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The best noise-canceling headphones for 2025

by admin August 22, 2025

Whether you’re working in a noisy office, commuting on a packed train or just trying to focus at home, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can make all the difference. The best noise-canceling headphones block out distractions and let you enjoy your music, podcasts or calls in peace — all while delivering great sound quality and all-day comfort. From models with plush cushions to wireless cans with loads of extra features, there’s something here for every style and budget.

Best noise-canceling headphones of 2025

Billy Steele for Engadget

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM6 review

Sony’s 1000X line has been our top pick for best wireless headphone for a long time now. Until another company can pack in as many premium features as Sony, and do so with a mix of excellent sound quality and effective ANC, the crown is safe. With the WH-1000XM6, Sony subtly redesigned its flagship headphones, making them way more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. This is an important factor to consider when purchasing over-ear headphones. We also noticed in our tests that the company made noticeable improvements to the active noise cancellation, thanks to a new QN3 chip. There are now 12 total ANC mics as well – the previous model only had eight. This all combines to better block background noise at medium and high frequencies, including human voices.

The M6 also has improved sound quality, thanks to new drivers, some help from mastering engineers and spatial audio upmixing. Its battery life remains the same 30 hours as its predecessor, which is more than enough to get you through several days of work or long international flights. Speak-to-Chat still reduces volume and activates ambient sound when you talk and the M6 can automatically change noise settings based on your location or activity. The only real downside is that they’re $50 more than the WH-1000XM5 at full price ($450).

Pros

Improved sound
Better ANC performance
Tons of handy features
Supremely comfy

Cons

Price has increased again
Speak-to-Chat still needs work
Call quality suffers in loud environments

$448 at Macy’s

Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra review

Bose’s unique take on spatial audio may be the headline feature on its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, but the company didn’t overlook ANC on this model. Described as “the quietest quiet” available on any of its headphones yet, the ANC here is noticeably better than the Bose 700 and iconic QuietComfort Headphones. This is due in part to microphone enhancements that also improve call quality. The changes are especially apparent when dealing with the hard-to-combat frequency range of people talking. The company also offers presets that mix ANC, transparency mode and its spatial Immersive Audio, allowing you to quickly switch the sound to match your surroundings. And if that wasn’t enough, the touch controls make these over-ear headphones a breeze to use — so you get good noise cancelation, good sound and extra convenience bundled in this package.

While the spatial sound feature is a bit of a mixed bag, the stock tuning on the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is still good – even before you switch on Immersive Audio. Bose has generally lagged the competition in terms of sonic prowess, but these over-ear headphones show that gap is narrowing. There’s a dash more bass to enhance a default sound profile that’s warmer, clearer and more inviting than previous Bose models, resulting in good sound overall. When Immersive Audio hits, it’s amazing and the audio quality is truly remarkable. But, the company is relying on signal processing rather than specially crafted content so the results vary.

Pros

Excellent ANC
Improved audio
Clearer transparency mode
Comfy

Cons

Expensive
Immersive Audio is inconsistent
No USB-C audio

$449 at Macy’s

Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget

Read our full Sony WH-CH720N review

The WH-CH720N won’t win any design awards with these over-ear headphones, but what you get for the price is well worth some aesthetic sacrifices. Due to their all-plastic construction, the CH720N are super lightweight and comfy, allowing you to wear them for hours at a time. The ANC isn’t as robust in these budget headphones as that in more expensive headphones, but it’s above average for products in this price range. Toss in customizability and a handy transparency mode, and you’ve got a solid device that costs only $150 — and regularly goes for around $100.

In addition to decent noise reduction for a small investment, the CH720N has 35-hour battery life, physical controls, DSEE upscaling and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio. You can also adjust both the EQ and the level of ambient sound. Plus, the company’s ever-present Adaptive Sound Control can automatically switch the sound settings based on your activity or location. Last but not least, the overall sound quality is really impressive for headphones at this price. There’s plenty of detail and subtlety in the audio; you can really hear the gritty texture of distorted guitars and near-pristine acoustic instruments.

Pros

Affordably priced
Lightweight and comfy
Great sound quality
Some handy features

Cons

ANC struggles in certain environments
Lots of plastic
No automatic pausing
Advanced features reserved for pricier models

$150 at Amazon

Billy Steele for Engadget

Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review

If you seek to pair excellent sound quality with capable ANC performance, the Px7 S3 are the best option. Sure, you can find more impressive noise-blocking abilities elsewhere, but if you want pristine audio as well, Bowers & Wilkins is the way to go. An adaptive ANC setup uses eight microphones to capture unwanted noise and automatically adjust to any changes. 40mm dynamic full-range bio cellulose drivers pipe in balanced tuning that provides you with the finest detail of any song.

You’ll also get up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, although you will probably surpass that figure. Plus, handy tools like transparency mode, multipoint Bluetooth and an adjustable EQ cover the basics on the Px7 S3. You won’t find more advanced features than those, but what Bowers & Wilkins does offer here is finely tuned and carefully polished.

Pros

Excellent sound quality
Comfy fit
Sophisticated design

Cons

Expensive
Awkward button locations
A lack of advanced features

$449 at Macy’s

Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review

Sure, there are headphones that will last longer than Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Wireless, but they don’t offer the combo of great battery life, ANC and good sound quality you’ll find here. On this model, the company made big improvements to its active noise cancellation, catching up to rivals like Bose and Sony. Specifically, the ANC on the Momentum 4 handles constant distractions more effectively than previous models in the series.

I don’t care for the design Sennheiser introduced on the Momentum 4 as the company ditched what was a quite novel look for something much more generic and plastic. However, the change comes with the bonus of increased comfort. You’ll also get excellent sound quality, in fact, it’s some of the best you’ll find in wireless headphones. There’s noticeable depth to the audio profile with a wide soundstage that complements all genres. You might even discover finer details you previously missed. And, of course, its 60 hours of battery life with ANC on is double what a lot of flagship headphones offer these days.

Pros

Impressive 60-hour battery life
Better ANC performance
Great sound quality
Improved comfort

Cons

Pinch gesture feels unnecessary
Standout design is gone
Auto on/off needs work

$380 at Adorama

How to choose the best noise-canceling headphones for you

Design

When you’re shopping for the best wireless headphones, the first thing you’ll need to decide on is wear style. Do you prefer on-ear or over-ear headphones? For the purposes of this guide, I focus on the over-ear style as that’s what most noise-canceling headphones are nowadays. Sure, you can find on-ear models with ANC, but over-ear, active noise-canceling headphones are much more effective at blocking outside sounds since your ears are completely covered.

For gamers, there are also gaming headsets that feature noise cancellation — some even have detachable microphones, so they can double as over-ear headphones. However, for the purpose of this article, we’re only going to be focusing on noise-canceling headphones rather than headsets. Look for models with a comfortable headband and memory foam ear cups to ensure you can wear them for long periods without discomfort.

Many headphones also come with a range of color options, so if aesthetics matter to you, you’ll find plenty of choices beyond just black or white. Whether you’re looking for something neutral or a bold pop of color, brands now offer a variety of styles to match your personal taste.

Finally, if you’re planning to wear your headphones for long periods of time, it’s important to pick a model with a comfortable fit. Memory foam ear cups, an adjustable headband, and lightweight materials can make all the difference during extended listening sessions. After all, great sound is only part of the equation; comfort matters just as much.

Type of noise cancellation

Next, you’ll want to look at the type of ANC a set of headphones offers. You’ll come across terms like “hybrid active noise cancellation” or “hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation,” and there are key differences between the two. A hybrid ANC setup uses microphones on the inside and on the outside of the device to detect outside noise and cancel it out. By analyzing input from both mics, a hybrid system can combat more sounds than “regular” ANC, but it does so at a constant level that doesn’t change.

Adaptive ANC takes the hybrid configuration a step further by continuously adjusting the noise cancellation for changes in your environment and any leakage around the padding of the ear cups. Adaptive noise-canceling also does a better job with wind noise, which can really kill your vibe while using headphones outdoors. Some high-end headphones also support Dolby Atmos, which enhances spatial audio and makes everything from music to movies sound more immersive. For the purposes of this best headphones list, I’m only considering products with hybrid ANC or adaptive ANC setups because those are the most effective at blocking noise and improving your overall listening experience.

Customization

You’ll also want to check to see if the ANC system on a prospective set of headphones offers adjustable levels of noise cancellation or presets. These can help you dial in the amount of ANC you need for various environments, but it can also help you save battery life. Master & Dynamic, for example, has ANC presets that provide both maximum noise blocking and more efficient cancellation that is more energy efficient. Other companies may include a slider in their companion apps that let you adjust the ANC level to your liking. Some high-end models even allow you to fine-tune the ANC for specific types of environments.

How we test noise-canceling headphones

The primary way we test headphones is to wear them as much as possible. I prefer to do this over a one-to-two-week period, but sometimes deadlines don’t allow it. During this time, I listen to a mix of music and podcasts, while also using the headphones to take both voice and video calls.

Since battery life for headphones can be 30 hours or more, I drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent). Due to the longer battery estimates, I’ll typically power the headphones off several times and leave them that way during a review. This simulates real-world use and keeps me from having to constantly monitor the process for over 24 straight hours.

To test ANC performance specifically, I use headphones in a variety of environments, from noisy coffee shops to quiet home offices. When my schedule allows, I use them during air travel since plane noise is a massive distraction to both work and relaxation. Even if I can’t hop on a flight, I’ll simulate a constant roar with white noise machines, bathroom fans, vacuums and more. I also make note of how well each device blocks human voices, which are a key stumbling block for a lot of ANC headphones.

ANC-related features are something else to consider. Here, I do a thorough review of companion apps, testing each feature as I work through the software. Any holdovers from previous models are double checked for improvements or regression. If the headphones I’m testing are an updated version of a previous model, I’ll spend time getting reacquainted with the older set. Ditto for the closest competition for each new set of headphones that I review.

Other noise-canceling headphones we tested

AirPods Max

Apple’s AirPods Max are premium, well-designed over-ear headphones that incorporate all of the best features you find on standard AirPods: solid noise cancellation, spatial audio and easy Siri access. However, their $550 starting price makes them almost prohibitively expensive, even for Apple users. There are better options available at lower prices, but if you can pick up the AirPods Max at a steep discount, they might be worthwhile for the biggest Apple fans among us.

Dyson On-Trac

The On-Trac headphones have an almost infinitely customizable design, and that’s what’s most unique about them. The sound profile offers some nice detail, but lacks dynamic range overall. ANC is average at best and there aren’t any advanced features that will make your life easier. Well, except for the hearing health monitor, which is actually handy. All told, that’s not a lot for a set of $500 headphones.

Sonos Ace

The Sonos Ace is an excellent debut for the company’s first headphones. The combination of refined design, great sound quality and home theater tricks creates a unique formula. However, ANC performance is just okay and key functionality is still in the works for many users.

Sony ULT Wear

If most headphones don’t have the level of bass you desire, the ULT Wear is an option to consider. The low-end thump isn’t for everyone, but there are also plenty of handy features and a refined look to make the $200 set more compelling than many in this price range.

Beats Studio Pro

The Studio Pro lacks basic features like automatic pausing, and multipoint connectivity is only available on Android. Moreover, they’re not very comfortable for people with larger heads. Overall sound quality is improved, though, and voice performance on calls is well above average.

Master & Dynamic MH40 (2nd gen)

The MH40 are a great set of headphones if you favor crisp, clear and natural sound that isn’t overly tuned. This pair showcases the company’s affinity for leather and metal too, but limited customization and short battery life for non-ANC cans kept this set from making the cut.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

The company’s trademark pristine sound is on display here, but the Px8 is more expensive and not nearly as comfortable as the Px7 S3.

Noble Audio FoKus Apollo

While this is my top pick for overall sound quality in our main guide to the best wireless headphones, the ANC performance is less impressive than the Px7 S3. Bowers & Wilkins gets the nod here for its improved noise cancellation over the Px7 S2 and Px7 S2e, and its overall excellent audio quality.

Noise-canceling headphones FAQs

Does noise cancellation block all noise?

Noise cancellation doesn’t block out all noise, though it does drastically reduce the volume of most external sounds.

Is there a difference between wired vs wireless noise-canceling headphones?

In terms of sound quality, if you have two headphones — one wired and one wireless — with similar specs, the difference is going to be very minimal. However, wireless headphones offer more convenience, allowing you to move around more freely with your headphones on, which is why they often feature noise cancellation to minimize external sounds.

Does noise cancellation impact sound quality?

ANC does bear some weight on sound quality, but the impact of this often doesn’t outweigh the benefits. Noise cancellation reduces ambient noise, allowing a greater focus on audio detail. For audiophiles, however, there may be a small difference in sound fidelity when ANC is turned on.

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August 22, 2025 0 comments

The Shokz OpenDots One on a white windowsill

Product Reviews

Shokz OpenDots One review: reliable clip-on headphones that undercut the Bose

by admin August 21, 2025

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.

Shokz OpenDots One: Two minute review

Shokz is one of the best-known names in the fitness headphone space and finally it has turned its attention to a burgeoning new market and thus challenge a big rival: clip-on open earbuds (and Bose).

Clip-ons are a kind of the best open earbuds that don’t loop all the way around your ear, but ‘clip’ onto your auricle to take up less space and hold the sound drivers further into your ear itself. Companies haven’t taken to the design quite as readily as the now-standard sports loop open-ears (production of that design is through the roof in 2025), but perhaps Shokz’ attention is about to change that.

So meet the Shokz OpenDots One, new clip-style (cuff style?) headphones which are here to challenge the big name on the market, the Bose Ultra Open. They’re Shokz’ first readily-available bud in this form factor, not counting a limited-run beta product. And due to a few smart decisions, they are a big success.

The OpenDots aren’t cheap headphones but they do undercut the Bose by a significant margin, releasing at a competitive price point that sees them match Shokz’ sports-loop and bone conduction options. In fact they also beat the recent Shokz OpenFit 2+ which may push some prospective buyers of those open-ears into the clip instead.

Shokz has given the OpenDots a more natural curved, ergonomic look than certain rivals, both ensuring that they look a little more understated and classy, and helping them fit the shape of an ear for a reliable hook and comfortable fit. And it totally works, with these Shokz some of the most pleasant open-ears I’ve ever used. I could easily forget I was wearing them when I wasn’t listening to music.

The sound profile is pleasing too, which may sound like a muted word if not for how low expectations for open earbuds can be. Shokz has fine-tuned the sound to ensure there’s hearty but well-defined bass, which sits in harmony with treble instead of blowing it out. Audiophiles who need open-ears will find these some of the best picks on the market.

Even when you’re not using the Shokz OpenDots One, you’ll find them easy to tote around with a tiny carry case that totally disappears in pockets. Banish the thought of the giant carry cases sports-loop open-ears come in.

I’ve avoided prolific comparisons to the Bose in this intro because you may come to the Shokz without having ever heard of their competition; and the OpenDots One stand apart for being significantly cheaper than the Ultra Open. They ask you why you need to pay extra, even if Bose offers some advanced audio modes.

The OpenDots One might be a harder sell for people who’ve not used a clip-on earbud before, especially with many other options on the market that are a cheaper option to experiment with. But if you’re going to try a new form factor, why not buy an option that nails it?

Shokz OpenDots One at Best Buy for $199.99

Shokz OpenDots One review: Specifications

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Component

Value

Water resistant

IP54

Battery life

10 hours (earbuds), 40 hours (total)

Bluetooth type

Bluetooth 5.4

Weight

5.6g / Charging case: 52g

Driver

2x 11.8mm

Shokz OpenDots One review: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

Announced in May 2025 (available in many markets August 2025)
Priced at $199 / £179 / AU$339
Undercuts Bose, but pricier than many other rivals

The Shokz OpenDots One were announced in May 2025 and went on sale in the US immediately, though they took a few months to release globally (the UK is only just seeing them now, at the time of writing: August 21, 2025).

You can pick up the OpenDots for $199 / £179 / AU$339. While they’re more expensive than many other types of clip-on earbud like the Huawei FreeClip, JLab Flex Open or Soundcore C40i, they undercut their big rivals.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds sell for $299 / £299 / AU$449 so the Shokz aren’t just a hair cheaper, but a fair way more affordable.

Shokz OpenDots One review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

Small charging case which is easy to use
Lightweight buds that cling to the ear well
Handy touch controls

The Shokz OpenDots One come in two color options: Black or the curiously-named Gray, which is actually beige with silver highlights. The latter is what my tester units were.

The case is pretty small and lightweight, as you’d imagine for micro-headphones like these, tipping the scales to 52g. It’s rather featureless, bearing only a small pairing button and USB-C charging port, but there’s elegance in simplicity. It opens with a horizontal divide; in a neat twist you can put either earbud in either gap, cutting down on all the faff headphone users can face (or, at least, I can face) when trying to work out which bud to put on which side.

Now onto the buds. They consist of a cylindrical counterweight and spherical bud which sits in your ear, all joined by a band made of titanium alloy according to Shokz. This middle is lovely and flexible and I never felt at risk of accidentally snapping it or bending it too far.

It’s hard to believe for any open earbuds, especially clip-style ones, but the OpenDots fit like a dream. I barely felt them during many hours of testing and, although I ran, cycled, rowed and did various gym workouts with them in, they never fell out or moved around enough to affect my listening experience.

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

Another benefit over Bose’s alternatives is that they don’t look like a cyborg accoutrement, with the nice flowing design making them appear more like jewelry than a piece of robotic equipment.

Following on from my praise about the versatile any-bud-in-any-case-side compliment, you can actually also put either bud in either ear with no issue. The Shokz will automatically detect which ear they’re in to deliver music.

Like most earbuds, the OpenDots One have touch controls: you can double- or triple-tap the connective band, double-pinch the spherical counterweight or pinch and hold, for four triggers in all (it doesn’t matter which side you use, both do the same). You can customize what each control does and I found each relatively easy to trigger (which isn’t saying much compared to the competition) though I did take a while to remember that single-tapping or single-pressing didn’t do anything: double or nothing!

Shokz has certified the OpenDots One at an IP54 rating, which means the buds are protected from dust and limited water splashes but not full immersion or even beams of water. Basically, don’t take them swimming.

Shokz OpenDots One review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

Battery life is 10 hours, 40 hours with case
App brings EQ but not that much else
No connectivity problems in testing

If you thought it was time to start finding something to criticize the Shokz OpenDots One about, it’s not yet. The battery life is above average and you can even charge the case via wireless powering.

According to Shokz, the OpenDots last for 10 hours of listening on a single charge, and while I didn’t listen for that long in one burst, the power drain for the periods I did listen for suggests it’d hit that figure almost dead on. The charging case brings three extra charges, for a full listening total of 40 hours, which is better than lots of open-ear options on the market.

You won’t get noise cancelling here, though surprisingly some open earbuds do offer that (see the Honor Earbuds Open, although granted, they’re not the cuff-style type). Throughout my testing period I had no connectivity issues to speak of.

(Image credit: Future)

As with any good headphone, there’s an app you can download to get extra features. In this case it’s just called Shokz, with the company using one platform for all its earbuds.

Perhaps the main reason to download the Shokz app, beyond customizing the touch controls, is for the equalizer it provides access to. There are four modes: Standard, Vocal, Bass and Private (designed to reduce audio bleed, although that basically just muffles your music), but you can also create a custom mode via a five-band equalizer.

A few other features available via the app include the ability to toggle wear detection, find your lost earbuds, customize multipoint pairing and enable Dolby Atmos (though toggling this just seemed to boost the treble when playing music). It’s not the biggest feature-set I’ve ever seen at earbuds at this price, but it offers everything you need or would expect.

Shokz OpenDots One review: Sound performance

(Image credit: Future)

Two 11.8mm drivers per bud
Decent sound, though lack of spacing
Lots of bass

You’re totally right to assume that an open-ear headphone would sound poor, because that’s generally the case, but the Shokz OpenDots One buck the trend: they’re the rare case that sound good.

A highlight of the buds, which Shokz leans into in its marketing and promotion, is the bass. This is something oft lost by open-ears, but the OpenDots enjoy a well-defined lower-register, giving your music a meaty tone but without ever blowing it out with overwrought thumping or booming. I opted to listen in the bass enhancement mode when working out for that little extra kick, but you’ll enjoy loads of bass even if you don’t.

Unlike some super-bass earbuds, the treble still holds its head high, offering crisp and clear vocal lines and letting you hear the spacing between instruments a little. As sound gets towards the mids they do lose some detail and clarity, but you can still enjoy tunes beyond their bassline.

(Image credit: Future)

Fixing another open-ear problem, the OpenDots have a nice high max volume so they can fight against noisy traffic if you want to hear your tunes.

Shokz uses a lot of home-brewed tech in the OpenDots One. Highlights include Bassphere, which has the effect we’ve already discussed, and DirectPitch designed to stop sound leaking from the buds and everyone around you having to hear your embarrassing music choice.

These are some of the better open earbuds I’ve used for audio quality, and they compare to your average in-ear headphone, but it’s important to be clear: audiophile-grade favorites shouldn’t feel any heat from the Shokz.

Sound performance score: 4.5/5

Shokz OpenDots One review: Value

(Image credit: Future)

Despite not being that expensive in the grand scheme of things (and in a crowded market), it’s still worth considering the Shokz OpenDots One are some of the more premium open or clip-on earbuds out there, simply due to how cheap the rivals are.

With that in mind, the OpenDots have a lot to prove – but they largely succeed. They provide great sound and a flawless design and cost a hearty amount less than their big-name rivals.

Of course you’re paying for their quality with many other similar-form-factor options available for a fraction of the price, so if you want clip-ons and quality doesn’t matter, you can get better value for money with cheaper options. It’s just a question of whether you should.

Shokz OpenDots One review: scorecard

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Shokz OpenDots One: Should I buy?

(Image credit: Future)

Buy them if…

Don’t buy them if…

Also consider

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Component

Shokz OpenDots One

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Huawei FreeClip

Water resistant

IP54

IPX4

IP54

Battery life

10 hours (earbuds), 40 hours (total)

7.5 hours (earbuds), 27 hours (total)

8 hours (earbuds), 36 hours (total)

Bluetooth type

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 5.3

Weight

5.6g / Charging case: 52g

6g / Charging case: 43g

5.6g / Charging case: 44.5g

Driver

2x 11.8mm

12mm

10.8mm

How I tested

(Image credit: Future)

My testing period for the Shokz OpenDots One cover just over two weeks of use, which is our standard review period for headphones.

The buds were paired to an Android phone for the entirety of the testing. I used them at home at work and also on runs, at the gym and while cycling, and I also tried to use them while playing tennis like promotional images show but this felt incredibly rude to my fellow players.

I’ve been testing products for TechRadar since 2019 and this has included plenty of other workout headphones.

This Amazon bundle includes the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones and a free $30 gift card

by admin June 22, 2025

There are a few undeniable truths in this world: the sky is blue, Mario Kart is always a good idea and Sony’s 1000X line of headphones is amazing. The latter was proved true once again when Sony released the WH-1000XM6 edition of its wireless noise canceling headphones in May. The only downside is its price, coming in at $450 — $50 more than its predecessors launch price.

Amazon is throwing all of us a bone, though, and having a sale of sorts. Right now, you can get the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones and a $30 Amazon gift card for $448. Yes, that is $2 less than the headphones on their own. It’s no secret that the “bundle” serves as a nice incentive to buy Sony’s new headphones from Amazon, but, hey, a $30 gift card never hurt anyone.

Sony

The gift card is basically for free with your headphone purchase.

$448 at Amazon

Sony released the WH-1000XM6 headphones three years after their predecessor, but the new model quickly proved to be worth the wait. We gave the M6s a 94 in our review thanks to features like improved sound and better active noise cancelation. One of the best things about this model compared to the M5s is the return to a folding design — I love my M5s but it’s very annoying that they don’t shrink at all. The M6s are also very comfy and have a wider headband for easy wear.

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June 22, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

With 50 Hours of Battery Life, These Beats Headphones Are at a New Record Low on Amazon

by admin June 15, 2025

Right now, all of those looking to purchase a pair of decent and style-conscious wireless headphones should have the Beats Solo 4 on their radar, especially given that they’re also priced at their all-time low on Amazon. Beats, as part of Apple, is renowned for producing stable sound products that work perfectly with both Apple and Android devices. With the price reduced to only $99, from $200 (50% off), the offer is equivalent to the type of discounts normally experienced on Black Friday.

See at Amazon

Great Reviews

The Beats Solo 4 has received a fantastic 4.6 out of 5 stars based on more than 12,000 reviews and proves widespread satisfaction among customers. This type of endorsement speaks volumes about the quality and reliability of the product and not to mention the extremely high standards of both Beats and Apple. Although these headphones do not possess active noise cancellation per se, they instead offer personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking which is actually a superior feature and a whole new level to your listening.

The unique acoustic design and new drivers generate well-balanced sound characteristic of the Beats brand. The ultralight, ergonomic design is comfortable all day, thanks to a flex-grip headband and ergonomically angled and adjustable ear cups that create a solid fit. The UltraPlush cushions are contoured for comfort and endurance so they can be worn for hours on end without irritation.

Perhaps one of the strongest advantages of the Beats Solo 4 is its amazing battery life: With up to 50 hours of playback per single charge, you can listen to these headphones for days without needing to plug them in. Even when you do exhaust the battery, Fast Fuel technology offers just 10 minutes of charging gives you up to 5 hours of playback time. Audiophiles will like the choice of listening in high-resolution lossless audio—delivered over USB-C or a 3.5 mm audio cable—so you’re always listening at the best possible level.

These headphones are completely compatible with both iOS and Android and offer one-touch pairing for easy and hassle-free setup. High-quality call clarity is provided by the onboard microphone and also allows easy communication with voice assistants and keeps you connected and productive on the move.

The current price point of $99 is a rare commodity, and it matches the lowest price points during massive shopping sales like Black Friday. Make sure you get it before it runs out of stok.

See at Amazon

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June 15, 2025 0 comments

Meze Audio Poet headphones on a wooden table

Product Reviews

Meze Audio Poet review: audiophile-grade listening headphones you could dive into

by admin June 12, 2025

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.

Meze Audio Poet: One-minute review

The Meze Audio Poet are a posh pair of ‘phones. At this price point, you deserve nothing less than ‘posh’, and the Poet deliver in spades – from an impressive quality of build to a lagoons-deep listening experience. Smart touches like magnetically attached earpads and a nifty adjustment mechanism exemplify the thoughtfulness with which the Poet were designed, like many of the best wired headphone available.

A narrow soundstage and an eventually fatiguing listening experience serve to slightly dull these premium cans’ shine to sit easily among the best over-ear headphones on the market – but only because of the increased scrutiny such premium prices invite. For those with the budget and inclination, the Poet are a hard set to turn down.

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

Meze Audio Poet review: Price and release date

Released February 20, 2025
$2,000 / £1,899 / AU$3,550

Meze Audio Poet at Crutchfield for $2,000

Meze Audio is a relatively young headphone company – at least, young against the years held by the generational heavyweights that tend to claim column inches such as these. Yet in a relatively short period of time, this underdog has curried a not-so-relatively high level of consumer trust and goodwill, thanks to an ever-expanding range of headphones both accessible and incomparable.

Meze Audio Poet review: Features

State-of-the-art planar drivers
Smart, musical acoustic design
Earpads easy to detach

The Meze Audio Poet are a serious piece of audiophile-listening kit. This fact is borne out, in part, by the abject lack of anything that conventionally constitutes a ‘device feature’. If you, as someone new to this echelon of listening device, are looking for consumer-grade bells and whistles, such as wireless connectivity, active noise cancelling or aggressive digital EQ sculpting/bass-boosting, you’ll come up mercifully short.

The features that stand the Poet apart are those that make their listening experience worth the outlay – starting with its drivers.

The Poet have planar magnetic drivers, designed and manufactured exclusively for Meze by Rinaro. This is a partnership that goes back a way, and which has produced special fruit – both in the form of a unique diaphragm design (found here, and in other audiophile Meze-mezze like the Elite and Meze Empyrean), and in a new MZ6 driver design, which combines incomparable fidelity with incomparable compactitude. Planar drivers have their own USPs, including (among many other attributes) extensive upper-range detail and smoothness. Here, you’re getting the cream of the crop.

Meze Audio has also licensed proprietary Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) tech from Dan Clark Audio – a clever system of physical frequency-damping that serves to tame fatigue-inducing high-end. Since these babies have a fidelity of up to 96kHz, you can see the appeal of such high-end control.

On the practical side of the equation, a somewhat-novel feature presents in the complete removability and replaceability of the ear pads with incontestable ease. They’re held in place magnetically, and can be plucked off for cleaning or replacement without the demented and destructive picking and tugging that the same events can often require in other headphones.

This kind of modularity is a vote of confidence in the headphones, too. Meze expects you to go the distance with the Poet, so much so that it wants you to be able to take the best possible care of them, thereby maintaining the best possible listening experience. It may be a bare-minimum expectation for something so priced as the Poet, but in the world we live in, and with the unscrupulous design decisions undertaken by other consumer brands, a win is very much a win.

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

Meze Audio Poet review: Sound quality

Excellent depth of sound
Voices, woodwinds and transients are glorious
Soundstage a little narrow

Though the Poet are open-back headphones, they still have some interesting closed-back-y isolation created by the ear cups – with partial thanks to the snug fit they create around your ears. The ear cup cushioning is plush and deep, and docking into them feels like closing an airlock around your face. It’s pleasantly uncanny, hearing a quieter, still-clear outside world while your ears feel like they’re in a different space altogether.

Listening to my digital copy of Pile’s luminary album All Fiction is disarming for the impressive attack these cans possess; this is one of the more convincing translations of the album I’ve heard, insofar as feeling like Rick Maguire is frustratedly plucking those guitar strings in real space, close by my ears.

The soundstage isn’t the most three-dimensional I’ve heard – more on which shortly – but the depth and separation between instruments is highly commendable. For instance, in Pile’s Blood, auxiliary strings thrum through its emotional climax. I usually perceive them as a searing block; a unit. Through the Poet, though, they’re the multitudes they were recorded as – strands, vibrating apart, and catching one another’s air.

Alabaster DePlume’s work was a particular high point for me with these headphones. Not Even Sobbing, from Come With Fierce Grace, is a sparse elegy that fills in from the outside, its endless swells and dwells between saxophone, voices, violins and bass that seem to gain volume by mitosis, crowding in close around your ears like you’re the fire they’re singing round. The Poet hear them beautifully.

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

This is the Poet’s strength. They can readily resolve disparate instruments within an arrangement, in a way that highlights the figurative space between performances, musicians, and takes. Lesser headphones have a tendency to glue, smear, and otherwise daub, often imperceptibly – which can render the background more as an oil painting than a relief.

Hearing a creak in the piano at the start of Andy Shauf’s I’m Not Falling Asleep, from The Bearer Of Bad News, sealed the deal with this line of enquiry. The rendering of a space and time with open clarity and tangibility gives you new angles from which to feel close to something special.

The Poet are dynamite with transients, too. Everything’s whip-crack sharp and responsive. This is a particularly cathartic demeanor when it comes to the dead drums and plucky electric piano of Demon Fuzz’s Afreaka!, or the delicate, tentative textures of The Books’ collage-folk The Lemon of Pink.

All this said, the Poet do tend to prefer vocals – simultaneously a strength in one sense, and a weakness in others. The prominence of that upper-mid range over the lower-mids can make for an occasionally imbalanced experience, but also gave another high point in listening to Dirty Projectors and Bjork’s When The World Comes to an End, from the phenomenal, voice-led EP Mount Wittenberg Orca.

The open-back design doesn’t bring as much width as other headphones, and many of the albums I listened to across multiple devices and formats felt ‘closer’ than I felt they ought to. That said, they do seem to do the trick with respect to low end, which feels quite bloomy, but in a plush and rich way (as opposed to the boomy, indistinct way many closed-backs ultimately provide).

I thought this, plus the tighter soundstage and V-shaped frequency response, would make heavier tracks like those of Queens of the Stone Age’s Songs For The Deaf a little lacklustre. Boy, was I wrong. The vocals are a little floaty, but that grinding muffled-guitar core is everything you’d hope for and more – and the bass a silky undercurrent enjoying newfound fidelity and focus. Ultimately, these headphones are an indulgent listen.

Sound quality score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

Meze Audio Poet review: Design

Impeccably put-together
Satisfying practical design flourishes
Robust enough to assuage your worry

The Meze Audio Poet are premium kit, so it should come as no surprise that there’s some pristine design in and around them. It’s hard not to start with the case – a foam-lined ABS hard-case with an unnecessarily neat pleather-clad hinge. It’s not the most opulent outer shell in the world, but opening it does feel like unwrapping a gift every time (particularly with a well-chosen, pleasant-to-use clasp at the front).

The headphones themselves, more importantly, are a veritable work of art. Precision-milled backplates catch the light in intoxicating ways via their contemporary art-deco-ish patterning, and feel hugely solid against my hands’ light compressive force.

On the connectivity front, the cables are thankfully discrete from the ear cups. Each ear cup jack receives its respective TS connector with a stiff and reassuring click. I’m confident that, in the unlikely event you comedically wrap your Poet cable around a nearby hatstand while in transit, the hatstand would follow you for the ride.

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

Something I absolutely love about the Poet’s design is their complete embracement of simple solutions over flashy tech. Ear cup adjustment isn’t some encapsulated, easy-to-break ratcheting system, but rather a simple friction-based push-fit system – it moves slowly and surely up and down, but freely in rotation. Exceedingly simple, and exceedingly well executed.

That lean to simplicity does create a fun potential pitfall or two in places, though. For instance, the titanium bars that host the earcups are resonant, and all too eager to transmit their gong-like overtures through to your ears with the slightest bang or brush. Meanwhile, the headband is a single length of suede leather, which promotes ease of fit to your bonce but doesn’t play as nice with headphone stands.

Minuscule gripe aside, these headphones are self-evidently designed with careful thought – and with something of a reverence for those people that’ll be spending their hard-earned on grabbing a pair. I’m a fan!

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

Meze Audio Poet review: Value

Price not to be sniffed at, even if cheaper than other audiophile headphones
Justify their price point well…
… but minor shortcomings stand out more

With a pair of headphones as, frankly, luxuriant as these, two key issues present.

For one, they will handily reveal the shortcomings of practically any sound source you put before them. For another, they will wear their own shortcomings all the more prominently, if only for the increased scrutiny that such a high asking price places on them.

It’s an easy trap to fall into with something as good, and as expensive, as the Meze Audio Poet. And bear in mind, too, that this is still the ‘budget’ end of the audiophile spectrum, one which, at the other extremity, straight-facedly asks you to spend tens of thousands. I love these things, but the threshold for unequivocal endorsement gets exponentially higher against cost, just as returns tend to diminish.

It is with this line of thinking, and these resulting caveats, that I say the Meze Audio Poet do a great job of justifying their expense, but that certain behaviors – from a narrower-than-expected soundstage to the unexpected fatigue of longer listening sessions – stand out more for that expense. Your money is paying for cutting-edge planar drivers, meticulously designed and stunningly beautiful earcups, effortless ergonomics and quality materials; it also needs to buy you an experience greater than the sum of its parts, which the Poet readily do. With some small asterisks.

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

Meze Audio Poet review: Should you buy them?

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Free from the tyranny of consumer-grade bells-and-whistles; cutting-edge drivers and acoustic design are triumphs.

5 / 5

Sound quality

Bright, clear, deep, reedy – the Poet are a rich set, friendly to vocals but incredibly adept with transients.

4.5 / 5

Design

Beautifully made, with some well-executed minimal mechanisms; a joy to behold and to wear.

5 / 5

Value

The research, design and commitment to quality justify the price, but the little things, stand out against that price all the more.

4 / 5

Buy them if…

Don’t buy them if…

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

Meze Audio Poet review: Also consider

Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell – Column 0

Meze Audio Poet

FiiO FT5

Edifier Stax Spirit S5

Type:

Over-ear

Open-back or closed-back:

Open-back

Driver:

Planar magnetic

Frequency range:

4Hz to 96kHz

7Hz to 40kHz

10Hz to 40kHz

Impedance:

55 ohms

36 ohms

18 ohms

Connector:

Dual mono TS 3.5mm to 6.3mm TRS

Dual mono TS 3.5mm to 3.5mm TRRRS

Wireless (Bluetooth, LDAC/aptX Lossless)

Weight:

405g

465g

347g

Extras:

ABS hard case, dual TS to 6.3mm stereo cable, dual TS to 3.5mm stereo cable

Carry case, Dual mono TS 3.5mm to 3.5mm TRRRS cable, x4 TRRRS adapters (3.5mm TRS; 4.4mm TRRS; 6.3mm TRS; mini XLR)

Carrying case, 3.5mm TRS cable, USB-A to USB-C cable, ear pads

Meze Audio Poet review: How I tested

Tested for five weeks
Used as listening headphones at home
Mainly tested with digital music sources, via my computer and a Universal Audio interface
Also listened to vinyl on a Victrola Stream Sapphire, via the headphone out of a Cambridge Audio amplifier

Headphones are a daily fixture for me. As a freelance writer often in need of ‘locking in’, as a music lover with an ever-expanding library of too-cool-for-school records, and as a freelance musician reliant on headphones for recording, monitoring and mixing.

My experience with headphones of all types, purposes and budgets puts me in a fun position to evaluate the Meze Audio Poet – a pair of audiophile cans which became my resident listening headphones at home, spending time between my living room and attic studio space.

In the attic, the Poet were used to listen to digital copies of records from my collection and via streaming, through a Universal Audio Volt 4 audio interface. In the living room, the headphones were plugged into my Cambridge Audio Azur 540r receiver, which received the sound of my record collection via a Victrola Stream Sapphire turntable (outfitted with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge).

Meze Audio Poet: Price Comparison

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June 12, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Best Workout Headphones We Tested and Sweated In (2025)

by admin June 11, 2025

Honorable Mentions

Photograph: Adrienne So

We try almost every pair of new workout buds that come out. Here are a few that we also like that didn’t quite earn a space above.

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 for $180: In 2024, Jabra announced that this generation of the Elite Active series would be its last, which I hate, because these are the best. They’re comfortable, secure, sound amazing, have a pleasingly matte texture and a smart case. These will be obsolete in two years. I weep.

JLab Epic Sport ANC 3 for $100: This is the upgraded version of the Go Air Sport above, with hybrid dual drivers for better sound, a higher IP rating, better battery life, and active noise-canceling. You need a fully-sealed fit for ANC to be effective, which these don’t have; I can still hear people at the gym when I’m lifting weights. Still, in every other way these headphones meet their promises and they do feel incredibly secure.

H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport for $200: These are a huge improvement of the first iteration of the brand’s waterproof headphones, with a better fit, better buttons, and a better silicone finish. I also like the charging case! However, they’re pricier than the Shokz and they use a proprietary charger instead of USB-C, which is annoying.

Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2 for $100: I like the price, the beautiful colors, and the sound is great. However, they are a little bulkier than some of our other picks and the fit a little less secure.

JLab JBuds Mini for $40: If I were spending my own money, I would buy a pair of JLab workout buds and be done with it. I raved about these cute, tiny buds last year and they are also in our Best Wireless Earbuds guide.

Suunto Sonic for $129: If you want to try a neckband-style headphone like the Shokz above, but for cheaper, Sawh also likes these lightweight headphones with a balanced sound profile.

Shokz Openrun Pro for $160: These headphones still work perfectly well and are smaller than the new version. There’s also a mini version ($130) where the neckband is almost an inch shorter, which I like, because I am smol.

Speck Gemtones Sport for $70: These are cheap and fit well. The buttons are a little too sensitive, and the sound is noticeably fuzzier than most of our other picks, but they’re not bad.

Dishonorable Mentions

There’s nothing more annoying than carving out some time in your day for a workout, getting out the door, and realizing that you can’t listen to your fun podcast because your headphones are glitching out. These are the ones I hated.

Photograph: Amazon

Raycon Bone Conduction Headphones for $85: I have no idea if these sound good, because they pressed directly on top of my ear canal, where they buzzed the flesh of my eardrums and not my bones. It was unbearable.

Anker Soundcore C40i for $100: These fulfilled all my worst imaginings about open-ear buds; they fell out before I’d run a block down my street. I put them in my pocket and didn’t wear them again for the rest of the run.

Oladance Sport for $180: These have a high IPX rating and sound decent. However, the neckband is way too big for me, so they keep falling out of place, and the buttons are hard to use and unpleasant to push.

1More Fit Open for $130: Don’t buy these. They sound OK, but the buttons are so sensitive that I couldn’t run for more than five minutes without a song skipping or the music turning off.

Suunto Wing for $200: These look very nice and come with a bunch of thoughtful accessories, like a carrying case and a charging holder. But they sound way too tinny for this price.

Suunto Aqua for $115: I wish Suunto would improve its software experience. The lifeguard at the pool actually yelled at me for lane-hogging while trying to get these to work. For that reason alone, I have to continue to go with the Shokz headphones above.

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June 11, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

The best wireless workout headphones for 2025

by admin June 2, 2025

Regardless of what kind of exercise you’re into, if you’re working out, you’ll want a pair of wireless workout headphones. They allow you to be free and untethered during a serious weight-lifting session, a 5K run, an hour at the skate park and everywhere in between where you’re moving and sweating a ton. There are dozens of great wireless headphones and wireless earbud options out there, but for exercise in particular, there are additional factors to consider before picking one up like water resistance, battery life and overall comfort.

At Engadget, we’ve tested a bunch of fitness-ready headphones and earbuds to come up with our top picks, plus some advice to consider before you pick up a pair. All of our top picks below will work in and out of the gym, so you can invest in just one pair and make those your daily driver. If you’re primarily a runner, check out our list of best headphones for running.

Best workout headphones for 2025

Beats

Connectivity: Wireless | Style: In-ear with wingtip | Assistant support: Google Assistant, Siri

Read our full Beats Fit Pro review

The Beats Fit Pro came out at the head of the pack thanks to their comfortable, secure design, good sound quality and transparency mode, among other things. As my colleague Billy Steele detailed in his review of the Fit Pro, the buds’ wingtip design sets them apart from other Beats earbuds and makes them particularly good for running and other workouts. The buds are fairly small and light, and the wingtip on each is flexible enough to hug your ear nicely without putting too much pressure on it. This helps them feel more secure when you’re moving around a lot be it during a morning jog or while taking a HIIT class. The buds are also IPX4 rated — not the highest amount of protection I encountered, but enough to keep the buds working well even during my sweatiest sessions.

As it were, the Beats Fit Pro stayed put during every single workout. However, adjusting their position on the fly can lead to one of my few gripes with the buds: accidental presses of the onboard controls. There were a number of times when I went to adjust a bud and I ended up pausing my music in the process because the buttons are so easy to trigger.

Sound quality is solid and particularly great for exercising thanks to its punchy bass and overall balanced profile. Spatial audio support is great to have, and while Adaptive EQ means you can’t adjust the EQ yourself like you can with other buds, it does make for consistently good audio quality. It’s also one less thing to play with out of the box, which I expect many people will appreciate; these earbuds are a true unbox-and-go option. ANC is also strong and transparency mode will come in handy for those who often run, cycle or otherwise exercise outside. It was the most natural-sounding transparency mode of any earbuds I tried, and it’s easy to turn on or off either with onboard controls or from the control panel on your iOS or Android smartphone.

Speaking of, the Beats Fit Pro work particularly well with iPhones thanks to their built-in H1 chip, but Android users can download their companion app to access things like quick pairing, control customizations and a battery status indicator. I didn’t get into detail about the setup process because, well, there isn’t much of one. But I will say that, upon unboxing, I was surprised how cheap the charging case feels. While it provides an extra 21 hours of charging on top of the buds’ promised six hours of life, the build quality feels like a real step down compared to the buds themselves. Aside from that and the touch controls, though, the Beats Fit Pro offer a complete package for athletes, one that can be used all day in addition to training sessions. Plus, their standard $200 price isn’t too cost-prohibitive, and they can often be found on sale for less.

Pros

Comfortable IPX4 design
Great sound quality with Adaptive EQ
Effective ANC and useful transparency mode
Multipoint connectivity
Solid battery life

Cons

Onboard controls are easy to accidentally press
Charging case feels cheap

$170 at Macy’s

JLab

Connectivity: Wireless | Style: In-ear with hook | Assistant support: None

If you have less than $50 to spend, the $30 JLab Go Air Sport+ are a great option. These are the latest version of our previous pick here, the Go Air Sport. When I tested those, I didn’t have high expectations going into testing these buds, but I was quickly impressed by their comfort and sound quality. Lots of headphones designed for workouts have this hook that wraps around the top of your ear, and it does help the Go Air Sport stay securely attached to your head.

The Sport+ maintains that design. The hooks are quite flexible and have a soft-touch finish, which adds to their comfort. Admittedly, this design will take some getting used to if you’re new to it, but it’s a surefire way to get a little extra stability during high intensity workouts.

Sound quality is pretty good on these buds as well, although not nearly as balanced as that of our top pick. I also appreciate that you can cycle through three different EQ modes — Signature, Balanced and Bass Boost — using the buds’ onboard controls. There’s no app to fuss with, and that was a nice change of pace after mostly testing buds with some kind of app connectivity.

You can expect over nine hours of playtime on the Go Air Sport+, plus another 26 hours of battery life with its charging case. JLab also fixed a major pain-point about the previous versions here: instead of the old, built-in USB-A cable for charging, it’s now a more modern USB-C cable. Still, the case is on the bulky side; you can still throw it into a backpack or purse easily, but it’s not as svelte as cases you’ll see on more expensive buds.

Pros

Affordable
Impressive sound quality for the price
IP55-rated design
Good battery life

Cons

Large case
Hook design won’t be for everyone

$30 at Amazon

SHOKZ

Connectivity: Wireless | Style: Open-ear | Assistant support: None

The Shokz OpenFit 2 are the latest iteration of these open-ear headphones, with our previous top pick here being the original OpenFit. Earbuds with open designs like this allow for more situational awareness, with the goal being to let noise in rather than block it out. In my experience, the OpenFits do a great job of this without skimping on sound quality or comfort.

The buds themselves almost float over your ear cavern and Shokz’s soft-finish “dolphin arc” hook is flexible enough to securely wrap around the top of your ear without putting too much pressure on it. There’s a bud-like portion at the other end of the hook that acts as counterbalance, resulting in a reliable fit that never faltered during all sorts of activities including running, strength training and indoor cycling. Granted, none of those exercises involve shaking your head too much; maybe don’t wear the OpenFit to listen to head-banging death metal (if you can’t control yourself).

Sound quality is solid considering the design, and the OpenFit gets pretty loud as well. These buds have Shokz’s Direct Pitch technology, which uses reverse sound waves to optimize the distance and angle to your ear canal. The company claims this helps reduce sound leakage. In my testing, I found that true to a certain extent. The OpenFit had the best sound quality and overall volume out of all of the open-ear devices I tried, but if you crank the volume up to the max (or close), the person next to you will definitely hear what you’re listening to. Overall, these are a great option for anyone who doesn’t find in-ear buds particularly comfortable, or those who just prefer to have more awareness of their surroundings while working out.

Pros

Comfortable open-ear design
Design allows for more situational awareness
Good sound quality and volume

Cons

No ANC
Not as secure when compared to in-ear or hook-toting buds

$180 at Amazon

H2O Audio

Connectivity: Wireless | Style: Over-ear | Assistant support: None

Some prefer to wear over-ear headphones all day, every day, and if that sounds like you, there’s a good chance you already use your daily-driver headphones at the gym. But if you’re noticing increased wear-and-tear on those cans due to sweat or extended periods of use, you may want to consider a pair of over-ear headphones specifically for working out.

In that case, consider the H2O Audio Ript Ultra. While these wireless headphones don’t have a specific IP rating (they’re not designed for the pool, to be clear), they do claim to be “100 percent sweatproof” thanks in part to their removable and washable earcups. They survived some of my toughest runs and strength-training sessions without issue, and the earcups are pretty easy to remove when you want to give them a wipe-down. There’s also a second pair of earcups included in the box so you can swap them in when the originals eventually give up the ghost.

Sound quality is decent, but it should be better on a pair of $250 headphones. The Ript Ultra has custom 45mm drivers and active noise cancellation up to 30 dB. While the overall sound quality isn’t better than our top pick, it’s more than enough to get your blood pumping during a workout. But more importantly, you’ll likely get better sound quality on a pair of Bose or Beats headphones at the same price range; you’re really paying for the enhanced durability with the Ript Ultra. Ultimately, if you want a pair of headphones for the gym that can handle sweat and (potentially) last longer than other cans in the same price range, the Ript Ultra is a good choice.

Pros

Sweatproof
Removeable, washable earcups
Second pair of earcups included in the box
Comfortable fit

Cons

Expensive
Sound quality could be better

$250 at Amazon

Others wireless workout headphones we tested

Apple AirPods Pro

The Apple AirPods Pro have an IP54 rating, which protects them from brief encounters with dust and splashes. While that’s more dust protection than many other earbuds we tested, it’s the same level of water resistance that most exercise-specific competitors have. We generally like the AirPods Pro, but the Beats Fit Pro offer many of the same features and conveniences (namely good transparency mode and the H1 chip), with a design that’s more appropriate for working out.

Beats Powerbeats Pro

The Powerbeats Pro are a good alternative to the Beats Fit Pro if you’re a stickler for a hook design. However, they cost $50 more than the Fit Pro (although they often hover around $180) and don’t offer any significant upgrades or additional features aside from their design. They’re also quite old at this point (launched in 2019) and it appears Beats is putting more effort into upgrading and updating its newer models rather than this model.

Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro

The Soundcore AeroFit Pro is Anker’s version of the Shokz OpenFit, but I found it to be less secure and not as comfortable as the latter. The actual earbuds on the AeroFit Pro are noticeably bulkier than those on the OpenFit, which caused them to shift and move much more when I was wearing them during exercise. They never fell off my ears completely, but I spent more time adjusting them than I did enjoying them.

JBL Endurance Peak 3

The most noteworthy thing about the Endurance Peak 3 is that they have the same IP68-rating that the (now discontinued) Jabra Elite 8 Active do, but they only cost $100. But, while you get the same protection here, you’ll have to sacrifice in other areas. The Endurance Peak 3 didn’t blow me away when it came to sound quality or comfort (the hook is more rigid than those on my favorite buds of a similar style) and their charging case is massive compared to most competitors.

What to look for in workout headphones

Design

Before diving in, it’s worth mentioning that this guide focuses on wireless earbuds. While you could wear over-ear or on-ear headphones during a workout, most of the best headphones available now do not have the same level of durability. Water and dust resistance, particularly the former, is important for any audio gear you plan on sweating with or taking outdoors, and that’s more prevalent in the wireless earbuds world.

Most earbuds have one of three designs: in-ear, in-ear with hook or open-ear. The first two are the most popular. In-ears are arguably the most common, while those with hooks promise better security and fit since they have an appendage that curls around the top of your ear. Open-ear designs don’t stick into your ear canal, but rather sit just outside of it. This makes it easier to hear the world around you while also listening to audio, and could be more comfortable for those who don’t like the intrusiveness of in-ear buds.

Water resistance and dust protection

Even if a pair of headphones for working out aren’t marketed specifically as exercise headphones, a sturdy, water-resistant design will, by default, make them suitable for exercise. To avoid repetition, here’s a quick primer on durability, or ingression protection (IP) ratings. The first digit you’ll see after the “IP” refers to protection from dust and other potential intrusions, measured on a scale from 1 to 6. The second refers to water resistance or even waterproofing, in the best cases. The ratings for water resistance are ranked on a scale of 1 to 9; higher numbers mean more protection, while the letter “X” means the device is not rated for protection in that regard.

All of the earbuds we tested for this guide have at least an IPX4 rating, which means there’s no dust protection, but the buds can withstand splashes from any direction and are sweat resistant, but probably shouldn’t be submerged. For a detailed breakdown of all the possible permutations, check out this guide published by a supplier called The Enclosure Company.

Active noise cancellation and transparency mode

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is becoming standard on wireless earbuds, at least those above a certain price point. If you’re looking for a pair of buds that can be your workout companion and serve you outside of the gym, too, noise cancelation is a good feature to have. It makes the buds more versatile, allowing you to block out the dull roar of your home or office so you can focus, or give you some solitude during a busy commute.

But an earbud’s ability to block out the world goes hand-in-hand with its ability to open things back up should you need it. Many ANC earbuds also support some sort of “transparency mode,” or various levels of noise reduction. This is important for running headphones because exercising outdoors, alongside busy streets, can be dangerous. You probably don’t want to be totally oblivious to what’s going on around you when you’re running outside; adjusting noise cancelation levels to increase your awareness will help with that. Stronger noise cancelation might be more appealing to those doing more indoor training if they want to block out the dull roar of a gym or the guy exaggeratingly lifting weights next to you.

Battery life

All of the Bluetooth earbuds we tested have a battery life of six to eight hours. In general, that’s what you can expect from this space, with a few outliers that can get up to 15 hours of life on a charge. Even the low end of the spectrum should be good enough for most athletes and gym junkies, but it’ll be handy to keep the buds’ charging case on you if you think you’ll get close to using up all their juice during a single session.

You’ll get an average of 20 to 28 extra hours of battery out of most charging cases and all of the earbuds we tested had holders that provided at least an extra 15 hours. This will dictate how often you actually have to charge the device — as in physically connect the case with earbuds inside to a charging cable, or set it on a wireless charger to power up.

How we test workout headphones

In testing wireless workout headphones, I wear them during every bit of exercise I do — be it a casual walk around the block, a brisk morning run or a challenging weight-lifting session. I’m looking for comfort arguably most of all, because you should never be fussing with your earbuds when you should be focusing on working out. In the same vein, I’m cognizant of if they get loose during fast movements or slippery when I’m sweating. I also use the earbuds when not exercising to take calls and listen to music throughout the day. Many people will want just one pair of earbuds that they can use while exercising and just doing everyday things, so I evaluate each pair on their ability to be comfortable and provide a good listening experience in multiple different activities.

While I am also evaluating sound quality, I’m admittedly not an audio expert. My colleague Billy Steele holds that title at Engadget, and you’ll find much more detailed information about audio quality for some of our top picks in his reviews and buying guides. With these headphones for working out, however, I will make note of related issues if they stood out (i.e. if a pair of earbuds had noticeably strong bass out of the box, weak highs, etc). Most of the wireless workout headphones we tested work with companion apps that have adjustable EQ settings, so you’ll be able to tweak sound profiles to your liking in most cases.

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June 2, 2025 0 comments

JBL Tour One M3 over-ear noise-cancelling headphones on a white surface

Product Reviews

JBL Tour One M3 review: a determined attempt to dominate the over-ear noise-cancelling headphones market, with one issue

by admin May 31, 2025

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.

JBL Tour One M3: two-minute review

JBL has pitched its new Tour One M3 wireless over-ear noise-cancellers right into the heart of the action. They’re priced to compete with hitters as big as Bose and Sony, but the company hasn’t just slapped a premium price-tag on and hoped for the best. These headphones are specified to compete, and even have an optional extra that elevates their functionality beyond that of any price-comparable rival.

Wireless connectivity, frequency response and battery life are all well up to standard. Control options are numerous and well implemented. And with the optional Smart Tx transmitter, JBL is able to turn the Tour One M3 into a wireless receiver of non-wireless sources, as well as facilitating group listening for as many people who have Auracast-compatible headphones would like to participate.

There’s no arguing with the standard of build and finish that’s on display here, either, though the majority of the plastics used in the construction don’t feel as expensive as you might expect in a product as pricey as this. Still, at least the comfort quotient is high, thanks to some judicious padding and a low overall weight.

JBL Tour One M3 review: Price and release date

Release date: April 15th, 2025
Price: $349 ($399 with Smart Tx transmitter); £329 (£379); AU$479 (AU$549)

You don’t need me to tell you this is serious money for a pair of wireless over-ear noise-cancellers, even before you add in the cost of the Smart Tx transmitter – $349 ($399 with the transmitter); £329 (£379); AU$479 (AU$549).

JBL has picked a fight with brands as credible as Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, Sennheiser and Sony (to name just four) by pricing the Tour ONE M3 this way, which can mean one of only two things. Either JBL is completely confident or JBL is utterly rash.

Whichever your preference, it’s probably not enough to put the JBL Tour One M3 among the contenders in the best wireless headphones market.

JBL Tour One M3 review: Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Weight:

278g

Drivers:

40mm mica dome dynamic

Battery life:

40 hours (ANC on); up to 70 hours (ANC off)

Control:

app; physical/touch; voice

Bluetooth:

5.3 (SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC)

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

JBL Tour One M3 review: Features

Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC codec compatibility
Up to 70 hours of battery life
Optional Smart Tx transmitter

There are boxes to be ticked when you’re charging this sort of money for a pair of wireless noise-cancelling over-ears, most of which are marked ‘the best version of X’, and the JBL Tour One M3 ticks all of them.

For instance, they use Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity, and feature multipoint connectivity as well as compatibility with LC3 and LDAC codecs as well as SBC and AAC. They will run for as much as 70 hours (at moderate volume and with noise-cancellation switched off) between charges, and you can expect 40 hours even if you listen at high volume and with ANC switched on.

The ANC itself is a three-stage system: choose between ‘ambient aware’ (an in-app slider controls how much of the outside world is allowed in), ‘talk-thru’ (which pauses music while significantly boosting external sounds, voices in particular) and ‘noise-cancelling’. There’s another slider here, to adjust ANC intensity – or you can switch on ‘adaptive ANC’ to automatically adjust the level based on ambient conditions. ‘Auto compensation’, meanwhile, assesses the headphones’ position on your ear relative to your ear canal in order to adjust ANC on the fly.

JBL suggests the Tour ONE M3 have a frequency response of 10Hz to 40kHz, which, if it’s anything like accurate, should be ample. Sound is served via a couple of 40mm mica dome dynamic drivers.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

The control app itself has plenty of functionality beyond fiddling with active noise-cancellation, of course – ‘JBL Headphones’ is free for iOS and Android and is one of the most comprehensive apps around.

For instance, it allows you to select a ‘spatial audio’ setting (‘fixed’, ‘head-tracking’ or ‘off’) and investigate your EQ options (there are six presets and the ability to specify some custom settings using a 10-band equalizer). You can take a hearing test to help the headphones adapt to your specific hearing profile, exert some influence of the physical methods of control, set a volume limiter and plenty more besides. These include checking on firmware updates and remaining battery life, plus adjusting the length of time without an incoming signal required before the headphones power down – basically, this app is a model of usefulness and stability.

Then there’s the Smart Tx transmitter (a cost option, let’s not forget), through which JBL has an authentic Point of Difference. If you’re familiar with the ‘retransmission case’ that the top-end Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 true wireless in-ears have been supplied with for the past few years, you’ll know one of the things the Smart Tx can do – attach it to a non-wireless source of music, such as the in-flight entertainment system, via one of its USB-C slots and it will wirelessly stream to the headphones.

But there’s more to this little brick than that. It also uses Auracast to allow multiple devices to listen to whatever is playing into it (as long as all headphones are Auracast-compatible, of course). Its full-colour touch-screen duplicates quite a lot of the app’s functions, too, so to make changes you don’t have to fish your phone out of the pocket on the back of the seat in front of you. Yes, it needs charging (via its second USB-C) and, also yes, it’s another thing to disappear down the back of the sofa or something, but for those who fancy its functionality, it’s a very useful little device indeed.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

JBL Tour One M3 review: Sound quality

Punch, drive and detail in fairly equal measure
Effective and quite nuanced spatial audio effect
Easily spooked by bigger volumes

Some headphones don’t really mind the sort of stuff you listen to, or how you choose to listen to it – they just get on with the job, regardless. The JBL Tour One M3, I think I can safely say, are not those headphones.

As far as music styles are concerned, they’re not especially fussy, but where quality of recording is concerned, they have definite preferences. It’s mostly due to their treble response – the top end as reproduced by the Tour One M3 is absolutely as bright and bitey as is acceptable. So if you provoke it with a recording that shares that same high-end edginess – Nick Lowe’s You Got the Look I Like is a good example – things can get compounded into something very close to hardness.

There’s no shortage of detail revealed at the top of the frequency range, though, and that’s the case throughout. At every point the JBL are an observant and insightful listen, able to identify even the most fleeting episodes in a recording. Midrange resolution is impressive, and at the bottom end they punch with the sort of weight and determination we’ve all come to expect from JBL equipment. There’s a slight bias towards the bottom of the frequency range when EQ settings are left alone, but this can be mitigated a little in the app. What EQ adjustment can’t do, though, is affect tonality that’s nicely naturalistic right until the top end gets involved.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Dynamic impetus is considerable, especially where the biggest shifts in volume or intensity are concerned, and the upheavals in Fiona Apple’s Fetch the Bolt Cutters are described in full. The smaller, but no less significant, harmonic variations get appropriate weighting, too. Soundstaging, when listening in straight stereo, is organized and reasonably expansive, but there’s a pleasant unity to the stage, an idea of performance, that makes for a confident and convincing presentation.

Switch on spatial audio and the effect is much less showy than some rival designs shoot for, and it’s all to the good as far as I’m concerned. The stage opens up in every direction without losing too much of its definition, and the sensation of space doesn’t feel in any way artificial.

No, the major issue here concerns volume, and the Tour One M3’s inability to cope with it. Turn up the volume and the sound becomes two-dimensional and rather too assertive – every part of a recording seems to rush to the front of the stage, and the top-end tonality (which is problematic all the time) becomes quite abrasive and almost glassy. ‘Composure’ is the word I’m after, and it deserts the JBL the moment you decide to listen at big levels.

The active noise-cancellation, by way of contrast, needs no excuses making for it. Does it cloak you in an eerie blanket of silence like the equivalent Bose headphones can manage? No, it doesn’t. Does it bear comparison to the very best alternatives out there that aren’t by Bose? Most definitely. Without altering their sonic characteristics or introducing a suggestion of counter-signal, the Tour One M3 deal with the vast majority of external distractions and leave you free to get on with listening.

Not too loud, though, obviously.

Sound quality score: 3 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

JBL Tour One M3 review: Design

Fold flat and inwards, so have quite a small carry-case
Choice of three finishes
Perceived value is not all it might be

Don’t get me wrong, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the way the JBL Tour One M3 are built and finished. Despite having so much articulation in the frame that they can fold up into a winningly compact carry-case, they give every impression of being carefully constructed and ready to last. But when it comes to perceived value, the embodiment of the word ‘premium’ that comes from the look, the feel and, let’s face it, the smell of a pair of headphones, the Tour One M3 don’t have it in anything like the quantities of their price-comparable rivals.

In terms of the look, that might be down to the fact that my review sample is in an insipid finish called ‘mocha’ – perhaps the appearance is a bit classier in the black or blue alternatives. But the color has nothing to do with the way the Tour One M3 feel and the plastics which make up a lot of the frame are hard and feel inexpensive. All of which is unfortunate, given how expensive these headphones actually are.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

The practicalities of the design are absolutely fine, though. The contact points are pleather-covered memory foam, and they’re softly pliant. The headband adjusts with a very positive action, and the clamping force it exerts is nicely judged. These 278g headphones are easy to wear and it’s simple to get and remain comfortable inside them. JBL isn’t quoting an IP rating, though, so it’s worth making sure you don’t get too comfortable in inappropriate environments.

On the left earcup there’s a slender ‘volume up/down’ rocker switch. On the right, meanwhile, a ‘power on/off/Bluetooth pairing’ slider is positioned above an ‘action’ button that cycles through ‘noise-cancelling’, ‘ambient aware’ and ‘talk-thru’. The surface of this earcup also has a touch surface that allows control over ‘play/pause’, ‘skip forwards’, ‘skip backwards’ and ‘summon voice assistant’, and this is where telephony functions are accessed, too. It’s possible to unintentionally trigger touch controls when feeling for that ‘action’ button, but broadly speaking these are effective, well-implemented user interfaces.

The USB-C slot can be used both for charging the battery and for data transfer – which means the Tour One M3 are genuinely high-resolution headphones if hard-wired to an appropriate source. And there are eight mics spread over the two earcups taking care of voice-assistant interaction, telephony and noise-cancellation.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

JBL Tour One M3 review: Value

Variable sound
So-so perceived value
Excellent control options, including the Smart Tx transmitter

Ultimately, the JBL Tour ONE M3 can’t be said to offer cast-iron value for money. They have a lot going for them where comfort is concerned, their noise-cancelling is very good, their control options are all very well realized and, in some ways, they sound very enjoyable and entertaining, too.

But the hard, quite cheap-feeling plastics that make up a lot of the frame, the tendency to lose a little self-control at volume, and the sheer strength of the products they’re competing against all conspire to make the JBL a diverting alternative rather than a nailed-on candidate for your ‘value for money’ shortlist.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Should I buy the JBL Tour One M3?

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Section

Notes

Score

Features

Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC codec compatibility; optional Smart Tx transmitter a potential game-changer

5 / 5

Sound quality

Excellent ANC; dynamic impetus; nuanced spatial audio; but too easily spooked at high volumes

3 / 5

Design

Fold flat into neat carry-case; comfortable; hard plastic don’t lend premium finish

4 / 5

Value

Very good control options; so-so perceived value

3.5 / 5

Buy them if…

Don’t buy them if…

JBL Tour One M3 review: Also consider

How I tested JBL Tour One M3

Connected to iOS and Android music players, wired and wirelessly
Connected using the Smart Tx transmitter to a laptop
Lots of different music, lots of different file types and sizes

I listened at my desk, connecting the Smart Tx transmitter to a laptop, I listened while out and about and I listened on public transport, to lots of music of many different file types and sizes. I spent over a week critically to get the best feel possible for the JBL.

Sony WH-1000XM6 review: The best wireless headphones for almost everyone

by admin May 26, 2025

Sony WH-1000XM6

MSRP $450.00

“Sony’s best ANC headphones so far are brilliant in almost every way.”

Pros

Fold-up, fold-flat hinges
Premium-feeling materials and finishes
Increased comfort, more secure fit
Top-notch sound quality
Excellent noise canceling/transparency
Great for calls even in noisy places

Cons

No USB audio
Awkward, Android-only Auracast
Limited spatial audio

“Why you can trust Digital Trends – We have a 20-year history of testing, reviewing, and rating products, services and apps to help you make a sound buying decision. Find out more about how we test and score products.“

In some ways, Sony didn’t need to update its flagship wireless headphones. Even as of May 14, 2025, one day before the official launch of the WH-1000XM6, you’d have been hard pressed to find a list of the best wireless headphones (including here at Digital Trends) that didn’t put Sony’s WH-1000XM5 in first place. This, despite the fact that the XM5 are now three years old, and virtually all of their competitors have been update during that time. That’s how good they still are.

But we all have a tendency to gravitate towards the newest, shiniest object, and besides, for all of its merits, the XM5 did have one or two areas that needed improvement. So here we are.

Let me cut right to the chase. The WH-1000XM6 are amazing. Stellar. The best. And if I’m being honest, you should just buy the WH-1000XM5 while they’re still available. Here’s why.

Design

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

If you’re looking for an excuse reason to buy the $450 WH-1000XM6, look no further than their updated design. Sony may claim otherwise, but this is where you’ll find the biggest difference between them and their predecessors.

I’ve always liked the look of the XM5, but now that I’ve laid my eyes on the XM6, I can’t unsee the areas where the XM5 feel a little cheap. For the XM6, Sony has found a plastic formulation that doesn’t look or feel like plastic at all. It’s more like synthetic stone, and it gives these cans an upscale vibe that the XM5 were aiming for, but never quite hit.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The earcups are now seamless, solid shells, their matte surfaces interrupted only by the eight microphone openings. But even these are beautifully crafted, with flush-mounted metal grilles instead of gaping holes. The earcushions are now much easier to remove.

The hinges are also remarkable. When you look at the AirPods Max, Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, or the WH-1000XM5, you realize that when you connect a headband to a set of earcups via a single point of contact (instead of the usual yoke approach), you tend to sacrifice the ability to fold up and fold flat, leaving a less compact shape.

Sony’s new hinges bring back that missing second axis of movement without resorting to the older, yoke-style architecture — which Bose opted for on its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.

The other significant change is the headband. It’s now wider, better padded, and asymmetrical. The first two are all about enhanced comfort, but Sony hopes the asymmetrical shape will help folks figure out the headphones’ orientation a little faster. Sonos did the same thing on the Ace headphones, but in both cases, I find it easier to just look at the earcups (if the two control buttons are in my left hand, I know they’re the right way ‘round).

Oh, and let’s give Sony some serious props for giving the XM6’s travel case a quick-release magnetic closure. So much better than a zipper!

Sony WH-1000XM6 specs

Price
$450

Weight
8.96 ounces

Form factor
Closed-back, over-ear

Noise cancellation
Yes

Battery life
40 hours per charge (ANC off), 30 hours (ANC on)

Charging
USB-C

Voice assistant
Native smartphone access
Hands-free Google Assistant (Android only)

Multipoint
Yes

Spatial audio
Yes (with head tracking, Android only)

Hi-res audio
Yes (wired/wireless)

Fast pairing
Google Fast Pair

Bluetooth/codecs
BT 5.3 with AAC, SBC, LC3, LDAC

Auracast
Yes (Android only)

Comfort, controls, and connections

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The headband isn’t the only change for comfort’s sake; the earcushions are also more generously padded. Sony has upped the clamping force, too, and the result is a more secure fit that remains very comfortable, even for several hours in a row. I don’t really get the whole full-size over-ear headphones thing at the gym or while running, but I know there are many who do. If that’s your thing, the XM6 are a better choice than the XM5. Just remember, they have no official IP rating for water or sweat resistance.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that the XM6’s clever new hinge design relies partly on a spring-loaded mechanism, similar to the one Apple uses on the AirPods Max. This puts the pivot point where the hinge meets the earcup, as opposed to the XM5’s mechanism, which puts it at the midpoint of the earcup.

For me, it creates a small but perceptible gap between the bottom of the earcup and my head, unless I extend the headband sliders more than feels normal. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, it’s just something to be aware of.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The XM6’s controls are almost identical to the XM5. The right earcup gives you physical buttons for ANC mode selection and power/pairing, while the left is touch sensitive for playback and volume gestures. The one difference is that you can now enable a microphone mute function via the ANC button while on a call.

It’s a very intuitive setup and works brilliantly. The only drawback is that XM6’s controls aren’t cold-weather friendly unless you have capacitive-compatible gloves.

Still, unlike the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones (which also use touch-based gestures for some or all controls), Sony gives you an alternative: hands-free voice commands. If you enable them in the Sound Connect app, you can say, “Hey, Headphones,” followed by “play song,” “pause song,” “raise the volume,” etc. Basically, everything you can do with a gesture or button, you can do with your voice, and it’s seamless. The one caveat is that you must choose between Sony’s voice commands or button-based access to your phone’s voice assistant (or hands-free Google Assistant on Android).

Sony’s Bluetooth connections are always rock solid, and the WH-1000XM6 are no exception. When using an Android phone, Google Fast Pair makes pairing very easy (plus it adds the XM6 to Find My).

Multipoint lets you keep the cans connected to two devices simultaneously, and the Sony Sound Connect app makes managing those devices a breeze.

Sound quality

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

One of the biggest reasons Sony’s 1000X series has dominated lists of the best headphones over the years is their sound. These cans have always provided powerful, precise, full-frequency sound, with plenty of detail. The XM6 are no exception.

What these new cans bring to the table are subtle improvements in clarity, especially through the midrange — traditionally the hardest part of the frequency spectrum to achieve additional detail.

You can think of it as peeling back another layer of onion skin.

When Sony introduced the XM5, it shifted slightly away from the XM4’s bass-forward balance to a more neutral tuning. Curiously, even though the XM6 is a twin to the XM5 when it comes to sound signature, that added level of detail and nuance helps low-end bass feel tighter. It’s not more prominent — again, the balance is almost identical — but you can hear the improvement in separation from the lower mids.

Sony offers a variety of EQ presets and customization options in the Sound Connect app as well as its “Find My EQ” personalization test, but I ignored them all — the company’s factory tuning is that good.

All of this to say, if you like the XM5, I think you’ll like the XM6 even more when listening critically, particularly if you have an Android phone and take advantage of Sony’s LDAC Bluetooth codec.

And if you’ve never tried any of Sony’s flagship headphones, prepare yourself to be wowed. They’ve always been a top-notch choice, and the XM6 are the best so far.

The one thing I wish Sony had included is USB Audio. In this price range, it’s nearly ubiquitous — even Apple added it to the AirPods Max, and that company has a track record of being slow to adopt new tech. USB Audio would give the XM6 a truly lossless connection with support for hi-res audio up to whatever Sony’s built-in DAC can handle (likely 24-bit/96kHz or better). For such a great-sounding set of cans, this feels like a real oversight.

Spatial audio

Sony WH-1000XM5 (top, black) and WH-1000XM6 Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

New for the XM6 is the ability to spatialize any stereo sound using the Sound Connect app’s listening mode settings. Sony calls it 360 Reality Audio Upmixing and has decided that it should be all about making video content more immersive. It even calls the spatial audio mode “Cinema.”

Despite the name, it works on any audio — not just movies or TV — and in typical Sony fashion, it’s masterfully executed. The soundstage opens up, getting wider, deeper, and even a little taller, and there’s a greater sense of spatial separation between audio elements like vocals and instruments. Most importantly, Sony’s processing mostly avoids the unpleasant level changes that lesser spatial systems often produce. In the worst versions, bass can become smeared, and vocals lose much of their presence. Sony’s Cinema keeps things focused. Stereo purists aren’t going to love it — there’s no avoiding the sensation that you’re listening to processed sound — but if you dig that more immersive sound, Sony’s version is a lot of fun.

Sadly, iPhone users will have to satisfy themselves with a “static” spatial presentation. The XM6’s head tracking is only enabled via Android 13 or higher. For music, I don’t think it matters. For Sony’s cinematic ambitions, however, head tracking is the key that unlocks the sensation of sitting in a home theater. It keeps the relative position of each virtual 5.1 speaker locked in space — turning your head makes it feel like you’ve turned away from the central source of dialogue right in front of you.

It’s not as effective as Apple’s version using the combo of an iPhone or Apple TV 4K with a set of AirPods Max or AirPods Pro, and it’s currently limited to just a few services like Netflix and YouTube.

Noise cancellation and transparency

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Active noise cancelling (ANC) on the XM5 is already excellent. In fact, the only headphones that can beat them are Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. For the XM6, Sony went all out to change that ranking, giving the new cans more microphones (12 vs 8) and seven times faster ANC processing.

These changes give the XM6 an edge over their predecessors, and I’d even go so far as to say that in certain circumstances, where external noises tend to be highly variable, they do a slightly better job than the QuietComfort Ultra. But for pure, brute-force destruction of constant droning sounds like in an airplane cabin or on public transit, the QuietComfort Ultra still reign supreme.

However, if you’re very sensitive to ANC side effects (some people report an unpleasant, sucking sensation), you may be better off with the WH-1000XM6. Sony’s ANC system may not cancel quite as much noise as Bose’s, but it’s also gentler on your ears.

Sony WH-1000XM6 (left) and WH-1000XM5. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Transparency mode is also excellent, giving you a nearly perfect reproduction of the outside world. Are the WH-1000XM6 better than the AirPods Max and QuietComfort Ultra? No, but you may still prefer Sony’s version, which slightly boosts the higher frequencies associated with speech, instead of going for a completely natural passthrough.

I think what I like most about Sony’s ANC and transparency is how quickly you can shift between them — it’s nearly instant.

You can also turn on Sony’s Speak-to-Chat feature, which switches to transparency mode automatically when it detects you speaking. It’s very clever but your mileage may vary: I couldn’t find a setting that reliably detected my voice without being triggered by false positives like clearing my throat.

Call quality

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

At the risk of sounding repetitive, calling on the WH-1000XM6 is also a subtle improvement over the XM5, which were already pretty darn great. I’d say the biggest difference is that the XM6 preserve more of your voice’s natural sound. There’s better tonality and less sibilance on all of those ess-sounds.

The XM6’s ability to cancel background noise remains top-notch. Your callers will likely never know you’re walking past a construction site.

For the first time, Sony has added a mic muting option, which is very handy. Just keep in mind that your phone app probably won’t reflect these mode changes (the iPhone doesn’t), so you’ll have to remember which mode you’re in.

You can switch to transparency mode at any time to hear your own voice more clearly and Sony includes a specific voice boost option in the app to help with that if you need it.

The only wireless headphones that are better for calls are JBL’s Tour One M3.

Battery life

This might be the one area where Sony has made no improvements at all. Playtime with ANC on is rated at 30 hours and 40 when it’s off. One minute of charging buys you an extra hour of operation, but a full charge still takes about 3.5 hours.

Does it matter? I doubt it. When it comes to battery life, more is always better, but I think most folks can get through 99% of their lives on 40 hours or less.

The one big improvement is that you can now charge and use the XM6 simultaneously, something no previous 1000X series can do.

Extras

Sony WH-1000XM6 (left) and WH-1000XM5 Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The XM6 are the first of their kind to support Auracast, which is great. Unfortunately, it requires manually shifting to LE Audio within the Sound Connect app, then switching to the Android Bluetooth menu to find and connect to a local Auracast broadcast, which is a pain in the butt. Also, iPhone users are out of luck.

This is disappointing to me. Much like Sony’s spatial audio feature, it feels like a half-measure. Moreover, we know that better is possible — JBL’s Tour One M3 suffers from none of these limitations.

Sony has given its Adaptive Sound Control feature (which turns ANC on/off based on activity) a boost with its new scenes feature. You select from different scenes like running or going to the gym, and then choose the time and place associated with these activities and what you’d like to listen to (on an iPhone, your choices are Apple Music, Spotify, or Endel). I appreciate that Sony wants to build some intelligence into the listening experience, but I don’t find these features especially useful.

Conclusion

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 are a meaningful upgrade from the company’s WH-1000XM5, and take their place as the best overall wireless headphones I’ve ever tested. They’re not perfect — no USB audio, a bizarrely awkward Auracast setup, and spatial audio that can only be used to its fullest on Android, are drawbacks that must be considered, especially given that Sony has increased the price of its flagship cans to $450.

I acknowledge that none of these issues stopped me or anyone I know from enjoying the XM5, and in all of the other areas that matter (sound, ANC, design, and comfort), the XM6 are a stellar choice.

Bose is still better overall for noise canceling, but the XM6’s real competition comes from its own predecessor. Now that Sony has discounted the XM5, and will likely keep prices low until it runs out of stock, you’d be well advised to consider that model before buying.

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May 26, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

This Sony Noise-Cancelling Headphones Hit Their Lowest Price for Memorial Day, You’ll Barely Pay a Thing

by admin May 21, 2025

You haven’t really heard music until you’ve listen with a solid set of headphones. The technology has been around long enough at this point that you really don’t need to burn a hole through your wallet to afford a pair. Look at Sony. Right now, Sony’s WH-CH720N noise-canceling headphones which normally go for $150 have been cut in price for a limited time. The pink and white options have been brought down by 35% each, landing on the new price of $98. The black, however, have been discounted even further at 35% off which brings it down to just $88. That’s a savings of $62.

I’ve got to hand it to Sony. The company’s name choice when it comes to its flagship set of headphones never seizes to amaze me. If we check out Apple’s over-the-ear headphones, we’ll see they appropriately been dubbed the AirPods Max. Samsung’s earbuds are eloquently named Galaxy Buds, fitting into line all the other Samsung Galaxy personal devices.

See at Amazon

But then we have Sony. Oh, Sony. Here we have the WH-CH720N noise-canceling headphones. One might think some product manage at Sony was having a hectic day and mistakenly filled out the field on some form with not the product name but with its SKU number. Honestly though? It kind of rocks.

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May 21, 2025 0 comments

Headphones

Table of contents

Best noise-canceling headphones of 2025

How to choose the best noise-canceling headphones for you

Design

Type of noise cancellation

Customization

How we test noise-canceling headphones

Other noise-canceling headphones we tested

AirPods Max

Dyson On-Trac

Sonos Ace

Sony ULT Wear

Beats Studio Pro

Master & Dynamic MH40 (2nd gen)

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

Noble Audio FoKus Apollo

Noise-canceling headphones FAQs

Does noise cancellation block all noise?

Is there a difference between wired vs wireless noise-canceling headphones?

Does noise cancellation impact sound quality?

Shokz OpenDots One: Two minute review

Shokz OpenDots One review: Specifications

Shokz OpenDots One review: Price and availability

Shokz OpenDots One review: Design

Shokz OpenDots One review: Features

Shokz OpenDots One review: Sound performance

Shokz OpenDots One review: Value

Shokz OpenDots One review: scorecard

Shokz OpenDots One: Should I buy?

Buy them if…

Don’t buy them if…

Also consider

How I tested

Great Reviews

Meze Audio Poet: One-minute review

Meze Audio Poet review: Price and release date

Meze Audio Poet review: Features

Meze Audio Poet review: Sound quality

Meze Audio Poet review: Design

Meze Audio Poet review: Value

Meze Audio Poet review: Should you buy them?

Buy them if…

Don’t buy them if…

Meze Audio Poet review: Also consider

Meze Audio Poet review: How I tested

Honorable Mentions

Dishonorable Mentions

Best workout headphones for 2025

Others wireless workout headphones we tested

Apple AirPods Pro

Beats Powerbeats Pro

Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro

JBL Endurance Peak 3

What to look for in workout headphones

Design

Water resistance and dust protection

Active noise cancellation and transparency mode

Battery life

How we test workout headphones

JBL Tour One M3: two-minute review

JBL Tour One M3 review: Price and release date

JBL Tour One M3 review: Specs

JBL Tour One M3 review: Features

JBL Tour One M3 review: Sound quality

JBL Tour One M3 review: Design

JBL Tour One M3 review: Value

Should I buy the JBL Tour One M3?

Buy them if…

Don’t buy them if…

JBL Tour One M3 review: Also consider

How I tested JBL Tour One M3

Design

Sony WH-1000XM6 specs

Comfort, controls, and connections

Sound quality

Spatial audio

Noise cancellation and transparency

Call quality

Battery life