooth Bose signature that makes travel and daily use incredibly pleasant.86
  10. 10Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) (2025)Bose’s second-gen QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are a classic refinement release: same shell and sound signature, but with smarter ANC, wireless charging, longer total battery life, better mics, and multipoint pairing.86
  11. 11Apple AirPods Max 2 (2026)AirPods Max 2 finally catch up on modern features with the Apple H2 chip, stronger ANC, Adaptive Audio, and USB-C lossless support, though they remain heavy and expensive.85
  12. 12Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven (2024)The Beoplay Eleven are B&O’s high-end follow-up to the EX: jewel-like aluminum and glass shells, a premium aluminum case, better ANC, IP57 protection, and multipoint. They absolutely look and feel expensive, and the sound is clean, slightly bright-leaning B&O—more hi-fi than most mainstream buds, but still a little 'high-end lifestyle' rather than full audiophile.84
  13. 13Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 (2024)The Beoplay H100 is an extraordinary object and a very good headphone. But at $2,200 USD, 'very good' isn't enough to justify the price on sound alone. The build is legitimately best-in-class, the ANC is excellent, and the design philosophy — modular, repairable, built to last — is genuinely admirable.83
  14. 14Sony WF-1000XM6 (2025)Sony’s WF‑1000XM6 are the in‑ear counterpart to the WH‑1000XM6 over‑ears, and they do a better job where it matters most: they’re more resolving, less veiled, and generally more engaging to listen to. The problem is that they still lean heavily into Sony’s signature: slow, thick bass, a warm midrange that never quite clears up, and a treble that plays it very safe.79
  15. 15Sonos Ace (2024)As Sonos’ first over-ear headphone, the Ace feels like a v1 product with clear strengths: excellent comfort, solid ANC, and slick integration with Sonos soundbars. However, its uneven tuning limits its appeal for music.78
  16. 16Sony WH-1000XM6 (2026)The Sony WH‑1000XM6 is a comfort king with excellent noise cancelling and strong features, but its actual sound is a let‑down for the price: muddy bass, flat mids, rolled‑off highs, and a cramped stage. As a listening device, it feels like a downgrade from what its reputation suggests.68
  17. 17Sony WH-1000XM5 (2022)The WH-1000XM5 shares the same core strengths and weaknesses as the XM4: comfort, ANC, and features are very good, but the sound is muddy, smoothed-over, and underwhelming for the money. In practice, it doesn't sound meaningfully better than the XM4.66

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68

Not worth it at list price. While the comfort, ANC, and collapsible design are top-tier, the muddy and smoothed-over sound tuning fails to justify the premium price tag unless you catch them at a heavy discount.

Listeners prioritizing maximum physical comfort, ANC, and casual background music
Launch MSRP $449Read review →

Polished ANC & comfort

Sony WH-1000XM5 Review (2022)

66

Not worth it at list price. While the comfort and ANC are top-tier, the muddy and congested sound tuning is a step backward, and you're better off finding a discounted pair of XM4s or saving up for a more balanced alternative.

Travelers who want strong ANC and don’t care much about fidelity
Launch MSRP $399Read review →

Best OLED all-rounder

LG C4 OLED Review

94

The C4 is the TV to shortlist when you want cinematic contrast and serious gaming features in one clean package.

MoviesPS5 and Xbox gamingDark rooms
Launch MSRP $1499Read review →

Best office 4K

Dell U2723QE Review

90

A reliable desk upgrade for people who care more about clarity, ports, and ergonomics than flashy gaming specs.

MacBook desksOffice workUSB-C docking
Launch MSRP $579Read review →

Best compact smart speaker

Sonos Era 100 Review

87

A polished speaker for people who want better everyday music without building a full audio rack.

KitchensSmall roomsMulti-room audio
Launch MSRP $249Read review →

Audiophile wireless pick

Sennheiser HDB 630 Review (2025)

92

Highly recommended for detail-oriented listeners. While its ANC isn't the absolute strongest on the market, the HDB 630 delivers exceptional midrange honesty, tight monitor-like bass, and unusually precise imaging for an active wireless headphone.

Listeners prioritizing tonal accuracy, imaging, and detail over maximum isolation
Launch MSRP $499Read review →

A luxurious, music-first wireless headphone that prioritizes build quality and sonic fidelity. While it offers outstanding detail and lossless audio support, the flagship pricing, moderate clamping force, and average ANC are notable trade-offs.

Music-first listeners who want a premium build and hi-res wireless capability
Launch MSRP $799Read review →

The Beoplay H100 is an extraordinary object with unmatched build quality and a repairable, modular design. However, the $2,200 price tag is a massive luxury tax that is difficult to justify on sound alone, especially given the lack of a high-res wireless codec at launch.

Luxury buyers and design-conscious audiophiles prioritizing craftsmanshipLong-term ownership thinkers who value a repairable, modular product
Launch MSRP $2200Read review →

Audiophile sound pick

Focal Bathys Review (2022)

91

The Focal Bathys (2022) remains a top recommendation for sound-focused listeners. While its ANC is only average and the app features are basic, it justifies its premium price tag through exceptional audio fidelity, punchy dynamics, and a high-quality built-in USB-DAC mode.

Listeners prioritizing near-wired sound quality in a wireless ANC formatAudiophiles seeking a high-performance USB-DAC headphone for desktop use
Launch MSRP $799Read review →

Cinematic home theater pick

Sonos Ace Review (2024)

78

A solid v1 travel and home-theater headphone. Excellent comfort and soundbar integration make it a great companion for Sonos owners, but a thick, V-shaped tuning with recessed mids holds it back from being a strong recommendation for music-first buyers.

Sonos soundbar owners seeking late-night TV audio swap with AtmosTravelers prioritizing physical comfort, strong ANC, and cinema audio
Launch MSRP $449Read review →

A top-tier pick for commuters and travel. The QC Ultra (2nd Gen) offers unmatched active noise cancellation and outstanding comfort, but its warm, colored house sound won't satisfy listeners looking for absolute audio accuracy.

Commuters and frequent flyers prioritizing world-class ANC and physical comfortListeners looking for a cozy, non-fatiguing daily driver that just works
Launch MSRP $449Read review →

Best Apple ecosystem pick

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review (2025)

87

The default recommendation for iPhone users. AirPods Pro 3 bring massive ANC, battery, and feature upgrades alongside unmatched ecosystem integration. Sonically, they trade the warm, smooth tuning of Pro 2 for a brighter, more V-shaped profile that some might find sharp.

iPhone users seeking a single pair of buds for commuting, workouts, and callsPeople wanting top-tier in-ear ANC and advanced hearing/health features
Launch MSRP $249Read review →

Best Apple over-ear pick

Apple AirPods Max 2 Review (2026)

85

A solid refresh for Apple devotees. AirPods Max 2 address core feature gaps of the first generation by adding the H2 chip, significantly improved ANC, and lossless USB-C audio support, but their heavy 386g design and steep $549 price tag remain major drawbacks for value-conscious buyers.

Apple ecosystem power users seeking seamless integration and top-tier over-ear ANCListeners seeking a smooth, non-fatiguing, and warm-neutral daily driver
Launch MSRP $549Read review →

Best Android ecosystem pick

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Review (2026)

89

A must-buy for Galaxy users. Samsung's Galaxy Buds 4 Pro nail the essentials: powerful but controlled bass, natural midrange clarity, strong ANC, and an incredibly comfortable stem design, though iOS users will miss out on major ecosystem features.

Android and Samsung Galaxy users looking for a versatile daily driver with top ANCCommuters and gym-goers who need secure earbuds with robust weatherproofing
Launch MSRP $249Read review →

The strongest ANC earbuds on the market. While they retain Bose's warm, mid-bass-heavy signature, the Gen 2 earbuds bring essential quality-of-life updates like wireless charging, multipoint pairing, and better microphone performance to complete the travel package.

Commuters and flyers seeking maximum environmental noise reductionListeners seeking a rich, cozy, and non-fatiguing sound signature for long sessions
Launch MSRP $299Read review →

Sony’s WF‑1000XM6 are a clear upgrade over their over-ear siblings, offering a more engaging and detailed listen, but they still default to Sony's classic thick, slow bass and safe treble. If you want a comfortable, warm blanket of sound with excellent ANC, they're easy to live with; if you want clean speed or absolute neutrality, they'll leave you wanting.

Listeners who enjoy a rich, easygoing, 'Sony-house' sound and want strong ANC in a compact IEMDaily commuters and travelers looking for a comfortable fit and mature lifestyle features
Launch MSRP $329.99Read review →

The Beoplay Eleven are gorgeous, jewel-like earbuds that look, feel, and sound like B&O luxury. Underneath the premium metal-and-glass exterior, however, they are a refinement rather than a revolution over the older Beoplay EX, making the steep MSRP a significant luxury tax.

Listeners who value premium materials, jewelry-like aesthetics, and luxury build qualityB&O ecosystem fans looking for upgraded ANC, multipoint, and IP57 durability
Launch MSRP $499Read review →