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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These are the best wired headphones you can buy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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These are the best cheap wireless earbuds on the market

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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These are the best cheap wireless earbuds on the market

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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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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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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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.

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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.

MORE:

"Sound comes first" – we speak to Sennheiser about German engineering, changing ownership, and 80 years of making music

The headphones World Cup: from Beats to Bose, which audio brands are winning over football's elite?

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

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.

MORE:

World Cup 2026: these are the 5 best headphones – wired and wireless – for keeping up with the football

The headphones World Cup: from Beats to Bose, which audio brands are winning over football's elite?

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

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.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best wireless earbuds

As well as the best wired earbuds

And read our full Sony WF-1000XM6 review

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.

MORE:

Read our original JBL Live Pro 2 TWS review

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

And the best sports and workout headphones: top earbuds for keeping active

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

Check out the best wireless earbuds

The best cheap wireless earbuds

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

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.

MORE:

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.

MORE:

Here are the best earbuds money can buy

Check out our picks for the best wired headphones

Check out the best DACs we've tested

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.

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

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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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can also donate directly to Teenage Cancer Trust.

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We have been testing audio products for close to 50 years, and while the AirPods Pro 2 were the first Apple buds to get a five-star rating from us, their successor upped the game once again.

Despite Apple being a notoriously discount-light brand, you can now grab the flagship Apple AirPods Pro 3 for just $199 at Amazon.

These are among the best wireless earbuds we have tested, taking what we loved about their predecessors and building on it in several ways.

If you’re already an Apple user and want the best buds made by the brand, these are a bit of a no-brainer – especially at this price.

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are real box tickers with small improvements across the board over their predecessors, from ANC to sound quality, all adding up. We weren't sure how Apple was going to top the performance of the AirPods Pro 2, but it somehow managed it.

More evolution than revolution, the design has had a tweak with each earpiece smaller than the Pro 2, with the eartip's nozzle angled to point more towards your ear canal.

The tips also come in five different sizes, which all helps when trying to find the best fit. They are a touch thicker and firmer, too, for your ultimate comfort combo.

Features on the earbuds stems have also been carried over from the Pro 2. That includes codec support that is limited to SBC and AAC, but this isn't the end of the world.

And while you will get eight hours of battery life on a single charge, which is good for a pair of buds that does so much, power from the case has dropped from 30 hours on the Pro 2 to 24 hours on the Pro 3.

Our expert testers were quickly distracted by the quality of the Pro 3's noise-cancelling, saying: “We took the Pro 3 with us on a trip to France, and found that they shave off a greater amount of mid and low-frequency noise during the flight. The deep rumble of the airplane’s engine noise was damped down further than when listened to through the Pro 2, while the general chatter from people and announcements from the pilot were quieter through the new earbuds on full ANC mode.”

The Pro 3 also feature a revamped ‘multiport acoustic architecture’, which promises more precise airflow control to deliver greater bass and a wider soundstage.

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

Sonically, they are up there with the very best. If you’re already an Apple user, you might be looking to invest or considering an upgrade – and what better time than when there's a discount (which, in Apple's world, can be few and far between)? Grab them now for just $199 at Amazon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Most of the time we recommend only five-star products, but this half-price deal is too good to miss. The JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds have been discounted to just £138 at Amazon.

To get this super-low price, just make sure you tick the checkbox next to ‘Apply voucher’ on the product page. When you add the buds to your basket, you’ll see the reduced price at checkout.

The four-star performers may not feature among our very best wireless earbuds, but they still have a whole lot to commend them.

Our verdict is that “they boast plenty of useful features and back this up with a solid, engaging sound”. What more can you ask for at this crazy low price?

We gave them a four-star rating when we originally reviewed them in November 2024, feeling they weren't quite as impressive as their five-star Sony WF-1000XM5 rivals, but with this discount they are well worth considering.

The flagship JBL Tour Pro 3 uses a hybrid dual-driver system in each earbud, with improved drive units promising greater clarity and depth alongside more powerful bass reproduction and vivid vocal detail.

For going the extra sonic mile, the Tour Pro 3 offers support for the hi-res LDAC codec with compatible source devices. Read more about it in our JBL Tour Pro 3 review.

Central to the new JBLs’ identity is that distinctive smart case, first seen in the Tour Pro 2 earbuds and making its return for the third-gen model.

Not only does the case feature a 30 per cent larger screen and more customisation and useful control options than ever before, but it also acts as a wireless audio transmitter from USB or analogue sources such as in-flight entertainment systems –similar to B&W's Pi8 and Pi6 earbuds.

The Tour Pro 3 grant standard active noise cancelling (ANC) as well as JBL’s customisable True Adaptive Noise Cancellation technology, which measures and monitors environmental changes and then adapts your ANC experience accordingly.

The swanky new earbuds offer an impressive 44 potential hours of playtime (11 hours from the buds plus 33 hours from the case), although naturally that drops when ANC is switched on.

The features don’t stop there. JBL’s take on spatial audio with head tracking is on board; voice-tracking algorithms promise exceptional clarity when making hands-free calls; while Auracast capabilities let you share your audio with other Auracast-compatible devices (such as the JBL Xtreme 4).

The JBL app offers full EQ customisation, ANC-mode toggling, an ear-tip fit test, and a handy ‘find my earbuds’ function, plus a whole raft of customisation options for your smart charging case. Want a picture of your precious pup as your case’s wallpaper? This is the place to do it.

If you have been waiting for these earbuds to drop in price or are simply looking to invest in some of the best wireless buds around, then now is the time to act on this Amazon deal.

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The Sony WF-C700N are some of the best wireless earbuds of recent years, but with the release of the WF-C710N, stock has begun to dry up. I actually thought they had disappeared completely, but I was wrong!

Amazon must have been keeping a secret stash because it is now selling the Sony WF-C700N for the seriously discounted price of just £43. That's a record-low price and more than 50% off their RRP.

The deal ends on the 25th of April or while promotional stock lasts, which means you haven't got long at all to take advantage of this last-chance deal.

If you're not familiar with the Sony WF-C700N, what have you been doing for the past few years? These puppies won Product of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, and were only ousted as the best noise-canceling earbuds at their price by their successors, the WF-C710N.

The all-important sound impressed us in our Sony WF-C700N review, with the bass being a particular standout. We said: “It’s not just the weight, depth and solidity of the notes that impresses, it’s also the layers of detail the Sony uncovers and their ability to paint the notes with believable texture.”

They are small for earbuds but remarkably comfortable, with a subtle textured surface that ensures they stay in with ease, whether you’re doing a five-kilometre run or a five-minute walk to the shops.

Active noise cancellation at £55 is also not to be sniffed at, while other features include Bluetooth Multipoint, a companion app, and Adaptive Sound Control ,which means the buds can automatically switch listening modes depending on your location.

Sony's DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) can upscale lo-res digital audio files to higher quality, while there's 7.5 hours of battery life per charge (with the case providing another 7.5 hours).

The newer model, the Sony WF-C710N, are also on sale, for £75 at Amazon, and well worth considering. The WF-C710N boast better ANC and a longer battery life than the WF-C700N – you can see the full differences in our Sony WF-C710N vs WF-C700N guide.

However, the Sony WF-C700N for £43 at Amazon is an absolute steal. And it could be your last chance to buy a classic.

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Unless you're one of the lucky few to be working at home, most of us will have to endure a commute at least a few days a week.

And whether you travel by bus, train or tube, there's one constant when it comes to commutes: noise.

We've found the perfect fix, however: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), now £249 at Amazon.

Bose has long been the king of active noise cancellation (ANC), initially inventing the technology for use by pilots before bringing it to consumer headphones.

So when Bose announced a new flagship pair of earbuds, we were keen to see if the noise-cancelling tech employed on planes could withstand the horrors of a London commute.

Our testing team were mightily impressed. Whatever noises TFL chose to throw at us on the day – screeching sirens, beeping horns – dissolved into near insignificance.

"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," our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review reads.

If anything, it was maybe too quiet, enveloping you in a cocoon of complete and utter silence. Still, this was far better than the usual commute chaos – and rivals such as the Sony WF-1000XM6 offer a lesser, more natural effect if you'd prefer.

That's not to say that Bose forgot about the all-important sound quality. The more we listen, the more we like Bose's flagship buds, with a craftily balanced sound complete with ample detail and impressive cohesion.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) may have a price befitting flagship earbuds, but this one purchase could be a genius trick for erasing the roar of trains and planes alike. They're now at their lowest ever price of £249 at Amazon.

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The Sony WF-1000XM6 finally launched this February to great fanfare and rave reviews – but no early discounts.

However, the deal hunters among us knew this meant only one thing: an imminent price drop for the WF-1000XM5.

And we have been rewarded – firstly with a discount in the Amazon Spring Sale, and an even better saving available now. You can currently get the Sony WF-1000XM5 for £160 at Amazon.

That's very nearly £100 off the price we tested them at, and the lowest price we've seen so far. It's also a good £90 cheaper than their XM6 successors!

The Sony WF-1000XM5 might not be the newest Sony earbuds on the block, but they're no slouch in the audio department – or any department for that matter.

A listen to the beefy bassline of Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way by The Streets showcases a balance of quantity and quality, as well as several other sonic strengths.

"There’s an openness which we haven’t really heard from wireless earbuds at this level before, and the definition and texture that shines through is quite exceptional," our Sony WF-1000XM5 review reads.

On the features side, there's hi-res audio support and Sony 360 Reality Audio spatial audio, as well as dynamic head tracking, LDAC support and Bluetooth Multipoint.

Sony’s DSEE Extreme processing tries to fill in the detail gaps in low-quality files, while Adaptive Sound Control automatically alters the amount of ambient sound you hear based on where you are and what you're doing.

Speaking of ambient sound, noise cancelling is superb. It's not quite the powerful vacuum-like effect of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), but a more subtle, less intrusive approach that some might prefer.

Battery life is a solid eight hours with ANC activated, with another 16 hours available from the case. This lags behind the 28 hours total of the Technics EAH-AZ100, but is still in the top end of premium noise-cancelling wireless earbuds.

The aforementioned Sony WF-1000XM6 do make several improvements, specifically in the sound, noise-cancelling and call quality categories. But with a firm £249 price tag, the cheaper XM5 buds make for an enticing proposition.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 boast five stars, multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards and a clear, musical sound that's still extremely competitive.

Don't miss the chance to get flagship performance for a heavily discounted price of £169 at Amazon.

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If you spend most of your time listening to music while exercising, then you'll want a pair of sports-focused buds. With lightweight designs and a close fit, these types of buds are sure to stay in place even during the most vigorous of workouts.

We'd recommend a number of different buds in the best sports and workout headphones category, including the Sony WF-C710N and the Beats Fit Pro.

But if it's sheer value for money that you're after, then you should shoot for the Sony Linkbuds Fit, which are down to just £96 at Smart Home Sounds. That's a sizable £84 price drop.

The deal is only for the green finish, with all other colours currently out of stock.

As you can likely tell from the name, the Sony Linkbuds Fit were designed squarely with runners and gym goers in mind.

This can clearly be seen in the wings or in-ear hooks of the earbuds, which aim to provide a firm fit. We put them through their paces during testing and found that the buds held firm despite heated workouts and lengthy runs.

Ambient and ANC modes are also on offer to satisfy your preferred exercise style: our reviewer was able to use the ambient mode to stay wary of his surroundings while running, but also block out distractions with ANC mode in the gym.

Thankfully, the Linkbuds Fit also deliver a robust, powerful sound that still reveals plenty of detail.

"The LinkBuds Fit offer an assertive presentational character, right off the bat walloping you with a robust, hearty sound that doesn’t lack enthusiasm", our Sony Linkbuds Fit review reads.

"Someone might need to investigate the Fit for steroid offences, because the bold sound they produce is about as vein-poppingly muscular as anything we’ve heard at this level."

We found the audio to be a tad heavy-handed with its bass, but if you're looking to get adrenalised for a sweat-inducing sports session, then the Linkbuds Fit can deliver the hormone in spades.

Sony's high-res LDAC codec is also supported, while other features include multipoint connectivity, Sony 360 Reality Audio and automatic playback with a compatible LinkBuds Speaker.

Battery life is 5.5 hours, rising to 21 hours, including the case. A quick five-minute charge can provide you with an hour of playback – ideal if you've just changed for a run and found your earbuds out of juice.

Sony's other earbuds may boast more all-around finesse, but for dedicated sports earbuds, there's plenty to like about the Linkbuds Fit. Aspiring athletes and regular gym goers should definitely check out the exercise earbuds for £96 at Smart Home Sounds.

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"A smart display case, an avalanche of customisable features and easy-going, smooth sound". That's the verdict we gave the JBL Live Beam 3 alongside a respectable four-star rating.

Being able to bag all this for £150 is impressive, but I'm here to tell you that Amazon has slashed the price of the Live Beam 3 to just £99. The 34 per cent discount sees the friendly wireless in-ears drop back to their lowest-ever price.

The Live Beam 3 is proof that buds don't have to be boring. If you like the sound of clever and fun buds that don't cost the earth, then this deal on JBL's budget offering could be just for you.

One of the most notable features of the Live Beam 3 is its smart display case. While it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, it features an interactive 1.45-inch touchscreen display where you can access volume and playback controls, different sound and ANC modes and various other options, without firing up the JBL Headphones app on a smartphone.

The build quality is decent for wireless buds at this price, and the IP55 rating means they have some protection against dust and water ingress.

They are also supplied with four sizes of eartips, ensuring a comfortable fit for most ear canals. During testing, most of our review team had no issue with the Live Beam 3’s comfort and fit.

Wireless connectivity is provided via Bluetooth 5.3, while Bluetooth multipoint is present for switching seamlessly between multiple audio sources.

You can listen to your favourite audio for long periods too, thanks to a battery life that extends to a whopping 48 hours with the charging case. And that’s with ANC turned on, too.

Soundwise, the JBLs are easy-going, smooth and fluid. When we tested them last year, we found “there’s liveliness and punch, a good helping of detail and a full-bodied approach that’s very appealing to listen to for hours”.

The Award-winning Sony WF-C700N rivals offer more in the way of precision and dynamics, but this doesn’t detract from how enjoyable the Live Beam 3 are to listen to.

Plus, for £51 off, they represent even better value. So, if you’re after a great deal on a feature-packed, friendly pair of wireless earbuds, we encourage you to check out the JBL Live Beam 3 for £99 at Amazon.

MORE:

Read our in-depth JBL Live Beam 3 review

Also consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

The best wireless earbuds you can buy

Regardless of whether you're an Apple fan or iPhone user, the AirPods Pro 3 are among the best wireless earbuds you can buy.

Not only are they great to listen to, but they're also great to use and a great addition to anyone already immersed in Apple's product ecosystem.

The only downside to Apple products, though, is that discounts can be notoriously difficult to come by.

Until now, that is. The current generation AirPods Pro 3 are available for their lowest-ever price of £189 at Amazon, beating their previous low of £197.

That's a 14 per cent saving compared to the £219 we originally tested them at back in January. If you're still sitting on a pair of the original AirPods Pro, we think now could be the perfect time to upgrade.

The AirPods Pro 3 tick a lot of boxes. Their noise-cancelling is amongst the most effective on the market – they manage to block out a good chunk of external mid and low-range frequencies, aided by their ultra-low-noise microphones and foam-infused eartips.

The tips come in five different sizes, which comes in handy when trying to get a good fit. Environmental noises are kept quiet, and the buds do a good job of taking the edge off sudden loud spikes, too.

The Pro 3 feature a revamped ‘multiport acoustic architecture’ compared to the Pro 2, which promises more precise airflow control to deliver greater bass and a wider soundstage.

And they backed these claims up during testing. In our AirPods Pro 3 review, we said, “It only takes a few minutes of comparisons to discover that the AirPods Pro 3 take a sonic step forward in every way, too. The Pro 3 sound clearer and more detailed; they are more spacious-sounding and more dynamic, too.”

“Tonally, the AirPods Pro 3 have a well-judged balance that ensures no frequency sticks out unduly, nor does it sound too smoothed-over at the expense of subtlety.”

Battery life is eight hours from a single charge with ANC on, which is competitive enough in this class. Add the wireless charging case to the equation, and you get a total battery life of 24 hours.

Long-term AirPods features such as conversation mode and head-gesture controls remain as slick as ever; they are joined by some new offerings, such as a heart-rate sensor and an improved IP57 water resistance.

If you own an iPhone or other iOS device, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 make a lot of sense and come highly recommended by our review team, especially at their new record-low price of £189 at Amazon.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless earbuds you can buy

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

Interested in floorstanders? Read our recent Spendor A7.2 review

Now Playing: the 6 stellar test tracks soundtracking our spring listening

These are the best bookshelf speakers you can buy

We've reviewed a lot of wireless earbuds in our time, but when it comes to narrowing it down to a definitive list, there are certain features we watch out for, including sound quality and value for money.

The JBL Live Pro 2 TWS remain a top pick for runners, and right now, they've crashed to just $100 at Amazon, which is an impressive $50 off their usual price. So, why not swoop up these entertaining buds ideal for pounding the pavement before it's too late?

The JBL Live Pro 2 TWS are five-star performers that live happily amongst the best sports and workout headphones we've ever tested.

Alongside impressive sound quality at a hugely competitive price, they also manage to tick a lot of boxes, especially if you're looking for a pair of wireless earbuds that are fit for running.

They're secure and comfortable for long periods, offer good noise-cancelling if you want to drown out the noises of a packed out gym, and have a versatile transparency mode that lets through just enough noise when you're outside.

This price point, just above the entry-level tier, makes them a serious alternative to the Sony WF-C710N, which will currently set you back $119.

For $20 cheaper, the JBLs boast a spec sheet you wouldn't expect for such a price, including wireless charging, ANC, IPX5 water-resistance, and Bluetooth Multipoint (which lets you have two devices connected at once).

There's a solid eight hours of playtime (with Bluetooth and ANC on) too, which is boosted to 30 hours in total with the help of the charging case.

But it's the sound quality that really sells it to us. During review, our expert testers said: “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.”

While there are certainly more premium options available from the likes of Bose, Sony and Sennheiser, they'll also cost you a heck of a lot more. So, for just $100 at Amazon, these JBL buds sit at an affordable price point without skimping on quality.

MORE:

Read our original JBL Live Pro 2 TWS review

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

And the best sports and workout headphones: top earbuds for keeping active

The best wireless earbuds usually attract a premium price, and there's little guarantee that they'll be discounted by anything noteworthy.

That is apart from the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4, which seem to attract a significant price reduction every few months.

Right now you can snap up the five-star buds for just £155 at Amazon. That's one of the lowest prices we've ever seen them at.

The Momentum TW 4 boast rich, dynamic sound, a nice fit and an ample feature set. At this price, I challenge you to find anything better.

Best Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 4 wireless earbuds deal

We tested the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 at £260, which means you'll save a sweet £105 from their original test price if you snap up Amazon's latest devilish deal.

You'll seriously want to consider doing so. Sennheiser's flagship buds have earned the right to sit at the wireless earbuds top table, and as we noted in our original review, “They offer a very different flavour of sound to their closest rivals, but it’s just as engaging and enjoyable, and this makes them very easy to recommend."

We spoke highly of their mature, rich presentation, stating that “there’s sophistication across the frequency ranges with a smooth, refined treble and midrange, and weighty, full-bodied bass”. Rhythmically, they make it all seem effortless, and they manage to stay in tune with the flow of a track no matter how complicated the arrangement.

The Sennheiser buds support Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Lossless and LE Audio. Battery life is an impressive seven-and-a-half hours, while the charging case provides three extra full charges to keep you topped up on your travels.

Their intelligent charging feature claims to help extend the life of the earbuds by slowing down the speed of the charge as they get closer to full capacity.

Add into the mix their extremely comfortable fit, responsive touch controls and a feature-packed companion app that includes an ear-tip fit test, a five-band graphic equaliser and a whole host of other features and customisation options, and you’ve got an attractive package that ticks a heck of a lot of boxes.

A properly impressive deal on a pair of buds that could be on their way out quite soon. Be quick and head over to Amazon for a major saving.

MORE:

Read our review of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

You might also like the Sony WF-1000XM6

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

You'll be hard pushed to find a discount on AirPods at the best of times, but for some reason now is the perfect opportunity.

Dropping to just £194 at Amazon, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are down to their lowest-ever price.

This is excellent news considering they're our top pick for AirPods and amongst the best wireless earbuds we've ever tested.

So, why not grab a lovely little saving in exchange for a brilliant all-round performer boasting natural ANC and great sonic balance?

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are a step up from their already-impressive predecessors, the AirPods Pro 2, boasting small improvements across the board.

From ANC to sound quality, it all adds up making a well-balanced, enjoyable and intuitive pair of premium wireless earbuds.

One of the biggest upgrades our expert testers raved about is the active noise-cancelling abilities, despite sticking with the same H2 chip as before.

Instead, Apple's engineers have employed new ultra-low noise microphones, advanced computational audio, and new foam-infused ear tips to offer twice the noise-cancelling capability than the Pro 2 buds.

Which led our team to say: "We took the Pro 3 with us on a trip to France, and found that they shave off a greater amount of mid and low frequency noise during the flight.

"The deep rumble of the airplane’s engine noise was damped down further than when listened through the Pro 2, while the general chatter from people and announcements from the pilot were quieter through the new earbuds on full ANC mode."

The other major improvement to the Pro 3 is their sound quality with a completely revamped 'multiport acoustic architecture', along with a custom driver and amplifier working with the H2 chip to produce a more precise airflow control to deliver greater bass and a wider soundstage.

In testing, our experts said: "Pop the AirPods Pro 3 in, and we’re met with that very familiar Apple sonic character. Some of us on the review team have been using the AirPods Pro 2 for about three years regularly, and we are greeted with a continuation of that well-balanced presentation that knits music together cohesively and delivers voices with clarity and sweetness."

Feature-wise, the spec sheet is impressive. Eight hours of battery life on a single charge, 24 hours with the case (though a disappointing drop from 30 hours on the Pro 2).

But all the usual big hitters are there from spatial audio to hearing health features, as well as conversation mode, various noise-cancelling modes, and head gesture controls to reject calls.

There are also some handy new features, such as a heart rate sensor to track health and workout stats and an improved IP57 water resistance (up from IP54), which means greater protection from rain, sweat, splashes, or even a full dunk in water.

If you're an Apple user and want the best wireless earbuds made by the brand, we'd say the AirPods Pro 3 are a bit of a no-brainer. And dropping to their lowest-ever price of just £194 at Amazon, it makes it an even easier recommendation.

MORE:

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 3 review

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

And the best AirPods: Apple's wireless headphones ranked and rated

Amazon's Spring Deal Days sale is in full swing and that means there are plenty of savings to be found. I've dug deep into the deals to find the best ones worth talking about.

And right now, when it comes to a pair of five-star Technics wireless earbuds, there's an excellent saving waiting for you to scoop it up.

For just $245 at Amazon, the Technics EAH-AZ100 can be yours with a lovely $54 saving. And I've checked – you won't find a discount as good as this anywhere else.

This price is just on the Silver model, but you'll only have to part ways with a little more cash if you've got your eye on a different color.

The five-star Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds may sit at a higher price point than a lot of wireless 'buds on the market, but we felt that their sonic talents justified the added expense (and gave them a What Hi-Fi? Award to prove it).

With superb detail, expressive and engaging sound, and excellent noise-cancelling, these earbuds finally broke Technics' previous four-star run in our expert reviews.

Stepping it up in design, the EAH-AZ100 are smaller, lighter and overall more comfortable than any of the Technics buds we've reviewed before. And with five pairs of ear tip sizes in the box, we found it was easy to get the right fit and seal.

Plus, with fully customisable touch controls that let you control audio modes, playback and volume in any way you want, they're pretty handy in terms of features, too.

Packed out with features, we'll start with the noise cancelling, which is excellent, though not quite as good as the class-leading Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

They are still plenty powerful enough to damp down noise around you and the Adaptive option automatically adjusts noise-cancelling based on your environment, or you can dial the intensity up or down yourself.

You also get a strong and stable Bluetooth connection with support for SBC, AAC, LDAC and the LC3 codec. And there's a competitive 10 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, boosting to 28 hours with the case.

To top it all off, there's the industry's first three-way Bluetooth Multipoint for connecting to multiple devices at once, and support for Auracast transmission.

But, how do they sound? Well, the audio is aided heavily by a new 10mm Magnetic Fluid Driver that delivers clearer sound and improvements across the frequencies, as exhibited previously in the premium EAH-TZ700 wired earphones.

Our expert testers said: "Altogether, this results in the clearer, more precise and more impactful sound we hear in the AZ100, while still keeping things balanced and even.

"The AZ100 are fairly transparent too; we play Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain in 24-bit/96kHz FLAC quality from the Astell & Kern SR35 using the LDAC codec, and we immediately get an uptick in muscularity, detail, solidity and even more space between instruments."

With Bose-bothering ANC performance and Sony-bothering sound performance, the Technics EAH-AZ100 are a top-tier pair of earbuds.

And right now, you can save over $50, picking them up for just $245 at Amazon. But as a Spring Deal Days offer – this price won't hang around for long.

MORE:

Read our full Technics EAH-AZ100 review

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

Technics EAH-AZ100 vs Sony WF-1000XM5: which premium wireless earbuds are better?

The Amazon Big Spring Sale is here, and with it a plethora of savings on speakers, TVs, earbuds and earphones.

One of the best-selling deals appears to be the Shoxz OpenRun Pro 2, which is $39 off at Amazon with a $140 price tag.

• See the whole Amazon Big Spring Sale

We gave the sports headphones three stars in our Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review, praising the comfortable, lightweight design but finding the sound lacking depth and a sense of dynamics.

So what if you want some exercise earbuds that offer the best of both worlds? We have a proposition for you…

As much as we liked the design of the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, the Beats Fit Pro take the honour of best design in our guide to the best sports and workout headphones.

Their innovative wingtip means you’ll get a snug and secure fit whether you're running, in the gym or doing any other exercise, and we found them exceedingly comfortable even over long periods at a time.

But they also deliver when it comes to sound, offering lively and enjoyable audio sure to keep the adrenaline pumping.

"Songs time well, with clearly defined basslines that go deep without overpowering the overall balance too much. They have excellent timing and punch, and a very pleasing presentation that ties the music together cohesively," our Beats Fit Pro review reads.

“Whether it’s the foreboding intensity of Massive Attack’s Angel or the more laid-back, deliberate pace of Elevators (Me & You) by Outkast, there’s a great sense of drive that keeps you hooked on the song."

They will happily withstand a bit of rain thanks to their IPX4 rating, while a strong 27-hour battery life means you are unlikely to get left musicless at the gym.

We did have an issue with a slightly excitable treble, but overall these buds are easy to use, cleverly designed and a delight to listen to. And at $130 at Amazon, they're also a real bargain.

MORE:

Not quite convinced? Read our full Beats Fit Pro review

We tested the best running headphones and wireless earbuds

The best Beats headphones our experts have tested

Spring has arrived – and to celebrate, Amazon has rolled out a sale. The e-commerce giant has introduced daily deal themes for the Big Spring Sale, with today's theme being Easter Essentials.

For some reason, this includes headphones – but we're not complaining as we've found a deal on one of our favourites. The Sony WF-C710N are currently $88 at Amazon.

That's a good 25 per cent off their test price of $119. The WF-C710N are also our exercise pick in our best headphones guide, thanks to their snug fit and solid battery life, so they're a perfect choice for spring running headphones.

The Sony WF-C710N are one of the best wireless earbuds we recommend, managing to claim the spot previously taken by their multi-Award-winning predecessors, the Sony WF-C700N.

Despite being slightly chunkier than the WF-C700N, they offer several improvements, such as touch controls and support for the more recent Bluetooth 5.3.

The WF-C710N are also the most affordable of the best noise-cancelling headphones we recommend, with Sony's Dual Noise Sensor and an added extra microphone blocking out more low-frequency rumblings.

Call quality is great for the money, too, with Precise Voice Pickup Technology ensuring voices sound clear with minimal noise interference.

And the all-important sound quality? To quote our Sony WF-C710N review: "The WF-C710N extract a fantastic amount of detail for the money. We switch over to Eminem’s Mockingbird, and the buds give you a bit of everything. You have a 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 also 8.5 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation turned on, stretching to 30 hours including the case. The WF-C710N also boast impressive levels of comfort, thanks to their small, lightweight build.

The Sony WF-C710N are one of the best value earbuds on the market today, and perfect for the spring weather if you're going out for walks, runs, or just commuting. Get them now with 26 per cent off at Amazon.

MORE:

Read our Sony WF-C710N review

Sony WF-C710N vs C700N: which wireless earbuds are better?

Our pick of the best wireless earbuds around