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CMF By Nothing Buds review: stylish budget earbuds with a vibrant flair
1:00 pm | April 14, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: , | Comments: Off

CMF Buds: Two-minute review

The CMF By Nothing Buds are very cheap for what they offer. At just $39 / £39, it’s predictably too good to be true to expect great Active Noise Cancellation, exceptional sound quality, and all the other things that come from much pricier earbuds. However, there’s a charm to the CMF By Nothing Buds with their minimalist yet attractive case and that extends to use.

They certainly won’t rival most of the best wireless earbuds but among budget buys, there’s a temptation here. The CMF By Nothing Buds sound reasonable if not exceptional. There’s a crispness here but bass is pretty weak and understated. Music won’t stand out here and even the soundstage is a little lackluster but they’re fine for listening on the move.

Similarly, ANC is more about dampening background noise rather than taking a proactive approach, but it’s better than nothing. You’re left being merely impressed that the CMF By Nothing Buds even attempts ANC at this price. There’s also app support, although it’s temperamental. 

Dual-device connectivity and reasonable battery life all add up to make the CMF By Nothing Buds a nice pair of budget buds, even if not the pair you’ll want to live with forever. That’s not bad at all for under $50 / £50, although in an ideal world, you’ll want to invest more into the best noise-cancelling earbuds.

CMF Buds review: Price and release date

The CMF Buds on carpet

(Image credit: Future)
  • Released in March 2024
  • Officially price dat $39 / £39

The CMF By Nothing Buds was released in March 2024 for $39 in the US and £39 in the UK. The Nothing site directs you exclusively to Amazon for online purchases while UK customers can go to the Nothing store in London if they prefer.

The earbuds are available in orange, dark gray, and light gray. Orange is the most eye-catching color and it’s already proving to be the most popular. Typically, the best budget wireless earbuds are usually black or white so being able to get something more distinctive is a nice perk. 

The biggest rival at this price is the JLab Go Air Pop, which is slightly cheaper but lacks ANC. Other than that, you’ll have to pay more for options like the Sony WF-C700N with the budget wireless earbuds market fairly limited when you go this low.

CMF Buds review: Specs

The CMF Buds being held

(Image credit: Future)

CMF Buds review: Features

The CMF Buds control app

(Image credit: Future)
  • Up to 35.5 hours of battery life with ANC disabled
  • Companion app
  • Dual-device connection 

Perhaps surprisingly for the price, the CMF By Nothing Buds cover all the bases for essential features. There’s what Nothing calls dual-device connectivity so you can switch between your devices. There’s app support, ANC, and decent battery life.

The app is a little bit of a mixed bag. It’s simple to use and clearly laid out with options for adjusting the equalizer, activating Ultra Bass which makes things a bit more bossy, along with ANC controls. The issue with the app is that I found it would sometimes forget my earbuds. My phone would happily pair with the CMF By Nothing Buds and then switching over to the app would report an issue so I’d have to re-pair them. It’s not the end of the world but it can be mildly irritating if you just want to change the ANC settings briefly.

The ANC is also pretty poor. It dampens down surrounding noises but never to the point where it isn’t entirely obvious that the noise is there. That goes for whether you have the Transparency mode enabled or you go ‘full’ ANC. I’m not exactly complaining though as efforts are made and at this price, any kind of attempt of blocking out noise is a welcomed thing.

Nothing promises a battery life of up to 35.5 hours via the charging case and 6.5 hours on one 10-minute charge. That seemed about right in my time with it and I had no complaints at all. Diving into the app can always help you see what’s going on with power. As is often the way, Bluetooth 5.3 means no chance of dropouts. 

Features score: 3 / 5

CMF Buds review: Sound quality

A single CMF Bud

(Image credit: Future)
  • Weak ANC 
  • Little quiet 
  • Small soundstage

The CMF By Nothing Buds’s strong point definitely isn’t audio quality. They don’t sound awful but it’s very run-of-the-mill stuff. These aren’t hidden gems to rival the best earbuds. 

Instead, you get a fairly weak aural experience that you’ll have to crank up to enjoy. That’s fine for going for a walk but if you want to hear every crisp note of your favorite songs, you’ll be a bit disappointed. I worked my way through David Guetta’s discography and nothing truly caught my attention. Bass is fairly flimsy and trebles and mids are distinctly weak. Better however was listening to podcasts. Sound is reasonably crisp so voices come through clearly. 

That’s less the case when you’re walking near busy traffic as the CMF By Nothing Buds’s ANC doesn’t do much to block things out. The soundstage also feels pretty narrow so you won’t feel wrapped up in the magic of a hit through these. Even when using the ultra bass setting on the Nothing app, the likes of Muse’s Hysteria struggled to truly grip me.

Sound quality score: 3 / 5

CMF Buds review: Design

The CMF Buds on carpet

(Image credit: Future)
  • Super smooth case
  • Touch controls 
  • Room for a lanyard 

The CMF By Nothing Buds’s case feels like a minor work of art. It’s angular yet smooth and it looks so much cooler on your desk than regular earbud cases. It has a silver sliding circle that moves around to reveal holes for a lanyard. I received a lanyard with my earbuds but these don’t come as standard. Still, it’s easy enough to get hold of your own.

The case isn’t a wireless charging case which is hardly surprising at this price, but it means it’s lightweight and easy to store. The buds themselves are fairly standard and they fit snugly in your ears with a selection of silicone eartips included to get things how you like them.

Each earbud has a touch-sensitive area for controlling things like skipping tracks, answering calls, switching between ANC and Transparency mode. No complaints here. For a change for touch controls, it wasn’t overly easy to activate the controls.

Design score: 4 / 5 

CMF Buds review: Value

The CMF Buds in their case

(Image credit: Future)
  • Cheap for what they offer 
  • Not perfect but appealing 

The CMF By Nothing Buds aren’t perfect at anything but they’re incredibly cheap for earbuds that offer ANC, even if it’s not great. 

In an ideal world, you’d want to spend more and enjoy ANC that actually works well, of course. The likes of the Sony WF-C700N and the JLab Go Air Pop sound better but the former cost a lot more and the latter lack ANC. It all depends what’s most important to you.

Value score: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the CMF Buds?

Buy it if... 

Don't buy it if.. 

CMF Buds review: Also consider

How I tested the CMF Buds

A CMF Bud being held

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested over seven days 
  • Compared to Soundpeats Air4 Pro and Apple AirPods (Pro 2 and 3rd Gen)
  • Listened to Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube videos and Twitch 

Over the lasts even days, I’ve replaced my usual AirPods Pro 2 with the CMF By Nothing Buds. Of course, the price difference is huge so I also reacquainted myself with the more affordable Soundpeats Air4 Pro that I was using fairly recently. 

I used the CMF By Nothing Buds on my daily morning walks. I know the route well enough that I can tell you all the worst places for traffic noises, so it was a good way of seeing how well the buds fended off distractions.

I also used them on a run to see how well they coped with wind and speedy (ish) movement. It was a good test of the Transparency mode in particular so I didn’t have to worry about missing hearing a bike ride past me.

At home, I used the CMF By Nothing Buds to watch Twitch videos and content on YouTube. That went well with my podcast listening to check out how clear voices sounded on them. 

For music, I predominantly listened to Apple Music and Spotify. The iPhone 14 Pro was driving most of that with a MacBook Pro entertaining me with videos. My taste is fairly varied so there was a lot of spoken word content but also Linkin Park, David Bowie, Foo Fighters, and David Guetta.

I’ve reviewed audio products for over 10 years. I might usually use pricier earbuds as my main option but I regularly use cheaper earphones and headphones for work and so I can keep up with the biggest work-related question I’m asked by friends -- ‘do you know of any good cheap earbuds?’.

Jabra Elite 10 review: Dolby Atmos sound in first class comfort
5:24 pm | April 13, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Jabra Elite 10: One-minute review

The Jabra Elite 10 is the Danish brand’s flagship premium wireless earbuds. They're its most expensive pair of headphones to date, borrowing smarts from the company's headset and hearing aid businesses to help it deliver incredibly clear call quality and effective Active Noise Cancellation. 

As its most advanced pair of buds yet, the Elite 10s pack in a lot of premium features, like Dolby Atmos with head tracking and multipoint pairing, in a unique new oval design that sits on the outside of your ears, making them incredibly comfortable – even when wearing them for long periods. 

But being a premium pair of buds means that the Elite 10 has a lot of competition among the best wireless earbuds. When compared to rivals like Sony's, Bose's or Apple's top earbud offerings, it falls short of being the absolute best for sound quality. That said, it's priced slightly less than its closest competitors so if you want comfortable spatial audio while on the go and are not bothered by best-in-class ANC and hi-res audio quality, the Elite 10 could be a great alternative.   

Jabra Elite 10 review: Price and release date

A hand holding the Jabra Elite 10

(Image credit: Future)
  • Announced on August 31, 2023 
  • Became available to buy in September 2023
  • Priced at $249 / £229 / AU$379

Jabra first announced the Elite 10 back in August 2023 alongside a more fitness-focused model called the Jabra Elite 8 Active, which sells for $199 / £199 / AU$329. As its flagship earbuds, the Elite 10 costs more than its sporty offering at $249 in the US, £229 in the UK and AU$379 in Australia. This means it's also more expensive than its predecessor’s, the Elite 7 Pro, launch price of  $199 / £199 / AU$299.    

The jump in cost means the Elite 10s are going head-to-head with the biggest players, but they undercut the competition in the premium market on price. They’re less than both Sony’s WF-1000XM5 ($299 / £259 / AU$499) and the Technics EAH-AZ80 ($299 / £259 / AU$499) that launched at the end of 2023. And they are squarely in line with two premium releases from 2022: Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, which cost $249 / £229 / AU$399 and $199 / £199 / AU$299, respectively, at the time of writing. 

Jabra Elite 10 review: Specs

A pair of headphones on a table next to a DAP

(Image credit: Future)

Jabra Elite 10 review: Features

Three iPhone screenshots of the Jabra Sound+ app

(Image credit: Future)
  • Immersive Dolby Atmos with head tracking 
  • ANC is decent but not best-in-class
  • Crystal clear call quality 

Since launching its first pair of wireless earbuds in 2016, the Elite Sport, Jabra has released seven generations of buds, and the Elite 10 is its most advanced yet. It's the step-up from the Elite 7 Pro, which had targeted the lower to mid-range market but still had premium features like ANC, adjustable EQ settings, an IP57 rating and wireless charging. The Elite 10 builds upon all of its predecessor's features, and Jabra has a few more tricks up its sleeve to make sure it can hold its own among the market’s premium offerings. 

The newest feature to be included in the buds is also a first for Jabra earbuds: support for Dolby Atmos with head tracking. This makes the buds have a wider soundstage when turned on and listening to Atmos content that's like hearing each instrument in a track as if they’re placed all around you. When head tracking is turned on, this virtual soundstage moves with you but I found this to have a slight delay when you readjusted your head to a new position. I found it worked better when watching a show or movie rather than listening to music. Conveniently, you can toggle both spatial audio and head tracking on and off in the Jabra Sound+ app as well as adjust the HearThrough mode, Advanced ANC, EQ settings and more. 

Outside of the app, you can also control the Jabra Elite 10 by pressing the buttons on the buds themselves. Pressing the surface of the left bud will rotate through HearThrough and ANC, while pressing the right can pause and play a song (you can switch to different variations of this in the app). Tapping the right bud twice skips tracks, while holding down either button increases (right) and decreases (left) the volume. Holding down both at the same time also activates pairing mode. 

As for other features, there's also in-ear detection, automatic muting settings, Bluetooth Multipoint pairing for listening to two devices at the same time, voice assistant support that lets you control your buds with voice commands and FindMy for when you've misplaced them. And while the Elite 10's six hours of battery life (21 hours with the case) does outlast Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, it's beat by Sony's WF-1000XM5s.      

One of the biggest standout features for me is the Elite 10's exceptionally clear call quality, especially while out and about, and that’s down to the six mics inside them. Jabra says that the external mics are active all the time, while the internal mics activate when wind is detected. The extra mics make the Elite 10’s call quality far better than the AirPods Pro 2, which only has two mics. Jabra’s Advanced ANC is also on by default during calls to help cancel out unwanted background noises, which is a feature that was improved on in a March 26 software update (Jabra claims that the update helps cancel background noises twice as easily). There's also an adjustable sidetone setting so you can hear your voice more, which is not something we see a lot of. 

Just like Apple’s Adaptive Noise Control, Jabra’s Advanced ANC uses scanning tech and noise leakage detection to automatically adjust the ANC to your surroundings. It’s the brand’s most advanced ANC mode, and is claimed to deliver two times more noise cancellation than its standard ANC. And it does work, cancelling out the screeching banshees along the Northern Line of the London Underground. However, compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, it doesn't quite match up. 

Features score: 4 / 5

Jabra Elite 10 review: Sound quality

The Jabra Elite 10 buds outside their case

(Image credit: Future)
  • A balanced listen, with some minor adjustments 
  • No hi-res support (only AAC and SBC)
  • Immersive Dolby Atmos tracks 

There’s a strong confidence to the Jabra Elite 10’s sound performance. If I were to summarize it in one word, I’d say it was effectively balanced. From the trebles to the mid-range and through to bass, the sound is tonally steady when streaming via Apple Music on a FiiO M11S (keep in mind there's only support for AAC and SBC). 

But when listening with a keener ear to a more bass-heavy track like Black Eye by Allie X, there was a lack of oomph that I'm used to hearing. This was easily improved upon by adjusting the EQ settings but for an out of box listen, the Elite 10 wasn't completely ready to go. I found this again when testing the bud's treble. Again, tracks like Rains Again by Solji benefited from a slight EQ adjustment to really come alive for me personally. 

As a whole, I'd say the earbud's audio quality is still generally great, it's just not exceptional, especially when compared to the likes of the AirPods Pro 2, which offers a more dynamic listen. Even with smaller drivers, the Sony WF-1000XM5 can deliver an "agile, meaty and fun listen" that's packed with enthusiasm. If you're an audiophile looking for flawless hi-res sound quality, I'd recommend looking to its rivals for a more detailed listen. 

Sound quality score: 3.5 / 5

Jabra Elite 10 review: Design

A hand holding the Jabra Elite 10

(Image credit: Future)
  • Proprietary ‘ComfortFit’ technology
  • Ergonomic, uniquely designed earpieces

Jabra found during the research and development of its latest earbuds range – the Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active – that comfort was the most valued feature by most people. A survey conducted by the company saw 47% of participants valued comfort over all else, with sound quality and battery life coming next. For this reason, Jabra has developed what it calls ‘ComfortFit’ technology, which is a new type of unique oval-shaped design. 

Jabra calls it "EarGels" and the best way I can describe the semi-open fit is that instead of sitting completely inside your ear canals – like the in-ear monitors in our best wired headphones guide – the buds sit in the outside of your ear, snugged up inside the middle part of your ear. Jabra says it scanned 62,000 ears to get the unique shape and the results are effective, as they're some of the comfiest earbuds I've worn to date (the silicon is softer than the plastic used in the AirPods Pro 2).   

The design of the buds' earpieces is similar to that of the Sony WF-1000XM5, which we’ve found to fit most people – and the same is true for the Elite 10s. The only time I briefly had trouble with the fit was while out, when I could feel them coming loose from walking around and moving my head, but a quick readjust made them feel secure again.  

Aside from the unique oval shaped buds, the Elite 10s have a simple design that you can personalize by choosing from one of five different colors, including cocoa, cream, black, matte black and titanium black. The case is slightly bulkier than the likes of the AirPods Pro 2 but this is quickly outweighed by the softer materials used for the buds. The Elite 10s also don't have poky stems that dig into the bottom of your ear, making them a lot more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.   

Design score: 5 / 5 

Jabra Elite 10 review: Value

A hand holding the Jabra Elite 10

(Image credit: Future)
  • Cheaper than premium rivals  
  • ANC and sound quality can be beaten 

There are trade-offs when it comes to earbuds. If you want ANC, don't expect flawless sound quality. If you want a portable earbud design, then they're not going to be as comfortable as a pair of over-ear headphones. And so it goes without the Elite 10. 

The ANC is by no means the best in the business (instead we’d recommend looking at the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds) but the comfort is the best I’ve experienced in a while and the call quality was far better than the AirPods Pro 2 I tested them against. The sound performance is also not going to beat the Technics EAH-AZ80 but if you value other features like spatial audio and a good control app more highly, the Jabra Elite 10 offers a great middle ground.    

Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Jabra Elite 10?

A hand holding the Jabra Elite 10

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if… 

Don't buy it if... 

Jabra Elite 10 review: Also consider

How I tested the Jabra Elite 10

The Jabra Elite 10s on a Mac next to an iPhone and DAP

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested for more than two weeks and compared to AirPods Pro 2 
  • Streamed music from Apple Music, Spotify and Deezer
  • iPhone 13, MacBook Pro and FiiO M11S as source players

I tested the Jabra Elite 10s for more than two weeks, during which time I alternated between connecting them to my phone, laptop and a digital audio player. I used them mostly at home to listen to music, make phone calls and watch the odd show, but also took them out with me while commuting to test the ANC.  

To test the sound quality, I listened to a playlist that we test earbuds with at TechRadar. I did this with both the ANC on and off. In addition to music, I also listened to podcasts and watched a YouTube video to see how the audio quality compared between sources. 

To keep my overall judgement of the earbuds fair, I also conducted a blind listening test, comparing them to the AirPods Pro 2 while streaming music via two iPhones on Apple Music and Spotify simultaneously.

Jabra Elite 10 review: Dolby Atmos sound in first class comfort
5:00 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Jabra Elite 10: Two-minute review

The Jabra Elite 10 is the Danish brand’s flagship premium wireless earbuds. They're its most expensive pair of headphones to date, borrowing smarts from the company's headset and hearing aid businesses to help it deliver incredibly clear call quality and effective Active Noise Cancellation. 

As its most advanced pair of buds yet, the Elite 10s pack in a lot of premium features, like Dolby Atmos with head tracking and multipoint pairing, in a unique new oval design that sits on the outside of your ears, making them incredibly comfortable – even when wearing them for long periods. 

But being a premium pair of buds means that the Elite 10 has a lot of competition among the best wireless earbuds. When compared to rivals like Sony's, Bose's or Apple's top earbud offerings, it falls short of being the absolute best for sound quality. That said, it's priced slightly less than its closest competitors so if you want comfortable spatial audio while on the go and are not bothered by best-in-class ANC and hi-res audio quality, the Elite 10 could be a great alternative.   

Jabra Elite 10 review: Price and release date

A hand holding the Jabra Elite 10

(Image credit: Future)
  • Announced on August 31, 2023 
  • Became available to buy in September 2023
  • Priced at $249 / £229 / AU$379

Jabra first announced the Elite 10 back in August 2023 alongside a more fitness-focused model called the Jabra Elite 8 Active, which sells for $199 / £199 / AU$329. As its flagship earbuds, the Elite 10 costs more than its sporty offering at $249 in the US, £229 in the UK and AU$379 in Australia. This means it's also more expensive than its predecessor’s, the Elite 7 Pro, launch price of  $199 / £199 / AU$299.    

The jump in cost means the Elite 10s are going head-to-head with the biggest players, but they undercut the competition in the premium market on price. They’re less than both Sony’s WF-1000XM5 ($299 / £259 / AU$499) and the Technics EAH-AZ80 ($299 / £259 / AU$499) that launched at the end of 2023. And they are squarely in line with two premium releases from 2022: Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, which cost $249 / £229 / AU$399 and $199 / £199 / AU$299, respectively, at the time of writing. 

Jabra Elite 10 review: Specs

A pair of headphones on a table next to a DAP

(Image credit: Future)

Jabra Elite 10 review: Features

Three iPhone screenshots of the Jabra Sound+ app

(Image credit: Future)
  • Immersive Dolby Atmos with head tracking 
  • ANC is decent but not best-in-class
  • Crystal clear call quality 

Since launching its first pair of wireless earbuds in 2016, the Elite Sport, Jabra has released seven generations of buds, and the Elite 10 is its most advanced yet. It's the step-up from the Elite 7 Pro, which had targeted the lower to mid-range market but still had premium features like ANC, adjustable EQ settings, an IP57 rating and wireless charging. The Elite 10 builds upon all of its predecessor's features, and Jabra has a few more tricks up its sleeve to make sure it can hold its own among the market’s premium offerings. 

The newest feature to be included in the buds is also a first for Jabra earbuds: support for Dolby Atmos with head tracking. This makes the buds have a wider soundstage when turned on and listening to Atmos content that's like hearing each instrument in a track as if they’re placed all around you. When head tracking is turned on, this virtual soundstage moves with you but I found this to have a slight delay when you readjusted your head to a new position. I found it worked better when watching a show or movie rather than listening to music. Conveniently, you can toggle both spatial audio and head tracking on and off in the Jabra Sound+ app as well as adjust the HearThrough mode, Advanced ANC, EQ settings and more. 

Outside of the app, you can also control the Jabra Elite 10 by pressing the buttons on the buds themselves. Pressing the surface of the left bud will rotate through HearThrough and ANC, while pressing the right can pause and play a song (you can switch to different variations of this in the app). Tapping the right bud twice skips tracks, while holding down either button increases (right) and decreases (left) the volume. Holding down both at the same time also activates pairing mode. 

As for other features, there's also in-ear detection, automatic muting settings, Bluetooth Multipoint pairing for listening to two devices at the same time, voice assistant support that lets you control your buds with voice commands and FindMy for when you've misplaced them. And while the Elite 10's six hours of battery life (21 hours with the case) does outlast Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, it's beat by Sony's WF-1000XM5s.      

One of the biggest standout features for me is the Elite 10's exceptionally clear call quality, especially while out and about, and that’s down to the six mics inside them. Jabra says that the external mics are active all the time, while the internal mics activate when wind is detected. The extra mics make the Elite 10’s call quality far better than the AirPods Pro 2, which only has two mics. Jabra’s Advanced ANC is also on by default during calls to help cancel out unwanted background noises, which is a feature that was improved on in a March 26 software update (Jabra claims that the update helps cancel background noises twice as easily). There's also an adjustable sidetone setting so you can hear your voice more, which is not something we see a lot of. 

Just like Apple’s Adaptive Noise Control, Jabra’s Advanced ANC uses scanning tech and noise leakage detection to automatically adjust the ANC to your surroundings. It’s the brand’s most advanced ANC mode, and is claimed to deliver two times more noise cancellation than its standard ANC. And it does work, cancelling out the screeching banshees along the Northern Line of the London Underground. However, compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, it doesn't quite match up. 

Features score: 4 / 5

Jabra Elite 10 review: Sound quality

The Jabra Elite 10 buds outside their case

(Image credit: Future)
  • A balanced listen, with some minor adjustments 
  • No hi-res support (only AAC and SBC)
  • Immersive Dolby Atmos tracks 

There’s a strong confidence to the Jabra Elite 10’s sound performance. If I were to summarize it in one word, I’d say it was effectively balanced. From the trebles to the mid-range and through to bass, the sound is tonally steady when streaming via Apple Music on a FiiO M11S (keep in mind there's only support for AAC and SBC). 

But when listening with a keener ear to a more bass-heavy track like Black Eye by Allie X, there was a lack of oomph that I'm used to hearing. This was easily improved upon by adjusting the EQ settings but for an out of box listen, the Elite 10 wasn't completely ready to go. I found this again when testing the bud's treble. Again, tracks like Rains Again by Solji benefited from a slight EQ adjustment to really come alive for me personally. 

As a whole, I'd say the earbud's audio quality is still generally great, it's just not exceptional, especially when compared to the likes of the AirPods Pro 2, which offers a more dynamic listen. Even with smaller drivers, the Sony WF-1000XM5 can deliver an "agile, meaty and fun listen" that's packed with enthusiasm. If you're an audiophile looking for flawless hi-res sound quality, I'd recommend looking to its rivals for a more detailed listen. 

Sound quality score: 3.5 / 5

Jabra Elite 10 review: Design

A hand holding the Jabra Elite 10

(Image credit: Future)
  • Proprietary ‘ComfortFit’ technology
  • Ergonomic, uniquely designed earpieces

Jabra found during the research and development of its latest earbuds range – the Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active – that comfort was the most valued feature by most people. A survey conducted by the company saw 47% of participants valued comfort over all else, with sound quality and battery life coming next. For this reason, Jabra has developed what it calls ‘ComfortFit’ technology, which is a new type of unique oval-shaped design. 

Jabra calls it "EarGels" and the best way I can describe the semi-open fit is that instead of sitting completely inside your ear canals – like the in-ear monitors in our best wired headphones guide – the buds sit in the outside of your ear, snugged up inside the middle part of your ear. Jabra says it scanned 62,000 ears to get the unique shape and the results are effective, as they're some of the comfiest earbuds I've worn to date (the silicon is softer than the plastic used in the AirPods Pro 2).   

The design of the buds' earpieces is similar to that of the Sony WF-1000XM5, which we’ve found to fit most people – and the same is true for the Elite 10s. The only time I briefly had trouble with the fit was while out, when I could feel them coming loose from walking around and moving my head, but a quick readjust made them feel secure again.  

Aside from the unique oval shaped buds, the Elite 10s have a simple design that you can personalize by choosing from one of five different colors, including cocoa, cream, black, matte black and titanium black. The case is slightly bulkier than the likes of the AirPods Pro 2 but this is quickly outweighed by the softer materials used for the buds. The Elite 10s also don't have poky stems that dig into the bottom of your ear, making them a lot more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.   

Design score: 5 / 5 

Jabra Elite 10 review: Value

A hand holding the Jabra Elite 10

(Image credit: Future)
  • Cheaper than premium rivals  
  • ANC and sound quality can be beaten 

There are trade-offs when it comes to earbuds. If you want ANC, don't expect flawless sound quality. If you want a portable earbud design, then they're not going to be as comfortable as a pair of over-ear headphones. And so it goes without the Elite 10. 

The ANC is by no means the best in the business (instead we’d recommend looking at the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds) but the comfort is the best I’ve experienced in a while and the call quality was far better than the AirPods Pro 2 I tested them against. The sound performance is also not going to beat the Technics EAH-AZ80 but if you value other features like spatial audio and a good control app more highly, the Jabra Elite 10 offers a great middle ground.    

Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Jabra Elite 10?

A hand holding the Jabra Elite 10

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if… 

Don't buy it if... 

Jabra Elite 10 review: Also consider

How I tested the Jabra Elite 10

The Jabra Elite 10s on a Mac next to an iPhone and DAP

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested for more than two weeks and compared to AirPods Pro 2 
  • Streamed music from Apple Music, Spotify and Deezer
  • iPhone 13, MacBook Pro and FiiO M11S as source players

I tested the Jabra Elite 10s for more than two weeks, during which time I alternated between connecting them to my phone, laptop and a digital audio player. I used them mostly at home to listen to music, make phone calls and watch the odd show, but also took them out with me while commuting to test the ANC.  

To test the sound quality, I listened to a playlist that we test earbuds with at TechRadar. I did this with both the ANC on and off. In addition to music, I also listened to podcasts and watched a YouTube video to see how the audio quality compared between sources. 

To keep my overall judgement of the earbuds fair, I also conducted a blind listening test, comparing them to the AirPods Pro 2 while streaming music via two iPhones on Apple Music and Spotify simultaneously.

Brane X review: a portable smart speaker with incredible bass
1:00 pm | March 10, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Brane Audio Brane X: Two-minute review

Brane Audio’s Brane X has managed to achieve the unthinkable in the mostly mundane realm of the best wireless speakers, which – to be clear – is full of models that don’t leave much of an impression. Some are good, some are okay, and many are bad. But the Brane X makes an impression. 

The main way the Brane X impresses is by delivering bass output extending into the sub-bass range. That’s unheard of for a portable speaker. Still, the Brane X isn’t an ordinary portable speaker, but one with proprietary Repel-Attract-Driver (R.A.D.) technology that uses a magnet array to cancel out air pressure within the speaker’s enclosure. This allows big bass to be generated from a small woofer in a highly compact box, and it needs to be heard to be believed.

Aside from its sub-bass output capability, the Brane X comes off as a normal-looking portable wireless speaker. It has a lunchbox-like form, complete with a carrying handle, and an unassuming design. Its built-in battery carries a charge for up to 12 hours of playback time and requires three hours to fully recharge. The IP57-rated speaker is dust and waterproof, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

Wireless streaming support includes Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth 5.1. An app lets you configure bass and custom EQ settings, and it can also be used to group multiple Brane X speakers for multi-room playback. Controls to adjust volume and bass level are located on the speaker’s top surface, and there are built-in mics for Alexa voice control.

Sound quality is where the Brane X makes its mark by delivering a notably dynamic and detailed sound for a portable speaker. Hip-hop, techno, rock, and even classical music are equally well served, with the speaker’s deep bass providing a strong foundation for other layers in music mixes. Voices, in particular, sound natural – something that benefits both music and podcasts – and the Brane X also manages to convey a sense of stereo separation and depth.

The catch with the Brane X, and you probably saw this coming, is that its performance comes at a price. At $599 (around £475 / AU$915), it’s more expensive than other premium portable speakers such as the Sonos Move 2 ($449 / £449 / AU$799). That factor makes the Brane X a tough sell if you simply want a portable speaker for casual outdoor and indoor listening, but if you’re looking for one with best-in-class sound quality, the Brane X is it.

Brane X review: Price and release date

Brane X smart speaker on table

The Brane X has a lunchbox-like design with a carrying strap for toting it around (Image credit: Future)
  • Released December 2023
  • Currently available only in US
  • Priced at $599 (around £475 / AU$915)

The Brane X is currently sold exclusively through Brane Audio and is only available for shipment in the US. International shipments will start in late 2024 according to the company’s website.

At $599 (around £475 / AU$915) the Brane X is very much on the pricey side for a portable wireless speaker, though it has sonic tricks up its sleeve that the competition lacks. To put it in context, you can buy a Sonos Move 2 for $449 / £449 / AU$799, which gets you a portable wireless speaker with a similar feature set plus twice the battery life. You can also spend quite a bit more on the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A5 ($1,099 / £899 / AU$1,950), a portable wireless speaker that generally looks similar to the Brane X, but has a more attractive design that’s typical for that brand.

Brane X review: Specs

Brane X smart speaker on table showing top controls

Capacitive touch controls are located on the speaker's top surface (Image credit: Future)

Brane X review: Features

Brane X smart speaker on table next to Sonos Move

The Sonos Move 2 (at left) was used for a comparison in our Brane X (at right) listening tests (Image credit: Future)
  • Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth support 
  • Voice control using Amazon Alexa
  • Built-in battery provides 12 hours playback time

Brane Audio’s Brane X streams music wirelessly via Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and also supports Bluetooth 5.1. A Brane app is available and can be used to select low, medium, and high Bass presets for best sound (most likely dependent on where the speaker is located), create a custom 5-band EQ setting, and store speaker groups for multi-room playback on multiple Brane X speakers. There are four built-in microphones for voice control, which is carried out using the Alexa voice assistant.

The driver array of the Brane X consists of two 0.75-inch tweeters, two 2-inch mid-range drivers, and a 6.5 by 9-inch (165 x 229mm) woofer. Four class-D amplifiers are packed into the compact speaker, for a total of 200 watts of power. A built-in battery allows 12 hours of playback at a reasonable volume level, and it can be fully recharged in 3 hours.

I would be amiss to describe the bass driver in the Brane X simply as a “woofer,” since the company applies unique technology to it to achieve extended bass. Woofers in conventional speakers generate bass by moving forward and back in an enclosure. That movement is driven by the passage of magnets on the woofer’s voice coil through a magnetic field, and it affects the air pressure within the speaker.

Brane Audio’s Repel-Attract-Driver operates similarly to a regular woofer, but in this instance, additional magnets are used to cancel out air pressure within the speaker. The cancellation effect allows for the use of a smaller woofer, along with a smaller enclosure, enabling Brane Audio to generate powerful sub-bass from a lunchbox-size speaker.

  • Features score: 4.5/5

Brane X review: Sound quality

Brane X smart speaker on table showing back panel

The speaker's rear panel features a power on/off button and 3.5mm audio input (Image credit: Future)
  • Excellent bass extension and substantial output
  • Well-balanced sound with natural voice reproduction
  • Can play cleanly at party-like volume levels

The Brane X may be compact, but there’s nothing small about its sound. After reading about this portable speaker that’s capable of not just substantial bass extension, but also substantial sub-bass output, I was ready for something different and upon first listen I got that.

Getting straight down to business, I streamed Boom by Tiësto, Sevenn, and Gucci Mane to the speaker from Tidal HiFi via AirPlay. This is a track with bass to spare, and if the Brane X could handle that, it would pass the test. I’m not exaggerating when I say that my mouth flapped open when I heard the deep, pounding bass put out by the Brane X, which wasn’t far off from what I expect to hear from a hi-fi system with a capable subwoofer. The speaker’s extended dynamic range also allowed other elements in the mix to come through clearly, especially vocals, which had a natural, unstrained quality. Pushing up the volume to, naturally, satisfy my curiosity about how loud the Brane X could play, it went up to party-like levels without distorting or sounding congested.

Radiohead’s Desert Island Disks features a spare acoustic guitar that’s played over a low, pulsing beat. On my regular portable speaker, the Sonos Move 2, that beat comes across as more of a tap. When I played the song on the Brane X, however, it had a surprising low and full quality that dynamically anchored the sound and allowed for details in vocals along with the song’s more subtle ambient elements to come across clearly.

Even classical symphonic music fared well on the Brane X. When I streamed Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition – The Great Gate of Kiev, as played by the Cleveland Orchestra, on Tidal HiFi, the tympani rolls were conveyed in an appropriately thunderous manner and the volume sweeps of strings sounded smooth and convincing. Comparing the Brane X’s performance here again to my reference Sonos speaker, the Sonos came across as comparatively flat-sounding, with no sense of low-end muscle in the percussion and double basses.

Given the Brane X’s hi-fi prowess, it seemed almost weird to set it up in my kitchen in the spot normally occupied by my Sonos Move, where it is used mainly for listening to news and podcasts. When I did, I found I needed to dial down the bass in the app for best sound in the new spot. That done, the Brane X made voices sound completely natural, with none of the strained quality that can typically be heard when listening with low-cost Bluetooth speakers. Brane Audio’s portable may have been overkill in this setting, but I certainly wasn’t eager to swap it out.

The only sonic quirk I encountered when using the Brane X was a faint level of noise when the speaker was turned on but not being used for playback. This didn’t exactly bother me, and in most cases when I had the speaker turned on it was streaming audio, which fully masked the noise, but it was there nonetheless.

  • Sound quality score: 5/5

Brane X review: Design

Brane X smart speaker on table showing bottom moiunted woofer

The Brane X's bottom-mounted woofer (Image credit: Future)
  • Basic, unassuming design
  • Carrying strap for portable use
  • 1P57-rated dust and waterproof

There’s nothing particularly fancy about the Brane X’s design. As noted in the Features section of this review, it’s about the size and shape of a lunchbox. A rubber carrying strap is attached for toting the speaker around, and the black plastic top surface contains capacitive touch controls to adjust volume and bass level, as well as toggle the microphones on and off and set up Bluetooth and Wi-Fi pairing mode. A black mesh grille covers the speaker’s full front surface and sturdy rubber feet are provided to secure the speaker and allow clearance for the bottom-mounted Repel-Attract-Driver.

The Brane X’s back panel features a power on/off button and a 3.5mm aux input for connecting sources like a disc player or turntable. You’ll also find an input here for the speaker’s large, bulky external power supply and a QR code to access the Brane Audio website. With an IP57 rating, the Brane X is both dust and waterproof, making it a solid option for a workshop and a pool party.

  • Design score: 4/5

Brane X review: Value

Brane X smart speaker on table with sonos move in background

(Image credit: Future)
  • Expensive compared to the competition
  • Unique among portable wireless speakers
  • Has sound quality to back up the high price

With a $599 (around £475 / AU$915) price tag, the Brane X is undoubtedly expensive, making other premium portable wireless speakers such as the Sonos Move 2 look like a bargain in comparison. But the Brane X sounds better and certainly delivers better bass than the Sonos Move 2, which is its top competition. There is nothing quite like it on the market, a factor that enhances its value.

Suppose you’re looking for a compact portable wireless speaker that doesn’t sound like a compact portable wireless speaker, but a regular stereo system with a subwoofer instead. In that case, the Brane X is your only option. Yes, it’s expensive, but it has the sound quality to back up the high price.

  • Value score: 3.5/5

Should you buy the Brane X?

Buy it if…

Don't buy it if…

Brane X review: Also consider

Brane X smart speaker review: How I tested

Brane X smart speaker on deck railing outdoors

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested with music streamed from Tidal HiFi and Apple Music via AirPlay
  • Used Sonos Move 2 for comparison during listening tests
  • Tested over several weeks of both casual and critical listening

I tested the Brane X using a range of different music genres from hip-hop to classical and also used it for everyday listening to news internet radio stations and podcasts. During my testing, which lasted for several weeks, I moved it around to different rooms in my home and also gave it a listen outdoors.

I used a Bluetooth wireless connection from my iPhone for casual listening but switched to AirPlay 2 for critical listening during my review. Most music tracks played during my test were sourced from Tidal HiFi, with some played from Apple Music. For a direct comparison with a competitive speaker, I used a Sonos Move 2, switching between both speakers using the same music tracks to make a subjective listening comparison.

My audio reviewing experience extends back over two decades, and during that time I have tested everything from full surround sound speaker systems to subwoofers and soundbars. 

You can read TechRadar's review guarantee here.

  • First reviewed: March 2024
Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: A cheap, stripped back AirPods Pro alternative
1:00 pm | February 25, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Two-minute review

The Soundpeats Air4 Pro are the definition of fine without ever quite being remarkable. Granted, they’re good value for what they offer but they’re not up there with the very best noise cancelling earbuds and there’s nothing about them that make you rush to tell your mates about something cool it does.

Despite that though, the Soundpeats Air4 Pro mostly sound pretty good. Bass is meaty and while there’s no nice technical detail in the mids or trebles, these are the kind of earbuds that are fine for putting in your ears before a walk, run, or workout session. For most people, that will be just fine. 

Notice the word fine featuring a lot? It’s the best word for the Soundpeats Air4 Pro. It does have key essentials like wear detection, which works flawlessly, and there’s a control app. The app isn’t the best or easiest to use but it does offer some core functionality like being able to switch between ANC and Transparency mode. 

The latter isn’t great but full ANC does a good job of blocking out irritants although occasionally lets some errant sounds in. Still, not bad at all for the price and Multipoint functionality will please many. 

Via the charging case, you get up to 26 hours of battery life, which is pretty good going. The 6.5 hours of charge at a time works out as more than good enough for most situations and the USB-C connection recharges quickly. 

At $90 / £80, the Soundpeats Air4 Pro are worth considering. They’re not as exciting as the best noise cancelling earbuds but they’re dependable at this price and I can only see them getting cheaper over time. 

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Price and release date

The Soundpeats Air4 Pro held in a hand

(Image credit: Future)
  • Released in September 2023
  • Officially priced at $90 / £80 / AU$94

The Soundpeats Air4 Pro was released in September 2023 for $90 in the US, £80 in the UK and AU$94 in Australia. The earphones are available in the US and UK directly from Soundpeats as well as through third-party retailers like Amazon for those in Australia.

The earbuds are available in white and black, which are functional colors but not exactly exciting. The best budget wireless earbuds world is a packed field, with the Sony WF-C700N being a little more expensive than the Air4 Pro but not prohibitively so. Instead, the EarFun Air Pro 3 are more closely matched in more than just name. 

In terms of other close competitors at the Soundpeats Air4 Pro's price range, there’s always the earlier SoundPeats Air 3 Deluxe, which should see some discounts now it’s been overtaken.

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Specs

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Features

The Soundpeats Air4 Pro held in a hand

(Image credit: Future)
  • Up to 26 hours of battery life with ANC disabled
  • Companion app
  • aptX lossless sound 

The Soundpeats Air4 Pro has most of the core essentials you could want from a pair of earbuds. There’s Multipoint connectivity for when you want to connect two devices and switch between them like your laptop and your phone, which is increasingly vital for most people. 

Additionally, there’s SBC and aptX lossless sound – although don’t count on any other codecs to be supported here. Granted, as we’ll see shortly, sound quality isn’t exceptional but it’s solidly reliable at this price. Adding to the aural experience, there’s ANC. 

ANC is a slightly mixed bag here. With full ANC on enabled, the Soundpeats Air4 Pro block out surrounding sound well whether we’re talking traffic outside or a noisy dehumidifier in the room. However, it’s not quite as crisp as much pricier earbuds so don’t count on it being high-end. It feels almost rough and ready in how it blocks sound leaving you feeling like you can hear the inner workings. It sounds odd but you won’t complain.

Where complaints arise is with Transparency mode. It’s pretty ropey. I tried using Transparency mode while listening to a podcast on a windy day and could barely hear a thing. That’s quite the test for any pair of earbuds but it led to me checking it was even enabled. During quieter moments, Transparency mode switches to a lot of hissing although you can hear someone speak to you easily enough. 

Battery life promises about 26 hours of total playtime with 6.5 hours per single charge. That feels about right with the Soundpeats Air4 Pro lasting long enough that you won’t notice any discrepancies with this figure. There’s no wireless charging but at least there’s USB-C charging which is fairly speedy at a couple of hours for a full charge – something that you’ll likely top up rather than go all or nothing with.

Bluetooth 5.3 continues to ensure good things with the Soundpeats Air4 Pro never seeing any dropouts and nice, efficient running times. 

There’s also companion app support but it’s pretty ugly. The actual features are just fine with a simple toggle between noise cancellation modes and disabling wear detection, but don’t count on it looking stylish while you do it. Setting up adaptive EQ is a bit of hassle too.

Features score: 4 / 5

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Sound quality

The Soundpeats Air4 Pro held in a hand

(Image credit: Future)
  • Good ANC
  • Weak Transparency mode
  • Strong bass

Temper your expectations based on the price and you’ll be delighted by the Soundpeats Air4 Pro’s sound quality compared to the best earbuds that cost many times more. 

Bass is the Soundpeats Air4 Pro’s strong point with a fairly smooth punch that was noticeable while I listened to Foo Fighters’ All My Life and Angel by Massive Attack. At louder volumes, things get distorted but I doubt it’s wise for your ears anyhow. 

Trebles and mids are weaker so don’t count on these earbuds for anything more technical or with more subtlety, but it’s unlikely you’re buying a pair of earbuds for less than $/£/AU$ 100 to kick back and relax at home with. Instead, these work well for walks, cleaning, running and your general busy lifestyle. 

Sound quality: 4 / 5 

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Design

The Soundpeats Air4 Pro held in a hand

(Image credit: Future)
  • Straightforward cycle
  • Chunky case
  • Touch controls

I’m no fan of the Soundpeats Air4 Pro’s case. Its lightweight plasticky build feels cheap and it awkwardly manages to feel both smooth yet angular in places. More importantly, while it keeps your earbuds safe, said earbuds are at an unusual angle so you’ll never quite grab them as smoothly as you might like.

Sure, these are relatively small things but if you’re pulling the Soundpeats Air4 Pro out multiple times a day, you’ll notice it. The case also has no IP rating but the earbuds themselves are IPX4 so they can handle some sweat. 

The fit of the buds are pretty snug. There are different tip sizes included but I found the standard ones out of the box are just fine. Even when running, these won’t fall out which is always good news. They look a lot like AirPods Pro so at a glance, you can look like you’ve bought something pricier.

There are also touch-sensitive areas on the earbuds with the option to increase or decrease volume, as well as adjust playback. It’s incredibly easy to activate these by mistake so head over to the app and disable them for your sanity’s sake.

Design score: 3 / 5 

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Value

The Soundpeats Air4 Pro held in a hand

(Image credit: Future)
  • Useful features 
  • About right for the price 

The only truly standout part about the Soundpeats Air4 Pro is its sound quality. It’s pretty good for the price and makes up for a temperamental ANC/Transparency combo. Other than that, there’s a cheapness here that reflects the price accurately. 

Against the Sony WF-C700N, this feels like dubious value but if you check out the EarFun Air Pro 3, the battle is a little fairer and more balanced.

Value score: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the Soundpeats Air4 Pro?

The Soundpeats Air4 Pro on top of a table

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if...

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Also consider

How I tested the Soundpeats Air4 Pro

The Soundpeats Air4 Pro on top of a table

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested over 10 days 
  • Compared to Apple AirPods (Pro 2 and 3rd Gen) and Final Audio UX2000
  • Listened to Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube videos and Twitch 

Over the last 10 days, I’ve replaced my usual AirPods Pro 2 with the Soundpeats Air4 Pro. I previously used the AirPods 3rd Gen so I checked those out a few times to more adequately compare the quality of the Soundpeats Air4 Pro. 

I used them on my daily morning walks to see how they coped with the noise of the school run and commute. I also used them a few times on runs to see how good the fit was when I moved quickly (at least, quickly for me) and checked out how they handled running alongside a windy coastline. It was all a good test for the Soundpeats Air4 Pro’s ANC and Transparency modes, as well as adaptive EQ. 

For the most part, I listened to Apple Music and Spotify. Spotify was the home of all my podcasts while Apple Music was predominantly for listening to music. At home, I’d spend some time checking out YouTube videos of satire and Let’s Play videos before checking out live streams on Twitch. The iPhone 14 Pro provided everything to the Soundpeats Air4 Pro.

As always, my music taste is a bit all over the place. Some Harry Styles, John Legend, Holst’s The Planets, Linkin Park, and Sting all featured at various points here.

I’ve reviewed audio products for over 10 years. While my main drivers are on the pricier end of the scale these days, I regularly use cheap earphones and headphones for work purposes and am seemingly always asked for recommendations in this price range by friends.

  • First reviewed in February 2024
Final Audio UX2000 review: lacking in looks but extremely budget friendly
1:00 pm | January 28, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones Wireless Headphones | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Final Audio UX2000 review: Two-minute review

At first grab, the Final Audio UX2000 feels pretty cheap and flimsy. It's when I folded them up for the first time that I started liking them. This mean they fit in your bag or on your desk well but even better? They are actually worth grabbing for more than just their portable design. 

These might not be some of the absolute best over-ear headphones but you could do a lot worse. Sound quality is the highlight here with a wide soundstage, strong bass, yet decently crisp mids too. During my testing, I listen to a lot of different genres and the Final Audio UX2000 didn’t let the side down with anything. 

However, the Final Audio UX2000 do lack some neat features. There's no wear detection, no app and the hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) system isn't adjustable. You get used to these omissions but it’s a reminder that the Final Audio UX2000 are pretty cheap for good ANC headphones so something’s got to give.

Said ANC does work well even if it’s technically hybrid rather than full. At times, you’ll have noise trickle through but for everyday use, it does the job well and easily rivals more famous competition. As for features, they have a strong battery life of up to 45 hours, which makes the Final Audio UX2000 an ideal pair of cans for your commute, whether you’re walking or resting. 

At $120 / £100 (around AU$180), the Final Audio UX2000 are tempting. Odds are you’ll still favor something more famous among the best over-ear headphones such as something from Sony or JBL, but you shouldn’t overlook the Final Audio UX2000. There are concessions to make but they’re understandable ones at the price. 

Final Audio UX2000 review: Price and release date

  • Released in December 2023
  • Officially priced at $120 / £100 

Final Audio UX2000 being held to the side

(Image credit: Future)

The Final Audio UX2000 was released in December 2023 for $120 / £100 (around AU$180). The headphones are currently available in the US and UK at popular third-party retailers like Amazon. 

Solely available in black, they aren’t a fashionista’s dream like some of the competition in this price range. Said competitors include cans like the JBL Tune 770NC in the UK and the ever popular Sony WH-CH720N, so the field is a fairly busy one. 

That’s not forgetting the Final Audio UX3000, which was released in August 2022 as the brand's first over-ear headphones. These are priced only slightly more ($30 / £20) than the Final Audio UX2000.

Final Audio UX2000 review: Specs

Final Audio UX2000 review: Features

A close up of the buttons on the Final Audio UX2000

(Image credit: Future)
  • Multipoint connection 
  • Hybrid ANC
  • No app support

The Final Audio UX2000 is a little thin on the ground when it comes to features. The standout is its multipoint support which is increasingly becoming an essential addition as we’re all juggling multiple devices these days. 

There’s also support for AAC and SBC codecs while there’s Final’s so-called hybrid ANC. It uses an stress-resistant driver to theoretically boost its ability to cancel out annoying background noise. It works fairly well, doing a great job of blocking out an ever-present dehumidifier and other environmental noise, but it’s not perfect. It’s nearer to ANC than not but I was curious about it being hybrid rather than full ANC. 

Using Bluetooth 5.3 means no need to worry about sound dropouts so all seems well... Until you remember there’s no app support. Final has a companion app but it doesn’t support the Final Audio UX2000 yet so hopefully that’s coming soon.

Features score: 3 / 5

Final Audio UX2000 review: Battery life

Final Audio UX2000 lying face down

(Image credit: Future)
  • Up to 55 hours 
  • USB-C charging 

The Final Audio UX2000 promises up to 45 hours of battery life even with hybrid ANC on, and in my time with it, that’s about right. Turn the volume down a little and you can eke out a few more hours, though.

Similarly, turn off ANC and that time extends. With mixed usage though, an average of 45 hours seems about right. USB-C charging is the order of the day here with a full charge taking just over two hours to achieve. It’s all fairly respectable if not exceptional.

Battery life score: 4 / 5

Final Audio UX2000 review: Sound quality

Final Audio UX2000 from the side

(Image credit: Future)
  • Surprisingly good hybrid ANC
  • Wide soundstage 
  • Strong bass

At $120 / £100, I’m not expecting the Final Audio UX2000 to be some of the best headphones around but these cans surprised me with how good they sounded. The instant highlight is how wide the soundstage feels. While some other headphones in this price range can leave music sounding a little distant, the UX2000 wrap sound around you well.

Alongside that, the UX2000 are pretty bassy and ideal for excitable and booming music. While the punch could be a little greater if I was going to be picky, it’s still perfectly respectable. I enjoyed the enthusiasm that came from my David Guetta playlist with the bass feeling suitably engaging.

Somehow, the UX2000 are also pretty crisp sounding when it comes to more subtle tracks like Queen’s Under Pressure. Is it as revelatory as something like the Sony WH-1000XM5? Of course not, but these cost a fraction of the cost and I still didn’t feel like I was missing out. 

Temper your expectations and you’ll be happy with how these sound. That goes for the ANC which is a hybrid system that uses two microphones on each ear cup to analyze sound to block out irritants. It’s not perfect but it mostly blocks out what you need to escape from. If only there was an app for setting up a transparency mode or tweaking the EQ.

Sound quality score: 4 / 5

Final Audio UX2000 review: Design

The Final Audio UX2000 folded up

(Image credit: Future)
  • Very plain style
  • Tactile buttons
  • Foldable design

Let’s get to the good bit – the Final Audio UX2000 fold and not enough headphones do this any more. That makes them easier to toss in your bag but also easier to find room on your desk for them. 

The UX2000 do feel a little cheap in your hands and aren’t anything exciting to show off to anyone, but it’s nice to see physical buttons over touch controls. Touch controls are cool but physical buttons tend to work more accurately and that’s the case with these.

At the bottom of one ear cup is the USB-C port while the other ear cup has room for a 3.5mm jack if you prefer to listen wired. Buttons are a simple matter of power, ANC, and volume so they take seconds to figure out.

Design score: 4 / 5

Final Audio UX2000 review: Value

The Final Audio UX2000 lying flat on a bench

(Image credit: Future)
  • Mediocre build
  • Good features

Because the UX2000 are from a lesser known brand, this likely means they don't feel like the headphones you’ll show off to your mates. Final Audio's build quality feels cheap too but inside that plasticky surface are decent drivers that ensure it sounds pretty good – and that’s ultimately where it counts with headphones. 

If you need more features, something like the Sony WH-CH520 offer app support and quick charge, but lack fantastic ANC, so it’s a trade-off of what’s most important to you.

Value score: 4 / 5 

Should I buy the Final Audio UX2000?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Final Audio UX2000 review: Also consider

How I tested the Final Audio UX2000

Final Audio UX2000 being held

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested over 14 days in many different situations
  • Listened against the Apple AirPods Pro 2, Philips Fidelio L4 and JBL Tune 770NC
  • Listened to Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube videos and Twitch

Over Christmas and New Year, I primarily used the Final Audio UX2000 as my main headphones. They took over from my usual Apple AirPods Pro 2 and recent regular use of the Philips Fidelio L4. 

I used them on my (nearly) daily morning walks to test them out among environmental noises like busy traffic. In the evenings, I relaxed by the Christmas tree checking out how my favorite playlists sounded through them. 

Busy rush hour traffic was a good challenge for the UX2000’s hybrid ANC along with neighbours using the break to hammer holes in their walls. 

Primarily, I listened to Apple Music and Spotify with occasional dips into Twitch streams to see how they sounded when dealing with conversations. A few podcasts were listened to via my iPhone 14 Pro.

My taste is varied so there was everything from Harry Styles to Jimi Hendrix depending on my mood. YouTube and Twitch time were mostly spent watching gaming videos.

I’ve reviewed audio products for over 10 years now and I’m increasingly picky about what sounds good and can spot the difference, while appreciating that $100 cans won’t usually compete with $400 ones.

Philips Fidelio L4 review: rich and crisp audio quality with some strange bugs
1:00 pm | December 23, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones | Tags: | Comments: Off

Philips Fidelio L4 review: Two-minute review

I absolutely want to love the Philips Fidelio L4. In many ways, they undercut the Sony WH-1000XM5 perfectly ensuring you get something for less while still benefiting from all the features you’d want from one of the best headphones.

The problem lies in the execution. The Philips Fidelio L4 suffers from a few too many disconnection issues. When playing, it sounds fantastic. Audio is rich, vibrant, and with just the right amount of bass to ensure you don’t miss out on crisp mids and trebles. The problem is that sometimes it simply drops out and I can’t figure out why. Instinctively, it seems like wear detection could be a problem but even when disabled, the Philips Fidelio L4 would sometimes just switch off, acting like it was doing you a favor. 

It’s frustrating because the Philips Fidelio L4 are good enough that they still deserve a high rating. Besides the exceptional sound quality, there’s also up to 50 hours of battery life which easily beats the competition. A 15 minute charge gives back 14 hours which is ridiculously good going. 

For $349 / £300, the Philips Fidelio L4 are well-priced among strong competition even if they’re not the most exciting looking. You’ll love how great it sounds until it cuts out and you’re left wondering just what you did while you restart the headphones. Still, weirdly, they sound so good, it’s a little easier to forgive than maybe it should be.

Philips Fidelio L4 review: Price and release date

Philips Fidelio L4 earcup

(Image credit: Future)
  • Released in December 2023
  • Officially priced at $349 / £300

The Philips Fidelio L4 was released in December 2023 for £300. Currently available in the UK, the Philips Fidelio L4 is also set for release in the US for $349 although, at the time of writing, isn’t currently available to buy.  

The headphones are available solely in black – a fairly traditional color for headphones – so don’t go looking for fancy colorways. 

At this price point, the Philips Fidelio L4’s biggest rivals are the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort 45, which offer very similar features but more brand recognition and as we’ll see later – more reliability too. There’s always the Apple AirPods Max if you want to spend more too.

Philips Fidelio L4 review: Specs

Philips Fidelio L4 review: Features

Philips Fidelio L4 button features

(Image credit: Future)
  • Wear detection
  • Simple to use app
  • Adjustable EQ

The Philips Fidelio L4 packs all the key features you could need. At least when they’re working nicely. The Philips headphones app guides you through the essentials. There’s wear detection, auto on/off and an adjustable EQ. The latter comes with four presets but it’s always good to be able to adjust things for yourself too. 

Other useful features include LDAC support, voice assistant functionality, spatial audio (although no head tracking), and touch controls too. Multipoint support means it’s easy to hook the cans up to multiple devices at once too – a feature that’s fast becoming an essential given how many devices I switch between on a daily basis. There’s also Bluetooth 5.3 support and a 3.5mm jack for listening to music more crisply. 

Sounds perfect, right? Yes and no. While using the Philips Fidelio L4, I found it very prone to random disconnections. I could be idly listening to a song and then suddenly, the headphones would make a couple of shutting down style sounds and do exactly that. At first, it seemed like a battery issue but I found turning off wear detection and touch controls seemed to help matters. It’s a weird one to pin down as it doesn’t seem to be entirely down to wear detection but it’s an irritant on what we’ll soon see is an otherwise exceptional pair of cans and definitely a dealbreaker. 

Features score: 3/5

Philips Fidelio L4 review: Battery life

Philips Fidelio L4 earcup close up

(Image credit: Future)
  • Up to 50 hours
  • Great quick charge function

The Philips Fidelio L4 blows the competition out of the water with up to 50 hours with ANC off promised or 40 hours with it enabled. In real world use, that dips a tiny bit but not by much making these cans one of the longer lasting headphones around. 

Full recharging takes about two hours but 15 minutes worth returns 14 hours. You read that right. It’s quite remarkable. 

Battery life score: 5/5

Philips Fidelio L4 review: Sound quality

Philips Fidelio L4 app screen

(Image credit: Future)
  • Strong ANC
  • Super crisp and rich audio
  • Adjustable EQ

If I were to point out one stand out feature about the Philips Fidelio L4, it’s how great it sounds. We’re talking best over-ear headphones level with them sounding on a par with the Sony WH-1000XM5 and all those that compete with it.

Out of the box, I was impressed by how vibrant everything sounded. My random playlist came out with Black Eyed Peas’ I Gotta Feeling and it instantly feels punchy and ridiculously enthusiastic. Switch over to something calmer like The Beach Boys’ God Only Knows and the mids sound beautifully smooth and detailed with the treble offering a hint of sparkly magic. It’s all just a bit delightful.

Something like Erasure’s A Little Respect demonstrates how well the bass mixes in with the mids so that it never overwhelms the sound, right before diving into something far punchier like Muse’s You Make Me Feel Like Halloween. 

Out of the box, the Philips Fidelio L4 sound good but dipping into the app means the chance to tweak the EQ or choose one of the four presets. Bass ended up my favorite but that differed depending on the song with Treble also standing out nicely for vibrancy. Crucially, unlike some inferior headphones, you can genuinely hear the differences here. 

Add on some solidly dependable ANC and the Philips Fidelio L4 are the headphones to wear on your walk or in a busy office to guarantee you won’t be distracted by environmental noises while you take in your favorites.

Sound quality score: 5/5

Philips Fidelio L4 review: Design

Philips Fidelio L4 design

(Image credit: Future)
  • Comfy
  • Doesn’t fold
  • Touch controls

In your hands, the Philips Fidelio L4 feel a little cheaper than their actual price tag. They don’t feel as high-end as the competition for instance, but they are fairly light on your head. The foam ear cups feel comfy while fully covering your ears aiding the ANC. The headband adjusts in a fairly sleek fashion so there’s no risk of that perilous crunch you can get with others. 

However, the Philips Fidelio L4 doesn’t fold which instantly makes it feel less portable than others. You’re tossing them into your bag as they are on your head which feels a little unsafe. On the other hand, they do feel reasonably robust in your hands so hopefully I’m just being overly anxious.

On the left ear cup is the power button and USB-C port, while the right hand side has the 3.5mm port, along with controls for the mic and ANC. The bulk of the controls come from the touch sensitive surface on the right ear cup. Gestures work well here with accidental taps rarely an issue. 

Design score: 4/5

Philips Fidelio L4 review: Value

Philips Fidelio L4

(Image credit: Future)
  • Premium features
  • Middling build

The Philips Fidelio L4 don’t feel as high-end in your hands as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose 700s but they are slightly cheaper. For features, the Philips Fidelio L4 are definitely on a par providing they work reliably.

If those temperamental issues are sorted, the Philips Fidelio L4 will be a bit of a bargain undercutting its main rivals but as it stands, it’s a more uncertain proposition.

Value score: 3/5

Should I buy the Philips Fidelio L4?

Buy them if... 

Don’t buy them if...

Philips Fidelio L4 review: Also consider

How I tested the Philips Fidelio L4

Philips Fidelio L4

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested over 10 days in a variety of situations
  • Listened against the Sony WH-1000XM4, Apple AirPods Pro 2, and Beats Studio Pro
  • Listened to Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube videos, and Twitch

The Philips Fidelio L4 replaced my usual daily combo of headphones – the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WH-1000XM4 – over a period of just over a week. 

They were with me during my morning daily walks as the perfect test of how comfy they are on the move. I also wore them during more chilled listening sessions in the evenings to see how well they worked when relaxed in a living room environment. 

I gave the ANC a good challenge by walking alongside busy rush hour traffic, along with wearing them during loud housework and my neighbours’ never-ending construction work. In typical Welsh fashion, they also had to face up against some very loud stormy weather too. 

During the day, I’d wear them in my home office while working. For the most part, I’d listen to Spotify or Twitch streams. In the evenings, I’d listen to YouTube videos while any walks were handled by Apple Music. 

Genres were pretty varied from classical to rock, cheesy recent pop, and some jazz too. Twitch streams and YouTube videos were predominantly gaming related. 

I’ve been reviewing audio products for about 10 years and know what sounds good and what doesn’t. I also appreciate there’s not much point in having great sounding headphones that feel awful on your head.

  • First reviewed in December 2023
Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 review: A bargain pair of buds for what they offer
3:00 pm | December 10, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 review: Three-minute review

Edifier might not be a household name but if the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are anything to go by, then the firm really needs to garner more attention. Available for £129.99 / $129.99 / AU$229.99, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are deceptively cheap for a feature set that includes active noise cancellation, hi-res audio support, Bluetooth 5.3, and a snazzy looking app and case. They must be fairly poor, right? Wrong. 

While the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 struggle with some very middling battery life that's bordering on not good enough, everything else about them is impressive. When it comes to ANC quality, I don't even mean impressive for the price, I mean good for any of the best noise cancelling earbuds. 

Walking along a busy road and barely hearing a thing is the dream. It's possible to hear that there is traffic flying past, but it's entirely background noise and doesn't detract from what you're listening to in the slightest.

Alongside that, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 sound great with the 10mm dynamic driver paired with a balanced armature driver ensuring they sound balanced. Crisp sounds as you listen to the latest from Taylor Swift right back to some soothing classical music all ensures the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are a delight.

App support means you can adjust things via the EQ which is nice but not necessary for anyone other than the most avid of audiophiles. If you want a little more punchiness though, you can't go wrong with the Dynamic Mode which worked well with Muse's back catalogue.

With ANC enabled, even with the charging case, you'll only be able to listen for about 16 hours at the absolute most which isn't great but that's a small bugbear for most people and one that I'm willing to accept at this price point.

Similarly, the look of the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 is a little Star Trek: The Next Generation ish rather than as sleek as some competitors like the Apple AirPods Pro 2, but these are still a bargain that richly deserve a place among the best wireless earbuds.

Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 review: Price and release date

Edifier Neobuds Pro 2 in case

(Image credit: Future)
  • Released in August 2023
  • Officially priced at £129.99 / $129.99 / AU$229.99

The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 was released in August 2023 for $129.99 in the US, £129.99 in the UK and AU$229.99 in Australia. The earbuds are currently available in the US, UK and Europe. 

Two color choices are available – either black or ivory. Fairly ordinary colors, either could end up discounted at some point but the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are very shrewdly priced already.

Outside of sales, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are roughly similarly priced to the Sony WF-C700N at $119 / £99 / AU$199 and the standard Apple AirPods with a wired charging case (although these are often discounted). Notably, the standard AirPods lack ANC although the Sony earbuds still offer it. 

Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 review: Specs

Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 review: Features

Edifier Neobuds Pro 2 case

(Image credit: Future)
  • Wear detection 
  • Great app 
  • No multipoint support 

The Edifier app is one of the best around with all the features you could want. That includes adjusting different levels of ANC to your liking, setting up head-tracking and tweaking the EQ. You can even change the color of the LED on the charging case which is a cute touch. 

The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 also offer wear detection which is mostly very accurate. Once in a while, I found it not detect me removing the buds from my ears but for the most part, it was a delight to put them in and have music kick straight back in.

There isn't multipoint support so you can't connect two devices at once but the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 remain ideal for your commute or keeping permanently hooked up to your phone. There's also Bluetooth 5.3 support to ensure no dropouts.

Features score: 4/5

Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 review: Battery life

Edifier App

(Image credit: Future)
  • Up to 22 hours with ANC off/up to 16 hours with ANC on 
  • 15 minute quick-charge gives back 2 hours 

The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are fine when it comes to battery life but a little weaker than some of the competition. There's up to 22 hours including the case when ANC is disabled led but you'll likely want it switched on. Enabled and with Hi-res audio kicking in, you can see just two to three hours of playback with four hours usually experienced with ANC on. 

Mileage will vary here and I didn't find it a dealbreaker as a pair of earbuds for the daily commute, but if you need to use them for extended periods, you may be disappointed by the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2's performance.

Battery life score: 3/5

Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 review: Sound quality

Edifier Neobuds Pro 2 charging port

(Image credit: Future)
  • Crisp audio 
  • Great ANC 
  • Adjustable EQ 

The most exceptional thing about the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 is how good the ANC is. Wireless earbuds are rarely competing with the best noise-cancelling headphones  given their design but I'd go so far as to say the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 felt class leading. Walking along a busy road, noise was easily cancelled out and reduced to being quiet background noise ensuring I could hear every moment of Taylor Swift belting out Bad Blood. 

Via the app, there are plenty of noise cancellation modes to choose from depending on the situation. I mostly lived with them on the strongest setting but it was useful to be able to switch to milder levels or an ambient mode to hear the key details going on around you. A wind reduction mode was particularly useful in this part of the country where the wind seems to never calm down.

Similarly, out of the box, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 sound good. The mids are crisp and the highs detailed with little issue here. Bass isn't booming but it feels smooth and punchy nonetheless. While bassheads may prefer an even louder response, it's a pretty balanced result here. Tracks like the reworking of Welcome to New York by Taylor Swift feel as exciting as it's meant to sound, making even the gloomiest of days feel a little livelier. Classics like God Only Knows have just the right amount of sparkle while feeling bright throughout.

There are adjustments that can be made via the app and they work well, particularly if you want to add more punchiness to your listening but mostly, there's no need to make any tweaks unless you truly feel in the mood.

The only minor issue comes from a soundstage that could maybe be a little wider but as detailed as it is, I'm not complaining. Add on the Hi-Res audio support with the latest LHDC 5.0 HD codec, and the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are packing some hefty weight for the price.

Sound quality score: 5/5

Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 review: Design

Edifier Neobuds Pro 2

(Image credit: Future)
  • Angular case 
  • Dated version of the future 
  • Touch sensitive controls 

Despite lacking the battery life of some earbuds, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 have a fairly sizeable case. Angular in design, it'll take up more room in your pocket than other earbuds like the Apple AirPods. Despite all that room, there's no wireless charging with charging solely via the USB-C port. 

There's also room for an LED light bar on the front with the app allowing you to choose from eight different colors. It's a little gimmicky but it pumps out more light than you'd expect, as I discovered while going for a dawn walk. Otherwise, the case isn't exactly good looking.

The earbuds themselves are fairly hefty too but that's beneficial as the tips ensure a balanced design that mean they fit snugly in your ears without ever feeling like they could drop out of your ears any time soon, even when running. It's not the most attractive of designs but it's certainly practical. 

On the earbuds are a touch area for light touches and long presses. Thanks to the effective wear detection, you may find you don't need these very often but they're great for taking calls.

Design score: 4/5

Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 review: Value

Edifier Neobuds Pro 2 design

(Image credit: Future)
  • Very competitively priced 
  • Premium features for less  

The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are very shrewdly priced. The ANC is better than most along with other key features. Competition arises from the standard Apple AirPods which lack ANC or the Sony WF-C700N which are slightly cheaper.

Ultimately, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 is punching above its weight making it great value if you don't mind slightly lesser battery life and other minor issues.

Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2?

Buy them if...

Don't buy them if...

Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 review: Also consider

How I tested the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2

Edifier Neobuds Pro 2 in charging case

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested over 10 days in many different situations 
  • Listened against the Apple AirPods 3, Apple AirPods Pro 2, and Marshall Motif II 
  • Listened to Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube videos and Twitch 

The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 were my trusty companion over 10 days or so, replacing my usual earbuds. 

That meant they were with me during each of my morning walks amongst the busy rush hour commute. They were also used walking around even busier areas where, normally, I wouldn't have been able to hear what I was listening to. To make matters noisier, I also dealt with some fairly strong winds and storms so it was a strong test of the earbuds' ANC. 

Besides being worn for walks, I also used the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 on a couple of runs to check they fit snugly and securely. 

During my evenings, I used them to watch Twitch streams and YouTube videos, while the daytime was mostly spent with Apple Music and Spotify to try out different types of music. Genres ranged from pop, jazz, classical, soundtracks, to a friend's album which wasn't as heavily processed as others. 

I've been reviewing audio products for about 10 years now and am pretty picky with what sounds good as well as what feels right in my ears. It's always good to feel like you're rediscovering a favorite thanks to the earbuds you're using.

First reviewed in December 2023. 

Dali iO-12 review: deliciously detailed wireless headphones with just one thing missing
1:00 pm | November 4, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones Wireless Headphones | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Dali iO-12: 3-minute review

The delightfully delicious Dali iO-12 are easily in my top three headphone designs of all time, aesthetically speaking, and I've seen some gorgeous headphones in my time. I almost want to take a bite out of them, or at least dunk them in something creamy and highly calorific. And it's not just looks and luxe either – aptX Adaptive is here, as is 24-bit/96kHz resolution if you're going USB-C wired (both 3.5mm and USB-A to USB-C cables are provided) so you're getting the trousers and well as the talk, so to speak. 

While the Dali iO-12's bid for entry to our best wireless headphones guide surely includes that USB-C port for hi-res audio passthrough (take note, iPhone 15 and Apple Music users) the sense of pride in ownership one feels wearing these striking yet understated headphones is a massive part of their appeal. They look expensive (because they are) but more than that, they sound expensive. 

Forget special spatial audio side-sauce, forget customising what the on-ear controls do, forget EQ tweaks (other than the solo bass boost button) forget sound zones, forget speak-to-chat features and forget tweakable ANC. There's none of that here. In fact, there's no app here at all, so forget any visual representation of what's going on inside your headphones. 

That said, they're some of the best noise-cancelling headphones around even without the scope to tweak modes, levels or adaptiveness. And this is because what you chiefly want when you stick on a pair of noise-cancelling headphones is for them to be worthy of their name claim and cancel some noise. What you need to know is that Dali's iO-12 reduce noise very well, thus setting the stage to deliver excellent audio to your ears.

I'm not at all surprised. Although TechRadar's reviews of Dali gear to date hone in the brand's speaker output (including the new Epikore 11, if you skip to point three here) my tenure at our sister publication, What Hi-Fi?, saw me help review the 2019-issue Dali iO-6 and Dali iO-4, the Danish audio specialist's first ever foray into the world of wireless over-ear headphones and one it approached as very much a 'personal speakers for your ears' endeavour. However that sounds, those inaugural cans were nothing short of excellent for detail, finesse and form, marred only by a fractionally over-cautious delivery that lacked an extra ounce of punch for the price. 

To atone for this (a mere four years later), Dali has added a button to boost bass. I don't particularly like it, but it's there – and the hi-fi sound profile is so enjoyable I don't care. There's also a new patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) magnet system, which I'll discuss later because that is inspired. 

Dali iO-12 held in a hand on autumnal leaves background

Favorite time of year, with headphones to match (Image credit: Future)

The ear pads here in the newest model are bigger than previous models, and while they're very well padded, make no mistake: this is a big set of over-ears and could swamp a smaller wearer – or overheat the user who tends to suffer from overly warm ears. If ever there was a set of over-ears for the fall temperature drop, it's the Dali iO-12. I love the coziness of them, even if the headband fell back on my crown a little more often than I'm used to – a 370g, they're certainly not the lightest on the market.

In summary, if you like to keep things simple and you want a quality, mature, hi-fi grade listen plus an aesthetic that purrs "I'm very important; do leave me alone", you've met your match in the Dali iO-12. However, if you prefer all the whistles and bells of an app-enhanced experience, you'll find a more suitable proposition for less money in the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, or even the mighty Bowers & Wilkins Px8. 

I did warn you they're expensive…

Dali iO12 in their case, on autumnal leaves

The Dali iO-12 have a fairly large case, but it feels premium and the earcups lie flat.  (Image credit: Future)

Dali iO-12 review: Price & release date

  • Released May 18, 2023
  • Priced $1,499 / £999, which is around AU$1,870

The Dali iO-12 were unveiled at the prestigious annual hi-fi trade show, High End Munich, in May 2023.

And high end is certainly what they are. If you want them, you'll need deep pockets; they're more expensive than premium options such as the Focal Bathys ($799 / £699 / €799, around AU$1,210) or the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 ($699 / £599 / AU$1150). 

OK, they're not quite as dear as the wired Meze Audio Liric ($1,999 / £1,799 / AU$3,399) but still, they're easily four or five times the price of many quality, aggressively priced options out there. 

Consider for example the Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2, ($349 / £349 / approx. AU$540), the Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399 / £380 / AU$649), the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 ($399 / £379 / approx. AU$575), the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 ($399 / £330 / approx. AU$640) or the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless ($349.95 / £300 / AU$549.95) for starters. 

Now, consider that every single one of the options above except the Dali iO-12 has a companion app. That performance had better be good, no? 

Dali iO-12 closeup, right earcup

All physical buttons, all on the right earcup – and although all work well, we'd love an app… (Image credit: Future)

Dali iO-12 review: Specs

Dali iO-12 headphones held in a hand, with autumnal leaves in the background

You've got to say the Dali iO-12 are a good-looking pair of headphones… (Image credit: Future)

Dali iO-12 review: Features

  • New Bass/Hi-Fi button
  • USB Aaudio supports up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution
  • Excellent ANC – but not as fully featured as the competition

Let's talk stamina first: 35 hours is very good. It's better than the 30-hour claim of the TechRadar 2023 Award-winning Bowers & Wilkins PX8, although not as good as the 45 hours you'll get from the Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 or the 80-hour staying power of the Edifier Stax Spirit S3, but the latter is a somewhat skewed contest since the Edifier headphones are devoid of ANC. Also, I can confirm that Dali's battery life claim holds true.

Multipoint? Yes, it's here – and once you get used to that fact that the physical buttons are all on the right earcup, altering volume (by pushing the outer lip of the circular right earpiece either up at the top or down at the bottom), handling playback and scrolling ANC profiles works a charm. I did find myself turning them off occasionally in error, forgetting that the ANC button (which scrolls between "Transparency", "ANC off" and "ANC on")  is actually further forward on the earcup and a little trickier to locate, but these controls are certainly dependable.

What these physical buttons are not is customizable in any way. What am I talking about? Well, other headphones give us options to change what a single or double press might do. The competition might also let you deploy sidetone to amplify your voice during calls, set a few EQ profiles for different music genres, switch auto-pause on or off, offer sound zones, give you the chance to prioritize audio quality or a stable connection, or even switch up the vocal notifications to a female voice. None of that here. 

Usually in this section I'd provide three screenshots of Dali's companion app and a bit on its merits or shortcomings. Only, I cannot do that because there isn't one. One could argue you don't need an app if the sound from the box is good enough – and to a degree I'm inclined to agree. But anyone who's used Sennheiser's sound zones, deployed Bose's new Immersive Audio or created their own EQ profile for maximum hip-hop track enjoyment may beg to differ. In the end, it's up to you. 

One new button on the iO-12's right earcup, nearest your crown, is denoted by an EQ symbol. Press it and a male voice utters "bass" or "hi-fi" depending on how many times you've pushed it. It's something extra and it adds value, although I prefer Dali's integrated, refined hi-fi listen. Rather than unearthing that extra ounce of clout, snap and energy you might be hoping for, the bass booster amplifies the low end but draws a veil over the other frequencies somewhat.

The good news? The noise cancellation here is very good. The levels are not selectable on a slider (look to the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 for this) but still, when it's on, it does create a lovely bubble of silence. 

  • Features score: 3.5/5

Dali's iO-12 case on autumnal leaves

No denying it's a big case… (Image credit: Future)

Dali iO-12 review: Sound quality

  • Neutral, revealing separation with oodles of clarity 
  • Treble frequencies are particularly insightful and agile
  • Can still be beaten (just) for fun and zeal

What I love about larger over-ears is the circumaural sound dispersion and the Dali iO-12 serve up the goods here – in a big way. Kicking off with Far Beyond the Sun by Yngwie Malmsteen on Tidal (a FLAC file), cymbal crashes and keys approached my left ear with newfound direction and clarity as the guitar came in centrally.

My Chemical Romance's To the End reveals whispered backing vocals darting underneath each ear as axe crashes stay over on the left and the melody comes through the right. Gerard Way's vocal is as overly close to the mic as it should be in a cohesive and musically pleasing mix across the frequencies. 

Switching to an Apple Music file on my iPhone, the key progressions in Joni Mitchell's Blue are three-dimensional and moving. My playlist continues to All I Want, where each musical passage is given due diligence in a layered performance – strummed guitar chords in my right ear, the rhythm in my left, Mitchell's ponderous artistic vocal stylings and trills upfront and center. Honestly, it's emotional – particularly through the sparkling treble. Dali's iO-12 offer immersive listening without the extra parlor tricks; it's dynamically agile listening inside your head. I applaud it. I can (and have) listened to it for hours. If you're a singer, you'll want people to listen to your voice on these cans. 

Some listeners may want an extra iota of what I can only call fun; a cheekier rise and fall, a bit of added oomph, a punchier bass injection. You can look to Bose or JBL for these marginal sonic additives to the audio curve, I'll take the insight, detail, neutrality and precision of the Dali iO-12's hi-fi profile, thank you.

  • Sound quality score: 5/5

Dali iO-12 headphones on a park bench with autumnal leaves

Don't worry, we didn't leave the Dali iO-12 here. As if we could bear to part with them… (Image credit: Future)

Dali iO-12 review: Design

  • USB port on the right earcup, 3.5mm jack on the left
  • Classy design which lies flat but doesn't fold
  • Very large earcups and pads

The iO-12 are the world's first headphones to feature Dali's patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) magnet system. This is an important build feature since it uses the same material found in Dali's high-end speakers, but to understand it fully you need to know about 'hysteresis'. Conventional magnets in a speaker design can introduce an unintended resistance to the voice-coil, which can lead to unwanted distortion in the audio signal, aka hysteresis. Dali's SMC technology, combined with the company's signature paper fibre cones, promises to significantly reduce hysteresis and lower uneven harmonic distortion drastically. And I think it's a huge success.

Looking for a set of foldable headphones – the kind that concertina up for easier portability? No dice here sadly. In the same way that the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, Focal Bathys or newer Fairphone FairBuds XL do, these cans have cups that can rotate to lie completely flat (and they do so silently, with no clicking whatsoever during adjustment), but the square hard-shell case is really quite big and not one that can easily slip into a bag unnoticed. 

The build here is really quite beautiful though (it does include real leather, vegans take note) and there is ample padding wherever you need it, particularly from the rectangular pads attached to the circular earcups. That said, they're big. You may love this; I certainly do – it helps to deliver a wide soundfield and there's nothing quite like a huge set of over-ears wrapped around your head to signal "No words, please" to the public. However, once or twice during testing and despite the about-perfect clamping force, I did find the iO-12's headband slipped back on my crown as I walked. I think it's their sheer size. 

Ultimately, these are cans that aren't backwards about coming forwards. Photos don't do it justice but the metallic circular accent on each earcup catches the sun beautifully – I did get regular compliments while wearing them. 

I like that the physical buttons are all one earcup since I'm right-handed, although those with larger fingers (or lefties) may find this a little fiddly – only the ANC button takes a bit of practise to locate quickly. 

What is a tad strange is the location of the wired input options, with one on each earpiece (USB-C on the right, 3.5mm jack on the left) – but this is relatively small fry and something you'll also find on the Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2. The supplied fabric-covered cables feel premium, robust and impossible to tangle. 

There's very little sound bleed here, but there's also no IP rating for water resistance, so you should be careful in very heavy storms – particularly at this price. 

At 370g, they're equivalent to something like Apple's AirPods Max (384g), and like the AirPods, they use clamping to distribute that weight comfortably. Considering Sony's WH-1000XM5 are quite a bit lighter at 249g, the Dali definitely feel a tad more substantial in the scheme of headphones.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Dali IO-12 in their case on a beige table

Can't get enough of the chocolatey hue? You're not alone  (Image credit: Future)

Dali iO-12 review: Value

  • Premium looks, premium sound, premium price
  • USB-C audio connection adds flexibility and hi-res audio
  • There's no app – and cheaper options have one

There's no getting away from it: these headphones are expensive. But what they do, they do extremely well – and by that I mean you're getting excellent sound quality and very decent ANC.

That said, if you want the best (and by that I mean tweakable) transparency profiles, EQ presets, button tweaks, spatial audio, or perks money can buy, spend it elsewhere, on the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, or the Sony WH-1000XM5. 

Buying headphones usually involves a compromise (omission of a particular hi-res codec, poor call quality but great sound, lack of water resistance), and here, the glaring omission is app support and smart features. There just aren't any. Dali actually lists "No app required" as a feature in the iO-12, but we're not so sure. 

The battery level is more than sufficient at 35 hours, the build is incredibly beautiful and the sound is supremely detailed and integrated. If you want an extra ounce of oomph though, you'd be better off looking to Bose. 

  • Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the Dali iO-12?

Buy them if...

Don't buy them if...

Dali iO-12: Also consider

How I tested the Dali iO-12

TR's Becky Scarrott wearing Dali iO-12 headphones in a park

Unmistakably fall weather calls for warm, chocolate brown Dali over-ears. (Image credit: Future)
  • Tested over two weeks, listened against the Edifier Stax Spirit S3, Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, Bowers & Wilkins PX8 and Focal Bathys
  • Used on long walks on public streets, at work in a busy office, on a train, and at home
  • Listened to Tidal Masters, Apple Music, Qobuz and Spotify on an iPhone 12, a Sony Xperia 1 V, and from MacBook Pro

To test headphones is to invite them into your life – how the case fits in your bag is just as important as how they slip onto your head. The Dali iO-12 became my daily musical companion – after a thorough run-in period. And just as Dali is a trusted name in speakers, I now trust what the firm can do with personal speakers that wrap around your head. 

These headphones accompanied me to work on busy weekdays (walking brusquely to the station; boarding a train and taking the London Underground; at the office) and walking along the blustery seafront – a great way to test any wind-interference from mics during calls.

To check the audio quality across the frequencies, I listened to various playlists across various music genres (spanning everything from grime to classical) on Apple Music and Tidal, but also to podcasts and albums on Spotify – plus of course YouTube tutorials (on how to change a light in my refrigerator, most recently) 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 and the user experience have always taken priority for me personally – but portability, security and comfort come a close second. 

Sonos Move 2 review: big portable sound for a big price
4:00 pm | September 18, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: | Comments: Off

Sonos Move 2 review: Two-minute review

The Sonos Move 2 is the new big, portable speaker from Sonos, designed to be a home speaker than you can just grab and take with you when you feel like it.

The Sonos Move 2 is much bigger and heavier than most of the best Bluetooth speakers, but it packs in a lot more audio tech and battery life than those do – it can last 24 hours (and this holds up in my testing). The downside is that all of this tech comes at a seriously high price of $449 / £449 / AU$799.

The Sonos Move 2 does everything it's supposed to extremely well. It sounds great, with depth, poise and detail to please picky listeners, as well as being fun and loud enough for parties. Its loudness is part of its advantage – where other portable speakers top out and lose control, the Move 2 has tons of headroom.

Given that a mix of Bluetooth and Sonos Wi-Fi connectivity are now also offered by other Sonos speakers – particularly the Sonos Era 100, which sounds the same but is nearly half the price – the new Move 2 has a harder time justifying its price than its predecessor did. If you want the particular mix of power and practicality that it delivers, and you have the budget, then I totally recommend it. It's classy, reliable and flexible.

But for anyone more budget conscious or who doesn't need every feature it offers, you might be better off saving cash and looking at the stationary Sonos Era 100, the cheaper-but-weaker-sounding Sonos Roam, or the less-functional-but-excellent-sounding Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2.

Sonos Move 2 close up of the top, showing the control buttons and Sonos logo

The top of the Sonos Move 2 has touch-sensitive buttons for changing tracks and volume. (Image credit: Future)

Sonos Move 2 review: Price and release date

  • Released on September 20, 2023
  • Officially priced at $449 / £449 / AU$799

Released in September 2023, the Sonos Move 2 arrives to a world densely populated by portable speakers, and mostly at a far, far lower price than its $449 / £449 / AU$799 fee. Sonos products don't tend to get much in the way of lifetime discounts either (though the company at least takes part in sales periods more than it used to, these days).

Sonos has always been a premium brand, and the Sonos Move 2 is nearly premium as portable speakers get, with only a few competitors, such as the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A5, daring to go any higher than this.

Sonos has a more affordable alternative, of course, in the form of the Sonos Roam, which is priced (and sized) closer to what people think of from Bluetooth speakers. So the Move 2 is for people who don't want to compromise on the relatively compressed sound of the Roam.

However, it's worth noting that you can get something like the large and truly impressive-sounding Tribit Stormbox Blast for half the price of the Move 2. It's pricey even by hefty speaker standards.

Sonos Move 2 review: Specs

Sonos Move 2 on a white table, next to its charging base

The Sonos Move 2 with its charging cradle. You can also charge it via USB-C directly. (Image credit: Future)

Sonos Move 2 review: Features

  • Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, plus optional line-in
  • 24-hour battery life holds up in tests
  • Touch controls on top work great

The Sonos Move 2 features both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options for connectivity, just as its predecessor did. Unlike its predecessor, though, this is now a much more common option in Sonos' lineup. Not only do the Move 2 and Roam offer this, but also the Sonos Era 100 and Sonos Era 300. 

Also like the Era 100 and Era 300, it has a USB-C port that functions as a line-in (including for a 3.5mm jack, if you have Sonos' adapter), and a new arrangement of touch controls on top, including a recessed bar for volume that makes it easy to find. Play/pause and track skipping buttons are here too, along with an indicator for the voice control system – again, a feature it shares with the other speakers, including both Alexa and Sonos Voice Control options.

And just like the Era 100, the Move 2 has a three-driver speaker system, with two angled tweeters pointing left and right (to create stereo, Sonos claims), and one central mid-woofer. It means that more than ever, the distinction between the Move 2 and its closest sibling sonically, the Era 100 in this case, is the battery and tough build.

The battery life Sonos is claiming here is 24 hours, which is double what the original Sonos Move offered, and in my experience, it hits that – at least, with the volume not turned up too high. I found that it lost an average of about 4% per hour with the volume at around 25% playing over Wi-Fi (AirPlay 2), which is easily loud enough to enjoy music while I write this review at my desk. When you have it outside, odds are you'll have it a higher level than this, but I didn't find that the battery drain drastically rose.

I also found that it lost around 20% battery when left for 24 hours. It does have a sleep mode, which it should enter automatically when left alone, that effectively arrests battery drop. Although you can't wake it up from sleep mode remotely, you need to press the power button on the back to kick it back to life. One bonus of the battery this time is that you can charge your phone from it by plugging into the USB-C port. You don't have to do much – just plug it in, and if it doesn't immediately start charging, hit the power button on the back.

As with all Sonos systems, setting it up is easy. The Sonos app will detect it immediately, quickly run through the process of adding it to your Wi-Fi and your Sonos home network, as well as updating it with new software.

You can also enable Auto TruePlay here, which will adjust the sound automatically to your environment, updating every few minutes because the speaker constantly monitors itself. Sonos has told me that this is less effective than the full Trueplay or the Quick Tune option on its newer speakers. I'm not sure it's doing much transformative here, but it's better than nothing. There is also the option of using two Move 2 speakers for a more convincing stereo system, though I don't expect this to be a wildly popular option at this price.

You can set the voice control options from the app, either enabling Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Control, which offers pretty much only the ability to select and play music, but with no cloud computing, so it may be preferable for the privacy-minded. A switch on the back disables the mic completely, if you prefer. On the back at the bottom, you'll also find the USB-C port.

Bluetooth pairing is also turned on and off using a button on the back, which you hold briefly. It immediately appeared as an option on my devices after that. You can use the Bluetooth connection or the optional line-in (a separate 3.5mm-to-USB-C adapter can be bought) to connect to the Move 2, and then broadcast that sound around to other Sonos speakers. So, I was able to connect the Move 2 to a Bluetooth source and use the Sonos app to beam that sound to my Sonos Arc. It worked totally seamlessly, through the System view of the Sonos app – hit the square "broadcast" icon by the Move 2 to choose other Sonos speakers to send the audio to.

  • Features score: 4.5/5

Sonos Move 2 sitting on its charging base on a white table

On its charging cradle, the Sonos Move 2 might as well be any other home Wi-Fi speaker. (Image credit: Future)

Sonos Move 2 review: Sound quality

  • Excellent balance and great detail
  • No difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
  • Not really stereo sound

Let's get one quick thing out of the way: I couldn't make out any clear difference in sound quality between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (via Apple AirPlay 2 or from the Sonos app directly) on the Sonos Move 2. So any judgment of the sound applies equally to all sources.

It may not shock Sonos regulars to know that the Move 2 sounds great. It's capable of great depth at the low end in a way that makes use of its size and weight – a bass line can thrum and vibrate with richness without ever feeling like it's getting loose, while drums hit tightly and sharply. 

Big bass is still fairly common in portable speakers though (partly because low-end frequencies lose volume quickly and are easily disrupted by reflections/wind), but it can often feel overblown: the trick to the Sonos Move 2 is that that it's balanced so expertly, as is usual with Sonos gear. The bass carries well outside, but indoors it still says in line with with the mid-range and treble.

In the mid-range, instruments have enough room to express themselves, and it certainly doesn't feel like a small soundstage – it diffuses nicely while still having the specificity of particular voices or tones. I think it struggles most for clarity here in particular dense tracks. You can also get slightly better precision from something like the HomePod 2, or certainly from the Sonos Era 300 – both of which are the same price or cheaper, but also aren't portable. It doesn't handle things badly at all, I just noticed its limits here.

In treble, it's again crisp and in total control. Little high-end details lift out of the mid-range with no confusion, and again it feels suitable expansive and carries well across the room.

As with the Era 100 and its extremely similar speaker arrangement, I don't think I can really say that it lives up to Sonos' claims of producing stereo sound. If you are sitting directly facing it at an optimal distance, yes, in tracks with major separation, you'll be able to hear it. But that's not really how the Sonos Move is used; when it's outside or across the room, it won't really matter. But I think the angled drivers do help with the wide soundstage, and that's very welcome in a speaker like this.

The question about the Move 2 isn't really whether it sounds good. It really does. It's whether it sounds good enough for the price, which is undoubtedly high. Its sound is incredibly close to the Sonos Era 100 (I compared them directly), as you might expect given their similar audio setups, but you can buy two Era 100s for essentially the same price as one Sonos Move.

I also compared it directly to my favorite Bluetooth speaker, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2. This is another one that's regularly available for half the price of the Move 2, and though it lacks some of the features (no Wi-Fi, 18 hours of battery life), I was surprised at how close in sound quality they were. The B&O has always impressed me with its balance, and although the bass isn't quite as impactful, and the mid-range is a little less expressive, the different in general music enjoyment between them was slim.

However, the difference in volume headroom was huge. The Move 2 was able to hit the same loudness at 25-30% that the B&O was hitting at 50%. There's simply more headroom from the much larger machine.

  • Sound quality: 4.5/5

Sonos Move 2 rear, showing the handle and some control buttons, on a white table

The rear of the Sonos Move 2 has its handle, along with some of the 'boring' buttons and switches. (Image credit: Future)

Sonos Move 2 review: Design

  • Great-feeling build and materials
  • Sleek design that looks good as a home speaker
  • A real handle would probably be better

The Sonos Move 2 looks incredibly like the original Move, but with a new finish to the plastic, a slightly different curve to its edges, and a new-look top panel – all in line with Sonos' new design language, introduced with the Era 100 and Era 300 speakers. Following this, the black finish is a little different, and in addition to black or white, there's a new Olive color, which is what I had, and I think it's an excellent shade. Neutral without being boring; fashionable but not flashy.

And it doesn't just look like the original, either; it's essentially the same dimensions and weight. Compared to a truly portable speaker, such as a JBL Flip 6 or Sonos' own Roam, it's damn big, there's no question. The 6.6 lb / 3kg weight also pushes the definition of portable a little, depending on what you want to do with it. It's too much to add to a pack for a hike, but carrying it to my garden while I worked on weeding it was no hardship. But then, I'm also a young-ish guy with no physical ailments. I'm not sure my mother would carry it to her tomatoes when she tends to them at this weight, which she might with a lighter speaker.

A factor in the weight is how you carry it. The recessed section in the back is perfectly fine to grip for me, and feels rock solid as a way to carry it – but it means the weight is unbalanced, so again, if someone has any grip or strength issues, they may struggle with it. Having this "invisible" handle makes the Move 2 look good in the home when not in use, but for sheer practicality, a standard over-the-top carry handle would probably be more useful for more people.

The charging dock is the only part that doesn't feel quite as meticulously engineered as the rest. It's not that there's anything wrong with it as such, it's just thin and light. I also found myself nudging it when re-seating the Move 2 for charging, and then having to double-check it was definitely in there right, because it doesn't have the satisfying and secure fit you get when putting something like AirPods Pro 2 back in their charging case.

The speaker is IP56 rated, meaning that it can take being sprayed, and lightly submerged, as well as being able to protect against a fair amount of dust or sand. You'll find that a lot of the best waterproof speakers can best this, but it's fine for what the Move 2 is really designed for – it'll take being rained on if you leave it outside, or sprayed by the kids accidentally.

  • Design score: 4/5

Sonos Move 2 being lifted by its handle

The Sonos Move 2's rear handle isn't hard to grab, but it's not exactly balanced. (Image credit: Future)

Sonos Move 2 review: Value

  • It's expensive compared to other Sonos speakers
  • But it offers a unique flexibility and audio quality combination
  • Ultimately worth it, if you need what it offers

I touched on this topic at the end of the sound quality section, but the issue with the value of the Sonos Move 2 is really what you can get instead. You get a Sonos Era 300, which sounds noticeable better. Or two Sonos Era 100 units, which might mean you don't need the portability. Or one Era 100 and one Sonos Roam, giving you portability and power in separate units.

However, I don't think the Move 2 is bad value, because of the particular mix of stuff it's offering. The battery life is really long compared to other portable speakers, the sound quality is so enjoyable, and it's so flexible with its combo of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (and the ability to beam Bluetooth sound to other Sonos devices).

So if you want the Move 2, you have to want what it offers in particular. This particular mix of high-quality sound, long battery life and connectivity options, and you're happy not to compromise on budget to get it.

Taken as a whole, the Move 2 is not bad value, but I definitely won't be enthusing about what a bargain it is.

  • Value score: 3/5

Sonos Move 2 on a white table

The Sonos Move 2 is a lovely, lovely speaker, but the price will definitely put some people off. (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Sonos Move 2?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Sonos Move 2 review: Also consider

How I tested the Sonos Move 2

The Sonos Move 2 next to the Sonos era 100, showing how much smaller the Era 100 is

The Sonos Move 2 is much larger than the Era 100, despite similar audio and connection tech. (Image credit: Future)
  • Tested for over a week
  • Tested at home and in my yard
  • Used primarily with Apple Music, but also podcasts

I tested the Sonos Move 2 for over a week at my home, using it as my main source of music during that time – while working from home at my desk, indoors at a lower volume; and while working on my garden, with the volume turned up higher to overcome the sounds of the neighborhood.

I mainly used it with Apple Music, tested over Bluetooth, over AirPlay 2, and using the Sonos app at different times, to make sure there were no audio quality differences. I also listened to podcasts on it a little.

I compared it to the Sonos Era 100 directly in a head-to-head test, as well as the B&O Beosound A1 Gen 2. I also had the Sonos Era 300 and Apple HomePod 2 available, so I listened to those for more value comparisons.

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