I’m no stranger to a dashing, alternative-style speaker. Not sure I’ve seen one quite as charming as the Marshall Middleton II, though.

Successor to the original Marshall Middleton, the II brings some key updates to the core running gear, with boosted battery life and some new connectivity goodies sprinkled in for good measure.

If you need something bigger than Marshall’s compact Emberton, smaller than the chunkier Kilburn, and have circa three hundies going spare in your cash clip, the Middleton II could be one of the best Bluetooth speakers for you.

Or could it? Find out in my full Marshall Middleton II review.

Marshall Middleton II review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A mid-range, mid-sized Bluetooth speaker
• What does it cost? $329 / £269
• What’s good? Lots! Looks, build, sound quality, battery, connectivity…
• What’s not? It’s expensive, and priced confusingly close to the bigger Kilburn

Marshall Middleton II review: Specs

Marshall Middleton II review: Price & availability

Now, like most Marshall gear, the Middleton II is expensive, although not extortionate. Especially considering the premium build, effortless styling and solid performance. Marshall is like the BMW of the audio world — premium, a tad luxurious even, yet still attainable to we lay-folk.

The Middleton II costs $329 at Amazon, or £269 in ol’ King Charlie’s change. That’s a hell of a lot spennier than its nearest rockstar rival, the $199 Fender x Teufel Rockster Cross — the only speaker, in my opinion, that gets close to the Marshall lineup’s rogue-ish good looks. As I’ll cover throughout, the Marshall is better in many ways, so it’s definitely worth a premium; it’s just that I doubt it’s worth the premium — $130 is a lot more dough.

The original Middleton still costs $319 at Amazon, though, so for the extra $10, it’s well worth buying the newer model with its improved specs.

If you’d like similar looks for less, consider the Middleton II’s little sibling, the $149 Marshall Emberton III. Or there’s the compact Fender X Teufel Rockster Go 2 at $129. Both garnered high scores in our testing.

However, there’s a thorn in the Middleton II’s side, price-wise, and that’s its bigger brother, the $379 Marshall Kilburn III. The elder bro has bigger sound, a subwoofer, better battery life and isn’t that much larger than the Middleton — not enough to make much real-world difference, anyway. It looks just as good and has more onboard controls. Personally, I’d stretch the extra fifty.

Marshall Middleton II review: Design & controls

The Middleton II looks exactly the same as its predecessor, about which I’ve no complaints. Honestly, I’ve never been prouder to bring a Bluetooth speaker along to a party. I thought my Rockster Cross was a looker, but it’s a 7-at-best versus the Middleton.

Stick this thing in the middle of a table of people, and they go crazy for it. Ever been out to a bar with a really good-looking friend? You notice them getting all the limelight, people stopping and staring, chatting to them, that kind of thing. Well, that’s what it’s like with the Middleton II. Bring it to a gathering and, before you know it, your comrades are ogling it, fawning over it, even stroking it. I caught one of my friends frowning at it, clearly navigating some internal struggle about stealing the thing.

The Middleton II is built beautifully, too. Pure Marshall. It doesn’t have quite the same ruggedness of the Rockster Cross and its impact-resistant rubber coating, but the Middleton II looks built to last, all the same.

At 3.9lbs and 9 x 4.3 x 3.8 inches, the Middleton II is more or less the same size and weight as the OG. That isn’t especially large or heavy for a mid-sized Bluetooth speaker, either. Marshall supplies the Middleton II with a wrist strap and (although I wouldn’t want it dangling there on a hike or for an extended period) it isn’t weighty enough for that concept to seem entirely silly.

The Middleton II is IP67 rated, meaning it’ll essentially withstand anything except being chucked into the deep end of a pond. The 6 in 67 means it’s fully dustproof, too, — a beach-goer’s delight.

Controls-wise, things are exceedingly simple, while at the same time offering a fairly high level of onboard control — as far as Bluetooth speakers go, anyway. Again, it’s all the same as the original Middleton: there’s a four-way circular knob up top for playback controls, there are power and connectivity buttons, then two sets of up/down buttons for bass and treble adjustments.

The latter two, in particular, are very handy. There’s a full custom EQ to play with in the app, but so long as you can settle with mids sounding how they sound, you’ve got everything else you need onboard for quick tweaks to highs and lows — sans smartphone.

For control avec smartphone, the Marshall app is excellent. It’s smooth, reliable and well-laid-out. The app can be used to update firmware, check precise battery life and adjust the 5-band EQ.

Marshall Middleton II review: Features & connectivity

While the Middleton II’s design has stayed the same as its predecessor, there are some sizable upgrades under the hood, particularly in the connectivity department. The Bluetooth version has increased from 5.1 in the OG model to 5.3, a modest upgrade which doesn’t affect data transfer rates but brings more efficient power consumption (which I’ll cover more in the battery section below) and increased connection stability at range.

On the topic of range, the Middleton II’s Bluetooth range has jumped to 200 feet / 60 meters from the OG model’s 30 feet / 10 meters — a huge delta. 33 feet is also where the Middleton II’s bigger sibling, the Marshall Kilburn III, tops out. Now, 200 feet is obviously a best-case scenario, assuming clear line of sight etc, but put it this way: I haven’t been able to break connection with the Middleton II in my house or garden.

Codec-wise, Marshall has added AAC to the OG Middleton’s standalone SBC codec, allowing higher quality playback. There’s now also the LC3 codec, for lower power consumption with similar or higher perceived audio quality than SBC.

There’s an aux input for wired playback if you’d like to play lossless, although I’d argue that for a party speaker’s primary purpose, sheer fidelity is not the chief priority. Next to the jack is an input/output USB-C port for charging the Middleton and/or refuelling other devices from it.

Marshall Middleton II review: Sound quality

I’d not blame you for suspecting a speaker this pretty of being all bluff and no aces. Thankfully, that isn’t the case.

Like its predecessor, the Middleton II packs dual ⅗-inch tweeters and dual three-inch woofers, with two passive radiators to further amplify the sound from the main drivers. This time, though, the main drivers are neodymium magnetic versus the dynamic drivers of the OG unit, resulting in richer bass (in theory, anyway). Importantly, the amps for the main woofers have been boosted from 20W to 30W, for extra bass punch and more loudness.

And for its size, this thing is fairly loud. Indoors, it has no issue soundtracking gatherings and small parties. Admittedly, in my thirties now, those gatherings are a little quieter than they used to be, but for small gardens and one-to-two room parties, the Middleton II is eminently suitable. For larger indoor or outdoor spaces, though, I’d check out the bigger Kilburn III. And there’s the enormous Marshall Bromley 750 party speaker if it’s a car park or something needs filling.

The Middleton II’s sound separation isn’t bad. It’s obviously got nothing on a set of the best headphones, and uber-spacious tracks like Mk.Gee’s ‘Dream Police’ sound a tad claustrophobic. But I had to pay attention to care. And hey, it’s a Bluetooth speaker, remember? It isn’t really meant for detailed listening.

There’s stereo playback, too, which is OK. I played ‘Moving in Stereo’ by The Cars, which leans heavily on left and right stereo separation, especially noticeable in its opening section. As the riff came in, I could just about make it out as coming from the right-hand channel, followed quickly by Benjamin Orr’s vocals through the left. But only just. Again, though, it’s a compact speaker.

Marshall promises 360-degree sound, suggesting you can sit anywhere around the speaker and still get the full effect. That’s mostly true. Sitting in front or behind, I had great difficulty working out any difference, although at the sides there’s a definite muting of the sound. Sat around a table with friends, though, would I care? No.

The Middleton II’s default ‘Marshall’ EQ profile is deliberately neutral. I wanted a little extra brightness from Stewart Copeland’s ferocious cymbals in The Police’s ‘Truth Hits Everybody’, which felt uncharacteristically un-piercing — nothing a little EQ tweaking couldn’t fix, though. Otherwise, I had very few issues with the high-up stuff.

Mid tones are well-pronounced, suiting guitar- and kick-drum-heavy rock tracks — unsurprising for a Marshall speaker. Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love’ riff sounds as gravelly and powerful as it ought to, while the conjoined riffs of Melvins' ‘Honey Bucket’ are just as thick and sludgy as god intended.

Listen along to my testing playlist below:

I was particularly impressed by the Middleton II’s low frequency response, which suits the speaker especially well to bassy electronica. I could feel the sumptuous lows of Dusky’s ‘Stick By This’ warming my bones; like taking a hot bath in bass. And in Burn Water’s deep, melancholic ‘Ikigai’, it was more of the same — a rich, tight and distortion-free performance.

Skream’s ‘Sub Island’ is my go-to for sub-bass testing — a veritable speaker ruiner, in case that wasn’t immediately obvious from the eponym. The track is almost entirely sub-bass, so the fact I could hear anything besides the drum track at all on a speaker this size had me impressed. The ground wasn’t shaking, but the frequencies themselves were all there. For thicker and more powerful sub-bass, though, you’ll need something endowed with a sub-woofer, like the Kilburn III or the $499 Brane X (my daily driver) and its 9-inch magnetic sub.

Marshall Middleton II review: Microphone quality

Unlike its predecessor, the Middleton II features a microphone, allowing you to take calls through the speaker. The microphone is pretty good, too, although obviously its performance depends on how close you are to it.

Within a meter of the speaker, the microphone performs respectably on calls. My wife reported that my voice sounded clear, with the full spectrum of my vocals relayed well, from the deeper tones through to higher notes when I whispered. Dropping back further than a few feet from the speaker and my voice started to sound echoey, as if I were on speakerphone (which, well, I was).

I can see this being a useful feature during gatherings, allowing a group of friends to all join in and take a call. It also gives the Middleton II workplace conferencing capability — hilariously at odds with its edgy, alternative styling.

Marshall Middleton II review: Battery life

The Middleton II’s battery life is its pièce de résistance. 30 hours, according to Marshall, and I can vouch for it. After pushing 20 hours of mixed-volume use across several small gatherings and numerous testing sessions, I still had 32% of battery left.

This is a major improvement on the already respectable 20-hour battery life of the original Middleton and almost double the 16-hour battery life of my Fender x Teufel Rockster Cross speaker. If you want the best-of-the-best battery-wise, though, then you’ll have to front the extra 50 bucks for the Kilburn III.

The Middleton II also features USB-C power output, so you can charge your phone or other devices from it. This is super handy when going on camping trips, as it saves you needing to bring a separate power bank.

Marshall Middleton II review: Verdict

Ah, the eponymous middle child, cursed with middle-child syndrome. The Marshall Middleton II is a decent little (kinda) speaker. If you need something more than the Emberton III — you’re soundtracking more than a picnic in the park or studying in your dorm room — the Middleton will do the job. It’s loud enough for small gatherings, and the sound itself is fairly impressive. The battery life is excellent, the build quality sublime, the aesthetics jaw-dropping.

The only problem is its bigger brother, the Kilburn III, which is bigger for the better in most ways: bigger sound, bigger woofer, and only marginally bigger ($50) price tag. The Middleton II still has the upper hand with its impressive connectivity range and better waterproofing, though, so it’ll really depend on your specific needs and what you value most.

Regardless, I seriously doubt you’ll be disappointed by the middle kiddo. If you chose to save the $50, I get it.

Google's Fast Pair protocol allows Bluetooth devices like headphones to quickly and automatically pair with your phone or laptop. Unfortunately, a group of security researchers has now shared serious security concerns in a newly released paper revealing a major flaw with Fast Pair.

Researchers at Belgium's KU Leuven University released their findings about the flaw (tracked as CVE-2025-36911 dubbed WhisperPair), which affects hundreds of millions of wireless headphones, earbuds and speakers from 15 different manufacturers across 17 different devices that support the Fast Pair feature. This includes the Sony WH-1000XM6, SoundCore Liberty 4 NC and Jabra Elite 8 Active, among other products.

The flaw could be used to listen in on conversations by hijacking control of the speakers or microphones, and in some cases track a person's location. You can see an example in a video provided by the researchers.

Even iPhone users can be a victim even if you've never owned a Google product.

The flaws were initially reported to Google in August of 2025, who marked the loophole as critical and asked researchers to wait 150 days before disclosure so a fix could be implemented and to prevent widespread knowledge of the flaws.

Google thanked the researchers in a statement. The company awarded them $15,000, the maximum bounty, and worked with manufacturers to release security patches during the 150-day window.

"We worked with these researchers to fix these vulnerabilities, and we have not seen evidence of any exploitation outside of this report’s lab setting," a spokesperson told Tom's Guide.

We were told that some vulnerable devices may not have security updates addressing the flaw, though it wasn't specified which ones.

How does WhisperPair work?

Google Fast Pair has a specification requiring Bluetooth devices to ignore pairing requests when they are not in active pairing mode. However, vendors and chip makers may not have enforced this check in their devices, which allows bad actors to initiate pairing with unauthorized devices without your consent or knowledge.

"To start the Fast Pair procedure, a Seeker (a phone) sends a message to the Provider (an accessory) indicating that it wants to pair. The Fast Pair specification states that if the accessory is not in pairing mode, it should disregard such messages," the researchers said.

Unfortunately, the notifications about unwanted tracking could be misleading.

"The victim may see an unwanted tracking notification after several hours or days, but this notification will show their own device," researchers said. "This may lead users to dismiss the warning as a bug, enabling an attacker to keep tracking the victim for an extended period."

WhisperPair can be exploited by any Bluetooth capable device like a laptop, phone or Raspberry Pi to forcibly pair with vulnerable accessories at ranges up to 15 meters within seconds without even physically accessing the targeted device.

From there, the flaw can allow attackers to track locations using the Google Find Hub network if the accessory has never been paired with an Android device. They add the device to their own account.

What can you do to stay safe

First and foremost, you need to make sure that you have the most recent firmware update from your manufacturer installed on your Bluetooth device. Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 are on the listed of vulnerable devices, and Google says that the earbuds have already been patched.

Google also said that it rolled out a separate fix to prevent Find Hub networking tracking using the covert account attack. This fix completely addresses the tracking issues across all devices, Google claimed.

Unfortunately, disabling Fast Pair on your Android phone doesn't prevent potential attacks since you can't disable the feature on the Bluetooth device itself.

Some devices have already been patched like Jabra and Logitech. However, JBL told WIred that a patch was coming "over the next few weeks" and some companies like Sony and Marshall didn't respond to request for comment. Still, make sure your devices are updated.

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I never stepped foot in the eighties, as much as it might look like it, but I've always had a soft spot for tech from the period. One of the coolest things that came from the decade was those massive boomboxes that all the slickest folk slung over their shoulder, blasting their favorite tunes and annoying the neighbors.

The We Are Rewind GB-001 might look like it came from the time of big shoulder pads and massive hair, but it's actually only just been released. Is it a shot across the nostalgia bow? Yes. But it's also one of the most wicked things I've ever had the pleasure of testing — let me tell you about it.

One foot firmly in the past...

Cassettes are a thing of yesteryear. Those who lived with them hate them, immediately ditching them for CDs the moment that the silver discs came down in price. Those that came after might not even know what a cassette even is. I am of the former, although my feelings on the format have softened a lot over recent years.

While they might not sound quite as good as more modern ways of listening to music, like the best music streaming services or a nice, simple CD, cassettes are a tactile joy. The GB-001 knows this implicitly. That cassette mechanism on the front is a fidgeter's paradise, with a smooth action, clicky buttons, and plenty of satisfying clunks and clonks to let you know that large pieces of metal are moving around into place.

Do the cassettes sound good? No, not really — but they never really did, unless you've got some of those expensive metal tapes. But I'm not really sure that the tapes themselves are all about the sound quality, and neither is the deck's presence in the boombox.

It's all about evoking the past. The act of playing a tape to your friends at the back of the bus on the way to school, or marching around town with Kool and the Gang playing at full volume. It's a statement. We are Rewind is saying "we know music has been, and that something is pleasing about an analog, tactile experience."

The GB-001 recognizes the past and what has led us to the best Bluetooth speakers — because, let's face it, without boomboxes, you wouldn't have massive, luggable audio solutions that connect wirelessly now.

It's all highlighted by those lovely bouncing VU meters on the front of the boombox. I adore VU meters, so much so that everything with a screen in my house that plays music is set to display VU meters. They're a glorious reminder of an analog musical past, and, beyond being a nostalgic statement of intent, they're utterly mesmerizing.

Do they improve the sound quality? Of course not, and they're not supposed to. But they make the speaker look cooler than it already did — and let's face it, that goes some way to making this a stunning thing to look at.

... one foot in the present...

I was initially going to call this section "With an eye to the future," but I don't think that's entirely accurate. There are no fancy Bluetooth codecs on board, no WiFi, and no USB-C port to charge or transmit data. There's nothing that says "wow, 2027, here we come!" Instead, there's a solid range of inputs that tell you the speaker cares more about the here and now than it does about making a dent in the future of music playback.

Bluetooth manages wireless connection, and there's a 3.5mm aux plug, should you want to connect something with a wire. It charges over a barrel jack — thankfully, the space year 2025 means that you don't need to fill it with 12 D-cell batteries. You can remove and change out the 15-hour battery. That's not the most battery life in the world, but it's powering two massive woofers and a pair of tweeters — they don't just sip power, they gulp it down by the hornload.

While the GB-001 understands that nostalgia is important (presumably as a fun way to reconnect with your younger years beyond being a space ripe for marketing), it also knows that it needs to offer modern touches to be usable in 2025. The result? One of the coolest Bluetooth speakers I've ever tested.

... and one in the moshpit

The GB-001 is an absolute beast. A chunky monster that belts out music at top volume before you've even cranked the dial up to the max. Those massive speakers aren't just for show — they're loud, proud and ready to wake the dead of the nearest cemetery. Whether it's 2, 10, or 100 miles away. This thing gets noisy.

Boomboxes were never about HiFi sound, and the GB-001 is no different. They're about making a sonic statement that makes everyone around you spin their heads like meerkats. The GB-001 makes one hell of a statement.

It's a sound that's utterly dedicated to low end. There's still some detail to be found here, but some of the mid-range can get a little lost in the pursuit of window-shaking bass. It's loads and loads of fun, powering a bachelor party that I went on with absolutely no problems at all, whilst raising the eyebrows of partygoers.

"Wow, that boombox has Bluetooth? That's cool, dude." Every single time someone noticed it at the party, they looked it up online to see how much it cost — and every time it blew them away. The GB-001 costs $579. I'll let that sink in for a second.

That's more than the Sonos Move 2, more than any of the portable Bose options, and more than a pair of stereo speakers and a cheap amp. The speaker does make a great case for its higher price — the ground-shaking sound, the great build quality, and its nostalgia factor — but it's still going to be a hard ask for most people. Still, it's easily one of the best ways to listen to music outside.

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One of the best soundbars is often the center of a family home audio system. After all, you've already got it for watching TV, enjoying movies, and adding more fidelity to your favorite video games, so what's really the point of buying another set of speakers for listening to music?

Most soundbars will have either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth — or both — to make it easy to stream music from, say, Spotify or Tidal on your phone, no wires needed. But which should you use?

The first: Wi-Fi. Better quality and more flexible. For beginners, however, it can be initially more difficult to get a connection. The second: Bluetooth. You know it, you love it — it turns your soundbar into a de facto Bluetooth speaker. Lower quality, simpler setup. But which is better?

First, a note: Not all soundbars are created equal — some soundbars only have a Bluetooth connection. In this case, the decision has been made for you. To find out if your soundbar has a Wi-Fi connection, or whether it's just Bluetooth, make sure to check the instruction manual or look up the model number online. If you're still not sure, get in touch!

Bluetooth Pros and Cons

• Pros

1) Easy connection

Connecting to Bluetooth is generally much easier with your soundbar. There's likely to be a handy connection button on the top of your bar, and then you just need to find the soundbar in your phone's Bluetooth settings. Simple. No need for any app, just change the input to Bluetooth and play your tunes.

2) Plenty of compatibility

It's more than likely that every single music device you've got connects to Bluetooth — and that even includes some turntable models. There will be very few things you can't connect to your soundbar's Bluetooth connection.

3) Easy sharing

Got some friends round and they want to play some music? No problem — put the bar in pairing mode, and get your friend connected. From there they can play their music. Granted, it's not as simple as the Wi-Fi connection option (as we'll talk about very soon), but it's easy enough.

• Cons

1) Limited sound quality

Bluetooth simply isn't capable of streaming very high-quality audio. Add in that most soundbars don't support more impressive codecs, like LDAC and aptX (of any kind), and you've got a less pleasing audio experience than you can have with other wireless connectivity options.

2) Less range

Bluetooth doesn't go very far, and it can be completely defeated by thick walls. Walk out of your living room with your phone in your pocket, and your music could start to skip, pause and sound glitchy. And no one wants that.

3) Higher energy consumption

Bluetooth uses a lot of power from your source device. Your phone, tablet or even your laptop's battery will plummet while connected over Bluetooth, especially when you're listening to music. After all, the device is transmitting the track itself.

Wi-Fi streaming Pros and Cons

• Pros

1) Much better sound quality

Wi-Fi connections are more easily capable of transporting higher-quality tracks to your soundbar, so you'll get overall better sound quality. This is especially true if you're listening with one of the best music streaming services like Qobuz. This is also the only way you'll get spatial audio content to compatible soundbars — the format generally doesn't travel particularly well over Bluetooth.

2) A more stable connection

Because the music streaming is happening over the internet, there's no worry about range causing issues. If you leave the room with your phone, you're not going to suffer from any musical problems. You do want to make sure your internet connection is good, mind you — but that's a one-and-done issue. Even better, wire your soundbar in to your router for zero problems.

3) Even better sharing

Because the soundbar is attached to your internet router as opposed to your phone, sharing music over Wi-Fi is very easy. You can select the bar with most music streaming apps, and anyone else can take over when they want. It's great when you and your friends are on the same page musically — perhaps not when everyone wants to listen to different things.

• Cons

1) Trickier to set up

I hope you like apps, because if you want to connect your soundbar to Wi-Fi, you're almost certainly going to need to dip into the app. Once you're connected, it's very easy to play music, but getting it to that point can be extremely irritating — especially if it's a Sonos soundbar. The app is better now, but it's still not perfect.

2) Not everything will work with it

Bluetooth is widely compatible with a range of different devices, but there are fewer devices that support Wi-Fi connection. There are far fewer turntables that support Wi-Fi wireless connection, for example.

So which should you use?

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Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days are officially kicking off tomorrow, but there are some early treats already available to grab now. There are some awesome deals on the best bluetooth speakers, and one of my favorites just hit its lowest ever price.

Do you love bass? The heavy basslines, synths and drum beats in your favorite songs that you love so much deserve to be played through the best speaker to get the most out of it. As a Reviews Writer here are Tom's Guide, I spend a lot of my time testing out the newest speakers and this is one that quite literally blew me away.

The Tribit Stormbox Lava is at its lowest ever price of $111 at Amazon. That's 20% off the original $139 price tag. It has a bass performance that shakes the ground and actually pushes air from the drivers.

With it's default settings, this speaker already sounds awesome, but there is a nifty button on top to activate the BassX setting. I'd go ahead and apologize in advance to any neighbors, because this is absolutely ground shaking.

As you'll see in my Tribit Stormbox Lava review, the 30W neodymium magnetic woofer drive the bass with complete ease. There is no static or jumping — just clean and booming bass.

This speaker is pretty versatile, too. When I was testing the Stormbox Lava I listened to Gethsemane by Sleep Token. This song starts off soft and melodic before moving into hip-hop and eventually a metal-core apex.

The Stormbox Lave was able to capture delicate vocals without any tinniness and and compensates well for the mids too. It really is a great all-around performer.

And as if the sound wasn't good enough, the StormBox Lava has a max battery life of 24 hours and you can use the speaker as a portable charger by plugging your phone into the back. It's also waterproof with a rating of IP67, so it can be submerged in 1m of water for 30 minutes and still provide you with awesome tunes.

I'd snag this deal right now, and make sure you check out our roundup of all of the best Prime Day deals that are Black Friday cheap.

We're seeing more party speakers hit the market from various audio companies, and Samsung is one of the brands leading the charge. The decade-old Giga line may not be the first excessively large speaker with bright lights, but it was one of the more popular options.

Now, Samsung has announced two new models at IFA 2025 — the Sound Tower ST50F and ST40F — both of which come with bright lights and booming audio that'll keep the party going (and your neighbors awake) through the night.

Sound Tower ST50F and ST40F

The larger and more expensive ST50F will set you back $699. For the money, you get up to 240W output, wheels that make moving from party to party easy and 18 hours of battery life (which should be enough for all but the most aggressive ragers). The Sound Tower features 6.5-inch dual woofers and 1-inch dual dome tweeters, providing powerful audio.

It also features IPX4 water resistance, which doesn't mean you can submerge it in the pool. It'll handle splashes and other small spills.

The more affordable ST40F is less powerful at 160W and lacks wheels, so your gatherings will be limited to one spot. Battery life is also shorter at 12 hours, but you only have to spend $499, so the trade-offs seem acceptable. This model comes with smaller speakers, featuring 5.25-inch dual woofers and 3/4-inch dual dome tweeters. It also has an IPX4 water resistance rating.

Samsung said the lights on both models transform a party into an "immersive audiovisual experience." With five mood presets and six dynamic lighting patterns, it definitely seems like that would be the case. It syncs with the music, so the dozens of LEDs will flash and pulse to the beat. Perhaps most importantly, the lights create a 360-degree effect, making it feel as if they're coming from everywhere.

Rounding out the features are DJ Booth mode, Karaoke mode and support for guitar. Everyone loves that guy at the party who knows how to play like three songs on guitar, and he can show off his skills with these speakers.

Both models will be available this month at Samsung.com and through other retailers. While we don't have an exact date, knowing they're available this month means they'll be ready for Halloween and other Fall parties.

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Millions of AirPlay-enabled devices were at risk for months as Apple and security researchers at Oligo worked together to develop and roll out patches for a collection of bugs the researchers dubbed “AirBorne.”

The bugs discovered by the Oligo team would essentially permit any threat actor connected to the same Wi-Fi network as a third-party AirPlay enabled device to run their own code on it. That means anyone connected to the same Wi-Fi as a smart TV, speaker or set-top box at a party, could potentially use that open AirPlay connection to spread malicious code from one device to another.

Infected devices could then be used for a variety of malicious behavior like ransomware, surveillance, espionage or supply-chain infiltration. Since many of these devices also contain microphones, they could hypothetically also be used as listening devices.

The good news is that Apple products regularly receive fixes and all of these AirBorne bugs have been patched at this point. The bad news is that smart home devices, also affected by these vulnerabilities as are CarPlay devices, are very rarely patched so millions of them remain open vectors for this flaw.

AirPlay, Apple's radio-based protocol for local wireless communication, is popular among users because it is convenient and 'always-on.' It's a security issue for much the same reason – and because manufacturers are able to incorporate the SDK (software developers kit) without having to notify Apple or receive certification to become an approved device, many devices use the protocol without requiring or getting regular updates on their end.

So, while the Apple-based devices have patched the bugs, and while Apple tells Wired that it has developed a patch for the affected third-party devices but it would require users to actually update the devices themselves. Apple also told the news outlet that in order for the AirBorne bugs to deploy correctly on Apple-based devices, the user would have had to change their default AirPlay settings.

While a motivated hacker on a public Wi-Fi network who had brought their own smart-home device may be able to create the right set of circumstances, there are few situations wherein a hacker would find themselves in an ideal situation to spread malware or viruses.

That being said, and we've said this before, it is of critical importance to keep your devices updated and to make sure that your smart home devices (and all your accounts for that matter) have strong, unique passwords.

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Apple's new iPhone 16e seems to suffer from a poor Bluetooth connection problem when paired with multiple devices.

Users have shared similar-sounding stories on Apple Support, Reddit (2) and X, in which having a Bluetooth speaker or headphones paired at the same time as another device (such as a wearable) causes stuttering when listening to audio.

Some enterprising users unfortunately found that the problem persisted after updating to iOS 18.3.2, the latest stable iPhone software version, or after a factory reset. Unpairing some Bluetooth connections will fix the problem if you're desperate, but users should expect their brand-new iPhone to be capable of juggling multiple active Bluetooth pairings.

There's been no official response from Apple yet, according to some of the complainants who took their issue as high as they could. But considering the volume of complaints, Apple is no doubt aware of the problem and hopefully working on a fix.

A beta could make it better

While we wait for an official update from Apple to address whatever funny business is going on with the iPhone 16e's Bluetooth, there is one other solution for affected users to try. According to some users on the Apple forums and Reddit, downloading the iOS 18.4 beta fixed the issue.

As a public beta, iOS 18.4 is mostly stable, but could still feature unknown bugs that may impact your device or data. If iPhone 16e owners don't want to risk any potential problems, they can wait until the stable launch (likely happening in April) or for a dedicated Apple-endorsed fix.

In our iPhone 16e review, our main problems were its price, lack of ultrawide camera and Dynamic Island notch, with no sign of Bluetooth-related problems. But given the quality of the design, photo performance from the cameras it does have, Apple Intelligence compatibility and the OLED screen, we still really like the iPhone 16e.

If you're planning on picking one up, maybe wait until this stuttering connection stuff blows over before hitting the buy button.

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As a woman who has lived in both urban and rural areas, I'm always very aware of my personal safety. However, I can still appreciate the usefulness of having a physical panic button on your person in the event of an emergency.

The Silent Beacon is one such device that I recently got the chance to try out for myself. And let me tell you, a physical panic button would have certainly come in handy in a number of situations I've found myself in over the years.

From going out to a concert by myself to the one time a car very slowly followed my sister, my children and I up a dirt road when had no reception at all, the Silent Beacon would have been worth having by my side.

Alongside these use cases from my own past, I thought of dozens of others. Maybe you're an outdoor enthusiast that travels to remote areas, a night shift worker, someone with a high risk profession or even someone that has dealt with stalking or domestic abuse in the past. There are so many interesting uses for a device like this that can make someone feel safer just by having it nearby.

I’ve been wearing the Silent Beacon for the past 48 hours and here are my first impressions on what it's been like to set up, use, wear and work with.

Not your typical wearable

The Silent Beacon is a small, lightweight device that somewhat resembles the size and shape of one of the best smartwatches.

The front has holes like a speaker and a tiny light, and each side has a small rubbery-feeling button. The Silent Beacon can be worn like a watch or clipped onto an article of clothing or a backpack using the included accessory clip.

There's a water-resistant speaker and microphone inside for two-way communication and the best part, it lasts up to 40 days on a single charge. The Silent Beacon also pairs with your phone via an app. which can be used with or without the device. to connect to your emergency contacts.

As a physical panic button, the Silent Beacon acts as your own personal, portable emergency alert device. For instance, it can send out your GPS location to your contacts, call 911 for you, or place an emergency call to a number of your choice.

There are also different alert modes like Check-in which lets your emergency contact receive notifications with your GPS locations, Footsteps which sends real-time GPS tracking to your emergency contact person, or Emergency Alerts which will send your contact alerts and can even send out one if your phone is low on battery.

From wrist, to waist

In practice, wearing the Silent Beacon on my wrist – even alongside one of the best Fitbits – was entirely unobtrusive. I barely noticed it at all, until it had been several hours and then the double wrist bands began to rub on my wrist a bit.

That's definitely long enough to last through a concert, a long hike or an evening out and if I was wearing the Silent Beacon regularly, I would probably wear it on the other wrist or switch how I wore it so that this wouldn't become an issue.

The Silent Beacon accessory clip was impressively secure. I snapped it in place and then clipped in onto my hoodie pocket and wore it around for an afternoon. It didn't fall out, even when I vigorously shook it attempting to get it to dislodge.

Getting the Silent Beacon set up was, likewise, fairly easy. I let it charge, downloaded the app and registered my phone number.

From there, I created a passcode, added my location, Bluetooth devices and imported some key contacts. Then I got to select which features I wanted to alert my contacts about.

On my current plan I'm only permitted a single emergency contact. However, if you upgrade to a premium subscription, you're allowed up to eight emergency contacts.

I liked the Community feature in the app which lets you report and search or filter for local emergencies or events.

As someone who has been evacuated from forest fires, that's a great feature to have but I'm curious to know if that data is only coming from other Silent Beacon users or if it also includes information from local emergency services.

When it came time to trying out the alert function, I wasn't quite sure where to press and for how long which was a bit awkward.

I was able to activate the alert but it didn't get sent to my contact's phone even though I was standing right next to them. They didn't get a notification, or have their mobile game interrupted at all.

I then realized I hadn't toggled on Emergency Calling. After doing so, the Silent Beacon called them right from the device which was very neat. However, there was no indication that this was anything other than a regular phone call which could be easy to ignore or worse, sent right to voicemail.

I'm definitely going to play around with all of the Silent Beacon's features a bit more so that I can master the ins and outs of this personal panic button.

Why I'm still carrying it

So far, there's a lot I really like about the Silent Beacon. It's small and unobtrusive enough to tuck into a pocket or purse or clip onto a variety of different things. The device itself is also lightweight enough that you don't notice you're wearing it and the battery life is great.

I like how the smartphone app can be used without the device and there are some really useful features within it that can easily be toggled on or off.

Some of these features like having multiple emergency contacts are only available to subscribers which is a bit of a drawback. However, at least there are four paid plans available that start at $3 a month.

I'm looking forward to continuing to test the various features of the Silent Beacon, particularly in areas with poor cell service. There are not a lot of other devices out there that can do what this device does. Though there are similar panic buttons, none of them offer this kind of functionality.

Even if it takes a few trial runs to get the hang of the Silent Beacon, I still feel safer and smarter knowing that I have this tiny device with me and that help is just the push of a button away.

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While there's a lot to love about the Galaxy S25 Ultra, there's been a fair amount of contention regarding the phone's S Pen.

Samsung has removed the Bluetooth functionality from the Galaxy S25 Ultra's S Pen. This means that features like Air Actions and the remote camera shutter won't function on the device. There was a lot of speculation that Samsung would be releasing a separate S Pen with the functionality thanks to a blog post, but that has since been quashed.

Samsung has stated that the reason for this removal is that less than 1% of customers made use of the features. As such, it made sense for the company to cut it to keep costs down. However, it seems more than a few people are unhappy with this choice. Recently, Phone Arena revealed a Change.org petition that calls for Samsung to bring back the function for the Galaxy S26 Ultra's S Pen.

The petition was started by Jeff Springer and, at the time of writing, has over 3,000 signatures, with a current goal of 5,000. According to the post, the goal is to "implore Samsung Mobile to listen to their user base and incorporate beneficial feedback into their product development process. As a show of commitment to edge-cutting innovation and customer satisfaction, we collectively ask Samsung to bring back the Bluetooth S Pen for the Galaxy S26 Ultra launch in 2026."

In concept, there's no reason why Samsung would not be able to reintroduce the feature in a later model. However, while 5,000 is an admirable goal, it is a drop in the ocean compared to the total number of Samsung Galaxy Ultra users.

It's worth considering that Samsung was rumored to be considering a price increase to cover the costs of hardware like the Snapdragon 8 Elite. As such, it'll take a lot more to convince them to reintroduce a feature they likely cut to save money.

For the time being, we have no word on if Samsung intends to bring the feature back, and likely won't hear anything until next year. While the removal of the S Pen's Bluetooth is disappointing, there are still some great features for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, including a ton of AI upgrades and extra-long battery life.

Check out our reasons to buy and skip the Galaxy S25 Ultra and stay tuned for our full rated review and test results.

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A recent blog post mentioned a new Bluetooth-enabled S Pen for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but it has led to some confusion regarding what this means.

There's a lot to love about the Galaxy S25 Ultra, from the improved AI that powers features like Now Brief to the improved cameras that beat the iPhone 16 Pro Max in our shoot-out. However, there's no doubt that there's a lack of overall hardware improvements for the phone and even an odd downgrade. That would be the S Pen supplied with the device, which lacks any Bluetooth connectivity due to claims of its features being unpopular.

However, it seems that Samsung is planning to release a separate Bluetooth-enabled S Pen. This news comes from Samsung's own Business Insights blog, originally spotted by NotebookCheck, which states that the "Bluetooth enabled S Pen (now sold separately) acts as a remote control within select apps to help maximize productivity." The pen will have the same abilities as the prior pens, including the Air Actions menu.

This revelation, on a Samsung-owned blog, is odd because it goes against everything else we've seen from the brand. For instance, Samsung's main websites don't currently list a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen as being available, only the standard model. What makes it even more confusing is that, according to Android Authority, the S Pen Pro is confirmed to be compatible with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This is important because the S Pen Pro does have Bluetooth connectivity, although they couldn't get it to work at the event.

In reality, releasing a new, separate, Bluetooth-enabled S Pen for the Galaxy S25 Ultra would be odd. The problem is that it means the provided stylus is a worse version which, considering the $1,299 price tag, is pretty lame. The post could simply mean that we're talking about the S Pen Pro and it was just poorly explained. Alternatively, there could be plans for an S Pen Pro 2, but the post jumped the gun and announced it too soon. For the time being, we can only wait and see if Samsung clears up the issue or not.

If you want to know about everything announced during the Galaxy Unpacked, then check out our Live Blog that ran during the entire event. We also have hands-on reviews for the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

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As much as I love the best wireless earbuds, I'm consistently reminded of the restrictions of a Bluetooth connection when I go to listen to a top-quality stream on a service like Tidal or Qobuz. The wireless standard simply isn't good enough to carry those high-resolution lossless streams, and there are times when I start to notice.

My concerns can, however, be put to rest in some form. Qualcomm and its XPAN technology look to be coming to a pair of earbuds near me (and probably you) soon, according to Android Authority. But there does look to be one, glaring problem that has me sighing, and hanging my head in a mixture of disappointment and exasperation.

WiFi earbuds?

So what about the technology that's going to make these wonder earbuds work? It's called XPAN, and it was first announced by Qualcomm in 2023. As with all new developments, it's taken a hot second for it to be tested and implemented into new products, but it looks like it's going to see some form of release very soon. How soon? Qualcomm is more tight-lipped on that front.

The idea is that a WiFi signal will be able to transmit a 24-bit 96kHz signal to your earbuds, as opposed to Bluetooth which can only do lossy tracks. Apparently, you won't have to choose between low latency and high quality either — exciting.

There is just one bugbear that looks to put a fly in the ointment. In order for the WiFi standard to work, the headphones understandably have to have a Qualcomm chip inside — notably the XPAN-rated S7 Pro chip. But so too does your phone, and that'll leave a load of people WiFi earbud free; myself included. You'll also need to be connected to the same WiFi network, so this is going to be an at-home-only use case.

Thankfully, it looks like the buds will also use Bluetooth, but doesn't that kind of defeat the point? Either way, I'm interested to see what benefit the buds bring when they come out, and whether they rank alongside the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort UItra earbuds.

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I've seen loads of different ways of improving Bluetooth connections in a pair of headphones in my time, but none quite as fascinating as the JBL Tour ONE M3. These headphones, just announced at CES 2025, promise to provide "the ultimate blend of innovative audio technology and seamless connectivity" thanks to a little box with a screen that JBL is calling the "JBL SMART Tx".

What does it do? The black box is a wireless audio transmitter which can be used to add Bluetooth to a device that doesn't feature the standard. You could plug into the USB-C port of a TV, for example, or the headphones socket of your airplane seat. The screen lets you control different device settings without having to dip into the app, such as EQ and broadcast to Auracast devices.

The headphones at the core of the experience

The biggest thing you get when you order the headphones isn't going to be the little audio streaming box though — it's the Tour One M3 headphones themselves. Reading through their specs sheet, they look to be a very impressive pair of headphones for a very reasonable price.

There's "JBL 360" on board for Spatial Audio representation, which should be interesting to see. This sounds, much like the Bose "Immersive Audio" option, to be an implementation that makes its own Spatial Audio versions of music you're listening to rather than using pre-mixed tracks from the likes of Tidal or Apple Music. Head tracking is also on board — we'll have to see how it all works when we get the headphones in our hands (or on our heads).

There's noise canceling on board in the form of JBL's True Adaptive Noise Canceling 2.0, which will monitor outside noise and then adjust accordingly. That's a very premium ANC feature missing from some of the competition at a similar price, so it's be interesting to see how well its implemented. Then there's so called Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes to help you stay engaged with your surroundings.

Sound wise, we're looking at a pair of 40mm drivers, which seems to be becoming the norm for over-ear headphones as 2025 beds in. Battery life is looking to be a highlight though, and really shows how the AirPods Max 2 and the Sony WH-1000XM6 will need to step their game up — you'll get up to 70 hours of playback with the Tour ONE M3.

You'll be able to order a pair starting April 15th, and they'll cost £379 ($TBA) with the JBL Smart Tx box. If you want to save some money and don't need to add Bluetooth to everything, then you'll be paying £329 ($TBA) — which undercuts their biggest rivals in the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones. We'll be thoroughly testing them to see if they make the cut for the best wireless headphones.

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The pursuit of bass is the pastime of the so-called bass head. A person that wants their music to have all the low-end possible, the rest of the frequency range be damned. The kinds of people who have three subwoofers in the room, who stand as close as possible to the speakers when they go to gigs. They want to really feel the music.

The Brane X is a speaker that’s designed specifically, as far as I can tell, for people like that. Somehow, the engineers at Brane have packed in room-shaking bass that’s accessible at all volumes, and done it with a box that’s no bigger than your parent’s clock radio.

Brane tells me it had to break the laws of physics to make it possible — but there’s only one thing I can tell. This is the most fun I’ve had with a Bluetooth speaker all year, and while it might not be perfect, there’s plenty to love about this slightly over-the-top sounding but otherwise unassuming black box of noise.

Brane Audio X review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? The bassiest Bluetooth speaker, bar none.
• Who is it for? Want all of the bass? Here is all of the bass. Oh, and it sounds pretty good too.
• What does it cost? $499
• What we like: The sturdy build, the strong bass performance and built-in Wi-Fi with Alexa support
• What we don’t like: The battery life could be better

Brane Audio X review: Price and Availability

The Brane X costs $499, making it a fairly expensive Bluetooth speaker, even when you take its physics-breaking abilities and smart features into account. That’s a whole $50 more than the Sonos Move 2, $100 more than the Bose SoundLink Max. While there are some big reasons why you might want to choose the Brane over those options, that extra might make you sit back and consider whether you really need the extra bass on offer from the internal subwoofer (spoiler alert: you probably do).

Getting a hold of one in the U.S. is fairly easy as well — just head over to the Brane website or to Amazon and get one there. For those who don’t live in North America, however, it’s a little trickier to get your hands on one. The speaker will be available in the UK soon, I’m told, but until then you have to order one from the U.S. and get it shipped over. That will make it substantially more expensive, so you might want to wait until you can get one on our side of the pond.

Brane Audio X review: Build and Style

• Non-descript look
• Fingerprint prone surface
• Unuasuming black box

When there are so many interesting-looking WiFi-connected speakers out there, you might think that the bass-focussed Brane X would want to use its design to stand out from the crowd. Not so. The speaker seems to want the subwoofer to do all the talking, as the design of the speaker is to some ‘understated, and classy’ and to others ‘uninspired and boring’. I personally sit in the former camp — I like how it doesn’t shout loudly before you turn it about its ability to shake your floors, instead blending in with its surroundings like the Sonos Move 2.

I do have a couple of gripes about the speaker though. That top surface, which houses the touch buttons that you’ll be getting up close and personal with whenever you use it, is extremely prone to fingerprints. If you’ve particularly oily fingers that means its matte finish will be marred with a greasy sheen when you so much as approach it from the other end of the room. It’s nothing a decent microfibre cloth and some water can’t fix, but it can get unsightly.

Build wise though there’s nothing to complain about. This is a weighty, well-made piece of tech with some great attention to detail. The vibration-dampening feet (which still manage to send the bass frequencies into the far reaches of your room) are a nice touch, and the silicon handle is tight and feels sturdy. There’s a metal panel on the back, and while the top and bottom appear to be made of plastic, they still feel like they’ll take a beating. There's IP57 water and dust resistance as well, to make sure you can take the speaker out and about if you want to.

Brane Audio X review: Features

• Brane App
• Alexa support
• Multiple Bass modes

The Brane X is more than just a Bluetooth speaker, of course. While you can just turn it on, hold the Bluetooth button, and get paired up that way, you’d be missing out on some key features. It’s all accessible through the Brane app, which is a bugbear of mine. It’s not the most responsive app, and it does have occasional problems with connection to the speaker. When it works though, it unlocks some great extras for the Brane X.

For one, there’s the internet connection, which means you can stream over AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect. I couldn’t get it to work with Tidal on my Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold though, which was a shame. Once streaming, you can change some of the speaker's settings in the app. That includes the EQ, with a 5-band equalizer. This is just a more useful version of the bass button, which just seems to adjust the bass slider up and down depending on whether you select low, medium or high. It’s fine, although it would be nice to have more adjustments for the rest of the frequency range.

Then there’s the voice control in the form of Alexa. It works well enough and makes the speaker effectively completely hands-free. You can turn the mic on and off when you’re not using with a touch button on the top, which is a nice touch. There’s even a little ‘click’ when you turn the mic off and on, making sure you know that it's off.

You can also connect multiple Brane speakers together in the app for either more volume (and, of course, more bass) or surround modes. I lack the extra speakers needed, but it's a cool addition. It would get expensive though, given each speaker is $499. You could spend thousands.

Brane Audio X review: Connectivity

• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• Aux port

If you can think of a way to connect to the Brane X, you can probably do it. There’s the Wi-Fi connection, configurable from the app, which allows you to stream music to the speaker over Spotify and a selection of other services. It works well, and enables the Alexa-powered smart features. Once connected the first time, it’ll stay connected for good and communicate with the Wi-Fi whenever you turn it back on.

Then there’s the Bluetooth connection, which you can switch on using the Bluetooth pairing button on the top of the speaker. It’s a simple Bluetooth connection that can’t be used to control the power or the other features, but its a great bonus to have.

Finally, there’s the little Aux port on the back which you can plug a 3.5mm cable in and use a wired connection. This is a lovely addition, and something we’re seeing less and less of in Bluetooth and WiFi-connected speakers. You can select this mode from the Brane app.

Brane Audio X review: Sound Quality

• So. Much. Bass.
• Oh yeah, and it sounds good otherwise

I can’t not start with the bass and how Brane has managed to do it. There are warm-sounding speakers out there — the Sonos Move 2, for example. There are bassy speakers, like the JBL Xtreme. But there aren’t any with an actual subwoofer built in. The engineers at Brane are some of the cleverest folk around, it appears, as they’ve broken the laws of physics.

Well, not really, but they’ve managed something very cool. Previously, Bluetooth speakers have obeyed what’s apparently called Hofman’s Iron Law of Audio. That states, and I’ll quote Brane’s website here, that “speakers must be either large or draw a tremendous amount of electrical power to produce sub-bass.”

It’s all down to the air pressure inside the speaker inside a sealed cabinet, and how it changes when a bass driver wobbles to make the really really low notes — or how it's not possible with all the air packed inside. The Brane speaker has what’s called a ‘RAD’, or ‘Repel Attract Driver’ which uses magnets to cancel out the air pressure and allow for sub-bass from the speaker that can, and I mean can, shake a room.

So that’s where all the bass comes from, and when it's playing music it's one of the most remarkable things I’ve ever heard. There’s so much sub-bass from such a small device that it sounds huge, and like you have a small sub attached to a decent speaker system. It’s loads and loads of fun — although there is something to be aware of. When the RAD is active, and when it's turned on, it makes a weird noise. A kind of deliberate-sounding crackle that disappears when music is playing. Before the music it can be a disconcerting though — “Did I break it already?”

So it doesn’t really break the laws of physics, but it kind of beats them into submission with the help of magnets and some clever audio scientists. And it really works. Play anything with some sub-bass kick, and you’ll feel it in your chest. I mean the kind of bass that rattles your teeth, wobbles the floor, and shakes the room it's in. I can hear the bass from the other end of the house — so perhaps not one if you live in a block of flats.

Play something with some bass, like Chase & Status’ Disconnect, and you’ll immediately notice the effect. The bass synths are deep, weighty, and infectious while Becky Hill is able to cut through the mix. This isn’t a delicate experience mind you — that bass is about as in your face as it comes. And its all the better for it.

Then there’s the crushingly heavy Sungazer from Deathcore outfit Viscera. The sub-bass adds more weight to the kick drum, more presence to the guitars, and makes the whole thing heavier than a speaker this size has any right to sound. Over the whole affair, the detail in the screaming guitar solos and crashing cymbals is left intact, for a remarkable experience. It has to be felt to be believed. And I mean felt.

Then there’s the simple, driving techno beats of Joyhauser and Elements. This is probably about as close as you’ll feel to an actual rave with a Bluetooth speaker that you’ll get. The sub-bass kick is immense, felt in every pore of your being. Is it as impressive as hooking up a Subwoofer to your HiFi system and playing it on thousands of pounds worth of gear? Of course not, but it almost entirely outperforms anything else this size.

Brane Audio X review: Battery Life

• 12 hours
• There are better

If you’re after a speaker that can last you a long time, then the Brane X is not it. There’s 12 hours of battery on tap here, and it takes 3 hours to charge fully over the barrel connector on the back. The Sonos Move 2, one of the best Bluetooth speakers, lasts a whole 13 hours longer on a charge, and the Bose SoundLink Max has an extra 8 hours of staying power. Neither of those feature a subwoofer though, and that really does count for something.

This speaker feels more like a home speaker with a battery for when it's not close to a power source — and for that purpose, the 12 hours is going to be fine.

Brane Audio X review: Verdict

If you’re looking for a super detailed, well-rounded sound, then you’re better off with the Sonos Move 2. It’s less in your face with its bass, and has more in the way of detail. If you want something that will make you giggle with glee every time you turn it on and hear its ‘click, whiiiiirrr’ before it blasts you in the face with some of the coolest sub-bass you’ve ever heard, however, then this is the speaker for you.

It’s not HiFi, but it doesn’t want to be. It’s expensive, but you more than get what you pay for. The battery life could be better, yes, but then the bass kicks in again, and you don’t care. Because you’re seventeen tracks into your favorite playlist, and you’re hearing bass bits you never thought you’d hear outside of a live performance. And that is fun — something that’s lacking from some of the competition.

Christmas Day, 2003. Up until this point, I’d been living with a cassette player and the headphones that came in the box, occupying myself with audio versions of the Redwall books. The concept of a CD was familiar to me, thanks to my Dad's extensive selection, but I was yet to experience the silver discs for myself — until the fateful day that saw me receive The Billy The Kid Suite and a CD player, wrapped in sparkling red paper.

Suddenly, music was accessible not just through the radio, but whenever I wanted it — all I needed were those precious, silver-colored discs. Since then I’ve amassed… some CDs, and I’m constantly looking for new ways to play them.

This is my latest CD-playing device — and it harkens back to one of my favorites. The Fiio DM13 brings portable CD players in the year 2024, and while it has some features you wouldn’t have seen on players from my childhood, it’s still the same wonderful experience at its core.

A more manual listen

Vinyl might be the be-all and end-all of manual music playback with its tone arms, needles, and spinning platters that revolve around for all to see, but there’s still something imminently tactile about playing a CD. It feels deliberate as you click open the CD tray, click the disc into place, close the lid, and then sit back to listen to the whole album without pressing the skip button.

The DM13 brings that wonderful tactility back in some key ways. For one, the whole thing is made out of metal, giving it a reassuring weight and heft. It’s only 15 ounces or so, but it feels solid in the hand. The lid clicks open with a satisfying click, and then swings into place smoothly. Closing the lid feels solid and confidence-inspiring, without any lateral movement or looseness. It’s like that Walkman you had when you were a kid, but made of metal, and you don’t have to replace the AA batteries every 3 hours.

Playing a CD is as manual and tactile as you want it to be. The CD clicks into place, you close the lid, it spins up with a whir, and then it plays your music.

CDs in 2024

There are some improvements to the formula to bring the device into the space year 2024, of course. The OLED screen on the front is clear and old-school yes, but it's also bright and legible in different environments and lighting situations. There’s a USB-C rechargeable battery inside that provides 10 hours of battery without having to swap out any internals or click off a snappable panel. There’s a switch on the back to switch the onboard DAC on and off in case you want to use your own, and then different outputs on the back for balanced headphones and more.

But there’s one addition that really makes the whole package feel modern — a Bluetooth connection for the best wireless headphones. It’s not the most user-friendly thing to find, given that you have to press and hold several buttons before you find the right menu, and pairing the headphones is slightly annoying, but when it’s all connected, it works well. It brings a device that could have just been a simple nostalgia trip into the present and makes it more usable as a result.

Is it good at playing CDs?

So most of the sound is going to come from the headphones you plug in, but yes, the DM13 is good at playing CDs. The motor is a little loud, but you don’t notice it when you’re plugged in and listening to your music. The DAC inside has a habit of making things a little more analytical though, so you’ll want to connect a pair of warmer headphones to counteract and bring back some of the low end.

Unlike Vinyl, a CD contains digital files, so you’re not going to find any differences in the actual CDs themselves. Its the post-processing where the DM13 does its work, and it does its work well. You can even record your CDs to a computer with the USB-C port on the back, which is a useful feature.

Anything missing?

There’s not much missing, as such, but there are a couple of nice-to-haves that I haven’t seen on the device. I’d like it if the player recognized file names when playing written CDs, but its omission is no great issue in the long run. An optical port on the back as well would be good for external DACs, but given most use USB-C these days you won’t be tearing your hair out for what might be the most annoying connector ever created.

But it’s not about what’s missing — it’s about what’s here. The DM13 is a wonderful piece of nostalgia-driven tech, bringing me back to car rides on the way to family holidays, with the Billy the Kid suite blasting at top volume. If the Billy the Kid suite can blast. I suspect not.

There's a couple of things you can do when you want music at a campsite. You could all sit around the fire, and go all rainbow strap guitar while everyone sings 'kumbaya'. You could play music off your friends phone through the speaker, so that everyone can enjoy thin, tinny audio.

Or, you could buy the Bose SoundLink Max, and get rich, warm audio for 20 hours on the go. Even better, you can buy the SoundLink Max for $299 at Amazon right now, thanks to a $100 discount for it's lowest ever price.

I am lucky enough to test loads of different Bluetooth speakers — and the SoundLink Max is so far one of my favorites. The design speaks to me unlike any other Bluetooth speaker around, thanks to its mix of premium-feeling metal, and rugged silicon. It's weighty, yes, but it's big enough and sounds good enough that it doesn't matter to me.

Battery life is also good at 20 hours, which is plenty of staying power to last you a weekend of tunes. Plug it in over USB-C to charge, and it takes 5 hours to fully charge. I like the two color options too, although my personal favorite is the Blue Dusk.

The best thing about the speaker though is accessible with a button on the top of the speaker. If you have two of them, you can activate 'stereo mode', which links two speakers together and separates them out into stereo channels. This is a wonderful way to get some top-quality audio in your house.

Even if you just get one, the SoundLink Max sounds great. There's a lovely warmth to the sound, and a surprisingly wide soundstage for a relatively compact audio box. I reckon it's one of the best Bluetooth speakers around. I love my pair of SoundLink Max's — and at this price, I reckon you'll like them too.

So, you've got some banging tunes that you want to share with others — or play through something better than your device's built-in speaker. If you have an Amazon Echo device, you don’t necessarily need to invest in one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers (although there are many benefits if you do).

Instead, you can divert your sounds to the Echo and use that as a Bluetooth speaker. It’s really easy to do and you can be up and running in seconds. Here we explain how, looking primarily at getting your Alexa speaker hooked up to an iPhone or Android device.

It’s a great way to get more out of an Amazon Echo speaker and you’ll certainly hear the quality whether you’ve opted for an Echo Spot or Echo Dot or opted for the premium Amazon Echo. Here's how to set it up.

Depending on the version of iOS or Android you're using, you may see slight differences in the wording of some settings.

You now know how to use Alexa as a Bluetooth speaker. There are other ways of hooking Alexa to other devices. Learn how to connect and use Alexa on your Samsung smart TV and figure out how to connect your Amazon Echo to a Bluetooth speaker. Or discover how to use Amazon Echo to find your phone.

The AirTag is an incredibly useful tool for anyone embedded in Apple's ecosystem, but it does have its downsides. That includes the need to replace the CR2032 coin batteries every 12 months or so.

Even though the Find My app notifies you when an AirTag battery is running low (and a year is a pretty good benchmark for battery life!) I've still found myself looking for keys attached to a dead AirTag. Replacing the battery is my biggest problem with AirTag trackers — especially if you have a lot of them — and I know I'm not the only one that's been affected.

Which is where a $20 gadget called TimeCapsule from the company ElevationLab comes in. It's a simple solution to extend the life of an AirTag to up to a decade by transposing the power over to a pair of AA batteries.

It's a good time for this kind of gadget to surface (h/t Android Authority) since there are strong rumors the AirTag 2 is right around the corner. And while Apple's next version of the tracker will reportedly extend its range thanks to the addition of a new Ultra Wideband chip, we don't yet know how that'll impact battery life.

The brains behind the TimeCapsule claim that, when paired with high-capacity AA batteries, users will get "a decade of power" out of a single AirTag — expanding on the original coin cell lifetime by a factor of 14.

And while a single one will set you back $20 on Amazon, you can also pick up two for $30 or four for $40 — which brings the price comfortably down.

The trade-off

Of course the beauty of the AirTag is that it can more or less go anywhere thanks to its tiny size. You can slip one inside your wallet or bag without it taking up much space. The TimeCapsule limits some of that portability.

According to the ElevationLab product page, the rectangular casing is fully waterproof and uses "premium CNC machined screws" as part of its construction. Despite this, it makes the tracker bigger and bulkier as a trade-off against that longer lifespan.

To my mind, this is the perfect solution for adding an AirTag to, for example, a camera bag or a large piece of checked luggage during air travel. You could also potentially mount it to one of the best e-bikes or an electric scooter for location tracking your preferred transport method.

You'll need to spend a little extra on a pair of decent AA batteries too, but if you're getting a full decade of support for that investment, it seems well worth it to me.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 ways Apple could have improved the AirPods Max – but didn't
• Apple Maps just got smarter in iOS 18 — here's how to use the new features
• I review PCs for a living, and Apple Intelligence is already better than Windows Copilot

Apple is predicted to launch a new generation of its AirTag tracker next year with a significantly improved range, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Gurman believes Apple will use the next-generation Ultra Wideband chip (UWB) from the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to "considerably increase" the range for the AirTag 2.

The current AirTag trackers (introduced in 2021) offer Precision Finding from anywhere between 30 and 100 feet away. According to Gurman, the "new model should triple that by using the next-generation ultrawide-band chip."

Previous leaks and rumors have given us a fair idea that Apple will reveal the product in mid-2025 and Gurman noted last month the new version has now entered production. But what we don't know is how the upgraded chip will affect the pricing. Apple introduced the AirTag at $29 for a single tracker or $99 for a pack of four. Most of the time (like right now, as of time of writing) they can be found discounted at Amazon or Best Buy. But whether Apple keeps pricing the same or pushes it upwards remains to be seen.

Thanks to the new UWB chip, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 owners can use Precision Finding inside the Find My app to find each other up to 200 feet away. It's possible then we could see the same functionality come to the AirTag 2.

Outside of Precision Finding, the AirTags can still utilize the vast Find My network to track keys, wallets or luggage across huge distances. Just remember to double-check the battery life before embarking on any long-distance trip.

While the internals may receive an upgrade, Gurman doesn't expect the outward appearance to alter for the next model. Which makes sense considering the huge array of first and third party AirTag accessories that have been produced over the last three years.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 ways Apple could have improved the AirPods Max – but didn't
• Apple Maps just got smarter in iOS 18 — here's how to use the new features
• I review PCs for a living, and Apple Intelligence is already better than Windows Copilot

Bose's line of Bluetooth speakers are some of my favorites, featuring a great modern design aesthetic that ties the whole thing together. The SoundLink Max is the largest in the line, and its the speaker I'd reccomend for bigger spaces thanks to its larger size.

The price usually holds potential buyers back though, thanks to it's lofty price tag. At the moment you can grab the Bose SoundLink Max for $299 at Amazon, however, for the speakers lowest price ever after a $100 discount.

I've actually got two Bose SounLink Max's so that I can connect the two together for stereo mode. If you do the same you get a great, spacious audio experience with true stereo separation.

They sound great solo as well, of course. Bose is known for a bass-forward sound signature, and the SoundLink Max is no different. The bass is big, powerful, and it goes lower than a range of the competition. It doesn't miss detail in the top end though, and there's some lovely wide mid-range response to keep the guitars sounding crisp.

Battery life is good too, with 20 hours on tap. Charging does take a long time over USB-C though — 4 hours to fully top off the battery, which is longer than the competition.

I think the speaker looks great too, thanks to its metal frame and silicon wrapping. You can get it in blue or black, and its rated IP67 for water and dust proofing. It's rugged too — mine took a tumble from a high shelf, and you wouldn't know it ever fell at all.

This deal is a great one for the holidays for a very nice Christmas gift. Perfect for music lovers who want a speaker that'll sound great wherever they go — espeically with this massive $100 discount.

Apple plans to bring as much design in-house continues pace with a new report that the company will finally launch an in-house chip for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity next year.

The report comes from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who says that the in-house chip, dubbed Proxima, will be built by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which makes most of Apple's chips now.

It should be noted that this is a different part and move than the recent news that Apple will roll out in-house designed modems in the next three years. However, the goal is the same as removing parts built by Broadcom and Qualcomm.

According to Gurman, unnamed sources say the company's goal is to develop an "end-to-end wireless approach" where all components are integrated and more energy-efficient.

It's speculated that Apple's tighter control over how devices connect to networks and Wi-Fi hubs will give the company more ways to alter designs, including thinner devices like the iPhone 17 Air and wearables.

Before we arrive, Apple is expected to launch a combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip in updated versions of the Apple TV set-top box and a new HomePod mini smart speaker. It may also launch in iPhones next year, with iPad and Mac getting a version in 2026.

This aligns with a report from early November claiming that the iPhone 17 would feature Apple's home-made Wi-Fi chip from analyst Ming Chi-Kuo.

The new chip won't match Broadcom's current offerings but will offer Wi-Fi 6E standard.

Meanwhile, the updated HomePod, which will launch sometime next year, was just tipped to have a 6-to 7-inch OLED display. That device is supposed to be more of a smart home controller than a speaker. Gurman has previously said that Apple is working on versions with a wall-mounted iPad-like display and a version with a robotic arm.

With the new Wi-Fi chip, the HomePod should work more closely with other smart home devices. Apple is supposed to push into smart home devices next year. Gurman even throws away at the end of the article that Apple is working on a standalone security camera.

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• Apple unveils 2024 App Store Award winners — here's the top apps of the year
• iOS 18.2 LIVE — latest Apple Intelligence features and how to use them

I’ve had many Bluetooth speakers over the years. While some died of natural causes (exhausted batteries), others met their demise in more harrowing ways, including an icey submersion in the salty waters of Puget Sound. Ever since that fateful day, I’ve only purchased rugged Bluetooth speakers, and of the models I’ve tested, one has risen to the top as my favorite: the Bose SoundLink Micro.

Small in size but big in sound, the SoundLink Micro is ordinarily $119 but not today. As the clock ticks down on Cyber Monday deals, this total peach is 42% off, dropping the price to just $69 in two aesthetically pleasing color options. Walmart has the speaker in blue and Bose has it in Bright Orange, my favorite of the two.

IP67-rated for water and dust resistance, the SoundLink Mini is also designed to work in cold temperatures, a claim I can attest to. A protective rubber outer coating adds to its ruggedness. The speaker recharges via USB-C and offers roughly six hours of music bumpin' before needing a top-off.

A built-in rubber strap on the back lets you secure the SoundLink Mini to all sorts of things, including bike handlebars, beach chairs and shower curtain rods. I know this from personal experience. I’ve also dropped mine quite a few times with no damage to report.

And, yes, it’s had encounters with water, including falling into a running shower on more than one occasion (when I didn’t use the built-in strap to secure it like a ding-dong). While a quick shower isn't the same as a saltwater bath, my SoundLink Micro still works just as good as the day I brought it home.

Perhaps most importantly, the sound quality is seriously impressive, particularly given the speaker’s diminutive footprint. The bass is especially nice and punchy. And if you’ve got other Bose speakers, this little guy can pair up with them for even more sound. Now that's rock and roll, baby.

One of the biggest surprises of the year was the new Beats Pill. It just kind of... arrived, hanging from the fingers of sportsmen like Lebron James and Daniel Ricciardo. Now you can pick up Beats' latest Bluetooth speaker at the new lowest price in the Black Friday sales.

The Beats Pill is $99 at Amazon, with a $50 discount. That's the biggest discount we've seen, and makes the speaker more affordable than ever.

The Beats Pill is perhaps one of the most recognizable Bluetooth speakers around. This model brought the Pill back into the limelight, refreshing the design after a few pill-less years. The new speaker packs in IP67 water and dust resistance so that you can use it wherever you like, and there's the now signature lanyard that made it so easy for Mr. James, the Basketball man, to hang it from his finger when coming out of practice.

It's not a massive speaker, so its 24 hour battery life is a very nice surprise. Generally larger speakers break the 20-hour mark, so it's nice that a medium speaker lasts so long. It sounds good too, although the soundstage is pretty limited. You can connect two together for stereo playback, so that'll fix the soundstage issue — while costing you twice as much.

It's the look of the speaker that's likely drawn you in to it though. And it does look pretty funky, thanks to its solid color finish and elongated oval design. It only sits one way, unlike some Bluetooth speakers, but its slim shape means it'll fit on more shelves. In front of books, for example.

This is just one of many epic deals you can get your hands on this Black Friday — if you're after a new pair of headphones, make sure you check out my Black Friday headphones live blog to find a great deal on some cans.

Black Friday deals are rolling in ahead of the big day, and you can already save big on some of the best Bluetooth speakers out there. If you're throwing a party this holiday season, or you're just looking to upgrade, this deal is perfect for you.

Right now the Ultimate Ears Everboom is just $199 at Amazon, which is $50 off and a 20% discount. It's rare to see the Everboom drop in price, let alone by this much. In fact, this is the lowest price ever for this speaker, so don't miss it!

The Ultimate Ears Everboom is my favorite Bluetooth Speaker, and the one I use the most out of all of the speakers I have tested. It is usually one of the more expensive options out of the Ultimate Ears portable speakers lineup. This is one of the few caveats in my Ultimate Ears Everboom review, but this deal makes it much more affordable.

The Everboom is durable with IP67 waterproofing — it floats on water, too, so feel free to take this with you into the pool. The sound definitely lives up to the 'Boom' in the name — it is capable of outputting at high volume, while maintaining a crisp sound with a high level of detail. I loved how my music sounded on the Everboom, with both the highs and lows well represented. Of course, bass is key with a party speaker like this, and you won't be disappointed. The Everboom got me through 'Brat Summer,' being the greatest speaker I own for listening to the Charli xcx album on repeat.

A 20% discount for the Ultimate Ears Everboom is too good to pass up — I would genuinely consider buying another one to pair to my Everboom with the ability to sync up to other Ultimate Ears speakers using the PartyUp feature — this is really the best time to buy more than one of these for the ultimate outdoor speaker set up.

Check out our list of the best Black Friday Bluetooth Speaker deals for more discounts. And be sure to bookmark our Black Friday deals live blog for all of the biggest and best offers on speakers, headphones, laptops and more.

There's little better than rocking out with a Bluetooth speaker when you're on the go with your friends. And now, thanks to some epic Black Friday Bluetooth speaker deals, we're looking at a great time to pick up a new one.

There are some great deals to be found on Bluetooth speakers at the moment. The Bose SoundLink Max is currently $299 at Amazon, with a $100 discount for the new lowest price ever. A little too expensive? Grab yourself a JBL Clip 4 for $39 at Amazon, where there is a $25 discount.

There are loads more deals to be had on Bluetooth speakers, and I'll be trawling through them all as Tom's Guide's audio editor to make sure that you save some money. Here are the best Bluetooth speaker deals I've found so far.

Quick Links

• JBL Clip 4: was $64 now $39 @ Amazon
• JBL Flip 5: was $129 now $69 @ Walmart
• Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4: was $99 now $79 @ Amazon
• JBL Flip 6: was $129 now $79 @ Amazon
• Sony ULT Field 1: was $129 now $98 @ Amazon
• SoundLink Flex Gen 2: was $149 now $119 @ Best Buy
• Marshall Kilburn II: was $299 now $199 @ Best Buy
• Marshall Acton III: was $279 now $199 @ Best Buy
• Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II: was $329 now $229 @ Amazon
• Bose SoundLink Max: was $399 now $299 @ Amazon
• JBL Boombox 2: was $404 now $299 @ Amazon

Best Black Friday Bluetooth speaker deals

I love Bluetooth speakers. I use them around my house, I use them when I'm out and about, and I've even used them in my car. I've had the privilege of testing some of the best Bluetooth speakers around as well, and I track the prices of them throughout the year to help you find the best deal possible.

If you're looking for more audio deals this Black Friday, make sure you check out the best Black Friday headphones deals, which are regularly updated with all the best prices as they go live.

More Bluetooth speaker deals

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has released the latest version of Bluetoothand it includes a number of new features and upgrades to the longstanding connectivity standard. 

The biggest upgrade coming to Bluetooth 6.0 is a new feature that BSIG is calling "Channel Sounding" which should benefit Find My features on smartphones and other devices with "true distance awareness."

Channel Sounding apparently replaces older Bluetooth methods of calculating the distance between two devices with "significantly better accuracy" and with new security safeguards to mitigate risk. In a press release, BSIG claimed that Channel Sounding will achieve "centimeter-level accuracy over considerable distances", which would make it easier and faster to locate items, including missing Bluetooth-enabled devices.

It won't improve the best Bluetooth speakers or best wireless headphones but the obvious implication here is that Find My applications like those on iPhones or Android devices will get much better.

Apple already utilizes Ultrawide band chips to offer similar Find My functions on iPhones and Android devices may soon get their own version of ultrawide band. It'll be interesting to see if the two technologies can be combined for super precise location features and tracking.

Channel Sounding also enables other Bluetooth-based applications including digital keys for cars, doors, gates and bikes. Potentially it could be set that a lock only opens when an authorized device is within a specified range.

A BSIG rep reached out to explain that Channel Sounding is actually a separate feature. 

"While it is correct that the new Channel Sounding feature was added to Bluetooth technology in this most recent version of the Bluetooth Core Specification (version 6.0), the two are not necessarily equated. All new Bluetooth Core Specifications are supersets of the previous version and the vast majority of features are optional to support, including Channel Sounding. This means that if a product indicates that it supports Bluetooth 6.0, it does not necessarily mean it supports the Bluetooth Channel Sounding feature. "

According to BSIG, there are over 5 billion Bluetooth enabled devices globally, so this pinpoint enhancement is no small feat.

"Imagine Bluetooth mice, keyboards, and game controllers that can automatically switch between active and inactive states based on their distance from a laptop," said Andrew Zignani, Senior Research Director at ABI Research in the press release. 

There are several other updates and upgrades in Bluetooth 6.0 but most of them won't directly affect the everyday person. A couple are based around advertisements and radio channels. Others including Isochronous Adaptation Layer enhancements mean large "data frames" can be transmitted in smaller "link-layer packets" but that will depend on how developers and manufacturers use these enhancements in products.

Bluetooth 6.0 just came out and we imagine any companies eager to utilize the updated connectivity technology will already be in the process of testing the upgrades. However, based on language used in the press releases and blogs its unclear if features like Channel Sounding can be unlocked via updates or if devices will need Bluetooth 6.0 built-in. If so we probably won't see any Bluetooth 6.0 compatible devices for at least a year, possibly six months if an enterprising company can quickly integrate it into devices entering production now.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best Bluetooth speakers: Top models for great sound
• Apple and Google are finally joining forces to stop unwanted Bluetooth tracking
• I used this $80 Bluetooth keyboard for a week and it's game changer

We often worry about our phones and laptops getting hacked but a newly discovered vulnerability could allow an attacker to eavesdrop on Apple’s AirPods.

As reported by The Hacker News, the iPhone maker has released a new firmware update for its AirPods to prevent hackers from exploiting a recently discovered Bluetooth vulnerability. 

The flaw (tracked as CVE-2024-27867) is an authentication issue which affects AirPods (2nd generation and later), AirPods Pro (all models), AirPods Max, Powerbeats Pro and Beats Fit Pro headphones.

According to a new advisory from Apple, when your headphones are trying to connect with one of your previously paired devices, an attacker may be able to spoof the intended source device to gain access to your headphones. For this attack to work, the attacker would need to be within Bluetooth range.

If exploited, this flaw could allow an attacker to eavesdrop on any private conversations you're having on one of the best iPhones while connected to your AirPods or Beats headphones. Fortunately, Apple has already put out a firmware update to address this flaw.

To update your AirPods, you need to go to Settings and then Bluetooth and tap on the info button next to their name. From here, scroll down to the About section to find the firmware version and there, you’ll be able to update them to the latest firmware.

How to stay safe from hackers

As you might have guessed, the first and most important thing you can do to stay safe from hackers is to keep your devices updated and running the latest software. Hackers often target devices running outdated software as they contain flaws that have yet to be patched. By updating frequently, though, you’ll be less likely to fall victim to their attacks.

Although Apple includes its own built-in antivirus software with macOS called XProtect, you should also consider using one of the best Mac antivirus software solutions alongside it for extra protection. 

Likewise, as there isn’t an iPhone equivalent of the best Android antivirus apps due to Apple’s own malware-scanning restrictions in iOS, you can use either Intego Mac Internet Security X9 or Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 to scan your iPhone or iPad for viruses. There is a catch though. You need to connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac using a USB cable to scan them for malware.

While not nearly as dangerous as Mac malware, a vulnerability like this could still be used by hackers in their attacks which is why you should stop what you’re doing and update your AirPods right now. 

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Around this time last year, Google and Apple teamed up to announce a new specification designed to prevent Bluetooth-enabled tracking devices from tracking users without their knowledge. 

At the time, the specifications were just a proposal. The best Bluetooth trackers can be very useful for finding keys or other items. However, they can also be misused to track individuals, often without their knowledge. Apple devices weren't great at stopping Bluetooth trackers.

It appears that the specification is finally becoming a reality. Announced today, Apple and Google are rolling out a new specification called Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers for Bluetooth tracking devices. 

The original proposal was submitted to the Internet Engineering Task Force where interested parties were able to review and comment on the proposal over a three month period. After that, Apple and Google were able to work together to release an implementation of the specification.

There was some expectation that the specification would be rolled out before the end of 2023. Based on meeting notes and video, the IETF working group on Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers was still working through the proposal as late as March of this year. However, it appears all parties worked through it to roll out the new specification. Apple and Google say that both companies will continue to work with the IETF to develop an official standard on the specification.

The specification will be implemented in iOS 17.5, which was just released this week. Google is adding the capability to Android 6.0+ devices. Android is currently on version 14, with 15 expected to be released late this fall, so the new specification goes back quite a ways. 

Now, users will get an “[Item] Found Moving With You” alert on their device if an unknown Bluetooth tracking device is seen moving with them over time, regardless of the platform the device is paired with.”

The alert means that an AirTag, Find My accessory, or other Bluetooth tracker device is moving with the person. According to Apple, the iPhone will view the tracker’s identifier and have the tracker play a sound to help locate it. It will also provide access to instructions to disable the Bluetooth device. 

On Android, the alert is slightly different. Android alerts will say, “Tracker traveling with you” if an unknown Bluetooth tracker is found. Similarly, though, it will let users play a sound to find the device and access instructions to disable it. 

Apple says that Bluetooth manufacturers like Chipolo, eufy, Jio, Motorola and Pebblebee have committed to making future Bluetooth trackers compatible with the new specifications. 

More from Tom's Guide

• Google's Find My Device network has officially launched
• Best GPS tracker for kids in 2024
• Best key finder in 2024

Turning off Bluetooth entirely when out in public might seem like a reasonable idea following the discovery of two new vulnerabilities that put iPhones, Android smartphones, Macs and other devices at risk of attack.

While the first vulnerability, known as BLUFFS, could allow an attacker to impersonate your devices. The second could be exploited by hackers to take full control of your devices, as if they were paired to a Bluetooth keyboard.

As reported by Dark Reading, this newly discovered critical Bluetooth vulnerability (tracked as CVE-2022-45866) is a keystroke injection flaw that works by tricking your smartphone or computer into pairing with a fake keyboard. To make matters worse, this fake keyboard can connect to your devices without confirmation from you.

The flaw itself was discovered by SkySafe’s Marc Newlin, who detailed his findings in a blog post. He explained that he stumbled upon it when investigating Apple’s Magic Keyboard. Newlin soon realized that the flaw is even exploitable in Lockdown Mode on both iOS and macOS, though Android and Linux devices are vulnerable as well.

Once an attacker has paired an emulated Bluetooth keyboard with your smartphone or computer, they can then perform any action that doesn’t require a password or your fingerprint. From installing new apps to forwarding emails or text messages, there’s a lot someone can do, even without direct access to your devices.

A simple flaw that’s gone undetected for a decade

Unlike the recently discovered flaw in the Bluetooth protocol, this one has been around for at least 10 years. The reason it has gone undetected for so long, according to Newlin, is that it’s a relatively simple flaw hidden in plain sight.

While other security researchers have been looking for weaknesses in Bluetooth’s encryption schemes, few have thought to search for simple authentication-bypass bugs like this one.

When it comes to the best Android phones, they have been vulnerable to this flaw since 2012 when Android 4.2.2 was released. At the same time, though, this flaw was patched in the Linux kernel in 202. But for some reason, the fix was left disabled by default based on Newlin’s research into the matter.

Since his discovery, Newlin has informed Apple, Google and Bluetooth SIG about the flaw. While there are patches for most of the impacted devices, some still remain vulnerable including many of the best MacBooks as well as several iPhones and Android smartphones.

How to stay safe from Bluetooth attacks

When it comes to malware and malicious apps, the best antivirus software or one of the best Android antivirus apps can help protect your devices from potential attacks. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for attacks that exploit Bluetooth flaws.

Your only option is to disable Bluetooth when out in public, which can be really inconvenient for those who use wireless earbuds, one of the best smartwatches and especially so for people who wear a Bluetooth hearing aid. The reason why is that an attacker would need to be in close proximity to you and your devices to exploit this flaw.

Thankfully, this is a critical vulnerability that Apple, Google and other hardware makers as well as Bluetooth SIG have already been informed about, so if your device hasn’t been patched yet, a fix will likely arrive soon. As such, you're going to want to install any new security updates for your smartphone or computer as soon as they become available.

We’ll update this story as we learn more about this vulnerability and how companies are planning on addressing it.

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A recent report has potentially unveiled a major Bluetooth security issue that could allow criminals to impersonate other devices. This could affect even the latest update of Bluetooth and some of the older versions.

The security weaknesses were developed by a team at the research institute Eurecom. These weaknesses have been named “BLUFFS” or Bluetooth Forward and Future Secrecy. The weakness appears to affect Bluetooth versions from 4.1 to 5.4. Any phone model running these versions would be vulnerable to at least three of the six attack types developed, according to a report from Bleeping Computer. This would mean that every phone from the iPhone 6 to the iPhone 15 could be affected by BLUFF. 

BLUFFS is not listed as a hardware or software configuration, but is instead architectural, which means it can't be fixed easily. The exploit has to do with two previously unknown flaws related to how session keys are derived to decrypt date.

BLUFFS requires the two phones to be within Bluetooth range of each other to work. Once within range, the attacker can alter the secure keys used for encrypting data. They can decode or tamper with the data, which requires the attacker to pretend to be one of the devices sharing data.

It is important to state that there is no guarantee that the majority of people will be affected by these flaws. However, there are a few things that can be done to protect your device. The first is to turn off Bluetooth when not in use. It is also a good idea to only connect with verified devices and never an unknown source. 

Bluetooth is likely working on solving the issue and there have been a few suggestions. The first is to introduce a secure key generation. This would be a quick fix and would allow people to confirm their data is being sent to the right place. However, there will likely be more information to come on the proposed fixes.

Bluetooth SIG responds

Following the discovery of the flaw, Bluetooth SIG has released an official statement on the issue. In the statement, Bluetooth SIG has acknowledged the existence of the vulnerability and has advised that the potential impact can be mitigated by either denying access to specific resources or implementing security measures. 

For instance, the inclusion of sufficient key entropy to make session key reuse of limited utility to an attacker. Key entropy, in regards to cyber security, is used to produce random numbers, which in turn are used to produce security keys to protect data while it's in storage or in transit. The higher the quality of the number, the better the security.

In response to this vulnerability, Bluetooth has strongly advised implementations to reject service-level connections with encryption keys below certain octets, a unit of digital information consisting of eight bits, depending on the device. They recommend having both devices operating in Secure Connections Only Mode will also ensure sufficient key strength.

Secure connections mode can also help by tracking a link key to see if it was established by Bluetooth Basic Rate/Enhanced Data Rate (BR/EDR). This would mean that known devices that aimed to connect but weren't using the saved keys from prior connections would be flagged. The lack of prior saved keys, or if the octets key is too small, then do not connect. 

How to protect yourself from potential attacks

At the time being, there's no real fix for the flaws described above and since they exist in the Bluetooth architecture, there won't likely be one until the next Bluetooth version is released. In the meantime though, there is one easy way to protect yourself from any attacks leveraging these flaws but, you're not going to like it.

For now, if you're really concerned about falling victim to a Bluetooth attack, you're best bet will be to disable Bluetooth when out and about. If you use the best Bluetooth headphones, this will be less than ideal but for those who don't, this is the best course of action you can take at the moment. 

As 9To5Mac points out though, this isn't really convenient, so a more practical way to stay safe would be to avoid sending any sensitive files, photos or other data over Bluetooth while in a public setting. For iPhone users, this includes using AirDrop to send any photos or documents that contain sensitive personal info.

We'll likely find out more regarding how Bluetooth SIG plans to nip this problem in the bud once and for all once the next major Bluetooth release is ready to make its way into upcoming devices.

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One of the reasons that many people buy one of the best iPhones over an Android phone is because Apple has positioned its smartphones as more secure and better for your privacy. In fact, the iPhone maker went as far as to call the best Android phones a “massive tracking device” back in 2013.

While we rarely see malicious apps and malware on iOS, there is a new threat that iPhone owners need to be on the lookout for as it can crash your phone and make it basically unusable.

As reported by Ars Technica, security researcher Jeroen van der Ham was recently traveling by train in the Netherlands when his iPhone suddenly became filled with pop-ups which made using the device quite difficult. To make matters worse, following these pop-ups, his phone would reboot on its own. Although van der Ham tried putting his iPhone in lock down mode, even that didn’t stop the pop-ups and the reboot loop.

In the end, van der Ham realized it wasn’t hackers or cybercriminals online that were to blame for his iPhone troubles but another passenger on the train. You see, just like at this year’s Def Con hacking conference where another security researcher bombarded vulnerable iPhones with unwanted messages, the passenger had pulled off a similar attack. 

Instead of creating a custom gadget to pull off this feat though, they actually used an off-the-shelf hacking device that’s beginning to be a real thorn in the side for both iPhone and Android users: the Flipper Zero.

From a tool for geeks to a menace for everyone

For those unfamiliar, the Flipper Zero is a “portable multi-tool for pentesters and geeks in a toy-like body,” according to the description on Flipper Devices’ website. Basically, it can interact with all sorts of different kinds of radio signals like RFID, FNC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

While the Flipper Zero was first released back in 2020, up until now, it’s mainly been used to do low-level tasks like cloning hotel key cards, opening and closing garage doors, reading RFID chips implanted in pets and changing the channels on TVs in public. During the past few months though, this hacking tool has gained some new features and abilities that make it possible to launch attacks like the one described above.

This is done by loading the Flipper Xtreme custom firmware onto the Flipper Zero which van der Ham was able to download from a Discord channel about the device. With it installed, anyone with a Flipper Zero can send a constant stream of messages to any Bluetooth low energy (BLE) device nearby. However, there’s another setting in the Flipper Xtreme firmware called “iOS 17 attack” which is what the passenger on the train did to flood van der Ham’s iPhone with pop-ups.

If you’re in the middle of doing something important or need access to your phone in an emergency, these kinds of unwanted Bluetooth pairing request messages can be dangerous in addition to just being a nuisance. 

There’s a workaround but you’re not going to like it

While Apple is no doubt aware that these kinds of attacks are taking place, the company has yet to roll out a fix even with its recently released iOS 17.2 update. In the meantime though, there is a workaround, though it’s less than ideal for Apple Watch and AirPod owners.

To stop these kinds of attacks from rendering your iPhone useless, you’re going to have to turn off Bluetooth, which means you won’t be able to use your headphones, smartwatch and other Bluetooth devices.  

It’s also worth noting that, just like with Wi-Fi on your iPhone, you’re going to want to do this from the Settings menu instead of from Control Center. In fact, during its own testing, TechCrunch discovered that turning off Bluetooth iOS’ Control Center doesn’t stop these notifications from appearing.

Losing Bluetooth functionality could be a deal breaker for some iPhone users but I guarantee that Apple is looking into fixing this issue right now. However, whether or not the Flipper Zero will see a ban anytime soon remains to be seen.

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One of the biggest audio stories around right now is the race to deliver true lossless audio to wireless headphones. As an audiophile seeking the highest sound quality without compromises from wireless earbuds I recommend for audiophile sound, wireless audio developments are something I follow closely. 

The story begins a long time ago, but really became part of the zeitgeist in 2021 when Qualcomm announced the arrival of aptX Lossless. Now, the chip maker may have just helped music lovers everywhere get a step closer to their hi-res wireless audio goals by introducing micro-power Wi-Fi support in its next-gen Snapdragon sound platform.  

Announced at the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii earlier this week, the chip maker unveiled its new S7 and S7 Pro sound platforms for portable devices arriving next year. Both Gen 1 platforms claim to have six times more processing power and almost 100 times more AI power than the previous platform generation. This will enable headphone makers to offer improvements to active noise cancelation and battery life, as well as enhanced AI-powered sound personalization capabilities. 

Wireless headphones are improving

On the face of it, these performance improvements sound remarkably similar to Apple's Adaptive Audio capabilities for AirPods Pro 2. But the new platform also claims to unlock a new tier of premium audio performance to take wireless connectivity and sound quality on next-gen portable audio devices to the next level.

Interestingly, for quality audio fans like myself, both the next-gen Snapdragon sound platforms will have support for Bluetooth Lossless. But devices using the S7 Pro Gen 1 platform will add micro-power Wi-Fi support, increasing audio bandwidth to achieve true lossless audio up to 24-bit/192kHz over network connected devices. 

That's high bit-rate audiophile music streaming, delivered over Wi-Fi at power consumption levels suitable even for wireless earbuds, so users can listen at ultra-low power and hear every detail of their music in lossless audio quality. And when there's not a Wi-Fi network available, the platform will switch to the highest-quality Bluetooth available.

The lossless audio race

It's not the first time this year I've heard about true lossless audio over wireless. In April I covered the news of the first pair of Wi-Fi headphones from a little-known Swiss audio company called Unity. Recently, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a pair of these $2,199 (£1,765 / AU$3,265) Wi-Fi headphones to try out at home. My first impressions are good, but look out for my full review coming soon.

Also, I know that Apple's new AirPods Pro 2 USB-C version have lossless audio support, and that it will be available first on the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset that's slated to arrive in 2024. Other than that though, details on Apple's new lossless audio protocol (which hasn't officially been announced or been given a name) are amazingly thin on the ground. But when it does eventually come to fruition, it will potentially be of greater interest to more iPhone users looking to stream lossless and hi-res audio from Apple Music. 

Why is Wi-Fi better?

Bluetooth has revolutionized the way we listen on the best wireless headphones or the best wireless earbuds, releasing music fans from being tethered to playback devices by cumbersome cables. Sophisticated codecs such as aptX HD, Adaptive, and Sony's LDAC aim to maximize audio data delivery by using compression for better audio signal handling within the limitations of Bluetooth's capabilities, but it still falls short in delivering the maximum amount of data for true lossless and high-resolution sound quality.

Wi-Fi connected devices don't suffer from the same audio signal handling compromises. Audio data streams remain intact, meaning audiophiles get to hear their favorite music in full CD-sound-quality or glorious better-than-CD high-resolution.

Wi-Fi connectivity is a logical step forward for wireless headphones, offering better audio handling capabilities for hi-res audio fans. 

One of the biggest challenges faced by Wi-Fi headphones has been how to overcome high power consumption, but Qualcomm says the new Snapdragon sound platform will be able to deliver up to 24-bit/192kHz lossless music streaming in low power mode over Wi-Fi at data rates of up to 29Mbps at ultra-low power rates suitable for wireless earbuds.

Quite how the promising new Snapdragon sound platform emerges remains to be seen. I should point out that any playback device will need to have Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform support, paired with a set of wireless headphones or earbuds supporting the new S7 Pro sound platform. 

Who wins the lossless audio race remains to be seen, but Apple is beginning to look increasingly late to the party. Rest assured, I'll be looking out for the first devices to support true lossless audio over wireless to hear how it sounds.

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Apple’s Control Center has been available on the best iPhones for a decade now but a recent demonstration at a hacker convention has shed light on what the feature actually does.

As reported by Android Authority, security researcher Jae Bochs created a $70 gadget at this year’s Def Con, which he then used to send out custom alerts to convention goers who had iPhones. The device uses Bluetooth LE services, which allow Apple’s smartphones to communicate with one another, to display pop-up messages on any iPhone within range.

These messages prompted attendees to connect their AppleID or to share a password with a nearby Apple TV, according to TechCrunch. As you can imagine, this caused quite a bit of commotion at the convention. Nudge Security’s Jaime Blasco and others took to X (formerly Twitter) to warn others about the alerts.

These alerts weren’t malicious or the work of actual hackers — instead they were part of a research project designed to remind iPhone users to turn off Bluetooth when not using it. Unfortunately, though, turning off Bluetooth from Control Center on your iPhone doesn’t actually disable it. And the same goes for Wi-Fi.  

How Control Center really works on your iPhone

Just like with Quick Settings on the best Android phones, Control Center gives you access to toggles for various settings, from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to volume controls and screen brightness. You access Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner of your iPhone.

This is a quick and easy way to disable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and I’m sure many iPhone users have been doing just that for years. However, when you toggle either off from Control Center, you’re really just telling your iPhone to disconnect any devices that use these connectivity options.

Although your Bluetooth headphones or Wi-Fi router are no longer connected to your iPhone, the phone's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi services are still running in the background. To disable them completely, you actually need to open your iPhone’s Settings app and turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi that way. This certainly wastes time but it’s the only way to really turn off either setting.

While Boch’s experiment certainly helped raise awareness of this issue, Apple clearly spells out in a support document that you need to go to Settings instead of Control Center to disable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on your iPhone. The problem here is that most people wouldn’t go digging into something like this and would just assume that the toggles at the top of their iPhone do exactly what it appears like they do.

There are two other easier ways to turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi from your iPhone though. The first involves opening Control Center and then long pressing either icon. From here, you need to long press a second time when you're taken to the quick menu and this will bring you right to the Settings app. Likewise, you can also Shortcuts for your Home Screen to quickly turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off. However, you'll also need separate Shortcuts to turn them back on again.

Why you should turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

There are two very important reasons why you should turn off both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you’re not using them on your iPhone.

The first and most obvious reason is to conserve your phone’s battery life. Having Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled in the background drains your battery albeit slowly. If you’re interested in other ways to make your iPhone last longer, here are 12 tips to save battery life on your iPhone.

The second and more important reason to disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is hackers. While iPhone users don’t have to worry about malicious apps like Android users do, having Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled provides hackers with an entry point to your iPhone. The dangers of using public Wi-Fi are well known and with Wi-Fi enabled, your smartphone will try to connect to nearby wireless networks. As for Bluetooth, there are plenty of Bluetooth flaws which can be exploited by hackers in their attacks.

Control Center can be very convenient, but if you want to ensure that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are really turned off on your iPhone or even on one of the best iPads, you’re going to want to take the extra time to head to your device’s Settings menu instead.

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Qualcomm wants to give gamers a nearly latency-free experience with its upcoming S3 Gen 2 Sound platform that runs on Bluetooth 5.4. The platform, which was just announced today (June 23), promises sub-20ms latency that's far below the 100ms latency of Bluetooth 5.3. 

The S3 Gen 2 Sound platform builds on Qualcomm’s work with aptX Low Lantecy, a codec that delivers audio with just a 40ms delay. The S3 Gen 2 platform will cut that time in half. Why do you want faster delivery over Bluetooth? Well, for gamers, it’s all about hearing your teammates in real-time, which is incredibly important for games like Call of Duty Mobile.

There are, of course, some caveats to this. 

First off, you’ll need a Qualcomm chip-equipped smartphone or tablet that has Bluetooth 5.4. Typically you can find Snapdragon chips in Asus, Honor, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Sony, Xiaomi and ZTE phones, as well as the flagship Samsung Galaxy phones like the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. As for Bluetooth 5.4, it almost doesn’t exist out in the wild yet because it only became available back in March to manufacturers. 

Higher-end audio streaming is coming, too 

It’s just a footnote of today’s announcement, but Snapdragon says that the S3 Gen 2 Sound platform will support 24-bit 96kHz high-resolution Bluetooth streaming with its aptX Adaptive codec. 

On the surface, that’s almost comparable to CD quality — but remember that aptX Adaptive still compresses audio to around 352kbps so that it can fit through the Bluetooth pipeline. It’s a huge gain over the standard Bluetooth audio codec, SBC, but it’s not true Hi-Res Audio. 

The last bit of the announcement is the inclusion of new Bluetooth LE features like Auracast broadcast capabilities for dongles and adapters that allow for location-based listening. That’s going to be great if you want to listen to a football game’s play-by-play commentary while you’re at the stadium or need help hearing the stage when you’re at an outdoor concert. 

As for when we’ll start seeing devices equipped with the S3 Gen 2 Sound platform, Qualcomm hasn’t announced anything yet, but we’ll hopefully start to see some at CES 2024 in January and shortly after at MWC 2024 in February of next year.

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If you’re interested in better sound quality in your headphones and speakers, listen up: Bluetooth bandwidth is going to double in the next few years. At least that’s the plan according to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). 

In a briefing held over Vimeo, the company said it wants to raise the current bandwidth of the wireless transmission protocol from around “4Mbps to 6Mbps — maybe up to 8Mbps” and will start exploring the 6GHz frequency band to enable faster transmission.

Currently, Bluetooth 5.0 offers variable speeds from 125Kbps to 2Mbps, which is significantly slower than the 4.6Mbps needed to transfer lossless 24-bit/96kHz hi-res audio. Having twice the bandwidth, however, would make transferring that much data possible in every device that supports Bluetooth.

Unfortunately, Chuck Sabin, the SIG’s senior director of market development, said “When you ask us, 'Well, when is this going to happen?' It’s really too early to talk about timing but we do see this as securing the next 20-years-plus of performance enhancements for Bluetooth technology and the drive for more and more devices taking advantage of Bluetooth technology."

Bluetooth is one path to reach peak wireless audio performance 

What’s compelling about the Bluetooth SIG’s announcement is that it paints a picture of a future where all headphones and speakers will be capable of hi-res audio playback — not just ones with a special chipset and support for advanced codecs like aptX Lossless or LDAC that's only available on a few devices like the Sony WH-1000XM5. 

Another avenue that’s being pursued by audio manufacturers is using Wi-Fi to deliver the speeds necessary to listen to lossless audio. As Wi-Fi 6 can reach speeds of 9.6Gbps, it’s very much capable of delivering lossless audio — but it requires you to stay tethered to your home network that doesn’t extend very far.

While wireless hi-res audio is still a ways off for Bluetooth, Sabin says the Bluetooth SIG is focused on bringing Bluetooth LE to more devices and implementing Auracast technology in more spaces. The former allows Bluetooth devices to conserve battery life with a lower-powered compression algorithm while the latter offers location-based Bluetooth where many headphones can connect to a single source simultaneously. (Think sports stadiums, restaurants and gyms, and you’ll be on the right track.)

Because the Bluetooth SIG can only control the development of the technology — not its implementation, which is left to device manufacturers like Sony, LG and others — it’s hard to say how soon we’ll see these features in action. 

Hopefully device makers will see the opportunity the next generation of Bluetooth presents and bring it to our favorite devices sooner rather than later. 

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Being tracked without your knowledge by an Apple AirTag or other Bluetooth-enabled tracking device could soon be a thing of the past thanks to a new specification put forth by both Google and Apple.

The best Bluetooth trackers can be quite useful when it comes to finding your keys or other personal items. However, they can also be misused to track individuals without their knowledge.

For this reason, Google and Apple have teamed up to propose a new industry specification designed to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth-enabled tracking devices for unwanted tracking according to a new blog post.

Once finalized, this new specification will allow Bluetooth trackers to be compatible with unauthorized tracking detection and alerts across both Android and iOS. Besides Google and Apple, Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, Eufy Security and Pebblebee have also expressed their support for this new specification.

Combatting unwanted tracking across Android and iOS

When Apple first launched AirTags back in 2021, the iPhone maker did so with a set of proactive features designed to discourage unwanted tracking. 

Now though, this new specification will build upon the company’s AirTag protections and by collaborating with Google, the two companies will take a “critical step forward to help combat unwanted tracking across iOS and Android."

Besides device manufacturers, a number of safety and advocacy groups, like the National Network to End Domestic Violence and the Center for Democracy, have also contributed their input into the development of this new specification.

The specification itself has been submitted to the Internet Engineering Task Force and interested parties have the opportunity to review and comment on it over the next three months. Following this, Google and Apple will work together to release a production implementation of the specification before it’s rolled out to Android and iOS by the end of 2023.

We’ll also likely hear more at Google I/O 2023 where the search giant plans to share additional details on how it’s working to combat unwanted tracking.

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The best wireless earbuds in Australia make it easy to enjoy your favourite music, movies and podcasts, whether you're out and about or at home. As many Aussies prefer a pair of in-ears rather than over-ear cans, it's our job to let you know which buds are worth your time, especially with so many models vying for our attention.

While Apple's AirPods are synonymous with the category, and many iPhone users will naturally gravitate towards them, it's worth pointing out that there are plenty of great-sounding alternative options to choose from. Some of the premium models here are loaded with functional audio tech and make the top of our best noise-cancelling earbuds list.

Many of our favourite wireless buds can isolate you from noisy surroundings, but we’ve also included our top mid-range and low-cost models that punch above their weight in terms of features. In fact, it's now possible to find a great-sounding pair of buds with top-notch noise cancellation for less than AU$100, which means fewer sacrifices for those trying to spend less.

Ready to free yourself from the wires? Keen to embrace active noise cancelling? Then do yourself a favour and check out our picks for the best wireless earbuds for all Australians, with a pair that's sure to cater to your needs and your budget.

Earbuds jargon buster

When we review earbuds and the best headphones here at Tom's Guide, there's a chance you might spot some terms and words that you don't understand. To break it down and make it easier to digest, here's what some of the most common ones mean:

ANC
"Active Noise Cancelling" is what ANC stands for. This one you'll see appear quite frequently whenever we talk about earbuds, given that it's quality is very important to a recommendation we make. It uses audio magic and some very clever algorithms to quiet the outside world, and make your commute more manageable.

How does it work? It uses a combination of the music you're listening to and inaudible white noise to counteract the noise of the outside world. It uses the microphones inside the earbuds to read the noise, and then dynamically shifts certain sounds to make it go away. Sometimes this can change the sound of your music, so we'll report when the ANC is either too weak, or too invasive.

EQ
This stands for "equalisation", and it allows you to dial in how your headphones sound. You'll generally find it as a series of sliders that represent different parts of the music, so that you can increase the bass, the mids, or the treble in your favourite tunes. Some manufacturers give you preset EQ options, which save you from getting lost in sliders or graphs. These are almost always found in apps for earbuds.

Frequencies
These are the different sounds that make up your music. You'll generally read them divided into three simple sections — the lows, the mids, and the highs. The lows are the bass frequencies. Think bass guitars, and kick drums. You want them to be impactful and low. The mids are the main parts of your music, like vocals, guitars, and synths. Because they're so important, you want them to be thick and wide. Finally, the highs are cymbals and other higher sounds. These should be crisp, and clear.

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Best wireless earbuds overall

The Sony WF-1000XM6 represents a major leap forward for the series, delivering top-tier audio fidelity, personalised EQ, improved comfort and impressive battery longevity. Its noise-cancelling capabilities are standout, effectively neutralising even the most chaotic environments.

Sound quality can best be described as balanced and crisp, though users can fully customise the sound to their liking thanks to a 10-band EQ in the Sony Sound Connect app.

In terms of longevity, you'll get 8 hours of playback from the buds with ANC on, which is extended to 24 hours with the included changing case. And if you do find the XM6 buds running low on juice, a quick 5-minute charge will get you an hour of listening time, which is handy in a pinch.

While the charging case is oddly shaped and larger than we'd like, making them less pocketable as a result, the trade-off is well worth it for the XM6's peerless sound isolation and control.

At AU$499, the Sony WF-1000XM6 isn't the cheapest pair of buds around, but for the price you get top-tier audio quality, excellent noise cancellation, impressive battery life and superior comfort for long listening sessions.

Sound

They may seem on the expensive side, but the upgrades in sound performance make them totally worth it. Sony is known for a warmer sound profile on their headphones, and these are a total joy to listen to.

They are only made better by using the personalised EQ settings on the earbuds, and there’s seriously no genre that these buds can’t cope with.

Your favourite songs will sound a lot more detailed, and it’s really awesome to get a studio sound from earbuds instead of having to rely on studio headphones to do the job.

Comfort

These earbuds are superbly comfortable, and you get a bunch of different eartip options in the box to get the best seal and best security. You can do a fit test to make sure everything fits.

I can wear these buds for hours at a time — they’re seriously comfortable, and they’re lightweight so they never weigh me down.

ANC

ANC differs depending on personal experience with these buds. My own experience was amazing, and I couldn’t fault them at all. They made a long travel day on a plane, train, and bus, completely silent.

However, another one of my colleagues who tried them out was still able to hear the sounds of traffic moving around. I think it’s all about the eartip fit, so this is an extremely important process to complete.

Make sure you use the Optimal Earbud Tips in the Sound Connect App to get the best fit, and ensure your ANC is working properly.

App

The Sound Connect app is one of the most user-friendly I’ve tried. Once you get the hang of things and organise the app to suit the settings you need to use the most, it’s incredibly handy and makes using the earbuds so much better.

The app is where you do all the earbud fit tests and personalised EQ tests to make the overall experience with the buds so much better.

Battery life

The battery life of the WF-1000XM6 earbuds is 8 hours with ANC and 24 hours with the charging case. This is pretty standard and matches up with Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 and the Sony WF-1000XM5.

• Read the full Sony WF-1000XM6 review

Best earbuds for Samsung phones

Samsung's Buds 4 Pro really holds its own in the sound department, even giving heavy hitters like Sony and Bose a run for their money. While they might miss out on a tiny bit of refinement, they actually pack a punchier, more dynamic bass that stays crisp.

Plus, Samsung ditched the old "blade" look from the Buds 3 Pro for a much smoother, ergonomic shape. Between the new design and the pile of ear tips in the box, they’re super comfy for long listening sessions.

When it comes to blocking out the world, the noise cancelling on the Buds 4 Pro is top-tier — though you will hear a faint hiss if you're sitting in total silence without music, and higher pitched sounds will still get through.

Controlling everything is a breeze too — if you’re on a recent Samsung phone, it’s baked right into your settings, and adjusting things is refreshingly straightforward.

As for battery life, you'll get a solid 7 hours of ANC playtime, which is slightly behind Sony, but the charging case will extend that to 30 hours, which is excellent.

Sound

The Buds 4 Pro offers excellent performance across the entire frequency range, and while the XM6 earbuds may have a slight advantage in overall fidelity and balance, the Buds 4 Pro actually outperforms Sony's buds in dynamic bass reproduction — all without sacrificing clarity or kick.

Comfort

Samsung has wisely ditched the blade design of the Buds 3 Pro in favour of a more ergonomic and compact approach that feels snug and smooth in the ear.

With numerous ear tips included in the box, it should be quite easy to find the perfect fit for most ears, resulting in buds that are very comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

ANC

Noise cancelling is also impressive on the Buds 4 Pro, easily matching Sony's XM6 and Apple's AirPods Pro 3.

Despite being earbuds, the ANC effect is similar to a decent pair of over-ear cans, where external noise is sucked out in an instant, leaving you in a vacuum of near-silence with the exception of some higher pitched sounds — for example, while your desk fan will be silenced, you'll still hear yourself typing.

One minor detail to note is that engaging the ANC introduces a faint hiss when no music is actively playing.

App

If you own a recent Samsung smartphone, you'll find the Buds 4 Pro's settings integrated directly into your phone's settings.

For all other Android users, however, the Samsung Wearable app is required to adjust transparency and ANC levels, earbud controls, voice controls, gestures and a fairly robust EQ with six presets and the ability to fully customise the sound to your liking.

It's not quite as in-depth as the apps for Sony or Bose buds, but it's a lot more straightforward — everything is clearly laid out and you won't have to go digging around in menus to switch on 360 audio, use the Find My Earbuds feature or do an earbud fit test.

Battery life

Battery life is also quite good at 7 hours with ANC on for the buds themselves. While that doesn't match the 8 hours of listening time offered by Sony's XM6 buds, the Buds 4 Pro makes for it with its charging case, providing up to 30 hours of total juice — that's 6 more hours than Sony's buds.

• Read the full Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro review

Best wireless earbuds for iPhones

The AirPods Pro 2 were excellent, but quickly aged out compared to the competition. Now, the AirPods Pro 3 have arrived to conquer all and lay waste to Sony and Bose. They get so, so close to being the best pair of earbuds around, but there are still some spots that need a touch of work.

Still, these are the very best earbuds that Apple has ever made. They've got some key updates over the previous model, for one. There's the extended battery life of 8 hours, improved sound quality, and superior noise canceling to keep the noise of your commute at bay.

Those upgrades have materialised in a pair of buds that stun in sound and and make sure that your office is a whole lot more tolerable when you're getting on with your day.

They lose out to the Sony and Bose due to a lack of Codec support for Android devices, but there really is nothing better if you're an iPhone user.

Sound

The AirPods Pro 3 improve on the old model in the sound department. They've still got Apple's more neutral sound signature built in, but they manage to find more detail and extra bass depth over the old pair.

They've got a very solid soundstage as well. They're on par with the Sony buds, and better than the Bose alternatives — although there are still options out there that sound better.

Spatial Audio for movies with an Apple TV is still a great way to watch your content, and just as easy to connect up. It works well for music as well, especially when you listen to your music on Apple Music.

Comfort

The buds have been shrunk down this time around, and as a result, they have a very comfortable fit. The silicone ear tips have been infused with foam for a softer and more comfortable finish, and they mould better to the inside of your ear.

That means you can wear them for extended periods of time. The sweat and water resistance means you won't have to worry about wearing them when you go to work out, either — IP57.

ANC

The ANC of the AirPods Pro 3 has received a big look with their third generation. The result is ANC that comes closer to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2, but doesn't quite beat out Bose's buds.

Still, it's very good and blocks out all the major noises of your commute or your busy office. It's on par with the Sony WF-1000XM5 — both are excellent noise-canceling options.

Transparency mode is very good as well, and boosts the battery life by another couple of hours. Nice.

App

There isn't an 'app' per se with the AirPods Pro 3, but you can easily control their settings from the iPhone settings menu. There, you'll find all their features along with options to update the firmware and change the sound.

Android users are left out in the cold here — you have very little you can control, thanks to a lack of any kind of application.

Battery life

The battery life has been much improved in the AirPods Pro 3. It's now around the same, if not more than, their closest rivals. You get 8 hours of ANC on time, two hours more than the old version. That's around the same as Sony — and more than Bose.

If you switch over to the transparency mode, you get 10 hours of battery life, more than pretty much anything else at their price point. That also means you can use the new Live Translation feature for longer.

• Read the full AirPods Pro 3 review

Best wireless earbuds for fitness

Now, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fitness expert — but I sure am an earbuds expert. As earbuds, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are great. They've got excellent ANC from the AirPods Pro 2, and there's some great sound for a solid audio experience.

Given that I'm not a fitness expert, I did speak to someone who is, so that we can get a picture of why they're on the list. From my review, our fitness expert Nick said:

"I genuinely believe that the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are outstanding sports headphones and would be top of my list for people who need an earhook to keep their buds in place during runs and other workouts."

It's thanks to those secure-fit hooks, that keep the earbuds in place no matter how much you run or move around. The heart rate monitor is a nice extra, but we were slightly disappointed with its accuracy.

For all kinds of exercise, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are an excellent earbuds option for everyone.

Sound

While not high-fidelity, there's a rhythmic energy to the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 that's infectious. They've got some great bass presense, as you might expect, but they're also good in the upper register too.

They fall down slightly in the mid-range, with a dip in the upper mid-range. That can take the edge off guitars and other instruments, although R&B listeners aren't going to notice too much.

There's head-tracked Apple Spatial Audio as well for Apple Music listeners, and it works well. It does a number on your battery though, so bare that in mind.

Comfort

Thanks to their excellent earhook, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 aren't going anywhere when you do your exercise. It can be a challenge to get them in place, but they're very stable when in place.

The buds themselves are comfortable for long periods of wear as well, thanks to the silicon eartip options that you get in the box. The fit finder in the app is good as well, so that you can dial them in perfectly.

ANC

The ANC on board is very similar to that which you'll find in the AirPods Pro 2. That means that they're not quite up to speed with the likes of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds or the Sony WH-1000XM5, but they still manage to block plenty of noise.

The transparency modes work well enough, although I found that voices occasionally became fuzzy or tricky to hear depending on the surrounding noise. A shame, but not a deal breaker.

App

On Apple devices, the Beats are integrated into your settings menu. It works well, with all the options at your fingertips. Android users have to use the Beats app, which is fine, although we did find some heart rate monitor weirdness on Android devices.

Both methods let you control the ANC, and dial in the EQ settings. They're simple, but they work well enough. Android users might find the occasional crash, however.

Battery life

The battery life of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is exemplary. They feature 10 hours of battery life in the buds themselves, which beats out pretty much all of the other options on this list.

That's perfect for long-distance runners and cyclists, or gym goers that want something that will take them to the gym, last their exercise, and then take them home again. We found those battery life claims ran true in our review. Pop them in the charging case for 45 hours of staying power.

• Read the full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review

Best wireless earbuds for noise canceling

The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds were my favorite release of 2024, and the gen 2 are now my favorite of 2026. They've improved on pretty much everything over the first model, with the only exception being the unchanged battery life — but it's that world-silencing ANC that really takes them over the edge.

They remain the very best way to listen to music without disruption when you're traveling. That busy train carriage? Silenced. The office? Quietened completely. With that signature orchestral swell, you're in your own world, free to listen to your tunes.

Sound is much better this time around, although you'll still want to adjust the EQ in the Bose app. And you'll be listening comfortably for their entire 6-hour battery life thanks to their incredibly comfortable fit.

I gave them 4.5 stars when I reviewed them, thanks to that all-conquering ANC and solid sound quality. They lose out in the battery department to the XM5, opting instead for out-and-out ANC performance — and there's nothing better to block noise.

Sound

The bassy sound of prior Bose earbuds is still here, but it's been refined slightly this time around. There's more detail retrieval and the soundstage has been extended, but the bass weighting is still very much present.

I've found that dipping into the Bose apps' EQ is a must with any of the brand's headphones. From there, I adjust the bass down slightly and the highs up a few notches to increase the detail and reduce any muddiness. They sound great out of the box, but these improvements make them sound even better.

There's also Immersive Audio, Bose's spatial audio setting. Some like it's ability to make music sound much larger, but I find it thins out important frequencies. It also tanks the battery by 2 hours, making them last an even shorter time.

Comfort

Yeah, they're still some of the most comfortable buds you can buy. I've been able to wear them for hours and hours at a time without the need to adjust the fit or take them out for a break — they're a lovely thing to have in your ears.

It's all down to the fitting options. There are loads of different silicon tips, and the fit is further improved by the rubber fins you can attach to the edge. They're secure as well, so they won't fall out should you get headbanging or dancing.

ANC

The ANC is the best around — there's nothing that comes close. That's high praise given how good the previous model was at keeping out unwanted sounds, but Bose has somehow made it even better. It's a bit like magic.

You can choose different levels for the noise canceling, but I prefer to leave it on the top level. That way, I don't have to worry about any noise making its way through at all, and I can enjoy my music to the max.

App

Bose's app is one of the better options around. It's very well laid out, and everything is clearly labelled so that you don't get confused. It even shows you what's playing, although I'm not entirely sure how useful that feature is.

It's where you'll find all of the EQ options, noise control, and different sound modes. I particularly like how the app knows what color your buds are — and even lets you name them.

Battery life

Battery life remains a weak point in the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds gen 2's armor. We've still only got 6 hours' worth of life here, which pales in comparison to some of the competition.

The WF-1000XM5 last for 8 hours, a whole 2 hours more than the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. You can't even turn the ANC off to boost the battery life — 6 hours is all you're going to get.

• Read the full Bose QuietComfort Ultra gen 2 review

Best cheap wireless earbuds

If you’re not familiar with the brand CMF, you’re about to have your world turned upside down. CMF is Nothing’s budget offshoot (yes, Nothing, as in the phone manufacturer), and is really changing the game with its top-notch audio gear.

The CMF Buds Pro 2 are no different. These are our favourite cheap earbuds for a reason. For just AU$99, you get premium, Dirac-tuned audio, AirPods Pro 3-beating ANC, and Sony WF-1000XM5-beating battery life. The Buds Pro 2 are so stuffed full of features that we’re not sure where to start.

By far the most impressive, though, is the sound. The rich, bassy sound signature had us grooving in the testing lab. Opteo, the premium EQ by Swedish sound calibration software brand Dirac, is a must-have feature that breathed life into every song.

Sound

Although the ANC and app connectivity is fantastic, where the CMF Buds Pro 2 really excel is sound quality. With the Dirac Opteo EQ activated, every genre sounded dynamic, lively, and faithful, with a balanced low-end and melodic treble. The mid-range is handled deftly in every genre, from hard rock to folk to pop.

If you’re not familiar with Dirac Opteo, it’s a custom equalizer setting. Opteo tricks your brain into perceiving more width and height in your music, so songs sound like they’re coming from all around your head rather than just from your earholes.

Opteo is truly the standout feature in the Buds Pro 2, and the reason why these earbuds would impress everyone from casual music enjoyers to genuine audiophiles. If you get these earbuds, you need to activate Opteo immediately. You won’t be disappointed.

Comfort

The CMF Buds Pro 2 are nice and ergonomic, so they will be able to fit all ear sizes. The buds come with large, medium, and small ear tips, and I found that the ‘small’ fit my ears perfectly.

While not quite as comfortable as the AirPods Pro 2, they are comfier than the AirPods Pro 3 for other small-eared folk.

ANC

You may not expect a pair of AU$99 to have mind-blowing noise cancellation, but the ANC on the CMF Buds Pro 2 is genuinely as good as the AirPods Pro 3. I have a pair of the AirPods Pro 3 in my desk drawer, and I compare every pair of earbuds to Apple’s flagship.

The CMF Buds Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 noise cancellation is literally identical. I compared them side-by-side, and there was genuinely no difference. If you need some cheap earbuds that’ll block out the world around you, then look no further than the Buds Pro 2.

App

As CMF is Nothing’s budget offshoot, the Buds Pro 2 use the NothingX companion app. This app is fantastic, with an easily navigable home screen and a plethora of genuinely helpful options.

In the NothingX app, you access a whole collection of premium-feeling features. You can do an ear fit test, customise spatial audio, adjust the touch controls, and change EQ settings. Of course, the app is where you toggle the Dirac Opteo EQ. If you ask me, Dirac Opteo is the best aspect of the CMF Buds Pro 2, so you should 100% activate this.

Battery life

Considering these earbuds are under AU$100, the battery life is mighty impressive. With 43 hours in the case and 11 hours in the buds, the CMF Buds Pro 2 last longer than AirPods Pro 3, the EarFun Air Pro 4+, and have a whopping 20 hours over our best overall earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5.

• Read the full CMF Buds Pro 2 review

Best mid-range wireless earbuds

If you're looking for a pair of buds that land in that sweet spot between budget and premium, Sony's WF-C710N deliver just that. Priced at AU$189.95 (but regularly spotted at around the AU$150 mark), these mid-range buds punch well above their weight, offering Bose-level noise-cancellation at roughly half the cost.

If you want buds that strike the perfect balance bass response and clear vocals, the WF-C710N have you covered — our reviewer experienced great sound across all genres, and the ability to easily customise EQ settings to your liking in Sony's Sound Connect app.

They also look fantastic, thanks to some incredibly stylish colourways — we're particularly partial to the transparent Ice Blue option we reviewed.

Sound

The Sony WF‑C710Ns sound genuinely impressive. Their internal hardware is largely unchanged from the previous model, with the same 5mm drivers delivering punchy bass and clean, well-defined vocals. Sony’s trademarked Digital Sound Enhancement Engine is onboard too, helping restore detail and keep tracks as close to the original recording as possible.

Our reviewer put the earbuds through their paces across a mix of genres — rock, indie, dance, pop and more. Every track our reviewer played through the WF‑C710Ns came through beautifully, noting well-balanced lows, mids and highs, as well as and vocals that stayed crisp and clear throughout.

Bass response in particular is impressive, and you can apply a Bass Boost mode if you want to really feel that low-end in your jaw and temples.

Comfort

Apart from looking and sounding great, Sony's WF-C710N are also extremely comfortable. The buds sit extremely snugly in our reviewer’s ears and are very light, each weighing only 5.2 grams. Our reviewer even said she sometimes forgot she was wearing them.

After wearing them for eight hours straight, she had no problem describing the WF‑C710N as some of the most comfortable earbuds she’s tested, on a par with Bose's QuietComfort buds.

ANC

In our Sony WF‑C700N review, we called them noise‑cancelling leaders at a bargain price, and the WF‑C710N buds match or even improve on that. Their active noise cancellation is genuinely impressive, blocking out most indoor and outdoor sounds. Sony has added a wind‑noise reduction design, so your music stays clearer.

You can switch to ambient mode to stay aware of your surroundings — useful for workouts or runs — and the Sound Connect app lets you personalise ambient sound across 20 levels. There’s also a transparency mode for quick conversations without removing the buds.

App

The WF‑CF710N buds make excellent use of Sony’s Sound Connect app, letting you customise the sound to suit your tastes. You can adjust ANC levels, update firmware, remap touch controls and fine‑tune the EQ (or choose from eight presets such as Bass Boost or Vocal). Our reviewer found the app very easy to use thanks to its intuitive layout.

Battery life

While the WF‑C710N fall short of the battery life afforded by the even-cheaper CMF Buds Pro 2, the buds still provide a respectable 8 hours of battery life and a total of 30 hours with the included charging case. Of course, those willing to switch off ANC can extend that listening time to 12 hours on the buds and 33.5 hours with the case.

• Read the full Sony WF‑C710N review

Also tested

Not every single pair of earbuds that we test can land on the best list — otherwise you'd be just as clueless as if you were to land on an Amazon search page with hundreds of entries. These are the honorable mentions in our quest to find great wireless earbuds.

How we test the best wireless earbuds

Before we make a recommendation about any pair of wireless earbuds, we want to make sure that we've put them through their paces. It helps us find out how good they'll be when you find them in your hands, and makes sure that we can pen our informative, buying advice-packed reviews.

It's all work — no fun. Listening to our favourite music for hours on end to test the sound, taking the headphones out and about on day trips to test their long-term comfort and ANC algorithm... Such a grind! In all seriousness, we put a lot of effort into making sure that you'll be happy with a purchase you make after reading our buying guides and reviews.

Here are the key factors in our testing and how we evaluate each pair of earbuds that falls across our desks.

Comfort

Earbuds are going to be jammed directly into your ear-holes, so one of the most important things that we test is how comfortable they are over long periods of time, and how difficult it is to dial in the fit. How many bud bits do you get in the box, and are they easy to fit on the buds? Are they loose? Are there extra fitting options like earhooks?

To find out, we put the buds through their paces. We try out a range of the tips that come with the buds so that we can find the perfect fit that makes the ANC excellent and sound good. After all, if they don't make a good seal on the inside of your ear, you're not going to get the best out of your buds. We report on our findings, telling you how easy it was to get the perfect fit, and how comfy they are when dialled in.

Then we test their long-term comfort. That means wearing them for hours during a work day, so that we can see how they feel when they're worn for hours on end. If they start impacting certain pressure points in the ear, we'll notice, and it'll go into our review. We're looking for earbuds that can't be felt during wear, so that you forget you're wearing them.

Sound quality

This is my favourite thing to test. Hours and hours of awesome tunes played into my ears while I work, and I don't have to make excuses to my boss about why I need to be doing it? Excellent news. When we test the audio quality of a pair of buds, we play the Tom's Guide testing playlist on Qobuz so that we can get a good picture of how they sound with some top-quality hi-res tracks to put them through their paces.

We listen at first in a quieter environment so that we can get an idea of how they sound in a vacuum without the ANC to cause potential problems. We compare the earbuds to the sound profiles of those in the best list above, and then we write down our findings for the full review.

Then, we take the headphones out with the ANC to see if it changes the sound. It might all sound like we're having fun, but there is a point to it all. It gives us a clear picture of the buds' performance in an everyday use case, so that we can see how they'll serve you if you decide you'd like to buy a pair.

ANC

Pretty much every pair of earbuds that you can buy today comes with some form of ANC (unless you buy some of the very cheapest ones at the very end of a lengthy Amazon search, you lunatic), and we want to make sure that it performs well in a variety of use cases.

How do we do it? By taking the earbuds with us wherever we go. That could mean on all our daily commutes, to see if they perform well on the train, or out for hikes so we can see how well they handle normal atmospheric noise. Maybe we're going on a flight — then we can test how well they handle loud engines and crying children.

Once we've thoroughly tested how much noise they block, we also test the transparency modes when we go to buy our tickets or a bag of candies from the grocery store. We look out for how clear the voice of our conversation partner is, and whether they're audible through any other noise. We're also looking out for the quality of the audio that's being pumped in. Is it too loud? Again, we note down our findings for the review.

Finally, we want to make sure that the ANC doesn't change the sound of the music too much. After all, you want your music to sound great, and if the ANC changes things too much, it can create annoying sonic issues.

Call quality

Given that your earbuds are often going to pull double duty as a form of hands-free calling system, we want to ensure that they're going to be good at it. We make a whole bunch of calls to check things out.

We're looking out for a couple of different things. First of all, we want to make sure that we can hear our call partner well, and that they're coming through clearly. We listen out for clarity, and judge whether we can hear them properly throughout the duration of the call, and whether their voice sounds natural.

Then we ask our call partners how we sound. Can they hear us properly, or do the noises of our environment make it hard to hear what we're saying? We note down our findings, and then we report back on them in our review to give you an idea of how they'll perform if you want to take (or make) a call.

Battery life

We know that manufacturers sometimes have a habit of overestimating their battery life figures. To make sure that you're getting the best information possible, we spend the time to test the battery life claims and whether they ring true. We listen to the buds for hours on end, and count how many hours we used them before they needed to go back into their case. We do this with ANC turned on and with the volume at a comfortable level.

For charging cases and very long-lasting buds, we extrapolate battery data in a different way. We measure how long we've used them, and then compare that with how much life we've got left. This gives us a good picture of how the battery is going to last in the long run, and whether you'll get those rated claims.

How to choose the best earbuds for you

Hopefully, our list will have made it easier to cut down the options when you're looking for your next pair of buds. To cut it down even more, here are some extra points you should think about.

What do you want out of your buds?

There are as many reasons to buying earbuds as there are earbuds themselves. You need to work out what you're looking for first and foremost — it's why I've divided the list up into their most important headline features.

Do you want the best sound, and would you be willing to give up some battery life and pay a bit more for it? If not, then you should go for the best earbuds overall, but if you don't mind some compromise then you should go for the best sounding earbuds.

It's important to make a list of the features that are most important to you, and then work out from there which of the earbuds on the list fit those criteria the best. Afterall, what might be the best for one person might not be the best for you.

Do you want headphones or earbuds?

If you're looking for the most compact, easily transported audio device around, then the best earbuds are probably going to be right for you. But there are a couple of things to remember — they're going to live inside your ears, and not everyone likes the feeling of in-ears after longer periods of listening.

If you'd prefer something more comfortable for longer periods of wear that offers more battery life, and potentially better audio quality, you should consider some of the best wireless headphones. They might cost a bit more, but you might be more comfortable.

Don't be fooled by frequency response readings

I talk about this on our best headphones list, but I think it's well worth reiterating here. It's very easy to get hooked on frequency response graphs and numbers, and think you're getting a surefire cheat code to finding the best sounding earbuds around.

You'll spot them as a pair of numbers in specs lists, like "15 Hz - 22 kHz." The first number is how low the earbuds can go, and the second number is how high they can go.

You might think that finding a pair with the greatest frequency range is going to net you a pair of excellent sounding earbuds. While that can be true, it's not worth seeking out. Just because a pair of headphones can go really low doesn't mean they're good at replicating those frequencies, and neither does it tell you about what's going in the music itself.

There's only one way to really tell how good a pair of earbuds is — and that's to give them a listen. Or, of course, you could read one of our excellent and informative earbuds reviews.

Wireless earbuds repairability

Repairability is becoming ever more important, as we try to find new ways to lengthen the life of our devices, but also look after the planet that we call home. Repairing products is great for both, and it's important to consider it when buying new tech.

Unfortunately, earbuds are one of those products that are extremely rarely user-repairable. Thanks to their size and the amount of tech that companies have to pack into their buds, it's generally impossible to make the insides accessible to you or I.

Not all is lost, however — some manufacturers do offer some form of repair service, so you don't have to worry if your buds stop working. It's worth checking before you buy — and if you're still not sure, don't hesitate to get in contact with one of the Tom's Guide Audio team!

I know the daily grind of the commute. I've done my fair share of long bus rides for a few hours a day, entrapping myself in a screaming metal box underground and miles and miles of walking. I know there's only one thing that makes those journeys more tolerable — some of the best wireless headphones.

Noisy environments need not just headphones that sound great, but cans that can play anything, no matter where you are. After all, deafening underground trains can easily be blocked out by loud heavy metal, but play something classical and you'll hear those carriages screech over your music. We're going to need something wireless and noise-cancelling.

I spend, on average, about 20% of my day outside or on some form of transport — and I don't think I'm in the minority. In fact, I'd wager you're probably in the same boat if you've landed on this page. So, to help you find the best wireless headphones, I've run every single pair through a full gamut of tests to see which you should spend your money on.

So, let me and my extensive selection of headphones tell you that the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 are the best wireless headphones that you can buy right now — but if you're looking for something cheaper or in-ear, then I've got you covered.

What I'm looking for

There's my normal testing parameters for headphones that I've spent years putting effort into of course — sound quality, comfort over long periods of time — but for this list I've come up with some more focussed criteria to help me find headphones that aren't just going to get you through your noisy commute but also through your work day as well.

Here's my testing criteria:

Setting up and ease of use

I know this only something that's usually going to be done once, but how easy are they to get working out of the box? Are they easy to pair, or are things more involved? Do they have multi-pair, and how does it work when you get to the office? When putting them in the case, how do they need to be folded, and is it annoying or easy?

Nobody likes headphones that are annoying to use. I want to make sure they're as simple as 'put on head and listen to music' without any extra steps. What are their controls like, do you need to adjust anything?

How long do they last?

There's more to this than just battery life. I'll use them over the course of a normal work day, and break down the battery percentage during my use. Did they require a quick top-up before going home? Do they have some kind of quick charge feature? Real-world testing for real-world use.

Are they comfortable?

You're going to be wearing these headphones and earbuds for hours on end, so I want to make sure that what you're putting on your head is comfortable. That means testing on a number of differently sized heads, from my own extended cranium to smaller, more petite heads. Do they start to feel tight over time, or do you forget you're wearing them over the day?

Piercing wearers, I know your pain — I have some of my own. And luckily for you, they're in the two biggest pain points, the lobe and at the top of my cartilage. I'll report whether the headphones interfered with my piercings, and whether they will with yours.

Office experience

When you get to the office, you want to use your headphones not just for music but for other activities as well. Perhaps you're going to use them for group calls and other work-specific activities, or perhaps you're not allowed to use your phone and need something you can easily connect to your work computer.

Sound and ANC perfomance

This is the fun bit — well, it is for me. This is where I get to tell you about how they sound over a series of tracks and genres so that you can get an idea of the sound quality. I'll reference all the tracks I use, and don't forget to check out the Tom's Guide testing playlist on Spotify to see what music that Tom's Guide uses when testing headphones.

ANC performance is important for commuting and working, so I want to check that out too. I'll be taking them on the train, on the bus, and for a walk around a busy city to check performance, and ordering a nice cheeseburger at a busy McDonald's to see how the transparency mode works.

I can't wait — music and a cheeseburger? I'm excited.

Meet the testing team

When we conduct our in-depth reviews, I have the ever-helpful Tom's Guide reviews team at my back to thoroughly test every pair of headphones that comes across our desks. With strict testing criteria and extensive experience, here are the lovely people who test the headphones and earbuds at Tom's Guide.

Best wireless headphones

Best overall

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 are my favorite headphones of 2025. I love the way that they look, the way that they feel on my end and most of all I love the way that they sound. So when it came to making sure they where fit for going to and from working and making said work more tolerable I was incredibly excited — and so I began my week long work testing period.

Setting up

Setting up the PX7 S3 was about as easy at it comes. I turned them on next to my Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and a quick pair window appeared for easy pairing. A couple of taps later and I was prompted to download the Bowers & Wilkins app — although I didn't have to use the app if I just wanted to get started with some music.

Once I'd installed the app, I was completely good to go. I found the core sound such that I didn't actually need to make any adjustments, although thanks to the app and its EQ it was easy to make any quick adjustments to the sound.

When I got to the office, I wanted to connect the headphones to my laptop as well as my phone to make it easier to switch when I get a work call on my laptop. That was easy as well — I just put the headphones into pairing mode with the little switch, and found them in the pairing list on my MacBook. From there they automatically detected when I needed to switch over, although I did need to pause the music on my phone myself.

Putting them away was easy as well — just swivel the earcups down, and place them in the case. They do only go in one way, but you'll soon get used to it as I did. Charging is easy as well, just plug the USB-C cable into the port on the left earcup. Done!

Are they easy to use?

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 are very easy to use. The power switch is a simple switch on the left earcup, so you don't need to worry about holding any buttons down when you want to turn them on. The volume up and down buttons are textured to make them easier to find, and the ANC button is easy to differentiate between the power switch.

When I needed to switch between tracks in a crowded bus that I was standing on while getting to work, I found it easier to raise my hand for the buttons as opposed to the touch controls on some of the competition. They're all clicky and nice under your finger as well, and firm enough that you won't accidentally press something you don't want when activating a different control.

I'd say that these are about as 'slip on your head and listen to music' as they come. I didn't need to adjust the headband before putting them on my head, because the nice soft padding meant I could reliably press the earcups down on my head to get them to the right point on my head.

You don't really even need the app to use them — they really do just work straight out of the box.

How long do they last

The battery life on the box of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 says 30 hours, and there's no spec about what happens when you turn the ANC off. I'd already done some light battery life testing for the full review of the headphones, but I now had the opportunity to test them on the train.

I tested the headphones over the period of a week, with ANC on and the volume to about mid-way for both my commute and my time in the office. If you turn the volume up or turn ANC off your battery life might change, but this gives as a good usecase to test with.

I ended up charging my headphones once over the course of the week, which would ring true with Bowers & Wilkins specs. I found they needed charging about every four days, after around 8 hours of use per day. That's my hour long commute each way, and around 6 hours of use at work.

I found the quick charge feature useful as I got to the end of the four day period, as it gave me a couple more hours as the battery reached it's end at around 4pm on Thursday.

I'd say that's excellent battery life, and more than enough to get you through a work day.

Were they comfortable?

The PX7 S3 where very comfortable during my testing. I found that even after around seven hours of wear the headphones didn't impact anywhere on my head, and there was no unwanted pinching anywhere. The foam is thick and plush, and the padding is placed in the perfect spots to keep them comfy throughout the day.

As for my piercings (which have a habit of getting sore during use), I found no issues at as I spent my time with the headphones. The pads where large and thick enough that they didn't interfere with the cartalage piercing on my right ear, and the lobe piercing on the left ear didn't find anything to complain about either.

I gave the headphones to some of my colleagues as well for a few hours to see how they felt for a time, and things remained positive for the PX7 S3. Even larger headed people had no compaints, as the headphones got plenty big enough and the ample swivel made sure they sat right on the head. Smaller heads where well catered for as well — all around excellent comfort. The vegan leather is breathable as well, making sure you don't get hot ears if you wear them for a longer time.

Glasses wearers are going to fine as well — I found that they didn't interfere with my spectacles during wear. They didn't press on my head while listening, and neither did the seal get ruined by the presence of my glasses. Nice.

Office experience

Thanks to a USB-C-3.5mm cable in the protective case, you don't need to worry about connecting them to a work machine with Bluetooth if that connection is blocked. It does require the headphones to be turned on, but it makes it much easier to use them with locked down work machines.

Call quality is excellent, especially when you connect them via a cable. I found it makes the microphone sound better as well, so the people on the other end of your call will be able to hear you more easily. You won't have any issues hearing the other people on the call either, with great sound quality for voices in the headphones themselves. I certainly didn't, and I made sure to ask every single person I had a call with how they sounded. The answer was a resounding "yeah, those sound really good."

Finally, there's the wired USB-C to USB-C mode if your laptop doesn't have a 3.5mm headphone connector. These can be more locked down than 3.5mm jacks, but it's a nice addition that I found useful in a pinch.

Sound and ANC performance

I had no problems with any horrible noises while I took the bus and the train to work. That was at some busy times too, and for the most part I had to stand up all the way. The sound of the engine was blocked out very well, and the people around me melted into nothing as I played my music.

I found the same thing when I took the headphones off the bus and into a busy city as I finished my commute. The sounds of people walking past me where completely silent, and only the loudest and most disruptive of noises managed to disrupt my otherwise peaceful listening of my favorite heavy tunes.

So I went to order my McDonalds breakfast (not sponsored, I just really like a bacon roll). The transparency mode did a very good job of picking out the person at the counter amongst the rest of the din, and I was able to order a delicious breakfast without needing to take my headphones off. Big win.

That was all rounded out with the excellent sound quality of the PX7 S3. They sound incredible, with excellent bass, great detail and wide mids. Rank and Defiled by Exhumed has blisteringly heavy, the thumping bass of Spice World from the Spice Girls was thick and chunky, and the operatic stylings of Adele in Skyfall where a joy to behold.

Best on a budget

When I first tested the 1More Sonoflow Pro, I was immediately impressed with the features, sound and ANC, considering how little they cost. They're a sub-$100 pair of headphones that are often found with deal prices that make them even cheaper, so they're the perfect commute and work companion if you want to save some money. This was my experience with the 1More Sonoflow Pro. Every single potentially harsh word I have to say is more than tempered by that low, low, price.

Setting up

Given their price, I wasn't expecting them to be quite as easy to set up as some of the more expensive models. That doesn't mean they're difficult, just slightly more involved than those with quick pair. The first time you turn them on they'll go into pairing mode, and from there you just find them in the pairing menu of your device.'

Getting them into multi-pair was annoying. I had to turn the headphones off, and then hold the power button to put them into Bluetooth mode and find them on my second device. From there multipoint was working, but it is more annoying than more expensive headphones.

There is a 1More app as well, although you don't need to install it to get the best out of the headphones. Despite having it installed, I only touched it once — and that was to turn off the spatial audio and initiate the LDAC codec in-app. There is an EQ there to adjust the sound, and I found it easy to use, but I didn't need it.

Putting them back in the case was super easy, mind you. They fold up with a click, and there's no surround to keep them in so they just kind of hang out in there. The cables have no slot, though, which means they end up jumbled up at the bottom of the case — but they're really cheap, so we'll let them off. It was annoying when they fell all over the office floor, though. And embarrassing.

Are they easy to use?

Once they're all connected, the 1More Sonoflow are very easy to use, although there are a couple of hiccups I found during my week long testing period on the way to and from work. Turning them on and off takes a slightly longer press, making you wonder if they're going to work — and they they turn on, and all is right with the world.

The controls of the Sonoflow are clicky physical button, not a touch pad in sight. The volume and play/pause controls are found on the right earcup, and they're all easy to locate without looking. They're very clicky too which makes them feel lovely, but I found that the sound crept it's way into the music I was listening to.

They where much easier to use on the go, however, and when it was raining to work I found them much easier to click than a touch pad would have been in the same conditions.

The clicky sliding mechanism to make them the right size for my head meant I had to pre-adjust before slipping them on, but that made them more stable in use. I did find I had to adjust them a couple of times during wear, however.

Thankfully, they don't need any adjustment to the sound out of the box — apart from turning off the spatial audio and turning on LDAC (for compatible devices), they're pretty much ready to go out of the box.

How long do they last

1More claims a battery life of 100 hours with ANC on, and 65 hours of staying power if you leave the noise canceling turned off. My week long testing period didn't actually give me long enough to test out this massive figure, given that it was only about 50 hours all in, before you've taken the time I don't wear headphones into consideration.

I didn't have to charge the headphones once during my testing period, even though I used them at mid-volume with the ANC turned on for the full week. Again, that's a 2 hour total commute per day, and about 6 hours of office listening per day. The headphones had about 15 percent by the end of the week, so the 65 hours might be slightly over eager, but that's still loads of battery.

I didn't even have to use the quick charge — although it's useful to know that it's there when you might find yourself completely out of battery. That's a 5 minute charge for 5 hours of use.

Where they comfortable

"Comfy comfy headphones, the 1More Sonoflow are" is what I'm sure Yoda would say, if he could fit them over his big green ears. I found that I could wear the 1More Sonoflow Pro for the whole day, without feeling any kind of discomfort at all, with no hotspots or tightness. They're perhaps slightly loose in clamping force, but that just means you can't headbang as hard to your favorite tunes.

I didn't have any complaints with my piercings either. The padding of the headphones made sure that they didn't get squished on either ear, with the cartilage piercing on my right completely disappearing into the padding. People with piercings are going to find no issues with the 1More Sonoflow Pro.

I made sure to check around to make sure that my comfort experience matched others in the office, who wore them for a couple of hours each time. There were some complaints amongst the smallest-headed that they felt a bit big, but larger-headed people had no problems at all with the comfort of the headphones.

Glasses wearers might find a bit of extra pressing from the headphones, but it's nothing you're not already used to. They do also compromise the seal and the ANC, however.

Office experience

While there's no dedicated slot in the case and it kind of dangles around in the case, there is a very useful headphone cable so that you can plug the headphones into a 3.5mm connector on any computer that might have its Bluetooth connection locked out. They do need to be on for it to work, however, but that does mean that it sounds better than the passive alternatives.

Call and microphone quality is not very good when used wirelessly, but then very little at this price is. I used the headphones connected with the cable, and this improved the quality of my voice exponentially whole in work calls with my colleagues. My call partners always sound good, however. As long as you stick with the wired connection when making calls at work, you're going to have a good time with the Sonoflow Pro.

There's no USB-C mode, unfortanately, so you are stuck if your laptop doesn't have a 3.5mm headphone jack. In this case, it's worth picking up a dongle for your laptop — the wired mode is just much better for work calls.

Sound and ANC performance

The ANC of the Sonoflow Pro is remarkable considering their low price. I was expecting there to be loads of noise when I took the bus to work, but I never experienced any kind of untoward noises making life difficult for me. The ANC did a great job of keeping out the engine noise, and the noise of the people around me was well covered up.

Walking around the city was much easier as well, although there was some wind noise that I could hear over my music. It wasn't enough to make me rip the headphones off, but it was noticeable. Far less so than with other similarly priced options, however, which is always a massive bonus.

I wanted to grab my breakfast before I headed into work, so I ambled on into the local mcdonalds for a suasage and egg mcmuffin. Thanks to a solid transparency mode I was able to buy my breakfast without any issues at all — I could hear the staff clearly, without any kind of extra noise making its way in.

Sound is a great benefit of the Sonoflow Pro as well. They didn't hold a candle to the headphones above, but they where plenty detailed, and the bass was articulate and tight. Bass heads might want to use the 'bass booster' preset, but they're otherwise great out of the box. Heirs of Torment from Distant hit like a fully loaded freight train while I should have been working, making for an impromptu air drum session. Twice's Strategy brought the bass, and plenty of it, and then I rounded it out with the ever-smooth Hotel California by the Eagles — that guitar solo soared.

Best wireless earbuds

If you prefer not to wear something over your ears, you might be more interested in the CMF buds Pro 2. These earbuds have made the list not only thanks to their sub-$100 price tag, but also because they pack a wide range of features that perform as well as those that cost nearly three times as much. Comfortable, great-sounding, and good-looking. There’s little more you could want.

Setting up

Thanks to Google Quick Pair, setting up the CMF Buds Pro 2 is a cinch. You just open the little case next to your phone, and follow the instructions that appear in a dialogue box. iPhone users will have to dip into the settings menu and find them there, but it’s not too much trouble. From there, you’ll be prompted to download the Nothing X app.

You don’t have to download the app, of course, but I’d suggest you do. It means that you can access all the buds' features, including the EQ adjustment and spatial audio. It’s all very easy to understand, with nice big buttons and clearly labelled sections for the various features.

Landing at my desk, I had to join a group call for work. To use the buds with my laptop, I had to initiate the multi-point connection, which can sometimes be a bit of a pain. Thankfully, it was nice and easy here — I just turned the “dual connection” setting on in the app, and put the buds back into pairing mode. Connecting my laptop was simple, and from there, they automatically switched depending on which device I was using.

They were super easy to get back in the case as well. The case is clearly labelled, so I didn’t have to worry about them falling out while trying to get them situated. They click into place and charge without issue.

Are they easy to use?

The CMF buds are simple enough to control, although their touch controls did throw up issues occasionally. While generally easy to activate, on occasion, it would take a second or third tap for them to register properly. The smart dial on the case is a fun extra, but it doesn’t do a whole bunch while it sits in your pocket.

You can customize the touch controls, which is a massive bonus that’s not always a given at this price. The options are available in the app, and it makes it much easier for the buds to do exactly what you want them to do. I did find it irritating to activate the controls when the bus was very busy, but this is a problem inherent to all in-ear buds with touch controls.

Fit-wise, things are pretty much spot on. The buds themselves are well-shaped, and I had no problem picking out the perfectly sized tips. You’ll want to try all the options in the box to find the best for you, and you’ll likely need different sizes in each ear for the perfect sound isolation. Just make sure you do it at home — you don’t want to learn your buds are too small when one falls into a bus seat.

As said in the setup section, the app isn’t totally necessary, but it’s a great way to control the buds. It's also simple to use — I had no problem finding anything.

How long do they last?

The stats that Nothing have given us are very impressive indeed — 11 hours of use out of the buds, and 43 in the charging case. That would make them some of the longest-lasting buds around, and during my workday testing period, I found that they matched Nothing’s claimed stats.

I did charge the little buds every day, but I found that my 10-hour-ish work day didn’t make the earbuds blink. I used them during a two-hour commute and a seven-hour workday, along with a one-hour lunch. I only popped them back in the case to charge overnight, and I frequently found that I had around 10% remaining should I want to keep using them.

There is a quick charge function, but I never had the need for it during my testing. Still, when I gave it a go, it boosted the power during a 10-minute charge sufficiently to not need to recharge them again until I was home.

Where they comfortable?

The CMF Buds Pro 2 are a very comfortable pair of buds. They seal well thanks to their soft, silicone ear tips, and the buds shape means they don’t press on any sore spots. I was able to wear them for 10 hours a day, after all, and they didn’t cause me any undue discomfort. Not that you should wear them for that long — but I did, and I didn’t want to rip them out by the end of the day.

Sliding them into your ears is nice and easy, although I did, on occasion, have to adjust the fit throughout the day as they slowly pressed their way out of my ear canal. It’s no great irritation, but it’s something to remember. That and they wiggle a bit when you violently jab at the touch controls to get them to work.

Unless you’ve got a Tragus piercing, your ear jewelry isn’t going to get in the way of the buds and make them uncomfortable. Tragus people — I’m sorry. You chose a life of uncomfortable earbuds the moment you paid the piercer to put a needle through that part of your ear.

Office experience

Wireless earbuds can not be turned into a wired headset like headphones can. Instead, you’ll find it more difficult to connect them to office machines that might have locked down Bluetooth connections, so you’ll want one of the other options on this list if that’s important to you. Or just use the headset your work gave you.

If you can connect them to your work machine, you’ll quickly find call quality that is pretty much fine. You won’t want to use them for professional calls, however, as the mic quality simply isn’t up to scratch. This is the case for all in-ear buds, though, so it's worth considering if this format is good for your needs.

For quick calls to your Mom, they’re going to be fine, but interviews with multi-national banks are a no-go. Instead, choose something with a wire, or use a separate USB microphone.

Sound and ANC performance

One quick caveat — these are cheap buds. Yet still, their ANC rivals some of the more expensive options out there, blocking out plenty of noise. I found them great for the noisy bus I ride to work, and they did a solid job of keeping my fellow passengers' conversations away as well. Music completes the effect, as you might expect, but they’re impressive nonetheless.

While outside things are similarly impressive. They deal with a wide array of different noises with aplomb, blocking out anything the world has to throw at them. Even the wind didn’t really cause an issue. They’re not “Bose good,” but they’re a great way to block noise without spending hundreds of dollars.

The excellent transparency mode came into its own when I went to order my McDonald's breakfast. I could hear the cashier perfectly as they took my order, and I had no problem hearing my number called over the morning Maccies din.

Sound is also top-notch. There’s some lovely bass on offer here, along with some very impressive detail — especially nice when you consider how little the cost. The grandiose metallic vampiric throwback of Worm’s Necropalace sounded perfect in its edgy symphonic fury, the guitar solo especially noteworthy for its clarity. Pop music was loads of fun too, with Dua Lipa’s Levitating bringing the disco bounce. T-Square showed off some lovely jazzy timing in Marmalade as well, with solid dynamism.

Also tested

It would be entirely remiss of me not to mention Sony's brand new XM6, which are also an excellent headphone option if you're looking for something to fill time and block out the noise of your commute.

They're a better pair of headphones than the previous model with more intricate sound and better ANC, although they don't mark a large enough improvement for to suggest that you buy them instead of the headphones on the list.

During my testing, I found the sound and comfort to be inferior to the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3, and their higher-than-expected price makes them more difficult to recommend than the predecessor.

If you're looking for a replacement for your trusty XM5, you're better off waiting for the XM7 in a few years' time — or just opt for the superior Bowers & Wilkins option.

• Read the Sony WH-1000XM6 review

There where plenty more headphones that I've been testing to see how they rank on the list — but not all of them where going to make the final three. These are the headphones that are also worthy of your attention, but I'll also tell you why they didn't make the final cut when it came to writing this guide.

How I test the best wireless headphones

When we test headphones, we already make sure to put them through their paces with a variety of use cases in mind, but for this guide, I had to get more in depth with more focus to my testing. After all, I'm looking for the best headphones that take you to work and then keep you sane during your work day, so I had to put them through their paces in a similar environment.

That's why I broke the guide down into the separate sections, not only to make it easier for you to parse my experience, but also so that I could demonstrate the testing that I did when putting the guide together.

First and foremost was my testing time. I used the headphones in a normal work week of five days, during my workday. I wore the headphones for 6 of my 7.5-hour shift, and then for the entirety of my 1-hour commute each way.

During that time, I tested the headphones for each section. Here's the breakdown.

Setting up

I set up the headphones! Because each model had already been tested for their reviews, I reset them to factory settings. To see how well they perform on all platforms, I set them up on both my iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

From there, I installed the application and, if available, dialled in the sound with any EQ so that they sounded their best to my ears. This is where the app gets evaluated. Is it easy to use, are the buttons clear and well-marked? To make sure that my experience was universal, I handed out the app to colleagues to see if their experience was similar to mine.

I also test out the multiconnection settings to see how easy it is to connect the buds to another source. Finally, I check how easy it is to get the headphones back in their case. Do they fold in a certain way, or can I just drop them in and zip it up? To make sure it's simple, I had it out to colleagues nearby.

Are they easy to use?

This is where I check out the controls of the headphones (or earbuds) and work out how easy they are to use. I use the controls in the office, but also on busy public transport — it can't always be easy to raise your hand to your head to adjust the playback or the volume.

I also test how easy it is to fit the headphones straight out of the box. Can you put them on your head and pull them to the right size, or do you need to adjust them before putting them on?

Finally, I see if you need the app to get everything out of the headphones or whether you can do without. Do they need work in the EQ, or are there settings you need to adjust before use, and are there settings you can only find in the app.

How long do they last?

This is the battery life testing section, and it's very easy. I just use the headphones for the 5 day period, see how often I need to charge them, and then compare my results to the spec that the manufacturer has given you.

I used all the headphones at mid-volume with the ANC turn on max so that the test was fair.

Were they comfortable?

Being comfortable is important, so I report my experience. While wearing the headphones, I took notes about any kind of quirks I found during wear, and made sure that the headphones were comfy for the period of my wear.

Because of my piercings, I'm also able to give fellow en-pierced people an insight into how the headphones affected my ears and their jewelry. That's the Tammy Rogers PromiseTM — I'll always let you know if my ears hurt.

I also recognize that my head isn't like everyone else's head, so to make sure we're being fair, I give the headphones out to colleagues to make sure that they're comfy for them for a couple of hours. That's with a range of head sizes and shapes — although I'm not sure they'd appreciate me picking out the largest and smallest heads at TG.

Office experience

Arguably one of the most important parts of the guide. I use the headphones in an office! That means checking out whether you can use the headphones with a potentially locked-down work laptop with a 3.5mm headphone cable, or with a USB-C cable if supported.

Of course, you spend most of your time at the office on work calls, so your new headphones need to be good at that. I test the microphone performance for you, and use the headphones during my own work calls to see how they fare. I note down my thoughts, and then use them to inform the construction of the list.

Sound and ANC performance

To test the ANC, the headphones come with me for my noisy commute. That means 40 minutes sitting on a bus, surrounded by screaming children, reluctant teenagers, and tired office staff. The bus itself is noisy, with a massive clattering diesel engine harmonizing with loud tires about as well as an angry hippo and a screaming baby.

I test the transparency mode by heading to my breakfast place of choice: McDonald's. There, I order myself my breakfast in transparency mode, making sure that the cashier is audible above the rest of the din.

Then it's my favorite bit — testing out the audio quality of the headphones. To do that, I listen to the Tom's Guide testing playlist, alongside my own musical choice,s to see how the headphones sound. From there, I take my testing notes, and report back to you as to whether they're worth their sonic salt. Here's the playlist we use to test sound:

How did we choose the headphones for the list?

At the start of the process, I chose six headphones that I wanted to put on the list. They were:

• Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
• Sony WH-1000XM6
• Sony WF-1000XM5
• 1More Sonoflow Pro
• Sony WF-C710N

I chose these headphones because they all recieved at least a 4.5 star review from our dedicated and experienced review team or me.

I wanted a range of headphones and earbuds, so I chose both to make a more rounded selection of commute-friendly audio companions. I was also looking at the headphones' features.

They needed to have ANC on board so that you can block out the sound of the bus, train, or office, and I wanted them to be comfortable for the whole day so I chose options that tested well for comfort.

Once I had my full list of testers, I took them for their week-long testing period, whittling down the list to the final three. Those that didn't make the final cut ended up on my also tested list, so that you can see what other options are available.

My final picks are the headphones that I thought managed the 'great for a commute and office use' brief excellently, with their features, ANC and sound quality making them the perfect office companions.

Keeping the guide up to date

Doing a group test like we've done here does have its drawbacks — but we're prepared for every eventuality. As soon as a new pair of headphones is launched and we've written the detailed review, we compare them with the same gamut of tests to the headphones and earbuds that fill this list.

We take them out for a week, comparing their performance with what we've selected here to be the best. If they're even better across the board, then we replace the entry on the list so that you get the most up-to-date picture of the best wireless headphones.

Apple could add support for Bluetooth 5.2 for the much rumored AirPods Pro 2, bringing in improved wireless connectivity and support for LE Audio. 

That's going by a filing spotted in the Bluetooth SIG products database by MacRumors. This filing could point to significant upgrades for future Apple products and — as the specification includes support for LE Audio with several improvements to the way Bluetooth handles wireless audio streaming — could be especially beneficial for any future AirPods models. 

With the Apple September event now confirmed to take place on September 7, we're hoping to see the launch of next-generation AirPods Pro wireless earbuds, alongside the reveal of the iPhone 14 and Apple Watch 8. 

Raising the Bluetooth audio standard

Current iPhone models support Bluetooth 5.0, so while any news about Apple adopting Bluetooth 5.2 would be especially beneficial for the audio capabilities in any new AirPods models. We will also need to see the same specification incorporated into all its new Bluetooth compatible devices such as the best MacBooks, and best iPads to take full advantage of the benefits, including LE Audio support.

What is Bluetooth LE Audio?

Bluetooth LE Audio was revealed at CES in 2020 by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG for short), and is the latest version of the shortrange wireless transmission standard. The rollout of the Bluetooth standard on all devices is expected to ramp up as new models get launched towards the end of the year, bringing benefits to compatible models such as the best wireless headphones and the best Bluetooth speakers. 

Operating on Bluetooth Low Energy radio technology, LE Audio enables power to be used more efficiently, meaning battery power will last longer (which is an area where current AirPods models lag behind newer models recently introduced by rivals). It also introduces a new audio codec: the Low Complexity Communications Codec (LC3), which improves audio handling and extends wireless range with a stronger and more stable connectivity. 

It also adds support for hearing aids, and introduces Auracast broadcast audio, a new Bluetooth capability that enables one audio device to broadcast to multiple listening devices. This will enhance how listeners connect and share audio experiences at home and in the outside world, making sharing a common audio experience with multiple people a lot easier (and a lot more fun). 

In July, Bluetooth SIG anticipated availability of products with support for LE Audio to ramp up by the end of 2022. 

AirPods Pro 2 and Bluetooth 5.2 outlook

Apple is looking increasingly likely to launch second-generation AirPods Pro by the end of the year. But the appearance of the LE Audio filing seems at little late to be included in any imminent successor. 

Whether this is all part of the rumored lossless audio codec plans that would allow future AirPods to playback music at a higher quality is hard to say, but it does make sense that Apple has something in the works considering the current codec limitations Apple's earbuds favor.

Read next: This is the one upgrade I really want to see on the AirPods Pro 2. And now some smart AirPods Pro 2 features have been tipped just ahead of Apple Event.

After a couple of quiet summers due to a certain global pandemic, I’ve spent the last few weeks making up for all that lost time. So far, my summer has been crammed full of days out, vacations, and large-scale events. It’s been pretty fun but also very tiring — not to mention horrendously expensive. 

Usually, when I’m packing for a trip or excursion into the outdoors, my trusty UE Boom 2 portable speaker is one of the first things I shove into my bag – but, to be honest, I’ve always found it on the borderline when it comes to true portability. So, I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity earlier this year to test out the Tribit StormBox Micro 2. 

I had heard good things about its predecessor, and this second iteration of the Bluetooth speaker refines what made the first model so great. I had expected to find the StormBox Micro 2 an adequate alternative to my pre-existing speaker of choice, what I didn’t expect was for it to become my new summer essential gadget. 

What’s most impressive about The StormBox Micro 2 isn’t just that it’s a compact and powerful portable speaker, but rather it's the rafter of additional features that really won me over. These have all come in handy at various points over the past few weeks, and are a big part of the reason I’ve been recommending this speaker to just about everybody I know all summer long.  

A truly portable speaker 

Coming from the UE Boom 2, the StormBox Micro 2 is incredibly compact. The speaker literally fits into the palm of my hand, and I don’t have particularly sizeable shovels either. 

It’s got a slick overall look as well. The speaker mesh is stretched over the front with the USB-C port, battery indicator, on/off button and a connectivity button placed on the side. To the eye, it’s an attractive little device and it doesn’t stand out with garish colors or a needlessly over-the-top design. 

I should also mention the large white volume control buttons placed on the top. I genuinely appreciate how clicky these are. This might sound like a very superfluous thing to praise, but I’ve used speakers in the past with less tactile controls and the immediate responsiveness of the StormBox Micro 2 shouldn’t be overlooked. 

Big things come in small packages 

Considering its micro-size I was initially a little concerned that the StormBox Micro 2 was going to have sacrificed the audio experience in the name of portability. But once I switched the speaker on I was pleasantly surprised. 

We said in StormBox Micro review that the speaker “packs a lot of sound into a very portable package” and its follow-up offers the same surprisingly powerful audio. Granted, it’s obviously not as crisp or loud as speakers that aren’t designed to be taken just about anywhere, but it’s hard to imagine a speaker of an equally slim profile sounding any better than StormBox Micro 2. 

Even when I took the speaker to a chaotic (and very loud) music festival campsite, I could clearly hear every word and guitar chord of my indie rock playlist even at around half volume. This was a treat for me, but I’m not entirely sure the campers next to me appreciated hearing The Wombats on repeat for practically the entire weekend.  

More than just a speaker 

When it comes to the best Bluetooth speakers there are plenty of options out there, but what really helps the StormBox Micro 2 stand out is its suite of additional features. 

For starters, it’s waterproof with an IP67 rating. Some form of waterproofing – or at least water resistance – is expected with most Bluetooth speakers, but it’s still appreciated. And I was (un)fortunate enough to get to test out the strength of the StormBox Micro 2’s waterproofing when the sky opened while I was camping. I’m pleased to report the speaker passed the test with flying colors. My tent? Not so much. 

The StormBox Micro 2 also comes with a tear-resistant silicon strap that can be used to attach the speaker to various objects from bike handlebars to a belt loop. I personally used the strap to fix the speaker to my backpack during a trek in the beautiful Peak District, and it allowed me to soundtrack the walk without needing to physically carry the device.

Perhaps most impressively, the StormBox Micro 2 also doubles as a portable charger. Just connect a phone, tablet or accessory via the USB-C port and it’ll juice the device up. It’s not a small burst of power either, on a full charge the speaker claims to offer 1.4 charges of the iPhone 13. This feature has already come in handy when my partner's smartphone died on a flight. Sure, it’s not quite the same as carrying one of the best power chargers with you, but it’ll get the job done in a pinch. 

Packaging together an appealing design, surprisingly strong audio performance, and a slew of additional (and very useful) features, the StormBox Micro 2 is now comfortably the portable speaker I turn to whenever I’m heading outside my flat. And I’m confident I’ll be using it well beyond this summer as well.  

Connection issues can be a real pain, so knowing how to reset Bluetooth on Mac is very handy. You may find, for example, that your Mac's wireless keyboard, mouse or trackpad suddenly become uncommunicative, making it very difficult to operate your computer and get your work done. You may be having trouble with speakers, headphones, wireless controllers and more, stopping you enjoying your Apple computer.

Thankfully, these issues are often easy to fix, so before resetting your Mac's Bluetooth module entirely (as we'll cover), it helps to have a few troubleshooting tricks to call upon first, as this may solve your issue with less fuss.

Here we are going to look at some of the best ways to resolve the problems you may be having in pairing Bluetooth devices with your Mac. It's a good idea to start from the top and work your way down since the instructions become more involved if the issues remain unsolved after each step.

Looking for a new Mac? On top of our range of tutorials we also have plenty of helpful buying guides to help you make the right purchase. Check out our guide to the best MacBooks before you buy.

How to troubleshoot and reset Bluetooth on Mac

1. Turn Bluetooth off and on again
2. Check your Bluetooth device is working
3. Unpair and re-pair the device
4. Update and reboot your Mac
5. Prevent wireless interference
6. Delete PLIST files
7. Reset your Mac's Bluetooth module

Read on to see detailed instructions for each step.

Turn Bluetooth off and on again

Let's start with a quick time-tested solution to many technical problems: turning things on and off again. In the first instance, we're simply going to deactivate Bluetooth and then activate it again.

1. Click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar on your Mac.

2. Toggle the button next to Bluetooth to the Off position. Then click it again to turn it back again.

Sometimes the Bluetooth device you are trying to connect may not be functioning properly, so let's reset that too.

1. When you click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar, you should see your device listed.

2. If it's not there, then make sure your Bluetooth device is charged. 

3. You can also physically turn your device on and off by looking for a button on the device.

4. If it's still not working, just check that the device's settings look fine. For example, if you're connected to an audio device, do you have the volume turned up or is your Mac outputting to the correct speakers or headphones? If everything looks okay, connect it to another device. If it works, the issue is likely with your Mac, and you should read on. If it doesn't work on a second machine, you may need to contact the device's manufacturer for more support.

Unpair and re-pair the Bluetooth device

If Bluetooth is active, your device is charged, turned on and works on a second device, then you may have a pairing issue. Pairing refers to a connection between your Mac and the device.

1. Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and select Bluetooth Preferences.

2. In the window which appears, hover your mouse over the device you want to unpair and click the X next to it.

3. Select Remove when prompted and the device will be forgotten. This is a good time to double check your device is not already paired to another computer or phone. If it is, unpair the Bluetooth device accordingly.

4. You will now need to re-pair your device. How you do this varies by device but in the case of a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad, for instance, you can use a USB cable to connect the device to your Mac. It should appear in the window and show as being connected.

You can also right-click on any device that appears in the Devices menu and select Connect. If in doubt, consult the instructions which came with your device. 

Update and reboot your Mac

Still nothing? Maybe the ultimate “turn it on and off again” method is needed and it's time to reboot your Mac. First, though, let's see if you need to update macOS. This will likely require a restart, so it makes sense to check for updates before rebooting.

1. Before you do, click the Apple icon in the top-left corner and select About This Mac.

2. Click Software Update. If you don't need an update, skip to step 3. If there is an update available, follow the instructions to update macOS. When your Mac starts to reboot after the update, unplug and then reconnect all USB devices. 

3. If you don't need to update, remove any USB devices and click the Apple icon again. This time, select Restart. Once your Mac reboots, re-try the other steps mentioned so far. You can plug your USB devices back in once it's powered down.

Prevent any wireless interference

It is possible that interference from other devices can prevent a Bluetooth device from pairing and functioning properly. There are some steps you can take.

1. Bring your Bluetooth device as close to your Mac as possible.

2. Set your router to use the 5-GHz band for Wi-Fi instead of the more standard 2.4-GHz band, if possible — and if all your devices are compatible. Bluetooth uses the 2.4-GHz band and it's in danger of being overwhelmed by too many connected devices. 

You can generally do this by finding your router's IP address and entering it into a browser. Log in to your account, then open the Wireless tab and change the band. Check your router's instructions for more details.

3. Clear away items which could cause interference. According to Apple, these include microwave ovens, wireless video cameras, cordless phones, power cables and fluorescent lights.

4. Turn off unneeded USB 3 or Thunderbolt 3 devices. For any you need to use, move them away from your Bluetooth devices and your Mac. You could also try to ensure they're connected using a shielded cable, if possible.

Delete your Mac's PLIST preference files

There are two Bluetooth-related files on your Mac. Both can be removed to help solve a Bluetooth problem – and when you go to reboot your machine, they will be recreated from scratch.

1. Launch Finder and click Go in the menu bar, then select Go to Folder.

2. Type "/Library/Preferences" and tap the Enter key on your keyboard.

3. Find a file called "com.apple/Bluetooth.plist" and drag it to the Trash can icon in the Dock.

4. Now click Go in the bar again and select Go to Folder. This time type "/Users/[yourname]/Library/Preferences/ByHost" (of course, you're not actually typing “yourname” – replace this bit with your user name).

To find your username, click Go in the top bar, then select Home. Your user name will be at the top of the finder window.

5. Look for another PLIST file called "com.apple/Bluetooth". This one will have letters and numbers after it. Again, drag it to the Trash. Now reboot your computer following the instructions above.

Reset your Mac's Bluetooth module

This is a bit of a nuclear option and something of a last resort but it won't cause any damage so don't worry. Just bear in mind that, in resetting your Mac's Bluetooth module, any connected Bluetooth devices will be disconnected and that will include your Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. This is good time to grab a USB keyboard and mouse!

1. If you are using macOS Big Sur or earlier, hold the Option and Shift keys on your keyboard and click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar. Holding Option and Shift brings up a hidden options menu, which you wouldn't normally see by just clicking the Bluetooth icon. You can then click Reset the Bluetooth module and click OK to confirm.

2. If you are using macOS Monterey or later, the process is more technical. Open Terminal (click Launchpad in the Dock or go to Finder, then click Applications in the left-hand menu. Once in Applications, select Utilities and choose Terminal from the folder which appears).

3. Type "sudo pkill bluetoothd" and press Enter on your keyboard. Now reboot your Mac following the instructions above and re-pair your devices.

Hopefully, you should by now be up and running with your Bluetooth devices again. If not, then make sure you consult the manufacturer of the Bluetooth device. If you think it' your Mac which is the issue, or the Bluetooth device is an Apple one, you should get in touch with Apple support, or follow our guide on how to make a Genius Bar appointment and the Apple Store. If you're experiencing some connectivity woes and AirDrop is playing up too, make sure you consult our guide on how to fix AirDrop if it's not working. If you're back up and running on your Mac, though, then we have plenty of handy Apple-themed guides to help you get the most out of your machine, including how to use hot corners on Mac and how to change folder colors and icons on Mac. Find out how to open Terminal on Mac, so you can become a power user. To help you stay protected, we also have security guides for Mac users, including how to encrypt files on Mac, how to password protect a PDF on Mac and how to password protect folders on Mac.

The best Bluetooth TV adapters turn your non-Bluetooth TV into one that's capable of pairing with over-air devices, particularly headphones and earbuds. This makes it super easy to listen to your favorite music straight from your TV, perfect for those with babies or quieter households.

With our years of testing across TVs, TV devices, soundbars, and more, we know just which Bluetooth TV adapters tick and which are total duds. There's not a huge market for them as more and more modern TVs are gaining onboard Bluetooth connections, but they are still good to have if you ever need a wireless connection.

That's because TV audio is often lacking. It's a major pain point across our TV reviews, which makes the best Bluetooth TV adapters all the more relevant. These devices often come in a range of different prices with a variety of different features, like simultaneous connections, volume control, and more.

You can also use Bluetooth TV adapters also come equipped with a receiver mode, allowing you to bounce audio from your phone, tablet or computer. And, of course, the main use for the best Bluetooth TV adapters is with Bluetooth headphones for a more personal audio experience. Let's find you the right one below.

The best Bluetooth TV adapters

The Avantree Oasis Plus 2 just launched and it's a true upgrade over its predecessor. We love this new upgrade as it improves lip-sync delays and comes with an included remote, which makes all the difference when changing volumes or Bluetooth devices. Launched earlier in 2025, the Avantree Oasis Plus 2 is the best Bluetooth TV adapter hands down.

This new addition can connect to practically any TV, offering both optical digital audio and 3.5mm inputs, which most of the best TVs have. This successor also now comes with boosted volumes for those using optical connections, ensuring your audio is crisp and satisfactory.

What makes the Oasis Plus 2 one of the best Bluetooth TV adapters is it now comes equipped with pass-through support, so you can connect the Avantree Oasis Plus 2 to one of the best soundbars to get the full experience you're looking for.

As the second best Bluetooth TV adapter in the market, Sennheiser's Audio BT T100 is your ticket to stardom. It sits in the second spot because it uses an older Bluetooth format at 4.2, but it remains one of the best you can buy for the price with a slew of features.

The Sennheiser BT T100 has simultaneous playback, which means you can connect two separate Bluetooth headphones to get the full coverage you need. Plus, it supports multiple codecs, including SBC aptX and aptX low latency. Like the Avantree Oasis Plus 2, the Sennheiser also has boosted volumes in optical inputs so you actually hear what's going on and don't need to jack up the audio.

This Bluetooth audio transmitter comes in at $79, but you never have to worry about charging again as it powered totally via its USB power.

Here's another Bluetooth transmitter with tons of connectivity at an affordable price. The 1Mii B06TX has I/O for everything from RCA connections to even coaxial inputs for those using older TVs that might not have AUX. It even has an RCA-to-3.5mm cable, which makes it super adaptable and flexible to your TV of choice.

The 1Mii B06TX is also the cheapest so far on this list of the best Bluetooth TV adapters, coming in almost half as much as its rival devices. It's also your best bet if you're using a slightly out-of-date TV and not one of the best OLED TVs.

You are, however, sacrificing a receiver mode, which means you won't be able to send music from your phone to the B06TX. There is a more expensive model available for those who want it that has a longer range, but the base model still offers as much as 164 feet of Bluetooth connectivity, which is more than enough range for most buyers.

This Bluetooth receiver and transmitter combo wrangles together all the features you'd want in one of the best Bluetooth TV adapters. As both receiver and transmitter, it offers you the ability to playback music from your phone as well as listen to audio from your connected display. It's the best of both worlds.

We love this Bluetooth transmitter as it comes in at a cheap price despite putting forth a slew of awesome features that make it ideal for many different users. It has dual connectivity so you can listen to two different devices at the same time. Plus you can control audio directly on the ABC01F, unlike other models on this list, so you don't have to get up or get a separate remote.

You can use the volume buttons to skip and replay music tracks when in receiver mode, which is a nice touch for the users that want it. An included RCA-to-3.5mm cable also means you can pair the Aluratek ABC01F Bluetooth Audio Receiver with stereo connections, perfect for those with full AV-receiver setups that want some extra control over their audio.

Meet the Connect AF-T1, one of the smallest Bluetooth transmitters with tons of features. You can expect up to 12 hours of battery life, which is perfect for users who need ample enough time using Bluetooth connected devices with their display. Like other options on this list, you can also connect two devices at once so you and a friend or loved one can listen along.

The Connect AF-T1 also has low latency support via aptX, which ensures you have crystal clear audio no matter what device you're using. Given its size, this option among the best Bluetooth TV adapters is the most travel-friendly of the bunch, proving smaller than a conventional smart phone, making it perfect to connect to hotel room TVs and the like.

How to choose the best Bluetooth TV adapter for you 

When you’re shopping for a Bluetooth TV adapter, you want to find one that can connect to your specific TV (or computer, if that’s your video source). Most conventional TVs come with a 3.5mm auxiliary output, but older ones might have a different connection, so make sure the adapter you choose is compatible. Other newer TV models will also have optical digital audio output or an RCA (stereo) output, both of which will work with any among the best Bluetooth TV adapters.

Range is also a very important metric. You should try to find out the amount of distance you'll need for specific scenarios in your household. For general TV watching, the range shouldn’t be too much of an issue, but if you’re aim is to listen to music wirelessly — or you’re sending audio from your phone to play over the adapter — you will likely want additional range.

It's also not always a solitary experience, as you may need some extra audio lanes for a friend or loved on. Look out for Bluetooth TV adapters that have simultaneous connections, so you can either connect multiple headphones to the device or multiple TVs if needed.

Finally, you might want a Bluetooth TV adapter that's a certain size. Smaller models are ideal for users on-the-go quite a bit, but this comes down to preferences as for the most part these devices are relatively small enough for travel.

Best Bluetooth TV adapter alternatives

There's more than one way to get sound from your TV to a pair of earbuds, fortunately. The latest way is via the Sennheiser TV Clear true wireless earbuds that basically work exactly like a Bluetooth adapter but without any of the extra setup.

They're like traditional true wireless earbuds, but the audio settings and listening experience can be customized with the TV Clear companion app, and the transmitter’s low latency streaming technology keeps audio and video in sync so there’s no delay in the audio.

For those who are hard of hearing, Sennheiser says that the system offers five speech clarity levels that can provide up to 20 dB high-frequency amplification to make it easier to hear what’s happening on the screen. You can also have one volume for the earbuds and one volume for the TV so that people in the room can hear what’s happening without listening to the content at a higher-than-normal volume.

Admittedly, Sennheiser can’t pretend the TV Clear is an entirely new concept — wireless TV headphones have existed for over a decade now — but Sennheiser is promising better customization options via the app, lower latency, multi-point pairing and a more approachable design that most folks are more familiar with.

You’ll soon be able to connect to multiple Bluetooth devices using the best wireless headphones or Bluetooth speakers, according to an announcement from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) — the trade association that oversees the short-range wireless technology. 

This latest evolution to the Bluetooth specification known as Auracast enables Bluetooth streaming “to an unlimited number of nearby audio devices." In short, this allows listeners to invite friends and family to whatever they're listening to (or watching) via Auracast-enabled devices such as the best wireless earbuds, headphones, or the best Bluetooth speakers and next-gen hearing aids. 

Auracast enables a transmitting device such as smartphone, laptop, or television to stream audio to an unlimited number of nearby Bluetooth audio receiving devices, such as those mentioned above. Previously called Audio Sharing, Auracast is part of the recent Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio capabilities rollout set to come to devices in the next few months when the final LE specification is launched. 

Bluetooth tech has been around for two decades and has revolutionized the way we connect to our favorite music and TV media, breaking listeners free from getting tied up with wires physically tethered to a playback device. Until now, though, the tech has been limited to connections with just one or two devices at a time. 

Bulletins to your ears

With a capable pair of headphones, for example, wearers will be able to listen in to devices in public spaces such as TVs at airports, waiting rooms, and gyms, as well as public address system announcements, bringing accessibility and assistive listening to the next level, and big benefits to hearing aid users. 

It could also be used to send travel bulletins about delayed trains or flights, for example, straight to your earbuds. But it looks like you'll need to connect your earbuds or headphones to a public Bluetooth transmitter before these announcements arrive in your ears.

It will probably take a while until we see full Auracast support on all devices. But in the long term, sharing a common audio experience with multiple people looks set to be a lot easier (and a lot more fun), and could be widely in use by the end of the year.

A new vulnerability in the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol has been discovered that can be exploited by an attacker to remotely gain access to mobile phones, smart watches, laptops, smart locks, cars and more.

The flaw itself was discovered by the NCC Group, which successfully exploited it to conduct the world’s first link layer relay attack. The firm created a relay attack tool for devices communicating over BLE and used it to unlock and even drive a Tesla Model 3 when its key fob was out of range.

The reason this vulnerability is cause for concern is due to how Bluetooth proximity authentication mechanisms (that are used to unlock devices within a certain range) can be easily broken using cheap off-the-shelf hardware. In fact, an attacker doesn’t even need to know how to code to exploit it as they can use a Bluetooth developer board and ready-made programs to do so. 

Principal security consultant and researcher at the NCC Group, Sultan Qasim Khan provided further insight on the research he conducted into this new BLE vulnerability and how it can even bypass encryption in a press release, saying:

“What makes this powerful is not only that we can convince a Bluetooth device that we are near it—even from hundreds of miles away—but that we can do it even when the vendor has taken defensive mitigations like encryption and latency bounding to theoretically protect these communications from attackers at a distance. All it takes is 10 seconds—and these exploits can be repeated endlessly. This research circumvents typical countermeasures against remote adversarial vehicle unlocking, and changes the way engineers and consumers alike need to think about the security of Bluetooth Low Energy communications.”

A huge potential attack surface

As Bluetooth Low Energy has become increasingly common in both consumer and business devices, the potential attack surface for this vulnerability is massive.

In addition to the Tesla Model 3 and Y, other cars with automotive keyless entry are also vulnerable and an attacker could leverage this flaw to unlock, start and drive someone else’s vehicle. At the same time, laptops with a Bluetooth proximity unlock feature enabled are affected as well as smartphones.

Even your own home could be broken into if you’ve upgraded from a traditional lock to a smart lock. In fact, the NCC Group successfully exploited smart locks from Kwikset/Weiser Kevo and already disclosed this information to the company. Likewise, access control systems used in both enterprise and small businesses can be unlocked and an attacker could enter a company’s office pretending to be an employee.

Not intended for critical systems

Originally developed by Nokia back in 2006 as Wibree, Bluetooth Low Energy was originally intended to provide reduced power consumption and cost with a similar range to that of existing Bluetooth devices. For instance, headphones with BLE could last longer without needing to be recharged.

As the NCC Group points out though, BLE-based proximity authentication was not originally designed to be used in critical systems such as locking mechanisms in cars or smart locks. 

Unfortunately, this new vulnerability isn’t a traditional bug that can be fixed with a software patch nor an error in the Bluetooth specification itself.

Protecting yourself from attacks on devices with BLE

In order to protect yourself from attackers leveraging this flaw in the wild, the NCC Group recommends that you disable passive unlock functionality on your devices as well as turn off their Bluetooth functionality when it’s not needed.

Meanwhile, manufacturers can reduce the risk to their products by disabling key functionality when a user’s phone or key fob has been stationary for some time by using data from its accelerometer. System makers should also provide their customers with the option to add a second factor for authentication or user presence attestation where you need to to tap an unlock button in an app on the phone being used as a key fob for cars with BLE support.

Tom’s Guide reached out to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) that oversees the development of Bluetooth standards which provided the following statement on the matter:

“The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) prioritizes security and Bluetooth specifications include a collection of features that provide developers the tools they need to secure communications between Bluetooth devices and implement the appropriate level of security for their products. All Bluetooth specifications are subject to security reviews during the development process.

In addition, Bluetooth technology is an open, global standard, and the Bluetooth SIG encourages active review of the specifications by the security research community. The SIG also provides educational resources to the developer community to help them implement the appropriate level of security within their Bluetooth products, as well as a vulnerability response program that works with the security research community to address vulnerabilities identified within Bluetooth specifications in a responsible manner. The Bluetooth LE Security Study Guide and Bluetooth Security and Privacy Best Practices Guide are designed to help developers make the appropriate security choices for their Bluetooth enabled products and solutions.”

Now that the NCC Group has successfully carried out a link layer relay attack on BLE, automakers and device makers will likely begin coming up with ways to protect their products from this novel new attack type. In the meantime though, you should probably disable Bluetooth when you’re not using it to protect your devices from any potential attacks leveraging this vulnerability.

Tired of the Windows 11 Bluetooth interface? Good news: Windows Insider Preview Build 22563 improves how Bluetooth devices are displayed on the Windows taskbar. You’ll now see a new interactive overview of battery life every time you mouse over the Bluetooth icon, along with options for connecting Bluetooth devices.

As TechRadar notes, Windows has had a Bluetooth icon in the Taskbar since Windows XP 2001 that displayed options for available devices and a link to Bluetooth Settings in the Control Panel. It's fine, but it's also over two decades old, and it's nice to see Microsoft getting with the times and making it easier to see an overview of Bluetooth devices paired to your PC without having to leave the app or the desktop.

This improvement should be beneficial to folks who have multiple Bluetooth devices paired to their PC. If you play games on your PC, this ought to make it easier to see which controllers and headsets are connected at a glance, as well as the battery life of each connected device. After all, you don’t want your controller dying on you if you’re in the middle of a boss fight in Elden Ring.

Of course macOS users have had this feature for years, so it’s good that Microsoft is bringing it to Windows 11 after some testing via the Insider Program. Other upcoming features and updates like the improved volume slider, Stickers, Android app support, Auto HDR for gaming and more will make Windows 11 even better.

We don’t know when Microsoft will release this update to the general public but it will hopefully be in the near future. If you want to try Windows 11 updates before they’re rolled out to the general public, you can sign up for the Microsoft Insiders Program via either the Windows Insider Program website or from within Windows 11 itself. To sign up in Windows 11, hit the Start button and type Windows Insider Program and select Windows Insider Program settings from the Start menu.

You can opt to manually install preview builds as they’re released or set them up to automatically install. Given the cadence of Windows 11 updates, we should be seeing plenty of them in the coming weeks as Microsoft continues making Windows 11 a more user-friendly operating system.

• Get protected with a Windows VPN

Black Friday Bluetooth speaker deals are bringing the lowest prices of the year to popular Bluetooth speaker brands. Now is the best time to start shopping for new audio hardware at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart.

You can find Black Friday deals on Bluetooth speakers from manufacturers like JBL, LG, and Bose now through Cyber Monday. With that in mind, we're rounding up the best Black Friday Bluetooth speaker deals we can find here in one easy list to make your holiday shopping easier. We’ll keep updating this page with new deals as we find them, so make sure to bookmark it and check our coverage often to find the best savings.

Without further ado, here are the best Black Friday Bluetooth speaker deals you can buy now.

Top Black Friday Bluetooth speaker deals

• Insignia Sonic Portable: was $69 now $24 @ Best Buy
• Sylvania Big Rugged Bluetooth speaker: was $49, now $29 @ Walmart
• Anker Soundcore Select Pro Speaker: was $99, now $50 @ Walmart
• TREBLAB FX100 Bluetooth speaker: was $89 now $59 @ Amazon
• LG XBOOM Go Bluetooth speaker: was $129 now $69 @ Walmart
• JBL Charge 4 Bluetooth speaker: was $179 now $129 @ Amazon
• Klipsch The One II Bluetooth speaker: was $299 now $179 @ Amazon
• JBL PartyBox 100 Bluetooth speaker: was $369, now $299 @ Walmart
• Bose Home Speaker 500 w/ Google Assistant: was $399, now $349 @ Walmart
• Samsung Sound Tower Powered Speaker: was $699 now $379 @ Best Buy

Black Friday Bluetooth speaker deals — best sales

Bluetooth speaker deals

Researchers have found Bluetooth security flaws affecting at least 1,400 different models of commercial products ranging from laptops, smartphones and IoT devices to commercial aircraft and heavy trucks. The number of affected devices may run into the tens of millions. Unfortunately, some vendors, including Qualcomm and Texas Instruments, don't plan to fix all the flaws.

So says the team from the Singapore University of Technology and Design and Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research, who call their collective discoveries "BrakTooth" and have put up a website explaining it all.

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We're not going to delve into the technical details, but suffice it to say there are at least 16 different flaws affecting at least 13 different systems-on-a-chip (SoCs) or chipsets made by at least 11 different manufacturers, among them Intel, Cypress/Infineon, Harman International, Espressif, Silicon Labs and the aforementioned Qualcomm and Texas Instruments. 

The flaws could cause software crashes and communications freezes, and could in some cases permit arbitrary code execution — i.e., hacking. 

Here's a video provided by the researchers showing an attack that crashes a pair of JBL Tune 500 headphones.

The exact methods of attack will not be publicly disclosed until Oct. 31 to give vendors more time to deploy patches, but manufacturers can ask the researchers for private disclosure in order to test their devices.

"All the vulnerabilities ... can be triggered without any previous pairing or authentication," notes the research paper. 

The flaws affect "classic" Bluetooth, i.e. Bluetooth versions 1.0 through 3.0. They do not affect Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), also called Bluetooth 4.0 through 5.2, which is fundamentally different. However, almost all BLE-compatible devices are compatible with earlier forms of Bluetooth, rendering the devices vulnerable.

Affected devices

In addition to the JBL headphones, devices that the researchers tested themselves and were proven to be vulnerable included a Xiaomi Pocophone F1 smartphone, a Xiaomi MDZ-36-DB Bluetooth speaker and several development kits involving nearly a dozen SoCs. 

The researchers figured out that about 1,400 different devices use the vulnerable SocS, including the Microsoft Surface Book 3, Surface Go 2, Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro 7; the Dell Optiplex 5070 desktop PC, the Alienware m17 R3 gaming laptop and "many more" Dell PCs; the Sony Xperia XZ2 and Oppo Reno 5G CH1921 smartphones; an Ericsson home-entertainment hub used by professional installers; at least two but likely "many more" Walmart onn.-brand Bluetooth speakers; a Panasonic soundbar; the infotainment systems of some light and commercials airfract, as well as some Volvo heavy trucks; and at least two industrial devices.

"As the BT stack is often shared across many products, it is highly probable that many other products (beyond the 1400 entries observed in Bluetooth listing) are affected by BrakTooth," write the researchers.

Patch status

Three companies have already released patches for the flaws, including Espressif and Cypress/Infineon, said the researchers. Intel and Qualcomm are developing patches, while other vendors are investigating the research findings.

Unfortunately, since few of these companies make end-user products, in most cases device makers will have to  incorporate the patches into their own firmware updates and then pass them on to consumers.

Not all the vendors appear to be cooperating. The researchers said that Harman International and Silicon Labs "hardly communicated with the team and the status of their investigation is unclear at best." 

Meanwhile, Texas Instruments "has successfully replicated the security issue," but "will consider producing a patch only if demanded by customers." 

Qualcomm is fixing one flaw, as noted above, but the situation is more complicated with another flaw. It's already been fixed on the most recent version of one chipset, but Qualcomm "has no plan" to fix it on older versions, and the flaw can't be fixed on another chipset due to insufficient memory space.

The QCY T5S is a follow-up to the QCY T5 a longtime member of our best fake AirPods list, providing an upgraded option with additional features while keeping a similarly affordable price. The T5S is an affordable pair of wireless earbuds that offer a surprisingly good battery life and average sound quality. These water-resistant earbuds function via touch controls and fit well in the ear. 

While they may not hold up well enough for intense workouts, they’re also pretty decent for making phone calls or drowning out background chatter — and if you’re looking for a pair of gaming earbuds, the T5S works well too. Keep reading our full QCY T5S review to find out just how multitalented this set can be.

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QCY T5S review: Price and availability 

At $24, the QC5 is incredibly cheap for a pair of true wireless earbuds, though you don’t have much of a choice in retailers. We originally found the QC5 on Amazon, but it’s since disappeared, leaving Walmart as your best bet.

You at least get to choose between Black or White as the color scheme, the latter in particular making the QC5 resemble the much pricier Apple AirPods.

QCY T5S review: Design and comfort 

The QCY T5s earbuds are comfortable and snug in the ear. They come with three tip sizes (small, medium, large) so you can choose which one is best for you. During high intensity exercise or anything that jostles the head, the earbuds do tend to come loose, although they don’t fully fall out of the ear. 

These earbuds are water-resistant and sweat-proof, with an IPX5 rating to prove it. The lack of a firm, secure fit means that this isn’t as good a pair of workout earbuds as that level of protection would normally allow, but it’s good to have protection even if it’s just against drain or accidental drinks spillages.

QCY T5S review: Controls and digital assistant

You work the QCY T5S controls by touching the bar of the earbuds. You can power the earbuds on or off; answer, end, or ignore a phone call; activate voice assistant; turn on gaming mode; and play, pause, or skip a track of music. 

However, the earbuds are missing one basic control: volume. There isn’t a way to wirelessly adjust the volume of your music, video, or phone call. And the controls are a little too sensitive — every time I adjusted an earbud in my ear, I accidentally paused my music, which definitely got annoying. 

QCY T5S review: Sound quality

The sound quality of the QCY T5S doesn’t compare to more expensive, high-end earbuds. But for a relatively cheap pair of wireless earbuds, the T5S sound quality is pretty impressive. The sound is crisp and high-quality. Although the bass level definitely isn’t up to par, I was impressed overall with the T5S handled music playback.

QCY T5S review: App and special features

These earbuds come with an accompanying QCY app. Scan the barcode on the user manual with your phone to launch the app before starting up the earbuds. Once you download the app, you can use it for a surprisingly wide array of customization, like adjusting the earbuds’ sound and the button functions. The app can also be used to view how much the earbuds are charged. 

One additional special feature of the QCY T5S is single-side talk mode. You can use this setting to answer a phone call using only one earbud. While I didn’t necessarily have a need for the single-side talk mode, it was still nice to have. 

Just like the QCY T5, the T5S also offers a gaming mode that reduces audio lag while the user is playing video games; just tap the right earbud three times to activate game mode.

QCY T5S review: Battery life

The QCY T5S has a similar battery life to its predecessor the T5. QCY promises up to 6 hours of playback per charge, though in practice this is more like 405 hours, which is middling. 

The charging case powers the headphones for up to 35 hours. The LED lights on the earbuds glow different colors to indicate the battery level. Snap the earbuds into the magnetic charging case to give them a charge. The case itself is small, sleek, and highly portable — just the right size to easily carry around without it getting lost. 

QCY T5S review: Call quality and connectivity

The call quality of the T5S is neither poor nor excellent. As I sat outside and spoke to my brother on the phone, he could hear my voice loud and clear — but he could hear the background noise clearly, too. For earbuds of this price, the sound quality on calls is probably about what you would expect: It’s functional, but it’s nothing to write home about. The Bluetooth connection is stable, however, with no dropouts.

QCY T5S review: Verdict 

With its overly sensitive touch controls and loose fit, the QCY T5S earbuds aren’t perfect. But if you’re on a budget, the T5S remains a great option that offers good-quality sound and a level of comfort that’s well-suited to casual listening.

Many laptops come with built-in speakers, but they often lack the power to really do justice to your music at the volume or level of clarity you want. That’s why it’s a good idea to connect a Bluetooth speaker to your laptop.

Some of the best Bluetooth speakers can be picked up for less than you might imagine, and once you’ve made your pick, connecting a laptop to a Bluetooth speaker is a simple task. No longer will you struggle to hear people on Zoom calls, or fail to decipher song lyrics in a jumble of echoing sound.     

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You will, of course, need a laptop with Bluetooth capabilities in order to connect a speaker. However, most machines come with this functionally as standard, so if you bought your laptop within the last several years then chances are it’ll support Bluetooth. 

If your laptop’s internal speakers just aren’t getting the job done, here’s a guide on how to connect a laptop to a Bluetooth speaker. 

How to connect a laptop to a Bluetooth speaker: Windows 

1. Opens Settings. Open the Settings from the Start Menu, or use the search bar in the bottom left corner to search for it. 

2. From the Settings windows select Devices. If you have any trouble locating it make use of the search bar at the top of the window.

3. Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on. From the Devices submenu, you are able to turn Bluetooth on or off using the slider. Ensure that it’s set to on.

4. From the Devices menu click add Bluetooth or other device. This will bring up a second window, and from there you need to select the top option labeled Bluetooth.

5. Now your laptop will start searching for Bluetooth devices to pair with, so make sure your speaker is discoverable. Consult the manufacturer (or supplied instructions) if you’re not sure how to do with your particular device. 

6. If your laptop is searching for Bluetooth devices and your speaker is set to be discoverable, then it should appear in the list. Select your speaker when it appears in the Add a Device list.  

7. Your laptop should now connect to your Bluetooth speaker. Perform a volume test to ensure it’s functioning normally by playing sound through your laptop.  

How to connect a laptop to a Bluetooth speaker: macOS 

1. Open the Apple menu. To open the Apple menu click the Apple icon in the top right corner of your screen.  

2. This will open up a new window with several options. Select System Preferences.  

3. From the System Preferences menu click Bluetooth.  

4. Your Mac will now start searching for any Bluetooth devices nearby, so ensure that your Bluetooth speaker is discoverable. Consult the manufacturer (or supplied instructions) if you’re not sure how to do this with your particular device.   

5. Click Connect when your speaker appears in the Bluetooth devices list. It should only take a few moments for your device to appear.  

6. Your speaker should now be connected to your laptop. Perform a volume test by playing sound through your laptop to ensure everything is functioning as expected.   

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Are the Apple AirPods Max worth $549? It might seem unlikely given most of the best over-ear headphones are a lot cheaper. And, despite being both Apple’s most premium pair of headphones yet and capable of using a wired connection, the AirPods Max aren't compatible with the new Apple Adaptive Audio suite of features.

And yet, our answer is yes: the AirPods Max are worth $549. In fact you could fairly count them among the best noise-canceling headphones or the best headsets and headphones for working from home, and even the best headphones overall. Yes, there are cheaper AirPods Max alternatives, but the design, sound quality and features on offer make the real thing very tempting indeed.

That said, it's certainly no impulse buy. So I’ll summarize this Apple AirPods Max review specifically for those wondering whether they should splurge: They look great, they sound better, and they have enough bonus features that even $549 can be worth paying. With Apple’s newest headphones you really do get what you pay for. And there are some great accessories to choose from too, including our pick of the best AirPods Max cases and covers. 

You can also check out our face-offs between Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Max and AirPods Max vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.

Apple AirPods Max review: Price and availability

The AirPods Max cost $549 / £499 / AU$899 and are available to buy from Apple stores as well as online retailers including Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart. They come in five colors: space gray, silver, sky blue, green and pink. The ear cushions are magnetic and swappable, with replacement pairs costing $69.

Along with the headphones, in the box you’ll get a carrying Smart Case and Lightning-to-USB-C cable, but no power adapter. The AirPods Max also skip on the Lightning-to-3.5mm audio cable, which you’ll need to pick up for $35 if you want a non-Bluetooth listening option.

In other words, the AirPods Max headphones are cheaper than many of the best audiophile headphones, but will still cost you a pretty penny.

Apple AirPods Max review: Design

Unlike the Apple AirPods, which are sheathed in an iconic white plastic, the AirPods Max come in a fun color range that lends itself well to a retro aesthetic. The pink ones I tested remind me of candy, but not in a childish way. The headband and case embody Pantone’s infamous Living Coral hue, while the cans drip rose gold.

Those pivoting ear cups are covered by oval pillows of memory foam that aren’t as pulpy as those of the Sony WH-1000XM4, but still create a spongy, secure seal around my ears.

They’re connected by a 7.4 x 6.6 x 3.3 inch, stainless steel frame with slim, telescoping arms that expand at the top for a mesh headband. I sense the pressure relieved by the breathable canopy is what makes the 13.6 ounces feel lighter than they are. That said, the AirPods Max are noticeably heftier than the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.

Apple made a clever move to borrow and enlarge the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown for the AirPods Max. Similar to how the crown provides navigation for Apple's smartwatch, on the AirPods Max the crown is used for volume control, skipping tracks and playing or pausing audio. It's also a means of summoning Siri and answering or ending phone calls. I’ll admit there’s something satisfying about swivelling the dial, although I did swipe the volume while fussing with my hair more than once.

The other button on the right earcup is a switch for noise cancelation and transparency mode. So where is the AirPods Max power button, you might ask? There isn’t one, which is odd no matter how you frame it. Although they kick into low-power mode when they’re stationary for several minutes or in the magnetic smart case, I still think Apple should’ve included a way to completely power down the AirPods Max.

Apple AirPods Max review: Sound quality

The AirPods Max’s sound starts with a custom-built, 40mm dynamic driver in each cup, which are designed to deliver deep bass, accurate mid-range sounds and clean high-frequencies. There’s also a dual neodymium ring magnet motor that limits harmonic distortion to less than 1%, even at max volume. When I turned the AirPods Max all the way up, music sounded balanced as ever, although my Apple Health noise notifications increased.

Apple leverages an H1 chip in each ear, a custom acoustic design, and advanced software to achieve computational audio performance that’s akin to the computational photography prowess of the iPhone 12. Each of the chips have 10 audio cores that can perform 9 billion operations per second, supporting Adaptive EQ for tailored listening and adjusting sound appropriately on the fly. 

Now, enough with the technical specs. As wireless headphones, the AirPods Max likely aren’t the choice for true audiophiles or audio professionals who require lossless playback. Apple’s headphones still sound high-end, perhaps not as high-end as wired recording equipment, but offer more complexities than most popular headphones models.

The steady bassline in Kendrick’s Lamar’s “Humble” rang deep, and I could hear the rapper enunciating his words with a crispness I never noticed in the song before. While the WH-1000XM4 are similarly clear, they don’t provide the same degree of definition. Likewise, Alicia Keys sounded more smooth, yet precise in the opening run of “You Don’t Know My Name,” through the AirPods Max. With both these songs, it felt like I listened from a studio.

For more of a concert experience, I turned to Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion." Tom Hamilton's bass guitar vibrated through my ears, while Joe Perry's acoustics were intentional and Steven Tyler's sharp vocals transported me back to my first live Aerosmith show at an outdoor Long Island amphitheater. Metallica's "Enter Sandman" supplied a similar outcome; the bass drum boomed through the song's signature rumble.

I found something to appreciate about the AirPods Max’s soundstage across all my favorite musical genres, but my favorite aspect of testing didn’t come from music. Spatial audio, which Apple introduced with the AirPods Pro and helped put them among the best wireless earbuds, is a game-changing listening feature.

Spatial audio is basically surround sound but for a headset. It supports 5.1, 7.1 and Dolby Atmos video content, and uses built-in head tracking means to make sound relative to what you’re seeing on screen while watching video on your iPhone or iPad. For example, as ships zoomed from the left side of the screen towards the right and down towards a planet in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, their buzzes and hums followed with precision from my left ear to my ear one. Spatial audio also recalibrated when I moved my head, which never failed to impress me. 

Apple AirPods Max review: Noise cancelation and transparency mode

Just a few months ago, I picked up the AirPods Pro to drown out the sounds of screaming babies, noisy appliances and traffic in or around my apartment. They’ve been a huge help for focusing on work, but boy, the AirPods Max will make it difficult to go back to earbuds.

Although there’s only one level of noise cancelation, it’s excellent. If you prefer acute tuning for this feature, the Bose 700 is probably a more rational fit for you with its 11 levels of noise cancelation. Conversely the AirPods Max offer only one level of transparency, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 have several settings for ambient sound. 

The common theme for AirPods Max is that more options isn’t necessarily better. In side-by-side testing Apple’s headphones are neck-and-neck with the two best noise-canceling headphones in the game. I’d hesitate to call AirPods the new ANC king. I don’t leave my apartment much these days, so YouTube supplied me with New York City ambience sounds that recreate my rush-hour commuting soundscape. The AirPods Max did a better job than the Bose 700 at eliminating the low-frequencies of wind and the hum of busy streets, but Bose’s headphones excelled with mid- and high-frequency sounds like honking car horns and squeaking tires.

And again, if you’re keen on customizing your sound (or lack thereof) then the AirPods Max might not be your ideal headset. But if you’re okay giving up control to Apple’s computational performance powers, you won’t be disappointed.

Apple AirPods Max review: Connectivity and Siri control

It’s no surprise that those who own other Apple devices will be able to make the most of their AirPods Max experience. When you pull these headphones out of the case, the H1 chip initiates instantaneous pairing with your iPhone, and soon you can control your AirPods Max from your Apple Watch or handoff playback between your iPad or HomePod mini. 

You’ll also get Siri, which isn’t my preferred voice butler but nonetheless helpful for sending texts and answering calls. You can use Apple’s AI assistant to control the best HomeKit devices via the AirPods Max, too.

Apple AirPods Max review: Call quality

I found the AirPods Max are better than other AirPods models when it comes to phone call quality, eliminating most background noise per those I called for testing. I noticed I could hear myself speaking, that way I wouldn’t end up yelling by accident. In fact, in transparency mode the AirPods Max even boost the volume of my own voice in my ears. 

Apple AirPods Max review: Smart case

I normally wouldn’t dedicate an entire section of a review to a device’s holster, but the AirPods Max Smart Case has been ridiculed and memed to no end. I’ll be honest, I don’t hate it, even if it looks like an ostentatious leather purse. I’m not opposed to using the headband as a carrying handle, plus the supple case takes up minimal space when it's not in use. 

I do have two concerns, though: First, an exposed headband seems like a germ-magnet. I’m a hygienic human being, but should I pick up the AirPods Max with any kind of grime or crumb on my hand... just, ew. Second, the Smart Case doesn’t provide any sense of protection. I wouldn’t toss the AirPods Max in my backpack with the rest of my crap like I would other headphones, including my AirPods Pro. One of the five upgrades we want to see in the AirPods Max 2 is a better case. Until then, it's a smart idea to invest in one of the best AirPods Max cases. 

Apple AirPods Max review: Battery life

In my testing, I found the AirPods Max live up to Apple's claimed 20 hours of battery life, no matter how much time I spent listening, talking or quieting the world around me. Over the course of two days — including 3 hours of phone calls, 10 hours of music or TV and several hours of simple silence in between — my AirPods Max still had about 10% of juice left. And overnight, stored in their case, the battery barely drained. 

Apple planned out this no-power-button move pretty well. The low power modes are effective enough that most people should get several days of battery life out of AirPods Max with normal use. But if a long lasting battery is important to you, know you’ll get another 10 hours out of the Sony’s WH-1000XM4. 

Another thing to note is if you do opt for the lightning to 3.5mm accessory, you still need to charge the AirPods Max. The cable simply adds a wired listening option and eliminates the possibility of audio latency, but can’t be used to charge the cans

Apple AirPods Max review: Verdict

The AirPods Max are the best Apple headphones, so it’s a shame they’re not in a more palatable price range. But these headphones round out Apple’s ecosystem in a way I didn’t think I cared about, and now that they’re here, I’m having a hard time desiring any other over-ear headphones right now. The combination of cushy comfort, pristine audio quality and killer features like spatial audio is hard to beat.

Besides the fact that they’re more compatible for Android users, the Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones both cost hundreds of dollars less and offer comparable noise cancelation. Plus, both come with practical cases, a headphone jack and an off switch. 

If you can look past these caveats and have the dough to spend, the AirPods Max are your ticket to listening luxury. You might feel pressured to hop on the train with Apple’s legion of loyal customers, and I’m here to tell you that’s okay. The AirPods Max aren’t frivolous — they’re exceptional.

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