HEADPHONES OF THE YEAR: SONY WH1000XM5

Its design choices may have polarised reviewers and fans, but the Sony WH series of ANC on-ears have consistently improved on sound with every iteration.

- Kaizad Billimoria

In its fifth-generation, the more slender and modern design gives up on folding earcups, which rattled some cages. But the 1000XM5 make up for it with a neutral sonic signature that delivers on timing and rhythm, never missing a beat. The long-haul ready battery life, superb ANC and a 3.5mm wired option is a life saver even if you're out of your comfort zone.

Not the upgrade for 1000XM4 owners, but if you're a new ANC buyer looking for the best value, the WH-1000XM5 still retain their crown as the best in the business

WHY I VOTED FOR IT

There's no dearth of great TWS ANC earbuds and frankly, as great as the new AirPods Pro are, they may not be the best value for money for most. But, everything changes if you have more than one Apple product and then the AirPods Pro come into their own. And now thankfully, they rank right up there with the best in terms of sound quality too, making them a no-brainer.