Sony WH-1000XM5: Sony has released its new 2025 WH-1000XM6 headphones, but its previous flagship model, the XM5 is still a very good headphone that usually sells for around $300. Noise cancellation, voice calling and sound are not as good as what the XM6 offers (the XM6 sounds more detailed with improved bass performance) and the XM6 has a design with double hinges that allow them to fold up, not just fold down. As a result, the case of the XM6 is very small. 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. All that said, while the jump in performance from the XM5 to the XM6 is noticeable, it’s not huge; the XM5 still offers excellent sound, noise cancellation and voice performance that should satisfy most people. Read my Sony WH-1000XM5 review.
Poly Voyager Earbuds Free 60 Plus UC: Like JBL’s Tour Pro 2 earbuds, the Poly Voyager Free 60 Plus UC earbuds also feature a touchscreen display embedded in the charging case. The display isn’t quite as good as the one on the JBL case (it’s mostly monochrome), but these are among the first earbuds to have a case with a small control panel integrated into it. In addition, the Free 60 Plus UC case also turns into a Bluetooth transceiver for inflight entertainment programs (you connect the case to the 3.5mm headphone port). I also liked how you can store the USB-A Bluetooth dongle in the charging case when you’re not using it with your computer.
Cyber Acoustics Essential Bluetooth Headset HS-2000BT: UC headsets that include a USB dongle so you can easily connect the headset wirelessly to your computer tend to cost more than headsets that only include a Bluetooth connection. At $70, the Cyber Acoustics Essential Bluetooth Headset HS-2000BT retails at a discount compared to similarly styled models from Jabra and Poly. I wouldn’t say the HS-2000BT is better than those models, but it’s lightweight and comfortable to wear and offers the same features, including a retractable boom mic with automatic mute (when you retract the boom mic). It also has a few bonus features: active noise cancellation and wireless charging (Qi wireless charging pad not included). Callers said I sounded good although not as clear as when I was using the Logitech Zone Vibe 100. I thought the HS-2000BT sounded decent when listening to music, although the sound is on the warm side (it pushes the bass a bit). The headset is worth checking out, especially if it goes on sale. I should also note that if you don’t need wireless connectivity, the headset is available in a wired-only version (the HS-2000) for $50.
Jabra Evolve2 85: Since Jabra is releasing the new Evolve3 85, you may find some deals on the previous Evolve2 model. A compact version of Jabra’s Elite 85h headphones, coming in 2019, the Evolve2 85 offers better phone options and a Unified Communications USB dongle for PCs. With the same sound quality as the 85h for listening to music, it has an updated sound chipset, a masking arm and two additional microphones (10 in total, and two more on the boom arm) to reduce noise and raise your voice. Its construction quality is also increasing. A certified version of Microsoft Teams is available for those who need it. I found it comfortable to wear for more than a few hours, and it offers 37 hours of battery life or slightly more than the Elite 85h.
Jabra Evolve2 65: Released in 2023, the Evolve2 65 Flex features a slim design with dual hinges that allow you to fold the headset down into its compact carrying case. Although this is an in-ear headset, it has a well-fitted headband and ear pieces and is surprisingly comfortable (it also helps that it’s very light, weighing 136 grams or 4.8 ounces). I am very impressed with the sound and performance of the Evolve2 65 Flex. It has a retractable boom microphone and good active noise cancellation and excellent noise reduction for calls (I made calls on the noisy streets of New York and callers said I sounded clear with a bit of background noise). Flip the boom microphone up and automatically mute during video conference calls; scroll down and calm yourself down.
Sony CH-720N: Sony’s advanced noise canceling headphones, the CH-720Ns, are a bit plasticky budget, but light weight (only 192 grams) and very comfortable. Part of me expected them to sound average, but I was pleasantly surprised, as these headphones offer a good tonal balance with punchy bass, decent clarity and a wide soundstage (the headphones are suitable for a variety of music types. They also offer decent noise cancellation and good voice performance.
Plantronics Voyager Focus UC: After Plantronics became Poly, it released a new version of this oldie-but-goodie headset called the Voyager Focus 2 (see above). This model is still for sale. We are guiding people to a new model.
