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I tested the retro Fujifilm X-T30 III and tiny new zoom lens, and the kit is a great pick for beginner photographers

8:00 am | October 23, 2025

Fujifilm X-T30 III: two-minute review

Fujifilm has updated its beginner mirrorless camera for photographers with the new X-T30 III, which comes four years after the Fujifilm X-T30 II.

It launches alongside a tiny new XF 13-33mm f/3.5-6.3 OIS kit lens (that's a 20-50mm effective focal length) that's smaller and lighter than the 15-45mm, the previous kit lens packaged with Fujifilm’s low-cost cameras. The portable pair weigh just 17.7oz / 503g combined.

Going on appearances alone, very little has changed. There's now a film simulation dial in place of a shooting mode dial, much like on other recent Fujifilm cameras including the X-T50, with all 20 simulations available, and the ability to add film recipe shortcuts.

Fujifilm X-T30 III camera in three colors, on a glass table — The X-T30 III is available in three colors; silver, charcoal and black (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Gareth Bevan)

Otherwise, the size, weight, profile and control layout are pretty much identical to the X-T30 II – this is a really small camera and lens combo that easily slips into a jacket pocket.

Headline features include the same 26MP sensor and current fifth-generation processor combo as used in the X-M5 and X-S20. This means the X-30 III sits below the pricer X-T50, which uses the latest 40MP stabilized sensor.

It has more in common with the slightly pricier X-S20, which with its in-body image stabilization, feels like a better pick. Otherwise, the specs are almost identical to those of the X-M5, which, with its viewfinder-less video-first design, costs less.

Fujifilm X-T30 III camera in photographer's hands — The notable change from the X-T30 II is that there's a film simulation dial rather than a shooting mode dial (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Gareth Bevan)

Despite its photography-friendly design, which also factors a built-in flash, the X-T30 III does in fact have the same video features as the compact X-M5, including 6K video with 10-bit color depth, 4K 60fps video and a vertical 9:16 short movie mode for social.

Personally, I think Fujifilm’s X-series range is getting a little crowded now, and would have liked to have seen the X-T30 III priced around 10% lower to help it to truly stand out for beginners.

However, it's still a compelling retro package – $1,150 / £1,000 / AU$1,950 for an attractive portable camera and lens with sharp 26MP stills and impressive 6K video is pretty respectable.

Fujifilm X-T30 III camera on a glass table — The X-T30 III is a tidy package with the 13-33mm lens attached (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Gareth Bevan)

Fujifilm X-T30 III: price and release date

Costs $999 / £829 / AU$1,679 body-only, or $1,149 / £999 / $1,949 with the 13-33mm lens
Available in silver, black and charcoal
Sales started on November 20, 2025

Designed for beginners, the X-T30 III was available from November 20 in silver, black and charcoal options, for a body-only price of $999 / £829 / AU$1,679, or with the new 13-33mm lens it costs $1,149 / £999 / $1,949.

The X-M5 remains the lowest-priced model in Fujifilm's range of X-mount cameras; the X-S20 is a fraction more, while the X-T50 is more again. Considering its features, I would prefer that the X-T30 III was around 10% cheaper in order for it to be more competitive.

Fujifilm X-T30 III: specs

Video	6K 30fps / 4K 60fps, 9:16 mode
Photo	26MP APS-C
Lens mount	Fujifilm X
Autofocus	Intelligent hybrid phase / contrast
Cont shooting	8fps (mechanical), 20fps (electronic), 30fps (electronic with 1.25x crop)
Screen	3-inch, 1.62m-dot tilt touchscreen
Viewfinder	2.36m-dot
Weight	13.3oz / 378g (incl battery and card)
Battery	NP-W126S (same type as in most of Fujifilm's current cameras), 425 shots

Fujifilm X-T30 III: Design

Weights just 378g, same dimensions as the X-T30 II
Film simulation dial in place of a shooting mode dial
Built-in EVF, flash and tilt touchscreen

The X-T30 III is a tidy, compact retro package, especially with the new 13-33mm lens – the pair weigh less than most rival cameras without lens attached, and I easily slipped the combo into my jacket pocket when I wasn't using it. The camera is available in three colors and it certainly looks the part, especially in silver.

Just like the X-T30 II before it, the new model makes a great travel camera. The retractable design of the 13-33mm lens gives it almost pancake optic proportions, and shooting around the busy city streets of Rome, the setup drew very little attention. Conversely, when I switched to its X-series sibling, the Fujifilm X-H2S, while not exactly a massive camera, got glances from passersby, especially at the major landmarks, where candid street photography can seem almost impossible. Even the X-T5 seems heavyweight by comparison.

Happily, this doesn’t have a negative impact on the handling experience, and I was still able to reach all of the buttons and controls with my thumbs, while my index finger remained on the shutter release. If you’ve used previous iterations of the camera, or indeed other enthusiast-level Fujifilm X-Series cameras, you should fall right into step with the layout.

Fujifilm X-T30 III camera with pop-up flash out, on a glass table — Tim Coleman / Gareth Bevan

The pronounced thumb rest gives a decent grip, and I happily (and securely) held the camera with one hand in both horizontal and vertical formats. I was concerned about the balance I might find when using the wide-aperture primes I’d packed to accompany me on my shoot, namely the Fujinon XF 56mm F1.2 R WR, which is on the bulky side. I needn’t have worried though, as even after several long days of shooting, the setup didn’t seem unduly imbalanced.

There's a quick menu button conveniently placed on that thumb grip, but all too often I found myself pressing it unintentionally. It's not a big drama as you just have to exit the menu, but it's something to be aware of.

One element I’m happy Fujifilm retained from previous models is the pressable control wheels. It’s a smart and sensible application of dual control – you can scroll through a menu and then select the desired item by pressing the wheel. It’s actually something I’ve wished more manufacturers would introduce as I’ve always enjoyed this underrated character of the X-series.

Side of the Fujifilm X-T30 III camera on a glass table, port doors open — Tim Coleman / Gareth Bevan

Fujifilm X-T30 III camera on a glass table, battery removed — Tim Coleman / Gareth Bevan

The rear touchscreen is tilt only and not fully vari-angle, which means you won't be able to easily shoot selfies.

I'm personally fine with the tilt design, which is handy for waist-level viewing. Also, the positioning of the USB-C, micro HDMI and mic ports on the side would obstruct a flip around screen, when those ports are in use.

The 2.36m-dot EVF is clear enough for such a small camera – I regularly used it rather than the screen, and it is particularly helpful on bright sunny days for photography.

Now, let’s talk about that new Film Simulation dial, which brings the camera in line with Fujifilm’s latest generation of cameras, including the X-T50. It replaces the mode dial which occupied the same space at the left side of the top plate, and now offers direct access to Fuji’s range of film simulations. While I can see the appeal if you regularly like to experiment with color profiles, and bearing in mind that film styles are something of a speciality of Fujfilm cameras, it’s more of a downgrade for advanced photographers.

Shots taken in Rome, Italy using the Fujifilm X-T30 III mirrorless camera — (Image credit: Peter Fenech)

Personally, I switch exposure mode more often than color profiles, so I'm a bigger fan of the shooting mode dial which is sacrificed. Since I also shoot RAW all of the time, anything I might select using this dial is rendered pointless in the captured image unless I reapply the style in Lightroom – an extra step reintroduced, only later in the production process.

The styles are lovely, and I wonder if Fujifilm created a physical control for them in an effort to make them feel like more of a genuine photographic tool than a gimmick, but I fear it may have had the inverse effect. The dial now becomes the defining feature of the X-T30 III.

There is also a secondary impact on the practical use of the camera body. Inexplicably, once I got started using the X-T30 III, I couldn’t seem to work out how to place it in aperture priority mode, which is my default exposure setting. I test a lot of cameras, so this was an unsettling predicament.

I always like to think I’ve done some reasonable homework on a camera before setting off on a trip with it, but here I was in the darkened streets of the Italian capital at midnight, in the shadow of St Peter’s Basilica, unable to find Av mode. I can’t say that’s ever happened before, at least not since my first week of taking photos. Notably, this was never a problem with the X-T30, X-T30 II, nor any other Fujifilm camera. The addition of the film sim dial is my only culprit.

Until I got my bearings, I resorted to the new auto mode instead which selects shutter speed and aperture based on the scene. The X-T30 III certainly feels designed for beginners.

There's a built-in flash, one of only three current beginner models with such a feature. The GN7-rated (ISO 200) flash is handy to have for sure, especially at parties. You only tend to get a built-in flash in beginner cameras which aren't weather sealed, like the X-T30 III, because they usually compromise weather sealing.

Speaking of which, the lightweight design does come with a few compromises. The build quality is a little plasticky, especially coming from a higher-end body like the X-T5. It didn’t especially bother me, considering how much I appreciated the camera’s low weight, but it isn’t a model with which I’d like to find myself stranded outside in a rainstorm.

Fujifilm X-T30 III: Performance

New processor delivers 10% better battery life
New Instax mode for instant photography fans
Digital stabilization only

Packing Fujifilm's latest processor, the X-T30 III is a snappier camera than the X-T30 II. For example, 8fps (mechanical) and 20fps (electronic) burst shooting are sustained for 2x longer, for up to 173 JPEGs. That max speed can be upped to 30fps (electronic) with a 1.25x crop.

I didn’t count the individual frames, but even in RAW mode, the camera felt snappy and punched above its weight with regard to speed. I was able to shoot extended bursts of images, or several sequences in close succession, without the X Processor 5 notably struggling to clear the buffer before I triggered the shutter again.

Fujifilm also says battery life is improved by 10% thanks to the new processor, for up to 425 shots, and across a four-day trip, the two NP-W126S battery packs I had with me were more than enough. Of course, in more extreme temperature conditions, or if I had been exclusively shooting video, it might be a different story. It’s certainly a respectable battery life for a camera at this level, though.

Autofocus receives a boost, too, with Fujifilm's latest subject detection on board, which in addition to people can track animals, birds, cars, insects and more. I was very impressed by the speed with which the camera could snap between close and distant subjects. It also wasn’t easily fooled by tourists and traffic moving between the lens and my intended focal point.

It clearly isn’t a match for the advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF system found in Canon cameras like the EOS R5 Mark II or EOS R6 Mark III, or even the comparably priced EOS R10, but it’s perfect for everyday photographic needs.

For me, the biggest sacrifice here versus a pricier model such as the X-T50, is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). There's digital image stabilization only, which is certainly better than nothing, but does somewhat limit the possibilities for smooth handheld video footage. The same goes for creative slow-shutter-speed photography.

Given the ultra-lightweight nature of the body, I did find getting sharp images at even moderate shutter speeds a challenge, and I always consider myself to have a steady hand. Perhaps I have been spoiled by seven and eight-stop IBIS systems, but I definitely missed it here. Given the limited aperture range of the kit lens, the optical IS within it struggled to have a meaningful effect once the sun dipped below the horizon.

Fujifilm X-T30 III: image quality

26MP stills and film simulations
6k 30fps, 4k up to 60p, and 9:16 short video mode
10-bit color depth for video

Ok, so pricier Fujifilm cameras such as the X-T50 and X-T5 boast Fujifilm's latest 40MP sensor for highly detailed photos, but the X-T30 III is no slouch, and still outshines other crop-sensor rivals for detail with its 26MP stills (and 14-bit 'RAF' format RAWs) – these rivals include the 20.9MP Nikon Z50 II, the 24MP Canon EOS R10 and the (older) 24MP Sony A6400.

It’s important not to get too caught up in pixel-counting and the X-T30 III is able to deliver exceptional levels of detail. Shooting in RAW, at base ISO and with a high-quality professional prime lens, the results are exemplary.

This is maintained up to around ISO800, where resolution starts to drop off. By around ISO6400, files have taken on a mushier appearance, and noise is most definitely present. It’s not as good a low-light performance as I’ve seen in some other high-end APS-C cameras, like the Nikon Z fc or Canon EOS R7, but given the target audience and price point, it’s not awful. In fact, up to around ISO4000 the fine grain is actually quite attractive, especially in black and white shots where it lends an almost filmic look.

Fujifilm X-T30 III sample images – street scenes in London's China Town — Tim Coleman

Having Fujifilm’s film simulations at your fingertips is handy and furthermore includes customizable film recipes, even if that makes shooting-mode changes much more of a hassle. I've shot using various profiles in the galleries above and below, including Velvia (vivid), Reala Ace, Acros (monochrome) and others.

An area where the camera really excels is in its auto white balance system, which is superbly accurate. Combined with Fuji’s renowned color science, the X-T30 III is able to render beautifully naturalistic tones. This was one of my favorite aspects of the original X-T30 (also reviewed in Rome, coincidentally) and revisiting the same locations, I was happy to see the trend had been maintained in its younger sibling.

Video quality is excellent, too – 6.2K video and 4:2:2 10-bit color depth is excellent at this price point, even if in-body image stabilization is missing. The footage looks great straight out of camera, ready to share on socials. It’s a shame the LCD doesn't flip or rotate through 180 degrees, as overall the X-T30 III would make an ideal vlogging camera, but it’s still versatile enough for casual videography or B-roll capture.

I was especially keen to examine the performance of the new 13-33mm lens. This detail matters because most people will buy the camera with the new kit lens, which will spend most of the time on the camera.

As far as kit lenses go, it’s not bad at all and is capable of resolving a reasonable amount of overall detail. Impressively, sharpness is quite consistent across the frame, right out to the edges, even at 13mm. I’ll admit that I wasn’t expecting this and goes to show how far kit optics have come over the past couple of decades. This one is clearly designed to match the quality of the 26MP sensor, which it does admirably.

Don’t expect prime-level quality, but contrast and resolution are good enough for most shooting circumstances.

Fujifilm X-T30 III: testing scorecard

Fujifilm X-T30 III
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Price	The cost is accessible to enthusiasts but you can find more spec for your money elsewhere	4/5
Design	Classically Fujifilm, the retro layout is a joy to use, although the build quality is quite plasticky for the price	4/5
Performance	The lack of IBIS is a problem, but autofocus and speed are up there with the best in class	4.5/5
Image and video quality	The X-T30 III is capable of outstanding images in good light, although it lags behind the competition at higher sensitivities	4/5

Should I buy the Fujifilm X-T30 III?

Buy it if...

You want a super-portable retro camera
Only the X100VI is smaller in the Fujifilm family, but the X-T30 III provides access to the full range of XF interchangeable lenses. The body is almost small enough to fit into a jacket pocket, but expands any existing X-Series ecosystem.

You need speed over absolute image quality
The X-T30 III is a rapid-shooting performer that is also quick to start up. Meanwhile, its fast AF system makes it ideal for street photography and as a backup for wildlife and sports.

You're looking for your first X-Series camera
The X-T30 III is a perfect introduction to the Fujifilm system. It's uncomplicated (mode selection quirks notwithstanding) and the 13-33mm kit lens will cover most of your bases.

Don't buy it if...

You already own the X-T30 II
....or even the original X-T30, perhaps. There isn't really enough of an upgrade here to justify replacing your existing camera. You'd be better off investing in a higher-end model like the X-T5 if you want more features.

You own many heavyweight lenses
While the camera still works well alongside heavier standard primes, telephoto lenses like the XF50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR or XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR will feel greatly unbalanced when mounted to the X-T30 III.

You need to print large format
The 26MP sensor is a little conservative by 2026 standards, and you can find much higher-res cameras for similar money. Equally, while 4K video is available, cameras like the X-H line and single-digit X-T families offer superior quality footage, for larger displays.

Fujifilm X-T30 III: also consider

Nikon Z50 II

Available for exactly the same price as the X-T30 III, the Z50 II is a versatile mirrorless camera with Nikon's latest Expeed 7 processor for flagship performance, superb subject-recognition autofocus, and improved video features. Its excellent ergonomics and vari-angle touchscreen make it an easy camera to travel and shoot with, while color profiles can be uploaded from Nikon's app, much like Fujifilm film recipes. With lower-resolution 20.9MP stills and 4K video, the Z50 II can't quite match the X-T30 III for detail.

See my Nikon Z50 II reviewView Deal

Fujifilm X-M5

Smaller, lighter and cheaper, the X-M5 features the same sensor and processor as the X-T30 III – which likewise means 26MP stills, 6.2K video, 9:16 short movies and film simulations. The major difference is that the X-M5 lacks a viewfinder and has a vari-angle screen, making it the better pick for video.

See our Fujifilm X-M5 reviewView Deal

Man holding the Fujifilm X-T30 III camera up to his eye, on London street — (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Gareth Bevan)

How I tested the Fujifilm X-T30 III

I spent time in both London and Rome, testing the camera in a range of lighting conditions
I used the camera for several days, shooting multiple subjects from street photography to interiors and cityscapes
I paired the camera with both the 13-33mm kit lens and a professional 56mm prime lens

I took the X-T30 III with me on a multi-day trip to Italy, where I knew I’d be shooting a range of subjects across a spectrum of challenging lighting conditions, inside and out. I made a point of shooting the camera as it would normally be used in practise, but also performed a standard regimen of technical tests.

To assess noise performance, I mounted the camera on a stable support, set Av mode (when I figured out how) and then shot a frame at each ISO setting, from the lowest to the highest. I also kept the camera in automatic white balance mode for the duration of the shoot, but also shot reference images with a custom WB or another preset where I felt it appropriate, so I could compare the camera's color decisions to my own preferences.

I took an X-H2S body along for the ride too, which made a good control camera for quality reference.

I used both the viewfinder and main LCD for composition throughout, and worked with the camera in both auto and manual focus modes at various points. Due to the nature of many of the locations in which I was shooting, I didn’t have much opportunity to thoroughly use the built-in flash – flash photography wasn’t permitted in most of the interior spots.

I used the 13-33mm kit lens extensively, but also switched to the XF56mm F1.2 R WR to see how much the cheaper optic may be limiting the maximum possible performance from the sensor and processor. All images were shot in RAW format and converted in the latest version of Adobe Lightroom, where no noise reduction or sharpening has been applied to the sample shots seen here.

First reviewed: October 2025
Read more about how we test

I tested Sony’s cheap new ANC earbuds, and if noise-cancelling is king, you just found your new budget buds

12:31 pm | April 19, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: ANC, LDAC, London | Comments: Off

Sony WF-C710N: Two-minute review

Sony's WF-C710N earbuds find themselves in a similar spot to The White Album in 1968: you want to better the absolute barn-stormer that was Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band a mere year later? Good luck. But of course, the Beatles managed it (was it transcendental meditation, or was it simply a clean mind?). So, has Sony done the same with its update on the WF-C700N? Yes and no, Dear Prudence. And given that Sony actually had two years to work on its follow-up, that may not feel enough initially.

The model the C710N are based on topped our pick of the best noise-cancelling earbuds in the budget space for over a year following their release, until Nothing's (a)-suffixed set of buds came in and did almost everything the Sony buds did just that little bit better – and looked slightly classier doing it. And although there are improvements here, a few in-app foibles and initial pairing issues left me struggling to find a reason to pick the Sony WF-C710N over the rivals… until I tested the ANC.

Here, Sony has truly upped its game. On a packed commuter train, I drifted off into my own happy bubble of music. I genuinely didn't expect the blissfully quiet backdrop they served up. The uptick in ANC efficacy is almost certainly aided by the extra mic in each earpiece, but however Sony achieved it, it's commendable.

Also, (because I'm still talking about those mics), call quality is very good for the money here, thanks to Sony's new AI-enhanced voice pickup technology. So, if you regularly take calls on your earbuds, there's an extra value add.

The overall sound profile and fit? It's still good despite the size increase – but it's not better than the outgoing model (Sony has essentially said that little about the driver and acoustic setup changed), so if you've picked up the older set for a discount, you may be tempted to stick with them unless you need that improved ANC.

In fact, other than the much-improved noise cancellation, it's a case of incremental upgrades rather than anything headline-grabbing or ground-breaking.

Yes, there's now a 'Find Your Equalizer' tab, but it works by asking you to pick from a selection of pre-made sound profiles rather than dishing out any otoacoustic tests or splodges to denote where your hearing might be lacking, unlike JBL's Personi-Fi or Nothing Ear's hearing tests (although it's true that you have to pay a little more to get those). The two basic 'Which do you prefer?' tests offered by the WF-C710N don't feel quite as comprehensive, detailed, or involved as those rivals.

Sony WF-C710N earbuds in 'blue glass' on a grey table, with a woman's hand holding one of the earpieces — See the wires in the case? (Image credit: Future)

Also back for 2025 is Sony's entry-level DSEE upscaler, so Spotify streams will sound better, plus there's that Sony-special 360 Reality Audio support. However, since Tidal parted ways with the format, your only source options for listening to this particular spatial-audio-adjacent offering now are Amazon Music Unlimited and Nugs.net.

Do I still like the new transparent blue colorway now that I've tested it? Not as much as I'd wanted to. The shiny plastic avidly collects fingerprint smudges, and at the risk of stating the bleedin' obvious (as these cases have almost always been plastic, dear reader), this one feels overly plastic. It's also a little bigger than the older model. That said, Sony's more traditional matte black, off-white and pink colorways are available too.

For sound, there's no addition of LDAC, but they're still a solid listen with good volume and energy levels, albeit sacrificing a modicum of dynamic nuance, detail and sonic placement to get there. They're still good for the level, but that's my point, good is simply no longer great in budget 2025 noise-cancelling earbuds.

To really hammer it home: in 2023, when the WF-C710N's predecessor made its grand entrance, earbuds bearing these kinds of features had never been seen at that level. But the competition really upped its game in the following 24 months, didn't it? One can even buy inexpensive open earbuds with excellent ANC now (see the Honor Earbuds Open), something unheard of, even considered impossible, until very recently. So, the fact that these Sony earbuds fit well, boast slightly better stamina and offer auto-off isn't quite enough to trounce the competition these days. But the ANC? If you prioritise noise-nixing, that'll make up the difference…

Sony WF-C710N review: Price & release date

Released on March 25, 2025
Priced $119 / £100 / AU$189

Yes, Sony has won this territory before (see the April 2023-issue Sony WF-C700N I keep going on about), but that was before the excellent Nothing Ear (a) arrived, a year later in 2024.

The fact that Sony released these follow-up earbuds at the same MSRP as their older counterparts is welcome but unsurprising news: we've seen it with everything from AirPods to Bluetooth speakers. Why? Because competition is rife, and once-flagship tech (comprehensive ANC, wearer detection, EQ tweaks, spatial audio tech, customisable on-ear functions, and so on) keeps trickling down to entry-level products.

If you've done even a little research into this end of the market, you'll know the current class leader is the Nothing Ear (a) mentioned above, with the insanely cheap $30 / £30 / AU$70 JLab Go Pop ANC or even the $69 / £59 / AU$110 (approx.) Earfun Air 2 NC not far behind.

So have the few extra perks offered by the new WF-C710N – slightly better battery, an auto-off feature, improved call quality, a rudimentary equalizer test and much better noise cancellation – trounced the Nothings? Depending on your priorities, yes, but it's all about that last point…

Sony WF-C710N review: Specs

Sony WF-C710N review: Features

Dual noise sensor tech (feedback and feedforward mics) for ANC
Auto-off is a welcome addition
AI-enhanced voice pickup for clearer calls

Let's start with the above bullet points: call-handling? It was good before, but it's even better now. That's thanks to the implementation of AI-enhanced voice pickup technology, which works a treat even on crowded, windy and rainy London Soho streets during rush hour (trust me on this one).

Wearer detection for auto-off is perhaps the biggest usability perk added this time around, which means music pauses when you remove one bud (or both) and resumes once you put it back in. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but once you're used to it, you'll always be reaching for buds that can do it.

OK, so Sony's 360 Reality Audio – 24 object-based channels arranged in a 360-degree soundstage (launched back in 2019) – isn't the big ticket feature it used to be, since few streaming platforms support it and Tidal waved goodbye to its support in July 2024.

As noted, Sony's Headphones Connect app is gone, but it's been replaced by the Sony Sound Connect app. Adaptive Sound Control still takes the wheel as far as noise profiles go, optimized according to what you're doing – yes, they know when you're 'Staying'. And although you can't manually up the noise cancellation levels on the fly (although you can tailor the ambient awareness on a slider from 1-20), if you tap the cog under 'Optimize switching for you', you can tailor each sound profile according to your actions. So if you want Adaptive ANC to kick in on your commute, here's how you do it.

That extra mic has paid dividends because the WF-C710N's dual noise sensor tech (feedback and feedforward mics) provides much more robust noise-cancellation performance. On a packed train from London to Dorset, I was struck by how cocooned in my music I felt.

Any omissions worth mentioning? Although there's multi-point to two devices now (you can toggle it off if you want, but why would you?), there's still no LDAC support. Why mention this? Because the WF-C710N's main rival, the Nothing Ear (a) do boast it.

Also, while there's now a 'Find Your Equalizer' tab in the app, it's a little basic compared to any hearing tests to create splodge-type graphs of your hearing profile you might have tried. Essentially, playing your choice of music, there are five profiles to pick from, and then a further four based on your initial pick. It's more than the older model offered, but given the lengths the competition is going to these days (see JBL, Nothing and Denon to name a few, and, of course, the AirPods Pro 2, for a surcharge), it feels a little basic. Yes, the WF-C710N are budget earbuds, but the Nothing Ear with their lengthy hearing tests are roughly the same price now…

Features score: 4.5/5

Sony WF-C710N review: Sound quality

Agile, fun, energetic listen
Minor treble distortion if we're being picky
LDAC would be a great addition

The sound, as with the older option, is good for the money, but there are incremental gains to be had here. The opening keys in Grian Chatten's All of the People are textured and three-dimensional. There's a human quality to the depressing of each key that most entry-level earbuds cannot convey through the upper midrange.

Out of the box, the older WF-C700N feel just a little congested and treble-centric in direct comparison – although it took me a while to set up this comparative test, since once paired to either set of buds, my phone flat-out refused to pair to its siblings, and I'm still unsure why. Anyway, the Beatles' Helter Skelter is a great test of the stereo imaging, and with the C710N, drums sit dutifully in my right ear (until the fill, when the kick drum darts between each ear) as the driving bass sits in my left concha with pinpoint precision.

In more layered, complex and groove-heavy tracks (Michael Jackson's Billie Jean, for instance), timing and musicality are bang on across the frequencies. I can detect a minor shortfall in dynamic nuance to get all of that exuberance and volume – these are loud and proud earbuds, and for the most part, that's great news. There's just a small compromise to be made in the leading edges of lower-mids and bass notes, and just a shred of distortion through the treble, very occasionally.

Look, I'm nitpicking – and I'm better able to do it because the noise cancellation here provides such a glorious backdrop. Of course, you can tweak the sonic curve to your liking in the Sound Connect app, but it's important to note that, by default, these are zealous, unafraid earbuds. Compare them to the excellent Technics EAH-AZ100 and you'll get a greater rise and fall through each pensive, building musical passage in Dom Sigales' The Ghost is Me, with exhalations of breath, jagged keys, and waves of strings given an extra ounce of due diligence to be impactful. It's hardly a fair test given the price difference (the EAH-AZ100 retail for $299 / £259 / AU$479), but it's important to note that the sound is very good here for the money, rather than just very good, period.

Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Sony WF-C710N three 'Sound Connect' app screen-grabs on gray background — (Image credit: Future)

Sony WF-C710N review: Design

Bigger but still ergonomic earpieces
Case is a little bigger – and a little cheap?
Capacitive touch controls aren't very customisable

These are still some of the most comfortable earbuds I've had the pleasure of wearing (besides the aforementioned Technics), even though the buds and case are bigger this time around. While 4.6g to 5.4g may not sound like much of a size increase, it is noticeable. Given that the WF-C700N really were small, that's perhaps not such a bad thing, depending on your ears.

I still found them easy to fit. That said, the shinier plastic of my glass blue colorway did affect the in-ear security, and the right one fell out on a train. I don't think the fit was an issue, as they feel beautifully weighted and slipped easily into my ears with very little work. I think I just need a more matte, brushed plastic finish – and that is available.

Sony WF-C710N next to the Sony WF-C700N, side by side — See the difference in case (and earpiece) size, against the WF-C700N (Image credit: Future)

One potential bone of contention is the case: it's bigger – well, deeper – than the older WF-C700N case, and it feels a shade off high-end. Do I love the transparent finish? I'm not sure. Seeing the little red, yellow and black cables under the casework is novel, but the overall aesthetic feels a bit (dare I say it) cheap and cheerful, compared to the way Nothing has implemented transparent sections within its earbuds design language.

And the physical button is gone. I liked it, but it seems I'm in the minority. And to be honest, the new touch capacitive sensor is aided by a slightly larger concave top plate to help your finger find it, and it works fairly reliably.

My main gripe with this? You can now control volume in addition to playback, sound modes, and access to a virtual assistant, but a little more scope for customisation on what each tap does would be a huge bonus. Right now, the only way to up the volume a little is a quadruple press on the right earbud, and a quadruple press on the left lowers it just a tad. As you can probably imagine, these constant quick presses are hit-and-miss. Ah, well – and it hurts your tragus and external auditory meatus (the bit right before your ear canal) a little, after a while.

Design score: 4/5

Sony WF-C710N held in a woman's hand — The case is quite a bit deeper than the previous model (Image credit: Future)

Sony WF-C710N review: Value

For ANC, there's real value-for-money here
360 Reality Audio isn't the draw it once was – LDAC would be excellent
Nothing's products look and feel more premium

Before the Nothing Ear (a) arrived, with their LDAC and great audio quality, I'd have no issue recommending the Sony WF-C710N above all else. But times have changed. Nothing's earbuds are here, and they are impossible to ignore.

The design of the Sony WF-C710N is fine rather than groundbreaking, and the feature set is good, although 360 Reality Audio support is not the big draw it once was.

Then again, here I sit at our shared table-slash-desk, my partner hitting the keys of his MacBook Pro keyboard heavily, because he's under a tight deadline and is stressed. Can I hear him? Not really. And there's the value, folks – because I've never heard ANC this good for this money…

Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Sony WF-C710N?

Buy them if...

You need great ANC for budget money
These earbuds are some of the most gifted at noise-nixing as I've tried for the money, thanks to that new mic array.

You have an Amazon Music Unlimited account
Link Amazon Music Play Now (after taking photos of your ears, all guided by the app) and you unlock Sony's proprietary 360 Reality Audio for Sony's own spatial audio solution.

You like earbuds that pause the music when you take one out
The WF-C710N now have wearer detection, and you love to see it.

Don't buy them if...

You prioritize on-ear volume control
You can do it, but you still need to press each bud four times quickly to get an incremental increase or decrease. It's a bit much.

You're expecting buds the same size as the C700N
There's a difference: the C710N are a little bigger and heavier owing to that extra mic and capacitive touch plate

You want LDAC
No dice, sadly. You'll need to look to Nothing's Ear (a)

Sony WF-C710N review: Also consider

Nothing Ear (a)
The battery life isn't as good, and the ANC is close but no cigar. But if you need a better level of dust- and waterproofing and want LDAC audio support, these buds are oh-so-stylish and just slightly cheaper than the Sony WF-C710N.
Read our Nothing Ear (a) review for more information

Sony WF-C510
What if you want quality Sony sound in Sony's smallest earbuds (smaller than the WF-C710N) and even better battery life, because you don't care about ANC? This is the model you need, and you'll save money. But just to be clear, the noise cancellation is the WF-C710N is very good…
See our Sony WF-C510 review for the full scoop

How I tested the Sony WF-C710N

Tested for two weeks, compared against the Sony WF-C700N and Technics EAH-AZ100
Used in the office, walking through London, on a train, and at home
Listened to Apple Music Lossless tracks, Qobuz, Deezer and Spotify on an iPhone 12 Pro and a MacBook Pro

As always when testing portable earbuds, the Sony WF-C710N became my musical companions for two weeks – after a thorough 48-hour run-in period.

They accompanied me to work (walking brusquely to Weymouth station at an ungodly hour; boarding a train to London Waterloo; and at the office – yes, I really do this) and throughout a long weekend at Seaham, collecting sea glass from the stunning County Durham shoreline.

To better test the comfort and battery life claims of the Sony WF-C710N, I wore them throughout the working day on numerous occasions – and as you can see from the above over-share, my working days can be long.

To get through it all, I listened to various playlists (spanning everything from Korn to Dom Sigalas) on Apple Music and Tidal, but also to podcasts and albums on Qobuz and Deezer – and YouTube tutorials (mostly about making music on Cubase and using Cakewalk, since you ask) from my MacBook Pro.

I’ve been testing audio products for well over five years now. As a dancer, aerialist and musical theater performer in another life, sound quality, fit and user experience have always taken priority for me personally – but having heard how wonderful ANC can be when done well, I know what to look for.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: April 2025

I tested Sony’s cheap new ANC earbuds, and if noise-cancelling is king, you just found your new budget buds

12:31 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: ANC, LDAC, London | Comments: Off

Sony WF-C710N: Two-minute review

In fact, other than the much-improved noise cancellation, it's a case of incremental upgrades rather than anything headline-grabbing or ground-breaking.

Sony WF-C710N review: Price & release date

Released on March 25, 2025
Priced $119 / £100 / AU$189

Yes, Sony has won this territory before (see the April 2023-issue Sony WF-C700N I keep going on about), but that was before the excellent Nothing Ear (a) arrived, a year later in 2024.

Sony WF-C710N review: Specs

Sony WF-C710N review: Features

Dual noise sensor tech (feedback and feedforward mics) for ANC
Auto-off is a welcome addition
AI-enhanced voice pickup for clearer calls

Features score: 4.5/5

Sony WF-C710N review: Sound quality

Agile, fun, energetic listen
Minor treble distortion if we're being picky
LDAC would be a great addition

Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Sony WF-C710N review: Design

Bigger but still ergonomic earpieces
Case is a little bigger – and a little cheap?
Capacitive touch controls aren't very customisable

Design score: 4/5

Sony WF-C710N review: Value

For ANC, there's real value-for-money here
360 Reality Audio isn't the draw it once was – LDAC would be excellent
Nothing's products look and feel more premium

The design of the Sony WF-C710N is fine rather than groundbreaking, and the feature set is good, although 360 Reality Audio support is not the big draw it once was.

Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Sony WF-C710N?

Buy them if...

You need great ANC for budget money
These earbuds are some of the most gifted at noise-nixing as I've tried for the money, thanks to that new mic array.

You like earbuds that pause the music when you take one out
The WF-C710N now have wearer detection, and you love to see it.

Don't buy them if...

You prioritize on-ear volume control
You can do it, but you still need to press each bud four times quickly to get an incremental increase or decrease. It's a bit much.

You're expecting buds the same size as the C700N
There's a difference: the C710N are a little bigger and heavier owing to that extra mic and capacitive touch plate

You want LDAC
No dice, sadly. You'll need to look to Nothing's Ear (a)

Sony WF-C710N review: Also consider

How I tested the Sony WF-C710N

Tested for two weeks, compared against the Sony WF-C700N and Technics EAH-AZ100
Used in the office, walking through London, on a train, and at home
Listened to Apple Music Lossless tracks, Qobuz, Deezer and Spotify on an iPhone 12 Pro and a MacBook Pro

As always when testing portable earbuds, the Sony WF-C710N became my musical companions for two weeks – after a thorough 48-hour run-in period.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: April 2025

I tested Sony’s cheap new ANC earbuds, and if noise-cancelling is king, you just found your new budget buds

12:31 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: ANC, LDAC, London | Comments: Off

Sony WF-C710N: Two-minute review

In fact, other than the much-improved noise cancellation, it's a case of incremental upgrades rather than anything headline-grabbing or ground-breaking.

Sony WF-C710N review: Price & release date

Released on March 25, 2025
Priced $119 / £100 / AU$189

Yes, Sony has won this territory before (see the April 2023-issue Sony WF-C700N I keep going on about), but that was before the excellent Nothing Ear (a) arrived, a year later in 2024.

Sony WF-C710N review: Specs

Sony WF-C710N review: Features

Dual noise sensor tech (feedback and feedforward mics) for ANC
Auto-off is a welcome addition
AI-enhanced voice pickup for clearer calls

Features score: 4.5/5

Sony WF-C710N review: Sound quality

Agile, fun, energetic listen
Minor treble distortion if we're being picky
LDAC would be a great addition

Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Sony WF-C710N review: Design

Bigger but still ergonomic earpieces
Case is a little bigger – and a little cheap?
Capacitive touch controls aren't very customisable

Design score: 4/5

Sony WF-C710N review: Value

For ANC, there's real value-for-money here
360 Reality Audio isn't the draw it once was – LDAC would be excellent
Nothing's products look and feel more premium

The design of the Sony WF-C710N is fine rather than groundbreaking, and the feature set is good, although 360 Reality Audio support is not the big draw it once was.

Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Sony WF-C710N?

Buy them if...

You need great ANC for budget money
These earbuds are some of the most gifted at noise-nixing as I've tried for the money, thanks to that new mic array.

You like earbuds that pause the music when you take one out
The WF-C710N now have wearer detection, and you love to see it.

Don't buy them if...

You prioritize on-ear volume control
You can do it, but you still need to press each bud four times quickly to get an incremental increase or decrease. It's a bit much.

You're expecting buds the same size as the C700N
There's a difference: the C710N are a little bigger and heavier owing to that extra mic and capacitive touch plate

You want LDAC
No dice, sadly. You'll need to look to Nothing's Ear (a)

Sony WF-C710N review: Also consider

How I tested the Sony WF-C710N

Tested for two weeks, compared against the Sony WF-C700N and Technics EAH-AZ100
Used in the office, walking through London, on a train, and at home
Listened to Apple Music Lossless tracks, Qobuz, Deezer and Spotify on an iPhone 12 Pro and a MacBook Pro

As always when testing portable earbuds, the Sony WF-C710N became my musical companions for two weeks – after a thorough 48-hour run-in period.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: April 2025

Samsung folds a London bus to promote its new foldables

8:00 pm | July 24, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: London | Comments: Off

Earlier today, Samsung made the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 available to buy across the world, following their official introduction on July 10. To celebrate the start of sales, the company has resorted to a pretty unorthodox campaign over in the UK, where it's folded an iconic red London bus to promote its new foldable smartphones. The folded bus is part of a bigger Fold Town art project which also includes a folded bench, lamppost, and iconic red telephone box. Also as part of the campaign, the Old Street Underground station has temporarily been renamed to Fold Street. The...

JBL Live Beam 3 review: a strong case for stellar earbuds that easily outlast the rest

7:30 pm | June 29, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: LDAC, London, Sony Xperia | Comments: Off

JBL Live Beam 3: Two-minute review

There are lots of great options on our guide to the best noise-cancelling earbuds, but there's one feature that none of those excellent buds offer: a screen on the case. And the screen on the JBL Live Beam 3 is so much more fun than the display of its predecessor, because now you can select a lock-screen wallpaper from any of the photos stored on your paired smartphone, and the image will even flip so it stays the right way up (so all your friends can see it) when you snap open the case.

I still wouldn't describe it as a must-have – it still feels as if JBL could deliver greater more through this touchscreen, since it still doesn't present functionality that your smartwatch can, for example – but given the fact that to tweak the volume by tapping the buds results in the loss of either playback control or ANC profile-scrolling (you don't have to sacrifice anything using the box), it's certainly useful. In addition, the lock-screen wallpaper personalization feature is a nice touch.

However, the real improvements here aren't to do with the screen. No, the real star here is the improved audio quality. It's typically Harman curve-esque and meaty – but in the best way. There's an expansive soundstage; there's dynamic agility; there's cohesion across the frequencies this time around.

Plus, battery life is excellent at up to 12 hours from the earbuds alone, minus noise cancellation, or 10 hours with it engaged (and nearer nine with adaptive ANC on –more on the efficacy of this later). The case, too, delivers three further charges, taking your total audio playback time up to a class-leading 48 hours. For clarity, Apple's priciest Pro-suffixed AirPods only deliver 5.5 hours with its top-tier Spatial Audio deployed, or a maximum of 30 hours including the case.

The JBL Live Beam 3 also boast a very well-rounded feature set, including auto-off when you remove one bud, a fit test, multipoint connectivity, plus a few novel bits and pieces – including "Personi-Fi", where a detailed hearing test of each ear enables you to better tailor the sound to your liking.

I wasn't convinced by the spatial audio profiles, which is a shame, since JBL has offered a total of three immersive soundscapes for music, movies and games. If you're expecting sonic articles in a three-dimensional space here, you'll be disappointed – and although the ANC is fine, it isn't about to challenge Sony or Bose in the supreme bubble-of-silence stakes. Yes, low-level constants are massaged (my microwave humming away didn't filter through, for example), but the sound of cars outside simply floating away wasn't quite there.

One truly valuable addition few competitors offer is something JBL is calling Smart Talk. It lowers the volume of your music and activates JBL's TalkThru mode as soon as you speak, then resumes to normal service either five, 15 or 20 seconds after you've stopped. It's a great little feature because you don't have to touch the buds to engage it – for example, when someone in the office wants to know where that report is. And, of course, if you don't like it, it's easy enough to toggle it off in the JBL Headphones app.

The fit is great, the battery is seemingly never-ending and, honestly, the JBL Beam 3 quickly became my go-to earbuds for confident, banging, thumping bass – and given my qualms over the audio in previous stablemates, it's a big leap forward for JBL, for which I commend the company.

For the price, JBL offers a very reasonable sound-per-pound proposition here. Having said that, the price in the UK is currently £179.99 – not the initially reported £149.99. Nevertheless, the JBL Beam 3 still represent value for money, particularly if stamina is a priority in noise-cancelling earbuds.

JBL LIve Beam 3 on starry blanket — (Image credit: Future)

JBL Live Beam 3 review: Price & release date

Unveiled January 2024 (but only available to buy from June 3, 2024)
Priced $199.95 / £179.99 / AU$249

The keen-eyed will note that the prices above mean the JBL Live Beam 3 (thus called because of the "beams", or stems attached) retail for $50, £50 or AU$100 cheaper than the screen-on-case-enhanced earbuds they effectively replace, the JBL Tour Pro 2.

The Live Beam 3 are actually one of three earbuds propositions with cases that JBL unveiled simultaneously in January 2024. The Live 3 range comprises the Buds, Flex and Beam, the latter of which we're reviewing here. The Buds 3 look most like standard earbuds; the Flex 3 are akin to the shape of regular Apple AirPods, with a stick design but no silicone tip that sits in the ear canal; and the Beam 3 are similar to Apple's AirPods Pro, with a stick design plus an in-ear fit and ear tips.

All three options boast JBL's smart screen case, True Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio, JBL Spatial Sound, LDAC Hi-Res Audio for compatible phones, multi-point connectivity, wireless charging, and six external mics to facilitate noise cancellation and to help with calls. Also, all are similarly priced.

There are a few differences to quickly scoot through: Buds and Beam are certified IP55 for water-resistance, while the Flex are IP54; the Buds and Beam have 10mm dynamic drivers compared to 12mm for the Flex; and the quoted battery life is up to 40 hours on the Buds, 48 on the Beam, and 50 on the Flex (for the buds and case combined).

A picture of a seal on the JBL Live Beam 3's lock-screen — Want a photo of a judgemental seal on your case? Have it… (Image credit: Future)

JBL Live Beam 3 review: Specs

Becky Scarrott dancing, in a lock-screen on the JBL Live Beam 3 — Or how about a dramatic dance shot by Peter Mares? (Image credit: Peter Mares (Avid Images))

JBL Live Beam 3 review: Features

Excellent call quality features
Personal amplification and Personi-Fi add value
The case – you can't ignore it

JBL has thrown everything it has at these earbuds – and that's putting the charging case to one side for a moment, concentrating on the various audio augmentations and fixes instead.

Call-handling is ace, thanks in no small part to the numerous options you have available to enhance the experience, including Sound Level Optimiser, which balances the volume of the voice on the other end of the line; Sound Setting, with which you can increase the bass or treble of that voice, or keep things "natural"; Voice Setting, which is the same thing, but for your own voice; VoiceAware, which is a slider to control how much of your own voice you'd like to hear during calls; and Private Call Mode, which actually lets you remove one bud and use it as a mic, so you might lower your voice a little and keep the convo private. During tests, the majority of folk on the other end said that I sounded as if I was just talking on the phone – which certainly can't be said of every set of earphones I've ever tested.

This level of attention to detail continues across the board. You have six EQ presets or the option to create your own, plus Adaptive EQ for real-time adjustments, with the option of toggling on "Low Volume EQ" to boost highs and lows, even if you're listening at low volumes. There's even "Leakage Compensation", to sort the sonics if the tips you've fitted don't offer an optimal seal.

The ANC has similar scope. Deploy ANC (over Ambient Aware, TalkThru or off all together) and you can customize functionality by toggling Adaptive ANC – which adjusts the level of cancellation based on your surroundings – and Auto Compensation, which adjusts things based on your ear canal and wearing status once more.

But we're not done: if you switch Adaptive ANC off, you're presented with a slider that offers seven increments of noise-nixing, irrespective of your location. On paper, it sounds exceptional – and in reality it's good. The seventh level nixes most low-level thrums happily; it certainly doesn't color or negatively impact the presentation. Nevertheless, I think Adaptive is the way to go, because I felt it did a fair job of making adjustments when I was at the beach, on the street, and at home. Does it lower the noise floor in your noggin as deftly as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or the AirPods Pro 2 can? Not quite. And that goes for the JBL Beam 3's spatial audio profiles (movies, music or gaming have been supplied), too. Things feel a little warmer, more bass-centric and cosier for sure; but it isn't the eyebrow-raising, bullets-over-my-head performance I might have dreamt of.

That's the reason I knocked half a star off the score for this section, but I maintain that there's still so much here to love – and I haven't even spoken about Personi-Fi yet! This involves a lengthy hearing test of ever-quieter tones at various frequencies dealt to each ear (after an initial fit test). But it's worth it.

After the tests, you're presented with a written report, which offers a mini verdict on the compensation required for each ear and the option to "have a try" by toggling it on and off. Suffice to say, it's not just parlour tricks or fun graphics (although there is one); it does genuinely make the music ever-so-slightly more detailed, the leading edges of notes more impactful, and the overall presentation is layered with greater precision – to my ears, at any rate. I tended to deploy this, but leave spatial audio to one side when wearing the JBL Live Beam 3.

Lastly, to the case. I used it much more than I did when testing the JBL Tour Pro 2. It's responsive and far easier to navigate than the previous iteration, plus you can hide features you won't use in the app – the flashlight feature is fun, but it essentially just turns the screen a bright white; my iPhone's torch feature is better. I also really liked the lock-screen wallpaper. Yes, it might be the high-tech equivalent of a Polaroid sticker on your earbuds case; but so what? We're allowed to want that.

Features score: 4.5/5

JBL Live Beam 3's JBL Headphones app, three screen-grabs showing smart charging case settings — (Image credit: JBL )

JBL Live Beam 3 review: Sound quality

LDAC tracks are beautifully relayed
Bass is resolute; treble well handled
Greatly improved audio

No matter what you listen to, the JBL Live Beam 3 will sound rather good, but it seems a shame to listen to lowly compressed Spotify streams when Sony's LDAC (from a compatible device – a Sony Xperia smartphone, for instance) is on the menu with these JBLs. Apple Music tracks are handled with zeal and flair, as are my trusted Qobuz tracks.

Melissa Etheridge's' I'm the Only One is a bass-walking, axe-talking country romp. Etheridge's textured vocal is central and emotive in a mix that shines a light on each solo, riff or musical passage; it will have you dancing wherever you listen to it.

Baby Lasagna's Rim Tim Tagi Dim is a tough ask for the driver-snap, dynamic nuance and musical cohesion in any set of earbuds, but the JBL Live Beam 3 don't shy away from it. This is techno, and it can easily be muddied in lesser earbuds. Here, though, I felt every cymbal as it darted from my left to right ear, but never at the expense of the vocal.

The JBL Live Beam 3 are able to unearth an extra ounce of detail through the strummed guitars and vocal in Noah Kahan's acoustic Stick Season, too, and the fact that I was tapping my foot along is proof that the timing here and agility through the low end is greatly improved over the JBL Tour Pro 2, which I felt were a tad treble-centric, even tinny on occasion.

The sound is typically JBL at its best again, and you love to see it – sonically, they're a big hit. Want big, exuberant sound that knows when to deliver large, but also when to pull back just a little, allowing the detail to shine through? That's the sonic recipe the JBL Beam 3 present – and I like it for the money.

Sound quality score: 5/5

JBL Live Beam 3, showing an incoming call, case held in a hand with red fingernails — The multi-function button on the WF-C700N beats any capacitive touch option I've tried. (Image credit: Future)

JBL Live Beam 3 review: Design

Earpieces fit snugly and securely
On-ear functions require compromise
The case is very likeable

I found these earbuds easy to wear – despite my small ears. However, it's worth noting that the Live Beam 3's earpiece design does sit rather far into your ear canals. Those who find this type of fit claustrophobic – think AirPods Pro 2 – may want to look at JBL's other designs, although I can't vouch for those. Again, it won't be an issue for most, just worth noting.

The on-ear touch functions respond well and can be customised, but this does lead me to a minor negative: you need to ditch a set of functions. To explain, your command options are Playback Control, Ambient Sound Control, and Volume Control, but you have only two ears – and only two earbuds to assign jobs to. I often criticize earbuds that don't offer a way to tweak the volume of music without having to dig out a phone (or ask Siri); while the JBL Beam 3 do offer volume control, assigning that to the left earbud and Playback Control to the right meant I had to forego on-ear ANC. Yes, the touchscreen enabled me to quickly access the ANC, Ambient or TalkThru modes (although not the extra adaptive toggles), but at this level I don't think it's churlish to expect your earbuds to be able to handle all three – because other options, such as the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100, do.

However, that's where the criticism ends; because the case is very fun. Where the JBL Tour Pro 2 felt like a prototype, the JBL Beam 3 feel every millimeter a second-gen upgrade. They've been refined, made more sleek – and more svelte, too. Yes, the case is still deeper than your average case at 3.25cm (or just over one-and-a-quarter inches) thick, but the little lanyard spot on the top right (as you look at the screen) is quite delightful – because you've now got lock-screen wallpaper to show off.

The build quality of this case feels resoundingly expensive – and I maintain that Apple is watching from afar, to implement in future AirPods designs. And while the screen isn't an essential yet for functionality, the resolution, responsiveness and brightness – which can be adjusted; you get three levels – is spot on.

Design score: 4/5

JBL Live Beam 3 review: Value

Exceptional battery life; great sound
The classy finish feels expensive
Spatial audio performance is the only issue

The JBL Live Beam 3's battery life, sound quality (with its smorgasbord of customisations), build and finish are more than worthy of the money here. And the noise cancellation will please all but the most picky of noise-nixers. Oh, and you also get a screen – which in no way affects the stellar stamina.

My only real gripes are the compromises relating to on-ear functionality, plus the somewhat disappointing spatial audio trio JBL offers here. If you're after buds that are great for movies, for example, I'd point you to the (much more expensive) Sonos Ace headphones, or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.

But given the competitive asking price of the JBL Live Beam 3 (the Bose alternative listed above cost $299 / £299 / AU$449, which is $100 / £120 or AU$200 more than the JBLs), there's so, so much still to enjoy for the money.

Value score: 5/5

Should I buy the JBL Live Beam 3?

Buy them if...

Don't buy them if...

JBL Live Beam 3 review: Also consider

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100
Another pricier option (although not as pricy as the Bose), but the ANC here is very good indeed – as is the sound quality. And to top it all off, you also get the option of Matt Berry on voice prompts (his "Waiting to pair!" is the best you've ever heard). No screen on the case, mind, and the overall aesthetic is far more shy and retiring.
Make your choice by reading our Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review

How I tested the JBL Live Beam 3

JBL Live Beam 3 held in a hand with red fingernails — (Image credit: Future)

Tested for two weeks; listened against the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100, AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Used at work (in the office, walking through London, on a train), at home and on the beach
Listened to Tidal Masters, Apple Music Lossless tracks and Spotify on an iPhone 13 Pro, a Sony Xperia 1 V and a MacBook Pro

The JBL Live Beam became my musical companions for two weeks – after a thorough 48-hour run-in period (during which I loaded many lock-screen wallpaper options to the case).

They accompanied me to work on weekdays (walking brusquely to the station; on the London Underground network; at the office), and throughout a week in Dorset, with regular trips along the promenade and to the beach at low tide – which is a great way to test any wind-interference from mics during calls.

To better test the comfort levels and security of the JBL Live Beam 3, I wore them to the gym – and they certainly did not budge during training.

To check the audio quality across the frequencies, I listened to various playlists (spanning everything from classical to crunk) on Apple Music, Qobuz and Tidal, but also to podcasts and albums on Spotify – and YouTube tutorials (mostly about soldering sterling silver bezels to make jewelry from the sea glass collected at the beach, if you're curious) on my MacBook Pro.

I’ve been testing audio products for over five years now. As a dancer, aerialist and musical theater performer in another life, sound quality, fit and the user experience have always taken priority for me – but having heard how wonderful ANC can be when done well, I know what to look for.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: June 2024

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review: the best earbuds prompts in the business with excellent ANC too

11:00 am | May 18, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: ANC, London | Comments: Off

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100: Two-minute review

The Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 are what the fans were waiting for. Prior to their release, Cambridge Audio's excellent earbuds couldn't join the ranks of the best noise-cancelling earbuds for one simple reason: the UK audio specialist's true wireless buds sounded fantastic, but they didn't have the necessary antiphase noise-nixing tech onboard to offer active noise cancellation. And that is because Cambridge Audio prefers to focus on excellent audio quality (and long may that last by the way).

But times have changed. While Melomania will never cease to mean 'crazy about music', the British company has conceded that the people are also crazy about active noise cancellation. And if Cambridge is going to offer ANC, it's going to do it right. Although you can't tweak its splendid noise cancelling profile any further than 'On', 'Off' or 'Transparency', when it's on, the ANC here is as effective at cancelling low-level noise as you could wish for, cocooning me in a bubble of near-silence and keeping the footsteps around my desk (plus my own tap-tap-tapping of the laptop keys upon which I bring you this review) barred from that bubble.

The transparency profile is less useful, with a bit too much audible feedback and a near-constant quiet hiss, even in quiet environments, to be a wholly pleasant experience. But a less-than-perfect transparency mode is a minor shortfall I'm prepared to accept when the noise nixing is this good.

Multi-point connectivity is baked in here, as is aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive for higher-resolution audio (if you've got a decent, paid-for music streaming subscription and files up to 24bit/96kHz to serve them), and the battery life, at up to 10 hours from the buds and a total of 23 with ANC on, or 16 hours from the buds and 36 with ANC off, is exceptional. The build quality is also bang-on, with a far more ergonomic driver housing than the bullet-shaped Melomania 1 Plus.

There's no device-agnostic spatial audio special side-sauce or fit tests and I'm not surprised. I can hear Cambridge Audio's engineers reaffirm the choice to offer "as few opportunities as possible to muck around with your music – we like a clean sound", as they did at the launch of the excellent CXN100 Network Player in January 2024. And you know what? I really don't mind, because the sound in these earbuds is expansive, detailed, nuanced, clean, neutral and immersive enough all by itself. That said, Cambridge will let you select one of six EQ presets, or create a custom one of your own – with a seven-point EQ parametric tab.

Call handling is also very good, thanks to the Qualcomm's three mic cVc (or Clear Voice Capture) solution, designed to separate your voice from environmental noise, which works very well indeed.

I should mention that the case is a little big – again, I'm OK with this more substantial box given the excellent stamina, sound quality and ANC. Also, they're perhaps $50 or £40 pricier than the direct competition. Are they worth it? It all comes down to whether you prioritise sound quality above all else in a true wireless design. For me, the Melomania M100 represent sound-per-pound value – but if you want fit tests, tailored otoacoustic hearing profiles and other whistles and bells, you won't want these.

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review: Price and release date

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 one earbud, held in a hand — The ergonomic earpieces are a hit (Image credit: Future)

Released on March 27, 2024
Priced at $219 / £169 / AU$299

The Cambridge Audio M100 aren't as cheap as the Melomania 1 Plus earbuds they succeed, which had a launch price of $139.95 / £119.95 / about AU$185 – although their price has dropped significantly since that.

At £169 (about $219 / AU$326) they're still considerably more affordable than AirPods Pro 2, which typical sell for $249 / £249 / AU$399. While you could argue that Apple sets a pretty high bar and most brands undercut that pricing, that's not necessarily true in 2024. Consider Bose's $299 / £299 / AU$449 Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Sennheiser's March 2024 $299 / £259 / AU$479 Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 or Technics' EAH-AZ80, also at $299 / £259 / AU$499. See? For the level, Cambridge Audio has actually priced these earbuds competitively.

What you need to know is that while there's plenty of flagship talent here, they actually come in slightly under flagship money. The Melomania M100 are not as affordable as the excellent Nothing Ear (a), for example, but the Nothing buds are an entry-level proposition – a great proposition, but missing just one or two of the flagship features you'll find in their top-tier Nothing Ear counterparts.

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review: Specs

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review: Features

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 case, held in a hand — The case is a little large, but it's perfectly pocketable and honestly, I don't mind its dimensions one bit (Image credit: Future)

Great active noise cancellation and app support
Excellent battery life
Use the 'Southwark' Audible Feedback profile

The fact that Cambridge Audio has included active noise-cancellation (ANC) plus a Transparency mode is big news, because it's a first for the UK audio outfit's Melomania lineup – but the even bigger news is, the noise nixing works really well. At my desk, I'm living in a bubble of near-silence akin to that afforded by the AirPods Pro 2, and that's not a statement I make lightly.

You're also getting Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio, aptX Lossless for CD-like audio quality, Auracast (for when broadcast audio-sharing comes to our airports and waiting rooms), plus the more efficient LC3 codec.

Call handling is a breeze using the Melomania M100's three mics per earpiece (kitted out with cVc echo-cancelling and noise suppression tech from Qualcomm) and the battery life here is very impressive, with a possible 52 hours from the buds and charging case combined – because you get 16 hours from the buds alone if you keep ANC turned off. For clarity, the AirPods Pro 2 last 'just' nine hours with ANC off (I know this because I tested it myself).

Melomania Connect is the M100's capable (and newly updated) companion app, which opens the door to additional features such as the ability to customise the on-ear controls to your liking, six EQ presets plus a seven-band graphic equaliser so you can create your own, wearer detect to pause audio when you remove one, mono audio (if you've given one bud to a friend), a sleep mode (which disables all touch controls and voice prompts until you put them back in their case) a gaming mode to reduce latency when watching videos and my favorite, the chance to select what Cambridge calls 'Audible feedback'. This, it turns out, means the person talking to you in your headphones about pairing status, noise cancellation and so on. Scroll down to 'Southwark' in this tab and you hear none other than the actual Matt Berry (What We do in the Shadows; Toast of London; The IT Crowd). And that, truly, is an ace up Cambridge Audio's sleeve. If you don't believe me, just spend a few moments setting up multipoint.

There’s no special spatial audio processing (which doesn't surprise me given Cambridge Audio's thoughts on keeping music authentic and as the artist intended), but some users may miss the fit tests and even tailored profiles based on your hearing offered by the Denon PerL Pro and Nothing's new Ear (a), to name just two products that offer it – because you won't find these in the M100.

Features score: 4/5

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review: Sound quality

Cambridge Audio M100 in their case, held in a hand — It's all about black with more black here, unless you get a limited edition set… (Image credit: Future)

Expansive, detailed presentation
Sublime clarity across the frequencies
Just a shade off excellent for dynamic nuance

You can of course listen to lossy Spotify tracks using the Melomania M100, but Cambridge Audio's focus has long been sound quality and as such, you might want to treat these buds to some higher-resolution Apple Music, Qobuz or Tidal streams. Also when you do, there's so much to love.

When streaming The Bangles' Eternal Flame, Susanna Hoffs' stunningly understated vocal is given a few inches more space to shine than I'm used to at this level, and backing vocals arrive in each ear with surprising texture and clarity through the lower mids. Travis Scott's FE!N is immersive as synths dart between each ear, proving that the M100 aren't afraid to drop low and get grimy either.

Belle and Sebastian's She's Losing It is another sonic delight for neutrality and detail in each musical passage; you'll feel as if you learned a bit about this Glaswegian indie band's use of strings and additional voices after a session with the Melomania M100.

Sam Smith's Unholy reveals a minor shortfall in terms of dynamic nuance though. The M100s still serve up a detailed and cohesive mix, but I'm missing an extra ounce of the spirited rise and fall that typifies the track. This is a song that grabs you from the get-go, with a full choral recital of the main theme followed by a moment of silence before the bass-riff drops. It's just not quite as ear-grabbing, zealous or petulant as I've heard prior to now.

Again, it's a long way from an actual issue – and many listeners will prefer the expansive, integrated, detailed, thoughtful presentation of the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100. I adore listening to Melissa Etheridge's I Want to Come Over with these earbuds, since I can hear her particular method of approaching guitar strings in ballads and the beautiful, imperfect textures in her vocal at times, but if you tend to listen to hip-hop and grime tracks on the commute, you may just yearn for a little extra oomph.

Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review: Design

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 held in a hand — (Image credit: Future)

Ergonomic, secure and comfortable earpieces
On-ear controls work well
Case is a little big

These are easily the most comfortable Melomania earbuds ever made. The buds slip easily into my shell-likes with none of the tiresome twist-and-lock screwing them in some earbuds require. At 6.65g per bud, they're not particularly light given the competition (Sony's LinkBuds S weigh just 4.8g, for example), but they're beautifully well-weighted and the design feels like it wants to hug your ear and stay put, which is always helpful.

OK, the case is on the large side, plastic, and other options look a little more premium for the price, but it is perfectly durable and pocketable. Unless you're lucky enough to bag a limited edition How High pair (which comes in a bright yellow and black color scheme – a nod to the music video for The Charlatans' hit How High, in which singer Tim Burgess wore a bright yellow jacket) the M100 is available in black with more black only, so if you wanted something in white or silver, you won't find it here.

That's not to say I don't like the design; I do. The central touch-capacitive 'button' (you don't actually have to depress it) on the top plate of each driver housing is easy to find has a nice tactile edge to it and is a chic nod to Cambridge Audio's circle-within-a-circle logo. The controls also work very well indeed and each function can be toggled on or off if you won't use it. I like that I can have Matt Berry announcing the ANC profiles when I tap the left earbud, while play-and-pause is a single tap of the right, and the on-ear volume control is handled by a long press of either bud (left to decrease; right to increase) which is always the best solution I find – because perfecting three or four taps so that your earbuds actually understand and respond accordingly is a big ask.

Design score: 4.5/5

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review: Voice prompts

Select 'Southwark' and you get Matt Berry
No really, it's actually Matt Berry

In case it hasn't been mentioned enough (and I feel it can never be overstated, so sub editor, please leave this in), by heading to the 'Audible feedback' tab in the app, scrolling all the way to the bottom and selecting the unassuming 'Southwark' option, the dulcet tones of Matt Berry will greet your ear. He'll serve up delectable vocal morsels such as "Device one, connected" or "Waiting to pair" depending on how you're using them, in addition to the standard "Noise cancelling", "Normal" or "Transparency" and if you're a fan of Matt Berry's sizeable oeuvre, it's priceless. It's almost like having Steven Toast at your beck and call. ("Hello Steven, can you hear me? It's Clem Fandango…")

Voice prompts score: 6/5

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review: Value

As feature-packed as any earbuds has any business being for the money
A no-brainer for Tidal members
Unbeatable for comfort and sound-quality at the level

For features, noise cancellation and sound quality, these are a compelling set of earbuds – but them and you will not be disappointed with the levels of detail in your music and the near-silence they'll add as a backdrop if you want it.

The AirPods Pro 2 will give you a little more dynamic zeal, and Denon's PerL Pro will offer hearing tests and tailored sonic profiles. That said, both rivals will charge you a little more for it.

Cambridge Audio's focus here has been on detail, clarity and effective ANC. If those requirements are top of your list, these may well be the buds for you.

Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100?

Buy them if...

Don't buy them if...

Cambridge Audio M100 review: Also consider

How I tested the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100

Tested for two weeks, listened against the Technics EAH-AZ80, AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Used at work (in the office; walking through London; on a train) and at home
Listened to Tidal, Apple Music Lossless, Qobuz tracks and Spotify on an iPhone 12 Pro, a Samsung Galaxy S22 and a MacBook Pro

It will come as no surprise to learn that the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 became my musical companions for two weeks – after a thorough 48-hour run-in period. How else am I to test them?

They accompanied me to work on weekdays walking (and on more than one occasion, running) to the station; boarding a train and on the London Underground; at the office. They also stayed in my ears during long walks on the UK's Jurassic Coast, in Dorset – a great way to test any wind-interference from mics during calls.

To better test the battery life and comfort levels of the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100, I wore them throughout the working day and into a yoga class in the evening – and they outlasted my working day by some distance.

To test the audio quality across the frequencies, I listened to our reference playlist but also my own music (spanning everything from country to classical) on Apple Music, Qobuz and Tidal, but also to podcasts and albums on Spotify – and YouTube tutorials (mostly about silversmithing, if you're curious) from my MacBook Pro.

I’ve been testing audio products for over five years now. As a dancer, aerialist and musical theater performer in another life, sound quality, fit and the user experience have always taken priority for me personally – but having heard how wonderful ANC can be when done well, I know what to look for.

First reviewed: May 2024

Testing Airalo and Yesim travel eSIMs in London

9:10 pm | March 30, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: London | Comments: Off

Traveling is synonymous with planning and for us here at GSMArena, that also includes figuring out how to deal with roaming fees when we step abroad as we need an uninterrupted internet connection at all times. With embedded-SIM (eSIM) support now widely available on phones, tablets, and smartwatches picking up a travel data plan is a quick and easy process and we got the chance to test out travel eSIM plans from Airalo and Yesim during a week-long trip to London. The convenience of downloading a travel eSIM plan and then having instant mobile data as soon as you get off the plane...

Nothing Phone (2a) unboxed in London

1:00 pm | February 27, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: London | Comments: Off

Nothing’s teaser campaign for the Phone (2a) is still going on as the latest round of hype gives us an AR unboxing of the device. Nothing's marketing team has placed Phone (2a) posters around London and a specific one near Old Street has the device’s new camera and a fancy AR rendition of the device in its retail box. An unboxing like no other. Phone (2a) just dropped in London.Launching 5 March. pic.twitter.com/7hcb4ELYMG— Nothing (@nothing) February 26, 2024 This is our first official Phone (2a) look from Nothing, even though we’ve already seen leaked renders that confirmed the...

Status Between 3ANC review: stunning and with solid ANC, but forget tailoring

1:00 pm | August 19, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: ANC, EQ, London, Sony Xperia | Comments: Off

Status Between 3ANC: Two-minute review

How to differentiate yourself in a sea of Apple AirPods impersonators? Create a bold, angular, wide-stemmed design in "bone", with easy on-ear volume that could never be mistaken for an Apple product – that's how. Then, pack the earpieces with three drivers per earbud (dual-balanced armature drivers; one 10mm dynamic driver) and add six mics in total, dotted around the striking design, to boast a whopping 38dB of active noise cancellation.

It's a compelling proposition. That last claim alone makes these some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds on the market. If all you want to know is whether that noise-nixing assertion holds water, we don't mind spilling the tea early: it does. You can only choose "on" or "off" mind, but when the ANC toggle is switched to on, the rest of the world all but melts away – yes, it's that good. Also, they're surprisingly comfortable and the sound quality is more than acceptable; big, expansive and zealous, although lacking an extra ounce of dynamic sensitivity.

This New York outfit says it never compromises on the drivers within its products – and it shows. Battery life is also highly competitive, at eight hours with ANC switched on (the same as that offered by the new Sony WF-1000XM5) and 30 hours in the case (which betters the 24-hour total in Sony's latest progeny). Plus, it's nice to see wireless charging and an IPX5 water-resistance rating on the spec-sheet, too.

The thing is, gazing at this same spec sheet (and the companion app), you can't help but notice a few omissions. There are no fit or hearing tests; no branded, spatial audio side-sauce such as 360 Reality Audio, THX, Dolby or Dirac; no sound zones; no auto-off and no voice-enhancing sidetone or "Hear My Voice" tech during calls.

Status Between 3ANC earbud held in hand — The bud may look an oddly sharp shape, but the Status are very comfortable (Image credit: Future)

Neither do you get LDAC, aptX Low Latency or, in fact, support for any of the higher-resolution Bluetooth codecs, which is a shame. However, you do get multi-point connectivity to two devices, which works well.

All of this leaves us with a strange proposition. These are some of the best wireless headphones in certain aspects: specifically, active noise cancellation, in a unique design that's also comfortable and includes easy on-ear volume tweaks. In addition, sonically, the eight-band EQ customisation tab is one of the most responsive and useful I've ever tried.

Build quality and security are spot on; I actually had compliments about them while out and about, which is a first. Also, even the shiny lower part of the stems refuses to collect fingerprints. The thing is, that excellent ANC isn't adaptable beyond "on" or "off", and neither is the Ambient profile – which certainly works, but does add a little warmth to your music.

The wireless connection to our various devices never faltered, and when watching movies, we experienced very little lag, which makes these Status earbuds a perfectly viable and solid proposition. But Status has billed these flagship earbuds as "supreme triple-driver acoustics, now with ALL the bells & whistles" – but compared to the class-leaders at this level, a few extra accoutrements are missing.

Whether or not you care when the ANC is this good is up to you, though…

Status Between 3ANC earbuds in their case, on colorful background — The earbuds slip into their case easily, tails first, which feels reassuringly secure (Image credit: Future)

Status Between 3ANC review: Price & release date

Released on April 12, 2023
$249 (approx. £249 / AU$399)

The Status Between 3ANC earbuds arrived in April 2023 with a premium price tag of $249. This is a fair price hike over the April 2021 Status Between Pro they succeed, which launched at $169 / £120 (around AU$235).

At the time of writing, we're still waiting to hear when the Status Between 3ANC will be released in the UK and Australia.

The keen-eyed will note that Sony's flagship WF-1000XM5 launched just after, priced just a little higher, at $299.99 / £259 / AU$499 – but there isn't a lot in it, and both parties know it. Status is trying to play with the big boys, over that there can be no mistake.

At this level, other rivals include the excellent Technics EAH-AZ80 (which boast triple-device connectivity and some of the best call quality we've ever experienced) and, of course, the five-star Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, still sitting pretty as some of the best earbuds for active noise cancellation we've had the pleasure of testing.

Status Between 3ANC earbuds out of their case, on colorful background — The neck may look long, but the buds sit securely – with no twisting or constant readjustments necessary (Image credit: Future)

Status Between 3ANC review: Specs

Status Between 3ANC app, showing three screens — The app is uncluttered and the eight-band EQ tab is a joy, but it does seem a little feature-light compared to rivals (Image credit: Future / Status)

Status Between 3ANC review: Features

Solid, efficient; does-what-it-says-it-will ANC
Good call quality
No auto-off or scope for on-ear control tweaks

It might be more prudent to list what you're not getting here. There's no support for higher-resolution codecs or special spatial audio sauce (Sony's Tidal upscaler, 360 Reality Audio – aka 24 object-based channels arranged in a 360-degree soundstage, is off the menu, for example), and so your Spotify tracks will be just that – as good as 320kbps can sound.

Also, you'll find the Status app perfectly acceptable and clean, but devoid of tutorial, fit-test, auto-off, in-call vocal enhancements, or scope to alter the on-ear touch controls. In fact, said app is essentially just three pages: a homepage, Headphones page and a firmware update screen. The homepage provides a nice picture of your product along with battery status. There are two toggles for ANC or Ambient Sound Mode – and despite our eagerness to tell you how good the noise cancellation is when deployed, on or off is your lot in terms of tailoring.

Under this, you'll see a Sound Mode tab. Click it and you're off two the second screen, to select between "Status Signature", "Status Audiophile", "Original Between Pro" (for fans of the older-generation model, presumably) or a custom EQ setting of your choosing. Of the presets, the third option is the warmest – and, for some, may feel just a tiny bit fuzzy around the lower registers. Audiophile and Signature will suit different ears and are genuinely fun to experiment with, although it would be nice to see a visual representation of them on the eight-band tab you get when choosing your own.

The third screen is purely for firmware updates and will likely tell you you're all set. Hardly extensive and exhaustive, is it?

Luckily, what the Status Between 3ANC do, they do very well indeed. There's a small physical button on the top of each earbud that switches between Ambient or ANC modes (switching both off is only possible via the app; it's announced vocally, too); but a tap of either bud's main upper stem, above the driver housing, easily plays or pauses your music. Double-tapping skips back or forward, depending on which bud you tap, and my favourite feature is a press-hold of either bud, which ups or lowers the volume.

It may sound a simple feature, but the fact that volume tweaks are easy, reliable and don't require the mastering of four-tap morse code skills (Sony WF-1000XM5, I'm looking at you) to alter loudness is nothing short of joyous. I wish more brands would do this, over prioritising access to our voice assistants. I can't be alone in wanting to alter the volume of my favorite tracks without consulting my phone far more often than I ever want to ask Siri the price of cheese?

Again, though, the most recent Sony proposition offers a choice of 20 increments of Ambient Aware, on a slider, whereas here it's just "on" or "off". And that doesn't really shout "all whistles and bells" to us, splendid although that ANC is.

Features score: 3.5/5

Status Between 3ANC earbud held in hand, above their case — The two-tone top plate looks stylish in an 80s, Jem and the Holograms type of way – and you can adjust volume with a simple hold-press (Image credit: Future)

Status Between 3ANC review: Sound quality

Meaty, immersive listen
Bass can sound fuzzy on occasion – but can be tweaked in the EQ tab
Detail and dynamic build can be bettered by Technics and Sony

As mentioned above, there aren't any higher-resolution codecs onboard here. Nevertheless, there's plenty of bite and excitement from the get-go in an expansive and nicely layered presentation.

It's a meaty and enthusiastic performance when streaming Sean Paul's Gimme the Light, with various additional vocals arriving at each ear in a cohesive performance.

Switch to Aerosmith's Water Song / Janie's Got a Gun, and it's a similar story – up to a point. The 10-second "Water Song" intro (involving a glass harmonica, wind gong and bull-roarers) is accurate across the frequencies, but doesn't build from barely perceptible to quiet and pensive, as it can through more dynamically agile earbuds. These buds are energetic almost to a fault.

And there's a minor shortfall when it comes to the bass, which is a shade off excellent for depth through the leading edges of notes, which means it can come off a little lightweight or fuzzy (tubby would be an overstatement) without EQ adjustment.

When streaming Amaarae's Fancy, the virtual placement of audio through the intro is divine, toying around our chin and throat; but when the beat drops, it's just a shade off excellent for a regimented low-end, until we up the bass through a custom EQ profile. This really does help, but bass-fiends may well need more – and here, the Status buds may fall short.

In direct comparison, the Technics EAH-AZ80 are able to offer a little more clout and depth. For dynamic build (the rise and fall of each musical note) it's also a marginal win for Technics, although that's a more closely run race. That said, for me, the Status Between 3ANC earbuds are incredibly secure and easy to use – and possibly because I have such a great seal betwixt ear tip and ear canal here, the ANC offered by the Status edges it.

Sound quality score: 4/5

Status Between 3ANC review: Design

Striking earpieces – you may get compliments
On-ear volume control is a joy
Rock-solid connectivity

These earbuds fit me very well indeed – and they're striking. If you ever wanted to look like an extra on Jem and the Holograms, these are the buds for you. The smallest size of ear tips and silicone "fitwings" come pre-fitted, and they fit me perfectly; but there's a medium and a large set to choose from, too. Also, because the fitwing (which covers the lower portion of the driver housing and makes it more bulbous if your ear needs that) and the ear tip aren't physically attached, they can be switched around independently as necessary.

Note that these extras are a little tricky to fit, so it's best not to do it on your commute. However, once you get it right, I vouch for the security here.

It's odd that while Status' earbuds are so distinctive, angular and design-conscious, the case is functional and – let's face it– pretty commonplace. Status' squiggle branding doesn't feature on the buds at all (of which I'm grateful), but it does make an appearance atop this box. That said, the case doesn't collect any greasy thumb-prints, it shuts with a reassuring snap, stands up so you can easily charge up wirelessly or using the USB-C port, and it does feature a useful line of three LEDs to denote battery left within it. Does Sony's WF-1000XM5 case look more expensive? No. But the Technics EAH-AZ80 case does.

For me, the earbuds are a joy to wear and use. As mentioned above, but it bears repeating: while you'd have to master four quick taps to either up or lower the volume in Sony's newest flagship earbuds, here a simple hold-press does the job and without any registering tones invading your music. Although it's worth noting that there's no option to turn off the notifications that do feature (mostly where ANC and Ambient are concerned).

The physical buttons on the top edge of each earbud make switching between ANC profiles a certainty rather than guesswork, but more than all of this, the Bluetooth connectivity is rock-solid. Calls? Yes, good. There was a little wind-noise intrusion on a blustery day by the sea, but for the office they'll certainly suffice.

Design score: 5/5

Status Between 3ANC review: Value

ANC is solid – but cannot be tailored
Design-conscious wearers will find value here
Rivals offer a more tailored experience

The simple truth here is that Technics' EAH-AZ80 earbuds, which can be yours for just a little more, will give you simultaneous connectivity to three devices, not two – and with a clean, comprehensive companion app to boot. Also, you'll get voice-isolating tech for calls, an extra mic per earbud, LDAC support, and the option to tailor both the ANC and Ambient levels and the on-ear controls to your heart's content.

Does the Bose QCE II edge it for active noise cancellation in direct comparison? Actually, for me, no – but other members of the team have stuck resolutely to Bose's option because, again, these buds offer a slider to tweak the amount of noise you'll hear, which you won't get with these Status earbuds

The fit is excellent and the sound quality is good – I loved the separation, stereo-imaging and verve – but the bass weight does need a bit of help, and dynamically they're a shade off excellent.

In the end, it comes down to your priorities. Are you prepared to forego fit tests, ANC tweaks, buds that know when you're talking and cut the music, and hearing tests to get solid, dependable noise cancellation in a striking build? Because toggle that ANC on and there's most definitely a fraction of a second where extraneous noise floats off into the ether, leaving you with your playlists. The answer, of course, is known only to each of us – and, luckily, we're all so very different.

Value score: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Status Between 3ANC?

Buy them if...

Don't buy them if...

Status Between 3ANC review: Also consider

How I tested the Status Between 3ANC

Status Between 3ANC earbuds worn by TechRadar's Becky Scarrott, outside — (Image credit: Future)

Tested for two weeks, listened against the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, Sony WF-1000XM5, Technics EAH-AZ80
Used at work (in the office; walking through London; on a train), at home and in Weymouth, Dorset
Listened to Tidal, Apple Music, Qobuz and Spotify streams and downloads on an iPhone XR, Sony Xperia 1 IV and a MacBook Pro

As always when testing earbuds or headphones, one has to invest time and energy. After a thorough 24-hour run-in period, the Status Between 3ANC became my commute and office companions, as well as my musical providers on a trip to the UK coastal town of Weymouth, Dorset.

I wore them throughout the working day and on the busy (read: noisy) London overground train network. I also wore them in an aerial silks class to check what I like to call the "upside-down loss risk".

The Status Between 3ANC came to work on weekdays (walking brusquely to the station; boarding a train and the London Underground; at the office) and for a particularly blustery walk on the Weymouth Dorset promenade – a great way to test any wind-interference from mics during calls.

When testing the audio quality across the frequencies, I listened to various playlists (spanning everything from reggaeton to prog-rock) on Apple Music and Tidal, but also to podcasts and albums on Spotify – and YouTube tutorials (largely on harnessing the power of Chat GPT, if you were curious) from my MacBook Pro.

I’ve been testing audio products for five years now. As a dancer, aerialist and musical theater performer in another life, sound quality, fit and the user experience have always been a priority for me personally. I also know full well the benefits of powerful active noise cancellation when done well.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: August 2023