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Sony WH-1000XM5: Sony has released its new WH-1000XM6 headphones for 2025, but its previous flagship model, the XM5, is still an excellent headphone that often sells for close to $300. Noise cancellation, voice calls, and audio aren’t quite as good as what the XM6 offers (the XM6 sounds more detailed with improved bass performance) and the XM6 features a dual-hinge design that allows them to fold, not just fold flat. As a result, the XM6’s case is slightly smaller. Additionally, the XM6 is powered by a new QN3 chip that Sony says delivers 7 times the performance of the QN1 chip found in the XM5s. However, while the jump in performance from the XM5 to the XM6 is certainly noticeable, it’s not huge; The XM5 still offers very good sound, noise cancellation, and voice calling performance that should satisfy most people. Read my review of the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Poly Voyager Free 60 Plus UC Earphones: He loves JBL Tour Pro 2 headphonesThe Poly Voyager Free 60 Plus UC earbuds also have a touchscreen built into their charging case. The display isn’t quite as impressive as the one in the JBL case (which is mostly monochrome), but they are among the first earbuds to have a case with a small control panel built into it. In addition, the Free 60 Plus UC case also turns into a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver for in-flight entertainment systems (you can connect the case to the 3.5mm headphone port). I also liked how the USB-A Bluetooth dongle stores in the charging case when you’re not using it with your computer.
Cyber Acoustics Essential HS-2000BT Bluetooth Headphone: UC headphones that include a USB dongle so you can easily connect the headset wirelessly to your computer tend to cost more than headphones that only feature Bluetooth connectivity. For about $70, the Cyber Acoustics Essential Bluetooth Headphone HS-2000BT retails at a discount compared to similarly designed models from Jabra and Poly. I wouldn’t say the HS-2000BT is better than those models, but it is lightweight, comfortable to wear, and offers similar features, including a retractable boom mic with auto mute (when the mic is retracted with the boom). It also has two additional features: active noise cancellation and wireless charging (Qi wireless charging pad not included). Callers said my voice was good but not quite as clear as when I was using the Logitech Zone Vibe 100. I thought the HS-2000BT sounded decent enough when listening to music, although the sound is on the warmer side (it pushes the bass a bit). The headphone is worth checking out, especially if it’s on sale. I should also note that if you don’t need wireless connectivity, the headset is available in a wired-only version (HS-2000) for $50.
Jabra Evolve 2 85: With Jabra launching the new Evolve3 85, you may find some deals on the previous Evolve2 model. An upgraded version of Jabra’s Elite 85h headphones, which came in 2019, the Evolve2 85 offers better telephony options along with a USB dongle for unified communications for PCs. With similar sound quality to the 85h for listening to music, it has an updated audio chipset, a hidden boom boom, and two additional microphones (10 in total, with an additional two in the boom) to reduce noise and pick up your voice. Its build quality is also a step forward. A supported version of Microsoft Teams is available for those who need it. I found it comfortable to wear for several hours, and it offers an impressive 37 hours of battery life, or a little more than the Elite 85h.
Jabra Evolve 2 65: Released in 2023, the Evolve2 65 Flex features a slimmer design with dual hinges that allow you to fold the headset flat into its compact carrying case. Although this is an on-ear headphone, it has a well-padded headband and ear cups and is impressively comfortable (it also helps that it’s relatively lightweight, weighing 136 grams or 4.8 ounces). I was mostly impressed with the sound and performance of the Evolve2 65 Flex. It has a retractable boom microphone and good active noise cancellation along with excellent noise reduction for calls (I made calls on noisy New York streets and callers said they sounded clear with little background noise interference). Flip the microphone up and it will automatically mute during group video calls; Flip it down and unmute yourself.
Sony CH-720N: Sony’s improved noise-cancelling headphones, the CH-720Ns, have a bit of a budget plastic look, but they’re lightweight (just 192 grams) and very comfortable. Part of me was expecting them to sound very mediocre, but I was pleasantly surprised, as these headphones provide good overall tonal balance with strong bass, decent clarity, and a fairly wide soundstage (the headphones are suitable for a variety of music genres. They also offer decent noise cancellation and good voice calling performance.
Plantronics Voyager Focus UC: After Plantronics became Poly, they released a new version of this old but goodie called the Voyager Focus 2 (see above). This model is still for sale. We are pointing people towards the newer model.