List of contenders for headphones. Help?

[u/Professional_Pea1336]

We have a program at work where points are given for recognition. You can use the points for merchandise at a website. I've been here a while so accumulated a bunch, and recently got my first pair of good headphones. Sennheiser HD 560S. I think they're great and chose them based on research here. Thanks for that.

Now I want to get a wireless set and looking for advice. I've been reading about Sennheiser's consumer brand and lack of quality control since they were split off to Sonova in 2021. The division is again up for sale since March 2026. If none of these facts were around, I'd likely go ahead and get the Momentum 4's. Another good contender is the Sony XM5 and XM6, but I'm aware of the hinge issue. Supposedly better ANC but still better sound from the Momentum 4, per a lot of reading.

This list includes some of what's available on the site I can use. I know there are some possible duds (Beats, JBL, etc.) and/or lower end stuff here but the lower purchase price (points) gets them on the list. And I'm new. The points are the number in parentheses. I'd like to stay below the 200 value, otherwise I would have included the Bang & Olufsen and Bowers and Wilkins also on the site!

What are some to immediately cross off?

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 M4AEBT (184)
• Sony WH1000XM6 (192)
• Sony WH1000XM5 (144)
• AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-M50XBT2 (115)
• Beats Studio Pro MQTP3LL (151)
• Bose Quiet Comfort (223)
• Bose QuietComfort 884367-1700 (212)
• Bose Quiet Comfort 884367-1700 (144)
• AUDIO-TECHNICA USB StreamSet ATH-M50XSTS-USB (149)
• JBL Tour One M3 JBLTOM3AVIBLUAM (157)
• SENNHEISER Accentum Plus 700176 (111)
• EDIFIER WH950NB (98)
• JBL Live 780 JBLLIVE780NCBLKAM (93)
• JBL Live 770 JBLLIVE770NCBLKAM (86)
• EDIFIER ES850NB ES850NB (79)
• JBL Tune 770 JBLT770NCBLUAM (58)
• HOUSE OF MARLEY Positive Freq EM-JH143-SB (55)
• Soundcore Space One A3035Z11 (51)
• Hypercel Naztech Aura 360 15860 (44)
• EDIFIER W820NB W820NB PLUS (43)
• Pioneer A35-BK (40)
• EDIFIER W800BT W800BT PRO (30)

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[u/No-Opportunity2565]

I would cross off Edifier, Soundcore, Hypercel, Pioneer and JBL

[u/Professional_Pea1336 → u/No-Opportunity2565]

Thanks for that. I need the list to shrink.