This may be OT since strictly speaking it’s about hardware… I trust it is ok to post it given the spirit of the community, but have my apologies and feel free to remove it if it’s not.

I’m looking to replace my old Bose QC25, since they have recently died (after a long a fulfilling life), but it seems everything nowadays is bluetooth (which I don’t mind) and require some proprietary app to turn ANC on/off (which I do mind… are physical buttons/switches become too expensive to include in your overpriced earbuds?).

Anyway… do you know of any headphones/earbuds that meet the following?

  1. can be powered via wire or have batteries that last 12+hrs (long-haul flights)
  2. have decent noise cancelling
  3. don’t require me to install a apps or can be used with some open source app (possibly with full functionality and straightforward to setup)
  4. are not overly expensive (I have to buy 2 pairs and I’ll only use them a few times a year when I fly)
  • @GenderNeutralBroEnglish
    5•8 months ago

    I wasn’t aware that any required an app. Weird!

    I have a pair of Sony XM2s. While Sony does have an app, it’s not necessary for ANC. You only need the app to do ear shape analysis and atmospheric pressure adjustment – neither of which seems particularly important to me after using it for a few years.

    From a quick review check, it looks like the latest one (XM5) is similar. From https://www.soundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-71783/ :

    Pressing the NC/AMB button will toggle the ANC mode. You can select either ANC, ANC off, or Ambient sound modes

    • Galli [comrade/them]English
      3•8 months ago

      You only need the app to do ear shape analysis

      Does this require the app for operation or can you temporarily install the app for config and then use the feature without the app?

      • @GenderNeutralBroEnglish
        3•8 months ago

        I think you need the app but I’m not totally sure. I just checked and it wants me to go through the whole process of taking photos of my ears and uploading them and…nah. Just nah.

        The atmospheric pressure detection routine seems to revert, so I don’t think it’s stored in the headphones itself. Hard to test without going on a flight though.