I have reviewed a horde of gaming headsets over the years, and yet no matter how good they were, I clung dearly to my Sony WH-1000XM3 for seven years (yes, they launched all the way back in 2018). To say my expectations for the Sony WH-1000XM6 were high is a criminal understatement.

The jump in audio quality I experienced with the Sony WH-1000XM6 reminded me of putting on a new pair of glasses for the first time — I could see (hear) everything. The XM6’s soundstage is grand and epic, the earcups are snug, the dual Bluetooth-connectivity is so convenient, and the battery life is long.

However, as much as I love the Sony WH-1000XM6, they aren't without some problems. The earcups are snug, which may be uncomfortable for some folks. If you’re app-averse for some reason, you need to download the phone app to disable ANC. I wish the Ambient mode took in more sound at higher volumes, and I would have liked the microphone to sound better, although it’s not terrible.

Yet, like Sony's other mythically excellent creation, Kratos with his Leviathan axe, my ears wield the Sony WH-1000XM6 as their daily weapon. I imagine the XM6 will be my companion for quite a long time, at least until it's dethroned by the XM9. There's no question that the XM6s are one of the best headphones out there, but are they good enough to drop $450? Let’s jump into that Yggdrasil rift together.

Sony WH-1000XM6: Price and value

I reviewed the Black model of the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, but you can also get them in Midnight Blue or Platinum Silver, all of which cost the same $449. I’m partial to the Midnight Blue colorway — they are the only ones with actual color. The XM6s also come with a neat magnetic carrying case, which is a dark gray color and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a very short USB Type-A to Type-C cable. You can get the Sony WH-1000XM6 directly from Sony’s website, Best Buy, or Amazon.

The real question is: Are they worth it? Well, that depends on you. What I can say is that the pricing is competitive, especially when compared to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (also $449). And this is too much for you to spend on headphones, no matter how good they are; I completely understand. You can easily get the XM4 for $280 (at the time of writing).

If you really want the XM6 model and aren’t swimming in cash, I’d wait for a sale. But if you have the disposable income, they're worth it.

Sony WH-1000XM6: Design

The Sony WH-1000XM6 looks like an alien carved them out of a block of obsidian… and then blasted them with soft paint. Sony took the revamped design language of the XM5 headphones and threw a couple of curves in there. The design isn’t drastically different, but just enough to take a slightly basic design and add a more premium flair.

The cups feature an off-center circle that allows access to the touch controls, and they curve downward from there into an oblong shape. Around the edges of those cups are a slew of black microphone vents that blend in. The leatherette cups also feature a seamless transition, without the typical puffy protrusion on the outer layer.

My favorite part of the design is the hinges, where the cups meet the headband. It’s a diagonally carved cylinder with the classic gold Sony logo painted on it. Company logos are hit or miss, but Sony is iconic for its stylish logo on vintage and now future tech. And between the hinge and the headband is another thinly carved piece, which adds to the flair. The headband itself starts thin and then expands slightly.

On the left cup, you’ll find the power button, headphone jack, and the ANC button, while the right features the Type-C charging port.

Out of the previous XM-series headphones, the XM6 offer the most modern and sleek design, making them worthy of their premium price (in this regard, at least).

Sony WH-1000XM6: Comfort

Imagine a pillow with arms that could give you a little squeeze — that's the Sony WH-1000XM6. I like it, but they are pretty snug, so it might not be comfortable for some people.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 weigh 254 grams, which is unnoticeably heavier than their competitor, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (252 grams).

From dusk till dawn, I played Elden Ring Nightreign. I'm not ashamed — those Nightlords needed to die. But after a short adjustment period from my looser XM3 headphones, the XM6 felt like the familiar yet satisfying pillow you'd flip over in the middle of the night. The cushions are soft yet firm. I still felt them squeeze my head, which may bother some folks, but I liked it because it offers some passive noise cancelling.

I didn’t even notice the headband until I paid attention to it. It’s soft and doesn’t crush my head like the earcups do, so I count that as a win.

Sony WH-1000XM6: Audio

I jumped from the XM3 to the XM6, and the best way to describe the jump is like watching a flower finally bloom. The 30mm neodymium drivers delivered a wide, immersive soundstage that kept me engaged in all of the content I played.

I listened to all of Epic: The Musical on the Sony WH-1000XM6. In “Full Speed Ahead,” the XM6 captured the subtle rumbling drums that open the song, accompanied by solid bass, and it stood out among the following soft piano and warm strings.

I jumped to “Keep Your Friends Close,” which opens with a melodic string of wind instruments, and I noticed that there were many more distinct notes than usual, none of which detracted from the smooth vocals. Then I moved to the more sinister “Get in the Water,” and the XM6 did struggle a bit with the opening synths, but it captured the subtle horns and synths during the vocals, amplifying the suspense of the track.

One of the issues I’ve had with Epic: The Musical is that when the creator, Jorge Rivera-Herrans, discusses how he developed the motifs for each character, I never really noticed it because the vocals often overpower the instruments. However, with the XM6, I got to experience everything he talked about, and it made me appreciate the sound design that much more. My heart actually broke when listening to “Love in Paradise.” I never heard Polites’ voice during Odysseus’ final scream to Athena, where he says, “We can light up the world, here’s how to start.” (I’m not crying, you’re crying.)

Of course, I simply had to game with the XM6, so I decided to get bodied in Elden Ring Nightreign. I had previously played with the XM3, so the soundstage changed completely once again. It expanded noticeably. Similar to my issue with Epic, some boss music filters through my ears because they could not match the level of intensity you’ve got to lock in to win.

However, when facing off against The Shape of Night, the strings were empowering. Every slash and spell still sounded sharp and impactful against the weight of the strings, making for a truly epic fight (pun intended). I don't think I’ve ever been as locked into a boss fight’s sound design before, and I’m honestly sad that I haven’t played so many of my favorite games with the XM6. For Duchess' sake, I could even hear this boss’ sword grinding through the sand in the opening shot.

There’s an equalizer on the Sound Connect app. I enjoyed the default sound the most at first, but one of the coolest features is the Find Your Equalizer setting. This is something that more audio apps need. It asks you to play some content, and then, similar to when you’re at the eye doctor, you get to choose between a set of numbers to see (hear) which sounds better. I’ll admit, the implementation isn’t the best. I’d prefer it if it offered a repetitive example with only two choices at a time, but I think this feature is pretty vital for non-audiophiles.

I also tried different listening modes, like Background Music and Cinema. The former is what you’d expect, which is fine if that’s what you want. Meanwhile, Cinema captured a more 360-degree soundstage to increase immersion, but I didn’t really vibe with it. This more so stretched out the soundstage, which made everything sound a little messy and distant. I’ll say that it does kind of give off a movie-theater experience, but maybe not the one you’d want.

Sony WH-1000XM6: ANC

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are outfitted with Sony’s latest HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3, which introduces 12 microphones to deliver improved noise canceling over the previous generation (with a measly 8 microphones — kidding).

With ANC enabled, my office got eerily quiet. The rumbling from the fan and the bass of my keyboard completely drowned out, but I could still hear the sharper sounds that they made — it doesn’t completely make your surroundings quiet. ANC is excellent for use during commutes. Traveling from New Jersey to NYC, I’m cursed with the annoyingly expensive NJ Transit, which features the loudest trains. However, with ANC on, I could fully focus on watching my favorite shows. I can still hear the train, but the sound is dramatically reduced and filters out to ambient background noise, equivalent to the fan in my room.

Ambient mode allows for external sounds to pass through. This is great for when you're walking through a bustling city and trying to avoid an expedition to the beyond by car. However, at home, I found myself just removing one ear cup from my head instead of using Ambient mode. When listening to music or playing a game at 50%, I could not hear my child asking me to open her applesauce pouch until she yelled at me. I tinkered with the app a little bit, and there's no way to increase the ambient sound filtered in (because it was already at a max of 20 out of 20). You can enable voice passthrough to focus voices, which helps a little bit. There’s also an Auto Ambient Sound setting, which adjusts the sensitivity based on your surroundings, but that operates within the slider that you can already manually use. It could be useful, but not in this context for me.

Despite that, there's a feature called Speak-to-Chat, which can detect when you're speaking and dramatically reduces the volume of the content you're listening to, remaining active until it stops detecting your voice. However, this doesn't trigger when people are speaking to you. I tested this with my daughter, and it registered her voice only when I was a foot or two away from her. This is also available for any mode, which is a nice feature.

The biggest issue with the Sony WH-1000XM6’s ANC is that I couldn't turn it off. There are two modes enabled out of the box: ANC and Ambient mode. There's no way to disable it. That's when I had to download the app, and sure enough, you can add a disable setting to that same ANC button. You don't just turn it off via the app; the headphones already have that setting programmed into the ANC button, but for some reason, you need to download the app just to enable the disable button.

Sony WH-1000XM6: Microphone

Despite the absurd number of microphones packed into the Sony WH-1000XM6 (there are 12), the microphone quality is a certified “meh.”

The quality of my voice sounded slightly better than how I'd normally speak through my phone, and that's the nicest way I can paraphrase what my friends said when I joined a group Discord call. In other words, my voice sounded muffled but audible.

However, overall quality is not necessarily the point of the XM6’s microphone. Headphone mics aren't going to sound as good as a $550 Shure SM7dB. What the XM6 delivers on is noise-cancelling. Similar to ANC, this doesn’t completely cut out all the sounds around you, but it does significantly drown it out. While on said terrible train, I got on a call, and my friends could hear me clearly. I tested this at my desk too, and the microphone could still pick up me knocking on the desk, but again, it sounded muted.

Sony WH-1000XM6: Battery life

I played Elden Ring Nightreign for several hours straight and the Sony WH-1000XM6 told me they had a 90% charge. Even if it was closer to 80%, that’s still pretty impressive. Sony claims that the XM6 can get up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off, and I’m inclined to believe that. (When communicating, you’ll get 24 hours with ANC on and 28 hours with ANC off.)

You can go at least a couple of days before you need to charge the Sony WH-1000XM6. And according to Sony, you can charge the headphones for 3 minutes and get 3 hours of playback (with an optional USB-PD compatible AC adapter). That’s pretty convenient for someone who constantly forgets to charge their headphones (it’s me, I’m the problem).

Sony WH-1000XM6: App and features

Keep in mind that if you get the Sony WH-1000XM6, you’re practically forced to use the app, at least if you want any of the valuable functions (you know, like turning off ANC). Sony’s Sound Connect app features the aforementioned settings for the equalizer, listening mode, and ANC and Ambient modes. If you care about spatial sound, head tracking, and 360 reality audio, there are settings to set those up as well. You can also enable DSEE Extreme, which improves the sound of compressed audio files.

One of my favorite features is the dual Bluetooth connectivity, so I can connect to my PC to play games while also connected to my phone to take phone calls. The coolest part is that I can tinker with audio settings on my phone and get immediate changes to the content I’m listening to on my PC. (Do you realize how much of a pain it is to jump from a phone app back to your PC and be able to tell the difference between audio settings?). If you’re having some connectivity issues, you can prioritize your Bluetooth connection over the sound quality.

In the System settings, you can enable voice assistants, add the Off setting to the ANC/AMB button, and assign shortcuts to the same button to pull up said voice assistants. There’s also a setting to enable head gestures, which I don’t think anyone is using (listen, my knees already ache, I’m not pulling a muscle to decline a call). You can also enable a microphone mute shortcut, which, again, why isn’t that enabled by default? Another cool feature is that the headphones will turn off after a certain amount of time if you’re not wearing them (I forget to turn my headphones off all the time).

Then there’s the touch controls, which I rarely use, but they’re convenient if you don’t have quick access to your device. If you’ve ever used a headphone with touch controls, the XM6 works generally the same. Tap twice to play/pause, swipe forward to skip, swipe backward to rewind, swipe up or down to raise or lower the volume, respectively. You can also swipe up or down and hold to continuously raise or lower the volume, which is great because I’d rather not have to swipe my headset over and over.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Bottom line

I’m quite critical about tech, especially when it costs an absurd amount of money. However, I couldn’t help but be wowed by the XM6’s incredible range, sleek design, comfortable fit, and long battery life.

No, they aren't perfect. The Ambient mode and microphone could be better. It’ll certainly deter folks who don’t like snug headphones. And I hate anything that forces you to download an app for the most basic functions. Not to mention, they cost over $400, which is enough to make most people carefully consider the purchase.

Yet, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 might cost a whopping $450, it offers an unbeatable immersion for my favorite content. There’s a reason why it’s a premium headphone, just like there’s a reason why Kratos prefers his Leviathan axe — it’s just better.

AirPods are by far Apple’s most personal product. You’d share your MacBook, iPad, or even iPhone, but you’d be hard-pressed to share your AirPods with another person. They are private; they go inside your ear canal. And that is what makes Apple’s upcoming AirPod update quietly so innovative.

Ahead of WWDC, Apple’s annual developer conference, sources at the company have leaked that your very personal AirPods may be even more personal. They’re going to know about the most private moment of your day.

Sleep is arguably the most private, vulnerable moment of our days. Many people largely do it out of the sight of others — except for the occasional subway nap or park snooze. Our bedrooms and beds are private. Many of us go to sleep with our earbuds playing music, a podcast, or some other audio as we drift off to sleep.

Audiologist Dr. Valerie Pavlovich Ruff told Health Essentials, a publication of the world-famous Cleveland Clinic, that wearing your earbuds to sleep can be beneficial to stop ringing from tinnitus or other medical problems. There’s also the fact that our minds race before bed, and wearing earbuds or AirPods can help, Pavlovich Ruff says.

“Emotional stress can cause ringing in your ears, too,” Pavlovich Ruff told the publication in 2022. “This is why many people might want to fall asleep listening to something soothing or relaxing just for stress relief.”

Of course, it's critical to wear comfortable earbuds and ensure the volume is at a safe level. That’s where Apple comes in.

This week, 9 to 5 Mac reported that a “sleep auto-pause” feature may debut as soon as Monday’s WWDC 2025 keynote. The publication reports that engineers at Apple is developing technology that will sense when the AirPods wearer falls asleep and the AirPods will automatically pause.

This auto-pause has two significant benefits. Most importantly, even if you listen at a high volume, it won’t be at that high volume for the entirety of your sleep. And two, far less critical to your health, your AirPods battery will be preserved.

We know that Apple Watch’s sleep feature kicks on automatically when you fall asleep, tracking your deep, core, and REM sleep. What we don’t know is whether those AirPods will enter auto-pause mode based on data from your Apple Watch (which is connected to your iPhone) or if they will sync with your iPhone directly and bypass the Apple Watch.

If it does sync to Apple Watch, you could very well take a nap, and the auto-pause feature won’t kick on. Anybody who wears an Apple Watch and takes the occasional Saturday afternoon nap will know that naps don’t often register as sleep within the Apple Health app.

The most private moment of your day — when you doze off for a good night’s sleep — may be recognized by your Apple Watch, iPhone, and your AirPods. Just don’t forget to keep the volume down.

The 9 to 5 Mac report also included other features that may be available on AirPods as soon as Monday.

They include new head gestures for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 to control conversation awareness, a noise-control feature that you can currently control by touching the tip of your AirPods.

Apple may also announce improvements that help multiple users share an iPad, like in a classroom setting.

Perhaps great news from streamers and anyone who makes video is the ability to control your iPhone camera by pinching the tip of your AirPods.

On the audio side, AirPods will also sound differently depending on your environment by using AI. It will also enable the wearer to choose from three voice options, reports 9 to 5 Mac, “in-frame, studio, and cinematic.”

Whatever Apple announces regarding AirPods or anything else, we’ll know on Monday, June 9, when WWDC kicks off at 10 a.m. Pacific/1 p.m. Eastern.

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Looking for the best tech and accessories for remote workers? You're in the right place.

I've been working 100% remotely since 2018, and one of my favorite perks (aside from the option to work in my PJs) is the ability to pick out my own tech. I do not miss the PCs at my old office that took 30 minutes to boot. No, I'm not exaggerating.

Performance is important, so the best tech you can get yourself as a remote worker is one of the best laptops. Options include the Apple M4 MacBook Air, now just $1,099 at Amazon, or the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5, just $680 at Amazon.

As much as my own home is quieter than my old office, it gets noisy if my neighbors randomly decide to drill for 10 hours a day. (Again, not exaggerating.) Noise-cancelling headphones are a must, and my Bose QuietComforts are true lifesavers. You can pick them up for $349 at Amazon.

Don't forget to invest in a good standing desk to keep your spine happy. The Flexispot Comhar electric standing desk has drawers and ports, which is a win in my book, and it's now just $253 (down from $300) at Amazon.

You'll also love having a portable monitor if you work in a hybrid environment or travel for work sometimes. The Acer AOPEN is a 15.6-inch option that weighs under 3 pounds, making it easy to carry if you commute. It's now down to $89 at Best Buy.

The above is just a little sample of all the best tech and accessories for remote workers I'm about to show you. Check out my favorites below; trust me, they will make your work life more enjoyable.

Best tech and accessories for remote workers - Quick links

• Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5: $680 at Amazon
• Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4: was $1,199, now $1,099 at Amazon
• Logitech Blue Yeti Nano USB nicrophone: was $119, now $99 at Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth headphones: $349 at Amazon
• Logitech Brio 101 Full HD webcam: was $39, now $35 at Amazon
• Havit HV-F2056 Laptop cooling pad: was $39, now $27 at Amazon
• HP X3000 G3 wireless mouse: was $18, now $17 at Amazon
• Logitech Wave Keys wireless ergonomic keyboard: $69 at Amazon
• Acer AOPEN 15.6-inch LED portable nonitor: was $129, now $89 at Best Buy
• SAMSUNG ViewFinity S5 34-inch ultrawide monitor: was $329, now $229 at Amazon
• Flexispot Comhar electric standing desk w/ ports: was $300, now $253 at Amazon

Best tech for remote workers — Laptops

Best tech for remote workers — Headphones & microphones

Best tech for remote workers — Webcams

Best tech for remote workers — Laptop accessories

Best tech for remote workers — Mice & keyboards

Best tech for remote workers — Monitors

Best tech for remote workers — Desks & chairs

When Apple opened its first retail stores in Tysons, Virginia, and Glendale, California, back in 2001, the goal was to let people touch the tech and connect with it in a way that glossy print ads never could.

While your local Apple Store may still be a bustling place on the regular, the retail world has changed a lot over the past twenty-four years.

Online shopping dominates, and most of us have giddily traded the instant gratification of immediately leaving a store with product in hand for the one-click convenience of cashing out your virtual shopping cart in your PJs, only for your shiny new iPhone or AirPods to show up on your doorstep a few days later.

But what if there was a third option? One with the benefits of both?

What if you could buy an iPhone, AirPods, or a new set of Apple AirTags in your PJs, step outside, and have them rain down from the sky into your eager arms within the hour?

You could call it the most literal version of AirDrop to date.

And, in parts of the U.S., you can now call it a reality — thanks to Amazon.

See more: Apple Memorial Day deals 2025

Your new iPhone has been cleared for landing

If you've ever ordered an Apple product online, you're probably well aware of the usual routine: confirmation email, obsessive tracking, and the anxiety loop of peering out of the window every five minutes while your parcel is "out for delivery" — lest you be plundered by porch pirates.

However, in a handful of U.S. cities, some Apple products are skipping the store, skipping the delivery truck, and skipping the porch entirely.

Instead, they're arriving by air.

Skipping the Apple Store for Amazon is already something of a surreal experience. It's a bit like finding your new-age vegan nutritionist slipping Big Macs into bags behind the counter at McDonald's.

However, that experience is set to get all the more unique following the FAA's approval for Amazon to deliver several new categories of products by drone, including iPhones, AirPods, and AirTags — joining more than 60,000 other eligible products ready to arrive by air.

According to Amazon, the entire delivery process takes just 60 minutes or less, with customers able to select the drone delivery option through the Amazon Shopping app.

At which point, one of Amazon's MK30 drones will secure your package, take flight, and head towards your preferred delivery spot, which could be your driveway or yard. Once at the location, Amazon's drone drops to a height of 13 feet, scanning for any obstacles (including cars or pets), before safely dropping your (cushioned) parcel for collection.

What's next

At present, Amazon's drone delivery service is only available for a select catalog of items and in the following areas:

• College Station, Texas
• West Valley area of Phoenix, Arizona

However, Amazon is testing the program in other areas and looks to scale its drone delivery service to more states and cities across the U.S. over the coming months and years.

Given the MK30 drone's 5 lbs weight limit, we may not be too far off from a day when your next MacBook Air doesn't only earn its moniker from its lightweight build, but also its method of delivery.

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Apple might be focusing its efforts on the iPhone thanks to the current tariff situation, but it does have other popular devices that it's working to improve upon with newer versions.

One of its most popular lines of devices is the AirPods. Last year, Apple sold more than $18 billion in AirPods, and it appears a new version could be coming next year.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo tweeted on Sunday about the next iteration of the AirPods. He predicts a new version won't be coming until sometime next year.

"AirPods may not see significant updates until 2026 (aligning with my earlier prediction that IR camera-equipped AirPods would enter mass production in 2026)," Kuo wrote.

The addition of cameras to the earbuds would be used for gathering data for AI. Visual info picked up by the cameras would give an AI more details about the environment, which could be used for some features although no details have surfaced about what those features could be.

Earlier in the week, a string of code was discovered in an Apple update that is being viewed as a leak of the release of the AirPods Pro 3, as reported by 9to5Mac. The snippet of code referencing a task changed from saying "This task requires Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation" to "This task requires Apple AirPods Pro 2 or later." This change doesn't mean a new version of the earbuds is right around the corner, but it does hint that they're being worked on.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about new versions of the AirPods.

The AirPods already have some interesting changes coming thanks to AI. Apple plans on using the earbuds to incorporate new health features such as checking a user's temperature, heart-rate monitoring, and other biometric data. The company also wants to bring live translation to the AirPods later this year. And just last year, Apple added a hearing aid feature to the earbuds as well.

What's next for AirPods Max?

The AirPods weren't the only device Kuo mentioned in his tweet. He also said a new version of the AirPods Max would also be coming.

"A lighter version of the AirPods Max is expected to enter mass production in 2027," he wrote.

The current iteration of the AirPods Max came out in 2020 with only a few changes made since then such as going from Lightning to USB-C, slight changes to the build, and more colors.

Back in 2023, Kuo predicted that the AirPods Max 2 would come out in 2025. That ended up not being the case, although it's unclear what might have caused this two-year delay by Apple.

Let's get one thing straight: The definition of "mom" should be as broad as you want it to be. With that out of the way, it's not too late to get the mom in your life — be it your birth mom, your step-mom, your mother-in-law, the mother of your kids, your sister with kids, the mom-like figure in your life, or you, a literal mom — a gift this Mother's Day.

Best Buy has quite the Mother's Day sale this year — with gifts ranging from stylish and techy Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer smart glasses to the practical and chic Kate Spade New York laptop puffer sleeve — and it is full of deals for mom.

Don't pass up the deals, whether you're buying for mom or you're a mom yourself. And if you get the chance, offer to set up the tech for mom — don't make her ask!

Best Buy 2025 Mother's Day Gifts — Quick Links

• Insignia HD glass screen protector for iPad - $10
• Kate Spade New York puffer sleeve for laptops - $24
• Insignia 140-watt USB and USB-C desktop charger kit: - $48
• JBL Tune wireless earbuds - $59
• Sony Wireless noise canceling headphones - $99
• Asus Chromebook 14-inch laptop - $129
• Fitbit Versa 4 fitness smartwatch - $149
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 11 - $159
• Apple AirPods Pro 2, wireless active noise-canceling Earbuds - $169
• Samsung Galaxy Watch7 - $199.99 - $199
• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless headphones - $199
• Apple Watch Series 10 - $299
• Ray-Ban Meta Smartglasses - $299
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra wireless noise-cancelling headphones - $399
• HP Envy 2-in-1 14-inch touchscreen laptop - $783
• HP Envy 2-in-1 16" touchscreen laptop - $1,052

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• I found the best 3 iPad deals from $299 for last-minute Mother's Day shoppers
• I found 3 outstanding AirPods deals in time for Mother's Day: Save up to $80 on AirPods Pro and Max!
• 5 Amazon Fire tablet deals from $65 I recommend in time for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is right around the corner, but it's not too late to get a great gift! If the mom in your life is an Apple fan, a new pair of AirPods could be the perfect gift, whether she prefers comfy over-ear headphones or ultra-portable earbuds. You can also take advantage of the sale and pick up a pair for yourself.

Right now, you can save up to $80 on a few top pairs of AirPods on Amazon. The AirPods Max are a great pick, pairing luxury build quality with top-tier audio and active noise cancelling.

Alternatively, if a pair to wear on the go is preferable, the AirPods Pro 2 could be the perfect fit. They feature silicone ear tips so they stay in place during workouts while also offering the same stellar audio quality and features you get on the AirPods Max, including ANC and even a built-in hearing aid feature!

See also: Best laptop deals in April 2025

Top 3 Mother's Day AirPods deals

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It's the final day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale and we found these 5 deals for tech gear priced under $100. This potpourri collection of gear covers a range of categories, including earbuds and headphones, tablets, and fitness trackers.

Let's start with treats for your ears. The Beats Studio Buds are now $99, a $50 price drop from the usual $149 price. This is a good savings on these capable earbuds that work well with both Apple and Android devices.

If you prefer over-ear headphones, you can get the Sennheiser Accentum for $99 (50% off)— its lowest-ever price at Amazon. These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature hybrid active noise cancelling, a comfortable fit and up to 50 hours of battery life for all-day use. .

Spring is in the air and Amazon drops the price of the Fitbit Inspire 3 to $69 ($30 off) to help you reach your fitness goals. This health and fitness tracker matches its best price ever at Amazon. It has a slim, rectangular design that feels comfortable on your wrist, and its up to 10-day battery life means you don't need to worry about recharging it daily. I've been using this device for the past six months, and it's the first wearable I can tolerate wearing overnight.

Our final sub-$100 tech picks are a pair of Amazon tablets. The first is the Amazon Fire HD 7 at $45 ($15 off). This 7-inch Fire tablet is great for general use, gaming, and streaming entertainment. Meanwhile, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet (in grape colorway) drops to $85 ($55 off). This may not be its lowest-ever price (last seen during the past Black Friday shopping season), however, it's a solid deal if you want a kid-friendly tablet that carries Amazon's worry-free 2-year replacement guarantee.

Amazon Big Spring Sale ends at midnight, so grab these deals while you still can.

Best last-chance Amazon Big Spring Sale deals under $100

Amazon just launched its Big Spring Sale and we found these 5 deals for tech gear priced under $100. This potpourri collection of gear covers a range of categories, including earbuds and headphones, tablets, and fitness trackers.

Let's start with treats for your ears. The Beats Studio Buds are now $99, a $50 price drop from the usual $149 price. This is a good savings on these capable earbuds that work well with both Apple and Android devices.

If you prefer over-ear headphones, the Sony WH-CH720N fall to $88, hitting their lowest-ever price at Amazon. This 41% off sale price applies to the black colorway only; white costs an additional $10. These Bluetooth headphones have a lightweight design conducive for all-day use and it has integrated Alexa voice controls. Plus, it uses Sony's Integrated Processor V1 to facilitate active noise cancellation as well as its Adjustable Ambient Sound and Adaptive Noise modes.

As we spring into spring, Amazon drops the price of the Fitbit Inspire 3 to $69, down from $99. This health and fitness tracker matches its best price ever at Amazon. It has a slim, rectangular design that feels comfortable on your wrist, and its up to 10-day battery life means you don't need to worry about recharging it daily. I've been using this device for the past six months, and it's the first wearable I can tolerate wearing overnight.

Our final sub-$100 tech picks are a pair of Amazon tablets. The first is the Amazon Fire HD 10.1 at $94 from $139. A continuation of the sale that began last week, this 10.1-inch Fire tablet is great for general use, gaming, and streaming entertainment. Meanwhile, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet (in grape colorway) drops to $84 from its usual $139 price. This model wasn't on sale last week with other Fire tablets, and it's not at its lowest ever price (last seen during the past Black Friday shopping season). But this remains a solid deal if you want a recently-release kid-friendly tablet that carries Amazon's "worry-free" 2-year replacement guarantee.

The Amazon Big Spring Sale runs through March 31, but there's no guarantee these deals will remain live for the duration of the sale so grab these deals while you can.

Today's best tech gear under $100 at Amazon

Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2025 is here and we're seeing amazing deals across laptops, tech, and accessories like headphones. In particular, Beats headphones and earbuds are seeing several discounts all around Amazon, so we're compiling the 7 best Beats headphone deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Our best deal and easily the steepest sale of the bunch is for the Beats Studio Pro for $179 at Amazon. It's discounted from its original price of $349, which means we're seeing a near 50% discount off of the original price. We gave the Beats Studio Pro a 4.5 out of 5 in our review and claimed it was the best headphones Apple users could buy.

But if you're in the market for buds rather than headphones, you should get Beats Studio Buds for $99 at Amazon. These legendary buds boastBluetoothh connectivity, powerful audio with ANC, and up to 8 hours of battery life. They might be a bit old, but they're a great example of a product that remains timeless due to its high quality.

Here's the slew of deals coming from Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2025 for Beats headphones:

7 Best Beats headphone deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Apple AirPods are not just for listening to music, at least, for Apple. The company has big plans for the earbuds and improving the audio or battery life aren't the only ideas.

Apple reportedly plans on adding cameras to its Airpods to let AI get a sense of the environment around the user. The company also wants AirPods to help track certain biometrics like heart rate and body temperature, but a new patent suggests Apple may want the earbuds to do even more.

The AirPods maker wants the earbuds to use sensors to help detect different metrics from the body and use machine learning to determine if someone has a health problem, according to a report from Patently Apple.

The tech would work by using the sensors in the AirPods to determine certain fitness metrics as a baseline such as how steady a person walks and their breathing patterns. Once it develops a baseline for the user, over time the sensors would pick up more data from the user such as abnormal walking patterns, grinding teeth, or joints cracking.

This data combined with timestamps and location data would then be analyzed by AI to pick up any possible patterns that could be related to some sort of health ailment. The goal would be for the AirPods to help determine a health problem before it becomes serious.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about this new patent.

Will AirPods be the next fitness wearable?

As interesting as this tech might sound, it will likely be years before it can be implemented, if it ever is. Apple files a lot of patents for tech that doesn't reach the public.

If Apple does move forward with this tech, it will still take time before the public will be able to buy one of these health-focused AirPods. The primary reason is that tech involving a user's health typically has to receive approval from a federal regulator like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Last year, the AirPods Pro 2's hearing aid feature had to clear the FDA hurdle before it was made available to users. The FDA conducted a clinical study of 118 people to determine if the AirPods feature provided similar improvements to hearing aids without adverse effects.

For Apple, testing is still underway for AirPods monitoring a wearer's heart rate and body temperature. If Apple gets these monitors working soon, we could see them being featured at the Worldwide Developer Conference in June.

Apple still appears to be tinkering with the AirPods. It makes sense as the earbuds still bring in billions for Apple each year, and the competition in the earbud market is ramping up.

That competition also means some companies have certain features that Apple hasn't implemented yet. In this case, there's a feature that the Samsung Galaxy Earbuds and the Google Pixel Buds have that Apple will reportedly add to the AirPods fairly soon.

Live Translation is a new feature coming to the AirPods later this year, according to a report from Bloomberg. The tentative plan for Apple is to release the Live Translation feature in a future AirPods update, likely with the release of iOS 19.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on the feature.

The iPhone maker reportedly has another AirPods feature in the works, but it likely won’t appear in the earbuds anytime soon. This feature involves adding cameras to the AirPods in order to pick up details from the surrounding environment. This feature would depend heavily on AI, which Apple is having a little trouble with right now as the company recently delayed its major overhaul of Siri. It's also unclear if these cameras will be available only on the larger AirPods Max or if Apple will find a way to incorporate them into the AirPods earbuds.

How woud Live Translation work?

The report doesn't offer details on how Live Translation for the AirPods would work, but the feature might function similarly to how it works on the Galaxy Buds and Pixel Buds.

In both cases, the phone's translation app is doing the actual translating. Once activated, the app will translate the language being spoken and send that translation directly to the earbuds. It will also pick up what the person wearing the earbuds is saying and translate it to the language the other person is speaking. This makes translation smoother, as the person wearing the buds can simply let the other person hold the phone with the app running instead of passing it back and forth.

Apple might be able to streamline the process even further, but that won't be made clear until the feature's release. This feature might be shown off in June at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference.

I love my AirPods Pro 2. They sound great, the noise cancellation is stellar, and they are incredibly convenient to use in almost all use cases.

However, when Beats unveiled the Powerbeats Pro 2, I saw the first earbuds that could challenge the AirPods Pro 2 as my go-to earbuds. So, I picked them up and spent a week using them instead of my AirPods Pro 2 to see what would happen.

After a week of using the Powerbeats Pro 2 instead of my AirPods Pro 2 at home, at work, and exercising, I’ve come away with a much better understanding of where each of these plays a role in my everyday carry.

AirPods Pro 2 are still my “everyday” earbuds

While I’m mostly using my AirPods Pro 2 during work, I also use them around the house. Whether I’m taking a walk over lunch and giving my parents a call or listening to a podcast while I’m doing chores around the house, they are an everyday carry of my everyday life.

I tried using the Powerbeats Pro 2 instead of my AirPods Pro 2 here and, after a week, I’ve found that, while the Powerbeats can technically replace my AirPods Pro 2 — they can make calls and pump out music, podcasts, and audiobooks — the AirPods Pro 2 are more enjoyable to use.

They’re easier to pop in and out of your ears, the Adaptive Audio feature is great for switching between quiet and loud environments while staying aware of your surroundings, and they’re more comfortable to wear over long periods of time.

Powerbeats Pro 2 for work is weird

The second area where I replaced my AirPods Pro 2 was my work life. As someone who works remotely, I am constantly on video calls, and while I could blast the audio through my desktop speakers, I’d rather use some earbuds. It’s also nice to throw on some music in between meetings while I am working — and that’s also better to listen to with earbuds — so I end up with them in for most of the workday.

Here, the AirPods Pro 2 also won out for me. I find them more comfortable to wear than the Powerbeats Pro 2, and that alone means a lot when you use them consistently over an entire day’s worth of work. The microphone is also better, which is a big deal as someone who is on Google Meet and Zoom calls a lot.

It also feels weird wearing Powerbeats Pro 2 on video calls at work. AirPods are basically the Patagonia vest of work earbuds now.

AirPods Pro 2 are still the king of travel

When it comes to traveling, especially flying, AirPods Pro 2 have surprisingly taken their place as my go-to headphones. While I’ve used the AirPods Max and Beats Studio Pro in the past due to over-the-ear headphones having the most obvious advantage when it comes to noise cancellation, the noise cancellation in the AirPods Pro 2 has gotten so close in performance that their convenient size has made them much simpler to travel with.

While I did not have the chance to hop on a plane with the Powerbeats Pro 2 to compare them to the AirPods Pro 2, I did the Youtuber thing and played some plane sounds out of my television to see how good each did to cut out the noise. While you can certainly get away with the Powerbeats Pro on a flight, the AirPods Pro still had noticeably better noise cancellation.

With that in mind, and already feeling the difference in comfort that the AirPods Pro 2 provide over extended listening, the AirPods Pro 2 are also my pick here.

Powerbeats Pro 2 easily win for workouts

While AirPods Pro 2 won in every use case so far, we know how this one will go. While I love my AirPods Pro for basically every other use case, I hate them for exercise for the same reason many people do: They will not stay in my ears.

They’ll stay in place if I do something standing and upright, like lifting weights. But start running, biking, or doing anything that requires you to lean forward or backward anywhere close to ninety degrees, and you can bet those babies are coming out of your ears. Whenever I use them on a run, a hike, or am even at home doing some pushups or situps, I constantly readjust them to ensure they don’t take a nosedive into the floor.

This is obviously where the Powerbeats Pro shine the most. With the over-the-ear hook design, they do what the AirPods Pro can’t: stay in place. I tried, purposefully, everything I could think of to get them to pop out of my ears — they would not budge. So, despite having a little less impressive sound quality and noise cancellation, they immediately overpower the AirPods Pro as my earbuds of choice when doing anything active.

Running? Powerbeats Pro 2. Hiking? Powerbeats Pro 2. Biking? Powerbeats. Leaning too far forward? You get the idea.

The only thing I noticed that bummed me out about the new Powerbeats is that, despite coming packed with Apple’s H2 chip, they aren’t automatically recognized by my Apple TV like my AirPods Pro 2. Even the Beats Studio Pro automatically recognize and prompt to be connected, which is disappointing, especially since the Powerbeats Pro 2 would be my headphones for an Apple Fitness+ workout. Hopefully, this will be an omission at launch, and Apple and Beats will work together to add this support to a firmware update.

The point of Powerbeats Pro 2 is clear

After using the Powerbeats Pro 2 for a week, the purpose of these earbuds is clear. While you could use them for everything, they are really tailor-made for the active part of your lifestyle. Beats’ marketing clarifies this, saying they are “built for athletes.”

I’ll continue to use my AirPods Pro 2 for most of my use cases at home, at work, and when traveling. However, I am immediately replacing them with the Powerbeats Pro 2 regarding my workouts. Together, they are a powerful combination that covers every use case you can throw at them.

Now I’ll have to decide if I still need my Beats Studio Pro!

More from Laptop Mag

• Best headphone deals in March 2025: $100 off Sonos Ace, $99 AirPods 4 and more
• Apple reportedly planning to add this radical feature into Airpods
• The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds could take the crown for longest-lasting earbuds to debut at CES 2025
• Two new health features could turn your AirPods into the next Apple Watch

AirPods are not just a simple audio accessory from Apple. The company sold more than $18 billion of AirPods in 2023, and already laid out plans to incorporate new health features into the earbuds such as checking a user's temperature, heart-rate monitoring, and other biometric data.

These possible upcoming features for the AirPods would complement the hearing aid feature that Apple added to the earbuds last year. There is, however, another feature for the AirPods that Apple is working on, and it could be another game changer.

Apple is working on adding cameras to its AirPods, according to a report from Bloomberg. The cameras would reportedly power AI features by gathering data from the environment. The report doesn't specify whether this feature would show up on the AirPods or AirPods Pro, or would cameras be added to the larger AirPods Max, which could easily accommodate a camera.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for confirmation about the report.

Apple really wants AI to work.

Like other potential new features for AirPods and Apple devices, these advancements rely on AI. Apple's venture into AI, however, has faced challenges.

Last September, Apple unveiled its Apple Intelligence feature with the release of the iPhone 16. Apple had big plans for Apple Intelligence at the time but faced a major setback.

On Thursday, an Apple spokesperson told Daring Fireball that the planned update to Siri, making it a true AI assistant, has been delayed. The company says it plans to release this Siri overhaul later this year. It's unclear if Apple will unveil this new Siri at its Worldwide Developer Conference this June.

The delay of the new Siri also impacted the development of a new Apple device. A smart home hub, designed to function as an iPad-like home control device, has been pushed back from an expected March reveal, according to Bloomberg. Its delay stems from its dependence on the overhauled Siri.

If you've hedged on picking up a pair of the latest Apple AirPods, now is a great time to take the leap. Amazon currently has three varieties of Apple's distinctive earbuds on sale, and one of those is actually at its lowest price ever.

Each of these Apple AirPod models hit a different price and feature mix. The most expensive is the AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds for $169. These earbuds not only have terrific active noise cancellation, but they can also double as a clinical hearing aid.

The least expensive is the AirPods 4 for $99. That price marks a new low for the AirPods 4 and the first time those entry-level earbuds drop below $100. These earbuds lack wireless charging and active noise cancellation, but deliver big sound for Apple users.

Somewhere in between sits the AirPods4 with ANC, on sale for $148. These earbuds build on the design and features of the AirPods 4 by adding active noise cancellation with transparency mode and wireless charging.

All three AirPod models are some of the best AirPod deals we've seen this year. Get your AirPods now at Amazon while these deals last.

Today's best AirPods earbud deals

Beats headphones are made for music lovers who appreciate stylish audio gear. Apple's other best-selling propriety headphones work with Android and Apple devices and support audio-sharing with AirPods.

If you just so happen to be in the market for new headphones, I found a few deals worth your while.

Right now, you can get Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds for just $39 ($30 off) from GameStop. These are the cheapest Beats earbuds you can get right now. We normally don't recommend products over 2 years old, but the 2020 Beats Flex are an exception. To this day, they're still one of the best mobile audio alternatives to true wireless earbuds. If you're prone to losing things, you'll benefit from the wrap-around-the neck design of the Beats Flex.

Browse: GameStop's entire Beats Audio sale

Similar to AirPods ear detection, the Beats Flex automatically plays music when they're in your ear. Playback pauses when you connect the earbuds to one another via built-in magnets. If you prioritize great sound, clear call quality, and 12-hour long battery life, you can't go wrong with the Beats Flex.

For $50 more you can get the Beats Studio Buds for $99 ($50 off) from Amazon. If well-balanced sound, noise-cancellation, and up to 24 hour battery life (with the charging case) are music to your ears, the Beats Studio Buds are for you.

Browse: Amazon's entire Beats Audio sale

Finally, if you like nice things and have room to splurge, treat yourself to the Kim Kardashian Beats Studio Pro for $179 ($170 off) at Amazon. These special edition headphones are designed in neutral colors Moon, Dune, and Earth which match Kim Kardashian's signature nude makeup palette.

In our Beats Studio Pro reveiew, we gave them 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review, and said "it delivers better audio, battery life, and compatibility than the AirPods Max, and for a lower price."

Alternatively, you can get the matte white Beats Studio Pro headphones for the same price.

Keep scrolling to learn more about these 5 recommended Beats headphone deals.

Best Beats headphone deals from $39

Sony's line of noise-cancelling over-ear headphones are known to offer fantastic sound quality and customizable controls. Plus, during the winter, over-ear style headphones do double duty as ear muffs.

If your ear can are due for a new year refresh yet you're strapped for cash, Sony headphone deals await you.

Currently, Amazon takes $65 off the Sony WH-CH720N model, dropping it to an all-time low prie of $84. Hands-down, this is one of the best headphones deals I've seen outside of Black Friday.

Browse: Sony headphone deals from $6 at Amazon

Although we didn't test them, I own the previous-gen Sony WH-C700N in my headphones collection and they sound great and are comfortable to wear.

The Sony WH-CH720N improves upon its predecessor with high-quality sound, Sony's Integrated Processor V1, multipoint connection for up to two devices, and up to 35 hours of battery life between charges.

If have room in your budget to splurge, you can get the Editor's Choice Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones for $328 ($71 off). These are one of the best headphones we've tested from Sony and recommend them to anyone looking for premium ear cans.

In our Sony WH-1000XM5 review, we rated them 4.5 out of 5-stars for their balanced, spacious sound, excellent adaptive ANC and superb call quality.

Last but definitely not least, Sony's 2020 release WH-1000XM4 flagship headphones just dipped to $279 ($70 off) at Amazon. We normally don't recommend products more than 2 years old, but these are an exception.

In our Sony WH-1000XM4 review, we rated them 4.5 out of 5 stars for their excellent sound quality, powerful noise-cancelling performance, and light, comfortable frame.

Just about the only key differences between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sony WH-1000XM5 are design and battery life. The latter has punchier sound so if that's important to you, choose wisely.

It's worth noting that you can always customize your sound using the equalizer in the Sony Headphones or JetAudio apps — both free for iOS and Android.

Amazon didn't put an expiration on these Sony headphone deals, so be sure to snag them while they're still live.

Today's best 3 Sony headphone deals

For anyone who utilizes Google Assistant daily, for random questions, weather updates, and other assistance, adding a pair of Google-brand earbuds to your daily gadget toolbox is a smart idea. Fortunately, the well-reviewed, first-gen Google Pixel Buds Pro are majorly on sale right now.

In this New Year deal, the Google Pixel Buds Pro are slashed to just $109 via Woot. Regularly priced at $199, that's nearly 50% in savings! This is the lowest price we've ever seen for the Pixel Buds Pro in these three colorways: Bay, Coral, and Porcelain.

In our Pixel Buds Pro review, we loved ther lightweight design, great audio performance, and powerful ANC. We gave the Pixel Buds Pro an overall 4 out of 5-star rating and our Editor's Choice Award.

If you have an Android smartphone and you're looking for seamless Google Assistant integration (at a more affordable price than the Pro 2 buds offer), the Pixel Buds Pro are definitely the way to go.

And if you need an updated laptop to ring in the new year, we've seen some stellar deals recently. End-of-year sales are always great, but inevitably, not all stock sells out. When the new year rolls around, we often see even better deals than we did around Black Friday and the holiday season. Browse through the best laptop deals we've gathered to find a new machine to pair with your Pixel Buds Pro.

Today's best Google Pixel Buds Pro deal

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless headphones are still among the best noise cancelling headphones you can buy. And right now you can snag a pair of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 over-ear headphones starting at $234 at Amazon.

That price marks 38% off the usual $379 price, and it is just $10 shy of the rock-bottom low price we saw back at the beginning of December. The deepest discount is only available on the white Pride colorway with a subtle rainbow stripe adornment. Most other colorways are currently $249, which is still a good price for these outstanding headphones.

Sennheiser is well-known for its distinctive audiophile-grade headphones. The Momentum 4 have 42mm drivers and excellent active noise cancellation with adaptive and transparency modes. These headphones can also deftly handle Hi-Res Audio playback. We gave the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones a 4.5 out of 5 stars for their outstanding soundstage, high-performing noise cancellation (in our tests, they successfully suppressed wind and airplanes flying over the house), clear call quality, and long battery life (up to 60 hours between charges based on our testing and Sennheiser's own estimates).

If you value Hi-Res Audio, ANC, and long battery life, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 are a great choice. And right now, you can save at Amazon for a limited time.

Today's best Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones deal

If you love to listen to music — and let's be honest, who doesn't love to listen to music? — picking up a pair of Bose headphones might just be the smartest decision you'll ever make.

Fortunately, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones just dipped to $329 at Amazon in the limited Diamond 60th Anniversary Edition colorway, which is a sleek white shade. That gives you $100 in savings and lets you snag this fan-favorite pair of headphones at its lowest price ever.

In addition to premium audio quality that'll help you appreciate your favorite songs even more, the QuietComfort Ultra headphones are known for unrivaled noise cancellation.

More specifically, our sister site T3 said these cans offer "active noise-canceling that truly cancels ambient sound." T3 also praised the QuietComfort Ultra headphones for a lightweight and compact design and a pretty good 18-hour battery life.

Investing in a good pair of headphones often comes with sticker shock, but epic deals like these help soften the blow a little bit. And you can rest easy knowing that you likely won't buy another pair of headphones for years. That said, feel free to check out the other best headphone deals we've rounded up so far before deciding this is the right pair of headphones.

Today's best Bose QuietComfort Ultra deal

If there's one piece of tech I use every day (besides my iPhone), it's my favorite pair of headphones. I usually try to pick up a new pair of headphones during Black Friday sales, but if you missed them, don't worry. Amazon's Winter Sale is the perfect solution.

Right now, you can take advantage of discounts on Beats headphones and save over $100!

For instance, the Beats Solo 4 is currently on sale for just $99 on Amazon! My pair of Beats Solo headphones has been going strong for years and still sounds and feels just as good as the day I bought them. The Solo is a great all-around audio pick, but thanks to its low price and stylish design, it's especially good for students.

If on-ear headphones aren't to your liking, you're still in luck. Three of the top pairs of Beats earbuds are also on sale right now. For example, the top-tier Beats Studio Buds are 47% off for Amazon's Winter Sale, bringing them down to a mere $79! Considering the style, comfort, and listening experience you'll get with these premium earbuds, that's a steal.

Those deals are just the start. I hand-picked the top five deals on Beats headphones for Amazon's Winter Sale so you can save your money and your time.

Top 5 Beats headphones deals for Amazon's Winter Sale

Simple fitness trackers evolved into smartwatches that track daily stats and heart rate, and eventually, smart rings were born to do the same. Why not add earbuds to the list of devices that can track basic health stats? Apple seems to think it's doable.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in the most recent Power On newsletter, Apple is working on bringing health features to next-gen AirPods, including heart-rate monitoring, temperature sensing, and tech that can track "a slew of physiological measures."

Considering the AirPods Pro 2 impressed the world earlier this year with a first-of-its-kind hearing aid feature that has since gained FDA approval, Apple's move in this direction isn't surprising. Given the narrative surrounding the current-gen Apple Watch, it's expected.

The AirPods Pro could be Apple's next big health-focused smart device

Gurman points out in his Sunday newsletter that the Apple Watch has "gradually gained health capabilities during the past decade."

The first Apple Watch could send notifications for irregular rhythm, a high or a low heart rate, and provide basic cycle tracking — and that's it. Compare this to the current-gen Apple Watch Series 10, which offers everything the Series 1 does, plus:

• An ECG app
• Low cardio fitness notifications
• Sleep tracking
• Sleep apnea notifications
• A Vitals app featuring heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, and sleep duration
• Temperature sensing
• Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
• Emergency SOS
• International emergency calling
• Fall detection
• Crash detection

To say the Apple Watch has come a long way in the past eight years is an understatement. I remember when the Apple Watch Series 10 was announced, Apple marketed it as a groundbreaking health and safety device, promoting how it detected active heart attacks, saved people after a crash or a fall, or helped get an early diagnosis for heart-related issues.

Gurman reports that "AirPods will see the same thing happen over the coming years" and eventually become just as full-featured and health-focused as the Apple Watch. Apple's main focus at the moment is accurately measuring a user's heart rate.

According to Gurman, "In Apple's testing, heart-rate data is more accurate on the watch than AirPods, but the earbuds aren't terribly far off."

Once Apple has heart monitoring covered with relatively high accuracy, the company will start working on temperature sensing and other health-related features.

And here's the best part: We might not have to wait that long for these health-focused AirPods. Gurman says, "The capability [of measuring a user's heart rate] could be ready for the next-generation AirPods Pro, which is in early development."

The first-generation AirPods Pro launched in 2019, followed by the second-generation (and current-generation) AirPods Pro 2 in 2022. If Apple follows the same three-year release schedule, the AirPods Pro 3 will be released in 2025.

With less than a week to receive your gifts in time for the big day, it's not too late to score a holiday deal on Apple AirPods. Amazon has three deals on Apple AirPods — both the in-ear and over-ear varieties — and all three are available for fast delivery before Christmas with Amazon Prime.

If you're not already a Prime member and you're still crunching on your holiday shopping, it's worth considering getting Prime for a 30-day trial. This way you can get these AirPods and any other last-minute gifts delivered quickly, and in time for Christmas.

While none of these deals are as good as the ones we saw earlier in the holiday shopping season, they'll still save you real money on Apple's popular AirPod family. For example, you can score the AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds for $189, the AirPods Max USB-C for $529, and the AirPods 4 for $119.

Don't wait too long to shop these deals. For products that show two-day delivery, you need to order by December 22 to get your gear by December 24.

Today's best AirPods headphone and earbud deals

There's good news for procrastinators still searching for the perfect holiday gift. Plenty of last-minute holiday shopping deals on Beats headphones are available this week. Prices range from $59 to $169 to fit within every budget.

One of the best deals from Apple offers the Editor's Choice Beats Studio Pro for just $169 ($180 off). This generous discount drops them to just $10 shy of their all-time low price which it hit on Black Friday.

Order now from Apple.com to have your order shipped to arrive by December 25. You can also place your order online for pick up at an Apple Store near you.

As praised in our Beats Studio Pro review, these headphones provide decent active-noise cancellation (ANC(, balanced sound, and good call quality. On a full charge, you'll get up to 24 hours of battery life with ANC on (up to 40 hours when toggled off).

Featuring Personalized Spatial sound and universal compatibility for iOS and Android devices, Beats Studio Pro headphones make a great holiday gift for music lovers.

Looking for the best last-minute gift under $100? Consider the Beats Solo 4, now on sale for $99 ($100 off). Apple also offers the Beats Solo 4 Minecraft Special Edition for the same price.

Despite lacking ANC, Beats Solo 4 headphones boast Personalized Spatial Audio to deliver immersive, clear, crisp, distortion-free sound like their pricier sibling.

So, if someone dear to you has been hinting about wanting new headphones for the holidays, you don't have to spend a small fortune. Wrap up your holiday gift shopping with my favorite last-minute deals on Beats wireless headphones and earbuds below.

Today's best Beats headphone deals

Christmas Day is over a week away so you still have time to shop for the holiday gifts. For inspiration, I found a sweet deal on one of our favorite wireless earbuds you might like.

Right now, you can get the Beats Studio Buds for just $79 at Amazon. Shipped free to arrive before Christmas Day. If you have Amazon Prime, you can get it tomorrow with free one-day delivery.

Browse: Amazon holiday deals

These noise-cancelling wireless earbuds typically cost $150, so that's $70 off. As far as end-of-year headphone deals go, this is one of the best under $100.

Launched in June 2021 and succeeded by the $170 Beats Studio Buds Plus, Beats Studio Buds are still among the best wireless earbuds around. Although I normally don't recommend products more than 2 years-old, the Beats Studio Buds were ahead of their time.

In our Beats Studio Buds review, we rated them 4 out of 5-stars for their well-balanced sound, active noise cancelling functionality, and striking design.

Simply put, if you want to treat someone special to the gift of music, you can't go wrong with the Beats Studio Buds.

This is the lowest price we've tracked for the Beats Studio Buds this year. In fact, it's one of the best headphone deals of the season.

Today's best Beats Studio Buds deal

You can never go wrong gifting a pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. And right now, you can buy the Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian collection — as well as the standard colorways — for $199 at Amazon.

This discount marks a savings of $150 over the Beats Studio Pro's usual $349 price, making it a good headphone deal. That translates to 43% off the list price, a healthy savings even if it is not the lowest price ever.

Also referred to as the Kim Special Edition, Beats' Kim Kardashian collaboration embraces Kardashian's favored neutral color palette, with three colorway options representing light, medium, and dark hues. While the deepest brown colorway (Earth) is unavailable, both the Moon and Dune colorways are available at this sale price, and both ship in time for Christmas. The Kim Kardashian headphone colorways came out in August 2024. The headphones are identical in every other way to the regular, otherwise outstanding Beats Studio Pro headphones.

In our review, we gave the Beats Studio Pro headphones 4.5 out of 5 stars. We felt the Beats Studio Pro headphones produced better sound than Apple's own AirPods Max, which retail at $549.

Considering that Beats Studio Pro headphones are integrated fully into Apple's ecosystem, this is a solid deal for one of AirPods Max's biggest competitors, and it's a terrific deal for these Apple-friendly headphones.

Today's best Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian deal

It's the first day of Christmas... at least according to the song, and that means you've not got long to pick up some last-minute presents for the holidays. Luckily for you, we've found some great tech deals for under $50 at Amazon.

Our top pick is the 44% discount on the 32GB Amazon Fire 7 tablet, which is down to just $44. It's absolutely wild that you can get any kind of tablet for under $50, let alone one as good as this. In our Amazon Fire 7 review, we praised the pint-sized tablet for its great battery life, bright display, and robust build. If you don't see the deal price right away, click on "See all buying options," and you can add the discounted tablet to your cart.

Beyond that, we've found a couple of great deals on some budget headphones, with options to cover fans of both in-ear buds and over-ear cans. For the former, we've got the TOZO T20 Wireless Earbuds for $25 (a massive 49% discount), while the latter can take a gander at the colorful JBL Tune 520BT On-Ear headphones for just $34.

Rounding things off, there's $22 off the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Power Bank, bringing it down to $47. It's got a 10,000 mAh battery and can charge your devices wirelessly or via USB to keep them juiced up all day long. And speaking of colorful gadgets, there is also this awesome-looking VOYEE Switch controller for $25. It's got a cool, galaxy-esque design on the front, complete with a ton of RGB lights that you can configure.

Bose's earbuds don't come cheap, but it's Cyber Monday, and even the most expensive gadgets in their class can be had for less.

Bose's Ultra Open wireless earbuds are included in that list and they're also some of the best-sounding open-style earbuds I've used yet. Like other earbuds in this class, Bose's Ultra Open earbuds (if you can call them buds) are meant to help you hear your surroundings while still getting personal audio.

I've tested the Ultra Open earbuds extensively and find them to be a great ratio of personal audio to ambient noise — I've even worn them with enough satisfaction in the New York City subway, which isn't known for its lack of noise.

I've used quite a few open-style earbuds at this point — Nothing's Ear Open and Sony's new LinkBuds open — and Bose's really hit the sweet spot.

For the full list of all the wireless earbuds I love that are on sale right now check this list out.

Because there are so many fantastic deals, Black Friday season is the best time of year to upgrade your existing tech (or put it on your wish list so someone else can buy it for you). Among all the tech you can buy, headphones are definitely up there as one device you don't want to skimp on — and Black Friday headphone deals make it easy to grab a top-tier, flagship pair of headphones for cheap.

You can easily find a pair of over-ear headphones that on sale for $50 or less, but the quality you get in exchange for that $50 is usually pretty low. Budget-friendly headphones often kick up the bass so it sounds more "full," but once you test out a pair of high-end headphones, you'll realize what you've been missing.

My favorite headphone deal will likely surprise no one, as it involves one of the most in-demand, well-reviewed pair of headphones currently available. I'm talking about the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for just $298 at Amazon.

Although poorly named, these headphones have topped "best headphones" lists for years because they're just that good. In our Sony WH-1000XM5 review, we awarded 4.5 out of 5 stars for multiple reasons: long battery life, excellent adaptive ANC, and a new chip providing "more clarity and definition" than its predecessor, helping the sound come through balanced and spacious.

While the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphone deal may be my favorite, it wasn't the only great deal I found. Read on to see which 5 top-brand headphones made the cut with stellar Black Friday deals.

Quick links

• Sony WH-1000XM5: was $399 now $289 @ Walmart
• Beats Studio Pro: was $349 now $159 @ Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort: was $349 now $199 @ Amazon
• Apple AirPods Max (Lightning): was $549 now $399 @ Best Buy
• Sennheiser Momentum 4: was $379 now $219 @ Amazon

Best Black Friday headphone deals

Nothing is no stranger to flashy design, but something about its recently released Nothing Ear A earbuds speaks to me.

In case you missed it, Nothing finally plunged into a more colorful design language with its Ear A wireless earbuds this year — the successor to the Ear 1, which price-wise occupies the same territory at $99.

That's already a pretty good deal for a pair of wireless earbuds that look great, have solid ANC, and a fairly robust sound profile. Naturally, though, since it's the season of deals after all, Nothing sweetens its deal even further by knocking off almost 30% from its usual retail price.

If you're tired of the same old white AirPods, this is the wireless earbud deal you should spring on.

And if you want a bigger list of my favorite earbuds on sale right now go here, or check out our running list of all the best Black Friday deals.

It's the day after Black Friday and Google's Pixel Buds A-Series wireless earbuds remain cheaper than ever.

You still have a chance to snap up the Pixel Buds A-Series for just $49 at Amazon. That's $50 off their regular retail price of $99, and one of the best Black Friday headphone deals still available to day.

Best Buy and Walmart are still offering same deal as we roll into Cyber Monday, December 2.

Although I usually don't recommend products more than two years old, Google's Pixel Buds A-Series is an exception. Released in 2021, Google's 3rd generation earbuds feature 12mm drivers for high-quality audio and adaptive sound which intuitively adjusts volume depending on your surroundings.

Despite their lack of noise cancellation, the Pixel Buds A-Series's ergonomic fit offers a tight seal to block some outside noise.

If you're looking for cheap but good wireless earbuds for your Pixel or Android device, at just $49, the Google Pixel Buds A-Series are a no-brainer.

I've tried a lot of earbuds from Nothing and none look quite like the recently released Ear Open.

Nothing's Open Ear, which comes with a wraparound design that slides behind your ear, is the company's entrant into a growing niche of "open" earbuds that blend environmental noise with personal audio.

I tried these earbuds for myself and while they definitely allow a lot of environmental noise bleed, I love the look and how comfortable they are during long listening sessions.

A hidden perk I discovered with my extended use is they're great for listening to audio while you're lying down since the "buds" (if you can call them that) sit flat against your ear.

Nothing's Ear Open are a little cyberpunk and even a little bug-like and naturally, they retain Nothing's signature see-through design. If you like wearing headphones that stand out — and if you're buying Nothing buds you probably do — then these should scratch that aesthetic itch.

It also helps that they're $30 off via Amazon ight now.

If you want a bigger list of my favorite earbuds on sale right now go here, or check out our running list of all the best Black Friday deals.

The Apple AirPods exude a dreamy premium-ness that's hard to pass up. Fortunately for you, they're very much on sale right now in one of the best Black Friday headphone deals we've seen so far.

You can pick up a pair of Apple AirPods Max for just $399 at Amazon in any color your heart desires — well, in any of the four colorways available: Sky Blue, Green, Silver, or Space Gray. While this isn't the lowest price we've seen for these cans, it's only $5, shy of the all-time low of $394. I'd consider that a win!

These Apple headphones made the list of our top picks for best noise-canceling headphones, which makes sense as "powerful ANC" was one of the pros we noted in our AirPods Max review. Other pros include fantastic audio quality, a gorgeous (and, more importantly, comfortable) design, and seamless integration with Apple devices.

In fact, the only official con we had for the AirPods Max was that they're expensive. With this Black Friday deal knocking $150 off the price, that con flies out the window.

For reference, this is the older Lightning-cable version of the AirPods Max, but if you haven't upgraded to a USB-C iPhone 15 or higher and don't plan to anytime soon, this probably won't matter much to you.

If you'd rather pick up the new USB-C headphones, you can grab the AirPods Max USB-C for $499 ($50 off) via Amazon as well. That may not seem like much of a discount, but it's a mere $1 shy of the lowest price ever.

Or, if you're not fully convinced the AirPods Max are the right headphones for you, take a look at the other best Black Friday headphone deals we've rounded up for alternatives.

Today's best AirPods Max deal

I've tested a lot of wireless earbuds in my day, and not all of them are created equally.

If that sounds like I'm being an earbuds snob, well... I am. The good news is that snobbery isn't all for naught — having put in the hours to listen and learn, I'm here to help curate a list of audio products that will best suit your wireless earbuds needs or the needs of someone you're shopping for.

If you're in the market for some top-notch wireless audio, I've tried most of the products on this list, and unless denoted otherwise, you really can't go wrong.

Just bought a new iPhone and got no money left for fancy headphones? Have no fear, because Best Buy is here with a fantastic deal on some top-tier AirPods. You can get the Apple AirPods Pro 2 for just $169 at Best Buy, saving you $80 versus the usual MSRP of $249.

We absolutely love these earbuds, as you can probably tell from our AirPods Pro 2 review, where we gave them a perfect 5 out of 5 score and called them Apple's "best wireless earbuds ever." They're comfortable to wear, sound great, offer excellent active noise cancellation (ANC), and feature Apple's Spatial Audio to give you a full surround sound-like experience.

If you're using an iPhone or MacBook, then a pair of AirPods is a no-brainer partnership thanks to their full integration into the Apple ecosystem, with features like "Find My" and fast pairing. Android users miss out on these features, but even so, they're still a banging pair of earbuds for the price.

Be quick though! This deal is only live for the next 15 hours at the time of writing.

This is close to the cheapest that we've seen these earbuds, and it's $10 cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2 deal we spotted on Amazon last week, so if you missed out there, you've been rewarded with an even better offer.

If you want to shop around a bit, be sure to check out our Black Friday AirPods deals page for more deals on other AirPods models.

Today's best Apple AirPod Pro 2 deal

Black Friday is a wrap, yet Black Friday headphone deals are still available. Ahead of Cyber Monday, December 2 you can snag excellent post-Black Friday savings on today's top-rated coveted audio products.

Among today's extended discounts are the AirPods 4 with ANC for $164 ($15 off), Beats Studio Pro for $159 ($190 off) and Bose QuietComfort Headphones for $199 ($150 off), and Sony WH-1000XM5 for $298 ($100 off).

The countdown clock to Cyber Monday is ticking, however, impressive Black headphone deals are afoot.

Now is the most wonderful time to save big on products from Audio makers Apple, Beats, Bose, Jabra, JBL, Sony, and other. Be sure to browse our extended Black Friday 2024 deals hub for the best end of year savings.

See the the best Black Friday headphone deals still available this weekend.

Best Black Friday headphone deals — Quick links

• AirPods 4: was $129 now $119 at Amazon
• AirPods 4 with ANC: was $179 now $165 at Amazon
• AirPods Pro 2: was $249 now $153 at Amazon
• Beats Solo 4: was $199 now $99 at Amazon
• Soundcore Life Q20 Headphones: $was $59 now $39 at Amazon
• Soundcore Space A40: was $79 now $44 at Amazon 
• Google Pixel Buds A-Series Earbuds: was $99 now $49 at Amazon
• Jabra Elite 5  Earbuds: was $149 now $98 at Amazon
• Beats Studio Pro Headphones: was $349 now $169 at Amazon
• Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Earbuds: was $249 now $209 at Amazon

Best Black Friday headphone deals 2024 — early discounts

Headphones

Earbuds

I've been tracking Black Friday AirPods deals since October when early Black Friday deals began to surface. As a deals expert and bargain hunter who tracks AirPods deals all year, here's my advice.

Black Friday is the best time of year for AirPods deals.

Case in point, Amazon has the AirPods Pro 2 on sale for just $153 ($96 off). This is the lowest price we've tracked for these earbuds and one of the best Black Friday AirPods deals you don't have to wait to get.

This year, expect the lowest price ever on the latest AirPods 4, previous-gen AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.

Apple's chic and stylish AirPods Max (Lightning) over-ear headphones are back at their all-time low price of $399 at Best Buy ($150 off). The newly released AirPods Max with USB-C are $499 ($50 off) at Best Buy, which is a new low for them as well.

Black Friday deals are officially here, so don't wait. The deals aren't going to get any better than this, and most retailers have price protection in place for you if they do. Here are the best Black Friday AirPods deals I found today.

Black Friday AirPods deals — Quick links

• Black Friday AirPods deals at Amazon
• Black Friday AirPods deals at Best Buy
• Black Friday AirPods deals at Walmart
• Black Friday deals at B&H

Black Friday AirPods deals

The October Prime Day sale after-party is in full swing at Amazon right now. Even though the Prime Big Deals Day sale is over, we found 5 deals under $50 you can buy now. 

These bargains range from include accessories, headphones, and even a tablet. All carry a tag that says limited time deal, so jump on these deals while you can.

The Amazon Fire 7 tablet is still $49, a $30 savings over its regular $79 price. This is the same price it sold for during October Prime Day, and the lowest price we've eve seen for this model. This deal is valid for both the black and denim colorways. Notably, you get 32GB of onboard storage at this price, which is $10 less than the regular price of the 16GB version. The Fire 7 has 2GB of RAM and a microSD card slot so you can expand the storage more. It's great for casual use around the home for reading, web browsing, or streaming videos. 

Trackball diehards -- or anyone seeking an alternative pointing device -- can appreciate this sale on the Logitech Ergo M575 trackball, now $36 (click the coupon to get $2.50 off the $38 sale price). This is just $5 above the lowest price we've ever seen. This device combines a standard mouse shape with a trackball on the left side, so you can move the cursor with your thumb and the device can stay fixed in one place.    

Other deals in our under $50 grab bag include the $24 JBL Quantum 100 headphones , the $38 Sony WH-CH520 headphones, and a $39 512GB Samsung Pro Plus microSD Card  . Grab these deals while you can before Amazon's October Prime Day after-party disappears. 

Best post October Prime Day tech deals under $50

It's the final night of October Prime Day 2024, and if you're looking for legitimately good deals on low-price items, you're in the right place.

We have you covered if you've been looking to upgrade your home office or gaming setup with a new keyboard, mouse, headset, or docking station. We've even got a few smart outlets, memory cards, and printer deals worth checking out. 

Because as much as we love a good laptop, sometimes you need an excellent accessory rather than buying a whole new computer.

So, let's get into the roundup of the 17 best Prime Big Deal Days gadget deals.

Act fast: grab these 17 gadgets for under $50

Best keyboard deals

Best mice deals

Best headset and earbud deals

Best tablet deals

Best connectivity gadget deals

Best charger and plug deals

Best webcam deals

Best SD card deals

Best printer deals

This is one of the more epic earbud deals we've seen in a while. The Sennheiser CX Plus in-ear Bluetooth earbuds are now $59 at Woot. But act fast, because this deal is for today. 

Available in black, you can get this earbuds now at a $120 discount over their regular price. It's even $24 less than what Adorama is selling these for via Amazon.  

Granted, these earbuds first came out three years ago, but that doesn't take away from their excellent sound quality and active noise cancellation. They even have a transparency mode, something that was more rare back then. The earbuds include a charging case that adds an additional 16 hours of play time to their standard 8 hours. 

If you need an extra set of ANC earbuds, or you want to replace your current ones while sticking to a budget, grab the Sennheiser CX Plus at Woot now while they last.

Today's best Sennheiser CX Plus deal

Today is your lucky day if you love Apple's audio products but don't love the Apple premium.

In an early Prime Day deal, Apple's AirPod Max over-ear headphones are selling for $399 — a full $150 cheaper than their normal retail price.

If you're looking for top-tier audio, powerful active noise cancellation, and an iconic Apple aesthetic for a more reasonable price, now is your time to act. 

Note that not all colorways are on sale right now, but if you're a fan of Sky Blue, green, Space Gray, or Silver, then you should snag this deal while you can. Keep reading for details.

Noise cancellation isn't everything.

That's the message from makers (and consumers) of a new wave of audio products that blend in-ear audio with ambient noise from your environment. Don't believe me? Well, I'll let Bose, Sony, or even Anker do the talking — all three offer personal audio products meant to blend your audio with your environment.

And naturally, as an increasingly prolific purveyor of personal audio products, the UK-based tech company, Nothing, is now offering its own solution: Ear Open.

So how does Nothing's entry into the space stack up against its competition? Well, that's a bit of an open question.

Earbud or wearable?

Listen, ears aren't straightforward. There are a lot more ear shapes than you might initially think, making the design process for earbuds an exercise in anatomical research and a feat of good old-fashioned audio engineering.

And when you start messing with earbud design in a big way — I'm talking about changing the form factor, or shape, noticeably — things get even trickier. For Bose and its Ultra Open earbuds, the solution to that design challenge is a clip-like form factor that tucks a speaker behind your ear. For Sony, it's a normal-looking earbud that employs a donut-shaped hole, allowing for more ambient noise bleed.

And for Nothing? Well, it's a... slug? Maybe?

I don't mean that derogatorily, either. Like previous Nothing audio products, like the Ear A, which comes in a brilliant yellow color, or the Ear Stick (RIP), which came in a charging case modeled after a lipstick applicator, the Ear Open stands out purposefully.

Similar to Bose's Ultra Open earbuds, the Ear Open presents almost as a piece of jewelry. Its wraparound design curls around the back of your ear and nestles its speaker inside your outer ear. At the non-speaker end of the Ear Open's curl is a silver, thimble-like battery, which is clever from an engineering perspective but also pleasing to the eye.

The case, like the Ear A (looks like a lunchbox) and Ear Stick (looks like lipstick), also diverts from the typical design. This time around, Nothing went with an atypically long, almost finger-like case. Design-wise it has all the hallmarks of Nothing's design team — smooth, interesting, sleek — but it's admittedly a little large for my liking.

Seriously, just check this thing out next to other Nothing buds cases.

Outside of the case, though, I love the look of the buds themselves — they're a little cyberpunk and even a little bug-like. Naturally, Ear Open retains Nothing's signature see-through design as well, though maybe in a less noticeable fashion than its previous earbuds. If you like wearing headphones that stand out — and if you're buying Nothing buds you probably do — then these should scratch that aesthetic itch.

More practically, the buds are also very comfortable. I wore them for a 9-hour workday and never once felt like I wanted to rip them off of my ears as I would with ear tip-based buds, which form a pressure seal and can get uncomfortable after several hours of use.

From an external design perspective, I have no complaints. But when it comes to audio...

How open is too open?

I don't envy any audio company attempting to satisfyingly blend external and in-ear audio. In 2024, we expect a lot from personal wireless audio, and messing with a form factor that could drastically change the listening experience takes guts. Walking the tightrope between some outside noise and too much outside noise sounds harrowing and the pitfalls are many.

I've used Bose's Ultra Open buds extensively over the past few months, so I'm no stranger to the tradeoffs of open-ear wireless audio but, for me, Nothing's Ear Open pushes the envelope a bit too far in the open direction.

It's easy, as a New Yorker, to put open-ear audio devices to a very rigorous test. The subway, for example, isn't exactly what I'd call quiet and has a habit of interfering with even the most noise-cancelled audio experience.

In the case of Nothing's Ear Open, a train arrival in the subway makes your audio basically inaudible. Again, that's partially by design, but if I compare it to the aforementioned Ultra Open earbuds, I think Bose's offering provides a better balance between environmental and non-environmental noise. That's to say: I can hear my music or podcasts better on Bose's buds during high-volume situations.

And as far as overall audio quality goes, I think the Ear Open do a decent job of delivering a pleasant experience. During my several hours of listening, however, I did notice some variability. Depending on what I was listening to, some music sounded almost tinny at times, perhaps from a lack of low end.

The vast majority of the time, however, I found Ear Open to be serviceable considering the constraints of open-design earbuds even if they don't hit all the same crisp highs and lows of ANC buds from Nothing's other products, like Ear or Ear A — both of which I'm big fans of.

While the emphasis on very open design made for some less-than-ideal noise-bleed, it also definitely achieved the intended purpose of open earbuds: I felt a lot more present in my environments.

I wore them all day at work and even committed the unforgivable sin of ordering a sandwich wearing the Ear Open while they were playing music. Thankfully for everyone, I didn't miss a single beat.

Similarly, I wore them while riding a bike through Brooklyn, and they were more than open enough to make me feel safer — I could easily hear other cars, bikes, and people around me.

And the battery life? Well, Nothing says the Ear Open lasts for a formidable 8 hours (the lack of ANC helps a lot here). I used them for basically an entire workday and can confirm that they definitely have longevity. Another perk of open earbuds across the board.

Are Nothing's Open Ear worth it?

You cannot buy any pair of open earbuds without coming to terms with some compromises. Given the inherent lack of seal on your ear, you literally cannot get ANC, which for some uses is a dealbreaker but, for others, is kind of the point.

On top of that, I would never recommend that anyone own open earbuds as their sole pair. There's a time and a place when buds like the Ear Open are practical. If you're a biker, runner, or just generally want something with better all-day comfort, open earbuds have a lot to offer. And if openness is the standard by which we're judging these kinds of earbuds, then Ear Open excels.

However, I do find the compromises in audio quality and volume to be more stark with Nothing's Ear Open than higher-end competitors like Bose. That being said, the Ear Open are significantly cheaper. While Bose's Ultra Open earbuds retail for $300, Nothing's Ear Open start at $150.

To an extent, you get what you pay for here, but if you're looking for a stylish, interesting pair of earbuds to bike more safely with, then the Ear Open might just be the pick for you.

If nothing else, the Ear Open are yet another interesting addition to Nothing's eclectic lineup of wireless audio products.

Need to upgrade your headphones? Amazon has three Sony models on sale in advance of October's Prime Big Deals Day. Our favorite of this trio: The Sony WH-1000XM5, which delivers amazing active noise cancellation, now on sale for $348. 

We've admittedly seen these headphones drop lower, but we still appreciate that they're now $50 off at Amazon. And this sale applies to three of the four colorways (only smoky pink costs more). Many prior sales we've seen were only good on one or two colorways. 

When we reviewed the Sony WH-1000XM5, we awarded the headphones 4.5 out of 5-stars. We appreciated their balanced, spacious sound as delivered via the headphones' impressive Sony V1 and HD noise-cancelling QN1 processor. The excellent adaptive active noise cancellation uses 8 microphones to produce terrific real-world results and superb call quality. 

The bargain-priced $49 Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are lightweight, with a comfortable on-ear design These headphones lack the sophistication of the WH-1000XM5, but they still have all the basics covered -- and more. The battery lasts up to 50 hours, and it quick charges to give you 1.5 hours of playtime after just 3 minutes of charging. The headphones support fast pairing, and they work with Google's Find My Device app. 

Falling somewhere in between is Sony's Inzone H9 over-ear headphones (black colorway only). Get these 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth gaming headphones at a $51 savings. These headphones have a boom microphone that you can flip up to mute the mic, and dual-sensor noise cancellation technology to block out noise. They also have spatial audio, up to 30 hours battery life, and are PS5 and PC compatible.

Today's best Sony headphone deals 

The new Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 will ship in a week, on Sept. 26, 2024. However, if you pre-order these earbuds now from Amazon, you can still save $30 up front thanks to an 11% discount — and you can receive a $30 Amazon gift card. That brings your total savings to $60, which is not bad for a product that hasn't even come out yet.

This deal is one of many deals running in advance of Amazon's Prime Big Day Deals in October. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 sell for $259, but with this deal you pay $229 and then get a $30 gift card. Just complete the pre-order and you'll receive the $30 gift card by e-mail after receiving the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

These earbuds are Google's first to feature its Tensor A1 chip. Plus, they're the first earbuds specifically engineered to work with Gemini, Google's new AI assistant.

Act fast to get this deal before the pre-order ends. 

Today's best Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 deal

With the highly anticipated arrival of Apple's AirPods 4, you might find yourself wondering which high-end pair of earbuds you should upgrade to, or whether it's worth ditching your AirPods Pro 2 for Apple's newest buds.

For the longest time, the AirPods Pro were the only in-ear headphones from Apple that offered Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) tech to block out background noise. Now, the AirPods 4 lineup includes a more expensive model labeled "AirPods 4 with ANC," giving users more options overall.

Even though we haven't had time to properly test the AirPods 4 just yet, we can objectively compare both AirPod 4 models with the AirPods Pro 2 using a lot of info Apple has published so far. From each AirPods' specs, price, battery life, design, and other features, we'll help you decide whether you should buy the AirPods Pro 2 or a new pair of AirPods 4.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Price

The recently announced AirPods 4 match base pricing of AirPods 3, its predecessor. Available starting September 20, the base AirPods 4 will cost you $129. If you want AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), those retail for $179.

Alternatively, the AirPods Pro 2 sell for $249 at full price. Launched two years ago, the AirPods Pro 2 have been discounted to around $169 in the best deals, but that's the lowest we've seen their price drop.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Specs

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Design

All AirPods look relatively similiar, but there are some minor differences between the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, as well as their respective charging cases.

Apple's AirPods 4 are slightly smaller and lighter than the AirPods Pro 2. One AirPod 4 bud measures 1.19 x 0.72 x 0.71 inches and weighs 0.15 ounces, while one AirPod Pro 2 bud measures 1.22 x 0.86 x 0.94 inches and weighs 0.19 ounces.

The comfort of each set of AirPods is subjective, as it all depends on how well the earbuds fit in an individual's ear specifically, and everyone's ears are shaped differently. However, Apple claims that the AirPods 4 are the most comfortable AirPods ever, even over the existing AirPods Pro 2.

For what it's worth, in our AirPods Pro 2 review, we found the upgraded ear tips created a tighter seal like Apple promised and thought the buds were pleasant to wear, even during two 3-hour wear sessions a day.

The AirPods 4 charging case measures 1.82 x 1.97 x 0.83 inches and weighs 1.14 and 1.22 ounces for the base model and ANC model, respectively. The AirPods Pro 2 charging case is wider and heavier, measuring 1.78 x 2.39 x 0.85 inches and weighing 1.79 ounces.

One design feature that won't be a deciding factor for you is dust, sweat, and water resistance. Both the AirPods Pro 4 and the AirPods Pro 2 (and their respective charging cases) feature an IP54 rating.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Audio

We haven't had the chance yet to test Apple's new AirPods 4, with or without ANC, but we have reviewed the AirPods Pro 2.

We loved the "distinctly enriched soundstage" of the AirPods Pro 2, with noticeable advancements in frequency range compared to its predecessor. Bass notes were well-balanced and impactful, vocals came through "impassioned and lively," and customizing sound was an easy experience.

The AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 4 share an H2 processor, which is designed to deliver "richer bass and crystal-clear highs." This H2 chip allows for Apple's Personalized Spatial Audio feature, one of our favorite things about the AirPods Pro 2 (and hopefully also a favorite feature of the AirPods 4).

If you opt for the base AirPods 4 model, you won't have access to Active Noise Cancellation technology to block out unwanted background noise. The AirPods 4 with ANC and the AirPods Pro 2, however, are both equipped with ANC.

Until we can test the AirPods 4, we can't definitively say if one provides a better listening experience than the other. That said, with each set of AirPods coming equipped with the same chip and many of the same features, we expect the listening experience would be fairly similar.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Additional features

One of the biggest feature differences between the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 is hearing aid functionality. Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are gaining a first-of-its-kind hearing aid tool via a software update this fall, and neither pair of AirPods 4 will have this feature.

With a pair of AirPods Pro 2, users can take a hearing test Apple says is "clinically validated," and use the buds to boost nearby sounds and act as an over-the-counter hearing aid. 

Both AirPods 4 and AirPods 2 Pro will gain upcoming software features, including Voice Isolation, improved voice quality, and Siri Interactions, which allow you to shake your head "no" or nod "yes" in response to questions from Siri.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Battery life

The AirPods Pro 2 come with a slightly heavier, bigger charging case — and that translates to slightly longer battery life. That said, the rated battery life of AirPods 4 is nothing to sneeze at.

According to Apple's battery estimates for the upcoming AirPods 4, expect up to 5 hours of listening time or 4.5 hours of talk time on a full charge. With the charging case, the total battery life extends to up to 30 hours of listening time or 20 hours of talk time.

The AirPods 4 with ANC understandably have shorter battery life when ANC is enabled, roughly 20 - 30% less than the base AirPods 4 model. With ANC turned on, expect up to 4 hours of listening time or up to 20 hours with the charging case. When ANC is disabled, the battery life is identical to the $129 AirPods 4.

Meanwhile, the 2nd Gen AirPods Pro provide up to 6 hours of listening time or 4.5 hours of talk time on a single charge. With its charging case, Apple says it can deliver up to 30 hours of listening time (interestingly, the same rated amount for the AirPods 4) and up to 24 hours of talk time.

The AirPods Pro 2 clearly have a stronger rated battery life, but is that worth paying more for them?

Outlook

We absolutely loved the AirPods Pro 2 (we even awarded them a perfect score!), but they are the pricier option compared to even the higher-end AirPods 4 with ANC. They offer delicious sound quality, decent battery life, and a comfortable fit for most ears.

On the other hand, Apple's recently debuted AirPods 4 lineup looks pretty great, too. They're equipped with the same H2 chip inside the AirPods Pro 2, but offer budget-friendly ANC from Apple for the first time ever.

Until we get to try out the AirPods 4, there's no way to fairly declare a winner in this face-off. Once we pick up a pair and test them out, we'll be sure to update this face-off with more hands-on impressions and comparisons.

Announced last Monday during Apple's September launch event, the AirPods 4 are up for preorder retailers. Pricing starts from $129 for the standard AirPods 4 and $179 for the AirPods 4 with active noise-cancelling (ANC). Apple's next-gen wireless earbuds are redesigned to offer a better fit and feature Apple's H2 chip to deliver enhanced audio over the AirPods 3.

If the AirPods 4 are on your radar, yet the price has you on pause, here's a way to save. Preorder the AirPods 4 at Best Buy and save up to $60 when you trade in your old headphones. This drops the AirPods 4 to just $69 at checkout or the AirPoids 4 with ANC to just $119. This is one of the best AirPods deals you can get by way of trade-in.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 in good condition gets you the maximum trade-in value. Best Buy will take $50 off at checkout when you trade in the Galaxy Buds 2 which is also a solid savings. Or trade in your previous-gen AirPods 3 or 1st-generation AirPods Pro to take $45 off the new AirPods 4.

We might not see an outright discount on Apple's 4th generation AirPods for a while, so this is a great way to save some cash.

AirPods 4 preorders ship to arrive by Sept. 20 to coincide with the iPhone 16's release date.

Preorder the Apple AirPods 4 and save 

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Following a lively debate between presidential candidates Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, the internet and social media exploded with claims that Vice President Harris had broken the rules by donning an earpiece disguised as a pair of earrings.

The claims evoke similar reports from the 2020 presidential election that saw President Joe Biden accused of wearing an earpiece during the first of three debates between himself and former President Donald Trump after pictures and video of Biden taken during the debate appeared to show suspicious lines on his shirt that many assumed to be a wire.

High-resolution imagery made available following the event revealed this wasn't the case and the line in question was nothing more than a shirt crease. The accusations were investigated by the Reuters Fact Check team among others, and found to be false.

However, is there any truth to claims surrounding Harris and her choice of jewelry this time around? While Laptop Mag has reached out for comment on the matter, we don't believe so. Here's why.

Laptop Mag is a non-partisan publication seeking to apply insight and avoid any potential spread of disinformation following a surge in readers to an article about Nova H1 Audio Earrings originally published in January 2023.

Nova H1 Audio Earrings: What are they?

Laptop Mag first came across Nova's H1 Audio Earring at CES 2023. While they may look like any other pair of unassuming pearl earrings, the H1 Audio Earring is actually closer to a hands-free Bluetooth earpiece, offering a unique open-ear audio experience not too dissimilar to other modern wearables like the  XREAL Air 2 or Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

We cheekily referred to the earrings as a cheater's dream, for their innocuous appearance and potential to be misused by crafty students. However, beyond finding them a fascinating and fun piece of tech-infused fashion, we had little reason to keep the wearables on our radar.

Little did we know that this particular Bluetooth wearable would gain a second wind at last night's presidential debate as some viewers suggested that the presidential candidate had adopted the H1 Audio Earrings for some external support during the verbal back-and-forth.

Are these the same earrings worn by Kamala Harris?

While Laptop Mag doesn't typically inject itself into the world of political fact-checking, a recent surge in readers to our original article on the Nova H1 Audio Earrings has posed an interesting question: Did Vice President Kamala Harris wear a pair of the Nova H1 Audio Earrings during last night's presidential debate?

Claims that presidential candidate Harris donned a pair of Nova's H1 Audio Earrings during her televised debate with former President Donald Trump quickly spread across social media following the pair's closing statements.

One X user, sharing a pair of images that place the Nova H1 Audio Earrings side-by-side with a screen capture of Harris during the debate, highlights the rapidly circulating claims, stating "Rumors are circulating that Kamala Harris was wearing audio earrings and being fed lines." Before posing the question: "Isn't this against the debate rules?"

According to ABC News' rules for the September 10 presidential debate, both candidates were expected to "stand behind podiums for the duration of the debate and no props or pre-written notes will be allowed on stage," which would suggest the forbidding of earpieces.

Further clarifying rules surrounding communication surrounding the event, ABC News stated that "Campaign staff may not interact with candidates during commercial breaks."

This would suggest that any communication other than that between candidates and the moderators is forbidden, and would place Harris in hot water if these claims were proven to be true. However, can they be?

Harris has a long history of wearing pearls, so it isn't too difficult to track down images of the Vice President donning the same pair of earrings at a previous event.

High-resolution pictures of Harris, taken while delivering remarks to NCAA championship teams (see above), taken earlier this year show her wearing the same earrings as seen during last night's debate, which can clearly be identified as not a pair of the clip-on Nova H1 Audio Earrings.

While it's possible to claim that the earrings may have been modified, with the Nova H1's frame being swapped out, it's this part of the device that houses the electronics, which would leave only the pearl behind.

The actual earrings worn by Vice President Kamala Harris during her presidential debate are 18K gold South Sea Pearl Earrings, formally available as part of the Tiffany Hardwear collection (see below).

Outlook

Once again, thanks to higher-resolution imagery, claims of a Democratic candidate donning an earpiece for a debate are proved to be misleading.

While this claim is easy enough to clarify, it's a solid reminder of staying vigilant in the face of bold claims based on low-quality imagery — or even high-quality imagery in an age of generative AI where deepfake images are so easy to create.

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The much anticipated AirPods 4 are finally here, and as an AirPods 3 owner, I'm excited to see what the differences are, even at first glance.

I love the AirPods 3 because they're not only affordable (for Apple) but they are designed without ear tips, which don't sit in my ear well. However, that affordability does come at a cost. The biggest difference with the AirPods 4 is the inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC).

That being said, Apple also offers a cheaper model of the AirPods 4 without ANC. So, how do they stack up against each other without that? Let's jump in.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 3: Specs

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 3: Price

Apple no longer sells the AirPods 3 in their store, which explains why they're priced at $179, matching the cost of the AirPods 4 with ANC. 

There's no reason why you should buy the AirPods 3 over the AirPods 4 when its top model comes with a massive feature like ANC. Even the discounts we're seeing for the AirPods 3 aren't worth it. It's still cheaper to buy the new generation because the AirPods 4 starts at $129. That's without ANC, to be sure, but the AirPods 3 didn't have it either.

How about if you already have the AirPods 3 — should you upgrade?

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 3: Design

The AirPods 4 and AirPods 3 look rather similar, so there's not many changes here, but there are some size differences.

The AirPods 3 comes in at 1.21 x 0.72 x 0.76 inches, 0.15 ounces, and its charging case sizes up to 1.83 x 2.14 x 0.84 inches, 1.34 ounces. Meanwhile, the AirPods 4 resizes to 1.19 x 0.72 x 0.71 inches, 0.15 ounces and its case comes in at 1.82 x 1.97 x 0.83 inches, 1.14~1.22 ounces.

It shrunk and grew in some places, but you might not notice unless you're looking at them side-by-side. However, you might be able to feel that the stems are shorter, so there's less space for your fingers to touch. And the charging case is smaller and lighter, which is a win overall. 

Apple claims that the AirPods 4 are the most comfortable AirPods ever. Of course, that'll depend on how it fits in an individual's ear. My ears seem to be picky, but maybe those slim size differences can change more than I expect. I won't know for sure until I get these babies in my ear.

However, it seems that the AirPods 4 offer more protection. The AirPods 3 are rated for IPX4 while the AirPods 4 are rated for IP54. The former covers sweat and water resistance for non-water sports and exercise while the latter covers all that and dust.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 3: Audio

The AirPods 3 sound pretty good for what they are, but since we haven't tested the AirPods 4, I can't tell you if there's a difference. However, what I can tell you is that the AirPods 3 features only the H1 processor versus the AirPods 4 new H2 processor.

With an H2 chip, the AirPods 4 is designed to deliver "richer bass and crystal-clear highs." We have seen that effectiveness thanks to the AirPods Pro 2. The H2 chip also delivers the new Personalized Spatial Audio, which gives you a surround sound-like experience.

Then there's the ANC, which blocks out the ambient noise around you. If you frequently commute to work or school, this is a critical feature. I'd say being able to actually listen to your earbuds is a boon for the AirPods.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 3: Additional features

The AirPods 4 is designed to provide better audio quality, but it also comes with a few other features. 

There are Siri Interactions, which you can use to nod or shake your head in order to respond to Siri announcements. Voice Isolation will decrease or even eliminate your background noise while on a call.

With ANC also comes Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio, which automatically switches ANC to Transparency mode so you can hear when you're talking to someone. 

Honestly, I'm not all that impressed with the new features apart from the ANC and its accompanying software.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 3: Battery life

Now this is where it gets a little interesting. We know that battery life drains faster when ANC is off, but the AirPods 3 actually offers longer battery life even when ANC is off on AirPods 4.

The AirPods 3 features up to 6 hours of listening (5 hours with Personalized Spatial Audio Enabled) and up to 4 hours of talking. With the charging case, that increases to 30 hours of listening and 20 hours of talking.

The AirPods 4 offers up to 5 hours of listening and 4.5 hours of talking. With the charging case, it increases to 30 hours of listening and 20 hours of talking. However, when ANC is enabled, it's 4 hours of listening and 4.5 hours of talking. The charging case bumps that up to 20 hours of listening and talking.

If you're looking for the longest listening time, then the AirPods 3 takes it by an hour longer. However, are you willing to give up all those nice features for a mere hour?

Outlook

I cannot pick a proper victor until I get the AirPods 4 in my hands, but so far it's looking pretty good for the new kid on the block.

Apple is making a strong case with the $129 starting price. Then matching the previous generation and adding ANC is a sweet deal. But don't get it twisted, you're paying the Apple tax regardless, though it's not as expensive as it could have been.

For now, watch this page for an update in the coming weeks, and check out news, rumors, and updates on everything related to the AirPods 4 and all things tech by following Laptop Mag on X, Facebook, and Flipboard as it arrives.

If you had any doubt about Apple's ambitions as a health-focused company, a new generation of AirPods hardware and software is here to allay them.

At its 'Glowtime' event on Monday, Apple took the wraps off a new generation of AirPods, including a two-tiered lineup of AirPods 4 and software-upgraded AirPods Pro 2 that reimagines its Pro products as over-the-counter hearing aids.

Here's everything you need to know about Apple's updated wireless audio offerings.

AirPods Pro 2: New hearing aid features and hearing protection

The AirPods Pro 2's new hearing aid feature is enabled by a newly added hearing test that Apple says is 'clinically validated.' The process seems fairly simple: Both the AirPods and an iPhone are used to assess a user's hearing. Results of users' hearing tests can be viewed in the Health app after they've been conducted.

After setting up the hearing loss feature, Apple says the AirPods Pro 2 can boost sounds in real-time. That hearing profile is also automatically applied to other audio, such as phone calls and movies.

If you don't need hearing aids and want to help ensure you won't in the near future, Apple also added 'hearing protection' to the AirPods Pro 2 to help guard your ears against potentially harmful noise levels. As someone who lives in New York City and takes the subway regularly, I shudder to think how often a hearing protection feature might kick in.

Apple said its new hearing aid features won't be available until the feature fully clears FDA approval, likely later this year.

AirPods 4: Price, release date, features

While the AirPods Pro are getting a software upgrade, there was an entirely new Apple audio product at the event as well. The newly announced AirPods 4 add several new features, including a smaller charging case, active noise cancellation (if you shell out for the upgraded model), and wireless charging.

Notably, the smaller, lighter, case will also charge with USB-C as Apple makes its legally mandated transition from the Lighting port. Apple's over-the-ear AirPods Max — which got an upgrade with personalized spatial audio —  will also make that transition to USB-C.

Apple says a new design also promises to make the AirPods 4 more comfortable and deliver a 'massive improvement in sound quality.' It's hard to say without trying them ourselves, but the promise is an exciting one.

If you want active noise cancellation, you'll have to spring for the more expensive iteration of AirPods 4. Apple says the base version will cost $129, and an ANC version will run for $179. 

It's hard to imagine — in today's day and age — buying a pair of non-ANC earbuds, but for anyone who simply must stay in Apple's ecosystem for less money, the base tier might make sense.

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Grab a pair of premium ear cans at a not-so-premium price from Amazon today, where a trio of great deals on Sennheiser headphones are still going strong. The online retailer continues to offer the Sennheiser Momentum 4 for just $249 — a savings of $130 off the MSRP. 

We’re huge fans of these over-ear headphones, as you can tell from our Sennheiser Momentum 4 review. We loved the outstanding sound quality, excellent active noise-cancelling performance, and long battery life. They’re not the most comfortable pair of headphones on the market and the touch controls can be a bit… well touchy, but these are still some of the best noise-cancelling headphones out there, especially at this price.

True audiophiles can also snag a deal on a pair of Sennheiser HD 599 for $149, down $50 from their usual price. These open-back, wired cans won’t suit everyday, outdoor use but if you’re seeking audio greatness to pair up with your PC or laptop, they’re tough to beat.

Finally, the cheapest of these three deals is the Sennheiser HD 450BT for $95. With a $84 (47%) discount, this is one of the cheapest ways to jump onto the high-quality audio train. They offer great sound quality, ANC, and long battery life — what more could you need? We have seen these headphones cheaper before — they were $4 cheaper on Cyber Monday — but outside of a major sales event like that, this is a great offer.

3 Best Sennheiser headphones deals at Amazon

JBL just delivered a major upgrade with its Tour Pro 3 earbuds with over 15 feature additions, one of which solves my top travel pet peeve.

The Tour Pro 3 earbuds have been redesigned from the case up to include more quality-of-life improvements than you could ask for, from a smart charging case, hybrid dual-driver sound with spatial 360-degree and head-tracking, adaptive noise canceling, up to 44 hours of music playback, plus six mics for perfect sound on calls, and a wireless audio transmitter for in-flight entertainment.

While the jam-packed features list is certainly worth being excited about, it's the tweaks to travel connectivity that have caught my attention. As the Tour Pro 3 doubles as an audio transmitter, it allows users to wirelessly connect to in-flight entertainment without buying a separate dongle, making it easier to use your personal earbuds in the air.

Travel woes no more

As a journalist and scuba instructor, I spend a lot of my life on flights, and while I've found plenty of ways to pass the time while hurtling through the troposphere in a metal tube with wings, some of the changes to in-flight entertainment on domestic airlines have come to be a major annoyance.

If airlines even bother to give you a screen in the seatback in front of you, they often run out of headphones or don't hand them out. As a person with an Apple iPhone 14 Pro, I can't use my standard wired earbuds because they have a lightning connection rather than a 3.5mm audio jack. And I often forget to bring headphones with a standard audio jack because why waste the suitcase space? And while I do travel with Bluetooth earbuds, for all that I do enjoy my old Powerbeats Pro buds, they're a bit outdated compared to the best earbuds out there. So, they often fail to pair properly with the seatback entertainment systems.

While this is hardly a devastating problem, it's a personal pet peeve, and what good is modern tech if it can't solve that type of problem? 

The JBL Tour Pro 3 will be available on September 22 for $299. That's a $50 increase over its predecessors, but given the massive infusion of new features, it feels justified.

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