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Audio-Technica has released the ATH-AL5NC, a $279 wireless open-back headphone that pairs 53mm drivers with LDAC hi-res audio support and multipoint Bluetooth. The company says the headphones deliver up to 75 hours of battery life, with 15 minutes of charging yielding roughly eight hours of playback, and offer app-based control over EQ, presets and listening modes.
Sony has released the WH-1000XM4C, a refreshed version of its popular 2020 WH-1000XM4 headphones, priced at $300. The update adds Bluetooth 6.0, a 10-band equalizer with gaming EQ, a new lavender color option, and revised sound tuning, while keeping the same QN1 noise-canceling chip and four-microphone array. Battery life drops slightly to 27 hours from the original's 30, and Sony launched it alongside two new midrange models, the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530.
CanJam SoCal 2026, an audio show run by Head-Fi.org, took place at the Irvine Marriott and drew both boutique headphone brands and established names like Sennheiser, Focal, HiFiMan, Astell&Kern, Noble Audio and Sony's professional division. Exhibitors set up listening stations, many using the Qobuz streaming service for hi-res audio demos, catering to enthusiasts hunting for distinctive, high-fidelity sound rather than mainstream consumer gear.
Fender has released the Fender Audio app for iPhone, adding EQ presets and a custom five-band equalizer to its $299 MIX wireless headphones. The app also shows battery status and offers configurable Home Screen widgets for quick access to device settings.
Beyerdynamic has released the Aventho Y headphones, priced at $150 and available in four colors, boasting up to 90 hours of playback with noise cancellation off and 60 hours with it on. The headphones feature a five-minute quick charge for six hours of use, Bluetooth 6.0 multipoint connectivity, and user-replaceable batteries and ear cushions for easier repairs.
Sony's WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones are currently on sale for $198, a $202 discount that marks one of the lowest prices seen for the model. Several other Sony headphones are also discounted as part of the same sale, though the WH-1000XM5 remains the standout deal despite being one generation behind the newer WH-1000XM6.
Belkin's SoundForm Mini 2 wireless on-ear headphones, designed for children ages 3 and up, are currently discounted 25 percent using the code VERGE25OFF. The base model drops from $29.99 to $22.49, while the version with a zip-up carrying case falls from $39.99 to $29.99 after the code is applied.
Dolby Atmos for Headphones is a paid app for Windows and Xbox that virtually recreates spatial audio effects on ordinary stereo headphones, without requiring dedicated Atmos-enabled hardware. Users can try the surround simulation through a free trial before deciding whether to purchase the full software.
Sonos introduced two new Ultra-branded products: the Ace Ultra headphones priced at $449 and the Beam Ultra soundbar priced at $699, both available for pre-order now and shipping September 29. The company also rebranded its software platform as 'Sonos 27,' rolling out alongside the hardware launch.
Sonos hosted an Open House event on September, unveiling its next wave of hardware after CEO Thomas Conrad hinted in July that the company had spent two decades building what he called an operating environment for AI in the home. The event, not livestreamed, was covered by Engadget staff on-site through a live text blog, with speculation swirling around potential new speakers, headphones, or app fixes.
Sennheiser's new Momentum 5 Wireless headphones claim up to 57 hours of battery life with ANC on, nearly double rivals like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3. The headphones also feature a battery that users can swap themselves by removing four screws under the ear pad, though the replacement battery isn't yet sold separately. They support a wide range of audio codecs including aptX Lossless and offer both wired and USB-C lossless playback.
Amazon has cut the price of Sony's WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones by half, marking the steepest discount seen for the model to date. The deal covers the flagship over-ear headphones known for their active noise cancellation and long battery life.