Prime Day is over — but not all the deals are. Bose's sales have stuck around for a little bit longer, and it's a rare chance to make huge savings. Bose headphones, speakers and more are up to 50% off right now. But hurry, because the discounts might disappear before long.

The deal I'm most excited about is the Bose QuietComfort Headphones on sale for $179, which is 50% off. If you're traveling this summer, the active noise canceling on these headphones is some of the best around and will save your ears from airplane chatter and every other kind of distraction!

Keep scrolling to see more of the best Bose deals. I also recommend checking out our Amazon promo codes.

Quick links

• shop all Bose deals at Amazon
• Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen: was $129 now $99
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: was $179 now $129
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones: was $359 now $179
• Bose TV Speaker: was $279 now $199
• Bose SoundLink Plus: was $269 now $179
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2nd Gen: was $299 now $249
• Bose SoundLink Max: was $399 now $279
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen: was $449 now $379
• Bose Smart Soundbar: was $549 now $399

Best Bose deals

More Audio deals

Prime Day 2026 is behind us, but 4th of July sales are just getting started and Bose is offering huge discounts across the board.

For a limited time, Bose headphones and speakers are up to 50% off at Amazon. If you're hoping to score some new audio devices for summer, you're going to want to jump on these lingering deals ASAP. For instance, you can grab the Bose SoundLink Flex for just $99. Need some new headphones? You can't go wrong with the Bose QuietComfort Headphones for $179. They're currently a whopping $180 off.

We don't know how long these rare Bose deals will last, so we recommend adding to cart immediately. Keep scrolling to check out the rest of my favorite picks from the sale.

Quick Links

• shop all Bose deals on Amazon
• Bose SoundLink Flex (Gen 2): was $149 now $99
• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Earbud: was $179 now $129
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2: was $279 now $149
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones: was $359 now $179
• Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: was $299 now $199
• Bose SoundLink Max: was $399 now $279
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2: was $449 now $369

Best Bose Deals

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I don't know about you, but I love listening to music whenever possible. Though I usually use earbuds or headphones to do so, I like jamming to my favorite tunes by listening to them through the best Bluetooth speakers too, especially if I'm hanging out with my partner. Or soundtracking a party. Or performing karaoke in the shower. Or dancing to Tame Impala while I cook.

Technology has come leaps and bounds, and today, we're spoilt for choice when it comes to speakers. With so many choices, where do you even start? Luckily for you, I review speakers for a living, and this Amazon Prime Day, I've handpicked my top deals, starting from just $27.

Yep, the Tribit StormBox Mini+ is down to just $27! It's the speaker I use at home, and for its size, it can get very loud. But what about those who don't want a small speaker and want a big, boombox-style one with Earth-shaking bass? You're in luck: the JBL Xtreme 4 is 34% off right now, and this deal saves you $130.

Fans of rock 'n' roll may want to consider picking up the Marshall Acton III, available for just $179 this Prime Day, and its drool-worthy looks and tactile amp-like controls are a sight to behold. Or if you want a party speaker that doubles as a guitar amp and karaoke machine, how about the Marshall Bromley 750, which is down to its lowest-ever price of $999 right now?

And there's a lot more where that came from! Keep reading for the best Prime Day speaker deals you can grab this week.

Meet your Bluetooth speakers deals expert

Quick links

• Shop all Amazon Prime Day deals now
• JBL Flip 7: was $149 now $94
• JBL Xtreme 4: was $379 now $249
• JBL Charge 6: was $199 now $159
• JBL Go 5: was $54 now $44
• Bose SoundLink Max: was $399 now $279
• Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): was $139 now $99
• Marshall Emberton III: was $179 now $99
• Marshall Acton III: was $299 now $179
• Marshall Stanmore III: was $399 now $249
• Marshall Bromley 750: was $1,299 now $999
• Tribit StormBox Lava: was $139 now $94
• Tribit StormBox Micro 3: was $64 now $47
• Tribit StormBox Mini+: was $34 now $27
• EarFun UBoom L: was $79 now $52
• 8BitDo Retro Cube 2: was $55 now $49

Best Prime Day JBL deals

Best Prime Day Bose deals

Best Prime Day Marshall deals

Best Prime Day Tribit deals

Best Prime Day miscellaneous deals

We're tracking all the best Prime Day speaker deals

Prime Day 2026 is officially here and this year there are tons of discounts on Bose gear. You can save 50% on the Bose QuietComfort Headphones right now, 30% on the Bose SoundLink Max, and $150 off the Bose Smart Soundbar.

I've tested well over 100 audio products by this point, including all the best soundbars, best headphones, best earbuds, best speakers, and everything in between. When people ask me for recommendations, one of the first brands I go to is Bose. Did you know Dr. Bose literally invented ANC? You'd expect the Bose QuietComfort line to have the best ANC in the world — and you'd be right. If you want to shut out the rest of the world, I wholeheartedly recommend checking out any Bose headphones or earbuds.

We're tracking all the best deals so you don't have to, so be sure to check our Prime Day liveblog, TV deals liveblog and the best Apple deals.

Best Bose Prime Day deals: Quick links

• Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen: was $129 now $99 @ Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: was $179 now $129 @ Amazon
• Bose TV Speaker: was $279 now $199 @ Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones: was $359 now $179 @ Amazon
• Bose SoundLink Plus: was $269 now $179 @ Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2nd Gen: was $299 now $249 @ Amazon
• Bose SoundLink Max: was $399 now $279 @ Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen: was $449 now $379 @ Amazon
• Bose Smart Soundbar: was $549 now $399 @ Amazon

Best Bose Prime Day deals

We're tracking all the best Prime Day audio deals

I've sifted through the dregs of Amazon so you don't have to — and I've found savings for five of my highest-rated soundbars. As one of Tom's Guide's resident soundbar reviewers, I've tested enough of these home cinema bad boys to know exactly which ones are worth your time (and money).

It's not even Prime Day yet, and Samsung, Sony, and Bose have all slashed prices on some of their best soundbars, including the super-budget Sony HT-S100F, Bose Smart Soundbar (usually $550!), and my personal favorite mid-range soundbar, Samsung Q600F. I genuinely didn't believe this price when I saw it — $371. For a — really good — soundbar and subwoofer? Its launch price was $599! Is this real life?

I wouldn't wait for Prime Day with deals like this, but if you want to stick around for the Tom's Guide Savings Squad to save the day, we've selected the best Prime Day deals on everything from TVs to headphones to coffee makers to smart watches.

Best early Prime Day soundbar deals: Quick links

• Sony HT-S100F: was $118 now $98 @ Amazon
• Klipsch Flexus Core 100: was $349 now $249 @ Amazon
• Sonos Beam Gen 2: was $499 now $369 @ Amazon
• Samsung Q600F: was $599 now $371 @ Amazon
• Bose Smart Soundbar: was $549 now $399 @ Amazon

Best early Prime Day soundbar deals

We're tracking all the best Prime Day soundbar deals

Prime Day is still a week away — but after seeing these Bose deals, it feels like the savings event has already begun! The brand is already slashing prices on its popular audio gear, with discounts reaching up to $130 off select devices.

If you're in the market for a speaker to tote along to the pool or beach this summer, I recommend the Bose SoundLink Micro for just $99. Hoping to grab a new pair of earbuds? The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are currently 47% off. When it comes to headphones, you can't go wrong with the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Ultra for $329 — a discount of $120!

We don't know how long these rare Bose deals will last, so we recommending adding to cart ASAP. Keep scrolling to check out the rest of my favorite picks from the early Prime Day sale. Also, check out the Tom's Guide Savings Squad for more personal deal recommendations.

Quick Links

• shop all Bose deals on Amazon
• Bose SoundLink Micro: was $129 now $99
• Bose SoundLink Flex (Gen 2): was $159 now $149
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2: was $279 now $149
• Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: was $299 now $199
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones: was $359 now $329
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: was $449 now $329
• Bose Smart Soundbar: was $549 now $399

Best Bose Deals

With early Prime Day deals cropping up left and right, now is the perfect time to invest in those high-quality headphones, earbuds or speakers you've been eyeing. The good news? Amazon is currently hosting a sale with up to 50% off top-rated audio devices.

Amazon's sale has deals to fit every budget. In fact, some of the best headphones we've tested from brands like JBL, Bose, Apple and Sony will cost you as little as $29. Plus, some of our favorite speakers are also on sale, including the Bose SoundLink Micro for just $99.

If you're ready to upgrade your audio devices ahead of summer travel, pool parties, beach days and more, keep scrolling. I've rounded up all my favorite audio device deals on Amazon that will get you the most bang for your buck!

Quick Links

• shop all early Prime Day deals on Amazon
• JBL Go 3 Bluetooth Speaker: was $39 now $29
• Sony WH-CH520: was $59 now $38
• Beats Flex Wireless: was $69 now $49
• Apple AirPods 4: was $129 now $99
• Bose SoundLink Micro: was $129 now $99
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2: was $279 now $149

Bose Deals

Apple Deals

Beats Deals

Sony Deals

JBL Deals

Need some new audio devices for summer? Look no further than Bose — the popular brand that makes some of the best headphones and best waterproof Bluetooth speakers on the market. In fact, Amazon's early Prime Day sale is currently slashing up to 47% off the popular devices.

If you're in the market for a speaker to tote along to the pool or beach this summer, I recommend the Bose SoundLink Flex (Gen 2) for just $119. When it comes to headphones, you can't go wrong with the Bose QuietComfort Headphones for $229 — a discount of $130!

We don't know how long these rare Bose deals will last, so we recommending adding to cart ASAP. Keep scrolling to check out the rest of my favorite picks from the early Prime Day sale.

Quick Links

• shop all Bose deals on Amazon
• Bose SoundLink Micro: was $129 now $99
• Bose SoundLink Flex (Gen 2): was $149 now $119
• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Earbud: was $179 now $149
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2: was $279 now $149
• Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: was $299 now $229
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones: was $359 now $229
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: was $449 now $329

Best Bose Deals

We've all been there. You're on a bus, train or other mode of public transportation, and you're consistently being disturbed by someone watching things on their phone — out loud, without using headphones or earbuds. When the 2026 FIFA World Cup starts in a couple of weeks, you'll see — hear, rather — people watching games out loud on their phones. Don't be that guy. No one likes that guy.

I, for one, know that I'll be using my phone to either catch up on games or watch them live, and there's an easy way to ensure you aren't disturbing anyone's peace, and that's by using a pair of the best headphones. I test headphones day in and day out, so for your convenience, I've shortlisted my favorite cans — all of which will arrive well in time for the first kick-off.

Whether you've got a budget of $100 or you're willing to spend nearly $500, there's a pair of headphones for everyone. The ones I've picked all feature highly effective ANC to make you feel immersed; clear vocals so that you can hear the commentary properly, and powerful bass so that you can feel the crowd rumbling and chanting in your chest.

Under $100

Under $200

Under $300

Under $400

Under $500

Under $600

More from Tom's Guide

• I thought the Apple AirPods Max 2 were way overhyped — but I finally tried them and they're some of the best headphones I've ever used
• I've been testing the new Marshall Milton ANC for 3 weeks — they fix my biggest gripe with on-ear headphones, and are the new gold standard
• My doctor banned me from earbuds so I got these Marshall headphones instead — and I’m surprised I didn’t do it sooner

Over a year ago, I ditched in-ear buds for over-ear headphones and didn't look back. You'll usually find me with my trusty Marshall Monitor III headphones around my neck, or sitting atop my head while I jam to my favorite tunes. While I love my headphones, I'm no stranger to itchy ears from sweating, and due to the very nature of over-ear cans, they can be tricky to wear for long periods of time during the summer.

The solution is a simple one, of course: get a pair of in-ear buds. In-ear buds don't sit around your ears, like over-ear headphones do, so they don't feel suffocating during the year's hottest months. And you don't need to spend big bucks to get a decent pair — which is why I'm opting for the Sony WF-C710N.

I tested the WF-C710N back in April 2025, and to date, they remain some of the best wireless earbuds I've ever tested. They're lightweight and ridiculously comfortable, and their see-through Glass Blue design is nothing short of delicious. Meaty bass, crisp treble, refined mids, and with highly effective ANC — these earbuds have got it all. And the best part? They're $170 cheaper than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2. It's time to upgrade your life for less with the WF-C710N.

Like you aren't even wearing them

Having tested and used many earbuds in my time, I believe that the true hallmark of a good pair is when you don't even realize they're in your ears. I should be able to go about my day without feeling earbuds digging into my ear canal. By that standard, then, the Sony WF-C710N are simply excellent.

Each earbud weighs just 0.18oz which is practically nothing. In my ears, they fit snugly and never once have they fallen out, even when I've been walking briskly or headbanging. There have been times where I've forgotten that the WF-C710N are in my ears, and that says everything you need to know about their comfort level.

In addition to that, the WF-C710N are sure to turn heads because they look stunning. Available in white, black and blue, I'd personally recommend the third option. You can see the wires and hardware on the see-through Glass Blue model, and this sets the earbuds apart from any others on the market right now.

They sound amazing

I would never recommend a pair of earbuds unless they sounded downright fantastic — yes, even if it's very comfortable and good-looking. The Sony WF-C710N have that covered, with their 5mm drivers delivering powerful bass and vibrant treble. Thanks to Sony's trademarked Digital Sound Enhancement Engine technology, sound is reproduced as close to the original recording as possible.

Through the WF-C710N, the distorted bass in 070 Shake's 'Elephant' and the reverberating bassline in Twenty One Pilots' 'No Chances' sound fantastic. It's powerful enough that you can you feel the music in your skull but not so booming that it overpowers the rest of the soundstage.

Treble is crisp but not overzealous, so you can clearly hear the high-pitched coins in Pink Floyd's 'Money' but that sound doesn't pierce through the soundscape or undermines the other instruments.

For a pair of in-ear buds, the WF-C710N provide an excellent, immersive listening experience. Combine that with the highly effective ANC that goes toe-to-toe with Bose, and you've got a winning formula. The ANC is so good that you can't hear the kettle boiling or the TV indoors, and the noise of a bus rattling while you're traveling is also muted. You're getting bang for your buck here.

In the summer, you need a pair of earbuds that enable your ears to breathe — and while headphones are great, they clamp down on your earlobes, leading to some discomfort, especially during heatwaves. Conversely, when it gets colder, over-ear cans are a great choice, because they can double as earmuffs and provide some warmth to your ears when temperatures drop.

What do you think? Do you swap between over-ear headphones (or on-ears) and in-ear buds depending on the weather? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

More from Tom's Guide

• Sony WF-C710N review
• Do you need to spend $449 on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen when you can get the new Marshall Milton ANC for $229? I tested both and I’m very surprised
• Not all on-ear headphones are uncomfortable: I’ve been using the new Marshall Milton ANC for 3 weeks and they’re ridiculously comfortable and offer outstanding sound too

It's no secret that Bose is the unbeaten king of noise-canceling headphones. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen are incredible, boasting a plethora of outstanding features, including best-in-class ANC, supreme comfort levels, and great battery life. But it's also no secret that these headphones are very expensive, priced at $449 / £449, and not everyone can afford them.

But just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't have nice things — and British manufacturer Marshall has just shaken up the ANC scene with its brand new Marshall Milton ANC on-ear cans. I know what you'll say to that: a) they're on-ears and not over-ears like the QuietComfort Ultra, and b) how can any brand even conceivably think of dethroning Bose as the ANC king?

To that, I have a few retorts: a) they're on-ears but they're great on-ears, b) the Milton ANC weren't created to dethrone Bose, and a bonus c) they're half the price of the QuietComfort Ultra and for $229 / £179, they're simply fantastic. I've been testing the Milton ANC for three weeks and I've been using the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen for a week. If you can't afford Bose's offering, Marshall's offers bang for your buck. Here's why.

Hi, Nikita here! This isn't going to be a traditional face-off like the others you may have seen on Tom's Guide, such as my Marshall Milton ANC vs Monitor III. It would be unfair to make direct comparisons between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen and the Milton ANC as both vastly differ when it comes to price, so it would be crown just one a winner. Think of this article as more of buying advice instead.

A few tricks up Marshall's sleeve

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen are excellent, but one of the areas they struggle in is battery life. The OG Ultra offered just 24 hours of playback time, but their successor kicks it up a notch to 30 hours... but that's still not class-leading. Meanwhile, one of the things Marshall has historically nailed with its consumer-first headphones (like the Monitor III) is battery life — and the Milton ANC are no different.

Offering 50 hours of battery life with ANC on and 80 hours with ANC off, the Milton ANC blow the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen out of the water. It's not even close, really. Sure, you get better ANC with the latter, but if it's more juice you're after, the Milton ANC are worth the trade-off.

But it isn't a massive trade-off either, which brings me to the Milton ANC's key selling point: these are Marshall's first-ever on-ear cans to feature ANC, and they've knocked it out of the park. I've tested a few on-ear headphones now, and the Milton ANC offer the most effective noise cancellation of them all.

Sounds indoors, like the kettle boiling or the clickity clackity of mechanical keyboards, are muted to ensure you feel immersed in your music. Outdoors, the ANC is alright — the sound of cars zooming past makes it through but it isn't too jarring.

I won't lie: using the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen outdoors blew me away as I couldn't hear anything, and they made me feel like I was in a room so quiet I could hear a pin drop. But I wouldn't hear that pin drop because the headphones would cancel out the noise. The Milton ANC can't compete with that, and they don't need to. For half the price of the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen, you're still getting pretty solid ANC, and the best on-ears have to offer at the time of writing.

Take control

I've spent a fair bit of time using the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen. I've found them extremely comfortable, and the plush ear cushions make my ears feel like they're resting on clouds. The design, though unchanged from the OG headphones, is pretty enough to look at, but the thing that bothers me most? The controls.

This might be a hot take but I think we need to get rid of touch controls on all headphones. They work fine on earbuds — the ones I've tested, at least — but I've never been a fan of them on headphones. The QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen's touch slider to adjust the volume sticks out like a sore thumb, and I've found its placement frustrating and ability to register my commands finicky, at best.

Turns out, I'm not the only one here at Tom's Guide who has struggled with the touch controls on the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen. Our Buying Guide Editor, Tammy, mentioned them in her review of the headphones, and Senior Reviews Writer, Erin, easily gave the win to the AirPods Max 2 when it came to the two headphones' controls.

So, what's better than a strange mix of physical and touch controls that leaves users frustrated? Full physical controls, just like on the Marshall Milton ANC. There are two buttons that control everything on the Milton ANC: a joystick-like power button that can be used to adjust volume and change tracks, and a customizable 'M' button that can be personalized to enable Spatial Audio, change EQ, or enable/disable ANC.

And simplicity works. The controls are easy to understand and don't give you much to complain about. Not to mention, that brass power button looks drool-worthy. The Milton ANC's design, in general, looks classier and more premium than the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen, but that's just my opinion.

Music to my ears

What surprised me most about using the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen and the Marshall Milton ANC to listen to music back-to-back was how similar their tuning is. Both headphones offer deep, rich, bass-first sound profiles, which may not be everyone's cup of tea — and if they aren't, both headphones come with user-friendly apps to customize the EQ.

Personally, I love bass-first tuning because that's the aspect of the soundstage I enjoy the most, so both the Milton ANC and the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen impressed me straight out of the box. 'Let It Happen' by Tame Impala sounds glorious through both pairs, but when it comes to spatial audio, I think the Milton ANC's Soundstage creates more of an immersive listening experience. The QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen's spatial audio is good but it does so at the cost of bass which sounds muted. The Milton ANC's, on the other hand, keeps the bass thumping while making the track sound wider.

'FA9LA' by Flipperachi sounds excellent through both headphones too, with great emphasis on the pounding bass without making the treble sound too shrill or piercing. Vocals? Crystal clear, with each word discernible and not bleeding into the next.

One of the biggest advantages of using the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen is that because the ANC is mindblowing, it makes you feel truly immersed in your music. The ANC on the Milton ANC is good, like I said earlier, but doesn't come close, and that has an impact on your listening experience. Swings and roundabouts.

Looking ahead...

So, should you buy the Marshall Milton ANC or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen? I wish I could say that there's a straightforward "yes" or "no" to that question but there isn't. Question is, how much are you willing to spend? If you've got a budget of over $450, money is no object, or you want to get peerless ANC, the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen are a no-brainer.

But if you can't loosen the purse strings to that extent, the Milton ANC are great value for money. They cost $229, so almost half the price of the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen, but they don't compromise on features that matter most to 90% of users. Here at Tom's Guide, our job is to help you upgrade your life for less, and when it comes to getting premium features and audio at a non-premium price, you can't go wrong with the Milton ANC.

More from Tom's Guide

• Not all on-ear headphones are uncomfortable: I’ve been using the new Marshall Milton ANC for 3 weeks and they’re ridiculously comfortable and offer outstanding sound too
• I’ve been testing the Marshall Milton ANC on-ears vs Marshall Monitor III over-ears — and it’s closer than you think
• I've been testing the new Marshall Milton ANC for 3 weeks — they fix my biggest gripe with on-ear headphones, and are the new gold standard

Hoping to score some new audio devices for summer? Look no further than Bose — the popular brand that makes some of the best headphones and best waterproof Bluetooth speakers on the market.

In fact, Bose is hosting a sale on Amazon with up to 47% off. If you're in the market for a speaker, I recommend the Bose SoundLink Flex (Gen 2) for just $135. When it comes to headphones, you can't go wrong with the Bose QuietComfort Headphones for $229, which are $120 off.

We don't know how long these rare Bose deals will last, so we recommending adding to cart ASAP. Keep scrolling to check out the rest of my favorite picks from the sale.

Quick Links

• shop all Bose deals on Amazon
• Bose SoundLink Micro: was $129 now $99
• Bose SoundLink Flex (Gen 2): was $149 now $135
• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Earbud: was $179 now $149
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2: was $279 now $149
• Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: was $299 now $229
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones: was $349 now $229
• Bose SoundLink Max: was $399 now $339

Best Bose Deals

Bose has shown us time and time again that it can build some truly great soundbars — both the Bose Smart and Bose Smart Ultra soundbars being good examples. But in 2026, the brand wants to take things to another level with the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar.

Although I’ve only had a few days with it, the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar feels like it’s a true Sonos Arc Ultra competitor. It sounds great both with and without the additional Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer, and I was hard-pressed to hear anything wrong with it.

Is it time for the Arc Ultra to finally give up its crown as the best soundbar?

TL;DR

• What is it? A new Spatial Audio soundbar from Bose
• How much will it cost? $1,099 for the black or white model
• What does it work with? Any streaming service that supports Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth

Price and availability

The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar was announced on May 5 2026, and became available to pre-order at Bose.com shortly afterwards.

At $1,099, it’s the most expensive soundbar in Bose’s range, but it’s similar in specs and power to the $999 Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and is exactly the same price as its closest competitor, the Sonos Arc Ultra.

If you want something a bit more manageable in price, the 3.0-channel Bose TV Soundbar starts at $279, while the 5.0-channel Bose Smart Soundbar can be had for $549.

Design

Bose being Bose, the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar only comes in two color options: black and white… Excuse me, Arctic White.

The top of the soundbar is divided into two layers. There’s a fabric layer that wraps all the way around the front and sides of the soundbar and a glossy section that sits on top and acts almost as a mirror to the TV.

Spin it around to the back and you'll see a strange array of ports. You've got the essential HDMI-in port that you'll want to connect to the eARC HDMI port on your TV, but also connections for Ethernet, Bass and Data, as well as a USB-C port for service.

I'm not sure I totally understand why some of these ports are here and I would trade any one of the aforementioned extras for an HDMI passthrough that could link up to a Blu-ray player or game console.

On the top right of the soundbar are the touch-sensitive controls laid out in a large circular indentation. You'll mostly use your phone to control playback, but these are handy to use in a pinch.

Audio

According to Bose, the speaker features six full-range drivers (two up-firing and four front-facing) alongside an additional center tweeter and two proprietary Bose PhaseGuide drivers inside the main bar. On the back are two QuietPort acoustic openings that enable what Bose calls "CleanBass" technology.

The specs are all very impressive on paper. But how does the speaker actually sound? I haven’t put the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar through my entire testing regimen yet, but I’m fairly pleased with what I’ve heard from it so far.

To kick things off, I started with songs from Qobuz, my streaming service of choice. First up: “The Mountain” by Gorillaz. Its blend of sitars and flutes fluttered wonderfully out of the soundbar, never too shrill for my ears and perfectly balanced. The soundstage wasn’t the largest, especially if I toggled off the subwoofer, but the clarity was great.

To test the bass response, I threw on “Barbra Streisand” by Duck Sauce. If you need an impromptu dance party in your living room, I highly recommend giving this a listen. The bass response wasn’t the greatest with just the soundbar, but there was enough oomph there to get me bobbing along with the beat.

Testing some classical music, “Star Wars: A New Hope Main Title” was up next — and I knew this one was going to be difficult for the soundbar.

Unfortunately, to make classical music to sound like you’re listening to it at the philharmonic, you need a wide soundstage. It’s here the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar fell a little flat. There was nothing wrong with the sound profile itself, mind you, it just felt cramped. Admittedly, this is an issue with nearly all soundbars, but I was hoping Bose’s CustomTune technology would widen things a bit.

Last but not least was “INDUSTRY BABY” by Lil Nas X, a perennial banger that should have the windows and walls shaking with its deep sub-bass. Without the subwoofer enabled, the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar got pretty darn low, but it wasn’t until I flipped back on the subwoofer that I really got the walls to shake.

To see how dialogue sounded, I threw on a Premiere League game. With the SpeechClarity setting at Medium, the announcers were crystal clear and the cheers of the audience were audible, but not overwhelming. This is an area that I'll really dive into with more movies and shows when I write the final review early next week.

Setup and smart features

Setup for the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar is done via the Bose app. The whole process can be done in just a few minutes and requires little technical knowledge to pull off. It also worked the first time, which is something I can’t say about every soundbar I’ve tested recently (cough, LG Sound Suite H7, cough).

Inside the app are a number of very simple tuning options. There’s a three-band EQ (treble, mids, bass) and adjustments for height and surround. You’ll want to adjust the height of the sound to match the distance to your TV. If the soundbar sits five feet below the TV, crank this setting up to +5. Need the sound lower? Go in the other direction to -5.

If you pick up the subwoofer to go with it, you’ll be able to toggle it on and off via the app as well as increase its output if you feel the bass is a little lacking. I had mine set to a +2 for the majority of my hands-on time, but I occasionally cranked it up higher to see if I could rattle windows. (I was able to and my wife was none-too-pleased about it.)

You’ll also come into the app to re-configure your setup if you shell out for a pair of Bose Lifestyle Ultra speakers or need to change the source of your playback from HDMI to Bluetooth or AirPlay.

Outlook

I'll need to spend some more time with it before I can say definitively whether this overtakes the Sonos Arc Ultra, but I think it's going to be exceptionally close.

Features like Bose's custom tuning and SpeechClarity are genuinely helpful, and I think music sounds fantastic for a soundbar. There are some minor issues like the small soundstage and lack of an HDMI passthrough port that are troubling, however.

Although it's a bit pricey, the Lifestyle Ultra is a darn good entry in Bose's storied soundbar lineup, and it's one I'm excited to fully test over the next week or two.

What took so long? It’s pretty remarkable that, for all its other products, it has taken Bose this long to come out with an in-home smart speaker. But the Bose Lifestyle Ultra is finally here, and it looks like the company has not only taken lessons from its own rich history of designing audio products, but also from what’s worked — and what hasn’t — from its competitors.

Apart from delivering excellent audio, this is the first smart speaker not made by Amazon that supports Alexa+; it supports AirPlay, Google Cast, and Spotify Connect, and you can even plug it directly into a turntable.

But, having used it for a week, I have a few reservations. So how does the Bose Lifestyle Ultra stack up against the best smart speakers? You’ll have to read the rest of my review to find out.

Bose Lifestyle Ultra review: Price and availability

The Bose LifeStyle Ultra Speaker went on sale May 5 2026 at Bose.com, and is more widely available at other retailers. The speaker comes in three colors: the black and white models cost $299, while a limited-edition Driftwood Sand model costs $349.

Bose Lifestyle Ultra review: Design

Stylistically, the Bose speaker falls between the all-plastic Sonos Era 100 and the completely cloth-covered Apple HomePod 2. The body of Bose’s speaker is made primarily of plastic, but the front and sides are wrapped in an acoustic cloth, which softens the overall look.

The top of the device has a speaker grille towards the front, and a circular indentation towards the rear with volume controls. In between are additional touch-sensitive controls for Bluetooth and muting the speaker’s microphone. With all the little icons, it feels a bit busy, but that’s just me.

I saw all three color options in person, and the limited-edition Driftwood Sand model definitely stands out, especially with its white oak base. If you have wood decor, it might be worth springing the cash.

Bose Lifestyle Ultra review: Audio quality

As you might expect from a Bose product, the sound quality from the Lifestyle Ultra speaker is superb. To test its performance, I streamed a number of tracks through Spotify.

One thing I noticed in my hands-on — and confirmed in my home — is that the Bose speaker has much brighter mids and highs compared to the Sonos Era 100. As a result, female vocals were especially more pronounced and defined. I could really hear the personality of Carole King singing “I feel the Earth Move,” Dua Lipa in “Dance the Night,” and Kristen Chenoweth belting out “Popular.”

In fact, the mids were forward sometimes to the point of them sounding a bit too harsh. It was especially evident when I cranked “Tom Sawyer,” Geddy Lee’s falsetto cracked a little bit on the higher lines.

Lower tones also came through loud and clear; on that same track, the bass line and drums were so crisp that I could hear every bang and thump cleanly. The thumping bass line on the Beastie Boys’ “Paul Revere” also rang through like the silversmith running through Massachusetts warning of the British.

When played on the Sonos Era 100, those same vocals weren’t as present — things felt a bit rounder and pulled back — but the soundstage also was a bit wider, if not as tall as the Bose.

Ultimately, choosing between the Bose and the Sonos really comes down to a matter of preference. Both offer superior audio quality, and it’s hard to pick a winner based on sound alone.

The upward-firing speaker also added a bit more height to music, which, in the absence of Dolby Atmos support, is a nice little extra. Still, both the HomePod 2 and Amazon Echo Studio support spatial audio, so Atmos’ absence is felt.

Unlike some of the other smart speakers I’ve tested — most notably the Sonos Era 100, HomePod 2, and even the Amazon Echo Studio — the Bose Lifestyle Ultra speaker does not support Bose’s room-tuning feature, CustomTune.

Bose Lifestyle Ultra review: App and home theater capabilities

Maybe Bose learned from Sonos’ lesson, because its app is pretty minimalistic — but in a good way. You really only need it to set up the speaker, connect it to Wi-Fi, Alexa+, and tweak EQ settings. It has a 3-band EQ (treble, mid, and bass) plus a fourth for height. Overall, it has one of the clearest guides to walk you through the setup process that I’ve ever seen.

After that, there’s little reason why you’d need to use the app, as Bose has designed it to work within the music app of your choice. It’s compatible with Google Cast, Apple Airplay, and Spotify Connect; when I opened Spotify, the Bose speaker was listed there as a music source.

If all else fails, you can also simply connect to the speaker via Bluetooth, or just plug in a 3.5mm cord in the back. At a time when physical audio connections seem to be disappearing, it’s nice to see Bose keeping this legacy connector around.

You can also pair two Bose Lifestyle Ultra speakers for stereo sound, group them in different rooms of your house, or add them as part of a home theater surround system. One bummer is that, while the Lifestyle Ultra Speakers can be paired with a Bose Lifestyle Ultra soundbar, they’re not backwards-compatible with other Bose equipment. So, if you already have a Bose soundbar, you won’t be able to use these as surrounds.

Bose Lifestyle Ultra review: Smart home features

The Lifestyle Ultra is the first third-party smart speaker that’s compatible with Alexa+, Amazon’s AI-improved voice assistant. However, unlike the HomePod and Echo Studio, the Bose Lifestyle Ultra lacks presence, temperature, or any other sensor of that ilk which would allow you to create automated routines

Bose Lifestyle Ultra review: Bottom line

The Bose Lifestyle Ultra is a very capable and well-designed smart speaker. Its audio quality is superb, it’s easy to set up, it works seamlessly with all the major music streaming services and it’s the first third-party smart speaker that can access Alexa+.

All that being said, it’s sandwiched between some well-established competition. At $299, it’s the same price as the Amazon Echo Studio and Apple HomePod 2, but those models both support spatial audio and have extra sensors to take fuller advantage of their smart home capabilities.

Bose’s other chief competitor in this market, the Sonos Era 100, has now been out for three years, costs $80 less, and offers similar audio quality. (Sonos also sells the Alexa-free Sonos Era 100 SL for $189, so I suspect that not as many use voice controls as the company originally thought.)

In addition, all three rivals offer some sort of room-tuning capability, while the Bose does not.

On the basis of its performance as a speaker to play music from your turntable or streaming service of choice, the Bose Lifestyle Ultra will not disappoint. However, it falls a little short when it comes to the little extras you get with its rivals.

It's taken a minute, but Bose is finally coming out with a smart speaker that will rival the likes of the Sonos Era 100 and Apple HomePod 2. Last week, I had the opportunity to listen to the Bose LifeStyle Ultra Speaker, a new device that will not only let you stream music from Spotify, Apple Music and more, but also connect to your home theater system — including your record player.

But how does Bose's new product compare to the best smart speakers? I checked out the Bose LifeStyle Ultra Speaker; here's my early impression of a device that could be the next addition to your entertainment system.

TL;DR

• What is it? A new smart speaker from Bose
• How much will it cost? $299 for the black or white model
• What does it work with? Any streaming service that supports Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth

Price and availability

The Bose LifeStyle Ultra Speaker goes on sale today (May 5) at Bose.com — we can only imagine that it will be available at other retailers shortly after. The Lifestyle Ultra Speaker will come in three colors: the black and white models will cost $299, while a limited-edition Sandstone model will cost $349.

At launch, Bose's speaker will cost $80 more than the Sonos Era 100 and Amazon Echo Studio, but is the same price as the Apple HomePod 2.

Also going on sale today is the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar ($1,099) as well as the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer ($899). Unfortunately, the soundbar is only available in black or white, so you can't get one to match your Sandstone-colored Speaker.

Design

Bose's smart speaker is roughly the same size as its main competition, but has some nice design flourishes to set it apart. As viewed from the top, it has an oval shape, with a fabric wrapping around the front and sides, to give it a softer look. The majority of the rest of the speaker is made of plastic, but the base of the Sandstone model is made of white oak, which looks most visually distinctive.

On the top are the speaker's touch-sensitive controls; there's a large circular indentation for volume controls, which you can adjust either by tapping or spinning your finger around.

Also on the top, you'll see a grille for an upward-firing speaker, which Bose says will help give your music more vertical depth.

Around back is the power plug, as well as a 3.5mm audio jack; the bottom of the speaker has a screw mount should you wish to place it on a pedestal.

Audio

Inside the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker are three drivers; a forward-facing woofer and tweeter, and one more tweeter that's directed upwards. There's also a rather large resonance chamber that exits out the rear of the speaker, to add additional passive bass to your music.

During my hands-on session with the speaker, the music I heard ("Man I Need by Olivia Dean, "Bad as I Used to Be" by Chris Stapleton, "Peaceful Place" by Leon Bridges," and "Hey Nineteen" by Steely Dan) was definitely impressive for its size. Bass was powerful without being overwhelming, and vocals came through crisply.

I will say that the highs sounded a bit too bright for my tastes, but I'll have to listen to it more before I can render an official verdict.

The upward-firing speaker definitely added height to the tracks I listened to, but this is a speaker you'll want to have placed fairly close to a wall, so that the music has something to bounce off. However, keep in mind that unlike the HomePod 2, it does not support Dolby Atmos.

Home theater capabilities

Like most other smart speakers, you can pair two of Bose's together for stereo, and you can also create a multi-room setup.

Similar to the Sonos Era 100, the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker can be used as rear-channel satellites with the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar, should you want to create a more fully immersive home theater setup. However, the Ultra Speakers struggle to interface directly with a TV, unless you were to run RCA cables from your TV to each speaker.

The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker has a 3.5mm jack, which lets you connect it directly to a turntable — a nice touch for those who want to listen to records with as little fuss as possible. (With the Sonos, you need to purchase a USB-C adapter, and the HomePod and Echo Studio lack this capability entirely.)

Smart functions

Bose takes a very light approach when it comes to the app that controls the speaker. While you need the app to set it up, connect it to your Wi-Fi network, and adjust things such as treble and bass, you won't use the app to when using your music streaming service of choice.

Rather, you'll go through that company's app — be it Apple Music, Spotify, or whatever — and select the Bose speaker there. The speaker supports Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, and Spotify Connect, so you should be well-covered.

In the U.S., the Bose speaker will also support Alexa+, and in fact will be the first third-party speaker to support Amazon's upgraded smart assistant. (The Sonos Era 100 supports the older Alexa, but not the newer version.)

Outlook

Bose finally has a smart speaker that rivals those of its biggest competitors: The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker certainly ticks all the necessary boxes with strong audio capabilities, as well as support for the major streaming protocols — and it has an audio jack in the back.

At $299, it's priced to compete with the established names out there, so we can't wait to get one in to test out and see how it fares in our home.

Muffled TV dialogue is so last year. In 2026, we're not going to resort to using subtitles or accepting that we can barely hear our TV shows and movies. And how are we going to do that? By getting one of the best soundbars, of course.

Soundbars are essential for home theater setups, even if all you watch is Netflix and YouTube. TV speakers are seriously so tinny and flat and make everything sound squashed. This isn't really fixable — the speakers trapped inside flatscreen TVs (99% of all modern TVs, your QLEDs, your OLEDs, your mini LEDs) are tiny because they have to be.

But there's a fix! You can upgrade your home theater sound with a soundbar. You don't even have to spend a ton of money — one of my go-to recommendations is the $99 Sony HT-S100F. If you've got money to spend, though, I've also got the multi-channel Samsung QS750F on this list.

My top soundbar recommendations

How do I choose the best soundbar for me?

Right, so the most important thing you need to consider is budget. How much money are you willing to spend on your soundbar? Around $100 will get you a decent 2-channel configuration like the Sony HT-S100F. I've not tested any Amazon-brand cheap soundbars so I can't vouch for them personally — but the Sony HT-S100F is fantastic for the price, with clear, audible dialogue and surprising height. You won't get floor-shaking bass, of course, but for $100, it's a great option.

If you've got money to spend, I'd recommend getting the Samsung QS750F. This 5.1.2 soundbar's subwoofer and rears make it one of the best-value soundbars on the market. Although it's $899 at full price (discounted to $799 right now), I've tested $600 that are just that — a soundbar. No sub, no rears. The QS750F is basically a cheat code to movie theater sound for less.

Next, you want to look at space. How big is your TV? How big is your TV stand?

If you have a 43-inch TV, you don't want a large soundbar like the Polk Audio Signa S4 ($449, 41 inches long). But if you have a 65-inch TV, you do want a large soundbar like the Polk Audio Signa S4.

A small soundbar like the Bose Smart Soundbar ($549, 27 inches long) or the Samsung B650 ($397, 33 inches long) will look weird with a 75 incher, but it looks great with my 55-inch Panasonic MZ1500.

Lastly, you want to think about performance. Unfortunately, budget and space will mostly decide this for you. If you want a serious home theater setup with cinematic Dolby Atmos and room-configuration technology, well, you're not going to get that for under $800 — and that's cheap.

The most immersive soundbar system I've ever tested is the JBL Bar 1300X ($1,799), but it's just too expensive for most people.

For most people, I'd recommend the Samsung Q600F, a gorgeous midrange soundbar that combines crystal-clear dialogue, powerful bass, and immersion without breaking the bank (but you miss out on smart features like Wi-Fi playback).

Which soundbar tickles your fancy? Let me know in the comments!

More from Tom's Guide

• I got my first turntable six months ago — and I've never felt so connected to music (even if my bank account is crying)
• Best cheap noise-canceling headphones
• I've been collecting vinyl for over a decade — 12 products I think you should add to your cart this Record Store Day

You don't need to spend over $200 to get good sound quality — just look at the Bose QuietComfort and the Nothing Ear (3). These earbuds cost $179 each, and during sales events, like Black Friday, you can get them for even cheaper. Both are excellent at delivering nuanced vocals and powerful bass, and both are good at blocking out external sounds with solid ANC.

I reviewed the QuietComfort back in 2025, and now in 2026, I've finishing reviewing the Ear (3). I awarded both pairs 4-star ratings in their respective reviews. This got me thinking, "Is one better than the other?" Chances are, you're probably going to go for the QuietComfort because Bose is a household name. But I don't think you should write Nothing off so quickly.

If you're on the hunt for a fantastic pair of earbuds but don't want to spend more than $180, I'm here to make that decision easier for you. I put the QuietComfort and the Ear (3) through their paces in this face off to find out which is best value for money. Spoiler alert: it's closer than you think.

Bose QuietComfort vs Nothing Ear (3): Specs compared

Bose QuietComfort vs Nothing Ear (3): Price

Both the Bose QuietComfort and the Nothing Ear (3) cost the same in the U.S. and in the U.K. You can grab the QuietComfort for $179 at Amazon U.S. / £179 at Argos U.K., and the Ear (3) for $179 / £179 at Amazon. Since the QuietComfort have been out for longer, you can often find them for $129 / £129 during sales events. The Ear (3) are yet to receive a substantial price drop.

The QuietComfort and the Ear (3) do more than enough to justify their individual price tags, as you'll soon see throughout this comparison, so we'll call this round a tie.

Winner: Tie

Bose QuietComfort vs Nothing Ear (3): Design

The most noticeable difference between the Bose QuietComfort and the Nothing Ear (3) is the design, as they look vastly different from one another. The QuietComfort have a rounded design with rubber ‘stability bands’ that aid the earbuds' secure fit. Each bud weighs 0.29oz. An important thing to note is that the QuietComforts' look fairly bulky, even though they aren't that heavy. They protrude out of your ears, and while there isn't anything wrong with that, it might not be everyone's cup of tea.

The Ear (3), on the other hand, sport your classic drop-stem design — you know, the one you find on the likes of the Apple AirPods Pro 3. They look futuristic, keeping in line with the British brand's sci-fi design philosophy, and feature see-through plastic. They look very cool, and they're comfortable too, with each bud weighing just 0.18oz. As opposed to the QuietComfort, they look more inconspicuous as they don't bulge out.

Both pairs of earbuds are mighty comfortable, and I haven't experienced any discomfort wearing either of them. I asked my partner, who uses the QuietComforts as her daily drivers, to try the Ear (3) and she said she almost preferred them over Bose's offering.

Touch controls on both the QuietComfort and the Ear (3) are fairly straightforward but it's worth noting that while you can use voice commands on the former, they're a bit too sensitive to these, and will often trigger on their own. The Ear (3) don't suffer from this problem, winning them the crown in this round.

Winner: Nothing Ear (3)

Bose QuietComfort vs Nothing Ear (3): Features & connectivity

Both the Bose QuietComfort and the Nothing Ear (3) are chock-full of features. They both feature multipoint connectivity so you can connect them to two devices simultaneously. Each pair utilizes Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless wireless connectivity, but here's the kicker. The QuietComforts support AAC and SBC codecs but there's no aptX or lossless support. The Ear (3), on the other hand, feature LDAC, if that's something that matters deeply to you.

Other similarities between the two include effective wear detection, Google Fast Pair, Find My features, and extremely detailed and user-friendly companion apps. In terms of waterproofing and dust protection, the Ear (3) are better because they're IP54-rated as opposed to the QuietComforts being only IPX4 rated, so the latter aren't protected against dust. By a narrow margin, the Ear (3) win this round once again.

Winner: Nothing Ear (3)

Bose QuietComfort vs Nothing Ear (3): Sound quality

I'll be honest with you: I will never recommend you spending any amount of money on a pair of earbuds that doesn't make music sound like angels are singing. Thankfully, both the Bose QuietComfort and the Nothing Ear (3) warrant recommendations here as they're both outstanding. The QuietComforts have a frequency response range of 20Hz-20KHz while the Ear (3) have a range of 20Hz-40KHz — so both cover the entire spectrum of human hearing.

In terms of vocals and the upper ranges, both the QuietComforts and the Ear (3) are excellent, delivering nuanced sound packed with plenty of detail. For instance, on the QuietComforts, Mika's high notes in 'Grace Kelly' sound pleasant, controller and never so shrill that they pierce through the rest of the track. On the Ear (3), Emily Armstrong's breathy vocals and screams in 'IGYEIH' by Linkin Park sound layered and wide, with great instrumental and vocal separation.

Listening to 'No Chances' by Twenty One Pilots first on the QuietComforts and then on the Ear (3) revealed practically no differences. The mid- and sub-bass was textured and I could feel a steady, vibrating pressure in my ear canal through both earbuds. It also felt like I was engulfed by the driving bassline, which made for a thoroughly immersive listening experience.

While the Ear (3) and the QuietComforts are mostly on equal footing when it comes to sound quality, the Ear (3) have a tendency to make the treble sound a tad harsh at times. It isn't surprising as the Ear (3) utilize a 'V' equalizer curve so the treble can sound overzealous when this happens. In 070 Shake's 'Skin and Bones,' the "chkkk" sound of the hi-hats and cymbals pierced through the track. Though not unpleasant, it wasn't particularly enjoyable.

This is never the case on the QuietComforts. The QuietComforts' sound profile is well-balanced and refined throughout the frequency range. The winner is, therefore, clear. Sorry, Nothing.

Winner: Bose QuietComfort

Bose QuietComfort vs Nothing Ear (3): ANC

When it comes to active noise cancellation (ANC), there's a clear winner, and I don't think you need me to spell it out, but I'll do it anyway. The Bose QuietComfort win, easily. Look, Bose is the king of ANC and it's something we've all known for a while now. Whether I'm indoors or on a busy street outdoors, the QuietComforts block out 90% of sounds, so I can go about my day in peace.

This isn't to say the Nothing Ear (3)'s ANC is bad. It's very good, actually. Indoors, at least. With the Ear (3) in my ears, I can't hear the sound of my very loud mechanical keyboard, the kettle boiling or the doorbell ringing. This is also the case with the QuietComforts. Both pairs of earbuds create excellent seals to ensure no noise makes it through.

But the reason the QuietComforts win is because the Ear (3) aren't as effective outdoors. When I wear them outside, I can still hear cars whizzing past me, and the sound of the bus rattling. With the QuietComforts? Nothing. Nada. Zilch. The ANC is so good on the QuietComforts that it makes you feel lonely.

Winner: Bose QuietComfort

Bose QuietComfort vs Nothing Ear (3): Call quality

When it comes to call quality, both the Bose QuietComfort and the Nothing Ear (3) are excellent, as both ensure that your voice is heard loudly and clearly on the other end. Having tested both back-to-back on a call with my partner, she said that she could hear me properly through both.

But the Ear (3) have an ace up their sleeve. Their charging case features a ‘Super Mic’ dual-microphone system which you can use by holding the 'Talk' button on the case (when the earbuds are in your ears). You can then hold up the case to your mouth and speak into it, and the 'Super Mic' will cancel out 95dB of noise so that only you can be heard. In my testing, this worked exceptionally well, as my partner said she couldn't hear the public's chatter or the cars going past me.

However, is it actually an advantage? Because the QuietComfort, without their own 'Super Mic' feature, effectively cancel out ambient noise so that only you can be heard. The mic on the QuietComforts' is just as good if not better than the 'Super Mic' on the Ear (3), so we'll call this round a draw.

Winner: Tie

Bose QuietComfort vs Nothing Ear (3): Battery life

I'm not exaggerating when I say the Nothing Ear (3)'s battery life is disappointing because that's exactly what it is: subpar and underwhelming. And the Bose QuietComforts have them easily beat. With ANC enabled in my testing, the Ear (3) died after 5 hours, and they're officially rated for 5.5 with an additional 16.5 hours from the charging case.

The QuietComforts, on the other hand, comfortably lasted me nearly 9 hours, and they're officially rated for 8.5 with an additional two and a half charges from the case. The QuietComforts are far more reliable, and though Bose doesn't specify how long they can last with ANC off, we can safely assume it's a long time — the Ear (3) can last 10 hours with an additional 28 hours from the case when ANC is disabled.

Winner: Bose QuietComfort

Bose QuietComfort vs Nothing Ear (3): Verdict

There's no denying that the Nothing Ear (3) are extremely competent earbuds. I've absolutely loved testing them and I've been using them ever since I reviewed them. But are they better than the Bose QuietComfort, the undisputed kings of mid-range ANC? By a tight margin, yes.

The QuietComforts win in the sound quality, ANC and battery life departments, while they're tied with the Ear (3) in the price and call quality rounds. While the Ear (3) win in the design, features and connectivity departments, when it comes down to it, the QuietComforts simply offer more bang for your buck.

Most people care the most about sound quality and ANC, and if you're one of those folks, then the QuietComforts are easily the way to go. Still not convinced? Check out my full Bose QuietComfort review and Nothing Ear (3) review for the detail breakdown.

Bose QuietComfort vs Nothing Ear (3): Ratings scorecard

More from Tom's Guide

• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) review: These mid-range earbuds reign supreme
• I’ve been testing the Nothing Ear (3) for a week — they look super stylish but the sound is the real star
• Best wireless earbuds in 2026

The AirPods Max 2 are the most exciting audio release of 2026. Apple fans have been waiting since 2020 to see an upgraded model of the flagship over-ears, and I awarded them a 4.5-star rating in my review. The unbeatable sound quality, the much-improved ANC, and the plethora of features makes them some of the best headphones money can buy right now.

But this got me thinking: how do the AirPods Max 2 compare to the best noise-cancelling headphones, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen? Bose gear is the reigning champion of ANC — Dr. Bose literally invented ANC — and the QC Ultra 2 are widely considered industry-leading cans.

To find out which cans come out on top, keep reading this AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra showdown.

AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Specs

AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Price

The AirPods Max 2 are the same price as their predecessor: $549 in the U.S. and £499 in the U.K.. This makes the AirPods Max 2 some of the most expensive lifestyle Bluetooth headphones on the market right now.

Sure, the AirPods Max 2 sound awesome, and are the perfect cans for someone like me — loads of Apple gear, loves wide, rich soundscapes with loud-but-not-overpowering bass — but I won't pretend they're not overpriced.

Of the "main players", only the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 ($799), Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 ($1,200) and the Focal Bathys MG ($1,099) outprice the AirPods Max.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen are relatively affordable by comparison — $449 in the U.S. and £449 in the U.K.. For your $449, you get industry-leading ANC, supreme comfort, and bass-heavy sound — for most customers, the "holy trifecta" of headphone features.

The $100 saving makes the Bose more in-keeping with the rest of the flagship Bluetooth headphone market: the Sony WH-1000XM6 are $449, and the Beats Studio Pro are $349. I also recently tested the Nothing Headphone (a), which, granted, don't sound anywhere near as good as the AirPods Max 2 or Bose QC Ultra, but will set you back just $199.

Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen.

AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Design

The AirPods Max 2 take the award for "prettiest headphones", hands down. There are some things Apple dominates the market in, and design is one of them. The AirPods Max 2 look and feel like the premium cans they are: gorgeous, shiny ear cups, intuitive controls, and a weight-bearing mesh headband that prevents headphone headaches as much as possible.

In comparison, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen look a little, dare I say, cheap.

Of course, there are swings and roundabouts here: the AirPods Max 2 look and feel more premium, but they're incredibly heavy. Conversely, the Bose QC Ultra feel a little cheaper and they're not as pretty, but they're almost half the weight of the AirPods, and are much comfier to wear for long periods.

Your preference will, of course, depend on you. Would you rather a sleek metal-forward design, or a slightly plasticky, yet lightweight finish?

Personally, I prefer the look and feel of the AirPods Max.

Controls are also a slam-dunk for Apple: everything is managed via two tactile buttons on the right cup. You've got Apple's "Digital Crown" for things like play/pause, Siri, and volume. The tab-shaped button controls ANC.

The Bose controls are a little confusing, and took me a while to get used to. You adjust the volume by rubbing the underside of the right cup. To pause, you press the multi-function button on the right cup — while searching for this, I accidentally increased the volume.

You also use this button to switch between Immersion, Quiet, and Aware modes. You cannot turn ANC off on the Bose cans.

For me, this choice was easy. Yes, I am begging Apple to make the AirPods Max lighter, but the easy controls and premium appearance means the Maxes take this round.

Winner: AirPods Max 2.

AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Features & connectivity

If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem, on the surface it makes more sense to get the AirPods Max 2 as they integrate seamlessly with your iPhone and MacBook.

However, there's much, much more to both the AirPods Max 2 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra than that. The Bose QC Ultra also have multipoint connectivity; I was able to connect to my iPhone 16 Pro and MacBook Air M2 and switch between both just as easily.

The Bose run on Bluetooth 5.4, and the AirPods Max 2 have Blueooth 5.3. I'm surprised to see such "old" Bluetooth versions on flagship new products, especially as Samsung launched its Galaxy Buds 4 line with Bluetooth 6.1 just weeks before the AirPods Max 2.

Although there aren't any life-changing differences between Bluetooth 5.3 and Bluetooth 6.1, the more modern version helps future-proof the product and allows for a wider and more reliable connection. I'd like to see both Bose and Apple go for the 6.1 version with its next releases.

Connectivity complaints aside, both the AirPods Max 2 and Bose QC Ultra boast a huge range of features, some more "modern" than the others.

Apple has gone for a more "smart tech" angle with the AirPods Max 2, stuffing the cans with Live Translation, Siri integration, a camera remote for your iPhone — no, I'm not joking — and AirPods Pro functions like Conversation Awareness.

Bose has leaned more into the "do one thing and do it really well" angle. Instead of these smart features, the QC Ultra 2nd Gen sound great, feel great, and have supreme ANC. So while you won't be able to translate other languages while on vacation, your long-haul flight to your holiday destination will be a heck of a lot comfier with the Bose.

It really depends on what you personally look for in a pair of headphones, but seeing as the AirPods Max 2 offer way more features, I'm giving Apple the win.

Winner: AirPods Max 2.

AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Sound quality

Alright, now let's get into the meat of it: sound quality.

Apple and Bose gear have different sound signatures, so they will, inevitably, sound different. While Apple goes for a more expansive, immersive, and detail-focused soundscape, Bose offers a deeper, richer, and bassier listening experience.

There's no right or wrong way to do sound, so your personal preference will likely differ from mine. I lean more towards the Apple side of the spectrum — I like immersive music that handles bass with clarity and focus and allows each layer of the track to shine.

That's not to say I dislike Bose's sound — not at all. The QuietComfort Ultra sound immense, with powerful, bass-driven energy and clarity across most of the frequency range.

I played the same three songs via Spotify Lossless to even the playing field — using Apple Music would be unfair in favor of the AirPods Max 2 — and analyzed each track independently.

First, I played an electronic track: "Birth4000" by Floating Points. This song is built over a glitchy, fearless synth bassline and electronic hi-hats, clattering tambourines playing in the background, and a punchy kick-drum keeping the whole thing going.

The QC Ultra handled this track excellently, unafraid of the pulsing, glitchy bassline, not allowing the kick drum to get lost in the melee. Even so, the low-end was the most pronounced part of the track, somewhat overshadowing delicate high-frequency stereo effects in the left ear.

When I played this track with the AirPods Max 2, I was surprised to hear a squeaky, wobbly sound effect in the left ear. In the Bose cans, this was almost completely overpowered by bass.

I also listened to "Regular John" by Queens of the Stone Age, a heavy rock track with raucous bass and a rich rhythm guitar section. The AirPods Max 2 handled the vocals fantastically, clearly separating them from the rich instrumental and focusing on the texture in Homme's voice.

Comparatively, I think this song sounded a little muddied in the Bose QC Ultra, like all the sonic layers were competing for the same volume and the same point on the frequency range.

The AirPods Max 2 made this song sound much more expansive and wide, and separated the instruments with more precision.

Finally, I played "Run Your Mouth" by the Marias, a soul-pop track with funky basslines and sunsoaked synth layers. The breathy vocal and soulful guitars sounded clear and balanced through the AirPods Max 2, and the samba-esque bass didn't overpower the vocals. When I listened with the QuietComfort Ultra, the vocals were equally as effective, but the bass and kick drum were brought forward, rather than the synth chord progressions.

Sound is a very subjective experience, but I personally prefer the wider, clearer soundscape of the AirPods Max 2.

Winner: AirPods Max 2.

AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra: ANC

It goes without saying that Bose wins this round. Spoilers, guys, sorry. But, yeah, Bose is still the undefeated champion of ANC. What can I say? The company invented it.

No other headphones come close. When I was testing the QC Ultra around the city, I couldn't hear a single car. No engines, no buses, no motorbikes. I was in my own little bubble, just me and my music against the world.

It is a little frustrating that you can't turn off ANC at all — unlike on AirPods, there's no 'Off' mode, just 'Immersive', 'Quiet', and 'Aware' — as this will inevitably drain the battery a little more.

Even so, the clue's in the name — QuietComfort, after all. You buy Bose cans for the ANC.

In comparison, Apple's ANC is good, but not quite Bose-level yet. I could still hear a few high-frequency sounds leaking through, but most of the low, grumbly environmental noise — like car engines — was blocked out.

Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra

AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Call quality

We've reached a point where all flagship headphones have identical call quality. There's no way around it. It just is.

Apple claims the AirPods Max 2 have a "studio-quality" microphone. While I'd rather have one of the best microphones if I were a content creator or vocalist, I will say that, on work calls, my colleagues reported my voice sounded clear and clean.

Comparatively, the QC Ultra have 12 mics (as opposed to the AirPods' one), but my call recipients couldn't tell the difference between each headphone.

I think you could use either for work calls or personal calls, and you would sound crystal clear and audible, even in loud environments.

Winner: Draw.

AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Battery

Battery life is a bit of a sore spot for AirPods Max users. The original Maxes tapped out at 20 hours, which, even in 2020, trailed far behind the industry standard of ~30 hours (ANC on).

So, imagine my surprise when the AirPods Max 2 were released with the same battery life. 20 hours in 2020 was one thing — 20 hours in 2026 is wildly audacious. Apple claims the battery's "efficiency" has been improved, but it's still 20 hours.

The Bose QC Ultra have a 30-hour battery life (ANC on, as you cannot turn it off), which drops down to 23 hours with 'Immersive' ANC mode on.

This is still not particularly impressive: I recently tested the $199 Nothing Headphone (a), which last for a jaw-dropping 135 hours on a single charge, 75 hours with ANC on. This is incomprehensibly long. If you wore the headphones from the moment you stepped through the office door until the moment you left, you'd get almost two weeks out of the Nothing cans.

Sure, they're probably driving much less power than the AirPods Max and the QuietComfort Ultra, but you'd hope the two behemoths of audio could outlast a relatively new, underdog British company.

So, while the Bose technically win this round, I really want to give the win to Nothing.

Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra.

AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Verdict

Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen and the AirPods Max 2 are excellent, flagship cans worthy of the praise directed at them. You wouldn't be disappointed with either headphone — both are sleek, sound great, and have fantastic ANC.

Of course, the Bose QC Ultra block out a touch more sound and are a little comfier for longer periods, but personally? I'm going for the AirPods Max 2. I prefer Apple's wider, more complex sound tuning (true of AirPods Pro, too). The seamless connection between my iPhone, MacBook, and work MacBook makes shifting between devices a breeze.

If you prefer a bassier soundscape and you travel a lot, I would recommend the Bose QuietComfort Ultra over the AirPods Max 2. But if, like me, you predominantly use your headphones for work and running errands, and you have a lot of Apple gear, it's gotta be the AirPods Max 2. These cans took the term "flagship" and ran with it.

AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Ratings scorecard

One thing I love about my job is that there's never a shortage of audio gear to test: When I'm listening on my own, I use the Marshall Monitor III over-ear headphones. When I'm chilling with my partner or we're hanging out with friends, I turn to one of the best Bluetooth speakers. And if we're having a party? It's gotta be a party speaker — and there are few (if any) better than the Marshall Bromley 450.

The Bromley 450 is the British audio giant's second-ever party speaker, and it joined its bigger sibling, the Bromley 750, in March 2026. I was one of the first reviewers to test the Bromley 450, and I immediately fell in love with it. It looks good, it sounds better, and its battery lasts oh-so-long. I've found it difficult to fault, really, and testing the Bromley 450 got me thinking, "Does it sound better than other party speakers in the same price range?"

Luckily, in our testing lab, we had a Bose S1 Pro+, so I listened to it for a while and immediately knew that I preferred the Bromley 450 (sorry, Bose). There's plenty to love about the Bromley 450: from its exquisite design to the drool-worthy light show and delectable sound quality. Few brands come close to the prestige Marshall's speakers and headphones ooze, and it's no different in the case of the Bromley 450. Here's why it's my top pick for the party speaker of 2026.

I can't stop staring at it

When John Keats wrote "A thing of beauty is a joy forever," he was clearly talking about the Marshall Bromley 450, because I would very much like to place it in my apartment, turn on the LED lamps, and stare at it for as long as I can. It's one of the best-looking speakers I've had the pleasure of testing. No, scratch that. It's one of the best-looking anything I've ever used.

I'm no stranger to speakers. I've tested many during my time as a tech journalist. I've seen the good, the bad, the ugly, and the Bromley 450 very clearly belongs in the first category. It really is a thing of beauty. Its matte black finish feels exquisite to touch and pleasing to the eye, while its brass and gold accents add a premium panache to the impressive package.

Adding to the Bromley 450's appeal are its integrated LED lamps, located behind the front grille. They light up in white and yellow, and depending on the lighting mode you choose, they can dance and react to the music you're playing too, to create an immersive light and sound show. Beautiful.

I could wax poetic about the Bromley 450 all day long if I could but I wouldn't want to bore you, of course. Marshall's trademark tactile controls are present on the Bromley 450 in spades, as you can control basically every sound and light setting via the onboard buttons and dials. Thank goodness for that because the companion app is... underwhelming, at best.

No dearth of features

The Marshall Bromley 450 has everything you could need in a proper party speaker. Want to play music from your phone? Bluetooth 5.3 with support for SBC, AAC and LC3 codecs. Want to connect two smart devices at the same time? Multipoint connectivity. Want to plug your phone in for hi-res wired playback? 3.5mm aux or USB-C is at your disposal.

Or imagine you're hosting a party and someone says, "Hey, I brought my guitar to the party and want to serenade everyone with Oasis' Wonderwall, can I do that?" You've got the Bromley 450, so you can reply with, "My Bromley 450's got two XLR/6.35mm combo ports for guitars and RCA ports for keyboards and turntables so technically you can, but I don't want you to bore everyone with Wonderwall, so let's refrain from that." Sorry, Oasis fans, it is what it is, but at least you can plug your guitar into the Bromley 450 as it doubles/triples as an amp and a karaoke machine!

In addition to the connectivity options, the Bromley 450 is also protected against dust, dirt and water as it's IP55-rated, so it's perfect for outdoor parties. If you've got another Bromley 450 or 750, or even another Auracast-enabled Marshall speaker, you can sync them up any number of them to play at the same time, making the Bromley 450 even better for big parties.

But does it sound good?

Via its onboard controls, you can adjust the Marshall Bromley 450's bass, treble, add reverb and delay effects if you're using the karaoke feature or instruments, and adjust the lighting.

"Sounds great, but does the speaker sound good?" I hear you ask, and I'm here to tell you, dear reader, that it sounds excellent. The sound quality really doesn't give you much to complain about, and I had to be really nit-picky to find any faults with it. And the faults I found? You'll need to play around with the bass and treble dials to get the perfect sound — but apart from that, that's about it.

The Bromley 450 is a powerful, well-endowed speaker, and you can learn all about its internal hardware in my full review. All I'm going to tell you in this article is that it sounds phenomenal. I thought the treble, especially, sounded brilliant. Crisp, vibrant, never overzealous or shrill. Sibilance and plosives gave me nothing to moan about as the sounds didn't bleed into one another, especially in tracks like 'White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter' by Lana Del Rey, where she ad-libs different 's' and 'tss' sounds.

This is a party speaker, though, and chances are you'll be using it to listen to dance music or bass-heavy electronic tracks, and it's the ideal speaker for high tempo music. The bass is warm with plenty of low-end impact and detail in the mid range, and it never sounds booming in tracks like 'Tomorrow is Another Day' by M-High, and you can hear each individual string pluck in songs like 'Money' by Pink Floyd. I have no notes.

Unlimited powaaaaah

The cherry on top of this beautiful cake is the Marshall Bromley 450's battery life. Marshall says that the speaker can last for up to 40 hours between charges. This will naturally depend on usage conditions, such as the LED lighting and volume. While I couldn't drain the entire battery during my testing period, I noticed that the battery had dropped by only 15% after six hours of listening to the speaker at full volume and with reactive lighting turned on.

What's even better is that you can remove the Bromley 450's battery pack (securely slotted in the back and protected by a hard plastic cover) and use it as a power bank for your other devices. It's got a USB-C port on it so you can plug in your headphones, phone or laptop. I think that's very cool, and it's something I loved about the Bromley 750 too.

I absolutely adore the Bromley 450. It's pretty, its sound quality is stunning, and it lasts a long, long time. What more could you possibly need?

More from Tom's Guide

• I’ve been testing the Marshall Bromley 450, and it might be the ‘best party speaker of 2026’
• I tested the Marshall Bromley 450 and the Marshall Bromley 750 party speakers — and the winner surprised me
• As a guitarist and an audiophile, this is the all-in-one speaker I’ve been waiting for

If you plan on using your TV's built-in speakers to watch every game during March Madness, you better plan on missing out on some key game details.

Whether it's a hard-to-hear announcer, inaudible band noise or the barely there chants in the crowd, TV speakers simply struggle with the multitude of fine details found in every broadcast.

The good news is that even the best soundbars aren't hefty investments and some models can be found for well under $500. Here's our top draft picks. For more deals, check out our guide to the best March Madness TV sales.

Quick Links

• shop all soundbars at Amazon
• shop all soundbars at Best Buy
• Samsung Q600F: was $699 now $449 @ Best Buy
• Klipsch Flexus Core 200: was $549 now $499 @ Amazon
• Bose Smart Soundbar: was $899 now $729 @ Amazon
• LG S90TR: was $1,199 now $796 @ Amazon
• Samsung Q990F: was $1,697 now $1,597 @ Amazon

Best soundbar deals

Audio can be cheap. Audio can also be extremely expensive. Thankfully its possible to spend more for incremental improvements in your audio quality. But I've always wanted to compare them all side by side — how much better does spending more sound?

So I've lined up 5 different "tiers" of audio: a cheap Bluetooth speaker, a more expensive option, a pair of Wi-Fi speakers, a budget HiFi system, and then a fairly expensive system.

I've listened to them all and now I can say which one might be worth your hard-earned money... and which ones are not. So let's get listening.

Tier one — cheap Bluetooth speaker

This lil' guy is the Wonderboom 4, and it's one of the best ways to listen to music outdoors or in your bedroom without spending too much money. It only comes in at around $100, making it one of the cheaper Bluetooth speakers.

Can you expect the best sound? Of course not. But if you're on a budget or want a throwaway speaker for some outdoor trips, it's great.

You can listen to your music, as I did, and you won't find a huge amount to complain about. It would be nice to have some more bass, a bit more detail, and a wider soundstage, but you can't expect much from something that you can palm with one hand.

It marks the start of my audio journey, and it shows you don't have to spend loads of money to get something that sounds good. Still, I'm excited for my next speaker to see how things improve.

Tier 2: Bluetooth stereo pair

My next port of call was to connect two Bluetooth speakers and see how much better the sound would be. I stepped up to the Bose SoundLink Flex 2, a solid Bluetooth speaker in its own right, that also lets you double up for twice the sound.

First off, you won't get more detail or even drastically improved sound when it comes to dynamics or frequency representation. The only thing that might seem enhanced is bass volume, and that's only because there are now two drivers making the low stuff, although even then, it mostly only smooths things out. After all, there's less work for each to do.

What is on offer, however, is vastly improved soundstage. That's because you can now spread the sound out amongst the two speakers, widening the sound stage. The sound is improved in terms of space and immersion as a result — if you can afford the extra for a pair of speakers, I'd say it's actually worth buying two for stereo mode rather than one more expensive model. This next step has been an interesting one, but now I'm ready for the next step — and we're connecting to the Wi-Fi.

Tier 3: Wi-Fi connected speaker

This hourglass-shaped wierdo is the Sonos Era 300. It's a Wi-Fi-connected smart speaker that offers something we've not yet seen on the list (and won't see again) — Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio. That means that compatible streams from Apple Music and Amazon Music sound more spacious, as if you've got multiple speakers dotted around the room.

That's why I chose this speaker. The Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio mean that not only does the speaker sound excellent, but it also sounds much larger than similar devices sound on their own.

This step-up in audio quality does feel like it's worth the extra dollars. Its mighty bass, impressive mids, and massive sound make up for the lacking detail — and its sculpture like design makes sure it fits in no matter where you put it. Now — onto the really good stuff.

Tier 4: Entry level HiFi

HiFi systems this side of the pond are expensive. Where in the likes of the U.K. you can pick up excellent components for relatively cheap, audio equipment in the U.S. often demands a hefty premium. Still, it's possible to spend less than $1,000 and get something that sounds epic. Case in point — the Wiim Amp Pro and a pair of Q Acoustics 3020i.

So far, this one's the clear winner. The speakers themselves have more drive, more dynamism, and more detail than the other options we've seen so far. They're more articulate as well, so you're in for a more involving musical experience.

The system is also more flexible. There are loads of inputs on the back of the amplifier, so you can hook up stuff like the best record players and spin some discs, or even pick up a CD player for some '90s throwback headbang sessions.

This is the happy medium for me — and even better if you can find some components on eBay and save some money. That's how I got my first HiFi system, and I only shelved some of those components when I replaced them last year. My old speakers lasted about 10 years in my care before I upgraded them, and they were older than that when I bought them.

Still, there's better; let's give it a try.

Tier 5: Premium HiFi

Now we're into the big leagues. I've got here a Cambridge Evo 150 SE, nearly three-and-a-half grand worth of streaming amplifier. At its core, it's the same idea as the Wiim Amp Pro above, but dials up all its features to eleven. That means 150 watts per channel so that it can drive even the most demanding of speakers, and some seriously impressive internals to make sure the music sent to the speakers sounds epic.

I've paired it with some monster new floorstanders from Dali, the Sonik 7. They exude special, from their monolith-like design to the massive speaker units that dominate their front fascia. They also happen to sound insane.

As you might expect, the sound fills the living room. There's bass for days, detail for miles, and immersion like nothing else. Is it that much better than the entry-level system? Oh yes, it really is, but I'm not sure I could ever tell anyone to buy it.

This is an audio system for people with more money than sense. For audiophiles who are seeking the best sound possible, who have lots of money but not the tens of thousands of dollars for the really expensive stuff.

This is the point when things get trickier. The sound is much better than anything else on the list, but spending more becomes a case of diminishing returns. For some, this is an endgame system. Until they experience something even better, and suddenly, nothing is good enough. The path of the audiophile is a slippery, expensive slope.

Which should you buy?

Honestly? Buy what you can afford, or save up for that which you can't. Not everyone is going to the need the sonic prowess of even the entry level HiFi system, and will be more than happy with the $100 Bluetooth speaker.

As for what provides the best bang for your buck, I'd say the entry level HiFi system. It sounds much better than the other options towards the cheaper end of the list. You'll be left with space to upgrade in the future, and have something to show off when friends come to visit. Some of them, like the system I've built here, can be plugged into a TV to improve your movie and TV show sound.

Most important of all is to have fun — the important thing is the music you're listening to, not the equipment you're playing it through.

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There's part of me that feels like I'm repeating myself. A new pair of wired headphones lands on my desk from a name you've never heard of, and they sonically eviscerate all the wireless options you can buy for a similar price. Cue me acting "surprised," penning my "surprise," and then everyone continuing to buy the same ANC cans they always have.

But seriously, you have to give some of these wired options a chance. Sure, you won't be wearing them on a train to block out the sounds of angry sports fans, but you will appreciate everything your music has to offer when you sit at your work desk, or at home after a long day at work. Or something.

The Sivga Peng are just that. They're not outdoor headphones, although their leather carrying case will do a great job at keeping them safe from harm. No, they're sitting in front of the fire with a glass of something delicious and a spare hour to listen to your favorite albums. And my goodness, I'd take these any day of the week over the similarly priced wireless options from Sony or Bose.

Connect to disconnect

The modern world is too filled with "beeps" and "boops." My car bings at me when I go slightly over the speed limit to overtake your Mom in her station wagon, my nightstand light squawks at me when it's disconnected from the Wi-Fi, and trash cans say "thanks!" when I throw away my empty Monster can.

I hate beeps and boops. They're annoying. The fact that wireless headphones beep and boop more than just about anything else I own is the icing on top of a disgusting cake. "Oh, I've disconnected," say my headphones. "BEEP, I've got some battery left." "BEEP, I've got even less battery left." Please. Stop.

You know what doesn't beep at me? The Sivga Peng, and just about any other wired headphones you might have. Plug them into a device that doesn't see the outside world for anything other than music streaming, and you'll find a peaceful world where nothing wants for your attention with a piezo buzzer or a synthetic beep. Or boop.

Battery life? Never heard of her

"My headphones last for 30 hours!"
"Oh yeah? Well, mine last for 50!"
"I've got you both trumped — mine go on for 100 hours!"

How about all of the hours? The only thing you have to worry about is how long the connected device will last. The Sivga Peng? No charging needed. Pub friends bragging rights won, perpetual music gained.

Seriously impressive sound

Bluetooth has improved in leaps and bounds. You can listen to far higher-quality audio than the first pairs of wireless headphones could ever have hoped of reproducing. But it's still limited, either by the device you're listening to, the codecs your headphones support, or both. Wireless is an imperfect listening solution, a compromise of convenience over just about everything else.

My Sivga Peng and their wonderful, braided cable, however, are different. They take wonderful hi-res tracks from my digital audio player (or my laptop, or even my phone), and then feed them directly into my earholes as if they were love letters delivered on the backs of cherubim.

There's detail for days, mids that give you a warm, welcoming hug, and their closed-back design keeps the bass in for weighty, thick sound. The soundstage is slightly more intimate as a result, but you won't mind as you're surrounded by your favorite tunes.

You might miss some amenities

Wireless headphones do, of course, have some pros. ANC that keeps the noise of irritating people at bay, and no cable to get all tangled. But if you want something that sounds incredible, and don't want to start looking at headphones that cost over $599, then wired headphones are the only way to go.

The Sivga Peng are just one pair of wireless headphones — but they are a spectacular option if you've got $449 spare and you were thinking of picking up something with a Sony or a Bose logo. Don't. Buy these. They sound so much better. And you'll never have to worry about the battery running out.

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• 6 Apple Watch settings you should change now for more accurate sleep tracking
• I've been using MacBooks for 10 years — here's 15 must-have accessories I'd buy for an instant upgrade
• I've used the iPhone 16e for a year — and the iPhone 17e shouldn’t launch without these 3 upgrades

If you don't want something else to worry about in today's world, perhaps stop reading. Otherwise, a new study finds that most headphones contain toxic chemicals that may be "migrating" into our bodies.

Reported by the Guardian, the study comes from the activist group ToxFree LIFE for All, a Hungarian research and campaigning group. If it helps, they're like the Eastern European version of Consumer Reports.

ToxFree found that a multitude of headphones contain chemicals that can "cause cancer, neuro-development problems and the feminisation of males." That includes ones from major brands like Apple, Bose, Panasonic and Sony, makers of some of the best headphones.

According to their website, ToxFree has tested over 81 headphones, from earbuds to over-the-ear cans. Apparently, the primary source of chemicals in the headphones comes from the "formulation of the plastics from which they are made."

These dangerous chemicals include bisphenols, phthalates and poly- and perfluoroalkyl (Pfas). PFAs are known as forever chemicals, which other studies have found to have terrible biological effects.

ToxFree apparently started testing for the chemicals because headphones have "transitioned from occasional accessories to essential tools." They purchased readily available headphones that can be found in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia and online marketplaces like Shein and Temu.

“Hazardous substances were detected in every product tested,” they said.

Reportedly, synthetic chemicals used to stiffen plastic can migrate into sweat that can then be absorbed through your skin.

From what we can tell, the study only tested for the presence of the chemicals, but it doesn't reveal how much exposure is required for chemicals to reach toxic levels. It also emphasizes that the chemicals were found in "trace" quantities.

How to avoid the chemicals

ToxFree notes that "highest concentrations of harmful substances were found in the hard plastic parts of the headphones. These chemicals can be released into the environment through heat, mechanical stress or sweating and then absorbed through the skin."

Which means you'll want to avoid wearing headphones while sleeping, and unfortunately, when doing strenuous activity that causes you to sweat.

“Daily use – especially during exercise when heat and sweat are present – accelerates this migration directly to the skin," ToxFree said.

This makes sense for earbuds where the plastic is more likely to come into contact with your skin on a more consistent basis. What we can't tell is what the study found regarding over-the-ear and on-ear cans.

In general, those headphones feature softer materials, including cloth, pseudo or real leather in the cups and the headbands. Higher-end models might be made out of metal.

ToxFree has released previous studies that found Pfas in baby pacifiers and women's underwear, two products that have even more contact with skin and orifices.

Mayhap this isn't as dire an issue as Toxfree asserts. However, it may be a good time to consider how much time you spend wearing headphones and finding ways to mitigate it for your general health.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best over-ear headphones: Top picks tested by experts
• This $70 USB-C iPhone dongle makes my wireless headphones sound amazing — and I don't think I could live without it anymore
• Cambridge Audio's new desk speakers are some of the best I've ever tested — they punch far above their weight class

Presidents' Day has come and gone, but we're still seeing some great savings sticking around — and Bose is no exception! The audio brand makes some of the best headphones and best Bluetooth speakers on the market, and right now Amazon is slashing select devices by up to 35%.

If you're in the market for a speaker, I recommend the Bose SoundLink Flex (Gen 2) for just $119. When it comes to headphones, you can't go wrong with the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, which are now sporting a discount of 35%. And if earbuds are what you're after, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are now $100 off.

We don't know how long these rare Bose deals will last, so we recommending adding to cart ASAP. Keep scrolling to check out the rest of my favorite picks from the sale.

Quick Links

• shop all Bose deals on Amazon
• Bose SoundLink Micro: was $119 now $89
• Bose SoundLink Flex (Gen 2): was $149 now $119
• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Earbud: was $179 now $149
• Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: was $299 now $199
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones: was $349 now $229
• Bose SoundLink Max: was $399 now $329

Best Bose Deals

I am a big fan of long journeys. Watching the scenery rush past, the quiet hum of an engine, the woosh of the tires. I prefer those journeys in a car, however. That way, I'm not disturbed by a socially inept person blasting their favorite drum and bass tracks at full volume out of their phone speakers.

Recently, I was doing some traveling across the country, and found that a coach would be the cheapest way to do it. It would not be the calmest, however, so I was very thankful that I remembered to pack my bag with the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2. Drum and bass be gone.

Now my saviors can be yours for less — they're currently $399 at Amazon, thanks to a $50 discount.

I love drum and bass, don't get me wrong. Pounding low notes, massive drops, the heady delights of a darkened room at 3am as revelers try to dodge police attention. I don't love drum and bass when it's 9pm, and i'm trying to get some sleep on a bumpy coach ride with 12 hours to go.

Unluckily, they were sat just behind me, blasting an ungodly mix of Jungle, Jump Up, and goodness knows what else. If those words mean nothing to you, just imagine a wall of noise played through an ancient phone speaker. That was to be my sonic fate, as far as I could tell, for 15 hours.

I don't usually wear headphones when I try to sleep, but my erstwhile cabin mate forced my hand. I pulled my QC Ultra Gen 2 over my head and turned on the ANC. Normally, I'd expect the noise of the tires to go, the sound of the engine to melt away — but my d&b loving friend was also silenced.

I didn't even play any music while I got some sleep. I just left the ANC on, blocking out the rave playlist blasting away behind me. Then, when I woke up, I left them on and played my own music. Not a drum or a bass in sight. Well, some bass. and some drums. But not those drums or basses.

The 30 hour battery life was more than enough to get me through the night and the rest of my journey, and the comfortable padding made sure I didn't get uncomfortable. At least my ears were comfortable — I don't want to spend too long thinking about that coach seat.

I'm hoping I don't have to take another coach, given my long experience with this one. But, if I do, I know what headphones I'm packing in my bag to make sure I can't hear the music taste of the people sitting around me.

The first thing going in my luggage are the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 — the best ANC headphones that let me choose when I want to listen to drum and bass.

The big game is just around the corner — a couple of days at the time of writing. If you're thinking of getting a new soundbar to put under the TV to make sure you're getting the best sound possible, you've almost run out of time.

Thankfully, you've only almost run out of time. Thanks to the wonders of next-day shipping, you can grab one of the best soundbars and have it at your door within a day. Perfect for making sure that your TV sounds the best it can to watch the biggest football game of the year.

There's a bar here for every budget, and some even come with special surround speakers for even larger sound. So let's get you sorted for Super Bowl 2026 with a brand new soundbar. Need a new TV as well? We've counted down the best Super Bowl TVs as well.

While many people will receive their soundbars the next day, some locations may offer a different delivery time. These delivery times are correct at the time of publishing, based on a New York address. Next-day delivery requires an Amazon Prime Account.

At the moment, I'm working on an article that shows you how to get better sound for the same price as a Sonos soundbar setup. I've had just one problem in my sonic journey — the price of audio things is feeling pretty dire in the U.S. at the moment.

The speakers I want for the system are $2,800 Stateside, and the amp is $200 more than it would be where I live. Audio gear has never been more expensive, I've realised, and it's even true of the headphones and earbuds that everyone needs for day-to-day listening.

Sony's latest headphones, the WH-1000XM6, cost $50 more than the previous model. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 came with a price hike. The Nothing Headphone 1 are more expensive in the U.S. than just about anywhere else. So how do you solve it? Here are my 5 tips for saving money when buying new audio stuff.

1. Buy the older model

Look, I know how nice it is to get the newest thing from the biggest brands. It comes with an irresistible luster that's almost impossible to ignore, with all those fancy new features and clever design changes. But it's not a good way of saving money, especially with the price hikes that have made themselves known in the most recent flagships.

If you go with the previous model, you'll save buckets while getting flagship features. The WH-1000XM5 might not have the same folding design or fancy magnetic case, but they're about $120 cheaper (on average) than the newer model. That's a massive saving.

Bose is the same. The older first-generation QuietComfort Ultra Headphones can still be found for around $200 less than the second-generation version. That's another massive saving.

Still want flagship cans, but you're reluctant to pay for the XM5? Go and grab some of the even older (and still just as excellent) WH-1000XM4. Those come in upwards of $150 cheaper than the current flagships.

Yes, the XM6 and the QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 are some of the best headphones you can buy today — but so are their predecessors, and those savings should be impossible to resist.

2. Go off the beaten track

Having a pair of AirPods hanging out of your ears has become in recent years something of a status symbol — although it's one you don't have to make if you want to save money. Sure, the AirPods Pro 3 and even the AirPods Pro 2 are excellent earbuds, but you can get similar performance if you're willing to go for brands that you might not have heard of before.

The CMF Buds Pro 2 are some of our favorite earbuds, offering spectacular battery life, stellar sound and a standout colorful design. We've stacked them up against the AirPods models, and they come out on top when it comes to staying power; 11 hours to the AirPods Pro 3's 8.

The best bit? They cost $70. $70. You could get three pairs of the CMF Buds Pro 2 and have some change left over for a very nice meal out before you've spent the same as Apple's buds.

3. Wait for deals events

It is said that you're never more than a few feet away from a spider, no matter where you are. The same can be said of deals events. No matter where in the year you find yourself, you're almost certainly only a couple of months away from Black Friday or one of the many (many) Prime Day events.

That's good for you — they're the perfect time to get a new pair of headphones, some earbuds, or a new Bluetooth speaker. I've seen prices on even the newest products dip to hitherto unseen depths, making them more affordable than ever.

Apply the two tips above to the deals event and you'll save even more money. Watch out for these events throughout the year to save as much as possible. Or, just keep coming back to Tom's Guide because we'll regularly point out the deals worth your time — and the ones to avoid.

4. Buy second hand

First things first — I wouldn't recommend buying earbuds or headphones second-hand. You'll likely find plenty of unwanted grease and goo all over them, and cleaning them out is a fool's errand. And gross. They might be cheaper, but I'd wager it's not worth it.

Instead, go second-hand for the best Bluetooth speakers and HiFi components. I built an entire HiFi rack during college for the price of a few large pizzas from Domino's, thanks to second-hand stores (and eBay), and I had very few issues over the course of my ownership. I still use the speakers, in fact.

You do have to be careful, however. Only buy from highly rated sellers, or go to your local second-hand store so that you can return it if it's not working (depending on whether the store offers such a service). I'd avoid Craigslist like the plague, for example.

5. Make your old pair last longer

I know that getting something new feels great. Opening the box, the "new thing smell" — it's all wonderful. But if you're trying to save money, you're better off looking after what you've got or troubleshooting issues so that you don't have to spend money on something new.

If your earpads are starting to wear out, don't put the whole headset in the garbage. Go and find some replacements instead, and get another few years on the clock. If your earbuds sound muffled, give them a clean with some cotton buds or a cleaning kit.

And if they still work and you just fancy a change, see if you can find the settings menu in case there's something you're missing. You don't need to have the latest thing, especially if you're looking to spend less.

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Last year, I reviewed more soundbars than anyone else at Tom's Guide, which means I get to spend my afternoons watching Top Gun: Maverick, The Wild Robot, and The Batman, and calling it work. Yeah, I know. It's a hard life, eh?

Jokes aside, this means I know exactly which soundbars are worth your money, especially as we gear up for Super Bowl LX. I've reviewed the best soundbars that'll run you back $3k — and also super-affordable $99 models. My advice? If you've got $3k to spend on your home theater, don't bother with soundbars. I'd recommend getting floor-standing speakers and a proper hi-fi setup.

But, if you're short on space or, like most of us mere mortals, you don't have a fortune to spend, I've got you. I've reviewed affordable soundbars from Bose, Samsung, Sony, Klipsch, Yamaha, Polk Audio, Ultimea, Majority, and even more. Right now, some of my highest-rated soundbars from Bose, Samsung, Polk Audio, and Klipsch are randomly discounted right now, so there's never been a better time to buy. Also be sure to check out our roundup of the 25 best Super Bowl TV deals.

Quick Links

• Klipsch Flexus Core 100: was $349 now $279 @ Best Buy
• Polk Audio Signa S4: was $449 now $379 @ Amazon
• Bose Smart Soundbar: was $549 now $399 @ Best Buy
• Samsung Q600F: was $699 now $449 @ Best Buy
• Samsung QS750F: was $899 now $699 @ Best Buy

My favorite soundbar deals right now

So I've had the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 and the Sony WH-1000XM6 for about half a year. I've thoroughly put both through their paces, and they've each taken a turn as my primary pair of headphones.

I started off preferring the noise canceling of the Bose headphones — it really does block everything. But time makes fools of us all (or so I'm told), and the 1000XM6 have slowly crept their way into my heart. So much so that I'd say they're my pick of the two — if you're looking for buying advice, that's about as good as you're going to get.

But what's my journey been like, and why has it taken this long to make a final decision? Let me tell you all about it.

A matter of style

You're going to be wearing your headphones a whole lot, so I still think that the way that they look is very important. Both the Sony and the Bose headphones look pretty good from any distance — but I've managed to come to a conclusion on which I prefer.

First and foremost, if you're going to buy some QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, make sure you go for one of the colors without shiny armatures: The chrome covered metal ones are nice to look at for all of three seconds before you accidentally cover them in greasy fingerprints. Your hair (if you've got enough, or any for that matter) will add some extra grease too. They quickly look gross.

The Sony headphones, in my eyes at least, look better. They're a simpler affair, with a more pleasingly minimal design. Build is similar between both, with lightweight construction that can make them feel cheap.

They've held up well with months of wear and tear, and the more I use them, the less I'm concerned about the glaring weak point of the WH-1000XM6's folding hinge. The XM5 felt a whole lot more flimsy, so I'm glad these are more confidence-inspiring.

Both are about as comfortable as the other, although Sony's headband starts to dig in a little after many hours of listening. It does take many hours, though — like, tens. I felt it after wearing them nonstop during a particularly long work day.

For a pair of headphones that people are going to see me wearing, the XM6 have my vote.

A matter of noise canceling

Sony's noise canceling is very good, make no doubt about it. The firm popularized the idea with the X mark series, and the XM6 follow a very solid legacy indeed. They do a great job at blocking just about anything you could hope for, with little sound getting through.

The transparency mode is great for hearing what's going on around you, making it easier to chat to shop clerks and bus drivers without them sounding like a robot. It's good — but it's still not the best.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2 are the best. They block out everything, bar none. Play some music, and you're in a world of your own making, filled with your favorite tunes and just about nothing else. If you want the best noise canceling? Buy these, no question. Nothing comes close. Apart from the WH-1000XM6. Which don't come close enough.

If it were just down to their ability to cancel noise, I'd be using the Bose. But it's not.

Sound quality, battery life and features

There's only so much that noise canceling and build can make turn you towards a pair of headphones — you've also got to actually live with them. And the Sony headphones are just nicer to live with. There's more sound customization with a superior 10-band EQ to Bose's measly 3 bands.

There are more noise-canceling modes, and the spatial audio, while slightly more restricted, sounds better. There's more battery life, so you don't have to charge them as much. The case and its magnetic flap are a genuine game-changer for daily usability.

In our review, Tom's Guide's Managing Editor of TVs and AV said the XM6 trades a wide soundstage for better clarity. They may not have the fullest sound, but they are exceptionally clear, especially in the mid-range.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2 are good, but not great in terms of sound quality. In my review, I said they're "perfect for some background listening, but not quite as good if you want to sit down and get involved with your music," and I stand by that sentiment. They're fine. Mostly. But, when it comes down to the meat and potatoes of things, the Sony WH-1000XM6 are the better pair of headphones.

In short, buy the XM6 — if you can afford their hiked prices.

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Straight out of the box, Bose headphones are great. Their ANC ranks amongst the very best noise canceling headphones available, blocking out more sound than just about anything else. But they can get even better thanks to some slight tweaks in their settings menu.

We can improve their sound quality with a quick dip into a sub-menu, extend their sound stage with an extra feature and even improve their useability. There's only one thing that you need (well, two, including the headphones): The Bose app. It's available for Android and iOS, so you have no excuse.

1. Improve the sound quality

Bose headphones sound good. They've got plenty of detail and a powerful low end. But they can sound even better. With a just a quick trip to the EQ section in the Bose app, we can dial in the Quietcomfort lines sound to something even more sonically pleasing.

They all suffer from the same problem — over reliance on the low end. Well, lets take some of that crutch away from them by dialling down the bass slider a couple of notches. I like to leave it around -2. We leave the mids alone, and then we turn our attention to the highs. I like to bring it up around +2, to bring some extra dimension to the sound.

You'd be surprised how much of a difference it makes. It's one of the first things I do to Bose headphones when they arrive on my desk, once I've had a try with the out-of-box sound.

2. Add a multipoint device

If you've ever become irritated endlessly connecting and reconnecting your headphones to different devices, then the multiconnect built into certain Bose models is going to be a lifesaver. Pause your media on your phone, and then instantly connect to your laptop for a work call.

To initialize the system, head to the "multipoint" tab in the app. From there, initiate a connection and find the headphones in the Bluetooth menu of the second source device. Et voilà — done!

You can only connect to two or three things at once, mind you. This works with most Bose headphones and earbuds. Check the Bose app how many devices your headphones support.

3. Change the shortcut

This feature is only compatible with the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones line. Using the touch-sensitive panel on the right earcup, you can activate various features in your headphones. Press and hold to activate.

Find the Shortcut menu in the Bose app, and then choose one of four different options. You can hear the battery level, change the Immersive Audio mode, Access your voice assistant, or start a Spotify listening session.

Or, you can turn it off completely.

4. Create some modes

This feature is unique to the QuietComfort Ultra line of headphones and earbuds. Changing both the ANC and the Immersive Audio settings of your headphones separately can be annoying, so Bose has allowed you to make different "modes" that change both simultaneously.

Perhaps you want max ANC when you're out and about, but the static Immersive Audio mode so that it doesn't sound strange when you're walking around. You can make a mode that instantly sets both to your desired settings. Perhaps you want slightly less ANC and head-tracked spatial audio. You can make a mode that does that too.

Head to the modes tab of the Bose app, and press the "+" button. From there, you can add and change modes.

5. Change how much of yourself you can hear on a call

When you take a call with your Bose headphones, there's a certain amount of your voice that the headphones feed you so that it doesn't sound unnatural. To some people it's either too much or not enough, so you'll want to change the level.

Head to the Bose app, and select the little settings wheel in the top right hand corner of the screen. Scroll down until you see the "Self Voice" setting. From here, choose your preferred level, and back out of the menu.

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I'm very lucky in my line of work. I get to try out all kinds of different audio gear, from gorgeous wireless headphones that cost more than I could ever hope to afford to cheap earbuds that everyone can put in their pockets.

And yet, I have a life outside of work. When I'm not helping readers figure out how to get the best audio gear for their budgets, I'm chilling at home, listening to music and watching movies... or I'm gaming. That's when I break into my home stash of audio gear.

So which of the best headphones accompany me on long trips, and which speakers power my HiFi? Well, here they are: my actual audio devices. I'm not sure any will surprise you, but I love every single one for different reasons.

My wireless headphones: Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2

Last year, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 became my pick for the best headphones you can buy in 2026, and then my heart was captured by the more expensive PX8 S2. (Get them on your head and you'll very quickly discover why; they're a wonderful piece of on-ear wireless goodness.)

They're super comfortable thanks to their leather-covered cushioning and well-judged clamping force. They're stunningly well built with metal armatures and earcups. The protective case ensures they stay shiny and premium, no matter how many times you toss them in your bag.

And then there's the way that they sound. They're warm, enveloping, and lovely, and then stretch the soundstage further than most with a similar sonic signature. Picked guitars shimmer, bass notes rumble and cymbals ring with crystalline energy. They're some of the best-sounding wireless headphones that money can buy — and I love them. They're sure to be my wireless companions for some time.

My wireless earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2

I like to meditate. It's my time to mull over the world and everything around me, finding new connections with the ground that I sit on; listen to the birds I can hear calling, the wind that brushes through my hair. At times, though, I want no distractions while I think over important decisions or other things that life throws at me.

The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2 are my faithful "mulling over" headphones. They block everything out, acting almost like earplugs when not listening to music. Sometimes I'll play nature sounds around me, sometimes I'll leave the sound off. Whatever I choose, they're blocking the noise.

I've been able to wear them for hours and hours on end. It's not just their epic noise canceling that keeps them close at hand, but their impressive comfort as well. They might not play much music, but they're a vital part of my audio arsenal.

My wired headphones: Various

This is where things become a little trickier. See, I have managed to cultivate an impressive collection of wired headphones as a hobby, not just thanks to work, but my own wallet. I like to have different headphones for different genres, or I might want to listen to the sound profile of one pair over another on a particular day.

I can say that there have become some mainstays in recent months. I remain extremely impressed with the Sendy Audio Aiva 2. They look stunning, and sound excellent. I've also been using my Sennheiser HD800S a lot recently, in part due to their unbelievable detail.

I don't have a pair of favorite headphones, but at the moment, the pair I'd recommend are the Aiva 2. They're not cheap, but they're a welcoming pair of cans in a sea of inpenetrable nerdiness.

My Soundbar: Sonos Arc Ultra surround setup

The Sonos Arc Ultra has graced my TV stand since it was first released, and for very good reason. It sounds excellent, and powers a very impressive Atmos experience before you've even considered adding in some surround speakers or a subwoofer. And then you do, and suddenly you wonder where it's been your whole life.

Sounds that whizz past your head with surprising accuracy, stirring movie soundtracks that fill your room, explosions that shake the windows. The Sonos surround experience is something I've become accustomed to now, and I don't think I could pull myself away from it for any other soundbar system.

That, and it was really easy to get past my parents — they weren't particularly enthused by the idea of a seperates system taking up loads of space. Oh well. One day.

My smart speaker: Wiim Sound

This is a recent addition to my every day tech list. The Wiim Sound is a speaker that had me waiting for a long time before I was able to place it on my nightstand. Now that it's here, I can't see it going anywhere quickly. I love it and its funky little screen that shows spinning album artwork, and I really like the excellent Wiim Home app that outperforms the competition in just about any metric (Sonos, ahem).

It also sounds great, with loads of detail and a surprisingly large soundstage for something so small. I've been listening to all my favorite music as I get ready in the morning and as I do some reading before I go to bed.

It might just rank amongst the best smart speakers, although I do wish it had a built-in microphone as opposed to one built into the remote control. Still, it's a great speaker and I love having it next to my bed.

The state of the HiFi

My HiFi system is my pride and joy. The thing in life that keeps me going, playing my music and powering my TV room like nothing else ever could. It's not cheap, I should say, but I don't care. I love it.

But it's not finished yet. HiFi systems never are. You want to get every ounce of performance out of the whole ensemble, and then when you do, you wonder what's possible with something even more expensive. My current system is as follows:

• Cambridge Audio EXA100
• KEF LS50 Meta
• Qacoustics QSub80
• Rega Planar 3 RS
• iFi Zen Phono 3
• Wiim Ultra streamer
• Cambridge Audio AX35 CD player

That's a whole stack of devices, and that's not to mention the mad number of cables that connect the whole thing together, or the special power sockets that make sure the power is clean. Is it a bunch of audiophile hogwash that likely makes little difference in the end?

Almost certainly. But then I turn it on, place a Bloodbath record on my turntable, and settle in for a listening session, and suddenly nothing matters anymore.

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Gift giving is fun. It's also really tricky — what do you get for who? I can't help you with your fashion-conscious sibling (I exclusively wear black band t-shirts), and I definitely wouldn't have any clue what your mom would want, but I can help you with your audio-obsessed nearest and dearest.

I test loads of cool devices over the course of the year, and some of them make excellent gifts. Here are five of my favorites, all of them at reasonable prices. I know if I was to find any of these under the tree, I'd be happy!

iFi Go Link Max

It's a dongle that you can use to plug your headphones into your phone! But it's more. Inside that larger end, some very clever bits of audio wizardry do a better job of translating high-quality audio tracks than your phone's internals, for, you guessed it, much better sound.

I won't go into too much detail, but it's called a "dongle DAC," and they're a great way of getting increased audio fidelity to a pair of wired headphones without breaking the bank on a completely new device. This one only costs about 80 bucks, for example.

I love the iFi Go Link Max. It's my preferred way to take wired headphones on the go, and it does a fabulous job of making my music sound excellent over my favorite wired cans. The perfect Christmas gift for the music fan in your life.

Pro-Ject Record Puck E

I can hear you from here: "What on earth is a record puck, and why would my record fanatic family member need one?" It's one of the greatest record accessories ever developed, that's what it is — and I don't think I could live without mine.

Records can be a pain. They have a habit of getting warped and even moving about during playback. Both ruin the experience, making your music sound straight-up bad. That's where a record puck steps in. It flattens lightly warped records and stops vinyl from moving about on the platter while spinning.

The Record Puck E is a great option, and doesn't cost very much. It's a lump of metal with a hole for the spindle to sit in and a soft surface so that the bottom doesn't ruin your record labels. A great gift for a vinyl listener — or a festive treat for yourself.

Fiio JM21

A DAP (or Digital Audio Player — audio nerds certainly do love an acronym) is essentially a high-end MP3 player. Remember those? Well, the JM21 is of the very best, and it costs less than $200.

It's a great-sounding device that I had a fantastic time testing earlier this year. There's enough space on board for plenty of high-resolution, uncompressed audio files, and you can even connect it to the internet to stream from one of the best music streaming services.

There are ample headphone connections on top, and its amplifier is powerful enough to make even very thirsty headphones sound great. Perfect for the audio fan who's on the go and wants something separate from their phone to listen to music.

Meze Alba

If you're still not sure what to buy, then some excellent in-ears are the way to go. The Meze Alba are some of my favorite wired earbuds that you can grab these days, thanks to a lovely design and some excellent sound quality.

They're also plug-and-play with most devices. They're easy to drive, so you can hook them up to your phone with the included dongle to listen to your favorite tunes in the best quality possible.

They're a great gift for the audio-conscious family member you're shopping for — and maybe even something for yourself...

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It was about 3 months ago that I first left my Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones in my rucksack during a trip in London. Since then, I've not used a pair of ANC headphones at all while walking around outside, so that I can feel safer and more aware of my surroundings.

But there's been more to it, in the long run. It's opened me up to the wider world, the people that live alongside me, and the sounds of everyday life that I had missed for so, so many years.

Am I a better, more rounded person because of it? Perhaps not. But I now have a deeper understanding of my environment and how being more aware of it can make even life's noisier moments more engaging and enjoyable.

I am safer

One of the primary reasons I stopped wearing my ANC headphones while out and about was so that I could feel safer while walking around cities and other busy environments.

I immediately found that I was much safer while crossing the street, and I could more easily guess what the people around me were going to do. People no longer "appeared out of nowhere," and I noticed more in my peripheral vision as I was able to focus more on my surroundings and not my music.

I can hear cars better as they approach crosswalks and other pedestrian crossings. I can tell if a car is going to stop for me instead of guessing, based on the sound that its engine is making. I'm no longer taken by surprise by quiet electric cars as they stealthily approach.

I've heard people trying to get my attention as well. I dropped my wallet at a train station the other day, and I would never have heard the kind lady trying to get my attention with ANC headphones on. Neither would I have been able to help her find the platform that she needed for her speedy connection.

Without ANC, my vision feels more rounded, and my awareness has increased. It's also shown me just how blind we can be when locked into musical cocoons of our own making — the number of people I've seen buried into their headphones step out in front of cars is mind-boggling.

I'm more confident

When I wore my ANC headphones to keep out the outside world, I was hesitant in pretty much everything I did. I would hold myself back from getting involved with things on the street, and I hated talking with shop staff.

I think now it's because I had become so used to being in my own world that I didn't enjoy having to let other people into it, even for a moment. While I shared a physical space with these people, I was living in my head — somewhere I like to keep for myself.

Taking off my headphones — and I mean taking them off, not just activating transparency mode — allowed me to become not just a physical part of the world, but an engaged participant within it. Suddenly I had to take stock of the people around me, and how I might have to interact with them.

Sure, sometimes it's annoying. The people that hand out pamphlets on street corners, noisy sports fans.

But it makes it much easier for me to handle sudden social interactions. I can make more decisive decisions when I'm grabbing coffee at a cafe, and I don't stutter when ordering a sandwich. I have brief chats with the people making my lunch.

I no longer live permanently cemented in my own personal bubble. I can take a more active role in what's going on around me. I am more approachable by people who need help, and I'm able to be more actively engaged in what's going on.

I made a new friend

I like to go to gigs. I go on my own sometimes, so that I can really get involved in the music. Previously, while walking to the gig and in the queue to go in, I'd wear ANC headphones so that I can immerse myself in the music before I get sweaty and half deaf.

But, as you might have guessed, when I ditched ANC while out and about, I had to ditch it when going to gigs. Now I had to interact with the people around me — turns out, the people you go to gigs with actually share a lot in common with you. Who'd have guessed?

I've even made a new friend. We met while I was waiting to go in for a death metal gig, and got chatting about our favorite pasta sauces. We continue to chat now, and go to gigs together. I'd have never met my new friend if not for my ANC experiment — and it goes to show why it's so important to be more aware of what's going on around you.

It's not for everyone

I understand that this is not for everyone. Some neurodiverse people value ANC and how it can isolate them from an otherwise overwhelming world. I'm not saying that everyone should go ANC-free at all — only that I've seen benefits in my experience.

I have had people question parts of my method, understandably. The most common is "why not just turn on transparency mode?" I've gone completely headphone free because it's not just the ANC that keeps me distracted while out and about, but music as well.

If nothing else, I want people to consider how they react to the world while they're wearing their headphones. As loneliness becomes a bigger issue, I can't help but wonder if part of the reason is down to how we lock ourselves away from our fellow humans. Perhaps it's time we untethered ourselves from our noise-canceling headphones.

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I love the AirPods Pro 3, I really do. They're some of the best wireless earbuds that you can buy today, thanks to their comfortable fit, excellent sound and stellar noise canceling.

But I can't help but feel left wanting, occasionally, when I look at the competition. There are features out there that I feel would fit very well with the AirPods line, from a personalizable custom EQ to even more fitting options.

These features, found in the likes of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, would make the AirPods Pro 3 even better. Let's dive in and see what Apple should be adding to its AirPods sack before it brings a new pair to store shelves.

Fitting wings

The most comfortable buds I've ever tried, hands down, are the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds gen 2. They're also the most secure, and I'd wager that is down to the extra-fitting wings and assorted silicon 'bud bit' that ensure they stay in your ears.

I have particularly large ears, so fitting wings are a boon anyway. But even then, they stop tight buds from pushing their way out, and loose ones from shaking away. They needn't be particularly invasive — see how subtle the wings are above — but I'd love to see some on the AirPods.

Even better, they could be removable. Given that the AirPods are sweat and dust-proof, making them even more runner-friendly would be a massive positive to notch on their impressive belt.

Is it likely? Probably not. But we can always dream of AirPods that fit even better.

Customizable EQ

There is some customizability built into the AirPods line, thanks to pre-sets that change the sound, but there's no way to change the sound profile more granularly. Compare that to the likes of the Sony WF-1000XM5, which you can tune to your heart's content with a comprehensive EQ section, and the AirPods come up wanting.

I'm not asking for much — just a few channels of adjustment. I'd like to be able to dial in the sound more to my taste, instead of relying on the sound engineers at Apple. They're very good, but you can't please absolutely everbody.

That would make the AirPods an even more compelling option in my eyes, allowing for more customizability.

All the features available on Android

This is about as likely to happen as the second great flood, but a girl can wish. The AirPods line, if you use an iPhone and other Apple devices, are as fully featured as they come. If, however, you happen to also use a Windows laptop, or an Android tablet, many of the features won't work.

They'll connect, and they'll play music, but you'll lose most of their most useful features. Hearing test won't work, the EQ presets can't be changed, and some of the touch controls might get a bit... funky.

I know that the Apple walled garden strengthens those that live within it — but one step outside of those glassy walls brings the restriction into stark daylight. Android customers make up swathes of the smartphone-buying public. There's a fresh customer base right there Apple, and some of them might want to buy some AirPods.

Why not open those gates?

More from Tom's Guide

• No more cables! Dolby and LG are making wireless Dolby Atmos sound happen in 2026
• I test headphones for a living — here's what I'd buy instead of the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra
• The Pixel Watch 4 is great, but I'm sticking with my Galaxy Watch 8 Classic — here's why

Look, the Sony and Bose entries into our best headphones guide are good cans. They're both very comfortable, sound good, and offer otherwise unrivalled ANC. But they're very... safe.

They don't do anything different, barely shaking up the design category, or taking their sound profiles to different and more interesting places. They're the headphones for the everyday person, and that means, in my eyes at least, that they're... kind of boring.

And here's the thing. There are headphones you can buy for a similar price (and even less) that do more interesting things with the medium. That focus on a particular facet — be that sound, style, or battery life — and stand out from the otherwise identikit sea of similar headphones.

So, which headphones would I buy instead of the WH-1000XM6 or the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2? Let me tell you in about 700 words and some pretty pictures.

My top pick: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3

This year has been a weird one for the previous class leaders. We gave both the WH-1000XM6 and the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2 four stars in their reviews, after years of 4.5 and 5 stars for their predecessors. Which headphones received a better score this year?

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3.

The competition has finally caught up with Sony and Bose, and the PX7 S3 merely highlight how difficult the job has become. While the noise canceling might not be quite as powerful, they put more focus on other parts of the formula – namely, sounding really, really good.

They're a wholly more musical and engaging listen than the Sony and Bose options. They bring more detail to the table, while going even lower into the frequency range. The sound is bigger in almost every direction, even if the soundstage is more intimate than expansive.

There are other spots where B&W has overtaken the competition. The build of the PX7 S3 is unlike anything at the same price, and they're more comfortable for long periods of time. The protective case is better too. It's sturdier and more protective. The physical controls are clicky and responsive, no matter what weather you're in — something that can't be said of the touch controls on the alternatives.

The sound focus makes them a far more compelling buy than either the Sony or Bose options in 2026 — and it makes me really excited to see what the future holds for Bowers & Wilkins.

Something a bit cheaper: Cambridge Melomania P100 SE

If you want really good headphones, you gotta spend a few more dollars than something super cheap. But you don't need to spend near $500 to get something that's epic. Case in point: Cambridge's Melomania P100 SE. They cost $299, a whole $150 less than the Sony and Bose cans.

And they beat them in some key areas.

They're not trying to be the kings of everything like the XM6 and QC Ultra 2, so they make some concessions. The case is big and bulky, their features not as extensive — but that's given Cambridge the opportunity to look at more important things. Like sound. And battery life.

The Melomania P100 SE last for 60 hours with the ANC turned on. That's double the battery of both the Sony and Bose options, and more than the Bowers & Wilkins above. Turn the ANC off and they'll last for 100 hours, making them some of the longest-lasting headphones you can buy today.

The sound is extremely clean, but also weighty and meaty. You can really get your teeth into a listening session, savoring each mouthful of delicious music-steak. They're engaging, fun, and revealing all at the same time. For the price, nothing sounds better.

If I had $300 to buy a new pair of headphones I'm pretty spoilt for choice — but I would go for these. They're different enough to stand out from the crowd physically, and their battery life and sound seal the deal.

More from Tom's Guide

• Massive Apple leak reveals over 30 upcoming products — iPhone Fold, cheap MacBook, smart glasses, AirTag 2 and more
• Samsung reportedly raises DDR5 RAM prices by 100% with 'no stock' left
• Push-ups are the exercise you can do anywhere — 3 variations to try now if you want to build chest strength

Hoping to score some new audio devices ahead of the holidays? Look no further than Bose — the audio brand that makes some of the best headphones and best Bluetooth speakers on the market.

In fact, Bose is hosting a huge holiday sale on Amazon as we speak — and the deals are up to 50% off. If you're in the market for a speaker, I recommend the Bose SoundLink Flex (Gen 2) for just $119. When it comes to headphones, you can't go wrong with the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, which are now sporting a discount of 50%.

So whether you're hoping to grab a holiday gift for an audiophile or you're just looking to treat yourself to a new device, these Bose deals are the way to go. Keep scrolling to check out the rest of my favorite picks from the sale.

Quick Links

• shop all Bose deals on Amazon
• Bose SoundLink Micro: was $119 now $89
• Bose SoundLink Flex (Gen 2): was $149 now $119
• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Earbud: was $179 now $129
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2: was $299 now $184
• Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: was $299 now $229
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones: was $349 now $179
• Bose SoundLink Max: was $399 now $279

Best Bose Deals

The original Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are still some of my favorite headphones. While their battery life left a lot to be desired and their sound wasn’t quite as impressive as more sonically capable rivals, their ANC was the very best you could buy for a price that matched the competition. They were (and still are) excellent headphones.

The aptly named QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation are now here to carry on the torch. They’re pretty much up to the task — thanks to a very welcome increase in battery life, improved sound profile, and some new spatial audio modes —but they don't surpass the competition in every category.

They are, without a doubt, the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy right now. But, if you’re looking beyond ANC ability, Sony and Bowers & Wilkins might have them beat. Find out why in my Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 review.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation: Specs

• Price £449/$449/AU$699
• Connectivity Bluetooth 5.4
• ANC Yes
• Battery 30 hours (ANC on)
• Weight 0.58 pounds
• Dimensions 7.68 x 5.47 x 2 inches
• Colors Black/ White Smoke/ Midnight Violet/ Driftwood sand/ Desert Gold
• Drivers 35mm
• Compatibility iOS, Android
• Frequency response 10Hz - 22kHz

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? An update to Bose’s flagship noise-canceling headphones
• Who is it for? Users who want to block out every single noise ever
• What does it cost? £449/$449/AU$699
• What do we like? Epic noise canceling, very comfortable fit, reliable and helpful app
• What don’t we like? Aging sound profile, identical design

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Price and availability

As with all things Bose, getting yourself a pair of QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2 is going to be a cinch. They’re available at pretty much any big box retailer like Best Buy, Walmart and Amazon. You can also pick up a pair directly from Bose, if that’s what you'd prefer. Either way, adding some to your backpack isn’t going to entail a lengthy search of store shelves or web pages.

What might make purchasing a pair slightly trickier is the price. The first model cost $429, and this newer model has received a not-insignificant price hike of $30. That makes them about $10 more than the Sony WH-1000XM6 and our current pick for the best headphones, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3. It’s an unwelcome price hike, that’s for sure, especially as everyone tightens their belts in a particularly icy financial climate.

The price wouldn’t sting quite as much if they were a significant update over the previous pair, but they don’t feel like enough of an upgrade to justify the increase. It also makes them an unworthy upgrade for current QuietComfort Ultra Headphones users. My advice? Wait for the next model, you won’t get much extra here.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Build and design

• Slightly rattly
• There’s nothing new…
• But they’re still handsome

Look, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones were a good-looking pair of headphones. Those metal accents in the hinges looked lovely, and they match the pearlescent plastic earcups and headphones nicely.

They’re certainly more interesting-looking than the Sony XM6-flavored competition, but not quite as stylish or premium-looking as the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 headphones. I like the look of the QuietComfort Ultra, but they’re not the best around.

It’s good that the 1st gen looked so nice because the new model doesn’t look even one iota different from their forbears. It's the same metallic hinge pieces, the same plastic earcups, and identical cushioning on both headphones. There are new color options to keep things a little fresher, but at their core, no one is going to know that you’re rocking the new version.

I wasn’t entirely sure I was using the 2nd gen at one point, and had to check in the app to see what they were called. Which perhaps says a lot about just how iterative this update actually is.

Thankfully, that also means the incredible comfort of the old version carries into the second generation. They’re impressively lightweight, and when you combine that with their super soft leatherette pads and ample padding, you end up with one of the most comfortable fits in all of noise-canceling headphone-dom. I had no problem wearing them for hours and hours on end, and I’d wager that neither will you.

Their identikit build also carries one of the biggest disappointments of the older model with them; they don’t feel premium in the hand. They’re a bit rattly, and they don’t feel as put-together as their key rivals.

They don’t feel cheap, but neither do they feel like you’ve just dropped nearly half a grand on a pair of noise-canceling headphones.

The excellent protective case does make it easier to toss them in a busy backpack guilt-free, and my older QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have stood the test of time with no breakages (despite a difficult life). But you’d hope they’d feel more expensive, given that they are expensive.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Features

• Plenty of “immersive” spatial audio modes
• Fairly weak EQ
• AptX adaptive

When you’re looking at the spec sheet of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen, you have to talk about the “Immersive” Spatial Audio sound modes. There are technically three, and one of them is new. Well, there are four if you consider “off” a mode. I don’t, it’s the default; because I still don’t get why everyone raves about these immersive sound modes.

There are two Immersive modes for music. One is for when you’re sitting down, and tracks your head movements to sound like your music is in a static place in space, with you looking around in the middle.

It’s smooth enough, unlike the same feature in the Beats Studio Pro, but I just don’t get it. It thins out the sound, tanking bass response and detail in exchange for an artificially widened soundstage. I don’t even think it sounds that much bigger — I often found my music sounded wider when it was turned off.

The second is for when you’re walking around, centering the music around your head so that it no longer moves. It’s not as disconcerting, but no less uncomfortable-sounding.

To be clear, there are two problems here. The first is that it doesn’t use a Spatial Audio mix like Apple headphones do, and has to work with stereo recordings. They only have a certain amount of information to parse out into a 3D space, and what Bose has done is very impressive. The second is me. I simply don’t like it.

For home-grown musical spatial audio systems, Bose’s Immersive Audio is fine. It works. But the fact remains that standard stereo listening sounds better, and doesn’t use as much battery.

The third immersive mode is cinema — and it’s about the only immersive mode I like. It’s designed, as you might have guessed, for movies, and it does a good enough job of making your movies feel more like surround sound when you're on a train, a plane, or, indeed, an automobile.

TL;DR: Musical Immersive Modes, no thanks. Move Immersive Mode, yes please.

The “Bose” app at the core of the experience works well enough. It’s where you’ll find all those Immersive sound modes, as well as the other settings. There’s a fairly weak (although essential) 3-band EQ, the ANC ‘noise control’ settings, as well as a customizable control for the touch… thing found on the right earcup.

There are fewer features here than you’ll find on Sony’s headphones, but it’s about the same as those in the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3. About the only thing you’ll really miss out on are the fancy ANC modes that Sony has cooked up for the WH-1000XM6, and I’m not entirely sure they’re actually all that useful.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: ANC

• Just about the best around
• No notes.
• Nothing better.

Usually, I’d spend loads of time here waxing lyrical about the ANC of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation's ability to block noise. I’d use fancy words like “indomitable” and “unconquerable.” I might throw in an “indefatigable” or two, perhaps even an “unflinching.”

But I won’t, because I don’t really need to. The ANC that Bose has packed into the Ultra Headphones 2nd gen is somehow even better than the first gen. Press the button, and you’re whisked away into your little noiseless cocoon, your only companion the music or podcast you’re listening to.

It’s still remarkable, still impressive, and continues to set the benchmark for how much noise a pair of headphones can block.

Transparency mode is no less excellent. Your conversation partners (or the station announcer) will sound natural, and it avoids the often robotic sound of similar systems. Bose still sets the bar for noise canceling and transparency modes, outdoing similarly priced and more expensive headphones without breaking a sweat.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Call quality

• Solid mics
• Great sound quality
• Noise isolation is very good

Thanks to all the microphones that Bose has pumped into the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2, the call quality is excellent. But then the call quality of the previous model was also good — and you’re not going to get much of an upgrade here.

My call partners, whether I was sitting in my office seat, a train carriage, or walking down a busy street, all reported that I was clearly understandable. Little noise from my environment seemed to trouble the headphones.

On my end, things were similarly standout. My call partners all sounded good (depending on their source device, of course — the Bose did their best, but a friend's woeful headset still made it sound like he was talking to me from the other end of a massive concrete pipe), and I didn’t have any problem hearing what they had to say.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Controls

• The power button and noise control button are fine
• But the sliding volume touch thing?
• Woeful

My experience with the controls on the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2, much like that with the older model, have been a mixed bag. A mixed bag filled with nails.

While the physical controls for power and noise controls are very welcome indeed, the imprecise touch slider that Bose has placed in the right earcup is straight up bad.

It’s annoying to find, for one. It’s towards the back of the headset, and not quite pronounced enough to find without activating one of its features. While multi-pressing the ANC button changes playback (bad), the touch bar changes the volume (even worse).

It has a habit of wildly shifting volume no matter what you ask of it, whether you swipe up or down. I was really hoping that this version of the headphones would take this control and cast it into the fires of headphone Mount Doom. Alas, it did not.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Sound quality

• It’s fine
• Very bassy
• You’ll need to play with the EQ

Bose’s sound profile has generally been all about the bass, and making things sound warm and velvety. That’s no less true here with the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd gen, although there is a way to tweak them and it’s not all that tricky..

Head into the Bose App’s EQ menu, and set the treble to +2 or +3. That dials in some extra high range, allowing cymbals and other sounds to breathe a bit more. It’s not the perfect solution, but it makes them sound more listenable than they are straight out of the box.

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are otherwise a solid-sounding pair of headphones, especially with the Immersive Sound modes turned off.

They’re reasonably spacious in their soundstage, and there’s some lovely, rich bass here to get things rumbling. The mids provide good vocal representation, although they’re not quite as focused or dialed in as the Sony WH-1000XM6.

The bass, while plentiful and warm, feels one-note. As a result, detail takes a hit, as do dynamics. It’s perfect for some background listening, but not quite as good if you want to sit down and get involved with your music. If that’s what you want, then you should opt for the Sennheiser HDB 630 or the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3.

Katatonia’s metallic melancholy Wind Of No Change allows the headphones to stretch their bassy legs, although I do wish for some more dynamism in that low end. The bass guitar hits nicely, but it feels very flat. With my EQ adjustments, the cymbals can sing more, and the vocals are right in the forefront.

The distorted guitars sound great, with plenty of bite. Instrument separation is fine, but when things get busy, it can be hard to pick out the choir in the background. That’s not a struggle in the Sony WH-1000XM6.

As you might expect, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen fare a whole lot better with Pop music. XG’s Gala brings the glam, and the headphones are more than happy to let the bass go off.

The flatness doesn’t feel like as much of a problem here as the group's vocals layer over the top, and the chirping synths bring some extra dimension. Nothing gets lost here, and the imaging is good. They’re headphones really dialed in for the genre, it feels.

Chvrches' Asking For a Friend feels similarly well defined in the QuietComfort Ultra, although I do miss some bass dynamism again. Mayberry’s vocals are clear and easy to listen to, and the drum beat drives with some gusto thanks to that warmer focus of the headphones. I’ve heard better — but it still sounds good.

• Listen along to the Tom's Guide Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation testing playlist

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Battery life

• Vast improvement over old model…
• But still not class-leading
• 30 hours

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones only featured 24 hours of battery life. You couldn’t extend that battery life either, with the headphones only featuring “on” and “transparency” modes for the noise canceling. Both drank battery life like a thirsty dog, and turning on Immersive Audio brought the staying power down to 18 hours.

We’ve got some improvement here, although it only brings them up to par with the competition rather than bettering it. According to Bose, you’ll be able to pull 30 hours of battery life out of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2.

That’s 6 hours more than the old model, but if you’re after the most battery life possible, then you’re going to want to choose something like the Sennheiser HDB 630. They’re about $40 more again, but they last for 60 hours.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Generation review: Verdict

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen are a great pair of headphones. The sound is good, they’re incredibly comfortable, and the ANC remains a spectacular example of noise-canceling technology. I can’t not give them 4 stars, and a recommendation. They’re good. Unfortunately, so is the competition.

Making matters trickier is that the old model, a pair you can still buy for often reduced prices, is close enough in performance and is still well worth picking up. Once the stock of the first gen has dried up, the story will be different, but we're still a few months away from that point.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2 are a good upgrade, and they’re now the best noise-canceling headphones by the sheer fact that their ANC is better than anything available right now.

However, when Bose ditches the useless touch control thing on the right earcup, improves the sound and brings us a new design, a higher score will be in order. But as it stands, they’re a solid four-star pair of headphones in a crowded, competitive market.

Cyber Monday is officially here, and it's brought some awesome soundbar deals along with it. The best soundbars with Dolby Atmos are expensive, so it's even more important to grab them when they're discounted.

I've tested 15 soundbars this year, ranging from $1,700 JBL setups to $67 uber-budget TV speaker replacements, and I've rounded up the 11 best Cyber Monday soundbar deals for your viewing pleasure. All of these soundbars have Dolby Atmos (except one, which has fake-but-still-good DTS:VirtualX), so let me help you find the cheapest way to transform your living room into a movie theater.

My top recommendation is the Bose Smart Soundbar for just $399 at Amazon. This is my personal soundbar and a great option for the soundbar that can do it all — movies, TV, and music. Or, if you want to save as much as possible, I recommend the unbelievably good value Insignia 5.1.2 Soundbar — you get rear speakers, a subwoofer, and the soundbar itself for just $129 at Best Buy. If we were in a cartoon, my head would have exploded when I found that deal. A full surround system for $129 is incomprehensibly cheap.

But there are more soundbar deals where that came from. Read on to see my favorites.

Soundbar deals: Quick links

• Insignia 5.1.2 Soundbar: was $229 now $129 @ Best Buy
• Amazon Fire TV Soundbar: was $249 now $149 @ Amazon
• Samsung HW-B650: was $399 now $199 @ Best Buy
• Polk Audio Signa S4: was $449 now $359 @ Amazon
• JBL Bar 500: was $649 now $399 @ Best Buy
• Bose Smart Soundbar 2024: was $499 now $399 @ Amazon
• Samsung Q600F: was $699 now $499 @ Best Buy
• Bose Smart Soundbar Ultra: was $899 now $699 @ Amazon
• Sonos Arc Ultra: was $1,099 now $879 @ Best Buy
• Samsung Q990D: was $1,999 now $999 @ Best Buy
• JBL Bar 1300 MK2: was $1,699 now $1,99 @ Best Buy

Best Cyber Monday deals on Dolby Atmos soundbars

For more discounts, check out our Cyber Monday deals live blog.

Shop today's best Cyber Monday deals

• Amazon: 50% off Ring, Ninja, AirPods and more
• Walmart Plus: 50% off @ Walmart
• REI: half-off Arc'teryx, Patagonia, more
• Dell: monitors from $69, laptops from $299
• Nectar: 50% off mattresses + bundles
• Best Buy: laptops from $149
• Lenovo: doorbuster deals from $319
• Wayfair: up to 80% off home decor
• Lululemon: top picks from $9
• Newegg: Doorbuster deals from $6
• Walmart: holiday gifts from $15
• Birkenstock: deals from $20 @ Nordstrom
• Saatva: luxury mattresses from $1,099

I don’t think you can ever have enough speakers. I own everything from smart home speakers to small portable speakers, and I still find new sounds that I love with every speaker I try.

And in this year’s Black Friday deals, you can try some out for your self with deals on some of the best Bluetooth speakers money can buy. I’ve put together a list of some stand-out favorites available at Amazon this year, including home speakers and some great ones to take on adventures with you.

Quick links

• Anker Soundcore 2: was $44 now $27 @Amazon
• JBL Go 3: was $39 now $29 @ Amazon
• Tribit Strombox Lava: was $139 now $99 @ Amazon
• Bose Soundlink Flex (2nd Gen): was $149 now $99 @ Amazon
• Marshall Acton III: was $299 now $179 @ Amazon

Best Bluetooth speaker deals @ Amazon

For more discounts, check out our Black Friday deals live blog.

Shop today's best Black Friday deals

• Amazon: 50% off Ring, Ninja, AirPods and more
• Walmart Plus: 50% off @ Walmart
• REI: half-off Arc'teryx, Patagonia, more
• Dell: monitors from $69, laptops from $299
• Nectar: 50% off mattresses + bundles
• Best Buy: laptops from $149
• Lenovo: doorbuster deals from $319
• Wayfair: up to 80% off home decor
• Lululemon: top picks from $9
• Newegg: Doorbuster deals from $6
• Walmart: holiday gifts from $15
• Birkenstock: deals from $20 @ Nordstrom
• Saatva: luxury mattresses from $1,099

Cyber Monday is here! That means some of the best soundbars I've reviewed this year are majorly discounted. There's never been a better time to upgrade your home theater.

This year's Cyber Monday sees awesome savings on the Bose Smart Soundbar (2024) for just $399 on Amazon right now — that's a massive $100 saving. Or, if you're looking for a serious cinema-quality setup, the JBL Bar 1300 MK2 is just $1,199 at Best Buy — that's a huge $500 saving on a soundbar that came out only a month ago.

If you're on a tight budget, I'd recommend the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, just $149 right now. This soundbar has Dolby Atmos for just $149!

I've reviewed 15 soundbars this year from big names like Bose, Samsung and Sony, and also budget bars from lesser-known brands. To help you choose which soundbar to buy, I've rounded up the best discounts this Cyber Monday so far.

Soundbar deals: Quick links

• Amazon Fire TV Soundbar: was $249 now $149 @ Amazon
• Hisense AX3120Q: was $279 now $199 @ Best Buy
• Samsung HW-B650: was $399 now $199 @ Best Buy
• Polk Audio Signa S4: was $449 now $359 @ Amazon
• JBL Bar 500: was $649 now $379 @ Best Buy
• Bose Smart Soundbar 2024: was $499 now $399 @ Amazon
• Samsung Q600F: was $699 now $499 @ Best Buy
• Bose Smart Soundbar Ultra: was $899 now $699 @ Amazon
• Sonos Arc Ultra: was $1,099 now $879 @ Best Buy
• Samsung Q990D: was $1,999 now $999 @ Best Buy
• JBL Bar 1300 MK2: was $1,699 now $1,199 @ Best Buy

Best Cyber Monday soundbar deals

For more discounts, check out our Cyber Monday deals live blog.

Shop today's best Cyber Monday deals

• Amazon: 50% off Ring, Ninja, AirPods and more
• Walmart Plus: 50% off @ Walmart
• REI: half-off Arc'teryx, Patagonia, more
• Dell: monitors from $69, laptops from $299
• Nectar: 50% off mattresses + bundles
• Best Buy: laptops from $149
• Lenovo: doorbuster deals from $319
• Wayfair: up to 80% off home decor
• Lululemon: top picks from $9
• Newegg: Doorbuster deals from $6
• Walmart: holiday gifts from $15
• Birkenstock: deals from $20 @ Nordstrom
• Saatva: luxury mattresses from $1,099

The Black Friday sales are here! With the lowest prices on loads of different headphones and earbuds. But which should you buy? That's a tricky question, but one that I am ready to help you answer.

The AirPods Max are down to their lowest price, as well as the AirPods 4. Then, the Sony WH-1000XM5 have been reduced to fresh lows, not to be beaten by Apple — followed suit by Bose and some deals on its QuietComfort line.

• Shop Amazon's entire Black Friday sale

I've got some great recommendations for even cheaper headphones and earbuds, though. If you want something that will set you back less than $50, you should check out the Nothing CMF Buds Pro 2 for $47 at Amazon. We gave these fantastic earbuds a lovely 4.5-star rating in our review.

If you want the best Black Friday deals on headphones, make sure to keep checking back here for all the updates on the deals as I find them.

Quick links

• JLab Go Air Pop earbuds: was $29 now $9 @ Walmart
• AirPods 4: was $129 now $69 @ Amazon
• Nothing Ear (a): was $109 now $59 @ Amazon
• Sony WF-C710N: was $129 now $79 @ Best Buy
• Sony WH-CH720N: was $179 now $88 @ Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: was $179 now $129 @ Amazon
• Sony WH-1000XM4: was $349 now $159 @ Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones: was $349 now $199 @ Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds gen 2: was $299 now $216 @ Amazon
• AirPods Pro 3: was $249 now $219 @ Amazon
• Sony WF-1000XM5: was $329 now $228 @ Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: was $429 now $298 @ Amazon
• Sony WH-1000XM6: was $459 now $398 @ Amazon

My top 5 deals

Black Friday earbuds

Black Friday headphones

We are live!

And we are live! Tracking all the best headphone deals this Black Friday as they go live. One of the best at the moment is the first deal on the Sony WH-1000XM6, Sony's current flagship. They've got excellent ANC, a comfortable fit and 30 hours of battery.

This is their first discount, making it a de-facto lowest price ever. A great way to kick off this Black Friday extravaganza!

• Sony WH-1000XM6: was $459 now $398 @ Amazon

Save on ALL the AirPods

Did you know that every single model of AirPods that Apple makes are currently on sale? That's the AirPods 4, the AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods Max. Almost every single one has been lowered to their lowest prices ever — if you're in the market for AirPods, now's the time to buy them.

The AirPods 4 are actually starting to sell out at some retailers — so you'd better be quick if you want them at these prices.

• AirPods 4: was $129 now $79 @ Best Buy
• AirPods 4 with ANC: was $179 now $99 @ Amazon
• AirPods Pro 3: was $249 now $219 @ Amazon
• AirPods Max USB-C: was $549 now $399 @ Amazon

Noise canceling savings for all

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones were my headphones of choice for a long time, thanks to their excellent ANC — only to be unseated by the 2nd generation when they launched. The 1st gen here are still great noise cancelers, make no mistake, and this excellent deal makes them more affordable than ever.

They're light, they're comfortable, and they feature solid sound to go with their top shelf ANC. There' little more you could ask for.

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: was $429 now $289 @ Amazon

Something a little more affordable

The Soundcore Space One are some of our favorite budget cans – they're well-made, and sound excellent for the price. They've got ANC that does a good job of keeping out unwanted sounds, and their 40 hours of battery life is better than some more expensive options. Their funky color options sure help as well.

This deal makes them more affordable than ever, thanks to a decent $30 discount. We're big fans of the Space One here — and you probably will be too.

• Soundcore Space One: was $99 now $67 @ Amazon

Big Beats savings

The Beats Studio Pro are some great over-ear headphones at their current deal price. Their ANC rivals more expensive models, and they've got a pretty comfortable fit to boot. This deal makes them their lowest price ever — and under half price. That's insane.

To be exact, there's a 57% saving – that might be the most of any headphones this Black Friday. Don't miss out!

• Beats Studio Pro: was $349 now $149 @ Amazon

How about something super cheap

These folding headphones are a great way to get ANC in your backpack without spending loads of money. The JLab JBuds Lux sound good, look good and block out a decent amount of noise. There's no carrying case in the box, but let's be serious, there has to be something sacrificed at the altar of cost.

This deal makes them a Black Friday bargain, bringing their price down lower than its ever been before.

• JLab JBuds Lux ANC: was $79 now $39 @ Amazon

Something for Galaxy users

The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are the perfect buds if you're wielding a Galaxy handset. They pack in all the usual suspects — great sound, solid ANC and good battery life — and then throw in some extras for Samsung fans. Live Translation? Sure thing. AI sound enhancement? Sounds good to me.

This deal brings them down to their lowest price ever, making them cheaper than their chief rivals.

• Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: was $249 now $159 @ Amazon

More noise canceling savings

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are a comfortable pair of buds that are designed to block as much noise as possible without costing as much as their more expensive counterparts. They excel at their job — great ANC, solid sound and loads of battery life. They also come in some great colors.

This deal brings them down to a more affordable price.

• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: was $179 now $129 @ Walmart

ANOTHER Beats deal

How about something from Beats again — this time, the ANC-less Solo 4 headphones. They sould good, look handsome, and fold up super small so that they can fit in your backpack without issue. We love them and their comfortable fit.

This deal makes them even more affordable — time to grab a great deal!

• Beats Solo 4: was $199 now $129 @ Best Buy

Now for something slightly different

These are open earbuds (as if Bose calling them the "Ultra Open" didn't tell you enough), designed to let you hear more of the outside world. We loved them when we tested them, especially their suprisingly good sound quality.

This is a great deal on some interesting earbuds, saving you $70.

• Bose Ultra Open: was $299 now $229 @ Best Buy

Massive AirPods Pro 2 deal

The AirPods Pro 2 might not be the newest of all the AirPods, but they're a wonderful option if you want noise canceling for your iPhone. They sound excellent and they're very comfortable — some would argue even more comfortable than the last pair.

This deal brings them down to an all-time low price — just keep in mind that this is likely retailers clearing out stock of AirPods, so get in there quick to avoid disapointment.

• AirPods Pro 2: was $249 now $139 @ Walmart

Some of my favorite earbuds are down

These are actually some of my favorite earbuds. I love their comfortable fit, their good battery life, and their good sound. I really like the form factor of the case — it's smooth and pebble like, making it super easy to slip into a pocket.

This read color is particularly eye catching as well...

• Beats Studio Buds: was $149 now $79 @ Walmart

Something from another Galaxy... again

These "fan edition" earbuds area gift from Samsung to the fans of its Galaxy line of products. A gift that you pay for, but a gift none the less. This pair of earbuds bring flagship features like ANC and AI integration for a great price, especially thanks to this Black Friday deal.

Be aware that it's only the white colorway at this price.

• Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: was $79 now $59 @ Walmart

EVEN MORE noise canceling deals

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are a great way to block out noise, and they don't cost as much as the Ultra version. They're still very comfortable, offer excellent sound, and impeccable noise canceling — they're just a little more dated in their design.

This deal brings them down to their lowest ever price — not too shabby.

• Bose QuietComfort Headphones: was $349 now $199 @ Amazon

Yet another noise canceling deal!?

This is the generation 2 version of one of my favorite pairs of headphones. The QuietComfort Ultra headphones gen 2 are very comfortable indeed, and block out more noise than just about anything else you can buy. And now they're discounted, down to their lowest ever price thanks to Black Friday.

This deal makes them more affordable than ever — although they're still not cheap.

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2: was $449 now $399 @ Walmart

The AirPods 4 have risen in price again

HOLD OFF if you're planning on buying some AirPods 4 — they've been spotted at Best Buy and Walmart, but not at their lowest price ever. Amazon seems to have sold out of them at their excellent price — so it's worth holding back to see if they go back to that top-notch $69 price point.

• AirPods 4: was $129 now $79 @ Best Buy (but don't — they've been cheaper just hours ago)

Wireless audiophile goodness

This is the deal of the sale, bar none. There's over $300 off the Momentum 4 ANC headphones, bringing them down to a truly spectacular price. They're a great sounding pair of headphones that offer good ANC as well — they're the perfect pair of noise cancelers for audiophiles.

This is their lowest price ever, and one well worth putting in your Black Friday shopping basket.

• Sennheiser Momentum 4: was $449 now $179 @ Best Buy

They look like Jolly Ranchers

Look at them... Look at them! They look good enough to eat. Not that you'd actually want to, they might be a bit too crunchy. Put them in your ears though and you're in for a treat. Great sound, a comfortable fit, and excellent noise canceling all add up to a great pair of buds that don't cost the world.

This deal brings them down to a great low price — you don't want to miss this one!

• Sony WF-C510N: was $129 now $79 @ Best Buy

Something small

These tiny little buds might not look like much, but they pack in some great features for a bargain price. They're comfortable thanks to their diminutive size, and sound much better than you might initially expect. There's no ANC, given that they cost $9, but the rest of the package is well worth it.

Only a few colors are reduced, mind you — so choose carefully!

• JLab Go Air Pop: was $29 now $9 at Best Buy

Something for runners

Brief caveat — I do not run. But I am told, on good authority, that the bone cunducting Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are excellent for playing your audiobooks, podcasts and music on the go without blocking your peripheral sound-vision.

They're light and comfortable too, apparently — and they're currently $50 off. Not too shabby at all.

• SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2: was $179 now $124 @ Amazon

More true wireless deals

This deal brings a budget pair of earbuds down to an even budgetier price — they're super cheap! Expect solid sound, and up to 32 hours of battery life. There's only one color of buds at the moment on sale — the black — but they're still a solid option this Black Friday.

• JBL Vibe Beam: was $49 now $29 @ Amazon

AirPods 4 are back down to their lowest price to date

The AirPods 4 deliver the comfy, reliable experience we've come to expect from Apple's massively popular wireless earbuds, and they've just crashed to their lowest price to date at Walmart. With these buds, you're getting Spatial Audio support and the newest fit.

The newest sale price of just $69 is a good reminder that some of the best deals go live in the days leading up to Black Friday. If you've had AirPods on your holiday shopping list for a few weeks, now's a good time to act.

• AirPods 4: was $129 now $69 @ Walmart

Something super premium

This pair of luxury headphones is still the most expensive thing I've found this Black Friday, even after a massive $400 discount. They're worth it though, smothered with high-quality leather and sumptuous metal. They sound excellent, as you might expect, and offer decent noise canceling.

This isn't their lowest price ever, though — although the last time we saw that was a couple of years ago.

• Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95: was $1,250 now $875 @ Amazon

Clearly, a great deal

Nothing's lowest price earbuds jus got a whole lot more affordable thanks to Black Friday – this deal brings them down to an even more affordable price. You get great ANC, super sound and AI integration for your money, along with that standout Nothing design.

42.5 hours of battery Nothing? You spoil us — especially at this price.

• Nothing Ear (a): was $109 now $59 @ Amazon

You can't 'Beats' this deal

These exercise buds have a secure hook to keep them in place when you're moving about, and buttons so that you can operate their controls when you're wearing gloves. They sound pretty good too, and there's a heart rate monitor so that you can track your fitness without taking your watch out and about with you.

• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: was $249 now $199 @ Amazon

AirPods Pro 2 are the cheapest thing since... a really cheap thing

The AirPods Pro 2 have snuck under the radar for a little while during the sale so far — but not anymore. I've spotted you, you sneaky little buds, and now I can show everyone how cheap you are. This deal brings them down to their lowest price ever.

Great sound, excellent ANC and a very comfortable fit — there's little more you could ask for!

• AirPods Pro 2: was $249 now $139 @ Walmart

More un'Beats'able deals

This Beats deal is a massive saving, bringing them under half price with a $120 deal. That's a great deal on some headphones that sound good and offer a very comfortable fit. They may not be AirPods, but they offer a similar connection style for Apple users and Spatial Audio.

Oh, and 50 hours of battery life. That's lots.

• Beats Solo 4: was $199 now $179 @ Walmart

Budget over-ears

This deal on some cheaper over-ear headphones is a great one. They're a light and comfortable pair of headphones, and offer an adjustable EQ so that you can tune the sound to your liking. There are some cool colors on offer as well, to go with their 76 hour battery life.

• JBL Tune 720BT: was $89 now $44 @ Walmart

Another budget bud?

These colorful little buds are a great way to save some money this Black Friday. They feature good ANC, great sound, and a comfortable fit thanks to Soundcore's well-shaped silicon tips. I like the case — there's a button on it so that it snaps open like a Tricorder in Star Trek.

No, the real nerds are the ones who don't like Star Trek. Or these buds.

• Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: was $99 now $56 @ Amazon

One for the audiophiles

The HD 599 SE likely need no introduction — they're a well known pair of wired headphones, perfect for those who want to get really into listening to their music. They're light and comfortable, but they also sound stunning thanks to their open design and impeccable internals.

• Sennheiser HD 599 SE: was $239 now $99 @ Amazon

AirPods 4 — low, low, low price

Both AirPods models are down to their lowest prices, with discounts that bring them under $100. The AirPods 4 with no ANC is a particularly good deal, bringing them to a price that undercuts just about everything else.

What are the differences? The more expensive model features ANC and Find My — and cost $30 more.

• AirPods 4 ANC: was $179 now $99 @ Amazon
• AirPods 4: was $129 now $69 @ Amazon

Designed for your jeans chain

This collaboration between Bose and Skullcandy gave us a wonderfully strange pair of earbuds. They've got great ANC, and the Bose-tuned sound is excellent. The charging case is large, but the clip on the side makes it easy to hang it off things. If you're feeling brave.

• Skullcandy Method 360 ANC: was $129 now $89 @ Amazon

Another deal you can't 'Beats'... I give up

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are down to a great price thanks to Black Friday, with a nearly $200 saving. They're a comfortable pair of headphones that offer good noise canceling and solid sound — not one to be missed!

• Beats Studio Pro: was $349 now $169 @ Walmart

More cheap headphones

These noise canceling headphones are a budget favorite of ours here at Tom's Guide. They're a comfortable pair of headphones, bringing loads of great features to a more affordable price. They block out lots of noise, sound good, and last for up to 70 hours. That's a great buy this Black Friday.

• JLab JBuds Lux ANC: was $79 now $39 @ Amazon

The best noise canceling, now for less

Want to block as much noise as possible without spend all the money? This deal on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is the saving for you. It's a $130 saving on some of the best noise canceling headphones ever, that also happen to sound really good. Watch out for this deal — not every color is reduced as much as others.

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: was $429 now $299 @ Amazon

Sony's noise canceling heroes

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are down to a very low price thanks to Black Friday — they're $150 off for their lowest price ever. Excellent noise canceling, the works. This is the deal I'd buy this Black Friday.

• Sony Wh-1000XM5: was $399 now $248 @ Amazon

Deals on workout essential open earbuds

The Soundcore AeroClip earbuds are an essential for any fitness lover who values audio quality and comfort during their workouts. They may have a budget price tag, but they show no compromises in the comfort department. They have customizable EQ settings in the Soundcore app, and this can improve the already great sound quality. At their lowest ever price with $70 off, picking up these buds right now is a no-brainer.

• Soundcore Aeroclip: was $169 now $99

Do you like... bass?

If you like the low stuff, then you've just found your perfect next pair of headphones. They're so dedicated to bass driver to make sure you're getting plenty of wobble. There's a reason they're called the "Crusher", after all. They sound pretty good to boot — and a $100 discount is certainly nothing to sniff at.

• Skullcandy Crusher Evo: was $199 now $99 @ Amazon

Wireless audiophiledom is but $179 away

The Momentum 4 are a fantastic pair of headphones with top notch sound and a very comfortable fit. They also block out loads of noise, and feature extensive EQ settings so that you can dial the sound in just so. This is their lowest price ever, with a massive $270 saving.

• Sennheiser Momentum 4: was $449 now $179 @ Amazon

Affordable Sony headphones

These Sony noise cancelers don't cost as much as their more expensive cousins, but they're still a great option if you want something that does everything well. They're comfortable, they sound good, and they've got great ANC — what more could you want from a pair of Black Friday headphoes?

• Sony WH-CH720N: was $179 now $88 @ Amazon

Plus buds for... minus?

These little Beats buds are an upgrade over the non plus version (as you might expect), and bring improved sound, good ANC and great comfort. They're also available in a very cool transparent color — I love them.

• Beats Studio Buds+: was $149 now $169 @ Amazon

Which budget headphones should I buy?

My two favorite budget headphones are the Soundcore Space One Pro and the JLab JBuds Lux ANC. Thankfully, both of these models are on sale for Black Friday.

If you're trying to save megabucks, I'd go for the JLab JBuds Lux ANC — they're just $39 right now. With super-comfy ear cups and surprisingly excellent sound, this is my go-to budget headphone recommendation. Always.

If you want something a little fancier, why not go for the Soundcore Space One Pro? These $113 headphones are also incredibly comfortable and have amazing features in the app.

My favorite budget earbuds

I'm a professional earbud and headphone reviewer, which means I get my hands on loads of fresh tech. However, little stays in my mind as long as the JLab Go Pods ANC. These earbuds are, without a doubt, the best earbuds $20 can buy.

If you want to treat yo'self...

It's got to be the AirPods Max at just $399 for Black Friday 2025. This is the AirPods Max's LOWEST EVER PRICE. If you've been uhm-ing and ah-ing about getting Apple's flagship cans, now is the best time to bite the bullet.

The best AirPods competitor is...

The EarFun Air Pro 4+. I tested these earbuds in October, when they came out. With a balanced yet punchy sound signature and fantastic features for the price, the EarFun Air Pro 4+ are my go-to recommendation for AirPods-like performance for very little money.

Which deal is the most surprising?

I'm actually really shocked to see the AirPods Pro 3 discounted already. These earbuds only came out two months ago, and they're already at their lowest ever price. Having some trouble shifting them, Apple?

I jest, I jest, but seriously, if you've been after the brand-new flagship AirPods, then you're not going to find them anywhere cheaper.

Don't underestimate the...

Sony WF-C710N! When we reviewed these earlier in the year, we loved them. The sound quality is miles better than the $129 price tag and at just $99? It feels illegal. If you want earbuds that have it all — including a vaguely y2k-themed transparent design — I think you might like these Sony buds.

Sony's flagship earbuds

The Sony WF-1000XM5 are Sony's premium earbuds, and right now they're just $228. This isn't their lowest-ever price, but it's still a nice deal on these amazing earbuds. When we reviewed them last year, we called them the "best-ever earbuds." That's a mighty bold claim, but it's true.

And the award for (probably) the biggest headphones release of the year goes to...

The Sony WH-1000XM6 released earlier this year to a whole Medieval city's worth of fanfare. Like, so much fanfare that you need the awesome ANC on these cans just to block it all out.

That's why I was so surprised to see the XM6s on sale this year. Although it's only a $61 discount, this is still an amazing saving considering how brand-spanking-new the XM6s are.

Let's show the older models some love, too!

We've covered the fantastic EarFun Air Pro 4+ here, but their slightly older sibling is also on sale! The EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds are also on sale for just $53 at Amazon. That's 35% off and a whole $21 cheaper than the sale price of the Air Pro 4+ ($74).

Just like the newer model, we gave the original EarFun Air Pro 4s a 4.5-star rating in our review, praising the bass performance and sound quality, not to mention the ANC and comfort. They're fantastic budget buds.

It's here, it's finally here!

Black Friday has finally started — and what better way to kick things off than a massive saving on some wicked Beats headphoes? They're now less than half price (57% off, to be exact), bringing them down to that low, low price. For this price they're an excellent pair of headphones, with good ANC, a comfortable fit, and solid sound. Don't miss this one!

• Beats Studio Pro: was $349 now $149 @ Amazon

In-ear noise canceling savings

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds gen 2 are some seriously impressive earbuds. They've got Bose's incredible noise canceling, sprinkle in some excellent sound, and have a comfortable fit thanks to some wicked little fitting wings. They don't have the most battery life around — 6 hours — but they're a great pair of noise canceling earbuds to pick up this Black Friday.

Note: Only the black color are reduced this much, the other colors are a little more expensive.

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds gen 2: was $299 now $216 @ Amazon

"Clearly," you should buy this deal

Wait, I've already said that one before, haven't I? Oh well. This is a great deal on some solid headphones. They look absolutely insane with their see through covers and metal build, belying their otherwise low price. They sound ok too, although you'll need to work with the EQ settings inside to make sure they sound their best. Comfort is good and so is the ANC — for a first pair of headphones, they're a great effort.

And at this price they're a solid buy too, especially if you're after something different to the cans that most people slip over their heads.

• Nothing Headphone (1): was $299 now $399 @ Amazon

This deal is ACE

The Sonos Ace were something of a surprise when I tested them — I wasn't expecting much for a brands first headphones, but they turned out to be a great pair of cans. The ANC is very good, the sound warm and enveloping, and the Spatial Audio second to none. 30 hours of battery makes sure they last a long time, and the hard case keeps them safe from damage.

I have come to adore the Sonos Ace, and this deal makes them a whole lot more affordable thanks to a new lowest price.

• Sonos Ace: was $399 now $279 @ Amazon

Our Best headphones just dropped in price

The best headphones we've tested this year, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3, are down to a new lowest price, but there's a couple of things to consider. First — they rose in price a couple of months ago to $479 from $459, making this deal not quite as strong as it might first appear. Second — they're excellent and you really need a pair.

They sound impeccable, they're supremely comfortable, all while blocking out loads of noise. If I was buying some flagship headphones today, I'd buy these ones.

• Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3: was $479 now $429 @ Amazon

Budget Samsung buds

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are for the fans — of Galaxy devices. That means they've got loads of different features aimed directly at Galaxy users, like AI integration and some sound modes. They're small and comfortable and feature loads of battery life.

• Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: was $99 now $59 @ Amazon

Flagship features, not a flagship price

These little buds don't cost the world, but they're still an excellent option if you're looking for something filled with features. I enjoyed their sound when they hit my testbench, and I was big fan of the ANC. The battery life is good too — although the spatial audio implementation is worth leaving turned off. Not worth your time.

The buds though? well worth picking up.

• JLab Epic Lab Edition: was $199 now $99 @ Amazon

Brand new buds, small discount

It's not been long since the Powerbeats fit joined the earbuds fold, but they've alreay got their first discount. It's not much, but if you were already planning on picking some up, then this is a great saving that'll help you get a pair. They're perfect for runners looking for some tiny buds to fill their ears while they exercise.

• Beats Powerbeat Fit: was $228 now $218 @ Amazon

Sony's best headphones, now reduced

Sony's most recent headphones, the WH-1000XM6 are a great pair of cans if you're looking for the perfect jack of all trades. They're good at pretty much everything — good sound, good ANC, good comfort — and provide a decent 30 hours of battery life. They've recently become my favorite headphones when I'm out and about, beating out Bose's headphones with better sound quality.

This is their first saving — and it's well worth picking a pair up if you're in the market.

• Sony WH-1000XM6: was $459 now $398 @ Amazon

Shhhhh, it's a gaming headset...

I won't tell if you don't. It's a very good gaming headset as well, with great sound and absolutely buckets of battery. 120 hours, to be exact. The mic sounds good, and the headset is comfortable for long periods of time. You can even connect them to your phone as normal headphones. Nice.

• HyperX Cloud III S: was $179 now $119 @ Amazon

If you're after a new set of workout headphones, our Buying Guide Editor (and former Fitness Editor) used to rate the Jabra Elite Active range, which are now sadly discontinued. His new favorite pick are the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, as they sound great, have good battery life and stay firmly in place with ear hooks. And, lucky for you, they're now $50 off at Amazon for Black Friday, dropping the price below $200.

• Beasts Powerbeats Pro 2: was $249 now $199 @ Amazon

Massive Bose savings

These are some truly epic headphones, now at an even better price. They're super light and comfortable, so you can wear them for hours and hours on end, and the noise canceling (as you might expect from something Bose makes) is top-notch. This saving is still one of the best we've ever seen on the headphones, making them their lowest price ever.

• Bose QuietComfort headphones: was $349 now $199 @ Amazon

Premium headphones, big deal

The Beoplay HX are a stunning pair of headphones. They're wrapped in leather, covered with metal, and sound like nothing you've ever heard before. This deal chops $100 off their price for a great deal, but not quite a new lowest price. Here's to hoping they drop even more!

• Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX: was $599 now $499 @ Amazon

How about something cheap?

"Tammy!" I hear you cry. "We're sick of all the expensive headphones!" I hear you, I hear you — so here's a nice cheap pair. These noise canceling on-ears are a cool, inexpensive headphones that offer loads of features for a great price. They're super light and compact as well, so you can pop them in a backpack nice and easily.

• JLab Go Lux ANC: was $49 now $33 @ Amazon

Sennheiser savings for days (or at least today)

I've been tracking this deal for a long time now, waiting for them to drop under $100 — and what have they done today? Dropped under $100! This is a stunning deal on some excellent headphones, giving you great sound for less. Their ANC is very good as well. This is not a deal to be missed if you're a big fan of top-notch sound quality.

• Sennheiser ACCENTUM: was $199 now $99 @ Amazon

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2? Don't mind if we do...

There are lowest prices everywhere at the moment — how about something from Google? The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are down to a new lowest price, making them more affordable than ever. They're a great pair of buds if you're looking for something to go with your pixel device, if you just want some super solid earbuds.

• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: was $229 now $133 @ Amazon

Earbuds to help you get 40 winks

Want to get some better sleep? Try out these funky little earbuds that are designed to help you get to the land of nod a little easier. They're comfortable (as you'd hope), and offer some solid sound quality for the things that help you get to sleep quicker.

• Soundcore Sleep A20: was $179 now $107 @ Amazon

Exercise headphones for all!

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are the perfect earbuds for athletes and fitness fanatics. They're very comfortable, and stay in place thanks to the earhook on the outside. The offer 45 hours of battery life to get them through the day, and very solid sound to make all your music sound good. Great buds, great price.

• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: was $249 now $199 @ Amazon

My most-recommended over-ear budget headphones

If you want headphones that pack a serious punch for very little money, I highly recommend the JLab JBuds Lux ANC. These headphones are at their LOWEST PRICE ever. I love the comfy ear cups, the weighty bass, and the price tag can't be beaten.

• Grab the JLab JBuds Lux ANC for just $39 at Amazon now

Bass lovers, listen up

These are my favorite headphones for ear-splitting bass. And I mean that in the best way possible. I reviewed the JBL Live 770NC earlier this year, and they're some of the loudest bass headphones money can buy.

So you've been saving for months to get the newest pair of noise canceling headphones around — but which do you buy? Black Friday has just dropped prices, so you're going to need to make a decision. Fast.

Is it the Sony WH-1000XM6? The jack of all trades of headphones that block out loads of noise and offer 30 hours of battery. Or is it the second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which block out even more noise but don't quite have as many features? Don't worry, I have the answer for you.

Do you want the best noise canceling?

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are very good at blocking noise. Their ANC is amongst the best noise-canceling headphones, doing a great job of keeping the outside world at bay.

But they're simply not as impressive as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2. They have the best ANC of any pair of headphones you can buy. There is no noise that the Bose headphones struggle with — it's hard to imagine noise canceling getting better.

• You should buy — Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2 @ Amazon

Do you want the best sound quality?

Both headphones sound good, with warm sound signatures and plenty of detail. Neither will disappoint you if you pick them and stick them on your head.

But the Sony headphones sound better. They pay more attention to the finer parts of your music, with better vocal clarity and more control in the low end. If you care about the way that your music sounds, you should buy the WH-1000XM6.

• You should buy — Sony WH-1000XM6 @ Amazon

Do you want the best comfort?

Both headphones are very light and comfortable, and you won't have any problems with wearing them for longer periods of time.

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones take the prize though. They feature plusher foam, and a more comfortable fit overall. I've been able to wear them all day before without them feeling uncomfortable. Want cushy cans? Buy the QC Ultra.

• You should buy — Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones gen 2 @ Amazon

Do you want the best battery life?

With ANC turned on, both headphones offer ample 30 hours of battery life. That's plenty of juice to get you through a few days use.

Sony does offer more battery life overall though. If you turn off the ANC, you can bring the battery life up to 40 hours, giving you more staying power in a pinch. If you want the longer lasting headphones, then get the Sony cans.

• You should buy — Sony WH-1000XM6 @ Amazon

Do you want the most features?

Being flagship headphones, both the Sony and Bose are packed with features. EQ, spatial audio, noise control settings, and more.

But the Sony WH-1000XM6 simply have more options. There's more granular EQ, and better ANC modes. The application is also easier to use than the Bose app.

• You should buy — Sony WH-1000XM6 @ Amazon

Which headphones should you buy?

No matter which pair of headphones you go for, you're going to have a good time. They're both comfortable cans that offer great ANC and excellent sound. But there can be only one that you take home this Black Friday — and that pair should be the Sony WH-1000XM6.

They offer more battery life, better sound, and more options in the app. The ANC gets close to the Bose headphones, and they're still very comfortable. As Black Friday settles in, the XM6 are the headphones you should buy. But keep an eye on further price drops to help you decide.

For more discounts, check out our Amazon Black Friday deals live blog and our main Black Friday deals live blog.

Shop today's best Black Friday deals

• Amazon: 50% off Ring, Ninja, AirPods and more
• Walmart Plus: 50% off @ Walmart
• REI: half-off Arc'teryx, Patagonia, more
• Dell: monitors from $69, laptops from $299
• Nectar: 50% off mattresses + bundles
• Best Buy: laptops from $149
• Lenovo: doorbuster deals from $319
• Wayfair: up to 80% off home decor
• Lululemon: top picks from $9
• Newegg: Doorbuster deals from $6
• Walmart: holiday gifts from $15
• Birkenstock: deals from $20 @ Nordstrom
• Saatva: luxury mattresses from $1,099

Bose makes some of my favorite audio devices, from its soundbars and Bluetooth speakers to the noise-canceling headphones and earbuds that make my commute more comfortable. But they tend to come with lofty price tags...Not right now!

The best way to get a great Bose deal? Black Friday deals — and this year the deals are especially good. For example, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones are down to $169 at Amazon after a massive $180 discount and the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ speaker is just to $179 at Amazon after a 40% price drop. Looking for even more options? Here are all the best Bose Black Friday deals so far.

Best Bose Black Friday deals: Quick links

• Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): was $149 now $119 @ Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: was $179 now $129 @ Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones: was $349 now $199 @ Amazon
• Bose SoundLink Home Speaker: was $219 now $179 @ Amazon
• Bose SoundLink Revolve+: was $299 now $179 @ Amazon
• Bose SoundLink Plus: was $269 now $199 @ Amazon
• Bose TV Speaker: was $279 now $199 @ Amazon
• Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): was $299 now $249 @ Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones: was $429 now $298 @ Amazon
• Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar: was $499 now $399 @ Amazon

Bose earbuds and headphones deals

Bose Black Friday Bluetooth speaker deals

Bose Black Friday soundbar deals

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones were (until the gen 2 came out) my favorite pair of noise-canceling headphones. There's very little better at blocking out noise, and not much more comfortable. Unfortunately, such performance used to come at a high price.

Not anymore, though. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are currently just $298 at Amazon, thanks to a stunning $130 discount. That's their lowest price ever, and makes them much cheaper than the competition from Sony. Don't delay — Amazon says they're "selling fast," so you might want to be quick on the trigger.

Bose is the king of noise canceling, and until the second generation Ultra Headphones came out, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones were the top of the tree. They redefined a headphone's ability to block noise, silencing anything that might come close to disturbing your peace. Or the Backstreet Boys.

My pair never left my side, and they topped our list of the best noise-canceling headphones. There's more to love beyond their excellent noise canceling, of course. The fit, for example, is lightweight and comfortable for hours on end. Once, my music stopped playing, and I forgot I was wearing them. I searched for a good 10 minutes before I remembered they were still on my head.

Whether that says more about me or the headphones is up to you.

The sound is solid, and their "Immersive Sound" feature is one of the best versions of Spatial Audio around. Rather than using a Dolby mix like other headphones (AirPods Max, for example), it takes a normal stereo recording and places parts of it around you for the spatial effect. It works well, although it does sap the battery.

A battery that only lasts for 24 hours — the only real drawback of the headphones. While more battery would be nice, for just under $300, this might just be the best deal I've seen during Black Friday season. Get 'em while they're hot!

Bose's noise-canceling headphones likely need no introduction. They're renowned for their incredibly ANC, no matter which model you slide off the shelf and into your shopping cart. However, they're known for being particularly affordable — something that this monster deal fixes.

Right now you can pick up the QuietComfort Headphones for $169 at Amazon, thanks to a massive $180 discount. That's a new lowest price ever, making them the perfect early Black Friday buy. This is a very low price, and they're flying off the shelves — better get in there quick!

• Earbuds deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Amazon | Samsung | Dell

I can think of few ways cheaper than this to get ANC as good as you'll find with the Bose QuietComfort Headphones. It's not quite as good as the noise canceling in Bose's premium model, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, but they do a spectacular job of keeping out the noise of the outside world.

Wailing baby on the plane? Silenced. Those shouting teenagers on the bus? But a whisper. The noisy sports fans cluttering up the train? As if they were never there.

With a press of a button and a quick orchestral swell, the noise canceling kicks in, and you're in your own cocoon of music. Or an audiobook. Whatever floats your audio boat.

They sound good too, with a warm sound signature. Best of all, though, is their comfort. They're extremely light, and there's loads of soft padding on the earcups and the headband, so they never feel uncomfortable. I've been able to wear them for hours and hours on end as a result.

They're some of the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy right now, and at this price, they're well worth it.

Good headphones are generally considered "expensive." But what if I told you there where loads of ways to get a pair of decent headphones without spending loads and loads of money? Something wireless that you can take on the go, so that you can listen to your favorite tunes wherever you are.

Well let me tell you about some excellent early Black Friday deals that have arrived before Black Friday proper. If you're looking for something super cheap, then make sure you don't miss the JBL Tune 510BT, which are $24 at Amazon. That's half price! Want something a bit shinier? The Beats Studio 3 are down to $149 at Best Buy, thanks to a massive $200 saving. These are the best early Black Friday headphones deals.

Quick Links

• JBL Tune 510BT: was $49 now $24 @ Amazon
• Soundcore Q20i: was $69 now $39 @ Amazon
• JBL Tune 720BT: was $89 now $44 @ Amazon
• JLab JBuds Lux: was $79 now $49 @ Amazon
• Sony WH-CH720N: was $179 now $99 @ Amazon
• TREBLAB Z7 Pro: was $199 now $107 @ Amazon
• Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2: was $239 now $119 @ Best Buy
• Sennheiser ACCENTUM: was $189 now $129 @ Best Buy
• Beats Studio³: was $349 now $141 @ Best Buy
• More Headphone deals: Walmart | Best Buy | Amazon | Dell

Best headphones deals under $150