Sony WF-1000XM3 or Sony WH-1000XM3
 

So this is the use case. My significant other, sitting next to me on the couch, watching some show on TV, me listening to music through an IEM or Over Ear Headphone connected via Bluetooth to an iPad being used as Roon endpoint. The music not bothering her, the TV not bothering me.

My shortlist has come down to
Master & Dynamic MW70 Plus (the new IEM with ANC)
Sony WF-1000XM3 (IEM with ANC)
Sony WH-1000XM3 (Over Ear with ANC)

It would seem that I can have a good deal on each of the Sony's.

From reviews I have read and seen on YouTube, the Sony WH Over Ear trumps all others when it comes to isolation, however, as comfortable as it has been reported to be it remains a bulky item sitting on your head.

Time to reach out to my trusted AA Fellows.

I was wondering if the active and passive noise cancellation of the M&D and the Sony WF In Ear Monitors are sufficient for this use case.

I would love to hear and learn from your experiences.

Thank You

I have the MD MW07 which are Bluetooth A2DP and AptX.

iOS only supports AAC no AptX so you won’t get the best out of the iPad with the MW.

It does sound good with my iPhone. But even better with the MacBook Pro with AptX.

I really like the B&W PX which is now being replaced by PX7. That supports noise cancellation and AptX and AAC.

I’m not familiar with these particular models, but in general good IEMs will always provide better isolation than any over-ear headphones, Including noise cancelling, sometimes by as much as 10 dB. The best noise-cancelling over-ears will typically provide noise reduction in the -20s dB, while IEMs, if fitted properly, can be in the -30s. Another consideration for noise cancelling: noise cancelling works best at reducing more continuous, steady-state noise like airplane engine noise. It doesn’t do as well with mid-upper frequency sporadic sounds like voices. If your goal is to be able to listen to music while your wife watches tv, unless she’s going to wear headphones too, you need IEMs.

My Son has both the of Sony headpones so I was able to do a good comparison.
The in ears sounds very good and has fine isolation but if I had to choose I would still go for the big ones. Sound, imaging, call quality is just that bit better. Worth the extra 100.
But indeed if you don't want them around your neck all the time you need to bring a bag.
while with the in ears all you need is a pair of pants.

I can vouch for the Sony WH-1000XM3, audio quality was surprisingly good and huge step up from the prior model. Only thing I would bring to attention is that there is some sound leakage. If it’s quiet there is a small chance someone nearby may hear something depending on your listening level.

Another odd thing is that it requires that you repair when switching devices. But otherwise amazing pair of headphones for the price. Another nice benefit is that you can upgrade the wired cable since it’s a standard mini-plug.

I have the sony WH-1000XM3 and I enjoy them. I mainly use them on the plane or train.

The back pressure can be quite painful so I run the optimizer everytime I use them and it seems to do the trick and it's much less noticeable.

Personally, I found the over the ear to be more comfortable than the IEM. I can't bear having the thing jammed in my ear.

On a side note, I just bought the Airpods Pro and they are quite amazing. They hold well and create a good seal without having to jam them. The NC is excellent for my use case (using them on the bus). I'm very impressed.

Sony WF-1000XM3 or Sony WH-1000XM3
 

Thank you all for your insightful comments. They have made me discover new possibilities I was not aware of previously.

It would seem I have embarked on a new quest. Just as I was about to drop the order on the Sony WF 1000, Apple dropped the Airpods Pro which seem to be very well received.

Also now under consideration :
Bowers & Wilkins PX7
Master & Dynamic MW65
and out of the blue
DALI IO6

I must say that first impressions of the DALI IO6 that I have read make it now one of the "Over Ear" forerunners. It seems to be very neutral (bordering on cautious), no artificial bass boost or V shaped frequency curve. Uses a NC chip from Sony ( I assume a previous version ?).

I'm torn between the Sony WF1000 and Airpods Pro which would require me to upgrade my iPad...Oh Dear.

It has been a long time since I have experienced this kind of "Choice Anxiety" ...but it is all good fun and quite the journey.

One thing is for sure; developments in Bluetooth ANC Ear and Headphones are advancing at a very rapid pace and make this market very exciting.

I'm hoping to audition some of these cans and buds in the not too distant future.

Feel free to comment on the other brands and models listed in this post as I value the experiences of fellow AA's a great deal.

I had the original AirPod. And the sound quality wasn’t great but it was really convenient and overall, I used it far more than my better cans when I was traveling.

One bad thing about the AirPod. The battery life gets progressively worse. I bought mine within the first month of release. It was great the first few years but noticeably worse battery life in the recent months.

But I had a good run with the AirPod so I just ordered the AirPod pro.

I use the WH1000XM2 when traveling. Highly recommended.

Sound advice! (pun could be intended).

My Klipsch in-ears (their highest model) are quite comfortable (give them a minute to settle in your ear, they could feel uncomfortable for 30").
Like Tony describes: they really do a fantastic job on noise reduction without any artificial colouring).
When I use them in a plane, I can hear the music, hardly the engine noise, or other passengers.
I use them with an Audioquest Dragonfly Red, which enhances the experience quite a bit.