Sony’s latest headphone refresh starts sensibly: the WH-CH730N offers up to 50 hours of listening with ANC, while the colorful WH-CH530 stretches to 55 hours. Then Hello Kitty walks in, bringing limited-edition bundles, exclusive accessories, and considerably more personality to Sony’s practical new everyday cans.
Six years after the WH-1000XM4 became a noise-cancelling favorite, Sony is giving it another lap. The new WH-1000XM4C preserves the foldable design and famously effective ANC, retunes the sound for modern tastes, adds a 10-band equalizer, and introduces Lavender for anyone tired of serious-looking headphones.
Apple’s open-ear AirPods no longer make you pay extra for noise cancellation. Both AirPods 5 models now get ANC, improved sound, and tougher IP57 protection, while Siri responds to head gestures and Live Translation handles conversations across languages. Volume swipes, wireless charging, and longer battery life remain paid extras.