It's funny that you should mention that, it's described as "Hybrid Noise Cancellation".  Needless to say, after convincing myself  I needed to "step up" my headphone game, within reason, I've been reading quite a few reviews.  Many of them, as you rightly point out, suffer from a quality drop of some sort with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) engaged Of all the reviews I read I think these are unique in that not being mentioned. None of the reviews said they coped with ANC well, but similarly, none said it was detrimental to the sound either, which was one of the positives if only a compliment by omission if that's a thing.


Other "downsides" mentioned were the lack of a 3.5mm jack - Don't care, I will only be using them via Bluetooth, also you can, it seems, use the USB C socket for audio, as long as you don't want ANC.

Number two on the list was the fact that the ear cups can swivel to lay flat, but they won't fold into a more compact shape. - Again, don't care, that's what headphone stands are for.

Other than that there were not any deal-breakers.

Just an FYI, because I'm sure if there is a next question it will mention Codecs.    There's some other bumph too.

Bluetooth® audio - Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX™ Adaptive

Bluetooth codecs
aptX™ Adaptive
aptX™ HD
aptX™
AAC
SBC

Bluetooth profiles
A2DP
AVRCP
HFP
HSP
BLE GATT (Generic Attribute Profile)

Microphones
4x mics for ANC
2x mics for telephony

Drive units
2 x 40mm dynamic full-range bio-cellulose driver

Does she use them for music, Jules?  I seem to remember you mentioning audiobooks some time ago.  If that's "all" they're for these might be overkill, unless you can pick up the sort of bargain I did.

I'm hoping they might arrive before the weekend, but they're being sent Royal Mail 48 hr tracked, so could arrive any time between now and Christmas.

Ah, I must be misremembering.  Not unusual at my time of life I suppose. 

The same does sort of apply though, unless you're prepared to buy used.  Although I ended up paying £108.00 (used) for mine, they tend to retail at between £299 and £379 new.