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LG's germ-killing wireless earbuds get a more comfortable design
LG has expanded its True Tone lineup to include a more affordable pair of earbuds.
Our favorite noise-cancelling headphones are cheaper than ever
Earlier this month, Newegg discounted Sony's $350 WH-1000XM3 headphones down to $250. (Sale prices on the unit typically hover around $275.) Now, the electronics retailer is dropping the price even lower. At $238, the 1000XM3s are a great deal. Engadget gave the Bluetooth headphones an impressive score 94 thanks to their fantastic audio quality and great noise-cancelling performance, but noted that the price was a big downside. With a $112 discount, that's far less of an issue. Buy Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones on Newegg - $238
Wirecutter's best deals - Jabra Elite 85h Bluetooth headphones drop to $200
This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read Wirecutter's continuously updated list of deals here.
Sony's best noise-cancelling headphones are on sale at Amazon
Over the last two years, noise-cancelling headphones have not only become really good, but they've become more accessible as well. With Black Friday around the corner, now is a great time to take advantage of all the advancements companies like Sony have made in the field. Amazon has discounted two of the company's most popular models, the WH-1000XM3 and XB900N.
Save over $100 on Bose's QC35 II noise-canceling headphones
If you have a long-haul flight coming up, a Rakuten merchant has discounted Bose's popular QC35 II noise-canceling headphones by $86.04. With the discount, the headphones now start at $263.95. You can get an additional 15 percent off after tax by using the "SAVE15" coupon code Rakuten is currently promoting. To put those savings in perspective, a $50 discount is typically the most you'll see on the QC35 II headphones.
iOS 13.2 beta may shed light on Apple's new AirPods design
Besides a look at the company's upcoming Deep Fusion photography mode, the latest iOS 13 beta includes another preview Apple might not have intended people to see just yet. Digging into the 13.2 developer beta, 9to5Mac discovered an icon that may depict the company's next-generation AirPods.
LG’s first true wireless earbuds come with a germ-killing case
Most people don't clean their earbuds anywhere near as much as they should to keep them free of germs, bacteria and unsightly earwax. And while they won't do all the cleaning themselves, LG's latest pair of headphones do have a nifty trick up their sleeve that will appeal to germaphobes. For the company's first pair of true wireless pair of earphones, the Tone+ Free, LG has built a UV light into the charging case that comes with the headphones. LG claims the light will disinfect the Bluetooth headphones anytime you store them to charge.
Marshall's Google Assistant headphones offer 60 hours of music
After taking several years between updates to its popular Major headphones, Marshall has announced a new pair just one year after it came out with the Major III. The company's new Major III Voice Bluetooth headphones add voice control through Google Assistant and a dedicated button for easy activation. Additionally, the headphones carry over the control knob that was included with the previous model. The knob allows you to control both playback and volume, as well as turn the headphones on and off.
A closer look at the Bose 700 noise-cancelling headphones
As great as the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones sound, let's be real: they look like they were designed for dads on a business trip. And listen, as someone who's into the whole chunky, dad-shoe trend, I'm not here to judge if you're into their design. I'm just saying that I need something with a more modern style. Thankfully, Bose has introduced its latest flagship model, the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which features a newly designed stainless steel headband that gives them a more stylish and thinner look than the QuietComfort line. Bose says that the wireless 700s were designed from the ground up and, compared to the QC35 IIs, they also have all-new drivers, ear cushions and USB-C support.
Urbanears' $150 over-ear headphones last 30 hours
If you're in the market for over-ear, wireless headphones, you've probably noticed how pricey they can get. Good over-ear models can often set you back two or three hundred dollars, if not more. But budget-minded music lovers may be in luck: Urbanears just released a new line of Bluetooth, over-ear headphones for $149.99.
Aftershokz adds a titanium twist to its bone-conducting headphones
Like many companies these days, Aftershokz just launched an Indiegogo campaign to support its latest offering, a set of bone conduction headphones called Trekz Titanium. If you're unfamiliar with the tech, it works by sending audio as vibrations through the cheekbone to the inner ear, bypassing the ear drum. Having wireless headphones that don't block your ears is especially useful for activities like biking, where situational awareness is key, but you still want to enjoy some tunes. These are the newest in the company's line and come right on the heels of an announced update for the existing $100 Bluez2 model with audio-enhancing PremiumPitch+ technology. The Trekz Titanium offer a nearly identical feature set including Bluetooth, hands-free calls, IP55 dust/sweat resistance and a six-hour listening time. However, the rigid plastic of the Bluez2 was traded for a more flexible exterior with a titanium frame inside making them more resilient and easier to pack away. Many of the early-bird deals have already sold out, but if you're quick, you can pre-order a set for $99 or reserve a special edition pack for the full price of $129. Otherwise, you'll have to wait for the retail release in January 2016.
Engadget giveaway: win a set of wireless sport headphones courtesy of SMS Audio!
Workouts and wired headphones can be a dicey business, so finding a wireless option to fit your regimen should be a top priority -- a mid-run tangle on a treadmill could end up flinging you and your phone to the ground. You'll probably be sweating buckets, too, if you're doing it right. Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's very own SMS Audio checked all those boxes for its Wireless Sport series of on-ear and in-ear headphones, so you won't have to worry about those things if you're on the court, at the gym or out in the wild. Both pairs are IPX4 rated to deal with the waterworks and with 8-10 hours on a charge, you may run out of juice before they do. Both units also have easy to reach controls so you can manage that playlist or take ditch those important calls while burning some calories. This week, we have two bundles including one of each style, so that two lucky Engadget readers can keep the vibe alive and push on into the zone. Just head down to the Rafflecopter widget for up to three chances at scoring one of these SMS Audio Wireless Sports headphone packages. Winners: congratulations to Rich B. of Colorado Springs CO, and Peter F. of Las Vegas NV.
Beats announces new wireless Solo2 Bluetooth headphones
Beats today announced the release of new Solo2 Wireless on-ear headphones, the first major new product the company has released since joining the team at Apple last May. "We're taking the most popular headphone in the world and adding wireless Bluetooth functionality to it," Beats President Luke Wood said in a press release. "The Solo2 is already a world-class headphone much lauded for its acoustics, and now it joins our growing family of successful wireless products." The Solo2 is functional within a 30 feet radius of its paired audio device and can be used to take calls, change the volume on songs, and skip songs. Additionally, the new headphones feature 12 hours of wireless playback. With fine-tuned acoustics for clarity, breath and balance, Solo2 Wireless delivers a complete listening experience. Regardless of the kind of music you're into, its dynamic and wide range of sound will bring you closer to what the artist intended you to hear. The headphones will be available later this month for $299.95 in the following colors: black, white, red, and blue. Interestingly, the press release notes that the red model will only be available via Verizon Wireless through 2014. Beats today also announced an update in colors to the wired version of its Solo2 headphones, including Stone Grey, Hunter Green, Imperial Violet, Blush Rose, and Sapphire Blue. Photos of the new color options, a family which Beats calls the "Royal Edition", can be seen here at Engadget.
Phiaton Chord MS 530 Bluetooth headphones: A joy to wear and listen to
Bluetooth headsets are becoming much more popular for iOS and Mac users. There's no cable to get tangled around, and they're usually quite lightweight and comfortable. Phiaton has released its new Chord MS 530 Bluetooth 4.0 Noise Cancelling Headphones (US$299.99 MSRP, available online for as little as $200) to the market, and if you're in a pinch for a really special holiday gift, a pair of these would make any iOS or Mac owner a very happy person indeed. The headphones come with a nice carrying case, and they fold up into that case with little effort. Once out of the case, the Chords weigh just 10 ounces (283 grams) and adjust to just about any head size, my mammoth hat size 7-7/8 head included. Pressing the power button on the right earcup for two seconds turns the headphones on, at which time a voice prompt informs you that "Pairing mode is enabled". There are other voice prompts as well -- once pairing is completed and you connect to the headphones from a Mac or iOS device, you'll hear "Device connected" in a female voice. Disconnect the headphones using your system preferences or settings, that voice says "Device disconnected". The verbal prompts are very useful; much better than interpreting what a few flashing LEDs mean. But it's when you start playing music through the Chords that you realize just how good these headphones are. Unlike some of the other headphones I've reviewed for TUAW, the Chords do a remarkable job of handling bass, providing a more realistic lower end than I've heard before. That's not to say that treble is given short shrift -- quite the contrary. The headphones have good response throughout the usual range of music frequencies, and I found them to be amazing for listening to just about any genre of music. The Chords feature a complete set of controls. On the right side are the aforementioned power button, a call button (for use with your iPhone) and a pause/start toggle that doubles as a volume up/down switch. There's also a micro-USB port for charging on the right side covered by a small door. On the left side is another small door, this covering a port for a headphone cable if you prefer a wired connection -- or if the battery runs out on your Chords. There's also a switch for turning on noise cancellation, which seems to work better on these headphones than any other headphones I've ever tested. I was listening to my iTunes Radio Supertramp station beaming from my iPhone, and pulled up some songs on my iMac at the same time. With the iMac's volume cranked all the way up, I could actually feel the bass, but couldn't hear it through the headphones. Speaking of cables, Phiaton thoughtfully provides a set of cables with mounted controls and a microphone if you want to forgo the use of Bluetooth. For those of you who are unfamiliar with noise-canceling headphones, note that they don't block all ambient sound if you just have 'em on, but turning on noise-cancellation and listening to tunes will provide a respite from whatever low-frequency noise is around you. In that respect, they do a very good job of tuning out the rumbling background noise of an airplane or train. I was pleasantly surprised when the Chords were connected to my iOS devices that the Bluetooth indicator in the status bar actually showed a small battery icon next to it for determining the amount of charge left in the headset. I don't know if I've just been missing this with other Bluetooth devices or if it's something new, but that's very useful. Making or answering calls while listening to music was nice as well, as the headset supports Siri. Just a quick push of the Call button brought up the Siri prompt, at which point I was able to ask Apple's intelligent assistant to make a call for me -- or do anything else that Siri is able to do. Conclusion All in all, I loved the comfort, the compactness (when folded up), and the controllability of the Phiaton Chord MS 530 headphones. The sound quality -- to me, at least -- was incredibly good, and I don't think I've ever worn a more comfortable pair of headphones. These are not inexpensive headphones, but since they support the latest Bluetooth release they should be able to work for you for years to come. Pros Lightweight and comfortable for hours of wear Up to 30 hours of listening time per charge Excellent sound quality on both low and high end Noise cancellation technology blocks ambient noise well Controls are easy to find and operate Voice prompts tell you when different modes are engaged or disabled Fast and easy Bluetooth pairing with both Mac and iOS devices with no need to enter a pairing code Carrying case is a bonus Ability to use headset with a cable when the battery is dead Cons A little pricey, but you get what you pay for Who are they for? Anyone, audiophile or not, who wants a pair of lightweight and good-sounding Bluetooth headphones Giveaway These headphones sound great, and we want one lucky TUAW reader to get a chance to use 'em. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before December 18, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a set of Phiaton Chord MS 530 Bluetooth headphones valued at $299.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
JayBird intros Freedom Sprint: the JF3 Bluetooth stereo fitness headset gets 40% smaller
It's been quite a while since we last heard from JayBird, but now it's back with another set of Bluetooth in-ear headphones for fitness activities. Unveiled and available today, the new Freedom Sprint ($130, pictured right) joins the ranks of the company's Freedom JF3 headset ($99) -- it's essentially the same Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR headset, albeit with 40-percent less of a footprint for the earpieces (33 x 16 x 8 mm vs. 44 x 19 x 9 mm). The petite size naturally means a smaller internal battery (rated for 4.5 hours, compared to the original's six), but JayBird let us know that the Sprint is acoustically identical to the JF3. While size is the main focus, there are also a few other improvements being toted in the Sprint -- it sports a micro-USB port for charging (changed from mini-USB), a softer cable between the buds, an inconspicuous notification LED, enhanced call quality and the multifunction button has been repositioned to the top of one of the earpieces (the JF3's is on the outside). Sounds like the Sprint could be the $130 ticket if Bluetooth, small size and a secure fit are your main concerns for a pair of in-ears. You'll find more images in the gallery below and further details at the source link. %Gallery-163628%
Microsoft patent imagines headphones as accessory docking motherships
If it never occurred to you to plug all kinds of peripherals into your ear cans -- including the media player making the sound -- a new patent from Redmond's brain trust might give you pause. The headphones are shown as a catch-all, with receiving spaces for snapping in devices like rechargeable battery packs, storage, Bluetooth or WiFi reception modules and media players -- such as the Zune-like one sketched in above. The headset could also have controls to operate those peripherals, as well as an optional boom mic and USB ports, according to the document. All this is claimed to allow for numerous configurations, letting you pimp your headset to fit your own needs, and interface with games, movies or music in various ways. If they ever get to market, you might start thinking of humble headphones as full-blown entertainment centers instead of mere accessories.
Plantronics BackBeat Go headset sports tangle-free cord, 'rich' stereo sound
Plantronics has made a name for itself in the wireless headset space, but there's plenty of room to grow when it comes to premium stereo offerings. BackBeat Go is the company's smallest and lightest wireless earbud set to date, tipping the scale at 13 grams, or "about the weight of three nickels." The cordless rig includes a pair of earbuds linked with a flat tangle-free cord, with inline controls to adjust volume and an integrated mic for calls. The Bluetooth-enabled Go can sync up with one device at a time, so you'll need to repeat the pairing process if switching between phones or to a tablet -- and you should be able to snag 4.5 hours of listening and talk time or 10 hours of standby with a single charge. Digital noise reduction and echo canceling play into the call experience, while the "deep, rich, stereo sound" means the earbuds are equally suited for leisure. Sound good to you? You can snag your own set for a cool $100 by clicking through to the source link below.
Veho's Bluetooth headphones fold up, kickout the wireless jams
Bluetooth headphones are a dime a dozen these days. Well, not really -- they're certainly plentiful, but cost quite a bit more than a piece of Bazooka. Veho's entry into the reasonably saturated market sits just above the pricing sweet spot at $110, but it does sport some nice features like touch controls on the side for manipulating your iDevice or smart phone, and a mic for use as a hands-free headset. The lithium-ion battery inside can keep these folding over-ear phones pumping out Springsteen bootlegs and Joell Ortiz mixtapes (gotta cover all your bases, right?) for up to ten hours. And, if all black isn't you're thing, the Gumball 3000 edition adds some bright orange flair. Check out the galleries below. %Gallery-127725% %Gallery-127726%
Jaybird JF3 Freedom Bluetooth stereo headset shipping next week, enhanced with new cushions
Jaybird's been pretty quiet about its latest Bluetooth offering. In fact, the company actually sneaked a few of its JF3 Freedom sports headphones into some stores back in April, but they quickly ran out of stock -- we imagine it was either a test run or the product needed some tweaking. Regardless, we've just been informed that the JF3 will finally be available to all starting next week, with Jaybird's online store currently taking pre-orders for $99 a pop (including free delivery), followed by wider availability at retail stores in late July. What's more, these sweat-proof stereo buds are now enhanced with new blade-like silicon ear cushions -- head past the break to watch Jaybird founder Judd Armstrong ecstatically shake his head to show off the secure fit. %Gallery-126241%
Apple didn't buy Wi-Gear, according to Wi-Gear CEO
If you were hoping for surefire proof Apple was about to start making stereo Bluetooth headphones so that you didn't have to make a difficult choice among the many already-great options on the market, you're not in luck. A rumored acquisition of iMuffs manufacturer Wi-Gear has turned up false, with the CEO Mark Pundsack himself refuting the claims. Turns out Wi-Gear and its IP are up for sale, and the company has ceased operations due to lack of funds, but Apple apparently hasn't picked up the tab. Mark's response to the rumored buy? "Two words: 'I wish!'"
