What is it?

A pair of wireless noise-cancelling adaptive headphones. During chaotic public transport commutes we often feel sapped by the hustle and bustle long before a challenging day even begins.

Standard earphones and your favourite music can help to an extent, but it is often impossible to filter out all the chatter about bunions and other unsavoury subjects frequently overheard on the bus or train.

Sony has developed the H.ear noise-cancelling headphones which adapt to the changing background hubbub to isolate and silence any unwanted din and, in turn, create the kind of blissful sanctuary that a non-morning bod such as myself craves.

Good points?

Sound quality is superb and comes close to that of the Sennheiser Momentum 2 which is considered the benchmark for modern headphones. Bass is subtle but powerful and gives good range thanks to the 40mm driver unit which is the dome type and helps minimise distortion.

Aesthetically they are what is expected these days of headphones, they catch the eye and hold attention. The domes are ellipse-shaped and although they have a mechanical look, don't seem out-of-place on a human head.

Bad points?

Although the headphones fold on themselves they don't reduce in size by all that much so they can be awkward to transport. Hanging round the neck is also a tad uncomfortable.

Best for ...

Those looking for a happy medium between the great sound of Sennheiser and the noise cancelling prowess of Bose.

Avoid if ...

Wearing headphones is simply a ruse for stealthy listening into conversations.

Score: 9/10

Sony H.ear on Wireless NC, £219 (sony.co.uk)