The Creative Zen Hybrid Pro is the latest wireless headphone from Creative. It comes in three versions: The key specs are otherwise the same across the models in terms of driver size, battery life, Bluetooth connectivity etc. The bundles add functionality through the transmitters. Creative Zen Hybrid Pro vs Classic vs SXFI Specification Design The …
Headphones
Audio Gear: The Ultimate Guide to Mobile Earphones and Headphones
Welcome to the Audio Gear category on our blog. In a world where the quality of sound can profoundly impact our experience with devices, it’s crucial to get your audio gear right. This section delves into various types of audio solutions designed for mobile users, from the casual listener to the audiophile, and even the dedicated gamer. Below are the key subcategories we cover, accompanied by the brands that set the benchmark in each domain.
True Wireless Earbuds & ANC Earbuds
Relevant Brands: Apple, Sony, Jabra, Bose, Samsung
Cut the cord and experience complete freedom with True Wireless Earbuds. If you’re looking to eliminate ambient noise, Active Noise-Cancelling (ANC) earbuds from brands like Sony and Bose offer an immersive sound experience. Apple’s AirPods Pro sets a standard in the ANC segment, while Jabra and Samsung offer compelling alternatives.
Headphones / Over-Ear Headphones / On-Ear Headphones
Relevant Brands: Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, Skullcandy, Beats by Dre
Whether you’re after the expansive soundstage of over-ear headphones or the compact convenience of on-ear models, this subcategory covers them all. From the noise-cancelling prowess of Bose and Sony to the signature sound profiles of Sennheiser and Beats, find out which headphone type and brand suits you best.
Gaming Headsets
Relevant Brands: HyperX, Razer, Logitech, SteelSeries, Corsair
For the gamers among us, gaming headsets offer the competitive advantage of immersive sound and clear voice communication. Brands like HyperX and Razer lead the pack with headsets designed for long gaming sessions, featuring surround sound and noise-cancelling microphones.
Bone Conduction Earphones
Relevant Brands: Aftershokz, Vidonn, Pyle
If you prioritise situational awareness or have particular hearing needs, bone conduction earphones provide an alternative way to experience sound. Brands like Aftershokz are renowned for their innovative designs that allow you to hear your surroundings while listening to audio.
Sports Earphones
Relevant Brands: Jaybird, JBL, Beats by Dre, Anker
When you’re breaking a sweat, you need earphones that can keep up. This subcategory focuses on the rugged, water-resistant, and comfortable options suitable for active lifestyles. Whether it’s the secure fit of Jaybird earphones or the powerful sound of JBL, we’ve got your athletic audio needs covered.
So there you have it—a comprehensive guide to the intricate world of mobile audio gear. Whether you’re commuting, gaming, running, or simply chilling, this category aims to provide you with the most relevant, objective, and in-depth information to help you make the right choice for your audio experience. Dive in and let the sound move you!
The Creative Zen Air Dot was announced a few months ago and is the most affordable true wireless earbuds Creative has at a bargain price of just £30. These differ from the Creative Zen Air by having an open-fit design without silicon ear tips, similar to the Apple AirPods. At just 7g per earbud, they …
Shokz, formerly Aftershocks, may be the dominant brand in the world of bone-conduction headphones, but they are facing growing competition and the Creative Outlier Free range of headphones could be the best alternatives on the market. The new Creative Outlier Free Pro Plus are a particularly compelling choice as these are suitable for swimming thanks …
Following on from my review of the excellent Tozo Golden X1, I have been checking out their new OpenBuds. These are an open fit style of earbuds where the earbuds sit on top of your ear and are held in place with hooks that go around your ear. This design is a good alternative to …
In the realm of immersive gaming, the importance of high-quality sound cannot be overstated. The perfect headset doesn’t only enrich your gaming experience, but can also be the determining factor between a win or a loss. Sony’s PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 are both incredible consoles that deserve headsets capable of capturing every audio nuance. …
Following on from my previous Bluetooth guide, this article covers the main Bluetooth codecs used by various wireless earphones today. Lossy vs Lossless Audio Codecs Bluetooth earbuds currently use lossy audio codecs as the bandwidth available to Bluetooth can not accommodate lossless audio. Codec Comparison Table Bluetooth Codec Overviews SBC The Low Complexity Subband Coding …
I would say most people know roughly what Bluetooth is and use it regularly. But how much do you really know about this wireless technology that’s now over 25 years old? When buying a new phone or earbuds, are you aware of all the different technologies that can affect the performance of Bluetooth? This is …
I originally reviewed the 1MORE E1001 triple drive earbuds back in 2017 when wired earbuds were much more common. While true wireless earbuds dominate the market, many audiophiles refuse to give up on their wired earbuds due to the improved audio quality that a wire provides vs the compression of Bluetooth. 1MORE is one of …
In the venture of acquiring a high-quality pair of headphones, you’re likely to cross paths with a few technical terms that may initially seem like a complex jargon, especially if you’re diving into the intricate world of audio technology for the first time. For individuals who haven’t ventured deep into the headphone territory before, the …
Wireless earbuds are increasingly carving a niche within the auditory realm, their appeal heightened by the liberation from wires, which is a sweet melody to the ears of the modern audiophile. Being a perennial companion to the brisk walker, the nimble jogger, or the casual listener, the wireless earbud has transcended from a mere accessory …
Edifier launched the new W320TN open-fit ANC earbuds at the start of September, which appear to be the successor to the W220T which was launched last year. These have a semi-open fit design which lacks the silicon eartips most earbuds have, and this gives them a similar design to Apple Airpods. This style of earbud …
1MORE has recently announced its new wired PENTA DRIVER P50 headphones, aiming to set a new standard for audio quality and comfort in the headphone market. Priced at £169.99 on Amazon UK and $169.99 on Amazon, these headphones are also available directly from the 1MORE website. Below, we’ll delve into the intricate details that make …
I have previously reviewed a number of EPOS products, which have all been consumer-focused audio products that originally were part of the EPOS Sennheiser joint venture. The EPOS Impact 1000 headset is a departure from my previous gaming headset reviews, and this is an enterprise-focused headset that comes with a variety of configurations. It was …
Edifier has just launched the W320TN True Wireless Noise Cancellation Earbuds, a pair that promises an advanced audio experience. The earbuds boast an AI Multimodal Adaptive System, LDAC audio encoding, and a set of features to enhance both music playback and phone calls. I should have a review of these earbuds complete within the next …
Jabra today has broadened its Elite series of true wireless earbuds with two high-end offerings that promise to set new benchmarks in durability, comfort, and sound quality. Say hello to the Jabra Elite 8 Active—hailed as the world’s toughest earbuds—and the Elite 10, engineered to offer unparalleled Dolby Atmos experiences. In this article, we’ll take …
I reviewed the Edifier TWS1 Pro a bit over two years ago and thought they were excellent earbuds for the price. The new Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 launched this month and comes with improved sound quality, ANC, and they are now compatible with the Edifier Connect app. However, the poor battery life may limit their …
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