Audio Christmas Gift Guide: Speakers & Earbuds
If you have someone in your life that loves music and/or technology, then an audio gift is always a good choice.
With this being a Christmas gift guide, I have tried not to get too carried away with my fondness for expensive gear and recommended some affordable options moving into the mid-range.
Earphones / Headphones
Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+
- MELOMANIA APP COMPATIBLE - Customise EQ, High Performance Audio Mode, Find my earbuds, Upgrade firmware and more.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE AUDIO MODE - Enjoy an even greater soundstage, lower noise and a higher dynamic range than ever before.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Wireless earbuds up to 9 hours playback with an extra 36 hours in the charging case . Spend more time with your favourite artists
- COMFORTABLE BLUETOOTH EARBUDS: Improved Comfort - Just 4.6g per earbud with a bigger selection of premium memory foam and silicone tips now included.
- SUPERIOR SOUND QUALITY: Great British Sound on the move - 50 years of audio expertise in every pair of wireless bluetooth earbuds.
I reviewed the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ a little over a year ago when they were priced at around £100, and I thought they were excellent. You can now buy them for as little as £40 if you go for the white pay or £50 for the black model. That’s astonishingly good value for money.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro
- Recommended by 20 GRAMMY Winning Producers
- ACAA 2.0: Our exclusive coaxial dual driver technology delivers high and low frequency sound directly to your ear without interference. Its wide soundstage is detailed and spacious, bass has a deep punch, mids are luscious, and treble sparkles.
- Personalized Noise Cancelling: Standard noise cancelling only adjusts noise based on data. HearID ANC analyzes your ears and level of in-ear pressure to create a tailored profile that optimizes noise reduction and reduces external sound to suit your ears.
- Fusion Comfort Fit: Liberty 3 Pro’s earbuds have a triple-point ergonomic shape and built-in ear pressure relief for all-day comfort. 4 sizes of liquid silicone ear tips and flexible ear wings ensure you get a strong seal and secure grip.
- Update Firmware:Before using Liberty 3 Pro for the first time, connect to the Soundcore app and update the earbuds' firmware to the latest version.
I also reviewed the Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro about a year ago. Thinking over all the TWS earbud reviews I have done in the past year, I would say these are up there with my favourite.
I reviewed them at £140, but you can now pick them up for as low as £90, and I would buy these any day over the Nothing Ear (1) (though they are not a bad buy at £86, currently)
Jabra Elite 5
- Intelligent Noise Control: Block out more ambient noise with the Hybrid ANC or hear the world with the HearThrough technology. 6-mic call technology with dedicated microphones to reduce wind noise
- Personalised sound: Play music with Spotify Tap Playback using 6 mm speakers and a range of codecs that deliver first-class sound which can be fine-tuned with a customisable equaliser
- Durable with high-performing battery life: IP55 rating protects the earphones against dust and water - use either earbud independently in Mono Mode - up to 7hrs of battery life, 28hrs with the case
- Easy connectivity: Connect to 2 devices at once with Bluetooth Multipoint, use Google Fast Pair for Android or ask Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant (OS 6.0 or higher) for hands-free help
- In the box: 1x Jabra Elite 5 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Qi-certified Charging Case, EarGels in 3 Sizes, USB-C Cable, Safety Leaflet, 5g0.176 oz, Titanium Black. All in frustration-free packaging
I have not personally used the Jabra Elite 5, but I do love the Elite 85t and the 75t. The newer Elite 5 has been universally well-reviewed and is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something a little more premium
Sony WF-1000XM4 ANC Earbuds
- Industry-leading noise cancelling thanks to an integrated V1 HD processor, a powerful new driver unit, and innovative noise-cancelling eartips with a more stable fit.
- High-quality sound and wireless listening pleasure with DSEE Extreme and LDAC.
- With Speak-to-Chat, music automatically stops when you talk, the proximity sensor provides adaptive playback, and two accelerometers detect whether the headphones are on or off.
- Undisturbed entertainment thanks to uncomplicated hands-free calling. The WF-1000XM4 headphones provide clearer voice transmission, so you can clearly understand your conversation partner even in noisy environments.
- The integrated lithium-ion battery ensures up to 24 hours of music enjoyment (with noise cancelling) on a single charge. With the quick charge function, you can listen to music for another 60 minutes after just 5 minutes of charging.
If you want noise-cancelling earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM4 is the gold standard, and they currently have a big discount on Amazon, bringing them down to a relatively affordable £160.
Speakers
Sonos
Sonos One
- Start and control your music with your voice and Amazon Alexa is built right in
- Combine voice with the Sonos app to easily manage all your streaming services
- Connect wirelessly to other Sonos speakers to enjoy clear sound in any or every room
- Enjoy surprisingly rich sound from a compact speaker
- Second generation Sonos One with increased memory and updated processor
You can’t really go wrong with Sonos, and I don’t think anyone would be upset if you bought them a Sonos speaker. The Sonos One is an obvious choice, providing a good balance of affordability and performance.
Sonos Roam
- Stream at home or on-the-go: Experience immersive sound wherever you go with the Sonos ROAM SL portable Bluetooth & Wifi speaker, offering multi-room sound and effective Bluetooth & Wifi streaming
- Go anywhere: Featuring robust construction with IP67 waterproof protection up to a depth of 1 metre plus a dust-proof design - sturdy enough for wherever your adventures may take you
- Smooth and versatile: Connect your ROAM SL to any Sonos WiFi speaker to create a sound system for the whole house, allowing you to listen to different songs in different rooms or listen simultaneously
- Personalise your soundscape: Choose the Roam SL or the Roam with additional automatic Trueplay and voice assistant, both available with a smart magnetic wireless charger - enjoy music your way
- Items delivered: 1 x Sonos ROAM SL speaker, 1 x USB-C charging cable, 1 x quick start guide, compatible with wireless charging and Sonos app, in black
I prefer a bit more oomph from my speakers, but the Roam has a lot of appeal being both portable and affordable. I’d prefer a Move myself, but I don’t think anyone loves me enough to spend £400 on me.
Audio Pro
Audio Pro C5 MkII or Audio Pro C10 MkII
- WIRELESS MULTIROOM HIFI PERFORMANCE: Our C10 MkII portable speaker offers multiroom sound via the Audio Pro Multiroom system, but also via Google Cast and AirPlay 2. Play your music wirelessly in any way, with WiFi multiroom at home or with Bluetooth on the go
- Preferences: The preset buttons allow you to quickly access your favourite radio stations or playlist. Save them on a button by simply holding it down during playback and listen to it whenever you want
- Compact size and unlimited sound experience: Don't be fooled by its compact dimensions of 165x320x185 mm, because the C10 MkII speaker will surprise you with an intense and deep sound. Take it anywhere and enjoy your music wherever you are
- Modern and elegant speakers with great sound: Audio Pro designs its products down to the smallest detail and wants you to enjoy them to the fullest - with the best sound quality, timeless design and high-quality materials
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: At Audio Pro we are committed to 100% customer satisfaction by providing high quality products with the right customer service. If you have any questions, please contact us at any time
I recently reviewed the Audio Pro C5 MKII but I’d be inclined to recommend the C10 MkII as you get more bang for your buck.
Buy the C5 MKII from Audio Pro
I was impressed with this speaker, the overall feature set can compete with Sonos and Audio Pro and have an extensive range of speakers, so this could be extended into a whole home solution.
Audio Pro is a better option than Sonos for anyone that values aesthetics as much as they do sound quality.
Marshal
Marshall Emberton II & others
- Emberton II delivers sound that is rich, clear and loud, like the artist intended. Experience absolute 360° sound with True Stereophonic, a unique form of multi-directional sound from Marshall – where every spot is a sweet spot
- Improving on the original Emberton, Emberton II has been powered up with Stack Mode – connect to other Emberton II speakers and amplify your sound.
- Emberton II is tough and resilient, boasting an extremely durable IP67 dust- and water resistance rating
- Emberton II offers 30+ hours of portable playtime on a single charge - with 20 minute quick charge
- Emberton II brings you a more sustainable listening experience, with 50% post-consumer recycled plastic from used electronics, water bottles and automotive light covers, and is 100% PVC-free
Marshall is another brand that’s easy to recommend if you want to buy someone a good-looking speaker. I recently reviewed the diminutive Marshall Emberton II. It’s a beautiful speaker in a tiny package with a surprisingly punchy sound.
- Stanmore II is the most versatile speaker in the Marshall Line-up and is perfect for any room, big or small
- Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX technology provides lossless wireless sound at a range of up to 30 feet (10 metres)
- This speaker combines contemporary technology with iconic Marshall design to deliver hardhitting sound while retaining a classic look
- Fine-tune your music to meet your requirements with the Marshall Bluetooth app or the analogue controls on your speaker's top panel
- Plug into the RCA or 3.5 mm input for an analogue listening experience
Marshall has lots of other attractive options too. If you want to stick to portable speakers, the Kilburn II Portable Speaker is a step up from the Emberton, or the Marshall Stanmore II is a beautiful Bluetooth speaker (that needs plugging in).
Edifier
Edifier MP230 Retro Bluetooth Portable Speaker
- 9 HOURS LONG BATTERY LIFE - 2600 mAh high-capacity lithium-polymer battery, long wireless music playtime, 2 hours fast charging.
- GREAT SOUND QUALITY (10W+10W) - Enjoy the high-quality music with the high-quality dual 48mm full-range driver and double passive radiator.
- MULTIPLE CONNECTIONS - Bluetooth, USB Soundcard, AUX, micro-SD.
- USER-FRIENDLY INTERACTION DESIGN - Easy operation by manual piano-like key buttons.
- RETRO DESIGN - Inspired by vintage radios from the 1950s and 1960s, a perfect replica of the piano-like key buttons, complemented by legendary palette and boutique mesh.
This is the speaker I’d recommend if the Marshall Emberton II is above your budget. It is a beautiful speaker, and it sounds good, considering its size and price. It is not waterproof, though, unlike the Marshall.
Edifier MS50A Smart Speaker
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO & POWER: 25W mid-bass and 15W treble deliver balanced, room-filling sound for music and movies
- MULTI-ROOM CONNECTIVITY: Supports Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, Spotify & TIDAL Connect for seamless whole-home audio
- ADVANCED DSP PLATFORM: Full-digital circuit and professional audio processing IC for precise sound control and dynamic management
- VERSATILE INPUT OPTIONS: Connect via Bluetooth 5.2 or Wi-Fi and switch easily on the Edifier Home app
- TOUCH PANEL CONTROL: Intuitive touch interface on the speaker allows playback and volume adjustments with a single touch
If you want an affordable WiFi speaker that works with Spotify and Alexa but without the intrusive nature of a microphone-equipped Alexa speaker, then the Edifier MS50A is a solid choice. It sounds good, and it provides a good bang for your buck at around £130.
Edifier R2000DB Active Bookshelf Speaker
- STREAM your music using BLUETOOTH pairing capability
- STYLISH WOODEN CASED bookshelf speakers with a 120W power output
- AUTHENTIC listening and minimised ACOUSTIC resonance
- PLAY your music from multiple audio sources using Optical and dual RCA
- WIRELESS REMOTE for volume, control and power
I used to use the Edifier R2000DB as my personal office speaker before I ditched them for the bigger and more expensive Edifier S3000 Pro. The S3000 Pro are perhaps too big and expensive to be casually recommended for a Christmas gift, but the R2000DB is a solid choice. I loved them, and they are universally well-reviewed by others.
A lot of my other recommendations will likely work for anyone, whereas I think active bookshelf speakers are a gift that someone needs to specifically want.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
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