Headphone Reviews
Detailed reviews of all the latest models, from earbuds to over-ears.
Latest
Jabra Elite 85t review: Noise-blocking comfort that rivals the best
Jabra proved its true wireless mettle with the Elite 65t earbuds in 2018. Jabra is filling the void now with the Elite 85t ($230), a set of wireless earbuds that takes the best parts of the previous model and goes even further. Now that Jabra has a true flagship option, it has enough to compete with the best.
Billy Steele10.29.2020
UE Fits wireless earbuds review: When the perfect fit isn't enough
Ultimate Ears' true wireless earbuds use lightform tech to heat and mold ear tips for a custom fit. Unfortunately, everything else is a mixed bag.
Billy Steele10.22.2020
7210072100Beats Flex review: The cost of $50 wireless earbuds
At $50, the Beats Flex covers the basics, including AirPods-quality quick pairing. Unfortunately, there’s one key element the Flex doesn’t do well.
Billy Steele10.20.2020
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review: The noise-cancelling powerhouse
The QC Earbuds provide the best ANC performance you’ll find in true wireless on top of great sound quality.
Billy Steele10.12.2020
Sennheiser CX 400BT review: Great-sounding mid-range wireless earbuds
At $199.95, the CX 400BT aren't a bargain. But they are Sennheiser’s most affordable true wireless option.
Billy Steele09.19.2020
9410094100Sony WH-1000XM4 review: The best just got better
Sony has made the best even better. You won’t find a more feature-packed set of headphones right now, and it’s unlikely you will until Sony updates these again.
Billy Steele08.06.2020
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live review: Unique design, poor execution
Samsung’s latest true wireless earbuds have a unique “open type” design, but you have to sacrifice sound quality and the effectiveness of ANC. There are some attractive features here, but the company’s Galaxy Buds+ are the better option.
Billy Steele08.06.2020
Jabra Elite 45h review: Feature-packed $99 headphones
The Elite 45h works with Jabra’s Sound+ companion app.
Billy Steele07.29.2020
Spirit Dot 2 and Spirit X2 review: Anker's impressive $80 earbuds
You’ll have to make some sacrifices on features, but the audio quality is stellar on two pairs of affordable Anker earbuds.
Billy Steele07.10.2020
Razer Opus headphones review: Stellar THX sound for $200
The Razer Opus noise-cancelling headphones sound amazing, thanks to THX-certified sound quality and handy EQ presets. Top that off with a lightweight and comfy fit and you have a great option for $200.
Billy Steele05.19.2020
Surface Earbuds and Headphones 2 review: Comfort is king
The Surface Earbuds and Headphones 2 prove that Microsoft has finally found its audio niche. It's focusing on comfort and usability in very smart ways.
Devindra Hardawar05.16.2020
Nuraloop review: Smart sport buds, elevated
The Nuraloop sports buds offer personlized sound, excellent battery life and active noise cancellation, making them worthy Powerbeats rivals.
James Trew05.13.2020
Sony WF-XB700 wireless earbuds review: Extra bass, extra sacrifice
Sony's new earbuds cover the basics for $130, but they lack the more advanced features you'll probably want.
Billy Steele05.07.2020
Google Pixel Buds review (2020): Truly smart earbuds
Google’s 2017 Pixels Buds were Bluetooth, but not completely wireless -- and for the most part they felt incomplete. Like the first model, the new Pixel Buds offer hands-free access to Google Assistant. Google says it designed the new Pixel Buds case to look and feel like a river stone.
Billy Steele04.28.2020
Powerbeats review: Better workout earbuds at a better price
The Powerbeats Pro are some of the best true wireless earbuds I tested last year. They sound much better than any previous Beats in-ear option before and they're loaded with handy features. However, the sound isn't perfect and the over-ear hook design isn't for everyone. Now the company has redesigned the "regular" Powerbeats ($149.95), bringing almost all of what makes the Pro version so good to its other wireless model. Plus, they're $50 cheaper than the Powerbeats 3, which makes them even more attractive.
Billy Steele03.27.2020
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 review: Pricey and impressive
Sennheiser debuted its first true wireless earbuds in 2019. And while the Momentum True Wireless had that stellar sound profile the company is known for, there were a number of things that made them frustrating to use. Now the company is back with the Momentum True Wireless 2 ($299.95). It added active noise cancellation (ANC) and improved battery life, but the earbuds are still just as pricey.
Billy Steele03.20.2020
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 true wireless earbuds review
If it ain't broke, make small tweaks to improve it anyway. That's not quite how the old saying goes, but that's the approach Bang & Olufsen took with its third-generation E8 true wireless earbuds ($350). The best aspects of last year's E8 2.0 are back alongside small improvements to size and battery life. Despite great sound and handy features, there's one glaring omission. And at this price, I expect all bases covered.
Billy Steele03.11.2020
Audio-Technica ATH-CK3TW review: Decent, affordable true wireless earbuds
There's no denying the ATH-CK3TW was Audio-Technica's most interesting announcement at IFA. The prospect of $99 true wireless earbuds from a company you could trust to deliver decent sound could have a huge impact on the competition. And even though the company increased the price to $119 before they went on sale, the point stands. Audio-Technica already has premium and mid-range options. Now it's trying to bring its true wireless formula to a budget device. And as you might expect, a cheaper price comes with a few sacrifices.
Billy Steele01.29.2020
Master & Dynamic MW07 Plus review: Improved, but still pricey
In 2018, Master & Dynamic joined the true wireless fray. The company had been making headphones for years, including a number of wireless models, but it had yet to jump on the latest earbud bandwagon. With the MW07, M&D was able to bring its trademark sound to a new niche, but that model had some key issues. Battery life was abysmal compared to the competition, and the Bluetooth range wasn't great. The company fixed both of those problems with the MW07 Plus, and added active noise cancellation (ANC) and increased water resistance to meet IPX5 standards. And it did all of that while keeping the price at $299.
Billy Steele12.10.2019
Jabra Elite 75t review: The leap from good to great
Jabra's Elite 65t have been some of the best true wireless earbuds you could buy since their introduction last year. They don't have the best sound quality, but overall, the company assembled a compelling package that costs significantly less than a lot of the competition's. Now Jabra is hoping lightning strikes twice. In September, it debuted the follow-up: the Elite 75t ($180). The new model is smaller, lasts longer and adds a lot of handy features, but is it better than last year's surprise superstar?
Billy Steele11.23.2019