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Beats' Solo Pro headphones feature Pure ANC and always-on Siri
If you wanted active noise cancellation (ANC) on a pair of Beats headphones, you had one choice: the Studio3 Wireless ($349.95). That changes today. The Solo Pro ($299.95) brings ANC and more to the Apple-owned company's on-ear model. They cost $100 more than the previous version, the Solo3 Wireless, but this new model also packs Apple's H1 chip for audio sharing, fast pairing and always-on Siri access.
Adidas' latest workout headphones have knitted bands and ear cushions
Adidas has unveiled its latest headphone models designed for those who like to work up a sweat. The $149 FWD-01 is a wireless in-ear set targeted towards runners. There are in-line controls on the knitted cord connecting the two earpieces and a "passive transparency" feature Adidas says will help you hear what's going on around you.
Under Armour’s Sport Wireless Train headphones are ready for the gym
Last month, Under Armour launched its Project Rock on-ear headphones, which are built for intense workouts and were designed in collaboration with Dwayne Johnson (aka The Rock). But not every fitness buff is going to be a fan of him (even though they should be, because gains), so it only made sense for the company to introduce a model without all his Rock branding. Enter the Sport Wireless Train, Under Armour's latest on-ear headphones, created alongside audio firm JBL. The new set was first revealed in 2017 and looks nearly identical to the Project Rocks, with the only difference being the UA and JBL logos on the earcups and headband, respectively.
The Rock's Under Armour headphones are built for intense workouts
Wireless headphones are dime a dozen, unless you want a pair that's on- or over-ear and designed to handle intense workouts. There are plenty of solid options for fitness buffs, including the JLab Epic2 and Jaybird X3, but those are earbuds. Bose's QuietComfort 35 IIs, meanwhile, are great over-ears, but they're not made from water-resistant materials -- and you want that if you're using them at the gym. That's a gap Under Armour hopes to fill with its new Project Rock wireless, on-ear headphones, which are specifically designed for workouts and were created with input from training junkie Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock.
MW50+ headphones let you choose between on-ear or over-ear
When it comes to buying new headphones, you typically have to choose between on-ear or over-ear before you make a purchase. And once you do, that's your option. Sure, there are few companies that offer the ability to change between the two styles, but that functionality is far from the norm. As of today though, you can add Master and Dynamic to that list. With the MW50+, the company lets you change the earpads on its MW50 wireless on-ear headphones to make them an over-ear set in a matter of seconds.
B&O Beoplay H8i and H9i headphones review: Diminishing returns
B&O is a name that typically evokes an image of premium audio gear. Of course, those high-end materials and typically solid sound quality almost always come with a steep price, even if the device is part of the more consumer-friendly B&O Play line. Back at CES, the company announced updated versions of its high-end wireless headphones, the on-ear H8i and the over-ear H9i, with a handful of new features. The new additions are certainly improvements, but the total package here isn't more compelling than the best Bose, Sony and others have to offer.
Marshall's new headphones let you jam for (at least) 30 hours
If you're looking for a pair of affordable wireless headphones for your holiday wish list, Marshall has a new model just in time to alert Santa. The Mid Bluetooth follows the Major II in the company's line of Bluetooth-equipped headphones, touting the same 30-hour battery life as that previous model. We found the Major II to exceed that figure by about 7 hours, so hopefully that's the case with the Mid Bluetooth as well.
Master and Dynamic adds the on-ear MW50 to its wireless lineup
Almost exactly a year ago, Master & Dynamic debuted its first wireless headphones with the over-ear MW60. Today, the company is adding to that product line with the on-ear MW50. This new model carries a similar look to last year's arrival with plenty of silver aluminum and your choice of black or brown leather. The MW50's ear cups are a bit rounder than the MW60, but that's really the only difference in design other than how you wear them.
Samsung's new wireless headphones are a worthy contender
Last summer, I spent some time getting to know the first four entries in Samsung's "Level" audio line. There's a new item this year, though: a wireless version of the original Level On headphones. In case you missed the first roundup, this model is an on-ear option, and it ended up being my favorite of the bunch. But with the bulk of the features being the same, is the extra $80 worth it to go wireless?
Beats reveals a wireless version of its Solo2 on-ear headphones
Back in May, Dr. Dre's audio outfit trotted out its retooled Solo2 on-ear headphones. Between then and now, his Beats brand officially set up shop in Cupertino, and its releasing its first product since coming under Apple's wing back in August. The Solo2 Wireless cans allow you to nix the tether via Bluetooth, and look nearly identical to the wired unit, except for a "b" button that skips tracks and sorts calls alongside on-board volume controls. Beats is claiming 12 hours of listening, and when the built-in battery runs out, you can resort to using a cord until you make it back home. Of course, this version of the Solo2 was in the works before Tim Cook & Co. nabbed the popular headphone maker, but it's the first to carry Apple's co-sign. It also adds to Beats' wireless arsenal that includes the Studio headphones and Powerbeats2 earbuds. If you're looking to grab a pair, the on-ear option will be available this month for $300 in red, blue, black and white. Fancy the scarlet hue? That one's exclusive to Verizon. And if you're not willing to splurge for wireless, the regular Solo2 gets five more colors as part of a new Royal Edition.
Sennheiser takes aim at Beats with new Urbanite headphones
Some folks enjoy a load of bass when it comes to their headphone selection. That's fine, and you won't get any judgment here. In fact, Sennheiser has taken notice, revealing its new Urbanite on-ear and over-ear (XL) headphones designed with a healthy portion of low-end tones. Claiming to keep "bringing the bass for an intense club experience on the move," the duo does indeed pack some thump while keeping the company's trademark clarity throughout. Don't expect anything overkill here. The cans have an in-line remote, stainless steel hinges for folding down to pack away, cloth-draped headbands, soft-wrapped earpads and aluminum sliders that adjust for a comfy fit. The company says it's these "high quality materials" that set the new wares apart from what the likes of Beats and others have released. It's looking to compete in the color department too, as six different schemes across iOS and Android/Windows models (including a denim option) are sure to suit most tastes. While the $199 on-ear Urbanite model goes on sale today, the $249 over-ear Urbanite XL is set to arrive in Q4.
Beats' new Solo2 headphones sound way better than they feel
After the news broke yesterday of Apple officially acquiring Dr. Dre's headphone and music streaming business, Beats isn't putting the new product announcements on hold. The success of the brand is without question, and its most popular set of cans just got a refresh. This is the Beats Solo²: a redesigned on-ear model with re-tuned audio that does quite a bit to combat the "too much bass" argument.
Bowers & Wilkins P3 headphones arrive in red this October for $200
The words red and October together might conjure up thoughts of Tom Clancy or Kanye West, but now you can also associate them with Bowers & Wilkins. Starting next month, the company will offer up its compact P3 headphones in the vibrant hue. The latest color option for the iPhone-compatible on-ear cans joins the likes of the blue, black and white variants for the same $200 price tag. If you like your headphones to look as loud as they sound, you'll find more details in the press release after the break. Here's to hoping the P5 gets a similarly rosey treatment soon.
Sennheiser grows Momentum family with on-ear model, available in four colors
Momentum, it's not only useful for keeping things going, it's the name of Sennheiser's consumer range of handsome headphones. So far, the cans in this line have been over-ear affairs, but that changes today. Now, the on-ear crew have a pair of Momentums to call their own. If things look familiar, but just a little bit smaller, that's because they are pretty much an exact replica of the originals, all the way down to the audio innards, too. What is different, however, is the choice of colors you get. Sennheiser has spent time researching what this year's big tonal trends are going to be, and the results are what you'll be able to choose from on launch: pistachio, cream, blue and pink. So, fancy some Momentum, without the over-ear bulk? You should be able to take your pick some time later this month. At what price? Expect about £169.99 in the UK (US price to come).
SMS Audio outs an on-ear option for its Street by 50 headphones, ships October 7th for $180
If you're a fan of emcee-endorsed headphones, you're in luck. SMS Audio -- the folks behind the SYNC by 50 line -- has just announced another portable audio option that gets the recommendation of Mr. Jackson himself. The Street by 50 moniker now sports a wired, on-ear option to go alongside its current over-ear and in-hear offerings. These cans house 40mm pro-tuned drivers, folding hinges and memory foam cushioning while sporting Shadow Black and Ghost White color schemes. Anxious to snag some? Well, you can pre-order a set now, but they'll start shipping on October 7th -- if you're willing to shell out the requisite $179.99, of course. As for us, we're patiently waiting on the Keenan Cahill model.
SteelSeries Flux and Flux In-Ear Pro headsets ears-on (video)
"This is the best sounding in-ear product below $250," SteelSeries' Chief Marketing Officer, Kim Rom, told us between songs. "I'll go on record saying that." Rom was talking about the firm's new Flux In-Ear Pro headset, and had similar words for the brand's foldable on-ear Flux cans. The earbuds and their full sized companions are part of the company's "freedom to play" campaign, and it has the utmost confidence in them. Rom even told us the foldable Flux headset lasted 90 minutes in the firm's "soccer test," a SteelSeries tradition that plays out exactly like it sounds: international football with consumer electronics. Our hands-on was decidedly less rough.
Klipsch revamps Image One series headphones, intros first Bluetooth variant (update: ears-on)
As if updating and expanding its in-ear headphone lineup wasn't enough, Klipsch has gone ahead and unveiled its revamped Image One on-ear set here at Irving Plaza in NYC. As we're told, the new Image One is acoustically similar to its predecessor, but now it has a more stylish and robust design that should hold up better over time. Notably, the headphones only have a single cable leading into the left earcup (rather than splitting into both cups like the original), and it's also of the flat variety to prevent tangling. The earcups can still fold flat, but now they can fold into the headband as well, making a smaller footprint for storage in a stuffed bag. In terms of comfort, the leather earpads are now a totally flat to provide an improved seal and better comfort. Beyond that, an Apple-certified inline remote / mic will help you control your music and calls on the go. An airliner converter, a 1/4-inch adapter and soft-shell carrying case are naturally included, and best of all, its price will remain set at 150 bones. Rather than just tweaking the original, however, Klipsch has decided to finally enter the wireless headphone game by offering a $250 Bluetooth-equipped variant for those who hate cords. This version looks nearly identical, with the subtle tweak of having the playback and volume controls positioned as buttons on the outside of the right earcup. The Image One Bluetooth also sports a built-in rechargeable battery, yet the set only gains 10 grams of weight (180 grams total) on top of its wired sibling -- should the battery die, a detachable cable allows for passive functionality. What's more, audiophiles will pleased to know that aptX and A2DP are both baked-in for high-quality lossless audio streaming. If your ears are already tingling with excitement, the new Image One and Image One Bluetooth are set to hit shelves by the end of the month. We're already putting both sets of cans through their paces here at the event, so check back soon as we'll be updating this post with our initial impressions. Update: You'll find images of the headphones below and our brief ears-on after the break. %Gallery-162134%
Logitech UE 9000 Wireless Headphones hit the FCC: Bluetooth in a full-size package
We've seen Logitech extend the reach of its Ultimate Ears brand once before with the UE Air Speaker, and now it appears that full-size headphones are soon to be on the list. As revealed by a recent FCC filing, the division -- best known for its pro-quality IEMs -- is working on a set of Bluetooth headphones dubbed as the UE 9000. There isn't much in the way of details or photos, however, a diagram detailing the location of the unit's FCC label reveals what looks like a full-size headphone -- new territory for UE for sure. We'll let you know when we hear any official word about the cans, but for now, feel free to scope the existing competition while reading about how much radiation these puppies might inject into your noggin.
Able Planet reveals BT500 Bluetooth headset, NC1200 noise-cancelling headphones (first look and ears-on)
Looking for your next set of utilitarian headphones with a touch of aural-spice? While we were roaming the halls of CES, Able Planet (known for its hearing-aid-based Linx sound-clarifying technology) has given us a behind the scenes look some hand-built, pre-production models set to release later this year. Join us past the break for our overview and initial impressions. (Pro Tip: you'll want to read-on if wireless or noise-cancelling headphones pique your interest.)
Sennheiser unveils $1k HD 700 reference headphones, HD 25-based Amperior for mobile audiophiles
Here at CES, Sennheiser's just unveiled its latest duo of headphones set to please audiophiles at home and on the go. First up is the company's HD 700, which at a glance, appears to be a suave hybrid of its esteemed HD 800 and 650 reference cans. If you've lusted after the HD 800, but couldn't stomach the $1,500 price, you'll be happy to know that the HD 700 can be yours for a cool (albeit still wallet-thinning) 1,000 smackers. Notably, these 150-Ohm, open-backed headphones are loaded with 40mm Duofol dynamic drivers, and are capable of an impressive 10Hz to 42kHz frequency response. Next up, its Amperior supra-aural headphones take the already portable HD 25 DJ 'phones, and spices 'em up with an iDevice-compatible inline remote / mic, updated specs and aluminum, closed-back earcups. While there's no word on pricing just yet for the We're told that the Amperior will sell for $350, and it'll hit shelves along with the HD700 this March. HiFi audio lovers will find a detailed rundown of each unit's ear-tingling specs in the press releases after the break.
