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Apple and Beats Just Announced New Wireless Earbuds (And They’re Actually Affordable)

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Powerbeats

There’s no reason to buy the Powerbeats 3 Wireless, which are currently selling for $200 on Apple’s website, because Beats and Apple just announced a new version of those wireless earbuds — called the Powerbeats — that are better in every way. At $150, they’re also significantly cheaper.

The Powerbeats are almost exactly the same as the Powerbeats Pro, which are one of the best wireless earbuds for running and working out, but they aren’t true wireless. Instead, the Powerbeats are technically “neck buds” and have a wire connecting the two earbuds.

The good news here is that the Powerbeats Pro have been plagued with a charging issue — sometimes one of the earbuds just wouldn’t charge while in the charging case — and the new Powerbeats won’t have that issue because there’s no charging case. Instead, there’s a Lightning charging port located right on on the Powerbeats’s wire.

The Powerbeats have a 15-hour battery life, which is up from the 12 hours you’d get on the Powerbeats 3 Wireless and the 9 hours you’d get on the Powerbeats Pro (before you’d have to stick the earbuds back in the charging case). They’re sweat resistant (IPX4) and have Apple’s H1 chip, so you can fast pair them with your iPhone. As for as audio quality, you can expect the same signature sound as on the Powerbeats Pro.

The Powerbeats will be available on March 18. You’ll be able to order them in three colors: black, white or red.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Tucker Bowe

Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. As a Tech Staff Writer, he tracks everything in the consumer tech space, from headphones to smartphones, wearables to home theater systems. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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March 17, 2020 / Comments Off

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Is It Safe to Open That Amazon Package?

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Answers from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Right now. we’re doing all we can to distance ourselves from each other. That means staying inside and quite possibly ordering a lot more things online. But is it actually safe to touch and open a package that’s been delivered?

The short answer is: yes.

You’ll be happy to know that professional advice abounds, it is all in agreement that your mail is a very unlikely infection vector because coronavirus spreads through respiratory droplets and so is mainly passed on from person-to-person interactions rather than surface contamination.

That’s what experts have told The Washington Post. Meanwhile, a Wired article cited a report where the researchers at the National Institutes of Health tested how long the coronavirus could survive on specific surfaces. They found that it could survive up to 24 hours on cardboard (though up to three days on plastic and stainless steel).

For its part, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website states that “there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures”; this is due to the virus’s poor survivability on various surfaces. “There is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods.”

Nevertheless, it’s still a great idea to wash your hands right after you touch and open any package. Be safe.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Tucker Bowe

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March 17, 2020 / Comments Off

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Michael Bonikowski’s Earther One electric jet concept is an innovative eco-friendly aircraft

Man has always dreamed of clean perpetual energy, but the scientific laws will not allow it. Until now, the concept of cold fusion still remains outside our grasp. Nevertheless, the world’s brilliant minds continue their pursuit to break through these limitations. For now, we are moving one step forward as the transportation industry is beginning to embrace emission-free alternatives. As such, the number of electric vehicles is growing annually. For aeronautics, all-electric aircraft might still need more research but the Earther One electric jet concept could be the spark it needs.

This brilliant proposal comes from Michal Bonikowski, who is an industrial designer by trade. Understanding the challenge that impedes progress starts with weight management. In order to take flight, electric motors would need to overcome a big hurdle which is the weight. Even the most modern battery technologies still struggle to come up with ways to shave off the numbers.

Meanwhile, the Earther One plans to address this problem via an innovative approach. Bonikowski envisions an all-electric aircraft that takes advantage of the friction from flight to generate electricity. According to his concept, triboelectric nanogenerators will replace the traditional fuel tanks. Aside from collecting energy via drag, the vibrations of the structure and the wings as its bends can be harvested.

While the idea seems far-fetched, it could be a groundbreaking innovation if it ever leaves the concept stages. The only time the Earther One electric jet would draw power from its batteries is exclusively for take-off and landing. Everything else will be sustainable while its soars through the sky minus any form of pollution.

Discover more about it: here

Images courtesy of Michal Bonikowski

March 17, 2020 / Comments Off

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How a Renown Nashville Record Shop Owner Sets Up His Home Hi-Fi

When the owners of record stores and hi-fi shop go home at the end of the day, what kinds of hi-fi systems are they going home to? And what kind of records are they playing? That’s exactly what we set out to find out. Dayle Davis is one of the co-owners of Grimey’s, a beloved record shop that’s been a Nashville staple for over 15 years. Here, he talks home hi-fi systems, his first turntable and his dream setup.

The Hi-Fi Setup

Integrated Amplifier: Marantz PM8005, $1,199
Speakers: Klipsch RP-5000F, $434
Turntable: Rega P2, $675
Phono Cartridge: Rega – Elys Mk2 Mm, $295
CD Player: Marantz CD6006, $499

What kind of hi-fi setup do you have at home?
I have a Marantz PM8005 integrated amplifier, a Rega P2 turntable with upgraded motor and Elys Mk2 Mm phono cartridge, Klipsch RP-5000F floorstanding speakers and a Marantz CD6006 CD/iDevices player. That’s my main rig in my finished basement music room. I have a system upstairs in the den as well with a vintage Marantz receiver (blue lights and horizontal tuning wheel) with vintage ’70s Kenwood speakers and a Music Hall MMF-2.3 turntable with Ferrari-red finish. I can’t recall the model of Marantz receiver or the speakers and I’m not at home to look. Both sound great with my main rig really pulling its weight as an audiophile experience.

How long have you had your current system and what do you love about it?
I bought all new gear for my main system when we bought our current house. We did so well on the sale of our previous home that we paid off all our debts, including the last of my wife’s student loans and our credit cards, and we still had enough to buy furniture and I decided to treat myself to the first new stereo equipment I had bought in about 20 years. It sounds so good. Good pressings on vinyl really sparkle. My Robert Ludwig cut of Led Zeppelin II is mind-blowing. And the louder you turn it up, the more detail enters the soundstage. It doesn’t just get louder. Records that have some wear and surface noise on other turntables often play quiet on my Rega. I also have a VPI and clean all used records that come into the house.

Can you tell me the story about your first turntable? What was it? When did you get it? And what happened to it?
My first turntable was an all in one type system that I had from the time I was 8. I was using my parents’ stereo to play all my records and they wanted some quiet I think. My first real turntable was a Garrard. I had a Technics SL-1300 for years and years. That was the last one before I bought my Rega which I’ve had for 20 years now, upgrading it over the years. I have [given] some of my old systems to my brother and later on to friends.

If price were no object, what would you upgrade to?
I really can’t say. I’m not really a gear nerd. I fell in love with the sound of Marantz amps a long time ago and their new ones really shine as well. I do love the look and sound of McIntosh equipment. I attended a music biz function in LA several years back with a top of the line McIntosh stereo set-up and pristine original pressings of the Doors LPs. DJ Jim Ladd led a panel discussion about The Doors recording sessions featuring Robbie Krieger, John Densmore, Bruce Botnick (who engineered the records) and Jac Holzman (founder of Elektra Records). The guys talked about how the records were recorded, how they got the sounds they got and for each song or album discussed, we would then hear a song on the McIntosh system from the original LP. It was an amazing experience and the records sounded so incredible. So yeah I would like that system at home.

The Vinyl

The Records:
The Who, Who’s Next
Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon
Grant Green, Carryin’ On
Joni Mitchell, Hejira
Tom Petty, Wildflowers
Funkadelic, Maggot Brain

What are your favorite 5 records to listen to and why?
This is an impossible question and I often push back against ranking things and making lists but I’ll play. As of today my favorite records to listen to may be Who’s Next, Dark Side of the Moon, Grant Green’s Carryin’ On, Hejira by Joni Mitchell, Wildflowers by Tom Petty and Maggot Brain. Well, I gave you six and left off probably my favorite albums of all time, but I do really enjoy these and listen to them often even after all these years. And yes, I have Wildflowers on vinyl.

Tucker Bowe

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March 16, 2020 / Comments Off

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The Mixcder E10 Promises Comfort, Clarity, And Premium Quality With ANC

In a discussion with audio enthusiasts regarding some of the best products that offer active noise cancelling (ANC), you’ll probably hear Sony, Bose, and other high-profile brands being thrown around. It’s understandable given that these companies have been in the business for a while now. Nevertheless, we want to open our options to other companies that others have been sleeping on. Earlier we chanced upon Mixcder and its E7 headphones, which is an upgraded version of the original. The audio and design were excellent, but the E10 is the more luxurious alternative.

So far, when shopping for a pair of headphones, comfort and reliability are the biggest factors. Nobody wants to spend their money on low-cost alternatives and have it break in just a few uses. This is where Mixcder shines as it promises top-notch construction and impressive clarity. The E10 is the fancier sibling to the E7 and it ticks all the right boxes that define a high-quality ANC-ready pair of cans.

Aesthetics & Materials

In our review of the E7 from Mixcder, the overall look was that of a high-end model. The metal frame of the headband was flexible with noticeable creaks and the leatherette surfaces were noticeably first-class. Our only gripe was the heavy use of plastic for most of the components. In contrast, the E10 is definitely one step above when it comes to build quality and materials.

This time, the manufacture replaces the plastic parts with metal which extends from the headband down to the driver housing. The matte finish adds a sleek look to the overall presentation. We love how the concentric circular engravings on the black metal shell refract light in stunning fashion in certain angles. It imparts an eye-catching attraction to whoever is looking your way.

Comfort & Convenience

To ensure a perfect fit, the soft protein leather and memory foam of the earcups combine with the swivel for pure ergonomic bliss. Even long hours of audio playback is not likely to cause discomfort. The E10 also uses a folding mechanism for easier transport and storage. Plus, the included carrying case features a sturdy shell to protect the headphones from most types of impact.

What It Brings To The Table

Mixcder proudly promotes active noise cancelling as its bread and butter. Therefore, the E10 is equipped with its proprietary ANC V4 chipset that filters out low-frequency ambient sound up to 96%. High-fidelity acoustics comes from the dual 40-mm neodymium iron boron drivers. Even when you go wireless, Qualcomm’s aptX and aptX Low Latency codecs ensure optimal audio transmission and reproduction via Bluetooth 5.0.

Wireless freedom comes with its perks and cons. Perhaps the downside most consumers worry about is battery life. The brand understands this challenge and packs a 500 mAh battery that can support up to 30 hours of playback. Moreover, the Mixcder Super Charging (MSC) technology on the E10 can make waiting for a thing of the past. Even a quick 8-minute charge delivers up to 3 hours use. Finally, with the 3.5-mm cable, you can boost that up to 60 hours of ANC-enabled listening pleasure.

Use the code “MIXCDER10” for a 10% discount now

Images courtesy of Mixcder

March 15, 2020 / Comments Off

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3 Reasons You Should Buy a Headphone Stand

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Look Professional. Get Organized

The headphone stand might be one of the most underutilized desktop acessories of 2020. No, really! It’s true! We’re living in an era of open workspaces where more people are wearing headphones throughout the day — listening to music, taking calls or just tuning out the rest of the office cacophony. But where do those headphones go when the day is done? Tossed in a drawer, discarded on the desk or flung over your desktop monitor. No, it’s time to act like a professional and invest in a proper desktop stand.

Declutter your desk space and improve productivity.

It’s no huge secret that a clean and organized workplace can get you in a better mindset to get down to business. And this is exactly what a headphone stand can do. It provides a place to rest your headphones, off your desk’s workspace, and a headphone stand just looks nice and sophisticated, making you feel like a professional who is going to get some real work done.

They’re pretty inexpensive.

In general, headphone stands are a pretty affordable desktop upgrade. You can of course go out and buy a headphone stand that costs as much as a nice pair of headphones. Case in point: the Focal Headphone Stand ($249). But you can also get a pretty nice headphone stand for as low as $20.

It’s all about variety.

Headphone stands come in all different shapes, styles and materials. There are headphone stands that are minimalist, stands that have ergonomic designs to help preserve the shape of your headphones, stands that stick to the bottom of your desk (out of sight, out of mind), and stands that are full-on statement pieces. Whatever fits your style and budget, there’s a headphone stand for you.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Tucker Bowe

More by Tucker Bowe | Follow on Instagram · Twitter · Contact via Email

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March 14, 2020 / Comments Off

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2020 brings us a new Tag Heuer Connected smartwatch

A while back we had the opportunity to feature one of the most luxurious smartwatches to ever grace our pages. It was the Connected Full Diamond Modular which was coated with precious gemstones on almost every surface. While it was admittedly a little overboard, the fact that it exists is astounding. Now Tag Heuer is back once more to present its third-generation wearable. The 2020 Connected flaunts a more back-to-basics approach and the results are nothing short of remarkable.

These days, it’s actually rare to see new smartwatches that run on Google’s Wear OS. While the successor to Android Wear does carry some improvements to battery life, it cannot match the competition that runs on proprietary software. Nevertheless, what buyers can look forward to is the outstanding craftsmanship that goes into each unit.

Each 2020 Tag Heuer Connected smartwatch features a 45 mm case. This comes in a fine-brushed/polished finish for added elegance. Meanwhile, the non-rotary bezel is made of ceramic, which adds to its premium construction. The 1.39-inch 454 x 454-pixel OLED display sits under sapphire glass. Users can choose between touch controls or use the push buttons and crown to navigate the menu.

Tag Heuer uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100 chipset with Wear OS for superior performance and flexibility. Powering the 2020 Connected smartwatch is a 430 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery good for at least 20 hours. Buyers can choose from four variants, but we personally love the all-black version that uses grade-2 titanium for the case. Overall, those who love the Carrera lineup will feel right at home with these wearables.

Wear yours now

Images courtesy of Tag Heuer

March 13, 2020 / Comments Off

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Sennheiser Adds Noise-Cancellation to Its Best-Sounding Wireless Earbuds

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Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

Sennheiser just announced the follow-up to its first-generation wireless earbuds, the Momentum True Wireless, which we crowned as the “best sounding wireless earbuds” you can buy. The brand-new Momentum True Wireless 2 have an updated and smaller design, improved battery life and the exact same price: $300. Most importantly, they’re integrated with active noise-canceling (ANC) technology which the first-generation wireless earbuds did not.

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 are available for preorder right now. They’re expected to ship in April.

The one issue with the first generation Momentum True Wireless had to do with battery life. A lot of users complained about battery drain even while the earbuds were in the charging case, but Sennheiser claims to have remedied it. We’ll have to see when we test the Momentum True Wireless 2, but it’s definitely exciting to see that the best-sounding wireless earbuds are getting even better, and they’re getting the one feature (ANC) that many people have been asking for.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Tucker Bowe

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March 13, 2020 / Comments Off

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Montblanc gives the Summit 2+ LTE and more

A while back, we featured a high-end smartwatch from Montblanc that was one of the few to ship with Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset. It was the chipmaker’s latest silicon for Android-based wearables promising better battery life. Not only did it boast technical improvements over its predecessor, but the design was also given a makeover. Now, it’s time to welcome another upgrade in the form of the Summit 2+ and check out what it has to offer.

This third-generation model promises the capability to make calls even without pairing to a smartphone. That’s right just like the competition, Montblanc finally arms its wearable with LTE Connectivity. While this does not mean that owners can finally ditch their handsets, it’s telephony feature is a premium contingency plan.

Perhaps in situations wherein the handset is inaccessible for any reason is where it will shine. With just tap and swipe on your wrist, users can make/receive calls and send/reply to messages, Moreover, given it runs on WearOS, Google Assistant is just a voice command away.

Meanwhile, the Summit 2+ does not just stop there. Montblanc gives consumers like us a reason to take the plunge with even more enhancements. These include a speedometer, barometer, compass, GPS, and altimeter. The brand calls its “outdoor toolbox” and we think the name fits so to speak. Now, it’s on to the technical specifications of this fashionable smartwatch.

The Montblanc Summit 2+ sports a 1.28-inch AMOLED display with a sapphire glass cover. This gives the screen impressive resistance from scuffs and impacts. The steel case measures 43.5 mm with two pusher buttons and a rotating crown as another button. Battery capacity is at 440 mAh which should last about two days.

learn more about: here

Images courtesy of Montblanc

March 12, 2020 / Comments Off

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The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2020

This definitive guide to the best active noise-canceling (ANC) headphones explores everything you need to know before buying your next pair of over-ear headphones, including how the technology works, debunking common misnomers and the ranking our favorite ANC of 2020 for every type of person.

Prefer to skip directly to the picks? Click here.

The Short List

Best Overall: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

What are they? The Headphones 700 are the company’s new flagship noise-canceling headphones and they have a host of modern features that the QuietComfort 35 Series II lack, including a new transparency mode, customizable noise canceling, swipe gestures for playback and USB-C charging. Aside from the completely new design, the biggest upgrade is a six-microphone array that enables the Headphones 700 to be, by far and away, the best noise-canceling headphones for phone calls.

When were they released? June 2019

Who should buy? The Headphones 700 are the best noise-canceling headphones for phone calls – and it’s no contest. If you’re somebody who talks on the phone while wearing headphones and you’re willing to pay the $400 premium, these headphones are wonderful.

Read our full review of the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, here.

Form factor: Over-ear
Weight: 9 ounces
Battery: Up to 20 hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Charger: USB-C

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Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM3

What are they? Sony’s newest noise-canceling headphones look similar to their predecessors, the Sony WH-1000XM2, but they’re better in pretty much every way. They sound better. They have better noise-cancellation – four times better than the 1000XM2. And they can fast charge thanks to USB-C.

When were they released? July 2018.

Who should buy? The Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones are neck and neck with Bose’s Headphones 700 in terms of noise cancellation. They obviously lack the voice pickup ability of the Bose’s, but they arguably sound better (less flat) and they’re cheaper. Anybody who wants the best but doesn’t want to drop $400 should buy the Sony WH-1000XM3.

Read our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM3, here.

Form factor: Over-ear
Weight: 9 ounces
Battery: 30 hrs (Bluetooth and ANC)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2
Charger: USB-C

Most Comfortable: Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

What are they? The QuietComfort 35 Series II are very similar to the slightly older Bose QC35 headphones. They sound nearly identical. They offer the same, great noise-canceling ability. And, like their predecessor, they’re the lightest adn most comfortable ANC over-ear headphones you’ll find. The big difference is that the Series II models have a dedicated button so you can access Google Assistant without taking out your phone.

When were they released? June 2018

Who should buy? The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II are the best noise-canceling headphones for travelers, thanks to their foldable and lightweight design. They’re also the most comfortable noise-canceling headphones we’ve tested, even when compared to the newer Bose Headphones 700.

Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II, here.

Form: Over-ear
Weight: 10.9 ounces
Battery: 20 hours (Bluetooth and ANC)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1
Charger: micro-USB

Why Noise-Canceling Headphones Matter

Outside noise interferes with the enjoyment of music and movies, whether you’re flying across the Pacific or mowing the lawn. Eliminating these distractions is the reason Bose released the first commercially available active noise-canceling (ANC) headset in 2000. Because this tech makes it so much easier to hear hushed dialogue in movies or the pianissimo finale of a favorite symphony, ANC headphones have become standard items to pack for any serious traveler (especially anyone with a window seat next to the plane’s engine). They’ve also become favored with office workers who want to eliminate the chatter of colleagues and other workplace noise. And what otherwise-boring lawn-mowing session isn’t improved by adding a clear, blasting soundtrack?

At Gear Patrol, we review a lot of active noise-cancellation (ANC) headphones and for good reason. They’re among the most popular types of headphones and they come in over-ear or in-ear models. They block out ambient noise: turn on a pair and you hear almost nothing. It’s serenity at the touch of a button — pretty darn cool, especially if you’re a frequent traveler or work in a noisy office.

For this buying guide, we focused exclusively on wireless and over-ear ANC headphones. All the best and newest models hover somewhere near the $300 price range or above, but if you don’t want to spend as much you can find older, wired models of the Bose QC25 or Sony 1000XM that are both excellent and significantly more affordable. Also don’t be scared of manufacturer-refurbished models on eBay, Amazon or the company’s own website; you can get a really good deal and all of those reliable websites have fairly lenient return policies in case the headphones don’t meet your expectations.

How Active Noise-Canceling Headphones Work

Active noise-canceling headphones are different from traditional headphones because they search and destroy ambient noise frequencies that would disrupt your listening session. They have miniature microphones built into each ear cup that listen to ambient noises, and then electronically generate new sound waves that are the exact opposite to those ambient sound waves — called an antiphase — which in effect “cancels” out both sets of sound. It’s like sending an antivirus for sound. The term “active” simply means that the headphones have a built-in battery that’s dedicated to power these noise-canceling microphones. Passive noise-canceling headphones, on the other hand, don’t have powered microphones that actively seek out ambient frequencies.

When switched on, active noise-canceling creates a pressure against your ears that’s similar to driving through a tunnel or reaching a certain in-flight elevation. If the headphones aren’t playing music and you’re in a noisy environment, the active noise-canceling tech makes it sound like you’re in an empty room: quiet. Additionally, ANC makes it easier to listen to music. When wearing passive headphones amidst ambient noise, your brain has to work hard to prevent it from interfering and distracting you from the music. Because ANC actually reduces the amount of sound that you hear, it is, overall, easier on the brain and, in theory, makes listening to headphones a more pleasant experience.

How Does Noise Cancellation Affect Audio Quality?

Find out the answer, along with other frequently asked questions about active noise-canceling headphones. Read the Story

Great Alternatives

Master & Dynamic MW65

What are they? Master & Dynamic’s first noise-canceling headphones marry the company’s signature industrial design (anodized aluminum and genuine leather) with active noise-cancellation. They’re beautiful and comfortable headphones, with above average noise-cancellation. They charge via USB-C but also lack several premium features, such as a companion app to adjust EQ settings, and swipe gestures to control audio playback.

When were they released? April 2019

Who should buy? At nearly $500, the MW65 are considerably more expensive than other flagship noise-canceling headphones. Bottom line: it’s all about whether you like the Master & Dynamic’s signature sound and look; if so, you won’t be disappointed.

Read our full review of the Master & Dynamic MW65, here.

Form factor: Over-ear
Weight: 8.6 ounces
Battery: up to 24 hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2
Charger: USB-C

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Bowers & Wilkins PX7

What are they? The PX7 are essentially an upgraded and redesigned version of B&W’s previous PX noise-canceling headphones. The new models are lighter thanks to a carbon fiber design, but deliver similar acoustics and noise-canceling abilities.

When were they released? October 2019.

Who should buy? The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 are definitely luxurious noise-canceling headphones and they’re in the same price bracket as Bose’s high-end Headphones 700. The advantage that the PX7 headphones have is a neat industrial design and Bowers & Wilkins’s truly excellent sound.

Read our full review of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7, here.

Weight: 10.72 ounces
Battery: 30 hours
Charger: USB-C

Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3

What are they? These are Sennheiser’s flagship noise-canceling headphones and the successor to the Momentum Wireless 2. The new “3” headphones still have Sennheiser’s cool retro-industrial design, but they have a ton of new features. They have optical sensors so they automatically play/pause music when you place/remove the headphones on/from your head. There’s now a companion app that lets you adjust EQ and levels of noise-cancellation. There’s a new transparency mode. They charge via USB-C and there’s Tile integration to help you find them when misplaced.

When were they released? fall 2019.

Who should buy? Sennheiser’s new-and-improved noise-canceling headphones are for anybody who’s looking for something that looks and sounds great, and is willing to spend a little extra for style and sound quality.

Read our full review of the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3, here.

Weight: 10.7 ounces
Battery: 17 hours
Charger: USB-C

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Sennheiser HD 450BT

What are they? The HD 450BT are Sennheiser’s first real pair of budget noise-canceling headphones. They’re exactly half as expensive as the Momentum Wireless 3 and deliver many of the same sound qualities and features. There are some definite tradeoffs, most prominently in their feel and build quality.

When were they released? February 2020.

Who should buy? These are the best budget noise-canceling headphones currently available. You can buy decent noise-canceling headphones for even cheaper, but none have the sound quality and noise-canceling skills of the Sennheiser HD 450BT.

Read our full review of the Sennheiser HD 450BT, here.

Weight: 8.4 ounces
Battery: 16 hours
Charger: USB-C

7 Best Wireless Running Headphones (At All Budgets)

Stop suffering your standard earbuds. Read the Story

Tucker Bowe

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March 11, 2020 / Comments Off

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How Ikea Is Diving Into the World of Speakers

Ikea, with its affordable, assembly-required chairs and shelving units, is the largest furniture retailer in the world. But that hasn’t meant that the growth is over. In just the past few years, the Swedish goliath has been dipping its hands into tech as well, trading in charging cables, wall adapters and wireless chargers, and a launching a whole home division — named Trådfri which is Swedish for “wire-free” — with smart light bulbs, smart blinds and other smart sensors. But one of its notable, growing sectors, is the furniture giant’s growing suite of speakers.

Björn Block, the leader of Ikea’s Home Smart division, will tell you that this focus is actually nothing new for Ikea, which sold records in its stores as early as the 1970s. It also launched its Renn range of hi-fi products around that time, consisting of a turntable, amplifier and a pair of bookshelf speakers. While it doesn’t sell hi-fi products or vinyl records anymore (although it does have copious vinyl storage options, as you’d expect), it does sell more speakers than ever.

Ikea upped its audio game last year with the much-anticipated speaker collaboration with Sonos, consisting of two bookshelf speakers and a table lamp speaker, which paired Sonos calling cards — same app, similar acoustic abilities — with affordable Ikea style. And the mixture proved a great success, with 30,000 Symfonisk speakers sold on the first day they went on sale in August 2019.

It was also the first time Ikea had ever sold a non-Ikea product in its stores, though the co-branded speakers are available exclusively through Ikea’s stores. But Ikea isn’t dependent on Sonos for sound. It has its own audio division located in Älmhult, Sweden, that’s dedicated to developing its own line of first-party speakers. Here is a look at what Swedes have to offer so far.

Ikea Eneby Bluetooth Speakers

The Eneby line of home speakers is fully designed and developed by Ikea. There are two different sizes, an 8-inch and a 12-inch model, both of which share a minimalist design, a simple and multi-functional volume knob, and a surprisingly powerful sound. There’s also a portable option, which is smaller yet just $25. If you don’t have Wi-Fi or don’t want to pay over the odds for a speaker, the Eneby line is for you.

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Frekvens Speakers

The Frekvens collection is a one-time collection between Ikea and Teenage Engineering that was just released in early 2020. There are two Frekvens speakers. The first is a $70 party speaker and a smaller, more portable $20 speaker option that actually has a belt clip. Both are portable Bluetooth speakers that are kind of quirky, which is Teenage Engineering’s modus operandi. You can also buy a subwoofer combo or a $10 base for your speaker, in case you want to spice things up.

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Symfonisk Speakers

The best way of looking the Symfonisk range of speakers, which means “symphony” in Swedish, is that they’re the cheapest Sonos speakers you can buy — specificially the bookshelf speaker. They work exactly the same, and sound very similarly, to Sonos’s own Play: 1 speakers. The Table Lamp speaker is a little more niche, but highlights how Sonos likes to blend home furniture with sound.

Tucker Bowe

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March 8, 2020 / Comments Off

407

This App Gives Me a Precious Extra Hour Every Morning

I would not consider myself a natural morning person by any means, but yet I have managed to slap an extra hour onto the front of my day for the past two months by waking up at 6 AM every single day instead of the 7 AM deadline my commute requires. I wouldn’t say it’s been easy or pleasant — especially not for those first few minutes — but I’ve been able to stick to it without fail thanks to the help of a simple app.

Sleep As Android, which comes in free and premium flavors, has a whole wealth of tracking features from sleep cycle analysis to ultrasonic capabilities that let it analyze your sleep patterns from its perch on your nightstand. But the one and only feature I use it for is its CAPTCHA alarms.

Every night, before I got to bed, I take a deep breath and set the irrevocable alarm that will make sure I get my feet on the floor. Instead of being snoozable, or even having the option to turn off at all, this alarm is paired with an NFC sticker that lives in my kitchen on the other side of the apartment. When it goes off in the morning, it starts softly, but slowly gains volume and absolutely will not stop until I go touch my phone to that sticker. By then, I have mustered just enough willpower to have a coffee and read for a bit instead of stumbling back to bed.

While my solution is Android-specific and relies on buying some special stickers, there are alternatives for iPhone users and the sticker-averse. Barcode Alarm on iOS functions the same, and requires you to simply scan a printed QR code — an option that Sleep As Android has as well.

Some willpower is still required, of course. You could probably figure out a way to force-cancel the app, or turn off your phone, or decide against setting the alarm in the first place. But, if you’re anything like me, you’ll develop such an affection for your newfound morning hours that it will get easier and easier to resist the temptation to sleep them away, especially on the weekends. Even though those getting through those first few minutes is still a real drag.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Eric Limer

Eric Limer is Gear Patrol’s tech editor. A resident of Weehawken, NJ, his current obsessions include mechanical keyboards, mechanical pencils and Formula 1.

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March 6, 2020 / Comments Off

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The Hyundai Prophecy Concept Is a peek into our automotive future

With our experience and love of high-performance automobiles, one would think that it is easy to recognize a marque by design. However, we were sadly mistaken when we thought that this next ride was something from Porsche. Originally slated to debut at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show, the Hyundai Prophecy concept makes its way online. It’s a shame that the automotive event did not push through due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Nevertheless, we are looking at a sleek and mysterious stunner.

If not for the emblem at the front, no one blames you if a certain German automaker comes to mind. Yet, a close-up encounter with this curvaceous beauty would reveal even more. To our surprise, Hyundai actually reveals that this is a zero-emission project. The designers did a great job to hide any hint that this runs on an electric powertrain which is certainly remarkable.

Some you might remember that in 2019, the South Korean carmaker presented the 45 Concept at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. Incorporating some elements from its predecessor, the Prophecy improves upon those elements to create something even more striking. For a seamless aesthetic, this four-door machine does away with the center pillar.

What you have are the two front doors that open forward while the two rear ones sport a suicide configuration. inside the spacious cabin, you won’t find a traditional steering wheel. Instead, the Prophecy is allegedly an autonomous EV. Nevertheless, there is an innovative joystick control system. One is mounted on the center console while the other can be found on the door. As usual, we really want to see these concepts make it into production soon.

More details here

Images courtesy of Hyundai

March 6, 2020 / Comments Off

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Caviar had its way with the Samsung Galaxy S20 series and the results are amazing

Last time we gave everyone a preview of how people can turn an expensive smartphone into something even more luxurious. That was the Galaxy Z Flip which came from Russian Luxury brand Caviar. We saw several versions of their work on the clamshell foldable. The sheer opulence of the final product is impressive. With the release of the Galaxy S20 series, the company is at it once again. The goal is to turn the handsets into functional pieces of jewelry.

Caviar is offering its services to turn the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ and Galaxy S20 Ultra into something even more exotic. Let’s start off with the collection that draws inspiration from a deck of playing cards. For the ace of clubs and ace of spades, the stock glass rear panel of the device is replaced with black composite onyx. The surface features intricate engravings that add to its mystique.

Then there’s the ace of hearts and ace of diamonds. These two pay homage to their color with a red composite stone panel. Just like ones before it, the stylish patterns give each Samsung Galaxy S20 from Caviar a unique aesthetic that looks premium form every angle. Colors aside. All four variants flaunt a golden frame with the elements also crafted from the precious metal.

While each of the suits are rightfully jaw-dropping in their own right, the Joker variant is where things get a little crazy. This one comes with a back panel made of composite kirinite with engravings of all four suits. A relief of image of the fool juggling cards is fine gold and features sapphires and rubies to represent the suits. The script and frame are likewise fashioned from gold. Caviar is only offering 21 examples of each Galaxy S20 model in the collection.

Exclusively available: here

Images courtesy of Caviar

March 6, 2020 / Comments Off

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The One Step You Absolutely Need to Take Before Reselling Your Apple Device

If you’re looking to sell or trade-in your old iPhone or MacBook, you’ll want to wipe your personal data from the device. The easiest way to do that is a factory reset.

Of course that is not the only reason you use your gadgets’ self-wiping features. You could be looking to free up some precious iCloud space. Or maybe your AirPods or Apple Watch just aren’t working properly and you’re thinking a starting on fresh slate could be the solution.

Whatever it is, knowing how to factory reset your Apple device is pretty important. And you should factory reset any Apple product before you sell it or trade it in — especially if it’s an old iPhone, iPad or Mac. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Factory Reset: iPhone or iPad

If you have any reservations about factory resetting your iPhone or iPad, make sure that you back-up your data beforehand. There are two ways to do this. On your iPhone or iPad, you can go to Settings > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Or on your Mac, you can connect your iPhone or iPad (via a charging cable), go into iTunes and select the option to back up your device. If you’ve done that or just don’t need to backup your device, it’s pretty simple to return your iPhone or iPad to its factory settings.

Settings

General

Reset

Erase all content and settings

Erase iPhone

How to Factory Reset: Mac

When you’re looking to sell or trade-in your computer, whether it’s an iMac or a MacBook, it’s a good idea to return it to its factory settings. This means factory resetting the computer and re-installing the latest macOS software. Below are the steps to do just that. (Make sure you back up your computer and log out of your accounts, such as iCloud and iMessage, before doing so.)

Restart

Command

Disk Utility

Erase

Quit Disk Utility

Install macOS

How to Factory Reset: Apple Watch

Before upgrading from one Apple Watch to another, you’re going to want to erase all your personal data from old Apple Watch. To do this, all you’re going to want to factory reset it.

“i”

Unpair Apple Watch

Settings

General

Reset

Erase All Content and Settings

Erase All

How to Factory Reset: AirPods

With AirPods, whether they’re standard AirPods or the newer AirPods Pro, you’re going to want to factory reset them if they for some reason stop working properly. Maybe you have some connectivity troubles or one earbud just isn’t charging properly — a factory reset could be the solution.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Tucker Bowe

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March 6, 2020 / Comments Off

349

It’s Time to Buy a Headphone Stand

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Look Professional. Get Organized

The headphone stand might be the most underutilized desktop accessory of 2020. That might be hyperbole, but I also tend to believe it to be true. We’re living in an era of open workspaces where more professionals are wearing headphones throughout the day — listening to music, taking calls or just tuning out the rest of the office cacophony. But where do those headphones go when the day is done? Tossed in a drawer, discarded on the desk or flung over your desktop monitor. No, it’s time to act like a professional and invest in a proper desktop stand.

Declutter your desk space and improve productivity.

It’s no huge secret that a clean and organized workplace can improve overall productivity. And this is exactly what a headphone stand can do: it can help declutter. It provides a place to rest your headphones, off your desk’s workspace, and a headphone stand just looks nice and sophisticated.

They’re pretty inexpensive.

It’s all about variety.

Lastly, headphone stands come in all different shapes, styles and materials. There are headphone stands that are minimalist, stands that have ergonomic designs to help preserve the shape of your headphones, stands that stick to the bottom of your desk (out of sight, out of mind), and stands that are full-on statement pieces. Whatever fits your style and budget, there’s a headphone stand for you.

The two headphone stands in the lead image are, from left to right, the Master & Dynamic Headphone Stand ($59) and the SilverStone Headphone Stand ($87).

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Tucker Bowe

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March 5, 2020 / Comments Off

390

The Best Travel Apps According to Notorious Jet-Setters

Let’s talk about travel apps. What apps do you use when you’re away from home? Of course, we all know the obvious apps we use when we’re away from home. Navigation apps such as Google Maps and Apple Maps. Ride sharing apps such as Uber or Lyft. And entertainment apps like Instagram, YouTube, Spotify. All those are obvious. And, frankly, all those are boring.

No, instead I wanted to learn about the less obvious apps that people use when they’re on the road. Apps that help them to stay energized, entertained and productive. As well as apps that just help them learn about a new city. With this spirit, I asked some of the people who travel most — aka, frequent flyers — about their favorite travel apps.

Jeff Coffin, Saxophonist for Dave Matthews Band

Jeff Coffin is a composer, educator and musician who currently plays the saxophone for Dave Matthews Band. He’s also a past band member of Bela Fleck & the Flecktones.

App: Sky Guide (iOS, Android)
Price: $3
“Aside from the usual apps we all likely use, I have a particular favorite I use over and over: Sky Guide. I spent a number of my childhood years in Maine in a remote town on the 35th parallel and we had a 360-degree view of the sky from our farm. My dad shared his love for the stars with us. We saw comets, satellites, the Northern Lights, meteor showers, and we even saw Skylab fly over once! That cosmic gazing stuck with me through the years and I still love to see what is up in the night sky in different parts of the world. Sky Guide gives me more information than I could possibly remember and it even tells me the position of the Space Station! How cool is that!?! I know when I am away that my family is seeing the same moon and stars that I am and that gives me some comfort and makes me feel closer to them from so many miles away.” — Jeff Coffin

Tom Aulet, CEO and Co-Founder of Ergatta

Ergatta is a Brooklyn startup that recently unveiled the Digital Rower, a rowing machine with a large display that masks rowing workouts as competitive games. It’s sort of like Peloton, but for rowing, but games instead of class workouts.

App: Weav Run (Free) (iOS, Android waitlist)
Price: Free
“Hotel gyms can be a bit grim, so I try to run outside to get a workout in. The best thing to jazz up a run: Weav Run. They have stem licenses for all their music, which means that they can remix each song at different BPM’s. The app actually speeds up and slows down the music in response to your speed — so if you go faster, the music speeds up, and vice versa. Great way to make a run on the road longer, faster and less boring.” — Tom Aulet

Rebecca Ward, Communications Manager (EMEA) at Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica is a Japanese audio company that makes some of our favorite earbuds, headphones, microphones, turntables and other audio equipment.

App: Citymapper (iOS, Android)
Price: Free
“I usually travel three to four times per month within Europe and then six times a year to the USA and Japan, where our headquarters are located in a building designed by the Akasaka Yoshiaki Laboratory, which is full of natural light and art collected by the Matsushita family. As a family-owned business, I’ve found that Audio-Technica embraces face-to-face meetings, so a lot of my travel is to our offices throughout the world to discuss marketing messaging and brand development with my colleagues. We also work with lots of great creative agencies across Europe, so I try and catch up with them all in person at least four times a year.

For the past eight years, I’ve relied on Citymapper to get me from A to B. It combines all of the useful data from maps and local transportation apps and offers you a multitude of options for travel with an intuitive and playful design. The app calculates all the potential routes to your destination and offers cost comparisons between every option, including taxis, public transportation or even a combination of different transport methods. I really like that they also estimate the number of calories you would burn by walking or cycling, so it can also serve as a useful fitness tool. The app only works in major cities throughout the world (for now) but they continue to add new locations and you can vote for the city you would like them to add next.” — Rebecca Ward

Gísli Grímsson, Salt Maker at Saltverk

Saltverk is a hand-harvested, sustainable sea salt from the remote Westfjords of Iceland. It’s one of the few entirely sustainable flaky sea salt producers in the world.

App: Lonely Planet Guides (iOS, Android); Raisin (iOS, Android)
Price: Free; Free
“I travel eight to 10 times a year, and maybe 75 percent work, 25 percent personal. Last year we did a trade show with Saltverk in the U.S. and meetings and pop-ups in Copenhagen [Denmark] with our restaurant, Skál!, as well as on Saltverk duty. Lonely Planet Guides is a very good app for knowing the local secrets in each city. It has a pretty straightforward design and it’s easy to use. It usually has more info than many other apps in the same category. Raisin is a French app for finding bars/restaurants/stores that sell natural/low-intervention wines. I’m a big natural-wine enthusiast, and therefore the app always comes in handy in a new place!” — Gísli Grímsson

Benoît Rebus, Head of Global Innovative Partnerships at Qobuz

Qobuz is a music streaming with the largest catalogue of hi-res audio. It recently ditched MP3 streaming quality for a single one-plan option that includes unlimited access to its entire hi-res and CD lossless music catalog.

App: Timeshifter (iOS, Android)
Price: Free
“When it comes to professional travels but you’re not traveling business class, you want to make sure that you will be in the best shape possible to do, well, business. Managing time zones is probably the most difficult thing among the trip organization and back to back meetings calendar. Time zones affect your body and health so you’ve better be prepared for that! This is where the Timeshifter app comes in. It will help you to act according to your sleeping habits aligned with your flight and destination time. It worked very well for my trip to CES in Las Vegas from Paris. A typical year of traveling for me would be the Bristol Hi-Fi Show, High-End Munich, New York office, IFA Berlin, sometimes MWC in Barcelona, well not this year, or new markets launch events like Milano. I also travel to visit our partners’ manufacture like Naim Audio in Salisbury (UK) most recently. I think Timeshifter is superior from its competitors in terms of UI and personalization.” — Benoît Rebus

Alex Klein, Co-Founder and CEO of Kano

Kano is tech startup that creates build-your-own computer kits and coding kits for kids.

App: WhatsApp (iOS, Android)
Price: Free
“I swear by WhatsApp. You can send gifs, but also have serious conversations about work or your personal life.” — Alex Klein

Coy Christmas, CEO of Fasetto

Fasetto is a hardware and software company that creates technology solutions for an increasingly connected world.

App: Dark Skies (iOS, Android)
Price: $4
“My favorite travel app is Dark Skies. It allows me to know exactly what has happened, will happen and where it will happen in the way of weather with minute to minute accuracy no matter where I am. It’s the best travel companion.” — Coy Christmas

Carlos Gomez Andonaegui, Co-Founder of Spinciti

Spinciti is an electric bike company whose latest e-bike, the Amsterdam, is currently running an Indiegogo campaign.

App: Runkeeper (iOS, Android)
Price: Free
“I use Runkeeper when I travel as a way to discover new places. No matter where in the world I am, I can track a nice morning run and compare routes. I have found that running is the best way to discover places. Last year I logged amazing morning runs in 3 continents. The nicest one was in Rome at 7am.” — Carlos Gomez Andonaegui

Chris Burkard, Adventure Photographer

Chris Burkard is an adventure photographer who has amassed well over 3 million followers on Instagram. He has won numerous awards for his cold weather surf photography, and has worked on campaigns for numerous high-profile clients, including Apple, Toyota, Sony, The North Face and Patagonia.

App: PhotoPills (iOS, Android)
Price: $10
“PhotoPills is an app I use religiously on all of my trips. The app can help show you exactly where the Milky Way, Sun, or Moon will be in a location and at what time. Essentially you hold the phone up to the landscape in front of you and it will show where and when those elements will be there. For instance, if you want a shot of the sun rising over the horizon, this app will show you exactly where it will rise and at what time which is incredible for planning. I use it on all my trips and it has been especially helpful on projects where I’ve shot events like lunar eclipses. It’s a must for any photographer and is a critical scouting tool for any type of job where planning around sunrise and sunset is important. Also great for the determined sight seer who wants to make the most of their day!” — Chris Burkard

Christopher Donohue, Bassist for Emmylou Harris

Christopher Donohue is the bassist for 12-time Grammy Award winner Emmylou Harris.

App: White Noise (iOS, Android)
Price: $1
“White Noise is by far my most useful travel app. It comes with 40 stock sounds ranging from white/blue/pink/brown noise (brown is my favorite) to various nature and mechanical audio environments. The pitches of each sound are adjustable and the app also features a sleep clock and alarm function. Aside from using it as a sleep aid, White Noise is perfect for blocking out unwanted speech and noise around you if you’re trying to read, rest, or sometimes just enjoy a mindful moment with a cup of coffee.” — Christopher Donohue

Neil Ferrier, Founder of Discommon

Discommon is an industrial design & engineering firm that collaborates with other companies for various design projects. They are also privately commissioned to create one-of-a-kind pieces, such as desks and coffee tables. They also create high-end men’s accessories, such as wallets, bottle openers and pocket knives.

App: HotelTonight (iOS, Android), Mr and Mrs Smith (iOS), Whoop (iOS, Android)
Price: Free, free and free
“There are three apps I can’t live without when on the road. I personally live off of HotelTonight. My travel is often short notice and tends to change last minute. The app gives me this strange sense of freedom, to feel flexible to change as the projects/clients demand. What makes it special is I pull the app up and lodging is usually booked within 60 seconds. If I’m staying somewhere more than a night, Mr. and Mrs. Smith is a close second. They have never done me wrong on a quality hotel. Finally, once settled in at my destination, Whoop is another one I depend on during days on the road. It is a sleep-and-strain tracking app and armband combo. It pushes me to sleep enough and lets me know when I can go flat out at the gym on a more mellow workday.” — Neil Ferrier

Marika Patto, VP Product for Zagg Brands

Zagg is a company best known for its smartphone accessories such as screen protectors, Bluetooth keyboards, portable battery cases. Zagg is also the parent company of Mophie, Invisible Shield, iFrogz and Braven.

App: XE Currency (Free), Down Dog (Free), FLIO (Free)
Price: Free
“I don’t travel as much as I used to, basically only once per year internationally and a few times domestically for business, I do travel more for pleasure. Outside the common ones, I like XE Currency. [It shows] live rates, works offline, and stores 180+ currencies so wherever you go you can quickly figure out what things cost. Down Dog is very customizable yoga app that shows lots of different workouts you can do in a hotel room. If I travel somewhere I haven’t been to before (especially International), I use FLIO, it’s great for finding what’s available at the airport, and advice on how to get around/from/to the airports.” — Marika Patto

Carly Stein, Founder of Beekeeper’s Naturals

Beekeeper’s Naturals makes organic, sustainable products that help your immune sstem, brain activity and overall health. All the products are made using ingredients produced by bees.

App: Five Minute Journal (iOS, Android)
Price: $5
“I absolutely love writing in my Five Minute Journal as a way to begin and end my days with a little dose of gratitude. It’s so important to train our brains to focus on what is going right in our lives, because it’s really easy to focus only on the negatives (humans are hardwired that way). Because my job requires me to be on-the-go so often, I tend to travel light. Using the Five Minute Journal app allows me to easily maintain this positive practice anywhere—even on a red-eye flight.” — Carly Stein

Ajay Mehta, Founder of Birthday Candles

Birthday Candles makes personalized, hand-poured, scented candles that are based on astrology, numerology, and tarot – there are 365 customized candles, one for every birthday.

App: Instapaper (iOS, Android)
Price: Free
“I use Instapaper pretty much every day when I’m on the road. I think of it as my own personal magazine — whenever I see a long piece that looks interesting, I save it to Instapaper to read later. I need a large chunk of time to read one of those 10,000 word New Yorker deep dives, so the plane or a long car ride is perfect. I love that Instapaper stores articles offline and in a very readable, well-designed, minimalist format — I know I can dive into a long read on the plane with fewer distractions and I love having a full Instapaper archive of interesting stuff to read. ” — Ajay Mehta

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Tucker Bowe

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March 5, 2020 / Comments Off

416

The Best Wireless Earbuds of 2020 – Which Is Right for You?

This definitive guide to the best wireless earbuds of 2019 explores everything you need to know before buying your next pair of wireless earbuds, including what to look out for and which options are best.

Prefer to skip directly to the picks? Click here.

Editor’s Picks

Best Overall: Apple AirPods Pro

What are they? The AirPods Pro are Apple’s first wireless earbuds with active noise-cancellation. They have upgraded drivers, so they sound better than AirPods. They have a new design with silicone eartips, so they should stay in your ears better, too. Plus they’re water-resistant, which AirPods are not. If you have an iPhone, the AirPods Pro are simply the best wireless earbuds you can buy.

When were they released? October 2019.

Who should buy? Anybody who wants the best wireless earbuds that Apple has to over, and are willing to pay extra for it.

Read our full review of the AirPods Pro, here.

Battery: 4.5 hours per earbud; charging case holds an extra 15 hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Water Resistance: IPX4
Charge: Lightning
Key features: new noise-canceling and transparency modes, water- and sweat-resistance, wireless charging case

Best for Running: Jaybird Vista

What are they? The Vista wireless earbuds were specifically designed for endurance athletes. They’re fully waterproof and sweatproof, and they’re some of the smallest and lightest earbuds that we’ve tested. The neat thing about the charging case is, other than being super compact, is that it conveniently charges via USB-C and can quickly charge the earbuds. In our opinion, the Vista are better wireless earbuds for running than the Beats Powerbeats Pro because they’re more reliable (no connectivity issues), cheaper, lighter, and more rugged.

When were they released? Summer 2019.

Who should buy? The Vista are great for anybody who listens to music while working out. More specifically, they’re designed for long-distance runners, trail runners, mountain bikers and other extreme athletes.

Read our full review of the Jaybird Vista, here.

Battery: 6 hours per earbud; charging case holds an extra 10 hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Water Resistance: IPX7
Charge: USB-C
Key features: adjustable EQ, extreme water- and sweat-resistance, quick charge technology

Best Sound Quality: Sennheiser Momentum TW

What are they? Sennheiser’s first wireless earbuds demand a hefty fee, but once you actually listen to them, you see why. The sound quality of the Momentum TW is second to none. Throw in an elegant case, above-average battery life and the ability to charge via USB-C and you have the best wireless earbuds for users who place a premium on sound quality.

When were they released? September 2018. It wouldn’t surprise us if the company releases new models (with active noise-cancellation soon).

Who should buy? The Momentum TW sound as good as they look and feel — which is excellent. These are probably the best-sound wireless earbuds that we’ve tested. And they work well with both iPhone and Android.

Read our full review of the Sennheiser Momentum TW, here.

Battery: 4 hours per earbud; charging case holds an extra 8 hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Water Resistance: IPX4
Charge: USB-C
Key features: ergonomic design, Smart Control app, fabric-wrapped charging case

Best Noise-Canceling: Sony WF-1000XM3

What are they The Sony WF-1000XM3 are the true wireless versions of the company’s hugely-popular WH-1000XM3 noise-canceling headphones. The two share an app, have similar features and they both sound really good, too. They’re also really the only truly stellar noise-canceling wireless earbuds that you can buy right now.

When were they released? July 2019.

Who should buy? Anybody looking for the best noise-canceling wireless earbuds on the market. While the AirPods Pro come close, they can’t beat the noise-cancellation and exceptional sound quality of the WF-1000XM3.

Read our full review of the Sony WF-1000XM3, here.

Battery: 6 hours per earbud; up to 24 hours of battery life total with ANC turned on (with case)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Water Resistance: N/A
Charge: USB-C
Key features: noise-canceling, adaptive sound control, Quick Attention, works with Google Assistant

What You Need to Know About True Wireless Headphones

The first true wireless earbuds date back to 2014, but it was the release of Apple’s AirPods in 2016 that really fired them into the mainstream. True wireless means that there isn’t any kind of cord tethering the two earbuds together, as opposed to just wireless earphones like the Powerbeats3 Wireless or Google’s original Pixel Buds, and they are the next natural progression of wireless earbuds. Fewer and fewer people want wires of any type, and it’s as simple as that.

Not all true wireless earbuds are the same. In fact, now that there are so many on the market, a lot of true wireless earbuds are very different. So which ones are right for you? The answer: it depends. It depends on what you’re going to using them for. It depends on the type of smartphone you have. And it depends on how much you’re willing to pay. But the biggest factor, and you really don’t have this problem when dealing with over-ear or on-ear headphones, is that your true wireless earbuds have to fit in your ears. And fit well. You’re never going to love them if you’re constantly worried about them falling out.

Apple’s AirPods have set the benchmark for wireless earbuds up to this point. They’re fantastic wireless earbuds — and now in their second generation — and that’s why every pair that’s since been released has been labeled some sort of “AirPod rival.” But if you have an Android smartphone, or if you plan on running or working out with your wireless earbuds, AirPods might not be the best option for you. Depending on what you’re looking for, we’ve broken down all our favorite wireless earbuds and what they’re each good for.

Other Options

Bose SoundSport Free

What are they? The Bose SoundSport Free is the company’s first wireless earbuds and they utilize Bose’s StayHear+ Sport earwings, which are the same as all other Bose earbuds, so you can expect them to fit securely in your ears. On the flip side, the earbuds stick out of your ears and can look a bit awkward. The deliver signature sound quality and signature punchy bass.

When were they released? September 2017. Bose has already announced that it’ll release two next-generation wireless earbuds, the Bose Earbuds 500 and Earbuds 700, sometime in early 2020.

Who should buy? There’s no denying that these are excellent wireless earbuds, but they’ve been around for a while and Bose is expecting to release new models in the near future. If you can get a deal on them for well under $200, then they are absolutely worth it. Or if you just like deep bass.

Read our full review of the Bose SoundSport Free, here.

Battery: five hours per earbud; charging case holds an extra 10 hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1
Water Resistance: IPX4
Charge: micro-USB
Key features: quick charge of 15 minutes gives you 45 minutes of playtime; Bose Connect app has “Find My Buds” feature

Powerbeats Pro

What are they? The Powerbeats Pro combine the design, sweat-resistance and sound of Beats’s wireless sport earbuds, the Powerbeats3 Wireless ($200), with the true wirelessness and functionality of Apple’s second-generation AirPods.

When were they released? May 2019; so you shouldn’t expect a new model to be released in the near future. Also, it’s unlikely to see many deals.

Who should buy? If you own an iPhone and AirPods don’t fit in your ears, or you just want sweatproof alternatives to AirPods, these are exactly what you want.

Read our full review of the Powerbeats Pro, here.

Battery: 9 hours listening time (24 hours with case), 3 hours talk time (18 hours with case)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Sweat resistant: IPX4
Charge: Lightning
Key features: Apple’s H1 chip, hands-free “Hey Siri”

Master & Dynamic MW07 (Plus and Go)

What are they? Master & Dynamic’s first true wireless earbuds, the original MW07, were unlike anything else. They were uncompromisingly luxurious, made of acetate (which you can buy in seven different colors) and they came in a neat stainless steel charging case. Master & Dynamic has since antiquated those original wireless earbuds and released two new versions. First, the MW07 Plus look essentially identical to the original MW07, but they have active noise-cancellation and three times the battery life. Secondly, the MW07 Go are sport wireless earbuds that are made of an ultra-durable TR90 composite — not acetate. This allows them to be 15-percent smaller and lighter than the original MW07, but more importantly more water- and sweat-resistant.

When were they released? The second-generation MW07 Plus and MW07 Go were released in late 2019. The original MW07, which can you can still buy, were released in October 2018.

Who should buy? $300 is definitely expensive for truly wireless earbuds, but you’re paying for more style, personality and high-end materials. If you want wireless earbuds that sound excellent and, more importantly, are unlike anything else, the MW07 Plus are great.

Read our full review of the Master & Dynamic MW07, here, as well as the updates on the MW07 Plus and Go, here.

Battery: 3.5-hour per earbud, 10 hours from the charging case
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Sweat Resistant: IPX4 (MW07 and MW07 Plus); IPX6 (MW07 Go)
Charge: USB-C
Key features: made of acetate and stainless steal, tactile buttons on each earbud

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Jabra Elite 65t

What are they? The Elite 65t are the predecessor to Jabra’s newer Elite 75t wireless earbuds. They’re still excellent, with powerful drivers and a great four-mic array (two in each earbud) for superior call quality, but they’re larger and charge via the now-antiquated micro-USB charging cable.

When were they released? January 2018. Jabra has since released the Elite 75t and the Elite Active 75t.

Who should buy? If you don’t want AirPods or they just don’t fit in your ears, these are a good option. The Elite 65t work excellently and fit completely different than AirPods. The other big thing is that, with their a four-mic array, they are very good for taking calls. The downsides are that they really tight fit, so wearing them for long periods of time may cause ear fatigue; plus they are now antiquated.

Read our full review of the Jabra Elite 65t, here.

Battery: five hours per earbud; 10 hours from the charging case
Sweat resistant: IP55
Charge: micro-USB
Key features: Sound+ app lets you customize EQ; four-mic array; works with voice assistants

Apple AirPods (2019)

What are they? The second-generation AirPods look identically to the ones that were released in 2016, and they work almost exactly the same way — but they up the ante in quite a few ways. With the new H1 chip, they pair faster, have better battery life and better mics. And they support “Hey Siri” voice commands, so you don’t need to push any button to activate the voice assistant. Apple also now offers the option of a wireless charging case, as long as you’re willing to pay a little extra.

When were they released? March 2019. Apple has since released the AirPods Pro, which are Apple’s redesigned wireless earbuds with active noise-cancellation.

Who should buy? Even with the second-generation wireless earbuds, AirPods still have two downsides. You need an iOS device to get the most out of them and they’re not water-resistant, so you probably shouldn’t work out with them. That said, if you have an iPhone these are by-far-and-away the best true wireless earbuds you can buy.

Read our full review of the Apple AirPods (2nd-Generation), here.

Battery: five hours per earbud; charging case holds 24 hours of total charge
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Water Resistance: no
Charge: Lightning, Qi-wireless
Key features: H1 chip allows quick pairing to iPhone or iPad; optical sensors detect play/pause when you place or remove from your ears; hands-free Siri

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Jabra Elite 75t

What are they? The Jabra Elite 75t wireless earbuds are the next generation of the highly-acclaimed Elite 65t, which many reviewers claimed were the best AirPods alternatives. They are 20% smaller than their predecessors, so they’re a little more comfortable to wear, and they have almost double the battery life. They also finally support USB-C charging.

When were they released? November 2019.

Who should buy? Anybody looking for some of the best wireless earbuds you can buy. They’re great for basically anything and boast excellent call quality. Jabra’s Elite Active 75t are more sweat- and water-resistant, and more designed for working out.

Read our full review of the Jabra Elite 75t, here.

Battery: 7.5 hours per earbud; charging case holds an extra 13 hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Water Resistance: IP-55
Charge: USB-C
Key features: adjustable EQ, long battery life, 4-microphone array

1More True Wireless ANC

What are they? 1More is an audio company that specializes in hi-fi headphones at affordable prices. The True Wireless ANC are its first pair of wireless earbuds with active noise-cancellation. The interesting thing about them, other than price, is that each earbud has two drivers, a dynamic driver and a balanced armature driver, that helps them sound really good.

When were they released? February 2020.

Who should buy? People looking for noise-canceling wireless earbuds, that are more affordable than the AirPods Pro, Sony WF-1000XM3 and Master & Dynamic MW07 Plus.

Read our full review of the 1More True Wireless ANC, here.

Battery: 5 hours per earbud; charging case holds an extra 18 hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Water Resistance: N/A
Charge: USB-C
Key features: active noise-cancellation, dual drivers in each earbud, pass through hearing mode, wireless charging case

Amazon Echo Buds

What are they? Amazon’s first wireless earbuds have a neat feature: they are built with Bose’s “active noise-reduction” technology. They’re also significantly more affordable than other noise-canceling wireless earbuds on the market.

When were they released? October 2019.

Who should buy? The Echo Buds are a great option for anybody who doesn’t care about a product feeling premium, because they’re all. But their sound and noise-canceling skills are definitely impressive, especially given the affordable price.

Read our full review of the Echo Buds, here.

Battery: 5 hours per earbud; charging case holds an extra 10 hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Water Resistance: IPX4
Charge: micro-USB
Key features: noise-canceling and transparency modes, water resistance, quick charging

Video: Apple Airpods (Generation 2) Review

Watch more of This Week In Gear video reviews.

Best Earbuds Under $50

No, the 3.5mm headphone jack isn’t dead. And it won’t be for some time. Read the Story

Tucker Bowe

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March 4, 2020 / Comments Off

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All posts in “tech”

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

The Hi-Fi Setup

Integrated Amplifier: Marantz PM8005, $1,199Speakers: Klipsch RP-5000F, $434Turntable: Rega P2, $675Phono Cartridge: Rega – Elys Mk2 Mm, $295CD Player: Marantz CD6006, $499

The Vinyl

The Records:The Who, Who’s NextPink Floyd, Dark Side of the MoonGrant Green, Carryin’ OnJoni Mitchell, HejiraTom Petty, WildflowersFunkadelic, Maggot Brain

Aesthetics & Materials

Comfort & Convenience

What It Brings To The Table

Declutter your desk space and improve productivity.

They’re pretty inexpensive.

It’s all about variety.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

The Short List

Best Overall: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM3

Most Comfortable: Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

Why Noise-Canceling Headphones Matter

How Active Noise-Canceling Headphones Work

Great Alternatives

Master & Dynamic MW65

Bowers & Wilkins PX7

Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3

Sennheiser HD 450BT

Ikea Eneby Bluetooth Speakers

Frekvens Speakers

Symfonisk Speakers

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

How to Factory Reset: iPhone or iPad

How to Factory Reset: Mac

How to Factory Reset: Apple Watch

How to Factory Reset: AirPods

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Declutter your desk space and improve productivity.

They’re pretty inexpensive.

It’s all about variety.

The two headphone stands in the lead image are, from left to right, the Master & Dynamic Headphone Stand ($59) and the SilverStone Headphone Stand ($87).

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Chipset, Design, & Construction

Imaging & Audio

Features

Display Technology & Battery Details

Jeff Coffin, Saxophonist for Dave Matthews Band

Jeff Coffin is a composer, educator and musician who currently plays the saxophone for Dave Matthews Band. He’s also a past band member of Bela Fleck & the Flecktones.

Tom Aulet, CEO and Co-Founder of Ergatta

Ergatta is a Brooklyn startup that recently unveiled the Digital Rower, a rowing machine with a large display that masks rowing workouts as competitive games. It’s sort of like Peloton, but for rowing, but games instead of class workouts.

Rebecca Ward, Communications Manager (EMEA) at Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica is a Japanese audio company that makes some of our favorite earbuds, headphones, microphones, turntables and other audio equipment.

Gísli Grímsson, Salt Maker at Saltverk

Saltverk is a hand-harvested, sustainable sea salt from the remote Westfjords of Iceland. It’s one of the few entirely sustainable flaky sea salt producers in the world.

Benoît Rebus, Head of Global Innovative Partnerships at Qobuz

Qobuz is a music streaming with the largest catalogue of hi-res audio. It recently ditched MP3 streaming quality for a single one-plan option that includes unlimited access to its entire hi-res and CD lossless music catalog.

Alex Klein, Co-Founder and CEO of Kano

Kano is tech startup that creates build-your-own computer kits and coding kits for kids.

Coy Christmas, CEO of Fasetto

Fasetto is a hardware and software company that creates technology solutions for an increasingly connected world.

Carlos Gomez Andonaegui, Co-Founder of Spinciti

Spinciti is an electric bike company whose latest e-bike, the Amsterdam, is currently running an Indiegogo campaign.

Chris Burkard, Adventure Photographer

Chris Burkard is an adventure photographer who has amassed well over 3 million followers on Instagram. He has won numerous awards for his cold weather surf photography, and has worked on campaigns for numerous high-profile clients, including Apple, Toyota, Sony, The North Face and Patagonia.

Christopher Donohue, Bassist for Emmylou Harris

Christopher Donohue is the bassist for 12-time Grammy Award winner Emmylou Harris.

Neil Ferrier, Founder of Discommon

Marika Patto, VP Product for Zagg Brands

Zagg is a company best known for its smartphone accessories such as screen protectors, Bluetooth keyboards, portable battery cases. Zagg is also the parent company of Mophie, Invisible Shield, iFrogz and Braven.

Carly Stein, Founder of Beekeeper’s Naturals

Beekeeper’s Naturals makes organic, sustainable products that help your immune sstem, brain activity and overall health. All the products are made using ingredients produced by bees.

Ajay Mehta, Founder of Birthday Candles

Birthday Candles makes personalized, hand-poured, scented candles that are based on astrology, numerology, and tarot – there are 365 customized candles, one for every birthday.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Editor’s Picks

Best Overall: Apple AirPods Pro

Integrated Amplifier: Marantz PM8005, $1,199
Speakers: Klipsch RP-5000F, $434
Turntable: Rega P2, $675
Phono Cartridge: Rega – Elys Mk2 Mm, $295
CD Player: Marantz CD6006, $499

The Records:
The Who, Who’s Next
Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon
Grant Green, Carryin’ On
Joni Mitchell, Hejira
Tom Petty, Wildflowers
Funkadelic, Maggot Brain