Tag:

earbuds

Google Doubles Down on AI: Veo 3, Imagen 4 and Gemini Diffusion Push Creative Boundaries
NFT Gaming

Google Unveils Pixel 10 Lineup With AI Features, New Watch and Earbuds

by admin



In brief

  • The Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2a also debuted, adding AI health tools and translation.
  • Google introduced Pixelsnap, a Qi2 magnetic charging system with new accessories.
  • A new AI voice assistant, Gemini for Home, will replace Google Assistant on Nest devices.

Google unveiled the Pixel 10 lineup on Wednesday at its annual Made by Google event, rolling out four new phones alongside a smartwatch, earbuds, and a smart home assistant.

Each device leans on on-device artificial intelligence to power features from messaging to photography.

While the star-studded event included guests like Jimmy Fallon, Steph Curry, and the Jonas Brothers, the main star was the Pixel 10 family, which includes four models—the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold—all running on Google’s new Tensor G5 chip.

The processor powers Gemini Nano, a lighter version of the company’s AI model that runs directly on the device and enables more than 20 generative tools without relying on the cloud.



New AI features

The upgrades reflect Google’s broader push to weave Gemini AI into every product, a strategy it ramped up last year with sweeping updates to Search, Images, and Google Meet.

“We’ve been building toward this universal AI assistant with Gemini,” Google Senior VP of Platforms and Devices Rick Osterloh said during the event. “The assistant has to be personal and intelligent enough to understand you and your context. And it has to be agentic, meaning it can take action for you under your direction.”

On the Pixel 10, that shows up in nine new AI-powered tools.

Magic Cue pulls context from Gmail, Calendar, and other apps during calls and messages. Voice Translate handles real-time translations in 12 languages, replicating each speaker’s voice. Call Screen expands with Take a Message, which generates transcripts for missed calls and suggests follow-ups.

Google is also embedding AI into everyday habits. Pixel Journal offers reflection prompts, Gboard can rewrite texts in different tones, Recorder turns hummed melodies into music, and NotebookLM links screenshots and transcripts into a searchable notebook.

Gemini Live adds visual help by analyzing the camera or screen and is tied into Google apps, including Calendar, Keep, and Tasks, with Messages and Maps support on the way. Its updated voice model sounds more natural and lets users adjust speed, tone, and accents.

The Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL will begin shipping on August 28th. Pre-orders for these models are open now. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be available for pre-order on August 20th, with shipping starting on October 9th.

The timing matters: Apple has delayed its own “Apple Intelligence” features into 2026, giving Google a chance to win consumers with AI functions that actually ship.

Gemini for Home

Google is also extending its AI push beyond phones—starting with the home, introducing Gemini for Home, a new voice assistant set to replace Google Assistant in Nest devices.

Rolling out in October with free and paid tiers, it’s designed to handle more complex commands and respond in natural conversation.

Pixel 10 Phones

The Pixel 10 lineup spans four price points: $799 for the Pixel 10, $999 for the 10 Pro, $1,199 for the Pro XL, and $1,799 for the Pro Fold.

The Pixel 10 is the base model with a 6.3-inch display, standard triple-lens camera, and 12GB of RAM. The Pixel 10 Pro upgrades to a sharper LTPO screen, a more advanced camera system with 100x zoom, and 16GB of RAM.

The Pro Fold adds a foldable 8-inch inner display, an extra selfie camera, and the highest price tag in the lineup. Google says its new hinge is twice as durable, though it hasn’t released test data to back the claim.

Preorders are open now. The Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL ship Aug. 28. The Pro Fold launches Oct. 9.

Pixel Watch 4 and Buds 2a

The Pixel Watch 4, powered by Tensor G5, uses Fitbit integration for AI-based workout and wellness coaching.

The $129 Pixel Buds 2a and $229 Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer adaptive audio, Gemini integration, noise cancellation, and real-time translation.

Generally Intelligent Newsletter

A weekly AI journey narrated by Gen, a generative AI model.



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
DAAPrivacyRightIcon
Gaming Gear

The best earbuds for Android devices in 2025

by admin


Deserved or not, Apple has turned AirPods into the default choice for most iPhone owners in the market for new wireless earbuds. But if you’re one of the millions who have an Android smartphone, figuring out which set to grab isn’t as obvious. If you need a hand, allow us to point you in the right direction. We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of wireless earbuds over the years and broken down our favorite options for Android users below. Whether you use a Galaxy or a Pixel phone, and whether you want something for the gym or your morning commute, here are the best AirPods alternatives for Android.

Table of contents

Best Android earbuds for 2025

Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget

Active noise cancellation: Yes | Wireless charging: Yes | Water resistance: IPX4 | Multipoint connectivity: Yes (2 devices) | Wear detection: Yes | Max battery life (rated): 12 hrs, 24 hrs w/ case | Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | Warranty: 1 year

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review

The Sony WF-1000XM5 hit on just about everything we want from a premium set of Bluetooth earbuds. Their small, rounded design should feel comfortable and secure in most ears. They’re nearly unmatched at muting outside noise, thanks to a powerful ANC feature and memory foam eartips that do a remarkable job of isolating sound passively. They sound great out of the box, especially if you like a warmer profile with elevated bass, but you can easily customize the EQ curve through Sony’s app, and they do well to draw out treble-range detail either way. They’re also loaded with extra features, including multipoint connectivity, Google Fast Pair, LDAC and spatial audio support, the ability to swap between ANC and ambient sound (or “transparency”) modes automatically and more. The wireless charging case is conveniently tiny, while the eight- to 12-hour battery life gives little to complain about.

Still, the XM5s still aren’t a total slam dunk. The built-in mics aren’t the clearest for phone calls. The IPX4 water-resistance rating could be higher. Some people might find the memory foam eartips a little too full-feeling. They also have a list price of $330, which is far from affordable. But no other wireless earbuds we’ve tested have managed to tick so many boxes.

Pros

  • Strong, customizable audio quality
  • Should be comfortable to most
  • Loads of handy bonus features
  • Stellar noise isolation

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Memory foam eartips aren’t for everyone
  • No battery life improvement over predecessor

$213 at Amazon

Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

Active noise cancellation: Yes | Wireless charging: Yes | Water resistance: IPX4 | Multipoint connectivity: Yes (2 devices) | Wear detection: No | Max battery life (rated): 10 hrs, 50 hrs w/ case | Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC | Warranty: 18 months

Read our guide to the best budget wireless earbuds

If you don’t have hundreds to spend, our favorite wireless earbuds in the budget bracket are the Anker Soundcore Space A40. Frequently priced between $45 and $60, this pair has the kind of features we’d expect from earbuds that cost twice as much: genuinely powerful ANC, multipoint connectivity, wireless charging, a solid eight to ten hours of battery life, LDAC support, decent (if not great) IPX4 water resistance and a usable ambient sound mode. They don’t have the most resolving or detail-rich sound of the box, unsurprisingly, but their warm profile offers pleasant, thumpy bass without totally blowing out the low-end. If you want to add more treble presence, you can customize the EQ through a clean and easy-to-read companion app. The actual earpieces are small, round and comfortable as well.

The main trade-off is call quality, as the built-in mic can lose your voice in noisy environments and doesn’t handle sibilant sounds very well. There’s no wear detection either, so your music won’t auto-pause when you remove an earbud. They also don’t support Google’s Fast Pair tech, though the earbuds should remember your device and automatically reconnect after you pair them for the first time. But for the price point, it’s hard to complain.

Pros

  • Excellent ANC for the price
  • Warm, pleasant sound
  • Comfortable and compact
  • Good battery life

Cons

  • No automatic wear detection
  • Mediocre call quality
  • Doesn’t sound as detailed as higher-end options (as expected)

$45 at Amazon

Billy Steele for Engadget

Active noise cancellation: Yes | Wireless charging: Yes | Water resistance: No IPX rating | Multipoint connectivity: Yes (2 devices) | Wear detection: No | Max battery life (rated): 7 hrs, 47 hrs w/ case | Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX Adaptive | Warranty: 1 year

Read our full Noble FoKus Rex5 review

Determining which set of headphones has the “best” sound quality is a fool’s errand — at the end of the day, it’ll always come down to personal taste. But if we had to pick one pair we’ve particularly enjoyed for music, it’d be the Noble FoKus Rex5. Its unique five-driver design helps it draw out a remarkable level of detail and properly separate the instrumentation in any given track. It’s a balanced sound profile, with tight but not overindulgent bass, a natural-sounding midrange and relaxed highs that don’t fatigue over time. The soundstage is wider than most true wireless earbuds we’ve tested, while support for LDAC and aptX Adaptive only assist with detail retrieval. You can set a personal EQ if you need it, but we’ve found the stock tuning to suit any genre well by default.

The FoKus Rex5 supports ANC and multipoint connectivity, while its IEM-style, metal-and-acrylic housing fits comfortably in the ear. But you’d buy it for the sound quality first and foremost: Noise cancellation isn’t on Sony’s level, the ultra-green finish isn’t for everyone, the five- to seven-hour battery life isn’t ideal and there’s no auto-pausing when you remove an earbud. Most prohibitively, these things are damn expensive at $449. If you want something a little less pricey, the Technics AZ100 and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are compelling (if bassier) options as well. But for self-proclaimed audiophiles with cash to burn, the FoKus Rex5 are a treat.

Pros

  • Detailed, immersive sound
  • Comfortable fit
  • Custom audio profiles that save directly to the buds

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Just one color and it’s not for everyone
  • Subpar ANC performance

$449 at Amazon

Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget

Active noise cancellation: Yes | Wireless charging: No | Water resistance: IPX4 | Multipoint connectivity: No | Wear detection: Yes | Max battery life (rated): 6 hrs, 24 hrs w/ case | Codecs: SBC, AAC | Warranty: 1 year

Read our full Beats Fit Pro review

Most of our picks above will work just fine in the gym, but if you’re buying a pair for workouts first and foremost, try the Beats Fit Pro. Yes, we’re recommending a set of Apple-made earbuds in an Android buying guide. But while they work best with iPhones, most of their AirPods-style features are also available on Android through the Beats app. You can pair them with one tap through a pop-up card, view a map with their last known location, swap between ANC and ambient sound modes from the home screen, remap controls and check their battery level from the notification tray. There’s no hi-res codec support, but in general the drop-off from iOS to Android isn’t nearly as great here as it is with AirPods.

The main reason we recommend the Fit Pro is their lightweight design, which is equipped with bendy silicone fins that keep the earbuds secure in place while you’re moving around. Their IPX4 water-resistance rating isn’t the best, but it should be enough for all but the sweatiest gymgoers. (Just don’t use them in the pool.) We also like that the Fit Pro uses physical buttons to adjust volume or skip tracks, since touch controls can feel finicky when you’re trying to keep up with a workout. Their punchy sound is well-suited to the gym as well, with a noticeable but not overwhelming push in the bass and treble. It’s not one for purists, but it’s energetic.

If you aren’t specifically looking for workout earbuds, you can still do better. The Fit Pro lack wireless charging and multipoint connectivity, and there’s no way to customize the EQ if you don’t like the default sound. Their built-in mics aren’t anything special for phone calls, and the five- to six-hour battery life is on the edge of passable. The charging case is somewhat large as well. Plus, while the ANC mode is useful enough for tamping down the noise of a gym, it’s a clear step down from the best options on the market.

Pros

  • Secure fit for workouts
  • Punchy sound is well-suited to the gym
  • Physical control buttons

Cons

  • No wireless charging or multipoint connectivity
  • Battery life is just OK
  • ANC isn’t fine but nothing special

$153 at Macy’s

Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget

Active noise cancellation: Yes | Wireless charging: Yes | Water resistance: IP54 (IPX4 for case) | Multipoint connectivity: Yes (2 devices) | Wear detection: Yes | Max battery life (rated): 12 hrs, 48 hrs w/ case | Codecs: SBC, AAC | Warranty: 1 year

Read our full Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are explicitly designed to work in harmony with other Pixel devices, so they’re worth considering if you’re a dedicated fan of Google’s phones. They come with a host of useful bonus features, from remote ringing and a “conversation detection” mode to a customizable EQ and automatic switching between devices paired to your Google account. (You also get hands-free access to Google’s Gemini AI bot, though we wouldn’t call that essential.) You can still access most of the Pixel Buds’ perks on other Android devices by downloading a separate app, but all of the functionality is baked into Pixel phones natively. This means you can manage the earbuds, check battery status and the like right from your device’s settings menus. It’s similar to how Apple integrates AirPods with iOS.

The earbuds themselves are perfectly competent beyond that, with a tiny yet comfortable design, decent ANC for the price, eight-ish hours of battery life, adequate call quality and an enjoyable sound with punchy bass and extended treble. That said, you’ll still get richer audio quality and more robust noise cancellation from our Sony and Noble picks above, so those who aren’t all-in on Google hardware can feel free to look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Tight integration with Pixel phones
  • Tiny, comfy design
  • Agreeable sound

Cons

  • Smaller touch panels require precision
  • ANC isn’t on par with Sony WF-1000XM5

$189 at Amazon

Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget

Active noise cancellation: Yes | Wireless charging: Yes | Water resistance: IP57 | Multipoint connectivity: No | Wear detection: Yes | Max battery life (rated): 7 hrs, 30 hrs w/ case | Codecs: SBC, AAC, SSC, SSC-UHQ | Warranty: 1 year

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro review

Along those lines, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are to Galaxy phones what the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are to Pixel phones. Using them with a Samsung handset unlocks a few ecosystem-specific perks, including the hi-res Samsung Seamless codec, a real-time translation tool and a “Game Mode” that reduces latency. That’s on top of features like spatial audio, a graphic EQ, a lost device finder, adaptive ANC, simplified voice commands and automatic switching between Samsung devices.

This kind of walled garden approach is frustrating; remember when you could plug your headphones into any device and it’d work the same way every time? But, as with the Pixel Buds and AirPods, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are undeniably convenient if you’ve already bought into their chosen platform.

The rest of the package gets more right than wrong, though there are some issues worth calling out. The stem-style design pretty much rips off the AirPods Pro — this is particularly evident with the white finish — but adds weird, unnecessary LED strips down the stems. It’s comfortable, but Samsung isn’t beating the copycat allegations here. The ANC isn’t on par with the Sony XM5s either, and the six-hour battery life is shorter than many other premium pairs. There’s also no hi-res codec support with non-Samsung phones. On the plus side, the ambient sound mode works well. And most importantly, these things sound excellent out of the box, with full, meaty bass complemented by amply detailed highs and upper-mids.

It’s worth noting that Samsung froze shipments of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro right around launch due to quality control concerns (mainly regarding the stock eartips), but those look to have been resolved, and we haven’t seen anything out of the ordinary with our review unit.

Pros

  • Tight integration with Samsung phones
  • Great audio quality
  • Comfy fit
  • Natural ambient sound

Cons

  • Need a Samsung phone to get the most out of them
  • Battery life is shorter than some rivals
  • Copycat design with gimmicky LED lights

$190 at Amazon

What to look for in wireless earbuds for Android devices

A selection of wireless earbuds sit organized in rows on a granite background.

(Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

For the most part, the features you want from a set of “Android earbuds” are the same as what you want from any headphones. Great sound quality, a comfortable fit and sufficient battery life are still the foundations. Adequate water resistance is good for workouts, and nobody wants a crummy mic for making calls. Once you approach the $100 range, features like active noise cancellation (ANC), wireless charging, an ambient sound mode (which lets you better hear outside noise without turning off your music) and multipoint connectivity (the ability to pair with multiple devices simultaneously) should be expected.

For Android devices specifically, there are a few extras to consider. A dedicated app that makes it easy to switch sound modes, customize the audio profile, locate your earbuds if they ever get misplaced or adjust other settings is strongly preferred. Features like Google Fast Pair or NFC-based pairing, which can help you avoid having to dig through your Bluetooth menu to connect your earbuds for the first time, are also nice perks. Some Android devices can also utilize higher-quality Bluetooth codecs such as aptX Adaptive or Sony’s LDAC — these aren’t nearly as important to audio quality as the actual architecture of your earbuds, but they can help wring out a little more detail if the buds are capable enough and you’re streaming lossless files. AptX Adaptive can also help reduce latency, which is good for streaming video or gaming.

Diversity is Android’s greatest strength, but it also means that some wireless earbuds play nicer with certain devices, typically those made by the same company. Recent Samsung earbuds, for instance, come with a few perks that are only available if you use a Galaxy phone. We have a couple of recommendations related to this idea above.

How we test Android earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM5 review

(Photo by Billy Steele/Engadget)

The best way to test earphones is simply to wear them as much as possible, so that’s what we do. We typically do this over a one- to two-week period, though embargo times occasionally force us to finish our review process a bit faster. We listen to a test playlist that includes several musical genres and podcasts, paying close attention to how each pair approaches the bass, mid and treble frequencies to get an accurate sense of its sound profile. We also test at high and low volumes to check for consistency in the tuning. We do not have access to a dummy head to take more objective measurements, but we’ll sometimes look to sites like Rtings, SoundGuys and others that do just to ensure our impressions are not wildly off-base. If a model supports custom EQ, we’ll tinker with that and use the available EQ presets to see if one sounds dramatically better than the others — though in general we base most of our impressions on the stock tuning each pair uses by default.

To assess microphone quality, we record our own audio samples and take multiple calls with a partner both indoors and outside. For battery life, we play our test playlist on a loop with the volume around 75 percent and measure how long it takes for each set to drain. Where applicable, we do a thorough review of a pair’s companion app and test each available feature. While comfort is ultimately subjective, we take note of how secure each pair feels while we’re on the move. We also use certain pairs in especially crowded public spaces to get a better sense of their passive and active noise cancellation, as well as their ability to maintain a consistent Bluetooth connection.

Recent updates

August 2025: We’ve taken another sweep to ensure our advice is still up-to-date.

May 2025: We’ve checked this guide to ensure our top picks still stand and noted a couple alternatives to the Noble Fokus Rex5, since that pair has had stock issues of late. We’re also keeping an eye on how the Trump administration’s tariff policy affects the pricing and stock of our recommendations (and the consumer tech industry as a whole). All of our picks are still available in their normal price ranges today, but we’ll update this guide if that changes.

February 2025: The Noble FoKus Rex5 is our new “best for sound quality” pick, replacing the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4. Our other recommendations remain unchanged.

December 2024: We’ve lightly edited this guide for clarity and ensured that our current picks are still accurate.



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Baseus Clip-On Earbuds Is Nearly Free Just Weeks After Launch, First Discount Hits for Early Prime Day
Gaming Gear

Baseus Clip-On Earbuds Is Nearly Free Just Weeks After Launch, First Discount Hits for Early Prime Day

by admin


Noise-cancellation is a great addition on any premium pair of headphones or earbuds, but what it does is drive up the price way high. It’s not something that’s always needed. If you’re not frequently riding on airplanes or trying to drown out the sounds of a couple arguing in the apartment next door, you’ll probably be find just listening on the standard mode. So, you’d only be paying the standard price, not premium. And if you’re a runner listening to music while hitting the roads, noise-cancellation can be dangerous. You’ll want to be as aware as your surroundings as possible.

See at Amazon

Well, Baseus has a solid pair of wireless earbuds that get the job done and are crazy affordable. Normally they go for $40 which is already pretty reasonable. But for a limited time, you can secure yourself a pair for 28% off. At the time of writing this, the Baseus Bass BC1 open ear earbuds are just $29.

Earbuds That Stay in Place

The Baseus Bass open ear earbuds use a curved design which ergonomically fits around to the back of your ear and clipping it in place. As much as a lot of those in-ear earbud manufacturers like to boast how they have a secure fit, even offering differently sized ear tips, I never quite feel like they are going to stay in place. Baseus has found a much better solution that can actually adapt to various ear shapes without risk of falling out.

The open design is non-intrusive and pressure free. You can listen while wearing glasses without them getting in the way of each other. Plus, sound quality is spectacular with its punchy bass and 12mm driver.

These open ear earbuds are designed to keep up with your active lifestyle. They are rated IP55, staying safe from dust, water, sweat and splashes so don’t be afraid to get your workout done while listening to the latest Sabrina Carpenter hit.

The earbuds have physical buttons to with customizable functions like answering calls, skipping songs, or accessing your voice assistant. The fact that the buttons are physical is a huge bonus. Some earbuds that have touch features can be prone to accidental touches, frustratingly restarting a song or hanging up on a friend. Much smaller chance of that happening here.

The four onboard microphones work in unison to amplify your voice during calls while filtering out distracting background noises—ensuring you are always heard crystal clear on the other end.

You can score the Baseus Bass BC1 open ear earbuds for the reduced price of just $29 for a limited time.

See at Amazon



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Anker’s Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds now feature active noise canceling
Gaming Gear

Anker’s Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds now feature active noise canceling

by admin


As with previous versions, Anker is making its new Soundcore Sleep A30 available for preorder through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign that’s launching today, while full availability of the earbuds is expected sometime in August 2025 through Amazon and Soundcore’s online store. At $229.99, the Sleep A30 are quite a bit more expensive than last year’s $149.99 Sleep A20, but the earliest Kickstarter backers can get the A30 discounted to $139.

The Sleep A30 earbuds are now 7 percent slimmer and feature a smaller design that ensures they don’t protrude from your ears so there’s reduced pressure while wearing them and laying on a pillow if you’re a side sleeper. To help you find a snug fit, Anker includes four sizes of silicone ear tips, three sizes of memory foam tips, and three sizes of ear wings.

Anker claims the new Sleep A30 block up to 30dB of external noise, but the added ANC, which uses two mics positioned inside and outside your ears, does result in reduced battery life. The A20 could run for up to 14 hours on a single charge, but the A30 max out at up to nine hours on their own, or up to 45 hours with their charging case. However, that’s only when listening to white noise or other sounds designed to help you fall asleep that are stored on the buds themselves. When streaming music or podcasts from a phone, battery life is further reduced to up to 6.5 hours or 35 hours with the case.

The Sleep A30’s charging case has been upgraded with what Anker is calling “Adaptive Snore Masking technology.” If it detects the sounds of snoring from another person nearby, it analyzes the volume and frequency of the sounds and generates “noise masking audio” that’s sent to the buds to help block it out.

The new earbuds also feature sleep monitoring and sleep position tracking, allowing you to see how restful or eventful your night was through the Soundcore mobile app; a private repeatable alarm with snooze functionality; and a Find My Earbud feature should they fall out in the night and get lost in the sheets.



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
The best earbuds we’ve tested for 2025
Gaming Gear

The best earbuds we’ve tested for 2025

by admin


It’s hard to buy a bad pair of wireless earbuds these days, and with constant discounts and deals wherever you look, now is as good of a time as any to splurge on the pair you’ve been eyeing. The market has come a long way since the early era of true wireless earbuds when we had to deal with mediocre sound quality and unreliable performance, all for the sake of ditching cables. Things are much different now. After several product generations of learned lessons, companies like Sony, Apple, Samsung, and others are releasing their most impressive earbuds to date.

You can get phenomenal noise cancellation and sound quality in the premium tier of earbuds if you’re willing to spend big. But those aren’t always the most important criteria for everyone: maybe you’re looking for the perfect fitness earbuds or for a set that works just as well for Zoom calls as for playing your favorite playlists and podcasts.

Tech companies are increasingly making their earbuds work best with their own products through exclusive features and functionality, so that’s another thing to consider as you shop around. If you want a perk like head-tracking spatial audio, you’ll need to use AirPods with an iPhone, Samsung buds with a Samsung phone, and so on.

$248

Sony’s flagship wireless earbuds offer the company’s best noise cancellation, powerful and lively sound, and a comfortable fit.

Read More

$285

With dynamic, rich sound and the best ANC available, the QC Ultra Earbuds are a terrific pick if you want to listen to your music in peace.

Read More

What I’m looking for

How we test wireless earbuds

Collapse

Whether you’re using earbuds to check out a newly-released album on Spotify, as motivation at the gym, or to tune out distractions around the office, they must deliver on the key metrics of sound quality, noise cancellation, voice call performance, and more. We spend many hours putting our picks through the paces. This includes quiet listening sessions that reveal their full detail, overall fidelity, and dynamics. We also take these buds out into the real world — on rush hour subway commutes, around busy cities, and in crowded cafes — to gauge their connection strength and determine how effectively they can quiet the world around you. We test them on video calls at work and by calling friends and family, who provide blunt feedback on how their mics sound. And importantly, with earbud makers often reserving certain software tricks for their own preferred ecosystem, we see how the earbuds fare when used across multiple platforms.

Comfort

Collapse

No matter how they sound, what good are earbuds if you don’t enjoy wearing them? Ears come in all shapes and sizes, so the comfort factor is highly subjective. Most of our picks include several sizes of ear tips; usually they’re silicone, but some companies use foam (or both). Again, which you like better comes down to personal preference. Silicone tips are more common, but foam can expand to fill more of your ear for a better seal. The most important tip I can offer is to try different-sized tips in each ear: you might find that one of your ears needs something bigger or smaller than the other.

Good sound

Collapse

Just like with comfort, we all have our own inclinations for what we want from sound quality. Some people are bass-heads who can’t live without a thumping low end. Personally, I care more about dynamics, clarity, and definition from the music I’m listening to. I want vocals to ring through naturally and instruments to be well separated in the sound stage. I look for earbuds that can bring out the subtle details in my favorite songs.

Active noise cancellation

Collapse

What was once a luxury feature is now the status quo. Many of our top picks include active noise cancellation to help quiet the raucous outside world. Whether you’re trying to concentrate at the office or rest while traveling, noise cancellation can be a huge help. However, some people hate the “plugged up” feeling of earbuds and prefer open-style buds that help maintain full awareness of their surroundings.

Long battery life

Collapse

Most earbuds these days can reach between five and six hours of continuous battery life with ANC enabled. Some models can exceed that (and over-ear headphones tend to last much longer on a charge), but the convenience of being able to just pop your earbuds back into their case for more juice makes the tradeoff easier to live with.

Water resistance

Collapse

Even if you don’t intend to use your earbuds for fitness purposes, there’s always a chance of getting caught out in the rain while wearing them. At minimum, you should be looking for earbuds that offer IPX4 water resistance. This safeguards them from splashes of water (and sweat), so they should be cut out for the hazards of daily life.

The best overall wireless earbuds

$248

The Good

  • Smaller, more comfortable design
  • Upgrades to ANC and sound quality
  • Much clearer voice call performance

The Bad

  • Glossy texture can make them harder to remove from case
  • Sony’s bonus features aren’t as seamless as those of its competitors
  • Potential battery longevity concerns

Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 8 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC / Multipoint: Yes / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Foam (XS, S, M, L)

Just like their predecessors, Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds have again topped our recommendations for the overall best noise-canceling earbuds. Thanks to their larger drivers, the audio quality is more detailed and dynamic than before while still retaining the warmth and clarity that made the WF-1000XM4 so enjoyable. Sony has also further improved its ANC and is nearing the same territory as Bose’s QC Earbuds II. These earbuds do a terrific job of eliminating background noise. Battery life can stretch to eight hours of continuous listening with noise cancellation turned on.

Some people found the XM4 to be bulky and uncomfortable, so this time around, Sony has managed to shrink the XM5 by 25 percent. Like before, the company includes foam-style tips that expand in your ears to create an excellent seal — and now there’s a fourth (extra small) set of tips in the box.

The WF-1000XM5 are smaller and more comfortable than their M4 predecessors. Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

On Android phones, the 1000XM5 support Sony’s LDAC codec for higher-quality music playback. And they’re capable of dynamic head tracking spatial audio through supported video apps like Netflix. But even if you’re not using LDAC (or have an iPhone), these are up there with the very best audio-focused premium earbuds — including Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4, only with substantially better noise cancellation. They’re also capable of multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, so you can pair them with two devices at the same time.

It’s worth noting that there were many reports of battery issues with the 1000XM4 over time as those earbuds aged, but Sony claims to have rectified that problem with the new model by tweaking the charging algorithm.

Read our full WF-1000XM5 review.

The best budget earbuds under $100

$79

The Good

  • Standout color and design
  • Very compact carrying case
  • Great performer for the price

The Bad

  • Limited retail availability
  • Plastic case can show scuffs

Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 5.5 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IP54 / Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)

When looking at Nothing’s Ear (a) earbuds, it’s easy to focus all your attention on the catchy yellow color or their fun, super compact carrying case. But at their $99.99 price, the company’s entry-level earbuds provide a ton of features, including active noise cancellation, a low-latency mode for gaming, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, and a decent IP54 dust and water resistance rating.

The Ear (a) are Nothing’s first earbuds that aren’t only offered black or white. Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

And the sound quality you get outperforms my usual expectations for this price point. They’re not quite on par with Nothing’s higher-end Ears, but you do get expressive, very enjoyable audio — and you can customize the EQ further in Nothing’s mobile app.

Read my full Nothing Ear (a) impressions.

The best noise-canceling earbuds

$285

The Good

  • Most powerful ANC you’ll find in earbuds
  • Lively, rich sound
  • Stabilizer fins are easier to apply

The Bad

  • Immersive Audio drains battery
  • Still no multipoint in 2023
  • Wireless charging requires $49 case

Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 6 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC, aptX Adaptive / Multipoint: Yes / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)

Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are the most powerful noise-canceling earbuds on the market. Of all our top picks, they do the best job at offering peace and quiet from the cacophony of daily life and putting you in a private bubble with your music playlists or favorite podcasts.

Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer the best noise cancellation of any pair of wireless buds. Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

The QC Ultra Earbuds are extremely similar to 2022’s QC Earbuds II in terms of design, fit, and sound. Audio quality is rich and dynamic, delivering more bass thump than, say, Apple’s AirPods Pro. And by switching to a two-piece ear tip / stabilizer fitting process, Bose’s latest flagship buds should fit a wider range of ears more comfortably. The Ultra also introduce a new Immersive Audio mode, which is Bose’s take on spatial audio.

Read our full QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review.

The best earbuds for sports and working out

$249

The Good

  • Huzzah! Wireless charging!
  • Adds ANC, transparency modes, spatial audio
  • Slimmer ear hook, smaller case
  • Adds heart rate
  • Great sound
  • No price hike

The Bad

  • Case is still a chonker
  • Heart rate is not that useful for iOS users

Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 8 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (XS, S, M, L, XL)

After a long wait, Beats finally introduced the Powerbeats Pro 2 in early 2025. They carry forward the signature ear hook design of past Powerbeats earbuds, but improve upon the original Powerbeats Pro in several key ways. Beats added active noise cancellation and a natural-sounding transparency mode to the Pro 2; the first-generation pair lacked both. The earbuds themselves are lighter, too, and the charging case is noticeably smaller.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 also feature heart rate monitoring thanks to built-in sensors on each earbud. You might already have a fitness tracker, chest strap, or smartwatch for this purpose, but if not, you can use these with compatible apps like Nike Run Club, Runna, Ladder, Slopes, Open, Peloton, and YaoYao. The downside is that they can’t simultaneously play music and broadcast heart rate to gym equipment when paired to an iOS device, rendering the Pro 2 a better heart rate monitoring alternative for Android users than iPhone users.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 have an ear-hook design for maximum stability. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

The Powerbeats Pro 2 remain rated IPX4 for water resistance. While that’s not as robust as some other fitness-focused buds, it should be sufficient to survive sweat and outdoor runs in various conditions. The earbuds still offer easy-to-use physical buttons and a dedicated volume rocker, so it’s easy to control them in the middle of a workout.

If you’re an iPhone owner, the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds include Apple-only features like dynamic head tracking for spatial audio, auto device switching, Find My integration, and more. For Android users, Beats has an app that packs in a smaller subset of these functions.

Read our full Powerbeats Pro 2 review.

The best earbuds for iPhone owners

$199

The Good

  • Much better noise cancellation
  • Improved sound quality and clarity
  • Unrivaled hearing health features

The Bad

  • Unchanged design
  • Sound is better but not top tier

Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 6 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (XS, S, M, L)

For those invested in Apple’s ecosystem, the second-gen AirPods Pro bring an appealing mix of top-notch noise cancellation and refined sound compared to the original pair. As always, they also include numerous features (spatial audio, audio sharing, automatic syncing across iCloud devices, etc.) that make them an ideal companion to the company’s other devices. They’re also the only AirPods that come with different sizes of ear tips for a customizable fit — including an extra small option.

The second-gen AirPods Pro remain the best choice for people who own Apple devices. Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

The AirPods Pro have a compact case that supports wireless charging. Setting them up is as simple as holding the open case near your iPhone. The earbuds are lightweight and fit snugly in most ears. Their force sensor pinch controls are easy to get down, and with the second-gen model, Apple added swipe-based volume controls. The AirPods Pro have traditionally ranked among the best wireless earbuds when it comes to voice call quality, and the second-gen earbuds don’t disappoint. Their ANC is improved over the original model and is now right up there with Sony, and their transparency mode has gained the ability to quickly damper sudden, loud noises that might happen around you.

Where the AirPods Pro stand out is with their Apple-only features like head tracking for spatial audio, automatic device switching, extensive Find My support, and so on. The charging case now features a built-in speaker and a U1 chip for pinpoint location tracking, and the latest AirPods Pro have better sound and noise canceling capabilities than the original model. Plus, they retain their deep integration with Apple’s hardware ecosystem.

In the fall, Apple also rolled out an impressive set of hearing health features for the second-gen AirPods Pro. They’re now able to serve as clinical-grade hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss and protect your hearing in loud environments; you can even take a hearing test to assess your own level of hearing loss.

Read our original AirPods Pro (second-gen) review.

The best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy phone owners

$190

The Good

  • Terrific sound quality
  • Crisp, natural transparency / passthrough mode
  • Voice commands are simple and so useful
  • Good voice calls

The Bad

  • Uninspired design
  • Midtier noise cancellation performance
  • No true multipoint

Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 6 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IP57 / Bluetooth codecs: Samsung seamless, AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: Android, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro ditch the company’s more discreet designs of the past for a stemmed style that’s similar to AirPods and any number of other wireless earbuds. Boring? Maybe, but thanks to that change, I’ve found them to be more comfortable and provide better stability than the Buds 2 Pro. The sound quality is even better than before — and it was already excellent. These are right up there with Sennheiser and Technics from an audio fidelity standpoint.

The Buds 3 Pro are an ideal match for Samsung’s latest phones. Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

The Buds 3 Pro are also a standout performer when it comes to call quality. And my favorite thing about these earbuds are the hands-free voice commands that don’t require you to say any specific wake phrase beforehand. You can just say “volume up” and / or “next song,” and it happens.

But they’re not perfect: the Buds 3 Pro lack multipoint connectivity, so they can’t connect to two devices at the same time. Just like Apple, Samsung prefers to automatically hop between products within its own walled garden ecosystem. Some people might consider this a dealbreaker, but I’ve still enjoyed the earbuds plenty without it.

Read our full Galaxy Buds 3 Pro review.

The best earbuds for Google Pixel phone owners

$189

The Good

  • Smaller and lighter design is supremely comfortable
  • More powerful noise cancellation
  • Crystal-clear transparency mode
  • Very pleasant and detailed sound quality

The Bad

  • ANC can’t quite match Bose
  • Google still refuses to add higher-quality Bluetooth codecs, limiting overall fidelity
  • Gemini Live feels more feeble than futuristic

Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 8 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IP54 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: Yes / Works best with: Android, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (XS, S, M, L)

With the Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google has addressed most of the downsides of the original pair. They’re far smaller and lighter than the chunky first-gen Pixel Buds Pro. And there’s a small nub on the buds to help lock them in place even during intensive activities like running or exercise.

Google’s active noise cancellation still isn’t on the same tier as Bose, but the transparency mode on the Buds Pro 2 is among the very best you’ll find. It offers a crisp, natural passthrough for the outside world when needed. Multipoint support is included, and Google’s latest earbuds eke out impressive battery life that surpasses most competitors.

Google really downsized the Pixel Buds Pro 2 (bottom) compared to the original pair (top). Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

Got a Pixel phone? With the Pixel Buds Pro 2, you can have lengthy conversations with Google’s Gemini AI while your phone stays in your pocket. Features like head-tracking spatial audio and Clear Calling are also exclusive to those within the Pixel ecosystem. If that’s you, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a big step up from the previous buds in a much smaller package.

Read our full Pixel Buds Pro 2 review.

The best earbuds if you own both Apple and Android devices

$170

The Good

  • Better sound, ANC, and battery life than Studio Buds
  • Standout translucent case option
  • Improved voice call performance

The Bad

  • ANC and transparency fall short of second-gen AirPods Pro
  • Doesn’t offer all Apple ecosystem tricks
  • No wireless charging or in-ear detection

Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 6 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (XS, S, M, L)

Beats’ Studio Buds Plus are an upgraded, better-performing revision of the Studio Buds released in 2021. This time, the company has made the noise cancellation more powerful while also improving the quality of the transparency mode and extending battery life. If you’re going for style points, it doesn’t get much cooler than the translucent color option. These earbuds are very tiny and rank up with the best in terms of overall comfort.

The translucent color option has a very ‘90s vibe. Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

What’s interesting about the Studio Buds Plus is that they use a proprietary chip that allows them to support native software features on both iOS and Android. Plenty of earbuds offer companion apps on each platform, but in the case of the Beats, they work with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device. You also get simple one-tap pairing, no matter which operating system you’re using.

The drawback to this dual-ecosystem life is that Apple customers don’t get all the usual bells and whistles that come with AirPods or even the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2; you lose out on audio sharing, head tracking spatial audio, and other tricks. Wireless charging and an ear detection sensor (for auto-pause when a bud is removed) are also MIA, which stings a bit considering the price.

Read our full Beats Studio Buds Plus review.

The best earbuds for sound quality

$231

The Good

  • Fantastic sound quality
  • Improved day-to-day reliability
  • Auracast-enabled

The Bad

  • Too pricey for some
  • Noise cancellation does the job, but isn’t anything special
  • Long-term durability remains to be seen

Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 7.5 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IP54 / Bluetooth codecs: AptX Adaptive, AptX, AAC, SBC / Multipoint: Yes / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (XS, S, M, L)

Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless earbuds have always sounded fantastic; that’s never been the issue. But previous models in the series have been tainted a bit by bugs, unsteady performance, and battery reliability problems. The fourth-gen pair finally gets that part right while continuing to offer tremendous, detailed sound quality that stands above nearly all competitors. They’re a joy to listen to. The active noise cancellation can’t compete with the likes of Apple, Sony, and Bose, but if you care more about lush, intricate sound, the MTW4 won’t disappoint in the slightest.

That copper finish is pretty nice. Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

These earbuds come with optional wing tips to help keep them securely locked in your ears. That could prove helpful for running or when hitting the gym. Sennheiser allows for plenty of EQ customization using its mobile app, and the Momentum True Wireless 4 support a range of Bluetooth codecs, including AAC, SBC, AptX, and AptX Adaptive. Sennheiser has also promised that they’re LE Audio and Auracast-ready for when those features become more widespread.

Read our full Momentum True Wireless 4 review.

The best earbuds for voice calls on iPhone

$119

The Good

  • Upgraded sound quality
  • Voice isolation can noticeably improve call clarity
  • Deep Apple ecosystem integration

The Bad

  • No wireless charging
  • No built-in speaker on the case
  • No proper multipoint

Noise cancellation: Optional / Battery life: 5 hours / Water resistance: IP54 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: None

Apple’s AirPods 4 come in two different versions, with a higher-priced option that includes active noise cancellation and wireless charging. But sound quality is identical on both sets, and equally as important in this case is that the same can be said of voice call clarity.

On the AirPods 4, there’s a new “voice isolation” feature — enabled by default — that uses machine learning both on the earbuds and your iPhone to eliminate distracting background noise on your end so that you come through clearly to whoever you’re speaking with.

Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

Overall call quality is excellent with the AirPods 4. And beyond that, compared to the third-gen model, you can expect upgraded audio quality (with richer bass), new ways of interacting with Siri through head movements, and yes… there’s a USB-C connector on the included charging case, as opposed to a Lightning port.

The AirPods still have a one-size-fits-most hard plastic form factor, so I recommend trying them before committing to a purchase. However, Apple says it used more than 50 million data points to further refine the contours and overall stability of its latest earbuds. So, if previous models worked well for you, these seem like a safe bet. The only question is whether you feel like spending a little more to gain ANC, a transparency mode, wireless charging, and a built-in speaker for Find My location tracking.

Read our full AirPods 4 review.

The best earbuds for voice calls on Android

$190

The Good

  • Terrific sound quality
  • Crisp, natural transparency / passthrough mode
  • Voice commands are simple and so useful
  • Good voice calls

The Bad

  • Uninspired design
  • Midtier noise cancellation performance
  • No true multipoint

Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 6 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IP57 / Bluetooth codecs: Samsung seamless, AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: Android, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)

Sony’s unconventional LinkBuds were our longtime pick for the clearest voice calls on Android, but we haven’t had the chance to review their successors. For now, the aforementioned Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are an easy-to-recommend choice. The built-in “voice pickup unit” detects the movement of your mouth to help isolate your voice from background noise and keep conversations clear.

The advantage of stemmed earbuds is that they position the mics closer to your mouth.

The Buds 3 Pro have proven dependable for me during video chats on Google Meet, and people have been able to hear me without issue, even when I’m answering a quick call on the street.

Read our full Galaxy Buds 3 Pro review.

Photography by Chris Welch / The Verge except where specified

Update, June 5th: Updated to reflect current pricing and availability, along with several new links.





Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
The Only Budget CMF by Nothing Earbuds Worth Buying
Product Reviews

The Only Budget CMF by Nothing Earbuds Worth Buying

by admin


There are a lot of wireless earbuds in the world today. In fact, at this exact moment, there are no less than (count ’em) three pairs in my coat pocket right now as I type these words. That’s a lot of earbuds for one person to have, and that figure only becomes even more ridiculous when you consider all three pairs of said wireless earbuds are from one single company—and they were all released at the same time.

That company in question is CMF, which is a sub-brand of the audio-turned-phone company, Nothing. Last month CMF released three different pairs of wireless earbuds—the Buds 2a, the Buds 2, and the Buds 2 Plus. If you’re saying to yourself, “that seems excessive,” then I’m in agreement with you, but hold your judgment until the end because things are about to get even more complicated.

See Buds 2a at Amazon

See Buds 2 at Amazon

See Buds 2 Plus at Amazon

All three of those wireless earbuds have different prices; all three of them have different levels of active noise cancellation (ANC); and all three of them have different drivers. That means, as you’re about to learn, all three of them deliver a different listening experience, and that means you ought to know what you’re getting into before you roll the dice and purchase a pair. But where do you start? Spec sheets are helpful, but they only bring you so far. It’s the experience of using them—the real discernible one that decibels on a chart might not portray—that really matters. If only there were someone who spent time trying all three to tell you just which pair you need and which you can potentially forget…

CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus

The CMF Buds 2 Plus may be the most expensive of the pack, but they’re still the most bang for the buck. Trust me, you’ll hear the difference—I sure did.

Pros

  • Robust bass

  • Good dynamic range

  • Affordable

Cons

  • No orange color

  • Similar sound to Buds 2 at times

In case you didn’t get my not-so-subtle hint, I tried all three of CMF’s new pairs of wireless earbuds to bring you the answer to your burning question: which pair of Buds 2 should you get? The answer may not surprise you, but before we get to my experience and comparison, let’s start at the beginning. What’s going on with these wireless earbuds?

First, at the lowest end, there’s the Buds 2a, which I got in this appealing orange color that the 2 Plus unfortunately does not come in. Naturally, these wireless earbuds have the lowest level of everything in the spec department, and they also have the lowest price. The Buds 2a have 42 decibels of noise cancellation, a 12.4 mm Bio-fiber driver, and 5 hours of battery life with ANC on and 8 hours with ANC off. They retail at a very reasonable price of $49.

Then, there’s the middle child: the Buds 2, which, if you’ve been following along, have slightly elevated specs and a slightly higher price, though there’s actually one big caveat on that front that I’ll get to in a moment. The Buds 2 have 48 decibels of noise cancellation, 11mm PMI drivers enhanced by Dirac Opteo’s tuning, and 7.5 hours of battery life with ANC on and 13.5 hours with ANC off. Here’s where things get interesting; they usually retail at a $10 premium compared to the Buds 2a (that’s $59), but as of this writing, they’re $10 off, which makes them the same price of $49.

© Raymond Wong / Gizmodo

Finally, there’s the Buds 2 Plus, which are the proverbial crème de la crème of CMF by Nothing’s most recent lineup (forgetting the Buds 2 Pro that came out last year for a moment) that have—say it with me now—the highest price tag. The Buds 2 Plus have 50 decibels of adaptive noise cancellation (only slightly higher than the Buds 2 but with a 5400Hz frequency range as opposed to the former’s 5200Hz range), a 12 mm liquid crystal polymer driver, and 7.5 hours of ANC playback out of the case and 14 hours of non-ANC playback. They, as I alluded to, are the most expensive of the three pairs at $69.

Okay, got all that? Stay with me, now! The lineup, with its similar names, looks, and slight variations in features and price, is confusing, and there’s no way of getting around that. Don’t worry, though, for everyone’s sake (myself included), we’re going to put all of that aside for a moment and get down to brass tacks: what do these things actually sound like? On that front, I’ve got good news and bad news.

I’ve been using CMF’s budget wireless buds for the past couple of weeks, and I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Sometimes you really get what you pay for (see: this scrappy but frankly bad pair of pocket-sized earbuds I reviewed from Jlabs) and sometimes the cheapest option is actually the best (see: Nothing’s Ear (a) wireless earbuds). Because of that variability, I came into the trio of CMF wireless buds with an open mind, but ultimately, I was surprised at what I found.

As a test, I listened to the same song (My Bloody Valentine’s “Only Shallow”) with each pair, back-to-back-to-back, and under the same conditions—a fairly quiet area of the Gizmodo office. Starting first with the highest-end pair, the Buds 2 Plus, I worked my way down until I hit the Buds 2a.

© Raymond Wong / Gizmodo

© Raymond Wong / Gizmodo

So let’s start from the top: the CMF Buds 2 Plus sound great. There’s dynamic range, and the noise cancellation, though not world-class, is solid enough for your subway commute (an environment that I also tested all three buds in). Frankly, I think they’re almost as nice as Nothing’s Ear (a), which is probably my favorite pair of Nothing wireless earbuds for the value and design. All in all, I’m a fan of the CMF Buds 2 Plus. I wouldn’t choose them as my “daily driver,” so to speak, just because I love the ceramic driver on Nothing’s Ear wireless earbuds more and their transparent design, but if I were forced to use them, I wouldn’t be mad about the quality.

Next, I tried the CMF Buds 2, the middle child, which, while pleasant, didn’t quite sing like the Buds 2 Plus. They do an equally good job of simulating bass, but they definitely are a little muddier compared to their premium-priced counterparts. ANC, as I suspected, based on the level of noise cancellation stated in CMF’s spec sheets, was about the same as the 2 Plus, which is nice, but if you’re looking for the highest fidelity, the 2 Plus wins this round.

Then there’s the baby—the CMF Buds 2a. This is where I noticed the biggest dropoff. While the price is very approachable, these buds sound by far the tinniest out of the lineup and bring the lowest level of noise cancellation. It was harder to notice when I was testing the wireless buds anecdotally and randomly on my morning commute, but I’m not a big fan of the dynamic range or the noise cancellation on the Buds 2a. I’d say you get what you pay for, but these buds now cost the same as the Buds 2, and the midrange pair are leaps and bounds better.

© Raymond Wong / Gizmodo

So, those are unscientific conclusions. In this case, the Buds 2 Plus justify the premium price, and while the Buds 2 are serviceable, they definitely don’t deliver the same quality. You can forget all about the Buds 2a because they don’t deliver anywhere near the sound quality of the Buds 2, which are now the same damn price. But just to be sure I wasn’t letting the knowledge of price affect my judgment, I did a blind test to see if I could really hear the difference, and mostly my impressions remained the same.

In a blindfolded listening test, I was able to identify the three different wireless buds correctly six times in a row on two different styles of songs (rock and hip-hop), though there are some frequencies where the difference is harder to notice, like more “cinematic” music with fewer frequencies to keep track of. The Buds 2a are a dead giveaway with their tinny, almost hollow sound, and the Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus are definitely harder to differentiate but still have enough tells in most genres—the Buds 2 Plus typically have better bass and a fuller sound profile.

While I don’t love to be upsold on anything, sometimes in this world, you get what you pay for, and the CMF wireless earbuds are no different. My advice is, if you can afford the $20 premium over the Buds 2 and Buds 2a, then you should pay it—get the Buds 2 Plus. There’s not much difference from an ANC perspective, but from sheer sound quality, the Buds 2 Plus earn their premium-sounding name, and they’re still (if we’re in the spirit of comparing) $50 cheaper than the Nothing Ear and $10 cheaper than the Ear (a).

See Buds 2a at Amazon

See Buds 2 at Amazon

See Buds 2 Plus at Amazon



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Final VR3000 Wireless on desk with pink background
Product Reviews

Final VR3000 Wireless review: an excellent sounding pair of gaming earbuds, but the ANC is nonexistent

by admin



Why you can trust TechRadar


We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Final VR3000 Wireless: two-minute review

The VR3000 Wireless are gaming earbuds compatible with multiple platforms, thanks to their Bluetooth and 2.4GHz support. They can be customized using the Final Connect mobile app, featuring options to toggle the touch controls and ANC modes, as well as providing a 10-band equalizer to tinker with, offering plenty of scope to sculpt the sound profile as you see fit. It’s a shame there’s only one profile slot to save your settings to, though.

They cut a refined figure, with their small, slender profile and premium feel. They also look smart with their minimal and functional design. I found the VR3000 Wireless quite comfortable to wear, and they’re light enough to feel inconspicuous, while offering a snug and secure fit at the same time. However, I did experience some aching after about an hour, owing to the lack of any soft material around the drivers.

The overall sound they produce is excellent, rivaling the best wireless gaming headsets: it’s well-balanced, although the bass, while plenty full, lacks a little punch. The binaural qualities are also great, as Final is keen to point out in marketing the VR3000 Wireless.


You may like

The microphone renders voices with enough clarity so that it’s usable for chats, although it’s hardly the best in class, given its slightly lower fidelity compared to rivals, with inputs sounding a little muffled.

The ANC function, however, is even more disappointing, appearing only to curb certain frequencies rather than attempting to block all external noise. As a result, it fails to block out environmental sounds to any noticeable degree.

Battery life, on the other hand, did seem to live up to expectations. After several days of use, the VR3000 Wireless still had plenty of charge left both in themselves and in the case.

Connectivity is similarly reliable, although there were occasions when I had to unplug and replug the 2.4GHz dongle to reestablish connection with my PS5, which was inconvenient.

However, considering their multiple wireless options and support for a variety of platforms – not to mention the build quality, features, and excellent sound – the VR3000 Wireless represent good value. They rival costlier alternatives on many of these fronts, such as the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds and the Sony Inzone Buds. All of this means that the VR3000 Wireless are definitely worth shortlisting if you’re after gaming earbuds with plenty of quality in a small package.

(Image credit: Future)

Final VR3000 Wireless review: price and availability

  • $129 / £129 (about AU$200)
  • Available now
  • Cheaper than rivals

The VR3000 Wireless cost $129 / £129 (about AU$200) and are available now. They come with a charging case and five silicone tips in various sizes. A USB-C dongle for 2.4GHz connections is also included, but unfortunately, there’s no USB-A adapter for it.

This is a good price for a pair of high-quality wireless earbuds. They’re cheaper than the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, for instance, which are our current pick as the best gaming earbuds around.

They’re also less expensive than the Sony Inzone Buds, some of the best PS5 earbuds around. These had a less than impressive bass response than the VR3000 Wireless, though, but do feature much improved noise cancellation.

Final VR3000 Wireless review: specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Price

$129 / £129 (about AU$200)

Weight

0.17oz / 4.8g (each bud)

Compatibility

Android, iOS, PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch

Connection type

Wireless (Bluetooth, ultra low latency wireless dongle)

Battery life

Up to 11 hours on earbuds + 38 hours from case

Features

ANC, dual MEMS microphones, touch controls, IPX5

Software

Final Connect app (mobile)

(Image credit: Future)

Final VR3000 Wireless review: design and features

  • Well-made and premium feeling
  • Small profile
  • Useful mobile app

The VR3000 Wireless make an excellent first impression, with both the buds themselves and the case adopting a sleek and premium design. Both are pleasingly small as well, which makes them a great choice for those who like to game on the go.

The buds feature vertical stems typical of many earbuds, although they’re shorter than usual. They also have a more lateral fit, with the main bulk of the drivers running parallel with your inner ear, rather than protruding outwards, which gives them a lower profile.

However, one gripe I have is that taking the VR3000 Wireless out of their case can be an awkward process. The fit is extremely snug, and the magnetic hold is strong; this at least makes them secure, and I couldn’t even shake them out by hanging the case upside down.

There’s no real dimple or gap to get any purchase, and the buds only poke out marginally, so there’s not much surface area to grab a hold of. The only real place to grab them is at either end, which is problematic since you can easily trigger the touch controls when grabbing the rear portion.

(Image credit: Future)

The VR3000 Wireless can be customized using the Final Connect mobile app, available for both iOS and Android. This functions well and offers some useful features, including battery life readouts for each earbud, and the ability to toggle the touch controls on or off, or just disable the touch control for powering on and off the buds. Speaking of which, the touch controls are responsive and easy to use, and thankfully, some functions are accompanied by a voiceover, which is clear and informative.

You also toggle the ANC, which also features an Ambient mode that plays a constant white noise in the background. There’s a 10-band EQ to tinker with as well, although unfortunately, it only allows you to save one custom profile.

Still, this equalizer provides a lot of scope, allowing you to boost and cut frequencies between 31Hz and 16KHz by 6db. However, I found the sliders for adjusting these a little awkward to use, given their small size and how close all 10 are to each other on screen.

(Image credit: Future)

Final VR3000 Wireless review: Performance

  • Excellent sound
  • Poor ANC
  • Some connectivity issues

The sound produced by the Final VR3000 Wireless is excellent. The clarity and fidelity are superb, and the frequencies are expertly balanced; the mids and highs are especially good, with next no distortion.

In fact, the overall sound even comes close to rivalling the best earbuds designed for audio playback. Bass frequencies are deep and full, although they perhaps lack the punch of the beefiest earbuds around.

The spatial representation of the VR3000 Wireless is also quite commendable, accurately tracking the location of nearby footsteps in Counter-Strike 2 and cars in Gran Turismo 7.

However, I found the ANC quite poor, providing no discernible buffer between internal and external noise. It seemed merely to reduce the low-end frequencies of my immediate environment, not render them any less prominent. If anything, it sometimes made them more apparent, which is obviously disastrous for an ANC mode.

The microphone quality is sufficient for voices to come through clearly, although unsurprisingly, the fidelity isn’t a match for what large mics equipped on the best gaming headsets produce. There’s a slightly muffled effect to captured inputs, but thankfully, this isn’t egregious enough to ruin chats.

I also found the VR3000 Wireless uncomfortable for long sessions. There’s no silicone rim around the chassis to offer any cushioning, so the hard plastic is in contact with your inner ear the whole time.

(Image credit: Future)

This meant that after more than an hour or so, I would start to experience aching. However, for sessions shorter than this, I generally didn’t have an issue, and I appreciated their snug fit and low weight. Sometimes, I even forgot I was wearing them.

Unfortunately, I experienced a few connectivity issues during my time with the VR3000 Wireless. When connected to my PS5 via the USB 2.4GHz dongle, there were times when it wouldn’t reconnect. The only solution was to unplug and replug the dongle, which is, of course, quite inconvenient, and not an issue you’d experience with the best PS5 gaming headsets.

Thankfully, I had no issues with Bluetooth, as the VR3000 Wireless connected to my Android phone instantly. However, I did find the volume quite loud, requiring me to turn down the system volume to well below halfway for an acceptable volume.

Switching back and forth between mobile and PC (that is, between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz) also proved quick and easy, just like it is with the best PC gaming headsets. Again, though, I experienced the same volume jump on Windows, so beware that the VR3000 Wireless are a loud pair of earbuds.

The battery life of the VR3000 Wireless seems very good as well, with both buds appearing to have retained close to full battery after a few days of varied use. The case dropped one bar of charge in this same timeframe, indicating it had between 51% and 75% left, which is also respectable.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Final VR3000 Wireless?

Buy them if…

Don’t buy it if…

Final VR3000 Wireless review: also consider

Swipe to scroll horizontallyRow 0 – Cell 0

Final VR3000 Wireless

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

Sony Inzone Buds

Price

$129 / £129 (about AU$200)

$159.99 / £159.99 / AU$359

$199.99 / £179.99 / AU$249.95

Weight

0.17oz / 4.8g (each bud)

0.19oz / 5.3g (each bud); 1.7oz / 48.7g (case)

0.23oz / 6.5g (each bud)

Compatibility

Android, iOS, PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch

GameBuds for PlayStation: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Meta Quest 2/3, mobile; GameBuds for Xbox: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Meta Quest 2/3

Android, PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch

Connection type

Wireless (Bluetooth, ultra low latency wireless dongle)

2.4Ghz (via USB-C), Bluetooth 5.3 (mobile)

2.4GHz (via USB-C), Bluetooth 5.3

Battery life

Up to 11 hours on earbuds + 38 hours from case

Up to 40 hours (buds 10 hours; case 30 hours)

Up to 48 hours (buds 18 hours; case 30 hours)

Features

ANC, dual MEMS microphones, touch controls, IPX5

360° Spatial Audio, Qi Wireless Charging Case, 6mm neodymium drivers, four-mic ANC, transparency mode, in-ear detection/sensor, IP55 rating, fast charge, companion app with more than 100 presets

360° Spatial Audio, IPX4 equivalent, Quick Attention, touch controls

Software

Final Connect app (mobile)

Arctis Companion App (mobile), SteelSeries Sonar (PC)

Sony Headphones Connect app (mobile), Izone Hub (PC)

How I tested the Final VR3000 Wireless

  • Tested for several days
  • Used for gaming and music playback
  • Gaming and headset experience

I tested the VR3000 Wireless for several days, during which time I used them for gaming, as well as for listening to podcasts and music.

I tested them on various platforms, including PC, PS5, and Android. I connected to these devices via Bluetooth and the 2.4GHz USB dongle.

I have been gaming for over two decades, and during that time, I’ve used a plethora of headsets and earphones. I have also reviewed a number of them made by various brands and with a range of price points, designs, and feature sets.

Final VR3000 Wireless: Price Comparison



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
The AKG N5 on a stone wall
Product Reviews

AKG N5 review: impressive noise-cancelling earbuds, but make sure you get them at the right price

by admin



Why you can trust TechRadar


We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

AKG N5: One minute review

When I’m testing new earbuds, and considering if they deserve a shoutout for our list of the best earbuds, the first thing I do is look at the price to set expectations – but for this AKG N5 review, I found two.

There’s the official list price, which sets you up for these buds to be powerful premium players, but I was also tripping over discounted prices, with the N5 seeing some hefty discounts since launch. So while I’ll test these as top-end earbuds, I’d be remiss not to point out that you can buy them for less – and you should, as they present fantastic value for money with a reduction.

The AKG N5 are the latest pair of wireless earbuds from originally-Austrian audio company AKG (which is owned by Harman, which itself is owned by Samsung). AKG puts out wireless headphones only sparingly, with its website populated almost entirely with professional wired headsets and microphones.


You may like

And it’s clear that some of that ‘professional’ DNA is present in the AKG N5 because there are loads of features which are helpful in such a setting: a USB-C dongle included in the case lets you easily (and temporarily) connect to any laptop, tablet or similar device, while call tone settings basically act like an EQ but for incoming voice calls. There are also loads of ANC settings for people who work in busy offices.

Suffice it to say I was impressed by the feature suite of the AKG N5, but not just as someone who himself tries to drown out the infuriatingly-loud team seated next to him – they’re all features that will be handy to regular buyers, not just office-locked ones.

Another strength of the AKG N5 is their audio chops, because the buds offer expressive and clear audio with plenty of detail and texture. A few more in-app modes (sorry to mention features again) let you carry out a sound test or tweak the sonic offering to your pleasure.

Some people may be put off by the AKG N5’s design. It’s true the case is pretty huge, the build quality feels iffy, and the earbud controls are hard to activate when you want to and easy to activate when you don’t. The battery life that won’t last a full day of work might also put some people off.

But it’s easy to overlook these issues if, like I said, you’re able to find a good deal on these buds. And that shouldn’t be hard given I found it more of a chore to find their actual original price rather than the current one. The N5 are fine value at their official price – but discounted, they’re a steal.

AKG N5 review: Specifications

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Component

Value

Water resistant

IP54

Battery life (quoted)

6 hours (earbuds), 24 hours (total)

Bluetooth type

Bluetooth 5.3

Weight

6g / Charging case: 48.4g

Driver

10mm

(Image credit: Future)

AKG N5 review: Price and availability

  • Announced in September 2024
  • Priced at $299 / £249 / AU$309
  • Readily available for under $250 / £199 / AU$250

The AKG N5 were announced in September 2024, at IFA 2024, as the latest entry into the brand’s line-up of earbuds. At the time of writing they’re the company’s only competitor for the best wireless earbuds.

At launch, the AKG N5 cost $299.95 / £249 / AU$309, which makes them a premium audio offering. However it’s worth pointing out that I could easily find it sold online for a discount of $60 / £50 / AU$65, so you’ll easily save money if you shop around.

Lowered price or not, these are still premium earbuds and we’ll treat them as such. Included in the box you get the buds, case and dongle as well as a USB-C to USB connector and some bud tips of varying sizes.

(Image credit: Future)

AKG N5 review: Features

  • Poor real-world battery life
  • Range of ANC options
  • Useful dongle connector

The AKG N5 connects to your phone via Bluetooth 5.3; initial pairing for me was quick and easy, and during testing there were barely any drop-outs or stutters.

You can also easily connect to new devices via a dongle included in the charging case; plug this into any device, and the N5 will stream audio from that.

The dongle is a USB-C one, though an adapter included in the box lets you plug it into standard USB ports. This is a really handy extra for people who own multiple devices and can’t pair to all of them, or who use unfamiliar devices on occasion. As someone who owns (and tests) too many gadgets, I found it incredibly handy.

9 times out of ten, this dongle worked well, however now and then I’d find the headphones would re-pair with my phone even if the dongle was connected to another device. One thing to note is that it did sap the battery of the device it was connected to: fine for gadgets plugged into an outlet, frustrating for my iPad.

Battery life is a weak spot for the buds. AKG predicts a 10-hour battery life… if you listen to music with ANC turned off, and that drops down to six hours with ANC on, or even lower if you’re talking or using the dongle.

However, in my testing I was lucky to get anywhere near six hours of listening time, and I’d usually have to charge after four and a half or five hours. That’s not just below what’s promised, it’s way below average.

(Image credit: Future)

The case itself contains four full charges for the buds, however long you make that.

So should you turn off ANC to preserve battery life? Well you can, but it’d be a shame, because the AKG N5 have fantastic noise cancellation – my usual ANC test is how well it drowns out the trains that commonly pass my house, and when testing the N5, I have no idea if it passed because I could never tell if trains had passed.

ANC is complicated here, though. There are three modes: standard, Ambient Aware and TalkThru (as well as off, obviously). TalkThru boosts nearby voices so you can hear people and Ambient Aware does a similar thing for background voices, with a slider letting you fiddle with the intensity of the effect.

In standard ANC mode you can toggle Adaptive ANC, which adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your surroundings, and turning it off presents you with a slider to change the intensity yourself. There’s also Auto Compensation mode which tweaks with ANC depending on your ‘wearing and ear canal status’, whatever that means.

(Image credit: Future)

Suffice it to say that every time I was presented with the ANC part of the AKG Headphones app I was scratching my head at all the options presented to me – and that’s really the theme of this companion app which bombards you with options. This’ll be pleasing news to tech-heads, but horrifying for technophobes.

Let’s fire through some of the features and settings: SilentNow turns off music and ramps up ANC to help you focus or study; Smart Audio & Video adjusts sound stage based on whether you’re listening to music or watching a video; the equalizer has a load of presets or lets you customize your sound on a 10-band EQ; various call settings let you change how you or a caller sound on the phone; and Right/Left Sound Balance does what it says on the tin.

These are as well as all the standard app modes: gesture control customization, a find-my-buds feature, and a fit test.

The app also gives you the option to toggle Hi-Res Audio, but turning this on precludes you from several other features, including Spatial Sound and Personi-Fi. This latter is a lengthy audio test that presents you with a bespoke equalization fit for your music, and I don’t know any audiophiles who don’t appreciate this kind of feature.

If you’ve skimmed that list you may have noticed something I want to explicitly commend: there are loads of options with small or large accessibility use cases here, which is always great to see.

AKG N5 review: Sound performance

(Image credit: Future)

  • 10mm drivers
  • Balanced sound profile
  • Textured audio in high-res mode

Whether you’re listening via Bluetooth or dongle, with Hi-Res Audio on or instead Personi-Fi enabled, there’s one thing that’s hard to deny: the AKG N5 sounds great.

The sound profile is lovely and balanced, with well-defined bass sitting comfortably alongside clear treble and distinct mids. I didn’t feel the need to touch the equalizer as I liked the default mix, and wasn’t losing any instruments to overbearing bass or treble.

It’s easy to hear the texture in each instrument with the N5: I could make out the ripples of reverb on vocal lines to the flick of a bass guitar string being strum, and the audio lines were all spread out enough to make them distinct and clear (although I have tested buds with a better soundstage).

If I have to say one bad thing about the buds, it’s that audio sounds precision-tuned but not very energetic – they helped me really appreciate great songs sonically, but didn’t always make me feel like rocking out to them.

  • Sound performance score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)

AKG N5 review: Design

  • Chunky and cheap charging case
  • Lightweight and comfortable buds
  • Annoying touch controls

Perhaps because it contains a dongle, the case of the AKG N5 is a little on the larger size, and I’ve seen some people online criticize its bulk. Honestly, it’s not that big, and doesn’t allay the space-saving advantages of earbuds like this over full-on headphones or open earbuds with a a wraparound design – plus they’re light at 48.4g.

But I did notice the thing in my pocket when I was walking – it’s on the larger end of the scale.

What’s arguably worse about the case is its build: the plastic feels cheap, groans under slight pressure and picks up fingerprints readily. However AKG has it certified at IP52, which protects it from limited fine particles and sprays of water at certain angles. I can’t remember the last time I saw a charging case with an IP rating, so it’s a welcome spec.

Now onto the earbuds: these are buds with stems, but with a bigger bud and shorter, flatter stem than on your generic AirPod doppelgänger. They have an IP54 rating so they’re a little better protected against water than the case.

Evidence of how easily-bendable the hook is (Image credit: Future)

Due to the tips material being quite smooth, when I first started testing the N5, it constantly felt like they were on the verge of falling out of my ear. Two weeks on and that hasn’t happened yet, but I’ve still been too apprehensive to take them on a run, cycle or any kind of activity which might actually cause them to fall to the floor.

At least the buds are lightweight, so when I was sitting still, they were comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They weigh 6g each which is comparable to rivals.

Each bud has a touch-sensitive area over the ‘A’ of the AKG logo, which lets you control music playback; by default the left side toggles ANC and Ambient Aware, while the right one is for play and pause.

It took some time getting used to tapping the right spot when I was wearing the buds, and there’s a noticeable delay in the gesture being picked up – more than once I got caught in a loop playing or pausing a tune, thinking that my touch hadn’t been picked up, and constantly flicking between the two.

An even more annoying issue was that it’s very easy to accidentally press the button when you’re trying to readjust loose buds.

You can pick the AKG N5 up in white or black, and your choice affects both the buds and the case. As you can see from images, I tested the black pair.

AKG N5 review: Value

(Image credit: Future)

While it’s not easy to make reasonable argument for $299 / £249 / AU$309 earbuds being good value propositions, it does bear repeating that these things have been seeing increasing discounts over their first year of existence.

The AKG N5 aren’t bad value for money by any means, with their top-notch audio and range of useful features justifying the price, but they’re far from bargains either (except in Australia, where they’re much cheaper than elsewhere).

That certainly isn’t the case if you can find them for below about $200 / £180 / AU$300, which would make them a really tempting alternative to earbuds that are usually priced in that area.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the AKG N5?

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Category

Comment

Score

Features

There are so many features that it’s hard to get your head around them all. Battery life isn’t amazing though.

4/5

Sound

The N5 offered a lovely balanced sound that lets you hear the texture and sound stage of your music.

4/5

Value

By default they’re not especially competitively-priced, but discounts help.

3.5/5

Design

A few small design problems affect the user experience, but they’re still great to wear.

3.5/5

Buy them if…

Don’t buy them if…

Also consider

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Component

AKG N5

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

Apple AirPods Pro 2

Water resistant

IP54

IP57

IP54

Battery life

6 hours (earbuds), 32 hours (total)

7 hours (earbuds), 30 hours (total)

6 hours (buds); 30 hours (case)

Bluetooth type

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 5.3

Weight

6g (buds)

5.4g (buds)

5.3g (buds)

Driver

10mm

10mm dynamic driver + planar tweeter

11mm

How I tested the AKG N5

(Image credit: Future)

My testing process before writing this AKG N5 review took two weeks. I tested them alongside their contemporary siblings, the AKG N9 Hybrid over-ear headphones, and I’ve tested a huge number of earbuds recently to compare them against.

I connected the AKG N5 to a range of devices including my smartphone (via Bluetooth), my desktop PC (via dongle) and my work laptop (again via dongle) with a roughly 50/50 split between Bluetooth and dongle listening.

I also split my Bluetooth listening time roughly equally between Hi-res Audio and Personi-Fi (and other feature) modes, bearing in mind that you can’t have both enabled at the same time.

My listening was done in a range of environments including at home, on public transport, in my office and on walks around my borough – and following TechRadar’s testing guidelines for earbuds.



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Close