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Jabra Elite 45h review: Feature-packed $99 headphones
The Elite 45h works with Jabra’s Sound+ companion app.
Beats Solo Pro review
Both Apple and Beats have benefited greatly from their relationship over the last five years. Since Apple bought the headphone company in 2014, Beats has improved its gear on all fronts, from design to audio quality and even adding useful features. There's no doubting the Apple influence, especially since the latest Beats headphones pack the same chip that powers AirPods. With the Solo Pro ($299.95), we get the best intersection of the two companies yet, in a set of headphones that look good, sound great and pack in powerful features.
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.
What to look for when buying headphones
In 2018, most people are listening to music or a podcast at some point during the day. And in order to avoid annoying your co-workers and fellow commuters, that requires headphones. These are rarely impulse buys, since they can cost a few hundred dollars and, like anything else, we want them to last. Similar to TVs, laptops and other gadgets, headphones come in all shapes and sizes -- each with their own pros, cons and unique features. We've compiled a list of factors to consider when you're shopping for new headphones to help you avoid buyer's remorse.
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.
Libratone's Q Adapt headphones offer adjustable noise cancellation
One of the most prevalent rumors about the new iPhone(s) is that Apple will get rid of the 3.5mm headphone jack. Unfortunately, the options for Lightning-equipped wired headphones are still limited, but Libratone has a new model that fits that description. The company is getting into mobile audio after releasing a number of speakers, but the Q Adapt headphone line's key feature is actually the ability to adjust noise cancellation based on your environment. For example, you might want to turn it down when you're walking in a busy city when you need to hear the cues from traffic.
Audeze's Sine are lightweight planar magnetic headphones
Usually, planar magnetic headphones aren't the most portable cans. At this year's CES, Audeze unveiled its much more portable Sine planar magnetic on-ear headphones. What does that mean exactly? Well, the planar magnetic tech uses a thin diaphragm rather than typical headphone drivers, touting higher accuracy and more detailed sound. These particular cans are also lightweight and don't pinch in on your head, which sometimes can be a struggle, especially with the extra heft you have when dealing with audiophile-grade headphones.
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?
Sennheiser pulls Momentum Wireless headphones after Bluetooth issues
Sennheiser's Momentum headphones have been a staff favorite here at Engadget for a while. When the company announced a wireless version at CES, I was eager to get my hands on a pair for review. Unfortunately, when listening to music with the Bluetooth headphones and using an Apple Magic Mouse with my MacBook Air, I noticed regular music drop outs -- almost every time I moved my mouse. As it turns out, I wasn't the only one. After what Sennheisers says is a "small number" of customer complaints, it stopped production and shipment of the Momentum Wireless until the issue is fixed. Of course, stopping production tells me there's a big problem, but the company maintains the cases are "limited." In addition to interruptions when playing tunes, users experienced issues trying to make calls, too. Sennheiser explained the culprit could be a number of factors that prey on wireless connections, which could include anything from interference to signal strength that can't handle high-traffic areas.
Samsung outs Level On wireless headphones for untethered listening
I took Samsung's Level line of "premium" audio gear for a spin last summer, and now the company is adding another wireless model to the set. The Level On Wireless is exactly what the name suggests: a wireless version of the on-ear headphones in the collection. A group of six built-in microphones offer active noise cancellation to keep those loud talkers from killing your vibe. There's also a touch pad on the the outside of one ear cup, handling controls for S Voice, play/pause and skipping tracks so you won't have to pick up your phone. You can also share whatever you're listening to with other Level devices, thanks to the Sound Sharing tool. After spending a few weeks with the initial lineup, the wired Level On cans were my favorite of the bunch, so this new option is a welcome addition. Samsung says you can expect 11 hours of battery life with both Bluetooth and noise cancellation at work here, bumping to 23 hours if you opt for just the wireless connectivity. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing or availability yet.
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.
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.
Logitech unveils lineup of UE headphones for in, on and around your ears (hands-on)
Logitech acquired Ultimate Ears awhile back to take advantage of its experience with professional audio, and now it's leveraged some of that institutional knowledge to create a UE line of headphones aimed at consumers. First up, there's the $100 UE 4000 on-ear model that comes in three colors: black, blue and magenta, plus a detachable cord with an in-line mic and audio controls compatible with iOS devices. The UE 6000 model takes things up a notch with an over-ear design that folds up for easy storage on the go, has an in-line remote, plus it adds active noise cancellation technology for $200. Then there's the UE 9000 Bluetooth wireless cans that also have ANC and a full suite of on-ear controls for iPhone or iPad, which can be had for $400. Lastly, there's the $400 UE 900 in-ear headphones sporting a quad-armature design and two sets braided cables -- one with in-line controls, and one without. All of the UE models start shipping in the US today, and will be available in Europe next month. We got to try on and try out all of Logitech's new gear for a brief listening session awhile back, so join us after the break for our impressions.%Gallery-163679%
