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Tag: underscored-headphones-earbuds

  • 25 AirPods Max tips and tricks to help you master your headphones | CNN Underscored

    25 AirPods Max tips and tricks to help you master your headphones | CNN Underscored

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    All AirPods share a similar feature set, thanks to Apple’s stellar system-wide integration. However, certain models come with exclusive perks. Take the AirPods Max for example. Did you know that placing these over-ear headphones in their Smart Case automatically turns on power save mode? Or that they have a customizable, multifunctional dial button that controls everything from playback to volume to Siri voice activation?

    That’s just a taste of what the best noise-canceling headphones for Apple users can do. Here’s a list of essential tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your AirPods Max headphones — including many that will also work with your AirPods earbuds.

    All AirPods are designed to seamlessly connect with Apple devices that use your iCloud account. These include the Apple Watch, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and of course, iPhone.

    Powering on the AirPods Max will automatically display a pairing notification on your iPhone or iPad touchscreen. Tap connect and you’re all set. Need to connect to a non-Apple device? Skip ahead to tip 14.

    2. Dial or press the Digital Crown for playback and volume controls

    Unlike the AirPods earbuds, which use force and touch sensors, the AirPods Max features a unique multifunctional button called the Digital Crown that can be dialed or pressed to activate different functions.

    Turning it left/right will increase/decrease volume. Here are the number of the presses required for playback, call management, and Siri activation:

    • One press: Toggle play/pause; Answer/end call or put first call on hold and answer second incoming call
    • Double press: Skip forward; Reject incoming call or end current call and switch to second call
    • Triple press: Skip back
    • Long press: Turn on Siri; Reject second incoming call

    On the opposite side of the Digital Crown is the Noise Control button to switch between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency modes.

    Keep in mind too that the AirPods Max come with motion detection to auto-pause/play content when taking off or putting on the headphones.

    Apple makes monitoring the AirPods Max’s battery levels simple. Holding the headphones close to your iPhone and pressing the Noise Control button will show the charge status on the screen.

    Another way is to add the Batteries widget to your iPhone home screen. Perform the long-press gesture on a blank area on your screen until the app icon jiggles. Tap the “+” sign in the top left corner and search for “Batteries” in the list of widgets. Drag the preferred widget size to your home screen to see your headphones’ battery life.

    4. Access and customize settings with the AirPods dashboard

    AirPods Pro 2nd-gen vs Galaxy Buds 2 Pro-9

    A new dashboard feature was introduced in the latest iOS 16 software update. It’s essentially a shortcut to the AirPods Max’s primary settings. You can customize the controls, switch ANC modes, turn on Spatial Audio, and much more.

    Just open the Settings menu while your headphones are connected, select the AirPods Max dashboard tab, and modify the settings to your liking.

    airpods pro 2 review 8

    The newest version of Apple’s 3D audio format works with the AirPods Max. You’ll need an iPhone with the TrueDepth camera (so iPhone X or newer, but not the iPhone SE) to scan your ears for a tailored 360 audio listening experience.

    Enter the AirPods Max dashboard and select Personalized Spatial Audio. Follow the onscreen instructions. Once completed, your sound profile will be saved and synced across your Apple devices via iCloud.

    Listening modes can be adjusted in the dashboard, but there is a faster way to do this. Go to the Control Center (swipe down on the top right of your iPhone screen) and you’ll find multiple toggles for different functions. For example, long-pressing the volume slider while wearing the AirPods Max will present options to turn on/off ANC and Spatial Audio.

    You’re missing out on Apple’s hi-fi listening experience by having lossless audio disabled. This needs to be on to enjoy millions of Apple Music tracks encoded using lossless audio compression. Instruments and vocals will sound clearer, while subtle nuances on complex recordings become more discernible.

    Follow these instructions to turn it on: Settings > Music > Audio Quality > turn on Lossless Audio (24-bit/48 kHz). You can then choose the audio quality for streaming and downloads. There is a Hi-Res Lossless (24-bit/192 kHz) option, but an external DAC converter is required to take advantage of this format.

    Controlling your AirPods Max headphones through Siri voice commands is one the coolest features of any audio product on the market. Apple’s AI bot can do everything, from answering calls to controlling smart home products to playing Apple Music tracks. Here are 16 awesome Siri tips and tricks you can try right now.

    If you don’t want to activate the feature manually, just say, “Hey Siri” followed by a command, and the digital assistant will meet your request in seconds.

    Any iPhone/iPad running iOS 15 (or higher) should have the Find My app. If not, run the latest software update or download it from the App Store. Open the app, select the Devices tab, and pick the AirPods Max from the list. A map will appear showing their current location for up to 24 hours since they were last connected to an Apple device, which must be linked to your iCloud account.

    You can also receive alerts whenever leaving your headphones behind. Go to the Notifications setting in the Find My app and turn on the Notify When Left Behind option.

    Lost Mode is another feature that can help retrieve lost AirPods. This will send a message to your phone number or email and any iPhone user who finds the product. Enter the Find My app and scroll down to Mark as Lost, where you’ll select Activate and follow the onscreen instructions.

    AirPods Pro 2 users have the advantage of playing a sound on the charging case with built-in speaker to help locate it. Unfortunately, the AirPods Max’s Smart Case does not support this feature.

    5-airpods max first impressions cnn underscored

    Speaking of which, Apple’s Smart Case has one neat trick up its sleeve: an ultra-low-power mode. The feature automatically activates when the headphones are stored in the accessory. According to Apple, you can leave the AirPods Max in the Smart Case for months and still have plenty of playtime. It also grants access to the Lightning charging socket for immediately wired charging.

    underscored lead airpods max covers

    Getting a case for the Smart Case sounds redundant, but it’s a wise investment that protects the headphones from scuffs and scratches. We recommend the co2CREA Hard Case, which is compact, stores the entire product and comes in matching AirPods Max colors. The Urban Armor Gear Ration Weatherproof Case is another solid choice with sturdier protection and more pockets to hold multiple accessories.

    Here are 8 more great AirPods Max cases and covers we recommend.

    The AirPods Max are Apple’s most impressive-sounding product to date. Two custom-built 40mm dynamic drivers and an adaptive EQ that adjusts sonics in real time give music and movies a lively presence.

    But what if you prefer more bass, treble or midrange in your sound? You can make these changes in the iOS settings. If you tap Music and select EQ, there are over 20 sound settings that complement different music genres and media formats.

    There are other ways to fine-tune sound on the AirPods Max. Feel free to do the job manually through the Accessibility feature, which is under Settings. Tap on Audio/Visual and scroll down to see a balance slider that adjusts volume on the left or right channel. The Headphone Accommodations feature (on the same page) offers even more personalization by letting you tune balance, range, and brightness, as well as increase or decrease the presence of soft sounds. You’ll also see a Custom Audio Setup feature that creates a personalized sound profile through a series of listening tests.

    Lastly, we have the Apple Health app. You can use the audiogram data it collects and map the AirPods Max to your hearing profile. Follow these steps: Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations > Custom Audio Setup > Headphone Audio Customization > Use Audiogram.

    Headphone Accommodations doesn’t just modify sound — it lets you adjust Transparency settings such as amplification, noise reduction, tone, and transparency balance between each channel.

    Tap Transparency Mode, turn on Custom Transparency Mode, and then turn on Ambient Noise Reduction. There’s a slider to adjust the amount of ambient noise you block out in Transparency Mode.

    14. Use your AirPods Max with Android and Windows devices

    All AirPods can be used as a Bluetooth headset with Android and Windows devices. Press and hold the noise control button on your AirPods Max till the LED flashes white, which indicates pairing mode. Then select your model from the available devices list.

    Most playback controls will work on non-Apple devices, but smart features like hands-free Siri and auto-pause/play are unavailable.

    If you prefer using wireless headphones for gaming instead of the best gaming headsets, this hack is for you. The AirPods Max will work on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

    You can pair Bluetooth headphones directly to your Nintendo Switch, and that includes the AirPods Max. For other consoles, you’ll just need a compatible Bluetooth adapter. The Twelve South AirFly is one of our favorites, but there are several others that will work as well. Plug it into your controller’s headphone jack and pair the headphones the same way you would a smartphone, tablet or computer.

    Apple Music Spatial Audio

    The best music streaming services have several sound features hidden on their backend. Dig around and you’ll find some that increase sound quality when streaming over mobile data or Wi-Fi.

    Apple Music subscribers can enter the Settings page and select Music, where they’ll discover the Audio Quality option and can switch Mobile Data Streaming to High Quality. Spotify users should tap the Settings icon, then Audio Quality, and set streaming to High/Very High. Tidal is the most straight-forward: Settings > Quality > Streaming > select quality (Normal/High/HiFi/Master).

    Apps like Spotify also come with a customizable EQ to tweak lows, mids and highs.

    Not a fan of the Digital Crown’s volume control? It turns out you can change the orientation from back to front or front to back. Go to Bluetooth and tap the encircled ‘i’ symbol. Select Digital Crown and set the volume direction to your preference.

    Traditional headphone users who prefer cables can smile knowing the AirPods Max supports wired mode via Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable. The accessory does not come bundled with the purchase, but you can pick one up for $35 from Apple or any major online retailer like Amazon.

    Originally developed for people with hearing issues, Live Listen transforms the iPhone or iPad into a live mic that amplifies the sounds of voices. College students are using this feature in creative ways; some will place their iPhone on the professor’s desk to hear lectures clearer when seated far away. Live Listen works with all AirPods models.

    Go to the Control Center, tap the Hearing Devices button, select the AirPods Max, and turn on Live Listen.

    The AirPods Max can automatically switch from one Apple device to another, as long as they are signed into the same Apple ID. Follow these steps to ensure the feature is turned on: Settings > Tap the More Info button next to your AirPods model > Tap Connect to This iPhone > Tap When Last Connected to This iPhone > tap Automatically.

    Those running macOS Ventura on an Apple desktop or MacBook can customize the AirPods Max’s controls and enable features.

    Tap the AirPods icon on the top right of the menu bar, which will then present a dropdown menu with output options for your current Apple devices. Select the AirPods Max and you can toggle between ANC and Transparency mode.

    You should also see an option at the bottom of the menu that says AirPods Max controls. This lets you change the force sensor controls, locate missing buds in the Find My app, and access other settings.

    The AirPods Max delivers up to 20 hours of playtime with active noise cancellation (ANC) activated. In order to get the most use per charge, turn off all power-draining features (ANC, Spatial Audio, Bluetooth) when not in use. Doing this will stretch out battery life.

    Share Audio lets you hear what’s playing on one iDevice using two separate sets of AirPods. This also works with H1-powered Beats headphones and earbuds. Go to the Control Panel, tap the audio icon, select Share Audio and choose the second set of AirPods when they appear on the screen.

    6-airpods max first impressions cnn underscored

    Apple offers suggestions on how to properly clean these cans. Disinfect them by gently wiping the exterior surfaces with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75% ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. If your AirPods Max were exposed to products that leave stains, wipe them clean with a slightly dampened cloth and dry using a lint-free cloth.

    Cleaning the cushions and headband requires extra effort, but is vital for upkeep. After removing the cushions from the earcups, mix 1 tsp. of liquid laundry detergent into 1 cup (250 mL) of water. Dip a lint-free cloth into the solution and gently rub on the cushions and headband for 1 minute each. Use a separate cloth that is slightly dampened with fresh water to wipe the materials. Dry them with a lint-free cloth and lay the headphones flat for a day before reattaching the cushions.

    Experts recommend cleaning your headphones every 1 to 2 months.

    25. Swap out the headband for style customization

    A teardown of the AirPods Max performed by iFixIt shows the headband is removable. That means style mongers can redesign the AirPods Max with sleek multi-color combinations.

    A professional tool kit isn’t necessary to remove the headband. Just a SIM card eject tool or unfolded paper clip to push into the small hole in each ear cup.

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  • Under $25 scores: The Skullcandy Dime 2 wireless earbuds get all the basics right | CNN Underscored

    Under $25 scores: The Skullcandy Dime 2 wireless earbuds get all the basics right | CNN Underscored

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    I’m almost always wearing headphones of some kind. At home, I’m usually wearing a pair of over-ear headphones. On the go, I’ll usually have a pair of one of the best wireless earbuds. And when I travel, I take both.

    But having access to different kinds of headphones for different situations can run up a bill, and as such, getting a decent pair of earbuds on the cheap can seriously come in handy. I’ve been using the Skullcandy Dime 2 earbuds, and they fit the bill pretty well and sound better than you would expect for the price.

    If you’re looking to spend less than $25 on a pair of wireless earbuds, the Skullcandy Dime 2’s good sound quality, attractive design and handy Tile compatibility make them well worth it.

    How I found the Skullcandy Dime 2 wireless earbuds

    As mentioned, I’m constantly wearing headphones, for listening to music, the dozens of podcasts I subscribe to and the audiobooks that I’ve replaced physical books with. Because listening to content is such a huge part of my life, I’m always looking for ways to improve on the experience — so when our tech editor here asked if I’d be interested in taking a look at the Skullcandy Dime 2 earbuds, which cost only $23 right now, I jumped at the chance.

    Of course, the low price is particularly interesting. Only a few short years ago, truly wireless earbuds were only available for a few hundred dollars — and anything less than that made for a pretty poor experience. These days, wireless earbuds are available at much lower prices, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re worth buying. After all, features are often as important as audio quality when it comes to wireless earbuds, and at this price, you won’t get things like noise cancellation and multi-point Bluetooth connectivity.

    But what you will get is a no-frills experience for those who want something cheap and accessible. At under $30, and routinely less when on sale, the Skullcandy Dime 2 look, on paper, like an absolute steal.

    The first thing I appreciated about the Skullcandy Dime 2 earbuds is the fact that they’re in a compact and portable case. Often, in an attempt to offer a longer battery life, companies include a huge charging case, but that wasn’t the case here. They’re also available in fun colors, which is neat in a world of black and white tech. I’m reviewing the Light Gray/Blue model, but they’re also available in Dark Blue/Green, Multicolor, True Black, Chill Gray, Golden Orange, Golden Red and Green/Black.

    In total, you’ll only get 12 hours of battery life, including 3.5 hours of constant listening. That’s a bit low, but those who listen in shorter bursts and charge frequently shouldn’t have an issue with it.

    Christian de Looper/CNN Underscored

    While these earbuds don’t have things like noise cancellation and Bluetooth multi-point, they do have a feature that isn’t very common: Tile support. That means that you can add these to the Tile app, and use the app to locate them if they’re lost. Headphones four times the price often don’t include features like that.

    Related: The best headphones for working out

    The earbuds are also quite comfortable. They offer a stem design made famous by Apple’s AirPods, making them easy to put in and take out. And, when they’re in your ears, they punch way above their class in audio quality. Sure, they won’t compete with much more expensive earbuds, but for casual listening the audio is great, with enough bass for most and pretty good response in the high end.

    At this price, it’s really hard to beat these budget earbuds. There are other options out there, like the JLab Audio Go Air Pop, which don’t sound quite as good, and the Tozo A3 headphones, which aren’t as comfortable or as great-sounding. But while the Dime 2 aren’t the most technically advanced earbuds out there, they get the basics right, and at this price that’s what matters most.

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  • Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. EarFun Air Pro 3: Which earbuds are best for you? | CNN Underscored

    Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. EarFun Air Pro 3: Which earbuds are best for you? | CNN Underscored

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    After spending a few weeks with the EarFun Air Pro 3, I was shocked by how well these $80 earbuds replaced my trusty AirPods Pro 2 that cost nearly four times as much. EarFun’s latest affordable earbuds offer noise cancellation and sound quality that’s almost on par with Apple’s high-end headphones, and even trump them with some unique advantages, thanks to their useful companion app.

    That being said, you do make some significant concessions at this lower price, and if you’re an Apple user, the AirPods Pro’s seamless connectivity is hard to resist. So is it worth it to save? Here’s how the AirPods Pro 2 (our best true wireless earbuds pick for Apple users) and EarFun Air Pro 3 (our favorite ANC budget earbuds) stack up after weeks of head-to-head testing.

    earfun air pro 3 product card

    Active noise cancellation

    Yes

    Yes
    Ambient sound

    Yes

    Yes
    Battery life (rated)

    6 hours (earbuds), 30 hours (with case)

    9 hours (earbuds), 45 hours (with case)
    Wireless charging

    Yes

    Yes
    Water resistance

    IPX4 (earbuds and case)

    IPX5
    Ear tip sizes

    XS, S, M, L

    XS, S, M, L
    Software support

    iOS

    iOS, Android
    Colors

    White

    Black
    Weight

    0.19 ounces

    0.18 ounces
    Price

    $230

    $72
    airpods pro 2 vs earfun air pro 3

    If you opt to save some money on the EarFun Air Pro 3, you won’t be sacrificing much in the way of comfort. Both of these earbuds have a similarly soft and secure fit, to the point where I often forgot which pair I was wearing when using them back-to-back. The Air Pro 3 even have the same four ear tip sizes as the AirPods Pro 2 (extra small, small, medium and large), so you’ll have plenty of options to swap between if they don’t feel right out of the box.

    However, while the Air Pro 3 feel great, it may be no surprise that you’re getting what you pay for in terms of overall design and build quality. These larger-size buds aren’t nearly as sleek as the AirPods Pro, and while they’re not embarrassingly ugly, I definitely noticed the extra bulk whenever I caught my reflection on a walk. Speaking of bulk, the Pro 3’s charging case is also notably chunkier than Apple’s (something worth noting for those with tight pockets), and its flimsy plastic design picks up smudges and scratches very easily. And while the Air Pro 3’s touch controls are impressively customizable, I didn’t find them as consistent and reliable as the AirPods Pro’s tactile pinch controls whenever I had to skip or pause a song on the fly.

    None of these are total deal breakers, but if looks and controls are your priority, the AirPods Pro are worth the splurge.

    TL;DR: The AirPods Pro 2 and EarFun Air Pro 3 are neck and neck when it comes to comfort, but Apple’s buds have a much nicer design.

    Competitive sound quality and noise cancellation, but Apple has the edge

    earfun air pro 3 review cnnu 8

    As you might expect, the $80 EarFun Air Pro 3 trail the $249 AirPods Pro 2 in audio quality — but not by much. EarFun’s buds offer impressively great sound for the price, pumping out my usual mix of loud guitar rock and soft acoustic indie with enough oomph to keep my head bumping and enough clarity to let me hear every subtle detail and vocal harmony buried in the mix. It was only until I switched back to the AirPods Pro that I realized what I’d been giving up; Apple’s buds just provide a cleaner, more detailed sound that make the otherwise good EarFuns sound a little fuzzy by comparison. Call quality was a similar story, with the Air Pro 3 holding up great for long chats and only trailing the AirPods Pro by a smidge when comparing recordings.

    There was even less of a gap between the two when it came to active noise cancellation, something that the AirPods Pro do better than nearly any pair of buds on the market. Both buds did a great job softening everyday annoyances like the clatter of nearby construction and the chatter of folks in a subway car. In fact, the Air Pro 3 were even slightly more suppressive when it came to drowning out my loud bedroom fan as I worked from home. The two sets of earbuds were also very comparable when I used transparency/ambient sound mode to let noise in, though EarFun’s buds had a tendency to over-amplify harsh noises like the wind.

    TL;DR: These buds are equally great at blocking out noise, but the AirPods pro have the edge on overall sound quality and transparency mode.

    earfun air pro 3 review cnnu 4

    You would think that cheaper earbuds would mean fewer features, but that’s not the case with the EarFun Air Pro 3. Thanks to the EarFun Audio app for both iOS and Android, the Air Pro 3 come loaded with extras — including a few things that the AirPods Pro can’t do.

    EarFun’s app offers a wealth of customization options, starting with a fully adjustable equalizer that lets you activate presets (such as Bass Boost or Treble Boost) or play with the sliders yourself to create and save your own sound profiles. While the AirPods Pro sound great out of the box, there’s no custom equalizer option. You can also fully remap the Air Pro 3’s controls, with the ability to assign whatever function you like to things like single, double and triple taps as well as long presses. By comparison, you can only customize long-press controls on the AirPods Pro, and the options are pretty limited at that.

    The EarFun Audio app isn’t the most intuitive to navigate, but the fact that it exists at all gives it a big advantage over Apple’s buds — especially if you’re using an Android phone. The AirPods Pro don’t have a companion app of their own, though iPhone users can adjust things like noise cancellation, select controls and spatial audio via the iOS settings menu. Android users won’t have the same luxury when using the AirPods Pro, and will largely have to depend on on-ear controls. So, if you’re an Android user who cares about customization, the Air Pro 3 win out here.

    AirPods Pro 2nd-gen vs Galaxy Buds 2 Pro-9

    Naturally, if you’re in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro (and any pair of AirPods, for that matter) have a big advantage over the cheaper competition. Apple’s buds just work with your iPhone, iPad and Mac in a way that makes other Bluetooth headphones feel clunky by comparison. You’ll be prompted to pair them the second you open up the case, and switching between, say, your iPhone and Mac with the same pair of buds feels seamless (to their credit, the Air Pro 3 can be paired to two devices at once). The AirPods Pro are also smart enough to automatically pause your music when you take even a single bud out — by comparison, the Air Pro 3 often kept playing even when I took them out, which was a frequent frustration. You’ll also benefit from immersive 360-degree spatial audio in supported apps like Apple Music and Disney+, which can be personalized to your ears via the iOS settings app.

    TL;DR: The EarFun Air Pro 3 are the more customizable earbuds overall, and will work equally great on both iOS and Android. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro 2 have some major perks specifically for Apple users.

    earfun air pro 3 review cnnu 3

    Now, here’s one area where less can mean more. Despite being a fraction of the price of the AirPods Pro, the EarFun Air Pro 3 edge out Apple’s buds on battery life by a decent margin. EarFun’s buds are rated for nine hours of playback from the earbuds alone and up to 45 from the case, which is a stark increase from the AirPods Pro 2’s rating of six hours/30 hours. I found these estimates to hold up in my everyday testing as well; whereas I often went up to four days without having to recharge the Air Pro 3’s case, the AirPods Pro 2 typically conk out on me after two or three. You also won’t be sacrificing wireless charging if you go for the cheaper buds here; both sets worked just fine with my Belkin Boost Charge pad.

    TL;DR: The EarFun Air Pro 3 have better battery life, and just like the AirPods Pro, support wireless charging.

    airpods pro 2 vs earfun air pro 3 2

    The gap between affordable and high-end earbuds has never been closer, and the EarFun Air Pro 3 are the best example of that yet. They’re a no-brainer at $80 (and often less, thanks to frequent sales and coupons), offering sound quality and ANC that holds up to the AirPods Pro 2 — not to mention longer battery life and more customization options, particularly for Android folks.

    That said, if you’re in a position to splurge — and especially if you have an iPhone — the AirPods Pro 2 really are worth their high price. They’re our pick for the best Apple earbuds for a reason, offering truly seamless compatibility with your iPhone, iPad and Mac while pumping out some of the best audio quality and noise cancellation you can find in any pair of buds. They also just look nicer, complete with a sleeker case that’s better built to last.

    Of course, there’s a big gap between these two buds, and there are plenty of great options in the middle to consider. The Sony LinkBuds S are our favorite Android earbuds, offering a unique adaptive sound mode, a robust app for both operating systems and high-res audio support for Android users. But if your budget is firmly under $100, the EarFun Air Pro 3 prove that you don’t have to give up a ton when you’re looking to save.

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  • The Beats Fit Pro are now available in 3 new colors — and we got to try them | CNN Underscored

    The Beats Fit Pro are now available in 3 new colors — and we got to try them | CNN Underscored

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    The Beats Fit Pro have long been our pick for the best workout headphones and the best wireless earbuds overall for good reason — they have a fantastic, secure fit, pack all of the AirPods Pro’s best features and come in a range of stylish colors. That range is expanding even more for 2023, as Beats just dropped three new color options for the Fit Pro that you can order right now.

    Now available in new colors

    The Beats Fit Pro are now available in vibrant Coral Pink, Volt Yellow and Tidal Blue variations, allowing you to enjoy our favorite wireless earbuds in even more colors.

    Beats’ excellent $200 fitness buds now come in Coral Pink, Volt Yellow and Tidal Blue, all of which looked great up close in our early hands-on time (our editors are personally split between yellow and blue when it comes to picking a favorite). Whereas last year’s Beats x Kim collaboration featured more subdued shades to match various skin tones, these new colors go in the opposite direction, with loud and bold hues that seem perfect for the gym or trail.

    This new collection brings the total number of Beats Fit Pro colors up to 10, joining the Black, White, Stone Purple (our personal favorite) and Sage Gray from the original launch as well as the three more earthly Kim Kardashian variations. We found the Beats Fit Pro’s color options to be a big selling point over the AirPods in our initial review, and we love the fact that there are even more of them to choose from now.

    Snazzy new hues aside, these are the same exact Beats Fit Pro that launched in 2020. That means you’ll be getting largely the same excellent active noise cancellation, transparency mode and Spatial Audio you’ll find on the pricier AirPods Pro, in addition to a more secure wing-tipped fit that’s especially ideal for rigorous workouts. And unlike the AirPods, the Fit Pro work equally great on iOS and Android, thanks to a Beats companion app for the latter that lets you customize the buds to your liking.

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  • Best best budget earbuds of 2023 | CNN Underscored

    Best best budget earbuds of 2023 | CNN Underscored

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    If you’re shopping for the best wireless earbuds on the market, you really don’t have to look any further than our top picks in the Apple AirPods Pro and Beats Fit Pro. They check all the most important boxes, including a wide soundstage, best-in-class noise cancellation and portability.

    But not everyone wants to break the bank on a pair of earbuds, and honestly, you don’t have to. Some of the newest budget earbuds are nearly on par with the AirPods Pro in sound quality, playback time and connectivity.

    We regularly test the latest and most popular earbuds under $100 to help you save money without sacrificing great audio and features. And after trying out dozens of models, here are the two that currently stand above the rest.

    Best budget earbuds overall

    We’ll make this really simple for you: If you want to spend less than $100 on wireless earbuds, you won’t find a better pair than the EarFun Air.

    We know it might seem almost too good to be true, but these budget wireless earbuds have almost everything you can ask for.

    Let’s start with the sound, which is just as good as the Apple AirPods Pro in controlled, quiet, indoor settings. The sound is expansive, deep and about as good as any high-end options. Keep in mind, though, the EarFun Air don’t have any active noise cancellation and depend entirely on sound isolation created by the soft plastic ear tips when inserted into your ear canal. So, it was no surprise to us when these buds fell short of providing the clarity and quality sound that other leading noise-canceling buds do in noisy settings. Still, there was enough passive soundproofing that we could enjoy our favorite songs.

    We tested these earbuds across a wide variety of musical genres, including classical, rock, pop and dance. In every single category, the EarFun Air shined. Songs like “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish and “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk were driven by punchy bass lines and electronic rhythm sections. Other iconic songs, such as Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” and Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man,” were balanced, with moments of clarity on both the high and low end. We struggled to find any song that didn’t sound great in these earbuds — and could discern no difference compared to Apple’s AirPods Pro in controlled, quiet settings.

    For most people, the high-quality sound is probably a big enough selling point, but in case you’re looking for extras, the EarFun Air feature plenty. One of our favorite additions is an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning they can be submerged into about 1 meter of water for about 30 minutes. We don’t often see waterproofing on devices this cheap, so of course, this came as a huge plus and one we gladly accepted. In terms of practical use cases, this means you can wear them in light rain or even while working out. Heck, you can even wash off these earbuds under the faucet without much worry. It’s not the flagship feature, but we think it works as a great insurance policy for protecting your investment.

    Another major benefit to these headphones is the four-way microphone, which assists in much better sound isolation during phone calls and video conferencing. The sound isolation is not as clean as other high-end over-the-ear headphones like the Bose Noise-Canceling Headphone 700, and the controls are nowhere near as easy to manage as the competing Apple earbuds, but we still found these earbuds to be formidable during work hours. We used the EarFun Air during regular work hours for more than a week with no problem. Some colleagues even commented on how great they looked and sounded. Put simply, they can perform everyday tasks just as well as many earbuds that cost twice their price.

    Beyond sound and microphone quality, the EarFun Air earbuds had impressively long battery life with a full seven hours of playback, as advertised, and an extra 28 hours in the case. Although we were skeptical they’d last as long as the company promised, our weeks of testing proved these claims to be true. The EarFun Air rarely needed to be charged and typically lasted the full duration of their marketed battery life. In comparison to other budget options, EarFun Air stretched an hour longer than the next closest (the EarFun Air Pro) and surpassed the most affordable option in the group by more than two hours.

    So what’s the catch to such a great-sounding, affordable pair of earbuds? We found that the connectivity and controls were nowhere near as intuitive as the AirPods Pro, but just as intuitive as most other budget models. Across the board, connectivity between sub-$100 earbuds and devices wasn’t as instantaneous as Apple AirPods. Luckily, you need to pair the earbuds only once per device, so this should not be a deal breaker, unless you’re frequently switching between devices.

    By comparison, the Apple AirPods Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro both offer fast pairing and easy switching between devices made by the same company. The touch controls on the EarFun Air were simply less useful than either of the more expensive Apple and Samsung options we tested them against — but we found that we could still very easily control the sound through our phones. Still, we wouldn’t have minded seeing a companion app to let us customize and equalize the sound, but for half the price of the competitors with audio that’s just as good, we really couldn’t complain.

    For most people, pressing a couple of extra buttons during the setup is well worth the savings — and we promise you will not be able to tell the difference in audio and performance.

    Best noise-canceling budget earbuds

    earfun air pro 3 product card

    If you’re willing to pay a bit more for quality active noise cancellation, the EarFun Air Pro 3 are the best earbuds you can get for $80.

    Earfun Air pc.jpg

    earfun air pro 3 product card

    Active noise cancellation

    No

    Yes
    Ambient sound

    No

    Yes
    Battery life (rated)

    Up to 7 hours

    Up to 9 hours
    Wireless charging

    Yes

    Yes
    Water resistance

    IPX7

    IPX5
    Ear tip sizes

    XS, S, M, L

    XS, S, M, L
    Colors

    Black

    Black
    Price

    $40

    $80

    For most people buying budget earbuds, the most important detail is the sound quality. We used a wide range of tracks to ensure that we tested just about every popular musical genre. Our list included a mixture of classic rock, with soaring guitars; classical, focused on the open space of popular sonatas; and, of course, pop and electronic to test out the bass. We wore each of the headphones for hours at a time to get a better feeling for how they fit. We also did our best to analyze each device’s controls, and how reliable and customizable they were.

    We generally love Anker products and really wanted to recommend this pair of affordable earbuds, but after hours of testing, we simply couldn’t in good conscience. The Soundcore Life 2 earbuds fell just a bit short in all of the most important categories. But the sound quality isn’t exactly bad, and it was generally well balanced with decent range.

    When you compare them to other earbuds in the category, though, they just weren’t quality enough to stack up against some of the best, namely the EarFun Air. With only two microphones dedicated to noise cancellation and six hours of battery life, we found that they fell just short of earning an enthusiastic recommendation.

    We need to emphasize: Not all EarFun earbuds are created equally. The EarFun Free have decent sound quality and a reasonable six hours of battery life, with 24 extra hours available in the charging case. But we found that sound quality and comfort were not as nice as their higher-priced counterparts.

    All of the EarFun earbuds we tested consistently ranked among some of our favorite budget earbuds, but we think the slight differences in sound quality and comfort make the other models a better option.

    The Jabra Elite 3 are an extremely close contender to one of our top spots, and if we were going by looks alone, they’d be the clear winner. These are the sleekest buds you can buy for less than $80, with a low-profile design and reliable physical controls that mimic much of what makes Jabra’s more expensive earbuds great. However, the lack of active noise cancellation and wireless charging holds them back against the EarFun Air Pro 3 in terms of overall value.

    We challenge you to find a worse pair of earbuds on the market. Let’s start with the case, which doesn’t even come with a lid. Yes, you read that right. The JLab Audio Go Air use magnets to connect the earbuds to the charging case, with the assumption that you’ll never drop or jolt them hard enough to knock them out. We should be clear: We never dropped or lost the earbuds during our testing period, but it frankly seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

    Let’s assume you don’t drop them and you want to set them up with your phone. Well, good luck! We had to reconnect these headphones several times just to get them working properly. What should have been a 30-second setup turned into a five-minute operation. When they finally connected, we were disappointed to realize it was all for naught. These earbuds practically ruined Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” for us. There was a complete lack of soundspace, depth and range. We’re not sure we’ve ever heard anything as truly terrible and unenjoyable as these earbuds. Please, no matter what you decide, avoid these earbuds at all costs. You deserve better.

    You’re not going to find anything groundbreaking in these buds, but for most people, that’s probably just fine. The sound quality is middling at best, with an active bass boost option and decent EQ modes when you click a button on the earbuds.

    The battery life is also weak at just three hours — but, on the bright side, they offer good sound isolation from the wind and come with IP55 dust and water resistance, which make them a great choice as workout earphones. Plus, at under $50, you won’t miss them if you forget them in your gym locker. If you can afford it, though, we’d recommend spending a little more for the EarFun Air.

    Skullcandy Sesh

    For all of the marketing and celebrity endorsements that go into Skullcandy headphones, you’d think they’d provide better-sounding earbuds. Unfortunately, the Skullcandy Sesh earbuds were a disappointment. Usually it’s easy to justify the lack of performance because Skullcandy headphones typically look cool, but these earbuds are so small and hard to see that they’re far from a fashion statement.

    The sound was fine — not terrible — but lacked bass on some of our favorite dance and disco songs. The highs were also a little too high, creating an overall lack of balance in sound quality. Add poor battery life and a terrible microphone, and you have yourself yet another pair of earbuds made for the clearance rack.

    Read more from CNN Underscored’s hands-on testing:

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  • The EarFun Air Pro 3 are the best sub-$80 earbuds I’ve ever used | CNN Underscored

    The EarFun Air Pro 3 are the best sub-$80 earbuds I’ve ever used | CNN Underscored

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    When you realize exactly what the EarFun Air Pro 3 have to offer, you might think the $80 price tag is a typo. These earbuds come bearing great audio quality, a robust app with tons of customization options and active noise cancellation that rivals sets that cost triple the price. They’re yet another winner from the folks behind our favorite affordable earbuds, and I’m not quite sure how EarFun continues to get away with offering so much for so little.

    That said, the Pro 3 aren’t the sleekest buds around, and their affordable price does come with some compromises in regards to build quality and controls. But those were all minor drawbacks to a mostly blissful few weeks of listening to music, catching up on podcasts and making phone calls for hours on end while silencing all of the noise around me. Here’s why I think the EarFun Air Pro 3 are the best $80 earbuds you can buy.

    The $80 earbuds to get

    If you’re looking to spend less than $80 on your next pair of earbuds — without sacrificing high-end features like ANC and sound customization — the EarFun Air Pro 3 are the ones to get.

    Great comfort and impressive sound

    earfun air pro 3 review cnnu 1

    I’ve been using the EarFun Air Pro 3 in place of my usual AirPods Pro 2 for several weeks now, and I occasionally forget I even made the switch. That’s how great these buds feel and sound.

    The Air Pro 3 feature the same kind of soft silicone tips you’ll find on more expensive rivals from Apple and Samsung. They’ve felt secure and comfy from the moment I first popped them in, and while they’re not quite as lightweight as my AirPods Pro, it was still easy to forget I was wearing them throughout long hours of working, walking and commuting. You even get a total of four swappable eartips (large, medium, small and extra small) — that’s on par with the latest AirPods Pro, and more than the three sets that most big-name earbuds offer.

    EarFun’s latest buds also sound fantastic, holding up equally well for my usual mix of loud punk and sad, slow indie rock. I could easily pick out each of boygenius’ three vocalists as their  voices swirled together during the emotional “Emily I’m Sorry,” and enjoyed plenty of bouncy bass and crisp guitars when jamming Paramore’s “This Is Why.” There was a noticeable boost in clarity and stereo separation when I went back to my AirPods Pro, but EarFun’s buds come admirably close for something that costs a fraction of their price.

    I used the Air Pro 3 for hours’ worth of phone calls, and never got any complaints about the quality of my voice. The recordings I captured with EarFun’s buds did have a bit of fuzz to them, but they were perfectly audible — and not too far behind the AirPods Pro 2 in terms of clarity.

    Good active noise cancellation and tons of features

    earfun air pro 3 review cnnu 4

    It’s commendable enough that the EarFun Air Pro 3 even have active noise cancellation and ambient sound, two perks that aren’t very common on earbuds that cost less than $80. It’s even more impressive that these features work extremely well.

    The Air Pro 3’s active noise cancellation helped keep me focused while at home and immersed in my music on the go, significantly dampening the sounds of construction and chatty subway cars while also quieting my dog’s ever-unnerving licking noises. And when I needed to pay attention to my surroundings, the buds’ ambient sound functionality did a similarly good job keeping me aware of nearby people and cars while out for walks. The Air Pro 3 performed nearly identically to my AirPods Pro 2 when it came to blocking out noise — if anything, EarFun’s buds were a little more suppressive against a noisy bedroom fan. The Pro 3’s ambient noise also held up well to Apple’s Transparency mode, though the sound of the wind became more unpleasantly harsh when it brushed up against EarFun’s buds than it did with the AirPods.

    You’ll also get a surprising amount of customization and features for the price, with a full-featured EarFun Audio app for iOS and Android that lets you tweak everything from the sound to the controls. On top of giving you an easy way to glance at your buds’ battery life and switch between noise control modes, the app offers a full equalizer where you can activate pre-set profiles (like Bass Boost and Treble Reducer) or create and save your own. I personally prefer how the Air Pro 3 sound out of the box, but the various presets did have a noticeable effect, and are a nice extra for folks who like to tinker — something you can’t do on Apple’s earbuds.

    earfun air pro 3 review cnnu 3

    I was shocked to discover that the Air Pro 3’s controls are fully customizable, a feature you won’t find on some buds that cost twice as much. I didn’t love that the earbuds required me to double-tap to pause my music by default, but the app made it easy for me to switch to a much more convenient single tap. You can create custom commands for single, double, triple taps and even long-presses, allowing you to assign out functions like skipping tracks and summoning your virtual assistant however you like. While I definitely miss the more tactile pinch controls and handy volume slider on my AirPods Pro 2, I found the Air Pro 3’s controls to be mostly reliable once I configured them the way I liked (more on that later).

    There’s a Game Mode that’s designed to reduce audio latency while you’re gaming, which feels like a gimmick you can probably ignore. I didn’t notice a real change when playing Vampire Survivors with and without the feature on, though it’s possible that serious Call of Duty or PUBG players may benefit from the purported boost. I was a bit amused that the Product Tutorial button takes you to a Google Doc of the instruction manual rather than providing tips directly within the app, but I still appreciate that there’s quick access to help.

    The Air Pro 3 can even stay connected to two devices at once, something that made it easy to go from watching a YouTube video on my laptop to playing a song on my phone without any annoying re-pairing. This kind of multi-point connectivity isn’t very common on cheap earbuds, and while Apple has its own instant-switching technology when using your AirPods across iPhones, iPads and Macs, they technically can only be paired to one device at a time.

    Long battery life and wireless charging

    earfun air pro 3 review cnnu 5

    I’ve always found EarFun’s buds to be some of the longest lasting around — at any price range — and that continues to be the case with the Air Pro 3. I typically enjoyed three to four straight days of heavy use before even getting a low battery warning, something that’s consistent with the earbuds’ rating of nine hours from the buds alone and 45 total hours with the charging case. That’s a big leap from the AirPods Pro 2’s rating (6 hours from the buds, 30 from the case), and lines up with my testing; I typically have to recharge my AirPods as frequently as every two to three days.

    And unlike many affordable earbuds (and even some expensive ones), the EarFun Air Pro 3’s case supports wireless charging. That gives them a big advantage over the similarly priced Jabra Elite 3 and Pixel Buds A, and the second-gen AirPods that go for a much pricier $129.

    earfun air pro 3 review cnnu 7

    While the EarFun Air Pro 3 punch well above their weight in terms of sound quality and features, they still look and feel like a pair of budget earbuds. I found the Pro 3’s thick, long stems to stick out quite a bit, and while they may be smaller and sleeker than last year’s Air Pro 2, I found myself yearning for the more low-profile look of my AirPods Pro and Jabra Elite 3.

    The same goes for the bulky charging case, which feels flimsy, takes up more pocket space than most of my other earbuds, and accumulated quite a few scuffs and scratches after a few days on the road. This level of build quality is common among the budget buds I’ve tested, but it is worth noting that the Air Pro 3’s excellent, affordable audio comes at the expense of its aesthetics.

    earfun air pro 3 review cnnu 8

    While I commend how robust and customizable the Air Pro 3’s touch controls are, they aren’t as consistent as I’d like. EarFun’s buds generally responded well to my various taps, double-taps and long presses, but there were times when they were overly sensitive, leading me to skip a song that I simply meant to pause. I also noticed a slight delay between tapping the buds and getting a response from them. It’s far from a dealbreaker (especially at this price), but the similarly cheap Jabra Elite 3 have much more reliable physical buttons, and the base AirPods are more accurate when it comes to responding to touch.

    Also, it’s a small nitpick, but I hate that the Air Pro 3 don’t automatically pause my music when I take them out of my ears (it won’t happen until they’re closed in the case). This is something that the AirPods and most modern earbuds are smart enough to do these days, and led to multiple instances of music and podcasts continuing to play when I didn’t want them to.

    earfun air pro 3 product card

    Jabra Elite 3 Product Card

    Airpods Pro 2 pc.jpg

    Active noise cancellation

    Yes

    No

    Yes
    Ambient sound

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes
    Battery life (rated)

    9 hours (earbuds), 45 hours (with case)

    7 hours (earbuds), 28 hours (with case)

    6 hours (earbuds), 30 hours (with case)
    Wireless charging

    Yes

    No

    Yes
    Water resistance

    IPX5

    IP55

    IPX4 (earbuds and case)
    Ear tip sizes

    XS, S, M, L

    S, M, L

    XS, S, M, L
    Software support

    iOS, Android

    iOS, Android

    iOS
    Colors

    Black

    Lilac, Gray, Light Beige, Navy Blue

    White
    Weight

    0.18 ounces

    0.16 ounces

    0.19 ounces
    Price

    $72

    $80

    $200

    The EarFun Air Pro 3 are the best low-cost earbuds I’ve ever used. They sound great, offer active noise cancellation that rivals the AirPods Pro and deliver a staggering amount of features — some of which you won’t even find on much more expensive models. If you’re looking to spend no more than $80 on your next wireless earbuds, the Air Pro 3 are the ones to get.

    That said, there are some worthy alternatives to consider in this price range. The $80 Jabra Elite 3 have a much sleeker design and more reliable physical controls, but you’ll be sacrificing active noise cancellation for those perks. And if your budget is firmly under $50, the standard EarFun Air remain our overall best budget earbuds pick. Apple aficionados will have a smoother experience with the oft-discounted AirPods 2nd Gen, but again, you’ll be giving up noise cancellation as well as tons of customizability. The fact that the Air Pro 3 comfortably replaced my AirPods Pro 2 for weeks speaks volumes, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better overall value than what EarFun is offering here.

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  • The AirPods Pro 2 just hit their lowest price ever today | CNN Underscored

    The AirPods Pro 2 just hit their lowest price ever today | CNN Underscored

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    Apple’s newest AirPods Pro 2 are now at their lowest price ever. A boon for those who chose to wait before pulling the trigger on these second-generation AirPods Pro, you can now grab a pair for $199, which is a nice sized savings from the original $250.

    The best Apple earbuds

    With the best noise cancellation and sound quality of any if the previous Apple earbuds, they are now at their all-time lowest price.

    The AirPods Pro 2 come with Apple’s upgraded H2 chip, which doubles the earbud’s noise cancellation, and also offers personalized Spatial Audio and new touch controls. We also love that the new case makes it tougher to misplace, with a built-in lanyard loop and FInd My capabilities.

    No, this isn’t a must-have for those with the original AirPods Pro, but these headphones are certainly a nice upgrade. So if you’re still not sure about snagging this deal, read up one whether they’re the right pair for you.

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  • Our favorite headphones are worth the splurge — and they’re on sale right now | CNN Underscored

    Our favorite headphones are worth the splurge — and they’re on sale right now | CNN Underscored

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    The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best over-ear headphones you can buy, with a slimmer design than their predecessors and refined noise-canceling microphones. But this best-in-class noise cancellation and superb audio doesn’t come cheap — the Sony WH-1000XM5 regularly go for a pricey $400.

    Right now, however, these high-end headphones are on sale matching the lowest price we’ve seen at Amazon. We’ve only seen a single lower price, which required a limited-time discount code.

    Sony’s latest flagship wireless headphones bring some notable refinements to noise cancellation, call quality and charging speed, all packed into a sleeker frame that’s a joy to wear for days on end. You’ll also get stellar battery life, with enough juice to endure a weekend trip or multiple days in the office on a single charge.

    Our favorite over-ear headphones offer a slimmer design than their predecessors, impressive battery life and refined noise-canceling microphones. Right now save $50 on these headphones at Amazon.

    Read our review

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  • The AirPods Pro 2 just hit their lowest price ever today | CNN Underscored

    The AirPods Pro 2 just hit their lowest price ever today | CNN Underscored

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    Apple’s newest AirPods Pro 2 are now at their lowest price ever. A boon for those who chose to wait before pulling the trigger on these second-generation AirPods Pro, you can now grab a pair for $199, which is a nice sized savings from the original $250.

    The best Apple earbuds

    With the best noise cancellation and sound quality of any if the previous Apple earbuds, they are now at their all-time lowest price.

    The AirPods Pro 2 come with Apple’s upgraded H2 chip, which doubles the earbud’s noise cancellation, and also offers personalized Spatial Audio and new touch controls. We also love that the new case makes it tougher to misplace, with a built-in lanyard loop and FInd My capabilities.

    No, this isn’t a must-have for those with the original AirPods Pro, but these headphones are certainly a nice upgrade. So if you’re still not sure about snagging this deal, read up one whether they’re the right pair for you.

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  • The 100 best Cyber Monday tech deals to get right now | CNN Underscored

    The 100 best Cyber Monday tech deals to get right now | CNN Underscored

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    Want more deals? Visit CNN Underscored’s Guide to Cyber Monday for wall-to-wall coverage of the best discounts to be found during the biggest shopping event of the year.

    Cyber Monday is always a great time to stock up on new tech at a discount, whether you’re finally ready to upgrade to a new laptop or just need some new charging cables to keep around the house. The good news is that just about every major tech product is on sale for Cyber Monday, and that the big discounts have started earlier than ever. The bad news? The sheer amount of stuff out there can be overwhelming.

    But that’s where we come in. We’ve sifted through all the clutter to find the Cyber Monday tech deals that are actually worth getting (including the best Apple deals and top Best Buy deals), based on the countless hours we’ve spent testing and researching the latest gadgets. Here are the best sales to shop now.

    We consider the AirTags a must-have for iPhone owners, as you can use them to track down just about any lost item with precision. While we’ve seen them go lower, this sale price makes a single AirTag a great stocking stuffer.

    Read our review

    You’re gonna need a key ring to attach your AirTags to your keys (or pretty much anything else), and this popular leather model from Apple is at its lowest price ever in select colors.

    If you need something more robust and stylish for your backpack or luggage, Apple’s AirTag Leather Loop is also available for its lowest price.

    Apple’s MagSafe Charger is our top wireless charger pick for folks with an iPhone 12 or newer, as it snaps on your phone easily for a quick charge (it’s also great for AirPods). This popular accessory is currently $9 off, putting it very close to its lowest price ever.

    Read our review

    Anker Nano Pro Wall Plug

    Tired of waiting forever for your phone to charge? The Nano Pro is our favorite budget USB-C charger and will juice up your smartphone in a snap — all for a lowest-ever $13.

    Read our review

    Saunorch Travel Adapter

    We consider this power adapter, which can cover you in more than 150 countries and charge five devices at once, a must for international travelers. It’s at its lowest price ever for Cyber Monday.

    Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)

    If you need a pencil for your new iPad Mini, iPad Air or iPad Pro, the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen is steeply discounted and at its lowest price ever. This more advanced pencil features double-tap functionality for switching tools on the fly, and can charge wirelessly when magnetically attached to your iPad.

    Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case

    The Logitech Combo Touch is one of our favorite iPad keyboards and turns your iPad into a pretty capable laptop. This version (made for the seventh-, eighth- and ninth-gen models) is nearly at its lowest price so far.

    Read our review

    Logitech makes the majority of our best mouse picks, and the company’s popular budget model is at its lowest price ever in a ton of different colors. This cheap mouse is a perfect companion to your laptop, and is a great way to boost your WFH game.

    The Logitech K380 is our favorite budget keyboard thanks to its high-quality keys and handy multi-device pairing capabilities. It’s not quite at its lowest price ever, but it’s still a great deal on an already affordable keyboard.

    Read our review

    Logitech C920

    The Logitech C920 is our favorite webcam, and will make you look a lot better on calls than your laptop’s grainy built-in camera. It’s only a few bucks above its lowest price ever right now, so don’t miss out if it’s been on your list.

    Read our review

    If you need a more high-end webcam for serious content creation on YouTube and Twitch, the Logitech StreamCam is our top pick for creators (and a great addition to any setup for this lowest-ever price).

    Read our review

    Our longtime pick for best microphone, the Blue Yeti will make you sound great on everything from podcasts to livestreams to video calls — and it’s a no-brainer at this lowest-ever price.

    Read our review

    Our top microphone pick for livestreaming, the Wave 3 offers excellent sound quality and best-in-class software for easily managing audio during a broadcast. It’s a great pickup at this lowest-ever price.

    Read our review

    The latest Echo Dot improves on our favorite budget smart speaker with better audio and Wi-Fi extension capabilities while retaining the same versatile Alexa smarts. It’s a no-brainer for first-time Echo buyers at this price (the more advanced Clock model is also discounted right now).

    Read our review

    The Echo Glow is a nice companion to your Alexa setup. It’s compact, easy to set up and provides pleasant mood lighting to any space. Pair it with the Echo Show 5 Kids for streamlined daily routines.

    Read our review

    A smart plug is a great way to automate any of your old, dumb gadgets, and you can currently get a two-pack of this popular Kasa model for close to its lowest price.

    The Echo Show 8 is our pick for the best smart display, providing an easy way to hop on video calls, fire up some Netflix or get recipe ideas from Alexa. It’s a great addition to the home at this all-time low price.

    If you want a big Alexa display for keeping yourself and the whole family organized, the Echo Show 15 is a fantastic buy (especially at this lowest-ever price).

    Read our review

    Amazon Smart Thermostat

    If you’re on a budget and live in an Alexa household, the Amazon Smart Thermostat delivers excellent performance with the company’s voice assistant.

    Read our review

    The Nest Doorbell (Battery) is our favorite wireless video doorbell, thanks to its easy setup and free, intelligent alerts, and it’s currently at its lowest price ever.

    Read our review

    The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus is our best outdoor home security camera pick thanks to its good video quality, easy setup and useful alerts. Better yet, it just hit its lowest price ever for Cyber Monday

    Read our review

    We named the Eero 6 mesh router, with its foolproof setup process and nearly unrivaled speeds and coverage areas, as your best bet when opting for a mesh router. Every model is close to its lowest price yet right now, starting at just $75 for the base router.

    Read our review

    iRobot Roomba i7+

    The iRobot Roomba i7+ is almost identical to one of our favorite Roomba models, the j7+, and it’s steeply discounted right now. If you splurge for the i7+, which includes a self-empty base, you’ll be shocked at the powerful performance and smart robot technology that learns your cleaning preferences and home layout.

    Read our review

    A more advanced model of our favorite electric toothbrush, the 6100 offers three intensity levels and three different modes — the default clean mode, along with whitening and gum care — which offer different brush-head motions and automatically set the timer accordingly.

    Read our review

    EarFun Air True Wireless Earbuds

    Use the code CNNDEAL02 for an additional 5% off. The EarFun Air have long been our pick for the best budget earbuds, offering sound quality that punches well above its low price. They’re now cheaper than they’ve ever been — just make sure you click the coupon box before checking out.

    Read our review

    While they’re on the older side, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Live are some of the most comfortable and unique-looking earbuds you can buy — and they’re an absolute steal at this sale price.

    Read our review

    Apple AirPods Pro 2

    The AirPods Pro 2 are our favorite Apple earbuds thanks to their stellar noise cancellation and controls, and they’re currently at their lowest-ever price.

    Read our review

    The classic AirPods still sound great and work effortlessly with your iPhone, and they’re an especially great gift now that they’re back to their lowest-ever price.

    Our favorite Android earbuds (but great for any phone), the Sony LinkBuds S have fantastic comfort, hi-res audio support and the unique ability to switch sound modes based on your surroundings. They’re an absolute steal at this all-time low.

    Read our review

    Beats Fit Pro Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds

    The Beats Fit Pro are our overall best wireless earbuds pick, offering superb features and comfort for iOS and Android users alike. They’re currently back at their lowest price ever.

    Read our review

    The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offer truly incredible active noise cancellation, and they’re an even better buy at this first-ever sale price.

    Read our review

    Our pick for best over-ear headphones, the Sony XM5 deliver unmatched noise cancelling and sound quality. This is one of the first big discounts on this set of cans, and the lowest price we’ve seen.

    Read our review

    Bose QuietComfort 45 Noise-Canceling Headphones

    The Bose QuietComfort 45 are some of the best headphones we’ve tested, and a strong runner-up to the Sony XM5. Their excellent audio and ANC is a steal for this lowest-ever price.

    Read our review

    Cyber Monday soundbar and speaker deals

    The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is our favorite overall Bluetooth speaker thanks to its booming sound and durable design, and it just hit its lowest price ever for Cyber Monday.

    Read our review

    If you need something extra-portable and affordable, our favorite travel-sized speaker is perfect for your next adventure at this lowest-ever price.

    Read our review

    The Sonos Roam SL is a simplified version of our upgrade pick for Bluetooth speakers, ditching the microphone for hands-free controls but offering the same great design and audio quality. It’s a great buy at this lowest-ever sale price.

    Read our review

    A more basic version of our best soundbar pick, the Roku Streambar gets you a compact soundbar and a full-on Roku streaming player in one — an especially compelling value at this lowest-ever price.

    Read our review

    The Sonos Arc’s best-in-class sound makes it our top premium soundbar pick, and its high price is a bit more palatable in this rare and lowest-ever price cut.

    Read our review

    iPhone 12

    Apple is currently offering the iPhone SE, 12 or 13 with a free $50 Apple Gift Card, getting you some useful extra credit with these already well-priced phones.

    We found the Moto G Stylus 5G to be a good Samsung alternative for those who want a big stylus-based phone, and it’s an especially good bargain at this sale price.

    Read our review

    The Google Pixel 6a is our favorite budget phone, and unmatched when it comes to camera and software experience for the price. It’s already a steal at retail, and a no-brainer at a lowest-ever $299.

    Read our review

    If you want to step up to a true flagship phone, the newer Pixel 7 gets you amazing cameras and nicer design for not much more money. This aggressively priced phone is even cheaper for Cyber Monday, now at an all-time low.

    Read our review

    OnePlus 10 Pro

    The OnePlus 10 Pro is a very good Samsung and Google alternative with some of the best battery life and charging speeds we’ve tested, and it’s a steal at this lowest-ever sale price.

    Read our review

    The Apple Watch Series 8 improves on our favorite smartwatch with temperature sensing and car crash detection, and it’s currently at its lowest price yet.

    Read our review

    If you can live with a slightly less fancy design and a few advanced tracking capabilities, the Apple Watch SE gives you all of the Apple Watch essentials for a much lower price. This new model just got its first-ever discount, making it even more of a great bargain.

    Read our review

    While it doesn’t have quite the same robust set of features as the new Apple Watch SE, this discounted first-gen model is just about the cheapest Apple Watch we’ve ever seen (and still a great pick for tracking your runs and keeping up with notifications).

    Read our review

    Apple Watch Ultra

    We consider the rugged, feature-rich Apple Watch Ultra to be the best Apple Watch for folks willing to splurge, and its high price is a bit easier to stomach with this first-ever deal.

    Read our review

    The Google Pixel Watch works great with Pixel phones — and it doubles as a full-on Fitbit for fitness tracking. This is the first major sale and lowest price we’ve seen on this hot new watch.

    Read our review

    The Galaxy Watch 5 is our favorite overall Android smartwatch, thanks to its great performance, battery life and fitness features. It’s an even better buy at this all-time low price.

    Read our review

    Lenovo makes our favorite budget Chromebooks, and this cheaper variation on our top pick has everything you need for basic schoolwork and web surfing — all within a flexible design that doubles as a tablet.

    A mainstay in the budget laptop space (and one of our top picks), the Acer Aspire 5 gets you great performance for the price and is close to its lowest price ever right now

    Read our review

    The latest MacBook Air is our favorite overall laptop, offering best-in-class performance within a massively upgraded design. This is the lowest price we’ve seen on this fantastic notebook yet.

    Read our review

    2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip

    The MacBook Air M1 was our longtime best laptop pick, thanks to its incredible performance, and while it’s since been replaced by the faster M2 model, it’s still an incredible bargain at this lowest-ever price.

    Read our review

    The new Surface Laptop 5 is one of the best (and best-looking) laptops we tested this year, and it’s seeing some sizable discounts just weeks after release. And if you’re on a budget, last year’s still-great Surface Laptop 4 is down to just $650.

    Read our review

    The slim and stunning Dell XPS 13 is our favorite overall Windows laptop, and this Best Buy deal lets you get a powerful Intel Core i7 model at a great price.

    Read our review

    The Asus ROG Zephyrus 14 was a strong runner-up in our best gaming laptop testing, and this discounted model gets you fantastic gaming specs (plus a month of Xbox Game Pass) for just $900.

    Read our review

    MacBook M1 Pro 14-inch Laptop

    Our upgrade pick for best laptop, the 14-inch MacBook Pro has the performance and ports that serious power users need. This pricey model is currently at a huge discount, and its lowest price yet.

    Read our review

    While it’s not the newest or fastest model, the 27-inch iMac is still a fantastic all-in-one computer with a big beautiful display. It’s an especially good buy at this massive and lowest-ever Cyber Monday discount.

    Read our review

    We love the newest iMac for its gorgeous, compact design and incredible performance, and it’s currently at its lowest price for Cyber Monday.

    Read our review

    We found the Dell XPS Desktop to be a versatile and easy-to-upgrade Windows desktop that’s perfect for the home office, and it’s currently available for a super-low price.

    Read our review

    The Fire 7 is our favorite budget tablet, offering a great reading experience and all of the essential apps with some welcome modern touches. This is the first big discount we’ve seen on this already affordable slate.

    Read our review

    The Kindle Paperwhite has long been our best budget e-reader pick, thanks to its fantastic display and warmth adjustment, and it’s an even better value at this lowest-ever price.

    Read our review

    Kindle Oasis

    The Kindle Oasis is our pick for the best overall e-reader you can buy, and well worth it at this lowest-ever Cyber Monday price.

    Read our review

    While the ninth-gen iPad isn’t the latest model, it’s still our best tablet pick, thanks to its great app selection and excellent performance for the price — which is currently at an all-time low.

    Read our review

    The new iPad Air is a great middle ground for folks who want iPad Pro-level performance without spending upward of $1,000, and it’s close to its lowest-ever price on Amazon.

    Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 With S Pen

    The Galaxy Tab S8 is our favorite Android tablet, offering an included S Pen stylus and a neat DeX mode that lets it perform like a laptop. This is close to its lowest price yet.

    We love Samsung’s The Frame TV, which is both a unique digital art display and a pretty great QLED television in one. Every version of this unique set is currently deeply discounted for Cyber Monday, with sizes ranging from 32 to 85 inches.

    Read our review

    We found Insignia’s 32-inch Fire TV to be a very good value with solid 720p picture quality and built-in Amazon smarts, and its an even better buy at this lowest-ever price.

    Read our review

    Amazon Fire TV 43-Inch Omni Series 4K UHD Smart TV

    The Fire TV Omni is a solid pick for folks deeply ingrained in the Amazon ecosystem, as you can do just about anything on this TV hands-free with the power of Alexa. We’ve seen it go cheaper, but this is a good deal.

    Read our review

    The TCL 6-Series is our pick for the best TV overall, and this fantastic deal gets you its gorgeous and sizable 65-inch QLED screen for a lowest-ever price.

    Read our review

    Samsung QN90B Neo QLED 4K Smart TV

    We love the Samsung QN90B for its bright, sharp picture and great gaming features, and all models are available at a good discount right now.

    Read our review

    We really loved our time with Samsung’s first-ever OLED TV, which trumps the rest of the lineup in terms of sheer color and detail and is available at a massive Cyber Monday discount in both 55-inch and 65-inch variations.

    Read our review

    The LG C2 OLED is one of the best TVs we’ve tested, offering amazing picture quality and a fluid interface for browsing apps. It’s close to its lowest price right now in a range of sizes from 42 to 83 inches.

    Read our review

    If the popular LG C2 is out of your price range, this well-liked budget alternative is just about the cheapest OLED we’ve ever seen.

    Sony A90J OLED TV

    The Sony A90J earned our top luxury TV pick, thanks to the best picture quality we’ve ever tested, with superb detail and hyperaccurate colors. It’s currently available for up to $300 off (its lowest price yet) in two different sizes.

    Read our review

    If the A90J is out of your price range, the A80J is a more affordable variation that sacrifices some features but still gets you a gorgeous 4K OLED screen. It’s a fraction of the cost of the A90J at this all-time-low sale price.

    This Asus ROG model is our favorite 1080p gaming monitor thanks to its great color and refresh rate, and it’s currently at its lowest price ever.

    Read our review

    The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 is a unique monitor that can double as your TV, thanks to its built-in smart interface, and it’s an especially great value at this lowest-ever price.

    Read our review

    The Samsung CJ791 is our favorite ultrawide monitor thanks to its slick design, great picture and ample screen space, and its at its lowest price right now for Cyber Monday.

    Read our review

    The Dell Ultrasharp 27 is our favorite 4K monitor, and the latest model is available for a sizable Cyber Monday discount right now.

    Read our review

    If you want to turn your old, dumb TV into a smart one that can stream all the top services, the Roku Express is the cheapest way to do it — especially at this lowest-ever price.

    Read our review

    You can’t go wrong with a Fire TV Stick 4K, which is an easy way to get all of the top streaming services up and running on any television. It was once our top budget streaming stick, and a great stocking stuffer at this lowest-ever price.

    If you want the best possible streaming stick for the money, it’s hard to do better than this discounted Roku Streaming Stick 4K. On top of Roku’s robust app selection, you’ll also get speedy performance, Dolby Vision support, fast Wi-Fi compatibility and a handy voice remote.

    The Roku Ultra’s super-responsive performance, great remote and wide app selection makes it our best overall streaming device pick, and it’s a great addition to your 4K setup at this all-time low price.

    Read our review

    This Apple TV deal gets you our favorite high-end streaming player for its lowest-ever price, and while it’s not the newest, fastest model, it’ll still work great in any entertainment setup.

    Read our review

    The Backbone One is our favorite mobile gaming controller, instantly turning your phone into a true portable console that works great with the latest mobile and cloud games. The PlayStation Edition of this great accessory just dropped to a lowest-ever $64, making it an essential add-on for serious iPhone gamers.

    Xbox Series S.

    The Xbox Series S is the best value in console gaming, offering immersive, smooth gameplay and access to the superb Xbox Game Pass library. It’s as much as $40 off for Cyber Monday, and Amazon is throwing in a free $40 gift card with code XBOX.

    Read our review

    Xbox Series X

    Verizon is currently offering an Xbox Series X All Access Package for $150 off. This bundle gets you the highest-end Xbox as well as two years of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for as low as 24 monthly payments of $29.

    Read our review

    Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle

    A staple of every Cyber Monday, this Nintendo Switch bundle throws in the excellent Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and three months of Nintendo Switch Online at no extra charge, for a $70 value.

    Read our review

    Walmart has massive discounts on some of the best Switch games, including all-time lows on essentials like Zelda and Animal Crossing and first-time deals on new releases like Sonic Frontiers and Bayonetta 3. Just note that stock is going in and out for many of these hot titles.

    A microSD card is a must for any Switch owner, and this popular SanDisk model gets you 128GB of extra storage (enough for tons of digital game downloads) for its lowest price yet.

    Whether you need a spare controller for multiplayer or just want a fresh new color (like the gorgeous Galactic Purple), you can’t go wrong with an extra DualSense — especially at this lowest-ever price.

    This handy accessory can charge up to two DualSense controllers at once, all while doubling as a nice display stand and keeping your PS5’s ports free for other peripherals.

    WD Black 500GB Internal SSD

    An internal SSD is essential for expanding your PS5’s internal storage, which will fill up fast for anyone who plays a lot of games. This super-popular WD Black model gets you a whopping 2TB of extra space for close to its lowest price yet.

    This updated version of our favorite wireless gaming headset offers immersive sound and seamless multi-console compatibility, and it just hit its lowest price ever.

    Read our review

    The Logitech G Cloud is a unique and well-designed portable gaming console that lets you stream cloud games from Xbox, Steam, Amazon Luna and more. It’s a little pricey for what it does, but it’s worth considering at this first-ever sale price.

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  • Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Which earbuds are better? | CNN Underscored

    Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Which earbuds are better? | CNN Underscored

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    The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and AirPods Pro 2 are some of the best wireless earbuds you can get. They’re at the top of Samsung and Apple’s earbud lineups, and they share a lot of similarities like excellent sound quality, noise cancellation and lots of special features — and there’s just a mere $20 price difference between the two.

    It’s easy to point out that the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are best for Android users, while the AirPods Pro 2 are ideal for iPhone owners. But as each respective company’s flagship earbuds, they each offer a set of features that could convince you to pick either of them up regardless of what kind of phone you have.

    Let’s dive in and see what makes these earbuds different.

    Weight per earbud

    0.19 ounces

    0.22 ounces
    Water resistance

    IPX4 (earbuds and case)

    IPX7
    Active noise cancellation

    Yes

    Yes
    Ambient noise

    Yes (transparency mode)

    Yes
    Colors

    White

    White, Graphite, Bora Purple
    Software support

    iOS

    Android (Galaxy phone required for most features)
    Special features

    Personalized Spatial Audio, lanyard loop case with Find My, volume touch controls

    24-bit Hi-Fi audio, Intelligent Conversation Mode, 360 audio, SmartThings Find support
    Battery life (rated)

    Up to 30 hours with case

    Up to 29 hours with case
    Price

    $249

    $230
    AirPods Pro 2nd-gen vs Galaxy Buds 2 Pro-1

    Max Buondonno/CNN

    The second-generation AirPods Pro carry an identical design to the original model, which is instantly recognizable to anyone who’s ever seen a pair of AirPods. They still have stems, they’re still glossy and white and they still come with silicon tips. While it would be nice if Apple had shaken up their design a bit, it’s not like they’re ugly or in dire need of a refresh. On the contrary, they’re comfortable enough for most people’s ears, are rated IPX4 for sweat resistance and have that iconic look that lets people know you’re rocking AirPods.

    But as is the case with any product category with stiff competition, there are plenty of alternative designs that offer better water resistance, colors and comfort. Samsung is a prime example of that thanks to the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, which offer a lower profile than the AirPods and four different colors to pick from. They’re IPX7 rated, which offers a bit of extra water protection for workouts, and the buds have a matte finish opposed to glossy, instantly making them far better for everyday wear and tear.

    The big reason I prefer the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro over the AirPods Pro is because of how much more comfortable they are. I didn’t notice this until I used my AirPods exclusively for a couple of weeks, then switched back to the Buds 2 Pro. It was a bit mind-blowing how much better the Galaxy Buds fit in my ears and stayed in during long writing sessions. They also feel lighter and less intrusive, and they’re really easy to forget about when wearing them.

    AirPods Pro 2nd-gen vs Galaxy Buds 2 Pro-6

    Max Buondonno/CNN

    Even the case is better. I haven’t had the second-gen AirPods Pro for very long, but I’ve somehow been able to scratch up the entire back of the case thanks to its glossy nature. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro don’t have that issue at all. The matte finish helps mitigate both scuffs and fingerprints, and the case somehow blocks debris like dirt and pocket lint from getting in the lid better than the AirPods’ case.

    If the AirPods have any edge over the Galaxy Buds in terms of design, it’s that the case is notably smarter. It has built-in speakers that chime when you lose it or begin charging it, or the battery gets low. There’s also a lanyard slot for those of you who like dangling your earbuds from the zipper on your backpack. The Buds 2 Pro don’t have any of that. You’re pretty much stuck with an LED that shows you when they’re charging and that’s it.

    TL;DR: The new AirPods Pro look a lot like the old ones. That’s not really a bad thing since they’re still comfy to wear, but the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro simply hit it out of the park when it comes to fit and finish (plus they’re matte).

    AirPods Pro 2nd-gen vs Galaxy Buds 2 Pro-3

    Max Buondonno/CNN

    There’s no question that both the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and second-generation AirPods Pro sound amazing. They both offer great sound quality with punchy bass, clear highs and full mids. Any genre of music — whether it’s boom-bap hip-hop, classic jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, or Top 40 pop hits — will sound fantastic on these buds.

    Deciding which is better is a bit of a challenge, though, especially since their feature sets are stronger in different areas. For example, Apple has much better spatial audio than Samsung, with advanced head-tracking techniques, dedicated Dolby Atmos masters of your favorite songs in Apple Music and a much more enjoyable 360-degree soundscape. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offer 24-bit hi-fi audio thanks to a special codec from Samsung. It may require that you own a Samsung phone to work, but it gives music an extra oomph so tracks sound a little cleaner than they would on AirPods.

    If I had to pick a winner here, I’d go with the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. The extra resolution in sound quality helps music sound clearer and more enjoyable, and the overall sound stage feels brighter and more encompassing than what the AirPods Pro can pull off. If you’re a big fan of spatial audio and want the best experience, then the AirPods will be the right choice, but anyone searching for better sound quality overall will love the Galaxy Buds.

    TL;DR: Both the AirPods Pro and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro sound excellent, but Samsung’s earbuds take the crown thanks to their ability to stream 24-bit hi-fi audio.

    AirPods Pro 2 are the king of ANC and transparency

    AirPods Pro 2nd-gen vs Galaxy Buds 2 Pro-9

    Max Buondonno/CNN

    Whatever voodoo is powering the active noise-canceling (ANC) and transparency modes on the AirPods Pro has managed to keep them ahead of other earbuds on the market, including the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.

    Apple says the ANC is twice as good as the previous generation, and it’s a bit shocking how well it works. The windiest of boardwalks, the loudest of street corners and the most chaotic of households are no match for the noise suppression of these buds — you can hear next to nothing when it’s on, leaving you and your music or podcasts to yourselves.

    The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro aren’t bad by comparison, but it’s clear that they aren’t as good. The Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation here helps louder sounds get quieter for a more balanced sound, and Samsung has made solid progress on improving how ANC generally performs on its earbuds. But side by side, Samsung’s earbuds can’t quite hold up. You get extra wind in your ears if you wear them walking down the street, and the sounds that should be suppressed are a tad louder than they are with AirPods.

    Samsung’s ambient mode is also behind Apple’s transparency mode. Voices sound wetter than they do on AirPods, and you can’t hear your surroundings as clearly. The AirPods Pro can also suppress louder sounds while using transparency mode so that everything remains at a consistent volume, something the Galaxy Buds aren’t capable of.

    TL;DR: Without a doubt, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are better at canceling out unwanted background noise. They’re also better than the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro at transparency.

    AirPods Pro 2nd-gen vs Galaxy Buds 2 Pro-4

    Max Buondonno/CNN

    Apple quotes up to six hours of usage on the second-gen AirPods Pro with a full charge, while Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are rated for five. We were impressed with the battery life from both sets of earbuds in our reviews, but in my usage, I’ve found the AirPods Pro have the edge. Over a week with the AirPods Pro in my pocket, I find that I only have to charge them once or twice, while the Galaxy Buds require two or three periods on my wireless charger. For context, I used both sets with ANC on the entire time and transparency mode flicked on occasionally.

    The AirPods Pro and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro both work with Qi wireless chargers, while the AirPods are also compatible with MagSafe and Apple Watch chargers. There’s no fancy magnetic charging on the Galaxy Buds so you’ll have to make sure you line them up perfectly on your wireless charger. Samsung’s earbuds ship with a USB-C cable whereas AirPods continue to ship with Lightning.

    TL;DR: For battery life, the AirPods Pro 2 manage to last a bit longer than the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, but it’s not a huge difference.

    You’ll want a Samsung phone for Galaxy Buds and an iPhone for AirPods

    AirPods Pro 2nd-gen vs Galaxy Buds 2 Pro-8

    Max Buondonno/CNN

    This is the most obvious point for any comparison between AirPods and a set of earbuds developed by an Android phone manufacturer. If you own an iPhone, the second-generation AirPods Pro will serve you much better since they’re designed to work with one another. In the same vein, Galaxy Buds 2 Pro will work best with Android phones, particularly Samsung Galaxy devices since they ship with the Galaxy Wearable app out of the box.

    Pairing each set of buds with their respective smartphone counterparts can also enable special features. AirPods Pro get Siri integration, spatial audio, multi-device support and customizable touch controls when paired with an iPhone, something that can’t be said if you pair them with an Android device. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds have 24-bit hi-fi audio, multi-device support and Fast Pair as long as you connect them to a Galaxy phone.

    If you own a Galaxy or some other Android phone, you’ll have a much better experience with the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro since those are the devices the earbuds are designed to work with. For iPhone owners, AirPods Pro are a natural fit. It’s a bit of a bummer, but what can you do?

    TL;DR: Samsung’s earbuds work best with Galaxy phones, Apple’s earbuds work best with iPhones. Surprised?

    AirPods Pro 2nd-gen vs Galaxy Buds 2 Pro

    Max Buondonno/CNN

    The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and second-generation AirPods Pro put up a good fight when in the same ring. At $230 and $249 respectively, they’re some of the best earbuds you can get for the money.

    As an overall winner, we’d have to pick the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro thanks to their more comfortable design, wider soundstage and hi-fi audio support. But the AirPods Pro are certainly no slouch, and either set will suit you well.

    Y’know, assuming you pair them with the right phone.

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  • The latest iPad Pro, AirPods Pro and Apple Watch models are all on sale right now | CNN Underscored

    The latest iPad Pro, AirPods Pro and Apple Watch models are all on sale right now | CNN Underscored

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    If you’ve been looking to upgrade your tech with the latest Apple products, now is a great time to do so. The latest iPad Pro, AirPods Pro and Apple Watch models are all on sale right now at Amazon, matching and beating some of the lowest prices we’ve seen. If you can’t wait for Black Friday, this is a great opportunity to save on Apple products on almost anyone’s wish list.

    Below, find the Apple deals — and if you’re not sure what products are right for you, check out our in-depth, hands-on reviews.

    The most powerful iPad is even better, thanks to upgrades on the 2022 release. Snag it right now for $50 off.

    The iPad Pro line is designed for and targeted toward those who want the most powerful and capable tablet Apple has to offer. Right now you can score the latest 11-inch iPad Pro for $50 off, thanks to a sale at Amazon. This is the first discount we’ve seen on this new model, so snag it now if you’ve been waiting to purchase the best premium tablet.

    The latest Apple Watch is seeing its first price drop, a $110 markdown, for anyone looking to upgrade their wearable tech.

    If you’re looking to enter the world of Apple Watch, now’s a great time. You can save 22% on the versatile Apple Watch Series 8, which boasts a large always-on display and fast charging. This latest model improves upon the Series 7, which is already our favorite. This is the lowest price we’ve seen for this option, so act now if you’ve been considering an upgrade.

    Like their predecessors, the Pro 2 are an investment — but if you order right now on Amazon, you’ll get these gold-standard earbuds at their lowest price yet.

    Three years after debuting — and landing in the ears of seemingly everyone you know — Apple’s mega-popular AirPods Pro finally got a refresh. The AirPods Pro 2 deliver on major upgrades such as improved active noise cancellation (ANC), a wider range of fit options, more expansive touch controls and longer battery life.

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  • The best over-ear headphones of 2022 | CNN Underscored

    The best over-ear headphones of 2022 | CNN Underscored

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    If you’re looking for the best sound quality, noise canceling, and you demand all-day comfort (or you just don’t like the feel of earbuds), a great pair of over-ear wireless headphones is what you need.

    We’ve put the latest and greatest full-size headphones to the test, checking out sound quality, usability, comfort and features to find the best over-ear headphones for you, whether you’re looking for something to shut out the world at work, a compact travel companion, or just something stylish, dependable and comfortable for everyday listening.

    The best wireless over-ear headphones overall

    The Sony WH-1000XM5 improves on the XM4, with a slimmer design and refined noise-canceling microphones — it’s the best over-ear Bluetooth headphone you can buy right now. XM4 owners have little reason to upgrade, but for anybody else the XM5s are the high-end headphones to get.

    Sony has held the top spot on our best noise-canceling headphones and continues to sit securely atop our best wireless headphones rankings as well. The WH-1000XM5’s active noise cancellation (ANC) continues to be some of the best around, turning most of the audible chaos of everyday life into a blissfully quiet hum, and when you add in the great sound and call quality, comfort, sleek design and solid app support, it adds up to a hard-to-beat package.

    The new model improves on the older XM4 with an improved processor and set of microphones for active noise cancellation, improved call quality, slightly faster charging time, automatic ANC optimization and a slightly sleeker design. Sound quality is as it was in the last generation — and that’s a good thing, since it was already one of the best-sounding headphones we’d tested, with rich, balanced sound that highlighted the tiniest details across all the genres we listened to during our testing, from sensitive acoustic tracks to booming pop to searing hardcore.

    The XM5s sound great out of the box, but you can customize them to your liking via the Sony headphones app for iOS or Android. The app’s equalizer lets you choose from a number of presets (which do things like boost the bass or provide a quieter mix), and those willing to get into the nitty-gritty can also make their own sound profiles. You can also take advantage of immersive 360 Reality Audio — Sony’s proprietary spatial audio tech that places sound all around you — on supported apps such as Tidal, Deezer and Amazon Music, as well as Sony’s high-resolution LDAC streaming format.

    Battery life is impressive — we got 34 hours, or five straight days of all-day use before the battery gave out. And when you do run out of juice, a quick-charge features gets you 3 hours of playback time from a 3-minute charge cycle.

    None of these features would make any difference if they weren’t comfortable to wear. And the XM5’s supple, spacious faux-leather earcups and lightweight frame make them a delight to wear throughout walks, subway rides and full days of work in the home office. They also look great, with an understated design in either black or silver that slims down the headband from the previous-gen model. It’s only a fraction of a pound lighter, but the entire design is much sleeker overall. And the slim mesh carrying case keeps the WH-1000XM5 safe when it’s time to stash them away.

    The best noise-canceling over-ear headphones

    Perfect for commuting, the office, long flights or just around the house, the Bose 700 combines Bose’s industry-leading ANC with great sound and a new, more comfortable and stylish slimmed-down design.

    Read our review

    The best over-ear wireless headphones for Apple users

    AirPods Max

    Now priced less stratospherically, the great sounding AirPods flagship headphones integrate seamlessly with your Mac and iPhone, let you access Apple’s nifty Spatial Audio pseudo-surround format, and impressive noise cancelation and great controls make these solid all-day companions.

    Read our review

    The best over-ear wireless headphones for audiophiles

    This latest update to the Bowers & Wilkins Bluetooth flagship offers superb sound and great build quality in a package that should appeal to those looking for sound quality above all else in a wireless headphone.

    Read our review

    The best budget over-ear wireless headphones

    While the sound isn’t as refined and they aren’t as comfy as our main recommendations, the Elite 85h gives you great sound and effective noise canceling for about half the price, along with great build quality and simple, easy to use controls.

    If you’re like most of us, if you’re considering spending upwards of $300 on a set of headphones you want something that can cover all the bases: active noise cancellation, or ANC; a stable Bluetooth wireless connection that works with all of your stuff (hopefully with fast switching; support for all of your favorite audio formats; integration with the operating system you use, whether iOS or Android; and an app that lets you manage it all without too much frustration. And you need it to be comfortable to wear all day and to pack up small enough to take with you wherever you go.

    Luckily, most major manufacturers have been trying to hit this target for a few years now, and they’ve largely succeeded. The latest wireless flagships from Sony, Bose, Apple, Sennheiser, Bowers & Wilkins, Jabra and others mostly do it all, and frankly they all sound pretty good too (with some differences in how they’re voiced) so the choice comes down to what integrates best with your stuff (or gives you the most options) and what feels good and sounds good to you.

    Sony WH-1000XM5 headphone underscored product card

    The best wireless over-ear headphones overall

    Bose Noise Canceling 700 Over-Ear Headphones

    The best noise-canceling over-ear headphones

    Airpods Max headphones

    Best over-ear wireless headphones for Apple users

    Bowers & Wilkins PX7s2 Product Card Underscored

    The best over-ear wireless headphones for audiophiles

    jabra-elite-85h-product-card-underscored-best-headphones-bluetooth

    The best budget over-ear wireless headphones

    Battery llfe

    30 hours

    20 hours

    20 hours

    30 hours

    36 hours
    Fast charging

    3 hours of playback in 3 minutes

    3.5 hours of playback in 15 minutes

    1.5 hours of playback in 5 minutes

    7 hours of playback in 15 minutes

    5 hours of playback in 15 minutes
    Microphones

    8 (8 for ANC; 4 for calls)

    8 (6 for ANC; 4 for calls)

    9 (8 for ANC; 3 for calls)

    6 (4 for ANC; 2 for calls)

    8 (4 for ANC; 6 for calls)
    Multi-device pairing

    Yes (2 devices, Bluetooth multipoint)

    Yes (2 devices, Bluetooth multipoint)

    Yes (automatic source switching via iCloud)

    Yes (2 devices, Bluetooth multipoint)

    Yes (2 devices, Bluetooth multipoint)
    Colors available

    Black, white

    Black, Luxe Silver

    Space Gray, silver, green, pink, sky blue

    Blue, black, gray

    Black, copper, Gold Beige, navy blue, Titanium Black
    Weight

    0.55 pounds

    0.56 pounds

    0.85 pounds

    0.68 pounds

    0.65 pounds
    Price

    $398

    $379

    $449.99

    $399

    $180.52

    To find the best over-ear headphones, our testers have put the leading models available through a set of listening tests as well as using them everyday over several months, focusing not just on sound quality, but on functionality, usability and comfort — the issues that are so important to most users.

    We carefully examined design elements, studied every physical control and application interface element, tested active noise cancellation, transparency, equalization and virtualization software options and noise isolation, timed battery life and charge time and read up on warranties.

    Throughout the process, we compared each headphone carefully with its competitors, new models, and previous favorites to get the best sense of how the models we tested stacked up to the field.

    Comfort and build quality

    We wore the headphones for an extended period of time to determine whether it provided enough adjustability and whether the headband’s clamping force was too weak, too strong, or just right, and whether the ear cups allowed enough room or felt tight over time. We also considered weight, bulk and style.

    We also looked carefully at the quality of the materials used, how clean construction was, and how well assembled each headphone was. We also looked at how compact each model folded, and at case materials and construction.

    We assessed how well the ANC software and hardware of each pair of headphones dampened environmental sound. We created two noisy conditions to test: running on a treadmill with a TV on high volume nearby and sitting next to an active washing machine; later testing added a kitchen hood fan and window air conditioner. This section also required intensive cross-comparison to figure out which headphones were dampening more sound, and what range of sound was being affected.

    In addition to personal favorites our testers knew well, we used a baseline set of well-engineered contemporary songs, including acoustic, electric, and electronic music, so we could easily establish direct comparisons, this included “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish, “Royals” by Lorde, “Jazz Crimes” by Joshua Redman, “I’m on Fire” by Bruce Springsteen and “Neon Lights” by Molotov Jukebox, “Let Me In” by Laminate Pet Animal and “Might Be Right” by White Reaper.

    We listened carefully for how well each headphone reproduced bass and revealed midrange and treble detail, as well as how realistic a soundstage it created, as well as overall clarity, paying special attention to whether noise cancelation and transparency modes interacted with or interfered with the overall sound. And for headphones that used virtual surround modes, we assessed the realism and usefulness of the included effects.

    We tested each physical control to find out whether the user interface of each model was easy to understand and how intuitive it was to control playback, calls, volume, Bluetooth pairing and features like ANC and transparency modes. We paid equal attention to companion apps, examining the extended settings available and how intuitive and useful the software was in daily use.

    We paired each headphone with multiple Apple, Android, and Windows devices, assessing ease of pairing and switching between multiple devices (where that was supported) as well as speed of reconnection and carefully noting range and latency.

    To check battery life, we used a long playlist and following a full charge to capacity, ran each headphone to exhaustion at normal listening level (75% volume) with ANC on and off. We also used them as part of our daily routines, charging them to capacity and then using them for work and commute until exhaustion to get a sense of how many days of real-world use they would support. After exhausting the battery, we also double checked quick-charge features, testing to see if we could get the claimed battery life.

    We researched what the warranty covered for each device., what period it covered, and whether extended warranties or service plans were available.

    2-underscored best over ear headphones lead

    CNN

    The Beats Studio3 Wireless are a great set of headphones overall, and are the latest update to the model that sparked today’s interest in high-end headphones for regular people. They integrate seamlessly with Apple devices, switching automatically between your Macs, iPhones and iPad, so they do make a good less-expensive alternative to the AirPods Max if the design and feel works for you. We loved the sound and look, though compared to newer designs from Sony and others they aren’t as comfortable, and we found the physical control button loud and clicky.

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9

    The Beoplay H9 are expensive — in the same neighborhood as the AirPods Max — but do impressive sound quality with solid bass and a wide soundstage, along with good active noise cancellation. And though they have a beautiful design and impressive build quality, we found them uncomfortable to wear for long periods, and their touch controls frustrating to use. And call quality wasn’t great — recipients consistently reported hearing an echo of themselves.

    $329 at Bose and Amazon

    The Bose QuietComfort 45 offers the same great noise canceling as the Bose 700, in a more traditional package with lots of physical controls in place of the 700’s touch controls. The build quality is impressive, they fold small as befits their executive-travel heritage, and they’re made for long-term comfort. They’re perfect for road warriors, but we think that most people will be happier with the Bose 700, which is more stylish and our testers found more comfortable overall.

    The JBL Live 650BTNC deliver crisp sound and a reasonably realistic soundstage for the money, though compared to your recommendations they suffer somewhat, especially on the low end, where they don’t deliver extended bass. The JBL Headphones app gives you multiple sound profiles to choose from, but they don’t overcome the 650 BTNC’s inherent character. The sleek, minimal design is attractive, but they have a lot of clamping force so they aren’t as comfortable for long wear as our main recommendations. But they’re available at a deep discount, and if you’re looking for something to use occasionally they may fit the bill.

    The Poly (formerly Plantronics) BackBeats Pro 2 has decent overall sound quality but lacked bass extension and didn’t produce a wide-sounding soundstage. Call quality was relatively poor, with one recipient describing it as sounding like we were underwater. But they are comfortable to wear, and they have a fun-to-use rotary volume control.

    The updated Sennheiser Momentum 4 drop the retro styling of their predecessors for a more vanilla look, but improved ANC, a solid app and great sound make them a compelling choice for headphone aficionados.

    Skullcandy Crusher ANC

    The $319.99 Skullcandy Crusher ANC were our least favorite among those we tested. A dedicated bass boost slider on one of the cups lets you go from thin bass response to skull-rattling boom, but it felt like a gimmick, adding clutter to the mix but not definition. Using the Skullcandy app gave us access to some better-sounding sounding custom profiles, but given that the Crusher wasn’t especially comfortable to wear, we’d look at one of our other recommendations at this price..

    These were our previous favorites, and if you’re looking to save $50, they sound just as good as the newer WH-1000XM5s. That said, we think the better ANC and call quality of the revised model is worth the extra money, but if that stretches the budget too far these are still a good option. Like the newer Sonys, the XM4 offers great sound, long battery life, and very effective noise canceling (and you control them with the same useful, full-featured app).

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  • Preorder the brand-new AirPods Pro 2 and get $10 off at Amazon | CNN Underscored

    Preorder the brand-new AirPods Pro 2 and get $10 off at Amazon | CNN Underscored

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    Three years after debuting — and landing in the ears of seemingly everyone you know — Apple’s mega-popular AirPods Pro have finally gotten a refresh. Available now, the AirPods Pro 2 offer major upgrades like improved active noise cancellation (ANC), a wider range of fit options, more expansive touch controls and longer battery life.

    The second-gen AirPods Pro are available now, offering solid upgrades and useful new features. If you order now at Amazon, you’ll save $10 on these pricey earbuds.

    Read our review

    Like their predecessors, the Pro 2 will still carry the same steep $249 price tag, but if you order right now on Amazon, you’ll save $10. While it’s a relatively slight discount, it’s rare to see a brand-new Apple drop with any markdown, so be sure to snag a pair now.

    Some of the most notable upgrades? Look no further than the AirPods Pro 2 case, which now sports a handy lanyard loop that you can use to attach it to your bag, keys, pants and so on. The case also features a built-in speaker, which can emit a noise to help you find them via the Find My app. Plus, if the AirPods Pro felt too big for you, the AirPods Pro 2 might work out this time around. Apple’s latest earbuds now include an extra-small ear tip option, giving you four total choices of fit alongside the returning small, medium and large tips.

    Order the AirPods Pro 2 at Amazon right now — you’ll save $10 and get these brand-new earbuds delivered straight to your doorstep.

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  • Protect your new AirPods Pro 2 with these durable and stylish cases | CNN Underscored

    Protect your new AirPods Pro 2 with these durable and stylish cases | CNN Underscored

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    Apple’s $249 AirPods Pro 2 haven’t been out for long, but we’re already seeing cases that are designed to help protect the new charging case, all while still letting you take advantage of the new lanyard loop and speaker.

    Apple made it possible to locate your second-generation AirPods Pro if you lose the wireless earbuds themselves, the charging case, or both — but protecting your purchase from accidental drops and scratches is still up to you.

    Below you’ll find our top picks for cases to help you keep your AirPods Pro safe and sounding good, as well as a bonus lanyard pick so that you never lose your new buds.

    $29.99 $18.99 at Amazon

    Spigen’s AirPods Pro 2 Ultra Hybrid case is completely clear and comes with a circular carabiner for easy attachment to your belt loop or a hook inside your backpack. There’s still a cutout for the new lanyard loop on the AirPods Pro 2 case, and according to Spigen’s website, the case will still work with wireless chargers.

    $18.99 at Amazon

    Spigen Rugged Armor Case

    Looking for something a little more rugged than the Ultra Hybrid? The Spigen Rugged Armor AirPods Pro case looks a lot like Spigen’s Rugged Armor case for the iPhone 14, only smaller. The Rugged Armor comes in black and has a matching carabiner. The case is a combination of plastic and silicon that should bring more than enough protection to your AirPods Pro.

    From $29.90 at Dbrand

    Dbrand Grip Case

    Dbrand is known primarily for its skins that offer minimal protection, but plenty of personalization. However, Dbrand’s AirPods Pro 2 case looks amazing. It has military-grade impact resistance but isn’t overly bulky, and comes with something that every AirPods Pro case should have — a built-in removal tool. I’m always afraid I’m going to break the case, my AirPods, or both when trying to take a case off. Oh, and you can still pick your own design to spice up the case’s look.

    $24.95 at Speck

    Speck Presidio Clear Case

    Speck’s Presidio Clear case will ensure you can still see your engraved AirPods Pro charging case while still adding a layer of protection. Don’t bother with getting your own lanyard for the new charging case, as Speck didn’t provide a cutout for it. However, there’s a clip on the case that you can use in its place.

    $24.95 at Speck

    Speck Presidio with Soft-Touch Coating Case

    The Speck Presidio case with a soft-touch coating comes in black, although the listing calls it black with bright silver. Nonetheless, the exterior of the case has a coating that makes it smooth and soft to the touch. One downside is that it appears the case doesn’t have a cutout for the charging case’s lanyard loop, but it does include a carabiner of its own that should suffice.

    $15.99 at Amazon

    Elago Clear Case

    For something that’s even more affordable, check out the Elago Clear Case. For $16, you’ll get the clear case and an adhesive strip that’s used to hold the top of the case to your AirPods Pro’s charging case. It’s a minimal case that will definitely get the job done, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

    $12.95 at Apple

    Incase Lanyard

    Apple only lists a single accessory for the second-generation AirPods Pro on its website, and it’s not a case. Instead, it’s the Incase Lanyard that looks like a fantastic option to keep your AirPods Pro connected to your backpack or just give you something to hold onto during a workout. The clip on the lanyard makes it easy to attach the lanyard to things like a belt loop or backpack and then remove it without much fuss. If you don’t get a case (or are using a model with a cutout, like the Spigen and Elago options above), the lanyard is a wise choice.

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