Bose makes some of the best headphones and earbuds you can buy today. We’ve tested several models by the manufacturer here at TechRadar and highly recommend them, including the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Well, good news, both of these and much more Bose audio tech is on sale right now at Amazon
The two best offers are record-low prices for the headphones and earbuds we’ve picked out above. The first is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for $379 (was $429) and the second is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for $249 (was $299). They’re still quite pricey, but these are two of the best pairs of premium Bose headphones or earbuds available today.
If you want to save even more money, you could also go for the standard Bose QuietComfort Headphones for $249 (was $349) instead. I’ve been using these for some time now and think they are one of the best purchasing decisions I’ve made. They offer fantastic audio quality, top-tier noise-cancellation and a lengthy battery life that means I can use them for days while working or commuting without needing a recharge.
If you’re after some new premium gear then these three Bose deals at Amazon are not to be missed.
Today’s best Bose deals at Amazon
In our very positive Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review, we said they were simply the best at delivering top sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort, only dropping marks when it came to battery life. As for our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review, we settled on four stars, praising the impressive immersive audio and industry-leading noise-canceling tech in the wireless buds.
So, whether you’re a fan of over-ear or prefer some discreet earbuds, these are two top options that you should strongly consider while they’re down to a record-low price.
The Speck Gemtones Play true wireless earbuds are a step out of the comfort zone for Speck, which is better known for its range of phone cases, and it shows. While the sound quality of these earbuds deliver is as you might expect for $49.99 (about £40 / AU$75), the Speck Gemtones Play earbuds don’t offer as much value as the Earfun Air 2 earbuds, which retail for roughly the same price, but have additional features like wireless charging and longer battery life.
I’d be tempted to say that you get what you pay for from the Speck Gemtones Play, but since there are alternatives among the best budget wireless earbuds at the same price with additional features, that wouldn’t be strictly accurate. This is not to say that these earbuds are noticeably bad, because they aren’t. If you’re not an audiophile who focuses on output and dynamic range then you’ll be happy enough with the sound quality that’s on offer here. One noticeable issue, however, is the audible strain around the vocals, which is apparent when listening to both music and podcasts. This can be remedied by switching to the Vocal Range EQ preset, but it’s a shame that the default EQ settings don’t offer better vocal clarity.
While the earbuds are easy to keep track of thanks to the Find your Earbuds function and the inclusion of a push-to-release button on the case, the lack of quality in the materials quickly becomes apparent. The hinged lid of the case feels flimsy, and the matte black finish scratches and shows fingerprints easily; the case of my review sample looked like it had been through an ordeal after just a few days of use.
If you’re looking for a better-quality finish and more features without spending extra, we recommend the 1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 or the Earfun Air 2 earbuds.
(Image credit: Future / Cesci Angell)
Speck Gemtones Play review: Price & release date
Released in January 2024
Priced at $49.99 (about £40 / AU$75)
Only available from Speck within the US, may be available from third-party retailers
The Speck Gemtones Play earbuds were released at the start of 2024. At present, Speck only sells its earbuds within the US, but you may be able to find them at third-party retailers elsewhere.
Better known for its production of phone cases, Speck has taken a leap into audio tech, and at $49.99 (about £40 / AU$75), these earbuds are the cheapest offering in the Gemtones range, coming in below the $69.99 Gemtones Sport (with earhooks for a secure fit) and the $79.99 Gemtones Pro.
While these are relatively cheap and cheerful earbuds, they have stiff competition from the likes of the 1More Piston Bud Pro Q30s, which have the added benefits of Spatial Audio, Low Latency mode, and ANC, which the Gemtones Play unfortunately lack.
Speck Gemtones Play review: Specs
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Type
Wireless earbuds
Active noise cancellation
No
Battery life
8 hours (buds); 28 hours (case)
Weight
0.15oz / 4.09g each (buds)
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C (charging)
Waterproofing
IPX5
App available
Yes, iOS and Android
Speck Gemtones Play review: Features
28 hours max playtime
Four EQ profiles
Find your Earbuds function
The Speck Gemstones Play lack some of the features you might expect at this price point in 2024, but the easy-to-use app and a couple of novel features help bump up their score.
The Speck Gemtones app is basic, but its lack of complexity and ease of use will appeal to some. When I launched the app it spotted my earbuds straight away, and once I’d paired them via Bluetooth in my phone’s settings, it only took a tap of the icon in the app to sync them.
The app provides a range of useful features, including four different equalizer presets: Default, Balanced, Dynamic Bass, and Vocal Range. It doesn’t offer the ability to create custom EQ settings, though, which is a shame, but it does have a feature that could prove particularly useful for the forgetful among us – a Find your Earbuds feature, which you can use to get either the left or right earbuds to emit a loud beeping to help you hunt them down. This only works when they’re not in the case, however – and obviously you need to be close enough to be connected to them.
A Volume Limit feature can also be found in the app, which is still not too common in headphones apps. As someone with sensitive ears, I was reassured to know that it wouldn’t be possible to accidentally hit the volume keys on my phone and raise the volume too high – and it’s also great for making sure kids don’t harm their hearing by cranking up the sound. In practice, however, this feature doesn’t work as I’d anticipated. Instead of stopping the volume from going any higher than 85dB at full volume, it reduces the sound at all levels, so 50% volume is no longer 50%. This concerns me, because once you turn the limiter off – albeit this can’t be done accidentally, as you need to enter a code – the volume shoots back up to whichever volume you’re set to. It’s also worth mentioning that even with the volume locked, the volume at which the buds announce that they’re connected is quite loud.
The app also shows you how much charge is left in the earbuds. I found that the battery life performed a little better than advertised, lasting around eight hours and 20 minutes while playing music continuously at 50% volume. I listened to music and chatted on work calls while working from home without needing to charge them, and between the charge in the buds themselves and in the case, I could do the same in the office, plus listen to music on my commute home, without running out of battery.
The Speck Gemtones Play’s dual microphones didn’t impress me when compared, again, to the similarly-priced 1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 earbuds. When I listen back to a recording of myself,I sound distant and unnatural. They’d be adequate for making phone calls indoors, but the low volume and lack of clarity may prove problematic when making calls out and about, or with a rocky connection.
It’s a shame that these earbuds offer no active noise cancellation. This may seem understandable considering the price point, but as mentioned, there are alternative options on the market in this price range that offer this feature – the 1More that I’ve mentioned just above, or the Earfun Air Pro 3, which often fall to this kind of price.
A further small but frustrating niggle is that you can’t start listening on another device without disconnecting the buds from the current device first – i.e., there’s no multipoint pairing – which can be a pain if you often switch between listening on phones, tablets, laptops, etc. Again, the 1More and Earfun offer this.
(Image credit: Future / Cesci Angell)
Speck Gemtones Play review: Sound quality
Acceptable sound quality for the cost
Good tonal range, but lacks clarity
Capable of delivering clear vocals, but with sacrifices
As expected for the price, the Speck Gemtones Play don’t deliver the most dynamic sound. They’re pleasant to listen to, but if you have an ear that can appreciate rich bass through to sparkling and natural treble, they may fall a little flat. On the other hand, these earbuds could pick up delicate touches, such as background synths in sections of Black Eye by Allie X, so they score points for their general clarity.
While they can be forgiven for not being as dynamic as the likes of the Marshall Motif II A.N.C earbuds, which are priced at $199.99 / £179.99 / AU$349, they also lag a little behind the sound quality of the similarly priced 1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 – and this is hard to ignore considering that the 1More earbuds also offer extra features including ANC, spatial audio, and Low Latency mode.
I found myself regularly changing the EQ presets to get the most out of different songs. While I can hear that the sound quality is improved after choosing the appropriate setting, I do wish the default preset performed a little better to make for a more effective listening experience when out and about. When left on default, music can sound flat, with an edge of strain on the speakers from vocals. Although cycling between EQ settings can improve the listening quality, it sometimes feels like you’re having to sacrifice an element such as vocal clarity or bass quality, and I found it hard to achieve a good balance. That’s especially true when the Vocal Range preset isn’t selected, as it can sound like the vocals are being dampened, as if I’m listening through a curtain.
When listening to I Want You by Moloko with the Vocal Range equalizer preset selected, the raw vocals come through beautifully. You do, however, lose the impact of the percussion hitting. The Dynamic Bass equalizer preset was a good middle ground on this occasion, softening the vocals without sacrificing that depth.
The Default equalizer preset made Justin Hawkin’s vocals in The Darkness’ I Believe in a Thing Called Love lack impact, making the listening experience fall flat. Selecting the Balanced EQ preset once again sounded muffled, as if I wasn’t in the same room as the band. I’d go as far as to say that you’ll feel like you’re listening from outside the venue when it comes to this song. The most satisfying preset for this particular track was Vocal Range, which delivered the drama lost with the other presets.
When listening to podcasts on the Default settings, voices had a tinny edge to them, but they came through with more clarity when the Vocal Range equalizer preset was selected. The same was true when listening to content on YouTube.
(Image credit: Future / Cesci Angell)
Speck Gemtones Play review: Design
Useful press-to-release button
Comfortable fit for smaller ears
Light-but-cheap materials
The Gemtones Play case feels lightweight at just under 1oz / 29g. It appears more cheaply made than some other earbuds in this price bracket, with a thin, transparent black frosted flip lid and matt black body that marks easily from fingerprints. It scratches easily, too – I have long gel nails, and it was instantly clear where they’ve made contact with the case.
The case would probably be useful for you if you plan to keep it in your pocket or hanging from its fabric loop on the outside of your bag, as it won’t open unless you push the release button, which is a feature that I appreciate. The hinge feels sturdy, but the plastic is very thin and looks like it could be easily broken. I have questions about the longevity of this case, although aside from the aesthetic issues it hasn’t let me down just yet.
The design of the earbuds themselves isn’t anything to get excited about. Similarly to the case, they’re made from cheap-looking matte black plastic, with the left-hand bud having the Speck logo printed on it. There’s a small indicator light on each bud, and another in the space between them on the case which indicates when the earbuds are prepared for Bluetooth pairing, whether the earbuds or case are charging, or whether either are fully charged. These lights are a little on the subtle side, as the LEDs are deep-set, so it’s not clear what the lights are showing unless you’re looking down the barrel at them.
The buds feel comfortable in my ears, and I wore them for long periods with no issues. I was able to wear them straight out of the case, without needing to switch to another pair of silicone tips, which Speck includes in sizes from extra small to extra large, and this was a new experience for me, as I have smaller ears and often need to switch to smaller tip sizes. Helping them to feel comfortable is the fact that the earbuds are light at just over 0.15oz / 4g each.
While the touch features are basic, they are simple to use. A single tap on either bud will play or pause the track, and triple tapping will trigger your device’s voice assistant. I quite liked that skipping past or going back to songs is triggered by a double tap on the right or left bud respectively, although if you’re in a situation where you need to settle for just one bud it’s a little annoying that you’re limited to either skipping or returning. The same issue is present with volume control too, as pressing and holding the left earbud turns the volume down, and pressing and holding the right earbud turns it up. It shouldn’t be a big deal most of the time, though.
The touch controls aren’t always responsive, and there were a few instances where the music would play or pause, or the voice assistant would be triggered, when I was trying to double tap, but this was only a small niggle. If you’d rather assign different functions than the default offering, you can customize what each touch control triggers within the app.
The earbuds I’ve been testing were in the Back in Black finish, but they’re also available in other colors, including Pop Purple, Bop Blue, and White Album.
(Image credit: Future / Cesci Angell)
Speck Gemtones Play review: Value
Reliable battery life, delivering the promised 8 hours of playtime
More features available for the same price from competitors
Useful app, but cheap-feeling hardware
As previously mentioned, the sound quality of the Gemtones Play isn’t bad for the price. It would be unfair to expect a premium listening experience from these earbuds; however, the presence of the similarly priced Earfun Air 2, which offer more features, and the incredibly cheap but good-quality JLab Go Air Pop earbuds, which offer a better user experience and wear-detection, does lead me to question whether these are truly worth the $49.99 (about £40 / AU$75) price tag given the current competition.
Ignoring the competition, though, the app works well, and offers useful features that increase the appeal of these earbuds. In addition, the press-to-release button on the case certainly comes in handy, but the quality of the materials does let these buds down.
Should I buy the Speck Gemtones Play?
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Section
Notes
Score
Features
While these earbuds score points for their easy-to-use app and helpful Find your Earbuds feature, the lack of ANC or wear detection lets them down.
3/5
Sound quality
The quality of sound can be hit-and-miss, with the default setting particularly having issues dealing with treble. But it can be very pleasant, too.
3/5
Design
I love the press-to-release button for added security, but the build quality and materials fall short compared to competitors.
3/5
Value
If I wasn’t aware of the competition, I would say that these earbuds are good value for the price. But I am, so they’re no better than average.
3/5
Buy them if…
Don’t buy them if…
Speck Gemtones Play review: Also consider
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Speck Gemtones Play
EarFun Air 2
JLab Go Air Pop
Price
$49.99 (about £40/AU$75)
$49.99 / £49.99 (about AU$75)
$25 / £25 / AU$49
Active noise cancellation
No
No
No
Quoted battery life
8 hours (buds) 28 hours (plus case)
9 hours (buds) 40 hours (plus case)
8 hours (buds) 32 hours (plus case)
Weight
4g per earbud, 37g total weight
4.5g per earbud, 45g total weight
3.7g per earbud
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth 5.1
Waterproofing
IPX5
IPX7
IPX4
How I tested the Speck Gemtones Play
(Image credit: Future / Cesci Angell)
I tested the earbuds for 7 days
I tested at home, in the office, on walks, and commuting
I listened to music, podcasts, and YouTube content
I subjected the Speck Gemtones Play earbuds to a week of testing. I tested the wearability, sound quality, and features by listening to music for hours at home, in the office, on walks, and while commuting. In addition to listening to music, I watched YouTube videos and listened to my usual podcasts.
I also followed TechRadar’s standardized testing process for earbuds, including listening to a particular set of tracks to make it easy to compare different buds, and real-world measurement of the battery life. Read more about how we test earbuds at TechRadar.
Amazon has some of the highest-rated Bose headphones on sale for record-low prices. That includes the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones, which have best-in-class active noise cancellation (ANC). Usually $429, the wireless cans are now only $379, matching an all-time low.
Bose
Get industry-leading noise cancellation and spatial audio for $50 off.
Engadget’s Billy Steele praised the headphones’ sound, ANC and comfort in our review, but he also found them a bit expensive at their standard retail price, so this sale could be the right time to snag a pair. The headphones are comfortable for long listening sessions — with enough battery life to keep up. Although their “Immersive Audio” spatial listening mode is a bit hit-or-miss (and not for everyone), the feature pairs incredibly well with some tracks and genres. The headphones are our runner-up picks in Engadget’s noise-canceling headphones guide.
Battery life is impressive, and our review unit surpassed Bose’s claims of 24 hours with ANC turned on or 18 hours with ANC and Immersive Audio activated. In Engadget’s testing for the latter mode, the headphones still had 30 percent remaining after 20 hours of listening. They have a streamlined design with fewer physical navigation buttons than the standard QuietComfort variant, giving them sleeker aesthetics. That includes metal in their headband and hinge (with no visible screws).
Amazon also has several other Bose products on sale. The highly rated QuietComfort Ultra earbuds, which have similar features in a compact in-ear form factor, are available for $50 off ($249). They also include a spatial audio mode and have impressive ANC to block out your environment when working or commuting. They’re our pick for the best noise cancellation in Engadget’s wireless earbuds buying guide.
If spatial audio algorithms aren’t your cup of tea, you can save $100 on the standard Bose QuietComfort headphones. They also have leading noise-blocking and high-quality audio, lacking only the illusion of sitting in an acoustic “Immersive Audio” sweet spot. They offer 24-hour battery life and multipoint connectivity to switch between several source devices easily.
If you’ve ever wished you could safely stick some bees, strawberries or trees in your ears, UK headphone manufacturer VQ has just the thing for you. The new VQ Skylark true wireless earbuds come in a choice of three patterns from English fashion designer Cath Kidston. These are called ‘Bees’, the more floral ‘Story Tree’ and a lovely blue ‘Strawberry Garden’ – you can see all three designs in the carousel below.
There’s no doubt that these buds look very different from your average in-ear audio kit that you may have come to expect from the likes of the best wireless earbuds, but VQ promises that it’s not just a case of designer style over audio substance. While these earbuds are “a fashion statement”, they are also “a piece of art in your ears”. VQ claims they sound pretty good too.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: VQ Skylark)
(Image credit: VQ Skylark)
(Image credit: VQ Skylark)
VQ Skylark true wireless earbuds with Cath Kidston designs: key features, price and availability
With a relatively low price tag of £59.99 (roughly $74 / AU$114) these earbuds have an impressive specification for the cash. There’s enhanced noise cancelling, Bluetooth 5.3 with a 10m connection range, and up to 10 hours of playback (although confusingly, it’s listed as up to six hours of music and four hours of talk time) that rises to a total 45 hours of use via the charging case. Standby time is a whopping 200 hours, which is the kind of standby figure I haven’t seen since my Nokia 3310 days.
According to VQ, these earbuds may well be the loudest true wireless earbuds on the market right now with “deep, rich bass, defined mid-range, and crystal-clear high end”. However, it’s worth considering their claimed sound quality in the context of the price tag here.
While I’ve not tested these particular buds myself, I’ve read multiple reviews of the firms’s similarly affordable Wren buds that say the firms’ budget buds sound ‘OK’ rather than ‘OMG’. As we point out in our guide to the best budget wireless earbuds, you’re not going to get high-end audio performance at rock bottom prices – but today’s budget buds are surprisingly good for the money.
The Skylark true wireless earbuds are available now from VQ, from Amazon and from B&Q.
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If you want new wireless earbuds for your iPhone, the second-generation AirPods Pro are likely your top choice. But Apple offers another pair of earbuds you might consider: Beats Fit Pro. In this Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2 buying guide, we’ll compare the features of these two premium noise-canceling earbuds from Apple.
Do these earbuds provide the same features and sound quality as Apple’s flagship earbuds? Find out in this comparison.
Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2
While second-gen AirPods Pro (aka AirPods Pro 2) is our go-to recommendation for best earbuds for Apple fans, one size does not fit all. AirPods Pro might not suit your needs or fit comfortably in your ears.
Table of contents: Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2
Design and comfort
The AirPods Pro 2 don’t look as sleek as their Beats competitor. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
There is a big difference in the designs of the Beats Fit Pro and the AirPods Pro. The latter’s stemlike design has seen few changes since its introduction in 2019. And while the AirPods Pro fits snugly in my ears, there’s room for improvement.
During my HIIT workout or running sessions, I feel like the AirPods Pro 2 could fall out of my ears. The AirPods are not as sleek as Sony, Samsung and Bose earbuds — or the Beats Fit Pro.
You can get the Beats Fit Pro in an array of colors, including Volt. Photo: Beats
As you can see from the photo above, the Beats Fit Pro offers a sleeker design than AirPods Pro. The Beats earbuds come with integrated wing tips that allow them to sit comfortably in your ears.
This makes the earbuds ideal for running and gym sessions, as their more secure placement ensures they won’t easily fall out. For an even more secure fit, make sure to twist the earbud back and tuck the wingtip into your upper ear.
AirPods Pro are slightly lighter though. Each earbud of the AirPods Pro 2 weighs 5.3 grams, while the Beats Fit Pro weighs 5.6 grams.
Colors and customization options
Apple offers the AirPods Pro 2 in only one color: white. The problem is that this color can easily show scratches and dirt. It won’t look good after a few months of heavy use.
In comparison, the Beats Fit Pro comes in five colors: black, white, gray, purple, volt and a special-edition reflective black. (Beats discontinued blue, pink and colors.) You can get free engraving on either of the earbuds as long as you order them directly from Apple.
Apple bundles four silicone ear tips with AirPods Pro 2, while Beats Fit Pro ships with three pairs of ear tips. Irrespective of which earbuds you get, make sure to use the Ear Tip Fit Test on your iPhone to get a comfortable fit and the best possible audio.
Water- and sweat-resistance: Which earbuds can handle your workouts?
Between the AirPods Pro 2 and the Beats Fit Pro, I prefer the latter’s design and fit, especially when working out. Both earbuds are IPX4-certified and protect against splashes of water, making them suitable for workouts or light rain. The AirPods’ charging case also comes with an IPX4 rating, which the Beats Fit Pro’s case lacks.
Charging cases
That’s not the only difference in the two charging cases. AirPods Pro 2 comes with a rectangular carrying case that weighs 50.8 grams and looks like a dental floss container. It comes with a U1 chip and a built-in speaker. Thanks to Find My integration, you can track the AirPods Pro and the charging case separately, with the speaker capable of playing a loud sound so you can easily find it.
The Beats Fit Pro come in a bigger rectangular charging case, which is also slightly heavier at 55.1 grams. In daily use, I have not had problems carrying the AirPods or the Beats charging cases in my jeans pocket. But I find the AirPods’ case to be better built than the Beats — the latter feels a bit flimsy.
Connectivity and compatibility: H2 vs. H1
The AirPods Pro 2 launched a year later than the Beats Fit Pro, and it’s apparent from the former’s connectivity support. While the AirPods Pro 2 supports Bluetooth 5.3, the Beats Fit Pro uses Bluetooth 5.0. Both earbuds support the SBC and AAC codecs.
AirPods Pro 2 earbuds come with Apple’s H2 chip, while the Beats Fit Pro comes with the H1 chip. Both of these system-in-package chips boost the earbuds’ capabilities, enabling faster pairing, more-reliable connectivity and audio sharing. The H2 chip delivers up to two times better active noise cancellation, increased batter life and a adaptive Transparency mode.
Pairing with devices and Apple ecosystem integration
You can use both earphones with an iPhone or an Android device. Pairing with an iPhone or any other Apple device is easy. Just bring the earbuds next to the device you want to pair, and a pop-up will appear on it automatically.
With a non-Apple device, though, the Beats Fit Pro provides a better experience. You can use the Beats app to control many of the functions of the earbuds, update its firmware, switch between various listening modes, etc. The only feature you miss out on is Spatial Audio. When using AirPods Pro 2 with an Android device, you don’t have any options. Apple does not offer an Android app to manage the AirPods. You will find some third-party apps on the Play Store, but the user experience may prove cumbersome.
If you are heavily into Apple’s ecosystem, both earbuds will provide a great experience. Thanks to the H1 and H2 chips, the Beats Fit Pro and the AirPods Pro can seamlessly switch between your iPhone, Mac and iPad. I found the switching experience better on the AirPods Pro, though, likely due to the newer H2 chip.
Controlling the earbuds
AirPods Pro with their charging case. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
The AirPods Pro’s stem has a force touch sensor, which you use to control music playback and adjust the volume level. A single press can play/pause music or answer a call. Two presses will switch to the next track, while three taps will go back to the previous track. You can press and hold the stem to switch between active noise cancellation and Adaptive Transparency mode. To control the volume, swipe up/down on the stem.
There’s also “Hey Siri” support, so you can ask the voice assistant to make a call, change the music track, adjust the volume and more.
Beats smartly integrated a button into its logo on the Fit Pro on both earbuds. You can press the logo once to play/pause audio, while a double-press will skip to the next track. Using a long-press action, you can toggle between modes, increase/decrease the volume, or reject an incoming call.
Since both earbuds feature a skin-detecting sensor, they automatically pause music playback when you take them off.
Sound quality showdown: AirPods Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro
Each bud of the AirPods Pro 2 packs an 11mm driver with redesigned amplifiers, while the Beats Fit Pro comes with a 9.5mm driver. Thanks to the larger driver and the superior H2 chip (which Apple also uses in its high-end over-ear headphones, AirPods Max), the AirPods Pro offers better sound quality than Beats Fit Pro. The sound is much more clear: I can hear and distinguish between the lows and highs better with AirPods Pro, and the instrument separation is notably superior.
Bass and treble reproduction on the AirPods Pro is also great. The bass packs a punch without becoming overbearing or boomy, and the treble won’t hurt your ears. You get dynamic head tracking and Spatial Audio on both earbuds for an immersive surround sound experience.
On ther other hand, Beats earphones are known for their bass, and the Beats Fit Pro is no exception. If you are a bass head, you will like the Fit Pro’s sound signature. Sadly, you cannot use an equalizer to tweak the sound output from either set of earbuds.
None of this means the Beats Fit Pro’s sound quality is bad. It’s good. But if sound quality is your top priority, the AirPods Pro 2 is the winner. I like the bass output of the Beats earbuds, but overall, music sounds better on the AirPods Pro.
Active noise cancellation and Transparency mode
The Beats Fit Pro deliver impressive sound quality and ANC despite their sleek design. Photo: Beats
Both earbuds offer active noise cancellation, aka ANC. This helps them block out surrounding noise, letting you listen to your music or podcast in peace. Thanks to their design, the earbuds also block a lot of noise passively. I was happy with the ANC on both the AirPods Pro and the Beats Fit Pro. They cancel out all ambient noise with ease. But in daily use, I found the AirPods Pro better at blocking high-pitched noise. This would likely be due to the H2 chip, which powers ANC on the earphones.
Staying aware: How Transparency mode stacks up on Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2
The AirPods Pro 2 and Beats Fit Pro provide three listening modes: ANC, Transparency mode and Off. With Transparency mode, the earbuds use the microphones to let external sound in, so you are aware of your surroundings. This is a useful feature when you want to talk to someone, as you can do so without removing the earbuds.
While the Transparency mode on both earbuds works well, the AirPods Pro has an advantage. They offer Adaptive Audio, which uses a mix of ANC and Transparency modes based on your environment. There’s also Conversation Awareness, where the earbuds will automatically lower the media volume and boost the voice of the person speaking in front of you. And as soon as the conversation ends, your audio volume will gradually go back to its previous level.
Conversation Awareness and Adaptive Audio set the AirPods Pro 2 apart from Beats Fit Pro, as these extra features prove useful in daily use.
Microphone quality
The Beats Fit Pro packs six microphones, five of which are used during calls. These are used alongside a voice accelerometer to better isolate your voice. In comparison, the AirPods Pro packs four microphones, with two of them facing inward. But the earbuds’ stemlike design ensures the microphones are closer to your mouth for better performance.
Most parties could hear my voice better when I used the AirPods Pro 2. The Beats Fit Pro did a decent job, but the clarity could not match Apple’s flagship earbuds.
Battery life and charging
AirPods Pro 2 can last longer than Beats Pro Fit. Photo: Apple
Apple says AirPods Pro can provide up to six hours of music playback with ANC enabled. In my testing, I came close to Apple’s numbers, with the earbuds lasting around 5.5 or 6 hours in most cases. With the Beats Fit Pro, the claimed runtime is seven hours with ANC. On average, I got around 6.5 hours of playback time.
Once you add in the charging case, though, the AirPods Pro becomes the winner. Despite the Beats Fit Pro’s bigger charging case, it can extend the runtime of the earphones by only 18 hours. The AirPods Pro’s case can boost its battery life by 24 hours.
Charging solutions: USB-C, wireless and fast charging
Charging the AirPods Pro is more convenient than charging Beats Fit Pro. The former’s charging case supports wired and wireless charging, thanks to MagSafe support and either a Lightning or a USB-C port. (Apple updated the AirPods Pro charging case to USB-C in late 2023.) You also can charge the AirPods Pro using an Apple Watch charger.
With the Beats Fit Pro, your only way to top-up the battery is through the case’s USB-C port. There’s fast charging support, and a 5-minute top-up will provide an additional hour of playback. With the AirPods Pro 2, Apple says 15 minutes of charging will get you three hours of music playback.
Price comparison: Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2
The more-affordable Beats Fit Pro offers as much value for money as the AirPods Pro. Photo: Beats
The AirPods Pro 2 retails for $249, while the Beats Fit Pro costs $199. The $50 lower price tag of the Beats earbuds helps justify many of their missing features compared to the AirPods. However, Apple’s flagship earphones are frequently discounted to about $199, making them an even better deal.
The Beats Fit Pro is regularly available for as low as $150 on Amazon and other retailers. Pick the earbuds you want depending on your budget. But remember not to pay full price for them, as they are frequently on sale.
Making the decision: Which offers more for your money?
The AirPods Pro 2 is undeniably the better pick between the two. With better sound quality, controls and charging options, it wins on features. But the Beats Fit Pro fits better in your ears with its compact wing tip design. That’s an important factor to consider if you plan on buying new earbuds for your gym or workout sessions. The Beats are also better if you plan to use the earbuds with a non-Apple device.
Final verdict: Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2
If I had to choose between the AirPods Pro and the Beats Fit Pro, I would go for the former. I love the sound quality of the AirPods, and its combination of ANC and Adaptive Transparency mode is hard to beat. Admittedly, I am not a fan of their fit, which is a concern while working out. But for traveling and for hours of daily use, the AirPods prove better overall.
Anker’s audio sub-brand Soundcore has very quietly launched a new pair of athletic earbuds known as the Sport X20. The company didn’t exactly roll out the red carpet for the devices as it made the announcement on Reddit. But they do appear to be worthy successors to the Sport X10. One of their main features is the adjustable ear hook. Made out of soft silicone, the hook can extend 4mm out and be rotated up to 30 degrees allowing you to create the perfect custom fit. They should maintain a good grip around your ear while also being comfortable to wear.
To ensure the Sport X20 can withstand the rigors of the gym, Soundcore designed their earbuds to be tough. They have a resistance rating of IP68 making them completely dustproof and able to survive blasts of water. As if that wasn’t enough, the company is equipping the devices with SweatGuard as an additional layer of protection against moisture. Soundcore describes this technology as a “submarine-inspired seal” defending the internal components from the outside. Behind the silicone tips are physical buttons for controlling audio content. The Amazon listing page states each button can be customized through the official Soundcore app.
Features
Inside the Sport X 20 are two 11 mm dynamic drivers capable of outputting rich audio thanks to the BassUp feature. It should give your music a nice bassy punch. Thanks to the aforementioned Soundcore app, you can tweak the level of output you receive. The earbuds sport HearID tech to analyze “your hearing profile” and make a “sound profile… perfect for you.” Of course, we can’t forget that the pair have adjustable active noise canceling (ANC) to keep you in the zone during those intense gym days. The ANC can adjust automatically via an onboard algorithm that will learn your listening habits over time or you can do it yourself via the mobile app.
Battery performance has been improved on the new model. Soundcore claims the buds last up to 12 hours on a single charge, and with the case, that number is bumped up to 48 hours. With ANC turned on, battery life drops down to seven hours and 28 hours with the case. Plus, they support fast charging. Plugging the Sport X20 in for five minutes gives you two hours of listening time.
Other notable features include six microphones for crystal clear calls and Bluetooth 5.4 Multipoint so you can jump between audio sources on the fly.
Availability
On the surface, the pair are similar to the Powerbeats Pro earbuds. The latter are also athletic products with a comfortable design, a long battery life, and impressive performance. However, not only does Soundcore’s model have ANC, but they’re much cheaper too.
The Sport X20 earbuds are currently on sale for $79.99 on Amazon. You can get them in either black or a minty green. News site NotebookCheck claims they’re available in the EU on Amazon as well, but when we checked, there was nothing. So we reached out to Anker for more information to see if their earbuds are present in other global regions.
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Anker’s Soundcore Space A40 is the top recommendation in our guide to the best budget wireless earbuds, as it offers enjoyable sound and a meaty set of features for well under $100. If you’re looking to buy a set on the cheap, take note: A new sale on Amazon has dropped the earbuds down to $49, which matches the lowest price we’ve seen. The earbuds technically have a list price of $100, but they’ve sold for $59 for most of 2024, so you’re saving about $10 here. We last saw this discount about a month ago.
In an amusing bug, Amazon’s product page currently lists the earbuds as a “Gildan Unisex-adult Fleece Hoodie Sweatshirt.” Why? We have no idea. The correct name appears when you add the pair to your cart, however, so this shouldn’t be any cause for alarm. (Unless you really want a new hoodie.) The deal itself is sold by Anker directly and applies to the black model; the blue and white versions are also on sale for $1 more.
Soundcore
This matches the best price we’ve seen for the top budget pick in our guide to the best wireless earbuds.
We recommend the Space A40 because it has the kind of feature set we expect from much more expensive earbuds. Its adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) isn’t quite on par with the absolute best from Sony or Bose — particularly when it comes to voices and higher-pitched sounds — but it’s still superb for $50, and more than capable of muting the hum of an office or daily commute. The earpieces are small, comfortable and IPX4-rated, so they should hold up for all but the sweatiest gym-goers. Battery life comes in around eight hours per charge, with another 40 or so available through its case, which is easy to pocket and supports wireless charging. The pair can connect to two devices simultaneously, and there’s a usable (if not superlative) transparency mode for letting in outside noise.
The Space A40 has a warm sound profile out of the box, with a noticeable but not overwhelming boost in the upper-bass region. The highs are a bit underemphasized, so some tracks won’t sound as crisply detailed as they might on more expensive pairs. But it should be pleasant for most, and Anker’s companion app includes an EQ for tweaking the sound if needed. The main downsides here are the mediocre mic, which isn’t the clearest for phone calls, and the lack of in-ear detection, which means the earbuds won’t automatically pause when you take them out of your ears.
If all of this sounds appealing but you’d prefer an AirPods-style shape with easy-to-grab “stems,” Anker’s Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is the runner up in our guide, and it’s also on sale for $74.50. That’s about $5 more than the pair’s all-time low but $25 less than its usual going rate. This model sounds more bass-heavy by default, but it has just about all the same features, with slightly more extensive touch controls.
Carl Pei’s Nothing has revealed two new wireless earbuds at an event in Tokyo. It calls the Ear, the more expensive model of the two with prices starting at $149 and £129, a refinement of its older model the Ear (2). The Ear retains the brand’s transparent design and looks very similar to the previous model. But it’s powered by a new custom 11 mm dynamic driver and comes with a dual chamber design that allows it to deliver clearer sounds compared to its predecessor.
It also features a new smart active noise cancellation (ANC) algorithm that can check for noise leakage between the earbuds and the ear canal and then add more noise cancellation accordingly. Plus, it can automatically apply the level of noise cancellation needed — high, medium or low — appropriate for the environment the user is in. Nothing says the model’s noise cancellation rated at 45 dB is almost twice that of the Ear (2), as well.
When it comes to battery life, the Ear’s was also designed to last longer. It can last for up to 40-and-a-half hours after a full charge with its charging case, or up to eight-and-a-half hours of non-stop playback. In addition, the model comes with a new mic that enables less obstruction and interference, support for LHDC 5.0 and LDAC codec for high-resolution streaming over Bluetooth and the ability to quickly switch between connected devices.
Meanwhile, the Ear (a) is the more fun and more affordable model between the two new releases. It’s the first Nothing model that isn’t just black or white — though those colors are also available — with one version’s non-transparent parts and case colored in vivid egg yolk-yellow. Even though its prices start lower than the Ear at $99 and £99, it also features the same ANC technology and the brand’s new smart ANC algorithm that can check for sound leakages. It even supposedly has a better battery life than its more expensive sibling and can last for up to 42-and-a-half hours of music playback after a full charge with its charging case.
Both Ear and Ear (a) are now available for pre-order from Nothing’s website. They’ll start making their way to buyers and will be available for general purchase on April 22.
Amazon and Best Buy today are discounting a variety of audio devices, including products from Apple, JBL, Samsung, Beats, Sony, Google, and more. The headliner of the sale is Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C for $189.00 at Amazon, down from $249.00.
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In addition to the AirPods Pro deal, we’ve collected a few notable deals on other headphones and earbuds at Best Buy. Another highlight is the Beats Studio Pro headphones for $199.99, down from $349.99, as well as Sony’s WH1000XM4 Over-the-Ear headphones for $279.99, down from $349.99.
All of the deals shared below do not require a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership, and are available to all shoppers. For a wider look at Best Buy’s current deals, be sure to check out our post from over the weekend, which includes all-time low prices on iPads and MacBooks.
Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.
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In tech, the terms “hotly anticipated” and “long-awaited” are often bandied around with little research into how invested anyone really is over the return of a brand or product. When it comes SoundMagic however, a wired in-ear homecoming is worthy of either phrase.
Why? Because the 2018-issue SoundMagic E11C raised the affordable IEMs bar at the time, quickly becoming the audiophile-on-a-budget go-to. They’re still sitting pretty in our best wired headphones and best earbuds for small ears guides to this day – and the 2019 SoundMagic E11BT built on that, but without the wires.
This time, SoundMagic has taken its flagship E80 model and produced a digital USB-C version to bring us right up to cutting-edge hi-res audio for 2024.
To clarify, where the traditional 3.5mm jack would once have been (see also any soon-to-be-obsolete Lightning-terminated options, now that Apple‘s proprietary iPhone plug has been laid to rest), SoundMagic has designed the E80D to end with a USB-C connector.
DAC’s a great idea
But this is 2024, so that’s not all! The E80D also have a built-in DAC chip capable of supporting 24-bit/96KHz audio files for high-resolution playback, which can easily plug directly into a Mac, PC, or smartphone (including the best iPhone models).
It’s an idea that’s not dissimilar to the Hidizs ST2 Pro Digital, released at CES at the start of the year, although pricing and availability for those has yet to be made official, while they have for SoundMagic’s option – they cost just $45.99 / £39.98 (which is around AU$75) and they’re available from today (April 16) via Amazon or selected retailers.
For the E80D, SoundMagic tells us it’s used the same cable technology as found in the multi-award-winning E11 earphones, involving silver-plated copper. In my experience, the main benefit of this cable design is that it’s both durable and virtually impossible to tangle, even when thrown in my bag in a rush.
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For the audiophile, the ideal companion for the new SoundMagic E80D would probably be one of the best hi-res audio players, but of course, with that USB-C termination and onboard DAC, the E80D are probably going to make the best laptops sound much better, too.
I cannot wait to hear what they can do – watch this space for a full review.
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