Over a 30-day testing period with six different testers, the Picun 05 MAX was put through daily use across varied scenarios: commuting, office work, long flights, home study, and even gaming sessions. Right away, the long battery life stood out—lasting multiple days on a single charge, often up to 50 hours before anyone needed to plug it in again. Testers found the hybrid active noise cancellation especially useful in noisy environments like buses and open offices, reducing distractions and allowing the sound to come through with impressive clarity.

The sound quality was consistently praised. The 40mm drivers delivered strong bass and clean treble, making both music and podcasts enjoyable. During testing, all six users highlighted how comfortable the headphones felt thanks to the plush ear cushions and adjustable headband. Several testers used them for extended sessions of over three hours without experiencing discomfort. The flexibility of both Bluetooth 5.4 and AUX connectivity was also noted as a plus, especially for those switching between laptops, phones, and tablets.

Of course, there were some minor observations. The headphones are slightly larger than some travel-focused models, which makes them less compact to pack, though still manageable. The companion app worked well but took a little time for first-time users to get familiar with its sound settings. Charging speed wasn’t the fastest compared to some competitors, but with such a long battery life, it was rarely an issue. Overall, across the full testing month, the Picun MAX consistently proved reliable and enjoyable to use. When compared to higher-priced competitors, it delivers very similar performance at a more accessible price point, making it an excellent value choice for anyone seeking a balanced mix of comfort, sound, and battery life.

Across 30 days of testing with six different users, the Sony WH-1000XM4 quickly proved why it’s considered a flagship headphone. The HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 excelled at cutting background distractions during travel and office use, while the Speak-to-Chat and Wearing Detection features added hands-free convenience. Our testers particularly appreciated the 30-hour battery life, which held up well even with long streaming sessions and conference calls. From a comfort and feature standpoint, it feels like a premium product.

Still, several issues surfaced during extended use. The Speak-to-Chat feature cannot be fully disabled, which led to constant interruptions during calls and even casual conversations in shared spaces. Sound quality also divided opinions: while bass was strong, testers found the treble sharp and fatiguing during long listening sessions, with less detail compared to what they expected at this price. Build quality concerns were also noted, with one tester experiencing looseness at the hinge after weeks of commuting, and another struggling with charging unless using a specific adapter.

When comparing directly to the Picun Max, the differences became clearer. The Sony offers more advanced smart features and better active noise cancellation, but the Picun Max surprised testers with its balanced sound and lower cost, making it a better everyday option for some. After a full month of daily use, the Sony WH-1000XM4 stood out for its noise cancelling and tech features, but for those who prioritize consistent audio quality and value, the Picun Max often felt like the stronger choice overall.

We asked six testers to use the Sony ULT WEAR headphones daily for one month, trying them in real-life conditions like commuting, working, gaming, and streaming movies. Both wireless and wired modes were tested, as well as active noise cancelling, ambient sound, and the special ULT bass modes. The group also compared multipoint pairing across phones, laptops, and tablets to see how smoothly the headphones could handle multiple devices.

The feedback was mixed. Testers praised the strong bass impact, with the ULT button giving tracks extra depth and punch. Noise cancelling worked well in busy environments like trains and cafés, and the headphones stayed comfortable for a couple of hours at a time. Battery life lived up to expectations, with most people only charging every few days, and call quality was clear enough for work meetings and video calls.

But the weaknesses stood out over time. Several testers found the bass boost overwhelming, drowning out vocals and mids, especially on ULT setting 2. The app was cluttered with features most people didn’t use, while the touch controls were inconsistent. Long sessions left some testers adjusting the fit due to pressure around the ears. One tester flagged durability concerns after reading reports of cracked joints, and the reliance on USB charging felt outdated in 2025. With all of this plus the premium price, a few testers felt the headphones didn’t quite match the “all-rounder” promise.

Overall, the Sony ULT WEAR can deliver big, booming bass and solid noise cancelling, making them fun for certain genres or short sessions. But for everyday, all-purpose use, the comfort, durability, and price hold them back from being the best choice in this range.