PCMag UK audio

The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for 2026

Eric Zeman — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:12:21 +0000

Block out the world and simply enjoy your music, media, or the sweet sound of silence with the best noise-cancelling headphones we've tested.

What's the Difference Between Active Noise Cancellation and Passive Noise Isolation?

Plenty of headphones and earphones claim to isolate or reduce noise, but that doesn't mean they offer proper ANC.

Passive noise isolation, sometimes referred to as passive noise cancellation, is a technical term for what earplugs do. Simply, when an object …

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 …

The Best Soundbars for 2026

Will Greenwald — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:12:37 +0000

Want better audio from your TV? From our test lab to your living room, these are the top soundbars we've tested.

Does Your Soundbar Need a Subwoofer for Good Bass?

If you plan to build a sound system with more than one component, the most important addition is a subwoofer. Soundbars can produce a lot of sound across the low-mid to high frequencies, but they usually can't reach deep into the sub-bass …

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 Earbuds (In-Ear Headphones) for 2026

Tim Gideon, Eric Zeman — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:33:17 +0000

Prefer buds that sit in your ears to the bulk that often comes with over-ear headphones? Us too. Start and end your search here with the top earbuds we've tested.

What's the Difference Between Earphones and Earbuds?

The terms earbuds and earphones might seem interchangeable, but they usually indicate an important distinction. For our purposes, earbuds don't enter your ear canal but sit just outside. This design fits more loosely and can cause problems with accurate stereo imaging (where both ears …

The Best Cheap Bluetooth Speakers for 2026

Tim Gideon — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:32:13 +0000

Affordable wireless audio has come a long way in recent years. Here are the top Bluetooth speakers we've tested under $100, along with what you need to know when shopping for one.

Do Cheap Speakers Have Good Bass?

Affordable portable speakers once relied only on the strength of tiny, powered drivers to produce sound. Thankfully, passive radiators are now the norm—they don't receive direct power like the drivers but vibrate in concert with them to create a greater sense of bass. Although they …

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 Wireless Headphones for 2026

Tim Gideon, Eric Zeman — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:11:13 +0000

Tired of tangled audio cords? Whether you're looking for pocketable earphones or full headphones, these are the top wireless models we've tested.

Should You Get Wireless Earphones or Headphones?

Earphones (or in-ear headphones) offer a slightly different sound profile compared with conventional headphones. Generally, you get better sound from a full set of "cans" around your head than from buds you stick in your ears, but earphones now offer …

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 On-Ear/Over-Ear Headphones for 2026

Tim Gideon, Ben Moore — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 16:00:12 +0000

Are you a fan of high-quality audio but don't want to put anything in your ears? These are our favorite on-ear and over-ear headphones.

What's the Difference Between Headphones and Earphones?

There's an endless selection of headphone designs, but you're essentially choosing between padded over-ear headphones and snug in-ear earphones. Although both have merits, this roundup focuses on the over-the-ear and around-the-ear designs of traditional headphones.

Generally, headphones can reproduce richer low-end audio because they have …

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.

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 …

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 …

Last Chance to Score Prime Day's Best Headphone & Earbud Deals: Up to 50% Off on Apple, JBL, Beats, & More

Juhi Wadia — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:31:13 +0000

Prime Day is almost done, and here are some of the best headphone and earbud deals we've seen all year. Give your emotional support playlist the audio upgrade it deserves.

Prime Day came in hot, and it's already in its final hours—meaning it's our last chance to get Amazon Prime Day discounts while we still can. If you're looking for a great pair of new headphones that'll have you replaying all of your favorite songs, you're …

Final Prime Day Audio Blowout: We Found the Best Deals on Speakers and Soundbars

Carlos Mejia — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:16:20 +0000

From party speakers to Dolby Atmos soundbars, we tracked down the final Prime Day discounts on audio gear so you don't have to.

Today is the last day of Prime Day, so act fast: All week long, Amazon has slashed prices on the biggest brands in speakers and soundbars. From Sony to Beats, many of our favorite sound machines are seeing steep discounts. So, if you’re looking to punch up …

Sound the Savings Alarm: The Top-Rated, AirPods Pro 3 Are 28% Off for Prime Day

Kelsey Fogarty — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:57:08 +0000

Oh, the sweet sound of savings. The AirPods Pro 3 are Apple's best-sounding earbuds yet, and the winner of our Editors' Choice award, and now they can be in your ears, along with $70 back in your pocket!

Choosing a solid set of earbuds is no simple task. There are plenty of budget earbuds that get the job done, but I won't compromise on sound quality—especially when you can often find it at an unexpectedly low price point. Speaking of the unexpected, today, …

Party Hard, Save Harder With This JBL Bluetooth Speaker Prime Day Deal

Juhi Wadia — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:45:44 +0000

No more dancing to distorted music. The heavy-hitting JBL Partybox Encore Essential pumps out bold, room-filling sound with deep bass and saves you $150 on Amazon Prime Day.

This morning, I realized we have just two more days left of Amazon's Prime Day sale, which means we are in the home stretch of this savings party. And right on cue, I found the JBL Partybox Encore Essential Bluetooth Speaker on sale for $179.95, down …

Pick Up AirPods Max 2 at Their Lowest Price Ever With This Prime Day Deal

Stephanie Barnes — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:40:40 +0000

Apple's premium over-ear headphones feature ANC, Spatial Audio, and Live Translation. Right now, you can save $150, but you’ll need to hurry.

Apple is my go-to for just about everything in tech, but I could never justify the price of the AirPods Max 2... until now. It’s Day 2 of Amazon’s Prime Day, and I’ve just spotted these premium over-ear headphones for an absolute steal: $399, …

Prime Day Audio Blowout: We Found the Best Deals on Speakers and Soundbars

Carlos Mejia — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:21:44 +0000

From party speakers to Dolby Atmos soundbars, we tracked down the steepest Prime Day discounts on audio gear so you don't have to.

Updated June 23: 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 …

I Love Music, So This Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphone Prime Day Deal Sounds Amazing to Me

Eric Zeman — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:32:40 +0000

Audiophiles looking for a deal can save 50% off one of Sony's best pairs of noise-cancelling headphones, which offer high-quality sound, excellent isolation, and flexible connectivity.

Finding deals that slice the cost in half on pricey goods is hard, but I dug this one up for everyone who likes to listen to high-quality audio in peaceful silence. The Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones are an Editors' Choice winner here at PCMag for …

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 …

I Love Music and This Prime Day 2026 Headphones Deal on Sony's Top Cans Sounds Amazing to Me

The Pcmag Editorial Team — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:08:04 +0000

Audiophiles looking for a deal can save 50% off one of Sony's best pairs of noise-cancelling headphones, which offer high-quality sound, excellent isolation, and flexible connectivity.

The Best Prime Day Headphone and Earbud Discounts Live Now: Apple, JBL, Beats, and More

Juhi Wadia — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:36:02 +0000

Prime Day is live, and so are some of the best headphone and earbud deals we've seen all year. Give your emotional support playlist the audio upgrade it deserves.

Updated June 23: The wait is over. Amazon Prime Day has arrived, and the discounts are coming in hot. If you're looking for a great pair of new headphones that'll have you replaying all of your favorite songs, you're in luck. Whether you're looking …

Get Premium Sound for Less: Top Soundbars and Speakers Are Now on Sale With Prime Day Discounts

Carlos Mejia — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:52:08 +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, Samsung, Amazon, and more.

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 Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds for 2026

Tim Gideon, Eric Zeman — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:40:35 +0000

Active noise cancellation is an increasingly common feature of wire-free earphones. If you want to block out the world around you, check out the best noise-cancelling wireless earbuds we've tested.

Do Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Block All Sound?

Active noise cancellation (ANC) debuted first in over-ear and on-ear headphones, but is now prevalent in wireless earphones in all shapes, sizes, and prices. As the first word of the term suggests, active noise cancellation requires power, as opposed to passive noise reduction. Battery power …

The Best Waterproof Headphones for 2026

Eric Zeman — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:40:02 +0000

If you want to wear your headphones at the gym and rinse them off afterward, make sure they have an IPX7 rating or higher. Start your search with the top waterproof headphones we've tested.

IP Ratings Explained: How Waterproof Are Your Headphones?

Let’s start here: Waterproof is a flexible term, and water-resistant is even more so. To qualify as either, a product ostensibly has to undergo standard testing to determine its level of protection against liquids. The resulting score is called an ingress protection (IP) …

Hear That? Save Up to 50% on Early Prime Day Headphone and Earbuds Deals From Apple, JBL, Beats, and More

Juhi Wadia — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:49:37 +0000

Prime Day hasn't officially kicked off, but some of the best headphone and earbud deals are already here. Give your emotional support playlist the audio upgrade it deserves now.

I don't trust people who say all headphones sound the same. That's like saying all coffee tastes the same or all fries are equal. Absolutely not. A good pair makes you want to replay your favorite songs. A bad pair makes you appreciate good headphones very, very quickly.

Whether …

Top Soundbars and Speakers Are Now on Sale, Thanks to These Early Prime Day Discounts

Carlos Mejia — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:38:12 +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, Roku, Sonos, and more.

If you haven’t heard, Prime Day is tomorrow, 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 …

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 …