Editor’s note: this article was published on August 1, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Sonos Ace compared to the Bose QuietComfort Headphones?

The headphones share similar ear pads and headbands.

The Sonos Ace and Bose QuietComfort Ultra share a very similar design. In terms of style, I’d give the edge to the Sonos Ace, thanks to its metal accents on the headband and buttons. While the headband of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones may look metallic, it is an all-plastic design. At this price, that’s underwhelming.

On the other hand, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have the edge in comfort. Thanks to its plastic construction, the Bose headphones are lighter at only 253g, compared to the Sonos Ace at 320g. The ear pads on the Bose headphones are also slightly softer. While I can still wear the Sonos Ace for multiple hours at a time, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have all-day comfort.

Both headphones come with a nice carrying case along with cables for charging and wired listening. Neither have any water or sweat resistance, so you should think twice before buying the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for the gym.

Should you use the apps of either the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?

It’s important to download the companion app to get the most out of either set of headphones. For the Sonos Ace, that’s the Sonos app. For the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, it’s the Bose app. Both apps let you install the latest firmware updates, adjust noise canceling, and have basic equalizer functionality to adjust the bass and treble.

Each app also has some spatial audio features. Within the Bose app, you can activate Still Immersive Audio mode, which simulates the effect of your music coming from a speaker in front of you. Alternatively, there is a Motion Immersive Audio mode which keeps the music centered as you move your head around. Similarly, the Sonos app lets you toggle Dolby Atmos and head tracking modes.

If you have a compatible Sonos soundbar, you can set up TV Audio Swap within the Sonos app. This allows you to seamlessly transfer audio from your soundbar to your Sonos Ace headphones.

How do the Sonos Ace and Bose QuietComfort Ultra connect?

Both headphones support wired and wireless listening.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have Bluetooth 5.3 with support for LE audio. If you have a newer flagship Android phone, you may enjoy near-CD quality via aptX Lossless. Another way to get lossless listening is to simply use the included 2.5 to 3.5mm TRS cable.

Not to be outdone, the Sonos Ace have Bluetooth 5.4 and also bring support for aptX Lossless. You can listen wired with the Sonos Ace with the included USB-C to C and USB-C to 3.5mm cables.

I didn’t experience connection issues with either the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones when paired to my iPhone. Both headphones have Bluetooth Multipoint support so you can seamlessly switch from your phone to laptop.

Is battery life better on the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?

In our standardized battery test, the Sonos Ace survived 32 hours and 13 minutes while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones only lasted for 27 hours and 37 minutes of continuous playback. While Sonos has the edge here, both last long enough to survive any plane trip or a week of normal use.

When it comes to fast charging, Sono also takes the crown. Three minutes of charging from empty gets you three hours of listening time with the Sonos Ace. On the other hand, 15 minutes of charging the Bose headphones only gets you two and half hours of listening time.

Do the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Headphones block noise better?

Bose has been making noise canceling headphones a lot longer than Sonos, and it shows. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones easily best the Sonos Ace when it comes to blocking out ambient noise. With ANC enabled, our testing shows that the Bose headphones block out an average of 85% of ambient noise, whereas the Sonos Ace only blocks out 74%.

As you can see in the noise attenuation charts above, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones block out more low, mid, and high-frequency noise than the Sonos Ace. That said, the Sonos Ace still have good enough noise canceling for most people. I found that either headphone drowns out most of the noise around me on my commute to work.

Do the Sonos Ace sound better than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?

Both the Sonos Ace and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have good sound quality. Whichever headphones you buy, you’ll probably be satisfied, though each have strengths and weaknesses. The Bose headphones have a default sound that more people will enjoy, but the Sonos Ace have much better spatial audio performance.

Both headphones have very basic equalizer functionality in their companion apps. You can broadly adjust the bass or treble, but you can’t fine-tune the frequency response to your liking with either. The Bose app has EQ presets, whereas the Sonos app does not.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

The chart below shows how the sound of the Sonos Ace and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have a slight edge thanks to their higher Timbre score.

On a scale from 1-5, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones get an Overall score of 4.6, whereas the Sonos Ace have an Overall score of 4.3. You’ll notice they each receive the same score in Distortion and Immersiveness. The difference in Overall score is due to the fact the algorithm puts the most weight on Timbre. In practice, the difference in scores here are non-significant.

Objective Measurements

The default frequency response of the Sonos Ace isn’t very different from that of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Both roughly follow our headphone preference curve, so there’s a good chance most people will enjoy the sound quality of either set of headphones. The Sonos headphones emphasize high frequencies from 2-8kHz more than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which brings out more details in vocals and guitars. Disabling noise canceling on the Sonos Ace has a significant impact on its sound quality, resulting in a roll-off in the lows below 100Hz.

Do the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have a better microphone?

The Sonos Ace and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones both have quality microphones for taking phone calls. That said, the Bose microphones are much better at blocking out background noise. You can hear the difference in our microphone demos below.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sonos Ace microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones microphone demo (Street conditions):

Sonos Ace microphone demo (Street conditions):

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Sonos Ace vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: Price and availability

The Sonos Ace have a slightly higher starting price than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. The Bose headphones are also a year older, which means you have a better chance of finding them on sale. You should be able to find either at most major tech retailers.

Should you get the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?

Most people are better off buying the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones instead of the Sonos Ace. They have slightly better noise canceling, sound quality, and comfort. You will also typically find the Bose headphones on sale for much less money than the Sonos Ace.

The Sonos Ace are a valiant first effort from the speaker brand but are simply overpriced for what you get. Unless you already have a Sonos soundbar or really value Dolby Atmos, these aren’t worth the money.

Should you get the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones instead of the Apple AirPods Max?

The Sonos Ace and AirPods Max look very similar in white.

In our Sonos Ace vs Apple AirPods Max comparison, we determined that the AirPods Max are the better option for most people integrated into the Apple ecosystem. Similarly, in our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Apple AirPods Max breakdown, we found the AirPods Max are a good option for Apple device owners. However, the AirPods Max do have a much higher price tag than the Bose headphones, which may have some Apple fans leaning towards Bose.

Frequently asked questions

Editor’s note: this article was published on July 24, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro compared to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?

Both the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are top-tier earbuds from some of the most popular audio companies out there. Both products offer the latest features and best performance of each companies’ product lines. Picking one over the other isn’t so much an exercise in figuring out which product is the “best,” but which one suits your needs more.

Though it’s a little on the chunky side, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds’ charging case should still be able to fit into your pocket without much fuss.

While the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro look a lot like the Apple AirPods Pro with a similar style of ear tips and lollipop-style design, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds use a shorter protrusion to serve as its control interface, and a small fin to hold the earbud in your ear. Though there are design advantages to each style, the former earbuds are a little more comfortable than the latter, and the latter are much easier to fit than the former.

Exercise enthusiasts will probably be better suited by the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, as those earbuds boast an IP57 ingress protection rating. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds only offer an IPX4 rating — more than enough for workouts — but it does mean that there’s an increased likelihood that a splash or dunk would be a bit too much to handle. For activities that would put you in the presence of a lot of water, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are more likely to survive.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro definitely look the part of flagship earbuds.

Both charging cases are small enough to fit in just about any pocket, and both charging cases are more than adequate for the job. However, only the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro’s case can be topped up wirelessly, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds only support traditional charging. Though it’s not a huge deal unless you have a wireless charging pad, it is undeniably convenient.

Should you use the apps of either Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?

In order to make the most of the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, you’re going to need to use the apps of each to get the most out of them. While you can technically scrape by without tinkering, in the case of the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro we think you’ll want to install the Samsung Wearable app in order to unlock the equalizer, EQ presets, and AI features. Said AI features are pretty useful, even if it’s a bit limited currently. For example, the real-time translation tool is a creative tool that allows you to communicate with someone who doesn’t speak your language, and the results are pretty decent.

The Samsung Wearable app unlocks more than just an EQ.

Bose’s Music App is required for timely updates, and that means it’s definitely a good idea to install every now and again. The app itself isn’t super useful outside of that, as the EQ presets and the three-band equalizer aren’t all that incredible. However, you will need it if you’d like to use Bose’s version of spatial audio: Immersive sound. I wasn’t a fan because it simply made the audio sound like you were listening to a single speaker in front of you, and then used the head tracking to place that in 3D space. But if you are hoping for that sort of thing, Bose’s implementation nails that illusion.

How do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds connect?

The pairing button lives next to the USB-C port.

Though the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are able to make use of SBC, AAC, and Samsung Seamless Codecs, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds use a much more cross-platform friendly aptX Adaptive (including aptX Lossless). If you have a Samsung phone, this likely will not matter to you, but if you have a current Android phone from any other manufacturer, you’re probably going to want to pick up the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds if your device uses a Qualcomm chip that supports Snapdragon Sound.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds’ pairing button is located at the back of the charging case.

However, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are the only model between the two that supports Auracast — if you’re angling to use that feature in the future. Though it’s not a big fixture of Bluetooth headphones just yet, it does enable some useful features like allowing venues to pipe their audio feeds directly to your earbuds, or provide a translated audio stream that only you can hear.

Is battery life better on the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?

According to our standardized tests, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro last 4 hours and 31 minutes, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds can go for 6 hours and 11 minutes. This mainly matters on long trips, or if you plan to listen to music for many hours in one go. If you’re looking for a commuter buddy, you’re going to be placing these back in the charging case anyways after an hour or so — so the battery life isn’t a huge deal. Still, if you’re flying often, or taking extended bus trips: you might want to pick up the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.

I will point out too, that more charging cycles can place additional strain on tiny batteries. So if you’re hoping to maximize the operational life of your earbuds, you might want to pick the ones with the better single-charge duration. But given that this is on the span of a couple years, it’s not an immediate concern.

Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds block noise better?

Though there isn’t a clear winner in some of the other comparisons, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are a stellar performer when it comes to ANC, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are merely “pretty good.” There’s no bad option here, but there is a clear winner. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have excellent isolation and ANC.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer fair ANC performance, though it’s not going to make you forget the other top-tier options out there. There’s an argument to be made that this is a positive for those of you who go running or biking and need to be able to hear louder sounds, but if you’re around a bunch of engine noise: you might hear it.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, on the other hand, have some of the best ANC we’ve seen come through our labs, and should offer you a pretty noise-free listening experience. It’s not perfect, but it’s the choice you want to make for a flight or higher-noise environment.

Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro sound better than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?

Though the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are among the top of their class, there is a clear winner when it comes to sound quality. Both are good, but the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers a more crowd-pleasing sound than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. To illustrate this point, we took each through our labs and collected the following data to share with you.

As we can gather from the chart above, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro’s sound is characterized by strong bass, a slight dip at 400Hz, and some highs emphasis. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, on the other hand, have slightly stronger sub-bass, and much more high-mids emphasis. Though neither set of earbuds is exactly what we look for, both exhibit pretty typical features for consumer earphones.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro is a clear winner over Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.

That said, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have distortion that you may or may not be able to hear. Because of this, along with a somewhat lower Immersiveness score, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds fall behind the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro in terms of perceived sound quality.

Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have a better microphone?

Both the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have excellent microphones, but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is better at rejecting noise. You can hear for yourself in the selected clips below.

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds microphone demo (Windy conditions):

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Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Price and availability

Because both Bose and Samsung are among the most popular manufacturers of earbuds on the planet, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that you can find both the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds on the websites of just about any big-box retailer out there. However, a recent move by Samsung to re-check much of its stock after manufacturing issues became apparent means that the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro won’t be available until the end of August at the soonest.

Though the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro comes in at $249.99, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ($299.99) have been on the market for quite a while, so you might be able to find them on sale at the usual times of year. The prices being this close means that at any given time one might not be more expensive than the other, and it’s important to identify these products as competitors in price in addition to market status.

Should you get the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?

Until the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro returns to the marketplace, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are your best bet. However, there’s reason enough to wait for the Samsung earbuds, especially when it comes to sound quality and features. Sure, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are nothing to sniff at, and those earbuds may be a great fit for a lot of people, but they do have their shortcomings.

Though they look a bit like a Cybertruck and AirPods had a baby, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are 2024 tech chic.

However, frequent international travelers shouldn’t think twice: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are the better fit with far superior ANC and battery life. These are the main advantages the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have over the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

Frequently asked questions

I like my peace and quiet, both things I never get living in Los Angeles. As if people, cars, and sirens aren’t loud enough, helicopters seem to love flying above my room. I’ve been on the search for the headphones with the best active noise canceling, and after asking multiple co-workers here at Sound Guys, they all agreed nothing beats the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Right now, you can get them for $349 thanks to Prime Day, which is equivalent to an $80 discount.

Get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for $349

This offer applies to all color variants of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: Black, Sandstone, and White Stone. Also, keep in mind this is a Prime Day deal, which means it is exclusive to Amazon Prime members. You might want to sign up for at least one month to take advantage of these offers. You can also grab a 30-day free trial if you’re a new Prime member!

As ANC headphones, these headphones are amazing. We pointed out in our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review that the large and dense earpads work as the first layer of noise reduction, offering great audio isolation. Additionally, the ANC system does a great job reducing most noises, even loud ones like bus engines, train screeches, and airplane whines. We found that these noises are reduced by 87%! You can also bring the sound back using passthrough mode if needed.

ANC aside, these are great headphones in every other department. The design is very nice, and the headset is very comfortable. These headphones also did great in our internal battery tests, lasting over 27 hours with ANC on. There’s also support for great features like Snapdragon Sound and aptX Lossless. The sound quality is also outstanding.

The $429 MSRP was our main complaint with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, but at $349, these are looking much more enticing. If you want the best ANC available, go get these. Today is Prime Day’s last day, so you don’t have much time left!

Let’s dive into what makes open earbuds attractive, and why you might opt for standard wireless earbuds or bone conduction headphones instead.

What are open earbuds?

The Shokz OpenFit wraps over your ears and evenly distributes the 8.4g weight.

Open earbuds leave your ear canals unsealed because they aren’t compatible with ear tips. This style of earbud rests on your outer ear in some fashion. Open earbud designs vary from model to model, but they all use dynamic drivers directed toward your ear canals to project sound at your eardrums.

Aside from the standard AirPods, some of the most well-known open-type earbuds include the Shokz OpenFit, Sony LinkBuds WF-L900, and Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. All of these buds take on different shapes. The Shokz OpenFit are the most stable, making it a great pick for workouts. Many people appreciate the Sony LinkBuds’ compact design and unique donut-hole opening. The LinkBuds are among the most comfortable of the open-ear earbuds listed as they include silicone wings that keep the buds secured to your concha. Then there are the Bost Ultra Open Earbuds, which have a cuffed design worn like an earring. While unconventional, the Ultra Open Earbuds also maintain a secure fit that resists jostling out of place.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of open earbuds?

The Shokz OpenFit is a set of open earbuds that comes with a charging case to protect and recharge the buds while out and about.

Open earbuds are not for everyone, though there are benefits to these buds. Athletes of all stripes often cite safety as a major reason for purchasing open earbuds. Since your ear canals are completely exposed to the world around you, you hear your surroundings as they are, completely unmuffled. Be aware: your safety comes at the expense of quiet bass reproduction. You likely won’t feel the head-rattling oomph from your favorite basslines with any set of open buds. For loud bass reproduction that you can feel and hear, you’ll need earphones with tips and ideally, noise canceling.

Open earbuds buck the trend of expected earbud design, but that's not an inherently good thing.

Although open earbud designs stray from the norm, they tend to be quite comfortable for all ear types. As someone who cycles through open, regular, and bone conduction earbuds, I’ve found open earbuds much more comfortable than bone conduction headphones and on par with standard, tipped earbuds. Unlike bone conduction headphones, which we’ll get to in a moment, open earbuds feature a compact design. You’ll almost always get as compact of a charging case with open earbuds as you do with standard-fare wireless earbuds. The case makes it easy to travel with open buds and provides extra battery life.

What are the best alternatives to open ear earbuds?

Most earbuds support mono mode for music playback and phone calls.

Using one wireless earbud in mono mode is a clear alternative to open earbuds. Since many of us already own a pair of wireless earphones, this costs nothing — an exceptionally attractive price in this economy. Despite what marketing agencies want you to believe, you don’t always have to buy more things, and that rings true with earbuds. If you already own a pair of buds, use one at a time to leave your other ear open to your surroundings. Of course, listening in mono mode also means you’re only hearing in mono mode. So this solution isn’t as safe as open earbuds or other alternatives.

For another no-cost solution, go ahead and enable transparency (aka passthrough or hearthrough) mode on your earbuds. You can usually find this feature available through a companion app or via the buds’ onboard controls. Like open earbuds, transparency mode allows you to hear the world and your music all at once. Unlike open earbuds, transparency mode does this by recording your surroundings and pumping the environmental noise through your buds in real time while keeping your ears physically sealed from the world.

Transparency mode is a convenient feature but its main drawback is the synthetic, robotic sound quality. I like transparency mode when it’s good, but frankly, it’s rarely good. To my ears, removing my earbuds to hear an announcement or talk is always better than enabling transparency.

Bone conduction headphones rest on your cheekbones and send vibrations down the inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear.

Then, there are bone conduction headphones. I love bone conduction headphones because they offer constant, unadulterated environmental awareness. Generally, bone conduction headphones boast more impressive IP (durability) ratings than open earbuds. Durability is important if you’re an athlete who sweats a ton, runs in the rain, or isn’t careful with your gear.

Unsurprisingly, bone conduction headphones have their drawbacks too. For one, their sound quality relies on placement. Bone conduction headphones don’t touch your ear canal entrance at all. Instead, they use bone conduction technology to send vibrations through your skull and into your inner ear. This is great for people who wear hearing aids as you can wear them with bone conduction headphones. Even so, it also means that the “earpieces” must have full contact with your cheekbones at all times for consistent sound quality. Since our jaws move when we talk, eat, and drink, the fit and thus sound quality, are everchanging.

Most bone conduction headphones are dust-resistant, which isn’t always the case for open earbuds.

Related to sound quality, bone conduction headset volume is significantly lower than earbuds or open earbuds. This quiet volume is a consequence of the technology combined with auditory masking. Basically, a loud external sound from your surroundings will make it hard to hear the relatively quiet sound of your music through bone conduction headphones.

Another drawback I’ve experienced with bone conduction headphones is that they fit poorly with bike helmets. This poor fit is because bone conduction headphones have a band that runs behind your head. When I bike with drop bars, I tilt my head up so I am looking forward instead of down. This common biking position causes my helmet to hit the band, displacing the headset and degrading the sound quality. I know, I know – this is a niche complaint, but an important one for cyclists looking for a music-listening solution.

Should you buy open earbuds?

The Beats Solo Buds and AirPods (3rd generation) both support transparency and mono listening.

Open earbuds are a great solution for a certain type of listener. Like all earbud designs, open-fit earbuds have their notable pros and cons. Listeners who want to hear their music and surroundings at all times should consider bone conduction or open earbuds. If you want something pocketable and discreet, get open earbuds like the AirPods (3rd generation) (), Shokz OpenFit (), or or Sony LinkBuds (). They’re much smaller and arguably more comfortable than bone conduction headphones.

If you don’t need to hear your surroundings all the time, and even like when earbuds isolate you from the environment, I recommend purchasing earbuds with an integrated transparency mode. For iPhone users, this probably means picking up the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) (), but there are other great Apple alternatives. Android phone owners should save up for the Sony WF-1000XM5 () or get the Anker Soundcore Space A40 () for a stellar value.

Frequently asked questions about open earbuds

Editor’s note: this article was published on July 12, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Beats Pill compared to the Bose SoundLink Flex?

The Beats Pill and Bose SoundLink Flex share a similar form factor. At 680g, the Beats Pill is slightly heavier than the 589g of the Bose SoundLink Flex. It’s also a tad bit longer, but both fit inside a backpack without a problem.

If you’re interested in taking your music with you to the beach, you’ll be happy to know that both the Beats Pill and Bose SoundLink Flex have an IP67 dust and water resistance rating. The Bose SoundLink Flex has a small lanyard loop, whereas the Beats Pill has a larger loop that you can hang over a shower head.

Both speakers have a built-in microphone, so you can use either as a speaker phone for conference calls.

How do you control the Beats Pill and Bose SoundLink Flex?

The controls of the Beats Pill and Bose SoundLink Flex are nearly identical; both feature mushy buttons on top of the speaker. You can use the controls on either speaker to control pairing and music playback.

Should you use the apps of either the Beats Pill or Bose SoundLink Flex?

The Beats Pill has an app for Android, whereas iOS users can access all the functionality from directly within the Settings app on their device. Whether you are on Android or iOS, there isn’t much useful software functionality, aside from some customization over the controls and Find My support to track down a lost speaker.

On the other hand, the Bose Connect app is supported on both iOS and Android. This app is also not very useful though, beyond learning how to use your speaker when you first get it. It’s a shame neither the Beats Pill nor the Bose SoundLink Flex have native equalizer support in their respective apps to adjust the sound.

How do the Beats Pill and Bose SoundLink Flex connect?

The Beats Pill and Bose SoundLink Flex are both Bluetooth speakers, though you can also listen wired with the Beats Pill using its USB-C input. Neither speaker has a 3.5mm aux input.

We didn’t experience connection issues with the Bose SoundLink Flex, but sometimes the app wouldn’t register that the speaker was paired. The Beats Pill worked fine during our testing period, and it supports instant pairing to both iOS and Android devices.

You can pair two Beats Pill speakers together in either a stereo mode or amplified mono mode. The Bose SoundLink Flex also supports these features with additional Bose speakers.

Is battery life better on the Beats Pill or Bose SoundLink Flex?

Bose claims the SoundLink Flex lasts 12 hours on a single charge. In our battery testing, this was right on the nose, as the speaker lasted exactly 11 hours and 59 minutes of continuous playback. It takes 4 hours to fully charge the Bose SoundLink Flex.

On the other hand, the Beats Pill is stated to last 24 hours on a single charge. Our battery testing is ongoing, but it’s safe to say the Beats Pill has a better chance of making it through a full day of use. Fast charging the Beats Pill provides 2 hours of playback from only 10 minutes of charging.

Does the Beats Pill sound better than the Bose SoundLink Flex?

If you like bass, you’ll probably prefer the sound of the Beats Pill to that of the Bose SoundLink Flex. I found that the Beats Pill has very impressive bass output for its size. In fact, I’ve yet to hear any speaker close to this size that can output this much in the low-end. On the other hand, our testing shows a very sharp roll-off in the low-end of the Bose SoundLink Flex below 100Hz, which you can see in the chart below.

The SoundLink Flex under-emphasizes sub-bass notes like all portable speakers.

In terms of maximum volume, the Bose SoundLink Flex and Beats Pill perform similarly since they are almost the exact same size. Both work well for a beach picnic or small gathering but don’t expect to use either for a full house party.

Should you get the Beats Pill or Bose SoundLink Flex?

The Beats Pill and Bose SoundLink Flex share an identical retail price of $150. Considering they are also the same size, have the same durability, and pretty much the exact same features, this is a toss-up.

If you want wired listening over USB-C or appreciate some thumping bass, the Beats Pill is the better buy. On the other hand, if you want more detail in the mids and highs, you’re probably better off with the Bose SoundLink Flex. Either way, you’re getting a capable Bluetooth speaker.

What should you get instead of the Beats Pill or Bose SoundLink Flex?

With its larger size, the Beats Pill delivers more bass than the JBL Flip 6.

The most popular option in this category is the JBL Flip 6, . This speaker is a little bit smaller and a little bit cheaper, but delivers pretty much the same features as the Beats Pill and Bose SoundLink Flex. If you want to save even more money, make sure to check out our list of the best cheap Bluetooth speakers.

If you’re looking for something with more punch, I would consider the JBL Charge 5, . It’s a little bit larger, but that also means louder output. Plus, you can use it as a battery pack to charge up your phone on the go.

Frequently asked questions

The earbuds look expensive, which is fitting: they are.

Wireless earbuds are the epitome of convenience and have changed the way we listen to music and answer calls. But for wireless earbuds to function seamlessly, they need Bluetooth multipoint capability. This is what lets you connect your earbuds to more than one device at a time and quickly switch between your phone and computer without missing a beat.

While you’d expect a core feature like this to be standard on most wireless earbuds these days, this wasn’t the case for Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or the Ultra Open Earbuds, but that’s finally set to change.

Starting today, Bose is rolling out a software update that will bring Bluetooth multipoint support via the Bose app to the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Ultra Open Earbuds models (via DigitalTrends). The update will include other bug fixes and improvements to voice pick-up and connectivity as well. The new firmware version is expected to reach owners of compatible devices over the course of the next two weeks.

How to check for software updates

If you own either of the two wireless earbud models that will receive this update, open the Bose app, connect your earbuds to the app, and navigate to Settings gear > Product Update. You should see the latest firmware version (v. 4.0.20 for the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and v. 4.0.22 for the Ultra Open Earbuds) on the page. Wait until the update has been downloaded before you force-close the app.

After the update is installed, reboot your wireless earbuds, and you’ll see a Source button on the app’s home screen. Select it and turn on multipoint capability. You can select up to two devices that have already been paired for simultaneous connectivity or add a new device to connect to.

• Bose releases SoundLink Max: A new, larger Bluetooth speaker priced at $399. Shipping starts May 16.
• Features include Bluetooth 5.3, a claimed 20 hours of battery life, three transducers, two custom passive radiators for enhanced sound, and an IP67 waterproof rating.
• The speaker has a removable rope handle, available in black and light blue.

Bose has expanded its lineup of portable audio equipment with the SoundLink Max, a larger and more powerful version of its popular SoundLink Flex. Set to begin shipping on May 16, 2024, the SoundLink Max is priced at $399. The SoundLink Max weighs nearly 5 pounds and promises up to 20 hours of battery life. It features a rugged design with an IP67 rating, making it waterproof and dust-resistant.

This new speaker claims to enhance audio performance with three transducers and two custom-designed passive radiators that promise a richer bass and a more immersive sound experience. It supports streaming via Bluetooth 5.3 and Qualcomm’s AptX Adaptive audio codec. For connectivity, it includes a 3.5mm auxiliary input and a USB-C port that can also charge other devices.

The SoundLink Flex has been a consumer favorite due to its compact size and impressive sound quality. The SoundLink Max aims to build on that reputation by offering enhanced features and better sound quality, catering to those looking for a portable yet powerful speaker solution.

Stay tuned for more updates and a detailed review once the product ships and we test it more extensively.

• Bose introduces the Ultra Open Earbuds, an open-style earbud priced at $300.
• The Ultra Open Earbuds are currently available as an exclusive collaboration with the fashion brand Kith, available in limited quantities starting January 22nd.
• They feature Bose’s OpenAudio technology, 7.5 hours of battery life, and spatial audio processing.

Bose has recently announced a new addition to its audio product lineup, the Ultra Open Earbuds. These open-style earbuds are designed to clip onto the outer ear, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings while listening to music or podcasts. Priced at $300, the earbuds are currently only available from the fashion brand Kith, complete with their branding, but we suspect a proper release from Bose is soon on the way.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds boast a cuff-shaped design with a polished finish for added style. The collaboration with Kith has resulted in a sleek matte black colorway, with the Kith name stamped on the case and each earbud in Bose’s signature typeface. These earbuds will be available exclusively in Kith’s online and physical stores from January 22nd, offered in ‘extremely’ limited quantities — a familiar marketing tactic to amplify exclusivity and desirability.

Regarding technical capabilities, the Ultra Open Earbuds feature Bose’s OpenAudio technology, engineered to direct sound toward the ears without disturbing others, which we previously saw in the Bose Frames Tempo. They promise a battery life of 7.5 hours of continuous listening and include Bose’s proprietary spatial audio processing. However, details such as water resistance and driver design are yet to be disclosed.

Bose’s launch of the Ultra Open Earbuds signifies a shift in its product strategy. Unlike the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which brought minor design changes and major future-proof features, the Ultra Open Earbuds venture into a whole new form factor. This move comes after the lackluster reception of Bose’s Sport Open Earbuds, discontinued in 2022. By partnering with a fashion brand like Kith, Bose appears to be exploring a fresh angle in the increasingly competitive fitness earbuds market. We’re not sure if this fashion-forward approach will resonate with the broader market. Still, we are curious to get our hands on them when they inevitably become available in a more traditional launch.

Editor’s note: this article was published on January 16, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5?

Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5 represent the top end of wireless earbuds on the market, as each model is the top-of-the-line for both Bose and Sony. Each model is an attempt to earn your dollar, and each model has a slew of features and high-end specs to make their cases for them. However, which is right for you might be decided by a small difference, or personal preference.

Human ear canals aren’t perfect circles; they’re more ovoid in shape. Just like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds’ nozzles.

The designs of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5 are quite different, with the former using a stem and bud design, and the latter simply containing all of its internal hardware in its bud. Though neither type of design is superior to the other, the stem of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds allows for some extra swipe controls that would be difficult to program into a tiny bud like that of the Sony WF-1000XM5.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds uses a fin an ovoid nozzle to hold the earbuds in your ear, which is our preferred format for wireless earbuds — fit is the most important aspect of how earbuds perform, after all. The Sony WF-1000XM5, on the other hand, relies only upon the nozzle and sleeves to hold the earbuds in place, meaning that all of the weight is put onto your ear canals. Because these earbuds are light it’s not much of an issue, but the circular nozzles can mean that more people may have fit issues should the right size sleeve be missing from the packaging. If you’ve already bought the Sony WF-1000XM5 don’t worry, you can always look for aftermarket tips.

The Sony’s wireless charging case is smaller than that of the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.

Both earbuds have a relatively small charging case, that can use a USB-C cable to top up their charge. However, the Sony WF-1000XM5 have the ability to charge wirelessly, whereas the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds cannot. While it’s a minor convenience at best, it’s still a decent feature if you don’t like to connect your charging case to a cable all the time.

How do you control the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5?

The capacitive touchpads of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds allow you to control your earphones without worrying about a compromised seal.

Controls for both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5 consist mainly of capacitive touchpads on the back of each product’s earbuds. However, the controls are slightly different between each product.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds controls:

For the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, you can customize the long press function in the Bose Music app, while the Sony WF-1000XM5 don’t have that functionality. Really, though, it’s not a huge make-or-break feature, so don’t worry too much about it.

Sony WF-1000XM5 controls:

Sony’s touch controls are quite standard, but they’re also very intuitive. You shouldn’t be left wanting something more complicated.

Should you use either Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or Sony WF-1000XM5’s apps?

Despite both Bose and Sony’s proclivities for gathering user data, both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5 benefit from their respective apps significantly. The Bose Music app allows you to use a 3-band equalizer, enables immersive audio, allows some control customization, and executes firmware updates. The Sony Headphones Connect app enables 360 Reality Audio, has an equalizer with five bands, and can also install updates — though you can’t really customize the controls any.

The Sony Connect app includes a six-band equalizer for fine-tuning your sound.

However, only the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds do not require the app to perform product updates. For that, you can always search online for the Bose Updater tool, and use a USB connection to your computer to install updates to your devices. Sony’s headphones and earphones lack this ability.

How do the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5 connect?

Though both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5 connect to your source devices over Bluetooth 5.3, each takes a different strategy when it comes to high-bitrate listening. The Sony WF-1000XM5 uses its own company’s proprietary LDAC to offer higher audio quality listening, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds uses Snapdragon Sound to enable aptX Lossless compatibility. Though neither of these codecs are Earth-shatteringly better than the other, you will need a very new Android phone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or better processor if you would like to use Snapdragon Sound. Obviously, this gives you a bit to chew on if you’re on the fence. Apple iPhone users will have neither of these codecs available to them.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds’ pairing button is located at the back of the charging case.

What is more interesting to us is the Sony WF-1000XM5’s compatibility with LC3 out of the box. This is the main codec that drives Bluetooth’s low-energy efforts and enables extra tech like Auracast — a platform that allows you to listen to venues’ audio streams and your own music. Because the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds has Bluetooth 5.3, it should technically be capable of this, so keep your eyes peeled for an update here.

Is battery life better on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or Sony WF-1000XM5?

If you’re worried about battery life with your earbuds, this decision is easy: the Sony WF-1000XM5 were able to last 9 hours and 32 minutes in our standardized testing, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are merely able to give you 6 hours and 11 minutes per charge. Of course, this is only an issue if you regularly listen to music for many hours in a single sitting, but it’s worthy of note for international travelers or anyone looking to take a long trip. If you’re only looking for a commuter buddy, you’ll be more than fine with either product.

Remember, that when you remove your earbuds and place them back in the charging case, you’ll be regaining battery life very quickly due to the nature of the small cells in each earbud. Try not to allow them to reach 0% battery, and don’t worry about getting a 100% charge every time. Practicing good battery hygiene will make your earbuds last longer.

Do the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or Sony WF-1000XM5 block noise better?

The WF-1000XM5 sticks out a little.

First things first, both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5 block and cancel outside noise extremely well. Even if you were to look at the charts below and come away with the impression that there’s any huge difference: there’s not. With ANC enabled, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds can reduce outside noise by about 83%, and the Sony WF-1000XM5 can cancel noise by about 87%. The Sony earbuds are the winners here, but there’s not much of a step down in efficacy. Remember that these measurements assume a good fit, and that noise canceling earbuds aren’t a substitute for hearing protection.

Despite falling a bit short on average, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds do a very good job of dispelling outside noise outside of a weird gap in 300 to 900Hz. However, you can still expect noise in this range to be dulled by at least 50% in perceived loudness, so it’s one of those times where the chart looks worse than what your experience would be. Not great, but not bad either.

You can see that the Sony WF-1000XM5 do a great job across the entire range of audible sound, owing mainly to their stellar job at isolation. However, if this chart looks worse than the one above, be sure to look at the scale: because the earbuds isolate about 10+dB better in the high end, the bounds had to move to fit the line. Noise cancelation at lower frequencies is comparable between the products, but the Sony WF-1000XM5 don’t suffer from that weird drop in effectiveness in the mids.

Do the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds sound better than the Sony WF-1000XM5?

At the place in the market both sets of earbuds occupy, which sounds better is more of a matter of opinion than objective fact. For example, those who like a bassier sound will almost undoubtedly appreciate the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds over the Sony WF-1000XM5 because they emphasize the low end over the rest of the audible range. If you’re looking for a more “accurate” or less-bassy sound, the Sony WF-1000XM5 do a fairly good job of adhering to our target curve, though that’s not all that’s needed for good sound.

Both models support higher-bitrate codecs, but only if you have an Android phone or computer that can support them. In that light, if you have an older phone, iPhone, or Android phone that doesn’t have a newer Qualcomm Snapdragon chip: get the Sony WF-1000XM5. The Sony buds support LDAC, which is compatible with a much broader array of products, even if it’s technically eclipsed in bitrate by aptX Lossless.

Do the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or Sony WF-1000XM5 have a better microphone?

When we compare the microphones of products, earbuds usually don’t fare very well because this type of product has the most challenges to recording audio. However, as both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5 have the benefit of being each of their companies’ halo products: they don’t suffer as much from poor audio as other models.

That said, there are some tradeoffs to either mic. Where the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds don’t suffer from as much unintentional clipping as the Sony WF-1000XM5 can in certain situations, it does have a much harder time dealing with wind noise. If you find yourself taking calls outside, you’ll definitely want the mic array of the Sony WF-1000XM5 over the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Sony WF-1000XM5: Price and availability

Because both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5 are high-end consumer earbuds, you can find them just about anywhere headphones are sold. Big box stores, airplane kiosks, online retailers — you name it. There shouldn’t be any issue locating stock for either.

What this will really come down to is price. Despite the fact that the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5 debuted at a price of $299, sales and price adjustments have been known to happen during holidays. Be on the lookout for deep cuts, as these top contenders can sometimes gain an edge for your attention by having better sales.

Should you get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or Sony WF-1000XM5?

The earbuds look expensive, which is fitting: they are.

If you’re looking for wireless earbuds, you really can’t go wrong with either set of earbuds. The truth of the matter is that the advantages each offers over the other aren’t huge, so it’s tough to tell you that one clearly wins out — especially at the same price.

However, were I a gambling man, I’d tell you that the additional fit features of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds would make it more likely that these earbuds would fit you than the nozzle-only design of the Sony WF-1000XM5. Additionally, people like bass, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are bassier than the Sony WF-1000XM5. Though neither earbuds are truly “better” than the other, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds stand a better chance of lasting you long-term due to its support of emerging hardware platforms.

For most, this will come down to “what’s on sale,” and that’s a good problem to have. You’ll be very happy with either set of earbuds.

Frequently asked questions

The Shure SM7dB is the most important microphone of the year

Professional microphones don’t often see big refreshes, but we saw a really important one in 2023: the Shure SM7dB. A successor to the popular Shure SM7b (but with a preamp built-in), Jasper had this to say about the mic:

Many audio interfaces don’t have enough preamp gain for the original (SM7b), or do — but introduce noise. A lot of people use the SM7b already, so we know that one is virtually the standard for podcasters. Is it expensive for a dynamic mic? Yes, but it sounds good, and should be less of a hassle.

As noted in David Carr’s review, this product takes one of the previous market-leading mics and adds functionality to prevent a novice buyer from needing additional equipment. That’s a significant way to reduce the barrier to entry into the high-quality voice mic world, and should take the amateur (and professional) podcasting scene by storm in the coming year. In production, any links to the chain you can cut out mean less opportunity for failure, and cutting out a separate preamp for your mic is significant.

Snapdragon Sound makes the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones futureproof

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have soft padding that is very glasses-friendly.

Chris isn’t generally a fan of mass-market products, but with the advent of Snapdragon Sound, things will be changing over the next few years when it comes to personal audio. Even a curmudgeon like him will admit that wireless audio is overcoming its weaknesses, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are among the first headphones to do so. Chris had more to say:

Snapdragon Sound is going to become more important as time goes on for headphones, providing the first real competitor to LDAC. Over time the platform is going to be more and more important for Android users who want higher-quality wireless listening. So if you want headphones that will get better over time as you upgrade your phone, it’s a no-brainer: pick one of the only two products on the market that support aptX Lossless.

The headphones aren’t without their foibles, but with excellent ANC, decent sound quality, and good battery life, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are an easy win.

The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless made top-flight ANC headphones much more affordable

In late 2023, Sennheiser made waves with its ACCENTUM Wireless headphones: a set of active noise cancelers that were priced below competitors, but with comparable performance to higher-end models. Though these headphones aren’t perfect for everyone, we wager that they’ll make even the picker people in your life happy. Heck, Adam Birney uses them quite often in his day-to-day life:

I think honestly the (headphones) I’ve used most at the office are the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless. The sound quality is great, and I am sensitive to the pressure that the strong isolation on things like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra create, so the ANC is adequate enough for me. Very light and comfortable and given the price.

We’re big supporters of the idea that not all headphones are right for everyone, and the Sennheiser ACCENTUM are an excellent alternative for those looking for ANC on a budget. There’s very little in the way of downsides, and it’s good to know that sometimes you really can have it all.

The Jabra Elite 8 Active are our favorite earbuds of the year

The Jabra Elite 8 Active is a great set of all-around earbuds.

Jabra is well-known for its commitment to earbuds and headsets, so it’s no surprise that its latest set of Elite Active earbuds had a lot to like. Chase, in particular, found them to be the most appealing earphones to him this year. He explains:

Jabra Elite 8 Active (are the) best all-around earbuds and best workout earbuds. (They’re) extremely durable, good sound with EQ, good noise canceling, good battery life, for $100 less than the flagship competitors.

The testing bears this out in our review, as the earbuds scored well in sound quality, battery life, and ANC. AirPods may get a lot of headlines, but you should take the Jabra Elite 8 Active for a spin if you get the chance.

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC True Wireless Earbuds are affordable, surprisingly good

Our video star Harley has seen his fair share of products pass through the office — more than anyone else on the team. He had one standout to praise for people who may not be as nerdy as the rest of us.

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC True Wireless Earbuds really surprised me this year, and I mean that in a good way! These earbuds offer A LOT of features, including good fit, good ANC performance, LDAC support, and great app support — all for less than $100. It’s a great AirPods alternative that will play nice on both Android and iOS, and I’d recommend it for anyone looking for great earbuds without having to sell an arm or a leg.

So there you have it: if you’re looking for earbuds, but don’t want to spend much money, you want to check out the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC True Wireless Earbuds.

The Anker Soundcore Motion 300 is our favorite portable speaker

Though it’s a very recent release, our staff has had a lot of fun with the Anker Soundcore Motion 300. In particular, David Carr has been using it on his adventures outside. He had this to say about it:

As an avid camper, it’s my ideal outdoor Bluetooth speaker. The Motion 300 is built like a tank, waterproof, and designed to sound great wherever you place it around camp. The Soundcore app is also handy. You can access the customizable graphic EQ to really fine tune your settings if you like to tweak. At $79, you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s durable and versatile with great sound.

Just be aware that we like this speaker primarily for its portability and unexpectedly good performance — not because it will replace your studio monitors or anything. Still, sometimes you just need that cheap speaker, and this is a great option.

The gaming headset of the year is the Audeze Maxwell

You get a lot of headset with the Maxwell, and a lot of little parts.

If you want a gaming headset that can do it all, the Audeze Maxwell was our favorite this year. Released shortly before Audeze was purchased by Sony, the Maxwell represents some seriously cool audio tech in a package that really does cram in every feature a gamer could want. Chris had this to say in the review:

Despite a few caveats, the Audeze Maxwell is one of the best-performing gaming headsets on the market and should top the ranks for a few buyers — provided the budget (and neck strength) is there. Gaming headsets have their work cut out for them, and their audience is historically unkind to performance flaws … The battery life is excellent, the sound is a cut above, and the features are about as future-proof as you’ll find. Under the hood, the Audeze Maxwell has everything necessary to satisfy the pickiest person out there.

Just be aware that this gaming headset is not only pricy at $299-329, but it’s also quite hefty. You’re not going to be taking this out and about with you, so don’t entertain any notions of leaving the computer with them for any extended period of time.

These are just our favorites from 2023, but there’s plenty more to look through in our reviews and best lists. Even if your favorite product didn’t make our list, you should still share with your friends and family! Good audio is universal.