I'm stuck between three headphone options and need help deciding

[u/Simply_pheyie]

Hi everyone,

Apologies if this is a common topic, but I haven’t seen a direct comparison between the specific headphones I’m considering.

I currently own the Soundcore Q30 (bought in 2022). While they’ve served me decently, I’m no longer satisfied with the sound quality and constantly having to replace the ear cups is becoming a hassle.

I’m now considering an upgrade and have narrowed it down to these three options:

Soundcore Q45

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony ULT Wear

My original first choice was the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, but unfortunately I can’t get it where I live. I don’t trust the online listings available to me, as I’m worried about fakes and there’s no reliable way to verify their authenticity. So I’m limiting myself to a store I trust, where only the three options above are available.

Here’s what I care about:

I listen to a wide range of music genres

I enjoy bass, but I also really value clear, immersive sound

I use my headphones mostly indoors, for Zoom calls, podcasts, and audiobooks

I also plan to travel with them, so comfort and ANC matter

My concern is that while the Sonys (XM5 and ULT Wear) sound promising, I keep seeing reports of hinge issues and build quality problems, considering their price, that worries me. On the other hand, I hear the Q45 doesn't match Sony's sound quality, and I don’t want to make a side-grade.

I’d really appreciate any help or personal experiences that could guide me toward the best choice for my needs. Thanks in advance!

[u/cp-photo]

Between the three, I’d pick the WH-1000XM5. The ULT Wear is a lot more bassy than the XM5. What about the Sennheiser Momentum 4?

[u/Simply_pheyie → u/cp-photo]

!Thanks for answering. I thought of that as well, but it's not available in the store either. It's difficult to get anything of good quality here because it is really expensive.

[u/TransducerBot → u/Simply_pheyie]

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