Bose launched wired earbuds with active noise cancellation that connect via USB-C for $99, marking a shift back to wired listening. The earbuds feature dual microphones per bud for ANC, with Quiet Mode and Aware Mode options, and will ship starting October 15.
Nothing's new Headphone 1 Pro flagship over-ear headphones cost $399 and feature a triple-driver design, active noise cancellation, and a unique Flat EQ switch developed with Metropolis Studios to let studio professionals hear uncolored audio without processing. The headphones also support high-resolution audio via LDAC and USB-C, Auracast connectivity, and multiple sound profiles through the Nothing X app.
Apple's new AirPods 5 bring active noise cancellation at lower prices, but AirPods Pro 3 offer advantages including in-ear design with ear tips, built-in heart rate monitoring for fitness tracking, and exclusive hearing health features like hearing tests and clinical-grade hearing aids.
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 offer superior integration with Apple devices but cost $249. The article reviews affordable alternatives including Bose QuietComfort Earbuds at $149, Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro at $170, and Beats Powerbeats Fit, all featuring active noise cancellation and competitive features at lower prices.
The Beats 360 and Sony WH-1000XM6 are premium wireless headphones with different design philosophies. Sony offers superior sound quality with LDAC support and slightly better ANC with adaptive modes, while Beats emphasizes customization and sportier aesthetics with marginally longer battery life. Both deliver solid noise cancellation and are reliable choices for premium audio, though Sony edges ahead in audio fidelity.
Sonos releases the Ace Ultra, its second premium wireless headphone model priced at £399/$449, aiming to improve upon the original Ace's mediocre sound quality and underwhelming ANC performance. The new model retains the appealing minimalist design and comfort of its predecessor while competing directly with the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sennheiser HDB 630 at the same price point.
Apple-owned Beats launched the Beats 360, $349 over-ear wireless headphones specifically designed for workouts with IPX4 sweat resistance, lighter weight than AirPods Max 2, customizable ear cups and headband, and up to 32 hours of battery life. The headphones feature custom audio drivers, improved ANC, and various Apple integration features.
Sonos released the Ace Ultra headphones ($449), an improved follow-up to its poorly-launched original Ace. The key upgrade is Wi-Fi integration that allows the headphones to function as full members of a Sonos system, enabling seamless audio switching between speakers and headphones via the Sonos app, plus enhancements to noise cancellation, sound customization, and battery life.