Earphones / Headphones: Where to try, what to buy?

Sony WI-C100, Sennheiser CX350BT? No tried them myself, but they're cheap enough to try and return on Amazon if crap. Both work with their respective apps, so should be able to customise their sound to your liking.

Cheers, that is the kind of thing I'm looking for. Ideally looking for something about half that price though as these are just going to be for sticking in a bag for my commute.

My wife has these Bose and rates them. They're not available online anymore, maybe discontinued but if you have the John Lewis app you can request for them to check in any other branch that has more the 3 in stock, if you click 'Check Store Stock' and the 'Request or Collection'.
Fill out your details on the app and they'll call you if they're available and free delivery for anything over £50. Obviously if they fit the bill.

You might like this at John Lewis:
https://www.johnlewis.com/bose-soundsport-sweat-weather-resistant-wireless-in-ear-headphones-with-bluetooth-nfc-3-button-in-line-remote-and-carry-case/p2803234?s_share=jlappdroid

Twice the likelihood of losing one if they’re not joined together.

Honestly, I'm so prone to losing stuff. Three years of AirPods and I haven't lost one. I wouldn't sweat it. Take the plunge. AirPods are the best device Apple have released in the last decade.

I mainly loose my case rather than an individual headphone. I've always found it again tho.

I however have already lost three pairs in the last 5 years!

Got some new sony xm1000 mk4 (current version is mk5) and been pretty happy, noise cancelling is regular levels of sony goodness but fit is really good, can wear for hours without getting hot ears.
Also got a pair of current bose in the house which are similar tbf.

Just discovered my old phone does ldac (bose don't) and wow, big step up over regular 4th gen bt, actually sounds good. Charge even on ldac and nc is very good. Microphone good enough too, certainly no complaints for the money.
Tried some b+w but got hot ears after only 20 mins

(Sold)

Any recommendations for in-ear bluetooth headphones that come in a very small case (ipods kind of size)? Not much online that seems to tell you how big the cases are.

I have some Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ which are that kind of size but they are annoying as they don't always connect and sometimes the tips get stuck in the case which is a real sod.

Not looking for anything too pricey, I've got some decent Sony ones for good sound, just want something small that can fit nicely in a jeans pocket.

The first generation Samsung Galaxy Buds have a nice and small case.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/404383155962?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=avU1EMAMQiO&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=zemcb3NeRwi&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

These are great phones and the case is nice and slim:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/final-Wireless-Playback-Adaptive-Lossless-Black/dp/B09LR55VQZ/ref=asc_df_B09LR55VQZ/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=570499407731&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13381991411312084319&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9041110&hvtargid=pla-1629668262687&psc=1

I have a pair, way better sound than the sennheiser I have as well, and case is narrow so fits ok in a pocket (unlike the sennheiser which is a bit of a brick(

Cheers but I'm looking for much more slimline than that.

@andyfallsoff they look nice but I've already got a decent pair of in-ears so probably looking at about £50 max.

Just received the Soundcore Q45 as my OneOdio battery crapped out and I couldn't work out how to get them apart to replace it. Initial impressions: pretty comfy, better sound quality, ANC great, and nice being able to connect to my phone and computer at the same time.

Any tips for some cheap OAH Bluetooth ear buds that have a decent mic for call quality?

I have some older soundcore ones and the mic is bollocks

I'm a late partial convert to earbuds. I bought some cheap ones for a specific purpose, thought these are ok, couldn't find them one day so bought some Anker soundcore which are impressive for the £.

Anyway, thinking of maybe splashing cash on a pair of these at some point:

https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/sony-wf-1000xm5

Anyone tried them? Views / alternatives?

Can anyone recommend any good over-the-ear noise BT cancelling headphones (that also allow cable use) for around £100-200?

I have a pair of Technics EAH-A800 at work which are ok but quite a few people say the joints snap prematurely, I want to avoid spending my own money on something that may not last long.

Depending on your operating system of choice, I’ve been very very impressed with the latest edition of the AirPod Pros, especially when coupled with some foam Comply tips. Sound is pretty good, decent depth to it and surpassingly not tinny which was a pleasant surprise for something so small.

From a performance/convenience factor they are hard to beat, and I’ve even ended up using them at home when I just want easy to use rather than the rigmarole or turning on the full set up.

If the Sonys stack up in reviews to the AirPod pros (not the standard ones), then you’d probably get decent sound

I've got a pair of the Anker Soundcore, after losing one of my posher Lytek ones (it was inevitable). To my uneducated ear they sound great. They're not quite as comfortable and feel cheap but really can't complain for the price.

thanks @C4r1s I've heard that airpods are good however I have a prejudice against Apple products.

@ltc yeah I agree the Soundcore are really good for the money and I like them although can't get a really good fit. I'm just a bit obsessive about audio stuff so interested in what the next step up could be.

Fair enough! If you like the sound of your current ones but struggle with fit, what about trying some different tips in the first instance?

Made a world of difference to me, the silicon tips that come as standard really don’t work for me at all but getting some expanding foam ones really helped and made mediocre sounding earbuds more comfortable and better sounding with more depth

thanks - different tips is a good idea, will try that out.

I’ve just found some old Shure E2’s in a cupboard that I’d forgotten about. Not sure they’re worth much, and should be noted that the cable is split on one of the cables (see pic). They work but I’ve got no need for them. There are a variety of silicon and clear plastic ear fittings, and a few of the spare wax guard dots. No case either. Is anyone interested? I’m happy with a forum donation in exchange.

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Overall I find myself slightly disappointed with B&W PX7 (previous version to current).

Soundwise, there isn't anything awful about them, just a bit muddy and lacking presence. Maybe i expected too much from a moderately expensive pair of headphones using bluetooth from a phone.

Also I find the headband uncomfortable.

I wonder how much is bt and how much more i'd get with different headphones using the same source? Looking at ditching bt and getting another portable source, it all gets a bit complex.