A bit of a recap …

Beats Fit Pro: Comfy, easy to install. Pretty much useless ANC on a flight.
Sony WF-1000XM4: Fiddly to install, borderline uncomfortable. Really good ANC.

I had to get something more comfortable for my next flight, and went with the Bose Quietcomfort ll back in February. I was leery about this, as I’ve had issues with every other Bose product I’ve owned (they fall apart). Bose had them on sale. Not sure I would have purchased at full price. They are the best sounding and most comfortable buds I own. I did need to order the alternate sizing kit (I think it was free).

Brought them on my first flight last week. Amazing ANC. If I push the buds in a bit, cabin noise is essentially gone.

However …

A few days ago they started having issues. Right bud died and I was unable to re-pair. So back they went for a warranty replacement. I have another trip coming up and it’s uncertain if I’ll get another set back in time. At least their centre is only 20 minutes away from me.

For my “emergency” backup, I ordered the Soundcore Space A40 buds. Wow. For the price point, these are impressive. I tested with 75db of cabin noise from my desktop speakers. They were about equivalent with my Sony’s for ANC. Obviously I can’t test against the Bose, right now. Comfortwise they are inbetween the Sony and Bose. Sound seems a bit flatter than Sony and Bose, but still respectable. Bass is decent. Excellent app. Easy to pair.

Soundcore A40: $120CDN
Bose Quietcomfort ll: $379CDN