in ear
Latest
Sony's WF-1000XM3 wireless ANC earbuds drop to an all-time low of $118
That's a 40 percent discount on one of our favourite pairs of in-ears.
Logitech's first 'in-ear monitors' for gaming cost $50
Logitech's G333 are the company's first in-ear headphones for gaming.
Ultimate Ears' new earbuds use lightform tech for custom-contoured fit
Ultimate Ears' UE Fits true wireless earbuds use lightform tech to fit to each ear.
What to look for when buying headphones
In 2018, most people are listening to music or a podcast at some point during the day. And in order to avoid annoying your co-workers and fellow commuters, that requires headphones. These are rarely impulse buys, since they can cost a few hundred dollars and, like anything else, we want them to last. Similar to TVs, laptops and other gadgets, headphones come in all shapes and sizes -- each with their own pros, cons and unique features. We've compiled a list of factors to consider when you're shopping for new headphones to help you avoid buyer's remorse.
Jabra's Elite 65t are the most versatile headphones you can buy
Let's face it: Most of us don't want to spend our hard-earned cash on multiple pairs of headphones laying around for specific uses. Sure, it's nice to have your travel set, another for the gym and a third for pristine audio at the office, but for a lot of people, that can be overkill. Instead, you need a single set of headphones that can keep the music going comfortably during the day while also standing up to a sweaty workout. You need a set that can do both.
Marshall adds the in-ear Minor II to its line of wireless headphones
When you examine Marshall's line of wireless headphones, there's a glaring omission: an in-ear model. The company has certainly offered in-ear options, but the current lineup only includes fully wired units. Marshall aims to change that today with the addition of the Minor II: a pair of wireless earbuds that are connected with a cable for behind-the-neck (or down in front) wear like the BeatsX.
Under Armour's latest wireless buds stay in your ears during workouts
Wireless earbuds are wonderful for the gym... when they stay put. And Under Armour and JBL are keenly aware of that -- they've introduced two sets of Bluetooth earbuds, the over-ear Sport Wireless Pivot (above) and in-ear Sport Wireless React (below), that are designed for stability during workouts. They're lightweight and IPX7 water-resistant, but the chief allures are tip and hook designs that will keep the buds in place. You won't be subjected to the gym's repetitive soundtrack just because a bud fell out mid-burpee.
B&O Play redesigns its Earset headphones for the wireless generation
Today, B&O Play announced a refresh of its Earset earphones. These new premium in-ear headphones keep the adjustable design of their predecessors, but they've been updated with the latest technology. You can preorder the Earset wireless bluetooth earphones on B&O Play's website for $299 (£269 in the UK), though only the Graphite Brown model is available. They also come in white, which will ship starting June 1st.
Audeze makes $2,495 earbuds only an audiophile could love
Audeze built a reputation on really good (and more portable) planar magnetic headphones. Back in September the company debuted its first in-ear model: the iSine. Despite looking somewhat like a mini TIE fighter, those bulkier earbuds do a solid job of improving sound quality for people who prefer that fit to an on-ear or over-ear set of headphones. There's even a separate model made specifically to pair with a VR headset. This week, Audeze took another huge step in its in-ear lineup by announcing the $2,495 LCDi4.
Bragi's latest wireless earbuds are now available for $149
Bragi announced the follow-up to its feature-packed activity tracking Dash wireless earbuds back in September. That product, known as the Headphone, was slated to ship in November, but after a short delay it's now available to everyone. The new $149 set of wireless in-ear headphones don't carry the same tracking abilities and hand gestures as its $300 predecessor, but don't let the lack of smarts fool you. This more affordable model is still a solid set of wireless earbuds.
Sony expands its Extra Bass headphone and speaker line
Sony debuted its MDR-1000X high-end wireless noise-canceling headphones back in September, but here at CES the company is adding a truckload of new midrange options to its Extra Bass line. First, there are two wireless models, the MDR-XB950N1 and MDR-XB950B1, with the key difference being the addition of noise-canceling tech on the N1. Both use NFC to make Bluetooth pairing a breeze with AptX and AAC on board to keep that connection strong.
Audeze modified its in-ear planar magnetic headphones for VR
When Audeze announced it's iSine in-ear planar magnetic headphones last summer, the company also touted the device's ability to play nice with the Oculus Rift. Here at CES, Audeze is officially announcing a dedicated VR version of the TIE fighter-esque audio accessory. The iSine VR, as it's called, will work with the HTC Vive, PlayStation VR and StarVR headsets, on top of the previously announced Rift compatibility.
Apple's BeatsX wireless headphones are delayed until February
When Apple announced it was killing the headphone jack on the iPhone 7, it revealed a handful of wireless options to keep the music going. In addition to those AirPods that just went on sale today, the company's Beats line pulled the wraps off of three headphone models that featured the same W1 quick-pairing chip as Apple's delayed wireless option. Today, Apple also updated the BeatsX product page to note that the set of wireless in-ear headphones won't ship until February.
Audeze crammed audiophile tech inside its in-ear headphones
Audeze knows a thing or two about planar magnetic headphones and the company is taking on a new form factor with its latest release. The iSine 10 and iSine 20 are the company's first in-ear headphones that employ the aforementioned audio technology. In fact, Audeze says that these audiophile earbuds are the first to offer planar magnetic tech in this style.
Jabra's truly wireless earbuds track your heart rate during workouts
Jabra just announced a two revised sports headphone models last month, but the company is already back with more portable audio news. This time around, the in-ear headphones are truly wireless without a short cord to connect the two buds. Following on the heels of the Bragi Dash and Samsung Gear IconX, Jabra's Elite Sport is two separate wireless earbuds that offer heart rate tracking.
Libratone's Q Adapt headphones offer adjustable noise cancellation
One of the most prevalent rumors about the new iPhone(s) is that Apple will get rid of the 3.5mm headphone jack. Unfortunately, the options for Lightning-equipped wired headphones are still limited, but Libratone has a new model that fits that description. The company is getting into mobile audio after releasing a number of speakers, but the Q Adapt headphone line's key feature is actually the ability to adjust noise cancellation based on your environment. For example, you might want to turn it down when you're walking in a busy city when you need to hear the cues from traffic.
Jabra's headphones can be prescribed by a doctor to monitor fitness
Doctors can now prescribe fitness-tracking headphones as part of of a patient's health management regime. Jabra announced today that ts newly announced Sport Pulse wireless headphones are now part of TrainerMD's HIPPA-compliant 360 Health Program. This means that the audio accessory can be prescribed by a physician or trainer to help a patient with fitness and nutrition. What's more, Jabra says that this is the first time a wearable device has been made available as part of a prescription wellness program to combat obesity, diabetes and cancer.
Jaybird's Freedom wireless earbuds balance sound and battery life
True to its word, Jaybird's latest wireless sport earbuds are making their debut in the first half of 2016. The company's $200 Freedom in-ears are now available and I've been putting them through their paces for the past few days. This new model follows Jaybird's popular X2, adding customized sound through a companion app and an accessory that could end your battery woes. It's that mix of sound and features that makes the Freedom a worthy competitor when it comes to fitness-focused in-ear headphones.
Fender is making headphones the way it builds guitars
When an established brand enters a new product category, skepticism begins to creep in. It's fairly common for a company to license its name to a third party to make gadgets, and that was indeed my first thought when I learned Fender was making headphones. Fortunately, that's not the case here. The company's approaching its new in-ear monitors and $99 buds the same way it does guitars: by making them in-house, with strong attention to detail.
The q-Jays earbuds are reborn, but are they worth $320?
When spending big on audiophile headphones, folks may look at over-ear models like Masters & Dynamic's MH40 or open cans from the likes of Ultrasone. But earbuds? I doubt those are topping many people's sonic bucket lists. With that in mind, it's rare to see products like Swedish company Jays' new q-Jays unveiled for $320 -- on sale, no less. Yet, quality earphones can sound just as good as high-end headphones, as companies like Shure have proved. And I believe Jays has put enough style, engineering and sound quality into its next-gen 'buds to justify that lofty price.