When Apple added active noise cancellation to its eartip-less AirPods 4, it worked so well that both new-generation AirPods 5 models have active noise cancelling as standard now.

The new Apple AirPods 5 also promise 50 per cent improved ANC and better sound than before, a new custom EQ, all while retaining a familiar design and many of the features that made these wireless earbuds so popular.

It’s certainly more a case of evolution than completely rehauling a tried-and-tested design, but are the new AirPods 5 still competitive in today’s growing open earbuds market?

Price

As before, there are two AirPods 5 variants, but the delineation between them is now less clear-cut. In the AirPods 4, the pricier model had ANC, the cheaper model didn’t – simple, right?

In the AirPods 5, the differences come down to on-stem volume control, a wireless charging case, and an extra hour of battery life. We’re not sure if these are crucial enough differences for buyers to make a clear choice, and we wonder why Apple didn’t just make a single version of AirPods 5 that had all the complete features.

The base model of the AirPods 5 cost £119 / $129 / AU$219, while the step-up version with the wireless charging case – which is the sample we are reviewing here – is yours for £139 / $149 / AU$249. There’s less of a price gap between the two than in previous generations, and it once again makes us question why Apple felt the need to make two versions. We fully expect the cheaper model to go down in price for the holiday season to make it a more attractive proposition.

On the plus side, the AirPods 5 are less expensive than the previous generation: the ANC model launched at £179 / $179 / AU$299 in 2024, while UK buyers can save a whole tenner on the standard AirPods 4’s original price (£129 / $129 / AU$219).

Build & design

Place the two generations of AirPods side by side, and you’ll find them to be identical in design. The AirPods 5 have the same ‘semi-open’ design as the AirPods 4 so you are aware of your surroundings when wearing them, with no silicone eartips to create an acoustic or ANC seal.

How comfortable and effective the design is proves, as before, to be entirely dependent on the shape of your ears – they either don’t sit securely for some members of the What Hi-Fi? review team, while others found wearing them perfectly comfortable.

Getting the ‘nozzle’ of the buds pointing towards your ear canal at all times without being dislodged is the tricky bit, especially if you want the best sound quality. Apple’s always-on Adaptive EQ aims to keep the sound consistent to account for different ear shapes, although this doesn’t help if the buds don’t stay in your ears.

Those who don’t like the feeling of eartips burrowing in will appreciate the less-intrusive design, though, and the buds are small and lightweight enough to wear for long hours. They also have an improved IP57 rating for water and sweat resistance, which is ideal for those who wear these buds while commuting, running or exercising.

The base model features force-sensitive controls, where you pinch the stems to control music playback, change noise modes and accept calls, while gesture controls – a nod or a shake of the head – can be activated to accept or reject incoming calls.

The pricier AirPods 5 model features all of the above and adds the swipable volume controls from its Pro sibling, meaning you can swipe up and down on the buds’ stems to change volume. As we found with AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3, it’s swift and intuitive in use.

Both charging cases look identical from the outside: small, pocketable, with a USB-C charging connection. The pricier model (clumsily called AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case) has wireless charging capabilities, working with Qi-compatible and Apple Watch chargers, and the case emits a sound to indicate low battery status or when you’re trying to locate it using Find My. The standard model can only be charged with a USB-C cable, which neither model provides in the box.

Features

The AirPods 4 were already so stacked with features we’re not sure how they have space for more, with Apple continuously bringing flagship-level features down to its standard line with every iOS update. The AirPods 5 and Pro 3 models are almost identical in features these days thanks to sharing the same H2 headphone chip, with only the hearing aid, hearing test and heart rate sensors now reserved for the flagship.

The cheaper AirPods 5 model gets the bigger upgrade here, with it now having pretty much the same features as its bigger brothers: with ANC ability comes adaptive audio and transparency modes, the conversation awareness mode that lowers media volume when it detects you’re speaking, and all AirPods running on the H2 chip (the 4, 5 and Pro models) now feature live translation.

The AirPods 5 continue to support personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and other iOS-centric features such as easy switching between connected iOS devices and compatibility with the updated Siri AI. These are all useful to varying degrees and work as well as expected.

We would recommend downloading the latest version of iOS 27 when using the AirPods 5 for the best performance, as we initially found a few instances of lag in our review sample. We’re talking mere milliseconds here, but it’s noticeable when we’re used to a seamless, intuitive feedback with Apple products – although these issues ironed themselves out after the software update.

The iOS 27 update also brings with it a more orderly AirPods settings interface, adjustable adaptive audio, and a three-band custom EQ. Available in the Audio & Routing section in the AirPods’ settings, you can adjust the low, mid and high frequencies to customise the sound when music is playing.

The adjustments are subtle, and it’s a nice feature to have, but you can’t save multiple presets; alternatively, you can simply leave it on Apple’s recommended default EQ.

The most disappointing part of the AirPods 5 experience is battery life. The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case offer just five hours on a single charge, with 22 hours in total with the charging case. It’s worse on the base AirPods 5 model, with a measly four hours unchanged from the previous generation.

A five-minute charge in the case does give you an hour, but dipping into the case continuously for extra juice means you’ll be needing to charge the ’Pods more regularly overall. With the AirPods 5’s ANC powers and feature set matching those of traditional premium wireless earbuds, they’re lagging behind the eight hours quoted on the AirPods 3 and Sony WF-1000XM6. Even cheaper ANC buds such as the Sony WF-C710N offer 8.5 hours on a single charge.

We know the demands of these extra features and improved ANC performance put additional pressure on the battery life, especially in a more open design, but we would hope that Apple would counteract those power-hungry updates with a larger battery capacity.

ANC & call quality

It’s taken us long enough to get to the real heart of the AirPods 5 design: improved ANC. We were impressed with how effective the noise-cancelling was when we reviewed the AirPods with ANC, and the same is true in the AirPods 5.

For a design without any eartip seal, the full noise-cancelling mode does a great job at quietening the sound of traffic, train engines and general hubbub around you. Higher frequency noises will be heard clearly, as is expected for this kind of earbud design, and we find the lower frequencies are suppressed even more on the AirPods 5 than on the AirPods 4 with ANC.

It’s a more obviously powerful effect too. If you want a more natural blend of environmental awareness and your music, the adaptive audio mode does a fine job of automatically adjusting the ANC levels according to the noise around you. You can now fine-tune the level of adaptive audio; move the slider left or right depending on whether you want more transparency or more noise-cancelling. It’s a subtle but useful addition to have.

Call quality is another high point, with our voices sounding clear and detailed, with only a slight hardness around the edges. What’s impressive is how the AirPods 5 don’t transmit any surrounding noises to the caller. We were on a very busy road with rush hour traffic when testing voice calls, and the other person on the line couldn’t hear any hint of cars passing.

The AirPods 4 with ANC have a similar silencing effect, although voices sound a little thinner and sibilant compared with the more solid sound of the AirPods 5. For their noise-cancelling prowess and excellent call quality, the AirPods 5 are highly recommended if these are your priorities.

Sound

We’ve been fans of Apple’s recent sonic balance: detailed, agile, natural, open. With every generation, the standard AirPods have had a knack for knitting music together in a way that sounds immediately enjoyable, even if they don’t necessarily trouble the class leaders when it comes to absolute clarity, dynamism or insight.

The AirPods 5 exhibit many of the same sonic characteristics of the older AirPods 4, and it doesn’t take us long to enjoy our Tidal and Apple Music playlists in the earbuds’ airy soundscape.

Apple doesn’t give specifics, but it has updated the innards of the AirPods 5 by way of a new “multiport acoustic architecture”, and the result is a sound that has greater extension and weight in the lower frequencies. For such an open design, the amount of power and heft to the sound is quite impressive.

The outside world will intrude upon your music or podcast listening if you don’t have any kind of noise-cancelling turned on, but even still, we find ourselves enjoying the amount of detail and spaciousness you get with the AirPods 5.

The enhanced bass power comes to the fore when listening to the taut, fast bassline in Ice T’s Addicted To Danger, which sounds more menacing and muscular than before; while Max Richter’s The City Was A Chaos instrumental is admirably delivered with deep punchiness and increasing scale and intensity. Highs have plenty of headroom to soar too, with no hint of sharpness or brightness to disturb our listening.

Dynamically, there is enough variety to hold our attention, although the AirPods 5’s open design still doesn’t hold a candle to their eartip-equipped sealed counterparts when it comes to outright punch and dynamic contrast.

With certain songs, we find the AirPods 5’s newfound weighty balance can overpower more delicate, subtler moments at times. The finer details and nuances of The Unthanks’ singing in Here’s The Tender Coming are a little subdued. Voices are less prominent in the mix than before and as a result don’t sound quite as clear; we find the leaner sound of the older AirPods 4 with ANC delivers a sweeter and more agile presentation.

Many will find the older AirPods 4 to have a lightweight sound in comparison to the AirPods’ more full-bodied presentation, and it simply depends on which balance you prefer.

Verdict

An open design will always have its compromises when it comes to outright dynamic punch and clarity, but the AirPods 5’s more powerful and weightier sound does a fine job of keeping the music front and centre even as you’re constantly aware of your surroundings.

This fifth-generation model is a fairly gentle evolution that aims to bring wider iOS ecosystem features to all price points, while those using older generations of AirPods will find it a much bigger and more satisfying update. The AirPods 5’s highly effective ANC performance in this kind of open earbud design is the biggest draw here, and we’ve yet to encounter an open alternative that sounds this good.

Review published: 20th October 2026

SCORES

• Sound 4
• Features 4
• Build 4

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If you’re worried about the environmental impact your headphone habit is having on the planet – or just fancy a pair you can repair yourself – the Fairbuds 2 wireless earbuds could be for you.

They are made by Fairphone, the Dutch manufacturer who specialises in modular, repairable and eco-friendly designs. And they add impressive audio specification to the bargain.

Such as support for LDAC, Sony’s hi-res audio codec. There is also a new 11mm dynamic driver with an organic bio-cellulose diaphragm, and tuning by Rotterdam-based studio Form Follows Frequency.

Fairphone claims that the driver is lighter and responds faster than that in the original Fairbuds, and that it delivers a brighter, crisper treble. We are also promised “a rich, balanced sound out of the box, with deeper bass, warmer mids and clear highs.”

They are well-specified in other regards, too. You get 40 hours of total battery life (including the case), active noise cancellation, IP54 water resistance and Bluetooth 6.0 complete with Multipoint for connecting to two devices at once.

They are also 37 per cent smaller than their predecessors, with a charging case that’s 32 per cent smaller.

But it’s the buds’ eco credentials that will appeal to many. They are made with SGS-tested, PFAS-free plastics and silicone that come in direct contact with your skin, and many components are replaceable by users, including the earbuds and batteries within the case. Unlike other earbuds, the batteries and components are not sealed behind glued-shut cases. So if they fail, you can just swap them for a new one.

They are also made with about 49 per cent “fair and recycled materials” – those produced under fair working conditions as part of Fairphone’s Living Wage Bonus and Workers’ Voice programmes.

They’re also completely e-waste neutral.

Fairphone went back to the drawing board for this pair of in-ears, saying they are “completely re-engineered for all-day comfort across a wider variety of ears”. This better fit should also improve passive noise cancellation, while active noise cancellation comes via a six-mic array that claims to block noise by up to 45dB.

The Fairbuds app has also had a refresh, with a new design, and new features including new audio presets, customisable equaliser settings, and a tips and tricks section.

Despite these improvements, the Fairbuds 2 are actually around 20 per cent cheaper than their predecessors. They are out now in the UK (coming 2nd November in the US), and cost £99 / $119 (around AU$190). They come in Forest Green or Horizon Black.

Fairphone claims that less than 15 per cent of small electronics such as earbuds are ever reused or responsibly recycled, with around 40,000 tons of headphones being thrown on the scrapheap each year. Anything that can help can only be a good thing.

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It appears that sightings of people with cables hanging out of their ears are on the up, which must mean wired headphones are back in fashion, right?

Whether or not there’s any longevity in this latest trend remains to be seen, but it does feel like more headphone manufacturers are adding wired options to their model ranges, as an alternative to wireless earbuds.

However, because the 3.5mm headphone socket has become rarer on modern smartphones, you’re more likely to come across a pair with a USB-C connection than a 3.5mm jack, just like the Sennheiser CX 80U.

Now, with this category of headphone, you do need to bear in mind that some of the manufacturer's costs needs to be assigned to the built-in DAC (digital-to-analogue converter), which takes the digital signal from your source’s USB-C output and converts it into analogue for your ears, as well as a pair of amplifiers.

So when you look at the price of the Sennheisers, you’d be forgiven for wondering if this leaves any room to make an in-ear headphone that’s up to scratch sonically? Let’s find out.

Price

At just £35 / $40 / AU$59, the CX 80U sit firmly at the budget end of the wired earbuds market. The closest comparable pair that we have tested and rate highly is the USB-C-equipped SoundMagic E80D, which will set you back £39 / $44 / AU$66.

Design & comfort

Cheap and cheerful is the name of the game here, and that’s reflected in the build quality and plastics used in both the headphone cable and earbuds.

They’re a lightweight design, and the buds themselves are tiny, which means that although they can be a bit finicky to get to grips with, they do fit snugly and don’t protrude out of your ears.

Add the soft silicone eartips into the equation, which come in small, medium and large sizes, and everything adds up to a comfortable, discreet fit with good passive noise isolation.

There is some cable noise, which isn’t exactly unexpected given the design – what could be useful here is a rubber clasp that can keep the left and right earbud cables connected so there’s less rustling about when you’re on the move. This is something you do get with the SoundMagic E80D.

Features

Given their asking price, you won’t be unboxing the Sennheiser CX 80U expecting a long list of features.

There’s obviously the USB-C connection for your smartphone, tablet or laptop, inside of which sits the DAC, which converts all the digital files you feed into them.

Speaking of which, the DAC can support hi-res files up to 24-bit/96kHz natively and will downsample anything higher. We think this level of compatibility is going to be more than enough for most users.

The inline remote control is housed on the cable for the right earbud. You can answer calls, play, pause and skip tracks through different combinations of tapping and holding the button.

There aren't any volume controls on the remote, though – you’ll need to use your source device should you need to turn it up or down. And, being particularly picky, we’d like a simple travel pouch to keep them protected.

Sound

We plug the USB-C connector into an iPhone 15 Plus and are immediately taken aback by the surprising level of maturity and sophistication that greets us.

For the money, you might be expecting a slight imbalance at one end of the sound spectrum, either scratchy, wince-inducing highs or fat, blobby bass, but the CX 80U produce nothing of the sort.

In fact, what greets us is brilliantly judged sound that’s both rich, detailed and surprisingly sophisticated for the money.

15 Step by Radiohead is a tricky test of timing, and the Sennheisers pass with flying colours. Not only do they hold on to and organise all the different musical threads that intertwine throughout the track, but they also extract an impressive amount of information from them.

There’s a fine sense of space around the different elements too, and a sense of expression and natural tone from the vocal that poorer-performing in-ear headphones at this price just wouldn’t be able to provide.

And as we’ve mentioned, there’s no obvious bias in their tonal balance: highs sound crisp but never harsh. Bass notes have a wholesome flavour but don’t arrive at your ears overpowered and lacking definition.

We switch to Arctic Monkeys’ I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor and the Sennheisers display musicality in spades.

You’re encouraged to tap along to the brisk, pointed drum play. The CX 80U showcase speed and agility, and that goes for the accompanying electric guitar play too. The track is off to a frenzied start, but these earbuds don’t find themselves flapping. It’s a very mature sound for the money, and an even more rewarding listen than the SoundMagic E80D.

Each thwack from the drum kit sounds solid, the bassline is precisely cut and easy to follow, and the vocal is natural and expressive – the headphones do a great job of capturing Alex Turner’s northern swagger and keeping your attention all the way to the end of the track.

Verdict

If you’re tired of charging or losing your wireless earbuds, or just want to relive a time when wired earbuds were all the rage, we seriously recommend the Sennheiser CX 80U.

You might not be expecting much given the price, but we think you’ll be shocked – in the best way possible.

Review published: 9th October 2026

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Build 4
• Comfort 5

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Ask anyone 'Who makes the best wireless earbuds?' and they'll probably mention Sony, Bose and Sennheiser. But it was Technics that won the most recent What Hi-Fi? Award for best premium pair – that honour went to the stunning EAH-AZ100, which have now fallen to their lowest price ever.

Keen to see what all the fuss is about? This is the perfect time – they're now just £180 at Amazon, a discount of £79 on their RRP, and a tenner cheaper than their previous low price during Prime Day over the summer. Get in.

A pricey option at the time of their release, the Technics nonetheless landed themselves a stint as our best premium pick on our best wireless earbuds page.

With a 10mm “Magnetic Fluid Driver”, these earbuds have a clear, spacious sound that gives each part of a composition ample breathing room.

Reviewing the EAH-AZ100, we were struck immediately by their “clear and open sound“ and “superb amount of detail”. Digging, deeper, we found them to be punchy, present and dynamically impactful – a combination that ultimately earned them a five-star review.

Complementing their sonic merits, the Technics are also small, light, and comfortable to wear over long periods of time. Touch controls for audio modes, playback and volume are fully customisable, so you can use them any way you please.

A strong and stable Bluetooth connection (with support for SBC, AAC, LDAC and the LC3 codec) means you are unlikely to find yourself grieving a wired option, especially given the earbuds’ impressive 10-hour battery life with ANC enabled.

Used alongside the charging case, their battery life rises to 28 hours.

Nobody, it seems, can keep up with the class-leading noise cancellation of Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), but the Technics make an honourable attempt, with an effect “like heavy snowfall muffling the world”.

They also feature an Adaptive mode, which automatically adjusts noise-cancelling based on your environment. Alternately, of course, you have the option to dial the intensity up or down yourself.

For a cherry on top, these earbuds include three-way Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity, allowing for connection to multiple devices at once, as well as support for Auracast transmission.

Conventionally, the main drawback of a premium product is its price, but given that these headphones are now available for £180 from Amazon, in this instance, you can have your cake and eat it.

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Cambridge Audio has announced a special-edition twist on its affordable Melomania A100 wireless earbuds.

The new Melomania A100 SE offer a twist on the standard buds, bringing Dolby Audio and a new blue finish into the mix.

The special edition buds use the same Class A/B amplification found in Cambridge’s established CX and EX lines, paired with a set of 10mm neodymium drivers to deliver what the brand characterises as “deeper bass, richer mids, and crystal-clear highs” designed to “make music feel even more alive”.

The new earbuds also benefit from dedicated Qualcomm Kalimba digital signal processing for a more refined, less distorted sound, while Snapdragon Sound helps achieve a more stable low-latency connection. The Melomania A100 SE also support the higher-quality aptX Lossless and LDAC codecs for accepting files up to 24-bit/96kHz.

As before, adaptive hybrid noise cancelling is featured, with a standard setting sitting alongside a transparency mode for letting in more of the outside world. A six-microphone array, meanwhile, aims for “exceptional call clarity” on the go.

The new buds’ Dolby Audio spatial sound capabilities are accessible via the Melomania Connect app, delivering spatial audio with a “natural, lifelike presentation” for movies, music and games.

The special-edition buds grant more playtime than their standard counterparts, with 6.5 hours from the buds and up to 39 hours of total battery life available with noise cancelling switched off.

Cambridge’s latest wireless earbuds also come equipped with touch controls which can be customised via the accompanying app.

The Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 SE are available this October in black, white or blue finishes, priced at £129 / $149/ €149. For context, the standard edition of the A100 launched last year at £119 / €139.

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Bose has become the latest company to jump back on the wired earbuds bandwagon, announcing new Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds. Notably, the earbuds will still feature Bose’s QuietControl active noise cancellation.

Bose says the new earbuds will connect to compatible devices with a 128cm USB-C cable and draw power from the source, mitigating the need for a dedicated, rechargeable battery, despite the inclusion of ANC.

ANC is delivered by two microphones on each earbud, which “continuously monitor, react to, and minimise surrounding sound”.

Three listening modes are available: ‘Quiet Mode’ is the full-fat ANC option, ‘Aware Mode’ lets surrounding sound in when listeners want to stay tuned-in to their surroundings, and ‘ANC Off Mode’ does precisely what it says on the tin.

Each earbud includes soft silicone eartips in small, medium and large sizes, alongside medium and large stability wings. Bose suggests that listeners “mix and match the components to find a fit that feels both comfortable and secure”.

Despite their retro inclinations, the wired earbuds feature Bose’s proprietary SoundDesign digital signal processing, which the company claims delivers “crisp, clear audio with support for lossless audio listening”. The earbuds can accept source input at any sample and bit rate, with playback output fixed at 24-bit/48kHz.

Bose claims that a wired connection enables low latency performance, “keeping sound in sync while watching videos, gaming, or creating content”.

In the absence of a dedicated app, sound controls for volume, playback, call functions and cycling ANC modes can be accessed via an in-line remote with “tactile physical buttons”.

A dedicated microphone on the back of the remote handles calls, and "minimises unwanted noise from contact with clothing”, allowing users to “speak naturally without holding the remote close to [their mouths]”.

The earbuds also have an IPX4 rating for water resistance and come with a zippered carry case.

According to Raza Haider, president of Bose Premium Consumer Audio: “Wired earbuds are experiencing a cultural renaissance, and when we decided to bring them back, we knew we had to make them even better than before. Technology has come a long way since our last wired earbuds, allowing us the opportunity to bring our latest advancements to the category and set a new standard for what wired earbuds can be.”

The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds are now available to pre-order for MyBose customers at a price of £99 / $99 / AU$170, with general availability starting 15th October. Finishes include Black, White Smoke and limited edition Dewdrop Mint.

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Sennheiser and Sony make some of the best wireless earbuds around, so when a new pair from either brand launches, it's big news indeed.

Sennheiser's latest, the Momentum True Wireless 5, do not disappoint. Their crisp, detailed sound and impressive battery life helped them earn a five-star review, but are they better than Sony's five-star WF-1000XM6? That's what we're here to find out.

We've compared every aspect of the two pairs to help you decide which is right for you. Ready? Let's go.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: tech specs comparison

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: price

When it comes to price, there really isn't much to choose between these two pairs. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 launched at £250 / $300 / AU$480, which is very similar to the XM6's launch price of £250 / $330 / AU$500.

However, the XM6 went on sale back in February 2026, whereas the Sennheisers only launched at the start of September, meaning that the Sonys are much more likely to be discounted.

Indeed, they already have been. Last summer's Prime Day saw the XM6 drop to £199, and with both Amazon Prime Big Deal Days and Black Friday coming soon, expect plenty more drops where that came from.

It's too early for a major deal on the Sennheisers, though we could see a small discount this side of Christmas.

** Winner: Sony WF-1000XM6 **

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: build & comfort

Sony and Sennheiser have strong legacies in the wireless earbuds space, so it's hardly surprising that both pairs stick to the respective brands' tried-and-tested designs.

The Sennheisers have had a few subtle tweaks to freshen up the design. They're now rounder and more similar in shape to a baked bean. The Momentum True Wireless 5 have a new case too, which is taller and slimmer than its predecessor, and made of speckled plastic.

Both pairs are comfortable enough to wear for long sessions, though we have found the XM6 (like most Sony 'buds) split opinion – some people get on with them fine, others struggle to get a secure fit even after trying the various sizes of bundled eartips.

Both pairs offer XS, S, M and L tip choices, though we'd predict that most users will find the Momentum TW 5s' fit more secure and forgiving than that offered by their Sony rivals.

With an IP54 rating, the Sennheisers are protected against dust and water splashes, whereas the Sonys only have water protection. If you're heading to the beach, the Momentum True Wireless 5 are the safer bet, as they'll offer a more reliable shield against small particle ingress.

Both pairs of buds feature touch controls which can be customised using the respective mobile apps, both of which are in-dept and a pleasure to use.

Do note that the Sennheisers come in far more finishes – five, to the Sony's rather measly two.

** Winner: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 **

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: features

These new Sennheisers support spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, while Sony's wireless buds have their proprietary equivalent 360 Reality Audio. Both features work well, especially the dynamic head tracking, though Atmos is the more widely supported format, so you'll find more spatial content to listen to using Sennheiser's 'buds. Plus, you'll have to have your ears 'analysed' to use 360 Reality Audio, something which some users might find to be an unnecessary hassle.

The Sonys counter with the longer battery life, on the buds at least – you get eight hours of playtime from the buds alone, and only six from the Sennheisers. The Sennheisers do last an hour longer when you factor in recharges from the case, however, offering 25 hours of use to the XM6s' 24 hours. These figures are all with active noise cancellation turned on. Turn it off, and the Sennheisers go for a marathon 40 hours in total)

For higher-quality listening, the Sennheisers support the aptX Adaptive codec, while the Sonys have LDAC. The Sennheisers also support a more recent version of Bluetooth: 6.0 compared to 5.3 on the Sonys. Bluetooth Multipoint comes on both pairs for seamlessly switching between connected devices.

Sony's DSEE Extreme processing boosts the sound of lower-quality files – handy if you're listening to compressed formats like MP3. But for the longer total battery life, more advanced Bluetooth and more widely used audio standards, the Sennheisers take this round.

** Winner: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 **

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: ANC & call quality

Sennheiser and Sony have been in the noise-cancelling game for quite some time now, and their flagship pairs of earbuds pack some mighty impressive ANC credentials.

Both pairs pack four mics in each earbud, while the Sonys add the brand's third-gen HD Noise Cancelling processor QN3e and Adaptive NC Optimiser, which automatically adapts the ANC algorithm to your fit and environment.

The Sennheisers' new shape is designed to provide better passive noise isolation. In our Momentum True Wireless 5 review, we found the noise cancellation "powerful yet not overdone" and more natural-feeling than some rival buds' ANC.

"The shrillest highs and most booming lows will penetrate," we concluded, "but for softening or excluding most external sounds, from general chatter to humming air conditioning, they confidently make the grade."

The WF-1000XM6 also fare very well in this regard. Testing them on planes and trains (but sadly not automobiles) for our XM6 review, we wrote that "they impressed us with their consistency and ability to extract both low-frequency rumbles of carriages and aeroplane engines, but also more high-pitched screeches and whistles that crept into our environment."

For call quality, however, there's a clearer winner.

The Sonys combine AI beamforming, bone conduction sensors, extra mics and a wind noise reduction design to devastating effect. They "do a great job subduing and minimising background noise, including tricky-to-handle wind noise – voices come through loud and clear with a great level of detail," as we wrote at the time.

While the Sennheisers' microphone plates and acoustic chamber are configured to reduce the effect of wind, and they handle calls competently, we found that "voices can sound a little muffled when compared with the natural clarity of the Sony WF-1000XM6."

A win for Sony on this one.

** Winner: Sony WF-1000XM6 **

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: sound

And so to sound.

Sennheiser's flagship pair contain the brand's signature 7mm TrueResponse dynamic drivers, which helps the sound stay clean and balanced.

Playing Massive Attack’s Paradise Circus, the Sennheisers "confidently track clacking drums, scattered hand claps and glassy synths" with plenty of insight and clarity. They excel in the midrange too – witness Hope Sandoval’s breathy whispers – and have no trouble staying organised and composed when faced with trickier compositions. Their bass, meanwhile, is weighty yet precise, adding a natural anchor to the frequencies above.

The XM6 also sound excellent, full of a natural warmth while also boasting impressive levels of detail and insight.

As we wrote in our review: "Everything that you expect to be present in a pair of flagship wireless earbuds is there: a fantastic sense of timing, an expressive midrange, weighty yet well-defined bass and crisp, nicely controlled highs. The Sonys cover all the bases and then some".

Through the Sonys, Tom Odell's Black Friday has plenty of delicacy and subtlety, and as fingers slide up the acoustic guitar's neck, "you can explicitly hear the little shifts in dynamics and the fine details in the gentle piano play, both of which mix beautifully with the sweeping strings that flow alongside both instruments."

Bass is powerful but controlled, and their rhythmic abilities are second to none.

So both pairs sound pretty great, but how do they compare side by side?

Both sets handle dynamics superbly, even with their somewhat contrasting approaches. As we wrote during our review of the Momentum TW 5, the XM6 "are more expressive in how they keep the underlying pulse of Radiohead’s Burn The Witch ticking away, but the Sennheisers' agile, nimble sound means that the track's relentless sense of attack isn't lost for a moment".

Side-by-side, the Sennheisers are also prone to sounding a bit more etched than the Sonys, particularly in the high frequencies, but this can be somewhat negated via the provided in-app equaliser.

The XM6 come across as more natural at this end of the frequency range, whereas the Sennheisers can sound a little hard-edged with cymbal strikes or shrieking strings. It's not a dealbreaker, but it is something to consider when weighing up your purchase.

This one is as much about taste as objective quality. The Sennheisers are sparklingly clear, especially through their superb midrange, with a natural smoothness and poise that we find to be a delight. If that's your kind of thing, they're a complete no-brainer.

For us, the Sony WF-1000XM6 just grab and hold our attention more effectively thanks to their more expressive, grippy sound. It's a close one, but the XM6s' masterful blend of analysis and entertainment is yet to be surpassed.

** Winner: Sony WF-1000XM6 **

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: verdict

It's a close run thing, but for sound, call quality and features, we just about prefer the Sonys. And given that they've been around since February 2026, they're more likely to see decent discounts than the much newer Sennheisers.

The Momentum True Wireless 5 are still a five-star pair, however, with a robust design, packed feature set and nimble sound. If their sonic personality sounds like your kind of thing, they're well worth considering, because they could definitely be the buds for you.

MORE:

Read our Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 review

And our Sony WF-1000XM6 review

Apple AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: what's new with Apple's latest noise-cancelling earbuds?

Being a set of premium wireless earbuds has never been tougher. Standing out from this packed crowd is like jostling for a place on a packed rush-hour tube train, with both the quality and quantity of the competition making it ever harder to show that you’ve got what it takes to be chosen for glory. Sony, Bose, Technics, JBL and many others are all jostling for position, and that’s before we even get to Apple and its colossal share of the in-ear market.

Into this fray steps the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds, the sequel to the headphone brand’s impressive – but not quite chart-topping – Momentum True Wireless 4 from 2024. The usual promises of acoustic upgrades and bolstered feature sets abound, but the Momentum TW 5 don’t just have to top what came before – they also need to compete with the vast array of high-class alternatives all vying for consumer attention.

Quite appropriately given its product naming conventions, Sennheiser does have one thing on its side: momentum. The recent over-ear HDB 630 and Momentum 5 Wireless have deservedly gained five-star plaudits, and if Sennheiser can translate that success to the earbuds market, then it might have found the key to standing out in this brimming, bustling crowd.

Price

The Momentum True Wireless 5 are undoubtedly premium earbuds. At £250 / $300 / AU$480, they sit alongside the five-star Technics EAH-AZ100 (£259 / $299 / AU$499) and the more recent Sony WF-1000XM6 (£250 / $330 / AU$500) in terms of their standard RRP.

That being said, more established alternatives are starting to drop in price as time wears on. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) started life at £299 / $299 / AU$450, but have sunk to around £229 / $249 / AU$349 at the time of writing.

Build & comfort

On the surface, Sennheiser has given its Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds a subtle makeover to distinguish them from their five-star predecessors.

For a start, the buds’ shape has been tweaked, with Sennheiser opting for a rounder, more bean-like form tapering to a narrow nozzle on which a pair of silicone ear-tips sit. That’s a visible change from the more squared-off nature of the Momentum True Wireless 4, although in terms of size and weight, there’s not much of a noticeable difference.

The case has been updated, too, though whether you consider the new design an upgrade or a step backwards will likely depend on taste. The new case is taller and slimmer than its squatter, squarer predecessor, with Sennheiser ditching the textured fabric covering in favour of subtly speckled plastic.

Sennheiser claims that its new buds’ more rounded configuration and slightly tweaked ear tip shape have enhanced their comfort and security, although from our testing, there isn’t a huge difference from one generation to the next. That’s no disaster – the Momentum True Wireless 5 fit nicely without discomfort over long hours, just like their predecessors did.

Naturally, this depends on who you are and what you’re doing. For everyday use, we don’t have many instances of the flagship buds falling out entirely, though more strenuous activities – running, using an exercise bike, etc – may loosen the seal. The Momentum TW 5 don’t have the handy in-ear stability bands of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), so if you’ve got one eye on sporting endeavours, the Bose may be worth considering instead.

If you are struggling to find your perfect fit, Sennheiser does provide a simple ear-tip fit test via its companion app. The buds are furnished with a healthy array of ear-tip sizes – extra small, small, medium and large – though if we were being all Goldilocks about it, we’d maybe have liked an extra large option.

The Momentum True Wireless 5 also carry an IP54 rating for protection against dust and splashes of water, a certification which sees them get one over on the IPX4 ratings of their Sony WF-1000XM6, Technics EAH-AZ100 and Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) rivals. From sweaty workouts to a brief trip out in the rain, we find that our test pair make good on their durability claims.

Touch capacitive sensors are located at the rounded tip of each bud, and during our test time, the Momentum TW 5’s touch controls are responsive to our commands. You can also customise your buds’ extensive touch functionalities via the accompanying app or, if you prefer, simply turn them off altogether.

Features

New features for the Momentum True Wireless 5 include spatial audio with Dolby Atmos support, which works well to create that more immersive audio signature on supported tracks such as Pearl Jam’s Future Days and Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean. Head tracking is also convincingly rendered, keeping the audio fixed to a central point as we turn from side to side.

Battery life has been upped, with the TW 5 boasting 12 hours from the earbuds on a single charge, and a very impressive 40 hours in total with the charging case – this is with ANC turned off. Those figures will drop when ANC is back in play, however, to roughly six hours on the buds and a total of around 25 hours with the case.

Those numbers are still admirable, but not unbeatable. The Technics EAH-AZ100, for instance, will grant up to 10 hours on a single charge with ANC on and a total of 28 hours with the case, whereas the Sony WF-1000XM6 grant six hours from the earbuds and 24 hours in total under the same circumstances.

Away from battery figures, Sennheiser has one eye on sustainability, meaning that, with a standard screwdriver, you can open the earbuds and replace the batteries yourself. Sennheiser also offers a battery protection mode which limits the maximum charge level to roughly 80% in a bid to prolong the cells’ overall lifespan.

The Momentum TW 5 boast Bluetooth 6.0 for more efficient, low-latency transmission, while aptX Adaptive codec support is also on the menu.

On the subject of Bluetooth, we use the buds’ Multipoint capabilities to switch quickly and easily between two connected devices: our Lenovo work laptop and an iPhone 15. If you have a Google device, you can use Fast Pair for a near-instant connection, while Windows Swift Pair performs the same function for Windows sources.

Most of the aforementioned features can be accessed or toggled on or off via the in-depth and well-laid-out Sennheiser SmartPlus app. From its ample potential for customisation – be it changing your buds’ sonic tuning or dialling up/down your ANC levels – to its myriad helpful hints, it’s a strong app for getting the most out of your earbuds.

ANC & call quality

The Momentum True Wireless 5 pack in eight sensors in total, combining six microphones and two bone conduction voice sensors backed by AI-optimised voice processing for handling hands-free calls. The microphone plates and acoustic chamber are also configured to reduce the extent to which wind and general bluster intrude on your voice calls when you’re out and about.

When we test their active noise cancelling capabilities by standing in a busy street, we discover that voice calls are competently handled. The Sennheisers do well to dampen the clamour of whooshing cars and swirling winds, yet voices can sound a little muffled when compared with the natural clarity of the Sony WF-1000XM6.

Noise cancelling reaches a similarly decent level. The newly shaped eartips have been designed for better passive attenuation, working with each bud’s four-mic array to deliver impressive levels of sonic exclusion.

Noise cancelling feels powerful yet not overdone, and while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) remain the gold standard if you’re looking for that all-encompassing vacuum effect, Sennheiser’s effort is a strong one if you prefer a more natural ANC experience.

We take the Momentum True Wireless 5 out and about in town, on the train and into the office, and find it tricky to expose any glaring blind spots. The shrillest highs and most booming lows will penetrate, but for softening or excluding most external sounds, from general chatter to humming air conditioning, they confidently make the grade.

Sound

To help them compete with the likes of Sony, Bose, and Technics, Sennheiser’s premium contenders come equipped with the brand’s signature 7mm TrueResponse dynamic drivers, designed to deliver both "remarkable detail" and "exceptional precision, clarity and dynamics".

Sonically, those promises ring true. The Sennheisers sparkle like a freshly waxed floor, with a sound so clean and unblemished that you’d be happy to eat your proverbial dinner off it. This is the same kind of balance we heard from the brand’s recent Momentum 5 Wireless over-ears, translated to its flagship wireless earbuds with remarkable precision.

Through the Sennheisers, Massive Attack’s Paradise Circus becomes a rich tapestry of interwoven textures as the flagship buds confidently track clacking drums, scattered hand claps and glassy synths. The Momentum True Wireless 4 were refined and detailed, but for instrumental insight and overall clarity, this latest generation puts them firmly in the shade.

Sennheiser’s recent Momentum 5 over-ears excelled in the midrange, a quality which has translated over to their in-ear counterparts. Listening to Paradise Circus spotlights this talent in the middle frequencies as the Momentum True Wireless 5 keenly unveil the breathy whispers of Hope Sandoval’s enchanting performance.

The Sennheisers have the instrumental chops to trouble the class leaders, but they’re also happy stepping away from the stage and wielding their baton at the front of the orchestra. Organisation and control come naturally to the premium buds, so that tricky compositions such as John Williams’ epic Duel Of The Fates and Ludwig Göransson’s eerie, panic attack-inducing Troy sound convincingly three-dimensional as opposed to flat or jumbled.

The Momentum True Wireless 5 take a precise approach to their presentation, but that’s not to say that they’re all facts and no feelings. The rival Sony WF-1000XM6 sound more textured and expressive, but the Sennheisers’ natural dynamic handling deserves adulation, evidenced by how they capture the mounting dread and terror of Troy’s inexorable crescendo.

Rhythms, too, are handled well. Again, the WF-1000XM6 are more expressive in how they keep the underlying pulse of Radiohead’s Burn The Witch ticking away, but the Sennheisers’ agile, nimble sound means that the track’s relentless sense of attack isn’t lost for a moment.

The flagship buds certainly draw the ear to their sparklingly clear midrange, but there's plenty of weight and precision in the bass, too. Switching on the ‘Bass’ boost toggle via the Sennheiser app will put more weight into the deeper frequencies, but it will come slightly at the expense of some low-end tautness, and isn't something we found was necessary during our testing.

They can also sound more etched than the Sony WF-1000XM6, especially at the highest of high frequencies. The Sony Award-winners sound more natural at those tricky upper reaches, whereas the True Wireless 5 can occasionally come across as slightly hard-edged when replicating crisp cymbal strikes or edgy, screeching strings.

We don’t find this to be a dealbreaker during our testing – and the effects can be negated via the in-app equaliser – but it’s worth noting if you find that particular sonic aspect usually grates on your ears.

Verdict

Sennheiser’s recent success in the over-ear headphones category has translated seamlessly to its latest pair of flagship wireless earbuds. If spaciousness, detail and precision are at the top of your sonic wishlist, the Momentum True Wireless 5 are a Christmas gift come early.

Review published: 24th September 2026

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Build 5
• Features 5

MORE:

Read our review of the Sony WF-1000XM6

Also consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Read our Technics EAH-AZ100

Best wireless earbuds: 7 sensational pairs reviewed and rated by our experts

Bose's Ultra Open Earbuds may go down as some of the most important wireless earbuds of their time.

They're not the best-sounding buds you can buy for £299 / $299 /AU$449, nor are they the most feature-laden, but given the market's trajectory over the past few years, it's hard to ignore their substatantial influence.

Since the Ultra Open Earbuds launched in early 2024, various brands, including Huawei, JBL, Shokz and Sennheiser, have tried to emulate their off-ear design, all to varying degrees of success and acclaim.

Bose wasn't the first brand to make an open pair of earbuds, but it was one of the first to show that the concept could really have legs, with the US brand's original effort standing tall as one of the best of its type we've ever tested.

With their blend of unobtrusive comfort and surprisingly satisfying sound quality, Bose's trailblazers remain the finest exemplar of what the rapidly expanding open market can be. Having lived with the Bose Ultra Open, I know just what they're capable of.

Bose has recently announced a sequel, the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen), and in my book, that's cause for celebration. Despite their imperfections, I've always been in the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds' corner, with a second-gen sequel representing the ideal opportunity to rectify the quirks and missteps of the fantastic yet flawed first-gen buds.

Second time's a charm

Before we get to that, we need to understand what makes Bose's original open effort so impressive, and to do that, we must understand what they were designed to do in the first place.

The thing is, not everyone likes the feel of a traditional pair of wireless earbuds, especially when it comes to having a foam or silicone tip burrowing into their ear canal.

For some users, they can become uncomfortable over time, while for others, they can fall out or cause discomfort during exercise. In-ears also tend to isolate you from the outside world, so for those of us who spend time running on busy roads, dodging traffic and pedestrians as we go, the idea of a more aware alternative is appealing.

Just the other day, I stepped out into what I thought was a quiet country lane during a quick 5K, only to jump like a stabbed rat back onto the verge upon realising that a pick-up truck the size of a tank had been there the entire time. With open buds, such risks are negated by virtue of having more environmental noise filtering into your ears, keeping you more attuned to your surroundings as a result.

For runners, gymgoers and ordinary wearers with sore ears, the Ultra Open Earbuds solved most of their problems, providing a comfortable 'clip-on' fit that rarely became wearing or unstable no matter where we went or what we were doing.

They sounded good, too, with a far meatier and more detailed signature than almost any open pair before or since. They were, in essence, the most viable alternative to the established in-ear configuration that we'd yet heard.

Open to improvements

Despite their clear virtues, the Ultra Open Earbuds were not, and indeed are not, without their quirks and quibbles.

For starters, they're still a sonically compromised pair of earbuds. Despite Bose's best efforts, sound quality is always going to suffer if you don't have a sealed fit, and while the Ultra Open Earbuds exhibit a musical, entertaining sound with a good sense of timing and decent cohesion, they're not the clearest or most insightful performers you'll find at this kind of money.

Speaking of money, Bose's trailblazers were simply far too expensive at launch. When they arrived in 2024, the buds would set you back £299 / $299 / AU$449, meaning that they were essentially going up against not only Bose's own QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (£300 / $299 / AU$450) but Sony's flagship WF-1000XM5 (£259 / $299 / AU$419) and the staggeringly popular AirPods Pro 2 (£249 / $249 / AU$399). That's a premium price tag for earbuds without noise cancelling or class-leading sound.

Thankfully, it looks as though at least one of my rather specific prayers has been answered. While writing about my experiences with Bose's open hopefuls at the time, I wrote that, "While I still support the open concept, I don't think its comfort benefits make up for the inevitable sonic sacrifices it incurs. Drop it down by £100 / $100 / AU$150? That's a different story."

And wouldn't you know it? That's exactly what Bose has done. The Ultra Open Earbuds are set to launch at a far more reasonable £180 / $199 / AU$350, with discounts that are almost exactly in keeping with my own requests. Does Bose religiously read my articles? Do I influence corporate policy? If so, can we get a sequel to the SoundLink Max Bluetooth speaker, please, and maybe a branded T-shirt while you're at it?

Money aside, any sonic improvements to the second-gen open buds are always gladly received. Lower-end frequencies are always going to be compromised when you don't have a proper seal, but any improvements to the quality of the bass from the sequel would be more than welcome.

There's power and weight to the original Ultra Open Earbuds, but as I wrote at the time, there's a hollowness that put me in mind of a "bucket being hit at the bottom of a well". Filling in those textures with more richness and authenticity would really complement the excellent sonic foundation Bose has already built.

Bose has teased “improved sound and call quality" for its sophomore effort, with the second-generation earbuds also using newly engineered drivers to deliver “deeper bass and higher volume” than their predecessors. Someone at Bose has definitely been reading my letters to Santa...

Great sound and a comfortable, easygoing fit, all for a much lower price? I'm listening.

Do you know why I like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds so much? Competent innovation. Bose tried to do something different with its trailblazing buds, but rather than simply relying on the open gimmick to shift units, they doubled down on a decidedly premium product that, while somewhat overpriced, had the quality to back up its innovation.

It isn't just the fact that the Ultra Open Earbuds are different – it's that they're genuinely good at what they do. Not perfect, but a very admirable first effort.

While many rivals have tried to emulate its success, Bose's effort remains the best of its type that we've heard over the past five-or-so years. The Ultra Open Earbuds are the most viable alternative to traditional in-ear alternatives, and now that Bose has dropped the price and is teasing serious sonic upgrades, the sequel could well prove to be a five-star success.

MORE

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Bose has expanded its open-ear range with the new Bose Sport Open Earbuds and a second-generation sequel to the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds.

The US brand says the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer its flagship open-ear experience, while the Sport Open Earbuds have been “engineered for running, workouts and outdoor adventures”.

Central to both new models is a completely open design, which combines a transducer with a “tightly controlled acoustic structure” to deliver sound “precisely to your ear with minimal leakage”.

Unlike bone conduction designs, Bose says the earbuds “deliver sound through the air near the ear… resulting in fuller, more natural sound with a comfortable, pressure-free fit”.

The new Open earbuds have been designed with environmental awareness in mind, and as you might expect from open buds, neither offers active noise cancellation.

The Bose Sport Open Earbuds use custom-designed dynamic drivers to deliver “full, balanced audio”. The earbuds feature a C-shaped, flexible cuff with a matte silicone finish, which wraps around the ear for a stable fit, remaining “comfortable and secure” during workouts.

The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) also build on the cuff-shaped design of their first-generation predecessors, teasing “improved sound and call quality”, an expanded feature set – including immersive audio settings – and a longer battery life.

The second-generation earbuds also use newly engineered drivers to deliver “deeper bass and higher volume” than their predecessors.

Both models feature Bose's AI-driven Speech Clarity technology that separates human voices from background noise, bringing what the company calls “Bose’s best call-quality experience” to its range of open-ear earbuds. Both pairs also feature an Auto Volume function, which adjusts the volume of music in response to changes in background noise.

In terms of battery life, the Sport Open Earbuds offer up to seven hours of playback on a single charge, plus an additional 22 hours with their “pocket-friendly” charging case. The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen), conversely, grant up to nine hours of playback from the buds and an additional 19.5 hours from the case.

Both pairs support Bluetooth 5.4, with standard AAC and SBC codecs, alongside Bluetooth Multipoint for simultaneous connection to two devices. Both also support Google Fast Pair for quick and easy connection to Android devices.

Each set also offers the option to set up customisable shortcuts for Spotify Tap, engaging your phone’s voice assistant and cycling through Bose’s Immersive Audio settings (Ultra Open Earbuds only).

The Bose App can be used to control both models and features a three-band equaliser, Auto Volume control, and touch control configuration.

Both pairs of earbuds will be available in Black or White Smoke finishes. The Sport Open Earbuds will also launch in limited-edition Eucalyptus Green, while the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) will be available in limited-edition Cherry Chocolate, Olive Green and Sky Pink colourways.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) will be available on October 1st for £300 / $299 / AU$450, while the Bose Sport Open Earbuds are set to launch on October 15th, priced at £180 / $199 / AU$350.

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Tribit's latest wireless earbuds aim to bring a considerable stack of features – including active noise-cancelling – to a more budget-friendly price point.

The new FlyBuds C3 cost less than £50 / $40, yet they promise a feature set that Tribit hopes can surpass the Award-winning Sony WF-C510 (tested at £55 / $60 / AU$110).

Before we get to that, the new FlyBuds C3 promise high-quality audio from their 10mm drivers. Each bud also packs a six-microphone array and AI-powered noise reduction for handling voice calls, with Tribit promising clear call quality which spotlights human speech while filtering out background noise.

Noise-cancelling is on board, something we wouldn't always expect to find from such a budget-friendly pair of buds. The FlyBuds C3 offer standard ANC alongside a transparency mode for keeping you more aware of your surroundings when you're on the go.

Tribit's latest delivers up to eight hours of playback from the earbuds, dropping to six hours with ANC switched on. Those numbers rise to 35 hours of standard playback with the charging case in play, or 25 hours in total with noise-cancelling on.

Customising your experience is done via the Tribit app, from which you can access 10 preset equaliser modes, a fully customisable EQ, and an 'XBass' toggle for granting a bit of extra low-end punch.

You can also manage your Bluetooth Multipoint connections for switching easily between two devices, or toggle the buds' low-latency mode if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for gaming or watching videos.

Tribit has vowed to prioritise wearer comfort from its new buds, with the FlyBuds C3 weighing in at just 4 grams, making them even lighter than their 4.6-gram Sony WF-C510 rivals. They're also IP55 rated, meaning they can handle sweat, light rain and dust particles without much fuss.

The Tribit FlyBuds C3 are available now in black or white finishes, with an official RRP of £50 / $40 / €50.

MORE:

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Apple AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: what's new with Apple's latest noise-cancelling earbuds?

These are the best budget wireless earbuds

Sport-focused audio brand Shokz has launched its latest pair of wireless earbuds, the OpenFit Air 2.

Billed as a lightweight set of buds that blend a secure, easygoing design with "powerful open-ear audio", the OpenFit Air 2 are built for users who want an unobtrusive fit that won't get in the way no matter the length of your workout sessions.

Each bud is equipped with a dual 'Bassphere' driver system, designed to produce "rich bass" and a "full, expansive soundstage". For toggling your sound to your liking, four preset equaliser modes – Standard, Vocal, Bass and Private – are available.

Like the bulk of Shokz's established earbuds, the OpenFit Pro employ an open off-ear design, with an over-ear hook for aiding greater stability and security during runs and workouts.

At 7.2 grams per earbud, the OpenFit Air 2 are also billed as the lightest ear-hook buds that Shokz has ever made, and they should be protected against splashes of water and dust ingress thanks to their IP55 certification.

You needn't be caught out if you're on a long run and your mum calls you in for your dinner, because the OpenFit Air 2 incorporate a dual microphone system combined with an AI noise reduction algorithm to keep voices clear while reducing background noise.

The sporty new buds grant hours of playtime on a single charge, rising to 50 hours in total with the charging case in play. If you're in a hurry, you can squeeze three hours of listening time with a speedy 10-minute quick charge.

Further features include Bluetooth Multipoint for connecting to multiple source devices simultaneously, as well as Fast Pair and Swift Pair for a one-tap connection to Android and Windows devices respectively.

The Shokz OpenFit Air will be available from September 16th in Black, White or Ice Blue finishes, priced at £129 / $130.

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The new AirPods 5 are out now. Like their predecessors, they come in two variants, but unlike their predecessors, both pairs have active noise cancellation (ANC). So what's the difference? Well, the pricier pair have some extra features to set them apart from their cheaper siblings.

We've now reviewed the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case (the pricier of the two new variants), and can tell you how they stack up against their predecessors, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Read on and find out.

Apple AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: specs comparison

Apple AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: price

Before Apple's September launch event, price rises were heavily rumoured – the firm has recently upped its prices on certain products, after all. And while the new iPhones got a price hike, thankfully the new AirPods went the other way.

The AirPods 5 start at £119 / $129 / AU$219 for the base model, rising to £139 / $149 / AU$249 for the variant with the wireless charging case. Both of which compare very favourably with the launch prices of the corresponding AirPods 4 models (£129 / $129 / AU$219 and £179 / $179 / AU$299 respectively).

Apple no longer sells the 4 models, but you can still pick them up at other retailers while stocks last. At time of writing, the AirPods 4 with ANC are only £10 cheaper than the new flagship AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, so there really isn't much in it. At those prices, we would buy the new model over the old.

Keep a look out around sales time though, when the price of the AirPods 4 with ANC could drop more steeply to shift stock.

** Winner: Apple AirPods 5 **

Apple AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: design

The AirPods 5 are virtually unchanged from their predecessors in terms of design, but there are some tweaks.

The pricier variant of AirPods 5 have a slightly recessed area on the stem so you can feel the on-bud volume controls. Otherwise, they are nigh-on identical visually to their predecessors.

Both pairs of AirPods 5 also have improved dust- and water-resistance: IP57, compared to the IP54 of the AirPods 4 range.

Both the AirPods 5 and 4 have an open-ear design with no eartips. That means their fit might be an acquired taste – some people love it, while others struggle to keep them in their ears.

The new pairs weigh the same 4.3g of the AirPods 4, which makes them barely noticeable in your ears.

All in all, it's another winning design, as we found in our review. But do check the fit before you buy.

** Winner: Draw **

Apple AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: features

The headline news for the AirPods 5 is that both pairs feature active noise cancellation. Whereas the AirPods 4 come in one variant with the feature, and one without.

Apple claims the ANC has been improved, and is now 50 per cent more effective than the same feature on the AirPods 4. It claims this is "the best ANC in an open ear design".

Transparency mode – which allows in some outside sounds to keep you aware of your surroundings – is also more natural, Apple says. And you can use a slider to adjust the balance between noise cancellation and allowing in outside sounds, which is a neat feature.

Live Translation is now available on both pairs of AirPods 5 (on the 4 range, it's only available on the AirPods 4 with ANC, not the base model). Like the AirPods 4, they will work with the new, more conversational Siri AI.

In terms of battery life, the AirPods 5 are disappointing. The cheaper model offers four hours of use, while the model with the wireless charging case ups that to five hours (all with ANC enabled). Which is no improvement on the underwhelming figures from the AirPods 4 models.

The total battery life (including the charging case) is 20 hours from the AirPods 5, and 22 hours from the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case. The AirPods 4 with ANC only last 20 hours, while the non-ANC model extend that to 30 hours.

The pricier model of AirPods 5 has a wireless charging case that works with Qi and Apple Watch chargers, while the cheaper model relies on wired USB-C charging.

The newer models also have all the features of the AirPods 4 range, including Spatial Audio, Conversation Awareness, adaptive audio and Find My features. They also run on the same H2 chip as the AirPods 4 models, and use the same Bluetooth 5.3 tech.

** Winner: Apple AirPods 5 **

Apple AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: noise cancellation

Apple claims the AirPods 5 cancel 50 per cent more noise than their predecessors. While we aren't able to verify that exact claim, we can confirm that the ANC is very impressive, especially considering there are no eartips to help with passive noise isolation (i.e. bunging up your lug holes so no outside sound gets in).

General background noise like traffic and office chitchat is made much quieter, though higher frequencies do slip through the net. But the lower frequencies are definitely blocked more comprehensively than on the AirPods 4 with ANC.

The effect is much more powerful, too. Again, that's made all the more impressive by the buds' design.

We found the AirPods 4 with ANC's noise cancellation worked very well indeed. They get around the lack of a seal offered by eartips by targeting low-end frequencies. "The rumble of engines on the road, the grinding hum of trains, the exhaust fan in the kitchen – it all disappears. It’s quite impressive," we wrote in our AirPods 4 with ANC review.

While you're not encased in a bubble of silence as with the best noise-cancelling earbuds, they do cancel enough noise to make your music clear without the need to crank up the volume and potentially damage your hearing. It's also a much more natural and comfortable experience than some more suction-y forms of ANC.

In summary: AirPods 4 good, AirPods 5 better.

** Winner: Apple AirPods 5 **

Apple AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: sound

The AirPods 5's new multi-port acoustic architecture and next-generation adaptive EQ claim to improve sound quality, with "richer, more detailed sound across a wider range of ear geometries". Personalised Spatial Audio should also be more immersive and dynamic.

So Apple says. But do the claims stack up?

Yes, but the sound is not without fault. You get the same trademark Apple sonic balance (detailed, agile, natural, open), but it's taken on a step from the previous generation. Not a massive step, admittedly, but the improvements are there.

We noted "greater extension and weight in the lower frequencies" in our AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case review. And the amount of sheer grunt these buds deliver is definitely impressive, especially given their semi-open design.

There's detail and spaciousness in spades, while highs have plenty of headroom and never sound hemmed in. The sound is noticeably more heavyweight than the AirPods 4, though sometimes that can tip the balance and obscure some of the finer detail of a track.

The AirPods 4 pleased us with their "clarity and detail, agility and balance, along with a focus on voices that make them immediately appealing to listen to," we wrote in our AirPods 4 with ANC review.

They offer plenty of space between instruments, with plenty of textural detail and depth. High notes soar without a hint of brightness, while they remain dynamically engaging throughout.

They do sound a little lightweight compared to the newer, weightier siblings, though their leaner sound is better suited to certain tracks – lending them a sweeter, more agile presentation.

The new model is an improvement, though some may prefer the delicacy of the AirPods 4's balance, with certain tracks, at least.

** Winner: Apple AirPods 5 **

Apple AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: verdict

The AirPods 5 have more features, more power and more punch, which goes some way to overriding the compromises of a semi-open earbud design. They're not a massive improvement on the previous generation, but they do sound more satisfying.

Their weightier sound can tend to overwhelm the more subtle details in some tracks though, so fans of genres like classical might prefer the more delicate balance of the AirPods 4. Especially if the older pair drop in price, which we're expecting them to.

All eyes on the sales...

** Overall winner: Apple AirPods 5 **

MORE:

Read our Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case review

And our Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation review

I test headphones for a living but can’t make sense of the AirPods 5 launch

It’s not often I’m left bemused by an Apple launch, but the recent unveiling of the AirPods 5, its latest ‘open’ wireless earbuds, has left me scratching my head. It just doesn’t make any sense.

You see, the AirPods 5, like AirPods 4 before them, come in two flavours. But unlike the previous generation, which were clearly distinguishable by price (there was £50/$50 between AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC) and by the cheaper model's lack of noise-cancelling, they have more in common this time around.

Both pairs now offer the same ANC, the same acoustic architecture, the same H2 chip, the same sound modes and the same IP57 rating. And there was nothing said during Apple’s video event to suggest they won’t share the same sound quality.

And this time around, there is only £20/$20 between the two models. Spending that little bit extra gets you better battery life and more useful features, so you can hopefully see where I’m coming from?

Maybe I’m a sucker for specs, but the AirPods 5 Wireless Charging Case as they’re known (and doesn’t that name just roll off the tongue?), just seem the obvious buy.

To me at least, it feels like you’re actually getting shortchanged if you go for the standard AirPods 5 model. And the fact that the cheaper model can only muster four hours of battery life per charge is verging on the laughable in this day and age, as one of my colleagues has already pointed out.

Having the volume swipe feature on the force sensor on the pricier model shouldn’t be underestimated either. This gives usability a big boost and is something I use all the time on my ageing AirPods Pro 2.

So why is Apple offering both? Now, who am I to question Apple’s business plan - they seem to be doing a pretty good job of making money without my input – but is it really cost-effective to be selling two pairs of earbuds so similar in price when one pair is at a disadvantage? I can't wait to get both pairs into our test room to find out which pair is the better buy.

What do you think? If you’re an Apple fan, do you find the cheaper pair of AirPods appealing, or would you rather just spend a tiny bit extra to get the all-singing, all-dancing model? Let us know in the comments below.

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Our pick of the best wireless earbuds you can buy right now

Apple AirPods 5 boast improved ANC and updated acoustic architecture for a "richer, more detailed sound"

I'm excited for Apple's newly announced AirPods 5 – but one major issue has me scratching my head

Read our Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation review

Apple's long-rumoured AirPods with a camera – potentially called AirPods Ultra – made no appearance at the 9th September iPhone 18 launch event, with the release now rumoured to be pushed back to 2027.

Honestly? I'm happy that it was a no-show.

I think this is a wise decision. Not only does this mean that the focus is rightly on the new AirPods 5 models and the brand-new foldable iPhone Duo, but it gives Apple more time to iron out any kinks with these rumoured AirPods with camera (that's assuming it's a real product, of course).

AirPods with a camera were touted as early as 2024, with reports suggesting they will feature embedded IR cameras, centred around augmented reality. This is with a view to them working with Apple's Visual Intelligence, rather than capturing images and video directly.

Considering the current controversy surrounding the Meta glasses that can be used to record images and videos without people's consent and without making the fact they're recording obvious, I can't really imagine Apple going for a similar kind of camera embedded into small earbuds.

Apple has a reputation for being privacy-focused, so the cameras being used for features such as enhancing ANC, spatial awareness, or for accessibility reasons based on your surroundings (which are current best guesses) rather than actually capturing real pictures or videos around you seem more likely.

As reported by MacRumors, a video seen in a macOS Tahoe release doc shows short-term practical applications, such as identifying a book to save it for later.

AI and AI-powered features are all the rage today, and Apple Intelligence/Siri isn't exactly leading the popular race. With the updated, more conversational Siri AI that launched today with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max – and which makes a big deal about protecting users' data and privacy – this could be a way for Apple to differentiate itself from the likes of Gemini, Claude and ChatGPT, and offer practical solutions that embed into users' iOS-led lives in a way that isn't too frivolous like generative AI.

The AirPods with camera, or AirPods Ultra, are rumoured to effectively be integrated in a souped-up pair of AirPods Pro 3, but considering the wealth of features already stacked into the Pro 3's compact buds (live translation, health features, various ANC modes and more) the current H2 chip would be working overtime.

It's not hard to imagine this would have a knock-on effect on battery life, along with perhaps less focus on improving overall performance – and that's not a trade-off I would be happy with.

And that's the key thing here: yes, technology advances in many ways, and it's exciting to have new possibilities, especially when products such as wireless earbuds have become so embedded in our busy, multi-tasking lives.

But I hope Apple doesn't forget what the AirPods' main purpose is: to allow people to enjoy their music.

Of course, Apple could use the proposed AirPods Ultra launch to launch an all-new, more powerful H3 chip. If it does, I hope it brings with it more advancements and improvements in the areas we really care about: sound quality, ANC quality, and battery life.

Camera or no camera, the current AirPods Pro 3 are a pretty great-sounding pair of 'buds. While the class leader, the Sony WF-1000XM6, still rules the roost here, the premium Pro 3 are a five-star pair whose nicely balanced, clear and dynamic sound is enjoyable with all genres, while ANC quality is excellent.

We wouldn't hesitate to recommend them for iOS die-hards, especially if you – like us – are all about the performance, and prioritise sound quality over fancy features.

Apple does a great job of refining features and improving performance, but it can sometimes be incremental – let's hope the next pair is a much bigger step forward in sound quality.

MORE:

Apple AirPods 5 boast improved ANC and updated acoustic architecture for a "richer, more detailed sound"

Read our Apple AirPods Pro 3 review

Our guide to the best wireless earbuds you can buy, tested by our in-house experts

Apple announced plenty of exciting goodies at its most recent September launch event, including a series of Apple Watches and its first-ever folding phone, the iPhone Duo.

No new HomePods materialised, but hey, you're always going to be let down by at least one major omission. Another year and no HomePod Mini 2? No surprises there, then.

The Californian mega-brand also announced the next generation of its standard wireless earbuds, the AirPods 5, again splitting the new models into two main variants: the AirPods 5 and the AirPods 5 with wireless charging. The standard AirPods 5 will cost £119 / $129, while the AirPods 5 with wireless charging case will cost £139 / $149.

That's a departure from the fourth generation of Apple's core AirPods line, where the key difference between the two models was the use or absence of noise-cancelling. Hence, the AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with ANC.

Many of the initial signs look positive. Apple is promising elevated sonic performance from the fifth-generation buds, teasing a "richer, more detailed sound across a wider range of ear geometries" alongside more immersive and dynamic spatial audio.

Noise cancelling should be better, too, with improved "computational audio algorithms" improving noise reduction by around 50 per cent. So says Apple, anyway.

Lots to be excited about, then, but one fly does appear to have landed in the ointment: those battery life numbers.

The standard AirPods 5 are teasing a paltry four hours of playtime from the buds with ANC enabled, which will creep up to around five hours when noise cancelling is switched off.

The AirPods 5 with wireless charging, conversely, offer five hours of in-ear battery, with 22 hours with the charging case. That total just edges the 20 hours of the standard model.

Those numbers seem bafflingly low, especially when compared with price-adjacent rivals. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) (£119 / $149) deliver 8.5 hours of in-bud playback with ANC enabled, boosted to up to 12 hours with noise cancelling turned off.

The cheaper Sony WF-C710N (£70 / $130) are also superior, again granting 8.5 hours of playback with ANC turned on, 12 hours with it off, and a total of 30 hours with the charging case in play.

It's not as if Apple has improved on its last-gen offerings, either. The AirPods 4 delivered 4 hours of in-bud playback with ANC on, 5 hours with ANC off, and a total of 30 hours with the charging case. That means the in-bud playtime has gone down, and total playtime has actually decreased from one generation to the next. How has that happened?

It's fine for a more premium pair of earbuds to sacrifice a bit of battery life, or for a new generation to maybe lose out in this area because of new features or hardware, but when the mainline AirPods already offered such mediocre figures, Apple couldn't really afford to lose much more. What will the sixth-gen buds offer? Three hours of battery life if we're lucky?

It won't be a dealbreaker for many, but those figures really do seem poor in an era when some rivals are pushing to almost double the in-bud playback time.

It's not a disaster for Apple, but it means the onus is now on the AirPods 5 to deliver outstanding performance across the board – from sound to noise-cancelling – if they're going to justify such a glaring blind spot.

I might be wrong, but battery life figures do matter, especially when there's a fear of being left high and dry when your buds run out of charge, and you've no way of getting them powered again. I'm optimistic it isn't a decision Apple ends up regretting.

MORE:

The iPhone 18 range launches with a foldable iPhone and two new Pro models

AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 with ANC: which Apple pair should you pick?

Check out our guide to the best wireless earbuds we've tested and rated

Apple has launched the next generation of its standard wireless earbuds, the AirPods 5.

As before, it comes in two model variants without eartips, with the big news being that both models now feature active noise cancellation. The more expensive AirPods 5 feature on-stem volume control, longer battery life with ANC on, and a wireless charging case.

They're an update on the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC that launched two years ago on September 2024, and feature improvements to sound quality, ANC and the transparency mode, plus live translation capability.

The AirPods 5 will cost £119 / $129, while the AirPods 5 with wireless charging case will cost £139 / $149 – both go on sale on 18th September, with pre-orders starting today.

The AirPods 5 see an updated open-ear design, with a new multi-port acoustic architecture and next-generation adaptive EQ to improve sound quality. Apple says the new AirPods 5 deliver "richer, more detailed sound across a wider range of ear geometries", as well as making personalised spatial audio more immersive and dynamic.

Combined with improved "computational audio algorithms" Apple claims the improved ANC quality offers 50 per cent more noise reduction than the previous generation to deliver what Apple has called "the best ANC in an open ear design". The transparency mode has also been improved to be more "natural", says Apple.

Apple says the new AirPods 5 are "more durable than ever", with an increased IP57 rating for dealing with rain, sweat and dust ingress.

The AirPods 5 can be used hands-free in conjunction with the new, more conversational Siri AI, and both models will now also feature live translation, which was previously a feature reserved for the flagship Pro 3 and Pro 2 models.

In terms of battery life, the standard AirPods 5 offer four hours with ANC enabled on a single charge, with up to 20 hours with the included standard USB-C charging case.

The more premium AirPods 5 with wireless charging case offer five hours of on-ear battery with ANC on, and 22 hours with the charging case. This step-up model also features the on-stem volume controls – another feature borrowed from the AirPods Pro 3. The wireless charging case means it will work with Qi and Apple Watch chargers, while the standard AirPods 5 is restricted to wired USB-C charging only.

Both AirPods 5 will also support the usual iOS-focused features, such as spatial audio, conversation awareness, adaptive audio and Find My features.

MORE:

Read our AirPods 4 with ANC review

AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 with ANC: which Apple pair should you pick?

Check out our guide to the best wireless earbuds we've tested and rated

Anker has announced four additions to its Soundcore range, including the Space 2 Pro over-ear wireless headphones, Liberty Buds 2 wireless earbuds and Aeroclip 2 Pro and Aeroclip 2 open earbuds.

We only have limited details, but here’s what we know about the upcoming releases so far.

All of the new products use Anker’s latest 'Thus' chip. The new silicon is a compute-in-memory audio chip, which is designed to run AI calculations within its own memory, rather than splitting processing across several components, for improved efficiency and processing speed.

The new Space 2 Pro over-ear wireless headphones are the follow-up to the Soundcore Space 2, which our reviewers gave a two-star rating earlier this year, citing poor dynamics and detail compared with more talented competition at the price. The Space 2 Pro are £70 / $70 more expensive than the previous model and will cost £200 / $200, so we are hoping Anker has taken note of our reviewers' points.

Outside of this, Anker confirmed the Space 2 Pro have an optimised headband and “soft, skin-friendly ear cushions” for “pressure-free wear”. The headphones have a battery life of 60 hours (30 hours with ANC switched on), which is less than the Space 2, but a significant figure nonetheless.

Personalised audio will also be available in the form of HearID 5.0, which tests users’ hearing in order to provide a tailored sound curve.

Further features confirmed by Anker include adaptive ANC and enhanced call clarity, which are both delivered by eight sensors working in tandem with the AI chip.

Similarly, Anker claims the Liberty Buds 2 deliver “crystal clear calls in noisy environments”, thanks to an eight-sensor array working alongside the Thus chip. The company also says the new earbuds “block out chaos instantly”, using a six-sensor, full-band ANC system.

The Liberty Buds 2 weigh just 4.7g and also feature HearID 5.0 for personalised listening. For the drivers, we are told, the wireless earbuds use a 9.2mm wool paper diaphragm for “high dynamic detail”.

Anker hasn’t yet confirmed the Liberty Buds 2’s battery life.

According to the company, the AeroClip 2 Pro open buds are an “AI note-taker for every need”, thanks to the Thus chip, which captures online meetings and calls and “transcribes, summarises, answers and syncs your workflow.”

“Crystal clear calls” are yet again promised, this time courtesy of four high signal-to-noise ratio MEMS microphones and two bone conduction sensors, paired with built-in AI noise extraction.

The AeroClip 2 Pro use an 11.3mm dual diaphragm driver with ‘AdaptiveTune’ (Anker’s adaptive ANC option), which the company says provides “immersive sound in any environment”.

The open design features no silicon eartips, but promise “comfortable, secure all-day wear thanks to their C-shaped bridge.

A standard AeroClip 2 model will also be available. All we know about the product so far is that it will also use the Thus chip for clear calls and will have an eight-hour battery life.

The Space 2 Pro, Liberty Buds 2 and AeroClip 2 are set to launch on 22nd September, with retail availability in the UK, US and EU. The launch date of the AeroClip 2 Pro is yet to be announced, and Anker says that the product will only be available in the US. Full pricing is as follows:

Anker Soundcore Space 2 Pro: £200 / $200 / €200

Anker Soundcore Liberty Buds 2: £130 / $130 / (EU pricing TBC)

Anker Soundcore AeroClip 2 Pro: $230 (US only)

Anker Soundcore AeroClip 2: £160 / $170 / €180

MORE:

Read our full Soundcore Space 2 review

Our picks of the best wireless earbuds

Stay up to date with our pick of the best wireless headphones, tested by our expert reviewers

Huawei has announced a new generation of wireless earbuds, the FreeBuds Neo.

Positioned as a more accessible sibling to the FreeBuds Pro, the new earbuds share a lot of common features with the flagship range.

The FreeBuds Neo feature a lightweight, mini stem design. Each earbud weighs approximately 4.8g.

Huawei has also updated the eartips, optimising the design across “eight key ear-related surfaces”. While we're not 100 per cent clear what it means by "ear-related surfaces", the work will reportedly make them more comfortable to wear for prolonged periods and ensure they fit a wider range of ears.

An 11mm polymer composite dynamic driver is at the heart of their “turbo drive unit”, which uses a multi-port vent system to balance pressure behind the diaphragm for “smoother, more controlled diaphragm movement”. Huawei says that the driver’s lightweight, high-rigidity diaphragm delivers “clear highs and a realistic sense of presence”.

Standard Bluetooth codecs are supported, as well as higher-quality Bluetooth codecs including LDAC, which allows data transmission up to 990kbps when connected to a compatible source. The buds also support Huawei’s own L2HC codec that allows for higher 2.3Mbps high-resolution lossless transmission, but only with select Huawei smartphones/tablets.

The earbuds have an 'unlimited spatial audio' feature, which uses real-time head tracking to keep audio stable relative to head movements. There is also a fixed spatial audio option, as well as 'pinpoint game audio' – a setting optimised for first-person shooter games, which provides accurate tracking of footsteps and gunshots.

The FreeBuds Neo feature a “dual-channel noise cancellation architecture”, which sees a C-shaped tube and air vent working in tandem to minimise the entry of outside mid/high frequencies into the ear. A third-gen audio chip is used to process and cancel environmental sound, resulting in an average noise cancellation of -30dB across the hearable frequency range.

In an effort to boost call clarity, the FreeBuds Neo use three microphones and a bone conduction sensor, alongside AI processing. The earbuds' "anti-wind" design further reduces airflow interference, allowing users to take calls in noisy situations.

Like the FreeBuds Pro 5, the new earbuds feature tap controls on the stem, and see their antennae upgraded to offer an improved Bluetooth range of up to 170m, alongside enhanced resistance to interference.

The Huawei Audio Connect app can be used to control the earbuds, letting users switch between noise cancellation modes and EQ settings, locate the earbuds and check battery levels. The FreeBuds Neo are compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows and support cross-system dual device connection.

In terms of battery life, the FreeBuds Neo provide 40 hours of charge with their case, and up to 10 hours from the earbuds alone, which falls to 6.5 hours with ANC enabled. Notably, a 10-minute quick charge will give you four hours of playback.

The Huawei FreeBuds Neo will be available in four colours: Stellar Silver, Nebula Pink, Ice White and Starry Black. They are due for release in the UK on 23rd September, costing £120.

Customers purchasing the FreeBuds Neo before the 26th of October will be given a £20 discount.

MORE

Read our full Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 review

Plus, I thought this simple upgrade would elevate Sony's WF-1000XM6 wireless earbuds – I was wrong

Stay up to date with our pick of the best wireless earbuds, tested by our expert reviewers

There has been much talk recently about the rumoured upcoming release of AirPods with built-in cameras, but a new report from Bloomberg’s chief correspondent for Apple, Mark Gurman, suggests that the most imminent generation of AirPods might be a touch more familiar than anticipated.

According to Gurman’s report, Apple is preparing to launch the 5th generation of the standard AirPods next month. This will be an update on the current AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, which were released in 2024.

The AirPods 5 is set to consist of the same two models – one with ANC and one without.

The report suggests that the AirPods 5 could arrive in early September, coinciding with Apple’s annual iPhone launch event, which is predicted to see several new products including the iPhone 18 series, a new Apple Watch and the first folding iPhone Fold (or iPhone Ultra).

Apple expanded its standard non-Pro AirPods range in 2024 to include the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. These are the brand's most affordable wireless earbuds and don't come with eartips like the flagship Pro models do, and they were a marked improvement over the AirPods 3 and featured ANC in the 'open' design for the first time.

We awarded the AirPods 4 with ANC a four-star review for their “impressive ANC”, “powerful sound” and an “extensive feature set that borrows from the flagship model”, while criticising poor battery life, earbuds shape that still didn't fit everyone in our review team, and a sound that could do with “a greater dose of dynamic subtlety, solidity and punch".

Given the expected similarities between the upcoming release and the previous generation, we are hoping that Apple will have taken note of these areas and improve the standard AirPods even further.

Will they adopt more of the flagship AirPods Pro 3's features, will the prices for the AirPods 5 change or remain the same, or will Apple make any surprise overhauls of its popular earbuds? In such a competitive market as wireless earbuds, it will be interesting to see if Apple makes any substantial changes to stay ahead, or if the updates will be incremental between the generations. We shall find out soon enough, if the launch rumours are true.

What features or improvements would you like to see in the AirPods 5? Let us know in the comments.

MORE:

Read our Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation review

Also read our Apple AirPods Pro 3 review

Stay up to date with our pick of the best AirPods, tested by our expert reviewers

Sport-centric audio brand Shokz has announced its latest pair of bone conduction headphones, the OpenRun Air 2.

Built for runners, sports-ready headphones use an open design whereby the drivers sit outside of the ear rather than burrowing into the ear canal, so you're always aware of your surroundings. Over-ear hooks and a wraparound stability band keep the headphones in place. Think of the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, and you're in the right area.

The new OpenRun Air 2 deploy Shokz's 'PremiumPitch' technology, which is designed to offer greater extension to higher frequencies while delivering clearer mids and a deeper bass signature.

The drivers feature a metallic dual-coil design that again aims to deliver clear vocals and a defined low-frequency signature within a balanced, clear sonic experience.

The OpenRun Air 2 are IP67 rated, so sweat and rain shouldn't be a problem. Battery life clocks in at 10 hours on a single charge, with a five-minute boost delivering around two hours of playback in a pinch.

Further features include Bluetooth Multipoint for fast switching between devices, four preset equaliser modes, customisable physical buttons, and a 'Find My Headphone' feature whereby the Shokz will play a loud tone if you've misplaced them.

The Shokz OpenRun Air 2 are available in the US in Black or Ice Blue colourways, priced at $130, with buyers able to choose between Standard and Mini band sizes. We'll keep you updated on future availability in other territories.

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Read our Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review

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Sennheiser has revealed the Sennheiser Momentum 5 True Wireless, the sequel to the Sennheiser Momentum 4 True Wireless we awarded five stars in 2024.

Sennheiser describes the Momentum 5 True Wireless as sharing the same "sound-first DNA" that went into their recently reviewed fifth-gen over-ear counterparts, the Momentum 5 Wireless.

The new earbuds house Sennheiser's signature 7mm TrueResponse dynamic drivers, designed to offer both "remarkable detail" and "full-bodied, bass-driven tuning", as well as "exceptional precision, clarity and dynamics".

Bluetooth 6.0 with aptX Adaptive codec support further bolsters the buds' sonic credentials, allowing the transmission of hi-res wireless audio up to 24-bit/96 kHz from compatible sources.

The fifth-gen buds incorporate a revised hybrid noise-cancelling system, working in tandem with redesigned ear tips and a dedicated four-microphone array to maximise ANC performance. For clearer voice capture, the earbuds combine six dedicated microphones, two bone-conduction voice accelerometers and an AI speech-extraction algorithm, all in a bid to isolate human speech in busy environments.

The Momentum 5 True Wireless will offer around 12 hours of playback from the earbuds themselves, extended up to 40 total hours in total with the charging case in play. Be aware that, according to Sennheiser, those figures will drop to around 6 hours from the buds and between 20-25 hours in total when noise cancelling is switched on.

On the subject of batteries, the Momentum True Wireless 5 introduce a new user-replaceable battery system for both the earbuds and wireless charging case. This will let owners quickly replace the power cells in their buds using a screwdriver.

Sennheiser has pursued a "barely there" fit for its latest flagship buds, with the Momentum True Wireless 5 sporting a new aerodynamic shape which aims for a more comfortable, less obtrusive experience.

The buds' new shape and revised ear tips have been designed to improve both passive noise-cancellation isolation and sound quality, with Sennheiser pushing for an ergonomic design that aids a more secure fit. On the subject of ear tips, four sizes are available ranging from extra small to large.

Sennheiser's latest are rated IP54, guaranteeing a degree of protection against dust, sweat and splashes of water, while a perforated microphone plate aims to mitigate against wind interference to improve voice calls and noise-cancelling.

According to Lilika Beck, Sennheiser's President of Consumer Hearing: "Balancing compact size, our signature high-fidelity acoustics, and a replaceable battery is a major breakthrough. With the Momentum True Wireless 5, we are proving that cutting-edge performance does not have to sacrifice longevity.”

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 will be available from September 3rd in a choice of Graphite, Cream, Copper, Denim or Lavender finishes, priced at £250 / $300 / AU$480.

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Apple’s next AirPods have leaked in an official video from the tech giant itself. And they have a feature we have never seen in a pair of wireless earbuds before: a camera.

The AirPods with a camera have been rumoured for a while now. This leak suggests they will launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro at the Apple event rumoured for 9th September.

The camera enables a feature called Visual Intelligence, which is basically capturing images to store for later. The video shows a wearer holding up a book to remember for later. The Siri voiceover says:

“With Visual Intelligence, your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later.”

The video was found within the latest version of Apple’s desktop operating system, macOS Tahoe, that Apple has just released for public testing. It was spotted by 9to5Mac.

You can also see the new AirPods in question. They look very similar to the AirPods Pro 3, although the stems are slightly thicker.

You can’t see the cameras in the AirPods. But given Apple’s privacy-first focus, they would probably light up to alert anyone in the vicinity that they are being filmed or photographed.

There is no word on what – if any – sound improvements the new AirPods might bring, or whether they would simply be the standard AirPods Pro 3 with an added camera. But we shouldn’t have to wait long to find out.

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And the best wireless headphones full stop

Nothing's budget sub-brand CMF has announced its first pair of open-earbuds, the Clip Pro, which are designed to deliver a listening experience "that feels as natural as it sounds".

Billed as ideal for wearers with busy or active lifestyles, the Clip Pro incorporate an open, clip-on design built around CMF's three-point configuration, wherein a slim 'C-bridge' hooks around the exterior ear and is anchored on each side. The result, says CMF, is a secure fit that remains comfortable through work, commuting and exercise.

Each earbud harnesses physical on-unit controls, while an IP54 rating means that sweat, water splashes and dust shouldn't be a problem if you're taking your new buds outside for a tough workout.

At the heart of the new Clip Pro is a 10.8 mm dual-magnet dynamic driver, tuned to produce what its maker describes as "full-bodied audio with powerful bass, detailed vocals and crisp high frequencies".

To compensate for the bass loss associated with open-ear designs, CMF has incorporated 'Ultra Bass Technology', designed to intelligently enhance low-end reproduction while reducing treble distortion for a more balanced frequency response

In addition, the Clip Pro are support Sony's LDAC Bluetooth codec for hi-res wireless streaming up to 32-bit/96kHz, alongside standard AAC and SBC codecs.

The CMF Clip Pro grant up to 10 hours of listening time on a single charge, rising to around 32.5 hours of total playback with the charging case in play. If you're short on time, a quick 10-minute fast charge provides up to 4 hours of listening.

Further features include Bluetooth Multipoint for more seamless switching between connected devices, as well as a 'Low Latency Mode' designed for gamers. Google Fast Pair is also on the menu with compatible devices, and Clip Pro wearers will be able to customise their experience via the supported Nothing X app.

The CMF Clip Pro will be available in a choice of Dark Grey, Light Grey or Coral finishes, priced at £79 / $99.

MORE:

Read our Nothing Headphone (1) review

I thought this simple upgrade would elevate Sony's WF-1000XM6 wireless earbuds – I was wrong

Our pick of the best over-ear headphones

If you think of earbuds as cutting you off from the outside world to isolate you in a bubble of music, prepare to have your preconceptions flipped on their head. The Shokz OpenFit Pro are part of a new breed of wireless headphones with an open design, that let your music mingle with your environment – but at the same time, they offer noise reduction technology that dampens down the most distracting sounds.

Add in the upgrades to sound performance and premium design, and you’ve got a whole new type of wireless headphones.

Open to new ideas

Open earbuds take the traditional approach to listening on the go and flip it completely. Instead of blocking your ear canals with intrusive earbuds, the earbuds sit on your ears and play music into them. Not only does this make the wearer more aware of their surroundings – like a colleague trying to talk to them or a car horn beeping – many people also find it a more comfortable way to listen.

Allowing the sound to mix with your environment also makes for a more natural-sounding performance, helped, in no small part, by Shokz’s upgraded sonics. The OpenFit Pro feature Shokz SuperBoost, a dual-diaphragm driver housed inside a reinforced acoustic structure. Not only does this go louder than traditional closed earbuds, but – crucially – it’s also more precise.

This enhanced precision improves stability, producing a cleaner and more consistent sound foundation, while also extending the frequency response up to 40 kHz for greater fine detail reproduction.

The result? Rich detail, smooth highs and deep lows. The premium silicone and aluminium dome caps minimise distortion so that bass remains smooth and punchy, adding real low-end heft to your playlists and work calls alike.

They’re also Optimised for Dolby Atmos spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, which makes the sound appear as if it’s coming from a fixed point in your environment, making for a more realistic, more immersive listening experience.

Devoid of distractions

But the enhanced sound quality is only one string to the OpenFit Pro’s bow. They also offer Open-Ear Noise-Reduction technology, which works in tandem with the Shokz SuperBoost to make for an even more impressive listening experience.

With SuperBoost creating a flatter, more predictable mid-to-high frequency response, the headphones are more accurately able to discern between music and other sounds coming from the environment around you, like the background chatter of an office or the pumping gym soundtrack. Because the frequency response is more stable, unwanted sounds stand out more clearly, allowing them to be targeted – and suppressed – with surgical precision.

The three-mic system is able to capture sounds from multiple angles, building a more complete picture of both voice and environment. This works hand-in-glove with an ear-adaptive algorithm that’s been trained on tens of thousands of tests using different ear shapes and sizes, wearing angles and real-world scenarios to help it adapt dynamically in real time. It’s constantly optimising the sound output whether the headphones sit slightly higher, lower, or the angle changes. They’ll also perform the same if you share them with a friend or loved one, no matter their ear shape, giving the same bravura performance for each and every listener.

Buds for work, rest and play

That’s the insides taken care of. But what about the outsides?

As befits a pair of flagship open-ear earbuds, the Shokz OpenFit Pro are crafted from premium materials for a marquee finish that‘s built to last. The soft silicone finish is hardwearing yet comfortable, while the ultra-thin titanium alloy ear hooks deliver outstanding comfort levels while remaining hardy.

All of which make the Shokz OpenFit Pro the perfect pair for work, travel, exercising and more. They’re open-ear earbuds without the distractions.

Buy the Shokz OpenFit Pro with a 10% discount using code WHATHIFI_10

Anyone who has read my Sony WF-1000XM6 review will know I’m a big fan of these premium wireless earbuds.

However, as I’ve also written about previously, I don’t think they’re perfect. Put simply, I’m not the biggest fan of the eartips that come supplied with them.

If you’re new to my moaning (or what I like to think of as constructive criticism), I don’t find them particularly pliable, or super comfortable when in place.

If there was only one thing I could change about these five-star earbuds, it would be the material used and possibly the shape/sizing of the replaceable tips. After all, I think the buds’ sound quality, call quality and noise-cancelling skills are second-to-none.

So, in the name of journalism (and comfort), I’ve been on the hunt for alternatives.

I have been using the WF-1000XM6 since launch, and now I think my pair are in need of some attention, especially as the tips currently attached to them are starting to break up, which can be the case with foam designs. It’s like your favourite slippers when the soles have lost their grip and your heels start to wear through the furry surface.

The world of aftermarket eartips won’t be a surprise to many, but as someone who tends to believe that the manufacturer knows best when it comes to product R&D, it’s not something I’ve really looked into until now.

Hop on Amazon, and your choices are seemingly endless, whether you want memory foam or silicone, domed or flanged. Shapes and styles vary, as do prices. (Special mention to whathifi.com reader cyclonaut for bringing my attention to a couple of the popular brands in the eartip world)

I settled on four different options, one of which, Comply, actually reached out after reading one of my articles on a different pair of earbuds. Here’s what I picked and what I thought of them…

Comply Truegrip Pro £20 (L/L/L)

The Comply memory foam tips are a tiny bit shallower and more domed than the Sonys, with more of a pronounced tip. Their opening is larger, and like the Sonys, they have a mesh in the middle to protect from any debris.

I didn’t find them as comfortable as the silicone designs, and when it came to music, although they allow for an open, expressive and powerful delivery, I think they sacrifice subtlety, and there was less space between the different elements of tracks.

Buy the Comply Truegrip Pro at Amazon

AZLA SednaEarfit Max £27 (M/ML/L)

These were my favourite silicone tips. They feel premium and smooth to the touch and are easy to slide onto the tubes of the XM6 buds. There’s a nice balance between the flexible silicone dome and the more robust silicone nozzle.

I didn’t have any issues with fit or comfort, and I also like the fact that they have a built-in mesh guard. However, they don’t isolate as well as the Sony or Comply tips. They promote a balance which sounds more open but lacks the solidity and focus of the memory foam alternatives.

Buy the AZLA SednaEarfit Max at Amazon

SpinFit Omni £12.49 (L)

These looked and felt the most interesting tips. Their diameter was slightly smaller than the Comply and Sony alternatives. It was more of a struggle getting these onto the Sony tubes, but the tight fit means they won’t be slipping off any time soon.

The lack of any mesh in the tip would make me nervous that debris could make its way into the Sony tubes and potentially impact sound quality. Like the AZLA tips, they promote an open, airy sound, but it’s still a leaner balance, and the isolation wasn’t great.

The design includes a patented ‘spinnable core’ which claims to improve comfort. The silicon used here feels tackier than on the other pairs, which gives the impression it’s going to help with the seal. I didn’t have any issues with comfort or fit.

Buy the SpinFit Omni at Amazon

SpinFit Neo £11.49 (x1 L)

I found the sound quality of both SpinFit models to be very similar – there’s good detail and edges of notes sound crisp and precise. But, as has been the case with all the silicone tips I tried, music just doesn’t have the natural warmth or solidity as it does when heard through either of the memory-foam pairs.

The Neo tips were easier to fit than the Omni, requiring less force to slide them on. Comfort levels were very good, but once again, there’s no mesh protector in the nozzle to protect from wax.

Buy the SpinFit Neo at Amazon

Verdict

So, what did my eartip encounters tell me? The main conclusion I took away was that the Sony tips performed the best.

Is that a surprise, though? Sony must have spent a lot of time and money on research, learning about ear shapes, trying different materials, sizes, and fits. For me the WF-1000XM6 just sound better balanced, more subtle, and more natural when using their own tips.

But I can certainly see the appeal of trying something different. I don’t love the tips that currently come with the XM6, so if there was something more comfortable out there that didn’t sacrifice sound quality, then it would be foolish not to try to track them down.

I can see why some people might like a silicone alternative – there is something a bit more open and forward about the sound, giving the impression it’s more exciting – but for me, you are shifting the sound away from what Sony intended and what makes them arguably the best wireless earbuds on the market right now.

Not only does sound quality take a hit, but the switch to any of the silicone tips has a major effect on isolation and therefore noise cancelling. This is a big problem, because the eartips and earbuds will have been designed to work together.

Not only will the extra density of the memory foam give you more isolation just through the choice of material, but one would assume Sony will also have factored in which frequencies its tips are isolating and formulated its ANC to take this into account.

During testing, I found a track of ambient cafe noises, and the amount of information the silicone tips were letting through would seriously put me off using them long-term, especially in crowded environments or on places like the London Underground.

In conclusion it looks like I’m going to have to stick with a like-for-like replacement for my eartips for now, but that still won’t stop me asking for a slightly comfier design from an WF-1000XM6 successor.

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Technics has launched a new Rolling Stones-themed variant of its five-star EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds.

The announcement has been made to coincide with the release of The Rolling Stones’ new album, Foreign Tongues.

The limited edition earbuds come in a gift box, which houses Technics’ flagship EAH-AZ100 earbuds in a black finish alongside an exclusive rubber case embossed with the band’s lips and tongues logo.

The rear of each pair’s protective case also features a laser-engraved serial number from 0001-5000. Technics says that serial numbers cannot be pre-selected.

The Technics EAH-AZ100 feature a wealth of cutting-edge hardware, including a magnetic fluid driver, which places an oil-like liquid filled with magnetic particles inside the driver’s voice coil to reduce distortion and improve bass reproduction.

We previously awarded the EAH-AZ100 a five-star review for the earbuds' “superb detail and clarity”, “expressive, spacious and engaging sound”, and “Bose-bothering ANC performance”.

But, rockers, take note: If you’re feeling tempted, you’ll need to act fast, because the earbuds are limited to 5000 units worldwide.

Exclusively available to buy online, the EAH-AZ100 Rolling Stones limited edition earbuds can be yours today for £259 / €299.

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Read our Technics EAH-AZ100 review

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This is a lovely name for a pair of wired earbuds.

Sivga has introduced its new Lyrebird wired in-ear headphones, designed to produce "a high-end listening experience at an accessible price point".

The in-ears feature a quad-driver, hybrid driver array, consisting of a 10mm polymer dynamic driver handling the bass frequencies alongside a dedicated balanced armature unit designed to produce vocals with "exceptional clarity and detail".

A micro planar driver seeks to add a "smooth treble extension", while a 9.2mm multilayer ceramic driver rounds things off, dealing with "the finest high-frequency nuances".

Each earpiece is constructed using a handcrafted wooden faceplate, treated with resin to improve durability and, says Sivga, help reduce unwanted resonances for a cleaner, more refined audio signature.

The wooden faceplates combine with precision-machined aluminium alloy housings in further pursuit of an elegant yet durable aesthetic.

Included with the Lyrebird is a 4.4.mm balanced-ended cable combining silver-plated copper and gold-plated conductors, designed to help preserve the earbuds' "smooth, detailed presentation". The new in-ears also come with a leather carry case and a selection of silicone ear tips.

The Sivga Lyrebird are available now, priced at £149 / $149 / €167.

We reviewed another bird-themed pair of Sivga headphones – the over-ear SV021 Robin – back in 2024, and while their sound didn't quite take flight, there was enough evidence to suggest that Sivga's fledgling talents could one day see the brand soar.

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These are the best wired headphones you can buy

Sony has unveiled its latest pair of wired in-ear headphones, the IER-M500.

Developed in collaboration with monitoring engineers, Sony bills its latest in-ear headphones as being the perfect partner for musicians and performers who require "reliable and accurate in-ear monitoring" for both performance and practice.

The IEMs' fully sealed structure, combined with a large acoustic chamber, offers outstanding sound isolation, even in noisy live environments.

A set of 5mm dynamic drivers are complemented by a large acoustic chamber in pursuit of "deep, controlled bass", while the headphones' optimised internal structure has been designed to give a more refined high-frequency reproduction.

Designed to blend comfort and stability, the IER-M500 feature what Sony calls "fitting supporters".

This is a loop at the top of each earpiece which nestles under the inner ear ridge to anchor the IEMs in place. To further facilitate a better fit, four sizes of noise-isolating ear tips are included, as is a 1.6m detachable cable with a 3.5mm jack.

While they don't carry an official IP certification, Sony pledges that the IER-M500 are capable of handling moisture, such as splashes of water or human sweat, without too much trouble.

The IER-M500 will be available from August in a choice of Clear, Black and Red & Blue finishes, priced at £99 / $120 / €115.

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If recent rumours are to be believed, Samsung is about to jump on the clip-on trend with its latest pair of wireless earbuds.

We've not had official confirmation yet, but one rather sharp-eyed Twitter / X user noticed an update to Samsung's Galaxy Wearable app which, among other things, listed the term 'Galaxy Able' in reference to a new pair of earbuds.

This tallies with earlier reports that Samsung is set to debut an entirely new product line – separate from its Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Buds Pro ranges – this year.

According to Forbes via Android Authority, earlier leaks using the moniker "BUDSABLE" and the model number SM-U6000 had confirmed that a new pair of buds could be on the way. Leaked artwork then suggested that a clip-on design could be the direction in which Samsung was headed.

Dedicated Samsung site sammyguru.com, also alleges they might even use bone conduction technology, similar to the tech used in the sport-centric Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 from 2024.

It certainly wouldn't surprise us if Samsung ended up jumping on the ever-growing open and clip-on wireless earbud trend.

Recent clip-on offerings have included the likes of Huawei FreeClip 2 and the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, as well as the open-style Sony LinkBuds Open and the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC, all of which eschew traditional in-ear configurations in pursuit of a more comfortable, out-of-ear design.

Those rivals are all born from big-name brands, so it wouldn't be beyond the realms of possibility if Samsung moved to match its competitors by offering an open alternative to keep its Galaxy-focused fans happy.

Samsung's recent Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are some of the best buds we've yet tested from the Korean giant, so it might be in the perfect position to start rivalling its competitors in this emerging corner of the market.

Samsung has its annual Unpacked event slated for the 22nd of July, so there's a good chance we might get a proper unveiling of the new buds – and its next-gen foldable phones – when we attend in a few weeks time.

Naturally, we'll let you know what we discover.

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These are the best cheap wireless earbuds on the market

Nothing is back with a brand new pair of affordable, colourful wireless earbuds, the Ear (3a).

The latest addition to the brand’s more affordable, fun-centric (a) series, the new buds blend “immersive listening” with a “playful design” at a price that won’t exactly break the bank. They also have a rather intriguing feature up their sleeve…

Before we get to that, the Nothing Ear (3a) use a set of 12mm dynamic drivers designed to deliver “deeper bass and greater detail” than their previous generation antecedents, while a lightweight PMI diaphragm aims for “clear, detailed highs”.

Bolstering the buds’ new hardware is support for LDAC, the Sony-developed codec which allows for hi-res audio transmission up to 24-bit/96 kHz from a compatible source.

Noise cancelling is also available, with the Ear (3a) using an improved acoustic mesh and a more advanced ANC algorithm to keep you even more shielded from the sounds of the outside world, with Nothing promising nearly 20 per cent better performance when compared with their predecessors.

The Ear (3a) deliver up to 10 hours of playback from the buds and up to 42 hours with the charging case when noise cancelling is switched off. With ANC enabled, they offer up to six hours from the earbuds and a total of around 25 hours in total with the case in play. When things get low, a quick five-minute charge provides around one hour of playback in a pinch.

What was that intriguing feature we mentioned earlier? The Ear (3a) offer ‘Audio Snapshot’ technology, letting users instantly clip media they are listening to, be it a an online lecture, a call or a voice note, by pinching both earbuds to create an “audio screenshot” for posterity.

Nothing’s ‘Static’ spatial audio tech is also in the mix, while a three-mic array on each earbud promises clear calls, even in busy environments.

The Nothing Ear (3a) are available now, priced at £99 / $99 / €99, in a choice of Black, White, Yellow or Pink finishes.

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These are the best cheap wireless earbuds on the market

No cap, wired earbuds are #themoment, so if you're looking to soundmaxx your life, get on the trend and slay.

Don't worry if you didn't understand a word of that. Wired earbuds might be coming back among Gen-Z listeners and celebrity influencers, but this is a trend that everyone should be a part of. Wired in-ear headphones are convenient, cool and, most importantly, sound far better than their wireless counterparts.

If you're keen to hear what all of the fuss is about, might we suggest the SoundMagic E11C as a great place to start. The E11C are £35 at Richer Sounds, dropping by £15 from their initial £50 test price, and at this level, not much comes close. As our current What Hi-Fi? Awards winners in their class, this is a bit of a no-brainer.

Best Prime Day SoundMagic E11C deal

The SoundMagic E11C are no-fuss budget wired headphones that punch well above their weight. If you're looking to get on board with the wired trend (and you should be, by the way), they're the perfect place to start.

Budget they may be, but the E11C are surprisingly well-made, with a solid, sleek design complemented by a choice of small, medium and large silicone tips and an in-line remote.

In case you need reminding, they have the standard 3.5mm headphone cable connection, so you’ll need a dreaded dongle for connecting to USB-C or Apple Lightning ports. That's part of the 'retro' charm, right?

In terms of sonic performance, the E11C are a delight. They're sparky and peppy headphones that go big on detail and clarity, offering an entertaining sound that really delivers when it comes to putting the pep into your music's step. At this kind of price, we can't think of much better, though the SoundMagic E80D are also worth considering if you want a USB-C-ended alternative.

As we concluded in our review: "The E11C in-ears continue the fine work of their predecessors and deliver an entertaining, upfront sound, complete with a remote control and mic".

Grab them at Richer Sounds and feel young again.

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My favourite headphones are now substantially cheaper than when I bought them – but I’m not bitter. Which, considering how tight I am, is a sign of just how good the Sony WF-C710N are.

They can be yours now for £65 at Amazon, which is £10 less than when I bought them in February. Still, considering the use I have had out of them since then, that extra tenner was money well spent.

Best-ever deal on the Sony WF-C710N earbuds

The C710N take everything we loved about their Award-winning predecessors, the C700N, and crank it up a notch: the battery life is an hour longer; the ANC has been beefed up with the addition of Dual Noise Sensor filters; the on-bud controls are now touch sensitive – and very intuitive to use.

They also have auto pause and wear detection, to help when having to interact with people.

But it’s the sound that’s the real highlight. “There’s a weight, solidity and fullness in the bass which makes the WF-C700N sound lightweight and a little top-heavy,” we note in our Sony WF-C710N review. “The new model fleshes things out better.”

They extract an enormous amount of detail from a track, lending notes plenty of texture. And they have Sony’s trademark musicality in spades.

From a personal point of view, the C710N are a great daily pair of earbuds. Their stacked feature-set makes them very versatile, and they have accompanied me on runs, walks, commutes, Zoom meetings and everything in between. If even a skinflint like me would pay more than their current price of £65 at Amazon, you know it’s a good deal.

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Sennheiser has expanded its wireless mid-range Accentum roster with a brand new pair of clip-on earbuds.

The new Accentum Clip are the company's first-ever clip-on wireless buds, joining the Accentum Open from last year. They aim to offer Sennheiser's "signature" sound with a more "user-aware" form factor.

The Accentum Clip house is a set of 12mm dynamic drivers tuned "for clarity and punchy bass", with a "smooth treble that is delightful to listen to in long stretches".

The new Sennheiser buds use 'Dynamic EQ' tech, which aims to let the buds maintain sonic balance and prevent distortion, regardless of the volume they're playing at.

Similar to the configuration of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds or the Huawei FreeClip 2, a flexible silicone bridge connects the main bud body with the battery cylinder. Sennheiser promises a "secure, barely there" fit from the new Accentum Clip thanks to each earbud weighing a measly 6.8g. For runners, an IP54 rating protects against dust and sweat.

Despite their clip-on design, the new earbuds still feature textured touch controls for handling the likes of volume adjustment and voice calls.

The latest addition to the Accentum roster boasts nine hours of battery life from the earbuds and a total of 36 hours with the case. Rapid charge technology lets you enjoy two hours of listening from 10 minutes at the mains.

The new clip-on buds feature Bluetooth 6.0, with standard SBC and AAC sitting alongside the higher-quality LDAC codec for streaming high-res audio up to 32-bit/96kHz from a compatible source device.

For voice calls, each earbud features a dual-microphone system paired with an AI noise reduction algorithm to isolate the wearer’s voice from background noise.

According to Friederike Menking, Accentum Clip's Product Manager: “In creating Accentum Clip, we wanted to elevate the standard of acoustic performance that open earbuds have traditionally struggled with. Whether you are tackling productivity, out on your own adventures, or managing the transitions in between, its thoughtful design empowers you to navigate your world without sacrificing the essence of your music.”

The Accentum Clip are available from 23rd July in Black or Cream colourways, priced at £149 / €179 / AU$290.

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Beyerdynamic has revealed its latest pair of wired in-ear headphones.

The new DT 30 IE are billed as affordable in-ear monitors aimed at "musicians who want to get the most out of their performance", with a durable design that has been built "to meet the demands of modern live performances".

The DT 30 IE house a pair of 11mm dynamic drivers to deliver what Beyerdynamic describes as "a balanced sound signature", while the headphones themselves have been designed to offer excellent passive noise isolation to grant performers and casual listeners alike a greater focus on their music.

Each earpiece weighs in at a modest 2.7g to reduce wearer fatigue, while three pairs of silicone ear tips and three pairs of foam tips – both in small, medium and large sizes – are included.

To protect the in-ears from the elements during rainy live performances, the DT 30 IE offer an admirable IP54 certification, which means they should survive water splashes from any direction. A 3.5mm-ended detachable cable further adds to the new in-ears' durability credentials thanks to its robust, Kevlar-reinforced design.

According to Kevin Nietsch, Product Manager for Pro Audio at Beyerdynamic: "With in-ear monitors for live use in particular, we often see compromises between sound quality, isolation and durability. With DT 30 IE, we aim to change that – by consistently bringing this valuable balance to the stage."

The Beyerdynamic DT 30 IE are available now, priced at £99 / €119.

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Apple has announced iOS 27 during its WWDC26 keynote, and it comes with a major upgrade for AirPods users.

The latest version of Apple's mobile operating system comes with a revamped interface for AirPods, with a more customisable EQ interface that will allow for greater sound customisation.

Apple briefly showed the new user interface screen during its presentation; included were "recommended" and "custom" options. Below is where you'll find a graph-style interface, which allows users to specifically tweak low, mid and high frequencies.

Apple has also included a note that reads: "AirPods are designed and engineered by Apple to faithfully represent music, TV shows, movies, and calls. If you prefer a different sound profile, you can customise how AirPods represent any audio played."

This signals to us that these EQs will be applied to anything played through your AirPods. Previously, Apple has offered custom EQ options through Apple Music, but these only apply to music played through the service.

Furthermore, Apple has buried a very small selection of pre-set EQ profiles within the accessibility section of the Settings app since iOS 14; but they're more rigid, pre-defined options, including "balanced tone", "vocal range", and "brightness".

While we'll need to wait until iOS 27 launches later this year, it will be interesting to see if this software update will make the five-star AirPods Pro 3 even better, or even improve the four-star AirPods Max 2.

iOS 27 is coming to all iPhones from the iPhone 11 onwards, including the Award-winning iPhone 17.

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After the OpenDots One, come the OpenDots 2. But while Shokz's naming convention might have changed, there are plenty of similarities between the two pairs.

The OpenDots 2 once again feature an open earbud design that don't feature eartips, so outside sounds are let in to keep you constantly aware of your surroundings. They also clip onto your ear for a more secure fit, which is handy if you're partaking in a vigorous sport like running.

But there are some improvements, which are welcome, especially given the OpenDots One only scored three out of five in our review.

Notably, they should sound better. Bassphere 2.0 promises sound that's clearer, louder and richer, and with less distortion. Shokz's MirrorPitch tech angles the sound into the ear, making it sound fuller, bassier and more focussed, while upgraded Dolby Audio "creates a more lifelike and spacious soundstage".

There's a dedicated bone-conduction microphone alongside dual air-conduction mics to focus on voices and make calls clearer. Adaptive beamforming and AI noise reduction should minimise background sounds.

There are new controls, too, in the form of force sensor buttons that let you tap, pinch or hold to control your music and calls. You can also switch the earbuds between ears, as the dynamic ear detection automatically adjusts the audio accordingly.

Battery life is impressive. You get 10 hours from a single charge and up to 40 hours with the charging case, though it's worth noting there's no active noise cancellation to sap the battery. That's the same battery life as their predecessors, and way longer than both the Sony LinkBuds Open and Bose Ultra Open Earbuds.

They also have Qi-certified wireless charging, and are rated IP57 (IP54 for the case).

They're joined by the OpenDots Air, which are slightly cheaper, more colourful and have fewer features. They lack the OneDots 2's JointArc structure with flexible nickel titanium plate, the bone conduction mic, have a more basic Bassphere acoustic technology (the OpenDots 2 have Bassphere 2.0), and a slightly shorter battery life.

They come in Daybreak Purple and Black and cost £129 / $129 (around AU$240), while the OpenDots 2 come in Pearl White, Grey and Black and cost £179 / $199 (around AU$340). Both pairs are out now.

We were impressed by the OpenDots One's bass performance, but the low end could have used more subtlety and nimbleness. Let's hope the sequel pairs fair rather better.

MORE:

Read our Shokz OpenDots One review

And our Sony LinkBuds Open review

Also consider the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Renowned for high-end in-ear headphones such as the Kronos, Noble Audio is bringing its boutique approach to a more widely accessible price point with the new Osprey wireless earbuds.

Despite not being as costly as the premium Fokus Amadeus, the Osprey has had no detail spared in its design. It sports a striking marbled aesthetic finish, keeping it in line with the glamour of other Noble offerings. The charging case, which is made of aluminium, further enhances the premium feel.

At the heart of the earbuds’ design is a hybrid dual-driver configuration, which pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with a custom balanced armature to achieve, says Noble, “confident, controlled bass, a natural and expressive midrange, and clean, extended highs”.

Supporting Bluetooth 5.4, featuring the high-quality LDAC alongside standard SBC and AAC codecs, the earbuds also offer multipoint connectivity and TrueWireless Mirroring to allow easy switching between connected devices. They can also be used in conjunction with the Noble Audio app, which offers EQ modes and firmware updates.

The earbuds come with Active Noise Cancellation to block out external sounds, while Hearing Through mode acts as an ambient or transparency mode to let outside sounds in. Integrated clear voice capture technology and dual microphones are used to ensure clearer voice calls.

The Osprey’s battery life is somewhat shorter than its premium counterparts’, offering seven hours of reliable playback with active noise cancellation disabled, and five with ANC on. The charging case extends this total listening time, allowing four additional full charges for 35 hours of playback. A 10-minute quick charge via USB-C will also provide two extra hours of playback.

The Noble Osprey will cost you £199 / €225 / $199, just shy of the five star Sony WF-1000XM6, which is our most highly recommended premium wireless earbuds.

If the Osprey’s ambitious design is enough to tempt you, pre-orders open on 4th June, with shipping expected by the end of the month. The earbuds will also be available to try at the High End Vienna 2026 showcase.

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In case you hadn't noticed, wired headphones are having a bit of a moment.

Our Editor-In-Chief, Alastair Stevenson, first questioned whether wired headphones were the new vinyl back in February, when a slew of publications reported that young people were embracing the now-retro technology, inspired by celebrities such as Harry Styles, Zendaya and Jacob Elordi.

Any fears that this was a one-off trend were seemingly quashed in May, when it was reported that wired headphone revenue was up 20 per cent in the first six weeks of 2026, and yet more articles flooded the web with images of wire-laden celebrities such as Zoë Kravitz and Lily-Rose Depp. Heck, there's even an Instagram account dedicated to the trend, with wireditgirls now boasting 20,000 followers.

It was enough to convince Lewis Empson (one of our senior staff writers) to trade his Award-winning wireless earbuds for a pair of wired earbuds for the first time in five years, where he wasn't quite converted but did discover some audio and quality-of-life upgrades.

Despite being a similar age to Lewis, this wasn't an experiment I could do – because, well, I never really stopped using wired earbuds.

I'm sure this won't be particularly big news to some in the audiophile community. But for my generation, to rock up to social events as a twenty-something with my wired earbuds plugged in was a bit of a social faux pas that would often lead to some bewildered comments.

Don't get me wrong, I have and continue to use Bluetooth earbuds. They continue to be my listening device of choice, and are invaluable for activities such as exercise or chores. But I've always had a cheap pair of wired earbuds on me too – and with a pair of Røde NTH-100 on my desk as well, I can't see myself ever truly cutting the cord.

The case for wired headphones

As you've probably seen championed here on What Hi-Fi?, one of the biggest advantages of wired headphones is audio quality.

Especially given the number of features expected these days, wireless headphones often have the cost split between several different parts – the drivers, amps, the Bluetooth receiver, the mics, the processor etc. All of which leaves little for manufacturers to spend on the actual sound quality.

Not with wired headphones. Sure, there are fewer features, but what you will get is a product more dedicated to sound reproduction. Gone is the lossy Bluetooth connection, and with a decent pair of wired headphones, you'll get a performance that will beat any similarly priced wireless offering.

And that's what I have with my Røde NTH-100. Sure, it's on the more budget end of the products we test, but the sound is far more revealing than the wireless sets I've owned, especially when plugged into my iFi Go Link Max too.

However, given that the Gen Z wired earbud of choice is £19 EarPods, it doesn't seem likely that audio quality is the main reason behind the recent revival. It seems that intentionally choosing a cheap, everyman, wired pair is part of the appeal, a rebellion against Big Tech and its ever-rising costs.

And I'm inclined to agree. While this may seem like heresy to admit in a hi-fi magazine, I have always had a sub-£10, somewhat disposable pair of wired earbuds as a backup, often the in-ear Blukar K9201. While they're certainly not going to trouble any of our current Award winners, they do actually sound surprisingly musical for their price, with an in-ear design that fits and performs far better than the EarPods in my opinion. And they've been a lifesaver more than once.

Several years ago, I accidentally left one of my beloved Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds on a train. I had to pay £130 for a new one, while also sending the remaining earbud and case to Sony for several weeks. Not really wanting to shell out much more for a temporary replacement, a wired pair was my cheapest option. And while they quite clearly did not have the musical chops of the premium XM3, having wallet-friendly access to any form of headphones was invaluable.

When an XM3 earbud inexplicably went missing yet again just over a year later, the temptation to give up on wireless altogether was there. For all their faults, losing my budget wired buds in all their tangled glory was proving to be a much harder affair.

In fact, there have been several times when having a wired pair on me has proved beneficial, however budget they were. Every time I've got on a flight, I've never had to use the truly awful complimentary earphones, instead being able to plug in my own and having no issues hearing the in-flight entertainment.

Every time my Bluetooth earbuds have run out of battery, refused to connect or I've forgotten how to pair them, I can quickly whip out my wired pair instead. And if there's been anywhere I've not wanted to risk taking my premium £250 earbuds, whether a night out or a remote backpacking holiday, I've got fewer qualms about taking my reliable budget pair.

They were also rather useful for the Nintendo Switch, which didn't support Bluetooth audio for over four years and even now is still rather laggy.

The case against wired headphones

I'm sure you don't need me to go in-depth on the drawbacks of wired headphones. The ever-tangling wires are restrictive as soon as you need to start moving anywhere, and they lack advanced features such as noise-cancelling and waterproofing.

It's also becoming increasingly hard to find devices with 3.5mm headphone jacks. Ever since Apple removed the audio port from the iPhone 7 in 2016, most smartphone manufacturers have followed suit, essentially forcing most consumers onto Bluetooth. My trusty Asus ZenFone 10 has a headphone jack, but otherwise I'd need to take an adapter with me and choose between charging or wired music.

So am I going back to fully wired? No. But I don't think I'll ever embrace wireless completely either. The beauty of switching between the two means I get the best of both worlds – including when one of them suddenly becomes trendy again.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best wireless earbuds

As well as the best wired earbuds

And read our full Sony WF-1000XM6 review

Call quality is often overlooked in a pair of wireless earbuds, but not by us – we include it as part of our thorough testing process. And Soundcore's two new pairs could be some of the best performing yet, if the official accreditation is anything to go by.

The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Max earbuds have been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as being the world's clearest earbuds for calls.

This is made possible by parent company Anker's new Thus AI chip. This uses a 10-sensor matrix with eight mics for capturing noise and two bone conduction sensors to detect skull vibrations so that the voice can be captured and transmitted. This helps separate the caller's voice from background noise, making for "whisper-clear" calls even in noisy environments.

We're promised more advanced active noise cancellation, too. Both pairs offer "up to 2x deeper" noise cancellation than the Liberty 4 Pro. Soundcore claims that the 'buds process audio data up to 384,000 times per second to monitor for both external and in-ear sounds, against which they can adjust the noise cancellation curve accordingly. So as you pass from loud to quiet environments, the impact on your music listening should be minimal.

There's a transparency mode for hearing your surroundings, and an Easy Chat mode for brief interactions – ordering a drink, say – before resuming playback.

Of course, we're most interested in how these wireless earbuds sound, and here Soundcore offers a personalised listening profile courtesy of its HearID 5.0 tech. This gives you the same kind of hearing test that's common to wireless earbuds like the AirPods Pro 3 and Sony WF-1000XM6, and produces a personalised EQ profile based on the results.

The buds also support the higher-quality LDAC codec, and uses an AI Sound Enhancement system that fills in detail that's lost during Bluetooth compression.

Voice controls are onboard, letting you speak to adjust volume, skip tracks, take or hang up on calls and change the noise cancellation mode.

The cases are pretty smart, too. Both models have small screens for access to certain settings (similar to the JBL Live Beam 3), though the Liberty 5 Max's is slightly bigger and uses an OLED display rather than the TFT LCD of the Liberty 5 Pro. The Max buds can also take notes during meetings – it'll generate a transcription, identifying speakers and produce action items. Both models can translate using AI, too.

You'll get 6.5 hours of use out of each pair, and a total of 28 hours battery life using the charging case. They both have Bluetooth Multipoint too, for connecting to two devices at once and seamlessly switching between them.

Both new Soundcore earbuds are available now. The Liberty 5 Pro are £150 / $170 (around AU$280) and the Liberty 5 Max cost £200 / $230 (around 380). The Pro come in blue, white, black or pink finishes, while the Max are available in black or gold.

MORE:

Check out the best wireless earbuds

The best cheap wireless earbuds

I swapped my wireless earbuds for a wired pair – here's why

Portland-based brand Campfire Audio has announced its latest wired earbuds, the Chimera, and like the hybrid creature of Greek mythology, they certainly have quite a lot going on.

Campfire's flagship in-ear monitors bring together four distinct driver technologies – dynamic, balanced armature, electrostatic and bone conduction – resulting in what the US brand describes as "a listening experience that is both vividly detailed and physically immersive".

Those four driver technologies equate to nine total drivers, with a 10mm glass dynamic driver handling the lower frequencies and a dual-diaphragm balanced armature taking care of the midrange.

Twin high-frequency balanced armatures seek to provide "clarity and articulation", while four electrostatic super-tweeters handle the highest highs with "air and precision". The Chimera even incorporates a bone-conduction driver, allowing for lower frequencies to land with "weight and impact".

Aiming to get the best out of this handsome array of drive units are an embedded pressure valve to regulate airflow behind the dynamic driver, as well as a final-stage tuning damper integrated into each nozzle.

The exterior shell of the Chimera is machined from magnesium and finished with a PVD coating. The faceplate features a carbon fibre-brass construction, wherein layers of brass are folded into carbon fibre and CNC-machined to form a patterned surface that is subtly distinct from unit to unit.

The new wired IEMs also include an ALO Audio Valence-6 cable, featuring four copper conductors alongside twin copper and silver-plated conductors, as well as three types of ear tips – traction silicone, standard silicone and marshmallow foam – in sizes small, medium and large.

According to Ken Ball, Campfire Audio's founder: “Chimera is the most advanced in-ear monitor we’ve developed so far. It reflects a new horizon in the performance of Campfire products and expands on what is possible from compact, portable audio systems. It brings together a range of technologies and engineering techniques to create an experience that truly deepens the listener’s connection to music.”

The Campfire Audio Chimera will be available around June 2026, at a suggested price of £6999 / $7500.

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The best in-ear headphones: tried and tested earbuds at all price points

These are the best audiophile headphones for sound hounds everywhere

10 of the best Mogwai tracks to test your hi-fi system

JBL's wireless earbuds might not hold the same kind of sway as Sony or Bose's, but they usually perform well – our JBL Live Pro 2 review was five stars, and three years after launching, they still feature on our list of best wireless earbuds. So a new pair is big news.

The JBL Live 4 series promise improvements all round – a better case giving you more options, new drivers for better sound quality, and improved noise cancellation. You also get more colours to choose from. All of which sounds good to us.

The JBL Live 4 comes in three wearing styles: Buds, Beam and Flex. Buds are a standard wireless earbud design; Beam is a stem design with ear tips; and Flex is a stem design that sits in the outer ear for a more relaxed fit.

The new drivers promise clearer sound and deeper bass, while "new, enhanced algorithms" should enhance the active noise cancellation, though there's no word on by how much.

The Smart Charging Case from the JBL Live Beam 3 returns, and it has some improvements. The screen is bigger, with a new user interface, and it lets you swipe to check notifications, skip songs and change the equaliser (EQ) settings. You can also add your most used features to the home screen for easy access. And you can personalise it with background themes or a picture.

Calls should be clear thanks to the new AI-trained algorithm that should cancel out more background noise to prioritise voices.

Of course, it'll all hinge on how these earbuds sound, and here JBL has a strong track record.

All JBL Live 4 models are available now for £180 (around $245 / AU$340). The JBL Live Beam 4 and Live Flex 4 come in Black, Blue, Green, Silver, Orange, Purple and Sand finishes, while the JBL Live Buds 4 come in Black, Blue, Silver and Sand.

The JBL Live 780NC and Live 680NC that we covered previously are also out today, costing £180 (around $240 / AU$340) and £130 (around $175 / AU$240) respectively.

MORE:

JBL’s smart case for wireless earbuds is fun – but I don't think Apple's AirPods need one

Here are 8 mistakes to avoid with your wireless earbuds

Read our JBL Live Pro 2 TWS review

Apple’s AirPods with built-in cameras have hit a major milestone, according to a new report.

The prototypes now “feature a near-final design and capabilities” according to Bloomberg. So they could launch very soon.

And what capabilities they might have! Each earbud is said to feature a camera, though sadly these won’t be used for any audio-related features. Instead, they are said to serve as AI assistant Siri’s eyes, similar to the Visual Intelligence feature on an iPhone.

So you could look at a series of ingredients and ask Siri to suggest a recipe. Or the earbuds could ‘see’ nearby landmarks to provide more accurate turn-by-turn directions.

Presumably the cameras would be forwards-facing. Otherwise they might be quite awkward to use.

Apparently these AirPods will have longer stems in order to accommodate the cameras. Otherwise they should look the same as current models such as the AirPods Pro 3.

Apple was reportedly hoping to launch the new AirPods in the first half of this year, but that has slipped due to delays to its next-gen Siri. This model has been in development for four years.

Adding cameras is an exciting development, and a major change to the AirPods and wireless earbuds in general. Hopefully Apple can find a way to use the technology to improve sound quality – maybe by detecting your surroundings and adjusting the active noise cancellation appropriately.

What features would you like to see from the next AirPods? Let us know in the comments.

MORE:

The best AirPods without a camera

The best AirPods alternatives, also without cameras

My AirPods hurt my ears, until this simple change fixed everything – and it's not adding a camera

Chinese audio manufacturer Sivga has unveiled its latest pair of wired earbuds, the M260 HiFi.

Blending a retro-inspired aesthetic with modern drivers, the M260 promise to deliver “balanced, high-quality sound at an accessible price point”.

Central to that sound is a set of 14.2mm dynamic drivers, built to provide listeners with an “expansive soundstage and impressive clarity”. The drive units deploy a copper-ring composite diaphragm for better control, aiming to reduce sonic distortion and grant a “smooth, non-fatiguing sound and natural vocal presentation”.

These in-ears also use a lightweight copper-clad aluminium wire voice-coil in pursuit of a faster transient response and improved clarity, while a neodymium magnet promises “precise control across the frequency range”.

For compatibility with a greater range of devices, the M260 are available with either a 3.5mm plug, or with a USB-C plug with an integrated microphone and a DAC capable of handling hi-res files up to 32-bit/384kHz.

The wired in-ear headphones have a 1.2m cable and are supplied with four pairs of supplied ear tips, as well as a protective fabric carry case.

According to Sivga, the new wired in-ears draw design inspiration from the golden era of portable audio, with the M260 harking back to the earbuds and headphones associated with vintage cassette players and early portable CD systems, thanks to their metallic finish and exposed grille design.

We tested the Sivga SV021 Robin (149 / $149 / AU$299) in 2024, and while they earned only a three-star rating, we certainly detected hints of real potential from what remains a relatively young audio brand.

The Sivga M260 are available now, with prices as follows:

- 3.5mm ended: £40 / $40 / €45
- USB-C ended: £45 / $45 / €50

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Best wired earbuds 2026: top in-ear models tried and tested by our experts

We are hugely impressed with Technics’ EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds, which launched last year to five-star acclaim with a winning blend of comfortable design, wonderfully clear and refined sound, excellent ANC and features.

They nabbed a What Hi-Fi? Award win in 2025 for the best premium earbuds, too, and now they have a rather special partnership to give you an extra incentive if you’re looking for a new pair of in-ears.

A new Moonlight Lilac colour of the Technics AZ100 earbuds has been launched in partnership with UK charity Teenage Cancer Trust – and 10 per cent of the proceeds from each sale will go directly to the UK charity.

That's not all. Technics has also introduced a dedicated charity purchasing program, where an additional 10 per cent of sales from select Technics products – marked clearly online and in stores – will be donated to the same charity.

Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity to provide specialised nursing care and expert youth support for young people aged 13 to 24 diagnosed with cancer, and for their loved ones.

Working closely with the NHS, the charity funds specialist nurses, youth workers and hospital units, allowing young people to have dedicated staff, care and facilities to support them throughout cancer treatment, along with helping them regain some independence through this critical life stage.

Sir Roger Daltrey of The Who is an Honorary Patron of Teenage Cancer Trust, and he says of this collaboration with Technics: “Teenage Cancer Trust exists to ensure that young people with cancer receive the specialist care and human support they deserve, partnerships like this help us continue that vital work and reach more young lives.

“Through this partnership with the Teenage Cancer Trust, Technics aims to help young people maintain identity, connection, and optimism during treatment. Through this collaboration and the charity donation scheme, we want every listening experience to contribute to something greater – helping young people feel supported when they need it most.”

It’s an excellent initiative that is worth checking out, and the new finish does look rather lovely from the photos.

In our five-star AZ100 review (which we had in the original silver finish), we praise their “wonderfully clear and open sound, with a superb amount of detail”, and say they are a “well-thought-out, friendly pair of premium wireless earbuds that deliver an impressive and likeable performance.”

The Technics EAH-AZ100 Moonlight Lilac finish will be available from May through Technics’ online site and authorised retailers across Europe, and is expected to cost the same £260 price as the standard model.

You can also donate directly to Teenage Cancer Trust.

MORE:

Read our Technics EAH-AZ100 review

Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Technics EAH-AZ100: which flagship wireless earbuds are better?

Our guide to the best wireless earbuds you can buy right now

The world of open earbuds is ever growing, with EarFun Clip 2 launching with a host of advanced features at a competitive price.

Open-style earbuds – which don't feature eartips that burrow into your ear, so you can always aware of your surroundings – come in a variety of designs. The EarFun Clip 2 follows the design blueprint laid out by Huawei FreeClip 2: a clip-on style with a flexible band connecting the two main parts of each earbud.

One of these units houses the 12mm dual-magnetic titanium composite speaker driver; the other sits behind your ear for balance, and houses the controls and other features.

EarFun says the Clip 2 is based on extensive real-world testing, with the lightweight buds weighing 5.5g and designed to clip on various ear shapes for a comfortable fit. The design aims to “eliminate” fatigue and not apply undue pressure over long listening hours, which should allow “users to seamlessly integrate them into their daily routines”.

The titanium drivers are “expertly tuned” and, combined with the brand’s BassSurge tech, aim to deliver “deep, resonant bass and crystal-clear highs across a wide spectrum”.

Bluetooth 6.0 is on board, with the Clip 2 also supporting the hi-res LDAC codec. The earbuds’ Spatial Stage technology, Theater mode and low-latency mode aim to offer immersive listening experiences when you are watching movies or gaming.

While there is no active noise-cancellation in this open design, there are four mics onboard with an AI-powered environmental noise-cancellation system that ensures voice calls come through clearly.

Battery life is impressive, with 11 hours on a single charge; this extends to 40 hours in total with the USB-C charging case. In comparison, the Huawei FreeClip 2 offers nine and 38 hours respectively.

Other useful features include Google Fast Pair, multipoint connection for switching between two connected devices seamlessly, and an IP55 rating that means the buds should withstand a sweaty workout and rainy weather.

These open earbuds also offer a nifty AI-powered translation feature, which promises to translate over 100 languages in real time. You can access these language settings in the accompanying EarFun Audio App, through which you can also adjust the on-bud controls and fine-tune the EQ settings to your liking.

The EarFun Clip 2 are available now in black or white finishes for £70 / $80. That’s quite competitive for clip-on open earbuds, with the rival Huawei FreeClip 2 earning four stars for their comfortable and well-balanced sound at £180.

MORE:

What are open earbuds? How do the headphones work and are they worth it?

Read the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds review

Our pick of the best wireless earbuds you can buy

US brand Revel has announced its new six-strong Performa4 range.

Billed as a "landmark new collection of high-performance loudspeakers", the new range comprises two floorstanders, two bookshelf models, a dedicated centre channel and a powered subwoofer.

Central to each new speaker is Revel’s seventh-generation 'Acoustic Lens Waveguide' technology, which mounts a 25mm dome tweeter for more seamless integration with the midrange driver and aims to deliver "improved dynamic range and reduced distortion" for a more "immersive and natural listening experience".

Further, every Performa4 speaker features Revel’s new 'Deep Ceramic Composite' (DCC) and 'Micro Ceramic Composite' (MCC) transducers, aiming to deliver exceptional rigidity and reduced sonic distortion.

All woofer and midrange drivers also feature aluminium frames for "optimal airflow, reduced weight, and improved resonance performance".

The flagship of the range are the F346 three-way floorstanders, which each house a trio of 16.5cm MCC woofers, a 16.5cm DCC midrange, and a single 25mm DCC dome tweeter. The speakers also feature rear ports alongside crystal brass binding posts, as well as solid aluminium feet with optional floor spikes depending on your space.

Next are the F235 three-way floorstanders, which aim to bring the same flagship performance of the F346 to a more compact speaker. The smaller towers house three 13cm MCC cone woofers and a 13cm DCC cone midrange, as well as the same 25mm DCC dome tweeter as found in the F346.

Again, the F235 are rear ported, feature crystal brass binding posts, and come with optional floor spikes.

If you're after something even more compact, the M146 are the larger of the two new Performa4 standmounts, complemented by the smaller M145 bookshelf speakers. Each M146 houses a 16.5cm MCC cone woofer and a 25mm DC dome tweeter, while the M145 feature a 13cm version of that MCC woofer and the same 25mm tweeter.

A pair of aluminium and steel stands are also sold as part of the range if you want to mount your M146 or M145.

For your home cinema system, the C25 centre channel loudspeaker promises "seamless matching" with its standmount and floorstanding siblings, packing dual 13cm MCC cone woofers and that 25mm DCC tweeter.

For a bit of added bass, meanwhile, the B140 subwoofer offers 1500 watts of peak Class D amplification for "deep, effortless bass".

According to Jim Garrett, senior director of product strategy and planning at Harman Audio: “The Performa4 series represents the culmination of thousands of hours of research, development, and real-world testing. With our new seventh-generation Acoustic Lens waveguide and advanced DCC and MCC transducers, we’ve raised the bar for what’s possible in this class."

The Revel Performa4 series will be available in April. All models are available in Natural Walnut or Black Walnut veneer finishes, with prices as follows:

- F346 floorstanders: $6999 per pair
- F345 floorstanders: $4999 per pair
- M146 standmounts: $2999 per pair
- M145 standmounts: $1999 per pair
- C245 centre channel: $1499
- B140 subwoofer: $2999
- MFS4 stands: $699 per pair

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These are the best bookshelf speakers you can buy

It’s been a big month for our best wireless earbuds buying guide, the place where our team of reviewers hand-picks and highlights the top pairs you can buy for your money.

There’s something for everyone on the page, whether you want a top-value pair that works for a tight budget or something more premium that can take your listening experience to another level.

A new flagship pair has arrived in our test rooms and immediately gone about setting a new performance benchmark, blowing many of its close rivals out of the water.

You might not be surprised to know that the model we are talking about is Sony’s new flagship, the WF-1000XM6.

These wireless earbuds take top spot as our “best overall” recommendation. They sit at the more premium end of the price spectrum, but we feel they deliver a stunning performance for the money. If you experience only one pair of wireless earbuds this year, we urge you to make it the Sonys.

As we say in our Sony WF-1000XM6 review, the earbuds are “out of this world and put in an all-round performance good enough to worry every major rival at the money.”

They make the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) sound “overblown and lacking sophistication and refinement” and make the Technics EAH-AZ100 sound “like they’re holding back dynamically”.

This is no mean feat and just goes to show you how highly we rate them. The Sonys also excel when it comes to noise-cancelling and push the Bose extremely close.

There’s something about the way the XM6 deploy their ANC so naturally, which makes them so easy to get along with.

Call quality is excellent, and the Sonys have a very generous feature set too, which includes eight hours of battery life per charge (which rises to 24 when including the wireless charging case), Multipoint Bluetooth and a ten-band graphic equaliser.

The only area where we think there is some room for improvement is the eartips – it can be tricky getting a good seal the first time due to the firmness and thickness of the material used. We also think a larger tip option could help here.

That aside, the Sonys deliver such a wonderfully refined, natural and dynamic sound that it’s impossible not to be impressed. As we say in our review, “The Sonys make instruments and vocals sound believable, just as if you were standing in the room getting a private performance.” This is the new benchmark for sound quality at this level.

MORE:

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM6 review

The Sony WF-1000XM6 are giving me a serious case of déjà vu, but it’s not all positive

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Our pick of the best wireless earbuds you can buy for every budget

I finally did it. After eyeing up the Sony WF-C710N for months, I decided a few weeks ago that it was time I owned a pair of Award-winning earbuds for myself. Of course it helped that the price had fallen to a then low of £75 (though they have since fallen to £69, not that I'm bitter).

And I've been getting on very well with them, now that I know they're not broken. See, I did have a slight issue – the earbuds seemed to be adjusting their listening mode without my say so.

But it turns out it's part of the feature set. Here's what it is, what it does, and how you can turn it off should you want to.

A fitting issue

As you probably know, the C710N have three listening modes – noise cancellation, ambient sound (which lets in some outside sound to keep you aware of your surroundings), and off (which just plays music with no processing or modes applied).

The issue I had was that the earbuds seemed to be switching between these modes without me telling them to.

At first, I thought this was a problem with the fit – my colleague Andy Madden has written extensively about how Sony earbuds don't fit as snugly as rivals like the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), and my left ear seems to sit somewhere between the small and medium sizes of the C710N's eartips.

I assumed the tip was working loose as I walked or ran, causing that sudden injection of environmental noise (a passing double-decker bus sounded like a jumbo jet). But when I twisted the eartip deeper into my shell-like, and the issue persisted, I knew it wasn't the fit.

That's when I assumed the earbuds were faulty and were switching modes seemingly on a whim. Turns out it's actually a feature, and quite a useful one at that.

Adapt to survive

The feature is Ambient Sound Control, and here's how it works. It detects what activity you're doing – staying still, walking, running or riding in a vehicle – and picks the optimum sound mode.

By default, noise cancellation is on when you're staying still or riding in a vehicle. But once you start moving on your own accord, Ambient Sound mode kicks in. Crucially, this is set to level 12 by default when you're walking, but once you start running, it goes to the maximum of 20. And herein lay my confusion.

Because it turns out there's quite a difference between level 12 and level 20. While I wouldn't normally go for a run with active noise cancellation activated (it's helpful to be aware of your surroundings), I was in the early days of using my Sony buds and was experimenting with all modes during different use cases.

Hence, the passing double decker sounding like a jumbo jet.

Once you know how it works and expect the changes in sound modes, it's a handy feature, as it means you can block out the outside world while waiting for and riding the bus, then become more aware of your surroundings once you're out for a walk or a run, without having to tinker with the settings.

Of course, you can tweak the feature if you want, or turn it off entirely.

To adjust it, open the Sound Connect mobile app, tap Adaptive Sound Control, and tap the settings cog next to Detect Actions. This will let you adjust which mode kicks in during which action, and tweak the level of ambient noise the earbuds allow in during different activities.

Want to turn the mode off altogether? In Sound Connect, tap Adaptive Sound Control and then adjust the toggle at the top of the screen from On to Off. Simple.

But if you have switched the mode off, I would urge you to give it another whirl. Either way, stay safe while out running – you don't want to get run over by any passing jumbo jets.

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Take one look around a crowded London Underground train carriage, and you’ll see an interesting revolution in the world of audio. Wired earbuds are back, and they’ve become a serious trend among my generation. Yes, I can hide it no longer; I am Gen Z.

Let’s not dwell on that and get back to the matter at hand. Wired earbuds were, once upon a time, the only discreet in-ear option for listening to music from your smartphone, and there was rarely a point where I didn’t have a pair hooked up to my iPhone 5 during my time at secondary school.

For my sake, I won't share what I was listening to through those earbuds.

Speaking of, remember when phones had headphone jacks? I do, and while I have to give Sony credit for being practically the only manufacturer to keep the socket on its smartphones, I have come to terms with the fact that the battle against wireless audio alternatives is more or less over.

I bought my first pair of AirPods in 2018, and I quickly upgraded them to the first-generation AirPods Pros in 2021 after realising that cutting the cord really was the future – and I haven’t really used a pair of wired earbuds since.

However, my TikTok For You Page informs me that 2026 is the new 2016, and I’m seeing a lot of trendy, well-dressed individuals online and IRL with wired earbud cords trailing from their ears and into pockets.

In a feeble attempt to be vaguely fashionable, I have decided to imitate them. I have banished my five-star Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 wireless earbuds and my Award-winning Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones to a drawer, as my pocket is now occupied by a pair of wired USB-C earbuds.

And you'll never guess which earbuds I've picked...

The popular choice

I’ve decided to go with the most popular pair of wired buds, according to what I’ve seen online and in London: the Apple EarPods.

From what I gather, the main draw of these earbuds isn’t anything to do with their sonic credentials, but instead their features.

The wire is a huge asset for those who are prone to losing earbuds (a friend of mine is currently on his third or fourth pair of AirPods, I’ve lost count), as they naturally keep the buds attached to your phone.

Furthermore, the microphone on the Apple EarPods seems to be surprisingly good for a pair of £19 earphones. I put this to the test, speaking to one of my friends over the phone while exiting a busy London Underground station and the results, err, spoke for themselves – I didn’t have to repeat myself once.

I think this is a key reason that these earbuds are so popular, as I frequently see influencers on TikTok record voiceovers for their videos using the microphone built into the Apple EarPods. And of course, for calls or voice notes, for us mere mortals.

You also don’t have to worry about the battery running out. Plenty of times when using wireless earbuds, I’ve got comfortable in my seat for a long plane ride or coach journey, only for my earbuds (and the charging case) to be completely dead.

The plug-and-play guarantee, plus no pairing faff or battery anxiety, has been my biggest pro from making this swap. With wired earbuds, I know I’ll be able to enjoy my music on my morning commute without any complications.

Another bonus has been the physical controls. Using these has been an absolute treat after dealing with unreliable touch controls on many of the wireless audio peripherals I’ve used over the years. The tactile volume and play/pause buttons "just work", and I found myself using them more than I’d expect.

However, it’s not all rosy in Apple EarPods land. My biggest issue with these buds is the fit. Apple’s hard plastic earbuds have never agreed with my ear shape, and I’m reminded of many embarrassing instances in which I’d have to chase one of my AirPods as it tumbled down the road after leaping to freedom out of my ear.

The EarPods are, thankfully, a slightly better fit, and they didn’t fall out quite as much, but they didn’t feel very secure either. I struggled to get any sort of seal, and while I’m not expecting miraculous noise isolation without silicone ear tips (more on that momentarily), I found that my music was easily drowned out by the screeching of the Northern line.

I’ve had to turn the EarPods up to maximum volume to counteract this, whereas my Pi8 earbuds can happily sit at the middle volume point while remaining perfectly audible.

These downsides comprise the most important aspect of any earphones for me: audio quality. Which is why I don’t think I can make the EarPods my day-to-day earbuds.

The fact that I have to crank the volume up to compensate for a poor seal and lack of noise cancelling, and I've found that bass and dynamics leave a lot to be desired. That being said, I found the mids and highs to be clear and balanced, which also meant that vocals sounded pretty good.

Now, is it fair to compare a pair of £349 noise-cancelling wireless earbuds created by one of the most notable British hi-fi brands to a pair of £19 wired earbuds?

No, it is not, but considering I’ve seen plenty of people online supposedly drop their AirPods in favour of the wired alternatives, it’s also quite a relevant comparison.

This means that, unfortunately (but ultimately not surprisingly), I won’t be joining the trendiest echelon of London’s most fashionable individuals.

However, not all hope is lost…

The smart choice

Surprise! I haven’t just been using the Apple EarPods. I’ve also taken the five-star Sound Magic E80D buds for a test drive as part of this experiment, and these have yielded much better results.

These buds come with a selection of silicone eartips. Personally, the dual-layered eartips suited me, as I could burrow them into my ear holes for a more secure fit and better sound isolation.

Furthermore, these buds sound great and are a cut above Apple EarPods. They sound fuller and more dynamic, and the tighter seal against my ears does wonders for the bass.

It’s not all perfect. As expected, they don’t rival my Bowers & Wilkins buds in terms of volume or musicality.

I also found cable noise to be pretty problematic with these earbuds. The sound from the cable rubbing against my coat was irritating, although this may become less prominent in the warmer months when I can comfortably leave the house without layering up.

There's also the annoying “L” shape connector. It’s amazing for laptop use, but using them with a phone is another story – as someone who shifts their phone between hands fairly frequently, I found the palm of my hand often clashed with the wire.

And this is the one instance in which style counts (I’m testing “trendy” earbuds after all), so seeing “Made In China” staring at me as I plug them in is somewhat utilitarian.

My overall choice?

I won’t beat around the bush here – I’m going back to my wireless earbuds and headphones. I’m sorry.

That being said, there are some genuine audio and quality of life upgrades that I enjoyed while trialling these wired earbuds.

Not having to charge my earbuds, and the tactility of the physical controls, were both major bonus points, but the lack of noise cancelling proved to be the biggest hurdle in how I use my earbuds day-to-day. Having to crank these wired buds to their limit is far from ideal (and I’m being constantly nagged by my phone that the volume is too high).

For the sake of my music (and my ears), I’ll be crawling back to the imperfect, but ultimately preferable, world of wireless earbuds.

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And read our full Sony WF-1000XM6 review