Beats has introduced a new pair of over-ear active noise-cancelling wireless headphones called the Beats 360, built with a slimmer, lighter and more customizable design than typical over-ear models. The company positions them as a workout-friendly alternative to Apple's AirPods Max 2, emphasizing comfort and fit during exercise.
A review of active noise cancellation (ANC) headphones outlines their benefits, including blocking steady background noise, improving audio clarity, protecting hearing by reducing the need for high volume, and aiding focus or sleep. It also highlights drawbacks: ANC struggles with sudden loud sounds, can sometimes degrade audio quality or cause ear discomfort, may reduce situational awareness in unsafe settings, and drains battery life faster than headphones without the feature.
Apple's new AirPods 5 bring a noticeable jump in sound quality, with improved bass and more detailed instrumentation compared to the AirPods 4, according to a hands-on review. The earbuds also gain active noise cancellation that handles steady background noise like HVAC hum well, though human voices remain harder to block out fully.
Apple's new AirPods 5 launch at $129 for the standard model, adding active noise cancellation that was previously missing from the lineup. A $149 version bundles a Wireless Charging Case and extended battery life, making it the more compelling purchase for most buyers.
Initial hands-on reviews of Apple's AirPods 5 have surfaced, highlighting notably stronger active noise cancellation compared to prior models and the addition of swipe-based volume controls on the earbud stems. Reviewers note these changes as the most tangible upgrades in the new lineup.
Sony has released the WH-1000XM4C, a variant of its popular WH-1000XM4 headphones featuring a new color option and a revised sound profile. The core hardware and noise-cancelling performance remain largely unchanged from the original model, but Sony has tweaked the tuning to offer a different listening experience.
Amazon is discounting Anker's Soundcore P30i wireless earbuds to $24.99, about half their usual price. The buds include active noise cancellation, up to 45 hours of total battery life with the charging case, and a case design that can prop up as a phone stand.
Apple introduced the AirPods 5 with a wireless charging case at its recent event, pricing them roughly $30 below the ANC-equipped AirPods 4. Hands-on impressions suggest the newer earbuds outperform their predecessor across the board despite the lower cost.
Amazon has cut $40 off the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE, bringing the noise-canceling earbuds down to $109.99. The retailer says it's the lowest price on these buds since Prime Day.
Apple has released a new generation of AirPods that improves active noise cancellation but leaves out the camera-equipped design that had been rumored ahead of launch. The earbuds focus on incremental audio and performance upgrades rather than new hardware features like built-in cameras.
Sony is releasing the WH-CH730N this month for $180, replacing the WH-CH720N in its midrange lineup. The new model features redesigned ear cups, a folding headband, improved active noise cancellation, AI-enhanced call quality, and a 10-band EQ. Battery life jumps significantly to 50 hours with ANC on, up from 35 hours on the previous model.
Multiple leaks have surfaced detailing Apple's upcoming Beats 360 wireless headphones, suggesting the product line is set for a notable overhaul. Reports indicate the new model will feature substantially improved active noise cancellation compared to previous Beats headphones.