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The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is a bass-heavy Bluetooth speaker that I love for blasting party bangers
4:00 pm | February 11, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Tags: | Comments: Off

Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus: Two-minute review

The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is a Bluetooth speaker that does exactly what it says on the tin. It blasts onto the scene with booming bass output, high volume levels and blaring LED lights – this thing is by no means subtle! And at $249.99 / £199.99 / AU$359.99 it’s by no means cheap, either – so let’s find out if the Boom 2 Plus is worth the cash.

It only seems right to start with the main attraction: bass. With BassUp 2.0 activated you’re going to get deep pumping low-end output, ideal for genres such as EDM or hip-hop, and for occasions such as house parties. Without it, you may find that bass is a touch underwhelming, so it’s worth toggling it on for when you really want to ramp up any low-frequency audio. Still, I didn’t find the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus could offer quite as ground-shaking bass as the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2.

All-round sound quality is up-to-scratch, too. I found mids and highs to be clear and free of tinniness – a big relief. On top of that, there’s a nine-band EQ so you can get a more neutral sound if that’s what you’re after. The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus isn’t going to supply the phenomenal attention to detail that some of the best Bluetooth speakers can offer, but it does include the AAC codec this time around, so it's a little better for Apple users in particular.

This speaker comes with a nice set of features, all of which can be accessed via the free-to-download Soundcore app. You can pick from preset or custom EQ calibrations, toggle BassUp, and alter light settings. The LED lights attached to the side of the speaker can sync up to audio output for a more immersive listening experience, and watching them rumble as the speaker pumps bass is highly satisfying.

The lights were one of many features already included in the original Anker Soundcore Boom 2. Now, don’t get me wrong, the standard-sized model is a decent budget option, but the Boom 2 Plus is an upgrade in almost every way. You get more power – as much as 140W for hitting high volumes – a more curved, quality-looking design, and a strap for carrying the speaker over long distances.

But the Boom 2 Plus isn’t without its drawbacks. Of course, its far more expensive – yet still only has the IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it still lacks a dustproof score. On top of that, the Boom 2 Plus actually offers less playtime than the standard Boom 2, with just 20 hours on offer. Now, that’s not too bad, but considering rivals like the Earfun UBoom X can muster 30 hours, you may be left wanting more.

But overall, the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is still an adept party speaker. You’re getting plenty of bass and plenty of ways to personalize both its sound and appearance. If you can grab it at a cut-price, I’d argue it's an option well-worth considering, but unfortunately there’s some really stiff competition in this price range. And if you’re able to stretch your budget a little bit further, I’d recommend going for the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2 instead, which ultimately packs more of a punch and better protection against the elements.

Reverse side of the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus

(Image credit: Future)

Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus review: Price and release date

  • $249.99 / £199.99 / AU$359.99
  • Launched in May 2024

The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is significantly pricier than the standard Boom 2 model, coming in with a list price of $249.99 / £199.99 / AU$359.99. That’s compared to the usual Boom 2’s launch price of $129.99 / £119.99 / AU$219.99. I’ve spotted it on sale for around $200 / £170, though, so keep your eyes peeled for a bargain.

This 2024-issued model is available in a number of color options – all of which cost the same. The colorways available to you are: Adventure Green; Explorer Green; and the variant I tested, Phantom Black.

Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus review: Specs

Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus with strap attached

(Image credit: Future)

Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus review: Features

  • Nine-band custom EQ
  • Customizable LED lights
  • 20-hour battery life is decent, but nothing special

In terms of features, the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is almost identical to its standard-sized sibling. Button controls enable you to toggle on the low-end-boosting BassUp option, sift through light show settings and pair to a second speaker via PartyCast 2.0. And once again, there’s a USB-C port which enables the Boom 2 Plus to become a power bank.

If you download the Soundcore app, however, you get access to even more features. The standout is EQ adjustment, which grants access to a nine band equalizer and a small selection of presets: Soundcore Signature, Voice, Treble Boost and Balanced (as well as BassUp). I would maybe have liked to see a few genre-specific options, but there’s still plenty of customizability here.

The app also lets you personalize the Boom 2 Plus’ lights remotely. There are six effects available: Flash, Flame, Lightning, Scan, Cyclone and Bounce. On top of that, you can play around with a color wheel to get an even more tailored look to the speaker’s LEDs. The lights are on passive radiators which rumble violently during bass-heavy tracks, and this was enjoyable to watch, especially in dark rooms. They sync up to sound output, which makes for an immersive audiovisual experience, but if that’s not to your taste, you can switch them off entirely.

One benefit of going lightless is that you’ll save some battery life. And that might be useful, because the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus actually offers less playtime than the standard Boom 2. That’s a little disappointing and given rivals such as the Earfun UBoom X can serve up an impressive 30 hours, its fair to say this speaker’s battery life is a bit unimpressive. 20 hours is by no means bad, but it’s worth noting that BassUp – like the lights – will contribute to faster drainage.

One thing you do get over the standard edition, however, is an aux-in port, which enables wired listening – pretty neat. Otherwise, you’ll be relying on Bluetooth 5.3, which is plenty good enough, and there’s also Google Fast Pair for a speedy setup.

  • Features score: 4/5

Button controls on the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus

(Image credit: Future)

Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus review: Sound quality

  • Booming bass with BassUp 2.0 on
  • But won’t offer massively sophisticated all-round audio
  • Impressive volume levels thanks to max 140W power output

Just by hearing this speaker's name, you probably know exactly what you’re going to get here. And if you guessed big, booming bass – congrats, you were right. Well, that is if you have BassUp 2.0 turned on – without this bass isn’t actually that impactful for a speaker of this size. But don’t get me wrong, having BassUp 2.0 on will definitely mean the low-end soaks up most of the limelight. For a party speaker, though, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

When tuning in to Favorita by kryptogram, I was impressed by the speaker’s bass output with impactful, deep drum kicks instantly grabbing my attention. Similarly when listening to a house track, Dasha - Tour Maubourg Remix by Fusion Affair, the speaker showcased solid low-frequency response, with dominant, pumping bass. When I threw on Diva Bonita by bbno$, the track’s imposing sub-bass came through with authority, something that you’ll miss out on from a lot of cheaper models.

When I put the Boom 2 Plus next to the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2, however, I did find the latter offered considerably weightier power in the low end – even with its XBass feature turned off. Of course, that model is a little more expensive, but if you want ultimate bass performance, I’d recommend it over this Soundcore speaker.

Regardless, the Boom 2 Plus can get very loud. That’s in part thanks to its high maximum power output of 140W – 100W of which comes from the two 50W woofers, with the remainder stemming from the speaker’s dual 20W tweeters. Pair that with the Boom 2 Plus’ competence in the bass department and you’re looking at a speaker that’s primed for parties or outdoor events, where you want to power through excess noise.

If you want a speaker capable of delivering a highly nuanced listen, though, this isn’t a top option. Sure, you get AAC this time (meaning any tracks played in AAC on a compatible device will be played without conversion or other inteference – most notably for Apple Music users on Apple devices) rather than SBC (the standard Bluetooth codec) alone, and there’s a nine-band equalizer that can help you tune a more balanced sound – but I still found there was a lack of detail, particularly in the mid and treble frequency range.

When listening to I Want You by Molko, I wasn’t struck by a true-to-life cymbal crash or particularly natural-sounding, breathy vocals. The speaker also wasn’t highly capable of managing this track’s densely layered mix, so you may want to turn to a model like the Edifier D32 if you’re looking for stronger instrument separation.

Of course, that’s not something this model has to excel in. Ultimately, this is designed to be a party speaker that leans into its low-frequency talents and it does that well. Also, even if they’re lacking a bit of detail, mid-range and treble frequency sounds rarely sound tinny or harsh, even at higher volumes. I also found that I could get a fairly balanced sound profile out of this speaker after turning BassUp off in Soundcore Signature and slightly tweaking EQ.

  • Sound quality score: 4/5

Soundcore logo on the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus

(Image credit: Future)

Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus review: Design

  • More curved, premium looking design this time out
  • Still only IPX7 rated
  • Eye-catching LED lights

In terms of looks, the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is a huge upgrade on its standard-sized sibling. It’s less stubby and blocky looking, now donning a wider, more curved look. On top of that, the metallic speaker grille has a more premium feel and appearance, creating a far cleaner aesthetic overall.

Of course, much has remained the same – the LED lights on the side of the speaker are still bold and vibrant – they can also sync up to bass output for a more immersive listening experience. And the button controls on top of the speaker are again well-proportioned, clear and responsive.

But with this speaker’s added length comes added bulk – meaning Anker has had to make a change here. That’s right: this model comes with a strap included, which can be attached to hooks on the handle. This is pretty basic; there’s no shoulder pad or anything, but it’s still a nice addition if you’re going to carry the Boom 2 Plus over longer distances. This is also welcome as the Boom 2 Plus is more than twice as weighty as the standard model, coming in at 8.4lbs / 3.8kg – though this is still fairly lightweight overall.

Something that, perhaps disappointingly, has remained much the same, though, is this speaker’s ingress rating. Like the standard Boom 2, this is IPX7 rated. Now, the positive here is that the speaker can be submerged in up to a meter of water for as long as 30 minutes – something we’d expect from all of the best waterproof speakers. It's floatable too if you want to take it into the pool with you, for instance.

The bad? This thing skips on a dustproof rating again, meaning it might not be the best beachside companion. If you want a more rough and ready model, look for the IP67 rating, which a ton of competitors have, including the fantastic Bose SoundLink Max.

But enough moaning. I did like the small rubber tab on the reverse side of the Boom 2 Plus. Simply flick this up or down and you get access to the USB-C charging port – which can be used to charge the speaker or external devices – as well as the aux-in if you want wired listening.

I was also a fan of the multiple color options available. You can grab the Boom 2 Plus in Phantom Black, Explorer Blue or Adventure Green – all of these look neat and are discreet enough to bring out the best of light features in dark rooms.

  • Design score: 4/5

LED lights on the side of the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus

(Image credit: Future)

Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus review: Value

  • Considerably more expensive than standard model
  • But does offer improved audio and design
  • Unfortunately rivals offer better bang for your buck

The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus has a list price that’s almost double that of the standard model. So, with added price, you’re going to expect a massive improvement. Do you get that? In many ways, yes. I would argue that this model is far better looking and, perhaps unsurprisingly, has bassier, cleaner audio. If you want an all-out party speaker, it’s no contest – the Boom 2 Plus is far superior.

At the same time, you get a smaller battery life and there are some lingering issues such as the lack of a dustproof rating. Perhaps a larger problem for the Boom 2 Plus, though, is that it’s sitting in an awkward spot price-wise. If you go cheaper, you can grab the Earfun UBoom X, which also packs plenty of bass, as well as highly customizable audio. And if you can push your budget just a little more you can get the mighty Tribit Stormbox Blast 2, which is a top-tier party speaker in my book – it can also double up as a karaoke machine if you’re into that kinda thing!

In its own right, though, the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is still a solid Bluetooth speaker and plenty good enough to keep the party moving. If you can get it for less than $200 / closer to the £150 mark, it’s a model well worth considering. Nonetheless, there is some stiff competition, which can’t be ignored.

  • Value score: 3.5/5

Rubber tab open to expose USB-C and AUX ports on the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus?

Buy it if...

You want a bass-heavy party speaker
If you want a Bluetooth speaker for house parties or events, the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus has you covered. With a maximum power output of 140W and BassUp feature for booming low-end output, you’re certainly going to keep your guests entertained.

You want a lightweight option
Some boombox-like speakers can be heavy. Really heavy (I’m looking at you Tribit Stormbox Blast 2). But much like the standard model, the Boom 2 Plus bucks that trend, coming in at 8.4 lbs / 3.8kg. Combine that with the included strap and this speaker is pleasingly easy to take with you on the go.

Don't buy it if...

You want premium all-round sound
If you want a nuanced, supremely separated sound, this speaker isn’t for you. With the right tuning, you can get clear, decently balanced audio, but still, you’re not going to uncover the finest details.

You want a speaker that can brave any environment
The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus skips on a dustproof rating, meaning it’s not totally primed for all outdoor environments. There are a ton of options with the coveted IP67 rating, but you can go a step further with the LG XBoom Go XG8T, which actually has military-grade protection against the elements.

Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus review: Also consider

Earfun UBoom X
Like this Anker speaker, the Earfun UBoom X won’t offer the most detailed, revealing sound quality. But it does still pack quite the low-end punch, has some integrated LED lights and a wired connectivity option. The real win is that this model has a 30 hour battery life and super-low price for a speaker of its size, making it a very viable candidate to be your next party speaker. Read our full Earfun UBoom X review.

Tribit Stormbox Blast 2
I’ll keep it simple: the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2 is one of the best portable party speakers money can buy. It’s only a bit more expensive than this Anker model, but has superior bass output, more playtime and an IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating. It doesn’t get much better than that. Read our full Tribit Stormbox Blast 2 review.

Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus review: How I tested

Hook on the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested over the course of one week
  • Mainly used at our music testing facility at Future Labs
  • Predominantly listened to tracks via Tidal

I listened to the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus for hours at our music testing facility at Future Labs. I blasted a bunch of tracks from my own music library alongside tunes from the TechRadar testing playlist, which we use to assess audio performance across a variety of genres. I connected to the Stormbox Blast 2 with the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and mainly listened to songs via Tidal.

Further to this, I played a podcast episode on Spotify and watched video content on YouTube in order to assess vocal clarity across different platforms. When appropriate, I used the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2 to compare elements like sound, design and ease of use.

  • First reviewed: February 2025
  • Read more about how we test
Recensione Redmi Buds 6
3:44 pm | February 4, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Phone & Communications Pro | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Redmi Buds 6: Recensione rapida

Gli auricolari true wireless sono diventati un accessorio indispensabile per chi desidera ascoltare musica, effettuare chiamate o seguire contenuti multimediali senza fili e con la massima libertà di movimento. Xiaomi, con la serie Redmi Buds, ha sempre puntato su un ottimo rapporto qualità-prezzo, offrendo dispositivi accessibili ma ricchi di funzionalità. Con i nuovi Redmi Buds 6, il brand cerca di alzare ulteriormente l’asticella, proponendo un doppio driver per una qualità audio superiore, cancellazione attiva del rumore fino a 49 dB e un’autonomia prolungata.

Rispetto ai modelli precedenti, i Redmi Buds 6 migliorano diversi aspetti chiave, come la qualità del suono, la riduzione del rumore e il comfort. Pur mantenendo un prezzo competitivo di circa 43 euro, offrono funzioni avanzate che si trovano solitamente su dispositivi più costosi. Tuttavia, ci sono anche alcune limitazioni da considerare, come la mancanza della ricarica wireless e la scelta di un cavo USB-A a USB-C invece di un più moderno USB-C a USB-C. In questa recensione analizzeremo nel dettaglio tutti i pro e i contro, valutando se i Redmi Buds 6 rappresentano davvero la scelta ideale per chi cerca auricolari economici ma performanti.

Redmi Buds 6

(Image credit: Redmi Buds 6)

Redmi Buds 6: Design, comodità, ergonomia

I Redmi Buds 6 si distinguono per un design moderno e compatto, progettato per un uso quotidiano confortevole e discreto. La custodia ha una finitura opaca che migliora la presa e riduce le impronte, un dettaglio che la rende più elegante e resistente nel tempo. È disponibile in tre colorazioni: Ivy Green, nero e bianco, permettendo una scelta estetica più ampia rispetto a molti concorrenti nella stessa fascia di prezzo.

Il peso ridotto della custodia (43,2 g con gli auricolari inclusi) la rende facilmente trasportabile in tasca o in una borsa senza risultare ingombrante. Anche gli auricolari, che pesano solo 5 g ciascuno, sono leggeri e ben bilanciati, riducendo la fatica anche durante sessioni prolungate di ascolto.

Per garantire la migliore vestibilità possibile, Xiaomi include punte in silicone intercambiabili in più misure. Questo dettaglio è fondamentale per migliorare sia l’isolamento passivo dal rumore esterno sia il comfort, evitando che gli auricolari si spostino o risultino fastidiosi dopo un uso prolungato. Inoltre, la certificazione IP54 assicura resistenza a polvere e schizzi, rendendoli adatti all’uso in palestra o sotto la pioggia leggera.

Un aspetto da considerare è l’assenza della ricarica wireless, una funzione sempre più diffusa anche in modelli economici. Sebbene comprensibile per un dispositivo dal prezzo contenuto, avrebbe migliorato ulteriormente la comodità d’uso. Inoltre, il cavo incluso è USB-A a USB-C, una scelta che potrebbe risultare meno pratica per chi utilizza principalmente caricabatterie USB-C a USB-C.

Redmi Buds 6

(Image credit: Redmi Buds 6)

Redmi Buds 6: Applicazione per smartphone

I Redmi Buds 6 sono compatibili con l’app Xiaomi Earbuds, disponibile per Android e iOS, che aggiunge un livello di personalizzazione e controllo avanzato alle cuffie. L’interfaccia è intuitiva e ben organizzata, permettendo di monitorare la batteria sia degli auricolari che della custodia, nonché di regolare impostazioni fondamentali per l’esperienza d’ascolto.

Tra le funzioni principali, spicca la possibilità di personalizzare i comandi touch per ogni auricolare, consentendo di assegnare azioni diverse a tocchi singoli, doppi o prolungati. È possibile, ad esempio, attivare/disattivare l’ANC, gestire la riproduzione musicale, rispondere alle chiamate o attivare l’assistente vocale.

L’app include anche quattro preset EQ per adattare il suono alle preferenze personali:

Bilanciato – un profilo neutro per la maggior parte degli ascoltatori.

Bassi potenziati – ideale per chi ascolta generi come EDM, hip-hop o rock.

Voce enfatizzata – perfetto per podcast, audiolibri e videochiamate.

Alti migliorati – consigliato per generi musicali con strumenti ad alta frequenza, come jazz o musica classica.

Un aspetto molto apprezzato è il supporto al dual device pairing, che permette di collegare due dispositivi contemporaneamente. Questa funzione è particolarmente utile per chi lavora con un laptop e uno smartphone, evitando la necessità di riconnessioni manuali. Ad esempio, si può ascoltare musica dal computer e passare automaticamente alle chiamate in arrivo sul telefono.

L’app offre inoltre strumenti pratici come il test di tenuta delle punte auricolari, che aiuta a verificare la corretta aderenza degli auricolari al condotto uditivo per migliorare isolamento e comfort. Infine, consente di aggiornare il firmware, garantendo che gli auricolari siano sempre ottimizzati con le ultime migliorie software.

Redmi Buds 6

(Image credit: Redmi Buds 6)

Redmi Buds 6: Isolamento passivo

Grazie al design in-ear, i Redmi Buds 6 offrono un buon isolamento passivo già senza la necessità di attivare l’ANC. La forma ergonomica e il peso ridotto (5 g per auricolare) permettono una tenuta salda e confortevole, riducendo naturalmente il rumore esterno. Questo aspetto è particolarmente utile in ambienti rumorosi, come uffici, trasporti pubblici o palestre, dove un buon isolamento passivo migliora l’esperienza d’ascolto senza dover sempre ricorrere alla cancellazione attiva del rumore.

Un ulteriore supporto all’isolamento è dato dalle punte in silicone intercambiabili, che consentono di adattare gli auricolari alle diverse conformazioni dell’orecchio. L’app Xiaomi Earbuds include inoltre un test di vestibilità, che verifica la corretta aderenza degli auricolari al condotto uditivo e aiuta a scegliere la misura di gommini più adatta. Questo non solo ottimizza l’isolamento acustico, ma migliora anche la resa sonora complessiva, evitando dispersioni di bassi e assicurando un audio più definito.

La leggerezza e la forma compatta delle Buds 6 le rendono ideali anche per l’attività fisica, garantendo stabilità anche durante movimenti intensi, come corsa o allenamenti in palestra.

Redmi Buds 6

(Image credit: Redmi Buds 6)

Redmi Buds 6: Riduzione del suono ANC

I Redmi Buds 6 offrono una cancellazione attiva del rumore (ANC) fino a 49 dB, un valore notevole per questa fascia di prezzo. Grazie ai quattro microfoni integrati, gli auricolari analizzano i suoni ambientali e li eliminano in tempo reale, migliorando sensibilmente l’esperienza d’ascolto, specialmente in ambienti rumorosi.

Nei test effettuati su voli, trasporti pubblici e uffici affollati, le Buds 6 si sono dimostrate molto efficaci nel ridurre rumori di fondo costanti, come il ronzio dei motori, il brusio delle persone o il ticchettio delle tastiere. Anche se non raggiungono il livello di cancellazione di modelli premium, la loro performance è più che adeguata per la maggior parte degli utenti.

L’app Xiaomi Earbuds consente di regolare l’intensità dell’ANC in base alle necessità, permettendo di scegliere tra più livelli di cancellazione. Questo è utile per trovare il giusto equilibrio tra isolamento e comfort, evitando quella sensazione di pressione auricolare che alcuni utenti avvertono con ANC troppo aggressivi.

Un’altra funzione apprezzata è la modalità trasparenza, che permette di amplificare i suoni ambientali, rendendo più facile ascoltare annunci nei trasporti pubblici o interagire con le persone senza dover rimuovere gli auricolari. La modalità voce migliorata è particolarmente utile per chiamate o conversazioni rapide, enfatizzando il parlato e filtrando il rumore di sottofondo.

Grazie alla combinazione di ANC efficace e modalità trasparenza ben implementata, le Buds 6 risultano ideali sia per chi vuole immergersi completamente nella musica o nel lavoro, sia per chi ha bisogno di rimanere consapevole dell’ambiente circostante.

Redmi Buds 6: Qualità musica

I Redmi Buds 6 offrono una qualità audio sorprendente per la loro fascia di prezzo, grazie all’architettura a doppio driver. Ogni auricolare è dotato di un driver dinamico in titanio da 12,4 mm, responsabile dei bassi potenti e della resa delle frequenze medio-basse, e di un driver piezoelettrico in ceramica da 5,5 mm, che migliora la riproduzione degli alti e la separazione dei dettagli sonori. Questa combinazione, solitamente riservata a modelli più costosi, garantisce un suono ricco e bilanciato, con un’ottima definizione degli strumenti e delle voci.

La mancanza di un equalizzatore personalizzabile può risultare una limitazione per gli utenti più esigenti, che preferiscono regolare manualmente le frequenze in base ai propri gusti. Tuttavia, la qualità audio offerta dal doppio driver compensa questa assenza, garantendo una riproduzione fedele e ben equilibrata.

Nel complesso, le Buds 6 si distinguono per una resa sonora dettagliata e dinamica, rendendole una scelta eccellente per chi cerca auricolari economici senza rinunciare a una buona esperienza musicale.

Redmi Buds 6

(Image credit: Redmi Buds 6)

Redmi Buds 6: Qualità audio in chiamata

I Redmi Buds 6 sono progettate per garantire una qualità audio in chiamata chiara e affidabile, grazie a un sistema a quattro microfoni con riduzione del rumore AI. Questa tecnologia analizza e filtra i suoni di sottofondo, migliorando la nitidezza della voce e riducendo le interferenze ambientali.

Nei test effettuati in ambienti chiusi, come uffici o stanze silenziose, le Buds 6 garantiscono una trasmissione vocale pulita e naturale, senza distorsioni o eccessiva compressione del suono. All’aperto, in contesti più rumorosi come strade trafficate o luoghi affollati, la riduzione del rumore AI si dimostra efficace nel minimizzare il vento e i rumori di fondo, permettendo all’interlocutore di sentire chiaramente la conversazione.

Un ulteriore vantaggio è la possibilità di utilizzare un solo auricolare per le chiamate, utile per chi preferisce mantenere un orecchio libero per ascoltare l’ambiente circostante.

Queste caratteristiche rendono i Redmi Buds 6 particolarmente adatte a chi utilizza spesso gli auricolari per riunioni di lavoro, chiamate su piattaforme come Zoom o Teams, o semplicemente per conversazioni telefoniche in mobilità, senza preoccuparsi della qualità del microfono.

Redmi Buds 6: Batteria

I Redmi Buds 6 si distinguono per un’autonomia eccellente, superando molti concorrenti nella stessa fascia di prezzo. Gli auricolari offrono fino a 10 ore di utilizzo continuo senza ANC e circa 5 ore con la cancellazione del rumore attiva. Questo permette di coprire un’intera giornata lavorativa o lunghe sessioni di ascolto senza doverli ricaricare frequentemente.

La custodia di ricarica amplia ulteriormente l’autonomia, portandola a un totale di 42 ore, garantendo così diversi giorni di utilizzo senza necessità di collegare il dispositivo alla corrente. Un punto di forza è il supporto alla ricarica rapida, che permette di ottenere fino a 2 ore di riproduzione con pochi minuti di ricarica, una funzionalità particolarmente utile in situazioni di emergenza.

Un aspetto da considerare è la mancanza della ricarica wireless, che avrebbe migliorato ulteriormente l’usabilità, specialmente per chi utilizza caricabatterie wireless con il proprio smartphone o altri accessori. Inoltre, il cavo incluso nella confezione è USB-A a USB-C, una scelta che può risultare meno pratica per chi utilizza principalmente caricabatterie USB-C a USB-C, ormai standard nei dispositivi più recenti.

Nonostante questi piccoli compromessi, i Redmi Buds 6 si confermano tra le migliori opzioni in termini di durata della batteria e velocità di ricarica, offrendo un’ottima esperienza d’uso per chi cerca auricolari affidabili e con una lunga autonomia.

Redmi Buds 6: Confronto con altre varianti

La gamma Redmi Buds 6 include diverse varianti, pensate per soddisfare esigenze e budget differenti. Il modello Redmi Buds 6 Lite è la versione più economica, ma mantiene un buon livello di cancellazione del rumore fino a 40 dB e un driver dinamico da 12,4 mm. La sua autonomia arriva a 7 ore di utilizzo continuo e 38 ore con la custodia.

I Redmi Buds 6 Play sono invece prive di ANC, ma offrono un driver da 10 mm e cinque modalità EQ per personalizzare l’audio. Hanno un’autonomia leggermente superiore, con 7,5 ore di utilizzo e un totale di 36 ore con la custodia.

I Redmi Buds 6 Active presentano un design semi-in-ear, che privilegia il comfort rispetto all’isolamento passivo. Sono dotate di un driver più ampio da 14,2 mm, ma l’autonomia è inferiore rispetto agli altri modelli, con 6 ore di riproduzione continua e 30 ore complessive.

Infine, i Redmi Buds 6 Pro rappresentano la versione più avanzata, con un sistema a triplo driver (11 mm + 2 piezoelettrici), supporto all’audio Hi-Res LDAC e una cancellazione del rumore fino a 55 dB. Questo modello è pensato per chi cerca la massima qualità audio e una cancellazione del rumore superiore.

Redmi Buds 6, ne vale la pena?

I Redmi Buds 6 offrono un equilibrio ideale tra funzionalità avanzate e prezzo accessibile, posizionandosi come una delle migliori opzioni nella loro fascia di mercato. Con un costo di circa 43 euro, questi auricolari garantiscono un’eccellente qualità audio grazie al sistema a doppio driver, una cancellazione attiva del rumore efficace fino a 49 dB e un’autonomia prolungata che permette di affrontare giornate intere senza preoccupazioni.

Alcune mancanze, come l’assenza della ricarica wireless e il cavo USB-A a USB-C anziché un più moderno USB-C a USB-C, avrebbero potuto migliorare ulteriormente l’esperienza d’uso. Tuttavia, considerando la qualità complessiva, queste limitazioni risultano secondarie rispetto ai numerosi vantaggi offerti.

I Redmi Buds 6 sono una scelta consigliata per chi cerca auricolari versatili, performanti e dal prezzo competitivo, senza rinunciare a funzionalità avanzate come l’ANC, la personalizzazione tramite app e il dual device pairing. Un prodotto solido, capace di soddisfare sia chi desidera un’esperienza musicale immersiva sia chi necessita di auricolari affidabili per chiamate e utilizzo quotidiano.

Ragioni per comprare

Audio di qualità con doppio driver

Il sistema a doppio driver (12,4 mm + 5,5 mm piezoelettrico) offre bassi profondi, alti cristallini e ottima separazione sonora.

ANC efficace fino a 49 dB

La cancellazione attiva del rumore riduce significativamente i rumori esterni, migliorando l’esperienza d’ascolto su voli, trasporti pubblici o ambienti affollati.

Autonomia eccellente e ricarica rapida

Le 10 ore di utilizzo continuo e le 42 ore totali garantiscono un’intera giornata di ascolto senza interruzioni.

Ragioni per NON comprare

Manca la ricarica wireless

L’assenza di ricarica wireless può essere un limite per chi possiede uno smartphone compatibile e vuole maggiore comodità.

No supporto a codec avanzati

Manca la compatibilità con aptX o LHDC, limitando la qualità audio per chi cerca un suono ad alta risoluzione su dispositivi compatibili.

No equalizzatore personalizzato

L’app Xiaomi Earbuds offre solo quattro preset EQ, ma manca la possibilità di regolare manualmente le frequenze audio preferite.

Alternative

Se i Redmi Buds 6 non ti convincono del tutto, esistono diverse opzioni valide nella stessa fascia di prezzo o leggermente superiore. Ecco tre alternative da considerare, ognuna con caratteristiche specifiche che potrebbero meglio adattarsi alle tue esigenze.

Huawei FreeBuds SE 2

Questi auricolari semi-in-ear offrono un’ottima ergonomia e una qualità audio equilibrata, con autonomia fino a 40 ore grazie alla custodia di ricarica. Pur non avendo ANC, la loro vestibilità garantisce un discreto isolamento passivo. Sono ideali per chi cerca auricolari leggeri e comodi per un utilizzo quotidiano.

Sony WF-C510

Sony è sinonimo di qualità audio, e i WF-C510 offrono un suono ricco e dettagliato con supporto DSEE, che migliora la resa delle tracce audio compresse. L’autonomia è eccellente, con 10 ore per carica e fino a 30 ore con la custodia. Non hanno ANC, ma compensano con una resa sonora superiore.

SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS

Questi auricolari Hi-Res certificati sono tra i migliori nella loro fascia di prezzo per qualità audio. Supportano il codec LDAC, offrendo una maggiore fedeltà sonora rispetto ai normali SBC/AAC. Sono semi-in-ear, quindi non offrono ANC, ma la loro qualità audio e connettività stabile li rendono un’ottima alternativa.

Recensione Redmi Buds 6
3:44 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Phone & Communications Pro | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Redmi Buds 6: Recensione rapida

Gli auricolari true wireless sono diventati un accessorio indispensabile per chi desidera ascoltare musica, effettuare chiamate o seguire contenuti multimediali senza fili e con la massima libertà di movimento. Xiaomi, con la serie Redmi Buds, ha sempre puntato su un ottimo rapporto qualità-prezzo, offrendo dispositivi accessibili ma ricchi di funzionalità. Con i nuovi Redmi Buds 6, il brand cerca di alzare ulteriormente l’asticella, proponendo un doppio driver per una qualità audio superiore, cancellazione attiva del rumore fino a 49 dB e un’autonomia prolungata.

Rispetto ai modelli precedenti, i Redmi Buds 6 migliorano diversi aspetti chiave, come la qualità del suono, la riduzione del rumore e il comfort. Pur mantenendo un prezzo competitivo di circa 43 euro, offrono funzioni avanzate che si trovano solitamente su dispositivi più costosi. Tuttavia, ci sono anche alcune limitazioni da considerare, come la mancanza della ricarica wireless e la scelta di un cavo USB-A a USB-C invece di un più moderno USB-C a USB-C. In questa recensione analizzeremo nel dettaglio tutti i pro e i contro, valutando se i Redmi Buds 6 rappresentano davvero la scelta ideale per chi cerca auricolari economici ma performanti.

Redmi Buds 6

(Image credit: Redmi Buds 6)

Redmi Buds 6: Design, comodità, ergonomia

I Redmi Buds 6 si distinguono per un design moderno e compatto, progettato per un uso quotidiano confortevole e discreto. La custodia ha una finitura opaca che migliora la presa e riduce le impronte, un dettaglio che la rende più elegante e resistente nel tempo. È disponibile in tre colorazioni: Ivy Green, nero e bianco, permettendo una scelta estetica più ampia rispetto a molti concorrenti nella stessa fascia di prezzo.

Il peso ridotto della custodia (43,2 g con gli auricolari inclusi) la rende facilmente trasportabile in tasca o in una borsa senza risultare ingombrante. Anche gli auricolari, che pesano solo 5 g ciascuno, sono leggeri e ben bilanciati, riducendo la fatica anche durante sessioni prolungate di ascolto.

Per garantire la migliore vestibilità possibile, Xiaomi include punte in silicone intercambiabili in più misure. Questo dettaglio è fondamentale per migliorare sia l’isolamento passivo dal rumore esterno sia il comfort, evitando che gli auricolari si spostino o risultino fastidiosi dopo un uso prolungato. Inoltre, la certificazione IP54 assicura resistenza a polvere e schizzi, rendendoli adatti all’uso in palestra o sotto la pioggia leggera.

Un aspetto da considerare è l’assenza della ricarica wireless, una funzione sempre più diffusa anche in modelli economici. Sebbene comprensibile per un dispositivo dal prezzo contenuto, avrebbe migliorato ulteriormente la comodità d’uso. Inoltre, il cavo incluso è USB-A a USB-C, una scelta che potrebbe risultare meno pratica per chi utilizza principalmente caricabatterie USB-C a USB-C.

Redmi Buds 6

(Image credit: Redmi Buds 6)

Redmi Buds 6: Applicazione per smartphone

I Redmi Buds 6 sono compatibili con l’app Xiaomi Earbuds, disponibile per Android e iOS, che aggiunge un livello di personalizzazione e controllo avanzato alle cuffie. L’interfaccia è intuitiva e ben organizzata, permettendo di monitorare la batteria sia degli auricolari che della custodia, nonché di regolare impostazioni fondamentali per l’esperienza d’ascolto.

Tra le funzioni principali, spicca la possibilità di personalizzare i comandi touch per ogni auricolare, consentendo di assegnare azioni diverse a tocchi singoli, doppi o prolungati. È possibile, ad esempio, attivare/disattivare l’ANC, gestire la riproduzione musicale, rispondere alle chiamate o attivare l’assistente vocale.

L’app include anche quattro preset EQ per adattare il suono alle preferenze personali:

Bilanciato – un profilo neutro per la maggior parte degli ascoltatori.

Bassi potenziati – ideale per chi ascolta generi come EDM, hip-hop o rock.

Voce enfatizzata – perfetto per podcast, audiolibri e videochiamate.

Alti migliorati – consigliato per generi musicali con strumenti ad alta frequenza, come jazz o musica classica.

Un aspetto molto apprezzato è il supporto al dual device pairing, che permette di collegare due dispositivi contemporaneamente. Questa funzione è particolarmente utile per chi lavora con un laptop e uno smartphone, evitando la necessità di riconnessioni manuali. Ad esempio, si può ascoltare musica dal computer e passare automaticamente alle chiamate in arrivo sul telefono.

L’app offre inoltre strumenti pratici come il test di tenuta delle punte auricolari, che aiuta a verificare la corretta aderenza degli auricolari al condotto uditivo per migliorare isolamento e comfort. Infine, consente di aggiornare il firmware, garantendo che gli auricolari siano sempre ottimizzati con le ultime migliorie software.

Redmi Buds 6

(Image credit: Redmi Buds 6)

Redmi Buds 6: Isolamento passivo

Grazie al design in-ear, i Redmi Buds 6 offrono un buon isolamento passivo già senza la necessità di attivare l’ANC. La forma ergonomica e il peso ridotto (5 g per auricolare) permettono una tenuta salda e confortevole, riducendo naturalmente il rumore esterno. Questo aspetto è particolarmente utile in ambienti rumorosi, come uffici, trasporti pubblici o palestre, dove un buon isolamento passivo migliora l’esperienza d’ascolto senza dover sempre ricorrere alla cancellazione attiva del rumore.

Un ulteriore supporto all’isolamento è dato dalle punte in silicone intercambiabili, che consentono di adattare gli auricolari alle diverse conformazioni dell’orecchio. L’app Xiaomi Earbuds include inoltre un test di vestibilità, che verifica la corretta aderenza degli auricolari al condotto uditivo e aiuta a scegliere la misura di gommini più adatta. Questo non solo ottimizza l’isolamento acustico, ma migliora anche la resa sonora complessiva, evitando dispersioni di bassi e assicurando un audio più definito.

La leggerezza e la forma compatta delle Buds 6 le rendono ideali anche per l’attività fisica, garantendo stabilità anche durante movimenti intensi, come corsa o allenamenti in palestra.

Redmi Buds 6

(Image credit: Redmi Buds 6)

Redmi Buds 6: Riduzione del suono ANC

I Redmi Buds 6 offrono una cancellazione attiva del rumore (ANC) fino a 49 dB, un valore notevole per questa fascia di prezzo. Grazie ai quattro microfoni integrati, gli auricolari analizzano i suoni ambientali e li eliminano in tempo reale, migliorando sensibilmente l’esperienza d’ascolto, specialmente in ambienti rumorosi.

Nei test effettuati su voli, trasporti pubblici e uffici affollati, le Buds 6 si sono dimostrate molto efficaci nel ridurre rumori di fondo costanti, come il ronzio dei motori, il brusio delle persone o il ticchettio delle tastiere. Anche se non raggiungono il livello di cancellazione di modelli premium, la loro performance è più che adeguata per la maggior parte degli utenti.

L’app Xiaomi Earbuds consente di regolare l’intensità dell’ANC in base alle necessità, permettendo di scegliere tra più livelli di cancellazione. Questo è utile per trovare il giusto equilibrio tra isolamento e comfort, evitando quella sensazione di pressione auricolare che alcuni utenti avvertono con ANC troppo aggressivi.

Un’altra funzione apprezzata è la modalità trasparenza, che permette di amplificare i suoni ambientali, rendendo più facile ascoltare annunci nei trasporti pubblici o interagire con le persone senza dover rimuovere gli auricolari. La modalità voce migliorata è particolarmente utile per chiamate o conversazioni rapide, enfatizzando il parlato e filtrando il rumore di sottofondo.

Grazie alla combinazione di ANC efficace e modalità trasparenza ben implementata, le Buds 6 risultano ideali sia per chi vuole immergersi completamente nella musica o nel lavoro, sia per chi ha bisogno di rimanere consapevole dell’ambiente circostante.

Redmi Buds 6: Qualità musica

I Redmi Buds 6 offrono una qualità audio sorprendente per la loro fascia di prezzo, grazie all’architettura a doppio driver. Ogni auricolare è dotato di un driver dinamico in titanio da 12,4 mm, responsabile dei bassi potenti e della resa delle frequenze medio-basse, e di un driver piezoelettrico in ceramica da 5,5 mm, che migliora la riproduzione degli alti e la separazione dei dettagli sonori. Questa combinazione, solitamente riservata a modelli più costosi, garantisce un suono ricco e bilanciato, con un’ottima definizione degli strumenti e delle voci.

La mancanza di un equalizzatore personalizzabile può risultare una limitazione per gli utenti più esigenti, che preferiscono regolare manualmente le frequenze in base ai propri gusti. Tuttavia, la qualità audio offerta dal doppio driver compensa questa assenza, garantendo una riproduzione fedele e ben equilibrata.

Nel complesso, le Buds 6 si distinguono per una resa sonora dettagliata e dinamica, rendendole una scelta eccellente per chi cerca auricolari economici senza rinunciare a una buona esperienza musicale.

Redmi Buds 6

(Image credit: Redmi Buds 6)

Redmi Buds 6: Qualità audio in chiamata

I Redmi Buds 6 sono progettate per garantire una qualità audio in chiamata chiara e affidabile, grazie a un sistema a quattro microfoni con riduzione del rumore AI. Questa tecnologia analizza e filtra i suoni di sottofondo, migliorando la nitidezza della voce e riducendo le interferenze ambientali.

Nei test effettuati in ambienti chiusi, come uffici o stanze silenziose, le Buds 6 garantiscono una trasmissione vocale pulita e naturale, senza distorsioni o eccessiva compressione del suono. All’aperto, in contesti più rumorosi come strade trafficate o luoghi affollati, la riduzione del rumore AI si dimostra efficace nel minimizzare il vento e i rumori di fondo, permettendo all’interlocutore di sentire chiaramente la conversazione.

Un ulteriore vantaggio è la possibilità di utilizzare un solo auricolare per le chiamate, utile per chi preferisce mantenere un orecchio libero per ascoltare l’ambiente circostante.

Queste caratteristiche rendono i Redmi Buds 6 particolarmente adatte a chi utilizza spesso gli auricolari per riunioni di lavoro, chiamate su piattaforme come Zoom o Teams, o semplicemente per conversazioni telefoniche in mobilità, senza preoccuparsi della qualità del microfono.

Redmi Buds 6: Batteria

I Redmi Buds 6 si distinguono per un’autonomia eccellente, superando molti concorrenti nella stessa fascia di prezzo. Gli auricolari offrono fino a 10 ore di utilizzo continuo senza ANC e circa 5 ore con la cancellazione del rumore attiva. Questo permette di coprire un’intera giornata lavorativa o lunghe sessioni di ascolto senza doverli ricaricare frequentemente.

La custodia di ricarica amplia ulteriormente l’autonomia, portandola a un totale di 42 ore, garantendo così diversi giorni di utilizzo senza necessità di collegare il dispositivo alla corrente. Un punto di forza è il supporto alla ricarica rapida, che permette di ottenere fino a 2 ore di riproduzione con pochi minuti di ricarica, una funzionalità particolarmente utile in situazioni di emergenza.

Un aspetto da considerare è la mancanza della ricarica wireless, che avrebbe migliorato ulteriormente l’usabilità, specialmente per chi utilizza caricabatterie wireless con il proprio smartphone o altri accessori. Inoltre, il cavo incluso nella confezione è USB-A a USB-C, una scelta che può risultare meno pratica per chi utilizza principalmente caricabatterie USB-C a USB-C, ormai standard nei dispositivi più recenti.

Nonostante questi piccoli compromessi, i Redmi Buds 6 si confermano tra le migliori opzioni in termini di durata della batteria e velocità di ricarica, offrendo un’ottima esperienza d’uso per chi cerca auricolari affidabili e con una lunga autonomia.

Redmi Buds 6: Confronto con altre varianti

La gamma Redmi Buds 6 include diverse varianti, pensate per soddisfare esigenze e budget differenti. Il modello Redmi Buds 6 Lite è la versione più economica, ma mantiene un buon livello di cancellazione del rumore fino a 40 dB e un driver dinamico da 12,4 mm. La sua autonomia arriva a 7 ore di utilizzo continuo e 38 ore con la custodia.

I Redmi Buds 6 Play sono invece prive di ANC, ma offrono un driver da 10 mm e cinque modalità EQ per personalizzare l’audio. Hanno un’autonomia leggermente superiore, con 7,5 ore di utilizzo e un totale di 36 ore con la custodia.

I Redmi Buds 6 Active presentano un design semi-in-ear, che privilegia il comfort rispetto all’isolamento passivo. Sono dotate di un driver più ampio da 14,2 mm, ma l’autonomia è inferiore rispetto agli altri modelli, con 6 ore di riproduzione continua e 30 ore complessive.

Infine, i Redmi Buds 6 Pro rappresentano la versione più avanzata, con un sistema a triplo driver (11 mm + 2 piezoelettrici), supporto all’audio Hi-Res LDAC e una cancellazione del rumore fino a 55 dB. Questo modello è pensato per chi cerca la massima qualità audio e una cancellazione del rumore superiore.

Redmi Buds 6, ne vale la pena?

I Redmi Buds 6 offrono un equilibrio ideale tra funzionalità avanzate e prezzo accessibile, posizionandosi come una delle migliori opzioni nella loro fascia di mercato. Con un costo di circa 43 euro, questi auricolari garantiscono un’eccellente qualità audio grazie al sistema a doppio driver, una cancellazione attiva del rumore efficace fino a 49 dB e un’autonomia prolungata che permette di affrontare giornate intere senza preoccupazioni.

Alcune mancanze, come l’assenza della ricarica wireless e il cavo USB-A a USB-C anziché un più moderno USB-C a USB-C, avrebbero potuto migliorare ulteriormente l’esperienza d’uso. Tuttavia, considerando la qualità complessiva, queste limitazioni risultano secondarie rispetto ai numerosi vantaggi offerti.

I Redmi Buds 6 sono una scelta consigliata per chi cerca auricolari versatili, performanti e dal prezzo competitivo, senza rinunciare a funzionalità avanzate come l’ANC, la personalizzazione tramite app e il dual device pairing. Un prodotto solido, capace di soddisfare sia chi desidera un’esperienza musicale immersiva sia chi necessita di auricolari affidabili per chiamate e utilizzo quotidiano.

Ragioni per comprare

Audio di qualità con doppio driver

Il sistema a doppio driver (12,4 mm + 5,5 mm piezoelettrico) offre bassi profondi, alti cristallini e ottima separazione sonora.

ANC efficace fino a 49 dB

La cancellazione attiva del rumore riduce significativamente i rumori esterni, migliorando l’esperienza d’ascolto su voli, trasporti pubblici o ambienti affollati.

Autonomia eccellente e ricarica rapida

Le 10 ore di utilizzo continuo e le 42 ore totali garantiscono un’intera giornata di ascolto senza interruzioni.

Ragioni per NON comprare

Manca la ricarica wireless

L’assenza di ricarica wireless può essere un limite per chi possiede uno smartphone compatibile e vuole maggiore comodità.

No supporto a codec avanzati

Manca la compatibilità con aptX o LHDC, limitando la qualità audio per chi cerca un suono ad alta risoluzione su dispositivi compatibili.

No equalizzatore personalizzato

L’app Xiaomi Earbuds offre solo quattro preset EQ, ma manca la possibilità di regolare manualmente le frequenze audio preferite.

Alternative

Se i Redmi Buds 6 non ti convincono del tutto, esistono diverse opzioni valide nella stessa fascia di prezzo o leggermente superiore. Ecco tre alternative da considerare, ognuna con caratteristiche specifiche che potrebbero meglio adattarsi alle tue esigenze.

Huawei FreeBuds SE 2

Questi auricolari semi-in-ear offrono un’ottima ergonomia e una qualità audio equilibrata, con autonomia fino a 40 ore grazie alla custodia di ricarica. Pur non avendo ANC, la loro vestibilità garantisce un discreto isolamento passivo. Sono ideali per chi cerca auricolari leggeri e comodi per un utilizzo quotidiano.

Sony WF-C510

Sony è sinonimo di qualità audio, e i WF-C510 offrono un suono ricco e dettagliato con supporto DSEE, che migliora la resa delle tracce audio compresse. L’autonomia è eccellente, con 10 ore per carica e fino a 30 ore con la custodia. Non hanno ANC, ma compensano con una resa sonora superiore.

SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS

Questi auricolari Hi-Res certificati sono tra i migliori nella loro fascia di prezzo per qualità audio. Supportano il codec LDAC, offrendo una maggiore fedeltà sonora rispetto ai normali SBC/AAC. Sono semi-in-ear, quindi non offrono ANC, ma la loro qualità audio e connettività stabile li rendono un’ottima alternativa.

I tested the Bose QuietComfort headphones and the noise-cancelling is still flagship quality –but that’s not the full story
6:30 pm | January 30, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones Wireless Headphones | Tags: | Comments: Off

Bose QuietComfort headphones: One-minute review

The Bose QuietComfort over-ear headphones landed in September 2023. Although there’s now a (slightly) newer and more premium model from the brand on the market, the standard QuietComfort cans are still well worth considering. That’s because they present buyers with all of the basics, like great comfort levels, sound and ANC, done incredibly well with the Bose seal of approval.

Let’s get any confusion out of the way first. Where do these headphones sit in the Bose line-up? Rewind back to 2021 and the Bose Quietcomfort 45 over-ear headphones were released. The newer over-ear headphones we’re reviewing here, officially named just Bose QuietComfort, came out in September 2023 to replace them. Bose released the QuietComfort Ultra just a month later, in October 2023, but it's best to think of them as a solid step up from the QuietComfort headphones we’re reviewing here, making our best noise-cancelling headphones and best over-ear headphones guides.

But just because those top-tier cans have a bunch of upgrades, doesn’t mean the Ultras are for everyone, as we’ll get to soon. What we’ve got here is a high-end pair of headphones that perform well in every department, without overcomplicating things. These headphones feature Bose’s signature tech, and while it’s not especially groundbreaking in 2025, that’s part of the appeal. There’s nothing new to figure out or fuss over. Setup is a breeze, and the controls are refreshingly straightforward. Instead of fiddly touch panels, you get trusty manual buttons on the earcups. There’s also an app if you fancy more customization, but it’s optional, and the interface is clean with just a handful of modes to pick from – it just works (sorry Apple).

That’s why the Bose QuietComfort headphones might not be the absolute best on the market, but they strike a balance between quality audio, supreme comfort, and no-nonsense usability. For anyone looking for high-end Bose headphones in a sleek, slightly more affordable package, these could be the perfect fit.

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Price and release date

Someone holding the Bose quietcomfort headphones

(Image credit: Future)
  • Released in late 2023
  • Priced at $349/£349.95/AU$549.95
  • Available in black, off-white, green, blue, lilac, sandstone

The Bose QuietComfort headphones were priced at $349/£349.95/AU$549.95 at launch. However, because they’re a little older you will find some discounts available now from both third-party retailers and even through Bose directly. For example, on the Bose Australia website, the headphones are currently discounted from AU$549.95 to AU$448.95.

How does that compare to the rest in the Bose lineup? It makes them almost the same price as the Bose QuietComfort 45 that came before them, which cost $329/£329/AU$499.95 at launch.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra are currently $429/£449.95/AU$649, which is a big step up of nearly $100. Then again, if you’re splurging on headphones and want the most bang up to date features, you might want to consider the flagship version. But we’ll get into some of the key differences later.

How does this compare to similar noise-cancelling over-ears? Well, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are still at the top of our best noise-cancelling headphones guide. At launch, they were $349/£349/AU$549, the exact same price. But now, you can find them for much cheaper, around $249/£199/AU$399. This makes sense, as they were released in 2020. But it does mean that if you’re hunting for older, still very capable headphones, the Sony might just be a better shout – especially if you’re a fan of Sony and its LDAC support.

When it comes to the broader market, there’s a lot of variation these days. If you wanted, for example, to prioritize good ANC, great specs, an energetic sound and excellent battery life, the Cambridge Melomania P100 over-ears would cost you considerably less, at $279/£229/AU$479. If you’re looking for similar features but don’t care so much about the Bose brand name or getting a high-end pair, you can easily get a decent pair of noise-cancelling over-ears for a mid-range price, like the excellent Sony WH-CH720N headphones, which cost $149/£99/AU$259.

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Specs

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Features

The Bose QuietComfort headphones

(Image credit: Future)
  • Up to 26 hours of battery
  • Excellent ANC
  • Simple buttons

The Bose QuietComfort headphones aren’t packed with the cutting-edge features that you’ll find from the latest over-ears, but that’s not the point here. They focus on doing the essentials really well. If you’re looking for reliability and ease of use, they’ll deliver without overcomplicating things.

Let’s start with the app. It’s slick, intuitive, and has that Apple-esque feel, by which I mean minimal, clean, and user-friendly. The best part? You don’t need the app to enjoy the headphones, but I’d recommend using it to explore customization options. For example, there’s an adjustable 3-band EQ. You can manually tweak bass, mids, and treble or select presets like Bass Boost or Treble Reduce. While the EQ options are more limited than some competitors, it gets the job done for those who want great audio without endless tinkering. Personally, I didn’t feel the need to touch the EQ at all.

You’ll also find different audio modes, like "Quiet" for noise cancellation and "Aware" for transparency. These can be toggled using the action button on the left earcup, and you can add two additional custom modes in the app for specific scenarios.

A standout feature is multipoint connectivity, which allows you to pair the headphones with two devices simultaneously. This is a standard on most high-end headphones these days, but it’s good to see it included in this pair – seamlessly switching between a laptop for work and a phone for music or calls is a must for me now.

The manual buttons on the earcups deserve praise, too. They’re tactile, easy to use, and customizable via the app. For those who prefer a wired option, Bose includes a 3.5mm to 2.5mm audio cable with an in-line mic – a nice touch for versatility.

Bluetooth 5.1 powers the connectivity (so no scope for Auracast, which requires the newer 5.2 and beyond), with support for AAC and SBC codecs. While it doesn’t include advanced features like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound – the Ultras do have this, mind you – it’s solid enough for most users. Bose SimpleSync is also on board, letting you pair the headphones with compatible Bose soundbars and speakers to sync audio across devices, which is a great addition if you’re already in the Bose ecosystem.

Battery life is another area where these headphones hold their own but don’t lead the pack. Bose claims up to 24 hours of playback, and I managed to squeeze out closer to 26 hours during testing. They charge via USB-C, and a quick 15-minute boost gives you an additional 4 hours. While 24 hours isn’t bad, many competitors now exceed that. For instance, the Cambridge Melomania P100 headphones offer a huge 60 hours of playback with ANC on (and up to 100 hours without it). Even the QuietComfort Ultra headphones offer the same 24-hour battery life, so if longevity is a key priority, there’s little to separate them.

  • Features score: 3.5/5

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Sound quality

Bose QuietComfort headphones review

(Image credit: Future)
  • Great ANC
  • Sound is bassy, but brilliant
  • Could do with more EQ options

Let’s start with ANC. The Bose QuietComfort headphones offer excellent active noise cancellation, though they’re not class-leading. The QuietComfort Ultra definitely perform better in this department, providing more silence more consistently. But compared to most other over-ear headphones in their class, the ANC here is still fantastic.

One standout factor is the fit. As I’ll explain in more detail in the next section, the snug design creates a great seal, which enhances the ANC performance. This means minimal noise seeps in, and there’s virtually no sound leakage out at all. While it doesn’t deliver total silence, it’s impressively close. I couldn’t hear a kettle boiling a few feet away, the low rumble of transport, or even chatter at the table next to me while working in a café.

That said, certain louder or higher-pitched sounds can break through. A barking dog and a fire alarm, for example, were audible – but muffled. Overall, while the ANC isn’t eerily silent or perfect, it’s more than good enough for most users and handles everyday environments brilliantly.

Bose QuietComfort headphones (2023)

(Image credit: Future)

The audio quality on the Bose QuietComfort headphones is crisp, rich, and strikes a pleasing balance across frequencies. Straight out of the box, without needing to adjust anything, the sound is warm and powerful, with bass that packs a punch and natural, clear mids and highs.

The overall sound profile leans towards a neutral presentation. Vocals and instruments feel natural and lifelike, while the bass has a satisfying depth without overpowering the other ranges. Highs are bright and detailed, and the lows are rich, but there’s a slight bias towards the low end. This means mids can occasionally feel a bit… squashed? somehow. Though it’s rarely noticeable, and the EQ options can easily smooth things out if needed.

Tracks like Childish Gambino’s Heartbeat really shine on these headphones. The powerful bass thumps beautifully while melodic vocals remain sharp and clear, demonstrating how well they handle dynamic tracks.

  • Sound quality: 4/5

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Design

Bose QuietComfort headphones (2023) review

(Image credit: Future)
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Light at 240g
  • Folding design

The Bose QuietComfort headphones are incredibly comfortable, with an understated design. The plush memory foam earcups, wrapped in soft vegan leather, feel like pillows on either side of my head. The headband is equally well-padded, striking the perfect balance between support and comfort. The clamping force is just right, too – secure but never too tight – making these some of the most comfortable over-ears I’ve ever worn.

I don’t always get along with over-ear headphones (thanks to a cartilage piercing that often causes issues), but I had no trouble here. Whether I wore them for hours at my desk, on a long walk, or even during an easy jog, they stayed comfortable and didn’t irritate me. That said, while they’re excellent for everyday use, they’re not recommended for sports or workouts. There’s no official IP rating for water or sweat resistance, so they’re best kept away from heavy gym sessions or outdoor walks if it looks like it might rain.

The QuietComfort headphones come in a range of colors, including black, off-white, green, blue, lilac, and sandstone. They maintain the classic Bose design aesthetic and look very similar to their predecessors, the QuietComfort 45. The QuietComfort Ultra headphones are similar too, but this newer version does have a sleeker and more refined vibe.

Despite their premium feel, these headphones are impressively lightweight at just 240g. Combined with the comfort-focused design, they’re perfect for long listening sessions. The carrying case is equally well thought out. It’s a sturdy, hard-shell case with a zip, designed to fold up the headphones neatly inside. Unlike some over-complicated cases (looking at you, Apple AirPods Max), this one gets it just right. It’s compact, practical, and includes internal pockets for the charging and audio cables.

  • Design score: 5/5

Bose QuietComfort headphones: value

Bose QuietComfort headphones (2023) review

(Image credit: Future)
  • Everything you need, but…
  • Competition at the level is fierce
  • Ultras might make more sense

At first glance, the Bose QuietComfort headphones might seem pricey, but when you consider the overall experience they offer, we’d argue they do deliver good value – especially if noise cancellation and a travel-friendly design are two priorities for you. They’re an amazing choice for anyone seeking comfort, reliable ANC, and simplicity.

That said, it’s important to view them in today’s context. For those willing to pay more, the QuietComfort Ultra headphones might be a better long-term investment, offering improved sound quality and support for higher-resolution audio codecs.

It's also worth mentioning they don't represent the best choice if you already own the QuietComfort 45. Yes, they're better. But not by enough to justify the upgrade.

You can also find great ANC headphones at a lower price point these days. Plenty of mid-range options provide good noise cancellation for much less. While they may not tick every box – comfort, battery life, or sound quality – in the same way, alternatives are worth considering if budget is your main concern. For example, the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 headphones are cheaper, offering significantly better battery life but lacking the plush comfort (or let's face it, the iconic look) of the Bose.

If you’re someone who loves the latest tech, these probably won’t win you over. However, for those who appreciate simple, understated excellence and aren’t fussed about cutting-edge features, these headphones will make you very happy.

  • Value: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Bose QuietComfort headphones?

Buy them if…

You like simple things that work well
You'll find flashy, more feature-filled headphones. But if the idea of keeping up with the latest tech gives you a headache, these are reliable and fuss-free.

Comfort is a top priority
Incredibly light with some of the comfiest, memory foam earpads I've ever tested. If you have any sensory sensitivities or just really value comfort, you won't be disappointed here.

You travel a lot
With top ANC and a very light, folding and portable design with a solid carrying case, they're going to be among the headphones I'll instantly recommend for regular travellers.

Don’t buy them if…

You can afford the Ultras
I've mentioned them non-stop, but the Ultras are just a bit better. If you can afford them, they do make more sense for most people.

You prioritize longevity
The battery life here isn't bad, but compared to rivals, it can certainly be bettered. Some other headphones boast nearly twice as much playback time these days.

You have a Sony phone
In that case, we'd recommend the XM4s or XM5s from Sony instead, or even the mid-range Sony WH-CH720N headphones.

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Also consider

Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones
The alternative pick that makes the most sense, yes they're pricier, but they're a step up from the QC headphones we've reviewing here in almost every way (except for battery). Take a look at our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones review.

Cambridge Audio Melomania P100
Because the battery life of the whole QC range is a bit disappointing, these over-ears from Cambridge Audio are a rival pick focused on all-day (and then some) wear. Read our full Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 review.

How I tested the Bose QuietComfort headphones

Becca wearing the Bose QuietComfort headphones next to greenery

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested for three weeks
  • Tested at home, walks along the beach, working in a café and a library and more

I used the Bose QuietComfort headphones for two weeks before writing this review, and that involved listening to music and watching streamed movies.

Throughout the testing period, I used the Bose QuietComfort headphones alongside my iPhone 14 Pro via Bluetooth and MacBook Pro. Streaming was done via Spotify and Mubi.

I listened at home whilst working, as well as in a café and a library. I took them on a bus and on several walks, along the beach and through the countryside.

I've been testing tech for more than 12 years now, including many pairs of headphones, as well as lifestyle and fitness products, like workout earbuds and fitness trackers.

  • First reviewed in February 2025.
Activo Q1 hybrid IEM headphones review: impressive and affordable audiophile IEMs
6:00 pm | January 11, 2025

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

Activo Q1: two-minute review

Activo Q1 with case, eartips and buds

The Q1 are made to match the Activo P1 player, but you don't need Activo kit to enjoy them. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)

Activo is the lifestyle sub-brand of audiophile digital audio player specialist, Astell & Kern, delivering high quality hardware for considerably less cash than its parent company. These earbuds are a collaboration with Singaporean IEM firm DITA Audio who, like Astell & Kern, typically focuses on the more affluent audiophile. Are the Q1 set to feature in our best wired earbuds buying guide? It's highly likely.

I tested Activo's debut Activo P1 hi-res audio player last year and found it to be very enjoyable, and as you can see from the colour-matched design the new Q1 hybrid IEMs are clearly intended to be paired with it – although with both 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm standard connectors included in the package they're compatible with a wide range of the best MP3 players and other music-serving sources.

The Q1 are hybrid IEMs with a Knowles balanced armature and a version of DITA Audio's PM1+ 9.8mm dynamic driver, which is highly regarded for its neutral, transparent sound. The PM1+ driver used in the Q1 has extra windings on the voice coil and uses brass instead of the usual stainless steel housing too. Which sounds good on paper – and it is in the listening too.

The sales pitch here is that these are affordable IEMs for audiophiles on the go, and they're a fraction of the price you'd pay for Astell & Kern-branded headphones. They deliver a very clear and entertaining sound, but if you like heavy bass you may need to adjust your device's EQ to push them just a fraction harder.

Activo Q1 buds close up

The Q1s come with a protective case, five pairs of eartips and two connectors. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)

Activo Q1 review: price and release date

  • $349 / £299 / about AU$600
  • Launched in December 2024

The Activo Q1 hybrid IEM headphones were launched in December 2024 with a recommended retail price of $349 / £299 / about AU$600.

Although that makes them cheaper than Astell & Kern's typical IEMs, it's hardly cheap when you consider that our current top pick for wired earbuds, the 1More Triple Driver in-ear headphones, launched at $100 / £70 / AU$150 and can now be found for a little less. And even our 'best step-up' option from those, the Sennheiser IE200, will only set you back around $149.95 / £129.99 / AU$239.95.

Then again, higher-end options such as the fantastic FiiO FH19 cost $599 / £549 / AU$999 and, as any audiophile knows, these types of headphones can stretch into the thousands. It's all about sound-per-pound value isn't it? And here, I think the Q1 have a lot going for them.

Activo Q1 review: design and features

  • DITA PM1+ 9.8mm dynamic driver and Knowles balanced armature
  • 32-strand MOCCA 2 cable from Cardas
  • 3.5mm standard and 4.4mm balanced connectors

The Activo Q1 resemble professional musicians' IEMs with their mix of white powder-coated centres and transparent resin outers, and their color scheme matches the Activo P1 digital music player. They come with an Activo + DITA-branded mini Tanos Systainer protective case and five sizes of Type-E eartips in a Final Audio case.

The Q1 are built around a modified version of DITA's PM1+ 9.8mm dynamic driver. Here, it's housed in a brass casing and teamed up with a Knowles 33518 balanced armature driver. The dynamic driver first appeared in DITA's Project M IEMs, and according to Activo the modified version here delivers a "hint of romance and sweetness on the foundation of the Project M's sound" – in other words, a slightly warmer and more resonant tone.

The nozzles are PVD stainless steel and the supplied eartips should cover most ear sizes. The tips are a very tight fit; fiddly to put on, but firmly fixed once installed. I lucked out with my first choice of size, easily achieving a good seal without any adjustment. The Q1 also fit very snugly and are well balanced. You never feel as if you've got large lumps stuck in your ears, even after long listening sessions.

The cable is a 32-strand MOCCA2 ultra-pure copper cable from Cardas and its connectors fit easily and feel strongly anchored to the earbuds. At the other end, you can choose between the 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm connectors for your audio source, which is a nice addition to have.

Impedance is 31 ohms and the frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz. Sensitivity is 109 dB/mW @ 1kHz.

  • Design and features score: 5/5

Activo Q1 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors

The Q1s come with a standard 3.5mm and a balanced 4.4mm connector (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)

Activo Q1 review: sound quality

  • Excellent instrument separation
  • Superb clarity
  • A little bass-light for our taste

These are very responsive, transparent headphones, delivering a well separated sound stage and spacious high frequencies that are particularly fun with close-miked acoustic music of the expensively and/or simply recorded variety. They excel with layered vocals; the Taylor Swift and HAIM collaboration No Body No Crime is particularly luminous. And they're enormous fun with live recordings too.

Like many high quality headphones, the Q1s aren't here to flatter poorly recorded music. But give them something shiny and turn them up a bit and they're very good indeed. The dynamic driver and Knowles balanced armature driver are fast, precise and entertaining: the Q1s make classic tracks such as Orange Juice's Rip It Up sound factory-fresh with shimmering guitars and squelching synths, while in more modern pop such as Charli XCX's Brat the vocals are crisp and clear without struggling with the beats or the bass.

The Q1's frequency response goes down to 20Hz, lower than a standard bass guitar, but lower frequencies often need a bit more juice to be properly present and I found some music, particularly heavier rock, sounded a little too polite for my taste. It's not that the Q1s can't handle the lows; it's that they're not tuned to emphasise them.

It doesn't take a dramatic EQ change to give the lows a bit of a boost, although that may be an issue if your preferred audio source doesn't offer EQ adjustment. Activo's P1 music player does, and I found that a relatively small EQ curve adjustment on the P1 added extra fizz to SOPHIE's Lemonade, made the grinding bass of The Cure's Lullaby remix even more spidery and turned Peter Gabriel's live version of Digging In The Dirt into the Godzilla-stomps-the-city soundtrack you'd have experienced from the front row.

Whether you tweak the low end or not, the Q1s are impressively clear – and that clarity is useful not just for relaxed listening but for making or mixing music too. In my own projects I was able to hear detail and mistakes that weren't as apparent on my usual mixing headphones or on my AirPods Pro/Max.

  • Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Activo Q1 earbuds held in a hand either side of the Activo P1 hi-res audio player, on white background

You can have any color you like as long as it's white with transparent resin (Image credit: Activo (Astell & Kern))

Activo Q1 review: value for money

  • Very affordable compared to the parent brand
  • Half the price of the best rival devices
  • Narrower frequency range than some

Activo may be a lifestyle brand, but these in-ears are still aimed at the more premium listener, and that means they're up against some of the very best wired headphones around.

Our current in-ear audiophile pick, the Sennheiser IE 600, has an MSRP of around $800 / £699 and a current street price of $599 / £499; the eight-driver FiiO FH19 has a recommended retail price of $599 / £549 / AU$999. So the Activo Q1s are considerably cheaper than both sets of rivals.

The big difference between these in-ears and the two rivals is the frequency range: the Activo Q1 offers 20Hz to 20kHz but the FiiO delivers 8Hz to 40kHz and the Sennheiser has 4Hz to 46.5kHz. Whether that's worth paying considerably more for will depend very much on personal preference and the quality of your audio sources.

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Activo Q1: Should you buy them?

Buy them if… 

You want premium sound without the price
The Q1s deliver a very clear, convincing sound stage with lots of air up topView Deal

You've got a player with EQ adjustment
The low-end sometimes needs a bit of extra pushView Deal

You've got multiple sound sources
Balanced 4.4mm and single 3.5mm connectors cover most devicesView Deal

Don't buy them if… 

You're all about that bass
Rival in-ears deliver wider frequency ranges, albeit for more moneyView Deal

You don't like white
The Q1s don't come in multiple color options

View Deal

You mostly commute
Good quality noise cancelling may be better for long bus or train journeysView Deal

Activo Q1 review: also consider

Sennheiser IE 200
These wired earbuds from a truly trusted name in audio don't cost much for what you get. If you're not planning on getting the Activo player to pair them with, they may even be the better option – although do note that the plastic housing won't feel as luxurious as the Activo's headshells.
Read more in our full Sennheiser IE 200 review

Shure AONIC 3
There's such great passive isolation here, it can sometimes feels as if you’re using active noise cancellation. The sound is also elegant, balanced and with excellent separation and layering, although the bass weight is just a shade off well weighted compared to pricier IEMs, including the Activo Q1 you came here to read about.
Read the full scoop in our in-depth Shure AONIC 3 review.

How I tested

  • Tested with Activo P1 player, hi-fi and Mac
  • Compressed, lossless and hi-res audio
  • Tested at home and while traveling

I tested the Q1s with their intended partner, the Activo P1 hi-res audio player, and I also used them with my Marantz CD player, with vinyl through my Onkyo amp and with my own music projects on a Mac with a Komplete Audio interface.

For that latter option I compared the Q1s with my go-to mixing headphones, a set of Beyer-Dynamic DT770 Pros, as well as more casual earbuds from Apple and Bose. And I have to say, the Activo Q1 more than held their own, however I tested them.

Read more about how we test.

  • First reviewed: January 2025
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: awesome wireless headphones in almost every way
7:00 pm | December 30, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones Wireless Headphones | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300: Two-minute review

The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are a fantastic pair of wireless headphones. Using the same drivers as the company’s studio-oriented DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X, the sound quality will make you feel like you’ve taken a blanket off your music, especially if you’re upgrading from a cheaper, lesser model. And they’re as feature-filled as any other model at this price point.

I believe that, since their release this year, they belong in the conversation for the best wireless headphones. They do fall slightly short of the active noise cancellation (ANC) you find with the likes of Bose and Sony flagships. But, they still fare very well. And again, they sound fantastic. On top of that, the battery life is very, very good.

There are a couple aspects that hold the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 from being perfect. For instance, the ear pads are tough to remove – an issue if you’re worried about potential wear and tear. And, the main way to control audio on the headphones is a touchpad on the right ear. It’s innovative, but slow to respond and comes with a bit of a learning curve. Since I generally use my phone or computer for adjusting things like volume and forwarding / rewinding, it’s not a dealbreaker. Still, it’s annoying.

At the end of the day, however, the pros vastly outweigh the cons.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300: Price and release date

  • Announced September 9 2024, available from November 2024
  • Costs $399.99 / £359.00 (about AU$640)

No doubt about it, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are among the more premium options out there when it comes to wireless headphones. They go for $399.99 / £359.00 (about AU$640), which is more than the Sony WH-1000XM5 and their price of £380 / $399 / AU$649. Both are fantastic sounding headphones. Of course, the Aventho 300 fold up and have faster Bluetooth connectivity, but the WH-1000XM5 have class-leading ANC.

There are even more expensive options out there such as the $899 / £599-priced Dali IO-8 or the $549 / £549 / AU$899-priced Apple AirPods Max where you’re paying for the name or premium materials as much as anything else. The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300, therefore, are well-priced for what they are and offer good value, but are not a steal.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Specs

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Features

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)
  • Very useable EQ and presets
  • Plenty of accessibility in the app
  • Has multipoint connectivity and lossless codecs

As far as features go, the only thing missing from the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 is some kind of personalised, augmented sound profile. That said, there is more than enough flexibility available in the app to adjust the EQ. Not only are there six different presets to choose from, including “neutral” interestingly (more on why that’s necessary for some later), but there’s also a five-band graphic EQ with the ability to boost or cut up to six dB where you can save your preferred EQ curve.

Speaking of the app, there’s much more on tap, including playing around with different levels of ANC and ambient mode as well as turning Dolby Atmos and head tracking on. The ANC and ambient modes have five levels of sensitivity and work pretty well, either blocking out sound or letting you hear your surroundings. They’re not quite class-leading, but unless your neighbours or colleagues are especially raucous, you’ll probably be happy with them.

In the app, you can also turn on/off a voice assistant as well as adjust what the internal voice prompt announces. For example, I like hearing the battery level when I turn on the headphones, but I don’t want to hear which codec is being used during the first few seconds of the first song I listen to.

The app also allows toggling things like auto shutdown, sidetone, and LED brightness. There’s even a touch guide to show how to use the touchpad on the side of the headphones.

Though you won’t see it in the app, multipoint connectivity is available. It’s also worth noting that there’s AAC and aptX lossless (and adaptive) support.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)
  • Features score: 4.5/5

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Design

  • Aesthetically pleasing if a bit bulky
  • Touchpad has a learning curve and has inconsistent sensitivity
  • Has a very long battery life

The chunky design of the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 is aesthetically pleasing while still looking very similar to the majority of over-ear headphones out there. Available in Black and Nordic Grey (reviewed here), the whole thing from the earcups to the head band and all the plush materials are the same color with the exception of the metal (presumably aluminum) yoke and the model name emblazoned on the left earcup – silver on the Nordic Grey model and Nordic Grey on the Black model.

The ergonomics are solid as the ear cups are angled to sit more naturally on the side of the face, though the amount the headband can extend seems like it might not be enough for big heads. The ear pads and headband are covered in a faux leather that’s not the most breathable, but is comfortable enough. I can definitely wear these for a while without feeling fatigued, but they’re not the cream of the crop when it comes to comfort. On top of that, the clamping force is a bit strong, so if you’re sensitive to that, you might need to stretch them out just a bit.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)

The controls consist of a power button that also pairs via Bluetooth, a button to cycle through ANC, ANC off, and transparency mode, and the touch pad I’ve mentioned which covers the entire flat portion of the right ear cup. This capacitive area allows an assortment of controls from volume control, skipping through songs, answering calls, and the like via tapping and gesturing in the appropriate directions. It’s a good idea, but takes a bit to learn. More importantly, the sensitivity seems inconsistent, so sometimes I have to gesture more than once to get the headphones to react to what I want to do. This is probably the area where these headphones could use the most fine tuning for successive models.

At least the battery life is long, as you can get 50 hours with ANC on – and ANC has a tendency to drain the battery. After about 10 hours of listening, I had 80% battery life left without charging back up. Considering they charge via USB-C, 10 minutes of charging gets about five hours of play.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Sound quality

  • Seemingly neutral but has prominent bass and slightly hyped high-end
  • Decently wide soundstage
  • Dolby Atmos and head tracking work well

If you don’t feel like reading the next 200ish words, just know that the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 sound really good. Since these headphones share the same Stellar.45 drivers that the company introduced in its studio-focused DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X headphones, the frequency range leans towards a very clean, high-headroom experience that on first listen almost sounds neutral the way a pair of headphones meant for the studio sounds.

After spending a little time listening to all sorts of genres from Rock to Hip Hop and Folk, the nuances become a little more obvious. First of all, even though the sound comes across as clean and even, it’s actually quite bass heavy (note that the frequency range goes as low as 5Hz), especially nearing the sub-bass region. Any Rock or Alternative tracks I listen to become very bass prominent even though the genres are generally more mid-focused.

Of course, it’s a testament to the quality of the drivers that you get such prominent bass while still hearing everything else clearly.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 app, three screengrabs

(Image credit: Future)

The high-end is also a little hyped, which adds a bit to the clarity. But, it’s not so prominent to be in-your-face or painful. In the EQ modes I mentioned earlier, the neutral setting actually boosts the mid-range just a tad while bringing the low-end down quite a bit and the high-end a dB or two.

The soundstage is just as stellar. It feels wide enough to make me feel like I’m sitting on stage with the musicians. Far off elements are well-placed so that I get a really immersive sense of space. Now, they’re not the widest sounding headphones ever, but they sit at a sweet spot between intimate and concert hall.

Since there’s Dolby Atmos support, I should mention that it’s a nice touch. However, it is a virtual spatial audio so everything just sounds like there’s just a bit more reverb. While more dimensional, it doesn’t really add much to the experience unless watching a movie or show. I feel the same way about the headtracking that can be enabled. It works well if that matters to you.

  • Sound quality: 5/5

Three Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 screengrabs

(Image credit: Beyerdynamic)

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Value

  • Pricing is about what one would expect for flagship wireless headphones
  • Paying for consistency
  • Comes with a hard shell and softshell case

As a value proposition, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are good but not great. As previously mentioned, they're not that much more than the Sony WH-1000XM5 and are comparable in a lot of ways, with some aspects being slightly better and others slightly worse. You can spend much more for models that aren’t really any better. But you can spend much less and still get very good-sounding headphones.

However, Beyerdynamic headphones are consistently great, so you’re paying for that to a degree the way you do with Apple when it comes to phones or laptops. At least, you get a nice hard shell case and drawstring bag out of the deal.

  • Value: 4/5

Should I buy the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300?

Buy them if…

You want excellent, polished sound quality
Not only do the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 sound great, but they sound polished like they’re meant for the studio. Somehow, they still have a large bass response.

You want something a little different but just as good
If you want to get something a little different than everyone else without sacrificing quality, these headphones have it all from sound quality to feature set.

Don’t buy them if…

You’re looking for a best-value buy
While they’re priced appropriately, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are not cheap. So, if you’re looking to get the bang for your buck, there are other options to consider.

You want easy controls
Though the capacitive touchpad on the right earcup is a good idea, it could be executed just a little bit better (it’s not bad, just inconsistent).

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Also consider

Cambridge Audio Melomania P100
The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 don’t have the best ANC and lose the proprietary spatial audio. However, they’re great value and not just because they’re a bit cheaper. Since they come at a lower price point, they focus on what matters most – and that’s excellent sound quality. Also, the battery life is excellent
Read our full Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 review

Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are still considered one of the best, if not the best, over-ear wireless headphones. The sound quality is excellent, the app is easy to use, and, most importantly, the ANC and ambient features are still virtually unparalleled. Only thing is they’re minimally better than their lower-priced and still available predecessor.
Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300

  • Tested over two weeks
  • Tested with different music as well as video streaming
  • Tested every feature meticulously

I spent a few weeks using the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 as my daily headphones. While using them, I listened to all sorts of genres from electronic and hip-hop to rock and acoustic music to compare the frequency range and soundstage. I also tested them with streaming video and used the various settings such as ANC, ambient mode, and EQ.

After testing, it seems that the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are best suited for those wanting a mostly neutral audiophile-like experience in a set of wireless headphones without sacrificing on features.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing audio equipment and have spent even longer using my critical ear as a listener and musician to understand what does and doesn’t sound good.

  • First reviewed in December 2024
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: awesome wireless headphones in almost every way
7:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones Wireless Headphones | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300: Two-minute review

The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are a fantastic pair of wireless headphones. Using the same drivers as the company’s studio-oriented DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X, the sound quality will make you feel like you’ve taken a blanket off your music, especially if you’re upgrading from a cheaper, lesser model. And they’re as feature-filled as any other model at this price point.

I believe that, since their release this year, they belong in the conversation for the best wireless headphones. They do fall slightly short of the active noise cancellation (ANC) you find with the likes of Bose and Sony flagships. But, they still fare very well. And again, they sound fantastic. On top of that, the battery life is very, very good.

There are a couple aspects that hold the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 from being perfect. For instance, the ear pads are tough to remove – an issue if you’re worried about potential wear and tear. And, the main way to control audio on the headphones is a touchpad on the right ear. It’s innovative, but slow to respond and comes with a bit of a learning curve. Since I generally use my phone or computer for adjusting things like volume and forwarding / rewinding, it’s not a dealbreaker. Still, it’s annoying.

At the end of the day, however, the pros vastly outweigh the cons.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300: Price and release date

  • Announced September 9 2024, available from November 2024
  • Costs $399.99 / £359.00 (about AU$640)

No doubt about it, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are among the more premium options out there when it comes to wireless headphones. They go for $399.99 / £359.00 (about AU$640), which is more than the Sony WH-1000XM5 and their price of £380 / $399 / AU$649. Both are fantastic sounding headphones. Of course, the Aventho 300 fold up and have faster Bluetooth connectivity, but the WH-1000XM5 have class-leading ANC.

There are even more expensive options out there such as the $899 / £599-priced Dali IO-8 or the $549 / £549 / AU$899-priced Apple AirPods Max where you’re paying for the name or premium materials as much as anything else. The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300, therefore, are well-priced for what they are and offer good value, but are not a steal.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Specs

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Features

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)
  • Very useable EQ and presets
  • Plenty of accessibility in the app
  • Has multipoint connectivity and lossless codecs

As far as features go, the only thing missing from the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 is some kind of personalised, augmented sound profile. That said, there is more than enough flexibility available in the app to adjust the EQ. Not only are there six different presets to choose from, including “neutral” interestingly (more on why that’s necessary for some later), but there’s also a five-band graphic EQ with the ability to boost or cut up to six dB where you can save your preferred EQ curve.

Speaking of the app, there’s much more on tap, including playing around with different levels of ANC and ambient mode as well as turning Dolby Atmos and head tracking on. The ANC and ambient modes have five levels of sensitivity and work pretty well, either blocking out sound or letting you hear your surroundings. They’re not quite class-leading, but unless your neighbours or colleagues are especially raucous, you’ll probably be happy with them.

In the app, you can also turn on/off a voice assistant as well as adjust what the internal voice prompt announces. For example, I like hearing the battery level when I turn on the headphones, but I don’t want to hear which codec is being used during the first few seconds of the first song I listen to.

The app also allows toggling things like auto shutdown, sidetone, and LED brightness. There’s even a touch guide to show how to use the touchpad on the side of the headphones.

Though you won’t see it in the app, multipoint connectivity is available. It’s also worth noting that there’s AAC and aptX lossless (and adaptive) support.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)
  • Features score: 4.5/5

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Design

  • Aesthetically pleasing if a bit bulky
  • Touchpad has a learning curve and has inconsistent sensitivity
  • Has a very long battery life

The chunky design of the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 is aesthetically pleasing while still looking very similar to the majority of over-ear headphones out there. Available in Black and Nordic Grey (reviewed here), the whole thing from the earcups to the head band and all the plush materials are the same color with the exception of the metal (presumably aluminum) yoke and the model name emblazoned on the left earcup – silver on the Nordic Grey model and Nordic Grey on the Black model.

The ergonomics are solid as the ear cups are angled to sit more naturally on the side of the face, though the amount the headband can extend seems like it might not be enough for big heads. The ear pads and headband are covered in a faux leather that’s not the most breathable, but is comfortable enough. I can definitely wear these for a while without feeling fatigued, but they’re not the cream of the crop when it comes to comfort. On top of that, the clamping force is a bit strong, so if you’re sensitive to that, you might need to stretch them out just a bit.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)

The controls consist of a power button that also pairs via Bluetooth, a button to cycle through ANC, ANC off, and transparency mode, and the touch pad I’ve mentioned which covers the entire flat portion of the right ear cup. This capacitive area allows an assortment of controls from volume control, skipping through songs, answering calls, and the like via tapping and gesturing in the appropriate directions. It’s a good idea, but takes a bit to learn. More importantly, the sensitivity seems inconsistent, so sometimes I have to gesture more than once to get the headphones to react to what I want to do. This is probably the area where these headphones could use the most fine tuning for successive models.

At least the battery life is long, as you can get 50 hours with ANC on – and ANC has a tendency to drain the battery. After about 10 hours of listening, I had 80% battery life left without charging back up. Considering they charge via USB-C, 10 minutes of charging gets about five hours of play.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Sound quality

  • Seemingly neutral but has prominent bass and slightly hyped high-end
  • Decently wide soundstage
  • Dolby Atmos and head tracking work well

If you don’t feel like reading the next 200ish words, just know that the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 sound really good. Since these headphones share the same Stellar.45 drivers that the company introduced in its studio-focused DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X headphones, the frequency range leans towards a very clean, high-headroom experience that on first listen almost sounds neutral the way a pair of headphones meant for the studio sounds.

After spending a little time listening to all sorts of genres from Rock to Hip Hop and Folk, the nuances become a little more obvious. First of all, even though the sound comes across as clean and even, it’s actually quite bass heavy (note that the frequency range goes as low as 5Hz), especially nearing the sub-bass region. Any Rock or Alternative tracks I listen to become very bass prominent even though the genres are generally more mid-focused.

Of course, it’s a testament to the quality of the drivers that you get such prominent bass while still hearing everything else clearly.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 app, three screengrabs

(Image credit: Future)

The high-end is also a little hyped, which adds a bit to the clarity. But, it’s not so prominent to be in-your-face or painful. In the EQ modes I mentioned earlier, the neutral setting actually boosts the mid-range just a tad while bringing the low-end down quite a bit and the high-end a dB or two.

The soundstage is just as stellar. It feels wide enough to make me feel like I’m sitting on stage with the musicians. Far off elements are well-placed so that I get a really immersive sense of space. Now, they’re not the widest sounding headphones ever, but they sit at a sweet spot between intimate and concert hall.

Since there’s Dolby Atmos support, I should mention that it’s a nice touch. However, it is a virtual spatial audio so everything just sounds like there’s just a bit more reverb. While more dimensional, it doesn’t really add much to the experience unless watching a movie or show. I feel the same way about the headtracking that can be enabled. It works well if that matters to you.

  • Sound quality: 5/5

Three Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 screengrabs

(Image credit: Beyerdynamic)

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Value

  • Pricing is about what one would expect for flagship wireless headphones
  • Paying for consistency
  • Comes with a hard shell and softshell case

As a value proposition, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are good but not great. As previously mentioned, they're not that much more than the Sony WH-1000XM5 and are comparable in a lot of ways, with some aspects being slightly better and others slightly worse. You can spend much more for models that aren’t really any better. But you can spend much less and still get very good-sounding headphones.

However, Beyerdynamic headphones are consistently great, so you’re paying for that to a degree the way you do with Apple when it comes to phones or laptops. At least, you get a nice hard shell case and drawstring bag out of the deal.

  • Value: 4/5

Should I buy the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300?

Buy them if…

You want excellent, polished sound quality
Not only do the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 sound great, but they sound polished like they’re meant for the studio. Somehow, they still have a large bass response.

You want something a little different but just as good
If you want to get something a little different than everyone else without sacrificing quality, these headphones have it all from sound quality to feature set.

Don’t buy them if…

You’re looking for a best-value buy
While they’re priced appropriately, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are not cheap. So, if you’re looking to get the bang for your buck, there are other options to consider.

You want easy controls
Though the capacitive touchpad on the right earcup is a good idea, it could be executed just a little bit better (it’s not bad, just inconsistent).

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Also consider

Cambridge Audio Melomania P100
The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 don’t have the best ANC and lose the proprietary spatial audio. However, they’re great value and not just because they’re a bit cheaper. Since they come at a lower price point, they focus on what matters most – and that’s excellent sound quality. Also, the battery life is excellent
Read our full Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 review

Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are still considered one of the best, if not the best, over-ear wireless headphones. The sound quality is excellent, the app is easy to use, and, most importantly, the ANC and ambient features are still virtually unparalleled. Only thing is they’re minimally better than their lower-priced and still available predecessor.
Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a gray table

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300

  • Tested over two weeks
  • Tested with different music as well as video streaming
  • Tested every feature meticulously

I spent a few weeks using the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 as my daily headphones. While using them, I listened to all sorts of genres from electronic and hip-hop to rock and acoustic music to compare the frequency range and soundstage. I also tested them with streaming video and used the various settings such as ANC, ambient mode, and EQ.

After testing, it seems that the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are best suited for those wanting a mostly neutral audiophile-like experience in a set of wireless headphones without sacrificing on features.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing audio equipment and have spent even longer using my critical ear as a listener and musician to understand what does and doesn’t sound good.

  • First reviewed in December 2024
Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker review: a small speaker with stacks of personality
1:30 pm | November 3, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Marshall Emberton III: Two-minute review

Without a doubt, the Emberton III is one of Marshall's best Bluetooth speakers with long battery life and impressive sound considering its relatively small size. This third generation Emberton delivers even better battery life and slightly louder sound, and while it's not going to rattle the rafters it's an impressive performer.

The Emberton III is particularly good at lower volumes where Marshall's Dynamic Loudness delivers a bass boost that prevents your music from sounding too weedy; for podcasts, where voices tend to be lower frequencies, there's an EQ preset to cut the lows and boost the mid-range instead.

The main selling point here is a feature we weren't able to test: Auracast via Bluetooth LE. Auracast will enable you to create a multi-speaker setup with your Marshall as the sound source, broadcasting over Bluetooth to other Auracast-capable Marshalls, but the feature hasn't yet been implemented. It's coming as an over-the-air update via Marshall's smartphone app and Marshall tells us it's coming very soon. Basically, it's built to be LE Audio ready, so if future-proofing your Bluetooth system is something you're into, it's a great buy.

With speakers this small there is of course a limit to how much bass they can put out and how loud they can go before things start getting harsh. But the Marshall is a powerful performer for its size, and if you don't push it too hard you'll be able to get the most out of its large battery too.

Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker

The Emberton III comes in two colours, a light stone and the none more black option shown here. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)

Marshall Emberton III review: Price & release date

  • Released August 2024
  • Costs $159 / £159 / AU$289

The Marshall Emberton III was launched in August 2024. The recommended retail price is $159 / £159 / AU$289.

This is the third version of this Marshall portable speaker; we reviewed the original Marshall Emberton back in 2020 and the Emberton II in 2022. It's one of two new releases from the firm alongside the Willen II, a smaller and more affordable speaker ($119 / £99 / AU$199) with one driver rather than two.

Marshall Emberton III review: Specs

Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker

This is a speaker to listen to, not to look at: controls are simple and straightforward. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)

Marshall Emberton III review: Features

  • Bluetooth LE and Auracast ready
  • 32+ hours of battery life
  • "True Stereophonic" audio

You can set up the Emberton III in two ways: directly through your device's Bluetooth, or via the Marshall iOS or Android app. That gives you access to three EQ presets: the default "Marshall sound"; a low and high end boost; and a mid-range boost. That latter one is for speech such as audiobooks and podcasts. As with the previous model there are no EQ customization options.

Using the device is very simple, because it's a very simple device. There's an on-off button, a rocker switch for volume and track skipping, and a red LED strip to show battery life.

The big news here is the upgrade to Bluetooth LE audio and Auracast multi-device broadcast support. With Auracast you'll be able to share your music to multiple speakers simultaneously, but the Bluetooth LE it requires won't be available on launch day: Marshall promises an update imminently via the Marshall Bluetooth app but of course that means we weren't able to try that specific feature. There's also built in microphone so you can use this Marshall for calls, but not for voice assistants.

As with the previous Emberton, the Emberton III has what Marshall calls True Stereophonic, a 360-degree audio feature that promises to fill your room with surprisingly big sound. Oh, and there's a strap for your backpack so you can annoy people on hikes.

One of the issues with many speakers is that they can become too bass-light at low levels because audio characteristics change with volume. Marshall has a solution that it calls Dynamic Loudness, which automatically adjusts the tonal characteristics based on the volume you're listening at.

Battery life is a claimed 32-plus hours, two more than before, and we didn't have any problems achieving thirty hours with playback volumes around 50%. Full recharge via the USB-C port takes two hours compared to three for the Emberton II.

In a nice touch, the Emberton III plays a cute little ascending guitar riff when you power it on and a descending one when you power it off.

  • Features score: 4.5/5

Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker

The companion app gives you a choice of three audio presets but there's no custom EQ. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)

Marshall Emberton III review: Sound quality

  • Dynamic Loudness impressive at lower volumes
  • EQ boost for podcast and audiobooks
  • Punchy given its small size

It'd be rude not to start testing with some classic rock, so the first song to try was naturally AC/DC's Back in Black. The Emberton delivered an impressively punchy performance with excellent mid- and high-range clarity, and the promise of room-filling sound was definitely delivered: this little speaker rocks much harder than you'd expect it to and doesn't need you to position it carefully to get the best results.

That said, it's important to manage your expectations with a speaker of this size. There's only so much air that two-inch drivers can push, so while Marshall has done a good job delivering low frequencies at lower volumes – so much so that you might want to swap to the mid-range EQ boost for podcast listening so the presenters don't make everything around you vibrate – when you crank up the Emberton to higher volumes the low end distorts and the higher frequencies become harsh.

With Marshall amplifiers, it's traditional to turn them up. But this Marshall speaker is best turned down. At lower volumes the Dynamic Loudness delivers very impressive bass for a system this small. REM's Out of Time album was a particular highlight, Mike Mills' bass as clear as his harmonies.

The relative lack of bass at higher volumes is particularly noticeable on dance music such as Pet Shop Boys' Loneliness, Troye Sivan's slinky One of Your Girls or Charli XCX's 360, all of which lose a lot of their floor-filling thump, and with expensively produced tracks such as Taylor Swift's No Body No Crime, which has a very distinctive bass drum sound that loses its punch here. All of these tracks sound better quieter on this system.

That's also an issue for guitar-based rock music, especially relatively busy tracks such as The Killers' When You Were Young. It's fun at lower volumes but turn it up and it quickly becomes tiring.

To my ears this is a speaker best suited to bedroom, kitchen or study listening and for taking outside on nice days. If you're looking for a party monster or intend to listen loud you might be better with something built around larger speaker drivers.

  • Sound quality score: 4/5

Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker

You're not going to mistake this speaker for any other brand. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)

Marshall Emberton III review: Design

  • Looks like a Marshall amp
  • IP67 for dust and water resistance
  • Rugged and stackable

The Emberton III unsurprisingly looks a lot like the Emberton II. As with other Marshalls the design echoes that of the famous Marshall cabinets and stacks we've seen on rock stars' stages, and that means they're pretty rugged-looking and no-nonsense as well as stackable, just like stage speakers. I think they look great; having Marshall's design DNA in speakers makes more sense to me than crowbarring it into headphones such as the Marshall Major III, which I think just look overly boxy. You can choose between a classic black or cream.

The new Emberton is rated IP67 for dust and waterproofing, so it's capable of surviving a dunk as deep as 1m of water for up to 30 minutes. That makes it largely immune to a spilled drink or festival rain.

Inside the Marshall there are two class D amplifiers pushing twin 10W 2-inch full range drivers and two passive radiators. Frequency response is 65Hz to 20kHz and it's slightly louder than before, pushing out a sound pressure level of 90dB at 1m compared to the 87dB of the Emberton II.

The Marshall, thankfully, is a lot lighter than the Marshall amps I've had to lug up and down stairs and fire escapes: it's 0.67kg/1.5lbs.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Marshall Emberton III review: value

  • Lots of impressive competitors in this price bracket
  • Marshall's battery life leaves many rivals behind

At $159 / £159 / AU$289 this speaker is competing against some very impressive rivals: spend £20 more and you could get our current favorite among the best Bluetooth speakers, the Sonos Roam 2. But where the Marshall has the Sonos speaker beaten is in battery life.

The Sonos promises up to 10 hours whereas the Marshall can deliver more than three times that. So if you're going to a weekend festival or anywhere else where home comforts will be absent for a few days, the Marshall is the speaker you'll want to take with you. It's small enough to be truly portable but loud enough to soundtrack your adventures without having to push it too hard.

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Marshall Emberton III?

Buy it if…

You like the Marshall sound
You can't customize the EQ presets so you're going to be listening the way Marshall intends.

You like 'em tough
Just like Marshall's amps this looks and feels bomb-proof.

You listen long
With 32 hours of battery life this speaker has serious stamina.

Don't buy it if…

You're a bass monster
There's only so much air two-inch drivers can push.

You listen loud
Like most speakers of this size, the Marshall isn't at its best when it's really loud.

You want to connect a cable
The Emberton III doesn't have an Aux socket.

Marshall Emberton III review: Also consider

Sonos Roam 2
We called the original "the best Bluetooth speaker on the planet", although the controversy over Sonos's bungled app update has tarnished the brand a little this year. But the Roam 2 is a superb portable speaker with exceptional sound. Find out if it's the better option for you by reading our in-depth Sonos Roam 2 review

JBL Charge 5
The Charge 5 is a hooligan, and we mean that as a compliment: it's ridiculously loud for its size and while it doesn't offer 360-degree audio it does deliver 100% audio entertainment. Its drivers are larger than those in the Marshall and you can hear the difference. For more info, see our full JBL Charge 5 review

Marshall Willen II
The Emberton has a baby sibling, the Willen. It's effectively half an Emberton with a single 10-inch full range driver, and while it’s not as loud as the Emberton it's still impressive for its size. Battery life is 17 hours and it weighs just 0.36kg/0.79lbs. We haven't reviewed it actually, but if you like its looks, it's worth a look… 

How I tested the Marshall Emberton III

  • Tested for two weeks as an alternative to Apple HomePods and UE's Wonderboom
  • Used indoors at sensible levels – and loud outside
  • Listened to Apple Music, my own library, Overcast podcasts and some of my own tunes too

I used the Marshall Emberton III for two weeks with Apple Music and some of my own recordings, using the same tracks I use to test all audio kit – a big mix of genres including live performances, dance and pop music, various flavors of metal and more. I also listened to podcasts via the Overcast app.

I've been a musician and audio obsessive for over 35 years now, and I've been reviewing audio kit – headphones, speakers and audio devices of all kinds – since the late 1990s.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed: October 2024
Tribit StormBox 2 review: a bargain Bluetooth speaker with big sound and decent battery life
7:13 pm | October 23, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Tags: | Comments: Off

Tribit StormBox 2: two-minute review

The Tribit StormBox 2 is a cheap, hard-wearing Bluetooth speaker that's designed to deliver 360-degree sound for not much cash. The next-generation upgrade from 2018’s StormBox, it’s a pocket-sized portable speaker that sports unassuming looks and extreme levels of volume and battery life.

The Tribit StormBox 2 very much colors inside of the lines when it comes to design. It apes the near-cylindrical form factor of many of its rivals in the portable speaker space, even echoing the drop-resistant end caps and rubberized buttons that you’ll find on many speakers at the more affordable end of the market. Fortunately, this does make it rugged enough for use in the great outdoors; it will see off drops and dings, while its IPX7 water-resistance means it survived a minute-long dunking in the TechRadar testing tank without any ill effects.

Given its position at the cheaper end of the market, naturally it's missing some features that you’ll find on some of the best Bluetooth speakers. The StormBox 2 doesn’t offer Wi-Fi connectivity, nor less-lossy codecs such as LDAC or ALAC, which means you won't get audiophile-grade sound here.

Despite this, I was pleasantly surprised by the Tribit’s performance. Playing Black Eye by Allie X, the speaker did a great job of representing her vocals and those synthy stings, while that saw-toothed bassline delivers plenty of teeth. Given its frequency range only stretches as low as 70Hz though, it does lose a little presence in its low end – and, like many cheaper speakers, the treble can on occasion sound a little bit bright and overdriven.

On the plus side, like its less-rugged sibling, the Tribit XSound Plus 2, the StormBox 2 has some solid audio profiles that will let you polish the sound it produces and compensate for some of these weaknesses. XBass, in particular, gives everything much more oomph in the low end; I found myself increasingly just leaving it on as standard. And if you really want to get into the nitty gritty, the Tribit app offers a full nine-band EQ to allow you to tweak its sound to suit your favorite genres.

There are more features where that came from, too. One of the most noteworthy is its pairing options: you can link two StormBox 2s together, either to boost volume in party mode or to create a stereo pair, which offers decent separation and a convincing soundstage.

But perhaps the StormBox 2’s most impressive party trick is its battery life. Its stated 24-hour battery life makes the lasting power of Bluetooth speakers such as the JBL Flip 6 look ephemeral by comparison. And at lower volumes, at the 50% I regularly listened at, for example, I actually found it lasted far longer, stretching to as long as a preposterous 30 hours. This speaker has serious playing power.

Is it the best-sounding speaker on the market? Hardly. It displays some definite unevenness in the bass and treble, and the audio it produces isn’t the most detailed or expressive you’ll hear. But for its super-low price, it sounds far better than it has any right to – and the battery life alone makes it a solid investment. So, ultimately, if you’re looking to get change for $100 / £100 / AU$150, this will absolutely be your best option. If your budget can stretch further, there are far finer speakers available on our guide to the best bluetooth speakers.

The Tribit StormBox 2 sat horizontally on a stone surface in front of a pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Tribit StormBox 2 review: price & release date

  • Released on May 31, 2024
  • Retails for $67.99 / £60 / AU$129

The Tribit StormBox 2 is available now, having been released on May 31, 2024. It currently retails for the bargain price of $67.99 / £60 / AU$129 – which is cheap, even for a budget Bluetooth speaker. This is roughly comparable to the much smaller JBL Clip 5, which only has 7W of amplification compared to the StormBox 2’s 34W, so in theory you’re getting much more oomph for a very similar spend.

When it comes to purchase options, you’re limited: there aren’t any color variations on offer, so what you see here is what you get. Fortunately, what you get is very generous, considering the price you’ll pay.

Tribit StormBox 2 review: specs

The rear buttons of the Tribit StormBox 2 sat horizontally on a stone surface in front of a pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Tribit StormBox 2 review: features

  • Flexible sound profile and EQ options
  • No Wi-Fi or less lossy codecs
  • Insane 24+ hours battery life

The Tribit StormBox 2 possesses two 48mm full-range drivers that rock a combined power of 34W. While the 70HZ – 20KHz frequency range these drivers deliver isn’t exactly going to give you gut-punching sub bass, it’s still decent enough for such a compact unit. In addition, it's also capable of 360-degree sound – something you’ll be thankful for any time you’re listening to it in big groups.

Want even more room-filling sound? You’re in luck: you can chain several StormBox 2s together. Hit the TWS button on your connected StormBox 2 and then press the same button on a compatible Tribit speaker and they’ll form a stereo pair. Alternatively, for those more worried about achieving window-rattling volume, you can press the TWS button again and they’ll switch to a mono Party mode.

It's possible to augment the sound in other ways as well. Not only can its XBass button switch on the Tribit’s bass-boosting audio profile, but if you fire up the app, you can access four other sound modes: Audiobook, Classical, Rock and Jazz. However, those looking for granular control over their music will get the most use out of its nine-band EQ – this both lets you tweak the sound balance to your heart’s content and create your own custom profiles, something that quite a few more expensive models still lack.

Given the price, it will hardly be news that the StormBox 2 doesn’t pack the fancier features of premium Bluetooth speakers such as the Sonos Roam 2. While its connection utilizes Bluetooth 5.3, you’re out of luck for Wi-Fi connectivity or higher-res codecs such as LDAC or ALAC. And if you’re looking for the auto-tuning smarts that some high-end speakers offer, forget it: you’re never going to find it in a speaker this cheap.

Where the StormBox 2 does shine over almost any other speaker, however, is its battery life; it makes the Energizer Bunny look like a bone-idle clock-watcher. Tribit estimates the speaker will last you up to 24 hours of solid listening time. Wanting to put this to the test, I ran it for six hours at 50% volume, during which it lost less than 20% of its battery. At that rate, you could potentially eke out up to 30 hours use out of it, which is just ludicrous – even my most epic, 22-hour-long playlist wouldn’t come close to tuckering out this speaker.

  • Features score: 4/5

Two Tribit StormBox 2s standing vertically on a stone surface in front of a pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Tribit StormBox 2 review: sound quality

  • Lush mids and rich bass – but only in XBass mode
  • Premium speakers offer more precision and clearer soundstage
  • Capable of eardrum-perforating volume

For its price, the Tribit StormBox 2 offers impressive sound. Firing up St. Thomas by Sonny Rollins, I was instantly struck by how crisp and immediate the toms sounded. The richly timbred sax soars above everything, while beneath it you can still hear the piano line nice and clear, something not all speakers could have delivered so well. All in all, I have little to complain about when it comes to the middle of the mix.

As is often the case with budget Bluetooth speakers, though, the StormBox 2 does occasionally trip over itself at the high end. Sometimes, the bite of the guitars in Fleetwood Mac’s Go Your Own Way sounded a little over-keen to me, like the treble was a bit overdriven and the speaker wasn’t quite able to bring out enough of their bass tones to soften them.

This hypothesis was borne out when probing the lower frequencies the speaker could manage. Playing something with a bit of low-end heft, such as Nobody But You by George Fitzgerald, the StormBox does an admirable job of communicating the low-mids. However, when you compare it to the dynamic punch of bassier speakers such as the JBL Flip 6, everything feels a little looser in the lowest frequencies. It’s just a little too soft to have any impact, like being hit by a cotton-candy cannonball.

Fortunately, there is a way to take care of this. Flicking on XBass mode helped mitigate some of that wooliness. The kick just has a bit more punch, while the bassline resonates much more, giving the whole sound more glue, even while preserving delicate elements such as that piano line. Even though it’s lacking those under 70Hz sub tones, XBass really helps to give things more conviction and I found myself just leaving it on by default.

When putting its pairing options to the test, I was pleasantly surprised by how convincing a stereo field two linked StormBox 2’s created. Listening to my go-to stereo testing track, Manchild by Eels, there was no appreciable lag between each unit and the separation was precise. The samples were appropriately separated on each side of the mix, while the harmonizing of E’s vocals washed over me from either ear, creating a gorgeous layered effect. Not bad for $135.98 / £120 / AU$258, all in.

Despite this, comparing the whole sound to a five-star speaker such as the Sonos Roam 2, the difference between their two audio profiles was pretty clear to me. While the Tribit is undeniably punchier – at least with XBass mode on, anyway – the Sonos is far more discriminating, giving each element in the mix greater separation and breathing room. Naturally, you’d expect better poise from the Roam 2’s less lossy audio codecs, but it's worth considering the capability of a more premium speaker.

However, what the StormBox 2 lacks in finesse it more than makes up for in terms of sheer volume. For the vast majority of contexts, I found 50% volume was high enough to flood the room with confident, 360-degree sound. Cranking up the volume as high as 80% did finally start to show some ragged edges and limiting, but this was also past the level where the loudness had started to hurt my ears. In the vast majority of scenarios, this speaker is plenty loud enough without sacrificing too much in terms of quality.

  • Sound score: 3.5 / 5

The top driver and strap on the Tribit StormBox 2 in front of a pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Tribit StormBox 2 review: design

  • Not the most exciting design
  • Strap isn’t that usable
  • Rugged build and IPX7 waterproofing

When it comes to its looks, the Tribit StormBox 2 hardly reinvents the wheel. It’s the kind of cylindrical-ish unit with drivers either end that’s almost so familiar at this point to be a design cliche. It also features three rubberised buttons on its face – a circular play / pause and a giant volume plus and minus combo. There are no vibrant color options on offer here, either. To paraphrase the industrialist and automotive pioneer Henry Ford: "look, it comes in black – like it or lump it".

But not every speaker has to be an aesthetic revolution. And the StormBox 2 is pleasing enough: the fabric that wraps around its core feels hard-wearing yet pleasant to the touch. Thanks to its 2.72-inch (69mm) depth, it sits comfortably enough in your grip, while a weight of just 1.54lbs (699g) means it’s easy enough to carry around wherever you go. Its strap is a bit of a misstep, though: you can’t easily unclip it, making it hard to loop it through a belt loop or bag strap, so you’re purely reliant on your meathooks here.

The Tribit is also suitably rugged. Thanks to its sturdy build and rigid end-caps, it should survive knocks and falls without anything more than cosmetic damage. On top of this, its IPX7 rating protects it from a plunge in up to 1m for up to 30 minutes. To test this out, I sprayed some water over it and allowed it to dry before powering it up again. I also gave it a thorough baptizing in TechRadar’s testing tank, first letting it merrily bob along on the surface before fully submerging it for a minute. I’m pleased to say that it bounced back from both of these dousings with zero damage, coming out of it sounding as responsive as ever, which puts it up there with many of the best waterproof speakers.

  • Design score: 3 / 5

A closeup of the Tribit StormBox 2 in front of a pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Tribit StormBox 2 review: value

  • Cheaper than any similar sounding rivals
  • Not a match for more premium speakers

When doing a side-by-side comparison, the Tribit StormBox 2 obviously isn’t going to beat more expensive speakers such as the Roam 2 or even the JBL Flip 6. You can’t expect the kind of precision and quality that pricier components and less lossy codecs can deliver.

However, what the StormBox 2 does for its price is seriously impressive. With its speakers, Tribit is helping to redefine what you can expect from the bargain end of the market. If the biggest thing you care about is getting as much value as you can squeeze out $67.99 / £60 / AU$129, this is the speaker you should choose. If you’re wanting thumping bass or audiophile-grade sound, you’ll have to spend a bit more to get it.

  • Value score: 5/5

The Tribit StormBox 2 standing vertically on a stone surface in front of a pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the Tribit StormBox 2?

Buy it if…

You want the best sound you can get for the least cash
Few speakers at this price offer audio that's actually worth the investment. But the Tribit offers confident, loud and sufficiently detailed sound that's deeply impressive for such a low price.

You want highly customizable sound
With five preset sound profiles and a nine-band EQ that allows you to create your own custom profiles, the StormBox 2 is a great option for anyone who's constantly looking to tinker with the balance of their music.View Deal

Don’t buy it if…

You want audiophile-pleasing audio
In light of its cheap price and the lack of codecs such as LDAC or aptX HD on offer, this speaker doesn’t offer top-tier resolution. Anyone who doesn’t want to compromise on sound quality should be looking to invest in a higher-end speaker.View Deal

You’re after a speaker that makes a statement
The StormBox 2 offers neither a hugely distinctive dynamic sound signature nor eye-catching, vibrant design. If you want a Bluetooth speaker that draws comment, this may not be the one for you.View Deal

Tribit StormBox 2 review: also consider

Sonos Roam 2
Costing $179 / £179 / AU$299, the Sonos Roam 2 is more than double the price of the Tribit StormBox 2. But in return for that price, it offers a whole lot. Connectivity comes with Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi, and it can integrate with Sonos’s multiroom speaker system for seamless playback, while offering crisp and detailed audio. It also offers IP67 ingress protection, meaning it can see off grit and submersion in water, making it great for listening poolside or trips to the beach. Read our full Sonos Roam 2 review.View Deal

JBL Flip 6
At the more affordable end of the market, the JBL Flip 6 has a good 50% price increase over the StormBox 2, at $109 / £99 / AU$169. But in return, you get more dynamic, bubbling bass and more adventurous looks, with the speaker coming in a range of colorways from salmon pink to camo. And, again, its IP67 ingress protection makes it a hardier companion for use in the great outdoors, seeing off dust and soakings with ease. Read our full JBL Flip 6 review.View Deal

Tribit StormBox 2 review: how I tested

  • Tested the device over two weeks using multiple sources
  • Compared it the Sonos Roam 2 and JBL Flip 6
  • Used specific benchmarking tests to assess battery and waterproofing

I tested the Tribit StormBox 2 over the course of two weeks. I listened to the TechRadar testing playlist and tracks in a variety of different genres to make sure I’d built up an accurate picture of its sonic profile. In addition, I used multiple sources, including Spotify and Apple Music. I compared it side by side with other class-leading Bluetooth speakers, including the Sonos Roam 2 and JBL Flip 6.

To test its battery, I ran the speaker for six hours at 50% volume to see how much it declined, before dividing this by the amount the battery had decreased to get its overall playing time. To test the waterproofing, I sprayed the speaker with water, dried it out and tested its functionality again, as well as fully submerging the speaker in 12 inches (30cm) of water and doing the same.

I have over 10 years of experience reviewing and writing about tech products and have tested many Bluetooth speakers, as well as other audio equipment, during that time. I’ve also spent many years producing audio and music, which has given me a lot of first-hand experience at assessing the performance of audio products.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed: October 2024
Loewe We Hear Pro vs Kylian Mbappé review: a powerful player… and so is the Bluetooth speaker
4:30 pm | October 1, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Loewe We Hear Pro: Two-minute review

The We Hear Pro is the latest powerful outdoor speaker from luxury brand Loewe, and it comes with a luxury price tag too: it's more expensive than its sibling, the We Hear 2, and it's more expensive than many rivals too. However, it's also considerably more powerful than most of the best Bluetooth speakers with 100W of Class D amplification driving two woofers, two tweeters and two passive bass radiators. If budget allows, you can connect more than a dozen of these speakers to play simultaneously.

The We Hear Pro is a good-looking thing, especially in its neon option, and the design is familiar with some thoughtful touches. Having on-device EQ controls is unusual and useful, although the illumination on the controls isn’t visible in direct sunlight. 

The bass frequencies aren’t as low as some rivals but the low end is tight and doesn’t get unpleasant at higher volumes, and the volume of this speaker goes very high indeed. Like any single-speaker system it can get a bit tiring when you’re listening loud but as a go-anywhere speaker it’s very impressive in almost every respect: it's big enough to deliver a big sound but not so big you'll hate moving it around. 

This isn't the most expensive party speaker you can buy, but it is still considerably more expensive than most rivals. However, its closest rival, the JBL Xtreme 4, costs even more – and Ultimate Ears' loudest portable is more expensive still.

Loewe We.HEAR Pro

The We Hear Pro is available in two sober colors and this hugely entertaining neon option. (Image credit: Future)

Loewe We Hear Pro review: Price & release date

  • Released May 2024
  • Costs £249.99 (about $319 / AU$489)

The We Hear Pro is available now with an RRP of £249.99. That’s significantly more expensive than its £159 predecessor the We Hear 2, but it has 40W more power and around seven more hours of battery life.

At this price the Loewe is competing with some of the best portable speakers by brands such as JBL, Ultimate Ears and Marshall.

Loewe We Hear Pro review: Specs

Loewe We.HEAR Pro

The Kylian Mbappé branding isn't too much: it's limited to initials on the bass reflex ports and on the optional carrying strap. (Image credit: Future)

Loewe We Hear Pro review: Features

  • Fast and stable Bluetooth
  • Up to 24 hours of battery life
  • Can charge your other devices

Setting up the We Hear Pro couldn’t be simpler: press the on button, press the connect button and it’ll appear in your phone’s Bluetooth list. Connecting is fast and remained stable; we didn’t suffer from a single dropped connection. There are nicely subtle audio cues on power up, power down and when you establish a Bluetooth connection.

The We Hear Pro has Bluetooth multipoint and can be paired with up to 14 other Loewe speakers if you have the desire and the cash, although unlike the JBL Xtreme it doesn't support Auracast multi-speaker streaming. It has an aux input as well as Bluetooth 5.3 and includes a mic so you can use it for voice calls via your phone.

The USB-C port isn’t just for charging the speaker; you can use it to charge your smaller devices too.

Unlike most speakers, where the EQ is controlled via your phone, the We Hear Pro enables you to adjust the bass and treble using controls on the top. We didn’t feel the need to change the standard EQ but it’s nice to have the option. It's most effective at lower volumes; at full pelt it doesn't make a great deal of difference.

Battery life is a claimed 24 hours, which seems accurate enough: if you run it at full power that’ll drain the battery more quickly but as we were listening at more neighbour-friendly levels in the evenings we were able to go the best part of a week between charges.

  • Features score: 4/5

Loewe We. HEAR Pro

The on-speaker controls are really useful but the white illumination isn't visible in direct sunlight. (Image credit: Future)

Loewe We Hear Pro review: Sound quality

  • Very, very loud
  • Sounds particularly good with dance music
  • EQ controls are right there on top

This is first and foremost a party speaker – something for the football dressing room after a win, say. And that means it needs to be loud, it needs to deliver great bass and it needs to be able to connect to more speakers in larger spaces. The We Hear Pro delivers in all three respects. Its 100W Class D amplification with two drivers, two tweeters and two hard-working bass radiators is impressively loud and doesn’t push the drivers too hard into excessive distortion; like most party speakers it loses all subtlety at higher volumes but it remains punchy and fun, especially on dance tracks such as Charli XCX’s 360. Rock music, particularly classic rock such as AC/DC, works very well too, but it’s with dance music that this portable speaker really excels. 

In addition to our usual playlists we decided to try some party-themed songs too from The Associates’ Party Fears Two through LMFAO’s Party Rock Anthem and of course, Andrew WK’s Party Hard. They’re very different songs sonically – 80s synth-pop, chart-topping house and hard-driving party rock respectively – but the We Hear Pro delivered each one with plenty of enthusiasm. 

The frequency range doesn’t go quite as deep as some rivals – it’s 50Hz to 20kHz, while the likes of the JBL Charge 5 goes down to 20Hz – so if you’re looking for truly subterranean bass you might want to look elsewhere. But during our extensive listening we never felt that the Loewe was lacking in low-end; for solo indoor listening you might notice a difference but outside with friends it really isn’t an issue. 

We only had a single speaker to review so we weren’t able to test it as a paired speaker or as part of a multi-speaker setup.

  • Sound quality score: 4/5

Loewe We.HEAR Pro

The USB port can charge other devices and there's an Aux port too. Both are located on the underside and protected with a seal. (Image credit: Future)

Loewe We Hear Pro review: Design

  • On-device controls are really useful...
  • ...but the illumination isn't visible in direct sunlight
  • Celebrity branding isn't off-putting

While the We Hear Pro's cylindrical design with bass ports at either end is a familiar silhouette, there are some nice touches here. On top the volume, bass and treble controls light up with a separate touch-sensitive bar to adjust them. It looks really nice in the evening but the choice of white illumination here means you can’t see it at all in direct sunlight.

The obligatory USB-C port and aux cable socket are on the bottom, protected by a weatherproof flap. It’s neat but it does mean that you’ll need to slightly angle the speaker if you’re using a cabled connection to an audio source.

There are three colour choices: black, blue and the eye-popping neon yellow of our review unit. That’s by far the best-looking option and means you’re very unlikely to misplace it. There’s also a matching carrying strap that enables you to wear the speaker like a satchel or to carry it like a small handbag; it’s a little scratchy feeling but it’s solid enough, and you’ll be glad of it: the speaker weighs a hefty 2.2kg.

The speaker is IPX6 water resistant but not waterproof, so while it’ll survive the odd rain shower it’s not a speaker you want to dunk in deep water. If you’re planning to party poolside you might be better off with a fully waterproof rival.

  • Design score: 4/5

Loewe We Hear Pro: Value

  • Very expensive compared to most portable speakers
  • You're paying a lot for that extra power
  • The same firm's We. HEAR 2 is a lot cheaper

The We Hear Pro is one of the most eye-catching outdoor speakers around, especially in its neon option, and it’s also one of the more expensive options. That’s largely because it has a larger battery and more power than similarly sized rivals, delivering 100W with 20-plus hours of listening time. You can also use it as a portable charger for your other devices. However, that price tag means it's up against some serious competition: at the time of writing the Sonos Roam 2, our current pick of the best portable Bluetooth speakers, is around $169 / £139. You could buy two for only slightly more than you’d pay for one We Hear Pro.

  • Value score: 4/5

Should you buy the Loewe We Hear Pro?

Buy it if…

Don't buy it if…

Loewe We Hear Pro review: Also consider

How I tested the Loewe We Hear Pro

  • I tested for two weeks as an alternative to Apple HomePods and UE's Wonderboom 4
  • I used it indoors at sensible levels and loud outside
  • I listened to Apple Music, my own library, Overcast podcasts and some of my own tunes too

I tested the Loewe We. HEAR Pro over the course of two weeks both indoors and out, testing it both as an everyday speaker inside and a party speaker outside. I have a go-to playlist that encompasses a lot of different genres including block-rocking bass and much more delicate recordings, and for this speaker I added in plenty more party anthems as that's the most common use of such a loud outdoor speaker. I used Apple Music and Overcast for streaming from my iPhone and also streamed from my Mac.

I've been a musician and audio obsessive for over 35 years now, and I've been reviewing audio kit – headphones, speakers and audio devices of all kinds – since the late 1990s.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed: October 2024
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