PCMag Australia audio

The Best Apple AirPods to Buy in 2026

Tim Gideon, Eric Zeman — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 19:27:39 +0000

Apple sells four types of AirPods, including three sets of earbuds and one pair of headphones. We compare them all to help you determine which is right for you.

Apple's Leaked Camera AirPods Aren't Coming Anytime Soon

James Peckham — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:46:57 +0000

A new report says to expect the new earbuds in 2027, despite a recent leak from Apple itself.

Apple leaked its upcoming camera-equipped AirPods by mistake earlier this week, when a video featuring the headphones was found in the latest version of macOS 26.7, prompting many to speculate a release may be imminent alongside the iPhone 18 Pro …

Sennheiser’s New True Wireless Earbuds Let You Easily Swap Out All 3 Batteries

James Peckham — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:20:40 +0000

The new flagship earbuds, the Momentum 5, are more sustainable than previous iterations.

What happens when your gadget's battery begins to fail? It’s unlikely you will replace the complicated and often glued-down components yourself, but Sennheiser wants to help you do so with its new flagship earbuds.

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 are designed to be more sustainable than many rivals, allowing you …

Apple Accidentally Confirms Camera-Equipped AirPods Are Coming

Jibin Joseph — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:22:15 +0000

A video found in the latest macOS 26.7 reveals how Visual Intelligence features would work with Apple's camera-equipped AirPods.

Apple may have just confirmed that its camera-equipped AirPods are ready for launch. In a short video clip included with the macOS 26.7 release candidate, the company accidentally demonstrated how Visual Intelligence features would work with its long-rumored AirPods with cameras.

The video, spotted by MacRumors, shows …

Samsung Gets FDA Approval for Hearing Aid Feature in Galaxy Buds

Jibin Joseph — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:24:12 +0000

The feature will amplify ambient sounds for users with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. It will debut on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Buds 4 Pro next quarter.

Samsung has received FDA clearance for a hearing aid feature in the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Buds 4 Pro. The feature, which amplifies ambient sound to turn the Galaxy Buds into an over-the-counter hearing aid, will …

Marshall Milton ANC Review: A Sonic Winner Held Back by Middling Noise Cancellation

Mark Knapp — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:12:29 +0000

Marshall's new Milton ANC headphones ($229.99) fill the gap between the Major V ($149.95) and the Monitor III ANC ($349.99) in the company's lineup. They borrow the on-ear design of the Major V while adding the high-end features of …

Nothing Ear (3a) Review: A Subtle Sonic Upgrade Worth Hearing

Mark Knapp — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:03:35 +0000

The $99 Nothing Ear (3a) earphones pick up where the Ear (a) left off, taking an entry-level spot in the company's lineup of earphones and headphones. They don't mess with their predecessor's formula much, carrying over a nearly identical design and features like active noise …

Bose Refreshes QuietComfort Headphones With Immersive Audio, Wired Lossless

Jibin Joseph — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Despite new features, the second-gen QC headphones retain the original's $359 price tag.

Bose has finally announced the successor to its premium QuietComfort Headphones. The second-gen headphones retain the price, rich audio, comfort, and noise-cancellation of the original 2023 model while packing in spatial or immersive audio and lossless playback via USB-C in a …

The Best Bluetooth and Wireless Speakers for 2026

Will Greenwald — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 19:28:39 +0000

Whether you want a rugged, take-anywhere speaker for the beach or the centerpiece for a multiroom sound system, these are the top Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speakers we've reviewed.

Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Speaker: Which Is Better?

Bluetooth is the most common wireless music streaming standard, but it isn't the only one. Bluetooth works point-to-point: You pair a transmitter (your phone or computer) with a receiver (your speaker) to play music. It's direct, (mostly) easy to set up, and lets you …

The Best Wired Headphones for 2026

Tim Gideon — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:02:25 +0000

Audiophiles, studio musicians, DJs, and pretty much anyone looking for the absolute best audio quality, whether for serious home listening or pro-level tracking, should opt for wired headphones. These are the best we've tested.

Do Headphone Drivers Matter?

Between headphones and earphones, there's a range of driver styles. In headphones, the most common option is a dynamic driver—headphones typically use a single full-range driver in each earcup.

In recent years, audiophiles have become excited about planar magnetic drivers, which use a magnetic field to vibrate …

The Best USB Microphones for 2026

Tim Gideon, Will Greenwald — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 20:30:42 +0000

Don't rely on the wimpy microphone built into your phone or laptop. Here's how to find the best USB (and XLR with USB) mics for content creation, gaming, podcasting, and recording music, including our top-tested picks.

How Do Microphones Work?

Before we dive into the world of USB mics, you should know how most professional microphones work. In a typical recording studio scenario, a microphone is an analog piece of equipment that sends a signal to a console or computer through an XLR cable (often via a …

The Best Podcast Equipment for 2026

Tim Gideon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:30:01 +0000

A good hook can draw listeners in, but bad sound quality can drive them away. From mics to headphones, here’s the best podcast gear we’ve tested for recording professional-quality audio.

The Best Headphones for 2026

Tim Gideon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:56:06 +0000

Whether you're looking for a big over-ear set of cans or sleek in-ear buds, these are the top headphones and earphones we've tested, along with everything you need to know about active noise cancellation, Bluetooth codecs, driver types, and more.

Should You Pick Earphones or Headphones?

Earbuds do not seal off the ear canal and typically offer the worst audio performance. Earphones seal off the ear canal, offering better bass response, a more balanced stereo mix, and a more secure fit.

On-ear headphones (also called supra-aural headphones) typically have …

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless

Christian De Looper — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:58:18 +0000

The Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless headphones ($399.99) are a solid improvement over their predecessor, the excellent Momentum 4 Wireless. These high-quality cans are comfortable to wear, easy to control, and connect via Bluetooth, USB-C, and 3.5mm audio cables. They support a wide range of …

EarFun Clip 2

Mark Knapp — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:30:42 +0000

The EarFun Clip 2 ($79.99) is a follow-up to the excellent original model and delivers sound more reliably. The buds have an open design for transparency when you’re out in public and blend it with energetic, full audio, even if they don’t have towering low-end …

The Best Smart Speakers for 2026

Will Greenwald — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:51:16 +0000

Whether you use Alexa, Google, or Siri for your AI voice assistant, these are the top smart speakers we've tested.

How to Talk to Your Smart Speaker

Every smart speaker responds to a wake word or phrase, such as "Alexa" for Amazon Alexa, "Hey, Google" for Gemini, and "Siri" for Siri. Once the speaker indicates it's listening, you can ask whatever you want. The question then is how to ask.

All …

Prime Day AU: Top Soundbars and Speakers Are Now on Sale With Prime Day Discounts

Sean Madden — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 01:46:21 +0000

Whether you’re streaming music or TV, now's the time to jump into these speakers and soundbar sales from the best-of-the-best brands like Beats, LG, Amazon, and more.

If you haven’t heard, Prime Day is here, and Amazon is slashing prices on the biggest brands in speakers and soundbars. From Sonos to Beats to Roku, all of our favorite sound machines are seeing steep discounts. So, if you’re looking to pair your new …

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro

Christian De Looper — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:16:40 +0000

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro ($169.99) earphones sit in the middle of the company's lineup, which includes the Liberty 5 ($129.99) and the Liberty 5 Pro Max ($229.99). The 5 Pro is the goldilocks pick of the …

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max

Christian De Looper — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:30:00 +0000

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max ($229.99) takes the company's line of noise-cancelling earphones upmarket by supercharging the charging case. In addition to allowing you to adjust playback controls, the case packs AI-based transcription and translation features. Although I appreciate these extras, they push …

Google Home Speaker

Andrew Gebhart — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Google’s first smart speaker in years, the $99.99 Google Home Speaker signals a clear shift for the company's smart home strategy. Rather than relying on the long-running Google Assistant, it is powered by Gemini, bringing …

The Best Outdoor Speakers for 2026

Tim Gideon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:41:09 +0000

Want to listen to music by your pool or in the woods on your next camping trip? These rugged, waterproof Bluetooth speakers are the best we've tested.

Can You Submerge Outdoor Speakers Underwater?

Manufacturers often claim a speaker is water-resistant or waterproof, but the only true measure of protection from liquid and other potential hazards is its IP rating.

Every proper IP rating consists of either a two-digit score or an X (which serves …

The Best Wireless Earbuds for 2026

Tim Gideon — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 16:50:58 +0000

Apple popularized the wireless earbud category with the AirPods, and now the market is teeming with alternatives. We've tested hundreds of earphones and narrowed them down to this list of the very best.

What Should You Know About Bluetooth Earphones?

Wireless earphones have largely replaced tethered earphones, and you can now find a good pair for under $100. Of course, performance improves drastically with our higher-priced recommendations. The very best models here cost $300 and up.

Even if you subscribe …

Splurging on Wireless Headphones? Do It for ANC and Comfort, Not Sound Quality

Tyler Hayes — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 16:30:00 +0000

As someone who's tested wireless audio gear for over a decade, it might surprise you to hear that sound quality isn't my top priority when choosing new wireless headphones. Here's why.

When buying a pair of expensive wireless headphones, how much does audio quality matter? That might seem like a crazy question, but most people stream music at 256kbps or lower from their phones and likely can't tell the …

Preorders Open for Next-Gen Google Home Speaker With Gemini Smarts

Chloe Albanesius — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The $99.99 device replaces the aging Nest Audio and comes with Gemini for Home, a voice assistant that features advanced natural language understanding and reasoning.

Does your smart speaker setup need an upgrade? The next-gen Google Home Speaker is now available to preorder ahead of a June 25 launch.

Google first gave us a preview of its new Home speakers last fall alongside …

Amazon Echo Pop

Will Greenwald — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:06:59 +0000

The $39.99 Amazon Echo Pop is one of the least expensive ways to buy into the Alexa ecosystem, particularly if you want something with a small footprint. It includes nearly all of the same features as the larger Echo Dot ($49.99) and Echo Spot had most of the functionality of its Echo Show smart displays. The Echo Spot ($79.99) is more of a successor to the discontinued Echo Dot With Clock. The

Amazon Echo Studio (2nd Gen, 2025)

Will Greenwald — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:39:04 +0000

The Echo Studio has long been Amazon's flagship Alexa smart speaker, delivering the most powerful audio in the Echo lineup and featuring multiple angled drivers for immersive spatial sound. After six years, it's finally getting an update. The second-generation Echo …

Amazon Echo Dot Max

Will Greenwald — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:36:12 +0000

After 11 years and four generations as the flagship of Amazon's Echo speaker family—and arguably the first major smart speaker ever—the standard Amazon Echo has been retired. Taking its place is the new Amazon Echo Dot Max, a $99.99 Alexa-powered …

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus

Will Greenwald — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:34:45 +0000

Amazon’s Fire TV Soundbar Plus ($249.99) is a massive improvement over the base Fire TV Soundbar ($119.99). The 3.1-channel speaker sounds much bigger and clearer than its more affordable sibling, and while it doesn’t have much in the way of bass on its own, …

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar

Will Greenwald — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:34:09 +0000

Amazon consistently puts out top-notch media streamers under the Fire TV name, like the Fire TV Stick 4K, so I was excited when it announced the $119.99 Fire TV Soundbar. Unfortunately, my excitement quickly fell apart while testing …

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni

Will Greenwald — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000

For years, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless ($379.99) has stood as one of my favorite gaming headsets thanks to its great sound, clear mic, comfortable feel, and dual-battery system that lets you swap batteries to keep playing …

Fender Mix

Christian De Looper — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:45:30 +0000

The $299 Fender Mix, priced well below options from market leaders Apple, Bose, and Sony, enters an increasingly crowded field of midrange noise-cancelling headphones. Their main selling point is the modular and repairable design—something few competitors offer. In …

New Apple Beats Headphones Teased by Post Ahead of the World Cup

Will Mccurdy — Sun, 31 May 2026 13:22:48 +0000

The news comes after a mysterious Apple FCC filing appeared last week for new over-ear Bluetooth headphones.

Ahead of the World Cup later this month, new pictures have emerged showing Spanish soccer star Lamine Yamal wearing what appears to be a new model of Apple’s Beats headphones.

The bright pink headphones, first spotted by 9to5Mac, feature a headband more similar to AirPods Max …

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Brings Better ANC, Replaceable Battery

Jibin Joseph — Tue, 26 May 2026 13:46:18 +0000

The headphones will be available in the US starting June 16, with a $50 price increase.

Nearly four years after launching the Momentum 4, Sennheiser is back with the Momentum 5 Wireless headphones.

While the design remains largely unchanged, the new model gets several internal upgrades, including improved ANC, aptX Lossless support, and a user-replaceable battery. "We focused on refining the entire …

Apple May Be Preparing Mysterious New Over-Ear Headphones

Will Mccurdy — Sun, 24 May 2026 13:20:44 +0000

Apple appears to be working on new headphones. However, there is nothing about the diagram or product number in the FCC filing that clearly reveals whether Apple fans will get a new addition to either the Beats or AirPods lineup.

Apple could be launching new headphones. But if you were waiting until the newest AirPods or Beats release to make your next purchase, unfortunately we don’t have many clues about what line-up they’ll be part of just yet.

A recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing unearthed by X user @Aaronp613 shows …

Our Favorite Sony Headphones Are Nearly 40% Off Thanks to This Early Memorial Day Deal

Carlos Mejia — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:27:48 +0000

Tune out the outdoors wherever you are this summer with these premium noise cancelling Sony cans that received our Editors' Choice award and a rare "Outstanding" rating.

Memorial Day is just around the corner, making it the perfect season for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking or spending time on the beach with a new book. But …

Sony 1000X The Collexion

Christian De Looper — Tue, 19 May 2026 16:00:00 +0000

The Sony 1000X The Collexion ($649.99) is an upscale version of the company's award-winning WH-1000XM6 ($449.99) headphones. The new cans offer a refined design, more metal components, faux-leather finishes, fresh drivers, and more listening modes. Although the 1000X does sound slightly better …

Marshall Brings the Poise With Milton Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Eric Zeman — Tue, 19 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000

The Milton ANC headphones from Marshall run for more than 50 hours with noise cancellation, feature entirely redesigned drivers, support the latest Bluetooth codecs, and have a replaceable battery, all while carrying the flame for rock 'n' roll.

Marshall has a new set of headphones on deck just in time to provide the soundtrack for your summer adventures.

The Milton ANC on-ear headphones are a follow-up to the Major V, which have been available for a few years. The …

Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar

Christian De Looper — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:00:05 +0000

The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar ($1,099) replaces the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar ($899) in the company's lineup and joins the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker ($299) and Bose Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer ($899) as part of a new product family for your living room. It …

Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker

Christian De Looper — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000

The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker ($299) is part of a potential three-part system that could also include the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar ($1,099) and the Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer ($899). It represents a redesign from Bose for home audio by standing as a single, all-in-one speaker that connects via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or …