Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus

Sennheiser Accentum Plus delivers audiophile sound and killer ANC that embarrasses more expensive headphones. Just keep it for music and podcasts, because the call quality will let you down hard.

What grabs you first is the sound. It's the 92nd percentile stuff we love: crisp, spacious, and with aptX HD support that makes Bluetooth feel almost wired. ANC is also impressive, sitting near the top of our database at 93rd percentile—you'd pay a lot more for this noise-killing ability. The 50-hour battery holds true in our testing, and the quick-charge is a lifesaver. But the 68.3 call score stings. Mics pick up background racket like a sponge, leaving your voice compressed and robotic. For Zoom warriors, it's a headache.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 still sets the benchmark for call quality and ANC smarts, leaving the Accentum Plus in the dust for meetings, though Sennheiser fights back with a warmer, more engaging sound. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 remains the luxury pick with build and detail the Accentum can't touch, but you'll pay double for the privilege. New to the top five, the Sony ULT WEAR brings thumping bass and solid mics at a mid-tier price, while the Technics EAH-A800 counters with a refined, spacious sound and excellent call clarity. Sennheiser's own HDB 630 is the wildcard: a leaner, more neutral take that splits the difference between the Accentum and MOMENTUM 4. The JBL Tune 670NC is the budget disruptor, undercutting everyone with decent ANC and a fun, bass-forward signature. Choose the Accentum if pure audio value matters most, but know the field is getting crowded.

Prices are all over the place—we've seen them from $58 to $364. If you can snag a pair near the lower end, you're getting one of the best audio values out there. The included BTD 700 USB-C/A adapter sweetens the deal for TV or PC use. But if you're paying north of $300, walk away and buy Sony's WH-1000XM4 instead.

Sennheiser's Accentum Plus gets the important stuff right: lush, detailed sound and hybrid ANC that punches far above its weight, all wrapped in a comfortable enough design that lasts up to 50 hours. The catch? Call quality is a real letdown, so if you're a heavy phone user, these aren't the ones. For music-first listening, though, they're a hell of a bargain at the right price.

If clear calls are non-negotiable, skip the Accentum Plus. The mics drag down an otherwise fantastic headphone. Grab the Sony ULT WEAR or Soundcore Space One instead—they handle voice like champs.

For pure musical bliss and top-shelf noise cancellation, the Accentum Plus is a standout at the right price. It's a travel champ and an office escape pod. But if your daily grind includes call after call, this isn't your headphone. For the rest of us, it's an easy recommendation when you find it cheap.