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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Following on from my review of the excellent Anker Soundcore Space Q45, I have also been trying the Soundcore Space A40. While the Soundcore Space Q45 appears to be the successor of the Soundcore Life Q35, it is not quite as easy to work out what these are replacing, I assume the Soundcore A3i or…
Gravastar is Bluetooth audio specialist that differentiates itself from all the other generic audio brands by creating products in a striking industrial alienesque design. The overall build quality and aesthetic of all the devices are excellent, and they will appeal to gamers, movie fans and younger generations in general. However, this focus on build quality…
I am awful at sleeping. I am a very light sleeper, and the tiniest of noises wake me up, and I am prone to anxiety and palpitations when I try to get to sleep. Nowadays, I am fit and healthy; I also practice good sleep hygiene. I have also reviewed a variety of products to…
The Stax brand was a legendary Japanese brand that produced a variety of audio products from 1960 to 1995. Then after going insolvent was reformed as STAX and has continued to produce electrostatic headphones since. Electrostatic headphones require their own special headphone amplifier; therefore with the current STAX range of products, the minimum investment is…
I reviewed the Creative BT-W3 Bluetooth transmitter almost two years ago. The Creative BT-W4 is a refresh of that device, bringing the specification up to modern standards. This new Bluetooth dongle is one of the first on the market by a big brand to support aptX Adaptive, but this means that the older aptX LL…
The Sony WH-1000X range of headphones is generally regarded as the best active noise-cancelling headphones on the market. Every couple of years, Sony update them, the WH-1000XM4 were launched back in 2020 for £349, and yesterday Sony announced the WH-1000XM5 for £379. Audio technology is not as fast-paced as computers and phones, so can headphones…
I reviewed the EPOS H3 Hybrid Gaming Headset back in 2021, and I have now finally managed to get my hands on the EPOS H3Pro. This takes the winning formula of the H3 Hybrid and improves it with low latency wireless connectivity and active noise cancelling. Buy from Currys Features Lag-free wireless with low-latency dongle…
I reviewed the Edifier TWS NB a couple of years ago, and I was very impressed. My main criticism was how ugly they were. Edifier is now back with the TWS NB2 Pro that has had a complete redesign into something much more stylish. They are also cheaper than the original TWS NB but are…
I was impressed with the Shokz OpenRun when I reviewed them at the start of the year. Now, during MWC 2022, the Shokz OpenRun Pro has launched in the UK. These new headphones up the audio quality but cost a bit more and are not quite as waterproof. Specification Battery life: 10 Hours Charge time:…
The Final UX3000 launched a few days ago, and I have been using them for the past week. These are the first Bluetooth ANC headphones have produced, and they are surprisingly affordable too. However, the market is becoming increasingly saturated with Bluetooth ANC headphones, so can Final do enough to stand out from the crowd?…
The TWS 330 NB are the latest pair of affordable earbuds from Edifier in their ever-growing product lineup. With an RRP of £59.99, these are an impressive feature-rich pair of earbuds Specification Bluetooth version: V5.0 Bluetooth Protocol: A2DP,AVRCP,HFP Audio codecs: AAC, SBC Playback time: ANC on: about 4 hours (earbuds) + 12 hours (charging case)…
Final is best known for its wide range of audiophile focussed wired earphones and headphones. They are now expanding the range into the highly competitive Bluetooth ANC market with the UX3000 wireless headphones. This coincides with the launch of the ZE3000 true wireless earphones. Final is starting off sensibly, not going after the flagship ANC…