The Sony MDR-1000X sets a new high bar for Bluetooth ANC headphones. They might not quite match the Bose QC 35 when it comes to high-end noise cancellation, nor for staying on your head – but when it comes to sound quality they're unbeatable.

Convenience is the number one thing with Sony's 1000Xs. Any time I'm going out, I pick them up ahead of the dozens of in-ear headphones I own, even though the latter are smaller, lighter, and often sound better.

Exceedingly comfortable; Noise canceling doesn't get any better; Long battery life; Great sound quality for Bluetooth headphones

Fiddly touch controls; Materials are sturdy; but underwhelming for $400; MicroUSB charging is so very 2016

Sony is a respected brand in the mainstream headphone market, and deservedly so. But ask the average consumer about noise-cancelling headphones and they're apt to mention a different brand: Bose.

Sony's over-ear headphone range stretches from the £16 MDR-ZX310 right up to the ludicrously expensive Sony MDR-Z1R – yours for just £1,700. Sony's MDR-1000X headphones, which feature Bluetooth and active noise cancellation (ANC), aren't quite that expensive, but at £300 they're still pricey.

Excellent sound quality; Impressive ANC; Comfortable

Expensive; Not ideal for workouts

Sony's new MDR 1000X Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones are a direct challenger for the Bose Quiet Comfort series

Times are changing for headphone reviewers. For years, a review of any headphone with active noise canceling had to include two things: a discussion about how much worse the headphones sound with ANC activated, and the mandatory "while not as good as Bose…" caveat.…

The headphones have an amazing quality of sound and look ace - I would definitely recommend them if you're after great noise cancellation, looks & sound quality. Unfortunately there's an ongoing trend online with known Sony issue where the joints aren't reinforced well enough and so many customers...

Have had Bose in the past and this product both works and looks better! Don't fall for name brand.

Very comfortable; Great sound cancellation; Wireless

Not very loud and sound not the best (but good still); Fiddly to put back in pouch; Fiddly to use touch sensor (eg skip to next track accidentally when trying to change volume)

With some fancy new technology, the Sony MDR-100X are pretty fantastic at noise-cancelling, but the overall sound quality is disappointing.

Excellent noise cancellation; Clever environmental awareness modes; Sony's LDAC streams hi-res audio over Bluetooth with compatible source

Sound lacks sparkle in the highs and presence in low mids; Muddy sound in passive mode; Heavy build can get fatiguing over long periods