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.

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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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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.

The post Our favorite earbuds for the gym are up to $90 off right now 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		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 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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FiiO makes some of our favorite digital audio players, and one of the reasons we love the company’s DAPs is the performance for the price they deliver. So when we heard there are discounts of up to 25% available through April 30—including the lowest price in months on the best bang-for-your-buck M11S—we added “Share This Sale” to our playlist and put it on repeat as we kicked out the jams and this post.

FiiO M11S, $399 (Was $499)

FiiO

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The DAP days of summer are ahead of us, and you’ll be equipped with a soundtrack for every occasion if you pick up the FiiO M11S. This portable player—a personal favorite, as you can see my unit in the image above—runs on Android 10 with a global SRC bypass, allowing you to install all your favorite streaming apps (Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL w/ 8x MQA unfolding, Amazon Music, etc.) and enjoy full lossless fidelity playback. But where it really shines is during the passionate reproduction of high-resolution files up to 384kHz/DSD256, saved in 32GB of internal storage and/or on a microSD card. The 5-inch/720p display and octa-core Snapdragon 660 architecture keep performance snappy, and the dual ES9038Q2M DAC design and 670mW balanced power output make it a potent pairing for many of our favorite (wired) headphones. Support for the aptX HD and LDAC advanced-resolution Bluetooth codecs (alongside SBC and AAC) also makes it a perfect travel partner with some of our top Bluetooth headphones—including the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and Focal Bathys—as well as the best ANC earbuds.

Need some high-performance in-ear monitors to pair with that new player? The FiiO FH7S earphones are also 25% off, bringing their price down to $299.99, a $100 savings. Combining one DLC dynamic driver for punchy lows with four balanced armature drivers for rich mids and soaring highs, these hybrid IEMs are semi-open to present all the tonal texture of your favorite songs spread across a wide soundstage with pinpoint imaging. Yes, they’re wired, which is becoming increasingly rare in the Bluetooth and WiFi world, but that allows them to take advantage of the more expressive 4.4mm balanced output on the M11S.

Affordable audiophile gear is a unicorn, but perhaps you prefer to stream from your smartphone with as few cables as possible. Just need some budget Bluetooth headphones, earbuds for working out, or maybe a portable party speaker/power bank? Check out these additional bangers before the algorithm replaces them with completely new releases next week.

More sound, more savings, more sound savings …

• Sony WH-CH520 Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones, $48 (Was $59.99)
• Sony WH-CH720N Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Over-The-Ear Headphones, $128 (Was $149.99)
• soundcore by Anker Sport X10 True Wireless Bluetooth Sport Earbuds, $55.99 (Was $79.99)
• JBL CHARGE 5 Portable IP67 Bluetooth Speaker with USB charge out, $139.95 (Was $179.95)
• JBL Clip 4 Portable IP67 Mini Bluetooth Speaker with integrated carabiner, $59.95 (Was $79.95)
• FiiO Q3 Portable Headphone Amp-High-Resolution DAC, $123.99 (Was $149.99)
• FiiO K3 Type-C USB DAC Headphone Amp, $109.99 (Was $137.49)

The post Keep more music and cash in your pocket with Amazon audio deals appeared first on Popular Science.

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By now, you may have heard a bit of buzz around spatial audio and seen the commercial with The Weeknd, narrating to a Dolby Atmos mix. In fact, many people have already made the leap into consuming spatial audio with immersive mixes from Apple iTunes, TIDAL, or Amazon Music Unlimited that play in the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) earbuds or the Sonos Era 300 multidirectional speaker, among other components. At the 2023 NAMM trade show, held April 13-15 in Anaheim, Calif., Sony announced new gear to address the needs of people creating the actual multidimensional content. The company—which has a proprietary spatial format, 360 Reality Audio, that it uses for demos—launched a $399 pair of headphones, the MDR-MV1, which allows content creators, musicians, recording artists, podcasters, and producers to mix spatial audio versions of projects alongside high-resolution stereo masters.

Ian Cohen

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Professionals typically rely on full-blown commercial multichannel monitoring systems to get you into the ballpark of a studio-grade immersive audio mix. While this $400 pair of headphones won’t wholly replace those elaborate setups, its ability to emulate them does represent an exciting development for amateurs or on-the-go pros who want to start dabbling through the sound field or need a portable, reliable reference.

We’re already a fan of the Sony MDR-7506, a venerable workhorse of a headphone that has graced the tracking and mix sessions of many musicians and DJs. Compared to that affordable closed-back model, the new Sony headphones embrace an open-back design to open the soundstage and prevent sound from bouncing around the inside of the acoustic structure and spoiling the sound design. While the style of the earcup solves resonance issues, it can also inhibit low-frequency performance. To combat this, Sony reworked the diaphragm’s shape to achieve the MDR-MV1’s ultra-wideband 5Hz – 80kHz frequency response.

Mike Piacentini is a Grammy-nominated mastering engineer for Battery Studio at Sony Music Entertainment, and he helped develop the MDR-MV1 headphones. He noted that most people are consuming music over headphones nowadays and that it’s important to use headphones during the mixing process. “In my personal opinion, on a lot of this personal audio in general, you have to find the wise mixes on headphones with some capacity,” Piacentini told PopSci on the NAMM show floor. “Because that’s how like 99 percent of the people are consuming mixes.”

When asked about his perspective as to why Sony had set out to serve object-based audio mixers better, he stated: “You try to take flat transparent headphone design and make it so that you could hear localization of the immersive audio data better than other production headphones on the market right now. And so, we did a lot of listening in our immersive mixing room. We really tried to make it so that if I say an object or an instrument is 180 degrees or 90 degrees or wherever you put it in the space, it sounds like it’s there.”

Donna Kloepfer, general manager at Battery Studio, Sony Music Entertainment, suggests this isn’t just a one-off or a novelty for the company. “This is such a revolutionary thing, as far as I’m concerned, because of the fact that we’re developing physical products to support the software and the technology,” she explains.

You can currently order the Sony MDR-MV1 for $399.

The post Sony’s new MDR-MV1 headphones are designed for spatial audio production appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Bose QuietComfort 45		SEE IT	The Bose QuietComfort 45’s long battery life, comfort, and audio clarity make them a must-have for office and remote workers.
Best noise-cancelling		Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2		SEE IT	The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones have four noise-cancelling microphones to provide a pin drop-silent environment anywhere.
Best wired		beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X		SEE IT	If your job requires making content, not just consuming it, these are the headphones that will help you and your projects produce a positive (frequency) response.

Using headphones at work is one of the few constants whether you work on-site or remote, indoors or outside, or in any hybrid situation. Writing for the Harvard Business Review, psychologist Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic found research—conducted by himself and others—to suggest music can help you be more productive while working based on your personality, location, and preferred genre. Yes, music, ambient noise, or podcasts can be a distraction, but if you find something that works for you, there could be tangible benefits. And, on top of the soundtrack, headphones for work allow you to take calls in environments that aren’t always conducive to communication. The best headphones for work will allow you to complete all your assignments on time while making the process more fun.

• Best overall: Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones
• Best noise-cancelling: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
• Best earbuds for calls: Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC
• Best for comfort: Ultimate Ears FITS
• Best wired: beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X

How we chose the best headphones for work

Our recommendations for the best headphones for work are based on both hands-on testing and research. The headphones you choose—for work or otherwise—reflect several personal preferences, like whether you prefer over-ear models or earbuds, whether noise cancellation is important to you, or your budget. These factors are especially important when choosing headphones for work because you’ll be wearing them for extended periods, and they need to be a productivity tool rather than a distraction. If you’re constantly aware that you’re wearing headphones, it will split your focus. By recommending the headphones many of us use at work every day, you’ll get a good cross-section of the best options for this use.

The best headphones for work: Reviews & Recommendations

An overwhelming number of headphones could be used while you work, but these are the pairs the commerce team at Popular Science uses daily. Our recommendations reflect various headphone styles, brands, feature sets, and prices.

Best overall: Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones

Jen McCaffery

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Specs

• Headphone type: Over-ear
• Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Wireless: Yes
• Active noise cancellation: Yes
• Battery life: Up to 22 hours
• Microphones: Yes

Pros

• High sound quality
• Two modes of active noise cancellation
• Very comfortable
• Long battery life

Cons

• Expensive
• Large, if you prefer subtler audio equipment

Using the Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones for work might seem like overkill, but they’ll certainly make the experience more enjoyable. Bose is known for the quality of its audio gear, and these headphones fulfill that promise with high-fidelity sound and adjustable EQ that lets you fine-tune your sound.

But it’s the level of active noise cancellation that makes these headphones ideal for work. Whether you’re on a plane or in a coffee shop, these headphones let you choose between a Quiet mode that effectively filters out ambient noise like the wind or conversations around you and an Aware mode that balances internal and external sounds for safety. And the four external microphones focus on your voice, filtering out background distractions and making these headphones ideal for meetings.

These wireless headphones easily sync with the associated app via Bluetooth. The QC45s are also lightweight at 8.5 ounces and incredibly comfortable, with ear cups made from plush synthetic leather that still feel good on the ears after hours of usage. They also come with an impressive up to 22 hours of battery life and recharge with the included USB-C cable in about 2.5 hours. So they’re great for work, but you’ll also want to continue to use them when you’re off the clock. And, if you prefer something pocketable, Bose also makes the QuietComfort Earbuds II—our top pick for active noise cancellation (ANC) earbuds.

Best noise-cancelling: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

Brandt Ranj

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Specs

• Headphone type: Over-ear
• Weight: 10.83 ounces
• Wireless: Yes
• Active noise cancellation: Yes
• Battery life: 30
• Microphones: Yes

Pros

• World-class active noise cancellation
• Excellent battery life
• Multiple dedicated microphones for ANC and telephony

Cons

• Price

Bowers & Wilkins designed the Px7 S2s with travelers on long-haul flights in mind, but many of those same design choices benefit office and outdoor workers. These wireless headphones offer up to 30 hours of music playback per charge—enough to get you through several days of work without needing to be topped up. In our experience, you can get through an entire workweek without plugging them in if you only listen for a few hours daily.

The big selling point for the Px7 S2s is their excellent active noise cancellation. The headphones did a phenomenal job blocking outside sounds, whether we listened to music or used this setting on its own to muffle loud sounds. Typical office noises—the sound of typing on a keyboard, foot tapping, the occasional cough—were either greatly diminished or entirely gone. The Px7 S2s have four microphones dedicated to filtering sounds for active noise cancellation and two dedicated to telephony. Nobody on my work or personal calls complained about the sound or clarity of my voice when communicating with them.

You’re going to pay for headphones with tech specs like these, but their overall performance justifies the cost. Their tech specs are the main reasons we recommend them for workers, but it doesn’t hurt that music and podcasts sound excellent in our tests. There’s always some audio quality loss when listening to music wirelessly (assuming you’re listening to high-resolution or lossless [CD Quality] tracks). Still, the difference isn’t immediately apparent when listening casually, thanks to Bluetooth 5.2 with support for the aptX Adaptive/HD codecs (a transmission protocol that plays nicely with Android and hi-res digital audio players), plus AAC optimized for iOS devices. As a bonus, these headphones are a great companion when traveling since their ANC microphones were designed to reduce the sound of a plane’s engine greatly. Want something even more lux? The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 ratchets up the build and sonic polish (but also the price).

Best earbuds for calls: Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC

Billy Cadden

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Specs

• Headphone type: Earbuds
• Weight: .2 ounces (3 ounces in case)
• Wireless: Yes
• Active noise cancellation: Yes
• Battery life: 16.5 hours (with case)
• Microphones: Yes

Pros

• Noise cancellation
• Compatible with most operating systems
• Easy controls with built-in touchscreen display on charging case
• Includes BT700A USB adapter to connect to computers and compatible smartphones
• Quick Charge (3 hours for full charge of case)

Cons

• Fit can be loose
• A tad tinny on the high end

If the AirPods Pro 2 and similarly styles earbuds don’t stay in your ear, the Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC wireless earbuds probably aren’t for you. That being said, they are a great alternative to headphones for office and personal use if you like the shape and fit of stemmed earbuds. The sleek design features three sizes of conical tips that snap onto the earbuds instead of just slipping over the 10mm speaker. This makes a much more secure connection, and you won’t pull them off as you pull them out of your pocket (assuming you don’t keep them in the included charging case). Just don’t move around too much, as there aren’t any fins or other “ear locks” as you find in exercise-oriented earbuds. The Voyager Free 60+ UC Bluetooth 5.3 earbuds are all about connectivity and productivity.

The earbuds are equipped with AAC, aptX, and SBC codecs to keep them compatible with all iOS and Android devices (and multipoint helps if you use both). Plus, they have active noise cancellation to help you focus on your calls and music. There are three modes—adaptive, standard, and off. Poly also uses “sidetone” technology (aka Transparency mode) to help you not be that jerk in the office screaming with his headphones on as he tries to ask a coworker three feet away a question. I don’t personally have that problem, but I can hear myself better even with the volume cranked up.

If, for some reason, you have a laptop (or desktop) that can’t maintain a stable Bluetooth signal, the included BT700A Bluetooth USB-A adapter (with LC3 technology for efficient bandwidth) helps secure a reliable connection so you can track every word on how your teams are performing. And, with a voice-optimized three-microphone array per earbud with WindSmart technology, they’ll hear your directions just as clearly.

One of the standout features of the Voyager Free 60+ UC is the charging case. Like most charging cases, it provides extra battery life—16 hours, on top of the eight when the earbuds are fully charged. (That’s listening to music with ANC on; the numbers dip to 11 hours in the case, 5.5 in the ’buds for talk time, but that would be some ridiculously long calls.) This case stands out because the touchscreen display lets you check the battery level, answer calls, switch between ANC modes, and control your music. You can also adjust and check these levels via a smartphone app. And, in addition, the case can be plugged into an airplane’s headphone jack so you can broadcast the inflight entertainment wirelessly to your earbuds.

Controls on the earbuds also make it easy to adjust without having to fidget with the case. Swipe up or down on the side of the earbud stick to lower or raise volume. And use a physical button on the stem to pause or play music, initiate Siri/Google voice assistant, or answer a phone call (which can also happens automatically when you insert en earbud while the phone is ringing). While the price is high, so is the features set. If you’re a business traveler that needs to make anywhere your office, these earbuds could be the perfect investment.

Best for comfort: Ultimate Ears FITS

Abigail Ferguson

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Specs

• Headphone type: Earbuds
• Weight: 0.4 ounces
• Wireless: Yes
• Active noise cancellation: No
• Battery life: 8 hours on the earbuds, 20 hours with the case
• Microphones: Yes

Pros

• Comfortable even in small ears
• Good sound quality
• Microphone works well, even with ambient noise
• Compact case

Cons

• No active noise cancellation
• Battery life isn’t great

Ultimate Ears FITS, also called UE FITS, are unique in the earbud sphere thanks to their Lightform Technology. When you use the earbuds for the first time, you’ll be walked through a simple process that involves lightforming LEDs warming up the photopolymer gel tips in your ear canals. The earbuds glow and get warm, which is a strange sensation. It takes about 60 seconds, and then you are set to use your new earbuds.

The lightform process molds the tips to your ear shape, resulting in a more comfortable, stable fit. They’ll be easier to wear even for the longest meetings or for a day of music while you crank out work. And thanks to the snug fit, they can also easily transition to the gym or a jog, staying in place during the most intense exercise.

The sound from the UE FITS is also quite good, especially for speaking. Bass is a bit lacking by default, but you can customize that in the app. The downside of the UE FITS, especially for office settings, is the lack of active noise cancellation. But, because the gel tips are custom fit to your ears, they offer better passive noise cancellation than most of that class. And the built-in mic ensures that your voice will be heard loud and clear.

Want an even more bespoke way to burrow deep into spreadsheets and playlists? UE offers the DROPS, which have a more involved, more handcrafted process resulting in acrylic housings tailored to your personal specifications and aesthetic.

Best wired: beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X

Brandt Ranj

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Specs

• Headphone type: Over-ear
• Weight: 12.17 ounces
• Wireless: No
• Active noise cancellation: No
• Battery life: N/A
• Microphones: No

Pros

• Gentle clamping force
• Replaceable cable
• No battery life worries
• Decent passive noise cancellation

Cons

• No active noise cancellation
• Heavy
• Open-back design isn’t open office-friendly

Beyerdynamics’ DT 900 Pro X studio headphones are the best wired model we’ve tried for work. The over-ear headphones were designed and tuned for audio mixing, so they offer rich detail when listening to music. Whether you work in a content creation field or not, you shouldn’t have any complaints about how the DT 900 Pro X headphones sound. One of the reasons for their natural sound is the headphones’ open-back design, which allows sound to disperse through each earcup. When listening to music on closed-back headphones, sound will reverberate off the back of its earcups toward your ear, potentially muddying the frequency response with bass bloom and a narrowed soundstage. Conversely, open-back headphones offer more expansive imaging, but the sound leakage can annoy the people around you, so the DT 900 Pro X headphones may not be the right choice for open office environments.

In terms of overall build quality, we’ve been very satisfied with how these headphones have held up after more than a year of regular use. The velour ear pads show no sign of wear, and the headband hasn’t lost any tension. If you’re planning on keeping a pair of over-ear headphones on for your entire workday, you’ll appreciate the effort beyerdynamic took to nail the DT 900 Pro X’s clamping force. The earcups grip the side of your head with enough force that there’s no chance they’ll accidentally fall off, but without holding on so tightly that you constantly feel the pressure. The DT 900 Pro X’s felt coating also feels softer than the leather used on most other headphones.

Speaking of comfort, there’s no escaping that these are the heaviest headphones we recommend for work. They never felt particularly heavy to us, but they’ll be a big adjustment if you come from a pair of earbuds. You’ll also have to get used to using wired headphones again. However, the replaceable cable beyerdynamic included with the DT 900 Pro X is very long and terminates into a standard 3.5mm audio jack. If you’re an audio engineer, you’ll be happy to hear that the headphones also include a 3.5mm to 1/4-inch jack to plug into an audio interface. And the custom STELLAR.45 driver, which delivers a frequency response of 5 – 40,000 Hz, is low enough impedance to play nicely with all kinds of portable and professional gear without requiring amplification.

The lack of any microphones and active noise cancellation is unfortunate for productivity but good for sonic purity. Since they have a cable, they can use digital audio converters and headphone amps to access playback formats and finesse that wireless can’t always achieve. Still, they’re balanced out by the fact that they need to be directly connected to a computer, which will have a mic, their decent passive noise cancellation, and the fact that they’re not designed to be used in public. If you’d like to get battery anxiety off your mind while you’re working and thoroughly enjoy the audio you’re listening to or creating, we can’t think of a better option than the beyerdynamics DT 900 Pro X.

Things to consider when choosing the best headphones for work

Headphone type

The first factor to consider when choosing any pair of headphones is settling on whether you’d like earbuds, on-ear headphones, or over-ear headphones. Earbuds provide the most convenience because of their size, especially if you choose a true wireless pair, which have no cables at all. On-ear headphones are still relatively light, but you won’t feel something stuck in your ear. Over-ear headphones are larger and bulkier but offer the best active noise-cancellation and audio performance. Wireless over-ear headphones also offer better battery life than earbuds.

Wired or wireless

If your work primarily takes place at a desk all day, there’s a strong case to be made that wired headphones are a better fit. You won’t have to worry about the headphones running out of battery in the middle of your work day, and headphone companies provide relatively long cables so that you won’t feel tethered to your computer. On the other hand, wireless Bluetooth headphones make more sense if you want to use one pair of headphones for work and recreation because they’re easier to use when you’re out and about. Plus, most recent smartphones phones and tablets don’t have headphone jacks, whereas computers often do.

Active noise cancellation

Most wireless headphones released in the past couple of years support active noise cancellation, a critical feature if you get work done in a public space. Whether you’re in an office, on an airplane, or spend a few hours per week at your local cafe, you’ll need a way to tune people out. Active noise cancellation won’t block out all noise—unless you’re listening to audio at a moderate volume—but it can dampen sound enough to make working easier even when music or a podcast aren’t on. It’s important to note that enabling active noise cancellation will run down your headphones’ battery faster.

Battery life

Speaking of battery life, make sure the headphones you choose for work will last an entire day. If you plan on listening to music for eight to 10 hours, with very few breaks in between, that’ll inform your decision more than any other factor. All of the headphones we’re recommending should last an entire traditional eight-hour workday, but your listening volume and active noise cancellation preferences will impact it greatly.

Microphones

If your job requires you to be in meetings regularly, choosing a pair of headphones with a microphone is important so you can wear them while you’re on calls. Wearing headphones during meetings has been normalized, and it makes hearing your colleagues a lot easier. Microphones are required for active noise cancellation, so if your headphones support ANC, they’ll have mics built in.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best headphones for work

• Best overall: Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones
• Best noise-cancelling: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
• Best earbuds for calls: Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC
• Best for comfort: Ultimate Ears FITS
• Best wired: beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X

Getting a good pair of headphones for work can help you be more productive and happier while you’re getting things done. If you can dedicate a specific pair for this use, putting them on and taking them off can help create a psychological cue for when your work day begins and end. Headphones can make it easier to communicate during work meetings, tune out unwanted distractions, and create pleasant background noise while completing tasks. Your music may even help inspire you with a new idea or help you out of a rut. At the very least the best headphones for work may help your day go by a little more quickly, which by itself justifies picking up a pair.

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 work in 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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If you want to get wrapped up in your playlists, not cords, you need a pair of powered, connected speakers. And if you want the best powered, connected speakers, you need the LS50 Wireless II by British high-end hi-fi audio products designer KEF. With wireless support up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio (and network file support up to 24-bit/384 kHz), the LS50 Wireless II speakers give you access to unadulterated audio no matter your service or format(s) of choice. They’re our wireless stereo speakers of choice, one of my favorite bookshelf (or standmount) speakers—that’s my Mineral White pair below—and they’re currently being offered in a bundle with an excellent subwoofer for $500 off. Who says being an audiophile can’t be (mildly more) affordable?

KEF LS50 Wireless II + KC62 Subwoofer $3,799.98 (Was $4,299.98)

Tony Ware

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The LS50 Wireless II’s striking, copper-hued Uni-Q driver orients a 1-inch vented aluminum-dome tweeter in the acoustic center of a 5¼-inch magnesium-aluminum alloy woofer cone to create a wide listening sweet spot that’s detailed and dynamic. Stream music directly over Bluetooth, WiFi, AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast (among others), or integrate digital and analog via wired connections, including HDMI eARC, Ethernet, coaxial and optical inputs, and 3.5mm aux-ins. And to add sonic depth without needing a deep footprint or deep pockets, the KEF KC62 ultra-compact subwoofer is a sealed compartment with dual 6-inch woofers that can bring the euphoric high of 11 Hz lows. That means a big boom without taking up big space, using DSP for muscular musical bass to open up the headroom of those main drivers. Select them both and save.

Technically this highly resolving, engaging experience does involve one cable from the speakers to the sub. But you can do away with even that if you pick up a KEF KW1 Wireless Kit, which gives you more freedom to base your bass anywhere in the room.

If the LS50 Wireless II + KC62 setup is too indulgent, you can get a bundle with the smaller, desktop-friendly LSX II speakers and a KEF KUBE 8b subwoofer for $1,749.98 (a savings of $250). Or, if you have (or plan to get) an AV receiver and are looking at passive speakers, you can get a pair of KEF Q950 floorstanding towers and a KUBE 12b subwoofer for $2,799.98 (a savings of $350).

Looking for headphones and earbuds instead of speakers? You’re in luck, as multiple brands have spring savings events running. For example, beyerdynamic is offering discounts on its Amiron Wireless headphones, which go big on bliss with details-oriented Tesla drivers and high-resolution Bluetooth in plush earcups, as well as the FREE BYRD ANC earbuds, which pack excellent comfort and battery life alongside punchy personalized sound. And there are more options below but act fast—these deals can disappear faster than cherry blossoms after a rainstorm.

Amazing audiophile deals are hear and now:

• beyerdynamic Amiron Hi-Res Bluetooth Headphones $549 (Was $649)
• beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless Copper Limited Edition Hi-Res Bluetooth Headphones $599 (Was $799)
• beyerdynamic Free BYRD Black True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds $199 (Was $229)
• Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Open-Back Audiophile Reference Headphones $1,599 (Was $1,699)
• Sennheiser HD 820 Over-the-Ear Closed-Back Audiophile Reference Headphones $1,799 (Was $1,999)
• Sony WF-1000XM4 Active Noise-Canceling True Wireless Earbuds $198 (Was $279)
• Tivoli Audio PAL BT Portable Bluetooth AM/FM Radio $179 (Was $219)—Price available if you select Tivoli Audio as the Ships From/Sold By vendor in the “New From” section of the right column

The post The best wireless speaker setup is $500 off for a limited time appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best Overall		Audeze LCD-2 Classic		SEE IT	You can count on rich, well-extended bass, lush vocals and instruments, and airy, spacious treble.
Best Closed-Back		Meze Audio LIRIC		SEE IT	This is the most spacious, source- and EQ-friendly closed-back planar magnetic headphone available today.
Best Budget		HIFIMAN Sundara		SEE IT	These headphones deliver a spacious soundstage and an incredible amount of detail for their comparatively modest price.

In the world of audiophile headphones, planar magnetics rule the roost. Many of the most popular headphones, even for listeners on a budget, use planar magnetic drivers, and for good reason: the level of detail and clarity they’re able to provide is outstanding. It’s no exaggeration to say that the best planar magnetic headphones will let you hear things you’ve never heard before and can breathe new life into your listening. If you’ve found yourself craving an upgrade to your audio experience, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be breaking down the best planar magnetic headphones you can buy across six key categories to help you sink into your music like never before with the set that’s right for you.

• Best overall: Audeze LCD-2 Classic
• True audiophile: Dan Clark Audio Stealth
• Best over-ear: Audeze LCD-5
• Best closed-back: Meze Audio LIRIC
• Best earphones: 7Hz Timeless
• Best for gaming: Moondrop Venus
• Best budget: HIFIMAN Sundara

How we chose the best planar magnetic headphones

I’ve been a headphone collector for over five years but an audio enthusiast for much, much longer. I began my first foray into the world of audio as a kid, borrowing my dad’s Sony over-ears to sink into Metallica’s 1991 self-titled LP (aka “The Black Album”). As an adult, I contented myself with cheap earphones until I joined the tech press in 2013 and discovered a passion for all things personal audio. Since then, it’s become a full-on hobby, and some of my very favorite listening experiences have taken place with planar magnetic headphones. I own nine different sets of planar headphones and have no plans to stop collecting them anytime soon.

For this round-up, I’ve gathered the best selections across six different product categories. Listening is a subjective thing, so I connected with Tony Ware—PopSci’s associate managing editor and a fellow personal audio enthusiast—to discuss our experiences and hash out what really deserved to be called the best of the best. Every choice we landed on was researched and cross-referenced with leading audio forums, Head-Fi and r/headphones, and a wide array of professional reviews and user impressions. They don’t often come cheap, but each of the headphones included in this list is exceptional and well worth your hard-earned dollars.

The best planar magnetic headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

Now that you’re interested in planar-magnetic technology (sometimes referred to as orthodynamic headphones), we’ve gathered the top choices across six categories for your consideration. There is some overlap in these choices, so consider all these planars and what works best for your budget and listening preferences.

Best overall: Audeze LCD-2 Classic

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Why it made the cut: The Audeze LCD-2 Classics balance outstanding sound with a reasonable price, making them an accessible and exceptional choice.

Specs

• Price: $799
• Type: Open-Back
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 50kHz
• Impedance: 70 ohms
• Sensitivity: 101 dB
• Weight: 550 grams

Pros

• Great balance of price and performance
• Durable metal construction
• Outstanding value 
• Pelican-style travel case

Cons

• Boring appearance
• Requires EQ to sound its best

The LCD-2 Classic may not be the pinnacle of planar performance, but it’s the best overall choice for users looking to balance outstanding audio quality with a reasonable price. The LCD-2 Classic takes the LCD-2 back to its roots, removing the current generation’s Fazor waveguide system, and simplifying some design elements to deliver a headphone that’s the perfect fit for the value-conscious audiophile. 

The LCD-2 Classic features the same driver as the LCD-2, which means you can count on a similarly great sound: rich, well-extended bass, lush vocals and instruments, and airy, spacious treble. The LCD delivers a moderately wide soundstage but features exceptionally good layering, so you can hear every note and every harmony, regardless of how far back in the mix it is. This also makes it a great choice for sound engineers and content creators who need to hear every tiny piece of the content they’re creating. 

At $195 less than the current LCD-2 (with its more richly appointed trimmings and audiophile articulation), there are some trade-offs. The biggest is the need to EQ these headphones to get them to sound their best. Out of the box, many users describe the mids as sounding “off” or “glaring” due to some strange mid-range peaks. These can be easily tamed with EQ software, bringing this headphone in line with its more expensive sibling. Put another way, these headphones do require a touch more effort upfront but can sound downright amazing after.

The construction has also been changed, swapping out the wooden rings on the standard LCD-2 with basic black nylon. The all-black construction does make the LCD-2 Classic look a little boring, but it’s also more durable and pairs well with the otherwise metal build. Speaking of metal, specifically of the musical persuasion, the right planar magnetic headphone’s coupling of bass slam and nimble technicalities can be great when paired with the genre; the LCD-2 Classic has particular synergy with death and doom to industrial. Also, contrary to early reviews, this LCD-2 also now ships with a hard-back pelican-style travel case for even more peace of mind.

True audiophile: Dan Clark Audio Stealth

Dan Clark

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Why it made the cut: The Stealth from Dan Clark Audio is super stylish and packed with technology to enhance the listening experience. 

Specs

• Price: $3,999
• Type: Closed-back
• Frequency Response: Not disclosed
• Impedance: 23 ohms
• Sensitivity: 86-87dB
• Weight: 415 grams

Pros

• Huge V-Planar drivers
• Stylish design
• Outstanding bass and rich detail
• Intricate tuning system

Cons

• Big and bulky
• Extremely expensive

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line headphone custom-designed for audiophiles by audiophiles, look no further than the Dan Clark Audio Stealth. It’s a set that includes all of the latest innovations from one of the most respected names in the boutique audio business. It also breaks the mold with its closed-back design, making it a better fit for those times when you want to block the world out and disappear into your music.

This stealth bomber-like headphone uses the fourth generation of the company’s esteemed V-planar drivers, which are 20% larger than the last generation and deliver incredibly low distortion and outstanding detail. Enhancing these drivers further is DCA’s Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, which not only reduces phase distortion for increased clarity but enhances treble performance without adding harshness or sibilance. 

When it comes to tuning, the Stealth plays it safe with a sound that’s close to the classic Harman Curve. That means you can count on rich, detailed bass that doesn’t overwhelm the other frequencies and plentiful details. The Stealth also manages to buck the stigma of closed-backs sounding compressed with a wide, airy soundstage.

The biggest drawback to this headphone really is its price. At $3,999, it will be hard for many listeners to justify. Those that do will be in for a treat, however. Dan Clark Audio rarely fails to impress.

Best over-ear: Audeze LCD-5

Audeze

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Why it made the cut: The Audeze LCD-5 is a top-of-the-line headphone that showcases the very best of what this industry-leading brand can do.

Specs

• Price: $4,500
• Type: Open-back
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 50kHz
• Impedance: 14 ohms
• Sensitivity: 90dB
• Weight: 420 grams

Pros

• Easy to drive
• Great build quality 
• Neutral sound signature
• Much lighter than the LCD-4

Cons

• Extremely expensive
• High clamping force
• Can be very revealing

Audeze is one of the biggest names in the business, and the LCD-5 represents the peak of its engineering. For its new flagship, the company went back to the drawing board, redesigning its fit and function. While it’s still unmistakably an Audeze headphone with its circular earcups, precision-cut grilles, and floating headband, the LCD-5 comes in a whopping 290 grams lighter than the former flagship, the LCD-4. It makes heavy use of magnesium and carbon fiber, so is made to last and you can look forward to longer listening sessions and less head fatigue over time (the clamp force is a bit stronger, though).

Part of the reason for its reduced weight is the redesigned driver system. The driver is now 90mm instead of 106mm and uses fewer heavy magnets to deliver its sound. The new driver has also been engineered with Audeze’s new Parallel Uniforce voice coil, tightening its response across its entire surface, improving resolution, and lowering how much power it takes to drive. No need for a monster amplifier here (though, like all summit-tier headphones, performance will scale the more you invest in your signal chain)! This driver system is paired with Audeze’s acclaimed Fazor waveguide tech to reduce distortion and phase interference. 

The best word to describe the sound of the LCD-5 is “revealing.” These headphones deliver all of the incredible detail you would expect from a $4,500 planar magnetic, but they’re more balanced and less bassy than prior sets from Audeze. Because of their outstanding resolution and mid-forward tuning, they’ll allow you to hear things you’ve never heard before, and old favorites in a new way, but that also means uncovering flaws in recordings or sound characteristics from your amp or DAC that may have missed with other sets.

Best closed-back: Meze Audio LIRIC

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: The Meze LIRIC is a stylish closed-back in a world of open-back headphones and a great choice for isolation that doesn’t sacrifice an impressive soundstage.

Specs

• Price: $2,000
• Type: Closed-back
• Frequency Response: 4Hz – 92kHz
• Impedance: 30 ohms
• Sensitivity: 100dB
• Weight: 391 grams

Pros

• Great isolation (for you and others!)
• Stylish but minimal: won’t attract unwanted attention
• Comparatively low-weight
• Surprisingly wide soundstage

Cons

• Pricey
• No wireless option
• Still a bit bulky

Closed-back planar dynamic headphones are few and far between, but the Meze Audio LIRIC is the best among the more (relatively) approachable top-tier models. This headphone is packed with technology to make it the premiere closed-back headphone for audiophiles. The LIRIC uses a custom-made MZ4 driver, a scaled-down adaptation of the voice coil included in the Romanian company’s flagship Empyrean headphone (which retails for $2,999), tuned to operate in a closed-back shell. Best of all, Meze has been able to overcome the biggest challenge facing closed-back headphones—reduced soundstage—with its all-new Phase XTM system. This may just be the most spacious closed-back option (of any driver style) available today. 

Mounted in a vented, purpose-built acoustic chamber, the LIRIC’s driver manifests a captivatingly deep staging without losing its imaging authority. Despite being a closed headphone, the bass is not overwhelmingly energetic, though the LIRIC can take well to goosing the lows. Mid-range gives vocals plenty of presence, while treble is fresh but not fiery. Pair the LIRIC with a source known for its top-end extension, you’ll experience more energy. Pair the LIRIC with a rounder source, you’ll up the musicality. What the LIRIC is, ultimately, is extremely friendly to equipment and EQ choices. 

Meze describes the LIRIC as a “portable planar,” meant to be taken on the go. At 391 grams, it’s lighter than many competitors at this price point but still made of durable magnesium and aluminum to withstand the rigors of daily life. The black matte leather-surfaced, copper-accented earcups are exceedingly stylish, if a bit bulky, and rotate to lay flat on your chest when you need a break, though the plush oval pads and wide headband promote long-term comfort. The biggest downside is that there’s no way to listen to the LIRIC wirelessly, so “portable,” in this case, still factors in toting around a cable. But the most unadulterated listening experiences are still found across a wire, and the LIRIC is efficient enough to play nicely with almost any source, so this isn’t that big of a deal for most listeners—as long as you have a device with a headphone jack or an adapter.

Best earphones: 7Hz Timeless AE

Chris Coke

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Why it made the cut: The 7Hz Timeless AE offers well-tuned planar sound at an affordable price. 

Specs

• Price: $259
• 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

Planar earphones are nothing new, but few have been quite as well received as the 7Hz Timeless at its $219 price point, and the company recently released an updated version that’s even better than the first: the 7Hz Timeless AE. The magic of the Timeless 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. While others in this space, like the Tin HiFi P1, were criticized for their brightness, the Timeless AE delivers a warmer sound that doesn’t skimp on the bass. At the same time, it delivers an enjoyable amount of detail which combines to make these earphones a well-balanced buy at $249.

The Timeless isn’t perfect, however. Since it uses an in-ear design, the soundstage is narrower than any over-ear headphones included on this list. It also 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. If you already own the original Timeless, the AE version probably isn’t worth the price to upgrade if you’re comfortable playing with EQ.

One of the biggest reasons to choose the 7Hz Timeless AE is its impeccable balance of price and performance, but there are better options if you’re willing to spend more. For a truly audiophile experience, the Audeze Euclid has a more appealing aesthetic and delivers incredible sound quality but at the high price of $1,299. While not a small earbud (it can’t be to fit its 18mm drivers, bigger than the 14.2mm of the Timeless), the Euclid is comfortable. And that comfort extends to the frequency response, which is smooth and cohesive throughout. Bass is tight, mid-range spacious, and treble snappy without being sharp. Details are effortlessly retrieved and rendered across an uncluttered soundstage—one that’s astounding for a closed, compact earpiece.   

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, mid-range is dynamic, and treble is honest (which can be a good or bad thing, depending on the recording). Planar IEMs are really coming into their own.

Best for gaming: Moondrop Venus

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Why it made the cut: The Venus is only the second pair of headphones by Moondrop Labs, but you wouldn’t guess it based on its construction and sound quality—both of which convey a clear vision of clarity.

Specs

• Price: $599.99
• Type: Open-back headphones
• Frequency Response: 6Hz – 80kHz
• Impedance: 18 ohms
• Sensitivity: 100dB
• Weight: 600 grams

Pros

• Spatial cues are immaculate
• Distinctive look
• Responds well to EQ

Cons

• Somewhat bass-light out of the box
• Has to be used in a quiet location for optimal performance

We’re going out on a limb … a raid? a quest? … for this pick because it’s far from a standard “gaming headphone.” There’s no head-tracking or adjustable boom mic, etc. (but you have a signature mic for livestreaming already, we’re sure). However, the same things that make the Moondrop Labs Venus an attractive headphone for audiophiles—including a sparkly but still non-fatiguing treble that lets each note ring out—are also great for the situational awareness needed to win.

The Venus is the sophomore over-ear headphone of Moondrop Labs, a boutique audio company founded in 2015 in Chengdu, China, and colloquially known as “Moondrop,” which first became a darling of the IEM scene. It’s got a bold design and tuning designed to shear the veil between you and your music, or your adventure. Each earcup is finished with a milled faceplate that would be right at home in BioShock—if Andrew Ryan cared a little more about sound quality, that is. (And they’ll look great on a live stream.) The headphones have heft, but once in place, they’re stable: not too tight, not too loose.

Most importantly for missions, imaging and soundstage are excellent. Aided by a specialized waveguide that smooths any errant peaks, the Venus places each audio cue on its own layer. It’s resolving and spacious enough to make every sound source perfectly audible, even in busy tracks or cacophonous multiplayer matches. There’s no masking or loss of detail from overwhelmed drivers, but also not so immersive it’s diffuse (an experience we describe in more detail in our full review).

Being open-backed, the Venus lets in and leaks sound, so it won’t work if you’re gaming on the go. It’s also at its best when amped. And it isn’t going to hit as hard as some other closed-back planar gaming headsets (might we suggest the Audeze Mobius or Penrose, depending on your platform). But suppose you want to get lost in a soundtrack in or out of the game. In that case, the planar drivers have no trouble reaching low and maintaining speed, delivering rich sub-bass with engaging texturing even if it doesn’t delve to the deepest reaches of frequency response. Clarity is Venus’s hallmark, but it takes well to EQ if you think it’s slightly anemic. Honestly, it’s a strong contender for the best budget planar for pure audio lovers—as its fit, finish, and presentation are outstanding for the price—it’s just slightly more expensive than our next pick.

Best budget: HIFIMAN Sundara

Chris Coke

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Why it made the cut: The HIFIMAN Sundara are detail powerhouses for their price and a gateway drug to the wider world of planar magnetics.

Specs

• Price: $299
• Type: Open-back
• Frequency Response: Not disclosed
• Impedance: 37 ohms
• Sensitivity: 94db
• Weight: 372 grams

Pros

• Affordably priced
• Wide soundstage
• Exceptionally detailed
• Thin, low-profile design

Cons

• Bass can seem recessed
• Not great for portable use

To start off, budget is relative. To some (like our associate managing editor), the $1,299 HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition is an amazing “budget” pick because of its extraordinary bang for the buck when putting many options in the $2,000-$3,000 range to shame. But here we’ll talk true budget, which in the planar magnetics world is under $500. So we’re talking about the Sundara, which has become one of the staple recommendations for new hi-fi(man) fans, and it’s not hard to see why. These headphones deliver a spacious soundstage and an incredible amount of detail for their comparatively modest price. In fact, it’s hard to find a better value in this space, which is exactly why terms like “giant killer” pop up so frequently in conversations surrounding it: these headphones deliver performance well beyond the $349 price point.

With that in mind, it’s important to note that balance is the name of the game with these headphones. Even though it offers good bass and treble extension, this isn’t what most people would consider a bass-heavy headset. Likewise, even though it offers a slim profile when worn, the cups don’t swivel to lie flat on your chest and there’s no travel case, so they’re still a better fit for listening at home than on the go.

Looking for something a little more portable but still great? The Audeze LCD-1, if you can snag one (it’s now discontinued), is an outstanding choice that solves the Sundara’s portability issues, is smaller, more stylish, allows you to rotate the earcups, and includes a travel case. Those benefits come at a higher cost of $399.99, less detail, and a more plasticky build, but it’s hard to argue with its still-great sound. 

Related, in a way, is the similarly priced Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3, which is quite a mishmash of branding and components, so let’s decipher. Edifier, a Chinese company with a firm foothold in the affordable speakers sector on Amazon (and beyond), bought the legendary STAX brand of electrostatic headphones in 2011. In 2016, Edifier invested in a minority share of Audeze. So, the STAX SPIRIT S3 is a wireless (but not noise-cancelling) closed-back headphone that, despite its name, has nothing to do with electrostatics (that’s a whole ‘nother tech for another time) but does feature Audeze’s Fluxor magnetic structure, Uniforce diaphragm, and Fazor phase management—and more than a passing resemblance to the LCD-1. Sonically, though, they’re a bit more reminiscent of the 7Hz Timeless in headphones form, offering a quick-moving body with plenty of detail balancing out bold but not boomy low end. It’s a clearly closed-back soundstage, so flat in comparison to its less-isolating brethren, but if you’ve got an Android phone that supports the aptX HD/Adaptive codec and are looking for some Bluetooth 5.2 headphones that travel well, the Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3 could be a flavor to savor.

Things to consider before buying the best planar magnetic headphones

Buying any pair of headphones can be a confusing mix of terminology and marketing buzzwords. This is especially true with planar magnetics, where the costs are often significantly higher. To help you cut through the noise, these are the most important things you should consider when shopping for the best planar magnetic headphones:

Price

Let’s get this out of the way first: planar magnetic headphones can be expensive. This is true of other types of headphones as well, but it’s especially common to see planar magnetics come at a premium compared to their dynamic driver counterparts. This is due to the complexity of the driver itself, as well as the pedigree of the brand producing them. As with all things personal audio, a high price doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to enjoy the sound more, so take the time to read reviews to get an impression of its real-world performance. If you’re considering a very expensive set, pay careful attention to the return guidelines to be sure you can refund or exchange it if it’s not your cup of tea.

How difficult they are to drive

Open up a headphone that uses dynamic drivers, and what you’ll find is familiar to anyone that has ever seen a speaker: a cone or dome, behind which a magnet pulls a coil that vibrates the diaphragm to create sound waves. At the heart of planar magnetic headphones, however, are incredibly thin membranes imprinted with conductors and strung across magnetic arrays that manipulate them at incredible speed with low distortion.

Because most planars are physically larger than dynamic drivers (sometimes twice as large at 100mm versus 50mm, for instance), they often require more voltage to drive. It’s important to consider whether you’ll need an external amplifier to power them properly. This isn’t always the case. Efficient planars like the HIFIMAN Deva can be run straight from most PCs, smartphones, etc. without issue. It isn’t common, however, and manufacturers often design their headphones around the idea that listeners will have a separate amp in their setup.

The amount of power a headphone requires will vary from set to set. This is determined by two key specifications: impedance and sensitivity. The higher the impedance (measured in ohms), the more difficult the headphones are to drive. The inverse is true of sensitivity (how loud the headphone will get with a certain amount of power): the higher the sensitivity, the easier it will be to drive. The simplest course to determining the power needs of a headphone is to plug these values into a headphone power calculator. This will tell you how much power it takes to drive those headphones to different volume levels.  

Open- or closed-back

Like all headphones, planar magnetics come in open-back or closed-back varieties. These terms refer to the outward-facing side of the earcups and whether it’s sealed off to trap sound or uses a grille to let sound pass out the back (while protecting the delicate diaphragm inside). Each design has its benefits and drawbacks and there is no right answer for which is better. Instead, it’s best to understand what each term means and to determine what’s best for you.

Whether it’s the more affordable HIFIMAN Ananda or the ultra-premium line-up of ABYSS Headphones, open-back is by far the most popular design in planar magnetic headphones. It complements the strengths of the driver—detail, clarity, realism—by adding a natural sense of airiness and space to the music. This is referred to as soundstage. Open-backs don’t isolate sound well, which is their biggest drawback. Anyone sitting close to you will be able to hear your music and you’ll be able to hear the noise of your surroundings.

Closed-back headphones are much more common when looking at big-box consumer stores for connected convenience features like noise cancellation, whether in budget models or more high-end ones like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8, Focal Bathys, or the Apple AirPods Max. These headphones usually offer a reduced soundstage but at the benefit of vastly improved isolation. If you plan on wearing your headphones to commute, or simply want more privacy to your listening, closed-backs are the superior choice.

Tuning

One of the most important considerations is also the most nebulous: how it actually sounds. Brands often refer to how clear and detailed their sound is, and make heavy use of buzzwords in their marketing. But what does that actually mean for how it compares to other headphones you’ve heard in the past? 

That’s where graphs come in. It can be difficult to test a headphone before buying it, so many manufacturers and audio enthusiasts provide frequency response graphs to give a better impression of how a headphone actually sounds. These graphs are essentially a swooping line that represents how the sound is balanced between the lows, mids, and highs. Take a moment to read up on how to read a graph and, wherever possible, take a peek at how the sound is balanced before hitting Buy Now.

Weight and size

While it’s not a rule, many planar magnetic headphones tend to be larger and heavier than their dynamic counterparts. This is because the driver itself tends to be larger and utilizes magnets on one or both sides of the driver to deliver sound. Both of these require a bigger earcup. Boutique audio brands also like to design their earcups around improved sound quality and unique aesthetics (even sometimes exotic woods and composites), which can mean anything from the egg-shaped windowshades of the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition to the stylish rings of the Audeze LCD-4z. This doesn’t have to be the case, however, as the traditional design of the discontinued but still desirable Oppo PM-3 clearly illustrates. 

Regardless, be sure to consider where you’ll be using your headphones and your own comfort needs while you’re doing so. A heavier headphone can lead to sore spots on the top of your head. Likewise, a giant pair of cans can attract sideways glances you may not be ready for. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best planar magnetic headphones

• Best overall: Audeze LCD-2 Classic
• True audiophile: Dan Clark Audio Stealth
• Best over-ear: Audeze LCD-5
• Best closed-back: Meze Audio LIRIC
• Best earphones: 7Hz Timeless
• Best for gaming: Moondrop Venus
• Best budget: HIFIMAN Sundara

Upgrading to the best planar magnetic headphones can transform your listening experience. Take the time to find the right set for you, whether that’s a big and bold pair of over-ear headphones or a small-but-mighty pair in-ears, and you’ll be able to experience your favorite songs like never before. They don’t always come cheap, but a great headphone investment can pay dividends in your enjoyment for years to come. 

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 planar magnetic headphones 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		Beats Fit Pro		SEE IT	These earbuds use wingtips that fit to your ear to stay secure.
Best over-ear		TRELAB Z2		SEE IT	This more traditional design has a tough IPX4 waterproof rating that’s tough against rain and sweat.
Best budget		Otium U18 Earbuds		SEE IT	Battery life, secure fit, and an IPX7 waterproof rating make these budget headphones a solid choice for hitting the treadmill.

Choosing the right pair of running headphones is essential for getting through your workout comfortably and safely. Listening to your favorite music and podcasts while running, jogging, and participating in other endurance exercises is a great way to bear up and push yourself that extra mile. Unlike traditional headphones and earbuds that come in all shapes and sizes, often more concerned with aesthetics than activity, the best running headphones are super lightweight and snug-fitting. They typically feature waterproof designs with long battery life. We’ve selected some of the best running headphones on the market to help you make an informed decision no matter where your workout takes you.

• Best overall: Apple Beats Fit Pro
• Best bone-conduction: SHOKZ OpenRun Pro
• Most comfortable: Ultimate Ears FITS
• Best over-ear: Treblab Z2
• Best for city runs: Sony LinkBuds
• Best battery life: JBL Endurance Peak 3
• Best budget: Otium U18 Earbuds

How we chose the best running headphones

The best running headphones are wireless, and Bluetooth requires power. Running out of battery life during a workout is inconvenient at best, so we built our list with options that feature battery capacities between 10 hours and 50 hours to ensure they’ll endure through at least two average workout days before recharging. Running headphones should fit comfortably and allow the user to exercise unencumbered, so our picks are relatively lightweight and feature secure, customizable fit options. Most of the headphones on our list are earbuds, but we added an over-ear and a bone conduction option to cover every possible use scenario and style preference.

Breaking a sweat is a normal part of running, so we selected headphones with Ingress Protection ratings ranging from a splashproof IPX3 to a completely dustproof and waterproof IP68. Most of the headphones on our list offer environmental transparency/situational awareness tech, from the ambient mic modes of the JBL Endurance Peak 3 and Apple Beats Fit Pro to the actually open designs of the Sony LinkBuds and SHOKZ OpenRun Pro.

The best running headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

Running can boost the production of your brain’s endorphins and help you de-stress. With this in mind, finding the best running headphones shouldn’t be a stressful endeavor. One of our picks should help get you on a runner’s high.

Best overall: Apple Beats Fit Pro

Stan Horaczek

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Why it made the cut: The Apple Beats Fit Pro earbuds combine user-friendly design and great sound in a snug-fitting form factor.

Specs

• Weight: 0.2 ounces/earbud; 2.3 ounces with case
• IP rating: IPX4 (splash-resistant)
• Battery life: 7 hours single-charge; 30 hours with case

Pros

• Features Apple H1 chip for quick pairing and spatial tracking
• Compact form factor and tight fit perfect for running
• Great sound quality with ANC and transparency modes

Cons

• Requires iOS device to use all features
• Case incompatible with wireless charging
• No multipoint pairing

We recently featured the Apple Beats Fit Pro in our roundup of the best headphones for working out, and they’re also our top pick for running. They feature a relatively neutral and well-rounded sound profile with crisp highs that make them great for a wide range of listening duties, and their inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes make them equally useful on the road and at the gym. The Beats Fit Pro are super lightweight and compact in and out of its charging case, making them easy to keep in your pocket and comfortable to wear while active. They’re also some of the most secure earbuds we’ve tested thanks to their unique flexible wingtip design that sits firmly against the outside of your ear, aided further by three sets of interchangeable silicone ear tips.

As we mention in our full review, the Beats Fit Pro offer a user experience very similar to that of the Apple AirPods Pro thanks to their built-in H1 chip, which allows for quick and effortless pairing to your iOS device, as well as access to Apple’s immersive head tracking and spatial audio technologies. These buds do work with Android devices—you connect to them as you would any other Bluetooth earbuds—but non-iOS users will, unfortunately, miss out on those H1-provided benefits. We also wish the Beats Fit Pro featured better waterproofing than the same IPX4 rating shared by Apple’s regular line of AirPods. They also lack wireless charging and multipoint pairing, which are features that would ease switching gears before and after a run. Still, we can’t shake how we can’t shake ’em loose.

Best bone-conduction: SHOKZ OpenRun Pro

SHOKZ

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Why it made the cut: The OpenRun Pro’s open-ear bone-conduction design allows you to work out and listen to your favorite music while maintaining full situational awareness.

Specs

• Weight: 0.95 ounces
• IP rating: IP55 (dust- and water-resistant at low pressures)
• Battery life: 10 hours single-charge

Pros

• Open-ear design for maximum situational awareness
• Highly resistant to dust and water
• Headband design stays put during the ups and downs of running

Cons

• Sound quality is limited due to design
• Audible to others
• Proprietary charging cable is inconvenient to replace

If you frequently work out in parks or along roads where you share space with bikes and cars, a pair of bone-conduction headphones like the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro will be the safest and most convenient choice for your runs. Like all of the best bone-conduction headphones, the OpenRun Pro uses vibration to send audio through your cheek and directly to your earbones, bypassing your ear canal entirely and leaving it open so you can stay aware of approaching traffic while listening to your favorite music. The OpenRun Pro weighs just under one ounce and features a snug-fitting headband design that sits comfortably around your ears and stays put through even the most strenuous sprints, and its high dust- and water-resistant design make it a great choice for exercising on any terrain in any weather.

While the design of the OpenRun Pro is perfect for maintaining situational awareness while running, it lacks bass response. That’s not entirely necessary if you’re running to podcasts or ambient/classical music, but it leaves something to be desired in dance, rock, and other bass-heavy music. Others will also be able to hear what you’re hearing, so they’re not a great choice for use on public transit or in quiet places. Plan on taking the OpenRun Pro out for multiple workouts between charges? The headphones’ 10-hour battery should be more than flexible enough, but remember that they use a proprietary magnetic charger rather than something universal like USB-C.

Most comfortable: Ultimate Ears FITS

Abigail Ferguson

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Why it made the cut: These ultralight running headphones from Ultimate Ears are custom-fit to your ears to deliver one of the most comfortable workout listening experiences available.

Specs 

• Weight: 0.26 ounces/earbud; 2.04 ounces with case
• IP rating: IPX3 (splash-resistant at up to 60-degree angle)
• Battery life: 8 hours single-charge; 20 hours with case

Pros

• Moldable eartips are custom-fit to your ears
• Neutral midrange frequency response with custom EQ available in-app
• Sweat-resistant design

Cons

• Design protrudes far from ear
• Sub-bass response is lacking initially
• No active noise cancellation

The Ultimate Ears FITS—or UE FITS if you’re nasty—are an incredibly comfortable and lightweight pair of custom-fit running headphones with a design and setup process that seem straight out of a sci-fi movie. After removing the FITS from their package for the first time, users simply place the earbuds in their ears and initiate the molding process via a smartphone app, during which the photosensitive polymer ear tips are literally molded to the shape of your ears with the help of some built-in flashing LEDs. Apart from downloading the app, the entire setup process takes roughly 60 seconds, after which you’re free to use the earbuds however you see fit. The process feels alien but not uncomfortable. Despite being very light and comfy, the FITS tend to protrude further from the ear than other earbuds, which may bother users who prefer a streamlined look. Those with sensitive, small ears, however, will appreciate the ability to wear them comfortably for hours.

The sound of the Ultimate Ears FITS is relatively neutral yet lacking in low frequencies out of the box; luckily, it’s easy to sculpt using the in-app EQ, so you can get lows to reach a runner’s high. They, unfortunately, don’t feature active noise cancellation, but their snug fit allows them a good measure of passive noise cancellation that can be useful in gyms and other crowded environments. The FITS’ sweat-resistant IPX3 rating is also a bit lower than the minimum IPX4 we’re used to seeing in this class of earbuds, but they’ll still make it through many a sweaty session unscathed.

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 over-ear: Treblab Z2

TRELAB

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Why it made the cut: The Treblab Z2 headphones are a uniquely light, comfy over-ear option with a long battery life that makes them great for taking on a run.

Specs

• Weight: 0.53 pounds
• IP rating: IPX4 (splash-resistant)
• Battery life: 35 hours

Pros

• Super light and comfy design for running unencumbered
• Very long single-charge battery life
• Built-in control buttons are intuitive and easy to use

Cons

• No charging case
• ANC mode changes the sound profile, performs unreliably
• Prone to leaking audio

While over-ear headphones aren’t an ideal choice for running due to being much heavier and bulkier than earbuds, the Treblab Z2’s combination of lightweight comfort and long 35-hour battery life will have you covered if you have your heart set on a more traditional design. The Z2 features an IPX4 waterproof rating that’s tough enough to stand up to sweat and rain, and it has easy-to-use audio controls placed conveniently on each earcup, plus a simple switch to toggle ANC mode. They come in a custom-fit zip-up carrying case that makes them easy to stow in a gym bag, and they charge using an included micro USB cable.

The Treblab Z2’s sound profile is fairly neutral and balanced out of the box, but its ANC mode tends to roll off a lot of the headphones’ bass frequencies, giving the audio a somewhat unappealing mid-forward sound. With ANC engaged, the headphones almost give the impression of changing their EQ to mask environmental noise rather than performing active cancellation. The Treblab Z2s also feature light and airy earpads that make them very comfortable to wear while running. They do tend to leak some sound if you push the volume (not that you should, even if you push the tempo), so you’ll likely want to avoid using them in quiet or shared environments.

Best for city runs: Sony LinkBuds

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: The Sony LinkBuds use a unique open-ring design to let in environmental noise while delivering the fit and sound of traditional earbuds.

Specs

• Weight: 0.14 ounces/earbud; 1.45 ounces with case
• IP rating: IPX4 (splash-resistant)
• Battery life: 5.5 hours single-charge; 17.5 hours with case

Pros

• Unique ring design lets in ambient noise
• Very comfortable and lightweight fit perfect for running
• Midrange-forward sound is great for spoken word
• EQ adjustable via the Sony Headphones Connect app

Cons

• No noise cancellation
• Very little sub-bass response
• Others can hear what you’re listening to

If you’re looking to maintain a level of situational awareness similar to that given by bone-conduction headphones but prefer the look and feel of earbuds, Sony’s innovative LinkBuds are worth considering. This unique pair of lightweight earbuds—small enough to hang from succulents, as shown above—use a ring-shaped speaker and flexible anchor to stay secure within your ear while letting in ambient noise. This makes them a great choice for running in loud environments and areas with heavy traffic. The size of each fin can be custom-fitted to your ears using an included selection of five sizes, resulting in an incredibly comfortable and snug fit that won’t budge during your run. The LinkBuds aren’t quite as easy to hear through as bone conduction headphones due to their placement in the ear canal, but they do feature a similar midrange-heavy sound with slightly more low-end. If the buds leave you wanting a little more bass, you can also fine-tune their sound further using the Sony Headphones Connect app.

Controlling the Sony LinkBuds involves either tapping directly on the earbuds or on your own facial cartilage in front of the ear, a gesture that works well but takes some getting used to. Some users reported false triggers when engaging in activity, but this effect can be mitigated by selecting the right fin size to ensure the fit is as tight as possible. Because of their open design, the LinkBuds also tend to leak sound and provide no form of noise cancellation at all, so while they might not be the best choice for critical listening unless you’re in the quietest environment (one that wouldn’t mind hearing a bit of what you’re enjoying), there’s really nothing else quite like them if you prefer the fit and feel of earbuds.

Best battery life: JBL Endurance Peak 3

Abigail Ferguson

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Why it made the cut: These rugged IP68 earbuds pack up to 50 hours of battery life thanks to their charging case, making them ideal for travel and frequent use.

Specs

• Weight: 0.9 ounces/earbud; 4.5 ounces with case
• IP rating: IP68 (dustproof and waterproof for 30 minutes)
• Battery life: 10 hours single-charge; 50 hours with case

Pros

• Highly waterproof and dustproof
• Very secure-fitting ear hook design
• Super long battery life

Cons

• Lack active noise canceling
• No multipoint pairing or wireless charging
• Muddy and low-heavy sound, but can be EQ’d

JBL’s new Peak Endurance 3 running headphones are a fantastic option if you run daily but don’t always have the opportunity (or memory) to charge your devices. They feature a generous 10-hour single-charge battery life plus another 50 hours thanks to their compact charging case, making them a great choice for stowing in a gym bag or for traveling. The fit of the Endurance Peak 3s uses a wireless ear hook design (JBL refers to the hooks as “TwistLock ear hook enhancers”) similar to that of the Powerbeats Pro, which goes around the back of your ear and works in tandem with three silicone ear tip options, resulting in a comfortable wearing experience that remains stable while running despite not going too far into the ear canal. They even stay stable while doing side plank rotations. The Endurance Peak 3s are also waterproof and dustproof at a very high IP68 level, which makes them impervious to salt water and easy to clean with a simple rinse.

The sound of the Endurance Peak 3s is a bit muddy out of the box, but JBL’s companion app provides an easy-to-use EQ that helps sculpt their sound to your liking. They also don’t have active noise-cancelling abilities, but the tips combined with their shape do a good job of blocking out your surroundings. Still, they do feature JBL’s Ambient Aware mode, which is effective for engaging in conversation at the gym or on the street without having to pause and remove them from your ears. However, we wish they featured conveniences like multipoint device pairing and wireless charging. And, the ear hooks get in the way of sunglasses, which is a pain while running outdoors in the bright sun. If these aren’t major cons for you, their secure fit, battery life, and ease of use make these headphones perfect for running in nearly every way. 

Best budget: Otium U18 Earbuds

Otium

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Why it made the cut: Otium’s U18 earbuds feature a secure ear hook design similar to that found in running headphones three times their price.

Specs

• Weight: 3.52 ounces
• IP rating: IPX7 (waterproof for 30 minutes; not dustproof)
• Battery life: 15 hours

Pros

• Great battery life and secure fit on a budget
• IPX7 waterproof for sweaty workouts
• Set of easy-to-use controls

Cons

• Slightly muddy sound profile
• No active noise cancelation
• Charging design is cumbersome

If you love listening to music while running but don’t want to spend a lot, the Otium U18s are a great value thanks to their battery life, secure fit, and IPX7 waterproof rating. They feature an ear hook-based design similar to that of the JBL Endurance Peak 3 and the Powerbeats Pro, with the inclusion of a connective neckband that makes them easy to hang around your neck when not in use and keeps them from getting separated. The U18’s sound profile is a bit muddy and leaves something to be desired, and because they don’t come with any EQ-enabled companion apps you’ll need to explore other options to sculpt their sound. But if you just need a beat to beat your personal best, these are a budget way to get that.

As a set of budget headphones, the Otium U18s are fairly stripped down and lack conveniences like active noise cancelation, wireless charging, and ambient modes. They do have a set of onboard controls, including an on-ear button and a rocker switch, both of which are intuitive and easy to use, but charging the headphones is a little more difficult and involves opening a small, tight-fitting door for access to a micro USB port. Still, if you’re not picky about sound quality or noise canceling, the runner-friendly fit of the U18s makes them worth a look.

What to consider when buying the best running headphones

Most of the best headphones should avoid even a hint of moisture. Heck, even some of the best Bluetooth earbuds might not be suited for more than a brisk stroll. That’s why we’ve put together these things to look at before adding something to your cart:

Do you run in a city environment?

Running in a city environment near bikes, cars, and other forms of traffic requires a high level of situational awareness to ensure you stay out of harm’s way. The best-running headphones for urban environments and crowded places include the Sony LinkBuds, which feature a snug earbud design, and the SHOKZ OpenEars Pro, a bone-conduction design that leaves your ears completely open. 

How important is sound quality to you?

If you fancy yourself an audiophile, go for running headphones with a well-rounded sound profile like the Apple Beats Fit Pro, which have extended low-end response and present highs. Some running headphones also allow you to customize their EQ via smartphone apps, including the JBL Endurance Peak 3 and Ultimate Ears Fits.

Do you need waterproof running headphones?

If you frequently run in moist environments or sweat a lot, picking a pair of running headphones with some measure of waterproofing is essential. All the best running headphones are in some way splash/sweat-resistant, but if you need maximum protection, models such as the JBL Endurance Peak 3 and Jabra Elite 7 Active are some of the best waterproof options we’ve tested.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best running headphones

• Best overall: Apple Beats Fit Pro
• Best bone-conduction: SHOKZ OpenRun Pro
• Most comfortable: Ultimate Ears FITS
• Best over-ear: Treblab Z2
• Best for city runs: Sony LinkBuds
• Best battery life: JBL Endurance Peak 3
• Best budget: Otium U18 Earbuds

For most runners, the easy-to-use Apple Beats Fit Pro are the best headphones, thanks to their well-rounded sound profile, ANC capabilities, and secure fit. Runners in city areas who want to maximize their situational awareness should consider the in-ear Sony LinkBuds or the SHOKZ OpenEars Pro. In contrast, runners interested in the most comfortable fit should look at the in-ear Ultimate Ears FITS or the over-ear Treblab Z2. For more intense workouts, the long battery life, secure fit, and high resistance to water and dust of the JBL Endurance Peak 3 make them a worthy contender. If you’re shopping for running headphones on a budget, it’s hard to beat the sub-$30 Otium U18 Earbuds, which feature a secure ear hook design and 15 hours of single-charge battery life. Now get those feet pounding on the pavement and run off into the sunset, your favorite running tunes pumping in your ears.

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 running headphones for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

It’s hard to go back once you put a pair of sonically superior headphones on your head. It’s like leaving the cave and finally seeing the light. Suppose you’re ready to step out of the darkness and into the bright world of the on-the-go audiophile, and you want the option to lose wires without losing all the fidelity. In that case, the Focal Bathys Bluetooth headphones are on sale for $639 on Amazon, the lowest price in 30 days for these top-tier over-ear travel companions.

Focal Bathys $639 (Was $799)

Tony Ware

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Named after the first self-propelled submersible, the Bathys headphones are French luxury audio brand Focal’s first active noise-canceling (ANC) wireless model. They share DNA with the company’s high-end headphones (like the Focal Stellia—on sale for $2,399, down from $2,999, and our closed-back pick for the best headphones of 2023). The Bathys packs a 40mm aluminum-magnesium “M”-shaped dome driver underneath the signature concentric circled grille, skips touch controls for physical buttons for volume, ANC, and play controls, all tied together with magnesium yokes and leather headband accents. Under the hood, well-implemented DSP manages the stable, resolving Bluetooth 5.1 connection (with support for SBC, AAC, aptX/aptX HD/Adaptive codecs, plus multipoint support), and the built-in 24-bit/192 kHz DAC also allows for unadulterated audio with computers and mobile devices via USB-C.

Don’t take just my word for it: PopSci’s resident headphone guy says, “The Bathys is worth sinking your time (and money) into if you love a fluid listening experience.”

If you’re still a wired it-girl (or guy) with a taste for summit-fi synergy, consider grabbing the Stellia we mentioned above and this Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition Music Steaming Player and Amplifier—on sale for $3,039, regularly $3,799—which connects directly to high-resolution music streaming services so you can cry to Taylor Swift’s “folklore” harder than ever before.

This 20% off Focal & Naim deal will be gone faster than an Eras Tour ticket—snag one before it’s over.

Here are more deep discounts so you can submerge yourself in music’s buoyant depths:

• Sennheiser CX True Wireless Earbuds $59.95 (Was $129.95)
• Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless Earbuds $89.95 (Was $179.95)
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 Earbuds $169.95 (Was $249.95)
• Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones $269.95 (Was $349.95)
• Sennheiser RS 120-W On-Ear Wireless Headphones $79.95 (Was $129.95)
• JBL Bar 5.1 Soundbar with Built-in Virtual Surround $449.95 (Was $599.95)
• JBL Charge 5 $139.95 (Was $179.95)
• Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds $179.95 (Was $249.95)
• Beats Fit Pro-True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds $159.95 (Was $199.95)
• Beats Studio Buds $119.95 (Was $149.95)
• Google Pixel Buds A-Series $79 (Was $99)
• Google Pixel Buds Pro $149.99 (Was $199.99)
• Sony WF-1000XM4 Industry Leading Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbud $198 (Was $279.99)
• Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless in-Ear Bluetooth Earbud Headphones $68 (Was $99.99)
• Sony-INZONE H7 Wireless Gaming Headset $198 (Was $229.99)
• Sony-INZONE H3 Wired Gaming Headset $78 (Was $99.99)
• Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbud Headphones $148 (Was $179.99)
• Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbud Headphones $148 (Was $199.99)

The post The best Bluetooth headphones are at their lowest price ever on Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Spring is coming soon—and that means you’ll be able to take a walk outside and walk like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever (there’s even a playlist just for doing that). Bowers & Wilkins’ March Audio Month deals can help supply you with a new pair of headphones or an upgraded house speaker to boogie away the winter blues from now until March 26.

Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 Wireless Dolby Atmos Soundbar $799 (Was $999)

Bowers & Wilkins

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The Panorama 3 combines immersive cinema-quality Dolby Atmos sound with Amazon Alexa compatibility in a single sophisticated product. The 13 drivers, including two subwoofers, placed perfectly in this sleek 400-watt strut of sound give you a true spatial audio experience—there’s a reason we called it one of the best Dolby Atmos Soundbars, thanks in part to the upward-firing drive units housed in their own optimized acoustic chamber. If “high-res audio” is your name, the Panorama 3 is your game, with support for Bluetooth aptX Adaptive and AirPlay 2 for all those streaming services. It’s easy to set up and feed content with the Bowers & Wilkins app, easy to connect to your new OLED TV thanks to HDMI eARC, and easy on the eyes: what more could you want?

The soundbar isn’t the only thing Bowers & Wilkins is including in its spring sale: the company’s dirigible-shaped bassy-but-bouyant Zeppelin smart speaker is $699, down from its $799 price, and its Px7 S2 Over-Ear Headphones are $349. That’s $50 off its regular $399 pricing.

Other audio companies will be getting in on these spring savings. The Tivoli Audio Model One Digital (Gen. 2) will be on sale for $299.99—down from $349—from March 20-26. In our review, we praised it for sounding just as crisp as it looks, so mark that one on your calendar.

And suppose you’re already looking for a digital audio player (DAP) to be the high-quality source for those soundbars, headphones, and speakers. In that case, the FiiO M11S Hi-Res MP3 Music Player is currently $399.99 (usually $499.99)—its lowest price in 30 days. Its bigger, beefier cousin, the FiiO M11 Plus, is one of the best DAPs of 2023.

These deals have definite end dates, some of them this week, and may not run again—much like that showing of Saturday Night Fever at your local indie theater. You’ll forgive yourself for bouncing when the movie gets deeply problematic and saving big bucks on fancy audio gear.

These other audio deals have us skipping with money-saving glee:

• EarFun Air Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds $59.99 with a 10% off coupon on the page and a 15% off discount code: AP315OFF (Was $79.99)
• Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds $179.95 (Was $249.95)
• Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling Earbuds $159.95 (Was $199.95)
• Beats Studio Buds-True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds $119.95 (Was $149.95)
• SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wired Gaming Headset $39.99 (Was $49.99)
• Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 Multi-Mode Active Noise Cancelling Headphones $87.99 (Was $109.99)
• Belkin SoundForm Mini-Wireless Bluetooth Headphones for Kids $35.99 (Was $39.99)
• Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbud $148 (Was $179.99)
• Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds $148 (Was $199.99)
• Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds $179.99 (Was $229.99)
• Jabra Elite 4 Active in-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds $79.99 (Was $119.99)
• JBL CHARGE 5 $139.95 (Was $179.95)
• JBL TUNE 500-Wired On-Ear Headphones $24.95 (Was $29.95)
• JBL Tune 125TWS True Wireless In-Ear Headphones $59.95 (Was $99.95)
• JBL Tune 225TWS True Wireless Earbud Headphones $79.95 (Was $99.95)

The post Spring into sound with Bowers & Wilkins March Audio Month deals and more appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Gaming headsets are one of the less-appreciated gadgets that make for a great gaming experience. If you’re playing multiplayer PS5 games and need to communicate with team members (or trash-talk opponents), you’ll need both solid audio sound quality and a crystal-clear microphone. Gaming headsets are also great for single-player games, as they can provide amazing sound quality without disturbing roommates or family. Heck, they can even be used for video chatting, something we’re all more familiar with. Finding the best gaming headset may look tricky, but we’ve got some tips that should help you with the task.

• Best wired gaming headset: HyperX Cloud Alpha S – PC Gaming Headset
• Best wireless gaming headset: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Gaming Headset
• Best with universal compatibility: Razer BlackShark V2 X Gaming Headset
• Best for customizability and comfort: ASTRO Gaming A50
• Best lightweight: JBL Quantum 100
• Best gaming headset microphone: Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE Gaming Headset
• Best under $50: Razer Kraken X, and the Corsair HS60 Pro

Things to consider when shopping for the best gaming headset

At its core, a gaming headset differs from other headphones because it has some kind of external microphone. These are typically on a boom, which can be moved around and adjusted for optimal comfort and sound quality. They’re also usually large, over-the-ear style headphones, rather than on-ear or earbud style. That helps to block out other noise, allowing you to get fully into the game, and it can also be more comfortable for long stretches.

Do you want wireless or wired?

The very way that you plug gaming headsets in is a little bit different than other headphones. You’ll find three main varieties: Bluetooth, wired, and wireless with a dongle. Bluetooth should generally not be used for gaming; it can be tricky to pair with some consoles, and Bluetooth sound quality can’t compare with the other options.

Wired headsets will have top-tier sound quality, but that’s one more thing to break—and we’ve all had the experience of a broken, split, or torn headphone cable. Look for a headset with a replaceable cable; these are standard 3.5mm cables, which you can find on Amazon or pretty much anywhere that sells electronics.

Best wired gaming headset: HyperX Cloud Alpha S – PC Gaming Headset

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This wired gaming headset scores killer reviews from Amazon, and it’s easy to see why. It boasts an aluminum frame for lightness and strength, it has a detachable cable, the microphone includes noise cancellation so background noise doesn’t mess with your conversation, and it has fantastic sound quality. If you’re concerned about comfort, it also has replaceable ear cushions, so you can pick the best one for your ears.

Best wireless gaming headset: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Gaming Headset

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SteelSeries makes some of the best gaming headsets on the market, and the Arctis 1 wireless gaming headset is no exception. With a USB-C wireless dongle, you can get the benefits of wireless play without the downside in sound quality of Bluetooth; plus, the dongle is compatible with all manner of USB-C devices, including the Nintendo Switch, many Android devices, and the iPad Pro. It’s also much more subdued in its design than many gaming headsets, and you can pop off the boom microphone if you want to use it as just a regular set of headphones.

What consoles is the gaming headset compatible with?

Compatibility with gaming headsets can get a little tricky, especially if you’re buying them as a gift. Not all headsets are compatible with all consoles, and the last thing you want is a pair of headphones that can’t actually connect to the hardware you use to play games.

If you’re buying as a gift and you’re not sure whether they’ll be compatible, go for a standard wired set; every gaming hardware out there has a headphone jack. Otherwise, you look for compatibility within Amazon. You can even filter for PS4 or PS5 headsets, Xbox, PC, or any other system.

Best gaming headset with universal compatibility: Razer BlackShark V2 X Gaming Headset

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Razer is one of the most established makers of gaming accessories and hardware, and the BlackShark V2 X has absolutely stellar reviews. At only 240 grams, it’s very lightweight, but it has a plethora of features, including a volume knob on the headphones themselves, a 3.5mm jack for total compatibility, and the company’s TriForce 50mm drivers, for excellent sound quality. There’s some included software that nobody seems to like all that much, but you don’t really have to use it, and at this price, it’s one of the best bargains on the market.

Customizability means more comfort

Gaming can be hard, but the phrase “no pain, no gain” shouldn’t apply to your ears. Wearing headphones for hours on end can be absolute torture if they aren’t just right for your ears. The ears have tons of nerve endings in the cartilage that makes up their structure, and even mild pressure in the wrong place, or at the wrong angle, can be complete misery when endured for a long enough time.

Look for lightweight headphones to minimize that pressure. Another tip that might help is to look for headphones that boast replaceable ear cushions. Those are the actual bits of circular padding that go over the ears, and if a headset offers a bunch of options, you’re much more likely to find a pair that works for you.

Best gaming headset for customizability and comfort: ASTRO Gaming A50

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Astro’s A50 isn’t cheap, but you get a lot for your money. The sound quality is impressive, and the product is noted for its comfort level. That’s helped along by how customizable it is: you can swap out the headband and the ear cushions to ensure that you’re getting exactly the right fit. The charging dock, too, is a nice touch. But it isn’t universally compatible; you’ll have to buy the set that works with a specific console.

How lightweight do you want your gaming headset to be?

Weight is tied in with comfort, and is just as important for ensuring that you can play long sessions without feeling as if there’s a helmet weighing you down. Being lightweight can really help, but it isn’t all about the raw number of grams that it weighs. You’ll also want to look for a balanced headset, so that the weight is evenly distributed over the headband. Even a lightweight headset can feel uncomfortable if all the weight is in one place.

You can look at the gram number to figure out how lightweight a gaming headset is, but some of the more comfortable ones aren’t necessarily the lightest; they’re just the best-built.

Best lightweight gaming headset: JBL Quantum 100

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At this price, the JBL Quantum 100 is a steal. And comfort is a major selling point here. The headset is exceedingly lightweight, at only 220 grams. The ear cushions are constructed of memory foam, just like nice mattresses, and coated with a synthetic leather. The boom mic is also detachable, a nice touch, and the sound quality is quite good. The microphone isn’t adjustable, which is a bummer, but this is a great budget option.

What kind of microphone will work best?

Microphone quality is essential for gaming headsets; after all, it’s one of the features that distinguishes them from other headphones. Typically, gaming headsets will have a removable, detachable microphone that sticks out from one of the ear cups, in front of the mouth. You want this microphone to be adjustable, so that you can make sure it isn’t too close or too far from your mouth.

Many higher-end headsets include noise cancellation, which is actually a bit of a mixed bag. It’s great for noisy environments, because it creates a background noise to drown out any environmental sounds, but it can also make the audio quality a little bit dull and muffled. Still, it’s a nice thing to have.

Best gaming headset microphone: Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE Gaming Headset

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This Corsair Virtuoso advertises “broadcast quality” microphone, and they aren’t kidding. The mic is omnidirectional, meaning it can input sound coming from any direction—front, back, sides, this mic doesn’t discriminate. It also has the option of going either wired or wireless, a great blend of both worlds. Reviewers say it can get a little hot after long sessions, but your mileage may vary.

Brands to know

Looking through an electronics retailer, you’ll find a million different brands, most of which you’re sure to have never heard of. Those no-name brands are a gamble: some of them come from the exact same factories as the big names, and will be high quality. Others may be flimsy, or have an annoying background hiss, or may be uncomfortable to wear. These brands make reliably great stuff.

HyperX

HyperX is actually the gaming division of Kingston, which is best known for making RAM and USB drives and other commodity stuff. But they also make some of the absolute best gaming headsets on the market, including the HyperX Cloud Alpha, which has been rated as one of the best, period. Their styling tends to be gamer-specific, with harsh, neon lines and logos. HyperX stuff is great at the mid-range, between $50 and $100.

Corsair

Corsair, like HyperX, is perhaps best known for their behind-the-grille computer hardware; this company also makes really good GPU cooling fans, if you need one of those. In the budget category, it’s hard to top what Corsair makes; they pack really good design into sub-$50 headsets. They’re noted for their build and sound quality, though you will be giving up a few high-end features. Their headsets may not have removable audio cables, for example, which is a feature we really like. But if you’re spending $30, it’s hard to argue too much.

SteelSeries

SteelSeries is a high-end gaming company from Denmark. They’re a great option at both the low end (their Arctis 1 headset is absolutely stellar at only $50) and at the more expensive end (like the $180 Arctis 9X). One nice element that SteelSeries brings is in subdued design. Some gamers really like the whole straight-out-of-The-Matrix, neon-RGB lights, angular design aesthetic, but many just want something a little simpler. SteelSeries headsets tend to be minimalistic, and can be worn out in public without screaming “I’m a gamer!”

Best budget gaming headset: What You Get for Under $50

You’d be shocked at what you can get at the very low end of the price spectrum. Almost every good manufacturer, has budget gaming headsets in this price range. Razer sells the Kraken X, which has great reviews for its super lightweight, comfortable design. The Corsair HS60 Pro boasts 7.1 surround sound, a noise-canceling microphone, and is compatible with just about everything due to its 3.5mm jack connection.

A final word on finding the best gaming headset

Gaming headsets can turn an ordinary gaming experience into something really special: totally immersive, with crystal-clear communication, and enough comfort to continue blasting away for hours without once thinking about the position of your earlobes. And there’s no need to spend a boatload; if you want to stay under $100 or even under $50, there are plenty of options out there that would make any gamer happy. All you need to do is decide which features your heart desires and you’ll be able to find the best gaming headset for you. Happy gaming!

The post The best gaming headsets for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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If you’re fed up with Bluetooth accessories running out of battery or having their connection flake out, stop what you’re doing, head over to the audiophile and mechanical keyboard community over at Drop, and roll with good deals on headphones and computer accessories. These reliable, must-have tech accessories are marked down by as much as $50, and Drop offers free domestic shipping on orders over $125. But act quickly, as this sale is only through Sunday, Feb. 26.

Massdrop X Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones $239 (Was $279)

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All the deals on offer are solid, but we’d like to highlight this $40 discount on the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones. Sennheiser is a lynchpin of the audiophile community (and of our best headphones roundup), and the venerable German company’s 600 series of headphones is legendary for those searching for clarity. Sennheiser has released multiple top-tier editions in the last couple years—such as the IE 900 in-ear monitors and the recent HD 660S2 over-ear headphones, which we’ll be covering shortly—but this collaboration with Drop offers excellent performance at under half the price. 

The HD 6XX headphones are a version of Sennheisser’s well-regarded HD 650 flagship created in collaboration with Drop. There’s no loss in audio performance or significant driver differences compared to the “official” headphones offered directly by Sennheiser, which are renowned for their sumptuous midrange. The noticeable changes mostly come down to materials, accessories, and aesthetics, as the HD 6XXs come in a midnight blue colorway instead of gray. 

Beyond that, you’re getting an excellent pair of over-ear open-back headphones. They will leak a lot of sound—this is one of the trademarks of open-back headphones—so many sure you’ve got an appropriately serene setting for when you’re ready to luxuriate in your listening session. And, as the HD 6XXs terminate in a standard 3.5mm connector, you’ll need a device with a compatible port (though Sennheiser includes an ⅛-inch to ¼-inch adapter in the box, so you can easily connect the headphones to any amp, DAC, DAP, etc.).

If you’re a technical audiophile, Drop includes a pair of charts noting the HD 6XX’s frequency response and harmonic distortion that you can reference. Our advice is to sit back, close your eyes, and rediscover the most subtle details of your favorite songs. If you’re making the leap from Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, the HD 6XXs will likely be a sonic revelation, and they’re a steal thanks to Drop’s current discount. And maybe pick up a new keyboard while you’re on Drop’s website, as you’ll want to send your friends emails about how amazing your new headphones are.

The other best Sennheiser x Massdrop headphone deals

• Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 580X Jubilee $149 (Was $199)
• Massdrop x Sennheiser PC37X Gaming Headset $79 (Was $120)

The best Drop mechanical keyboard deals 

• Drop Alt Mechanical Keyboard $139 (Was $180)
• Drop Alt High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard $179 (Was $230)
• Drop CTRL High-Profile Mechanical Keyboard $199 (Was $250)
• Drop Shift Mechanical Keyboard $199 (Was $250)

The post Don’t miss Drop’s decadent deals on headphones and keyboards appeared first on Popular Science.

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What happens when an esteemed in-ear monitor (IEM) company decides to change course and make over-ear headphones? While it might seem simple, making the jump from compact in-ears to full-size headphones is no small feat. It involves a whole different approach to engaging the listener with a wide soundstage and open design compared to small, self-contained earbuds. It’s the driving question behind one of the most exciting personal audio gear releases of 2023: the Moondrop Venus. 

Moondrop Labs, founded in 2015 in Chengdu, China, and colloquially known as “Moondrop,” became a darling of the IEM scene (and specialized vendors like Headphones.com) with popular releases like Blessing 2 and Variations. With Venus, the company’s second over-ear headphones after 2022’s Void, Moondrop leaves a more direct sound and demure styling behind and embraces a bold design and tuning designed to shear the veil between you and your music. At $599, it faces stiff competition from longstanding brands like HIFIMAN. Still, if you’re looking for open-back headphones that can reveal every nuance of your favorite tracks with airy aplomb, they’re a strong contender well worth considering.

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The build

The first thing to know about the Moondrop Venus is it uses planar-magnetic drivers. In contrast to dynamic drivers—which can efficiently (and often more affordably) push air and make up most of the best headphones for average listeners—the best planar-magnetic headphones can deliver incredible levels of detail, wide, enveloping soundscapes, and vanishingly low levels of distortion to deliver total clarity within your music. 

While dynamic drivers use a conical, moving coil to generate sound (think a miniaturized version of that bass-pumping woofer you’re accustomed to seeing in a freestanding speaker), planar-magnetic drivers use a large flat sheet traced with conductive elements (in this case, silver) that is held poised by rows of powerful magnets. When electricity is applied, the diaphragm moves rapidly, creating sound. It’s an entirely different system, but when applied correctly, can result in some of the best sound you’ll hear in a pair of headphones. (And on planars you’re far less likely to hear that “farting” you can get playing bass-heavy music on inadequate drivers … unless you turn the music up to deafening levels.)

Check out the image above and you’ll see Venus’s 100mm drivers—a window into what provides you a portal into your playlists. They are roughly twice the surface area of dynamic driver audiophile heavy-hitters like the Sennheiser HD800S. Each is surrounded by 18 powerful magnets and is built into specialized cavities to minimize space and weight and to balance out the heavy magnetic pull of so many magnetics on its two-micron-thin diaphragm. 

As you might imagine, with two massive drivers and three dozen high-powered magnets, the Venus isn’t exactly small. In fact, it seems clearly designed to attract attention. The chassis is completely made of metal finished in a matte silver that avoids fingerprints. The earcups are circular and large enough to encompass most ears. There’s a self-adjusting headband for comfort, and it works well, but these aren’t exactly headphones that will blend into the environment.  

The grilles are the real stars of the show. Each earcup is finished with a milled faceplate that would be right at home in BioShock—if Andrew Ryan cared a little more about sound quality, that is. There’s a pattern of V’s cross-milled with angled stripes that gives the headphones a wholly unique, somehow sci-fi, somehow vintage appearance. There are a few too many exposed screws, however. The hints of “industrial” won’t quite jive with its other prevailing themes, but it’s clearly serviceable, which is a high point.

Despite its large size and heavy weight (roughly 600 grams), the Venus is surprisingly comfortable. It uses a self-adjusting headband trimmed in faux leather beneath a perforated metal arc to distribute its weight well and avoid creating sore spots on the top of your head. The ear cushions are leather-trimmed (possibly pleather, no official word from Moondrop on the materials used) and angled, tapering down toward the front of your ear. They’re plush and just thick enough to provide ample padding without extra bulk. 

The fit also hits the sweet spot for clamp force. The earcups have a limited range of pivot and angle adjustments to achieve a proper seal. Once it’s in place, however, it’s stable: not too tight, not too loose. Compared to perhaps its most direct competitor, the $499 HIFIMAN Edition XS (a svelte 405g with distinctive oval earcups), it’s noticeably more secure. 

Moondrop also uses an interchangeable cable design and provides two separate options in the box to accommodate more sources. Rated at 18Ω and 100dB/Vrms @1kHz in sensitivity, the headphones aren’t hard to drive, but you will need a small amplifier (or USB DAC-amp combo, like the iFi xDSD Gryphon or Questyle M15) to push them to their potential, so don’t expect to plug them into just your MacBook. I did most of my testing using the FiiO K7, which is a more affordable option and provided ample headroom. The first is a standard 3.5mm cable sleeved in braided black fabric. The second uses a 4.4mm balanced Pentaconn connection (a standard adopted by the latest DAC-amps and digital audio players) and a much more attractive translucent sleeve that reveals the silver-plated wires underneath. (The benefits of a balanced connection are typically more available power and theoretically less noise, but the Venus isn’t hard enough to drive where you should run out and buy a balanced amplifier.)  Both connect to the headphones with 3.5mm mono jacks, the same as HIFIMAN, so finding replacements is easy should you ever find yourself craving an upgrade or in need of a repair. 

The sound 

The Venus is revealing in all the right ways. Moondrop tuned the headphones with an attention to detail—literally. In audiophile terms, detail retrieval is a headphone’s ability to pull those tiny nuances from music that make it sound vibrant and alive: the sound of a bow moving across a cello string; the texture of an oscillating synth; exactly how a drummer taps a cymbal and the nuance to tell if it’s a stick, mallet, or brush. Putting on the Venus after listening to a pair of mainstream headphones like the mids-centric Bose QC35 II is like removing a veil between you and your music that you may not have even known was there. 

The sound is bright but not sharp. It reaches low into the bass but isn’t bass heavy. Vocals are natural, smooth, and airy—a standout but not a show-stealer all on their own. It’s a tuning emphasizing hearing everything in a track without sacrificing enjoyment for cold analytical listening. It would need a bit more bass to be considered balanced, but it’s close, and if you’re the sort to EQ, a slight boost to the low end thickens things out for pop and rock.

The planar drivers have no trouble reaching low and maintaining speed, delivering rich sub-bass with strong detail and engaging texturing. However, the bass on the Venus delves deep but tapers off before it gets into the meat of bass guitars. Compared to the HIFIMAN Sundara and Edition XS—notable for their own spacious, mid- and high-centric house sound—the Venus is a bit thinner. Still, it makes up for that with better clarity and their open, airy sound and smoother treble. 

Judging by its wide 6Hz – 80kHz frequency response and graph that leans heavily toward the treble, you might expect the Venus to sound overly bright and too sharp to enjoy. Nothing could be further from the truth. Moondrop has incorporated a specialized waveguide system that prevents the high frequencies from overlapping and becoming overemphasized before they hit your ears (similar to the Fazor in some of my favorite, more expensive Audeze headphones, like the LCD-2, LCD-3, and even the ultra-premium LCD-5). This dramatically smooths out their sound, even compared to its competition from HIFIMAN. The result is a sparkly treble that brings out cymbals and acoustic guitar strings but replaces fatigue with air and spaciousness.

Imaging and soundstage are excellent. The Venus places each instrument, each vocalist, each audio cue in your video game on its own layer. It’s resolving and spacious enough to make every sound source perfectly audible, even in busy tracks or cacophonous multiplayer matches. There’s no masking or loss of detail from overwhelmed drivers. The soundstage is wide enough to feel immersive, outperforming the Sundara, but falls a touch short of the depth offered by the Edition XS.  

On their own, the Venus plays best with acoustic and string-driven music. The strings in Johann Johannson’s A Model of the Universe or Eydis Evensen’s Wandering II were haunting and evocative. Other genres that rely on powerful bass, like hip-hop and metal, require a bit of EQ to fill out and bring up to form. D.R.E.A.M. by Jonny Craig sounded a bit anemic out of the box, its underlying bass line a bit too quiet to carry the song. Likewise, the blasting double kick drum intro of Atreyu’s My Curse lacked impact. Without touching anything, orchestral music plays to its natural strengths, highlighting its spaciousness and nuanced details. EQ allows it to deliver the best of both worlds, however, and breathes new life into dynamic genres like progressive and math rock.

While I did mention the Venus needing an amp to achieve optimal performance, needing power doesn’t necessarily mean these headphones need high volume. While listening at very low levels drops the bass even further, it only takes moderate levels to increase the headphone’s dynamic range. Like most headphones, the Venus sound “best” at an elevated output (a running trope in the audiophile community is that higher volume equals better sound). However, these headphones are also good for a pleasant, relaxed listen before bed.

The conclusion

The Venus is only the second pair of headphones ever released by Moondrop Labs, but you wouldn’t guess it based on its construction and sound quality. It’s entering a competitive market where consumers have tough choices on what sound profile will work best for them. It falls short on bass presence without applying your own EQ, which you could argue shouldn’t be necessary at this price point. But if you have the means to tweak (whether with software through EqualizerAPO and Peace EQ or hardware like the Schiit Audio Loki Mini+) you’ll find they’re quite resilient to a low-end bump. Even with its biggest competitors from HIFIMAN on hand, I reached for the Venus for its better fit and unique presentation of my favorite music. If you can get behind its tuning, the Moondrop Venus is a set that’s well worth searching out and getting lost with.

The post Moondrop Venus planar-magnetic headphones review: Second time’s the charm appeared first on Popular Science.

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A lot of music has come out in the two short months of 2023. From the return of Yo La Tengo to Caroline Polachek opening up her island, plenty of artists are bringing the heat as the world warms back up. If music puts a spring in your step and you want to do some spring cleaning of your personal audio gear, upgrade your headphone game from casual listening to deep dives with beyerdynamic’s end-of-month sale, featuring up to 38% off refurbished headphones from now until Feb. 28.

We’ve declared beyerdynamic models some of the best mixing headphones, and one of the best headphones you can buy in general. And if you’re looking for the kind of headphones that can be a professional music producer’s tax write-off but also any sound design lover’s turn-on, we recommend the beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO headphones, which are $499. They’ve topped multiple round-ups for their mixing powers but they’re no one-trick pony: the same qualities of positioning and dimensionality that benefit mix engineering make production headphones great for gaming. But you’re here for the deals, so check these out:

beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless Copper (B-Stock) $495 (Was $799)

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If you’re more into luxuriating in unadulterated audio, the company’s refurbished Amiron Wireless Headphones are big on bliss, offering plush, closed-back earcups packed with the silky details-oriented response of patented Tesla drivers. They contain the multitudes you don’t get from your standard pair of headphones at a big box store. They’re also packed with high-resolution Bluetooth (AAC, aptX HD, and more), so no more getting tangled or snagged on table corners while wrapped up in your playlists—and it doesn’t matter how long they are, thanks to a 30-hour battery life. In addition, beyerdynamic’s MIY app helps you dial in an optimal tuning personalized for your hearing.

The album releases won’t stop, but this promo ends on the 28th … so grab cans that can before these deals go the way of CD singles. Who says being an audiophile can’t me (mildly more) affordable?

Here are all the on-sale beyerdynamic headphones (and more) that we’re tuning into:

• MMX 150 GREY (B-stock) $95 (Was $149)
• MMX 150 BLACK (B-stock) $95 (Was $149)
• MMX 300 (B-stock) $205 (Was $299)
• DT 770 PRO (32 OHMS) (B-stock) $105 (was $159)
• DT 770 PRO (80 OHMS) (B-stock) $105 (Was $159)
• DT 770 PRO (250 OHMS) (B-stock) $105 (Was $159)
• DT 990 PRO (B-stock) $105 (Was $159)
• T1 (B-stock) $695 (Was $999)
• T5 (B-stock) $695 (Was $999)
• beyerdynamic space charcoal wireless Bluetooth speakerphone (B-stock) $125 (Was $179)
• Phonum wireless Bluetooth speakerphone (B-stock) $65 (Was $99)
• TYGR 300 R (B-stock) $135 (Was $139)

And here are more contemporary classics at their normal low prices:

• DT 700 PRO X $259 (Was $349)
• DT 900 PRO X $259 (Was $349)
• DT 770 PRO (32 ohms) $159 (Was $259)
• MMX 150 $149 (Was $249)
• MMX 300 $249 (Was $349)
• Free Byrd True Wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphones $229 (Was $299)
• Xelento Remote in-ear headphones $999 (Was $1,199)

The post Spring into better sound thanks to beyerdynamic’s audio promo deal appeared first on Popular Science.

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If the 2020s have taught us anything, it’s that the line between your home and office is blurrier than ever. It has become increasingly thoughtful to get someone a gift that can help reduce their list of chores, improve their productivity, or kick back and relax after a long day at the office (in-home or on-site). Gifts in this category run the gamut from incredibly practical to downright extravagant, so there’s something for everybody. We’ve also been conscious of making sure our gift recommendations work whether you’re shopping for someone who rents or owns their place, be it an apartment or house. If you’re shopping for someone you live with, some of our best home and office presents below will also benefit you, so consider that a holiday bonus.

• Best Wi-Fi Routers: Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi System
• Best printer: Epson EcoTank ET-2400
• Best docking station: UGREEN Triple Display Docking Station
• Best office chair: Boulies Master Neo
• Best mouse: Logitech MX Master 3S
• Best keyboard: Drop ENTR Mechanical Keyboard
• Best work desk: Hoek Home Office Desk
• Best earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro 2
• Best headphones: beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X
• Best smart speaker: Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
• Best smart lights: Nanoleaf Lines
• Best monitor: Dell S2722QC
• Best monitor riser: Grovemade Desk Shelf
• Best webcam: OBSBOT Tiny PTZ 4K Webcam
• Best digital picture frame: Aura Carver Wi-Fi Digital Picture Frame
• Best smart decoration: Twinkly Squares LED panels
• Best retro decoration: Lava Colormax lamp
• Best TV: Hisense U8H
• Best soundbar: Sonos Ray
• Best media streamer: Roku Stick 4K
• Best wireless charger: Twelve South PowerPic
• Best gadget charger: Satechi Dock5
• Best whiteboard: Quartet Glass Whiteboard
• Best smart board: Vestaboard
• Best home gardening system: Gardyn 2.0 Hydroponics Growing System
• Best fire pit: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
• Best trash can: Brabantia Bo Touch
• Most practical tech accessory: SnapPower GuideLight for Outlets
• Best desk lamp: Cricut Bright 360
• Best robot vacuum: ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop
• Best over-the-top gift: Kül Water Dispenser
• Best for the bathroom: Kohler Moxie Bluetooth Showerhead
• Best note-taking tablet: BOOX Note Air2 Plus
• Best surge protector: Austere VII Series Power 8-Outlet 

Best Wi-Fi routers: Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi System

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One of the keys to a happy home during the holidays (or any other time) is a fast, consistent connection to the Internet. Eero’s latest Wi-Fi routers support the latest wireless standard (Wi-Fi 6E), supporting speeds of up to 2.3 Gbps. For reference, Netflix recommends just 15Mbps to stream video in 4K, which is only .006% of the routers’ total potential bandwidth. If you’re shopping for someone who pays for a fast internet connection but finds their devices don’t get the speeds promised—or they have places in their home where their wireless connection is spotty—this is the optimal solution. Amazon says this two-pack of Eero routers can cover an area of up to 4,000 sq. ft., which should be enough for most homes, and it can be connected to over 100 devices without slowing down.

Best printer: Epson EcoTank ET-2400

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Every home or office needs an all-in-one printer for when a document needs to be scanned, printed, or copied. This may only happen a handful of times a year (unless the printer is living in a house with school-age kids), but you’re guaranteed to get a “THANK YOU!” text each time it does. We like Epson’s ET-2400 because its ink tanks are more efficient and eco-friendly than disposable ink cartridges. We also enjoy this printer’s relatively small size and sleek look. The ET-2400 supports wireless printing, so whoever you gift it can keep it anywhere in their office, not necessarily right next to a computer.

Best docking station: UGREEN Triple Display Docking Station

UGREEN

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The downside to laptops getting thinner and lighter is the loss of ports, which makes it annoying to connect accessories to them. If you know someone who’s always carrying around a bunch of adapters, you can simplify their life significantly by gifting them UGreen’s Triple Display Docking Station. This tool has three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, a microSD card slot, one SD card slot, a headphone jack, two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and an Ethernet jack. Your friend and family member can use UGREEN’s hub to connect their computer to three external displays and nearly a dozen other accessories with a single USB-C cable. The hub can even recharge their laptop while connected, which is an excellent bonus.

Just need a power present? UGREEN makes numerous recommendable solutions, including the 100W 7-in-1 DigiNest charging station, which uses GaN II technology to offer better conversion efficiency and heat dissipation in a compact form featuring 3 USB-C ports, 1 USB-A port, and 3 AC outlets.

Best office chair: Boulies Master Neo

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Nobody thinks about ergonomics until their body starts hurting, so this gift serves two purposes. Yes, Boulies’ Master Neo was designed for gamers, but the chair is so comfortable that we can recommend it to anybody who works at home. The chair has ample padding on the back and bottom, height-adjustable arms, and a satisfying swivel. Most office chairs look boring, but the Master Neo is available in blue and pink colorways, which can add a nice pop of color to a plain-looking workspace.

Best mouse: Logitech MX Master 3S

Logitech

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Logitech’s MX Master 3S is the tech accessory office workers don’t know they needed. The Bluetooth mouse is shaped so an entire hand can fit on top of it, with a dedicated thumb resting on its left side. The MX Master 3S’ design makes it much more comfortable to use over long periods. Additional buttons on the side and top of the mouse give users quick access to different apps or system functions, which can save the person you gift it to several minutes every day. One of this mouse’s coolest features is the ability to pair it with up to three devices, so your friend or family member can use it with their work and personal computer. Nobody thinks about the computer mouse they use, but once you gift someone the Logitech MX Master 3S, they’ll never return to a generic wired one.

Best keyboard: Drop ENTR Mechanical Keyboard

Drop

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If you’re already gifting someone an ergonomic mouse, pairing it with a mechanical keyboard makes sense. Drop’s ENTR is an old school-looking keyboard that’s easy on both the eyes and fingers. It has a Windows key, but the USB-C wired keyboard can also be connected to a Mac without any issues. The sensation of typing on a mechanical keyboard after years of using the slim ones built into laptops is revelatory. The office worker who keys the ENTR will probably feel the difference in the first day or two. They may need to adjust the way they type slightly, but the difference in comfort is completely worth it. Our favorite feature of the ENTR keyboard is its backlit keys, which make it easier to work in the dark.

Best work desk: Hoek Home Office Desk

Hoek

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If you want to gift surface area to someone with limited space, Brooklyn, NY-based Hoek designs, machines, and hand-finishes quick-assembly furnishings that can hang flat on a wall when not in use (mountable wall cleat included). Fabricated-to-order before being flat-packed, this quality carpentry is a modular, minimalist workstation that’s up and running within seconds of arrival. Ultra-slim but extremely sturdy, the 42-pound fabricated-to-order tabletop (sustainably sourced maple or natural birch plywood, with a black colorway option) sits atop modular 100% recycled HDPE plastic legs that click in or out in seconds (no tools required) and store on the chassis’ underbelly when not in use. Measuring L 47.5″ x W 23″ x H 30″, with an integrated handle, the Home Office Desk offers a stylish, easily moveable workstation. And suppose later you want it further kitted out. In that case, you can purchase a perfectly paired CNC-meets-carpentry creation, including a monitor shelf, keyboard under-shelf, and/or a headphones/bag hook (or buy it all upfront as a discounted bundle). At $495 ($795 for the bundle), the Hoek Home Office Desk isn’t cheap, but you’re buying creative craftsmanship to let someone efficiently take advantage of their space.

Best wireless earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro 2

Apple

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Let’s not beat around the bush here: Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are arguably the hottest holiday gift this season. Apple’s latest earbuds sound better, last longer, and cancel out more noise than the pair they replace while keeping the same iconic look, feel, and shape. Active noise cancellation is the biggest feature for office workers, as it’ll allow them to concentrate on work instead of being distracted by the sound of typing keys, swiveling chairs, or idle conversation. One of the most underrated features of the AirPods Pro 2 is the microphones, which are surprisingly good at picking up a speaker’s voice without much room noise. At their price, you won’t find a more well-rounded, fully featured pair of earbuds than the AirPods Pro 2.

Best headphones: beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X

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Need a gift for an audiophile who listens to music in their home office and continues their play session hours after logging off? Maybe someone you know is setting up a starter home studio but also games? Get them beyerdynamic’s DT 700 Pro X over-ear headphones, which come from the makers of our overall best mixing headphones. What separates the DT 700 Pro X apart from the pack is the extremely soft ear cushions, which make the headphones extremely comfortable to wear while simultaneously isolating a listener’s ears from unwanted outside sounds without any tonality-altering circuitry. Additionally, the headphones clamping force (how much pressure the headphones push against a listener’s head to keep them on) was also calibrated to optimize comfort without sacrificing performance. The headphones also sound excellent, with deep bass, wide midrange, and clear-but-not-crispy treble that lets you identify stray frequencies in the mix or threats in the game. And, as we said earlier, anyone who loves listening to music at home will really like these headphones.

Best smart speaker: Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

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If you know someone who’s been thinking about making their home smarter, but doesn’t know where to start, get them the Amazon Echo (4th Gen). Amazon’s latest smart speaker looks modern, has a surprisingly good dual-driver audio system, and will immediately become the hub of their smart home. Alexa, Amazon’s smart assistant, allows you to use the Echo hands-free, issuing voice commands to play music, get news updates, hear about the weather, play games, and even order products. Controlling smart-home accessories through the Echo is much easier using apps, which can be cumbersome and require your full attention. Saying, “Alexa, turn on the hallway light,” is a lot more intuitive. If you’re feeling extra generous, gift somebody two Echos so they can have this functionality in multiple parts of their home (plus an intercom system).

Best smart lights: Nanoleaf Lines

Nanoleaf

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Smart lights are the first smart home accessory we recommend gifting people if they already have a smart speaker, and Nanoleaf’s Lines are a lot cooler than a typical smart light bulb. The “lines” can be attached to one another and arranged in dozens of different configurations, and each one can be assigned a different color via an app on your phone. The Lines allow for a level of self-expression that makes them an especially good gift for children just beginning to have input on arranging their room. Nanoleaf’s Lines may also become a part of your friend or family’s holiday decorations, accenting other pieces they typically put up.

Best monitor: Dell S2722QC

Dell

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An external display will give your friend or family member a lot more digital space to work with, which can help improve their productivity or ability to multitask. There are a lot of monitors out there, but Dell’s S2722QC checks all the right boxes. The 27-inch 4K screen can display 1.07 billion colors and has HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C inputs so that you can connect it to any machine. The USB-C port should be of particular interest if you’re shopping for a MacBook owner since it’ll allow the display to charge their laptop while it’s connected. The S2722QC’s speakers aren’t anything to write home about, but they’re helpful in a pinch, especially if you’re gifting the monitor to someone who likes to keep their laptop lid closed while working. It’s a little more luxe than most monitors on the market, but the S2722QC is the one to get this holiday season.

Best monitor riser: Grovemade Desk Shelf

Grovemade

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Simple problems don’t have to get spartan solutions. Portland, Ore.-based design and fabrication shop Grovemade initially broke into the e-commerce ecosystem with engraved bamboo iPhone 4 cases and has been crafting an expanded range of workspace products ever since. A decade-plus later and the Grovemade Desk Shelf system, available in three sizes and multiple woods/finishes, is yet another product that shows how efficiency and ergonomics can be elegant. It’s a sleek platform to help align your virtual world with your real one, and it comes with shelf space that can store cords and keyboards or additional Grovemade trays, desk pads, and accessories you can add to your cocoon of productivity. Got some flagship headphones that deserve to be showcased? The Grovemade headphone stand is another statement piece that is as appealing as it is functional.

Best webcam: OBSBOT Tiny PTZ 4K Webcam

OBSBOT

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Webcams have become an essential home office accessory, and OBSBOT’s Tiny PTZ 4K Webcam is among the best we’ve seen. The camera can stream or record incredibly crisp video, and will automatically compensate for poor lighting conditions to help the person you gift it to look their best. What makes the Tiny PTZ 4K Webcam particularly distinctive is its rotating base, which allows the lens to track a person as they move up, down, left, or right. Free software provided by OBSBOT allows you to position the webcam perfectly and lock it in place, too. If you’re shopping for someone on a video call more than three times a week, this is a slam-dunk gift.

Best digital picture frame: Aura Carver Wi-Fi Digital Picture Frame

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Sharing memories with less tech-savvy family members can be tough if you only see them a few times a year, which is why Aura’s Carver Wi-Fi Digital Picture Frame makes such a great gift. The 10.1-inch HD display can be loaded with photos remotely, so the person viewing them can keep up with your latest adventures. Multiple people can access the same frame so that siblings can share all of their family photos with parents or grandparents at once. Aura doesn’t charge for cloud storage either, so this picture frame will continue to show new pictures as long as it stays connected to the internet.

Best smart decoration: Twinkly Squares LED panels

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Know someone who would want to automate some ambiance to elevate an environment? With the twinkly Squares, you can change the mood without changing location. These LED panels support 16 million colors and/or warm white light, and you can group them through an app for synced scenes of animated hues or 8-bit art. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi allow you to connect and control ON/OFF, dimming, timers, etc. Additional accessories like a USB sound sensor allow you to have your setup pulse and cycle to music. Other functions include integrating with Razer Chroma RGB or OMEN Light Studio for reactive lighting, and using voice commands via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This starter set includes 1 master tile and 5 extension tiles (64 RGB pixels total), and someone can add as many as their wall and imagination allow.

Best retro decoration: Lava Colormax lamp

Stan Horaczek

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The Lava Colormax is our best overall lava lamp because it fills your room with psychedelic nostalgia without overwhelming your space. The base, cap, and glass all sport a tri-colored design that would feel right at home in a wood panel & shag carpet rumpus room or maybe the back of a conversion van with a dragon painted on the side of it. Or just bring that vibe to your standing desk. At 14.5-inches tall, it’s not overwhelmingly huge, and the 25-watt bulb makes it glow without bathing much of your room in light. Because it gets its tint from paint on the outside of the glass, the colors look bright and vibrant. It takes a solid two hours to really get the lava moving around inside the glass container but, given the chance, will make video calls to video games way more groovy.

Best TV: Hisense U8H

Hisense

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We can’t think of a better holiday gift than a new TV, and Hisense’s U8H is the gold standard in its price range. The set is available in sizes ranging from 55 to 75 inches, but the 65-inch model will be the sweet spot for most people. The U8H has four HDMI ports, two of which support 4K gaming at 120Hz with high dynamic range enabled. This is a big deal if the gamer in your life has a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, as they’ll be able to play cutting-edge titles at their highest levels of fidelity. The U8H’s 336 local dimming zones allow the TV to offer incredible contrast, while support for Dolby Vision ensures colorful scenes look clear and natural rather than being blown out. If you’ve been saving up to set that special someone up with a really big gift, this should be your first (and arguably only) choice.

Best soundbar: Sonos Ray

Sonos

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Need a gift for the person who’s already satisfied with their TV (or monitor)? The best answer is a soundbar, specifically the Sonos Ray. The Ray’s short size (only 21-inches wide) allows it to fit on any entertainment center without poking off the sides. Sonos designed the Ray’s drivers to point forward so that sound won’t reverberate off the sides of a shelf or a wall. Despite its small size, we were happy with how the Ray sounded in our tests. It wouldn’t distort during loud movie sequences with explosions or other sudden sound pops. You won’t find a better-engineered soundbar at the Ray’s size price, and avid movie watchers will immediately pick up on the audio upgrade.

Best media streamer: Roku Stick 4K

Roku

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If a less tech-savvy member of your friend or family group is trying to get into streaming the latest binge-worthy shows and blockbuster movies, there’s no better gift than a Roku Streaming Stick 4K. The ultra-slim media streamer is intuitive and has a simple remote plus dedicated buttons to take users directly to the most popular streaming services. The Streaming Stick 4K can playback video at its highest possible resolution, and supports every HDR (high dynamic range) standard to deliver vibrant colors. We can also recommend this accessory for people who often travel, as it’s easy to throw into a bag and hook up to a hotel or Airbnb TV, so you’re already logged into all of your streaming service accounts wherever you go.

Best wireless charger: Twelve South PowerPic

Twelve South

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Twelve South’s PowerPic is the most inventive wireless charger we’ve seen yet, and its unique design makes it an especially cool gift. The 10W wireless charging stand is built into a picture frame, allowing you to slip any 5×7-inch photo behind your phone’s resting spot. The picture will be revealed when the phone is not charging, so the PowerPic serves a dual purpose. If you know the person you’re gifting this to well enough, you can stealthily open the package, put in a meaningful picture, reseal it, then watch their face light up when it’s revealed.

Best gadget charger: Satechi Dock5

Satechi

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Satechi Dock5 is a practical gift for anyone with several family members or roommates. The accessory has two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports, with dividers between each port so several gadgets can charge without looking messy. A Qi wireless charging pad toward the front of the Dock5 can recharge a pair of wireless earbuds or another small tech accessory. We all have someone in our lives with a messy, cable-filled section of their kitchen or living room, and this gift can resolve that issue.

Best whiteboard: Quartet Glass Whiteboard

Quartet

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Quartet’s Glass Whiteboard is an unexpected gift that fully remote workers and students will immediately understand and appreciate. The large canvas is perfect for sketching ideas, collaborating on tough problems, or something as simple as a hand-drawn calendar. Most of us are used to having all this information on a screen. Still, something is satisfying about being able to directly write, slash, and erase your work immediately rather than fiddling with a mouse cursor or stylus. Plus, Quartet’s Glass Whiteboard looks so nice that it practically invites people to use it right out of the box.

Best smart board: Vestaboard

Vestaboard

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We’ve never seen anything quite like the Vestaboard, which perfectly typifies the concept of ambient computing. The internet-connected smart board contains 132 “bits,” which flip to reveal different characters or colors. You can send messages to the Vestaboard through the company’s app, which is intuitive to use and comes pre-loaded with a few quotes and color patterns to show you its potential. A paid service called Vestaboard+ allows you to use applications to automate the board in even more creative ways, like displaying the current song you’re listening to through a streaming service, current sports scores, or playing a word game.

This is the ideal indulgent gift for someone who spends a lot of time in their home office or wants a fancy family bulletin board in their living room. Vestaboard owners can grant other people access to their board, allowing friends and family to send messages. The Vestaboard is a unique canvas for people to display meaningful quotes, words of encouragement, or mini works of art. We guarantee the person you gift it to won’t have seen anything like it.

Best home gardening system: Gardyn 2.0 Hydroponics Growing System

Gardyn

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In our tests, the Gardyn 2.0 has fulfilled the promise of being a (mostly) hands-free gardening tool for anyone who lacks a green thumb but wants to grow food. Once it’s set up, the Gardyn will automatically provide the correct amount of light (via LED light strips) and water (through a refillable tank), so there’s no room for error. It takes up to six weeks for plants to reach their full size, and it’s inspiring to see the plants sprout and grow over time. Two cameras on the LED light strips will automatically take pictures of your crops at regular intervals so that you can chart their progress at any time.

The Gardyn is a premium gift, but one that’ll quickly become the hit of your home. Children can learn about how food (and plant life in general) grows and the value of patience. After a few months, you can have a feast featuring fresh vegetables you’ve grown yourself—even if you live in a New York City apartment like I do.

Have a backyard or balcony and an interest in growing greens? Another option is the Lettuce Grow Farmstand starter set. This vertical hydroponic growing system starts with 12 pre-sprouted plants in a tower just under 4-feet tall, but can be customized to your space and budget. It only takes minutes each week to add the water and nutrients necessary and, within a month, you’re enjoying pesticide-free veggies, leafy greens, herbs, fruits, and lettuce.

Best fire pit: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

Solo Stove

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If you’re shopping for someone who’s into backyard glamping , Solo Stove’s Bonfire 2.0 is the fire pit we recommend. It was designed to be “smokeless,” meaning a continuous flow of air, and an intelligently placed ash pan, prevent tons of smoke from billowing out of it constantly. There’ll still be some smoke but not enough to make your eyes water, which means campers can sit closer to it (but not too close) to enjoy its warmth. Solo Stove addressed our one complaint with the original Bonfire by making this model’s ash tray easily removable, which makes cleanup a breeze.

Best trash can: Brabantia Bo Touch

Brabantia

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Yes, we recommend you get someone in your life a trash can, but hear us out. Brabantia’s Bo Touch has a modern design that’s surprisingly eye-catching in person. Everybody needs a trash can, so why not gift them one they won’t mind looking at several times a day for decades? We also like the Bo Touch’s namesake feature: the ability to open and close its lid by lightly pressing it. Brabantia offers the Bo Touch in a handful of configurations, but the one we recommend has a single 9.5-gallon slot for trash. The person you gift this to may be confused initially, but they’ll quickly change their tune.

Most practical tech accessory: SnapPower GuideLight for Outlets

Snap Power

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We’ve all used a phone flashlight to navigate around the house, which is why we’re certain about gifting SnapPower’s GuideLight to just about anybody in your life. The plate attaches to any duplex outlet and has a couple of small, downward-facing LEDs, which get triggered every time somebody walks by. All you need to install the GuideLight is a screwdriver; no previous electrical engineering experience is required. There’s not much to say about the GuideLight, but it’s an incredibly practical tool that’ll fit in anybody’s home.

Best desk lamp: Cricut Bright 360

Cricut

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With four points of articulation and 1,500 lux of adjustable brightness, the Bright 360 Table LED Lamp is a fabulous addition to your workstation whether you’re examining the accents of a project, taking pictures for an online shop, or trying to look less shadowy and/or sallow on a video call. It’s easy to maneuver, offers a range of color temperatures from warm to cool white, and is one of those quick and easy upgrades that make a world of difference. Whether you’re precision-cutting patches or copy-and-pasting paragraphs, you should be able to appreciate all the fine details of your work. And if you’re sitting through yet another online “face-to-face,” you should look your best. This light lets you do all of that and more. Speaking of more, there’s also a floor-lamp variant.

Best under-desk seated elliptical: Cubii MOVE

Cubii

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Ever feel like you’re just shuffling your feet, waiting for people to get back to you or for everyone to join a video conference? Feel like you’re just spinning your wheels, waiting for tech support to figure out what’s wrong with your laptop? Well, you—or your gift recipient—can turn purgatory (or any other time) into a type of productivity with one of the many compact Cubii under-desk elliptical systems. Aimed to help folks “get fit while you sit,” the low-impact apparatus turns fidgeting into function as you activate multiple muscle groups at the pedaling intensity you prefer, thanks to six selectable resistance levels. Whisper-quiet, the MOVE can live underneath your desk for daily use without distracting others but, at under 20 lbs, can also be easily moved if needed.

Best robot vacuum: ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop

ECOVACS

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ECOVACS’ DEEBOT X1 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop can do two annoying chores and does a surprisingly good job making your floors look neat. The vacuum’s sensors allow it to clean around obstacles like chairs, shoes, and walls without bumping into them and will prevent the DEEBOT X1 from falling down a flight of stairs. Additional sensors will know when the robot vacuum has hit a particularly dirty flooring patch and focus its energy there. Once done, the robot vacuum will return to its base to charge, emptying its dirt and dirty water into two chambers in its base. The DEEBOT X1 can be set on a schedule to clean when your friend or family member is out of the house, so they won’t have to hear the whirring sound of a vacuum ever again. Ultimately, this is one of the few smart home tools that will truly save your friend or family member time.

Best over-the-top gift: Kül Water Dispenser

Kül

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If you’re shopping for someone who’s really into health and hydration, or really misses the office experience of gathering around the water cooler to talk about the latest must-see TV, throw caution to the wind and get them the Kül Spark. The $1,500 water purification system can be hooked up to their plumbing and create cold, hot, ambient (room temp), or sparkling water free of over 80 contaminants. Don’t worry, there’s also the option to use a refillable water tank. We’ve tried the Kül Spark for ourselves, and the difference in taste is real. The Kül Spark’s ability to dial in the perfect temperature is equally impressive. A touch-sensitive control panel on the right-hand side of the machine makes it easy to choose which type of beverage you’d like to make or change certain settings. You can even see stats like how long it’s been since you’ve changed your filter, or how full your CO2 cartridges are. Yes, it’s luxe, but the Kül Spark is an incredibly generous gift for anyone who’s overly confident that their kitchen or home office has “everything.”

Best for the bathroom: Kohler Moxie Bluetooth Showerhead

Kohler

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Do you know a bathroom karaoke superstar? Or someone who likes to start their day catching up on podcasts? No gift will make them happier than Kohler’s Moxie Bluetooth Showerhead. Installing it requires you just twist off your old showerhead and spin on the new one, a process that takes two minutes. A waterproof Bluetooth speaker sits in the center of the shower head, pumping out tunes or talk for several hours before needing to be recharged. The speaker was developed by Harman Kardon and sounds pretty good. Importantly, it’s easy to turn on and off with wet and soapy hands. This is one of those gifts they’ll never see coming, and will use every day.

Best note-taking tablet: BOOX Note Air2 Plus

BOOX

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BOOX’s Note Air2 Plus is a large e-ink tablet for reading and note-taking. It’s expensive but well worth the price if you need a big gift for someone whose work or school program requires them to take copious notes. The 10.3-inch e-ink tablet runs Android, so the person you gift it to will have access to download specific apps for reading, note-taking, or opening specific file types like PDFs. Much of this functionality is built into the Note Air2 Plus, but, if they’re already familiar with an app, or need a specific piece of software as part of their workflow, the Note Air2 Plus will accommodate their needs far more than a Kindle or other e-Ink tablet. The tablet comes bundled with a stylus, which was remarkably responsive in our tests, allowing us to confidently write on it without worrying about missing a line or digital pen stroke. This is a very specific gift, but if you know someone who has filled up their fair share of notebooks, and wishes they could take all that information with them, this will become their go-to gadget.

Best surge protector: Austere VII Series Power 8-Outlet 

Austere

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This gift may not immediately impress, but is incredibly important for the home office worker. Austere’s VII Series Power 8-Outlet will protect their equipment in case of a sudden power surge, which could fry their computer, monitor, and other expensive tech accessories. Gifting someone this surge protector could save them thousands of dollars in the long run. We like Austere’s VII Series Power 8-Outlet because of its sturdy construction, seven-year guarantee, and USB ports, which allow you to charge smaller devices without taking up one of the outlets with a power adapter. Is this gift practical? Extremely. But no home office is truly complete without one.

The post The best productivity presents for home and office appeared first on Popular Science.

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Audiophiles are consistently desperate for something new … yet somehow constantly afraid of change. They can be relied upon to lament a headphone’s shortcomings, however minor, then be skeptical when a new model is announced. If that sounds exhausting, it is. Consensus is not a state typically found in these circles. The Sennheiser HD 600 family of open-back reference-level headphones, however, is legendary, and few would argue. Introduced in 1997, the HD 600 established itself as an icon of clinical, crystalline monitoring. In 2003, the HD 650 joined the party, bringing the epitome of smooth musicality. In 2018, Massdrop (now Drop) launched the HD 6XX collaboration, a variant of the HD 650 available for $239 (making it one of the best values in audiophile headphones on the market). Around the same time, the HD 660S retuned performance with precise mids even more nestled in the silky spectrum. This brings us to the new news: The HD 660S2, a revision that promises to address common feedback—not enough hefty bass—though low-distortion low end comes at a higher premium.

Sennheiser

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The HD 660S2 shares the lightweight plastic body of the line, complete with instantly recognizable steel-mesh grilles that let you peer in at the tweaked transducers and admire their airflow. The velour-wrapped foam earpads/headband also remain the same, clamping these jet-black ovals (with their bronze accents) firmly to your head for comfort and clarity. Like all the 600 series, the HD 660S2 offers zero isolation and high leakage, so only consider them if you have a quiet listening station. Presumably, the lush mids remain intact—good news for fans of vocal-rich material.

What has changed in the 660S2 are the impedance (now 300 ohms, vs. 150 ohms for the original) and the voice coil and surround (lighter, lither)—meaning higher magnetic force, heightened speed, a blacker backdrop, and lower resonant frequency. Punchier sub-bass should now extend to 70 Hz (formerly 110 Hz), while grain is said to be reduced between the treble peaks. Another thing the 660S2 achieves: an increased price tag of $599.95.

The approach with Sennheiser’s HD 600 family has always been equals not sequels—no one model is the best, but one can be the best for you. Now, with the HD 660S2, a warmer, smoother, but still natural response could be kicking—provided you have an appropriately powerful, precise signal chain (think accuracy-focused DACs, headphone amps, and/or DAPs, particularly ones with a 4.4mm balanced port). 

Preorders for the Sennheiser HD 660S2 are open, with headphones scheduled to ship Feb. 21. We’re getting a pair in the coming weeks, so check back for our deep dive into this hi-fi headphone’s dramatic depths. 

The post Sennheiser HD 660S2 headphones offer more high-end low end appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Yamaha YH-L700A		SEE IT	Super versatile with an excellent boost of layering and legibility to even low-quality audio.
Best value		Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2		SEE IT	One of the highest quality-to-cost ratios on the market.
Best cinephile		JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System		SEE IT	A multi-layered, immersive soundscape designed for one thing: the ultimate movie-watching experience.

When it comes to gadgets for home theaters, picture gets most of the press—4K, 8K, HDR, OLED, deep blacks, and popping colors—but even the best TVs don’t have good built-in audio, which is where wireless headphones for TV come in. Sound matters, so we’re going to talk about some sound matters. Once you experience a truly great soundscape with your favorite films, shows, or games, you’ll never want to go back. Multi-speaker systems replicate the theater experience best but can be harder to set up in smaller spaces and get very expensive very quickly. Plus, the ground-shaking T. rex steps that get your heart racing might also get your neighbors racing to file a noise complaint. So what’s the answer when space, wallet, or society conspire to deny you the sonic stimulation you so richly deserve? The best wireless headphones for TV, that’s what.

While 10-20 years ago, it would have been silly to suggest a pair of headphones could give you an immersive sound experience with your TV, technology has blessed us with a world of personal listening devices that are tech’d, tuned, and tested to bring the best out of Netflix, Blu-ray, Xbox, etc. Plus, isn’t versatility important? Nobody wants to be tethered to a device without the ability to walk to the kitchen to pop another bag of corn in the microwave while simultaneously staying in your program’s audioverse. To that end, we selected a variety of gear that really brings out the best at your behest. For cinephiles, gamers, and even multi-users, the best wireless headphones for TV offer some compelling, versatile sound experiences at competitive costs.

• Best overall: Yamaha YH-L700A
• Best with transmitter: Sennheiser RS 195 RF
• Best gaming: Astro A50 Wireless Gen 4
• Best noise-canceling: Jabra Elite 85h
• Best cinephile: JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System
• Best earbuds: Sennheiser TV Clear Set
• Best value: Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2
• Best budget: Anker Life Soundcore Q30

How we chose the best wireless headphones for TV

First of all, naturally, we removed all wired headsets from contention. Generally, wired headphones offer better sound than wireless, but that gap is not nearly as wide as it once was. We considered Bluetooth headsets, as well as those that use their own base stations/wireless protocols. Options up and down the budget spectrum were assessed, though none of these headsets hit $1,000 and most are under $500. The list below is an amalgamation of first-hand reviews, recommendations by trusted colleagues, and the consensus of the audio-video press, delineated into categories that can guide you toward cans that can—wireless headphones for TV that fit your unique situation and needs.

The best wireless headphones for TV: Reviews & Recommendations

It’s unlikely you’ll be disappointed with any of the wireless headphones we’ve selected. Even the budget set is quite nice and certainly a huge upgrade if you’re only listening to the built-in sound of your TV’s speakers. The most important thing to note is the exclusive features that each headset has, as the “general sound” and “general use” of all these units is strong. Regardless of which wireless headphones for TV you choose, your ears will thank you for your service to their joy.

Best overall: Yamaha YH-L700A

Markkus Rovito

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Why it made the cut: With features on features, the Yamaha YH-L700A pairs excellent quality sound with modes of listening that make it excellent for TV, gaming, music, and work.

Specs

• Over-ear Bluetooth headphones
• Simulated 3D sound with optional head-tracking
• Active noise-canceling plus Ambient Sound mode
• Listening Optimizer and LIstening Care equalization modes
• Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX Adaptive
• Up to 34 hours of battery life
• Dedicated app for iOS and Android
• Includes carrying case, USB-C cable, audio cable, and flight adapter

Pros

• Clear, crisp sound
• Versatile 3D Sound Field mode sweetens stereo sound signals significantly
• Bluetooth and wired options allow use in the maximum number of set-ups
• Excellent noise-canceling

Cons

• Cinema audio settings aren’t as true-tuned as units rated for Dolby Atmos
• Cups can get quite warm around the ears
• Head-tracking feature doesn’t improve sound experience much

Yamaha is a bit of an old-school name in audio, but the company’s top-tier headphone is packed with the newest technology. What caused this set to edge out our others is its jack-of-all-trades mentality along with great sound and low latency from its high-quality Bluetooth 5.0 connection (featuring the advanced resolution aptX Adaptive codec for compatible Android devices, plus AAC for iPhones). Additionally, The YH-L700A’s seven selectable Sound Fields (among other features we’ve extensively reviewed) can transform any input into an approximation of 3D sound, improving any broadcast or stream even if higher-quality audio options aren’t available. 

The noise-canceling on this pair is quite adept, featuring a range of dynamic filtering modes that are easy to implement. In addition to active noise-canceling, which analyzes and counteracts—as much as possible—environmental sound, Listening Optimizer adjusts equalization on the fly based on the noises around you, boosting levels when the environment would normally pierce through. This is great for rambunctious kids or city noises if you’re an urban dweller. “Listening Care” ensures that important sonic cues aren’t lost at lower volume levels by re-juggling the equalization to pop what needs to pop, and it also differentiates between primary sound and background noise. The Yamaha YH-L700A ends up offering one of the most impressive low-volume listening experiences available.

The headset itself is comfortable, though the ear cups can make quite a warm seal. Luckily, if you overheat and have to run a small fan, the ANC can reduce the whirr while it’s cooling you down. Battery life is robust, reaching 34 hours at less-taxing use. Though being Bluetooth does reduce what these earphones can achieve, the use of aptX Adaptive, a next-gen codec for wireless audio, ensures the best quality sound with the lowest latency possible over the Bluetooth protocol. And Bluetooth does open up a ton of possible uses other than with your TV, such as while walking or exercising, public transit, or computer workstations.

Don’t forget that for the highest-quality sound settings, like those with Blu-ray or the best streams, you’ll need to use the wired connection option on these bad boys, as Bluetooth simply doesn’t have the bandwidth necessary to give you those richest soundscapes. The nice thing about this set though is that even in lower-quality settings, like pure stereo, the 3D modes really add some space and area to the sound in your head, giving a “2.5D” experience. Taking below-average sound and making it sing, that’s the makings of a best in class. If you want to know even more about our favorite set, check out the in-depth review.

Best with transmitter: Sennheiser RS 195 RF

Sennheiser Consumer Audio

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Why it made the cut: Sennheiser is a name synonymous with quality headphones, and these are no exception thanks to their clariy, comfort, and consistent signal via a dedicated transmitter.

Specs

• Over-ear sound-blocking headphones with transmitter/dock
• Three listening presets, including speech mode and music mode
• Optical digital (Toslink) and analog inputs (L/R RCA or 3.5mm) on transmitter/dock
• 330-foot line-of-sight range
• Up to 18 hours of battery life
• Customizable selectable sound profiles

Pros

• Incredible clear sound
• Customizable
• Able to sweeten dialog or music
• Nearly no audio lag thanks to RF technology
• Long battery life with charging dock

Cons

• No Bluetooth compatibility / device-bound
• Somewhat bulky construction
• Not cheap

Sennheiser can be trusted. While some may quibble over what the very best headphones on the market are, Sennheiser’s name is always in the conversation. And it may come as little surprise that a company that makes what we consider to be the best all-in-one soundbar on the market understands how to pair audio with video. So when it comes to headphones built to work with television, the venerable German brand also sets a gold standard. 

The sound quality is really strong, focusing on clarity rather than volume. Sennheiser often markets these particular headphones to customers with hearing issues because of their ability to isolate certain elements of sound, such as dialog, to help listeners who otherwise would need to jack the volume up to hear the characters speaking. The benefit for users who don’t have hearing issues is that you can fully customize the sound levels of not just volume, bass, and treble, but the sweetening of certain elements, and save those settings as a selectable preset.

However, while these are wireless headphones, they’re not portable. The transmitter/dock that connects to the audio source isn’t meant to be taken on the go and there’s no Bluetooth compatibility. The wireless is instead RF (a radio signal) created by the transmitter/dock.  While that limits the devices that it can be used with, it means there’s almost no latency (lag) between the source signal and the sound in your head, so every spoken word and dramatic sound will sync up with the screen. Additionally, there is up to 330 feet of range, even though this set is designed to live with your audio source. If that’s not a dealbreaker, those who want precise, impressive sound inside comfortable, noise-dampening headphones can rest assured that Sennheiser stands above the rest.

An important things to note about the Sennheiser RS195 RF is that it’s not always easy to get. While there is new-in-box product out there, including on Amazon, the high quality and desirability of these now-discontinued headphones mean that there are times when their secondary-market price can be higher than their original MSRP. Despite this, they are still recommended due to their incredible performance, just keep that price in mind. If you want a cheaper alternative, the step-down model, the Sennheiser RS 175 RF, is also sometimes available on Amazon, again with a potentially inflated cost.

Best gaming: Astro A50 Wireless Gen 4

ASTRO Gaming

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Why it made the cut: Game soundscapes have come a long way from 8-bit beeps and boops, and so have headsets like this specifically calibrated one that gives you 3D sound and maybe even a competitive advantage.

Specs

• Two models: One compatible with PS4 and PS5, and the other with Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
• Both models compatible with PC and Mac
• Over-ear headphones with transmitter/charging dock
• Dolby Audio compatible / Dolby Atmos available with Xbox model
• 3D sound compatible with Windows Sonic
• Customization software available with Xbox One, PC, and Mac
• 15 hours of battery life
• Built-in auto-mute-when-lifted boom mic

Pros

• Nearly no lag on wireless sound
• Supports lower-end surround sound modes (5.1)
• Included mic is strong quality, for communication while gaming
• Dolby Atmos support with Xbox version

Cons

• No universal version
• Battery life could be longer
• Command Center software has some issues on Windows 11 (though this will probably get fixed)

Gamers know the power of great headsets. Competitive games test your eyes, your hand reflexes, and even your ears. The higher the quality of your sound, the more easily you can pinpoint the location of the enemy from his gunfire sounds. Then you can dominate him easily, and isn’t that what it’s all about? And you don’t have to spend hundreds (though you easily can if you snag Master & Dynamic MG20 or Audeze Penrose X).

The Astro A50 comes in two models. Both offer compatibility with PC and Mac, but you need separate versions for the Xbox family of consoles and the PlayStation family. The Xbox version offers an advantage over the PlayStation with Dolby Atmos 3D sound support (the feature requires you sign up for a subscription but there’s a voucher included that gives you some time for free). Both Astro A50 headsets give you great clarity and placement and communicate quickly with the base station, resulting in nearly no lag—key for gaming. The mic is a flip-down boom-type that auto-mutes when flipped up, meaning you don’t have to stare at it if you’re using these headphones to listen to some streaming media through your console instead of playing a game. In a competitive gaming headset space, there are better wired options out there, but no better wireless options than the Astro A50.

Best noise-canceling: Jabra Elite 85h

Jabra

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Why it made the cut: Fit and filter are important for noise-canceling and the Jabra Elite 85h has those covered.

Specs

• Over-ear Bluetooth Headphones
• Four choices of color
• Active noise canceling
• SmartSound audio adjusts in response to ambient sounds
• 36 hours battery life
• 5 hours of battery charged in 15 minutes via USB-C
• High-quality on-cup 8-microphone array for calls
• Optional 3.5mm cable

Pros

• Superior noise-canceling
• Excellent built-in microphone array
• Multiple color choices for the fashion-conscious
• Water-resistant for additional use outdoors

Cons

• Sound quality overall not as good as competitors
• Bluetooth connection can occasionally result in some slight lag
• Lacks support for some higher-end codecs for music

Noise-canceling is very important for some users and is the feature they most consider when purchasing a new set of wireless headphones. The Jabra Elite 85h has some of the best active noise-canceling on the market, using an algorithm to analyze your environment and then generate counterwaves that remove the outside world’s noises and letting you get lost in the movie or music. Connection is via Bluetooth 5.0, which means there can sometimes be lag, but typically the delay is not bad. Though perhaps not particularly important to many TV users, the Elite 85h has one of the most impressive built-in microphone sets, coupled with filtering technology, and pairing this with a phone results in some incredibly muffle-free calls, a rarity with wireless headsets (and handy if you’re on the phone with a friend/client while you watch the YouTube/TikTok they just sent you).

The Jabra Elite 85h comes in a variety of professional finishes if aesthetic choices are also part of your decision-making process when it comes to new headphones. And this does mean they’ll look good in the office, where that noise-canceling shines as you sit in on video calls/presentations. These headphones are also all-stars in a noisy household, giving the user a little slice of their own world amongst the chaos. Battery life is up to 36 hours, which is a lot of series binging. For those who need the sanctity of discreet sound, Jabra offers the best experience and an oasis for one.

Best cinephile: JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System

JVC

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Why it made the cut: Truly focused, the JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System is not just a set of headphones, but also a sonic processor, meaning you get the truest cinema-spec sound beamed straight to your head.

Specs

• Over-ear headphones with set-top processor
• Reproduces 7.1.4-channel theater audio within headphones 
• DTS:X and Dolby Atmos compatible
• Supports Up-mixing of 2-channel and 5.1-channel material to 7.1.4 channels
• App with customization options calibrates your experience
• 12-hour battery life

Pros

• Theater sound in headphones
• Amazing range and dynamic sound
• Offers sound that is simply not attainable on other headphones
• App, once it works, offers amazing customization and calibration

Cons

• Most expensive item on our list
• Difficult to set up and optimize
• Difficult to connect components in a way that maximizes all of them

The JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System is designed to do only one thing, and it does that thing very well: producing a theater-style multichannel soundfield within headphones. The vast majority of headphones on our list cannot process true object-based sound, but rather offer extremely high-quality stereo sound that, while lovely to listen to, is not going to have the depth or location that the Exofield offers. Using a 2.4GHz/5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi connection to transfer full-fidelity cinema sound between the set-top unit and headphones, the Exofield system brings realism and surrealism in the way it delivers a spacious, immersive experience through its 40mm drivers. The main drawback of this incredible piece of technology, other than it requiring space on or in your credenza, is that it is finicky to set up and to communicate with other devices. 

Set up is a bit arduous, involving taking measurements, and it can potentially error out, forcing you to restart the process. The choice of marrying many of the options to an app could backfire in the future if an update breaks the software or the app gets delisted and you need to download it to a new device. Setting up the transmitter correctly—patching through the right inputs/outputs (don’t forget those HDMI cables) to ensure all your components work correctly on your screen—can be a difficult task, though, usually, a unit like this assumes the end-user doesn’t need much handholding when it comes to A/V. It’s just important to consider how plug-and-play things truly are when buying a nearly-$1,000 audio system. While the sound is amazing and near-flawless when optimized, offering a surreal experience of over a half-dozen points of sound inside headphones, getting there may be a battle; a battle that’s absolutely worth it if you’re a cinephile. The bass kicks, the dialog sparkles, and you’ll hear elements within your movie soundscapes that were literally inaudible on TV speakers.

Best earbuds: Sennheiser TV Clear Set

Sennheiser

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Why it made the cut: Lose the headband but keep the same high-quality Sennheiser sound with these TV-ready earbuds.

Specs

• In-ear headphones
• Speech clarity, ambient awareness, and passive noise cancellation settings
• App with customization options
• Bluetooth or TV transmitter connection
• Optional 3.5mm cable
• 15-hour battery life

Pros

• Qi wireless charging compatible
• Great for people with glasses
• Speech clarity mode choices are unmatched

Cons

• Expensive

Those with glasses—or those who hate the feeling of wearing headphones—can find on-ear headphones difficult to comfortably wear. The TV Clear set from Sennheiser solves that problem by packing high-quality sound into lightweight earbuds that are practically unnoticeable while you sport them. Choose from five different speech clarity settings for clearer dialogue—it’s like turning up the brightness on a Game of Thrones episode, but with sound.

True wireless earbuds, TV Clear can connect with tablets, laptops, or smartphones, and can be used to make and receive calls. But what sets these 6.9g ‘buds apart is you can use the included transmitter with your TV to set your own preferred earbud volume while family and/or guests watch at the sound level of their choice. You can use an app to personalize your TV-watching experience with five speech clarity levels of up to 20 dB of high-frequency amplification; in addition, the app can help you find the earbuds if they fall into a couch, etc. And, the transmitter’s low latency keeps audio and video in sync. Ambient awareness allows you to hear your surroundings while you watch, meaning you can hear if the popcorn’s done or if your kid is trying to sneak back in the house.

And, you can pair as many Bluetooth headphones to the connector as you like. The 15-hour battery life (with an additional 22 added by the case) means you can get through a quarter of a Love Island season without taking a pause. No headband, no problem.

Best value: Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2

Poly (Plantronics + Polycom)

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Why it made the cut: It always feels good to stretch a dollar and the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 is the best choice if the idea of a “pound-for-pound” champion—rather than the baddest headphones on the planet—rings true for you.

Specs

• Over-ear headphones with Bluetooth wireless
• On-demand active noise-canceling 
• Optional 3.5mm cable connection
• 33 (Bluetooth 2) or 330-foot (Bluetooth 1) range
• Up to 24 hours of battery life
• 3 hour charge time (via micro-USB)

Pros

• Excellent sound for the money
• Comfortable and cool styling
• Bluetooth means it can be used not only with TV but also with other devices
• Battery life is long and strong

Cons

• Active noise-canceling isn’t a strong point
• Charge time could be quicker
• May experience slight lag with Bluetooth

Money comes and goes, but great sound is forever, or so they say. OK, maybe we’re the only one saying it, but that doesn’t make it less true. If you don’t want to spring for one of our more expensive choice but you still want great sound, the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 is one of the best options on the market. While it doesn’t reach the richness of the Yamaha YH-L700A or Sennheiser RS 195 RF above, the sound quality is strong. With a price-point comparable to the more popular but less impressive Beats headphones, you’ll get much better sound at different ranges than Beats, which are so heavy on bass that an action movie may be unbalanced and overwhelming. 

Despite being a Bluetooth device, the latency isn’t bad, and any lag is usually short enough to be imperceptible. Battery life is impressive, measuring a full day, and while charging time isn’t particularly quick, it’s not laborious either at 3 hours. These headphones feature active noise-canceling, a program that digitally filters outside noise to offer a better listening experience. Sadly, this is one of the Backbeat Pro’s weaknesses. The ANC isn’t particularly sophisticated and really can only remove consistent sounds, like a droning fan or device hum. Quick or piercing sounds will still make their way through. However, given the comfort, versatility, and sound quality at a more-than-reasonable sub-$200 price point, the Backbeat Pro 2 is hard to fault for this slight shortcoming. 

Best budget: Anker Life Soundcore Q30

Soundcore

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Why it made the cut: While its sound can’t compare with its competitors, the Anker Soundcore Q30’s price blows them all away, making them a great backup set or quick replacement.

Specs

• Over-ear Bluetooth Headphones
• Noise-canceling
• 40 hours battery life
• 4 hours of battery on a 5-minute charge
• EQ app allows for customization

Pros

• Low price
• Excellent battery life
• Features some noise-canceling via pre-sets
• Anker is known for good customer support

Cons

• Sound is budget-level
• Needs app for best calibration
• Ear cups are very small

Sometimes, the dollar is almighty. If you’re looking to get serviceable wireless headphones for under $100, the answer is the same as it often is in the budget tech space: Anker. A company that started with batteries and has expanded into almost every accessory even remotely connected to computers/smartdevices, Anker is known for low-price products that don’t feel low-price, coupled with helpful and hassle-free customer support. The Anker Life Soundcore Q30—a slightly older model than the current Q35 that saves you $50—is exactly what you expect from the company: a solid if unspectacular headset that includes a few surprising features but mostly, most importantly, understands the assignment. 

The surprising feature here is a form of noise-canceling. While not nearly on the level of the Jabra Elite 85h above, there are three presets that can determine how ambient sound is filtered. Fiddling through these can definitely improve your listening experience. Additional customization and equalization (EQ) is available by pairing the headphones with a phone or tablet and using an app. For TV, these headphones aren’t going to blow you away. They don’t support multichannel audio, so you’ll only be able to listen in stereo. But if $100 is your budgetary ceiling, the Anker Life Soundcore Q30 is a serviceable, portable option to listen to your TV’s audio solely between your own ears.

What to consider before buying the best wireless headphones for TV

Before even considering wireless headphones for TV, you’ll want to think about your reasons for choosing them over other sound options. If you live alone in a home that shares no walls with other people, the pull of wireless headphones is more for their versatility outside of using them with your TV and you’ll likely want to get a pair that uses Bluetooth for its connection, as it will allow you to pair the headphones with a phone or computer as well as with your TV. If this aspect of the headphones doesn’t appeal to you, you can achieve better sound with a multi-speaker system with wireless surround sound and comparable audio with a high-quality soundbar, like one with Dolby Atmos capabilities.

However, if privacy for yourself or consideration for a coinhabitant or neighbor are chief considerations for your sound set-up, headphones are the best choice. Even headphones that are not considered “noise-canceling” will isolate your ears and allow you to experience blow-me-away booms without bothering anyone but those in close proximity. As for what is lost in the transition from multi-speaker/soundbar to headphones, the good news is that it isn’t much. The richness of the sound may falter a bit compared to a more powerful system, but multi-channel, deep soundscapes can be replicated within headphones quite adeptly, using multiple small speakers within the headphone earcup.

The last thing to consider is what your most common TV uses are. If you’re into 4K Blu-rays, cinema-quality sound spec compatibility is really key for a good pair of headphones. DTS (formerly Digital Theater Systems, now just an acronym with no nym) has DTS:X—a sound setting that allows greater “location” within the soundscape. FoDTS:Xr example, let’s say a character in a movie on one side of the screen shoots a bullet toward a character on the other. DTS:X-compatible headphones receiving a DTS:X signal will do a much, much better job of placing the sound of the gun going off, moving the bullet sound across the headphones, and producing the impact in the correct place on the other side. 

Dolby Atmos, a competing sound spec, does essentially the same thing, treating sounds as “objects” assigned a spot within a 360-degree sphere around the listener. Headphones that create these sorts of soundscapes, that can simulate height as well as horizontal motion, will seem much more immersive than simple 5- or 7-channel speaker systems (much as those settings will sound better than simple stereo). Meanwhile, if you’re a gamer, very specific placement of sounds is useful for competitive 3D games, giving you a better clue of where to move your avatar to mow down your enemies. Additionally, a quality microphone for communicating with online teammates, as well as good blending and delineation between game audio and voice channels, helps the gaming experience.

Can wireless headphones replace a multi-speaker sound system?

Replace is a tough word to use. The truth is, if your living situation allows a high-end multi-speaker system and you can afford one, that is what is going to produce the very best, most impressive sound experience. However, not everyone has the ideal circumstances that allow this. And while they won’t stand up to the top of the line, a really nice pair of headphones designed for TV viewing are going to be better than a mediocre multi-speaker system (or an incomplete multi-speaker system). More importantly, you can use and enjoy a pair of headphones in literally any case: small apartment, busy family home, or by yourself in your gigantic mansion. The sound quality will be high and enveloping. Some people, especially those with hearing issues, may find headphones easier to calibrate for comfortable bass, treble, and volume levels without losing ambient or background sound. Headphones are not a replacement, they’re an alternate experience, and one that may be better for your particular needs.

What else can I do with my wireless headphones?

Some of these wireless headphones use their own wireless signals through a unit that is plugged into your wired inputs on your TV. Headphones that use their own system, rather than the more universal Bluetooth, tend to have much lower latency. Latency is the delay between a signal being sent and received. When listening to music, latency can be annoying—it can make moving through tracks seem sluggish, for example—but it doesn’t really ruin the listening experience the way audio that doesn’t sync with a TV can. However, these plug-in receivers are not going to be as portable or adaptable to different listening situations as a Bluetooth unit will.

With a Bluetooth headset, feel free to pair it with your phone or laptop and take it with you on the go. For the plug-in receiver sets, you’ll likely end up using the headphones almost exclusively with your TV. However, a good pair of headphones is going to be useful for movies, streaming, and gaming. While some features relevant to the specific use may not be available in all units, everything we reviewed performs “above average” in all of these categories, which will be the three most common signals coming out of your TV.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best wireless headphones for TV

There are a lot of choices to make once you’ve made the choice to get a set of the best wireless headphones for TV. Remember to adjust your headphones out of the box, both by changing the headphones’ settings and your TV or receiver’s settings to find the sweet spot for your ears. Everyone can be different and the “default” settings—whether it be the picture on a screen or the sound emanating from it—are not always the ideal. Happy listening.

The post The best wireless headphones for TV of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		SteelSeries Arctis 5		SEE IT	The SteelSeries Arctis 5 brings upscale features to the budget gaming headset party.
Best wired		HyperX Cloud Alpha		SEE IT	The HyperX Cloud Alpha is a perennial gaming headset pick, thanks to its strong build and stronger sound.
Best wireless		SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless		SEE IT	The SteelSeries Arctis 1 features a dongle with USB-A and USB-C support, making it a great fit for most consoles and PC.

When you’re looking to spend $100 or less on a gaming headset, it’s best to keep things simple. At this price, you can find a very simple headset with decent speakers and a solid microphone, but the quality isn’t a given. Most budget headsets that we really like tend to rely on a simple wired connection via a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is universal across PC, phones, and every game console. There are also some wireless options in the mix but don’t expect audio processing features or best-in-class battery life. Even with a budget limited to $100, you can find an excellent gaming headset for everything from competitive gaming to streaming to simple video calls. The best gaming headsets under $100 offer reliable basics for less.

• Best overall: SteelSeries Arctis 5
• Best wired: HyperX Cloud Alpha
• Best wireless: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
• Best Bluetooth: Logitech G435 Lightspeed Bluetooth Wireless
• Best value: HyperX Cloud Stinger
• Best for Xbox: Xbox Wireless Headset
• Best for PlayStation: Sony Pulse 3D Wireless
• Best for PCs: Logitech G433

How we picked the best gaming headsets under $100

To pick the best gaming headsets under $100, we leveraged our collective audio expertise at PopSci, as well as professional reviews and consumer impressions from across the internet. We considered the myriad of qualities that go into the perfect gaming headset, including comfort, connectivity, intuitive controls, and, most of all, clear audio. We focused on offerings from the most popular, reliable brands, to ensure that picking a less expensive headset means simple, rather than low-quality.

As a critic covering games and related gear for Popular Mechanics and NBC Select, I have tested and reviewed tons of gaming headsets and peripherals. I am constantly looking to optimize my equipment for both professional and personal comfort.

The best gaming headsets under $100: Reviews & Recommendations

The best gaming headsets under $100 come from a few big-name gaming and peripheral brands, namely SteelSeries, HyperX, and Logitech. All of them deliver quality audio and long-lasting comfort. Your preference will depend on design elements like connectivity, controls, and form factor.

Best overall: SteelSeries Arctis 5

SteelSeries

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Arctis 5 offers impressive USB features on both PC and PlayStation while still being widely compatible thanks to solid 3.5mm connectivity.

Specs

• Connectivity: USB-A, 3.5mm audio cable
• Compatibility: PC, PS5, and PS4 via USB, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and mobile via 3.5mm cable
• Microphone: Bidirectional, noise-canceling, retractable
• Weight: 277g
• Battery Life: N/A

Pros

• Wide compatibility with USB and 3.5mm
• In-line physical audio mixer
• Retractable microphone

Cons

• Microphone does not mute when retracted

SteelSeries’s Arctis line includes options for every price point and feature set. Many of them are the best in class, regardless of their competition. Case in point, the Arctis 5 carries many of SteelSeries’ more luxurious features without the premium price tag.

More specifically, PC and PlayStation 4 users can connect the headset over USB to use DTS Headphone:X 2.0 virtual surround sound, enhancing gameplay with immersive spatial audio. (On PS5, all headsets get positional audio through the console’s Tempest 3D audio.) The USB connection also lets you use its inline “ChatMix” dial makes audio adjustment easy, adjusting game and voice volume instantly.

While you’ll get the most out of it on PC and PlayStation, the Arctis 5 works perfectly well on Xbox and Nintendo Switch over a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing a comfortable listening experience with balanced audio and a clear microphone. The Arctis 5 isn’t our favorite SteelSeries headset—for that, check out the Arctis 9—but it’s a strong option you can get on the cheap.

Best wired: HyperX Cloud Alpha

HyperX

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Buy it used or refurbished: Amazon

Why it made the cut: With an excellent design and clear mic audio, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is the epitome of quality and affordability.

Specs

• Connectivity: 3.5mm audio cable
• Compatibility: PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, mobile
• Microphone: Bidirectional, noise-canceling, detachable
• Weight: 298g
• Battery Life: N/A

Pros

• Durable build
• Excellent microphone
• Wide compatibility

Cons

• Lacks additional features

There is something to be said for getting a headset that just works. Regardless of what it’s plugged into, the HyperX Cloud Alpha delivers long-lasting comfort, clear audio, and excellent communication.

While it doesn’t have a standout special feature, its sturdy construction ensures that the comfort and quality sound won’t fade for many years. The adjustable aluminum frame feels solid and durable, and alongside the comfortable leatherette padding, feels comfortable during long gaming sessions or virtual get-togethers.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha also features an excellent detachable noise-canceling microphone, especially for this price range. Microphone quality is often overlooked in headsets in this price range, so even subtle improvements really stand out.

For PC players who like the sound of the HyperX Cloud Alpha, we recommend spending a little extra to pick up the USB-enabled HyperX Cloud Alpha S, which opens the door for virtual 7.1 surround sound and an inline controller to the mix. It costs just over $100, but it’s worth the extra spend.

Best wireless: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless

SteelSeries

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless brings low-latency 2.4GHz wireless connectivity and wide-ranging compatibility, making it one of the best wireless headsets for people using multiple devices.

Specs

• Connectivity: USB-C wireless dongle, 3.5mm audio cable
• Compatibility: PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and mobile via wireless dongle, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One via 3.5mm cable
• Microphone: Bidirectional, noise-canceling, detachable
• Weight: 252g
• Battery Life: 20 hours

Pros

• Low-latency 2.4GHz wireless
• USB-A and USB-C connectivity
• Balanced sound signature

Cons

• Poor headband padding

When picking a wireless headset, cross-compatibility is a major issue. The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless mitigates this as much as possible by offering a wide range of wireless and wired connection options. Like our top pick, the SteelSeries Arctis 5, it features a low-latency 2.4Ghz wireless dongle that can connect via USB-C or USB-A via an included adapter. This dual coverage expands the range of devices it can connect to via wireless, including the Nintendo Switch and Android devices with USB-C. This feature alone makes the Arctis 1 Wireless an easy budget headset recommendation.

Outside of connectivity, the Arctis 1 Wireless has a utilitarian design with few bells and whistles For example, it lacks the self-adjusting headband found on higher-end Arctis headsets, so you may feel its weight on your head moreover long stretches. That said, it sounds perfectly serviceable and will let you get your point across clearly, no strings attached.

Best Bluetooth: Logitech G435 Lightspeed Bluetooth Wireless

Logitech G

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The incredibly lightweight Logitech G435 is comfortable for gaming, remote work, and anything in between.

Specs

• Connectivity: USB-A wireless dongle, Bluetooth 
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS5, and PS4 via wireless dongle, Nintendo Switch and mobile via Bluetooth 
• Microphone: Dual-beamforming mic array
• Weight: 165g
• Battery Life: 18 hours

Pros

• Incredibly lightweight
• Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity
• Fun color options

Cons

• Average sound quality

In Popular Science’s Logitech G435 review, we said that the headset may not have top-of-the-line sound but it exceeds expectations everywhere else. It is one of the lightest headsets around, often weighing 100 grams less than its competitors. (That’s a lot; many of our picks weigh between 200 and 300 grams.)

Lightweight and colorful, the Logitech G435 is an easy, breezy option for casual play. It offers a dongle-based Wi-Fi connection for console and PC players. The ability to switch between the two gives players the freedom to play where they want, when they want. One small caveat: The G435 relies on a multi-mic beamforming array, like you’d find in many wireless Bluetooth headphones, rather than a boom mic. It works quite well, though doesn’t isolate your voice as well as other headset mics.

Best value: HyperX Cloud Stinger

HyperX

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Buy it used or refurbished: Amazon

Why it made the cut: For just $50, the HyperX Cloud Stingers provide the essentials: a comfortable fit, wide-ranging compatibility, and clear listening and microphone audio.

Specs

• Connectivity: 3.5mm audio cable
• Compatibility: PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, mobile
• Microphone: Unidirectional, noise-canceling
• Weight: 275g
• Battery Life: N/A

Pros

• Very affordable
• Widely compatible
• Ample padding

Cons

• Non-detachable mic and cable
• Bulky

For just $50, it doesn’t get any better than the HyperX Cloud Stinger. It’s a bit bulky and the plastic doesn’t feel great, but you’re getting a competent-sounding headset for less than the cost of a new AAA game.

Like its mid- and high-end counterparts from HyperX, the Cloud Stinger maintains a comfortable fit with top-band and earcup ample padding. Its bass-centric sound follows the classic gaming headset mix. It isn’t the height of audio precision but it gets the job done given its price.

Despite its affordable price tag, the Cloud Stingers manage to cram in one luxury feature: a sliding boom mic that automatically mutes when you lift it away from your mouth (this isn’t an uncommon feature but very helpful when you can’t detach your mic). Many companies have a similarly no-frills headset at this price point, but HyperX’s overall quality as a brand makes it a safe choice for any player.

Best for Xbox: Xbox Wireless Headset

Microsoft

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: Xbox’s newest headset has a robust feature-set and intuitive controls.

Specs

• Connectivity: Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth
• Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One via Xbox Wireless, PC and mobile via USB-C and Bluetooth
• Microphone: Unclassified dual mic array on a built-in boom arm
• Weight: 312g
• Battery Life: 15 hours

Pros

• Easy pairing with Xbox
• Three connectivity options
• Intuitive controls

Cons

• No 3.5mm connectivity

The days of Microsoft’s tiny, one-sided Xbox 360 headsets are long gone. The current Xbox Wireless Headset is a worthy wireless headset for most players, especially those of us on a budget.

Comfortable, robust, and convenient, the Xbox Wireless Headset can connect wirelessly to Xbox Series and Xbox One consoles without a wireless dongle via Xbox Wireless, the company’s proprietary wireless standard. Its bass-heavy sound amps up action games, while its clear and even microphone helps you stay in touch during co-op play.

With the Xbox Accessories app, you can adjust sound equalization, mic levels, and add virtual Windows Sonic surround sound— features usually reserved for PC users. You can also adjust the sound balance on the fly with the rotating dials on each earcup: right for volume adjustment and left for game and chat balance. After a long stretch without a strong first-party headset, the Xbox Wireless Headset is an easy selection for players who want an easy audio solution on Xbox One, Series S, or Series X.

Best for PlayStation: Sony Pulse 3D Wireless

PlayStation

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Buy it used or refurbished: Amazon

Why it made the cut: Designed to showcase the PS5’s immersive 3D audio, Sony’s Pulse 3D Wireless is a great companion to the PlayStation’s more immersive single-player video games.

Specs

• Connectivity: USB-A wireless dongle, 3.5mm audio cable
• Compatibility: PC, PS5, and PS4 via wireless dongle, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and mobile via 3.5mm cable.
• Microphone: Dual noise-canceling mic array
• Weight: 294g
• Battery Life: 12 hours

Pros

• Emphasizes PS5 Tempest 3D audio
• Wired and wireless connectivity
• Simple setup

Cons

• Short battery life
• Underwhelming microphone

PlayStation’s Pulse 3D wireless headset is a very solid headset for its price. Designed to pair with the PlayStation 5’s Tempest 3D audio technology, which adds 3D audio to any headset, it enhances the immersive soundscapes of PlayStation’s impressive exclusives, such as Horizon Forbidden West and Spider-Man: Miles Morales.

Design-wise, the Pulse 3D looks sleek and curvy, matching the PS5’s aesthetic. Despite the PS5-focused feature set, this headset does support wide-ranging connectivity with its USB wireless dongle and 3.5mm cable. 

The Pulse 3D is one of the best PS5 headsets, largely thanks to immersive Tempest 3D audio. But be warned: Its rounded ear cups are not a great fit for folks with larger ears.

Best for PCs: Logitech G433

Logitech G

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: For around $70, the Logitech G433 offers a versatile wired headset that’s easily customizable and well-suited to a wide range of media content, from games to TV shows.

Specs

• Connectivity: USB-A, 3.5mm audio cable
• Compatibility: PC via USB, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and mobile via 3.5mm cable
• Microphone: Unidirectional, noise-canceling, detachable
• Weight: 259g
• Battery Life: N/A

Pros

• Customizable via Logitech software
• Virtual surround sound
• USB and 3.5mm connectivity

Cons

• Weak noise isolation

More than other applications, PC gaming headsets need to be versatile. Potentially your primary audio source for everything you do on a computer, it needs to sound good while gaming, listening to music, watching videos, and anything else that comes up. Logitech’s G433 is a well-rounded PC recommendation with solid customization options and even-keeled sound.

The G433 sounds more balanced than many of the gaming headsets on this list. Rather than bumping up the bass, it features a relatively flat mix that’s fitting for games and music alike. Using Logitech’s G HUB software, you can tweak settings like virtual DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound, audio equalization, and custom sound profiles for different game types or tasks. Clear audio, combined with an affordable price, makes the Logitech G433 a great choice for PC users.

What to consider before buying the best gaming headsets under $100

Shopping for a gaming headset can be tricky. Their specs often don’t translate into a reasonable understanding of how music or games sound through their speakers. Luckily, picking a headset in the lower, sub-$100 price range narrows the field quite a bit. Here are some factors you should keep in mind when picking your next:

Is it compatible with your system(s)?

Many gaming headsets are not universally compatible across PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles. If a headset connects to a game console via USB or wirelessly, chances are that you need to buy the version that caters to your devices specifically. Make sure you know where and how you’ll connect your headset, so you can be sure you’re buying a device that works as intended.

Luckily, many of the top options in the sub-$100 budget headset range support a wired, 3.5mm connection. While it doesn’t allow for advanced controls and features, a 3.5mm will work on any device with a headphone jack. If you have many consoles and want to use one headset for everything, a 3.5mm headphone jack is the way to go.

Wired or wireless?

Wireless gaming headsets let you ditch the cables and give yourself a clutter-free gaming space. They give you the freedom to position yourself without worrying about cables connecting to your console, PC, or controller.

While that’s an obvious advantage, wired headsets have perks as well. What they lack in premium features and software customization they make up for in simplicity. As we mentioned, you don’t need to worry about what console you own when buying one. Also, wireless headsets require battery power, which means they need to be charged.

If you opt for a wireless headset, make sure you look for one with solid battery life. On more expensive headsets, we recommend 20 hours or better, but for a budget headset you may need to be more flexible. If you plan to connect to a console or gaming PC, we recommend relying exclusively on a Wi-Fi connection enabled through a USB receiver dongle. Many headsets support Bluetooth wireless, but the connection generates more audio lag than you want for most games. That said, we recommend Bluetooth headsets for smartphones, as most receiver dongles require a USB-A port.

Comfort

You want your headset to be comfortable, especially if you plan on using it for long gaming sessions. Every headset allows you to adjust it in some way to ensure the earcups line up with your ears so it fits correctly. Some headsets feel better than others when properly adjusted, though. The best gaming headsets feel balanced on your head, without weighing you down. They don’t move when you shake your head, but they don’t grip too tight, either.

During long gaming sessions, a heavy headset can start to feel uncomfortable, particularly against the top of the head. A lighter headset will weigh on you less but that isn’t the only solution or even the best one. A design that distributes the weight of the headset across your head can make even a heavy headset wearable for many hours.

Proper padding can also make all the difference. Most gaming headsets use some form of memory foam padding in the earcups, and often under the top band of the headset. You’ll often see the most padding in the ears and top band of a headset. Some top bands feature a strip of an elastic material called “floating” or suspended headband that evenly distributes the weight across the top of your head. Suspended headbands usually work better than simple padding. Both ways, however, can produce a very comfortable headset.

The padding that covers the pads can matter just as much as the padding itself. The padding is usually covered with either a mesh fabric or synthetic leather called leatherette. There are good arguments for both materials, so it all comes down to what you feel comfortable in.

How do you want your headset to sound?

Gaming headsets may look similar, but they can sound very different. Depending on the product, you can enjoy a bass-heavy, immersive soundscape or a warm, neutral one. Many headsets come with software that allows for equalization and virtual surround sound.

While audio quality in gaming headsets has improved dramatically over the past two console generations, optimizing for audio quality will lead you to spend more than $100 on a headset. Our list ensures you get the best possible basics, but fans of high-fidelity audio or 7.1 surround sound will want to shop for the best gaming headsets, including more audiophile-grade options like the Audeze Mobius, Audeze Penrose, or Master & Dynamic MG20, which can cost several hundred dollars.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best gaming headsets under $100

The best gaming headsets under $100 punch far above their price point, delivering simple, high-quality audio and communication. Whether you’re gaming on a console or PC, a great headset allows for easy listening and clear communication. There’s always room for improvement but you don’t need to spend a ton to find something good enough to play games with friends worry-free.

The post The best gaming headsets under $100 of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

If you or your partner love music, take advantage of beyerdynamic’s Better Together sale, which kicks off just before Valentine’s Day. This sale, which runs through Feb. 15, includes deep discounts on many of the legendary German audio systems brand’s latest headphones and earbuds, which fit in perfectly whether you’re into professional sound design, gaming, or just luxurious listening. There’s something for every type of listener at various price points. Additionally, many headphones and earbuds can be bundled with an accessory, like a charging cable or wireless adapter, for a lower price.

We’ve reviewed a few of beyerdynamic’s headphones and microphones over the past couple of years and have always come away impressed. In fact, the very models we’ve tested are currently discounted as part of this sale. You’ll find details about all of the deals currently active below, but the $70 discount beyerdynamic is offering on its Free BYRD true wireless earbuds stood out among the rest.

beyerdynamic Free BYRD $229 (Was $299)

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The Free BYRDs are Beyerdynamic’s answer to the AirPods Pro, and they stack up nicely against Apple’s latest earbuds. A big part of the Free BYRD’s appeal is an excellent fit. If you’ve had trouble with gummy-tipped earbuds falling out of your ears, beyerdynamic has you covered. The Free BYRDs are very comfortable in the ear, so—combining fit with excellent battery life—you should be able to get through an entire day of work or cross-country flight without feeling excessive pressure or ear fatigue.

We were impressed by both the earbuds’ audio quality and active noise cancellation during our tests. Music, podcasts, and audiobooks sounded detailed, and we couldn’t detect sibilance or overpowered bass while listening. Beyerdynamic offers a free mobile app that allows you to manually adjust their EQ to your taste, which is a nice touch. If you want to wear earbuds to block distracting sounds in an office, home office, or on your commute, the Free BYRDs are an excellent option. You’d be hard-pressed to find a pair of earbuds that can best their active-noise cancellation performance in the sub-$200 price range. Beyerdynamic’s limited-time sale makes the Free BYRDs even more affordable, so if you’re looking for an audio upgrade, don’t wait too long. In a couple of weeks, this price must be traveling on now.

Here are more of our favorite (buyer)dynamic deals available during this limited-time event:

The best Beyerdynamic headphones deals

• beyerdynamic TYGR 300 R, $179 (Was $299.99)
• beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, $139 (Was $259)
• beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X, $259 (Was $349)
• beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X, $259 (Was $349)
• beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO, $499 (Was $649)
• beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO, $499 (Was $649)
• beyerdynamic T5, $899 (Was $1,299)
• beyerdynamic T1, $899 (Was $1,299)

The best Beyerdynamic earphones deals

• beyerdynamic Xelento Wireless Audiophone In-ear Headphones, $1,199 (Was $1,399)
• beyerdynamic Xelento Remote Audiophone In-ear Headphones, $999 (Was $1,199)

The best Beyerdyanmic speaker deals

• beyerdynamic Space Wireless Bluetooth Speakerphone, $179 (Was $279)

The post Share the joy of personal audio during beyerdynamic’s ‘Better Together’ sale appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		Focal Utopia 2022		SEE IT	Sheer audio opulence, with a price tag to match.
Best audiophile		Sennheiser HD 800 S		SEE IT	Reference-quality cans beloved by audio engineers and audiophiles alike.
Best noise-cancellation		Sony WH-1000XM5		SEE IT	Upgrades and refinements make these the wireless model to beat.

For many people, headphones have become a necessity in their daily lives. As more workers settle into remote roles, headphones are becoming home-office staples for blocking out distractions and piping in colleagues. A growing number of content creators, from podcasters to musicians, rely on headphones to help them produce their best work in shared spaces. And, of course, some people just use them for pure transportive pleasure, as a means to decompress after the demands of the day. The best headphones provide an immersive aural escape, whether you’re bringing your entertainment along on your commute, fueling your workout, focusing at your desk, or just relaxing at home, luxuriating in your favorite songs.

• Best open-back headphones: Focal Utopia 2022
• Best closed-back headphones: Focal Stellia
• Best audiophile headphones: Sennheiser HD 800 S
• Best planar-magnetic headphones: HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version
• Best noise-canceling headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5
• Best mixing headphones: beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

How we chose the best headphones

We spend a lot of time at Popular Science musing over facts and figures, but music is probably a close second when it comes to what’s on our minds. With all our Slack sessions sharing song suggestions fresh in our memories, we started our list of the best headphones based on our personal experience with the best over-ear headphones. We then polled peers about their favorite headphones for music, parsed through critical reviews and user impressions, and narrowed it down to what we believe are headphones that can appeal to the widest range of listeners without pandering to any single type of tonality other than awesome.

The best headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

The best headphones will reproduce every nuance of your favorite songs, movies, podcasts, and game soundtracks with superior clarity, dynamics, and detail. It’s important to note, however, that there is no perfect headphone—just the headphone that’s perfect for you and what you listen to. 

Some purists search for end-game neutrality, picking everything in their signal chain to preserve a linear, studio-grade frequency response. Others may get a reference headphone that responds well to EQing, etc. Then they use components—like the best digital audio converters and tube-driven amplifiers—to add “color” to this baseline. Still others want a specific tuning no matter what the source and buy a headphone known for the signature that matches their genre of choice. (What works best for opera, EDM, Americana, and black metal is rarely the exact same thing.) Here are some of our favorite choices for various scenarios, each category featuring both a price-no-object pick and budget alternatives:

Best open-back headphones: Focal Utopia 2022

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: If you’re looking to invest in blue-chip components, these are the best-of-the-best open-back headphones.

Specs

• Style: Open-back/over-ear
• Drivers: 40mm “M”-shaped beryllium dynamic
• Frequency response: 5 Hz–50 kHz

Pros

• Unrivaled fidelity
• Fit (and feel) like a glove
• Stunningly lifelike soundstage

Cons

• Price is out of reach for most

We’re kicking off our hot list with the undisputed cream of the crop, the best overall headphones: the instantly, enduringly iconic Focal Utopia. (Yes, it has a jaw-dropping $4,999 price tag to match. But stick with us because, price-wise, it’s all downhill from here!)

French manufacturer Focal built a reputation for producing some of the most beautiful and best-sounding speakers available. That tradition continued with the launch of the company’s portable pinnacle in 2016. Utopia—Focal’s flagship open-back, over-ear headphones—produced an astonishingly revealing, deep soundstage. Inside, a pair of 40mm beryllium “M”-shaped dome dynamic drivers took advantage of the precious metal’s extreme lightness and stiffness to produce a smooth, ultrawide frequency response reminiscent of Focal’s premium speaker drivers. (A note about beryllium: This metal is hazardous in certain forms and contexts but is generally considered safe inside headphones and speaker drivers. For more information, see Focal’s documentation outlining precautions for use.)

The Utopia immediately established itself as one of the top aspirational audiophile headphones thanks to engineering that suspended its angled drivers in an open-air chamber to achieve an open, lifelike sound stage and remarkable detail reproduction. Utopia’s cozy fenestrated lambskin earcups connected to the plush headband with a carbon fiber yoke to minimize both weight (490g) and acoustic coupling, allowing pairs to stay effortlessly on the head of proud owners who extolled their pleasure continuously for the last five years. In 2022, however, the Utopia underwent an aesthetic makeover and sonic refinement. The voice coil, previously all aluminum, is now a blend of 30% copper and 70% aluminum, while the interior grill is now curved to match the driver.

These changes increase the headphones’ durability and conscientiously tweak its tuning, slightly shelving treble without dulling clarity and slightly extending subbass without affecting cohesion. It all adds up to an incredible sound stage with stunning realism and an emphasis on revealing musicality rather than unforgiving transparency (check out the Sennheiser HD 800 S below for that). Neutral-warm with immaculate imaging, able to deliver the attack and decay of each note with authority, the Focal Utopia 2022 is the idyll ideal—impressive not because of its sheer power but because of its absolute prowess.

While the 80-ohm Utopia can play nice with most sources, experiencing every lithe, lightning-quick transient at its best requires you use a great balanced amp and feed these headphones a quality signal. A most synergistic option is the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition (shown below topped by the now-discontinued Utopia 2020, a repackaging of the original Utopia with expanded accessories that is still a great buy at around $3,000). This amp/DAC/streaming music player supports Roon, TIDAL, Spotify, AirPlay 2, up to 32bit/384kHz via UPnP, etc., and features a dynamic voicing and presentation in lock-step with the pace, rhythm, and timing of any Utopia (especially when using the included balanced cable). If you’re looking for sonic solace, this pairing is pure bliss.

Utopias giving you sticker shock? We feel you. The Focal Clear Mg (for Magnesium, the driver’s material) is the company’s “entry-level” open-back at only $1,599, if you want to sample the company’s spacious dynamics. Suppose you’re just interested in dipping a pinkie toe rather than cannonballing into audiophile-oriented open-back headphones. Our top recommendation for headphones that punch well above their price point would be the Meze Audio 109 PRO, which uses a new beryllium-coated polymer + cellulose-carbon driver for a precision-driven high that comes on with a comfortable balance of euphoria and technicalities. Meanwhile, the Philips Fidelio X2HR, a $148 over-ear model, is adored by connoisseurs of high-performing budget headphones. As for a more affordable amp/R2R DAC that can drive anything (including the Utopia) with verve, the $599 HiFiMan EF400 is highly recommended.

Best closed-back headphones: Focal Stellia

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: For fans of closed-back headphones, flawless sound, and French fashion-forward styling, Stellia is a star performer.

Specs

• Style: Closed-back/over-ear
• Drivers: 40mm “M”-shaped beryllium dynamic
• Frequency response: 5 Hz–40 kHz

Pros

• Intimate soundstage with superior isolation
• Exquisite design and finishes
• Precise, controlled bass

Cons

• Heavy

Fans of Focal’s venerated Utopia headphones will find similar sonic gratification in the company’s Stellia headphones. This closed-back design offers two-thirds of Utopia’s outstanding soundstage (leaning more tall than wide). Like the Utopia, Stellia features light, rigid beryllium drivers (a material you can read about more above), which deliver a detailed, intimate sound profile. Transients are crisp, bass is warm yet defined. All of this comes with better isolation than the Stellia’s Utopian sibling (because, as you can see comparing the images above, there is an additional acoustic membrane beneath the Stellia’s grill.

Stellia’s headband and earcups are lined in designer leather and filled with memory foam, making them somewhat heavy. Still, the headband and yoke mechanical features are adapted from the Utopia, which informs their high comfort factor, regardless of the shape and size of the listener’s head.

These headphones look as gorgeous as they sound, with aluminum-accented full-grain leather and mocha and cognac finishes. Accessories include three detachable oxygen-free cables and a ¼-inch adapter, plus a form-fitting, padded, purse-like case. Everything is housed in a sturdy leatherette box.

Those interested in a more “affordable” sampling of Focal’s balance of bass extension and treble precision can pick up the Celestee, which features an “M”-shaped aluminum/magnesium driver, for only a grand.

If you prefer your headphones to cost less than a used car, the stylish, wood-finished Meze Audio 99 Classics over-ear, closed-back headphones only cost a few hundred. They will appeal to those who want efficient and non-fatiguing headphones that offer a warmer sound signature. Or, for those that want an even more bass-enriched sound, consider a legacy brand like Sony, which offers dozens of choices ranging from workhorse closed-back podcast/recording classic like the MDR-7506 to our top wireless pick, the WH-1000XM5, to the summit-fi MDR-Z1R.

Best audiophile headphones: Sennheiser HD 800 S

Sennheiser

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Why it made the cut: If you crave accuracy, transparency, and openness that rival the most balanced studio monitors, look no further.

Specs

• Style: Open-back/over-ear
• Drivers: 56mm Ring Radiator
• Frequency response: 4 Hz–51 kHz

Pros

• Balanced sound signature
• Superior build quality
• Extremely comfortable during long wear

Cons

• You’ll need an amp to get the most out of these

Sennheiser introduced its top-of-the-line HD 800 over-ear, open-back headphones more than a decade ago. They immediately became instant classics in both the studio and audiophile worlds, thanks to their exceptionally detailed response and nimble, neutral presentation. 

The latest-model HD 800 S is hand-assembled, just like its predecessors. It’s based on Sennheiser’s 56mm, D-shaped Ring Radiator, which the company claims is the largest driver ever used in a dynamic headphone. Inside, carefully tuned resonators smooth out peaks and undesirable vibrations. You’ll be blown away by the expansive detail spread out well beyond your ears as you revel in your favorite tracks: The HD 800’s seemingly endless soundstage and pinpoint imaging rival that of the most balanced studio monitors, whether you’re doing some critical listening or just immersing yourself in your favorite songs. If our best overall pick, the Focal Utopia, projects your music with a natural luminescence, a properly powered Sennheiser HD 800 S puts each track under a spotlight, letting you pick out every individual element no matter how quickly it darts and ducks.

These airy headphones weigh just 330 grams, making for effortless long wear. They also feature an improved yoke and a sleek matte-black finish. If you have $1,600 to spend on headphones, these will never disappoint. They even come with a certificate of authenticity.  

Prefer to keep your headphone purchase price in the triple digits but still want an expansive soundstage with expressive mids? The Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX, an adaptation of the revered HD 650 developed through a community partnership with Drop, is just a couple hundred and likely the best value in all audiophile equipment (not to mention an amazing headset for PC gaming that requires inch-perfect positioning). As an alternative, consider the AKG K712 Pro over-ear, open-back headphone, which delivers every nuanced directional cue and costs less than $300.

Best planar-magnetic headphones: HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: These neutral, transparent headphones are an accessible introduction to the world of planar-magnetic technology.

Specs

• Style: Open-back/over-ear
• Drivers: 130mm orthodynamic
• Frequency response: 8 Hz–65 kHz

Pros

• Extended low-frequency response
• Highly detailed sonic profile
• Relatively affordable category entry point

Cons

• Pleather head strap is not designed for longevity
• Earcups may be overly long for smaller heads, touching the jawline

If you crave an experience that’s as distinct as you are, the best planar magnetic headphones, such as the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version, deliver the goods.

Planar-magnetic technology combines the principles of dynamic and electrostatic drivers, featuring a thin, flexible electrostatic-style material sandwiched between two arrays of evenly spaced magnets.

Planar-magnetic headphones are known for their bass response, which goes low but never gets boomy, remaining supple thanks to these headphones’ large driver surface area and powerful magnetic force. Whereas a traditional headphone driver measures around 30mm to 50mm, the nanometer-thick drivers in the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth measure a whopping 130mm across and can vibrate faster and more expansively. This latest revision of the Arya (the third) is open-backed, featuring a Window Shade grill on a teardrop earcup for an open, airy feel; it incorporates a new Stealth Magnet design that allows sound waves to pass through without generating interference. This translates to a transparent profile with a perceived quickness to the detail retrieval that reveals the leading edge and decaying trail of every note in the mix without extraneous noise.

The HiFiMAN Arya Stealth is articulate, neutral-warm, and just plain musical, though it may not be the most “audiophile” pair of planar headphones. One of the main reasons it ranks as the “best” planar magnetic, however, is how it over-delivers at $1,599. That sounds like a lot, but for many listeners, the Arya Stealth is a mid-tier investment that can confidently, convincingly take on the lower upper tier. (Flagship planars can easily reach many thousands.) The Arya Stealth isn’t the final word in resolution, but its appealing timbre, imaging, and excitement ensure that its price-to-performance ratio really can’t be beaten. Plus, its performance scales gorgeously as you increase amplification. We love these beauties so much that we count them among the best over-ear headphones out there.

If you’re new to planar magnetic headphones, be sure also to browse models from industry pillar Audeze, which offers this technology at a range of price points from the $799 Audeze LCD-2 Classic to the flagship LCD-5, which clocks in at $4,500. If you’re a music producer, the $1,699 MM-500 headphones can be both a daily driver and a sonic scalpel as it makes music (particularly vocal-led tracks) equally approachable and transparent by presenting lithe transients, spacious midrange, and energetic bass. Fans of gaming headsets would do well to consider the Mobius, a PC gaming headphone that features head tracking and virtual surround-sound features, as well as the console gaming-friendly Penrose. Audeze has even encapsulated the punchy, well-paced planar magnetic experience in an in-ear monitor, the exemplary Euclid. And If you’re looking for a purely musical flagship Android Bluetooth experience, the $399 Edifier STAX Spirit S3 pairs Audeze-derived planar magnetic components with an aptX HD/Adaptive connection to great effect.

Closed-back planar magnetics, meanwhile, are harder to come by and even harder to get right. The $2,000 Meze Audio LIRIC, however, is so impressive it might end up taking the best closed-back headphones spot in a future update to this roundup. There’s a depth to it that responds eagerly and agilely to a bass boost, and a surprising width considering it’s a closed-back model. Each note’s impact and decay are crisp and coherent, and layering never gets convoluted. The headphone’s custom voice coil and airflow systems impart a natural presence, rich with mids and minutiae, capable of low-end rumble but never in an intrusive way. Similarly, the headphone’s exactingly machined and hand-assembled suspension makes for long listening sessions as effortless as the multidimensional sound.

Best noise-canceling headphones Sony WH-1000XM5

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: The latest in this line of beloved Bluetooth headphones showcases the results of continual technology refinements.

Specs

• Style: Closed-back/over-ear
• Drivers: 30mm carbon fiber and Thermoplastic Polyurethane dynamic
• Frequency response: 4 Hz–40 kHz

Pros

• Superior adaptive noise reduction
• Long battery life
• Ultra-lightweight at 8.82 ounces

Cons

• Lackluster industrial design

When it comes to the best wireless headphones, Sony models are the on-the-go holy grail thanks to heavyweight features packed in a featherweight frame. The company’s previous model, the WH-1000XM4, has been a perpetual list-topper and perennial bestseller since its 2020 introduction, thanks to superior comfort and sophisticated digital circuitry that tailors the sound for the best experience in even the noisiest environment. Now the WH-1000XM5 introduces even more ways to ensure you hear less of your surroundings and more of your soundtrack.

And what you can do with all that serenity is nearly unlimited as the 1000XM5 offers multipoint connections, 30 hours of battery life, and comprehensive touch-capacitive awareness/call/music playback controls. Packed with V1 and QN1 custom processors and eight microphones, the WH-1000XM5 filters out low frequencies with its Auto NC Optimizer, while the uber-isolating oval earcups ensure more incidental noise is negated. Sonically, the WH-1000XM5 sticks with Sony’s consumer-minded tuning, emphasizing bass and lower mids. It’s more of a strut than a slap, however. Treble is also goosed just enough to keep all the details intact without coming in hot. If you want more or less of this V-shaped signature, the Sony Headphones app is one of the most comprehensive on the market, including a multiband EQ. 

Ultra-lightweight at 8.82 ounces (even lighter than the 1000XM4), the 1000XM5 virtually disappears on your head, though not quite as much in your bag as the redesigned chassis now folds flat, rather than inward, making the low-profile case less compact. Still, the WH-1000XM5s can go anywhere you go and will stay comfortable the whole time (unless that somewhere is the rain or the gym, as these headphones have zero water resistance). Accessories include a short USB-A to USB-C charging cable (you must supply your own AC adaptor), a 3.5mm headphone cable (which works with noise cancellation and without power), and a two-prong airplane adapter. We think these full-featured headphones are more than worth their $399 price tag (though if you want to save a bit and still get an overperforming feature set, the WH-1000XM4 remains available for $350, less when on sale).

While platform-agnostic and supportive of Apple’s preferred AAC codec, the WH-1000XM5’s Bluetooth 5.2 connection really shines with Android devices that can take advantage of high-resolution LDAC transmissions (especially if you use a lossless audio streaming service, like TIDAL). We get that Apple acolytes out there typically want to stick to that ecosystem, so they can’t go wrong with the visually and sonically impressive AirPods Max. These $479 headphones, while significantly less travel-ready than even the Sony models, offer equally robust noise cancellation plus distinctive features like dynamic head tracking for spatial audio. They work seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, and macOS laptops and are poised to take advantage of more personalized listening features in the upcoming iOS 16.

If straying from these keystone brands is not an issue, this is the most competitive headphone market sector, so options are plentiful. Suppose both your appreciation for industrial design and your pockets are deep. In that case, the Bang & Olufsen BEOPLAY HX and Bose 700 offer sleek looks, polished sound, and impressive ANC performance in a similar price range as the above options. While the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 is a flagship of sonic finesse if $699 is within your budget. The Philips Fidelio L3, meanwhile, is a great alternative closer to the $200 mark. And if the write-ups at the top of this page piqued your curiosity about the benefits of beryllium, but you want to take those high-speed transients on the go, you have two premium options: Focal’s own $799 Bathys and the $999 Mark Levinson No. 5909, both of which offer a highly resolving wireless experience, as well as built-in DACs for wired listening, that’ll please even the most discriminating audiophiles.

Best mixing headphones: beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: For many professional audio engineers, these open-back models set the benchmark for a portable mixing reference.

Specs

• Style: Over-ear/open-back
• Drivers: 45mm Tesla neodymium dynamic
• Frequency response: 5 Hz–40 kHz

Pros

• Wide imaging and airy soundstage
• Swappable earpads tailor sonic profile
• Flawless build quality

Cons

• Some find fit uncomfortable

As we are often fond of saying here at PopSci, the best mixing headphones tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. They’ll help you focus on the fine details, and your late-night headphone mixing sessions will never annoy the neighbors.

German audio brand beyerdynamic has been handcrafting headphones since 1937 and makes some revered audiophile-oriented flagships, such as the T5 (3rd Gen.). The tuning of those headphones, however, paints evocatively in darker hues. (Sludgy doom metal and live albums, for instance, are an amazing match.) Professional audio engineers gravitate toward open-back headphones as the best approximation of studio monitors, with their airy, open feel and wide, natural imaging. These qualities drive the design and performance of beyerdynamic’s DT 1990 Pro studio headphones. With the DT 1990s, beyer has funneled its engineering expertise into highly efficient, accurate 45mm Tesla neodymium drivers designed to deliver high-resolution sound with powerful lows, detailed mids, and smooth highs.

The DT 1990s feature titanium-coated acoustic fabric and precision-woven textiles that help inform its balanced sound. These sleek, black cans feature big, perforated earcups and come with two sets of interchangeable earpads, which let you choose between sonic profiles with a neutral frequency response or a slight bass boost. At $559, the DT 1990s are a big investment for home studio aficionados, but beyer helps you justify the expense by throwing in tons of accessories, including the earpads, straight and coiled cables, hard case, and a cleaning solution and pad. Bonus: The qualities that make the DT 1990s great for mixing—detailed imaging and crisp transients, for example—also make them great for gaming, giving you an immersive experience and maybe even a competitive edge.

Fan of the DT 1990s but not their hefty price tag? Consider beyer’s 900 PRO X open-back headphones, which feature a newly developed driver and provide a similar-style reference vibe but cost around $279. (For a deep dive into the entire PRO X line, check out our review.) For those tracking on a stricter budget, Audio-Technica’s wildly popular ATH-M20x over-ear, closed-back mixing headphones run just $49.

Things to consider when buying the best headphones

Nowadays, there’s a pair of headphones for everything and everyone. Best Bluetooth headphones? You’re spoiled for choice. Best headphones for kids? Safe, durable options abound. Best headphones for sleeping? Don’t sleep on these picks. And in-ear monitors and earbuds … well, that’s a separate, exhaustive topic. What we’re looking at here, however, are the best for unadulterated audio reproduction, the best-sounding headphones you can pick whether your budget is a couple hundred or multiple thousands. When choosing the best headphones, fidelity comes first, but great sound isn’t the sole defining factor. Comfort is critical and, depending on how you use your headphones, noise isolation and cancellation, connectivity, portability, and durability come into play. Let’s look at some top considerations:

Which style of headphones is best for me?

To decide which style of headphones is best for you, consider where you like to listen and what kind of sound signature you prefer. Headphones are available in open-back and closed-back models, and in over-ear and on-ear styles.

Open-back headphones have earcups with vented backs that allow airflow and provide a spacious feeling and a wide, airy soundstage that feels almost like listening on speakers. (After all, headphones are just speakers you strap to your head to deliver your own personal collection of sound waves.) Closed-back headphones have sealed outer earcups, which provide a bit deeper bass and significant sound isolation for all parties—perfect for a public space (such as an office) where you need to block out your surroundings and not annoy the people around you with your guilty pleasures playlist. 

Over-ear headphones have big, cushy earpads that surround your ears, which makes them generally more comfortable than on-ear headphones over long listening sessions because these earpads sit around your ears instead of pressing on them. Over-ear models usually have large drivers; generally, the larger the driver, the more expansive the frequency response, especially in the low end. On-ear headphones sit directly on your ears; they’re smaller and lighter than over-ear headphones, making them ideal portable companions. However, they are less isolating and provide a less expansive listen, so you won’t find any on this particular list.

What kind of features should I look for?

The kind of features you should look for depends on how you plan to use your headphones. If you want to bring your headphones everywhere, look for folding models with sturdy cases. Some headphones come with washable/replaceable earcups, which can be a lifesaver if you wear them extensively, especially to exercise or while traveling outside. Active users (especially those with a modern smartphone that doesn’t have a headphone jack) should also consider the convenience of headphones that pair with iPhone and Android devices via wireless Bluetooth protocols.

If you rely on headphones for calls, look for models with built-in microphones and call-management controls on the earcups. For the best gaming experience, you’ll want headphones with deep bass and surround-sound features, and you’ll probably want a built-in mic. Active noise cancellation can be useful in just about any situation, from loud subway commutes to noisy offices. Some noise cancellation-equipped headphones use the same microphones that feed the ANC circuitry to enable a “transparent” mode that amplifies sounds around you, which can be important for safety, especially in busy urban environments.

Do I need a headphone amplifier?

Do you need a headphone amplifier? Perhaps. An amplifier increases your sound source’s power output, bringing it to the level needed to drive your headphones at optimal levels so they can produce better sound. This doesn’t matter when you’re, say, plugging mass-market earbuds into your phone or working with an interface with built-in amplification, or even when you use a digital audio player purpose-built for power-hungry headphones. There are no hard rules here, but some less sensitive headphones require a lot of power to reach an enjoyable, distortion-free decibel level; these are usually high-impedance models, rated above 50 to 100 ohms. 

Underpower a high-resistance headphone and not only will you push your volume level into insane territory, but the sound will only get louder, not fuller. While headphone amps won’t improve the sound quality of cheap headphones, premium high-impedance headphones—like our top models, including the Focal Utopia 2022 and Sennheiser HD 800 S—require amplification to perform at their full potential.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best headphones

Ultimately, the best headphones are headphones that work for your listening preferences and your lifestyle. Certainly, sound comes first. But the best headphones don’t just sound amazing; they also sound consistent at any volume level, they feel great for long periods of time, and they’re durable enough to stand up to whatever you dish out. Then, it’s all about finding the right style for your needs. Trust us, your ideal pair is out there; it’s just a matter of setting a budget, determining your favorite sonic and physical style, and prioritizing your must-have features, and you’ll be on your way to homing in on that perfect match.

The post The best headphones of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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We’ve made it to 2023, which means the PopSci commerce and gear team has decided what our resolutions will be and what we’ll need to achieve them. It’s okay to be a New Year’s resolution skeptic—there are plenty of potential pitfalls in trying to make literal life-changing decisions overnight—but we’re taking a different approach. Our goals can be accomplished little by little over the course of the year, the gear we’re using won’t take up too much space, and we’re not afraid of facing some setbacks every little while. After all, it’s only self-care if it doesn’t cost you mental health. If you’re scrambling to figure out how to make your New Year’s resolutions happen, we hope our gear suggestions can provide a little clarity (and encouragement).

Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50

Jen McCaffery

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An estimated 30 to 40 percent of the food supply in the United States is wasted, according to the USDA. If you’re looking to cut down on the amount of food waste you send to the landfill in 2023, Vitamix’s FoodCycler FC-50 can help. Just toss your vegetable peelings, egg shells, coffee grounds, and even chicken bones into the 2-liter container and press the on button. About four hours later, your scraps are turned into nutrient-rich soil you can use for your houseplants or in your garden. — Jen McCaffery, Director of Commerce

Kindle Paperwhite

Amazon

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Too many times in 2022, I found myself laying in bed at 2 a.m., basking in the hypnotizing glow of TikTok. The lure of people arguing with belligerent neighbors or endless strings of air fryer chicken thigh recipes is just too strong. This year, I’m determined to replace those hours spent mindlessly swiping with reading, and I’m counting on Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite to help me pull it off. The 6.8-inch touchscreen offers soft, warm light that won’t mess with my sleep after a marathon session spent reading Brandon Sanderson. Plus, the latest version charges via USB-C, so it’ll help my other resolution of getting rid of all the MicroUSB cables hanging around my house. — Stanley Horaczek, Executive Editor

Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee machine

Mr. Coffee

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The iced coffee I like at a well-known chain has recently risen to nearly $6. Not even a raging caffeine addiction can justify that cost. This super-simple machine doesn’t rely on wasteful coffee pods and comes with an insulated cup, even though it works with pretty much any other cold up. It simply brews hot coffee over iced cubes, which is sure to make your coffee snob pals bristle, but it’s still better (and even cheaper) than the gas station swill I’ve been known to drink in the past. Plus, all that saved money leaves room in the coffee budget for fancy syrups to spruce up the wallet-friendly brew. — Stanley Horaczek, Executive Editor

Kindle Scribe

Amazon

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I’m trying to (finally) complete The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron’s crash course in kickstarting your creativity after about two years of stopping halfway. Part of the journey includes journaling three pages every morning—simply called “morning pages.” If you do the math, that’s a lot of pages and trees. I’m hoping the Kindle Scribe—with its paperwhite display and pen that won’t leave ink marks on my hands first thing in the morning—will help protect the environment and be the fancy, shiny, neat thing that gives me enough dopamine to organize my morning pages and complete the separate chapter prompts in one convenient, digital place. Spiritual and creative clarity, here I come. — Amanda Reed, Commerce Updates Writer

Garmin Forerunner 955

Garmin

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Setting a fitness goal is one thing, but having a way to track your progress and keep you motivated is another beast entirely. Garmin’s Forerunner 955 is sleek and attractive, so you won’t mind wearing it all day, but it has a nearly endless list of features and tricks. Though it’s geared toward runners, it can track a long list of activities. It also connects to your phone for full smartwatch capabilities and provides workout suggestions when you are stumped on how to move on a given day. Plus, it makes it easy to see how your training is going and how you are progressing toward your goals, giving you specific insight on how you can improve when needed. — Abigail Ferguson, Associate Editor PopPhoto

Nest Hub Max Smart Display

Nest

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Eating out (and ordering in) has always been pricier than cooking at home, but that is more true than ever right now. It’s hard fighting the temptation just to tap a few buttons and have food magically show up ready to eat at your door but, for me, having an easy way to follow recipes helps. I’m a recent Nest Hub enthusiast but have loved the larger screen that always stays on as I work through the steps of a recipe. And it makes it easy to store recipes I like in one place. But the biggest bonus is the ability to play music on something other than my phone, so I can jam out while I cook. It does wonders for making me not mind being in the kitchen even after a long day of work. — Abigail Ferguson, Associate Editor PopPhoto

Ring Fit Adventure

Nintendo

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I will be making a concerted effort to be more active after years of COVID-inflicted lethargy, but my tool of choice may seem a little strange: a video game. Ring Fit Adventure is a game for the Nintendo Switch that comes with a Pilates ring and leg strap with slots for the system’s Joy-Con controllers. Accelerometers and gyroscopes in the Joy-Con can track your movement, which correlates to actions happening in the game. Instead of passively choosing an attack, you defeat enemies by doing squats, curls, and other exercises. As an avid gamer, I hope Ring Fit Adventure can slot into my lifestyle more easily than a set of barbells. — Brandt Ranj, Commerce Reporter

iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit

iFixit

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Repairing technology can feel daunting, especially when many companies make documentation and spare parts difficult (if not impossible) to get, but that will not deter me next year. I have a great deal of respect for iFixit, a site that offers step-by-step instructions on how to disassemble and reassemble gadgets along with links to parts when possible. The site offers a tool kit with bits, spudgers, tweezers, and everything else you’ll need to get into your gear safely and easily. This kit is notable for featuring pentalobe screws, which are proprietary and designed by Apple. If you plan on joining the DIY movement next year, this kit deserves a spot in your workspace. — Brandt Ranj, Commerce Reporter

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

Bowers & Wilkins

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I’m ashamed to say I have a huge music backlog, but I plan to listen to one new (to me) album from front to back every day in 2023. I reserve the right to listen to one disc of a two-CD (or LP) record because I make the rules. While I love speakers, my tool of choice this time will be Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2s, which are infinitely more portable. These Bluetooth headphones are the closest I’ve come to taking my at-home audio system—which consists of wired headphones, a tube amp, and a DAC—with me everywhere I go. Music sounds superb, the headphones are very comfortable, and their active noise cancellation is always top-notch. This is the resolution I’m most excited about, if for no other reason than spending dozens of hours with the Px7 S2s on my head. Maybe, if I’m feeling extra committed, I’ll even upgrade to the B&W Px8, the brand’s flagship wireless headphones that further refine the physical build and sonic profile. — Brandt Ranj, Commerce Reporter

Brava Oven Starter Set

Brava

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Cooking at home more often is my final resolution of 2023, and the Brava Oven is the key to making it happen. The 10-in-1 oven supports multi-zone heating and makes a whole dinner faster than a conventional oven or stovetop. The oven can be operated using an app or its built-in touch screen, and Brava is continually updating its recipe library with new dishes to fit any dietary restrictions. Yes, it’s luxe, but cutting out one takeout order per week using the Brava will allow the machine to pay for itself. — Brandt Ranj, Commerce Reporter

OTOTO Gracula Garlic Crusher

OTOTO

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I love garlic and plan on cooking more. This Gracula garlic crusher takes knife work out of the equation when presentation isn’t important and helps you get close to a minced consistency in a fraction of the time. On top of saving prep time, a way to work more fresh garlic into meals has the benefits of being a natural antibacterial/detoxifier, aiding blood circulation/lowered blood pressure, while also repelling vampires. Plus, it just tastes good. — Billy Cadden, Director of Commerce

AQUAFIT One Gallon Water Bottle

AQUAFIT

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I wish this fit into my Aarke seltzer maker, but I guess good old-fashioned flat water will do. While attempting to cook more garlic-rich meals and use my Tempo daily, I decided to snag a gallon water bottle to keep me hydrated. Or at least try to convince me to stay hydrated. I bet you $10 it sits on my bedside table with the same water for weeks. — Billy Cadden, Director of Commerce

Arc’teryx Kyanite AR Hoodie and Pearl iZUMi Prospect Barrier Jacket

Arc’Teryx/Pearl iZUMi

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In 2023, I want to get outdoors more. Hiking. Biking. Though I love reporting on tech, I need to get away from it more, even if for only a few hours. Just because I’m coming out of my virtual (and real) shell doesn’t mean I won’t need a protective layer or two, however. The Arc’teryx Kyanite AR Hoodie is a multisport midlayer that’s far from middle of the road. A worthwhile investment, it’s light, soft, stretchy, and, most importantly, surprisingly warm when traveling on the trail. Did I say I’m coming out of my shell? That doesn’t mean I won’t need some wind and water resistance if I’m in the saddle in the city, so I’m also hanging the Pearl iZUMi Prospect Barrier Jacket in my closet when I need something to cut a brisk breeze and absorb a bit of light rain and road spray. — Tony Ware, Associate Managing Editor, Commerce

Vasque Men’s Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boots

Tony Ware

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If I’m going to maintain my getting-outdoors-more resolution throughout 2023, I need accessories that can also go the distance. And one of the most important is trusty mid-range footwear. Lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to … boot … the Vasque Breeze immediately impressed me by requiring zero break-in, then continued to impress me with its stability and traction. While I haven’t submerged my feet to test the proprietary VasqueDry waterproofing fully, I’ve had no complaints following some light but sustained drizzles. And, with each component of the boot’s construction being made from 25%, 60%, and sometimes 100% recycled materials, I can feel better for the Earth as I explore it. — Tony Ware, Associate Managing Editor, Commerce

The post Gear to help us (and you) keep those New Year’s resolutions appeared first on Popular Science.

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The post-holiday deal season is officially upon us and, for a limited time, you can save $120 on Sony’s WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones. The company’s flagship wireless headphones boast 30 hours of battery life and world-class audio quality courtesy of their bespoke V1 processor. This chip can even learn your usage patterns and track your location to adjust its volume based on your routine and roving, though that feature is completely optional.

The company’s WH-1000 line has been popular for years. Still, the WH-1000XM5 is the first generation Sony has radically refreshed the headphone’s design, and the updated look is as simple and sleek as the sound and software are richly detailed. At $279, these are still a premium product (they’re one of our best headphones), but they’re currently down to their lowest price ever. Given their popularity, you may want to pick up a pair ASAP in case they sell out.

Sony

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Following the success of Sony’s over-ear headphone line, the company proceeded to move into the noise-cancelling earbud market with the WF-1000XM series. The WF-1000XM4s are the latest earbuds in this line, and they’re $101 cheaper than usual. The earbuds offer up to eight hours of music playback per change, cancel a phenomenal amount of noise, and sound excellent. We considered these to be the best noise-cancelling earbuds period until Bose took the crown with their QuietComfort Earbuds II, but the difference isn’t that great. For $179, you’d be hard-pressed to find a pair of earbuds that sounds this good and cancels as much noise.

Finally, Sony’s LinkBuds S, the company’s latest noise-cancelling earbuds, are just $141.99—a $58 discount. The earbuds are smaller than the WF-1000XM4s but still use the V1 processor, which is why they sound great and block out a lot of noise. You’ll only get six hours of music playback per charge, but that’s plenty for casual listening or to get you through a commute. Smart-home fans will appreciate the built-in Alexa support, which allows you to control the earbuds using Amazon’s virtual assistant. If you want compact earbuds on a small budget, don’t skip this deal.

The post Save $120 on Sony’s flagship noise-cancelling headphones at Amazon 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.

Whether you’re a professional audio engineer or a weekend warrior, chances are, you have headphones in heavy rotation. The best mixing headphones provide a reliable audio reference in a world of chaotic sound environments. They’ll help you focus on the fine details and they’ll never disturb the neighbors. Like studio monitors, mixing headphones are highly personal and with so many designs and styles out there, homing in on the perfect pair can feel a little daunting.

• Best overall: beyerdynamic DT 1990
• Best for DJs: Sony MDR-7506
• Best wireless: AKG K371-BT
• Best audiophile: Sennheiser HD 800 S
• Best in-ear monitors: Etymotic ER4XR
• Best budget: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The best mixing headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

Ideal mixing headphones will unveil new sonic detail and reconnect you with music as it was intended to sound—whether that’s your own mixes or your favorite playlists. Here are some of the best mixing headphones for a variety of scenarios.

Best overall: beyerdynamic DT 1990

beyerdynamic

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Professional audio engineers will tell you that open-back headphones provide the best approximation of studio monitors, with their airy, open feel and wide, natural imaging. As the best mixing headphones for studio purists these qualities are central to the design and performance of DT 1990 studio headphones from German manufacturer beyerdynamic, which has been handcrafting headphones since 1937. With the DT 1990s, beyer has funneled all those decades of engineering expertise into highly efficient, rich but accurate 45mm Tesla neodymium drivers designed to deliver high-resolution sound with powerful lows, detailed mids, and smooth highs. Titanium-coated acoustic fabric and precision-woven textiles help round off the DT 1990’s balanced sound quality. You’ll be giving off Death Star vibes in these sleek, black cans with big perforated earcups. But all that metal remains comfortable because of the two sets of interchangeable earpads, which let you choose between sonic profiles with a neutral frequency response or a slight bass boost. At $559 (and maybe an amp to fully realize the 250-ohm design’s potential), DT 1990s will make a dent in your gear fund, but beyer softens the blow by throwing in tons of accessories, including the earpads, straight and coiled cables, hard case, and a cleaning solution and pad. Plus, you’ll make it back when you mix a hit banger.

Best for DJs: Sony MDR-7506

Sony

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Sony MDR-7506 headphones, the best mixing headphones for DJs celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2021. These enduring, lightweight, foldable headphones can be found everywhere professional audio engineers work: in music studios, on broadcast stages, on location. While the $99 MDR-7506s are officially studio headphones, DJs love them for the same reasons that engineers do. They deliver bright, crisp, neutral sound, they offer superior isolation with minimal leakage, and they’re built like a tank. Their all-black, straightforward design is more utilitarian-looking than other models, but what they lack in swagger they make up for in performance features that appeal to DJs. These over-ear, closed-back headphones offer well-balanced sonic clarity that cuts through club noise. Their high sensitivity means they’re easy to drive loud and their 40mm drivers deliver low-frequency extension to 10Hz, which translates to defined bass, no matter how low you go. The MDR-7506’s well-padded, close-fitting earcups swivel, and a beefy 3-meter coiled cable may be cumbersome for commuting but allows plenty of free movement onstage. As longtime users can attest, however, the vinyl earpads are notorious for wearing out quickly, which has led to a robust market for replacement options.

Best wireless: AKG K371-BT

AKG

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The K371-BTs are mid-level professional studio headphones from AKG, the 75-year old Austrian company behind the iconic studio microphones used to record many of your favorite songs. These over-ear, closed-back cans are designed to marry pro performance with Bluetooth convenience, featuring beefy 50mm drivers and pure oxygen-coated voice coils for clear, balanced sound, with an extended frequency response of 5Hz to 40kHz. You’ll hear every detail you need to make informed mix decisions, from the deepest lows to the most sparkling highs, and their memory foam earcups’ sound-isolating qualities let you hear without distractions. K371-BTs ($179) also bring the advantages of Bluetooth 5.0, like extended range and long battery life, but curiously, don’t support the aptX codec, only AAC and SBC, which means limited higher bitrate streaming capability. But this is a minor issue, given that Bluetooth features are meant to be mere conveniences and while they’re good to test how an average Spotify user might hear a track, professionals should be plugging in to listen critically to full-bandwidth audio. And if you’re as busy booking the next session as you are sculpting frequencies, a built-in microphone allows two-way Bluetooth communications; earcup gestures control answering calls, adjusting volume, and playing and pausing music. (If Bluetooth doesn’t matter to you, these AKG headphones are available in a non-Bluetooth variant.) The K371s are designed for mobile lifestyles: Wire-free operation lasts 40 hours; earcups swivel 90 degrees, and metal-reinforced hinges add brawn to a somewhat slight headband design. Three mini-XLR to 3.5mm cables are included.

Best audiophile: Sennheiser HD 800 S

Sennheiser

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When Sennheiser introduced its flagship HD 800 over-ear, open-back headphones more than a decade ago, they became instant icons in both the pro audio and audiophile worlds, thanks to their richly detailed, natural response and open, neutral presentation. Like the originals, the newer HD 800 S headphones are hand-assembled in Germany. They’re based on Sennheiser’s 56mm, D-shaped Ring Radiator, which Sennheiser claims is the largest driver ever used in a dynamic headphone, and incorporate resonators that smooth out subtle resonances and peaks. That may sound like a lot of bulk, but these airy headphones weigh just 330 grams, making for effortless long wear. They also sport an improved yoke and a sexy matte-black finish. But back to the sound…you’ll be stunned by the detail you unveil when you hear your go-to reference tracks spread out across the headphones’ 4-51,000Hz frequency response. Their accuracy, transparency, and openness rival that of the most balanced studio monitors, whether you’re doing highly technical critical listening or just enjoying your favorite music. If you have $1,600 to spend on top-of-the-line mixing headphones, these are widely, wisely considered the best in the game. They even come with a certificate of authenticity.  

Best in-ear monitors: Etymotic ER4XR

Etymotic

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In the right situations, IEMs, or in-ear monitors, are perfect studio headphones despite not being technically headphones at all. Because they sit in your ear canal and block out external sound, they take a bad-sounding mixing environment right out of the equation, giving you a consistent reference anywhere you work. And thanks to their size, they’re perfect if you like to work everywhere. On top of packing light, IEMs let you monitor at lower volumes, so you’ll have less ear fatigue during marathon sessions. 

There’s a lot of market pressure to deliver “big bass sound” in in-ears; in response, Etymotic’s ER4XR IEMs ($197) depart from the company’s traditional uber-analytical frequency profiles by slightly nudging bass presence to add a bit of warmth. While this may make them a little less flat than others in the bunch, they’re still more accurate than most IEMs in their class and they’re pleasing to listen to, whether for studio material or as stage monitors. IEMs need a perfect fit to provide long-term listening comfort, great isolation, and full-bandwidth sound. The ER4XRs come with a range of tip styles and sizes, but to ensure a good seal you have to insert long triple-flange silicone tips pretty deep into your ear canal, which can feel disconcerting at first. Once you dial in that perfect fit, however, you’ll experience an impressive 42dB of isolation. If you love the precision, isolation, and versatility of IEMs but even slightly elevated bass isn’t your jam, check out Etymotic’s ER4SRs, which offer the same performance and features as the ER4XRs without the enhanced low-end tuning.

Best budget: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

Audio-Technica

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If you’re looking a bass lover looking for the best mixing headphones, Audio-Technica’s wildly popular ATH-M20x mixing headphones deliver the goods. These versatile, all-purpose studio headphones feature 40mm neodymium drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils tuned for deeper bass performance. They weigh just 190 grams, making them comfortable (if a bit warm) over long sessions. Their over-ear, closed-back design provides great isolation for tracking or mixing in loud environments and, at just $49, they’re affordable enough to stock up for everyone in the studio. Plus they’ll let you test just how much air your track can push. If you’re looking for a few more bells and whistles, try the ATH-M50x ($149), pro studio faves that offer larger drivers and wider frequency response, and come in wired and wireless versions.

Things to consider when picking the best mixing headphones

When you’re mixing, it doesn’t matter if you recorded with the world’s most gorgeous microphones and dazzling special effects, if you straddled up to your Shure SM7B to put on your best NPR podcasting voice, if you aren’t able to hear a true sonic representation of your tracks. This is where professional mixing headphones differ from their consumer cousins. Consumer cans are designed for an enjoyable listening experience, so they tend to have a sonic profile emphasizing big bass and extra-shimmery highs. But this is the sonic equivalent of an Instagram filter: You may perceive that your music has too much bass, for example, but that’s really the headphones talking. So maybe you dial that bass down, but then you play your new mix on another system and suddenly it sounds thin and weak. Professional mixing headphones, on the other hand, are all about presenting an honest, accurate translation of your mix—even if it isn’t pretty. When your mix is exposed, warts and all, you can listen critically and make informed decisions without compensating for the “sound” of your headphones.

Do I want open-back or closed-back headphones?

Open-back and closed-back mixing headphones each bring sonic advantages; the right choice for you largely depends on the way you work. Closed-back headphones have earcups sealed on their outer face. This design offers significant acoustic isolation, keeping sound from leaking out while blocking ambient sounds from creeping in. This sound-insulating quality makes closed-back headphones perfect for mixing without distractions in noisy environments and for recording in the studio when performers need to hear their mixes without sound leaking into their mic. Open-back headphones have earcups with vented backs that allow airflow and provide a spacious feeling and a wide, airy soundstage. Their natural, speaker-like response makes them ideal for critical listening, which makes them preferred by professional mixing and mastering engineers.

Should I get over-ear or on-ear headphones?

Headphone earcup designs fall into two categories. Over-ear (or circumaural) headphones have big, cushy earpads that encircle your ears. They tend to provide more spacious sound imaging than on-ears because their drivers are positioned away (sometimes at custom angles) from your ears, producing acoustic effects that more closely mimic sound coming from speakers. Over-ear headphones usually feature large drivers; generally, the larger the driver, the more expansive the frequency response, especially in the low end. On-ear (or supra-aural) headphones sit directly on your ears. They’re smaller and lighter (and generally cheaper) than over-ear headphones, making them a great choice for life on the go. Over-ear headphones are more comfortable than on-ears during long sessions because their earpads surround your ears versus pressing against them. 

Do I need a headphone amplifier?

You might be wondering if there’s any benefit to adding a headphone amplifier to your rig. The short answer: Maybe, but probably not. An amplifier increases your sound source’s power output to the level needed to drive your headphones to reach the output level you want, so they can provide better sound. This doesn’t matter when you’re, say, plugging earbuds into your phone. And if you’re using a mixer or an interface, it already has built-in amplification. But some types of headphones require a lot of power to play loud; these models are usually high impedance, above 50 to 100 ohms. Headphone amps won’t do much to improve the sound quality of cheap headphones. High-end, high-impedance headphones, however, may require amping for significant improvements in clarity, detail, and dynamics.

FAQs

The final word on choosing the best mixing headphones

At the end of the day, headphones are an entirely personal choice. When choosing mixing headphones, sonic performance is paramount. But the best mixing headphones don’t just sound great. They present an honest, accurate picture of your mix; sound consistent at low and high volumes; are comfortable to wear for hours on end; and are rugged enough to survive heavy use. Beyond that, it’s all about finding the right style for your needs, whether you’re recording and mixing in the studio, performing, or just seeking your own private paradise where you can get lost in your songs.

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New York-based boutique audio brand Master & Dynamic produces precision-engineered, painstakingly stylized wireless headphones and earbuds. The premium builds—all polished magnesium, supple lambskin, steel, ceramic, and gleaming tempered glass—have attracted many luxe collaborations, from prestige sports teams (Paris Saint-Germain) to high-end retailers (Leica). But, as you’d expect, Master & Dynamic items don’t come cheap. They do at least come cheaper, however, if you buy during the Master & Dynamic Boxing Day sale, offering 30% off on select items through Dec. 27 (while supplies last).

Master & Dynamic

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One of the models available is the MG20, a gaming headphone that our review said “… looks, feels, and sounds like a finer class of device.” What’s inside these ovular ear cups are angled 40mm drivers in Beryllium—a material found in similarly plush, even more indulgently priced headphones from the $999 Mark Levinson No. 5909 to the $2,999 Focal Stellia. What this rigid but reactive diaphragm means when well-implemented—as it is here— is spry highs that achieve rarefied air, mids that are rich but refined, and bass that is resonant … reaching and rolling effortlessly.

The MG20 (on sale for $314, down from $449) offers a fair number of both wireless and wired connection options, opening the door for easy pairing with multiple devices (PlayStation, PC, and mobile devices are specifically compatible). The primary connection for gaming is a 2.4GHz wireless connection via USB dongle, as has become common practice for wireless headset makers because of the reduced latency. You can also simultaneously connect to a second device via Bluetooth 5.0 (with support for the SBC, AAC, and aptX LL/HD codecs), making it easy to switch between using it for games at home and with your phone. Specifically for gaming, there are 7.1 virtual surround sound and a detachable mic on an adjustable wire boom, among other features.

In addition to the MG20 (offered in various colorways/collaborations), the sale includes the MW08 True Wireless Earbuds (on sale for $209, down from $299), a supremely sleek Bluetooth 5.2 device with active noise cancellation, wind-reduction-equipped microphones, and 11mm version of those expressive beryllium drivers, among other features. In addition, there is the MW65, a non-gaming wireless noise-cancelling over-ear headphone (on sale for $349, down from $499) with many of the sonic and connectivity attributes already discussed, plus more finessed facets.

Note that the Master & Dynamic Boxing Day sale requires you to use code TAKE30, and these limited-time prices end Tuesday evening (or when the models run out). So take a moment to take advantage of these rare discounts ASAP.

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• Best bang-for-the-buck headphones: Meze Audio 109 PRO
• Best professional-grade headphones: Audeze MM-500 Planar-Magnetic Headphones
• Best summit-fi headphones: Focal Utopia 2022
• Best portable DAC/amp: iFi xDSD Gryphon
• Best Bluetooth turntable: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB Manual Direct-Drive Turntable
• Best powered stereo speakers: KEF LS50 Wireless II + KC62 Subwoofer
• Best compact connected speaker: Bluesound PULSE M

Best bang-for-the-buck headphones: Meze Audio 109 PRO

Meze Audio

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Since being launched in 2015, the Meze Audio 99 Classics headphones have been a gateway drug to the audiophile addiction because of the immediate rush delivered by the detailed but never-fatiguing sound. Well, that precision-driven high is heightened 10x by the Meze Audio 109 PRO, one of the all-star introductions of 2022 for its comfortable balance of euphoria and technicalities. A dynamic, open-backed headphone, the 109 PRO shares the design language and agreeable ergonomics of its sibling but refines and reinforces the organic texturing and warm but never congested bass response thanks to a new beryllium-coated polymer + cellulose-carbon driver in the sustainably harvested walnut ear cups. Punchy with panache that performs well above its $799 price point, the 109 PRO can be another flavor to some and end-game to others, able to please an audiophile regardless of experience.

Best professional-grade headphones: Audeze MM-500 Planar-Magnetic Headphones

Audeze

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Know someone with a home studio that wishes they could work on their mixes more but is worried about disturbing housemates or neighbors? But they’re also just a music lover in general? Audeze—the Southern California-based headphone designers that probably did the most to popularize planar-magnetic headphones—has introduced what amounts to a set of portable, personal near-field studio monitors in 2022. And they’re equally amazing for less analytical, more leisurely listening—especially with vocal material. Developed with renowned mix engineer Manny Marroquin, the $1,699 MM-500 feels solid in the hand but not excessive on the head. And, once music starts playing, it’s like the headphone itself isn’t even there—the song laid out before you without ever being overly diffuse, perfectly poised for a scintillating playback session or identifying where to apply that last little bit of EQ glue. Thanks to the lithe transients, spacious midrange, and energetic bass of its orthodynamic drivers, the MM-500 headphones can be both a daily driver and a sonic scalpel as it makes music more approachable and more transparent. It’s an imminently pleasuring, natural not just neutral response. (And, if you’re looking for something portable and potent, the Audeze Euclid is the best planar-magnetic in-ear monitor you can gift before going all-in on something custom like the superlative Campfire Supermoon. And both of these take on even more life/reveal even more layers when paired with the XBass II and XSpace processing of the iFi xDSD Gryphon, featured below.)

Best summit-fi headphones: Focal Utopia 2022 Headphones

Focal

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Suppose someone you love is looking to replicate the indulgence of a luxury listening station. In that case, the Focal Utopia headphones are as close to a pair of freestanding loudspeakers as you can slap on a head. These flagship open-back over-the-ear headphones produce an ultrawide frequency response and holographic imaging with startling realism thanks to 40mm M-shaped beryllium drivers inspired by high-end audiophile towers. Soft lambskin earcups and headphone padding make these headphones feel as good as they sound. As we said in our best headphones roundup, the Focal Utopia 2020 (still a compelling buy at its $3,399 “closeout” price) is “the idyll ideal—impressing not with its sheer power, but with its absolute prowess.” And the $4,999 2022 model further enhances the emotional resonance while reducing the detrimental vibrations. Both highs and lows are extended without reduced focus or lightning-quick finesse, especially when paired with a DAC/amp such as the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition.

Best portable DAC/amp: iFi xDSD Gryphon

iFi Audio

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Those new ‘cans can’t showcase their best without proper power, which can be difficult to get on the go … difficult, that is, if someone doesn’t have the iFi xDSD Gryphon. The magic of the Gryphon lies in its versatility, which more than justifies its $599 price. You can cut the cord and use it, when fully charged, for up to 8 hours on the go with Bluetooth streaming over SBC, AAC for iOS, and up to 96kHz using LDAC, LHDC/HWA, or aptX HD/Adaptive on Android devices. Or you plug it in via USB, Coax, or Optical and ensure that no audio bit gets adulterated by wireless compression. Once you’re listening, you can enhance bass and/or upper midrange presence, as well as soundstage with iFi’s innovative XBass II and XSpace analog enhancements. Connected to your PC over USB-C, it will act as an external soundcard, eliminating the need for a dedicated desk setup—perfect with headphones and, when the Gryphon accepts a digital source, ports on the back can even be used to feed an external amp or powered monitors. The tremendous 1000mW @ 32 ohms of power on offer over its balanced connection also means this DAC can drive even very demanding headphones. The single-ended connection is much more limited at 320mW but is still enough to drive the vast majority of cans available today. And if you’re a fan of sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs), don’t worry. The Gryphon also offers an iEMatch mode (assignable to either output) to prevent hiss from invading your favorite tracks, while maintaining dynamics.

Best Bluetooth turntable: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB Manual Direct-Drive Turntable

Audio-Technica

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Audiophiles don’t emerge like Athena, fully formed from another’s headspace and innately imbued with wisdom. No, they must be nurtured and taught the ins and outs of signal-chain foibles. And they’re not all going to have the space or inclination to start stacking components. A great entry point for the budding music-first audiophile is a turntable packed with connectivity options. The $399 Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB—featuring a high-torque DC servo direct-drive motor with selectable 33-1/3, 45, or 78 rpm speeds—is compatible with virtually any music system, thanks to its variety of outputs, both digital and analog. On the digital side, you can pair the turntable via aptX with Bluetooth speakers, headphones, or DAC/amps like the Gryphon above. Listeners can also use the USB port for copying your albums digitally to a computer. In the analog domain, the built-in preamp allows you to connect the turntable to line-level inputs on a preamp or receiver. You can also bypass the preamp to connect to an external unit. Thanks to its multiplicity of output types, the AT-LP120XBT-USB is a turntable you can hold onto as you amass a rig and bank account more in line with boutique turntables that cost in the multi-thousands. If you’re more concerned with budget, maybe because you’re gifting a teen their first turntable, Audio-Technica also offers a more affordable belt-driven Bluetooth option, the AT-LP60XBT-BK.

Best streaming speakers: KEF LS50 Wireless II + KC62 Subwoofer

KEF

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If you want to give someone sonic depth without a deep footprint, package the KEF LS50 Wireless II standmount speakers with the KC62 subwoofer. The dual 6-inch woofers in the improbably small sealed subwoofer couple perfectly to one of our top powered speakers, an effortlessly integrated component capable of bringing a wide sweet spot to a small room. KEF’s striking, copper-hued Uni-Q driver—backed by Metamaterial Absorption Technology to reduce unwanted reflections and distortion—orients a 1-inch vented aluminum-dome tweeter in the acoustic center of a 5 ¼-inch magnesium-aluminum alloy woofer cone to create a wide listening sweet spot. A bass-reflex cabinet with elliptical rear ports is designed to maximize accurate, musical low end. And those bass notes can reach as low as 11Hz once handed off seamlessly via DSP to the KC62, opening the LS50’s headroom to soar. Plus, copious connectivity (Spotify to TIDAL to Apple Music; AirPlay 2, Google ChromeCast, and Roon to Optical, Coaxial, and HDMI, plus more) means you’ll never want for showcase sounds. At a little under $4,000 for the pair, it’s not a cheap set-up, but its wow factor is priceless.

Suppose you’re looking just for bookshelf speakers that still offer plenty of lows and hi-fi pedigree. In that case, we recommend the JBL 4305P ($2,200/pair), which debuted at CES in January 2022 and is the first powered model in its consumer Studio Monitor series. This fully loaded speaker features a 45-25,000 Hz frequency response, built-in Class D amplification, 24-bit/192 kHz converters, and six audio inputs that can connect to a huge range of digital and analog sources to provide comprehensive, hi-res wired and wireless connectivity. Each speaker features a 2410H-2 1-inch compression driver mated to a High-Definition Imaging horn for crystal-clear highs and lifelike dynamics. A 5.25-inch cast-frame, fiber-composite cone woofer operates in a bass-reflex configuration with dual front-firing tuned ports. The end result is the lively dynamics expected from a horn-guided tweeter presented with punchy authority, especially in its beefy midrange, that’s not surprising for a company with heritage firmly entrenched in both control rooms and live sound reinforcement. When it comes to high-res streaming, the 4305P takes quality to the next level, thanks to an integrated streaming engine that provides wired and wireless network audio capabilities via Ethernet, Google Chromecast Built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.1, combo XLR and ¼-inch TRS phono connectors, asynchronous USB and optical digital inputs and a 3.5mm analog in.

Best compact smart speaker: Bluesound PULSE M

Bluesound

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So far, we’ve suggested lots of gear for an optimized listening station. But maybe you are shopping for someone interested in a multiroom set-up. A great place to start is any place with the $449 Bluesound PULSE M, a compact cylinder of a speaker that runs off BluOS, letting it stream music from a myriad of sources over Wi-Fi. Whether in the corner of a kitchen counter or on a bedside table, the PULSE M’s upward-firing woofer and dual tweeters (angled outward 45 degrees) disperse a surprisingly expressive, expansive soundstage considering its more diminutive dimensions. Pair two in parallel and you can have a wider, true stereo setup, or put them throughout a home and organize them by zones to handoff audio just to the speaker where the listener is or broadcast the same track throughout all rooms. (You can integrate these with any speaker system running BluOS; for example, augment them with the Bluesound PULSE SUB+, put them as rear channels with the $999 Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR+, or use them on the same network as the $1,499 PSB Alpha iQ stereo speakers, if you want something more powerful.) AirPlay 2 or aptX HD Bluetooth let you stream directly to the PULSE M (from, say, a Bluetooth turntable like we recommended above), plus the PULSE M has a USB-A port for connecting file-filled thumb drives and a 3.5mm dual analog/digital input for connecting a source with an aux cable.

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