We have a new pair of AirPods winging our way. The AirPods 5 again come in two variants, but unlike their predecessors, both pairs have active noise cancellation (ANC). But the pricier pair do have some extra features to set them apart from their cheaper siblings.

How do they compare to their AirPods 4 counterparts? We haven't reviewed the new models yet, so can't comment on how they perform. But we can look at them side by side and say how they compare on paper.

So let's do just that.

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, they haven't dropped below the new models, though that could change when the AirPods 5 go on sale on 18th September.

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.

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.

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.

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 4 hours of use, while the model with the wireless charging case ups that to 5 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 claim 30 hours, though this is with ANC disabled (the AirPods 5 figures are with it enabled), so there's probably nothing to choose between the two generation models.

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.

Apple AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: noise cancellation

At this stage, we only have Apple's claims to go on for the AirPods 5. Once we have them in for testing, we'll be able to assess whether they really do cancel 50 per cent more noise than their predecessors. But bringing ANC to both new models is a smart move by Apple, and makes it less confusing for customers who will get ANC regardless of which pair of AirPods they buy.

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.

If Apple has improved on it as it claims, we should be in for a treat.

Apple AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: sound

Again, we only have Apple's claims to go on regarding the AirPods 5's sound quality at present. The 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.

We're big fans of the AirPods 4's sound quality, so any improvement is very welcome. When we popped them in our ears, we immediately encountered "clarity and detail, agility and balance, along with a focus on voices that make them immediately appealing to listen to," we wrote in our 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.

We can't wait to put the AirPods 5 through their sonic paces.

Apple AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: early verdict

The usual caveat applies: we won't know how well the AirPods 5 perform until we've put them through our rigorous reviews process. But from what we've seen so far, they look like another winning pair from Apple.

Improved ANC, better sound quality and the addition of much-loved features like on-bud volume controls will please listeners no end. And the fact they're priced aggressively leaves the AirPods 4 looking like an odd choice.

Of course that could change if the AirPods 4 do drop in price at third-party retailers once the AirPods 5 launch. But it looks like they'll have to see some significant discounts to be a truly tempting alternative.

We'll update this article once we've reviewed the AirPods 5.

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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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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

Do you sometimes wish you could block out the outside world?

Active noise cancelling (ANC) is the way to go, and it's no longer gated behind super-premium headphones – good ANC can now be found in the budget headphone market.

So if you're a student who needs to focus while studying or just want to quieten the commute on a budget, our audio experts highly recommend the Award-winning Sony WF-C710N, now only £62 at Amazon.

That's quite the discount from the £100 price we tested at, and even cheaper than the previous low of £69 over Prime Day.

The Award-winning Sony WF-C710N are follow-ups to the Sony-C700N, also fellow Award winners, so it's clear that this is a high-quality pedigree.

The WF-C710N made several improvements, however, including upping the battery life to 8.5 hours with ANC on, and 30 hours including the case.

Speaking of ANC, that's one of the WF-C710N's key strengths. Sony's Dual Noise Sensor filters have been added to extract an extra layer of noise in the mid and bass frequencies. Our expert reviewers could hear the difference, with the hustle and bustle of the outside world kept firmly at bay.

And the other key strength of the C710N? Sound quality, which is a step above the competition at this price level.

"The WF-C710N extract a fantastic amount of detail for the money," our Sony WF-C710N review reads. "We switch over to Eminem’s Mockingbird and the buds give you a bit of everything. You have tightly defined, punchy bass that is weighty and nicely balanced.

"You also have the spritely percussion and clapping that punctuates higher up the frequency range. It sounds crisp, but not overcooked – notes are painted in texture and sharply defined."

There's support for Bluetooth 5.3, as well as the usual SBC and AAC audio codecs. The buds are also splashproof with an IPX4 rating, while Bluetooth Multipoint allows you to connect two devices simultaneously.

If you're after noise-cancelling on a budget, or indeed just want an excellent pair of mid-range earbuds, then the Sony WF-C710N come highly recommended. They're attractive, comfortable and capable noise-cancellers that are frankly a steal for £62 at Amazon.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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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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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These are the best wireless earbuds you can buy right now

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

For the best-value noise-cancelling buds around, it has to be the Sony WF-C710N. The outstanding buds took home the What Hi-Fi? Award for best wireless earbuds in the £70-£150 range, and in truth, nothing has really come close to beating them in this particular price bracket.

£100 or so is a good price, but a £31 discount knocking them down to just £69 at Amazon is an absolute steal, and one you shouldn't miss. £69, by the way, matches the lowest we've seen the WF-C710N drop so far, and that was during Amazon Prime Day.

The Sony WF-C710N are the follow-ups to the Sony-C700N, which were themselves Award winners and even previous Product of the Year title holders thanks to their potent blend of performance, features and overall value.

The WF-C710N made a number of meaningful improvements to their class-leading antecedents, most notably to battery life and noise cancellation. Including the case, the WF-C710N has an impressive 30 hours of battery life and roughly 8.5 hours from the earbuds, both with ANC switched on.

Speaking of ANC, that's another area where the WF-C710N really excel. The buds' 'Dual Noise Sensors' extract further layers of noise, especially in the lower mid and bass frequencies, to keep the bustling outside world at bay.

Soundwise, the WF-C710N really excel, with the mid-range buds standing head and shoulders above the competition for this price level.

As our review reads: "Playing Mombasa from the Inception OST, the track immediately makes big bold, powerful strides. There’s a weight, solidity and fullness in the bass which makes the WF-C700N sound lightweight and a little top-heavy. The Sonys deliver the song with a real sense of intensity, and you can feel the drama unfolding – you don’t need to see the movie to get a feeling that something serious is going down."

Bluetooth 5.3 is on the menu, along with SBC and AAC audio codecs, which are pretty standard at this level. Auto pause and wearer detection are also included, so your music will automatically stop when you remove an earbud.

If you're after a midrange pair of buds, you'll struggle to do better – or get some for cheaper – than the Sony WF-C710N. They're attractive, comfortable wireless earbuds that give your music plenty of gusto, making them an absolute steal for £69 at Amazon.

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Are you an iPhone or iOS user? Statistically, a good many of you are. And if you're after a new pair of earphones, then the convenience and intuitive features of AirPods make a lot of sense.

However, there's one AirPods model our expert testers recommend above all others – the excellent AirPods Pro 3.

The combination of enjoyable sound quality, effective noise-cancelling, comfortable wear and futuristic live translation feature will make them an invaluable travel companion wherever you go, and we have a feeling you'll be using them long after.

To top it all off, the Pro 3 are now at a new lowest price – £174 at Amazon, 21 per cent down from the £219 launch price!

We weren’t sure how Apple was going to top the performance of the AirPods Pro 2, but somehow it has. More evolution than revolution for sure, but these small improvements all add up to a glowing five-star rating.

This is not just in the fancy features that grab the headlines, but in the core categories such as sound quality. The Pro 3 offer the familiar well-balanced presentation of the Pro 2, but improvements abound.

"It only takes a few minutes of comparisons to discover that the AirPods Pro 3 take a sonic step forward in every way, too," our AirPods Pro 3 review reads. "The Pro 3 sound clearer and more detailed; they are more spacious-sounding and more dynamic, too."

Noise cancelling is also a step above what came before, thanks to new ultra-low noise microphones, advanced computational audio, and new foam-infused eartips.

We tested them on a flight, and the Pro 3 are excellent at isolating you from the outside world, whether that's the rumble of the engine, announcements from the pilot or general chit-chat. They're comparable to the top performers for the money, and in a more natural way compared to the more intense ANC offered by the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen).

There's been a design change too, with a slightly angled body and new eartips. These aim to fit a wider range of ear shapes and sizes than before. We found them to be light and comfortable, with five sizes of eartips so you can find your perfect fit.

There are also the usual Apple futuristic features – this includes Live Translation and a built-in heart monitor, as well as the usual snappy user experience with iOS devices.

The Apple AirPods 3 will more than suffice as talented, portable travel buds, but their all-around abilities will make them a great purchase whatever you buy them for – especially if you have an iPhone. Now at a new low of £174 at Amazon.

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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.

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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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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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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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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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Apple's AirPods wireless earbuds: they're white, and they're expensive. But while the former fact may hold true, the latter certainly doesn't: the AirPods 4 have dropped to just £80 at Amazon – a discount of just under £40. That's their lowest ever price.

But the deal won't last long – it expires at midnight tonight. Which gives you just – checks watch – less than 10 hours to buy. Cue the Countdown music, but extended to nearly 300 times as long.

Apple AirPods 4 best ever price

Apple hiked its prices yesterday due to the global RAM shortage – the AirPods 4 may have escaped unscathed, but this is still your last chance to save before they return to their full price.

We haven't reviewed this exact model, but the equivalent with active noise cancellation (ANC) scored four stars. Given that these are identical (bar the lack of ANC and the associated features), we have a good idea of what to expect.

Think a sonic performance that's close to the outgoing AirPods Pro 2. In our review we concluded that the AirPods 4 with ANC's "snappy, agile and clean performance is easy to enjoy at this mid-range level."

They're very well put together (as you would expect from an Apple product) and a dream to use with an iOS device (ditto). About the only disappointment is the battery life: five hours from the buds alone, and a total of 30 hours with the charging case. Ho-hum.

Still, at this price (£80 at Amazon) you can hardly complain.

And if you do want ANC, the AirPods 4 with ANC are also on sale – they're just £125 at Amazon, but again, the deal ends tonight. Decisions, decisions.

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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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Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 vs Pi6: which B&W wireless earbuds should you choose?

It's time to get serious this Prime Day. If you're after the best wireless earbuds you can buy, you couldn't do much better than the five-star Bowers & Wilkins Pi8.

Right now, the Pi8 can be yours for just £275 at Peter Tyson, which isn't the lowest price we've ever seen the five-star buds, but still represents a major saving of £74. Not to be sniffed at, certainly!

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 certainly come in pricier than your average wireless buds, but in terms of performance, they justify their premium price tag.

The stylish buds offer serious performance across the board. As our expert testers said: “Immediately you’re made aware that this is no pair of budget earbuds. There’s a maturity and refinement to the sound which you just don’t get from entry-level and mid-price wireless earbuds.

“This level of sophistication really allows the Pi8 to stand out. They shine a light on any music streamed their way with a beautifully balanced approach – you can savour every frequency from the lowest of lows to the highest highs.”

From dynamic insight to genuine rhythmic drive, you can be kept entertained for the duration of the Pi8s' 6.5 hours of battery life from the buds themselves, rising to 20 hours with the case in play.

That charging case is smarter than you think, doubling up as wireless audio re-transmitter. This means that you can plug the case into a source that does not support Bluetooth, such as an in-flight entertainment system, and play audio through the wireless buds.

There is also support for Bluetooth 5.4, the inclusion of AptX Adaptive support at up to 24-bit/96kHz and also aptX Lossless. Plus, the ANC uses the same technology as B&W's Px8 over-ears, which can be switched off entirely or switched into Transparency mode.

All this led us to reach an incredibly positive verdict, saying: “Their wonderfully sophisticated, balanced and transparent sound delivers a level of insight that’s rare in wireless earbuds. You do have to pay for that quality but, ultimately, we think it’s a price worth paying.”

Fortunately, right now, you don’t have to pay as much as you once would have. In fact, you can save a very healthy £74 if you check them out at Peter Tyson or John Lewis.

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Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 vs Pi6: which B&W wireless earbuds should you choose?

I love listening to music and podcasts on planes, especially as a way to lull myself to sleep.

Unfortunately, that’s not always possible, with the drone of the plane engine, chattering of fellow passengers and general hubbub piercing through my music and my personal fortress of solitude.

Luckily, I’ve found an effective and affordable solution: the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024), now only £105 at Amazon.

Bose has long proved itself to be the master of noise-cancelling, and its expertise is clear to see in these excellent earbuds.

Finding a good balance between good noise-cancelling and affordability is always tricky – but Bose’s entry-level ANC earbuds impress for the price.

“Time and again, Bose’s noise-cancelling has proved itself to be a cut above the competition and the QuietComfort Earbuds don’t disappoint,” our Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) review reads. “They do a very good job of eliminating mid- and low-frequency drones and rumbles.”

Having tested them in a busy train carriage, we’re pleased to report that rumbles were dampened down and chatter nicely subdued.

However, there’s more to the QuietComfort Earbuds than noise cancelling – as evidenced by their What Hi-Fi? Award.

The brilliant buds sound great too, which is rather important given that other sounds will be blocked out.

“If it’s drive and musicality you’re after, then the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) deliver in spades,” our review reads. “They’re powerful and punchy performers that build an entertaining sound on the foundations of robust low frequencies, an expressive midrange and controlled highs.”

The design might be a bit stocky, but we found that Bose’s carefully engineered ear tips and stability bands to deliver a comfortable and secure fit.

Battery life impresses too, with 8.5 hours from a single charge and an extra 21 hours from the case – enough for even the longest flights. Wireless charging is included too!

To top it all off, the earbuds include Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity and IPX4 water resistance. For £105 at Amazon, this really is a bargain for an Award-winning pair of earbuds – one that could prove a lifesaver during a particularly noisy flight.

If you have a bit more of a budget, do consider these alternatives too:

We are big fans of the Technics EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds. So much so, that at the end of last year, our editor in chief wrote an article about how he had waited all year for a decent discount.

Since then, we are pleased to report that the deals have only improved.

This latest Prime Day deal sees these five-star rated and What Hi-Fi? Award-winning earbuds available at their cheapest price to date. For just £189.99 from Amazon, these premium earbuds could be yours at a discount of almost 30 per cent.

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 £189.99 from Amazon, in this instance, you can have your cake and eat it.

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Read our full Technics EAH-AZ100 review

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Sony’s WF-1000X range has gone from strength to strength. The recent addition of the WF-1000XM6 was no exception, and the new wireless earbuds earned a five-star review from our team this year.

At their launch in February, we predicted that Sony’s new earbuds might see a Prime Day discount, but thought that, given their recent release, we were unlikely to encounter any significant savings.

How wrong we were.

As part of this year’s Prime Day savings, you can now pick up a pair of the Sony WF-1000XM6 at a whopping discount of almost £50, bringing them down to just £199 at Amazon.

We found that the WF-1000XM6 improved on the sonic performance of their predecessor, the WF1000XM5, with a “newfound sense of natural warmth throughout the frequency range”.

They sport all the features we expect from a flagship pair of wireless earbuds – “a fantastic sense of timing, an expressive midrange, weighty yet well-defined bass and crisp, nicely controlled highs” – and we feel that these earbuds cover all bases.

The WF-1000XM6 use a new QN3e processor, alongside four mics in each earbud, to improve the quality of their ANC – a move we feel has been highly effective.

When we took them out on the London tube, we were pleased with how the earbuds extracted both low-frequency rumbles and high-pitched screeches from our environment.

During calls, too, these earbuds impressed us with their ability to subdue a variety background noises, with voices coming through “loud and clear with a great level of detail”, even in windy conditions.

A battery life of eight hours places the WF-1000XM6 somewhere in the middle of their competitors, but two extra charges from the wireless charging case result in a respectable total battery life of 24 hours.

For anyone looking for a convenient, pocket sized dose of “benchmark-setting” audio performance, these earbuds could be just the thing. Even better, you can buy them now for their cheapest price yet, of just £199 from Amazon.

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Read our full Sony WF-1000XM6 review

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Like most human beings, I hate airports.

Most of all, I hate airports in the summer time.

Between hordes of airport-pub-fuelled lads on tour, endless hanging around in front of departures boards, the throat-constricting stench of duty-free perfume and my innate terror of taking to the air, I rarely manage to have anything short of a terrible time at the start of a holiday.

If I were a more stoic person, I might take this as par for the course: a small, endurable discomfort, for the privilege of international travel. Sometimes I can entertain this sentiment, if briefly.

On previous journeys – always with cheap headphones I picked up last minute after forgetting mine at home – I have tried to find serenity in calming piano playlists and ambient jazz mixes. But, whether due to a glitching Bluetooth connection or tinny, unpleasant sound, things have never quite gone to plan.

What I mean to say is that something has to change. Not the airports; I understand they are a necessary evil. But I’ve got to do something about my interactions with them.

That’s why, as Prime Day rolls around again, I’m hoping to upgrade and pick up a pair of Bose noise-cancelling wireless earbuds.

They are currently at their lowest recorded price of just £209.95 from Amazon, so could these highly recommended Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) be the end to my travel-induced suffering?

When the What Hi-Fi? team tested these 2nd-generation Bose earbuds, we awarded them five stars for their “punchy, full bodied sound”, “excellent” noise cancelling and “secure and comfortable design”. A promising roster of qualities in the face of my aforementioned predicament.

Describing them as an “entertaining, eminently likeable pair of wireless earbuds”, we were pleased with their “admirable knack for organisation and control” – two of the things I crave the most in an airport setting.

But what I get particularly excited about is their noise cancellation. With two modes to select from: Quiet and Aware, I can choose just how much of the environment I want to drown out. Quiet is their most powerful ANC setting, so I have a feeling I’ll be retreating to my “eerily silent cocoon” that these Bose promise to envelop me in, and staying there, thank you very much.

What’s more, with six hours of battery life on a single charge, and three additional charges from the case providing a total battery life of 24 hours, I can go on ignoring the lads on tour, even if we happen to catch the same flight.

So, that’s them dealt with, and I suppose some calming music might quell the boredom/terror combination during the flight, too. Unfortunately, Bose hasn’t yet developed off-duty-perfume cancellation technology, but we can hardly blame it for that.

So, before I embark on my next holiday, I’m going to be sure to snap up these Bose earbuds at the great discounted price of £209.95 from Amazon, before the sale period ends.

MORE

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review

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Sometimes, when it comes to deal-hunting, the obvious choice is the best. It might not be the most glamorous or most inventive, but when it comes to finding the best discounted product for your particular needs, there’s no need to pick something out of left field just for the sake of it.

Take the AirPods Pro 3 as an example. These have been our favourite Apple in-ears since we tested them back in January.

This means that, in my eyes at least, they are the obvious choice for anyone who wants a pair of the best wireless earbuds you can buy, who is into music and who also happens to be part of the Apple ecosystem – whether you own just an iPhone or you’re a fully fledged member of the Apple-appreciation society.

And, this Prime Day, I think the AirPods Pro 3 are making a pretty convincing case for themselves – because they are currently sitting at £175 over at Amazon. This isn’t quite their lowest-ever price – they have briefly hit £170 before – so you could wait a little longer, but I still think now is a great time to buy.

Yes, we feel they are an evolution rather than revolution when compared with their excellent predecessors, the AirPods Pro 2. But all the improvements made added up to a glowing five-star rating.

In our AirPods Pro 3 review, we say, “there is no doubt that they are a step forward in nearly every way that counts – the sound quality is more powerful, dynamic and spacious, while noise-cancelling is further improved.”

They deliver an “exciting and confident performance, and allow songs to breathe in an airy soundscape.” We also describe their sound as “impressively natural and engaging”.

In addition to excellent sound quality, their noise-cancelling is a step above what has come before, and is comparable with many of the top performers at the money.

They are designed to fit a wider range of ear shapes and sizes than before, with a new foam-induced eartip material and slightly angled body, allowing for more effective positioning. We had no problems fitting them comfortably during testing.

Battery life is eight hours from a single charge with ANC on, with a total battery life of 24 hours including the case.

You also get a heart-rate monitor to track health and workout stats and a Live Translation feature to take advantage of too.

There isn’t much the AirPods Pro 3 can’t do, then, and I think they are a cracking buy at £175 over at Amazon.

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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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Some things just go well together. Fish and chips. Batman and Robin. And, of course, AirPods and Amazon Prime Day.

Apple's perennially popular earbuds rarely get discounts, but make up for this with head-turning drops during sales events such as Prime Day.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, the time is here. The AirPods 4 with ANC are now down to £125 at Amazon, the lowest price we've seen yet.

You'll need to be a Prime member to get this saving, but the non-deal price of £132 is not too shabby and still a drop from the previous low of £139.

The concept of active noise cancellation (ANC) with an open (no tips) design certainly raised some eyebrows – but we shouldn't have put it past Apple to forge yet another technological breakthrough.

Instead of using eartips to form a seal, Apple has targeted low-level frequencies to cancel out. The result is impressive, with engine rumbles, aircon sound and traffic rumbles all melting away.

This being Apple, though, ANC is far from the only feature on board. Spatial audio, dynamic head tracking, Bluetooth 5.3 support, and an IP54 dust- and waterproof rating are all part of the package, along with Apple's seamless connectivity with iOS devices.

The charging case is the smallest yet, with a speaker for the Find My function and support for wireless charging. The nifty Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and Transparency features are also included, giving you plenty of options if you still want to hear parts of the world.

Battery life is 30 hours, including the case, though be warned that this drops sharply to 20 hours with ANC turned on.

And the sound? More detailed, powerful and overall more entertaining than their predecessors. As our Apple AirPods 4 with ANC review reads: "There’s clarity and detail, agility and balance, along with a focus on voices that make them immediately appealing to listen to."

If you've got the budget, we recommend the Apple AirPods Pro 3 for a step up in sound quality and ANC, though you'll have to shell out an extra £50 for them.

If not, the AirPods 4 with ANC are a great value proposition with just the right amount of compromise. If you're not a fan of eartips but still want the benefits of ANC, then the mid-range AirPods are a no-brainer – especially for £125 at Amazon.

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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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Haven't got anything for Father's Day yet?

Well, have no fear. Whether your Dad is a regular commuter, an Apple-tech obsessive or just a fan of great-sounding music, the five-star Apple AirPods Pro 3 are a great choice.

They're our favourite AirPods overall and one of the best wireless earbuds you can buy, whether you're an iPhone or Android user.

And they've just hit a new lowest price – even before Prime Day. They're now on sale at Amazon for £179.

Being an Apple product, the AirPods Pro 3 come with several swanky new features. Highlights include a heart-rate monitor to track health and workout stats and a Live Translation feature.

But it's the improvements to sound and noise-cancelling that caught our attention.

Apple claims that the Pro 3 offer twice the noise-cancelling capability of the Pro 2, thanks to new ultra-low-noise microphones, advanced computational audio and foam-infused eartips.

It shows – while testing on a flight, the rumble of the engine was damped down further on the Pro 3 compared with its predecessor. The noise-cancelling of the Pro 3 is among the most effective on the market, especially with mid- and low-range frequencies.

Sound has been improved too, with a new ‘multiport acoustic architecture’ that promises more precise airflow control, delivering greater bass and a wider soundstage.

"It only takes a few minutes of comparisons to discover that the AirPods Pro 3 take a sonic step forward in every way, too," our AirPods Pro 3 review reads. "The Pro 3 sound clearer and more detailed; they are more spacious-sounding and more dynamic, too."

The Pro 3 have had a design tweak too. With a smaller body and differently angled eartip nozzle, they are designed to fit a wider range of ear shapes and sizes.

Battery life is eight hours from a single charge with ANC on, with a total battery life of 24 hours including the case.

Long-term AirPods features such as conversation mode and head-gesture controls remain as slick as ever, while water resistance has been improved to IP57.

If your Dad is an iPhone user, then the Apple AirPods Pro 3 make an awful lot of sense. Give him the gift of great sound now that they're only £179 at Amazon.

MORE:

Read our review of the Technics EAH-AZ100

The AirPods Pro 3 reminded me of one key thing when it comes to wireless earbuds

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: which wireless earbuds should you buy?

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.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best AirPods

As well as our Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation review

And check out the best AirPods alternatives

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.

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As well as the best wired earbuds

And read our full Sony WF-1000XM6 review

Among the best wireless earbuds we have tested lies a punchy, comfy and easy-to-use pair that are perfect for your regular run. It also doesn't hurt one bit that they’re pretty good at noise-cancelling, too.

Right now, the JBL Live Pro 2 TWS are down to just $91 at Best Buy. Well, $91.46 to be precise—but it's a discount we seriously need to talk about.

Available in both Black and Silver, this discount means these buds are almost $60 cheaper than when we first tested them. So, if you're looking for sturdy in-ears that are perfect for running, this is a deal we can recommend.

The JBL Live Pro 2 TWS are five-star buds that live happily among the best sports and workout headphones we have tested, as well the best wireless earbuds overall.

If you’re thinking about using a pair of wireless buds for running, you’re going to need them to tick several boxes: fitting securely; being comfortable over long use; good noise-cancelling to cancel out your heavy breathing and any noisy environments.

All of the above is whey we recommend the JBL Live Pro 2 TWS. What's more, they deliver five-star sound quality at a hugely competitive price. A price that just got even better.

The build is solid while the buds have a stylish, streamlined look. All of this while somehow cramming in a lot of features that you don't normally see at this price, including wireless charging, IPX5 water-resistance, and Bluetooth Multipoint.

There's also a solid eight hours of playtime (with Bluetooth and ANC on) on a single charge, boosted to 30 hours in total when used alongside the charging case.

But it’s the impressive sound quality that really sold it to us. In fact, our expert testers say: “If you’re looking for a solid and robust sound, then the JBL Live Pro 2 TWS deliver that and more. They’re not shy in coming forward, especially in the lower frequencies where there is plenty of power on tap.”

It's true that there are more premium options from the likes of Bose, Sony and Sennheiser on the market—but those alternatives also require a step up in price. You’ll struggle to find a pair of wireless earbuds that do as much as the JBL Live Pro 2 TWS at this price—especially now they have dropped to just $91 at Best Buy.

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Read our original JBL Live Pro 2 TWS review

Check out the best wireless earbuds: top pairs tested by our reviewers

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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.

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When it comes to the best wireless earbuds on the market right now, we've done our research. Extensive testing and hundreds of pairs has led us to finding some wonderfully cheap buds that do a very decent job for not a lot of money.

And right now, they just got even cheaper. For a limited time, the EarFun Air are down to £23 at Amazon, £22.52 to be exact.

That's a return to the lowest-ever price we've ever seen and well over half off. A solid saving on a pair of five-star buds, pure and simple.

We originally reviewed the EarFun Air back in 2020, but that doesn't mean they don't continue to earn a solid recommendation from us as some of the best budget wireless earbuds you can buy.

Nowadays, you'll see the likes of Sony dominating the affordable wireless earbuds market, with the WF-C510 and WF-C710N both budget options, but EarFun kickstarted the current trend for well-specced wireless headphones that cost very little.

At first glance, the EarFun Air true wireless earbuds may seem too good to be true. But that's not the case. An extensive feature list includes voice assistance, an IPX7 waterproof rating, a wireless charging case and Bluetooth 5.0 support.

Not forgetting the impressively long battery life of 35 hours, seven from the buds and a further 28 from the charging case. And they certainly don't feel cheap either, with a pretty classy build and finish, including four tip sizes to choose from. More than we'd expect for earbuds this cheap.

But, how do they sound? In our full review, our expert testers said: "Fans of a grippy, energetic listen to get you through a workout will find much to enjoy here."

Adding: "While similar budget-friendly headphones can come off somewhat congested, here the design of the driver and earpiece (which doesn’t sit too far into the ear canal) allows for a pleasant and spacious presentation."

They're not noise-cancelling earbuds, but you'd be seriously hard pushed to find that at this price. Fortunately, given their age, you'll often find a discount on the EarFun Air. But, this is the best price we've seen in a while, so grab them while you can for just £23 at Amazon for a limited time.

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Read the full Earfun Air review

Check out the best cheap wireless headphones, tested by our experts

And the best wireless earbuds: top pairs tested by our reviewers

The SoundMagic E11C wired earphones are proof that quality buds don't have to break the bank. At the full price of £50, you really will struggle to find anything better.

But you won't have to pay anything like this to own the five-star, What Hi-Fi? Award winners. That's because they're currently on sale for just £35 at Richer Sounds.

It really is hard to believe SoundMagic has produced something so good for such a low price. And if that sounds good to you, what are you waiting for?

Don't let the budget price fool you – these earbuds deliver solid sound quality.

As our SoundMagic E11C review reads: "Simply, the E11C sound really good. Make sure you choose the right tips for your ears – you should get a snug fit that not only isolates outside noise really well but ensures you hear their full sonic spectrum – and then you’re treated to a well-balanced, entertaining, energetic sound."

A listen to Drake’s God’s Plan highlights that clarity is a strength of these in-ears, while bass notes are delivered with depth and warmth. Whatever track we listen to, though, the E11C deliver life and control.

Build quality is solid, with an updated driver from the previous E10 model as well as a new, silver-plated copper cable. Small, medium and large silicone tips are provided for a snug fit.

As you'd often see on wired headphones from that era, a remote and mic are included on the left cable, which is useful, whether you're listening on a smartphone or a budget portable music player.

The sensitivity rating of 112dB is quite high, so the E11C earbuds can deliver plenty of volume while using less of your device’s power.

If you've long left 3.5mm behind but still want a wired connection, then we have no qualms in recommending the SoundMagic E80D. This newer release is at a similar price and still has the sonic signature of SoundMagic headphones, only with a USB-C termination.

But if you don't mind a 3.5mm connection and are after a pair of budget wired headphones, the SoundMagic E11C are our top recommendation. They have an entertaining, upfront sound, a solid build, and are now only £35 at Richer Sounds.

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It's almost summer, the sun is starting to shine, and hopefully that means you're planning some trips abroad or across the country.

And if there's one product that we love to recommend to accompany you on your travels, it's a pair of five-star wireless earbuds.

Right now, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) have crashed in price to just $249 at Amazon.

They're some of the best wireless earbuds we've ever tested, especially when it comes to noise-cancelling, so any discount is a real boon.

Fair warning though, while the saving is on all five colors (all currently showing as 'in stock' at time of writing), this deal is only running for a limited time. How limited? We don't know. So, snap them up, if you're interested.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are an excellent travel companion. Why? Well, aside from being the complete wireless package, they're also really good at blocking out external sound.

For the 2nd Gen model, Bose claims smoother changes in noise cancellation levels for filtering out sudden spikes of noise, meaning the likes of sirens, planes, or screeching trains (or children) are set to be handled more effectively this time around.

And when our expert testers carried out their full review, they said: "Those promises ring true when we put the buds through their paces.

"The second-generation in-ears are excellent at adapting to whatever we throw at them, softening those harder, harsher sounds as they intrude while keeping lower-level rumbles and chatter at bay."

If anything, the Bose earbuds are too good at this, with three pre-set noise-cancelling modes: Quiet, Aware and Immersion on offer. One of which, Quiet, is the buds' most powerful ANC setting, living up to the Bose standard of completely isolating you in that enveloping, almost eerily silent cocoon.

It’s not all about the noise-cancelling, though. Comfort levels and build quality are still a cut above many rivals making them an easy recommendation.

Feature-wise, they've got a battery life of six hours per charge, with the wireless charging case providing three more charges. Plus, the Bluetooth 5.3 earbuds include AAC and SBC codec support, like most rivals, and there’s aptX Adaptive for those using a compatible smartphone or tablet.

Ultimately, you're getting an entertaining and hugely likeable pair of wireless earbuds. And what's even better is that right now they're just $249 at Amazon. That's a cool $50 saving on buds capable of some darn impressive noise-cancelling, and ready to join you for a summer of travels and beyond.

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Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review

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And the best wireless earbuds on the market right now

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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It's no secret that Apple doesn't offer discounts very often. If it does, it's usually during a sales event of some kind. So, imagine our surprise when we saw that the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC were enjoying a price cut!

Right now, you can grab these four-star buds for just £149 at Amazon, which is a lovely £30 off.

While it's not the lowest we've seen them drop to, hitting £139 during the Amazon Big Spring Sale, if you're an Apple fan or thinking of taking the leap, this is one heck of a deal to snaffle up.

If you don't like the traditional in-ear tips of the AirPods Pro 3, then you might get along rather nicely with Apple's step-down model, the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.

The concept of ANC with an open (no tips) design certainly received split opinion from our team, but Apple demonstrates that they're still surprisingly capable. In fact, in our full review, we said: "In the AirPods 4, you don’t get the benefit of this seal, but what Apple has done is target low-level frequencies specifically to cancel out. We’re talking engine rumbles, the sound of aircon and exhaust fans, the low noise of traffic and general deep, low-level hums."

But ANC is not the only impressive feature packed into these AirPods 4. Spatial audio, dynamic head tracking, Bluetooth 5.3 support, and an IP54 dust- and waterproof rating are all part of the package, alongside seamless use with iOS devices.

Battery life is an impressive 30 hours, including the case, though we were disappointed to learn this drops sharply to 20 hours with ANC turned on.

But the AirPods 4 with ANC's charging case is the smallest yet, has a speaker for the Find My function, and supports wireless charging. The latter two features are missing from the non-ANC model. Though if you don't mind the lack of ANC and missing features, you can grab them for £99 at Amazon.

For our favourite mid-range pick amongst the best AirPods we've tested though, the AirPods 4 with ANC are our top recommendation. And dropping to just £149 at Amazon makes this great value proposition even better.

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Read our full Apple AirPods 4 with ANC review

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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.

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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.

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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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We’re now entering the summer holiday season, and those lucky enough to go abroad will soon be taking to the skies.

That does mean, however, having to endure several hours of engine noise, background chatter and maybe even a crying child or two, potentially at a silly time in the morning.

So if you want some earbuds to fully block out the outside world, we have just the recommendation for you: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), now at a new lowest price of £230 at Amazon.

Bose headphones are renowned for their noise-cancelling abilities, the company having initially developed the technology for pilots before bringing it to the consumer market.

It’s no surprise, then, that they are adept at muffling rumbling sounds, such as a plane engine, or indeed any other sound we throw at them during our testing period.

“Noises across the sonic spectrum, be they clacking keyboards, chattering colleagues or cars beeping their horns on the street, simply dissolve into near-insignificance, with harsher and more intrusive sounds shut out even more effectively than before,” our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review reads.

If anything, the Bose earbuds are too good at this, with the complete and utter silence a bit much for some of our review team. The Sony WF-1000XM6 might offer a more natural effect, but the Bose certainly blocks out the most noise.

It’s not all about the noise-cancelling, however – the QC Ultra Earbuds are solid all-rounders. We found an improvement in clarity and detail over the first generation, plus a greater sense of bass depth while they remain composed and controlled at all times.

There’s also wireless charging, six hours of battery life (with another 18 available from the case) and comfort levels that are above most rivals.

For the best noise-cancelling earbuds, there really is none better than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen). They would be my first port of call for a long-haul flight – especially for £69 off at Amazon.

MORE:

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs QC Ultra Earbuds (1st Gen): which noise-cancelling buds are better?

And the best wireless earbuds on the market right now