In-earHeadphones
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Jabra's Elite 65t are the most versatile headphones you can buy
Let's face it: Most of us don't want to spend our hard-earned cash on multiple pairs of headphones laying around for specific uses. Sure, it's nice to have your travel set, another for the gym and a third for pristine audio at the office, but for a lot of people, that can be overkill. Instead, you need a single set of headphones that can keep the music going comfortably during the day while also standing up to a sweaty workout. You need a set that can do both.
Marshall adds the in-ear Minor II to its line of wireless headphones
When you examine Marshall's line of wireless headphones, there's a glaring omission: an in-ear model. The company has certainly offered in-ear options, but the current lineup only includes fully wired units. Marshall aims to change that today with the addition of the Minor II: a pair of wireless earbuds that are connected with a cable for behind-the-neck (or down in front) wear like the BeatsX.
Under Armour's latest wireless buds stay in your ears during workouts
Wireless earbuds are wonderful for the gym... when they stay put. And Under Armour and JBL are keenly aware of that -- they've introduced two sets of Bluetooth earbuds, the over-ear Sport Wireless Pivot (above) and in-ear Sport Wireless React (below), that are designed for stability during workouts. They're lightweight and IPX7 water-resistant, but the chief allures are tip and hook designs that will keep the buds in place. You won't be subjected to the gym's repetitive soundtrack just because a bud fell out mid-burpee.
The best $200 in-ear headphones
By Lauren Dragan This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer's guide to the best technology. When readers choose to buy The Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here. After researching every new pair of in-ear headphones released since our last update in 2013, we think the Sony XBA-H1 are the highest-quality ones you can get for $200 or less. We spent 35 hours researching and testing for this guide, reading myriad reviews and performing a listening panel for our top 16 headphones with four audio professionals. Seventy-five percent of our professional listening panel agreed that the XBA-H1 was the best-sounding set of the entire bunch.
V-Moda's line of 'Forza' earbuds is meant for workouts
If you're familiar with V-Moda, you know that the brand is mostly known for making premium over-the-ear headphones. While it does have earbuds in its portfolio, that's never been the company's main focus. Today, however, V-Moda is introducing the Forza Series, a trio of in-ear headphones designed for people who love to work out on a regular basis. It's an interesting move for the company, which seems to be taking on Beats' fitness-oriented products, like the PowerBeats and upcoming BeatsX.
Fender is making headphones the way it builds guitars
When an established brand enters a new product category, skepticism begins to creep in. It's fairly common for a company to license its name to a third party to make gadgets, and that was indeed my first thought when I learned Fender was making headphones. Fortunately, that's not the case here. The company's approaching its new in-ear monitors and $99 buds the same way it does guitars: by making them in-house, with strong attention to detail.
The best in-ear headphones under $40
This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a list of the best technology to buy. Read the full article here. If you're looking for the best in-ear headphones on a budget, get the Brainwavz Delta With In-Line Microphone. After 32 hours of research on hundreds of in-ear headphones priced at $40 or under, seriously considering 179 models, and testing 68 with our panel of audio experts, we found the Brainwavz Deltas are the best for the money. Our panel unanimously voted them the best-sounding of all those tested in this category, plus they fit comfortably in most ears and are a steal at $22. They sound better than the Apple EarPods, so if you're looking to upgrade or replace those or want something decent and inexpensive, these are your best bet.
RHA's T10i brings sound customization to high-fidelity headphones
The recently announced RHA T10i (US$199.95) noise-isolating, in-ear headphones take top-shelf in RHA's lineup of fantastic headphones. According to RHA, the T10i headphones take precedence over the MA750i (read my review here), which have been my everyday headphones over the last year or so. They're also the set I recommend to anyone looking for new headphones with high-quality sound, but with a modest budget. How does the T10i compare as the new top-tier RHA offering? Design According to RHA's website, the T10i takes a step forward in almost every aspect compared to the MA750i. The MA750i drivers are made from 303F Stainless Steel. The T10i drivers are made from Injected Molded Steel -- a process where steel is subjected to 1300 degrees Celsius heat for up to ten hours, ensuring the correct shape and density for superior comfort and durability. The result is a cool, brushed metal look and feel, with a sturdy confidence. I would have no problems shoving these into my back pocket or bag. The MA750i has over-ear cable supports. The T10i has "moulded" over-ear hooks that adjust to the shape of your ear. The MA750i has a steel reinforced, oxygen-free cable with gold plated connections. The T10i has a multicore, reinforced, oxygen-free copper cable with gold plated connections, and it's noticeably thinner, but still strong and hard-wearing. The list goes on. Incrementally different as they are, both headphones look fantastic, are rugged and durable, have a three button remote and mic made for iOS users and, as with all RHA headphones, have a 3-year warranty. However, the big difference here is between the MA750i 560.1 driver and the T10i 770.1 driver. For starters, the T10i's are noticeably bigger. But there's a lot more to it than just size. Aside from delivering a natural, balanced sound signature aiming to accommodate all genres of music accurately and precisely with high levels of soundstage imaging, the frequency response of the 770.1 driver is customizable with the T10i's interchangeable tuning filter system. By unscrewing the tip-ends off the drivers and replacing them with either of the two sets of additional filters, users can enhance the bass or treble response of the T10i or remain with the pre-installed, true-to-life reference filters attached. Check out RHA's details on the differences between all the drivers in their line-up here. Performance I spent the bulk of my listening time using the reference filters on the T10i. After the lengthy, but recommended burn-in period, I found the T10i's to be immediately familiar in feel and sound -- though offering a weightier, more detailed sound compared with the MA750i's more open sound -- but with a new found focus and determination that bested the MA750i. Of course, choosing the right ear tip is crucial for both noise isolation and the sound you'll get. I have some universal custom molds for my ears, but found that they didn't work well with the T10i's. Perhaps when fitted, there's a bit more travel between the driver and my ear. Either way, do try the different tips that come with the T10i's to get the best fit. Damien Rice's The Box (do listen to the album version) demonstrates how the T10i delivers fine detail and presentation as well as range and depth with life and energy. Rice's vocal is front and center, delicate and then soaring over an acoustic guitar. Subtle inflections, intonations and rhythms are beautifully presented and handled. The later piano and strings demonstrate the breadth of the T10i's soundstage, with warmth and clarity. Brass and drums join the mix, filling into the balanced depth and fullness the T10i offers. Everything culminates with a climatic end; piano harmonics linger while Rice's vocal and guitar end the song. It's a great song and a pleasure to hear through the T10i's. I spent less time with the filters, but appreciated the enhancements that each brought. If you're looking for that extra bit of sonic depth or height in your music, both will deliver subtle, but appreciated enhancements to either end of the spectrum. The filters provide a customization that is not often found in headphones of this price range, if at all. Conclusion The T10i sets a new high for RHA, pushing the boundaries of sound quality and delivery. They're a worthy upgrade to the MA750i, with incremental upgrades to an already impressive feature set, but it's those 770.1 drivers that make all the difference. There's also the custom filters for personal taste, which is a premium feature. Hitting the $200 price point starts to push beyond the realms of budget headphones, but I think the T10i offer great value for money when you could easily spend a lot more for a similar, high-quality experience. The T10i is available directly from RHA's website, Apple's Online Store or Amazon
Beats co-founder returns with ROAM Ropes wireless in-ear headphones
Steven Lamar helped create the now iconic Beats by Dre brand back in 2006, and after a spat over royalties last spring, he's back with headphones of his very own. Touting the best in ergonomics, sound and "Noise Equalization," Lamar's ROAM brand is launching Ropes as its first portable audio offering. As the moniker suggests, the design allows for the earbuds to be worn around your neck when they're not in use. That "Noise Equalization" bit is proprietary tech that claims to deliver "the best sound quality on the market today." Unforunately, I've yet to get my hands on a pair, so I can't confirm or deny that declaration. If the stock tuning does suit your sonic sensibilities though, there's a ROAM EQ app for tweaking via smartphone. The in-ears will arrive in time for your Christmas shopping, and they'll carry a pricey $299 tag in either graphite/black or orange/gray (benefiting Stand Up to Cancer) color options. For comparison sake, that's $100 more wireless units from Jabra (a pulse-tracking model) and Beats, and $140 higher than the sport-themed pair from SMS Audio.
Jabra's pulse-tracking earbuds tout Bluetooth for fewer tangles
Heart rate-tracking in-ear headphones are starting to pop up on the regular it seems. A couple weeks ago, SMS Audio revealed its collaborative effort with Intel, and now Jabra's joining the fray, but without the tether. In an effort to limit cord tangles, the audio outfit's Sport Pulse wireless earbuds connect to your phone via Bluetooth for sorting tunes and tracking your pulse. Dolby sound handles the listening duties while an in-line remote wrangles those mid-run track changes. Inside, an optical, biometric heart rate monitor keeps tabs on your workout, beaming collected data to the Sport Life companion app and peppering your activity with personalized coaching for added motivation. And as you might expect, the software helps plan workouts and logs info from each session. The wireless set goes on sale October 1st for $200 (£200), but you can pre-order now if you're unable to contain the excitement.
SMS Audio makes Intel's heart-rate tracking earbuds a reality
Back at CES, Intel showed off its smart earbud concept that matched tunes to your pulse, and now it's bringing similar tech to the masses. Thanks to a partnership with 50 Cent's SMS Audio, the heart-rate-tracking chops will hit the gym inside the headphone maker's new BioSport offering. Looking to "motivate and encourage" peak activity levels, the in-ear option packs a biometric optical sensor needed to monitor both physical exertion and relaxation. What's more, the audio add-on syncs the collected data with RunKeeper to keep tabs on progress, and as you might expect, the pair is IPX4 certified for sweat and water resistance. So how did the collaboration come about? Well, I had a chat with Intel's New Devices Group head Mike Bell and SMS Audio President Brian Nohe about just that.
JBL's Flip 2 speaker, Synchros S400BT cans and J46BT in-ears suit all listening habits
Portable audio wares are never in short supply here at CES, and JBL is looking to do its part to maintain those levels. Adding to the fray, the company has announced a Bluetooth-enabled trio with the Flip 2 speaker, Synchros S400BT headphones and J46BT in-ears to suit a variety of mobile listening sensibilities. The Flip 2 is the follow-up to last year's Flip and offers tech for making clearer speakerphone calls on top of its rechargeable wireless chops. There's also a pair of drivers and on-board bass ports to handle the audio duties for the $129 unit. If you're ready to upgrade from the previous model, the Flip 2 is up for pre-order now in red, blue, yellow, white and black color schemes and is set to ship next month. Next, the Synchros S400BT cans offer both wired and wireless listening thanks to Bluetooth 3.0. Packing in advanced aptX functionality and JBL's PureBass for improved audio quality, the set sports soft ear cushions, a steel headband and collapsible form factor. On the left earcup, controls for volume, track control and receiving calls are sorted with a touch-sensitive panel. In fact, an LED light tracks your finger in order to cater to your cues on the $299 device. The S400BT will be available in black and white when it arrives in February, but you can nab a pre-order now -- if you'd rather lock a pair down. Last but not least, for the in-ear listening crowd, the J46BT wireless buds sport Bluetooth 4.0 compatibility and an in-line remote for switching back and forth between Katy Perry and incoming calls. The J46BT are shipping now for $99 in your choice of black, white or blue.
Torque Audio outs a new set of interchangeable TorqueValves for custom tuning its in-ear headphones
Fresh off the release of its t103z in-ear headphones, Torque Audio took the stage at Expand NYC to announce another color-coded customization add-on for the audio wares. In the coming months, the outfit will release three more TorqueValves for tweaking those earbuds to fit personal sensibilities and even specific genres. The $180 t103z model comes with three of the interchangeable valves in the box for reference, bass boost (Deep Valve) and crisp highs (Clear Valve) to cover a broad spectrum of listening. This new set of three includes the Balance Valve for a mix of beefy lows and punchy highs, the Smooth Valve for rhythms and the Bliss Valve for enhanced vocal reproduction. Priced at $20 per pair, the trio expands Torque's interchangeable valve collection that will be available as a full set only with the upcoming t106z model. We had a chance to briefly test all six and were pleasantly surprised that each one offered a recognizably unique sound. From one pair of valves to the next, the difference was immediately apparent and the units were quite easy to swap out when needed. Overall clarity in sound was noticeable pretty quickly as well, keeping the track from being muffled across the full gamut of TorqueValves. Truth be told, this editor preferred the Balance Valve for its nice mix of bass and treble. To improve the overall feel of the headphones, a pack of TorqueTips will soon serve up a range of sizes and softness across nine pairs of the actual buds themselves. This allows for not only replacing those pesky lost covers, but also being able to adapt to different listening situations should the need arise. For a closer look at the t103z in-ears, peek at the gallery just down below.
RHA announces two new premium iOS-compatible earphones
RHA, the Glasgow-based makers of high-quality earphones and over-ear headphones, has added two new, premium earphone models to their in-ear line-up, the MA600i and MA750i (pictured above). TUAW's reviewed RHA's MA150 and MA450 earphones and the SA950i on-ear headphones in the past, and the results were very impressive, especially considering the price points. The two new models RHA has announced promise even better sound quality, design and value for money. The MA600i (US$85.95) are constructed from "aircraft-grade aluminum," and combine RHA's unique aerophonic shape with custom 320.1 dynamic drivers "for highly accurate, balanced sound reproduction." The MA750i ($129.95), RHA's first to utilize 303F stainless steel, feature "handmade 560.1 dynamic drivers for precise balanced and articulate audio reproduction with an open soundstage." The MA750i offer over-ear cable support for more active users who desire a secure fit. Both earphone sets come with a three-year warranty, and are supplied with dual-density, double-flange and memory foam ear tips, ensuring effective noise isolation and a comfortable fit. Each set also comes with a carry case as well as an intriguing stainless steel ear tip holder. A three-button remote and built-in microphone allow for hands-free use with iOS devices. Versions of the earphones without the remote will be available later this year. If you live in Europe, both earphones are available from Apple Retail Stores now, and should be available in US Apple Retail Stores on August 28th. We're looking forward to trying these out, and we'll be sure to put reviews up just as soon as we can.
Westone debuts Adventure Series Alpha earphones: water-resistant, audiophile grade, $200
Some would say that a good set of earphones are a dime a dozen nowadays, but that's not stopping outfits like Westone from trying to give you more (and, perhaps, even better) options to choose from. Enter the Adventure Series Alpha. These newly introduced in-ear headphones are, as the company puts it, tailored to bring "exceptional audio performance, fit, and design for the active user." How so, you ask? Well, the ADV earphones boast an array of notable features, such as IPX-3 attributes for water resistance and in-line controls for iOS devices. Most importantly, however, is the 6.5mm micro driver found inside the Adventure Series Alpha, which Westone's suited with an audio tech dubbed Precision Fine Tuning that "delivers sonic accuracy with extended bass." If all that sounds good, then you best be ready to pony up $200, as that's the price to pay before you can call 'em your own.
id America's Metropolitan in-ear headphones offer comfort, great sound and a bargain price
I am not a fan of the Apple EarPods that come with the iPhone 5, so when id America sent a pair of their new Metropolitan In-Ear Headphones (US$29.95) I was eager to give them a try. My main complaint with the EarPods is that they refuse to stay in my ears, preferring instead to pop out at inopportune times during important phone calls. Then again, I've never been fond of in-ear headphones either, since they're usually quite uncomfortable. But my frustration with the EarPods was enough to make me give the Metropolitans a try. Design and Functionality The headphones come with four sets of tips -- one made out of memory foam, the other three made of a rubber material. I tried the memory foam tips first, basically treating them like the pair of memory foam earplugs I own -- squishing them down, inserting them into my ear canal, and then letting them expand to fit. The memory foam tips were tight and did a good job of blocking out ambient sound, but I found them to be quite uncomfortable. That left the rubber plugs to try. Fortunately, changing the tips is easy to accomplish -- it just takes a pull to take off a set and a good push to install the new set. The Metropolitan headphones are made from aluminum, so there's no concern that you're going to break them. I must have the world's most narrow ear canals, as the smallest set of rubber ear tips worked beautifully. With the ear end of the headphones figured out, I plugged the gold-plated right-angle connector into the audio port of my iPhone 5 and started listening to music. The Metropolitan headphones are definitely stronger on the bass end than Apple's EarPods, so if you're a fan of really loud rock you're gonna love these. I tried several music genres, playing with the iPhone's equalizer (Settings > Music > EQ) to sweeten the experience on several albums. What I found was that the Metropolitan headphones also have really decent treble response, too. The Metropolitan features a fabric covered cable, which I found to be somewhat noisier than the rubberized coating Apple uses on the EarPods. That's not an issue if you're sitting still listening to music or talking on a phone call, but it an be annoying to hear the rustle of clothing against the cable if you're moving a lot. There's a microphone and remote on the cable in the usual spot. When on the phone, pressing the single remote button once answers a call; pressing it again hangs up. While listening to music, a single press pauses or restarts music playback. A double press is used to skip to the next track on a playlist, while a triple press skips to the previous track. Siri is just a long press-and-hold away, and rejecting an incoming phone call can be accomplished by holding down the button for about two seconds. My only gripe here is that there's no volume control from the headphone button -- you have to change volume on the device. When used with the iPhone 5 to make phone calls (people actually do that on occasion...), my phone call recipients found the voice quality to be about the same as it was from the EarPods -- in other words, not that great. I think there's just something inherently wrong with the dinky microphones used in headphones of any sort. If you're tired of Apple's white EarPods and cables, that may be worth the price of the Metropolitan headphones alone as they come in Brilliant Red, Navy Blue, Lime Green, Rose Pink, and Jet Black in addition to the Aluminum Silver I tested. In each case, the cable color matches the headphone hue. Conclusion Apple's EarPods are included with every new iPhone and the latest iPods, but they don't appeal to everyone's tastes. id America's Metropolitan cost about a dollar more than the Apple 'pods, and can provide a much more comfortable listening experience for people who don't like the feel or functionality of the Apple product. They're much less expensive than the $150 Beats Tour In-Ear headphones that I've tried before and offer sound quality that's not that much different. Pros Excellent price point Fabric-coated cables don't tangle easily Includes a small cloth carrying bag One set of memory foam ear tips, three sizes of rubber ear tips included Sound quality meets or beats other in-ear headphones that are much more expensive Cons No volume control on the button/mic Noise of cable bumping against clothing can be annoying when in motion Microphone isn't very sensitive Who is it for? Anyone who finds the standard Apple EarPods to be uncomfortable or loose, but doesn't want to spend an arm and a leg for quality in-ear headphones.
JayBird launches BlueBuds X in-ear Bluetooth headphones for $169.95
If you thought JayBird's Freedom Sprint headphones were the only pair the company had planned for release this year, think again. Today marks the launch of BlueBuds X, an in-ear Bluetooth set with a microphone for taking calls, and a selection of the company's trademarked features. "Shift" technology promises lossless decompression of audio, while "PureSound" filters out white noise present in the vocal range. The headphones also boast "SignalPlus" to ensure stable pairing, the secure fit wings you see above so they stay nice and snug, and an eight-hour battery life. As usual, JayBird is targeting BlueBuds X at the fitness and sports market, but we reckon they'll probably work just as well outside of the gym. If you fancy picking up a pair, then head to the source link below to order them in "Midnight Black" or "Storm White" for $169.95 a piece.
Slickdeals' best in tech for October 10th: SSDs, Sennheiser in-ear headphones and more
Looking to save some coin on your tech purchases? Of course you are! In this round-up, we'll run down a list of the freshest frugal buys, hand-picked with the help of the folks at Slickdeals. You'll want to act fast, though, as many of these offerings won't stick around long. If the mid-week blues have you down, perhaps a new batch of discounted tech will be just the thing to cheer you up. This time around, solid state drives from both Samsung and Intel make the cut alongside a pair of in-ears from Sennheiser that will allow you to use that Yacht Rock playlist to drown out your coworkers. Jump past the break to view the whole group, but remember to be mindful of those coupon codes and rebate forms.
Slickdeals' best in tech for September 26th: HIS IceQ Radeon HD 7870, SSDs and Skullcandy earbuds
Looking to save some coin on your tech purchases? Of course you are! In this round-up, we'll run down a list of the freshest frugal buys, hand-picked with the help of the folks at Slickdeals. You'll want to act fast, though, as many of these offerings won't stick around long. If Monday's round of links didn't meet your gadget needs, perhaps today's lineup of discounts will be a bit more enticing. More components make the list this time around as well as a set of gaming keys and a price cut on in-ear Skullcandy headphones. We won't hold you up any longer, so head on past the break to take a gander at the goods. There are a few rebates today, though, so mind the extra links should you need 'em.
Apple EarPods review: A $29 revolution in earbuds or another set for the recycling bin?
Whether you think they're infamous or merely a signature piece of Apple design, there's no doubt most of us have been exposed the company's iconic white earbuds. Along with the latest batch of iPods and the iPhone 5, Apple announced the replacement for those dreaded earphones, a pair of 'buds called the EarPods. Given that these are bundled with new iDevices (also sold as a standalone for $29), it's hard not to think that the folks at Cupertino are drinking some sort of spiked Kool-Aid, claiming these rival headphones that cost hundreds more. While reviewing the likes of the iPhone 5, we also gave the EarPods a listen to find out whether or not they're just an over-engineered set of 'buds. You'll find our detailed verdict after the break.
