Which headphones to choose in 2025: Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort 2024, Marshall Monitor 3 or Sennheiser Momentum 4?

2025 is shaping up to be a great year for those looking to buy wireless headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC). The market is packed with top contenders, but today we will focus on four flagship models: Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort 2024, Marshall Monitor 3, and Sennheiser Momentum 4. Let’s break them down by category and help you decide which one is right for you. So which headphones to choose in 2025.

1. Noise Cancellation

• Sony WH-1000XM5 — still one of the leaders in the industry thanks to adaptive noise cancellation and automatic environment adjustment. A favorite for frequent travelers.
• Bose QuietComfort 2024 — Bose continues to shine with excellent ANC, now featuring the “Aware” mode for a more natural ambient sound.
• Sennheiser Momentum 4 — solid performer, particularly in office environments, though slightly behind Sony and Bose.
• Marshall Monitor 3 — basic ANC, good but not on par with the other three.

Verdict: If absolute silence is your priority, go for Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 2024.

2. Sound

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 — signature Sennheiser sound: neutral, wide soundstage with clear detail. Perfect for audiophiles.
• Bose QuietComfort 2024 — warm, balanced sound with smooth bass. Great all-rounder for most genres.
• Sony WH-1000XM5 — punchy bass and dynamic presentation, ideal for modern pop and electronic music.
• Marshall Monitor 3 — vintage sound signature with mid-range focus and a “rock-and-roll” vibe. Suited for guitar lovers and classic rock.

Verdict: For neutral studio-like sound — Sennheiser. For bass and versatility — Sony or Bose. For rock fans — Marshall.

3. Battery Life

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 — the leader: up to 60 hours of playback.
• Sony WH-1000XM5 — up to 30 hours with ANC.
• Bose QuietComfort 2024 — up to 24 hours with ANC.
• Marshall Monitor 3 — around 30 hours (without ANC), about 22 hours with ANC.

Verdict: For long trips or heavy use — Sennheiser Momentum 4 wins.

4. Design & Comfort

• Bose QuietComfort 2024 — minimalist, lightweight (240 g), and improved ergonomics.
• Sony WH-1000XM5 — sleek and modern with soft-touch materials and a lightweight build.
• Sennheiser Momentum 4 — understated and professional with plush ear cushions.
• Marshall Monitor 3 — retro leather and metal elements, but slightly bulkier on the head.

Verdict: For style — Marshall. For long wearing comfort — Bose and Sony.

5. Features

• Sony WH-1000XM5 — Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control, multi-point Bluetooth, smart assistant integration.
• Bose QuietComfort 2024 — customizable ANC via Bose Music app, easy controls.
• Sennheiser Momentum 4 — advanced EQ and smart sensors for auto-pause.
• Marshall Monitor 3 — signature analog volume knob and rock-inspired design.

Who should choose each model?

🎧 Sony WH-1000XM5 — for frequent travelers, office workers, and tech enthusiasts who value cutting-edge noise cancelling and rich bass. Perfect for flights, commuting, or coworking spaces.

🎧 Bose QuietComfort 2024 — for those who prioritize long-term wearing comfort and balanced sound. Great for working from home or daily commuting.

🎧 Sennheiser Momentum 4 — ideal for audiophiles and anyone who needs ultra-long battery life. Perfect for long workdays or uninterrupted listening sessions.

🎧 Marshall Monitor 3 — for fans of vintage design and characterful sound. Best suited for rock lovers and anyone wanting a standout retro aesthetic.

So which headphones to choose in 2025? =)

andrej

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