The Nines are the latest in Klipsch’s wildly popular family of retro-modern, media-friendly powered speakers, which launched in 2020 with The Fives, compact powerhouses that claimed the first HDMI-ARC connection in a bookshelf speaker. Like The Fives and The Sevens before them, a pair of Klipsch The Nines speakers ($1,499) aims to deliver an expressive audio experience that seamlessly integrates with just about any entertainment setup, while exuding a heritage-inspired aesthetic that pays homage to mid-century elegance.

Sarah Jones

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Overview

• The Nines are the top of three models in the Klipsch line of Heritage-inspired powered bookshelf (or standmount) speakers.
• The brand’s signature horn-mounted driver delivers a fleshy, high-fidelity presence across an almost multidimensional soundstage.
• These are a great pair of speakers if you have numerous sources but can’t find the space or budget for discrete components.

Pros

• The sound—classic Klipsch concert-like sound
• Plentiful inputs and robust internal amps mean you can skip the added expense of an AV receiver
• HDMI-ARC makes integration in a home theater with a modern TV easy
• Can decode most digital files up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution
• A built-in phono preamp means no external hardware is needed with moving magnet cartridge turntables
• Dynamic Bass feature can provide enough low-end that a subwoofer is a bonus, not a requirement (a plus in apartments)

Cons

• Price (though they’re a relative bargain compared to many connected stereo speakers)
• Height, weight, and vibration produced mean you need an extremely sizable, sturdy bookshelf, so it’s just better to pay extra for stands
• An external phono preamp can still outperform the build-in signal path

Verdict: Klipsch The Nines speakers exude retromodern style and hypermodern versatility, making them a, well, sound investment for audio-video audiophiles.

The build

The Nines’ warm-and-cozy retro exterior belies their high-tech innards. Vintage-inspired cabinets are finished with handcrafted wood veneers and top-mounted brushed-metal input-selection and volume dials. Speakers are available in walnut or ebony and feature removable magnetic grilles; I left mine off. (A collectible McLaren Edition, designed in partnership with McLaren Racing, is finished in the vibrant orange and white motif of the McLaren F1 dynasty.)

When you describe “the Klipsch sound,” anyone familiar with the brand will immediately think of the visually and audibly recognizable horns, with their clear, commanding presence. The Nines are two-way powered speakers featuring 1” titanium tweeters on Klipsch’s proprietary Tractrix horns. These 90° x 90°, silicone-composite horns stretch from edge to edge, a design optimized for the most efficient high-frequency transfer, for more detailed, accurate sound. (This proprietary technology also aims to minimize reverb from sound reflecting off walls.) Woofers are all-new 8” long-throw fiber composite cones, and cabinets feature rear-firing bass-reflex ports.

Minimalists, rejoice: Because The Nines are self-powered speakers, there’s no need to connect an external amp, receiver, or even a phono preamp. The Nines use a bi-amped design, featuring a built-in 240W RMS (480W peak) amplifier—100 watts to each woofer and 20 watts to each tweeter—optimized with a sophisticated DSP package integrating crossovers, limiters, and EQ.

When it comes to connecting all your favorite sound sources, from your TV to your turntable, these speakers are truly ready to rock (or jazz or hip-hop or house, etc.). Inputs include integrated HDMI-ARC, USB-B, optical, and analog 3.5mm; high-res aficionados will be happy to learn that digital-to-analog conversion is at 192 kHz/24-bit. (One caveat: The Nines do not accept files in the MQA or FLAC formats, so you’ll need to decode them to PCM at your source.) The Nines also have a built-in phono preamp, with a switchable phono/line RCA in and a ground connection, plus a subwoofer out (with a 60Hz crossover). Finally, the Nines offer Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, including aptX, aptX HD, and AAC support (the former two commonly found on Android devices and the latter the native Apple protocol). However, there is no built-in WiFi/AirPlay/Chromecast/Spotify Connect, etc.

Everything you need to connect your speakers is in the box, including a proprietary four-conductor cable that connects the powered speaker to the secondary speaker (either speaker can serve as left or right); an extension speaker cable; and HDMI, USB-B to USB-A, and AC power cables, plus a no-frills remote (AAA batteries included, though we always recommend rechargeables).

These are big, brawny boxes, measuring 19 x 9.5 x 13 inches, weighing around 28 pounds each, and approaching the size of commercial studio monitors. It’s advisable to place these musical monoliths on stands for optimal response and to avoid vibrations interfering with your turntable. (Klipsch stands feature hidden cable channels and threaded inserts for securing your speakers.) 

Setup is plug-and-play simple and takes just minutes. (A quick note, however, about connecting turntables: When running a phono signal directly from a turntable to your speakers, you might face longer cable paths than you would if you were connecting your turntable to a receiver; be aware that phono cable lengths longer than three feet can degrade sound quality, and plan accordingly.)

Once you’re physically up and running, pair the speakers with your smartdevice and use the Klipsch Connect App as a virtual remote and to access EQ controls and firmware updates. I found the app clumsy and sluggish to connect and update, but very easy to operate. Functions include a customizable three-band graphic EQ with presets, which can be useful if you need to boost mids to hear movie dialog better or crave extra-deep bass in your gaming soundtrack, for example, but listening to music, I left the EQ flat at all times. The app also offers processing compensating for wall or corner speaker placement, a Night Mode that adjusts dynamic range for quieter listening, and a Dynamic Bass function, which boosts low end at low volume levels.

The sound

Decades ago, Klipsch founder Paul Klipsch identified four design principles that he felt led to the most lifelike recreation of the live concert experience at home: high efficiency, low distortion, controlled directivity, and flat frequency response. Together, these principles provide the foundation for the signature “Power Detail Emotion” focus in premier Klipsch towers, and they are well-represented in The Nines.

I used The Nines in a music-only setup, streaming TIDAL over USB from my laptop and over Bluetooth on my iPhone 13 Pro. l connected an Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP direct-drive turntable, A/B-ing a direct phono in using The Nines’ built-in phono preamp and a path through an ART DJ Pre II phono preamp to The Nines as line-in. Spoiler alert: The external preamp won out, delivering slightly cleaner, slightly more dynamic sound, especially at higher volumes. But given the convenience factor, I doubt many Nines users will find their internal preamp (which only supports moving magnet cartridges, FYI) a deal-breaker. It’s just one of several signal paths you can take. These speakers could easily flank the plinth of a quality turntable (with or without a built-in preamp) to create a relatively compact, aesthetically and aurally pleasing listening station in a single connection; a quick flip of the Line/Phono switch and you’re in business.

Because the cabinet is a rear-ported design, for optimal bass response and imaging it’s best to set speakers at least 12 to 18 inches away from the wall, which I did; another selling point for stands. This two-way speaker package produces a wide frequency range of 34 Hz to 25 kHz. I found The Nines’ bass output so deeply extended and articulate that a subwoofer was unnecessary for my music-listening setup. Gamers, hip-hop fans, and action-movie junkies may seek a bigger boom. Still, given how much air these beefy 8” woofers can move, I recommend trying the speakers without a sub first, especially if you are in a shared-wall living situation.

In my large (15×20-foot) listening space, The Nines sounded balanced and natural out of the box. I never felt the need to tinker with the response, choosing instead to dive right in. (That said, if you’re hoping to tease out some nuances, the Connect App gives you access to a three-band graphic EQ with bands centered at 200 Hz, 1 kHz, and 4 kHz; you can save your preferences as custom settings.)

Feeling inspired by The Nines’ bass for days, I queued up Crystal Waters’ classic house banger, “100% Pure Love.” I was instantly transported to the clubs of my youth, triggering the muscle memory of clambering atop massive PA speakers in the days before I knew better. Everything—the bone-melting bass, the silky-smooth, snaking vocals, those knife-edged cowbell clanks—sounded incredibly clear and balanced, with deep, defined lows and ultra-clean, pinpoint-precise highs, even at blow-the-roof-off levels, which is what this track demands. Think of The Nines’ sound as effortless meets in-your-face.

The Nines showcased the modal intricacies of Miles Davis’ “Nardis,” as realized on Bill Evans’ landmark 1968 live recording Bill Evans–At the Montreux Jazz Festival, in astonishing clarity. Every textural detail was brought to life, from the sandpapery slide of bassist Eddie Gomez’ virtuosic fingers traveling down the neck of his instrument to the crisp counterpoint of Jack DeJohnette’s drums as they cascaded into a kaleidoscopic solo.

Because Klipsch speakers are highly efficient, their drivers don’t have to work very hard, which helps bring dynamic range to levels comparable to a live performance. And because they’re bi-amped, they offer great separation between high and low frequencies. To me, the overall effect was that of sitting in the front row, an expansive soundstage washing over me, each instrument presented with remarkable depth and distinct separation.

And although I generally listen at old-lady conservative levels, with The Nines, I never heard compression at high volumes or experienced fatigue over long listening sessions. I found I didn’t need the Dynamic Bass turned on to feel every articulate attack, but YMMV.

The conclusion

More and more, powered home speakers are morphing into entertainment hubs, dishing out everything from built-in streaming to sophisticated DSP to inputs that support every device you own (think the wireless network-enabled KEF LS50 Wireless II and JBL 4305P, among others). Although the all-in-one system is somewhat at odds with the audiophile “mix and match components until it’s perfect” ethos, as The Nines demonstrate, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy amazing sound in a convenient package without the expense and learning curve (and clutter!) of building a hi-fi system. The Nines even add the vinyl-friendly preamp that those other WiFi-connected speakers lack.

Considering their lineage and the success of their predecessors, it’s almost a given that The Nines sound amazing. Their sound signature can be characterized by its exceptional coherence, impressive imaging, and a sense of depth that draws you into the heart of the music. Bass is punchy and defined, and the midrange is rich and textured, for a warm and lifelike audio experience. Highs are crisp and detailed, a sparkling presence with no edgy harshness. The Nines’ comprehensive features and seamless connectivity make them standouts in their class.

Using these speakers feels a bit like enjoying the ease and convenience of a soundbar while experiencing the sonic separation, imaging, chest-thumping bass, and room-filling energy of component speakers. Add in their gorgeous vintage looks, and Klipsch The Nines speakers strike an ideal balance between versatility and charm and are sure to satisfy discerning listeners seeking to bring a new dimension of fun to gaming, movies, and, of course, music.

The post Klipsch The Nines loudspeakers review: Huge hi-fi sound, simple setup appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Shokz OpenRun		SEE IT	Impressive battery life, water resistance, and reliable connectivity make these the best pair of bone-conduction headphones around.
Best for kids		N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones		SEE IT	Give your kids a pair of headphones that will provide safe entertainment while they stay active.
Best waterproof		Shokz OpenSwim		SEE IT	A pair of open-ear headphones that’s waterproof, the OpenSwim suit doing laps in the pool swimmingly.

If you’ve got a bone to pick with the way traditional audio devices disconnect you from the world, there is another option: bone-conduction headphones. Headphones, in general, can play many valuable roles, no (or some) bones about it: they let you jam out to music, dive into podcasts, or dial into phone calls while blocking out environmental noise. This can help you concentrate on tasks, but there are some circumstances when being cut off from what’s around you isn’t optimal. The best bone-conduction headphones let you enjoy all your favorite listening experiences with your ear canal exposed so that you can drive, walk, run, bike, swim, etc.—all while remaining completely aware of your surroundings.

• Best overall: Shokz OpenRun
• Best waterproof: Shokz OpenSwim
• Best for calls: Shokz OpenComm
• Best for multitasking: HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best for kids: N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best budget: Guudsound Bone Conduction Headphones

How we chose the best bone-conduction headphones

Bone-conduction headphones are still a relatively new product, but—after consulting academic articles, peer recommendations, real-world user impressions, and our own first-hand tests—we have identified certain models that stand out. Following extensive research, we selected pairs that address the specific needs of athletics, work environments, and age. We chose units that were easy to use, incorporated the features we love about traditional headphones, and prioritized sound quality.

The best bone-conduction headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

Sitting right outside the ear on the jaw, bone-conduction headphones are a different physical and acoustic experience than most people are used to. But different can be good. Here are our picks for the best bone-conduction headphones to help keep you in the hear and now.

Best overall: Shokz OpenRun

SHOKZ

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Why it made the cut: Shokz is dedicated to producing top-tier bone-conducting headphones, and the OpenRun is the company’s most advanced model, employing eight-generation technology to boost sound quality.

Specs

• Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Charge time: 2 hours
• Water resistance: IP67
• Microphone: Dual noise-canceling

Pros

• Good sound quality
• Impressive battery life
• Sweat-resistant for intense exercise

Cons

• Hard to replace charging cable
• Audio quality can’t hold up against traditional headphones
• Buttons are close together

Without a doubt, Shokz has cornered the bone-conduction headphone market. The company produces thoughtfully engineered, top-quality products, creating an audio experience to complement the activities you enjoy. The OpenRun (formerly the AfterShokz Aeropex) is an excellent pair of bone-conduction headphones overall. Available in four colors and two band sizes, the OpenRun fits gently, yet securely, around the back of the head, looping around the ears and resting against the temples. The headphones employ patented eight-generation bone-conduction technology, are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 SBC, and feature PremiumPitch 2.0+ signal processing, which prevents bleed, minimizes distortion, and produces a more dynamic bass with minimal vibrations. The battery lasts eight hours, and each pair comes with two magnetic USB charging cables, which can provide a full charge in just two hours. A dual noise-canceling mic will let you make clear calls, and included earplugs can help you tune things out when the time is right. An IP67 rating means this pair can withstand dirt, dust, sweat, and rain, while a built-in moisture detector will let you know when it’s getting wet. However, while the OpenRun is water-resistant, it’s not designed to be fully submerged in the pool.

Best waterproof: Shokz OpenSwim

SHOKZ

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Why it made the cut: The OpenSwim have an IP68 rating, which means they can be fully submerged in water for up to two hours; you can swim with them without making terrible sacrifices regarding audio quality.

Specs:

• Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz 
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Charge time: 2 hours
• Water resistance: IP68
• Microphone: None

Pros

• Waterproof
• Ample storage for songs and audiobooks
• Comfortably fits under swim cap

Cons

• Single-purpose headphones
• No Bluetooth connection
• Limited color options

The Shokz OpenSwim is specifically designed to deliver your favorite music, audiobooks, and podcasts while swimming. These headphones have an IP68 rating, fit comfortably under a swim cap, and can be submerged in 2 meters of water for up to two hours at a time. While these headphones are not Bluetooth compatible, they can store up to 1,200 songs (4 GB) of various file types, including MP3, WAV, AAC, and FLAC. The OpenSwim headphones feature the same command controls and PremiumPitch 2.0 technology as other Shokz open-ear headphones, so while you won’t be able to stream, you can listen to your favorites with solid, satisfying sound quality. They even come with a noseclip.

Best for calls: Shokz OpenComm

SHOKZ

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Why it made the cut: A DSP noise-canceling microphone means the OpenComm headphones are able to isolate your voice while talking, drowning out any surrounding din but keeping you in tune with your environment.

Specs

• Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
• Battery life: 16 hours of talk time // 8 hours of listening
• Charge time: 1 hour
• Water resistance: IP55
• Microphone: DSP noise-canceling boom microphone

Pros

• Comfortable for long wear
• Extended battery life for long phone calls
• Boom microphone enhances call quality

Cons

• Shape is hard to store
• Some sound bleed might limit private conversations
• IP55 rating could be better

The OpenComm headphones prioritize clear communication using an adjustable DSP boom microphone that suppresses background noise and highlights your voice when positioned near your mouth. Though the person on the other end of the line won’t pick up on your environment’s sounds, the open-ear headphones will ensure you can hear the person talking on the phone and the one right in front of you. The OpenComm system also lets you bypass your car’s choppy stereo if you have to make a call on the road, without cutting yourself off from the sound of traffic. You can also stay on the call when you’re at a job site or keep connected during a busy commute, all without losing situational awareness. You can get up to 16 hours of talk time or 8 hours of listening, and with Quick Charge, you’ll get a replenished two hours of battery life in just five minutes.

Best for multitasking: HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones

Amanda Reed

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Why it made the cut: These waterproof, sweatproof headphones will hold up as you pump iron or just rearrange your living room.

Specs

• Frequency response: Unknown
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Charge time: 10-minute quick charge
• Water resistance: IP67
• Microphone: Built-in wireless

Pros

• IP67 rated
• High sound quality
• Long battery life

Cons

• Proprietary charger

Using your sweaty hands to remove your headphones because someone is asking to use the treadmill is common in the gym. So is taking your earbuds out or headphones off repeatedly while roommates/family/friends try to talk to you as you get chores done. Keep your headphones on while keeping your ears open with these sport-friendly HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones. They are IP67 rated, meaning sweat and water won’t get in the way of completing your reps—whether that’s lifting weights or emptying the washer. An eight-hour battery life gives you all-day tunes power, and 10-minute quick charging gives you two hours of power. The sound quality is superb compared to other bone-conduction headphones, with deep bass and a solid range of highs and lows thanks to a strong Bluetooth 5.2 connection. A noise-canceling microphone means you can take calls without the background bleeding into your conversation. However, a proprietary charger means you’ll be tuneless if you lose power on the go, so prep before you step.

Best for kids: N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones

N/0

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Why it made the cut: These headphones include a volume limit of 85 decibels, and the open-ear design means your child will always be able to hear the world around them and when you call for them.

Specs

• Frequency response: Unknown
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Charge time: 1-hour quick charge
• Water resistance: IP54
• Microphone: Built-in wireless

Pros

• Lightweight
• Volume limiter keeps kids’ hearing safe
• Adjustable band can grow with your child

Cons

• Soundbeaming technology is difficult to grasp
• Susceptible to water damage
• No noise cancellation means they’re not great for travel

These open-ear headphones aren’t exactly the same as bone-conduction headphones, but the form factor and effect are similar. With soundbeaming speakers resting outside the ear on the cheekbones, these headphones ensure your active child can stay alert to their surroundings even when listening to their favorite songs. With an adjustable band suitable for children ages 4 to 15 and a volume limit of 85 decibels, these headphones go above and beyond to address any concerns you might have for their awareness or hearing. They are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, 8 hours of battery, and an automatic sensor to control playback. An IP54 rating means you won’t have to worry about a few spills or drops in the dirt. Whether they’re skateboarding, biking, or just running around the backyard, your kids can enjoy music and mobility safely.

Best budget: Guudsound Bone Conduction Headphones

Guudsound

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Why it made the cut: If bone conduction is new to you, you might not be ready to shell out $100 or more. The Guudsound headphones produce satisfying sound quality and suitable specs in a great intro pair.

Specs

• Frequency response: Unknown
• Battery life: 6-10 hours
• Charge time: 2 hours
• Water resistance: IP54
• Microphone: Built-in wireless

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Useful, responsive multifunction button
• Sound quality is good for the price point

Cons

• Flimsy build
• Sound quality could be improved
• Battery life is just okay

If you want to try out bone conduction but are not ready to invest in a high-end pair, this cheap model from Guudsound might be right for you. Available for less than $40, they are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, a built-in microphone, multifunction buttons, and an adjustable band for comfort. The battery can last up to 10 hours, and a 15-minute quick charge provides one hour of playback. Each pair comes with a USB charging cable and a pair of earplugs so you can create custom noise cancellation.

What to consider when buying the best bone-conduction headphones

If your mom always warns you not to listen to your headphones while walking home at night, or you need to hear the traffic behind you as you pedal to work, try out the best bone-conduction headphones. To determine which pair will work best for your needs, you’ll want to consider where and when you’ll be using them the most. You’ll also want to make sure you understand how they work, especially if this is your first pair of bone-conduction headphones.

First of all, what is bone conduction, and how does it work?

Bone-conduction headphones allow you to experience audio sans any direct interaction with your ear canal or eardrum. While this may sound like some new-fangled, tech-heavy sorcery, there is evidence that bone conduction has been around for centuries. It is rumored that Beethoven relied on bone conduction to compose music after losing his hearing by attaching a metal rod to his piano and biting down on it as he played. But how does it work? 

Typically, sound waves travel through the air and are funneled through the ear canal to the eardrums, where they are then decoded into vibrations and sent to the inner ear (or cochlea), which is connected to the auditory nerve. When the vibrations hit the inner ear fluid, tiny hair cells start to convulse, creating electrical pulses that travel up the auditory nerve to the brain. This process is called air conduction. Bone conduction completely avoids the eardrum and relies on a transducer—like headphones, or a metal conductor’s rod in Beethoven’s case—to convert sound waves into vibrations and send those through the facial bones to be received by the inner ear. Essentially, the vibrations received by the cochlea are the same no matter which way you receive them; they are simply sent via a different pathway. 

This concept has even been used in reverse. The Sony WF-1000XM4 earphones include a bone-conduction sensor that picks up the vibrations from your voice during calls to help enable clearer speech without picking up ambient sound.

Who should use bone-conduction headphones?

Medically, the best bone-conduction headphones benefit those experiencing conductive hearing loss, a condition that directly affects the transmission of sound through the eardrums. Conductive hearing loss is just one way the auditory system can be disrupted, so bone-conduction headphones won’t work for everyone with hearing difficulties. 

Bone-conduction headphones are also helpful for those who need to maintain situational awareness while they enjoy their music. These headphones provide an additional layer of safety for bikers, hikers, drivers—essentially anyone who needs to be aware of their surroundings. Active in dense urban environments? Bone conduction makes for great running headphones. Bone-conduction headphones are also particularly great for swimmers. Air conduction is heavily suppressed when we are underwater, but the vibrations created by bone conduction can still be transmitted, which means a pair of bone-conduction headphones with an Ingress Protection rating of IP68 (a.k.a. waterproof) can keep you connected to your workout playlist lap after lap. 

Now, bone conduction won’t make your entire face shake, rattle, and roll, so you don’t need to worry about experiencing discomfort while you listen. In fact, many report that these headphones are secure, comfortable, and easy to wear. However, if you are sensitive to pressure, there is a chance that you may experience dizziness or headaches after a long stretch of listening.

How’s the sound quality?

If you’re an audiophile searching for your next pair of headphones, chances are bone conduction isn’t going to be what you’re looking for. That being said, the overall audio quality of these headsets can certainly get you through a tough training session or walk to work. At high volumes, audio can start to distort or get crunchy and an expansive mix isn’t really possible. However, with a quality model, you will still get to experience impactful bass; you’ll feel the vibrations instead of highly pressurized waves from over-ear cans. 

Just remember that even the best bone-conduction headphones aren’t meant to fit or even necessarily sound like traditional headphones or earbuds. If you haven’t used bone-conduction headphones before, you might feel inclined to turn up the volume as loud as it can go in an attempt to recreate that natural, passive noise cancellation that every other type of headphone relies on. Remember that nothing is blocking your ear canal, which means that you will purposefully be able to hear your surroundings clearly; maxing out the volume won’t affect that, but it could lead to hearing loss down the road.

Can bone-conduction headphones use Bluetooth?

Yes, there are wireless bone-conduction headphones that use Bluetooth 4.2 and higher to connect to smart devices such as cellphones and computers. Set up and pairing is no different with Bluetooth bone-conduction headphones than connecting any other type of Bluetooth headphones, and some may even have onboard controls like play, pause, and skip for your streaming services. Other models are more like a portable MP3 player, with the ability to store hours of songs internally that you can then play through without any wires involved. Remember the iPod shuffle? That’s what you’ll be getting—an excellent option for folks who want to jam out to a curated playlist while they focus on working out or a walk about the town.

Can you take phone calls with bone-conduction headphones?

Yes, some bone-conduction headphones are equipped with a microphone so you can answer calls on the go. While the headphones themselves can’t employ any passive or active noise cancellation to enhance your listening experience, some models can use technology to make calls crisp and clear. The headphones with mic use various means to minimize outside sound—like wind, traffic, etc.—ensuring that the person you’re talking to can hear you without interruption. Just remember that bone-conduction headphones are subject to more sound bleed than traditional units, so you’ll want to be conscientious about volume when it comes to private calls.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best bone-conduction headphones

• Best overall: Shokz OpenRun
• Best waterproof: Shokz OpenSwim
• Best for calls: Shokz OpenComm
• Best for multitasking: HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best for kids: N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best budget: Guudsound Bone Conduction Headphones

Chances are you’re either an experienced bone-conduction headphones user or a novice looking to see if these air-conduction alternatives are right for you. Regardless of your familiarity, finding the right pair means homing in on when and where you’ll use them most. Think about your surroundings and consider your priorities regarding sound quality, microphone use, and waterproof rating, then shop accordingly. If you’re accustomed to traditional earphones or over-ear models, get ready to be surprised by the best bone-conduction headphones.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best bone-conduction headphones in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Sennheiser MKH 416		SEE IT	Professional sonics and build capture the sound and fury of whatever you’re doing, wherever you are.
Best compact		Rode NTG3B		SEE IT	A relatively moderate price tag but wide frequency response means this giant sound from a small package.
Best for DSLR		Rode VideoMic Pro+		SEE IT	Able to run off of AA batteries, with a build that belies its affordable price tag, this is a perfect beginner mic.

Shotgun mics are flexible tools for capturing natural, focused sound for film and television, environmental recordings, sporting and live events, vlogs, or voice-overs. Their narrow pickup pattern rejects noise from the sides and, to a certain extent, the back, keeping the focus on your subject. The best shotgun mics are light enough to mount on a camera or carry on a boom pole all day and, in many cases, built with enough durability to survive the rough-and-tumble life of location recording. 

Plenty of times, you’re on the street or live streaming and don’t have the luxury of individually miking people, or you’re filming a scene where you can’t have a visible lavalier mic. That’s why you’ll find top-notch shotgun mics throughout the professional world—often accompanied by professional-level prices. But shotguns have been around for a while, and these ubiquitous tools of the trade are often inexpensive enough that even beginners and budget-minded users can add quality equipment to their kit bags. 

With every reputable—and less than reputable—microphone manufacturer producing them, it’s sometimes hard to figure out which shotgun mics deliver on their promise of great sound. So to help you out, we’ve rounded up a list of tips, advice, and the best shotgun mics.  

• Best overall: Sennheiser MKH 416
• Best compact: Rode NTG3B
• Best for DSLR: Rode VideoMic Pro+
• Best for most situations: Shure VP89M
• Best professional: Neumann KMR 81 i
• Best mini: Rode VideoMicro II
• Premium pick: Schoeps CMIT 5
• Best budget: Audio-Technica AT897

How we chose the best shotgun mics

We based our selection of the best shotgun mics on our own personal experience in the film, TV, and professional audio worlds, as well as conversations with other professional audio engineers and filmmakers, experts at equipment rental houses, and musicians. We consulted specialty review sites, industry trade magazines, and blogs, and read through the online impressions of typical users to see if performance typically matched a mic’s promise. In evaluating our selections, we prioritized sound quality and looked at construction (including moisture resistance), price, size, and how each microphone is powered.

The best shotgun mics: Reviews & Recommendations

Shotgun mics are ideal for recording dialogue on a movie set, the action on the court at a basketball game, or animals out in nature. It’s important to note that no shotguns will reject all off-axis sound. But they do an excellent job of keeping the focus on your subject.

Best overall: Sennheiser MKH 416

Sennheiser Pro Audio

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Specs

• Weight: 6.17 ounces
• Length: 9.84 inches
• Frequency response: 40 Hz – 20 kHz

Pros

• Wide frequency response for clear, natural sound
• Tight polar pattern isolates sound sources
• Moisture resistant

Cons

• Expensive

Sennheiser’s name repeatedly pops up when discussing the best microphones, and the venerable German manufacturer doesn’t slack off with their flagship MKH 416 shotgun mic. This professional-grade piece of kit has a wide 40-20,000 Hz frequency response, with a hyper-cardioid polar pattern at the low to mid frequencies that does an excellent job of rejecting off-axis sounds while zeroing in on the dialogue and other mid-frequency sources.

The shotgun works great indoors or out across various environments, thanks to an RF condenser design that’s highly moisture-resistant. And the MKH 416’s compact and light construction makes it easy to mount the mic on a boom pole without sacrificing maneuverability or tiring out your operator.

Make no mistake; you can get excellent shotgun mics for less money. But as good as they are, none provide the combined level of sonic quality, robust construction, and all-around utility of the MKH 416.

Best compact: Rode NTG3B

RØDE Microphones

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Specs

• Weight: 5.75 ounces
• Length: 10.4 inches
• Frequency response: 40 Hz – 20 kHz

Pros

• Wide frequency response for natural sound
• Moisture resistant 
• Easy to mount on a camera or boom

Cons

• Slightly thinner sounding

Rode makes excellent mics. And thanks to its relatively moderate price tag, the NTG3B represents a common first step into the world of high-quality microphones. But thanks to its wide, natural 40-20,000 Hz frequency response and excellent build quality, it’s also the last stop for many pro and semi-pro indie filmmakers, documentarians, broadcast journalists, podcasters, and in-house audio-video teams.

It has excellent off-axis rejection, and its RF condenser technology protects it from moderate moisture. It isn’t quite as sensitive or directional as our top pick, Sennheiser’s MKH 416, but it usually costs about $300 less—and includes a handy metal case. For all but the most demanding users, that is often worth the trade-off. It’s still not what we’d consider “budget-priced,” but you definitely get what you pay for in terms of sonic integrity and build. 

Best for DSLR: Rode VideoMic Pro+

RØDE Microphones

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Specs

• Weight: 4.3 ounces
• Length: 6.69 inches
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Pros

• Built-in shockmount resists handling noise
• Extremely compact design
• Multiple power options
• 3.5mm TRS connectors

Cons

• No XLR connectivity
• Off-axis rejection could be better

Rode designed this compact and handy shotgun mic with mobile journalists, vloggers, and run-and-gun shooters in mind. It connects to cameras or audio recorders via a 3.5mm TRS cable and features an integrated shockmount that protects it from handling noise. The VideoMic Pro+ also has a built-in cold-shoe mount—so no extra arms or connectors are needed to mount it on your camera. 

The mic can be tuned to handle different recording environments, with buttons providing low-cut filters at 75 Hz or 150 Hz. You can also boost the frequency at 7 kHz if things start sounding a bit muddy. The mic has adjustable gain, as well, to help compensate for very loud or soft sounds. 

The VideoMic Pro+ won’t accept phantom power, but it does allow you to use AA batteries, Rode’s rechargeable battery, or an external battery that can connect via USB. 

With a shorter barrel, this shotgun mic sometimes has trouble rejecting off-axis sounds, especially in environments with large and noisy crowds. But if you want to keep your kit low-profile and nimble, this trade-off might be worth it.

Premium pick: Schoeps CMIT 5

Schoeps

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Specs 

• Weight: 3.35 ounces
• Length: 9.88 inches
• Frequency response: 40 Hz – 20 kHz

Pros

• Natural sound
• Three switchable filters
• Shielded against electronic interference
• Compact design

Cons 

• Very expensive.
• Sensitive to environmental issues

Shoeps makes some of the best-sounding microphones in the business, and the CMIT 5 is no exception. It has a frequency response of 40-20,000 Hz tuned to provide flat, transparent, natural audio. But it also has three filters in case some additional acoustic sculpting is required: increase vocal clarity with a 5 dB boost at 10 Hz; roll off some bass at 300 Hz to offset proximity effect; or do a steep cut below 80 Hz to help wrangle handling-noise from a mic boom. It’s designed to perform best when paired with a high-gain mic preamp and is ideal for high-end applications like capturing dialogue, foley work, sound effects, or recording nuanced instruments.

However, Schoeps mics are some of the most sensitive to environmental issues like humidity. You don’t want to bring the CMIT 5 into the jungle or shoot down in Florida outside of an environmentally controlled building. This microphone is for the studio, concert hall, or closed set.

Remember that the best of the best comes with a high price tag, and the Schoeps CMIT 5 might be more microphone than many people outside the professional field need. 

Most versatile: Shure VP89M

Shure

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Specs 

• Weight: 4.9 ounces
• Length: 9.41 inches (Capsule), 4.02 inches (Preamp)
• Frequency response: 50 Hz to 20 kHz

Pros

• Unique modular capsule design
• Excellent sound quality
• Switchable low-cut filter
• Rugged yet lightweight build quality

Cons

• Requires 11 to 52 VDC phantom power

If you record in various situations, you typically need multiple shotgun mics to suit each scenario. But the Shure VP89M offers a unique modular design with interchangeable capsules, so you can stick with one mic even across indoor or outdoor applications. This version has a medium capsule, but you can also purchase short and long capsules to round out your kit. 

Shure built this mic around a Class-A transformerless preamplifier. It features a switchable low-cut filter to assist with less-than-desirable bass frequencies. The Medium capsule provides a narrow 50-degree acceptance angle, while the Long capsule offers a narrower angle, and the Short is wider. The mic produces a clean and natural sound that is very well-balanced. And it can easily pick up sound from up to 10 feet away, making it a worthy long-range mic option.

The Shure VP89M features a standard XLR 3-pin output. The aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction adds to its durability but keeps the mic lightweight, making it easier to use for long periods. And it can operate in a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels. Though you must purchase the different capsules separately, this comes with a windscreen and carrying case. 

Best professional: Neumann KMR 81 i

Neumann

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Specs 

• Weight: 5 ounces
• Length: 8.9 inches
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Pros

• Warm, clear sound
• Works in a variety of situations
• Low sensitivity to wind and handling noise
• Compact enough to mount on a camera

Cons

• Expensive

Neumann makes some of the best microphones, and the KMR 81 i is no exception. It has a steep price tag, but you get a lot for that high price. It is a super-cardioid mic and uses a pressure gradient transducer and an interference tube depending on the wavelength of the frequency for versatile use. 

The Neumann KMR 81 i is compact and light enough to be used on a camera for handheld shooting. Though the mic is specifically designed for film and TV applications, it also works well for recording individual musicians, orchestras, and more. The limited off-axis coloration keeps the sound consistent even if the subject is moving around. 

Most importantly, the KMR 81 i produces a high-quality, clear, warm sound. The 90-degree recording angle picks up just the right amount of sound. It offers switches to control a 200Hz low-cut filter and a -10dB pad to reduce traffic and wind noises. It also comes with a windscreen for even better results when outdoors. You’ll also get a leather carrying case and a one-year warranty.

Best mini: Rode VideoMicro II

Abby Ferguson

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Specs 

• Weight: 1.4 ounces
• Length: 3.1 inches
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Pros

• Very compact and lightweight
• Affordable
• Straightforward and easy to use
• Excellent sound quality

Cons

• Only supports 3.5mm analog output

The Rode VideoMicro II, is, as the name suggests, tiny. At only 3.1 inches long and weight 1.4 ounces, it’s smaller than just about everything out there. This small shotgun mic is ideal for beginners getting into filmmaking or vlogging, partly because of its compact size. It’s also very simple to use. You mount it to your camera’s hot shoe, plug in the 3.5mm TRS cable, and you are good to go. It can even connect to a smartphone or tablet should you want to.

The VideoMicro II is also reasonably priced, under $100. But, despite the budget-friendly price, it produces quality sound. It comes with both foam and furry windshields, which do an excellent job of filtering out background noise. And Rode’s built-in HELIX isolation mount system keeps noise from any knocks and bumps down to a minimum. 

The mic has no physical controls, so you are more limited than when using more expensive models. But it only draws a tiny bit of power from your camera, so you won’t have to cut recordings short to charge back up. The short form factor even makes it feasible to use on gimbals, making it an ideal microphone choice for run-and-gun videographers and vloggers.

Best budget: Audio-Technica AT897

Audio-Technica

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Specs 

• Weight: 5.11 ounces
• Length: 10.98 inches
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Pros

• Inexpensive
• 80 Hz low-cut switch
• Lightweight
• Battery and phantom powered

Cons

• Susceptible to moisture
• Slightly brittle sounding 

With microphones, you often get what you pay for. But Audio-Technica’s AT897 delivers high-quality results while still costing less than $250. Its wide 20-20,000 Hz frequency response, with a switchable roll-off at 80 Hz, allows the mic to capture very natural sound. That said, the response across all those frequencies could be flatter, and you can expect some brittleness in the higher end that you won’t find on more professional-grade mics. Off-axis sound rejection is good but not great.

The AT897 is built like a tank, and while I wouldn’t suggest tossing it onto concrete or driving over it with a truck, it’ll generally survive the mishaps you’re likely to encounter when recording on location or out in nature. However, it’s susceptible to moisture and high humidity, so keep an eye on the weather if you’re using it outdoors. 

A nice bonus: This mic can run off an AA battery, which is particularly handy when the budget doesn’t allow for recorders or cameras that supply phantom power—for instance, in a classroom. Despite some shortcomings, this is an excellent shotgun microphone for beginners who want to develop their technique, schools, or anyone operating under a tight budget while still wanting plenty of features and quality. 

Things to consider before buying the best shotgun mics

Microphones have polar, or response, patterns, which describe how they “hear” sound sources depending on where they’re placed. A shotgun microphone is a type of mic with a very narrow, front-facing response known as a “supercardioid” pattern. This means the mic mostly picks up sound from whatever you point it at while rejecting sound from the sides and, to a lesser extent, the back.

Frequency response

Frequency response is measured in Hertz (Hz) and describes how well the microphone captures sound at different frequencies. Shotgun microphones tend to have very wide, flat responses—that is, they pick up a range of frequencies more or less equally well—to better represent what the human ear can hear. They’re often tuned a bit to help emphasize dialogue and other mid-range frequencies. 

Condenser vs. dynamic microphones

There are two main types of microphones: condenser mics and dynamic mics. In very basic terms, microphones use diaphragms that vibrate when hit by sound waves. These vibrations generate electronic impulses that can be recorded or converted directly back into sound. Condenser mics have very thin diaphragms sensitive to subtle, quiet, nuanced sounds. But they’re more delicate and susceptible to heavy handling and moisture.

Dynamic mics, with their thicker diaphragms, aren’t as good with nuance but do very well when blasted with loud noises. They’re also robust and can survive a lot of abuse. (Singers usually use dynamic mics on stage; if you’ve ever been to a punk show, you’ve seen the damage they can withstand.) 

Because shotguns are meant to capture even whispered dialogue, they’re almost always condenser mics. Some mics—like those in Sennheiser’s MKH series—use RF condensers in their capsules versus AF condensers, which do a better job of resisting humidity. But it’s important to understand the options and even test a mic to ensure you get the right one for the job at hand.

Length

Shotgun mics come in various lengths, from a compact 3 inches or 4 inches to more than one-foot long. Consider how you’ll use the mic when deciding whether you want a compact one. If you’re mounting it on a camera, a smaller profile makes the mic lighter and much more maneuverable. Longer shotguns tend to have tighter polar patterns; they’re great when recording concerts or sporting events, and you want to minimize the overwhelming crowd noise. But put one on a camera, and you’re liable to poke someone’s eye out!   

Power

Like all condenser mics, shotguns require some power source. They usually rely on 48v phantom power delivered from a recording device, mixer, or camera. But some also have an option of using an AA battery, which can be a lifesaver if you find yourself in a situation where phantom power isn’t available. (For instance, some wireless rigs don’t deliver power themselves, so pick up and power up those rechargeable batteries.)

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best shotgun mics

• Best overall: Sennheiser MKH 416
• Best compact: Rode NTG3B
• Best for DSLR: Rode VideoMic Pro+
• Premium pick: Schoeps CMIT 5’
• Most versatile: Shure VP89M
• Best professional: Neumann KMR 81 i
• Best mini: Rode VideoMicro II
• Best budget: Audio-Technica AT897

If you’re shopping for a shotgun microphone, you’ve got a lot of options—that’s the good news. Manufacturers like Sennheiser and Rode make mics at different prices that all deliver excellent audio. The trick is figuring out which mic suits your needs best without accidentally overspending. It’s not easy—and that’s the bad news. Navigating all these microphones takes time and careful research. It also helps to use the mics before you buy one so you can tell from first-hand experience if it’s right for you.

That said, our own experience working with these mics professionally takes us back, time and again, to the classic Sennheiser MKH 416. It’s hard to beat the sound quality, which is simply excellent. But if you can’t quite afford one, Rode’s NTG3B, our pick for the best compact shotgun mic, is an excellent second choice. It sounds almost as good and has the same resistance to humidity. I’ve used both in professional settings and never had any complaints. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best shotgun mics in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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If upbeat anthems and sunny savings make your heart go padam padam, you’ll want to free yourself long enough to scroll through this post. We’ve collected the best Memorial Day Weekend discounts on speakers, headphones, earbuds, and more to help you celebrate the unofficial start of pool season and beach vacations with more tunes in your ears and money in your pocket.

JBL Boombox 3 $399.95 (Was $499.95)

Tony Ware

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Live sound specialists JBL makes several of our favorite portable party speakers, and the 13-pound 160W Bluetooth 5.3 Boombox 3 is the one you want to soundtrack your summer—from patio parties to friendly pick-up games. With its three-way speaker configuration, which includes a subwoofer that extends to 40 Hz, you can get any party started. And with 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, a sturdy molded handle, and IP67 (surf and sand protection), you can keep those parties going—wherever they occur. Act now and you can get all that for $100 off, so your favorite tracks slam, but your wallet isn’t hit as hard. If that’s too much body or budget for you at this time, however, there are other JBL party speakers and soundbars on sale:

• JBL Xtreme 3: $279.95 (Was $379.95)
• JBL Pulse 5 $199.95 (Was $249.95)
• JBL Flip 6: $99.95 (Was $129.95)
• JBL PartyBox Encore Essentials $199.95 (Was $299.95)  
• JBL Bar 300: $349.95 (Was $399.95)  
• JBL Bar 500: $499.95 (Was $599.95)  
• JBL Bar 700: $799.95 (Was $899.95)
• JBL Bar 1000: $999.95 (Was $1,199.95)

Need a speaker that’s purse-, pack-, and pool-friendly? The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is our favorite pint-sized Bluetooth party to take from the bathtub to the backcountry or on a bike, and this IP67 360-degree audio orb is available for $85 (down from $99).

Want to wire something more permanent on the back deck? The fully sealed Definitive Technology AW6500 outdoor speaker—featuring a 6.5″ mid-woofer, a 1″ tweeter, and a 5″ x 10″ oval pressure-driven low bass radiator, and available in black or white—is on sale for $249 (down from $299). And the smaller AW5500 is only $199 (down from $249).

Want to go wireless in the living room instead? Save $500 when you bundle the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers and KC62 subwoofer together for $3,799.98 (down from $4,299.98). Just add both to your cart, and you can cut cords and cost on one of our favorite powered bookshelf (or standmount) speakers, plus a compact unit that provides muscular musical bass. Or save $250 when you buy both the smaller, desktop-friendly KEF LSX II speakers and KUBE 8b subwoofer for $1,749.98.

See more sweet-sounding audio deals hear and now:

• Sony SRS-XE300 X-Series IP67 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker $148 (Was $199)
• Sony SRS-XG300 X-Series IP67 Portable Bluetooth Party Speaker $198 (Was $349)
• Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds $99 (Was $129)
• Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds $199 (Was $249)
• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Overhead Headphones $278 (Was $349)
• Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch 500W Dolby Atmos Soundbar $1,198 (Was $1,399)
• SAMSUNG HW-Q990C 11.1.4ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar w/ wireless rear speakers + subwoofer $1,597 (Was $1,897)
• UE FITS custom-fit true wireless earbuds $169 (Was $199)
• JBL Live Free 2 True Adaptive Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds $99.95 (Was $149.95)
• JBL Live 460NC Wireless On-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones $99 (Was $129)
• JBL Live 660NC Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones $149 (Was $199)
• JBL Quantum TWS Noise-Cancelling Gaming Earbuds $99.95 (Was $149.95) 
• JBL Quantum ONE $149.95 (Was $299.95)  

The post The best Memorial Day audio deals let you blast bops all summer long appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Apple AirPods Pro 2		SEE IT	Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 offer the best balance of sound, battery life, comfort, and extra features.
Best noise cancellation		Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II		SEE IT	The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II will become the most indispensable gadget for your plane trips or commute.
Best budget		EarFun Air Pro 3		SEE IT	EarFun’s Air Pro 3 earbuds offer better sound than we’d expect from a pair that cost well under $100.

If you’re wondering just how broad the personal audio market has become, consider the vast world of earbuds, ranging from less than $25 to well over $1,000. While wired earbuds still exist, True Wireless (TWS) earbuds have become the most popular option, thanks to improvements in micro-sized receivers that can deliver huge sound. Bluetooth technology has evolved to the point it can all but guarantee seamless connections, while an array of microphones and sensors help keep music and conversations clear. That means TWS earbuds are no longer a luxury item made by a select few companies. Yet there are still times when a wire is the way to go. Whether you’re an audiophile or a devout Apple enthusiast in the market for sports or gaming earbuds, we’ve compiled what you need to know to find the best earbuds that’ll match your needs.

• Best overall: Apple AirPods Pro 2
• Best noise-cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
• Best for multiple devices: Technics EAH-AZ80
• Best battery life: beyerdynamic Free BYRD
• Best for sustainability: House of Marley Redemption ANC 2
• Best for gamers: ASUS ROG Cetra
• Best for working out: Apple Beats Fit Pro
• Best planar-magnetic earphones: 7Hz Timeless AE
• Best budget: EarFun Air Pro 3

How we chose the best earbuds

There are nearly infinite earbuds available—models of all shapes, sizes, and price points—so we relied on hands ears-on testing to determine the best ones currently available. Our tests helped us determine the best earbuds for several specific use cases, like gaming or podcast listening, and let us single out pairs that performed best when using key features like active noise cancellation. Audio quality was paramount when making our selections, so each earbud you see below passes our sound quality tests regardless of how much money you spend.

The most discerning listeners will be able to pick up the subtle improvements on more premium pairs, but each set of earbuds will sound great if you open up a streaming app, find the music you’re looking for, and hit play. Our focus has mostly been on TWS types, which have become the dominant style in recent years, popularized in the mainstream by Apple’s AirPods. The convenience of these earbuds is undeniable, and current-generation pairs from well-known audio companies and newcomers alike offer incredible sound for their size. But we threw in some other options, too. There’s no shortage of new and exciting earbuds, but these are the best ones you can get today.

The best earbuds: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you’re heading out for a trail run, on an open-world quest, or need to get locked in a work groove, you can get a pair of earbuds to suit your needs. And you can find them below, where we’ve collected some of the best options for any purpose and across every price point.

Best overall: Apple AirPods Pro 2

Tony Ware

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Specs

• Style: True wireless
• Battery life: Up to 6 hours
• Active noise cancellation: Yes
• IP rating: IPX4
• Microphones: Yes (3)

Pros

• Well-balanced sound
• Solid battery life
• Compatible with Spatial Audio
• Updated case with “Find My” support

Cons

• Best technical features only work when connected to Apple devices

Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro—colloquially known as AirPods Pro 2—are the best earbuds you can get in 2023; there, we said it. The latest version of Apple’s true wireless earbuds feature appreciable improvements in audio quality, active noise-cancelling performance, Spatial Audio support, and they come in an updated case with genuinely useful features. In short, it’s the total package, and it should be the default choice for many, especially if you use Apple devices.

In our first impressions, and continued tests conducted over several months of frequent use, the AirPods Pro 2 consistently impressed. The earbuds don’t have a totally flat frequency response, but Apple’s sonic sculpting—a little extra boost to the bottom end and slightly raised mids—doesn’t make songs sound unnatural or artificial. Music with a lot of low-end sounds extra full without bass distortion, while live music, pop, rock, and jazz benefit from Apple’s tweaks. We never found ourselves wanting to muck around with a digital multiband EQ. Apple did the research to determine what would sound good to most people, and it mostly stuck the landing.

The original AirPods Pro earbuds were lauded for bringing premium active noise cancellation to earbuds, and the second generation brings several improvements in this area. The AirPods Pro 2 could block out far more ambient noise—keys being typed, birds chirpings, footsteps—and loud sporadic noises like a New York City subway car clattering on the tracks. It’s not the best active noise cancellation we’ve experienced in a pair of earbuds, but it’s not too far off.

Apple says the AirPods Pro 2 earbuds get up to six hours of playtime per charge, with an extra 24 hours thanks to its battery case. That’s mostly been true in our experience, though keeping active noise cancellation enabled all the time did drain the earbuds more quickly. With one or two 15-minute breaks, you should be able to get through an entire international flight with the AirPods Pro 2’s ANC turned on. If you work in an office, coffee shop, or at home with another people, the active noise cancellation should be sufficient to create a reasonable buffer between you and the outside world.

One of the big bets with the original AirPods was support for Spatial Audio, a type of binaural surround sound you can take on the go. The technology was impressive, if unproven, but Apple has spent the past few years coaxing artists to re-release classic albums or release new ones with a Dolby Atmos mix. The library for surround sound music on Apple Music has exploded, and the AirPods 2 let you take full advantage of it—though if you want the true Dolby Atmos experience, you’ll need to pony up for an Apple TV and surround sound speaker system.

Spatial Audio tracks on the AirPods 2 do sound more immersive than their stereo counterparts, especially if you enable head tracking, which will automatically pan music based on how your head is turned to recreate the experience of listening to music on speakers. Spatial Audio mixes are still hit or miss, but at least there’s a variety of music to choose from. Apple offers a way to personalize the Spatial Audio experience by taking pictures of your face and ears, but we didn’t notice a big difference and performance.

One of Apple’s most unexpected updates to the AirPods Pro 2 was changing its case. The new case has a larger battery, lanyard loupe, and support for “Find My,” which allows you to track the location of your AirPods 2 case in case the earbuds get lost. A built-in speaker can play a chime, making it easier to find. These welcome improvements make a tangible difference in the earbuds’ overall usability. Sometimes it boils down to nice things being nice.

The only potential downside to using the AirPods Pro 2 is that they’re designed to work best with Apple’s other gear, so if you don’t have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you’ll get a slightly worse experience. The AirPods Pro 2 will still sound the same and have identical active noise-cancelling performance, but features like instant pairing are absent. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to consider if you live in the Windows and Android world.

Are the AirPods Pro 2 the best-sounding earbuds? No. Are they the best active noise-cancelling earbuds? No, but by offering a great technical and audio experience, they’re the most well-rounded pair. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and we can’t imagine anyone complaining about this pair of earbuds.

Best noise-cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II have the most-efficient noise cancellation of any earbuds we’ve ever tested—to an almost eerie extent.

Specs 

• Style: True wireless
• Battery life: Up to 6 hours
• Active noise cancellation: Yes
• IP rating: IPX7
• Microphones: Yes (4)

Pros

• Best-in-class noise cancellation
• Four microphones per bud
• Bose app is actually helpful

Cons

• Only three pairs of eartips are included

Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II are actually kind of scary. Their active noise cancellation was so effective that sounds I used to test it, like clapping my hands, didn’t produce an audible sound. The difference between what I was seeing and hearing was actually jarring. At some points, the only thing I could hear and feel was my heartbeat, a unique experience compared to my experience with other ANC earbuds. I’m not alone; our associate managing editor was also impressed while commuting with them on the New York City subway.

The reason for this incredible active noise cancellation? Each bud has two microphones instead of one. The mics are located above and below each bud’s ear tip, which also improves your vocal quality while taking calls. This hardware is tightly integrated with Bose’s custom processor, which continually adjusts to filter frequencies with laser precision. This performance comes in a pair of earbuds that’s roughly a third smaller by volume compared to the first-generation pair and comes in a dramatically smaller case.

If you don’t want to experience the full isolation chamber-like experience the QuietComfort Earbuds II can offer, you can adjust their active noise cancellation via Bose’s mobile app, which is better than you’d expect. The app walked us through the earbud’s initial pairing process and made it easy to switch between quiet and aware—noise cancellation and transparency modes, respectively—and allowed us to set two custom modes based on our personal preferences. We opted to create a “home” mode with active noise cancellation at 100%, allowing us to experience the earbuds’ true potential.

On the audio side, Bose updated the QuietComfort Earbuds II with 9mm dynamic drivers and Bluetooth 5.3 with support for the SBC/AAC codecs. We liked how the earbuds’ sounded out of the box and didn’t need to futz around with the digital EQ in Bose’s app—though we were pleased it was present. We could hear each instrument in complex arrangements, even while listening to lossy audio with ANC on. Subtle sounds—like the piano on “Smog Eyes” by Warne Marsh— were as present as prominent ones, a true feat. The earbuds could have heavy-handed treble on occasion, but that had to do with how certain tracks were mastered rather than a technical deficiency on the earbuds themselves.

There’s no shortage of excellent active noise-cancelling earbuds, but the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II currently reign supreme.  

Best for multiple devices: Technics EAH-AZ80

Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

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Specs

• Style: True wireless
• Battery life: Up to 7 hours
• Active noise cancellation: Yes
• IP rating: IPX4
• Microphones: Yes (8)

Pros

• Smooth multi-point pairing
• Four microphones per ear
• Compact size
• LDAC support

Cons

• Cost

Technics may be most synonymous with club turntables thanks to its legendary SL-1200 (now 1210MKII), a deck used worldwide by DJs. Still, music listeners (rather than performers) should immediately acquaint themselves with the company’s new EAH-AZ80 earbuds. Their marquee feature is triple multipoint pairing—the ability to keep the earbuds connected to three devices simultaneously—but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve had the opportunity to test the earbuds for a couple of weeks, and they’ve become the top pair we’ve tried in 2023.

Let’s start with their multipoint pairing, which works astonishingly well. After pairing the earbuds to a couple of devices, they would automatically connect to both as long as they were within range. If I paused music on the first device, I could hit play on the second, and the audio would immediately start to play. The same was true when I threw a third device into the mix—to be clear, I approach any Bluetooth earbuds multipoint pairing with skepticism, and no earbuds claim to work with three devices. This is very difficult to pull off technically, and the only earbuds that have done it as well are Apple’s AirPods 2. But Apple’s top-tier earbuds only support seamless multipoint pairing when connected to the company’s other devices. The EAH-AZ80s can be multipoint paired with any gear regardless of its operating system.

On the active noise cancellation front, these earbuds stand above the AirPods Pro 2 but not quite at the level of QuietComfort Earbuds II. They blocked out almost—but not quite—as much sound as the latter. Commuters and travelers can turn to Technics earbuds for excellent ANC performance, and it’s up to most of the rest of the audio industry to play catch up. As for how others can hear you through ambient noise, eight high-sensitivity MEMS mics plus advanced noise reduction capture and transmit your voice clearly. Surprisingly, Technics went from off our consumer earbud radar to near the top, but that’s how good the EAH-AZ80s have performed in our tests.

While we were pleased with the earbuds’ technical performance, we were blown away by how good the 10mm free-edge drivers (housed in a custom acoustic chamber) sound. Rich bass, smooth as silk midrange, and clear highs were present each time we hit play. It didn’t matter if we were listening to Miles Davis’ “Kind Of Blue” for the umpteenth time or catching up with the latest Dawes album released earlier this year; the EAH-AZ80s would continue to reveal new sounds during repeated listenings. These are reference-grade Bluetooth earbuds, especially if you’re using one of the few devices that support the LDAC codec (either a small selection of Android smartphones or a dedicated digital audio player), which offers near-lossless audio quality streamed wirelessly. If you have the right setup and audio files, these earbuds are basically peerless.

All of this performance comes at a cost, and while the EAH-AZ80s aren’t the most expensive earbuds out there, they’re a sizable investment. However, if you regularly bounce between different devices, stream high-resolution audio, prefer smaller earbuds, or can appreciate any combination of the three, we can’t see how these earbuds would let you down.

Best battery life: beyerdynamic Free BYRD

Tony Ware

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Specs

• Style: True wireless
• Battery life: Up to 11 hours
• Active noise cancellation: Yes
• IP rating: IPX4
• Microphones: Yes (2)

Pros

• Incredible battery life
• Bundled with eight sets of ear tips
• Phenomenal fit

Cons

• They stick out from your ears

Beyerdynamic has been a part of the audio world for decades, impressing us with its mixing headphones, among others, but its latest long-lasting earbuds took us by surprise. While we were pleased by the Free BYRD’s sound and fit, its 11-hour battery life (eight if you leave active noise cancellation off) is in the top tier of true wireless earbuds. If you toggle ANC on and off regularly, you should have no problem getting nine hours of music playback before popping them back into their case. If you do somehow run out of juice during a single listening session, the Free BYRD’s case offers an hour of music playback off a 10-minute charge.

Most true wireless earbuds last roughly five to six hours with ANC turned on—the extra two hours offered by the Free BYRDs make a huge difference on a transatlantic flight, where tuning out the whirring sound of an engine can make the difference between sleep and misery. The Free BYRDs’ battery life is impressive, but it’s not the only reason they’ve made the cut. We were also very taken by the earbuds’ noise cancellation, which only comes up short when compared to the QuietComfort Earbuds II.

While the Free BYRDs didn’t produce the same eerie isolation chamber-like effect as Bose’s earbuds, they did block out a significant amount of noise. When listening to music at 80%, only the loudest sounds—think a sudden, expected clang, or jackhammer on the street—could pierce the bubble. One of the reasons for this impressive performance was that Beyerdynamic includes eight pairs of eartips in the box, so you can find the ones that fit your ears perfectly.

A tight seal around your ear is essential to getting good active noise-cancelling performance, and the Free BYRDs pass that test with flying colors. A tight seal can put unwanted pressure on the inside of your ear, but that was never the case with these earbuds. Another upside: The earbud seal was so tight we could headbang to our heart’s content without the risk of them falling out.

Concerning audio, the Free BYRDs’ 10mm dynamic drivers produced sound on par with our top-rated earbud pick, the AirPods Pro 2. They support SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codecs in their Bluetooth 5.2 container. In our tests, which included listening to music from different genres and spoken word audio like podcasts and audiobooks, the Free BYRDs never skipped a beat. Everything we listened to sounded surprisingly natural, which is particularly great when listening to people speaking.

Punchy bass, midrange clarity, and never-crispy treble are always a winning combination, as they are here. The sound was so good we never thought about mucking with the digital EQ in beyerdynamic’s MIY app. You can run through a hearing test in the app to tune these earbuds based on how sensitive your ears are to different frequencies, but this is entirely optional. We can’t imagine anyone being upset with the way the Free BYRDs sound out of the box.

You should be aware of the guitar pick-like shape of these earbuds, which makes them protrude from your ears. It’s not that you look silly wearing the Free BYRDS, but they will look different than most modern earbuds. That’s a small price to pay for their great sound, solid active noise cancellation, and exceptional battery life.

Best for sustainability: House of Marley Redemption ANC 2

Brandt Ranj

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Specs

• Style: True wireless
• Battery life: Up to 6 hours
• Active noise cancellation: Yes
• IP rating: IPX5
• Microphones: Yes (2)

Pros

• Made from sustainable materials
• Fast charging support
• Surprisingly good fit

Cons

• Lackluster app

With the Redemption ANC 2 earbuds, House of Marley has made bedfellows out of technology and sustainability without any major concessions. These earbuds—case and all—are made (in part) from a mix of solid bamboo, natural wood fiber composite, and recycled plastics.

In our tests, choosing these materials didn’t impact the Redemption ANC 2s sound, fit, or noise cancellation performance, which is especially impressive considering their relatively low price. They even beat some of our favorite earbuds in the durability department due to their IPX5 rating, which will protect them from damage by sweat or splashes of water—getting caught running in a rainstorm won’t spell trouble. This feature is especially welcome because the Redemption ANC 2 earbuds’ fit is so good that we can easily recommend them for working out. Running and jumping couldn’t dislodge them from our ears.

Active noise cancellation is the namesake feature of these earbuds, and we were pretty pleased with their performance in this area. They aren’t at the level of our more premium earbud recommendations, but that’s to be expected given their sub-$160 price. The earbuds effectively blocked keyboard typing and footsteps, but loud noises like car horns could still be heard prominently. They may not be the best choice for airplane flights, but the Redemption ANC 2s are perfectly suited for office use.

Our experience with the earbuds’ sound was similarly satisfying. We could detect a difference in clarity when comparing the Redemption ANC 2s directly to the AirPods Pro 2 or QuietComfort Earbuds II, but that didn’t dampen our enjoyment of listening to music. If you get these earbuds, you’re not going to be disappointed by the way they sound unless you veer toward audiophile hardware, in which case the Redemption ANC 2s aren’t targeted at you. There was some muddiness in the low end and some sibilance at the high end, but overall the earbuds produced a pleasing sound. You can mitigate some of these audio abnormalities by tuning the EQ in House of Marley’s app, but we were disappointed by how barebones this software was.

Despite this setback, we feel comfortable recommending the House of Marley ANC 2s to anyone who takes the sustainability of their technology seriously. You’ll end up with a good-sounding, great-fitting set of relatively inexpensive true wireless earbuds with a fair lower environmental impact than most gadgets.

Best for gamers: ASUS ROG Cetra

Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

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Specs

• Style: True wireless
• Battery life: Up to 5.5 hours
• Active noise cancellation: Yes (Hybrid)
• IP rating: IPX4
• Microphones: Yes (2)

Pros

• Virtual 7.1 surround sound
• Case has an LED
• Price

Cons

• Not the fullest ANC
• So-so audio quality for music

ASUS’ ROG Cetra is a pair of budget-priced true wireless earbuds with features designed for gamers—provided you use the company’s Armory Crate software. One advantage of the ROG Cetras is that the earbuds fit into a hardware ecosystem. ASUS has desktops, laptops, mobile gaming handhelds, controllers, and these earbuds are designed to fit in. Their case has a pleasing rounded-off shape, and opening it reveals an LED—a trademark of PC gaming rigs.

The earbuds themselves feel comfortable to wear and get solid battery life for a pair that costs under $100. We didn’t find ourselves reaching for a charger more than twice a week during our tests, which is on par with earbuds that cost three times the price. The biggest difference between the ROG Cetras and their premium counterparts is noise cancellation. These earbuds support hybrid noise cancellation, which uses external and internal feedforward/feedback mics but isn’t fully effective at blocking noise. Light background sounds would fade away, but moderately loud ones remained audible.

A big draw for gamers who use ASUS Armoury Crate software is the ability to activate the low-latency gaming mode and use these earbuds to create a virtual 7.1 surround sound environment. The effect wasn’t as impressive as Spatial Audio on the AirPods Pro 2, but we could hear some additional separation when the settings were correct. The experience varied from game to game, and ASUS can’t control the sound mixing of each title, so your experience may vary.

We’re recommending these earbuds to gamers because they were designed with this use case in mind. Chiptune music from older and indie games, or explosions and dialogue from newer ones, sounded pretty good, but the ROG Cetra’s 10mm drivers weren’t tuned for music, which didn’t sound very clear. Nuances we could hear with higher-end earbuds were gone on the Cetras, and it was more difficult to discern sounds across different frequency ranges. If you need a pair of inexpensive earbuds to pair with your portable gaming machines, these are a solid pick, but music lovers should look at our other recommendations.

Best for working out: Apple Beats Fit Pro

Stan Horaczek

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Specs

• Style: True wireless
• Battery life: 6 hours single-charge; 24 hours with case
• Active noise cancellation: Yes
• IP rating: IPX4
• Microphones: Yes

Pros

• High-performance active noise canceling in a compact earbud design
• Secure design stays in ear when running or working out
• Compatible with dynamic head tracking on iOS devices
• Includes pocket-sized travel case and three eartip options

Cons

• No wireless charging
• iOS device required for full functionality
• Not protected against water immersion
• No multipoint pairing

We’ve thoroughly reviewed the Apple Beats Fit Pro, and they’re the best for working out thanks to their sound quality, movement-friendly design, and fantastic iOS compatibility. They contain the same proprietary H1 chip found in Apple’s AirPods, enabling near-instantaneous pairing, steady, reliable connections to iOS devices, and battery life optimization. Like AirPods, the Beats Fit Pro earbuds are also fully compatible with iOS head-tracking and Spatial Audio features for simulated surround sound and immersive media listening. Their inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes make them equally useful on the road and at the gym. We also love the range of colors these buds come in, particularly their unique skin tone range.

The Beats Fit Pro earbuds are designed to sit securely in your ears using small rubber wings that rest comfortably against your outer ear along with three sets of variously sized ear tips. A quick optional setup step uses the earbuds’ onboard microphones to test your fit for sound leaks. Once your optimal fit is achieved, the Beats Fit Pro can endure almost every exercise imaginable—from running to rowing—without budging. The earbuds’ conveniently pocked-sized charging case brings their total battery life to around 24 hours. While it would be nice to see wireless charging in a product with this price tag, we appreciate that the case is chargeable via USB-C rather than Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector.

If you work out regularly and are an iPhone user, you’d be seriously hard-pressed to find a better in-ear option because of the snug fit, balanced sound, and seamless iOS connectivity. If you’re sold on the Beats features but are looking for an option with earhooks, the Powerbeats Pro earbuds are also a solid choice.

Best planar-magnetic earphones: 7Hertz Timeless AE

Chris Coke

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Specs

• Style: Wired
• Type: Closed-back earphones
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz
• Impedance: 14.8 ohm
• Sensitivity: 104dB
• Weight: 5.5 grams (each earpiece)

Pros

• Very well-tuned, balanced sound
• Full of detail
• Good bass performance

Cons

• Unusual shape 
• Limited soundstage

Unlike dynamic and balanced armature drivers, which comprise most earbuds, planar magnetics feature larger, thinner membranes—contributing to lighting-quick low-distortion transients but often require more voltage to drive. Luckily, the technology has evolved so that planar earphones are no longer expensive unicorns. Still, there has rarely been such a well-tuned option at such an affordable price. The magic of the 7Hertz Timeless AE lies in the tuning of its 14.2mm drivers (powered by double-sided N52 magnet arrays), updated to provide deeper, more impactful bass and smoother treble for hours of easy listening. It’s a warmer sound that delivers an enjoyable amount of detail, combining to make these earphones a well-balanced buy at $249. If you’re into wired earphones and want ones that don’t skimp on the bass, the 7Hz Timeless AE is an impeccable balance of price and performance. The Timeless isn’t perfect, however. It breaks the mold with the divisive, quarter-like shape of its earpieces. You’ll either be ambivalent about the shape or outright hate the shells—there doesn’t seem to be much in between.

And suppose you’ve got $1,500 and want something exclusively yours. In that case, the Campfire Audio Supermoon is an in-ear monitor featuring 14mm, 2-micron-thick planar drivers in solid-body enclosures custom-molded to your ear canals. The bass is textured but controlled, the midrange is dynamic, and the treble is honest (which can be a good or bad thing, depending on the recording). Planar IEMs are really coming into their own.

Best budget: EarFun Air Pro 3

Tony Ware

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Specs

• Style: True wireless
• Battery life: Up to 9 hours
• Active noise cancellation: Yes (Hybrid)
• IP rating: IPX5
• Microphones: Yes (6)

Pros

• Bluetooth 5.3—with support for SBC, AAC, aptX adaptive, plus LE Audio & LC3
• Multipoint connectivity
• 45-hour playtime: 9 hours + 36 hours with wireless-compatible charging case
• Delivers insane performance:price ratio

Cons

• ANC, while good, isn’t going to match premium earbuds
• Mics can pick up wind
• Volume can seem low with some devices
• Not going to rival the sonic separation of earbuds that cost 3x as much (but they cost 3x as much)

There’s cheap, and then there’s a bargain, and the two shouldn’t be confused. The EarFun Air Pro 3 is the latter: budget TWS earbuds that pack ridiculous features and value for $79 (less with regular discounts). Stemmed earbuds in the style of their namesake (the AirPods, natch), the Air Pro 3 earbuds feature active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.3, six mics, 9 hours of battery life, touch controls, multipoint connections, and more in a classic, comfortable ergonomic form factor. If you like the idea of AirPods but not the price, especially if you want that type of earbuds for an Android device, the Air Pro 3 is a top pick.

Bluetooth 5.3—with support for SBC, AAC, aptX adaptive, plus LE Audio & LC3—delivers a low-power, stable signal to feed the 11mm wool composite dynamic drivers higher-bitrate content. Bass is the standout frequency band, punchy without being paunchy, but its confident strut is nicely balanced by fleshy midrange and bright highs. And QuietSmart 2.0 hybrid active noise cancellation up to 43dB ensures you can enjoy that richly appointed range; it’s not Bose-level ANC but proves more than efficient. Plus, there’s a graphic EQ-enabled app to tweak settings and coax clarity. While imaging isn’t the best, and they’re not the most compact, the EarFun Air Pro 3 earbuds are great if you want to take some fun thump on your commute and they are the budget ANC earbuds to beat, particularly for fans of modern bass-heavy genres.

What to consider when shopping for the best earbuds

From a secure fit to fabulous sound, the best earbuds can provide what you need. Here are the main things to consider when shopping: 

How can I ensure a good fit?

TWS earbuds have become so popular, in part, because companies have been able to develop earbuds that won’t fall out. The best wireless earbuds include ear tips (typically sized S, M, and L, but sometimes including middle sizes like SM or ML) that fit snugly and comfortably in the canal of your ear. Some models offer flexible wings or fins that fit the concha and make the earbuds feel locked in place, while others come with hooks or malleable wires that curl over your ear to secure things. Deciding on the best design is a personal choice but, thankfully, many models come with multiple ear tip options—most often a mix of silicone (better for quick insertion/removal) and foam (better for isolation)—to give you a good chance of finding a fit that’s right for your ears. 

What if I might get caught in the rain?

The best earbuds offer some water resistance, and you can even find waterproof earbuds. The way to determine how your electronics can cope with environmental intrusions is by checking the Ingress Protection, or IP, rating—two numerals that indicate resistance to liquids and dust. Earbuds can go all the way up to an IP68 rating—meaning they can be fully submerged in over 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damage, and won’t be heard by a tumble into the sand at a beach. If you live in a wet climate or work up a prodigious sweat on the treadmill, look for models with higher water-resistance ratings. But if you just need earbuds that can withstand a little drizzle or a few drops of sweat, an IPX4 rating could suffice. Many charging cases for the best wireless earbuds offer their own amount of water and dust protection. However, some of the best budget wireless earbuds sacrifice that added security to reduce costs.  

What if I’m a music-first type? 

TWS earbuds can work for audiophiles. The best earbuds have high-resolution receivers, digital audio converters, custom-tuned drivers, and amplifiers that combine to deliver sound replicating the original recording as closely as possible. Look for the newest 5.2 or 5.3 versions of the Bluetooth protocol with support for codecs (the digital format that compresses and transmits the sound) that match your device to your earbuds. Everyone supports SBC, but Apple prefers AAC, Sony promotes LDAC, and Android devices are likelier to support aptX/aptX HD/aptX adaptive/aptX Lossless. And these various formats operate at varying bitrates, from basic to high-resolution, with the top of the scale minimizing the lossy properties of compression.

Additionally, information like frequency response can tell you how well the earbuds reproduce low tones to high notes—20Hz to 20kHz is the baseline from which to expand—while the maximum decibel output tells you its capability. At the end of the day, the surest test is to see how the buds sound in your ears, but some of the best earbuds offer detailed EQ customization that almost ensures they’ll play music tailored to your tastes. And if you’re looking for the purest signal, it’s always going to come wired.  

What if I need some peace and quiet?

Almost all earbuds provide some amount of passive noise isolation, which means that they are designed with snug-fitting tips that can mute the outside world. Many of the best earbuds, however, offer active noise cancellation (ANC), which means microphones measure surroundings and speakers emit sound waves to neutralize the ambient noise in your environment—the effect makes listeners feel like they are in a cocoon of silence (though some users report a pressurized sensation). Some high-end earbuds step it up to adaptive noise-canceling, which adapts the noise-canceling algorithm based on the sound levels/types or location, and this is often accompanied by a transparency mode, which lets in (and sometimes amplifies) ambient sound when you want to listen to music but also need to hear external announcements, the traffic coming up behind you, etc.    

Yeah, what if I still have devices with a headphone jack?

If you’re an audiophile needing the most full-spectrum sound or a gamer needing the lowest lag, or maybe you’re just traveling and want to plug into the in-flight entertainment, shop for the best wired earbuds. While Bluetooth 5.0 should provide a fairly seamless connection, the only way to entirely eliminate lag or frequency response loss is to plug in—although the best Bluetooth earbuds limit these shortcomings to the point where most users can’t even notice it.

What if I’m taking a lot of calls?

If you want to talk to your helpful virtual assistant or want to handle work calls with your staff, you’ll need earbuds equipped with microphones (and if the earbuds have features including ANC, it’s safe to assume there are mics to spare). Beamforming microphones will focus on your voice rather than the sounds around you, while cheaper microphones may mean your listener will get lost in the chatter if you’re in a busy place. Earbud microphones are typically protected by fabric designed to limit wind noise, but if you have the buds in an amplifying mode rather than a noise-canceling mode, you may find the wind distracting.     

What if I need my earbuds to last all day?

Earbuds offer playtimes anywhere from a couple of hours to the length of a workday. Charging cases add additional hours—or even days—of battery life before needing to be plugged back in (typically with a USB-C connection). While average earbud life is anywhere between four and eight hours, recharging them typically takes 1.5 hours to 3.5 hours. And many of the best earbuds offer quick-charging options that let you gain an hour or so of playtime in a tiny fraction of that time.   

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best earbuds

• Best overall: Apple AirPods Pro 2
• Best noise-cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
• Best for multiple devices: Technics EAH-AZ80
• Best battery life: beyerdynamic Free BYRD
• Best for sustainability: House of Marley Redemption ANC 2
• Best for gamers: ASUS ROG Cetra
• Best for working out: Apple Beats Fit Pro
• Best planar-magnetic earphones: 7Hz Timeless AE
• Best budget: EarFun Air Pro 3

In many ways, the best earbuds are earbuds that you don’t even think about. They fit in your ear without coming loose and they deliver a sound quality as good as live music. Still, shopping for the best earbuds leaves you with much to consider. Set your price point and go from there. Then, determining whether you need features like ANC, transparency, low latency, and customizable sound depends on how you plan to use them and the sharpness of your ear. With the array of earbud options available, you can definitely find the best earbuds for you. Here’s to making a sound choice.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best earbuds in 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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Definitive Technology just recently released its Dymension Tower Speaker. With new releases mean you can get older tech that still holds up for a crazy good deal, like this Definitive Technology BP9020 High Power Bipolar Tower Speaker with Integrated 8″ Subwoofer—it’s on sale for $299.99, down from $649. That’s 54% off!

Definitive Technology BP9020 High Power Bipolar Tower Speaker with Integrated 8″ Subwoofer $299.99 (Was $649)

Definitive Technology

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Upgrade to an expressive stereo system with the Definitive Technology BP9020 High-Power Bipolar Tower Speaker, which gives you detailed, room-filling sound. A Forward-Focused Bipolar Array—featuring a front 1″ tweeter and (2) 3.5″ mid-drivers paired with rear-facing 3.5″ mid-driver—gives you a precise center image along with bodied, expansive sound, and an integrated 8″ powered subwoofer gives you better low-end extension without having to add a separate cube into your set-up. You can also get specific with your bass-iness with intelligent bass control, which lets you modulate deep bass levels up and down without wrecking mid-range tonal balance. And Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support lets you get multi-dimensional with your sound when you expand to a compatible AV receiver and additional channels, including the optional A90 height speaker. All of this tech is packed into an inert, resonance-free cabinet so your floors don’t bungle the tech magic happening inside. Pick up a pair today, hit play, and slay!

If you have more room in the budget, the MartinLogan Motion 60XTi Floorstanding Speaker in Red Walnut is also going for a crazy price. It’s currently on sale for $999.99, down from $1,874.98—that’s 47% of savings on a third-gen speaker that still gives immersive, clear sound.

Once you go hi-fi, it’s hard to go back—and you won’t be able to experience audiophile-level quality this cheap if you don’t snag this deal.

Here are other speaker and home audio deals that speak to us:

• Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker $249 (Was $299)
• Definitive Technology AW 5500 All Weather Speaker $199 (Was $249)
• Edifier MR4 Powered Studio Monitor Speakers $99.99 (Was $129.99)
• JBL Bar 500: 5.1-Channel Soundbar $499.95 (Was $599.95)
• JBL Bar 1000: 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar $999.95 (Was $1,199.95)
• Mackie CR-X Series, Premium Desktop PC Soundbar with Bluetooth $143.99 (Was $259.99)
• Mackie CR-X Series, Powered Floor-Standing Subwoofer (CR6S-X) $143.99 (Was $179.99)
• Yamaha Audio SR-B20A Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofers and Bluetooth $149.95 (Was $199.95)
• Klipsch Reference Next-Generation R-50C Horn-Loaded Center Channel Speakers $263 (Was $379)

The post Listen to this—get 50% off a Definitive Technology speaker on Amazon before Memorial Day appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best Overall		Sanken Cos-11D		SEE IT	Professional-grade audio in a tiny package
Best For DSLR		Sennheiser EW 112P G4		SEE IT	Natural-sounding mic with a powerful wireless kit
Best Mic For Streaming		Audio Technica AT899		SEE IT	A wired lav that’s used throughout many industries

Lavalier mics capture clear and clean audio in a small and lightweight package while leaving people’s hands free for other things. It’s a simple mission, and whether they’re used on a movie set, news broadcast, live presentation, or podcast, these ubiquitous clip-on mics have performed it well for decades. 

Lavaliers—also commonly known as a lapel mic, body mic, or, simply, a lav—come in wired varieties that plug into a power source and then directly into a recorder, computer, mixer, or PA system. Wireless models rely on a small transmitter and receiver pack that allow wearers a full range of unencumbered movement. Both can sound excellent, and choosing the right one depends entirely on your goals.

Lavs have a place in any dedicated audio kit, studio, or camera bag—or attached to your computer for Zoom meetings. And because they’re available at a variety of price points, you don’t need to be a professional sound engineer to afford one. We’ve assembled five of the best lavalier microphones to help you cut through the noise and find the one that best suits your needs.

• Best lavalier mic: Sanken Cos-11D
• Best for DSLR: Sennheiser EW 112P G4
• Best for iPhone: Rode smartLav+
• Best mic for streaming: Audio Technica AT899
• Best budget: Giant Squid Audio Labs

How we chose the best lavalier mics 

When considering which lavalier microphones to include in our recommendations, we relied on our own experience and also consulted with other professionals in the film, TV, streaming, and recording worlds to find out which mics they use. We read trade journals and websites and checked online impressions to see what typical users thought of the equipment. We narrowed the field down to 10 excellent microphones, focusing first and foremost on audio quality and then considering size, types of connectors, power sources, and, of course, price. When evaluating wireless kits, we evaluated the quality of the lav first and then looked at transmitter and receiver specs to check things like the robustness of their signals, their effectiveness in handling interference, and the flexibility of their features.

The best lavalier mics: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Sanken Cos-11D

Sanken

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Why it made the cut: This professional-grade microphone captures the human voice without noticeable coloration, and its small size makes it easy to hide. No wonder you’ll find the Cos-11D on many TV and movie sets.

Specs

• Frequency Range: 50Hz-20kHz
• Connection Type: XLR-3M, Locking 3.5mm TRS
• Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional

Pros

• Natural, open sound
• Small and easy to hide
• Picks up very little clothing rustle
• Resistant to sweat and moisture

Cons

• More expensive than many lavs

The Sanken Cos-11D condenser mic has a frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz and captures wide, open, and natural sound. This 4mm lavalier hides easily under clothes, and a small boost in the upper-mid frequencies helps to counter any muffling effect.

With an omnidirectional polar pattern, the mic captures audio clearly even when positioned off-axis—it’s pretty forgiving when not placed perfectly. A built-in mesh screen helps resist RF interference while also providing a fair degree of protection against sweat and smeary makeup. Sanken makes the lapel mic in various connector configurations to fit any use and it comes with an alligator clip; small snap-on windscreen; and plastic sleeve to help when mounting it under clothes.

Finding fault with the Cos-11D isn’t easy, but this level of quality comes with a higher price tag. If your budget isn’t there yet, or your applications just aren’t as demanding as the professional broadcast world, other mics can deliver excellent sound in almost as small a package for less money.

Best for DSLR: Sennheiser EW 112P G4

Sennheiser Pro Audio

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Why it made the cut: Sennheiser pairs their excellent ME2-II microphone with a flexible wireless transmitter and receiver for a kit that won’t tie up filmmakers or streamers with extra cables.

Specs

• Frequency Range: 50Hz-18kHz
• Connection Type: Locking 3.5mm TRS
• Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional

Pros

• Rugged construction
• Easy to set up
• Comes with transmitter and receiver

Cons

• Requires a lot of batteries
• Audio can sound somewhat boxy

Sennheiser’s EW112P wireless kit includes their ME2-II omnidirectional microphone, a wireless transmitter, and receiver. It’s a clean-sounding, affordable kit that’s become a workhorse on indie films, documentaries, live presentations, worship services, business events—basically, any situation where movement is key. The 5.6-ounce receiver won’t weigh down your digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera and the transmitter easily slips into a pocket or clips to a belt. 

The microphone 50Hz to 18Khz frequency response doesn’t match those found on higher-end, professional lavaliers. But it still performs well without coloring the sound too much or adding mud to the low-end. The mic handles sudden boosts in volume well. Like other mics with omnidirectional polar patterns, the ME2-II isn’t picky about where you place it. However, it’s susceptible to rustling from clothes, so be careful if trying to hide it. 

The plastic and metal transmitter sends a signal up to 330 feet and features 1680 RF channels to help you avoid interference from other wireless sources. Digital displays on both the transmitter and receiver provide information on battery status, output level, and RF level. Each runs on convenient AA batteries, though you’ll want to buy a lot of them—best practices are that you change batteries before each shoot just to be safe. The kit includes cables terminating in both XLR and 3.5 TRS jacks for connecting the receiver to any kind of camera, as well as a convenient, plastic cold-shoe mount. 

Best for iPhone: Rode smartLav+

Rode

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Why it made the cut: The smartLav+ includes Rode’s iPhone recording app that features editing functions and EQ settings, and can export files to SoundCloud and Dropbox.  

Specs 

• Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
• Connection Type: 3.5mm TRRS
• Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional

Pros

• Kevlar-reinforced cable resists stretching and tearing
• Included pop filter to cut down on plosive B and P sounds
• Custom iPhone recording app
• Compatible with third-party recording apps

Cons

• May require a TRRS-to-TRS adapter for use with some DSLRs.
• No version of Rode’s app for Android devices

Rode has a reputation for building affordable, high-quality mics. The smartLav+ plugs into an iPhone and you can use the company’s custom app to record, edit, and upload your audio. It’s great for anyone looking for a simple, streamlined recording solution that doesn’t require additional equipment. This body mic will work with Android phones as well, but you’ll need a third-party app. You can also plug it into DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, but you consult the camera’s manual to see if you’ll also need a TRRS-to-TRS adapter. 

As expected, this omnidirectional microphone picks up sound from all sides for easy use. It comes with a pop-filter to cut down on plosives—the hard B, P, and T sounds that can wreak havoc on a recording. Kevlar-reinforcing protects the cable from snapping, and the included mic mount includes an extra clip to help with wire management.   

Best mic for streaming: Audio Technica AT899

Audio-Technica

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Why It made the cut: The AT899’s small profile won’t distract your viewers, and it works off an included battery pack or 48v phantom power, making it easy to integrate into any type of streaming studio. 

Specs

• Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
• Connection Type: XLR
• Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional

Pros

• Professional-quality sound
• Small profile
• Multiple power options
• Includes battery pack

Cons

• Moderately expensive

The AT899 is a wired lavalier that offers professional-quality sound in a small, flexible package suitable for any streaming studio. The included power-pack connects the mic to any device, including computer interfaces, mobile recorders, or cameras. But this lav also supports 48-volt phantom power for streamlined integration into higher-end mixing consoles, streaming interfaces, or pre-amps.

The low-profile 5mm hides easily under clothes; but even when exposed, it’s small enough that it won’t distract your audience. A wide, flat 20Hz-20kHz frequency response captures the nuances of the human voice and an omnidirectional polar pattern offers flexibility.

You’ll need an XLR to 3.5mm TRS adapter if you want to plug it directly into a DSLR or computer without a balanced audio interface.

Best budget: Giant Squid Audio Labs

Giant Squid Audio Lab Company

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Why it made the cut: This lavalier from Giant Squid Audio Labs has a low price and surprisingly wide frequency response, making it ideal for people with tight budgets. 

Specs 

• Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
• Connection Type: 3.5mm TRS
• Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional

Pros

• Good sounding for a sub-$100 mic
• Convenient six-foot cord
• Low price

Cons

• Windscreen falls off easily
• Needs a TRRS adapter for smartphone use

With microphones, you often get what you pay for. However, Giant Squid Labs has done a nice job of delivering a reasonably flat-sounding lavalier for less than $50. Does it compete with a Sanken Cos-11D? Of course not—but the Sanken is about eight times the price. Still, Giant Squid Labs’ 20Hz-20kHz frequency response captures reasonably natural sound—even if it lacks a lot of the presence found in higher-end mics.

This budget lapel mic comes with an alligator clip, small windscreen, and a 6-foot cord. The latter is nice; no one looks great in a Zoom meeting when sitting too close to a web camera. And the windscreen helps cut down on noise when using the mic outside. However, it falls off easily, so consider avoiding heavy winds. The mic connects to a computer or other device using a 3.5mm TRS connector. If you want to use it with a smartphone, you’ll need a TRS-to-TRRS adapter.

Things to consider before buying the best lavalier mics

Wired or wireless

Lavalier microphones come in two basic varieties: Wired and wireless. Wired lavs connect to a small power source (usually an AA battery pack) that plugs into a recorder, PA system, or computer interface. It’s a strong signal path that won’t suffer from any interference. However, the length of the mic cable limits the wearer’s movement.

Wireless lavaliers plug into a small, wearable transmitter that sends the audio signal to a receiver plugged into a recorder or PA system. Wireless lavaliers provide complete freedom of movement, making them useful for video projects or presentations. While the transmitters and receivers have adjustable channels and frequencies to help avoid interference, sometimes they’ll still run into trouble in areas with too many other wireless systems. 

Pick-up pattern

Microphones have something called pick-up (or polar) patterns, which describe the way mics capture or reject sound. Most lavaliers have either omnidirectional or cardioid patterns. The first picks up sound evenly from all sides, a handy trick when there’s no way to perfectly position the mic. An omnidirectional mic attached to someone’s collar will capture sound almost as well as one placed on a lapel or tie. Mics with cardioid patterns, on the other hand, are directional, requiring more careful placement—make sure they’re pointed toward the speaker’s mouth. A less forgiving mic might sound like a big drawback, but because cardioid patterns are better at rejecting sound from the sides, these lavs work well in noisy spaces. When purchasing a body mic, think hard about the environment where you’ll use it the most.  

Power

Many lavaliers are condenser mics, and condensers need external power to operate. And let’s not forget, wireless mics require power for their transmitters and receivers. In either case, most of these body mics, as well as transmitters and receivers, run off AA batteries. Best practices say to change batteries before each use to avoid the risk of bad audio—or transmitters that drop signals entirely. Be prepared to stock up on AAs, and factor that into your budget. Good quality rechargeables will cost more at the outset, but they will cut costs and waste in the long run. 

Some lavaliers also accept 48+ volt phantom power from recorders, mixers, cameras, or other sources. These also have battery packs for use with other equipment. And other mics, like Rode’s smartLav+, can draw power through their 3.5mm jack. 

Connectors

The wires connected to lavaliers can terminate in a number of different jacks, including XLR, 3.5-inch TRS, and 3.5-inch TRRS for use with smartphones. Many companies manufacture their best clip-on mics in a variety of jack configurations. 

Durability

Lavaliers often take a lot of abuse. Not only can they get banged around, but their wires get twisted, and they’re sometimes attached to sweaty bodies. The best clip-on mics are durably built with at least a nod toward protecting them from low levels of moisture. Don’t submerge them, but don’t be afraid to attach them to someone who might be working in the sun all day. 

Attachments

Clip-on mics can attach to people in a variety of ways. Alligator-style clips are common and use a loop made from metal or rubber to hold the mic in place. If you don’t have anywhere to clip something like that, vampire clips use two small pins to attach the mic to clothing (hence the name). There are also magnetic attachments, which have a small metal disk that gets placed inside a shirt, and a small, magnetized loop that connects to it and holds the mic. Third-party manufacturers also make small foam or plastic sleeves that encase mics to minimize the rustling noise when hidden under clothes. Most lavaliers come with at least some basic attachments, but when buying others, find one that isn’t too big or small for your lav. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best lavalier mics

If you’re looking for the cleanest, clearest, professional-quality lavalier for your film or streaming program, and you’re not worried about your budget, then I absolutely recommend the Sanken Cos-11D. It’s become my go-to mic on documentaries and TV shows, and I often pair it with a Sennheiser wireless transmitter and receiver for the most flexibility. 

But I’ve also used mics that cost a third as much. Before I upgraded to the Sanken, I was happy with the Sennheiser ME2-II lav that comes in the EW 112P G4 wireless kit. As long as I placed it carefully and watched my levels, it never let me down. I still carry it in my kit as a backup. 

In the end, great equipment won’t do much if you don’t know how to use it. Take the time to learn proper miking techniques and develop your skills. 

The post The best lavalier mics of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs		SEE IT	These crowd pleasers provide balanced sound and a secure fit.
Best Aesthetics		Loop Experience Pro		SEE IT	Form meets function in this uber-stylish set.
Best for Musicians		Minuendo		SEE IT	Seamlessly adjust sound attenuation on the fly—no batteries required.

Earplugs for concerts are the MVPs of personal accessories: They’re easy to use, comfortable, and, most importantly, protect your hearing while letting you enjoy shows in full, heart-pounding fidelity. If you spend time at concerts, work or play in noisy settings, or just want to block out the outside world and get a little peace and quiet, earplugs are essential. It’s all about finding the best earplugs for concerts for you.

When it comes to enjoying music at full volume, we’re biased by what audiologists call the “annoyance factor.” Your favorite song, cranked up in your earbuds, never really feels overly loud but the pounding jackhammer across the street is unbearably noisy—when often, they’re equally dangerous.

People adapt psychologically to loud sounds they like—like music—and assume that if sound doesn’t hurt, it’s not hurting them. But, as anyone who’s woken up after a show with ringing ears knows, nothing could be farther from the truth. Fortunately, hearing protection is a simple, affordable solution, as we’ll show you in our roundup of 2023’s best earplugs for concerts.

• Best overall: Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs
• Best aesthetics: Loop Experience Pro
• Best for musicians: Minuendo
• Best invisible: Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs
• Best electronic: Elgin Rebel
• Best budget: Etymotic ER20XS

Why you should already be wearing earplugs

Real talk: Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent. It sneaks up on you in a slow, painless progression; by the time you recognize that there’s a problem, it’s usually too late to do anything about it. Making bad decisions now can come back to haunt you decades down the line: Just ask Dave Grohl, Jucifer (the underground duo whose battle with hearing loss inspired the film The Sound of Metal), or the countless artists who have gone public about their severe hearing damage caused by spending their whole careers turning things to 11.

Noise-induced hearing damage manifests in all sorts of insidious ways, from muffled highs and frequency dropouts to tinnitus, a continual ringing or buzzing in the ears. But the great news is, this kind of hearing loss is almost always preventable. All you need is basic ear protection.

Protecting your ears is all about exposure

Sound-induced hearing damage happens as a result of sudden acoustic trauma (like an explosion) or through chronic exposure to high sound levels. The general rule is, the louder the sounds and the longer the length of exposure, the greater the risk of hearing loss. For example, eight hours of exposure to sound levels of 85 decibels (equivalent to heavy street noise) is considered safe according to decibel exposure time guidelines, but at 100 dB—the level of a typical rock concert—safe exposure is limited to 15 minutes. (Free sound-metering apps such as Decibel X can measure surrounding noise and help keep your exposure in check.)

How we chose the best earplugs for concerts

PopSci’s resident audiophiles and musicians are lifelong fans of hearing protection; we compared our own experiences using earplugs over the years, including many of the products here. It’s difficult to measure the actual attenuation level offered by earplugs without specialized equipment so, for that, we relied on provided specs. But we were able to evaluate fit and comfort across a broad range of ears and in a range of scenarios, and we put features like apps through the paces wherever possible. Because hearing loss is a medical condition, we consulted audiologists who are also musicians to get their advice on navigating the unique hazards of the concert environment.

The best earplugs for concerts: Reviews & Recommendations

At the risk of sounding like your meddling aunt, nobody can protect your hearing but you. Start your journey to safer, more enjoyable concert experiences now with our guide to the best earplugs.

Best overall: Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs

Eargasm

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Why it made the cut: These affordable silicone earplugs feel great in your ears and offer balanced attenuation, for a more natural sound profile usually only available in expensive models.

Specs 

• Attenuation: 21 dB
• Material: Silicone
• Customizable fit: Yes
• Storage case: Waterproof aluminum

Pros

• Balanced sonic attenuation
• Durable build quality
• Two shell options for fine-tuning fit

Cons

• Blue shell visibly protrudes from ear canal

Many earplugs, including standard-issue disposable foam models, do an excellent job attenuating noise but end up blocking a lot more highs than lows, leading to that dull, muffled sound that makes you want to yank them out of your ears. Perennial crowd favorite Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs incorporate filters that even out attenuation—it’s like turning down the overall volume knob, not just the treble. Eargasm’s three-tiered, flanged, conical design makes it easy to ensure a seal in your ear canal, which is critical for effective protection. And, the package includes two shells, letting you fine-tune the perfect fit. The included waterproof aluminum case attaches to a keyring for portability. Also available in a Smaller Ears model, as well as a Slide model that offers adjustable attenuation—a feature usually only seen in high-end models.

For a lower-priced option, consider Mack’s Hear Plugs flanged silicone earplugs, which preserve clear, natural sound across the frequency spectrum, using an open-air membrane filter system.

Best aesthetic: Loop Experience Pro

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: These wildly popular models offer adjustable attenuation—and are so cool looking that you can talk your teenager into wearing them.

Specs

• Attenuation: 18 or 23 dB
• Material: Silicone and foam
• Customizable fit: Yes
• Storage case: Hard hinged plastic

Pros

• Removable filters increase attenuation level
• Seven tip options for a perfect fit
• Jewelry-inspired style

Cons

• Case doesn’t include a keychain attachment

Not many earplugs double as fashion accessories. Loop Experience Pro breaks the mold, so to speak, providing robust, high-fidelity hearing protection in sleek, jewelry-inspired enclosures that look way more stylish than sticking orange wads of foam in your ears. Obviously, looks have nothing to do with hearing protection, but we’re fans of anything that ups earplugs’ cool factor if it’ll inspire you (or your kids) to wear them.  

Loop Experience Pro earplugs attenuate sound somewhat evenly across the frequency spectrum; two removable Loop Mute silicon filters let you tailor attenuation (-18 dB or -23 dB) to your surroundings and preferences, and resonant acoustic chambers inside their eponymous “loops” help optimize sound quality.

The Loop Experience Pro package includes four silicone ear tips, three foam ear tips, two sets of Loop Mute filters, and a plastic carry case. Models are available in a variety of colors and metallic finishes (such as silver, shown above) and can be washed with soap and water. A Quiet version, without adjustable filters and set at -27 dB (shown in red above), is just $20. If flash isn’t your thing, check out fully transparent Eardial earplugs, which virtually disappear inside your ears.

Best for musicians: Minuendo

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: Dial in the perfect sound attenuation level—and the perfect fit—with these highly customizable passive earplugs.

Specs

• Attenuation: 7–25 dB
• Material: Silicone
• Customizable fit: Yes
• Storage case: Hard plastic

Pros

• Stepless adjustable sound attenuation
• Flat attenuation for clear, natural sound
• Eleven tip sets cover just about any ear size

Cons

• Stepless level control is easy to incorrectly set

Designed and manufactured in Norway, Minuendo silicone earplugs are touted as the first passive (non-electronic) earplugs that offer “stepless” sound attenuation. (As someone who can’t live without her active adjustable earplugs, the “battery drain” struggle is real.)

Unlike many earplugs in this class that include switches or removable filters that increase or decrease volume attenuation in specific increments, Minuendo earplugs offer seamless, nuanced adjustment that slides the membrane from “open” (-7 dB) to “closed” ( -25 dB) and anywhere in between.

Minuendo’s low-profile black design features an innovative magnetic locking feature that lets you clasp the earplugs logo-to-logo while leashed around your neck so that you can worry less about losing them. Eleven sets of tips including foam, silicone, and flange designs, fit just about any ear out there. Wipe clean with water or alcohol.

Looking for a more affordable solution? Check out Earos One High Fidelity Acoustic Filters ($40); developed by audiologists and engineers from MIT’s Acoustics Lab, these flat-response earplugs are modeled after the sound curve of your ear to provide optimal sonic clarity and hearing protection.

Best invisible: Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs

Billy Cadden

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Why it made the cut: These earplugs are made with a clear tube that makes them nearly invisible and filter out up to 22 decibels of sound.

Specs

• Attenuation: 22 dB
• Material: Silicone
• Customizable fit: Yes
• Storage case: Hard plastic

Pros

• Low profile
• Come in three sizes
• Don’t compromise sound quality

Cons

• Some users say they can get stuck in ears
• Noise reduction may compromise audio quality

If you want to protect your hearing but prefer to keep that fact incognito, Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs are a good choice. Made of silicone, their clear outer sound tubes are discreet. The eartips come in three sizes—small, medium, and large—so you can get the best fit.  

These high-fidelity earbuds filter out up to 22 decibels of sound, but instead of blocking out noise, Vibes’ earplugs use attenuating filters to lower the volume of the surrounding environment as opposed to noise cancellation, so sound quality is preserved and you can still hear what’s going on around you. These earplugs also come with a hard plastic travel case for protection and they’re washable.

Best electronic: Elgin Rebel

Elgin

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Why it made the cut: These multitasking wonders let you listen to music, take calls, command your smart assistant, and light up the room—all while protecting your ears.

Specs

• Attenuation: 25 dB
• Material: Industrial-grade polymer
• Customizable fit: Yes
• Storage case: Industrial-grade polymer

Pros

• Multipurpose earbuds let you listen to music and make calls
• Bluetooth 5.1 functionality
• Case features a built-in flashlight

Cons

• You might be paying for features you don’t need

Elgin Rebel True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds are ideal for anyone looking for quality earbuds with sound attenuation and Bluetooth noise cancellation. These active earplugs combine Elgin’s advanced earplug design with earphone technology for immersive audio with 25 dB reduction in external sound. But that’s just the beginning.

A built-in noise-isolating mic lets you make clear, uninterrupted phone calls. Rebel is compatible with Siri and Google Assistant, allowing you to control playback and volume with your voice. Battery life is impressive, with 12+ hours of continuous audio playback on a single charge. Weatherproof enclosures have an IP65 rating, which means they are resistant to sweat, dust, and dirt damage.

Earbuds and case are constructed with industrial-grade, impact-resistant polymer. This all-in package includes six pairs of foam and silicone tips and a rugged polymer storage case that provides three additional battery charges—and in a first for earplugs, includes an integrated LED flashlight.

If you’re looking for rugged earplugs that also raise the level of sounds around you during quieter moments (in noisy work environments, or while hunting, for example), Caldwell E-Max Shadows Pro plugs provide even greater noise suppression while amplifying ambient sounds.

Best budget: Etymotic ER20XS

Etymotic Research

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Why it made the cut: From trusted audiology experts, these simple silicone models offer balanced sound attenuation at an entry-level price.

Specs

• Attenuation: 20 dB
• Material: Silicone
• Customizable fit: No
• Storage case: Plastic

Pros

• Reduce sound evenly across spectrum
• Backed by decades of audiology research
• Low-profile, stemless design

Cons

• No extra eartips

With deep roots in acoustic and hearing aid research and more than 100 patents, Etymotic has been innovating earphones and earplugs for 40 years. I haven’t left the house without the company’s pro electronic earplugs in a decade—but if $300 sounds like a crazy amount of money to spend on hearing protection, Etymotic’s $20 ER20XS High-Fidelity Earplugs might be for you.

These flanged silicone earplugs reduce sound evenly across the hearing spectrum, which makes them great for enjoying concerts in balanced, natural sound. The ER20XS’ low-profile, stemless design fits snugly in the outer ear without protruding, for a discreet look and comfort under headgear. These silicone earplugs are reusable but may lose elasticity with repeated use, so Etymotic recommends replacing the eartips every three to six months. Standard and Large package options each include a neck cord and carrying case that easily attaches to a keychain; a Universal Fit version ($25) includes extra foam and silicone tips.

Things to consider before buying the best earplugs for concerts

The best earplugs for concerts allow you to comfortably listen to music without compromising your hearing—or your experience. Then, it’s about matching features to your lifestyle.

What will you be using earplugs for?

There’s a difference between blocking sound you don’t want to hear and attenuating sound you do want to hear. If you’re in a factory or at a gun range and want to block out a continuous industrial din or potentially hazardous sudden noises, simple foam earplugs or earmuff protectors offer the most robust protection. For sleeping, it’s all about extended comfort. Simple, soft foam or silicone earplugs are ideal and purpose-designed sleep models, like Loop Quiet, are so comfy you might even forget you’re wearing them. But if you want to safely enjoy music without feeling like there’s cement in your ears, your best option is to invest in a pair of high-quality, flat-response earplugs, which lower sound evenly across the frequency spectrum for a natural, high-fidelity sonic signature.

Types of earplugs

Earplugs run the gamut from cheap, no-frills off-the-shelf earbuds to balanced-response earplugs to electronic systems with adjustable attenuation to professional custom-fit models, which require a visit to an audiologist. Here, we’re focusing on universal, off-the-shelf models.

Expandable foam earplugs are made of pliant material designed to conform to the shape of the ear canal. They’re inserted by first rolling them into compressed cylinders, then placing in the ear canal, where they expand to form a seal. Foam earplugs are the cheapest option and, because they cannot be washed, are considered disposable.

Pre-molded earplugs, constructed from silicone, rubber, or plastic, retain their size and shape when inserted into the ear canal. Because they don’t expand, they’re available in various sizes and often include a range of custom tips to ensure a perfect fit. Pre-molded earplugs can be cleaned and reused.

Earmuffs completely cover the outer ear and are often available with electronic components that suppress sudden noises or let users communicate. If you hate sticking things inside your ear canal and you don’t mind a somewhat bulky profile, earmuff protection might be for you.

Earplug tech innovations

When it comes to off-the-shelf, universal earplugs, technology advancements lean toward expanded feature sets, including noise cancellation, Bluetooth functionality, and companion apps. Some earplugs, such as Loop Experience Pro, feature acoustic innovations, such as resonant chambers, that promise to improve sound quality. Earmuff manufacturers are developing high-tech materials that reduce weight and bulk yet still effectively block noise. These improvements add up to improved sound and a better experience, which is great incentive to wear your earplugs more. And, aesthetic improvements (see: Loop Experience Pro’s jewelry-inspired look) mean your kids might wear them longer, too.

Just like cameras, the best earplugs are the ones you actually have on you when you need them. So, no matter which models you prefer, it can’t hurt to pick up a huge vat of inexpensive, disposables such as Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs, which are effective and ridiculously cheap at $8.99 for a tub of 50. (Left yours at home? Some cities, such as San Francisco and Minneapolis, require large venues to make free earplugs available to concertgoers.)

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best earplugs for concerts

• Best overall: Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs
• Best aesthetics: Loop Experience Pro
• Best for musicians: Minuendo
• Best invisible: Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs
• Best electronic: Elgin Rebel
• Best budget: Etymotic ER20XS

As musicians and music lovers, we know there’s nothing better than being front and center at your favorite concert, getting lost in the song, feeling every note in your bones. Ultimately, though, loud is loud, and every time you expose your ears to high volume levels, you’re putting your hearing at risk.

Luckily, today’s high-fidelity earplugs for concerts let you experience the full spectrum of sound while protecting your hearing: Highs are clear, lows are full, and the overall presentation is rich and detailed, just like without earplugs. All while preserving your precious hearing. Save your ears now; your future self will thank you.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best earplugs for concerts in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

There’s nothing more fun than making a fool out of yourself belting cheesy ’80s tunes, and karaoke machines can take the experience to a new level. Whether you’ve got a musical group of friends, love singing solo, or want to build up your confidence before stepping into a real karaoke bar, snag an at-home karaoke machine that’ll keep you rocking all year round. Set up a fog machine, some lights, and record performances to capture fond memories between friends (or for blackmail). Here are some of the best karaoke machines on the market.

• Best overall: Singsation Karaoke Machine
• Best budget: BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
• Best for kids: Singing Machine SML385BTW Karaoke System
• Best for pros: Karaoke USA Complete Karaoke System

How we chose the best karaoke machines

Popular Science cares deeply about audio and counts musicians and critics among our staff and freelancers. That sincere appreciation doesn’t mean we’re above belting out some power ballads when the situation is right. In rounding up the best karaoke machines on the market, we looked for connectivity; special features such as sound effects and LED lights; and the depth and breadth of the library of selections.

The best karaoke machines: Reviews & Recommendations

Karaoke, which translates to “empty orchestra” in Japanese, isn’t necessarily about musical talent. But the machines have an uncanny ability to bring people together and provide hours of fun. Whether you’ve got serious pipes or part of the chorus, these karaoke machines are primed for fun.

Best overall: Singsation Karaoke Machine

Amazon

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The all-in-one Singsation Karaoke machine includes one microphone, a 10-foot cord, and an adjustable mic stand with a smartphone holder on top to place your phone. Controls on the base of the stand allow you to choose from 25 LED lighting modes, 10 sound effects, and 60 voice modifiers like reverb or a helium effect. Connect your tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth to play the media.

Best budget: BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone

Amazon

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The portable, BONAOK mic connects to Bluetooth-enabled devices and features two built-in speakers that pump out 360-degree sound. The integrated battery holds enough juice for five hours of singing or about enough for about 100 renditions of Love Shack. It also plugs in via an optional auxiliary cable. Control the microphone, music, and echo levels on the device.

Best for kids: Singing Machine SML385BTW Karaoke System

Amazon

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This karaoke machine from Singing Machine is a simple option for children. It includes an array of 54 LED lights to make their performance more exciting. It comes with one microphone and can connect to your TV via RCA cables. Play music using the built-in CD player or connect a device via Bluetooth connection. All the controls—like lights, echo effect, and volume— sit conveniently on the front of the device making them easy to navigate.

Best for pros: Karaoke USA Complete Karaoke System

Amazon

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Karaoke USA’s complete system comes with a full-color seven-inch display screen and two microphones so you can sing a duet. You can play media from any device including Bluetooth, SD Card, CD, MP3 player, DVD, or via an app on your smartphone. The 35-watt speaker also comes with built-in LED lights that can sync with the rhythm of the music. Included in the box are RCA cables, an AUX cable, and a remote control. It also comes with two DVDs with 300 songs.

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Bose practically invented the noise-cancelling headphone category with the release of its over-ear QuietComfort cans years ago, and it’s brought that same technological prowess to its earbuds. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are the company’s latest model, and they’re the best noise-cancelling earbuds we’ve ever heard—now at their best price. Amazon has knocked $50 off their price for a limited time, which brings the earbuds back down to their lowest price ever. If you travel, commute, or want to listen to music in peace and quiet in a noisy environment, the QuietComfort Earbuds II are a wise investment.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, $249 (Was $299)

Bose

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Active noise-cancelling has become a standard feature for most Bluetooth earbuds over $100, but Bose went above and beyond to eke out as much performance from these earbuds as possible. The combination of Bose’s noise-cancellation algorithm, the earbuds’ fit (which provides passive noise cancellation and creates the optimal listening environment), and microphones are a winning combination. No headphones will block out 100% of outside sounds, but we were continually surprised at how the QuietComfort Earbuds II turned cacophony into background noise. Some noises—typing on a keyboard, the ticking of a mechanical clock, light footsteps—will be completely eliminated even when music isn’t playing.

If you play music at a moderate volume, you probably won’t be able to hear the sound of a bus or train. When listening to music at maximum volume, even loud sounds like the whirring of a jet plane’s engine won’t be audible. Older generations of active noise cancellation technology caused audio to sound wonky, requiring you to choose between how your music sounded and how much outside noise you wanted blocked. The QuietComfort Earbuds II sound virtually identical whether active noise cancellation is enabled or disabled. To that end, the earbuds sound fantastic, with well-balanced audio and no sign of unwanted artifacts like distortion or sibilance.

The QuietComfort Earbuds II are still an investment at their sale price, but they’re a bargain based on their performance. If you care about audio and creating a focus-friendly environment wherever you go, don’t skip this sale.

Here are some other deals that sound good:

• Bose QuietComfort 45, $279 (Was $329)
• Bose SoundLink Flex, $129 (Was $149)
• Beats Studio Buds, $99.95 (was $149.95)
• Beats Fit Pro, $159.95 (Was $199.95)
• Google Pixel Buds Pro, $159.99 (Was $199.99)
• JBL Flip 6, $99.95 (Was $129.95)
• Therabody RecoveryAir JetBoots $699 (Was $899 Note: Only the small and medium sizes appear to be on sale.)
• Deep Tissue Kneading Electric Back Massage for Neck $39 (Was $69)
• Back Massager Neck Massager with Heat $29 (Was $49)
• Boriwat Back Massager with Heat $39 (Was $169, but regularly $60)
• FIT KING Leg and Foot Massager with Heat $78 (Was $110)
• FIT KING Hand Massager with Heat for Hand Massage $69 (Was $110)
• FIT KING Massage Gun $39 (Was $80)

The post The best Bose noise-cancelling earbuds are $50 off at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb		SEE IT	A legendary warm tone and plenty of volume make this Fender icon a great all-around choice for stage and studio applications.
Best for home use		Roland Jazz Chorus-40		SEE IT	Solid-state circuitry gives this guitar amp some of the best clean tones on the market, making it a great palette for effects and part of a versatile home studio signal chain.
Best budget		Positive Grid Spark 40		SEE IT	A modeling amp, this is a portable portal to over 10,000 effects presets, as well as convenient play-a-long backing track and audio interface features for learning and recording.

In the world of electric guitars, the guitar amplifier is as essential a piece of equipment as the instrument itself. Available in varieties big and small, with a range of tone and circuitry options, guitar amps allow players to explore the creative bounds of the electric guitar’s capabilities on their own terms. Whether you’re looking for a portable guitar amp that packs a punch, a clean amp for effects, a small tube amp that delivers warm overdrive, or a classic amp that does a little bit of everything, this list of the best guitar amps has something for every player and every scenario.

• Best overall: Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb
• Best small: Supro 1612RT Amulet
• Best for practice: Roland JC-40
• Best under $500: ZT Amplifiers LunchBox Reverb Combo Amp
• Best budget: Positive Grid Spark 40-Watt Amp

How we chose the best guitar amps

When selecting the best guitar amps, we combined personal musical and production experience, the opinion of trusted peers, published critics, and online user impressions. We assembled this list of the best guitar amps with a focus on versatility and a secondary emphasis on brand reputation. Not every guitar amp is naturally suited to every genre of music or task, so we took care to choose the most sonically and creatively flexible guitar amps for each category based on their design and sound-sculpting abilities. We also included tube-based and solid-state designs to represent a wide range of tonal options. And we singled out a few items for their travel-friendly size.

The best guitar amps: Reviews & Recommendations

Not everyone has the space or plays the right style to justify investing in a Marshall stack (except maybe this one). But you’ve got one of the best electric guitars (or best electric guitars under $500), and you’re ready to kick out the jams, so here are our well-toned selections for best guitar amps.

Best overall: Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb

Julian Vittorio

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Why it made the cut: The Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb delivers legendary warm electric guitar tone and plenty of volume, making it a great all-around choice for stage and studio applications.

Specs

• Type: Tube
• Power: 22 watts
• Speakers: 1 x 12-inch
• Effects: Reverb, vibrato
• Dimensions: 17.5 x 24.5 x 9.5 inches (H x W x D)
• Weight: 42 pounds

Pros

• All-tube design delivers a wide range of classic tones
• Built-in tube-powered reverb and tremolo
• Multiple input channels for added flexibility

Cons

• Moderately heavy

The iconic Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb is an industry-favorite combo guitar amp known for its crisp clean tones, gritty tube overdrive, and tonal flexibility at a wide range of volumes that make it a perfect vehicle for playing rock, jazz, blues, country, and many other styles. The ’65 Deluxe Reverb is the mid-sized offering in Fender’s historically inspired black panel line, which includes the ’65 Princeton Reverb and ’65 Twin Reverb. It comes with a 12-inch Jensen speaker and 22 watts of power that give it ample flexibility and headroom in recording and live applications alike. A classic tube amp through and through, the Deluxe is powered by a total of nine valves and includes built-in tremolo, spring reverb, and a two-band EQ for a variety of lush tones and sound sculpting options.

While the Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb features a well-rounded design that balances power and size, its tube-based architecture includes plenty of transformers and other dense electronic components that make it considerably heavy. Still, it can handle the road miles (as shown in the above photo). If you’re looking for the same Fender black panel tone and design philosophy in a slightly easier-to-carry package, the 34-pound ’65 Princeton Reverb is a fantastic alternative that’s just as suitable for studio and stage applications with a slightly brighter and quieter sound profile.

Best small: Supro 1612RT Amulet

Supro

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Why it made the cut: The Supro 1612RT Amulet offers plenty of volume and selectable wattage for a variety of overdriven tones in a portable package.

Specs

• Type: Tube
• Power: 15 watts (switchable to 5 watts and 1 watt)
• Speakers: 1 x 10-inch
• Effects: Reverb, vibrato
• Dimensions: 17.5 x 17 x 8 inches (H x W x D)
• Weight: 28.9 pounds

Pros

• Adjustable power offers tube overdrive at any volume
• Very wide tonal palette with built-in EQ, reverb, and tremolo
• Compact design travels well

Cons

• Midrange-forward tone may be too dark for some players

After making a name for itself from the 1930s through the 1950s, legendary guitar manufacturer Supro went quiet. However, the brand was revived in 2013, and Supro returned in 2020 with a new line of stylish guitar amps that pair vintage tone and character with modern features. The 1612RT Amulet is one of the best compact tube amplifiers in Supro’s new product line, with a 10-inch Celestion speaker and three-way selectable wattage that allow it to deliver a huge range of clean and overdrive tones at any volume. 

While the Amulet sounds relatively midrange-heavy and lacks some low bass response due to its 10-inch speaker, the amp’s sound is incredibly smooth and balanced for its compact size, aided further by its onboard bass and treble adjustment knobs. It’s a bit lighter than other 10-inch tube amplifiers of similar power ratings, like the Fender ’65 Princeton Reverb, making it a great option for traveling without sacrificing volume. If you don’t need the extra volume from the Amulet’s 15 watts of power or the switchable wattage feature, the 5-watt Supro Delta King 10 has a similar design and tone in an even lighter and more affordable package.

Best for home use: Roland JC-40 Jazz Chorus

Julian Vittorio

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Why it made the cut: This classic solid-state guitar amp features some of the best clean tones on the market and comes equipped with stereo speakers and lots of connectivity options, making it a great choice for at-home practice and recording.

Specs

• Type: Solid state
• Power: 40 watts
• Speakers: 2 x 10-inch
• Effects: Reverb, vibrato, chorus, distortion
• Dimensions: 17.2 x 23.3 x 9.9 inches (H x W x D)
• Weight: 34.8 pounds

Pros

• Lush clean tones and ample volume in a home-friendly package
• Stereo speakers and inputs are ideal for use with effects
• Built-in chorus, reverb, vibrato, and distortion

Cons

• Produces audible hiss at high volumes
• Small speakers lack deep bass response
• Doesn’t include a footswitch for built-in effects

Roland’s Jazz Chorus line of solid-state amplifiers was an instant hit with the introduction of the JC-120 in 1975, which offered tons of clean headroom and stereo effects in an easier-to-maintain alternative to the tube amplifiers of the time. Weighing in at 34.8 pounds, the Roland JC-40 Jazz Chorus packs the same rock-solid build quality and pristinely clean tone of its predecessors into a home-friendly package with a few modern appointments that make it a very flexible tool for creativity. In addition to including built-in reverb, vibrato, chorus, and distortion effects, the JC-40 features two front panel stereo inputs, a headphones output, and a stereo line output alongside a dedicated effects loop in the rear; these connectivity options make it one of the best guitar amplifiers for integrating with an existing home recording setup. The JC-40’s ultra-clean solid-state design also plays very well with outboard effects, allowing players to access their existing pedals’ full depth and character.

While the Jazz Chorus line of amps is undoubtedly some of the cleanest on the market, some users have complained about the JC-40’s noise floor and audible hiss. In our tests, we didn’t hear the amp produce any more hiss than you might hear from a normal tube amp, but the effect can vary wildly depending on what effects you’re running into the amp and whether the JC-40’s brightness or distortion features are engaged. The JC-40’s 10-inch speakers are also a bit lacking in the lowest frequencies of the sonic spectrum, giving the amp an overall brighter tone than its larger siblings.

Best under $500: ZT Amplifiers LunchBox Reverb Combo Amp

ZT Amplifiers

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Why it made the cut: The ZT LunchBox packs a remarkable 100 watts of power into its compact and portable 9.5-pound design.

Specs

• Type: Solid state
• Power: 100 watts
• Speakers: 1 x 6.5-inch
• Effects: Reverb
• Dimensions: 7.5 x 9.8 x 5.5 inches (H x W x D)
• Weight: 9.5 pounds

Pros

• 100 watts of power provides enough volume for stage applications
• Very lightweight and compact
• Speaker extension and headphone outputs for expandability

Cons

• Relative lack of low-bass frequencies

The ZT LunchBox is one of the most powerful small amps on the market, with a generous 100 watts of amplification that give it the ability to hold its own in loud rehearsals and performances despite weighing only 9.5 pounds. To keep it small and lightweight, the LunchBox features a solid-state design with a single 6.5-inch speaker and basic onboard tone controls, including a two-band EQ plus an integrated reverb. This gives the LunchBox a moderately wide range of tone and volume capabilities in a small package, making it an excellent option for commuting musicians or those who live and work in small spaces.

Because of its relatively small cabinet and speaker, the ZT LunchBox has a midrange-forward sound that is somewhat lacking in low-frequency fullness. This can be mitigated using the amp’s 8-ohm speaker output, which connects to a separately-sold companion extension cabinet to boost the rig’s overall volume and low-end punch. The LunchBox also features a built-in headphones output and a switch that mutes the built-in speaker, making it a solid option for silent practice applications.

Best budget: Positive Grid Spark 40-Watt Amp

Julian Vittorio

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Why it made the cut: The Positive Grid Spark features a huge number of effects and tonal options combined with recording interface functionality in an affordable package.

Specs

• Type: Solid state
• Power: 40 watts
• Speakers: 2 x 4-inch
• Effects: Reverb, distortion, modulation, delay, compressor
• Dimensions: 7.5 x 13.8 x 7 inches (H x W x D)
• Weight: 11.5 pounds

Pros

• Over 10,000 built-in sound presets with effects
• Backing tracks and chord recognition through the companion app
• Functions as a guitar recording interface

Cons

• Low-mid heavy speaker sound profile
• Not battery-powered
• App required for some functionality

The Positive Grid Spark is a compact amp with plenty of unique features and creative flexibility despite its budget-friendly $300 price tag. In addition to being a portable modeling guitar amp with over 10,000 accessible effects presets, the Spark also functions as a Bluetooth companion speaker for playing along with backing tracks and a USB-enabled audio interface for recording your guitar straight to a computer. This makes the Spark a uniquely appealing option for beginning guitarists who want to learn their favorite songs or begin sketching out their own original recordings in GarageBand. 

The Spark features 40 watts of power, weighs just under 12 pounds, and packs two 4-inch speakers, giving it ample volume with a slightly muffled sound that can be sculpted and adjusted using the amp’s onboard EQ or through the Spark smartphone app. While the Spark app provides access to many of the amp’s basic features and lets you browse and load its virtual signal chains, we’d prefer if the amp relied a bit less on the smartphone app and offered a more robust standalone user experience out of the box. Still, after using the app to make some global adjustments to the amp’s sound, the Spark proves to be an inspiring option for creativity and home use. (And while the 40-watt Spark is plenty portable, the Spark MINI, its smaller sibling, is even more so, making it a perfect party speaker if you’re the type that likes to shred at a shindig.)

Things to consider when picking from the best guitar amps

Do you prefer tube or solid-state?

Arguments for and against tube and solid-state guitar amps have kept many guitarists up at night, but choosing between them is a simple decision that should come down to what type of music you’ll be playing through the amp. Due to their design, tube circuits provide a natural, ear-pleasing harmonic overdrive when pushed to loud volumes, and this “positive distortion” is perfect for blues, rock, and other styles that require a bit of analog grit. Solid-state amp circuits, however, aim to produce none of this natural distortion and are designed to sound as clean as possible at high volumes, making them an excellent choice for jazz and an ideal pairing for players with a large collection of outboard effects and guitar pedals.

How loud should it be?

Guitar amp volume corresponds with many design factors, including wattage and speaker size, and guitar amps with a power rating around 20 watts and speakers between 6.5 and 10 inches should suffice for the vast majority of home and recording applications. If you use an amp for rehearsals alongside loud instruments like bass and drums, outdoors, or in large performance spaces, a more flexible design like the Roland JC-40 Jazz Chorus or Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb will provide you with ample volume to be heard.

Does it need to be portable?

Guitar amps are notoriously large and heavy, so if you’re looking for a travel-friendly option, you’ll want to consider a lightweight solid-state design made specifically to be transportable, like the ZT Amplifiers LunchBox Reverb Combo Amp or the Positive Grid Spark 40-Watt Amp. Remember that smaller amps typically produce less low-frequency sound, so you’ll be trading off a bit in the tone department in exchange for portability. If you have your heart set on a heavier tube-based design but still want something relatively easy to transport, the Fender ‘57 Custom Champ is a great-sounding option that weighs only 15 pounds.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best guitar amps

• Best overall: Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb
• Best small: Supro 1612RT Amulet
• Best for practice: Roland JC-40
• Best under $500: ZT Amplifiers LunchBox Reverb Combo Amp
• Best budget: Positive Grid Spark 40-Watt Amp

We love the tonal flexibility, volume range, and natural overdrive of the Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb, one of the most well-rounded tube guitar amps for big and small applications. The Roland JC-40 Jazz Chorus is a slightly quieter solid-state design with a pristine clean tone that makes it best suited for recording and practice use at home, though it also sounds great onstage in front of a microphone. If you’re looking for a smaller amp, the Supro 1612RT Amulet is the best small tube amp we’ve tested, thanks to its flexible tone and switchable wattage. At the same time, we prefer the solid-state ZT Amplifiers LunchBox Reverb Combo Amp for applications where maximum volume is required in the smallest package possible.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best guitar amps in 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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The gym is full of sounds that we’d all rather not hear. There are power lifters grunting, teens talking loudly about things they saw on TikTok, and overly aggressive dudes trying to offer unsolicited advice about your squat form. A solid set of earbuds can blast over all of that gym-related din, and some of our absolute favorite gym earbuds are on sale for up to 36% off right now from Amazon. You may know Beats more for their oversized, over-the-ear style headphones, but the company makes some of the best wireless earbuds for working out around.

Beats Fit Pro $159 (Was $199)

Stan Horaczek

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My personal favorite workout buds perform a lot like AirPods Pro, which makes sense since they employ Apple’s H1 chip inside. So, if you have an iPhone, they connect quickly and seamlessly while granting quick access to Siri. The Beats Fit Pro earbuds offer active noise cancellation and even Spatial Audio. That means watching a movie on the treadmill may actually sound better than it would at home if you’re still using your TV’s built-in speakers. The buds themselves hold enough juice for six hours of audio playback, but you can get 24 total hours of operation if you include the battery in the charging case.

Amazon’s deal includes all four colors, including black, white, gray, and pink. If you want to upgrade to the Kim Kardashian collab version, which mimics skin tones, take off $20 for a total of $179.

Powerbeats Pro $159 (Was $249)

Beats

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These are a little older than the Beats Fit Pro, but they still include the H1 chip for quick and easy pairing to the iPhone. Rather than jamming into your ear canal, these clever beats have a hook that hangs over your ear to keep the bud firmly in place. While I prefer the Fit Pro for its superior sound, the Powerbeats Pro fits even more securely. So, if you’re doing particularly gnarly workouts that involve explosive (and often evil) movements like burpees or Olympic lifting, these may better fit your needs. These also go longer than the Fit Pro between charges. The Powerbeats can play for up to nine hours before they need to go back into the charging case.

Beats Studio Buds $99 (Was $150)

Beats

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The cheapest deal in the bunch includes still gets you most of the features you’ll find on the more expensive options above. The Studio Buds offer the H1 chip for quick connectivity. Plus, you get Spatial Audio and ANC. In my experience, they don’t sound quite as full as the Beats Fit Pro, but they do provide up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, and they stay surprisingly secure in the ear even without the rubbery wing that the Fit Pro uses to stay in place. You can choose from various colors, but make sure the model you choose is on sale. Some are a little more expensive.

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Best overall		Shokz OpenRun		SEE IT	Impressive battery life, water resistance, and reliable connectivity make these the best pair of bone-conduction headphones around.
Best for kids		N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones		SEE IT	Give your kids a pair of headphones that will provide safe entertainment while they stay active.
Best waterproof		Shokz OpenSwim		SEE IT	A pair of open-ear headphones that’s waterproof, the OpenSwim suit doing laps in the pool swimmingly.

The proliferation of noise-cancelling earbuds is one of the most impressive developments in the world of consumer audio—if not consumer electronics. The feature, which sucks up energy and requires both processing power and high-quality microphones, seemed at first like it’d be impossible to implement in gadgets that can fit in your pocket. Early noise-cancelling earbuds were wired, like their full-sized headphones counterparts, and came with a bulbous battery pack that needed to be charged frequently. However, as noise-cancellation technology (and rechargeable batteries) evolved, it came to over-ear wireless headphones, then on-ear wireless headphones, and finally earbuds. There are now plentiful earbuds with active noise cancellation as a standard feature, and they’re not all expensive. If you’ve enjoyed noise cancellation on over-ear headphones, but want the convenience of wearing earbuds, here are the best noise-cancelling earbuds to get.

• Best overall: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
• Best battery life: beyerdynamic Free BYRD
• Best for Apple users: AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
• Best for Android users: Google Pixel Buds Pro
• Best for sustainability: House of Marley Redemption ANC 2
• Best case: JBL Tour Pro 2
• Best budget: Edifier NeoBuds Pro

What is noise cancellation?

Noise cancellation is a feature and phrase thrown around a lot, but it can mean a couple of different things. First off, there are two types of noise cancellation: passive and active. 

All earbuds with properly fitted eartips provide passive noise cancellation, which happens when a ‘bud creates a tight seal within your ear canal. This physical barrier muffles noise from the outside world, whether your earbuds are turned on or off. Passive noise cancellation is the equivalent of hearing a loud noise in one part of your house and closing the door to the room you’re in. 

Active noise cancellation is what most people think of when they hear the term “noise cancellation.” Active noise cancellation, or ANC, was initially introduced to provide clarity and relief for pilots and passengers to combat thunderous airplane engine noise. In 1989, Bose released the first commercially available active noise reduction headphones, aptly called the Aviation Headset. Since that noise-cancelling device, ANC-equipped personal audio gear has swept the market, letting users tune out everything from a roommate’s constant cooking to construction work next door to the coffee shop where you’re working remotely. But how does it work? 

Earbuds with ANC have microphones that systematically capture outside noises within a certain frequency range. A chip inside each earbud analyzes the sounds you normally hear in real-time, then creates an inverse soundwave to counteract it. The better the microphones and algorithm, the more effective this feature is at reducing noise. 

One of the main reasons active noise cancellation drains so much energy is that it’s running all the time. Sounds from the environment around you change every second, and the earbuds you’re wearing need to adapt on the fly. Oh, and all this is happening while you’re sending audio to the earbuds over Bluetooth, which they need to play. All of this technology is especially impressive with true wireless earbuds because each bud has to do this processing on its own while staying in sync with one another and your device.

The energy drain of active noise cancellation is one of the primary reasons earbud battery life doesn’t improve very much year over year. Gains in battery life through power efficiency or new hardware are immediately “spent” on processors that require more power for better active noise cancellation. Ultimately, the tradeoff is worth it as long as battery life doesn’t get much worse. Plus, you can always turn active noise cancellation off to conserve power in a quiet environment.

How we chose the best noise-cancelling earbuds

Our noise-cancelling earbud recommendations are based on hands-on testing and research. We considered peer recommendations, critical reviews, and user impressions, as well as the PopSci staff’s extensive first-hand experience in personal audio. Below are the factors we considered most highly when deciding which noise-cancelling earbuds to include in this buyer’s guide.

The best noise-cancelling earbuds: Reviews & Recommendations

With these factors in mind, we’ve assembled a list of noise-cancelling earbuds that perform well in every category but excel in one of them. Sometimes, we’ve offered alternatives within the same category to give you even more choices. The earbuds that’ll work best for you depend on your top priority—audio quality, longevity, durability—and budget. In this guide, you’ll find our flagship picks, with some affordable alternatives, but if you want to skip straight to sampling ANC for less, you can also check out the options in our best cheap wireless earbuds guide. We’re happy to see companies continue to push one another (and themselves) to get the highest performance levels into increasingly small form factors.

Best overall: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II have the most-efficient noise cancellation of any earbuds we’ve ever tested—to an almost eerie extent.

Specs 

• Battery Life: Six hours (24 hours with charging case)
• Weight: 6.24
• Price: $299.99

Pros

• Best-in-class noise cancellation
• Multiple microphones in each bud
• Fully functional app

Cons

• Only three sets of eartips

The active noise cancellation capabilities of Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II are actually kind of scary. It was so effective in my tests that my brain had trouble processing the fact that things I saw and felt (clapping my hands with a moderate amount of force, for example) weren’t accompanied by a sound. There were points where the only thing I could hear and feel was the thump of my heartbeat, which was a unique experience, to say the least. (And I’m not alone; our associate managing editor was also impressed while commuting with them, and trying them next to the train tracks under a flight path, as shown above.)

One of the most significant reasons for the QuietComfort Earbuds II’s exquisite active noise cancellation is the fact that each bud has two microphones instead of one. The mics are located above and below the earbud’s ear tip and are used to cancel noise while improving the quality of your voice while taking calls. We also have to recognize the processor inside these earbuds, which is phenomenal at figuring out which frequencies to filter with pinpoint precision. And all of this is happening in slimmer ovals, as the latest version of these earbuds comes in at almost a third smaller by volume, while the case has been shrunk by almost 40 percent.

You can adjust the level of noise cancellation you like by using Bose’s impressively competent mobile app for iOS and Android. The app, which walks you through the straightforward pairing process, allows you to switch between quiet (noise-cancelling) and aware (transparency mode) in just a tap. You can also create two additional modes based on your preferred level of active noise cancellation. I created a mode called “home,” with noise cancellation cranked all the way up, and recommend you do the same to see the true potential of the QuietComfort Earbuds II. 

For audio playback, the updated QuietComfort Earbuds II have 9mm dynamic drivers and Bluetooth 5.3 (supporting the SBC/AAC codecs). I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the Bose Music app, which also includes a digital EQ to tweak the earbuds’ sound and allows you to update their firmware. I found the EQ unnecessary because the QuietComfort Earbuds II generally sound great, even without hi-res codecs and with active noise cancellation at the maximum setting. I was able to pick out each element in a song, even subtle ones like the background piano on “Smog Eyes” by Warne Marsh. Sounds from the opposite ends of the sounds spectrum—a bass and cymbals, for example—didn’t clash. 

There were a few cases when I found the QuietComfort Earbuds II to be a little treble-heavy, but that had more to do with the way a song was mastered rather than the earbuds’ overall audio quality. You’ll have a good experience whether you prefer listening to Led Zeppelin or Bad Bunny—or enjoy both in equal measure. 

Competition is fierce in the world of noise-cancelling earbuds, but Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II are the current champions. That said, if audio quality is more important to you than active noise-cancelling performance, we can also recommend Sennheiser’s MOMENTUM True Wireless 3. The earbuds’ TrueResponse transducers are capable of the rich, refined reproduction of sounds from 5 Hz to 21 kHz, so they’re as articulate as they are impactful—and solid ANC is a bonus.

Best battery life: beyerdynamic Free BYRD

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: The beyerdynamic Free BYRD will likely outlast your desire to listen to music in a single sitting.

Specs

• Battery Life: Eight hours (31 hours with charging case)
• Weight: 7 grams
• Price: $299.99

Pros

• Exceptional battery life
• Comes with eight sets of ear tips
• Great fit

Cons

• Slight ear protrusion

German audio component manufacturer beyerdynamic has a rich history in the audio world (topping our mixing headphones list, among others). We were impressed by the overall performance of its Free BYRD noise-cancelling earbuds. Their marquee feature is battery life: The earbuds could run for up to eight hours with active noise cancellation turned on, and beyerdynamic says they’ll last a full 11 if you turn it off. With mixed use, you should expect to get around nine-and-a-half hours of playtime before popping the earbuds into their battery case, where they’ll offer up roughly an hour of music playback off a 10-minute charge. 

Most of the active noise-cancelling earbuds we’re recommending last around six hours, and while the difference between six and eight may not seem like a lot, it’ll make a big difference on a transatlantic flight. Eight hours of battery life means you may never have to hear the full sound of a whirring plane engine ever again. The Free BYRDs’ battery life helps the active noise-cancelling earbuds stand out but it’s not the only reason they’ve made this list. 

The earbuds have very good noise cancellation performance, and only fall short when directly compared to Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II. We weren’t completely isolated from the outside world when using the Free BYRD earbuds, but they blocked enough sound when listening to music at 80% that only very loud sounds could poke their way through the bubble. This is partly because beyerdynamic includes eight sets of ear tips with the earbuds—five silicone, three memory foam—so I found a set that fit my ears perfectly. The tight seal didn’t hurt my ears and the Free BYRDs never came loose, whether we were headbanging, running, or sitting still.

Regarding audio quality, the 10mm dynamic drivers in these guitar pick-esque earbuds were on-par with what we heard from the AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. Thanks to Bluetooth 5.2 (with SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive codecs), there was enough rich detail across the 10Hz – 22 kHz frequency spectrum to fully enjoy any music we listened to and voices during spoken word audio—be it audiobooks, dialogue from TV shows, or podcasts sounded surprisingly natural. We liked how they sounded from the moment we first turned them on—balancing punchy bass, midrange clarity, and plenty of nimble transients—and didn’t feel the need to make any changes using the software EQ in beyerdynamic’s MIY app. 

That app will run you through a hearing test to create a custom tuning based on how well you can hear specific frequencies, but we didn’t notice a huge difference before and after. Your mileage may vary based on the sensitivity of your ears, though, so it’s worth taking a couple of minutes to run through the test. Whether you choose to or not, we can’t imagine anyone being disappointed by how the Free BYRDs sound if you’re already aware of the auditory limitations of using active noise-cancelling earbuds. 

What you should be aware of is the fact that the Free BYRDs will stick out of your ears a little more than your typical pair of wireless earbuds. It’s not that they’re especially prominent, but the feeling is noticeable. The upside is that this makes them easy to install and remove from your ears, but you may be more aware of them than other earbuds depending on the sensitivity of your ears. Beyond that, there’s much to like about beyerdynamic’s Free BYRD. 

If battery life is important to you, Sony’s WF-1000XM4 earbuds are another great choice. The earbuds’ audio quality (supporting the hi-res LDAC and 360 Audio formats) and deep app-based customization options, eight-hour battery life, and active noise cancellation are superb. This is because Sony’s custom Integrated V1 processor is responsible for all three features, and you won’t find a similar pair anywhere else. These used to be the best noise-cancelling earbuds on the market before the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, and we can’t see anyone being disappointed by them. 

If you want to shave off a little cost but are also willing to lose a little battery life, the company’s slightly newer LinkBuds S are also worth a look. The smaller earbuds inherit some of the WF-1000XM4s’ noise cancellation technology and dynamically change the intensity of that feature based on your environment. Plus, the earbuds have Alexa built-in, so you can control them using Amazon’s smart assistant if you prefer it over Google Assistant and Siri. All this while still managing a solid six hours of charge. Also worth noting is that both Sony models receive multipoint compatibility via a November firmware update. 

Best for Apple users: AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Tony Ware

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Specs

• Battery Life: Six hours (30 hours with charging case)
• Weight: 5.3 grams
• Price: $249.99

Pros

• Upgraded noise cancellation and audio fidelity
• Expanded tip selection
• Find My feature
• Personalized Spatial Audio

Cons

• Worse experience on non-Apple devices

The second-generation AirPods Pro earbuds (colloquially known as AirPods Pro 2) are an improvement over their predecessor in every way. The jump in the earbuds’ active noise-cancelling ability was especially impressive in our tests. Apple says the AirPods Pro 2, while still only 5.4g each, are capable of blocking up to twice as much noise as the previous generation and, while that metric is difficult to quantify, we noticed the difference immediately. 

We could fully block out the sound of a New York City subway car when listening to music at a volume level of 80%. However, a fair bit of noise was audible when we switched to a podcast. Meanwhile, listening to music at a volume of around 60% canceled out the sound of people walking and talking on a New York City street. Most of the sound from cars was eliminated, too, but we could hear horns when they were honked. 

The AirPods Pro 2’s new low-distortion, high-excursion 11mm drivers are tuned to accentuate bass frequencies and sounded best when we listened to modern pop m​​usic. Classic rock and jazz tunes sounded good, too, but these earbuds were clearly designed to appeal to the average music listener rather than an audiophile. Apple doesn’t offer a digital EQ to tweak the AirPods Pro 2’s sound either. Still, more often than not, you’ll be pleased with what you hear when you hit the play button—especially when paired with one of the newest iOS devices via Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC.

You can pair the AirPods Pro 2 to any device, but connecting them to an Apple device puts the earbuds into a league of their own. Simply opening the case near an iPhone will allow you to pair the earbuds and will automatically add them to your list of Apple devices over iCloud. If you use an iPad or Mac, the AirPods Pro 2 will be paired to them automatically. Additionally, you’ll be able to use Apple’s Find My app to locate your earbuds if they get lost. 

Find My and iCloud syncing are nice-to-have features, but Apple also locked the AirPods 2’s Personalized Spatial Audio inside of its walled garden. This iOS 16 feature allows you to improve the quality and realism of Spatial Audio—de-mixing Dolby Atmos tracks into earphone/headphone-friendly surround sound with head tracking—by scanning your face and ears with your iPhone’s selfie camera. The smartphone will use this imaging to update the Spatial Audio algorithm based on the shape and size of your head and ears. This feature takes about a minute to set up and is enabled automatically, though you can turn it off if you don’t hear a difference (we did, but mainly in spatialized stereo).

Apple updated the AirPods Pro 2’s case with a larger battery (it offers 30 hours of extra battery life instead of 24), has a speaker that chimes when it’s charging, and has a lanyard loop. The AirPods Pro 2’s case can also play a tone when you’re trying to find the earbuds using the Find My App, which makes them easier to locate. Apple made a bunch of meaningful updates to the AirPods Pro 2 over the previous generation, and it’s hard to imagine anyone creating a better pair of noise-cancelling earbuds to use with the company’s other gear.

Best for Android users: Google Pixel Buds Pro

Stan Horaczek

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Why it made the cut: The Pixel Buds Pro takes advantage of Google’s most technically impressive services, whether you’re on an Android device or not.

Specs

• Battery Life: Six hours (30 hours with charging case)
• Weight: 6.2 grams
• Price: $249.99

Pros

• Multipoint pairing
• Realtime translation
• Excellent battery life

Cons

• Some features are locked into Google Services

It should come as no surprise that the best active noise-cancelling earbuds for Android users are made by—get ready for this—Google. The Pixel Buds Pro leverages some of the company’s most impressive services and marries them with sleek-looking hardware. 

The Bluetooth earbuds are platform agnostic to some degree, meaning they work identically when paired to hardware running iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, or ChromeOS. Like the AirPods Pro 2, the Pixel Buds Pro supports multipoint pairing, which means you’ll be able to connect them to two devices and hop between them at will. An IR sensor will detect when the earbuds are in or out of your ears, and will start or pause audio automatically based on their state. Google says the earbuds will last up to 11 hours per charge without active noise cancellation enabled, or seven when you keep it on constantly. That’s still an hour longer than the AirPods Pro, which is impressive from a pair of earbuds that’s physically smaller.

On the audio hardware side, Google’s Pixel Buds Pro earbuds are powered by a custom-designed 11mm driver that supports an interesting feature called Volume EQ, which automatically adjusts the way the earbuds sound based on how loudly or softly you’re listening to music. The average listener may appreciate this auto-balancing feature, but audiophiles may shutter at the idea that their music will sound different at different audio levels. Thankfully, you can manually adjust a five-band software EQ if you’d prefer total control. 

The Pixel Buds Pro also supports a raft of other typical-but-nice-to-have features found on many earbuds with active noise cancellation. Their case is IPX2 certified, which means it can be exposed to some water without being damaged, and it can be recharged on a wireless charger. The earbuds themselves are IPX4 certified, which means they’re sweatproof and can be exposed to a fair amount of water, like heavy rain. Touch-sensitive sensors on each earbud allow you to play or pause your music with a tap, change your songs with a swipe, or activate the Google Assistant with a long press.

Speaking of the Google Assistant, that’s the only smart assistant you’ll be able to use with the Pixel Buds Pro, which locks you into the search giants ecosystem. Additionally, some of the earbuds’ most technically-advanced features like real-time translation all happen through Google Translate. This level of lock-in isn’t as severe as Apple’s on the AirPods Pro, but it’s worth noting. If you’ve already bought into the Android ecosystem, that issue isn’t likely to bother you, in which case you should get the Pixel Buds Pro without reservation. 

Another great option for certain Android users is Samsung’s Galaxy Buds2 Pro, which we reviewed earlier this year. The earbuds look, feel, and sound great, but have features that are only enabled when you pair them to a Samsung Galaxy phone. The list of features includes Smart Things Find, Spatial Audio, and 24-bit audio decoding courtesy of the SSC Hi-Fi audio codec. Samsung took a page out of Apple’s playbook this time, and it’s kept us from recommending the Galaxy Buds2 Pro to all Android owners. If you already use a Samsung Galaxy phone, though, they deserve your consideration.

Best for sustainability: House of Marley Redemption ANC 2

Brandt Ranj

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Why it made the cut: House of Marley’s Redemption ANC 2s prove you can be a healthy, eco-conscious audiophile. 

Specs

• Battery Life: Six hours (24 hours with charging case)
• Weight: N/A
• Price: $169.99

Pros

• Fantastic fit
• Sustainable materials
• Fast charging

Cons

• Lackluster app

Technology and sustainability are typically at odds with one another, but the House of Marley Redemption ANC 2s prove they’re not always mutually exclusive. The earbuds and their case are made, in part, out of solid bamboo, natural wood fiber composite, and recycled plastics. 

In our experience choosing these materials didn’t hurt the performance of the Redemption ANC 2s, which compare favorably to our other active noise-cancelling earbud recommendations when you factor in their lower price. In addition, the earbuds actually beat our other recommendations in terms of durability thanks to their IPX5 durability rating, which means they’re waterproof enough not to be damaged by sweat, adding to their life-cycle and ours as they can be great for workouts. [Remember: If you choose to exercise in ANC earbuds, enable transparency mode during outdoor runs so you can stay aware of your surroundings.]

We were perfectly happy with the ANC 2’s namesake feature, which allowed the earbuds to block out a lot of noise when listening to music between 80% and 100%. The earbuds could completely eliminate softer sounds—keyboard typing, feet tapping, walking around a home—but louder sounds like car horns could still be heard pretty prominently. Commuters and air travelers will certainly notice a dip in the sound of their train and plane noises, but you’ll still sense that they’re there. 

Similarly, the Redemption ANC 2s sound very good, but audio sounds “veiled” when compared directly to beyerdynamic’s Free BYRD, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, and Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II. We couldn’t hear the same level of detail, and the music sounded slightly flatter overall. Some frequency ranges, bass especially, fared better, but we could definitely hear a little more muddiness when listening to very vocal-heavy music. There was also a bit of sibilance and a slight tendency for high frequencies to sound a little too sharp. 

None of this detracted severely from our enjoyment of the music, but the $80 difference between this pair of active noise-cancelling earbuds and a premium pair was certainly noticeable. You can adjust the EQ of these earbuds using House of Marley’s app but the software is extremely barebones. House of Marley’s app is a letdown considering how good the hardware is. 

The Redemption ANC 2s may not be able to stand toe to toe with premium earbuds in the audio and noise cancellation areas, but they have the edge over some when it comes to battery performance. The earbuds get up to six hours of music listening per charge, support wireless charging, and offer two hours of music playback off a 15-minute charge. Similarly, the earbuds are IPX5 certified, which means they can stand up to water better than more expensive pairs.

If you care deeply about the sustainability of your technology, House of Marley’s ANC 2s are the best active noise-cancelling earbuds available right now. They’re also a solid set of earbuds if you’re trying to keep your budget under $200. 

Best case: JBL Tour Pro 2

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: JBL’s Tour Pro 2 is a case study in offering easier, phone-free access to settings.

Specs

• Battery Life: 8 Hours
• Weight: N/A
• Price: $249.99

Pros

• Touchscreen case
• Six-microphone array
• Smart ambiance detects sounds and adjusts ANC

Cons

• Price versus the competition

JBL’s Tour Pro 2 are unlike any ANC earbuds we’ve tried. JBL didn’t invent a new shape, battery technology, or audio codec—instead, the company focused on designing an all-new smart charging case. The Tour Pro 2’s case—available in both black and champagne—has a colorful 1.45-inch LED touchscreen on it, which is as bonkers as it sounds. By swiping across the display, you can access up to 14 settings panels without touching your phone.

The touchscreen’s functionality is surprisingly robust, which makes it feel like more of a feature than a gimmick. You can use the case for basic functions like changing your music volume or switching and pausing a track, but the features don’t stop there. Within a couple of swipes and taps you can adjust the earbuds’ ANC/Ambient Aware/TalkThru settings, change their EQ, set a playback timer, or change the spatial sound settings. You can even receive phone notifications, like a basic smartwatch (don’t expect Apple Watch-level integration, but it’s something). Basically, if you can do something inside the JBL Headphones app (iOS and Android), the Tour Pro 2’s case gives you the same options. You can even change the screensaver, so you don’t have to use our logo like in the image above (though you could).

JBL took a cue from smartphone makers and designed the case to go to sleep after 30 seconds. Once it wakes up, you have to swipe across its screen to unlock and access your settings, eliminating the chance of accidentally changing a setting while grabbing the case in your pocket. It feels odd to take some much time talking about the Tour Pro 2’s case, but it’s the standout feature of these earbuds.

Inside the case, you’ll find a pair of sleek but relatively standard-looking stemmed true wireless earbuds with a comfortable fit. They’re IPX5, ready for sweat as you rush through public transportation (the case, however, should avoid a splash). Our limited tests so far have produced positive results—the Tour Pro 2’s adaptive ANC blocked a fair amount of noise when riding on a New York City subway train and walking on its busiest streets, even without the volume cranked up. Rumble fared a bit better than chatter, but the attenuation was solid across the board. The earbuds last a fair amount of time per charge—8 hours with ANC on, with up to 30 more in the case, and I can keep track of both battery levels by checking the screen, naturally. This is great for travelers or commuters who don’t want to plug their buds in to charge every night. On that note, the Tour Pro 2’s case supports wireless charging, which is another nice plus. And it has a “Find My Buds” feature that triggers a high-pitched tone, perfect for finding that rogue earbud that fell in the couch.

As for the sound, first impressions are of a crowd-pleasing V-shaped signature, with energetic boosted bass and slightly goosed highs. JBL is a Harman company, and this is the Harman curve (a target that tries to represent the lively sound of speakers in a room). There aren’t the rich midrange details of the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 or the nimble dynamics of the AirPods Pro 2, but the 10mm dynamic drivers do a great job of conveying all the thump, if not every texture. To my ears, things sound tighter with an iPhone using the AAC codec than on an Android using SBC (the Bluetooth 5.3 Multipoint earbuds will get LE Audio’s Auracast/LC3 codec support in a future firmware for more high-resolution playback). If you want to customize the response, there are five sonic presets (Jazz, Vocal, Bass, Club, Studio), and you can draw and save your own curve with the 10-band EQ. If that feels too involved, take the Personi-Fi hearing test, which will generate a custom profile for you (according to our associate managing editor, who tried it first, the test resulted in less low-end and more highs, which he thinks tracks with the ears of an old former DJ).

If you’d like to try a pair of true wireless earbuds that feel futuristic or don’t want to take your phone out of your pocket each time you need to fumble with a setting or change a song, JBL’s Tour Pro 2 earbuds are well worth checking out. We hope that JBL introduces even more functionality through software updates since this technology feels like it has so much potential.

Best budget: Edifier NeoBuds Pro

Edifier

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Why it made the cut: Edifier’s NeoBuds Pros have no right to have as many features as they do for earbuds so close to $100.

Specs

• Battery Life: 6 Hours
• Weight: N/A
• Price: $99.99

Pros

• Easily accessible sound modes
• Six microphone array
• Fast charging
• LDAC/LHDC hi-res codec support

Cons

• Only comes with three sets of eartips

Edifier’s NeoBuds Pro TWS earbuds may not seem impressive at first glance, but that quickly changes when you realize the noise-cancelling earbuds cost only $100. Name a feature, and the NeoBuds Pro checks the box: active noise cancellation, long battery life, fast charging, hi-res codecs with compatible devices, multiple (adjustable) EQ modes, solid water and dust resistance, in-ear detection, touch-sensitive buds. And, on top of that, great sound from the hybrid driver design combining a high-sensitivity Knowles balanced armature for precise highs with a composite diaphragm dynamic driver for impactful mids and lows. It’s hard to find meaningful features these budget earphones don’t have. 

We won’t say the Edifier NeoBuds Pro will be able to compete with the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II in a head-to-head competition of audio and active noise cancellation performance. Still, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better pair in this price range. We’re especially impressed by the earbuds’ six-microphone array, which will come in handy for noise cancellation and when taking phone calls. 

Most noise-cancelling earbuds have multiple pre-set sound modes, but Edifier made the wise design choice to map them to the touch-sensitive surface of the left earbud. Tapping on it twice will enable “Normal Mode” while tapping three times will cycle through game mode and spatial audio. It’s helpful to have these settings at your fingertips (literally) rather than having to fumble through an app on your phone. 

The NeoBuds Pro earbuds have the same battery life and fast charging speeds as House of Marley’s ANC 2s, which is even more impressive given their extremely low price. With five hours ANC on (plus 15 hours from the case) or six hours ANC off (and 18 hours from the case), you should be able to get through a trans-continental flight without having to top them up. Similarly, the earbuds have an IP54 durability rating, so water and dust shouldn’t impact them too much, whether heading into work or working out. 

The world of budget audio has expanded enough over the past few years that we can easily recommend earbuds under $100 for casual listeners. We’d prefer Edifiers to include more than three sizes of ear tips with the earbuds to ensure you’ll get a perfect fit, but that’s the only surface-level indication that these noise-cancelling earbuds are designed for people on a stricter budget.

Another pair of budget-friendly noise-cancelling earbuds you should consider is 1More’s AERO, which supports spatial audio and head tracking. The AEROs have 12 preset EQs that you can switch between, and the earbuds can dynamically adjust their noise cancellation based on your environment. The earbuds typically cost $109.99, but Amazon is currently offering a $20 off coupon that takes them under $90.

Another brand that’s really packing in the features for commuters and travelers who don’t want to hear the noise of a train car or airplane but find over-ear headphones cumbersome to pack, much less snooze with, is EarFun. There might not be a buzzword mentioned throughout this piece that isn’t found in the EarFun Air Pro 3 Bluetooth 5.3 earbuds. From aptX Adaptive to Hybrid ANC, multipoint to six Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) microphones, an app with customizable EQ to wireless charging, these stemmed AirPods alternatives factor it all in for under $80. If your budget is very tight, EarFun’s Air S earbuds offer multipoint pairing, aptX support, and a fully customizable EQ for under $70. The Air S earbuds’ six-hour battery life isn’t too shabby, either.

The popularity of ANC has really given audio companies a reason to continually improve the efficiency of their hardware and pursue improvements in digital signal processing and power efficiency. EarFun is definitely a brand that’s really maximizing technological miniaturization.

Things to consider before buying noise-cancelling earbuds

All of the earbuds we’re recommending in this guide are wireless because wired earbuds with active noise cancellation are cumbersome to use. Additionally, many devices—phones and tablets especially—don’t have a headphone jack anymore, so you’d need to carry around an adapter to use this type of tethered processor.

True wireless

There are many types of noise-cancelling earbuds, but we’ve focused exclusively on “true wireless” pairs. This is because most companies are putting their cutting-edge active noise cancellation technology into this type of earbud, so you end up with the best performance. 

The term “true wireless” means that each earbud connects to your device independently, without a cable tethering them together. Early true wireless earbuds suffered from connectivity problems—with devices and between the buds themselves—but that has changed thanks to improvements in the Bluetooth wireless protocols. Now there are all kinds of higher efficiency, higher bitrate codecs (including aptX HD/Adaptive and LDAC) that allow TWS earbuds to take advantage of advanced-resolution formats from audiophile sources, such as the best DAPs (digital audio players). The popularity of true wireless earbuds is such that they’ve also come down in price quite a bit. You’ll pay more for a pair of true wireless earbuds that support active noise cancellation than one without, but you can get away with spending less than $150 and still having a good experience.

Battery life 

We discussed the reality of earbud battery life earlier, but we’re pleased to say that newer pairs last a lot longer than those released just a couple of years ago. You should expect to get at least six hours of playtime from all of the noise-cancelling earbuds we’re recommending—though this will depend on how loudly you listen to your music. If you use active noise cancellation judiciously, you can likely get a couple of additional hours out of them. 

One of the upsides to using a pair of true wireless earbuds is that it comes with a battery case. Your earbuds will be charged any time you’re not using them—so long as you remember to plug the case in every once in a while (most accept USB-C cables, while some charge wirelessly). This accessory will keep your noise-cancelling earbuds safe when you’re not using them, and extend their life by at least 16 hours or so. 

Gummy eartips 

Silicone- and/or foam-tipped earbuds are required for active noise cancellation because they create a tight seal within the ear that insulates your ear canal from the environment and lets all the ANC counterwaves work their magic. In addition, a proper seal is required to experience quality bass response. If you’ve traditionally struggled to keep this style of earbuds in your ear, don’t worry. All of the noise-cancelling earbuds we’re recommending come with multiple sizes of ear tips, and we strongly recommend trying each set out to find the one that fits you best (and the number of third-party ear tips available on Amazon is staggering if you’re looking to emphasize a particular feel or frequency response). If your earbud’s ear tip comes loose, it won’t be able to cancel noise or play audio efficiently.  

Microphones 

Microphones are essential for active noise cancellation to work on earbuds—or any style of headphones for that matter. Every pair of earbuds in our guide has at least one microphone on each bud. 

Multipoint pairing

This is currently a luxury feature that enables your noise-cancelling wireless earbuds to stay connected to multiple devices simultaneously. This allows you to switch from playing music on a smartphone to your computer for a conference call without dealing with settings panels and (re)pairing connections. Maintaining simultaneous connections with multiple devices is tricky, so earbuds with this feature can still be hit or miss.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best noise-cancelling earbuds

• Best overall: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
• Best battery life: beyerdynamic Free BYRD
• Best for Apple users: AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
• Best for Android users: Google Pixel Buds Pro
• Best for sustainability: House of Marley Redemption ANC 2
• Best case: JBL Tour Pro 2
• Best budget: Edifier NeoBuds Pro

If you love music but live in a loud environment, noise-cancelling earbuds are your best audio investment. They’ll last an entire workday and can block the sounds of keys typing, toes tapping, and people around you talking. If you work from home but want to get out of the house, noise-cancelling earbuds can eliminate the sound of clinking cups at a cafe or people walking around in a park. It almost goes without saying that frequent travelers should consider the best noise-cancelling earbuds necessary.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best noise-cancelling earbuds in 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		FiiO M11 Plus		SEE IT	A responsive blend of purpose-built hardware and Android software, the M11 Plus delivers a perfect performance:price ratio.
Best high-end		Astell&Kern A&ultima SP2000T		SEE IT	If you’re amped to try tube tone on the go, the A&ultima SP2000T offers that unique feature alongside pretty much anything you’d want in a luxury listenable.
Best for TIDAL		iBasso DX240		SEE IT	If you’re a TIDAL subscriber, you’ll want to surf the service’s selections with the iBasso DX240, which handles the top tier of TIDAL’s MQA tracks.

Ask any audiophile, and they’ll tell you the same thing: premium sound quality still comes from wired headphones—and if you want to get the most out of your investment while out and about, you should look into DAPs, a.k.a. digital audio players. With the death of the headphone jack, getting an optimized on-the-go listening experience isn’t as easy as it used to be. It doesn’t matter if you have access to lossless audio if you’re just going to degrade it using Bluetooth. If you’re looking for that old-school iPod Touch experience given fresh life with the latest high-resolution technology, there’s only one way to go: tap the best DAPs. 

These standalone devices have a sole purpose: playing music. Some of these portable music players do this with audio files that you need to load onto it yourself. Others come with operating systems (most often Android-based) and support streaming services like Spotify or TIDAL. They can also range widely in cost, some focusing on accessible budget pricing and others taking the form of genuine luxury items. All of them have the same purpose, though: to deliver the utmost in sound quality, exceeding what you could hope for from a smartphone and headphone adapter. If you’re on the hunt for an aural upgrade, we’re here to help. We’ve collected top-tier options, whether you’re looking for a dedicated player on a budget, a player that caters to a particular streaming service, or just want the best DAPs money can buy.  

• Best overall: FiiO M11Plus
• Best high-end: Astell&Kern A&Ultima SP2000T
• Best for TIDAL: iBasso DX240
• Best under $500: Shanling M3X
• Best budget: Hidiz AP80 Pro-X

How we chose the best DAPs

Over my years working in tech journalism, I’ve developed a passion for great sound. As an apartment dweller until 2019, I was limited to in-ear monitors and headphones, so I skipped right over loudspeakers and instead dove deep into the world of personal audio equipment. I’ve been lucky enough to test dozens of different headphones and earbuds and a wide array of devices that drive them. I’ve learned and experienced far more than I ever expected to, but the depths of my audio geekery allowed me to develop a discerning eye to sort the stupendous from the snake oil.

For this article, I researched the major digital audio players released over the last several years. I began with an eye toward features and components: the on-paper specs that made certain options stand out from others. I then compared those early choices with real user impressions on audio enthusiast sites like Head-Fi and r/headphones, smaller communities like Facebook’s ChiFi Audio Reviews, and retailers like Amazon. This refined the list because what looks good on paper doesn’t necessarily translate into a great product. Finally, I relied on my own first-hand experience, as well as the pedigree of the brands producing each DAP.

The best DAPs: Reviews & Recommendations

Even with those considerations in mind, settling on the best portable player can be confusing without doing lots of research—which is exactly what we’re here for. We’ve done the digging, so you don’t have to. Here are the best digital audio players available today across half a dozen key categories:

Best overall: FiiO M11 Plus

Chris Coke

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Why it made the cut: The FiiO M11 Plus offers an excellent balance of price and performance, making it the go-to option under $1,000.

Specs

• Price: $699.99
• Screen size: 5.5-inch HD (1440×720) IPS panel
• Connectivity: Balanced (2.5mm/4.4mm), single-ended (3.5mm), Bluetooth 5.0 (SBC/AAC/aptX HD/LDAC)
• Music streaming: Yes
• Output power: 588mW (balanced), 206mW (single-ended)
• DAC: ESS ES9068AS x2
• Battery life: 11.5 hours 

Pros

• Great balance of features and price
• Recent hardware, snappy performance
• Supports balanced and single-ended headphones
• Android 10

Cons

• Mid-tier driving power
• Battery life could be better
• Rather bulky

The FiiO M11 Plus is the best overall choice for a digital audio player under $1,000. Sure, Chinese personal audio specialist FiiO makes the budget M11S on one end of the spectrum and, on the other, packs the power of a desktop amp into transportable form with the $1,799 flagship M17. But with the approachable mid-priced $699 M11 Plus, the company has done something equally impressive: delivered a DAP that over-performs for its price and presents an outstanding balance of features, sound quality, and a premium look and feel. While it’s not the best in any one area, it culminates in the best value in its class. 

The M11 Plus offers a smooth and natural sound that doesn’t color the headphones you’re listening to. The power from its THX AAA-78 amp module comes in the middle of the pack at only 588mW over its balanced port and 206mW over single-ended. However, it delivers enough drive for most full-size headphones to reasonable volume levels and virtually any in-ear monitor (IEM) you’d care to try. What matters most is that the pure power you do get, with three gain modes, is low distortion while also lively.

One of the best parts of the FiiO M11 Plus is its user experience. It features a big, 5.5-inch HD display that’s crisp and responsive. Under the hood, it uses a Snapdragon 660 chipset to power its Android 10 operating system. Neither of these is cutting edge, but both are newer than what you’ll find on most other DAPs at this price and allow this Android DAP to be snappy and responsive as you navigate files (up to ultra-resolution DSD512/768kHz PCM) and/or streaming including TIDAL (supporting up to 8x MQA unfolding). That big screen and fast tech do make an impact on battery life, however, with only 11.5 hours rated by the company when listening over balanced (14 hours over 3.5mm). However, Quick Charge 4.0 support allows the M11 Plus to recharge completely within four hours. 

Adding to its list of high points are dedicated buttons for track controls and volume (including a capacitive touch slider), a glass front and back, a leather case, and a pre-installed screen protector for added protection. You have a DAP that looks, feels, and performs better than just about anything else in its price bracket. While FiiO makes that fancier flagship worth exploring if you only own hard-to-drive summit-fi headphones, the M11 Plus lives in the sweet spot of the performance-to-price ratio.

Best high-end: Astell&Kern A&ultima SP2000T

Astell&Kern

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Why it made the cut: The A&ultima SP2000T sits in the lap of luxury, or at least the pants pocket of luxury, featuring a refined design and top-of-the-line features befitting its ultra-high-end price tag.

Specs

• Price: $2,499.99
• Screen size: 5-inch Full HD (1920×1080) panel
• Connectivity: Balanced (2.5/4.4mm), single-ended (3.5mm), Bluetooth 5.0 (including LDAC)
• Music streaming: Yes
• Output power: 6 Vrms (balanced), 3 Vrms (single-ended)
• DAC: ESS ES9068AS x4
• Battery life: 9 hours

Pros

• Gorgeous design 
• Outstanding power output
• Excellent format support to listen to just about anything
• Tube or solid-state amplification

Cons

• Incredibly expensive
• Middling battery life
• Sluggish performance

The Astell&Kern SP2000T is a tremendous digital audio player with an equally tremendous price tag. At $2,499, it’s fair to have high expectations, and the SP2000T delivers—mostly. The design philosophy seems to be “everything and the kitchen sink,” so if you’re the kind of listener who must have it all and doesn’t mind paying for it, this can be a great choice. 

Astell&Kern makes all manner of enviable audio accessories, each with a precisely engineered purpose. For instance, the $1,299 KANN Max sacrifices some versatility to concentrate on 15V of ultra-high power. The SP2000T only hits half that output, so why are you paying so much more for it? The answer lies at the heart of the amp and DAC arrangement in its distinctively angular, sleekly aluminum chassis. It features a quad-DAC system with separate channels for balanced and single-ended channels, allowing it to offer plenty of ultra-clean headroom. At the same time, it integrates both Korg Nutube 6P1 tube and solid-state amp options that can be run independently to customize the sound (clean and crisp for solid-state or warm and musical for the tube amp) or simultaneously to have the best of both worlds in a hybrid mode. 

It also offers three different connection options for balanced and single-ended headphones (2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm) and supports Bluetooth audio, including Sony’s hi-res LDAC codec. If you prefer to listen locally, it features 256GB of internal storage for files (up to DSD512/32-bit 384kHz PCM) with up to another 1TB available with a MicroSD card. Simply put, portable DAPs don’t come much better than this.

The SP2000T is a smart device with dual-band Wi-Fi, which means you’ll have access to all of your favorite streaming services, as well as use the device as an endpoint to access a Roon music server. Hence, you can access a consolidated library of advanced-resolution audio when on your local network. It also natively supports full MQA decoding, in addition to wide format support for standalone music files, so you’ll never need to compromise on audio quality. Unfortunately, A&K compromised for you, as the hardware powering the software can be sluggish. This can make sorting through albums and artists on streaming services a drag, which may be especially frustrating if that’s how you like to enjoy your music. 

Best for TIDAL: iBasso DX240

iBasso

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Why it made the cut: iBasso calls this its “pocket MQA player,” and for a good reason: This player supports full 16x MQA decoding to achieve peak sonic performance.

Specs

• Price: $949.99
• Screen size: 5-inch HD (1080p) panel
• Connectivity: Balanced (2.5mm), single-ended (3.5mm), Bluetooth 5.0 (including aptX HD/LDAC)
• Music streaming: Yes
• Output power: 878mW (balanced), 281mW (single-ended)
• Battery life: 11 hours

Pros

• Full 16x MQA decoding
• Big and beautiful HD screen
• Lots of power 
• Swappable op-amps
• Fast performance

Cons

• Extra thickness means more bulk
• Quite expensive
• No native 4.4mm audio jack (but the optional, interchangeable AMP8MK2 offers 4.4 TRRRS & 3.5 TRS ports and discrete high-voltage, high-current output for demanding headphones and multidriver in-ear monitors)
• No Google Play Store

The iBasso DX240 is an incredibly well-rounded DAP. At $949, it doesn’t come cheap, but it’s hard to argue that this player doesn’t offer a lot, particularly if you’re a regular listener of TIDAL. Unlike many competing players, the DX240 offers full 16x MQA decoding. That means Master Quality Authenticated tracks streamed over dual-band Wi-Fi will play at their full resolution with zero sacrifices: exactly what the most discerning TIDAL fans demand (after all, the HiFi Plus tier costs $19.99 a month, so why waste bits or bucks).

Like the FiiO M11 Plus, it features a fast Snapdragon 660 processor and 4GB of RAM to ensure Android 9.0 runs smoothly, even while swiping through playlists. There’s also 64GB of built-in storage and the option to add a MicroSD card for even more. If you’re listening to your local library (32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512 decoding supported), you can swap over to iBasso’s MangoOS for even better performance (yes, this is a dual-OS DAP).

Even more interestingly, audio-centric tinkerers can physically swap out the amp module to tailor sound (just like in the company’s flagship $1,599 DX320, where the AMP13 adds a tube element somewhat like the Astell&Kern SP2000T above, though more involved to implement). The company sells a selection of different plug-and-play cards that go into the bottom of the DX240, introducing discrete amplifiers that alter the sonic signature and performance, as well as output power and plugs (including the AMP8MK2 to add a balanced 4.4mm option). If you’d rather not change out actual circuitry, the operating system supports your choice of graphic or parametric EQ.

Despite being an impressive package, there are a few caveats to remember. At 19mm thick, it’s a bit bulkier than many other DAPs, so sliding it into a pocket with a phone might be problematic. Despite running Android, this DAP also doesn’t support the Google Play Store. Instead, it comes pre-loaded with APKPure, a well-known alternative, but it’s still disappointing on a music player that costs almost a thousand dollars.  

Best under $500: Shanling M3X

Chris Coke

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Why it made the cut: The Shanling M3X delivers a lot for less and, while released in 2021, remains the best choice under $500 since then. 

Specs

• Price: $369
• Screen size: 4.2-inch (1280 x 768) panel
• Connectivity: Balanced (4.4mm), single-ended (3.5mm), Bluetooth 4.2 (including LDAC, LHDC, aptX HD, aptX, SBC)
• Music streaming: Yes
• Output power: 240mW (balanced), 101mW (single-ended)
• Battery life: 23 hours

Pros

• Affordably priced for its feature set 
• Good power output
• Ergonomic and easy to use 
• Great battery life 
• Full x16 MQA decoding

Cons

• App performance can be sluggish 
• System-wide EQ is poor

Shanling has long produced great entry-level ultra-compact DAPs (the $129 M0 Pro, for example). For those delving beyond dabbling with a portable player, the M3X has been a fan favorite since 2021, and that doesn’t seem poised to change anytime soon. Its small 4×3-inch frame slips easily into the pocket, and its well-placed controls are easily manipulated without looking. It supports standard 3.5mm headphones and those that use balanced 4.4mm cables (which has largely become the standard connection for balanced IEMs). The build quality is also excellent, with a glass front and back (screen protectors pre-installed) and extruded aluminum sides.

Like our pick for the best overall DAP, the Shanling M3X is really about the sum of its parts. Under $500, it’s just hard to find such a good combination of features. Its offers great power output for the price, excellent build quality, and even supports the Google Play Store by default. That means you can browse Facebook or check your email while enjoying your favorite songs. And download any music streaming service, of course.

Where the M3X shows its more affordable price is its chipset. Unlike the pricier DAPs on this list, it only features a Snapdragon 430 chipset and 2GB of RAM, so actually browsing the web is functional but will pale in comparison to a smartphone that’s several years old. The system-wide EQ is also bog-standard Android fare, which means a noticeable volume drop and a poor degree of control.

Still, these shortcomings don’t hold the M3X back very much. This player pulls features from DAPs double and triple the price. Case in point, the M3X supports full 16x MQA decoding, just like the nearly $1,000 iBasso DX240. While, because of supply chain issues, it may go in and out of stock, the M3X is worth keeping an eye on if you’re looking for the best affordable DAP. 

Best budget: Hidiz AP80 Pro-X

Linsoul

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Why it made the cut: The Hidiz AP80 Pro-X can’t stream music, but it offers a highly customizable sound with lots of versatility.

Specs

• Price: $189.99
• Screen size: 2.5-inch
• Connectivity: Balanced (2.5mm), single-ended (3.5mm), Bluetooth 4.1 (including AAC, aptX, LDAC, UAT codecs)
• Music streaming: No 
• Output power: 190mW (balanced), 70mW (single-ended)
• Battery life: 9 hours (balanced), 13 hours (single-ended)

Pros

• Supremely pocketable 
• Good output power at this price
• Very user-friendly EQ
• 8x MQA decoding

Cons

• Plays local files only in normal mode
• Comparatively low battery life
• No onboard storage

The Hidiz AP80 Pro-X is unlike any other DAP on this list and is excellent value for its budget price. Coming in at $189, it is the only digital player unable to connect to major music streaming services. But don’t let that fool you, as the AP80 Pro-X has a lot going for it that makes it well worth considering for music lovers on a budget.

Much of the magic of the AP80 Pro-X comes from its simplicity. It runs the HiBy OS, which does not have access to the Google Play Store but is fast and responsive, avoiding the pitfall of sluggishness plaguing so many digital audio players. It can accept MicroSD cards up to 512GB, holding up to a couple of thousand albums (including files up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256). And it delivers those files with plenty of power across its 3.5mm single-ended (70mW) and 2.5mm balanced (190mW) connections. 

If you want to listen to streaming services, you’ll need a smartphone or computer. When connected to an internet-enabled source, the AP80 Pro-X can act as a DAC, receiving that audio and sending it through (complete with 8x MQA decoding) to your headphones. It functions similarly to a dongle DAC or a wireless Bluetooth receiver (supporting AAC, aptX, LDAC, UAT codecs) but with all the features and enhanced sound quality of this much more sophisticated player. It also offers expansive sound customization with sliders dedicated to specific descriptors, like “bass extension” and “note thickness.” It’s a unique, user-friendly touch other DAP manufacturers could learn from.

At $189, the AP80 Pro-X offers quite a lot, but it’s not without its sacrifices. It doesn’t come with onboard storage to begin uploading your files immediately. The battery life is also only so-so. But with a one-hour complete recharge time, downtime shouldn’t be much of an issue.

Things to consider before buying one of the best DAPs

Like most things within the audio hobby, choosing the right DAP isn’t as simple as finding what’s popular and assuming it will work for you. Prices scale into thousands of dollars, and unsurprisingly, those expensive products tend to get rave recommendations. Based on positive feedback alone, you might assume you must spend upwards of $1,000 to have a great experience. Instead, the much wiser choice is to work backward from the features you need and then find the best digital audio player that fits your budget. Here’s what to look for before committing to a purchase: 

Connectivity 

The first thing to consider with any DAP is what connectivity options it offers. Some DAPs are limited solely to single-ended (standard 3.5mm) connections. Others offer 4.4mm or 2.5mm balanced connections—ports that split the signal into left and right channels for reduced distortion, improved clarity, and increased power delivery. Even if your current headphones use a standard 3.5mm jack, it’s worth considering whether a balanced earphone may be in your future. Since balanced outputs tend to offer more power, it is a useful option if you’re listening to harder-to-drive headphones. 

One important thing to keep in mind is that, due to their size, the best hi-res players typically lack support for the large 6.35mm jacks that are common to over-hear headphones. It’s still possible to use a DAP with cans like these, but you’ll need an adapter to make the connection. This flexible option from Sennheiser is an excellent choice and comes in at just under $20.

Connectivity doesn’t stop at the wire, however. Some DAPs also support Bluetooth to send and/or receive audio, as well as Wi-Fi for higher-resolution/bandwidth audio. If you want your device also to drive true wireless earbuds or the best portable speakers, you’ll need to be sure it supports Bluetooth as a feature (while acknowledging that Bluetooth isn’t the highest-fidelity option, though the LDAC codec is a solid listening experience and aptX Lossless, while only on the NuraTrue Pro currently, has potential).

Output power

Right up there with connectivity options is how much power the portable DAP can produce. This isn’t usually an issue for small, easy-to-drive in-ear monitors, but is a major consideration if you’re considering over-ear headphones. Audiophile-grade cans often require the extra power of a dedicated headphone amplifier to sound their best, and a DAP that doesn’t produce enough power to drive them is bound to disappoint.

This information is usually found on the specification list for most players and is rated in milliwatts (mW) or volts RMS (VRMS). It is typically rated against a certain resistance measured in ohms: 70mw@32Ω, for example. The amount of output power can also vary between the balanced and single-ended (3.5mm) outputs, so it’s important to consider which port you’ll be using and not just assume the highest possible output power is what you’ll be getting. 

Since headphones have an incredibly wide range of power demands, it’s impossible to offer specific advice without knowing which will be used. Generally, 50mW of output power is sufficient for most earphones. Headphones can be more demanding. To be safe, run your headphones through a headphone power calculator to find out exactly how much power output you should be targeting.

If you plan to listen to a mix of in-ear and over-ear headphones, consider looking for a DAP with high- and low-gain modes for less hiss and more fine-tuned volume adjustment. A very high-output player may work great for a demanding pair of audiophile headphones but could make listening to sensitive multidriver earbuds difficult with very touchy volume controls. Being able to swap between low- and high-gain modes can be game-changing to the versatility of a DAP.

Support for streaming services and file types

Digital audio players come in two varieties: simple music-file players and smart devices supporting online streaming. If you’re a die-hard fan of lossless audio with a deep catalog of hi-res audio files, you’ll probably be happy with a standard “dumb” DAP that has the sole job of making your music sound great. 

If you’re a fan of TIDAL or Spotify, you’ll need a DAP that can connect to the internet and has a display capable of navigating these apps. That means running some version of Android and, usually, a more complicated and expensive device.

Smart audio players often feel like smartphones designed around playing music, which can be both good and bad (if you’re looking for that kind of convergence device, check out something with an upgraded integrated DAC/amp, like the ASUS ROG Phone 6). On the plus side, DAPs that support streaming services give you access to huge music libraries and the ability to pick up where you left off across different devices. The downside is that, since the focus is on audio quality, the actual computer side of the device is often several generations old, including the operating system. Many smart DAPs feel sluggish compared to similarly priced smartphones.

The other thing to consider is what file formats the device can play back. To stream the highest quality tracks from TIDAL, your DAP must support decoding those files. TIDAL’s top streaming tier features MQA, or Master Quality Authenticated, tracks that use a proprietary compression algorithm that only some players can fully decode, usually at an additional cost. Likewise, if you’re playing local files, you’ll want to be sure the device supports the format of your library (FLAC, ALAC, DSD, WAV, etc.).

Battery life

Finally, the last thing to consider when purchasing a DAP is how long you can expect it to play between recharges. Somewhat counterintuitively, the fancier DACs often offer worse battery life due to their large screens, Android operating systems, and more powerful digital signal processing options/amplifier output. Any DAP worth investing in will last at least through a workday of listening. If you don’t mind plugging in overnight, this will likely be sufficient. 

Along with this, look closely at how long the player takes to recharge. The Hidiz AP80 Pro-X comes in on the low end for battery life but takes only an hour to fully recharge, which means a quick plug-in throughout the day will likely close the gap in usability for extended listening sessions. If you do anticipate having to plug in, also be sure to check if the device can still be used while charging. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best DAPs

• Best overall: FiiO M11Plus
• Best high-end: Astell&Kern A&Ultima SP2000T
• Best for TIDAL: iBasso DX240
• Best under $500: Shanling M3X
• Best budget: Hidiz AP80 Pro-X

Deciding on a DAP can be intimidating. With prices extending into hundreds of dollars and beyond, the pressure to make the right decision is high. But, with a focus on features, it’s possible to find the right fit that will let you enjoy your music to the fullest on the go. The best DAPs provide room to grow and explore the hobby even further. With care, they even tend to retain resale value, giving you a one-up on that next inevitable upgrade. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best DAPs for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Sennheiser AMBEO Plus		SEE IT	It offers a striking soundstage for a single unit.
Best 5.1		JBL Bar 700		SEE IT	Detachable rear channels make this bar stand out without forcing you to pack more speakers in your room.
Best budget		Roku Streambar Pro		SEE IT	Roku’s Streambar Pro is one of the best values in the entire world of home theater audio.

It’s more affordable than ever before to take your home media viewing experience to new heights thanks to streaming services, smart TVs, and soundbars. With this increased content availability enriched by new surround sound audio formats, a whole new world of entertainment possibilities comes to light. One of the easiest, most space-efficient ways to drastically improve the quality of your home theater’s audio is by upgrading to a soundbar to give you sound as vivid as the 4K video you’re probably enjoying.

The top soundbars are compact, quick to install, and an unbeatable way to present your movies, music, and video games with elevated volume, clarity, and immersion. Unlike a traditional speaker system with an AV receiver, a soundbar usually requires only a single connection to your television to switch between sources. These systems are often Bluetooth-compatible from the get-go, so you can also sync your tablet, phone, and other streaming devices. If you’re looking for a quick and cost-effective way to upgrade your home theater system, we’ll help you find the best soundbars to do the job.

• Best overall: Sennheiser AMBEO Plus
• Best compact: Bose TV Speaker
• Best 2.1: Samsung BW-H550/ZA Soundbar
• Best 5.1: JBL Bar 700
• Best for music: Sonos Arc
• Best budget: Roku Streambar Pro

How we chose the best soundbars

We’re nerds about everything here at PopSci, but audio is especially special to us. The PopSci writers and editors even include a few certified audiophiles, so we know a solid speaker when we see it. We used a mixture of online research and hands-on experience to survey dozens of models on the market. We were looking for the right mix of fidelity, features, and price.

Most of the items on this list are relatively affordable, and that’s by design. There are some ultra-high-end multi-speaker Dolby Atmos and wireless surround options, but a components system is specific to very demanding users. If you’re looking to get into the soundbar world, these are great models to get you started and upgrade your TV’s puny audio performance.

The best soundbars: Reviews & Recommendations

Every living room, bedroom, and home theater is different, making finding the right soundbar frustrating. Our recommendations—both standalone units and soundbar + subwoofer combos—span various sizes and prices, so you can find the one that suits your space and budget. We also focused on finding soundbars designed to work with additional speakers, allowing you to upgrade your home theater system over time as your budget and space change.

Best overall: Sennheiser AMBEO Plus

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: If you prize dynamic tonality, this is the premier soundbar … with a premium price tag.

Specs

• Dimensions: 41.38 x 4.76 x 3.03 inches
• Surround sound: Simulated 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos
• Subwoofer: Built-in, with an additional wireless subwoofer sold separately

Pros

• Carries on a tradition of No. 1 all-in-one Dolby Atmos soundbars
• Proprietary Dolby Atmos virtualization is convincing and captivating
• Small than its predecessor without too many sacrifices
• Can be augmented with a subwoofer

Cons

• No option for physical surround speakers
• Pricey
• Subwoofer is an additional $599
• HDMI ports are 2.0a, so they don’t support all next-gen gaming console protocols passthrough

Descended from the Sennheiser AMBEO Max, a 40-pound behemoth of a soundbar, the AMBEO Plus is a $1,499 indulgence that’s not quite as extravagant as its predecessor yet remains nearly as affecting. Featuring seven full-range speakers and dual 4-inch subwoofers in its rounded-off chassis, the 14-pound Plus can virtualize a 7.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos system with striking clarity and precise imaging thanks to proprietary processing (an AMBEO batch physically lights up on the soundbar whenever engaged).

Coming from a venerable brand renowned for audiophile headphones imbued with rich midrange and spacious staging, the AMBEO Plus is every bit a Sennheiser. It’s sonically expressive without even a tinge of artificiality and technically adept enough to conjure every directional cue, even height effects—helped by an automated calibration system. A well-appointed Smart Control app (iOS and Android) lets you tweak soundfield effects, voice enhancement, voice assistants, night mode, EQ, and more, plus view information on your connections/audio streams. Whether watching movies or listening to music, the 400W AMBEO Plus is adept at scale and strength, preserving detail without sacrificing impact—bass reaches nearly 40Hz. The original 13-driver AMBEO—aka the rebranded Max—is still superior in terms of gripping slam and dazzling reflections (and $1,000 more expensive), as the AMBEO Plus folds channels in more like a 5.1.2. Still, the rumble gap narrows noticeably if you pair the AMBEO Plus with the wireless 8-inch 350W Sennheiser AMBEO Subwoofer.

In terms of connectivity, there any multiple HDMI ports with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough, though not 120Hz for gaming. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony 360 Reality Audio are all decoded, and Bluetooth 5.0, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Chromecast give you access to content from basically any and every source. Yes, the AMBEO Plus is the most expensive soundbar in our selection, but it’s undeniably the best all-in-one soundbar to transform a room with limited room. If you’re investing in an OLED TV, you deserve audio that’s equally vibrant.

Best compact: Bose TV Speaker

Bose

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Why it made the cut: The TV speaker will provide great sound without taking up much space.

Specs

• Dimensions: 4.02 x 23.38 x 2.21 inches
• Surround sound: No
• Subwoofer: None

Pros

• Compact size
• Selectable sound modes
• Voice enhancement

Cons

• No smart features

At 23.4-inches wide the Bose TV Speaker is almost half the size of other soundbars we’re recommending in this guide, but it stands tall when it comes to dialogue enhancement. The teeny, tiny shell houses a three-driver audio system featuring a pair of full-range drivers angled outward and a single tweeter pointed forward. This configuration is designed to offer the best audio quality from a 2.0 soundbar while presenting the widest-possible soundstage. The TV Speaker won’t be able to stand toe-to-toe with longer soundbars when it comes to stereo separation—this is physics, not Bose’s lack of engineering chops—but it’s good to see the company use the space it had as efficently as possible.

You can fill out the TV Speaker’s sound by connecting a Bose wired subwoofer to the system—though the price of adding low-end is $500. Thankfully, this augmentation won’t be necessary, as the TV Speaker’s sound should be sufficiently better than the audio system built into your set. Despite the TV Soundbar’s small size, Bose allows you to connect this soundbar to your TV using an HDMI or optical audio cable. It also features an AUX input, so you can plug an audio device into it directly, and Bluetooth support if you’d like to stream music to the soundbar from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Bose managed to fit most of the features found in its higher-end soundbars into the TV Speaker, but it had to cut support for Amazon’s Alexa. This isn’t a huge deal, but something to consider if you’re looking for a soundbar that doubles as a smart-home controller in your room. If that’s not a concern, and you want a compact audio system for your room, this is the soundbar to get.

Best 2.1: Samsung BW-H550/ZA Soundbar

Amazon

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Why it made the cut: This straight-ahead system doesn’t get bogged down with tons of features you won’t use and, instead, focuses on performance.

Specs

• Dimensions: 33.9 x 3 x 2.3 inches
• Surround Sound: Dolby Audio and DTS: Virtual X
• Subwoofer: Wireless included

Pros

• Great sound
• Included subwoofer
• AI-driven sound adjustments

Cons

• Lacks Dolby Atmos

This Samsung soundbar sports three-channel audio and includes a dedicated center speaker and a satellite subwoofer for powerful, enhanced bass and 3D surround sound effects. It offers superior multi-connectivity via Bluetooth, allowing two smart devices to remain paired at once, and the HDMI ARC interface allows for single-cable audio connections to and from a TV with a compatible port.

Regarding surround, this bar supports DTS: Virtual X to simulate a system with many more speakers installed around the room. Samsung’s Smart Sound technology analyzes the content you’re watching and automatically adjusts its performance to match it best. That also helps keep subtle sounds like ambient horror sounds or important dialog from getting lost. But, if needed, you can manually trigger a Voice Enhancement mode. Want more rumble? A bass boost is available at the push of a button. Need less bass? There’s also a Night Mode.

The relatively basic black design is refreshing compared to more complex devices. It melts into the room, and you hear it but don’t necessarily see it. This is undoubtedly the best Samsung soundbar on a budget (though if you want a truly immersive experience, the $1,699 HW-Q990B is the best Samsung package, full stop).

Best 5.1: JBL Bar 700

Brandt Ranj

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Why it made the cut: This soundbar’s detachable, battery-powered speakers offer a truly authentic 5.1 surround experience.

Specs

• Dimensions: 4.7 x 46.2 x 2.2 inches
• Surround sound: 5.1 Dolby Atmos
• Subwoofer: Wireless included

Pros

• Detachable speakers make it very flexible
• Powerful wireless subwoofer
• True surround sound

Cons

• Long when fully attached

There are a lot of soundbars that list support for surround sound as one of their features, but that’s not really the case. Designers can create a more 3D sound experience by supporting the right audio formats and positioning drivers in different positions to mimic a traditional 5.1 surround sound system, but it’s not the same as having a true multi-speaker system. JBL’s Bar 700 is different.

The 46.2-inch soundbar has a pair of battery-powered detachable speakers, which can be placed behind you to create a true 5.1, Dolby Atmos-compatible system, with the bar handling the front right, front left, and center channels. All of these speakers are synced up to a wireless 10-inch subwoofer, which adds enough bass to round out the sound without being unnecessarily boomy. I was skeptical about whether this system would work, but its 620W of convenient cinematic sound passed every test with flying colors.

It’s worth noting that the Bar 700 is pretty long when the rear speakers are attached, so you’ll need to ensure your media center/credenza has enough space. It’s a soundbar best paired with a TV that’s 55 inches in size minimum, and it’s easily connected via HDMI eARC (plus there’s an HDMI input with 4K and Dolby Vision passthrough). Beyond that, this soundbar is an excellent addition to your living room or home theater. The center channel has enough separation from the right and left that I could always hear dialogue clearly, even in movie or TV scenes with a lot of action. The center driver was good enough that I could also differentiate between different voices even if characters spoke in the same register.

My biggest concern about the Bar 700’s modular speaker system was that attaching and detaching the rear speakers would be a pain, but that was never the case. The magnetic attachment mechanism JBL developed makes these processes easy while also ensuring these additional speakers never accidentally pop out. The only other problem I foresaw with the Bar 700 was desynced audio. JBL mitigates this by running you through a setup procedure using its app (iOS and Android), which takes about five minutes to complete. The soundbar and rear speakers fire off audio to get a sense of the size and shape of your room. Once the setup was complete, I never had an issue with desyncing audio.

Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi-equipped, the Bar 700 Wi-Fi comes with AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Chromecast built-in, so you can cast music/content from your phone if you don’t want to fire up your streaming device. And you can customize modes, voice assistant, and EQ with the JBL app. If you’ve longed for a surround sound system with discrete rear speakers but don’t have enough space (or outlets) to set up separates, JBL’s Bar 700 is a great solution. Just pop off the soundbar’s endcaps, fire up the rears on the couch corners, then reassemble at the night’s end or when it’s time to recharge the batteries (rated for 10 hours).

Like this concept, but want to kick it up several notches? The JBL 1300X is a 11.1.4-channel soundbar with detachable surround speakers and wireless subwoofer, though all those extra channels take the price from $899 to $1,699.

Best for music: Sonos Arc

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: The Sonos Arc is a futureproofed soundbar perfect for music lovers and cinephiles alike.

Specs

• Dimensions: 3.4 x 45 x 4.5 inches
• Surround sound: Yes, Simulated Standalone or True Dolby Atmos with additional components
• Subwoofer: Wireless sold separately

Pros

• Great sound for music
• Support for Dolby Atmos
• Can be augmented by additional speakers

Cons

• Cost

If you want to buy a piece of home theater equipment and not consider upgrading it for a decade, the Sonos Arc is worth its admittedly high price. The Santa Barbara-based company—pioneers in the whole-home audio sector—designs everything in-house, maintaining every stage of design and tuning. And Sonos develops each purpose-built component with compatibility and longevity in mind. The uber-long soundbar has forward, side, and upward-firing drivers (11 total), which we found deliver surprisingly good Dolby Atmos surround sound whether listening to music or watching TV shows or movies.

Your experience will depend on the size and shape of your room, since the effect requires sound to bounce off your walls and ceilings. To offer the best possible experience, we recommend tuning the Arc using the TruePlay setting in Sonos’ app (iOS and Android). Within a few minutes, the soundbar will run a series of tones to get a sense of how your room is set up and optimize its performance accordingly. We’re still partial to multi-speaker surround sound systems, but the $899 Arc is all you really need for cinematic surround sound.

On top of its ability to handle cinema soundtracks and other streaming content, the Sonos Arc delivers crystal-clear sound when listening to music, whether via HDMI, AirPlay 2, or streaming services over WiFi through the Sonos app. Bass is present but restrained, instruments and vocals in the midrange sound smooth, and we never heard sibilance or harsh treble. Again, your experience will vary based on the music you listen to and how well it was mastered. If you’re having trouble with how your music sounds through the Sonos Arc, we’re almost positive it’s not a hardware issue. In our tests, stereo and Dolby Atmos tracks had a very wide soundstage, which made it easy to pick out each instrument in a song individually.

We’re comfortable recommending the Sonos Arc to any music lover on its own. Still, to get the full Dolby Atmos experience, we recommend augmenting it with a pair of WiFi-connected Sonos Era 300 multidirectional speakers and a wireless Sonos Sub. These components will expand the Sonos Arc into a 7.1.4 system, taking over as rear surround/upfiring speakers (along with handling the low end) and leaving the soundbar as the front right, front left, and center channels of a traditional surround sound system. With that setup, you’ll get better sound overall—plus the flexibility to use the six positional drivers of the immersive made-for-Dolby-Atmos Era 300 speakers standalone in other rooms if you want—though it’ll cost you quite a bit to make those upgrades ($449 per Era 300 and $799 for the Sub Gen. 3). Sonos supports its speakers for roughly a decade, so it’s undoubtedly worth building out their ecosystem piece by piece.

If music is as important to you as TV shows and movies, especially if you want to integrate a multi-room audio system, the Sonos Arc is the only home theater purchase you should make in 2023.

Best budget: Roku Streambar Pro

Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

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Why it made the cut: Roku’s Streambar Pro has features you can’t find in soundbars several times its price.

Specs

• Dimensions: 32.2 x 3.9 x 2.8 inches
• Surround sound: None
• Subwoofer: Wireless sold separately

Pros

• Built-in 4K media streamer
• Can be augmented with additional speakers
• Sharp look

Cons

• No surround sound
• No built-in soundbar

We’re typically wary of two-in-one gadgets, but Roku’s Streambar Pro is a very notable exception to our rule. The soundbar actually has an entire 4K Roku media streamer built into it, which you can use to turn an old TV smart. This is especially nice if you’ve recently cut the cord and want an easy way to stream TV shows and movies from online services. You don’t need to use the Streambar Pro’s built-in Roku, but the value of this feature is part of what makes this soundbar such a great deal.

The Streambar Pro’s other strong suit is its surprisingly good sound. We say surprisingly because we didn’t expect quite as much vocal clarity or stereo separation from a soundbar at its price point. If you’ve struggled to hear what people are saying in movies or find the sound of explosions lacking in action-packed sequences, this is your answer. Roku was smart not to pack any surround sound features into the soundbar itself, instead redirecting those engineering resources into developing its Wireless Bass Pro subwoofer and Roku Wireless Speakers. Adding those components will allow you to enjoy your media in true surround sound without connecting them with cables.

It’s telling that Roku bundles the Streambar Pro plus the aforementioned additional speakers in a multi-piece bundle that costs just over $500 (hence its prominence in our best soundbars under $500 roundup, also home to additional options from JBL, Samsung, and Sonos, appropriately). Bose charges roughly the same price for just a subwoofer. There are very few true values in home theater audio, so we couldn’t be happier for Roku’s Streambar Pro to stand out for its audio quality and cost.

Things to consider when buying the best soundbars

How big or small should your soundbar be?

One of the most convenient features of most soundbar systems is the understated form that helps them blend in with your existing entertainment center. It’s generally recommended that you choose a soundbar that doesn’t exceed the length of your television for aesthetic reasons. The length and size of the soundbar don’t always translate to volume and power, so you won’t be making too many compromises by going with a smaller soundbar.

The most important consideration when choosing a soundbar for its size is that it retains flexibility and versatility despite its understated appearance. Many miniature soundbars pack Bluetooth connectivity, subwoofers, and other special features into their cases without a hitch. You don’t have to worry about sacrificing essential features to ensure that your smaller rooms don’t get cluttered. After all, you’re buying a soundbar for its major improvements over your television’s speaker system.

What kind of surround sound are you looking for?

Some basic soundbars offer typical stereo sound, but many have adopted surround sound technology that can add an entirely new dimension to the content you watch. The most relevant thing to notice in modern soundbars is Dolby Atmos. This object-based surround sound standard works with the most popular streaming services and provides an overall excellent experience with some consistency, assuming the sound designer has done something compelling with the 100+ sonic placements available to them.

Balance tuning versus power

An oft-overlooked factor while shopping for a soundbar is its ability to adequately translate cinematic audio and dialogue in the best way for your room. For example, a soundbar with a high wattage rating and high maximum sound pressure level might appear loud on paper. Still, if this sound is muddy or if the device’s design renders dialogue muffled and unintelligible, it completely defeats the purpose of adding a soundbar to your system in the first place. In this way, volume and power capabilities don’t always translate to better sound for your space. Suppose you’re looking to max out your entertainment system’s volume with a soundbar. In that case, it’s important to consider a model combining high wattage and maximum volume with manufacturer-designed tuning.

The system used to tune a soundbar—or any sound system, for that matter—involves using equalization to boost certain frequencies and cut others, which can enhance the audio in home environments. Unless you’re investing in a high degree of sound treatment for your theater room, chances are that there are some undesirable resonances in your space that can exacerbate poorly tuned audio. This effect becomes even more pronounced at higher volumes, so it’s important to pick out a tuned or tunable system if you’re going to listen loud or if you’re in a smaller room. With a properly tuned soundbar, dialogue becomes clear, action sequences retain impact without being ear-piercing, and most importantly, it drastically cuts the need for constant turning up and down of your television volume. If any of these issues apply to your situation, a tuned soundbar is the only way to go.

Is your home a smart one?

Smart home systems run via Alexa and Google Home transform how we live and work around the house and beyond. Activities that were once interrupted by the need to pick up the phone, sit down at the computer, or fumble with a device have been made quicker and easier thanks to voice control integration across a whole gamut of home appliances. And since your entertainment center is a focal point of your time spent at home, it only makes sense to consider a soundbar system that offers voice control compatibility, whether you’re planning on expanding your current smart home system or starting from scratch.

One of the biggest perks of choosing a soundbar with smart home compatibility is its elevated ability to play high-volume music and media while still being able to hear your voice over the noise and execute your commands without turning the volume down or pressing pause. Think of a voice control-enabled soundbar as a more souped-up version of a traditional smart home speaker: you can turn the music up and down, resume and pause programming, check the status of your smart cooker, air quality, temperature, and so much more from the comfort of your seat. A system with this capability also eliminates the need for a separate smart speaker for your TV area or living room altogether, which is a plus if you’re trying to save space or retain a minimalist sense of decor.

Do you want to connect to Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is one of the most prevalent and useful interfaces for wirelessly streaming audio from your devices to your speaker systems, and most soundbars on the market do offer some form of Bluetooth connectivity. Options like this allow the soundbar to work for you and help you get more out of your system whenever you’re listening to music or podcasts around the house. Most televisions don’t come standard with a Bluetooth audio receiver, so not only does this technology open up your entertainment center as a location for streaming audio, but it’s also an incredible improvement over a traditional portable Bluetooth speaker.

Do you need to connect multiple devices?

HDMI is the most commonly used wired interface for soundbars to receive audio from and send it to your TV. Some soundbar systems also use this connection to receive volume information directly from your TV remote. Suppose you’ll deal with sound from numerous sources like Blu-ray players, video game consoles, and streaming services. In that case, it’s important to consider whether your soundbar has enough connectivity to support your needs and how efficiently it can interface with various devices (and that you have appropriately rated HDMI cables). Generally speaking, more connectivity is always better due to the flexibility that it affords, as devices that play well with others make your life easier and require less tinkering. Increased connectivity options come at a price of both cost and size, so it’s important to weigh your needs for flexibility against these factors.

FAQs

Final thoughts on shopping for the best soundbars

• Best overall: Sennheiser AMBEO Plus
• Best compact: Bose TV Speaker
• Best 2.1: Samsung BW-H550/ZA Soundbar
• Best 5.1: JBL Bar 700
• Best for music: Sonos Arc
• Best budget: Roku Streambar Pro

A soundbar is an easy choice for drastically improving the quality of your home theater, thanks to the easy setup and maintenance that these systems provide. The wide range of choices in this product category ensures that there’s an option out there for every budget and need, from compact single-bar systems to fully-fledged surround sound setups. In looking for a soundbar system, consider the size of your space and the connectivity your home theater needs to ensure that your add-on provides the best cinematic experience for you.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best soundbars for 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Apple Beats Fit Pro		SEE IT	A snug fit, balanced sound, and seamless iOS connectivity make these easy to add to any workout routine.
Best battery life		Jabra Elite 7 Active		SEE IT	These earbuds are highly resistant to dust and water and feature a great combination of ANC performance and battery life.
Best budget		soundcore by Anker Sport X10		SEE IT	The soundcore by Anker Sport X10 headphones are great for runners on a budget.

Using headphones for working out can transform your frame of reference and put you in the mood to grind like nothing else. Of course, exercise can be strenuous and involve tons of movement, so it’s essential to find a pair of headphones or earbuds that leave you unencumbered by wires and fit securely enough that they won’t be flung to the ground every time you move your head. In this list, we’ll break down the best headphones for working out and optimizing your circuit(s) with your favorite music and podcasts.

• Best overall: Apple Beats Fit Pro
• Best over-ear: JBL Live 660NC
• Best for CrossFit: Dóttir Freedom Sport Earbuds
• Best bone conduction: SHOKZ OpenRun
• Best for a custom fit: Ultimate Ears FITS
• Best for Spotify: Bose Sport Earbuds
• Best battery life: Jabra Elite 7 Active
• Best budget: soundcore by Anker Sport X10

How we chose the best headphones for working out

The best headphones for working out are wireless, and Bluetooth requires power. We picked headphones that offer at least five hours of single-charge battery life, and all of the earbuds include charging cases. Considering the battery life of your headphones is extremely important for keeping the flow going—you wouldn’t want the music to stop mid-workout. All of the headphones on our list fit securely around the head or in the ear to ensure that they move very little or not at all during workouts. Everyday headphones made for walking or when you’re stationary aren’t typically designed with extreme movement in mind.

Sound quality was also a big factor in considering headphones for this list, and many of the earbuds we picked either come with a full and balanced sound profile or offer the option to adjust their sound via an app. Staying aware of the activity around you is always important while wearing headphones, especially if you’re on the go. For our list, we picked headphones that either feature a transparency mode or are completely open-ear.

The best headphones for working out: Reviews & Recommendations

Prepping for a workout is all about getting your mind and body in the right place, and apart from stretching and putting on the right clothes, pumping up the jams properly can pump you up for a regular training run. One of our choices is sure to put a spring in your step the next time you go for a jog or lift weights.

Best overall: Apple Beats Fit Pro

Stan Horaczek

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Why it made the cut: The Apple Beats Fit Pro features a snug fit, balanced sound, and seamless iOS connectivity that make them easy to add to any workout routine.

Specs

• Weight: 0.2 ounces/earbud; 2.3 ounces with case
• IP rating: IPX4 (splash-resistant)
• Battery life: 6 hours single-charge; 24 hours with case

Pros

• High-performance active noise canceling in a compact earbud design
• Secure design stays in ear when running or working out
• Compatible with dynamic head tracking on iOS devices
• Includes pocket-sized travel case and three eartip options

Cons

• No wireless charging
• iOS device required for full functionality
• Not protected against water immersion
• No multipoint pairing

We’ve thoroughly reviewed the Apple Beats Fit Pro, and they take the best overall award on this list thanks to their sound quality, workout-friendly design, and fantastic iOS compatibility. They contain the same proprietary H1 chip found in Apple’s AirPods, which enables near-instantaneous pairing and steady, reliable connections to iOS devices along with battery life optimization. Like AirPods, the Beats Fit Pro earbuds are also fully compatible with iOS head-tracking and spatial audio features for simulated surround sound and immersive media listening. Their inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes make them equally useful on the road and at the gym. We also love the range of colors these buds come in, particularly their unique skin tone range.

The Beats Fit Pro earbuds are designed to sit securely in your ears using small rubber wings that rest comfortably against your outer ear along with three sets of variously sized ear tips. A quick optional setup step uses the earbuds’ onboard microphones to test your fit for sound leaks. Once your optimal fit is achieved, the Beats Fit Pro can endure almost every exercise imaginable—from running to rowing—without budging. The earbuds’ conveniently pocked-sized charging case brings their total battery life to around 24 hours. While it would be nice to see wireless charging in a product with this price tag, we appreciate that the case is chargeable via USB-C rather than Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector.

While the Beats Fit Pro earbuds are unmistakably great for iPhone users, it’s unfortunate that the instant pairing and steady connectivity of the earbuds’ H1 chip aren’t extended to Android users. For their price, it would also be nice to see features like multipoint pairing and more robust weatherproofing rather than the same IPX4 rating found in standard AirPods. Still, if you work out regularly and are an iPhone user, you’d be seriously hard-pressed to find a better in-ear option. If you’re sold on the Beats features but are looking for an option with earhooks, the Powerbeats Pro earbuds are also a solid choice.

Best over-ear: JBL Live 660NC

JBL

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Why it made the cut: The JBL Live 660NC boasts full bass, and balanced sound with a 50-hour battery life, making them perfect for spur-of-the-moment workouts.

Specs

• Weight: 9.3 ounces
• IP rating: N/A
• Battery life: 50 hours

Pros

• Long-lasting 50-hour battery life
• Quick charge gives 4 hours operation in 10 minutes
• JBL app offers EQ and other advanced features

Cons

• Variable fit affects noise cancellation performance
• Integrated voice assistant button is easy to press accidentally
• Multi-button design is complicated to use and set up
• No IP rating

If you prefer the fit and look of over-ear headphones for working out, the JBL Live 660NC’s are worth considering, thanks to their snug fit and battery life. They offer up to 50 hours of operation on a single charge and a burst charge for four hours of operation in 10 minutes, so they’re almost always ready to go on a moment’s notice. The 660NC’s also feature noise canceling and ambient-aware modes, making them equally suitable for use in noisy gyms and on busy streets. We had inconsistent results with their noise-canceling abilities due to the earcups sealing differently on different peoples’ heads, so if the best noise-canceling is an absolute must in your book, you’ll want to consider noise-canceling earbuds instead of over-ears.

Thanks to their 40-millimeter drivers, the sound of the JBL 660NC is balanced and neutral with a slightly pronounced bass response that makes them great for listening to pop, dance, and other beat-heavy music while working out. The JBL headphones app offers further sculpting of the 660NC’s’ sound with EQ and ambient-aware level adjustments as well as access to battery life indicators and more. The headphones also feature their own onboard suite of control buttons. Still, they require a bit of studying to master, and the voice assistant button that covers the entirety of the left earcup is easy to press accidentally.

Lastly, the 660NCs have no official IP rating, and while we didn’t experience any technical issues from getting them a little sweaty, you’ll still want to be mindful of using them in heavy rain or other settings where they might get doused. If you absolutely need to work out with waterproof over-ear headphones, the Jabra 85h is a satisfactory alternative that features great ANC but has a slightly less secure fit.

Best for CrossFit: Dóttir Freedom Sport Earbuds

Amanda Reed

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Why it made the cut: The Dóttir Freedom Sport Earbuds simply won’t budge during high-intensity workouts thanks to their substantial ear hooks and wide range of silicone ear tips.

Specs

• Weight: 0.33 ounces/earbud; 9.5 ounces with case
• IP rating: IPX7 (waterproof for 30 minutes, not dustproof)
• Battery life: 12 hours single-charge; 72 hours with case

Pros

• Incredibly secure fit
• Built-in touch controls
• Long single-charge battery life, extended further with case

Cons

• ANC performance is spotty
• On the bulkier and heavier side for earbuds
• Max volume is lower than comparable earbuds

CrossFit enthusiasts and others who perform more strenuous exercises will like the impossibly secure fit and high sweatproof rating of the Dóttir Freedom Sport Earbuds, an easy-to-use pair of true wireless headphones with a design similar to the Apple Powerbeats Pro that cost around $100 less. Coming from Icelandic CrossFit legends Katrin Davidsdottir and Annie Thorisdottir, who have a lot of experience with sets in the box (both exercises and audio gear), these earbuds come with a whopping 12 pairs of eartip options to ensure the absolute best fit for your ear canal. In addition, they feature a substantially long earhook, so they’re not going anywhere once they’re in place. An intuitive combination of buttons and on-earbud touch controls grant access to volume adjustments and music controls, allowing you to put your phone away and focus on your workout. To accommodate their overall design philosophy and long 12-hour single-charge battery life, the Freedom Sport Earbuds are a bit bulkier than compact earbud options like the Bose Sport Earbuds and Beats Fit Pro. However, they weigh around 0.6 ounces less per bud than the Apple Powerbeats Pro. When paired with the USB-C charging case, their total battery life jumps to about 72 hours.

While the Dóttir Freedom are advertised as active noise cancelation earbuds, their ANC performance isn’t able to filter out nearly as much background noise as some other brands that specialize in noise-canceling earbuds—the official spec is 35 dB of reduction. Some chatter, traffic, and other ambient noise may come through in normal workout settings. This isn’t a huge dealbreaker, considering that it’s good to have some measure of situational awareness anytime you’re working out. Still, if you need near-silent levels of ANC performance from your earbuds, you might look elsewhere. We also noticed that the Dóttir Freedom sounded a bit quieter than the Beats Fit Pro and other earbuds on this list at max volume, but we didn’t have the equipment necessary to test their max SPL, and it’s unfortunately not published. We were always able to feel the bass so we could keep the pace, however, and did like the performance for the price. And, with an IPX7 rating, the Dóttir Freedom won’t break a sweat no matter how hard you do.

Best bone-conduction: SHOKZ OpenRun

SHOKZ

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Why it made the cut: The unique design of the SHOKZ OpenRun keeps your ears fully open, so you can stay aware of your surroundings while running and cycling.

Specs

• Weight: 0.92 ounces
• IP rating: IP67 (dustproof, waterproof for 30 minutes)
• Battery life: 8 hours

Pros

• Fully sweatproof and weatherproof for high-impact workouts
• Open-ear bone conduction design for improved situational awareness
• Long battery life with quick charge function

Cons

• Lacks bass response
• Proprietary magnetic charger isn’t interchangeable
• Not silent—others can hear what you’re listening to

The SHOKZ OpenRun is one of the best bone-conduction headphones on the market, boasting a unique open-ear design that allows you to listen to music and podcasts while maintaining full situational awareness. Unlike traditional headphone designs, bone conduction headphones employ a clever hack of human anatomy to transfer sounds directly to the inner ear by gently vibrating your facial bones from the outside in, leaving the entire ear canal unobstructed. The drawbacks to this design include that they provide no passive or active noise cancellation, and the vibrations can be audible to others, so they’re not the best choice for quiet environments or taking public transit. Bone conduction headphones also produce markedly less bass frequencies than traditional designs, making them less ideal for immersive music listening.

On the functionality side of things, the SHOKZ OpenRun packs about eight hours of battery life on a single charge and boasts a substantial IP67 rating, making them completely impervious to dust ingress and fully waterproof for up to 30 minutes. They have a comfy and lightweight headband design with easy-to-use control buttons that makes them particularly suited for running and cycling on roads and trails. While there’s no way to adjust the headband’s fit, the OpenRun does come in two different sizes. Another minor design gripe is that the OpenRun uses a proprietary magnetic charger instead of USB-C, making it more of a hassle to replace if it breaks or goes missing.

Best for a custom fit: Ultimate Ears FITS

Abigail Ferguson

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Why it made the cut: These earbuds include tips that mold to your ears when first using them, creating a custom and comfortable fit. Plus, they provide up to eight hours of continuous playback. 

Specs

• Earpiece weight: 0.4 ounces
• Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.0
• IP rating: IPX3
• Battery life: 8 hours on the earbuds, 20 hours with the case

Pros

• Tips are molded to your ear shape
• They stay put even during exercise
• Lengthy battery life
• Built-in mic lets you take calls

Cons

• Switching between Bluetooth devices can be a bit finicky
• No active noise cancelation

Ultimate Ears FITS, otherwise known as UE FITS, are unique earbuds due to the custom fitting process. When you first get your pair (or a new set of tips), the app guides you through the molding process. This involves the photopolymer gel tips heating up with the use of light-forming LEDs. It’s a strange sensation but nothing uncomfortable by any means. The entire process takes just 60 seconds to let you get your earbuds and reps in almost immediately.

Once the tips are molded to your ears, they should offer more comfort and stability than other earbuds. I must have sensitive, small ears as I tend to get pain from most earbuds almost immediately, but I can wear my UE FITS for a few hours just fine. They also stay put in my ears better than anything I’ve ever used. While I don’t do any HIIT workouts, they don’t budge at all during my runs or weight training sessions (even during side planks).

Beyond fit, the UE FITS also sound good. They are slightly lacking in bass by default, but you can customize EQ settings to your liking in the easy-to-use app. Unfortunately, there is no active noise cancellation, but thanks to the snug fit, they provide a nice amount of noise isolation. And the earbuds offer eight hours of battery life on their own, with 20 hours of battery life for the case. 

Less athletically inclined but still like the idea of custom-fit earbud comfort for running errands (or the occasional power walk)? UE offers the DROPS, which have a more involved, more handcrafted process resulting in bespoke acrylic housings tailored to your personal specifications and aesthetic.

Best for Spotify: Bose Sport Earbuds

Bose

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Why it made the cut: Take your entire music library for a spin with these small-but-mighty workout earbuds that boast Bose’s signature balanced sound quality.

Specs

• Weight: 0.24 ounces/earbud; 2.15 ounces with case
• IP rating: IPX4 (splash-resistant)
• Battery life: 5 hours single-charge; 15 hours with case

Pros

• Comfortable and secure fit with interchangeable ear tips
• Well-rounded sound profile with full-bodied bass and present mids
• Easy-to-use capacitive touch controls on each bud

Cons

• Smartphone app required
• Relatively short single-charge battery life
• No active noise canceling

If you’re a stickler for sound quality, the Bose Sport Earbuds deliver a fantastic music listening experience in a compact, workout-friendly package that makes it enjoyable to dive into your music collection anywhere you go. They feature a very balanced and well-rounded sound profile with full, clear bass and detailed midrange frequency performance that’s suitable for a wide range of music styles and podcasts alike. Like any good pair of workout headphones, the Bose Sport Earbuds are IPX4 splash-resistant and feature a super secure fit aided by three sets of interchangeable ear tips. Their battery life isn’t as great as some of their competitors, clocking in at up to about five hours of use on a single charge, but this is mitigated somewhat by the 10 extra hours stored in their charging case.

Controlling the Bose Sport Earbuds is fairly straightforward thanks to their built-in capacitive touch controls, allowing users to swipe and tap their way through their music libraries, take calls, and more. Setting up the earbuds is a little less elegant, however, and relies heavily upon the Bose Connect app for everything, including device pairing and volume adjustments. Despite being a bit of a hoop to jump through, once set up, the app does offer access to EQ adjustment features and over-the-air firmware updates. One additional feature we’d like to see added is active noise cancellation, but that would likely drain the battery even quicker, and the Sport Earbuds perform reasonably well in the passive canceling department.

Best battery life: Jabra Elite 7 Active

Andrew Waite

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Why it made the cut: The Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds are highly resistant to dust and water and feature the best combination of ANC performance and battery life we’ve encountered in a pair of workout headphones.

Specs

• Weight: 0.19 ounces/earbud; 1.9 ounces with case
• IP rating: IP57 (dust-resistant, waterproof up to 1 meter)
• Battery life: 8 hours single-charge; 30 hours with case

Pros

• Very long battery life for frequent use without charging
• Snug and secure fit with three eartip sizes
• Balanced sound profile with customizable EQ via app
• Multipoint pairing

Cons

• Case can be tough to open
• Low-frequency noise cancellation could be improved
• Hit-and-miss phone call quality in loud environments

If you often find yourself in situations where you forget to charge your headphones—maybe you’re an endurance athlete, parent, or every overworked person in the modern world—the Jabra Elite 7 Active is a great-sounding and reliable option to add to your workout routine. At first glance, the low-profile design of the Elite 7 Active is reminiscent of a slightly less rugged Jaybird Vista 2 (which we’ve also reviewed in the past) with better battery life; despite weighing only 0.19 ounces per bud, the Elite 7 Active can run for eight hours on a single charge and up to 30 hours when used with their charging case, making them great for infrequent charging and ideal for stowing in a gym bag or glove compartment.

The Elite 7 Active’s noise cancellation performance is also very good in the midrange and high-frequency ranges where human conversation and music from speakers live. However, we found that they performed a little worse when dealing with car engines, noise from inside an airplane, and other very loud low-frequency information. This can be mitigated somewhat by selecting the best-fitting ear tips from the three pairs included with the buds. Still, if you’re using them for a workout, or to listen to podcasts while your kid burns through some energy (as shown above), you’ll probably want to stay aware of your surroundings and use the earbuds’ HearThrough mode anyway.

Music sounds great on the Elite 7 Active earbuds thanks to their flat and balanced sound profile, which you can sculpt further using the EQ settings in the Jabra Sound+ app. The app also offers battery life indicators, pairing options, and firmware updates, and we find it to be more user-friendly overall than the Bose Connect app. Call quality through the buds is fairly decent, although their built-in mics sometimes struggle to discern your own voice from ambient chatter when taking public transit or in other loud environments. The sleek charging case is also a great size and shape for keeping in a pocket during your workouts, but if you’ve worked up a sweat, its shape and smooth finish can make it difficult to open.

Best budget: soundcore by Anker Sport X10

Jen McCaffery

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Why it made the cut: The Anker Soundcore Sport X10 offers an incredibly secure fit and long battery life for runners on a budget.

Specs

• Weight: 0.2 ounces/earbud; 1.9 ounces with case
• IP rating: IPX7 (waterproof for 30 minutes, not dustproof)
• Battery life: 8 hours single-charge; 32 hours with case

Pros

• Very secure swiveling ear hook design
• Controls customizable via a smartphone app
• Transparency mode enhances situational awareness

Cons

• No multipoint connection
• ANC performance is lacking in loud environments
• Multi-press controls are confusing and uncomfortable

If you’re less concerned about noise cancellation performance, the Anker Soundcore Sport X10s are a great budget option for working out thanks to their secure fit and long battery life. They have a unique swiveling ear hook design that folds into a compact shape for storage in their charging case and unfolds to loop securely around the front of your earlobe, keeping them snug during even the most vigorous exercise routines. The Sport X10s also features a six-microphone array that provides relatively good phone call quality and an effective transparency mode. Still, their ANC performance falls short of quieting most common midrange sounds like speech, engines, and other urban noise.

The Sport X10’s sound profile is a bit muddy and heavy in the low-mids, but this can be adjusted using the EQ settings within the Soundcore app, which includes several presets to choose from. The app also allows you to rebind custom functions to the earbuds’ onboard control buttons, which are clicky and provide some nice feedback but tend to shift the earbud around with minor discomfort. You also don’t get multipoint pairing with the Sport X10, but at their price point, that’s understandable.

What to consider before buying the best headphones for working out

You could take the best headphones to the gym, but you would probably have very sweaty ears and potentially ruin your precious investment. Heck, even some of the best Bluetooth earbuds might not be suited for more than a brisk stroll. So here is what to think about before clicking “add to cart” on the best headphones for working out and going all in on that next set:

Sweat level

Sweating is a normal part of any workout, but if you tend to sweat more than the average person while you exercise, you should consider a pair of headphones with an Ingress Protection rating of at least IPX7. Most of the headphones on our list are designed with that level of waterproofing, including the Jabra Elite 7 Active, Dóttir Freedom Sport Earbuds, and SHOKZ OpenRun. If you sweat a lot, you’ll probably also want to steer clear of over-ear designs, which can heat up your ears and exacerbate the problem.

Workout intensity

If you do CrossFit or other forms of intense workouts, choose earbuds that use an ear hook or another type of external fastener to ensure that they don’t go flying. We like the Dóttir Freedom Sport Earbuds for heavy exertion, while the Powerbeats Pro earbuds are a good alternative with a similar design.

Charging capacity

If you use your headphones frequently, have limited access to charging capabilities, or just find yourself constantly running devices on low battery, picking a set of headphones with a high battery capacity can increase the likelihood that they’ll be ready come workout time. The 8-hour single charge and 30-hour charging case with the Jabra Elite 7 Active are the best we’ve tested in the battery life department, though our budget pick, the Soundcore by Anker Sport X10, also performs well.

Situational awareness

If you spend lots of time exercising near traffic or in busy locations, it’s important to maintain a good level of situational awareness for your own safety. Many headphones include a transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings in addition to your music, including the Apple Beats Fit Pro and the Jabra Elite 7 Active. For maximum situational awareness, nothing beats the open-ear design of bone-conduction headphones, and we prefer the SHOKZ OpenRun.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best headphones for working out

• Best overall: Apple Beats Fit Pro
• Best over-ear: JBL Live 660NC
• Best for CrossFit: Dóttir Freedom Sport Earbuds
• Best bone conduction: SHOKZ OpenRun
• Best for a custom fit: Ultimate Ears FITS
• Best for Spotify: Bose Sport Earbuds
• Best battery life: Jabra Elite 7 Active
• Best budget: soundcore by Anker Sport X10

The best headphones for working out will fit securely in your ears or on your head while delivering great sound and a good level of situational awareness. We love the Apple Beats Fit Pro for its overall sound quality and secure fit, as well as the elevated audiophile performance of the similarly designed Bose Sport Earbuds. If you need the longest and most reliable battery performance, the Jabra Elite 7 Active and JBL 660NC are the best earbuds and over-ears for working out, respectively. The Ultimate Ears Fits mold to the shape of your ear canal for a secure fit. For high-impact workouts, the secure fit of the Dóttir Freedom Sport Earbuds is fantastic. And if you want the best situational awareness possible while cycling and running, the SHOKZ OpenRun bone conduction headphones have our vote.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best headphones for working out in 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Fender American Performer Jazzmaster		SEE IT	Create a super versatile sound on this easy-to-play guitar.
Best for beginners		Fender Player Mustang		SEE IT	A short-scale neck gives little hands a chance to make some noise.
Best budget		Donner DST-400		SEE IT	This affordable bundle comes with a gig bag, guitar strap, and guitar cable.

From jazz and funk to country and heavy metal, the not-so-humble electric guitar has single-handedly shaped modern music’s sound as we know it. In fact, some of history’s most beloved guitar manufacturers still operate today, churning out streamlined tributes and historically-accurate reissues of their storied designs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for another axe to add to your collection or a beginner looking for the right place to start, this list of the best electric guitars has something for everyone.

• Best overall: Fender American Performer Jazzmaster
• Best acoustic: Martin Road Series 000-10E
• Best for beginners: Fender Player Mustang
• Best for blues and jazz: Epiphone Sheraton II Pro 
• Best hybrid: Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster
• Best budget: Donner DST-400

How we chose the best electric guitars

We compiled this list of the best electric guitars with a heavy emphasis on brand reputation and sound quality: Martin, Fender, and Epiphone are all long-standing manufacturers with decades of experience designing iconic guitars. We also took care to represent different body shapes, pickup configurations, and other factors that affect a guitar’s overall tone and genre suitability by including acoustic-electric, solid body, and semi-hollow designs. Comfort and ease of playability also played a role in whether a guitar made the cut, and we opted to choose designs that are fun and satisfying to play.

The best electric guitars: Reviews & Recommendations

From jamming with pals to moving to Philly, buying a loft, and starting a noise band, one of the electric guitars on our list will help you live out your rockstar dreams.

Best overall: Fender American Performer Jazzmaster

Fender

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Why it made the cut: The American Performer Jazzmaster features a super versatile sound and an easy-to-play design that can pull off rock, blues, jazz, and everything in between.

Specs

• Body: Solid alder, polyurethane finish
• Neck: Maple bolt-on, modern C shape, polyurethane finish
• Fretboard: Rosewood, 9.5-inch radius, 22 jumbo frets
• Scale length: 25.5”
• Electronics: 2 x Yosemite Jazzmaster Single-coil pickups
• Bridge: 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo
• Accessories: Gig bag

Pros

• Wide tonal range for playing any style
• Comfortable, easy-to-play neck
• Non-traditional bridge offers wider tremolo range

Cons

• Lacks a traditional Jazzmaster rhythm circuit
• Stratocaster-style tremolo may put off Jazzmaster purists

Synonymous with surf rock and oozing with character, the Fender Jazzmaster is a quintessentially versatile electric guitar design with a wide range of tonal capabilities that’s easy to play. The company’s latest American Performer model brings this reputation to a whole new level, streamlining the design with thoughtful, modern updates to make it one of the most well-rounded electric guitars you can buy right now. The American Performer Jazzmaster features two Yosemite single-coil pickups that deliver all of the guitar’s distinct clarity and punch but with a slightly higher output level that’s more suitable for playing contemporary styles of music. A specialized built-in tone circuit also allows players to adjust the level of highs and lows using a single knob for a more subdued sound that never becomes muddy, further widening the range of the guitar’s tonal capabilities.

The American Performer Jazzmaster’s bridge assembly is a departure from the design’s traditional floating tremolo, swapping in a Stratocaster-style design with bent steel saddles that allows access to a wider pitch-bending range than the original. The electronics have also been pared down to a single three-way pickup selector switch, leaving out the traditional Jazzmaster rhythm circuit. While these modifications might bother players looking for a true-to-vintage Jazzmaster experience, we prefer this streamlined design because it only makes it easier to access the guitar’s range of classic tones. If historical accuracy is more your thing, consider the Fender American Vintage II Jazzmaster as a great-sounding alternative.

Best acoustic: Martin Road Series 000-10E

Martin

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Why it made the cut: The 000-10E features a warm tone and solid body with a perfect balance of value and playability, making it an excellent guitar for the road and at home.

Specs

• Body: Sapele, cherry satin finish, scalloped X-bracing
• Neck: Select hardwood, high-performance taper
• Fretboard: Richlite, 16-inch radius, 20 frets
• Scale length: 24.9”
• Electronics: Fishman MX-T under-saddle pickup
• Bridge: Richlite, modern “belly” drop-in saddle design
• Accessories: Softshell case

Pros

• Midsize body and tapered neck are easy to play and comfortable to hold
• Scalloped bracing provides excellent projection and volume
• Convenient soundhole-mounted controls and tuner

Cons

• Lacks some of the low-bass response found in larger acoustics
• Short-scale neck and midsize body may feel small for larger players

Founded in 1833 and still going strong today, C.F. Martin Guitar Company is a significant contributor to music history and is known widely as the manufacturer of some of the most sought-after vintage guitars ever sold. You simply can’t have a list of the best acoustic guitars and not have a Martin model on it. But these are the best electric guitars, you say. Well, the Martin 000-10E acoustic-electric guitar distills the company’s heritage into an affordable and easy-to-play design that boasts fantastic projection and warm, rich tones. An “auditorium”-sized design with a comfortable-to-hold shape, the 000-10E’s top, sides, and back are made from solid sheets of sapele, a slightly heavier and similar-sounding alternative to mahogany. This midsize body, paired with the 000-10E’s short-scale tapered neck, makes it a great candidate for travel use and much easier to play than standard-sized dreadnought acoustic guitars.

For amplified use, the Martin 000-10E features a Fishman MX-T internal pickup paired with easy-to-access dial controls and a convenient onboard tuner mounted out of sight in the guitar’s soundhole. In this guitar, the MX-T pickup itself offers a fairly typical acoustic-electric tone that can come across as a bit brittle or sterile compared to the unplugged tone of the guitar. If you are using the pickup on the 000-10E, adding a signal processor like the Boss AD-2 Acoustic Preamp will help reintroduce the guitar’s natural tone and sustain the amplified sound. All in all, the Martin 000-10E is an incredibly well-rounded acoustic-electric guitar, but consider the Martin Road Series D-10E if you have larger hands or prefer the brighter highs and booming lows of a more traditional design.

Best for beginners: Fender Player Mustang

Fender

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Why it made the cut: This compact, fashion-forward Fender delivers classic single-coil tones and features a short-scale neck that makes it ideal for beginners and players with small hands.

Specs 

• Body: Solid alder, polyester finish
• Neck: Maple bolt-on, C shape, satin urethane finish
• Fretboard: Pau Ferro, 9.5-inch radius, 22 medium-jumbo frets
• Scale length: 24”
• Electronics: 2 x Mustang Single-coil pickups
• Bridge: 6-saddle string-through-body hardtail Strat
• Accessories: None included

Pros

• Short-scale neck makes fretting easy for small hands
• Simple controls and biting tone in a stripped-down design
• Travel-friendly size and weight

Cons

• Tone may be thin for styles outside rock
• Small body and neck may feel uncomfortable for large players
• Doesn’t include a case

Originally designed in 1964 as a student-series instrument, the Fender Mustang is somewhat of a rock-and-roll icon, having found favor with the likes of Liz Phair, Kurt Cobain, and countless others over the decades. True to its student-friendly design, the Fender Player Mustang features a 24-inch scale neck that makes it much easier for players with small hands to fret chords and stretch their fingers when compared to standard-scale designs. The guitar’s two single-coil pickups deliver jangly, mid-forward tones that sound biting and aggressive when overdriven, making it a great choice for surf rock, punk, grunge, metal, funk, and other traditionally bright-sounding guitar styles. The Fender Player Mustang is also a great candidate for taking on the road thanks to its short scale and relatively small body, but you’ll need to bring your own case—we like Fender’s classic series wood case and short-scale bag.

While the Player Mustang packs all of the brightness and character for which its design is known, it’s not the most versatile instrument if you’re looking to venture out of bright genres into playing styles that require a thicker, fuller guitar tone. If you love the Mustang design but need a little more flexibility from your sound, the dual-P90 configuration of the Fender Mustang 90 adds a little more body and substance to the mix without forfeiting style points. The Mustang is also a fairly small guitar, so if you’re a beginner who prefers a more standard-sized electric guitar, the Fender Player Stratocaster is another legendary design with a very similar sound and larger body.

Best for blues and jazz: Epiphone Sheraton II Pro 

Epiphone

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Why it made the cut: Full, rounded tone and woody resonance are hallmarks of the ideal blues and jazz guitar sound, all of which the Epiphone Sheraton II Pro delivers in spades.

Specs

• Body: Semi-hollow body laminated maple, urethane finish
• Neck: 5-piece maple and walnut set neck, ‘60s-style taper
• Fretboard: Pau Ferro with binding, 12-inch radius, 22 medium-jumbo frets
• Scale length: 24.75”
• Electronics: ProBucker-2 and ProBucker-3 humbuckers
• Bridge: LockTone Tune-o-matic Bridge
• Accessories: None included

Pros

• Wide range of tones also suitable for rock
• Semi-hollow design delivers fantastic resonance and sustain
• Flat 12” radius is great for dexterous playing

Cons

• Semi-hollow body prone to feedback at high volumes
• Slightly heavy and large for a semi-hollow instrument
• Doesn’t include a case

Epiphone’s history as an instrument manufacturer started in 1873 on the western coast of what is now Turkey before the company relocated to New York in the early 20th century. Today, the brand is owned by Gibson and is used primarily for offering high-quality versions of the company’s classic designs at affordable price points. The lush-sounding, eye-catching Sheraton II Pro lifts its inspiration from the infamous Gibson ES-335, a guitar known for its chime-like attack and thick midrange that’s been favored throughout history by players like Chuck Berry and B.B. King. Despite being priced at over $2,000 less than the ES-335, the Sheraton II Pro punches way above its class and produces fantastic rock, blues, and jazz guitar tones in an easy-to-play design.

The Sheraton II Pro’s distinctly rich sound comes from its resonant semi-hollow body, which is supported by a central tone block, and its two vintage-style humbuckers, which encompass a range of tones from warm and subtle to bright and bold. The Sheraton’s humbuckers give it a full, bass-heavy sound and long sustain that’s ideal for jazz and blues but also great for heavier rock styles when paired with an overdrive, though its semi-hollow design makes it prone to feedback when playing at louder volumes. Despite being semi-hollow and sporting a thin, easy-to-play neck, the Sheraton II Pro is also a bit heavy and bulky, which may make it tough for smaller players to use. If you’re looking for something a little more wieldy, the Epiphone Casino Archtop of Beatles fame has a smaller frame and skews slightly more toward rock-and-roll tones.

Best hybrid: Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster

Julian Vittorio

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Why it made the cut: Fender’s Acoustasonic Player Telecaster offers a unique blend of acoustic and electric tones in a futuristic package, making it an intriguing all-in-one choice for gigging and songwriting.

Specs

• Body: Semi-hollow body mahogany, spruce top, polyester finish
• Neck: Mahogany bolt-on, modern deep-C shape
• Fretboard: Rosewood, 12-inch radius, 22 narrow-tall frets
• Scale length: 25.5”
• Electronics: N4 single-coil, under-saddle piezo
• Bridge: Rosewood, modern asymmetrical
• Accessories: Gig bag

Pros

• Very lightweight frame and comfortable-to-play design
• Offers a customizable range of unique electric and acoustic tonal combinations
• Built-in overdrive via the blend knob

Cons

• Unplugged sound isn’t as full or loud as traditional acoustic guitars
• Doesn’t sound exactly like a solid-body guitar
• Suffers from mild neck dive

In every aspect, from its tone to its construction, the Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster blurs the line between acoustic and electric guitar, making it a great option for studio and touring musicians who want a little creative inspiration. The guitar is constructed like a traditional acoustic guitar with a braced spruce top and a hollow body. Still, its unique electronics can blend between six onboard tonal varieties to make the guitar sound like everything from a dreadnought and small-body acoustic guitars to an overdriven solid-body Telecaster. In practice (and we’ve had a bunch, as our full review shows), the Acoustasonic’s built-in Telecaster pickup doesn’t fully nail the sound of a solid-body Tele; however, the resulting tone is every bit as responsive as its solid counterpart with a little added resonance and midrange thanks to the guitar’s hollow body.

As an electric guitar, the Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster is a singular instrument that doesn’t sound quite like anything else. Its plugged-in acoustic tones are super-versatile and ear-pleasing, but the guitar’s unplugged acoustic sound is a bit thin and quiet due to its small body. Because the design combines a hollow body and a solid wood neck, the Acoustasonic Player Telecaster also suffers from a very mild case of “neck dive” when used with a strap, but don’t let that deter you from strapping one on and trying it out—it’s really like nothing else currently out there.

Best budget: Donner DST-400

Julian Vittorio

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Why it made the cut: This full-size electric guitar offers a huge range of tonal options and lots of extra accessories in an affordable bundle.

Specs 

• Body: Solid alder, gloss polyester finish
• Neck: Maple bolt-on, slim C shape, satin urethane finish
• Fretboard: Laurel, 9.5-inch radius, 22 medium-jumbo frets
• Scale length: 25.5”
• Electronics: 2 x Seeker series single-coil, 1 x Seeker series humbucker
• Bridge: 2-point synchronized tremolo with vintage-style saddles
• Accessories: Gig bag, guitar strap, guitar cable

Pros

• Two single-coils and a humbucker offer a wide tonal range
• Stratocaster-inspired construction and sound
• Includes everything you need except an amp

Cons

• Will likely need a setup to reach full potential

Electric guitars under $500 have come a long way over the years, thanks to modern developments in machining tech, and the Donner DST-400 may be the best example of this fact that we’ve tested so far. At first glance, it’s easy to tell that the DST-400 draws heavy design inspiration from the ubiquitous Fender Stratocaster, with its contoured body, tremolo bridge, and three pickups with two single coils in the neck and middle positions. The DST-400 departs from Strat tradition at its bridge position, opting for a split humbucker that can be switched between humbucking mode and classic single-coil operation to pull off a wide range of tones ranging from slinky and crisp to thick and loud.

The Donner DST-400 is well-built and holds its tuning admirably, considering that it’s a budget guitar. Still, its lower price tag starts to show in its lack of finishing touches: its fret-ends are a bit sharp out of the box, it has some problems with intonation across the neck range, and it’s prone to fret buzz. All of these things can be fixed with a proper setup, but if you don’t know how to do it yourself, it’ll definitely add to the overall cost of the guitar. Apart from this caveat, the Donner DST-400 is a pretty sweet deal for the money—as is their digital piano—made only sweeter by the cable, gig bag, and guitar strap included with the purchase.

What to consider when buying the best electric guitars

An electric guitar is an investment. Here’s how to pick one that’s right for you:

Do you have the required accessories?

Unlike their fully acoustic counterparts, electric guitars require extra equipment to function. If you’re looking to buy your first electric guitar, you’ll also need a guitar amp (or amp emulator pedal), a guitar cable, and some guitar picks at minimum, plus a guitar strap if you want to play standing up. You’ll want a guitar tuner, especially if you’re a beginner, and maybe a pedalboard if you’re at the point that you’re gigging (or at least heading to band rehearsal regularly). It also can’t hurt to pick up a guitar stand for when you’re not playing but want to admire your new axe. And don’t even get us started on what you need if you want to record yourself—okay, get us started, but an audio interface, microphones, etc., aren’t a priority if you’re just starting out.

Do you have small hands?

If you have smaller hands or shorter arms, consider a short-scale electric guitar over a standard-sized model. Short-scale guitars are designed specifically with small players in mind, and they’re comfortable to play thanks to their close frets that require less reaching when playing chords.

What type of music will you play?

Electric guitars come in all sorts of designs and configurations, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. For most rock genres, any solid-body or semi-hollow-body electric guitar with single-coil or humbucking pickups should do the trick. If you’re playing jazz primarily, consider a semi-hollow or hollow-body guitar, and if you play folk music, go for an acoustic-electric design.

FAQs

Finals thoughts on the best electric guitars

• Best overall: Fender American Performer Jazzmaster
• Best acoustic: Martin Road Series 000-10E
• Best for beginners: Fender Player Mustang
• Best for blues and jazz: Epiphone Sheraton II Pro 
• Best hybrid: Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster
• Best budget: Donner DST-400

For our money, the Fender American Performer Jazzmaster takes the cake for being an incredibly well-rounded electric guitar that’s easy to play and can tackle a wide range of styles. If you’re looking for an instrument that can deliver smooth acoustic tones and snappy electric bite all in one, the Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster is a unique electric guitar that’s worth a look; if you prefer a more traditional acoustic guitar experience with the added benefit of an electric pickup, we love the Martin Road Series 000-10E for its easy-to-play design and warm, round tone. Beginner guitarists and players with small hands should check out the Fender Player Mustang, a short-scale design with an immediate, rock-and-roll-friendly sound. If blues and jazz are more your thing, the Epiphone Sheraton II Pro is worth a look, thanks to its thick, bass-heavy sound and high-output pickups. If you’re looking for a set-up on the cheap, consider the Donner DST-400.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best electric guitars of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best solid-state		Rupert Neve Designs RNHP		SEE IT	Studio-grade audio from the mixing desk masters.
Best portable		AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt		SEE IT	Superb sound on the go.
Best budget		Schiit Magni		SEE IT	Selectable circuits at a budget price.

If you’re reading this, you’re a music lover—the type that loves listening in the best way possible—and you’re on a quest to make sure your headphones get as amped as you do when it’s time to put on a favorite album. The worst feeling is when you hit play and there’s still something missing—the pace and placement of each instrument just isn’t as energetic as you expected it to be. Boxy low end, harsh mids, fatiguing highs … a boomy blur is not an experience you signed on for. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way. With a dedicated headphone amplifier—one crafted by experts with the express purpose of delivering a more sumptuous sound—things can be very different. Think of the amp like your audio chain’s mitochondria: feed it compelling music and clean power and it can generate a full, fleshy frequency response within an energetic, agile soundstage. The best headphone amps can scale up the clarity on almost any headphone, so here are our picks for gear to bring your ears immediate enjoyment.

• Best overall: Chord Mojo 
• Best solid-state: Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
• Best tube: Monolith Liquid Platinum 
• Best portable: AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt 
• Best high-end: Manley Labs Absolute 
• Best wireless: iFi GO Blu 
• Best budget: Schiit Magni 

How we chose the best headphone amps

There are plenty of headphone amplifiers available on the market. To narrow down our choices, we looked at a variety of factors: build quality, cost performance, additional features, and, of course, sound quality. We also looked at units in terms of their position in the market. Are they aimed at home or on-the-go listening? Are they priced at the budget end or the top of the spectrum? After selecting a number of possible candidates, we combined our own experience with critical consensus and user impressions to come up with this list of the best headphone amps.

The best headphone amps: Reviews & Recommendations

There are a number of things to consider when buying a headphone amp. As you read through the list, keep in mind whether you’re assembling a listening station or a mobile rig. Determine if you’ll need a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and whether you want a DAC/amp combo. Consider your headphones’ power requirements (the more audiophile the more demanding, traditionally), but also your gear’s aesthetics. Many of the items here have unique designs that may or may not line up with your tastes. Maybe what you really want is a high-powered digital audio player (DAP). We’re not here to judge! We are, however, here to help, so you can be certain that any of the amplifiers below are among the best in class.

Best overall: Chord Mojo

Chord

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 Why it made the cut: Mojo puts out a lot of power with a very small footprint.

Specs

• DAC: Yes
• Inputs: Micro USB, 3.5mm jack, Optical TOSLINK, Micro USB charging port
• Dimensions: 82 x 60 x 22 millimeters

Pros

• Musical and detailed audio reproduction
• Solid build quality
• Credit card-sized

Cons

• Polarizing design

It says a lot about its level of bespoke engineering in our best overall headphone amp/DAC combo, the Mojo, that it also happens to be imminently portable. At only 82 mm x 60 mm x 22 mm, it doesn’t demand any more space than a wallet and yet it’s still capable of delivering some of the best sound in its class thanks to the purpose-built FPGA circuitry that has trickled down from British manufacturer Chord Electronics’ multi-thousand-dollar Hugo line of products. Audio reproduction is impressively musical and detailed; you usually have to pay a lot more than $700 for this caliber of sound. You’ll wonder how they managed to squeeze such wonderful sound out of such a small package. Remarkable.

Housed in a CNC-milled aluminum shell, Mojo’s build quality is also top-notch. Despite the diminutive size it manages to include inputs for optical, coax, and Micro USB, plus a Micro USB charging port for the 8-hour battery. In terms of outputs, it offers two 3.5mm jacks, making it as ideal for audiophile dates as it is for solo listening (though volume is not independent on these outputs). There’s power to spare: output is 35mW into 600 ohms and 720mW into 8 ohms supporting headphones of up to 800 ohms. The DAC’s specs are also ridiculously impressive, with sampling rate of 32 to 768 kHz and even featuring DSD256 support. While you may not love the three LED globes (indicators for volume control and file resolution), they are unique.

For an even more top-tier portable listening experience, there’s Chord Poly, a high-quality music streamer/player attachment designed to bring Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, DLNA, and Micro SD card playback to Mojo. And, when you’re ready to upgrade, take a look at the Mojo’s higher-end sibling, the Hugo 2, a not-as-svelte but still-transportable headphone amp that works at home or on the road.

Editor’s note: An updated model, the Mojo 2, was announced the day this post was scheduled. While sharing the same form factor as the original, the new Mojo 2 has increased recharging capacity/efficiency, redesigned filter/DSP cores, an integrated EQ feature to tailor the neutral signal to taste, and an added USB-C port. While the Mojo 2 is an instant recommendation, the original Mojo is still a best buy.

Best solid-state: Rupert Neve Designs RNHP

Rupert Neve Designs

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Why it made the cut: Superb, reference-grade sound makes this a clear winner for the best solid-state headphone amp.

Specs

• DAC: No
• Inputs: +4dBu balanced combo jack, unbalanced RCA, 3.5mm
• Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.6 x 1.9 inches

Pros

• Variety of input options
• Precise sound
• Handles high-impedance headphones

Cons

• Design may turn some off
• No DAC

Rupert Neve Designs is a relative newcomer to the hi-fi world but the company is not without audio experience. The company’s namesake and its engineers have been making mix consoles, mic preamps, dynamics shaping modules and more for recording studios since the late 1960s. The RNHP is a 24-volt reference-quality headphone amp based on the circuit in its 5060 Centrepiece Desktop Mixer, full of circuitry praised for its fidelity. The unit comes housed in a VESA-mountable steel chassis, letting you attach it to a mic stand, under studio furniture, and other places with a compatible mount. The spartan front panel features A, B, and C buttons for the rear panel’s three selectable channels: a pair of balanced Neutrik combination jacks capable of taking XLR and TRS (6.35mm) inputs (the boot-up default); two unbalanced RCA jacks calibrated for -10dBV signals; and a single 3.5mm port for mobile devices. Output is a 6.5mm jack, so make sure you have an adapter if your headphones use a 3.5mm connector, and volume is controlled by an old-school dial.

As you’d expect from one of the top channel strip manufacturers known for transparency, the sound quality is absolutely stunning. Offering an uncompromised spectrum from 10 Hz to 120 kHz, the RNHP is a wonder to hear. It has superb punch and imaging, with remarkable stereo separation and very little crosstalk. Also worth gushing over is the $699 price, which comes in lower than many units that don’t have comparable pedigrees.

Some users may take issue with the design; it was made, after all, for studios first—producing the kind of high-power, high-headroom output for demanding mixing headphones and engineers that need to hear clearly, cleanly during tracking and playback sessions. And it reflects this purpose-built aesthetic—perfectly poised to sit amongst interfaces, converters, and studio monitors. But that also means it’s inherently suited to give the most authentic playback of well-recorded material. Output is 230mW RMS @ 16 ohms and headphones with impedances up to 600 ohms are no problem. It lacks a DAC, so you’ll need one if you plan to use it with digital media, but it’s hard to beat Neve’s RNHP if you’re a listener who demands an honest, high-quality sound.

Best tube: Monolith Liquid Platinum

Monolith

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Why it made the cut: Twin tubes bring extra warmth in the lows and mids.

Specs

• DAC: No
• Inputs: XLR and RCA
• Dimensions: 8.8 x 8.5 x 2.0 inches

Pros

• Warm bass
• Balanced design
• Beautiful appearance

 Cons

• No DAC
• Highs could be cleaner

There’s something magical about tubes—glowing glass cylinders that direct current through a filament to excite and amplify a signal. Think of them as the light bulbs of audio, but the dimmer controls the intensity of tone. Whereas solid-state gear uses all-digital transistors, resistors, capacitors, etc., for a more crisp result, vacuum tubes are famed for the smooth warmth they bring to audio. Reacting positively to overdrive, they’re perfect for adding heat and presence to your playback experience. As the best tube headphone amp, Monolith’s Liquid Platinum embeds two replaceable Electro Harmonix 6922 tubes alongside solid-state amplification and those make all the difference. The bass and mids are warm and gooey with a plethora of presence, while transients—those short bursts of energy that accompany hitting a note—shine through even in a wall of sound.

Of course, the rest of this amp is no slouch either, bringing together a sweet package that makes this our pick for best tube headphone amp. For starters, it was designed by Alex Cavalli, a renowned audio circuit designer focused on headphone amps. He based it on aspects of his audiophile-adored, multi-thousand-dollar Cavalli Audio Liquid Crimson amplifier, released in 2015 and now discontinued. Cavalli designed a fully balanced/differential amplification for the Crimson’s monoprice successor, focused on conveying the open character of music, with dynamics and detail all benefitting. And at half the cost of the Crimson. The Liquid Platinum looks stunning as well, with a gorgeous design highlighted by those twin tubes peeking out of the top. It pushes 3.6 watts per channel into a 50-ohm load and can comfortably drive headphones of up to 300 ohms. It features both three-pin XLR balanced inputs and RCA ins and outs in the back, as well as four-pin XLR and 6.5mm TRS jacks around the front to accommodate balanced (a specific high-power, low-noise wiring scheme) and single-ended (stock, standard) headphone cables. 

While the high-end can be a little crisp—it’s a touch on the dry, wild side, though this can be tweaked by rolling in new tubes—the positives far outweigh the negatives in this gem of an amp. Note that you’ll need to supply your own DAC if your plan is to use it with a digital listening device.

Best portable: AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt

AudioQuest

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Why it made the cut: New DAC and microprocessor chips allow the Cobalt to give music the nimble performance it needs to hover and dart.

Specs

• DAC: Yes
• Inputs: USB
• Dimensions: 12 x 19 x 57 millimeters

Pros

• Clear sound
• Extremely portable
• Device compatibility

Cons

• Reveals imperfections in low-quality audio

It used to be that if you wanted a hi-fi listening experience, you had to stay at home with a stationary headphone amp. Now, thanks to the rise of streaming and communication devices, music is as close as our fingertips. AudioQuest wants to make sure that we’re hearing that music with as much clarity as possible and the company’s line of lip balm-sized USB DragonFly DAC/amps designed for the computer-audio experience does just that.

The top of the DragonFly line, Cobalt is the best portable headphone amp because it improves over the already superb Red model in a number of ways. First up is the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip. Its minimum-phase slow roll-off filter ensures clear and natural sound, although it can be a little unforgiving when it comes to revealing the shortcomings of low-quality audio sources. Its 64-position, 64-bit, bit-perfect offers uncompromising volume control. The casing and circuitry are also great at filtering out Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular noise that can pollute and dilute a listening experience. An improved processor runs faster and more energy-efficient. And, with a hefty 2.1-volt headphone amp, this minuscule device will amaze you with its ability to power almost any set of cans you care to pair it with, from 16 to 300 ohms.

The Cobalt is compatible with Mac and Windows PCs and can fully render files up to 24-bit/96 kHz files, including MQA-encoded ones. (MQA, of Master Quality Authenticated, files use a specific type of compression to distribute higher resolution with less bandwidth, but require specific apps/DACs to decode.) In addition, it works with smart devices. And It includes a female USB-A to male USB-C adapter for most modern Android phones but requires a Lightning-to-USB adapter to work with Apple devices.

Best high-end: Manley Labs Absolute

Manley Labs

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Why it made the cut: Manley Labs makes top-of-the-line studio gear and has brought that gorgeous expertise to Absolute.

Specs

• DAC: No
• Inputs: 2 RCA input pairs
• Dimensions: 11.5 x 5.5 x 8.2 inches

Pros

• Jaw-dropping tube sound
• Tonal controls
• Gorgeous design

Cons

• Very expensive

Manley Labs’ incredible equalizers and compressors can be found in many of the best studios in the world. The company also makes audiophile equipment and the aptly named Absolute is our choice for best high-end headphone amp.

Powered by six vacuum tubes—two 12AX7s and four 6AQ5As—Absolute positively glows with warmth. Rich, thick and powerful, it’s a listening experience like no other. Unlike many headphone amps, which offer little in terms of tonal control, Absolute goes the extra mile, providing user controls that make this into a very active listening experience. Baxandall Tone Control bass and treble knobs place you in charge of the tonal character, while control over the amount of negative feedback in the signal puts you in control of harmonic distortion and thus the tightness of the audio playback. Uniquely, it also possesses switchable topology, allowing you to change from odd-order to even-order harmonics and take charge of the saturation color. There’s even a mono switch for enjoying pre-stereo music sources. It has a maximum output of 1W into 12 ohms, with headphones of up to 600 ohms working comfortably with it.

Connectivity is also varied, with two pairs of Manley-designed RCA ports on the input side and a 6.5mm TRS and a four-pin XLR jack for headphones, plus an output RCA pair should you want to use Absolute as a preamp to boost/sculpt a source signal prior to your favorite receiver, interface, or powered speakers. There’s a remote control and the amp is available in three beautiful chassis colors: black, copper, and silver.

Of course, all this comes with a hefty price tag of $4,499. If you have the means and the kind of power-hungry dynamic and/or planar headphones that can benefit, however, it’s an audiophile ride worth taking.

Best wireless: iFi GO blu

iFi

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Why it made the cut: The iFi GO Blu does the impossible and combines excellent sound quality with Bluetooth compatibility.

Specs

• DAC: Yes
• Inputs: USB-C, Bluetooth
• Dimensions: 54 x 32 x 13 millimeters

Pros

• Handles all Bluetooth formats
• Small and lightweight
• Built-in mic

Cons

• Inherent limitations of Bluetooth
• No clip

While there are a number of excellent portable headphone amps with built-in DACs (see AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt above) they’re still wired. If you’re looking to untether your amp from your music player or smartphone, the Bluetooth 5.1-compatible iFi GO blu is the way to go for both Apple and Android devices.

Smaller than seemingly possible and only 26 grams, iFi GO blu is so unobtrusive you might even forget it’s there. However, you’ll certainly notice the improvement it brings to audio quality, despite the inherent limitations of Bluetooth. It offers a wide soundstage, with clear and precise audio thanks to individually optimized circuit stages. It achieves this with a Cirrus Logic CS43131 advanced DAC, as well as balanced circuits for less crosstalk and noise. Output is 245mW @ 32Ω; 5.6v @ 600Ω (balanced)/165mW @ 32Ω; 2.8v @ 600Ω (unbalanced) so—despite its small size—the GO blu will power most headphones. Should you find your source sound lacking, iFi GO blu also includes analog XBass and XSpace enhancements for extra low-end presence and soundstage width. The Swiss chronograph-inspired ChronoDial is a marvel of ingenuity and manages to pack a number of functions into a very small space, handling analog volume control, track selection and play, plus Bluetooth voice assistant activation.

With Qualcomm’s latest four-core QCC5100 Bluetooth processing chip, iFi GO blu supports all current Bluetooth codecs (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC/HWA up to 24-bit/192 kHz). It has outputs for both 3.5mm (single-ended, S-Balanced) and 4.4mm (balanced) headphone cables, and it uses USB-C for charging the 8-hour battery and for establishing a 24-bit/96 kHz connection with non-Bluetooth devices. It even has a built-in microphone for hands-free telephone calls. And if you find yourself needing even more power and/or versatility, at the expense of some portability and disposable income, the $599 flask-sized iFi xDSD Gryphon is an upgrade path for those with more demanding headphones/connectivity needs—great for a compact desktop set-up and relatively pocketable for on-the-go.

Best budget: Schiit Magni Heretic

Schiit

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Why it made the cut: Sound that punches way above its weight class.

Specs

• DAC: No
• Inputs: RCA
• Dimensions: 5 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches

Pros

• Balanced and weighty sound (Magni+)
• Transparent sound (Magni Heretic)
• Affordable

Cons

• No DAC

Everyone has to start somewhere. And, thanks to Schiit’s dual Magni headphone amps, that place is a happy place. The two models, Magni+ and Magni Heretic, are fun and wallet-pleasingly affordable way to get into the audiophile world and way of thinking about customizable sound. They’re the same price and very similar in connectivity, although the tone differs between them. As for which one is the best budget headphone amp for you—the roughly $150 each asking price is right for you to try them both.

Magni+ is an all-discrete circuit headphone amp, with individual components rather than chips. This results in a sound that is well-balanced and weighty from top to bottom. It comes in a brushed aluminum case. Magni Heretic, on the other hand, uses modern op-amp chips in its circuitry and delivers clean and crisp audio. Its casing is black with red accents. Both have a maximum output of 2.8W RMS into 16 ohms and offer superb sound for the price. The high/low gain switch ensures that even 600-ohm power-hungry headphones won’t break these.  

Both have a single 6.5mm headphone out in the front, with RCA ins and outs in the back (yes, you can use it as a preamp). Neither has a DAC though, which could be an issue for those with digital listening habits. However, at this price, you can certainly afford to buy a separate digital to audio converter (like Schiit’s own Modi+). 

If you’re looking to level up your home listening game, this is the place to start your headphone amp journey.

Things to consider when shopping for the best headphone amps

Headphones are just two speakers strapped to your head, and speakers need electrical current to translate a signal into vibrations, ultimately generating the sound waves you perceive as music. A headphone amplifier does just what it promises in its name: amplifies the low-voltage signal that the headphones convert. If your first question is whether that just means you’ll hear something louder, the answer is yes and no. A headphone amp is less about just quantity and more about quality, less about pushing pure abundance, and more about addressing the transducer’s resistance. Headphone amps aren’t just trying to make your headphones louder, pushing them to distort; they’re trying to give them the voltage or current they need to be more efficient, letting them sound dynamic at lower decibels. A simple rule of thumb: The higher the “impedance rating” of your headphones, the more they can benefit from or even require an amp (though even a $100 headphone can achieve more balance with the proper power).

Hear today, gone tomorrow?

When trying to decide on the best headphone amp for your needs, you’ll first need to choose whether you’ll do more at home or on-the-go listening. Desktop units have a very different feature set than portable ones, taking advantage of the increased space and power sources available for a larger component in order to increase inputs and outputs. If a less juiced, one-in-one-out system is all you need because portability is the priority, you’ll still want to think about connectivity. Although all of the headphone amps listed here power wired headphones, you may wish to cut the cord from a wireless-enabled audio source (think any smartphone) to the amp. If so, it’ll need something that’s Bluetooth compatible.

Do I need a DAC?

These days, we often listen to music from digital sources—think streaming via a smartphone or dedicated player. To convert those 1s and 0s into an analog signal for wired headphones you need a DAC, or digital-to-analog converter. The DAC can be circuitry built into the headphone amp (like the AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt, Chord Mojo, or iFi GO Blu, among others) or a standalone unit. And while they all perform a similar function, not all DACs go about it equally. If you plan to listen exclusively to old records and cassettes, a DAC may not be necessary. But if digital is in your life, a DAC will be necessary.

Can’t I just use the amplifier in my phone or computer?

Sure, your preferred listening device may have a headphone port, and it will get the job done. But it won’t blow your mind. Unless it’s running on a device like a 2021 or later MacBook Pro M1 or an ASUS ROG Phone 5s or later that features an adaptive, audio-focused design, that headphone jack’s internal DAC and amplifier are likely lacking. It’s certainly not going to give you an amazing listening experience. If you want more than just OK, it’s time to upgrade to a dedicated headphone amp. This is doubly true if you’ve invested in a decent pair of headphones.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best headphone amps

• Best overall: Chord Mojo 
• Best solid-state: Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
• Best tube: Monolith Liquid Platinum 
• Best portable: AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt 
• Best high-end: Manley Labs Absolute 
• Best wireless: iFi GO Blu 
• Best budget: Schiit Magni

When taking the plunge and expanding your plugs, knowing that you don’t have to shell out a lot of money to get started can be comforting. You can find some of the best headphone amps at remarkably affordable prices. Of course, when you’re ready to step it up a notch, there’s a whole world of ever-more expensive (and great-sounding) amplifiers available.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best headphone amps for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Squier by Fender Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster		SEE IT	A classic solid-body design and snappy, responsive twang make this one of the best electric guitars available in any price range.
Best acoustic-electric		Little Martin LX1E		SEE IT	The Little Martin LX1E is a durable steel-string acoustic-electric guitar that’s perfect for taking on the go.
Best bass		Squier by Fender Classic Vibe ’60s Mustang Bass		SEE IT	Thanks to its 30-inch scale and beefy single-coil pickup, the Classic Vibe ’60s Mustang Bass is an amazing value that’s easy to play and sounds great.

Thanks to the instrument’s rich history, decades of design and development, and the prevalence of high-quality CNC machining, it’s never been easier to find an electric guitar under $500. Unlike the budget guitars of years past—which often suffered from issues with durability, tuning stability and overall playability—approachable electric guitars today are built to precise standards and designed for comfort and reliability above all else. Whether you’re looking for an affordable way to build your existing guitar collection or you’re shopping for a beginner-level instrument, a sub-$500 electric guitar is a great way to get very close to the sound and feel of the pro-level instruments after which they’re modeled while spending less than half the money. In this article, we’ll dive into the best electric guitars under $500 currently available and detail what sets them apart from the crowd.

• Best overall: Squier by Fender Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster
• Best acoustic-electric: Little Martin LX1E
• Best bass: Squier by Fender Classic Vibe ’60s Mustang Bass
• Best beginner: Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Player Pack
• Best budget: Donner Electric Guitar DST-100R

How we chose the best electric guitars under $500

When selecting the best electric guitars under $500, we combined personal musical and production experiences, as well as the opinion of trusted peers, published critics, and online user impressions. We also considered a handful of criteria when compiling our list, beginning with the sound of a guitar, so we selected products that are capable of delivering some of the most versatile and well-known tones from popular music throughout history. In the case of purely electric guitars, the tone is dictated largely by the pickup configuration, while the acoustic-electric guitar’s body and pickups both contribute equally to its sound performance.

The design and materials of an electric guitar in general play a significant role in the overall playability of the instrument, so we aimed to select electric guitars with woods, finishes, and designs that are easy to play and comfortable to hold. But great instruments are becoming more affordable every day, so we made sure to select instruments that offer the best price-to-performance ratios available, whether as a standalone guitar or as a part of a bundle. Finally, brand reputation goes a long way in determining whether an electric guitar is likely to satisfy its users. Manufacturers like Fender, Gibson, and Martin have decades of experience under their belts, and their sub-$500 instruments are designed specifically to emulate their more expensive guitars at a friendlier price.

Related: Best guitar tuners

The best electric guitars under $500: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Squier by Fender Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster

Fender

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Why it made the cut: The Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster pulls off the clarity, responsiveness, and unmistakable twang of a vintage Tele at a wallet-friendly price.

Specs

• Pickups: 2 x single-coil Alnico
• Scale Length: 25.5 inches
• Materials: Maple neck, Pine body

Pros

• Timeless and versatile single-coil electric tone
• Comfortable modern C-shaped neck profile
• Stylish hardware and wood finish

Cons

• Relatively heavy, weighing an average of 9 pounds
• Gloss neck finish may feel “sticky” to some players
• Frets may require edge filing out of the box

The Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster is one of the best guitars under $500 currently available, boasting a build quality and finish that prove you don’t have to spend a fortune to find an instrument that sounds, feels, and looks fantastic. It’s built from a sturdy and rather heavy combination of pine and maple and comes in two distinct polyurethane body finish options (white blonde or butterscotch blonde) paired with a black pickguard to closely emulate the look of Fender’s legendary “black guard” Telecasters from the early 1950s. The guitar’s two single-coil Alnico pickups gracefully deliver Fender’s timeless palette of warm and woody tones at the neck coupled with a bright and snappy bridge sound, and its modern C-shaped neck features a 9.5-inch radius to maximize comfort and ease of playability.

Overall, Fender’s quality control of the Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster is excellent, but its price point corresponds to a relative lack of attention to some small finishing details. While any guitar can benefit from a professional setup to ensure that it performs at its best, small issues like sharp, unfinished fret edges and high string action may make a setup more or less a necessity for this Telecaster straight out of the box. Some players may also find its glossy neck finish a bit too grippy, but this is mostly a matter of personal preference and shouldn’t affect playability for the majority of guitarists. Still, if you’re open to a bit of initial maintenance and setup, the Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster is built to sound and feel nearly identical to more expensive models like the Fender Player Telecaster, making it a fantastic way to enjoy one of music history’s most versatile and ubiquitous instruments on a budget. If a Stratocaster is more your style, consider the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster by Fender from the same product line.

Best acoustic-electric: Little Martin LX1E

C. F. Martin & Co.

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Why it made the cut: The Little Martin LX1E is a convenient travel-sized acoustic guitar built from durable laminate wood and equipped with a built-in pickup for amplification.

Specs

• Pickups: 1 x Fishman Sonitone piezo pickup
• Scale Length: 23 inches
• Materials: Birch laminate neck, Spruce top, Mahogany laminate back and sides

Pros

• Rugged medium-density fibreboard construction
• Spruce top delivers powerful projection in spite of its small size
• Includes a padded gig bag for easy transport

Cons

• The small body delivers less low-end than full-sized acoustics
• Recessed truss rod requires a special tool for adjustment
• Built-in tuner is sometimes slow to respond

The Little Martin LX1E’s compact frame, impressive unplugged volume, and easy-to-use electronics make it one of the best acoustic-electric guitars available under $500. As the most affordable acoustic-electric model in the legendary Martin company’s product line, the LX1E is a short-scale travel-friendly instrument composed primarily of a tough wooden fibreboard that’s as cost-effective as it is durable. The guitar features the same traditional solid spruce top found on the best full-sized acoustic guitars, like the Martin D-10E and D-18, which gives the LX1E outsize volume and projection performance for its relatively shallow body. A single 1/4-inch jack and a built-in Fishman pickup allow players to connect the guitar to any PA or amplifier and enjoy clearer and fuller amplified sound than can be achieved with a microphone. 

Like other Martin guitars, the Little Martin LX1E comes with a non-standard truss rod, so you’ll need to purchase a specific wrench to make neck adjustments. Because of its small dimensions, the LX1E also lacks some of the round and open low-end resonance that’s typical of standard-sized acoustic guitars. Though its unplugged sound is bright and woody with plenty of projection, amplifying the LX1E by plugging it in is the best way for players to enjoy a more traditional and full bass response from the guitar. If you have a bit more to spend, the slightly larger body cavity and solid back and sides of the Martin 000Jr-10E deliver a similar unplugged sound with some added low-end presence. But if you’re on a budget, the Little Martin LX1E offers some of the best sound and performance available anywhere in the sub-$500 range.

Best bass: Squier by Fender Classic Vibe ’60s Mustang Bass

Fender

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Why it made the cut: This short-scale bass from Squier has a classic and stylish design that’s comfortable to play and delivers a rich low-end thump that’s ideal for a wide range of musical styles.

Specs

• Pickups: 1 x Alnico split single-coil
• Scale Length: 30 inches
• Materials: Maple neck, Nato body

Pros

• Punchy single-coil pickup delivers timeless and versatile bass tones
• Short 30-inch scale is comfortable for smaller players
• Bone nut offers greater sustain and tuning stability than plastic

Cons

• Requires a setup out of the box for optimal performance
• Single pickup provides limited tone-shaping options
• Prone to low-volume electrical hum in certain situations

The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Mustang Bass is one of the best bass guitars under $500 thanks to its combination of superb build quality, punchy tone, and easy-to-play design. Its single split-coil pickup configuration is similar to that of the legendary Fender Precision Bass, delivering a comparable tonal range that’s appropriate for almost every musical style from rock to R&B. Like other basses in the Mustang product line, the Classic Vibe ’60s Mustang is a short-scale instrument, measuring in at 30 inches from nut to bridge. This smaller scale, combined with the neck’s C-shaped profile, gives the bass an accessible guitar-like feel in the hands that makes it easier to play than standard full-sized basses, especially for players with smaller hands. Despite its small size, the Classic Vibe ’60s Mustang Bass offers up plenty of beefy low-end and defined attack with excellent sustain and tuning stability thanks to its real bone nut and string-through bridge design.

Like other instruments in this price tier, the Classic Vibe ’60s Mustang Bass will perform and feel its best if it’s given a proper initial setup. This may involve neck and bridge adjustments, fret filing, and other small considerations that are overlooked on the production line. The bass may also be prone to buzzing audibly when players’ hands aren’t in contact with the strings, which may catch new owners off guard despite being a fairly common occurrence in the world of electric guitars. All in all, the Classic Vibe ’60s Mustang Bass is an incredible option for a punchy and straightforward tone, but If you’re looking for a wider palette of sound options, the Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Jazz Bass is a solid, similarly priced alternative to consider.

Best beginner: Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Player Pack

Epiphone

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Why it made the cut: The Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack is built around a dual-humbucker Les Paul Special-II electric guitar and includes all the accessories a beginner needs to get started.

Specs 

• Pickups: 2 x open-coil humbuckers
• Scale Length: 24.75 inches
• Materials: Maple neck, Alder body

Pros

• Includes gig bag, amplifier, strap, cable, and more
• Dual humbucker configuration offers a variety of tones
• Comfortable 24.75-inch scale suitable for beginners

Cons

• Small 10-watt amp limits tonal options
• Quality control of components necessitates initial adjustments
• Barebones accessories may lack long-term durability

Assembling all the mandatory accessories for an electric guitar can be a daunting task if you don’t know where to begin. This all-inclusive Player Pack from Epiphone includes everything you need to hit the ground running—including an amplifier, cable, strap, gig bag, and tuner—making it one of the best values on the market for beginning guitarists. The Epiphone Player Pack is built around the Les Paul Special-II, a solid body electric guitar with a dual-humbucker pickup configuration capable of a wide range of sounds suitable for rhythm and lead guitar. Like the Gibson Les Paul after which it’s modeled, the Epiphone Les Paul Special-II features a 24.75-inch scale that’s a little easier to play than the more common 25.5-inch scale found on guitars like the Fender Telecaster. This, combined with the neck’s flat 12-inch radius, make the Les Paul Special-II perfect for playing chords, basic lead lines, and getting acquainted with the instrument overall.

The star of this bundle is definitely the guitar itself—while the inclusion of an amp and cable presents a great value, the low price point of the bundle is reflected in the limited durability and overall quality control of the accessories included. For example, the 10-watt amplifier features a relatively small 6-inch speaker that’s great for basic practice but lacks the detail, volume, and tonal range of more substantial designs. Other components—like the cable, strap, and gig bag—aren’t as durable as other options on the market, but they should hold up fine to light use. In short, the Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack is an absolute steal for any beginning guitarist, but expect to need to upgrade the amplifier, cable, and other accessories down the line if you want to continue growing your relationship and developing your performance with the instrument.

Best budget: Donner Electric Guitar DST-100R

Donner

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Why it made the cut: The Donner DST-100R is an incredibly affordable budget electric guitar that’s capable of a wide range of sounds and comes with a ton of extras.

Specs 

• Pickups: 2 x single-coil, 1 x humbucker
• Scale Length: 25.5 inches
• Materials: Maple neck, Basswood body

Pros

• Stratocaster-style electronics offer a range of classic guitar tones
• Amplifier, cable, and other essentials included
• Easy-to-play C-shaped neck with satin finish

Cons

• Budget-level build quality affects longevity
• Issues like jagged frets make some initial user setup mandatory
• Tuner, amp, and other accessories have limited functionality

If you’re shopping for an electric guitar below $200, the Donner DST-100R is one of the better budget values currently available on the market. Consisting of a Stratocaster-style electric guitar bundled with an amplifier, gig bag, tuner, capo, and more, the DST-100R offers a good balance of sound, value, and functionality that will be adequate for most players who are starting from scratch. The guitar itself is built from solid basswood and features two single-coil pickups and a humbucker in the bridge position, giving users access to five different tonal variations suitable for a variety of musical styles. The DST-100R’s C-shaped maple neck features a smooth satin finish that’s comfortable to play and conducive to rapid movements and quick fretting.

The Donner DST-100R offers good build quality and machining overall, but the durability and finish of the components make it more of an instrument to start with and graduate from than anything else. It suffers from a few issues commonly found at this price point like unfiled fret ends, but some users have reported quality control issues like cold solder joints and loose connections as well, which would make a setup all but mandatory. Critical accessories, like the amplifier and tuner, offer a barebones user experience that should suffice for learning, but you’ll definitely want to upgrade them for anything other than simple practice use.

Things to consider when buying one of the best electric guitars under $500

What size of guitar do you need?

Not all electric guitars are the same size, so it’s a good idea to consider and compare the arm length and hand size of the prospective player to the scale length and neck profile of the guitar before making a purchase. The measurement from a guitar’s nut to its bridge is known as its scale length, with the most common electric guitar scale being 25.5 inches. Gibson and Epiphone guitars like the Les Paul Special-II have a 24.75-inch scale length, which makes them a little more compact and requires less reach while playing. Scale length differences are even more pronounced in electric bass guitars, where the most common length is 34 inches. For this list, we picked the Squier by Fender Classic Vibe ’60s Mustang Bass as the best bass guitar under $500 in part thanks to its shorter and easier-to-play 30-inch scale.

Do you need to purchase accessories?

Electric guitars require amplification to function properly, so you’ll need to factor in the extra cost of at least an amplifier and a cable when buying a guitar under $500. Some electric guitars, such as the Les Paul Special-II, come in a bundle with everything you need to get started. Opting for an electric guitar bundle can be a cost-effective way to stay within your budget but the quality and durability of the accessories usually pale in comparison to more expensive piecemeal items.

Related: Universal Audio guitar pedal comparison: Which amp emulator is right for you?

What style of music will you be playing?

Every type of electric guitar has its own unique sound. For most pop, rock, and R&B-based styles, a classic solid-body electric guitar like the Squier by Fender Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster will cover nearly all the bases. If you’re aiming to play pop, folk, or country styles of music, an acoustic-electric guitar like the Little Martin LX1E may be a better choice thanks to its bright, shimmery tone that’s perfect for strumming. Electric bass guitars are arguably the most versatile option since they offer a sound that’s appropriate for almost every musical style, but they’re very different in function and musical role than a standard guitar.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best electric guitars under $500

• Best overall: Squier by Fender Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster
• Best acoustic-electric: Little Martin LX1E
• Best bass: Squier by Fender Classic Vibe ’60s Mustang Bass
• Best beginner: Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Player Pack
• Best budget: Donner Electric Guitar DST-100R

For our money, the best electric guitar under $500 overall is the Squier by Fender Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster, thanks to its vintage looks, timeless sound, and great build quality. The Squier by Fender Classic Vibe ’60s Mustang Bass is fantastic for the same reasons and it’s much smaller and easier to play than a standard-sized bass guitar. If folk music is more your thing, the Little Martin LX1E is one of the best acoustic-electric guitars under $500 due to its travel-sized frame and loud volume projection. To save money on accessories, consider an all-in-one beginner package like the Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Player Pack or the Donner Electric Guitar DST-100R, which both feature solid-body electric guitars bundled with an amplifier, cable, strap, and more.

Related: Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster review

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best electric guitars under $500 of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre		SEE IT	Top marks all around.
Best compact		Antelope Audio Zen Tour Synergy Core		SEE IT	Power to spare in a desktop form factor.
Best preamp		Solid State Logic SSL 2+		SEE IT	Sky-high quality at a shockingly low price.

So you’ve got a fast computer, a controller, some excellent mics, and a million ideas … but you won’t get far without a USB audio interface. Without something to convert analog into digital and vice versa, your studio will always be incomplete. Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned pro; whether you’re looking for something to take on the road or hold down the studio; or whether you’ve got a tight budget or the sky’s the limit, there’s something for everyone. With that in mind, we’ve assembled a list of the best USB audio interfaces currently on the market.

• Best overall: Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre
• Premium pick: Cranborne Audio 500R8
• Best compact: Antelope Audio Zen Tour Synergy Core
• Best 2-in/2-out: UA Volt 2
• Best ultra-portable: Apogee Duet
• Best connectivity options: Arturia AudioFuse
• Best preamp: Solid State Logic SSL 2+
• Best budget: Presonus AudioBox Go

How we chose the best USB audio interfaces

It used to be that USB audio interface options were fairly limited. Either you bought the one relatively affordable one, or you winced in pain as you handed over your credit card for a pro-level unit. These days, thanks to affordable manufacturing and the popularity of home recording and music-making, there are plenty of high-quality and affordable digital audio interfaces on the market. Even the top players in the field, like Focusrite and Solid State Logic, now offer products within the reach of everyone. To narrow the many options down to this list, we looked at many factors, including cost, use-case scenario, connectivity options, and more. We then brought our own experience as experts in the field of music technology to bear and compared this to market response and critical consensus. With decades of collective experience writing about sound design technology and mix techniques for worldwide outlets, we feel confident that this list represents the best available for any and all users, whether you’re looking for an audio interface for Mac or an audio interface for PC.

The best USB audio interfaces: Reviews & Recommendations

You’ve bought a powerful digital audio workstation and a slew of top plugins. You’ve acquired excellent monitors and a pair of high-end mixing headphones. You’ve even snagged a well-equipped MIDI controller for playing notes and tapping out rhythms. Now you’re shopping for a USB recording interface, so keep your immediate needs in mind. If your goal is to record an entire band at the same time, you’re going to need a very different interface than if it’s just you and a single microphone. What’s your hardware situation like? If you plan to send audio out for processing in external hardware, you’ll need at least four outs (two for the monitors and two for the DAW’s master bus) or even a dedicated re-amping option. Finally, what’s your budget? As with anything else involving audio, budget as much as you comfortably can. It’s your music—make sure it’s the best quality it can be.

Best overall: Focusrite Clarette+ 8Pre

Focusrite

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Why it made the cut: With tons of connectivity and spectacular mic pres, this won’t leave you wanting.

Specs

• Audio resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Inputs: 18 (8 analog)
• Outputs: 20 (10 analog)
• MIDI: In/Out

Pros

• Plenty of connectivity
• Lovely preamps
• Analog Air circuit adds high-end sheen

Cons

• Mic pre gain could be louder

Focusrite has been killing it lately. The brand has released a series of low-cost USB audio interfaces (the Scarlett line) that has become so popular, people tend to forget that Focusrite was originally a high-end outfit started by Rupert Neve (yes, the Rupert Neve, mixing console designer) to make mic preamps for mega-producer George Martin. This is not some Johnny-come-lately budget brand—Focusrite has serious market clout.

That clout and know-how are brought to bear in the Clarette+ series, a step up from the Scarlett line and, thus, a step up in quality. The plus symbol in the name refers to the Cirrus Logic converters now present in the three Clarette interfaces, including the 8Pre, our choice for best USB audio interface.

As the name suggests, the 24-bit/192kHz 8Pre has eight combo line/mic analog inputs, each with a Focusrite microphone preamp. Whether built into an interface or the mic itself, a preamp is a circuit that takes a microphone’s low-level output and amplifies it to line level. This company made them for the Beatles’ producer, which speaks to its quality. The preamps have +57dB of gain—a little limited, to be honest, but not a deal-breaker. They also include Focusrite’s famous analog Air circuit for adding sparkle and (wait for it) air at the top end.

The 1U-size rackmount unit has plenty more connectivity, including ADAT (expandable up to eight channels), S/PDIF, and MIDI in/out. There are two robust headphone outputs on the front, perfect for when you need to hand a pair of cans to a musician for tracking. Other pluses include an LED metering screen and the Focusrite Control app, which can be accessed from an iOS device, for getting under the hood.

Focusrite’s Clarette+ 8Pre is the perfect interface for home studios. It has tons of connectivity, a good price ($1,249.99 MSRP but cheaper on the streets), and all those pres. Your band will love you for it.

Premium pick: Cranborne Audio 500R8

Cranborne

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Why it made the cut: This USB audio interface has extra features you never knew you needed.

Specs

• Audio resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Inputs: 28 (19 analog)
• Outputs: 30 (16 analog)
• MIDI: In/Out

Pros

• Tons of connectivity
• Incredible converters
• 500 Series chassis

Cons

• More machine than most will need

Cranborne Audio is a relatively new, UK-based audio company. Not content to turn out just another studio-grade USB audio interface, the company decided to make the product that you never knew you wanted. The result is the 500R8, a top-of-the-line interface that is also a 500 Series module rack.

First things first. What’s a 500 Series rack? The 500 Series is a modular format for audio equipment developed by API in the 1970s. Think mic pres, compressors, and EQs, all 3U high (5.25 inches) with one slot equalling 1.5-inch wide. They’re not cheap but are arguably cheaper than buying full-size equivalents. Most 500 Series cases are self-contained units. Cranborne took this idea and married a 500 Series case to a USB interface. Brilliant.

The interface has a massive 28-in/30-out configuration capable of recording at 24-bit/192kHz, with both XLR and TRS analog module inputs and similar dual configurations for stereo output. Additional output includes S/PDIF in/out, ADAT (up to 16 ins and outs), MIDI in/out, plus several other studio-friendly connectivity options. 

Its AD/DA converters are ridiculously good, with a 121dB signal-to-noise ratio and clocking of less than .5 picoseconds of jitter. Clocking refers to how stable the converters are when changing an analog signal into digital 1s and 0s. Sloppy clocking will result in jitter and a lack of clarity. Not a problem with the 500R8. Other features include a discrete analog summing mixer, zero-latency artist mixer for tracking, a fully featured monitor control section, two reference-grade headphone amps, and much more.

While the 500R8 is arguably more than most users will ever need, professional studios and hobbyists with deep pockets take note. At $2,130 MSRP, it’s actually a great deal for what it does. Of course, you still have to populate it with 500 Series modules, but that’s all part of the fun.

Best compact: Antelope Audio Zen Tour Synergy Core

Antelope Audio

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Why it made the cut: On-board Antelope effects help elevate this audio interface beyond the ordinary.

Specs

• Audio resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Inputs: 18 (8 analog)
• Outputs: 26 (14 analog)
• MIDI: No

Pros

• Onboard effects
• Unique connectivity options
• Antelope converters

Cons

• Expensive
• No MIDI

Generally, if you want professional-grade performance from a USB audio interface, there’s probably a rackmount unit in your future (see the Cranborne and Focusrite interfaces, above, for example). However, rackmount interfaces are not always desirable. They’re not portable and may require buying a rack to house them. For the best of both worlds—compact form factor plus top sound quality—we recommend Antelope Audio’s Zen Tour Synergy Core.

A sleek and sexy box with a touchscreen and large volume knob, the 24-bit/192kHz Zen Tour Synergy Core certainly looks the business. It has a well-thought-out layout as well, with four convenient instrument/line-in jacks on the front as well as two transformer-based re-amping outs for sending signal to a guitar amp or other hardware. Two headphone amps round things out. On the back are four combo microphone/line ins, a set of 1/4” line outs for monitoring, ADAT in/out, S/PDIF in/out, and an additional eight lines out available via 25-pin D-type connector. All line-outs are DC coupled so you can use them with modular synthesizer gear. That has to be a first.

You can’t talk about Antelope without mentioning its AD/DA converters. The company boasts artifact-free recording with up to 130dB of headroom. This, combined with ultra-clear mic pres, ensures pro-level recording quality anywhere you go. And yes, we do mean anywhere, as the desktop form factor makes Zen Tour Synergy Core as portable as it is powerful.

We haven’t mentioned the onboard DSP effects yet. The Zen Tour Synergy Core is one of a few USB audio interfaces with built-in effects, meaning you can record straight through them as if you had a room full of outboard gear at your disposal. It comes bundled with 36 Antelope effects ranging from preamps to compressors and can be expanded with additional effects, both Antelope and third party.

At $2,150, Antelope Audio’s Zen Tour Synergy Core is at the higher end of the price spectrum. There’s also no MIDI. But if you’re serious about recording vocals and instruments and want a compact desktop interface, this is one to put at the top of your Amazon Wishlist.

Best 2-in/2-out: UA Volt 2

Julian Vittorio

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Why it made the cut: The UA Volt 2 is an all-in-one recording toolkit for the traveling musician.

Specs

• Audio resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Inputs: 2 analog
• Outputs: 2 analog
• MIDI: Yes

Pros

• Clean, analog-like sound modes
• Compact design with integrated power supply
• Price

Cons

• May not have enough inputs for some uses
• No onboard DSP processing

Universal Audio packed most of what we like about its pro-grade Apollo recording equipment into the Volt 2, an ultra-portable two-input USB audio interface. The box is only seven inches wide and weighs under one and a half pounds, so it’s easy to carry to and from a studio in a backpack. The Volt 2 needs to be connected to your computer using a USB-C cable, which supplies power in addition to data. 

In our experience, the Volt 2 can create some surprisingly clean recordings, with analog-like warmth, detailed midrange, and no muddiness across the entire frequency spectrum. We were particularly pleased with its “vintage” mode, which flattens peaks to achieve a tube amp-like effect. This mode is available at the push of a button, which makes it easy to toggle on and off during recording. 

Our qualms with the Volt 2 weren’t with its sound but rather its lack of onboard DSP (digital signal processing), which means you can’t natively use it with Universal Audio’s entire plugin library. Its relatively small set of inputs and outputs can also be a limiting factor, but that depends on what you plan on recording. The two-input, two-output setup is part of what allows the Volt 2 to be so svelte. 

If you’re looking to start your first bedroom studio for velvety podcasts or need a way to create high-quality demos on the road, it’s hard to beat the Universal Audio Volt 2’s performance—especially for its sub-$200 price.

Best ultra-portable: Apogee Duet 3

Apogee

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Why it made the cut: Apogee’s Duet 3 reduces connectivity to the essentials for an imminently portable device.

Specs

• Audio resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Inputs: 4 analog
• Outputs: 2 analog
• MIDI: No

Pros

• Great recording results
• Well-built
• Onboard DSP

Cons

• Pricey
• No MIDI

In 2007, Apogee helped redefine what a USB audio interface could be with the first Duet. Both portable and studio-ready, it was an instant hit. Dominated by a single large volume knob and with very little visible connectivity, it used minimalism to its advantage, predating Marie Kondo’s cry to jettison anything extraneous that didn’t spark joy. Now up to version 3, Apogee’s Duet still does a lot with very little—and sounds better than ever.

Connectivity is limited to the necessities. There are two 1/4-inch instrument inputs, two combination microphone/line inputs, and two balanced outputs. Looking at the unit, you’d be forgiven for wondering where the jacks are. They’re actually handled via breakout cables. This allows for standard connectivity while maintaining the Apogee’s lovely minimal aesthetic. A 1/8-inch headphone jack completes the package.

Duet 3 is more than just a pretty face, though. With its Apogee preamps with generous +65dB of gain and custom Apogee AD/DA converters, your audio is in good, 24-bit/192kHz hands.

With limited controls on the device itself, you’d probably think that this was handled by software, and you’d be right. Duet 3 includes the Apogee Control app for routing and setup. It also comes bundled with the Bob Clearmountain-approved Symphony ECS Channel Strip plug-in, which uses the interface’s internal DSP processor to allow for latency-free recording through EQ and compression.

The USB-bus-powered Apogee 3 isn’t cheap. At $649, it’s a price point above most interfaces with this amount of connectivity. Add the optional Dock for direct ins and outs, and the price increases by $149. However, this is far and away the best-sounding option when portability is your main concern.

Best connectivity options: Arturia AudioFuse Rev2

ARTURIA

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Why it made the cut: Arturia packs an astonishing variety of connects into an interface with such a small footprint.

Specs

• Audio resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Inputs: 14 (4 analog)
• Outputs: 14 (6 analog)
• MIDI: In/Out

Pros

• Variety of connectivity
• They-thought-of-everything extras
• Portable

Cons

• Chunky look

Arturia made a name for itself with VST emulations of famous synthesizers and hardware effects. It’s also gotten into the hardware market itself recently, with several well-received synths, drum machines, and now USB audio interfaces. AudioFuse Rev2 is the second iteration of the French company’s debut interface, and it’s a doozy of a device, packed with more connects than ants at a picnic.

Don’t let the small footprint of the desktop-style AudioFuse Rev2 fool you—there’s a whole lot going on here. Front and center, there are two combo mic/line/XLR inputs plus two separate headphone jacks in both 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch configurations, meaning you’ll never have to dig around for a misplaced adapter again. Around the back is where the party is really happening, though. Let’s check the guest list. Two 1/4-inch TRS jacks, a grounded RIAA RCA pair for your turntable, S/PDIF I/O, ADAT I/O, MIDI mini jacks to be used with breakout MIDI DIN adapters, two sets of analog line outputs, an insert pair for re-amping, and even a three-port USB hub. Arturia really has thought of everything.

Audio quality is also up to snuff. The AudioFuse Rev2 uses in-house developed DiscretePRO preamps, AKM AD/DA converters and an anti-jitter system for accurate audio conversion, and a circuit that places line and preamp signals on separate paths with no attenuator.

There’s more, including immediate controls for monitoring, a built-in talkback microphone, numerous power modes to accompany the USB bus power, and portability. Some may not love the chunky, utilitarian look, but Arturia has done an admirable job of packing a lot of functionality into a very small package. If you like the options but want even more of them, level up to the AudioFuse Studio or 8Pre models.

Best preamp: Solid State Logic SSL 2+

Amazon Renewed

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