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

Apple has remained tight-lipped about its next-gen smart home speaker. However, trusted industry analysts state that a feature-rich upgrade is headed our way in the second half of 2024. Read ahead for all of the rumors and everything I want to see in the Apple HomePod mini (2nd generation).

Android support

You can add multiple people to your home and allow them to control the HomePod mini from their iPhones.

The Apple HomePod (2nd generation) and HomePod mini use Apple AirPlay to stream music from your iPhone. They also come fully equipped with plenty of iOS-specific features. These include seamless Apple Music integration, the “Hey Siri” voice assistant, and the company’s proprietary Handoff function. Those with multiple Apple devices under the same iCloud account can use peer-to-peer AirPlay. Similarly, owning several HomePod mini devices allows stereo playback and the creation of a multi-room audio system.

As is commonplace nowadays, Apple seals its products behind an increasingly higher-walled garden. The HomePod mini is no exception, working only with iPhones and iPads. The HomePod mini uses Apple’s proprietary AirPlay feature to stream music, leaving Android users out of the loop. The speaker does not support Bluetooth audio either, connecting instead over 802.11n Wi-Fi. Downloading a third-party app, like AirMusic, may provide a workaround. However, this connection method is unreliable and not officially supported by Apple. Also, without the “Hey Siri” voice assistant feature, the speaker is a questionable purchase for Android fans regardless. The Apple HomePod mini (2nd generation) should own a more OS-agnostic feature set to scoop up a greater pool of fans.

A microphone mute button

Offering our precious personal data in exchange for the latest gadgetry is a regrettable and unavoidable part of staying “up to date.” Nevertheless, people continue to have reservations about how companies harvest their information. Apple is acutely aware of this, telling its users that the HomePod mini will only listen after hearing the wake phrase. Gracefully, you can disable Siri by saying “Hey Siri, stop listening.”

However, unlike many other smart speakers, the HomePod mini does not house a microphone mute button. This seems like a misstep, given other speaker manufacturers provide this to reassure users that the device is not recording when you don’t want it to. For example, the Google Nest Audio and Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) incorporate a microphone mute button. While both speakers undoubtedly collect data when unmuted, it provides a slither of user control and reassurance. The Apple HomePod mini (2nd generation) would do well to follow in the footsteps of its competitors.

Improved Handoff feature

Just hold an iPhone up to the HomePod to start setup.

Apple Handoff is a continuity feature that allows users to carry out tasks across multiple iOS devices seamlessly. For example, you can begin an email on your iPhone and finish it later on your Mac. Apple Handoff is compatible with many iOS-specific applications, including Calendar, Contacts, Pages, and Safari. Users must be logged into iCloud with the same Apple ID on each device for the feature to work.

The Apple HomePod mini uses the company’s Handoff feature to transfer audio when your iPhone or iPad is nearby. However, with a roughly 30cm Bluetooth connectivity range, this feature can cause some annoyance. For example, suppose your iPhone is close enough for the HomePod mini to recognize it, but far enough away that a connection cannot occur. In that case, your phone will vibrate and notify you to move it closer to the speaker for Handoff. This alert can become grating if your speaker is situated in a place you pass frequently. The Apple HomePod mini (2nd generation) could use a more accurate Handoff feature when it comes to fruition.

Integrated Spotify access

Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming platforms in the world. Users can decide between two tiers; Free Spotify and Spotify Premium. The former provides a more limited and somewhat unpleasant user experience. For example, you can only skip six tracks per hour and specific songs cannot be selected for playback. Similarly, your streaming is frequently and randomly interrupted by deliberately obnoxious adverts persuading you to upgrade to Spotify Premium. Forking out for a monthly subscription does provide a much nicer experience with no adverts, unlimited song skipping, and offline listening.

iPhone and iPad users may stream their favorite songs from Spotify with the Apple HomePod mini. Unfortunately, there is no direct Spotify integration. Instead, users must navigate to the “Devices” page in the Spotify player and select the HomePod mini. This lack of direct Spotify access can cause the speaker to intermittently switch between streaming music from Spotify to streaming from Apple Music. I hope the Apple HomePod mini (2nd generation) will host direct Spotify integration at launch.

An IP-rated design

Like earbuds, speakers often come equipped with IP ratings to protect them against dust and water damage. The durability of each rating differs, from absolutely no resistance to total dust ingress and submersion in water. Most workout buds wear at least an IPX4 water-resistant rating to guard against omnidirectional water splashes. Similarly, wireless speakers like the JBL Charge 5 often house an IP67 water and dust-resistant rating. This protects against submersion in up to 1m of water for 30 minutes and is completely dust-tight.

The Apple HomePod mini has no such protective IP rating. The mesh fabric coasting is easy to stain and it has no shield against liquids or dust. Okay, smart home speakers are rarely taken outside or exposed to the elements. However, it is impossible to foresee when a cup of coffee might slip from your grasp. When spending nearly $100, users take solace in knowing that their precious tech is safe. I want the Apple HomePod mini (2nd generation) to wear a robust IP rating when it comes to market.

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Will there be an Apple HomePod mini (2nd generation)?

Ming-Chi-Kuo reports the Apple HomePod mini 2 will start mass shipments in the second half of 2024.

From the Apple AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 to the HomePod (2nd generation), the company is a leading player in the audio electronics sphere. However, the last came to market two years and three months after the launch of the HomePod mini and owns an almost identical feature set. Most bizarrely, the larger HomePod (2nd generation) owns a threefold price tag upon its smaller and older sibling. Price-savvy iOS users are rightly waiting for the announcement of the HomePod mini (2nd generation) before upgrading their smart home system.

Thankfully, an upgrade to the HomePod mini brand looks set to be realized. On February 3, 2023, trusted industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared on X (formerly Twitter) that Goertek has secured assembly orders for the HomePod mini 2. Kuo also states that the new Apple speaker will begin mass shipments in the second half of 2024. It is unclear what name the new Apple HomePod mini speaker will adorn.

• Apple HomePod mini — November 16, 2020

Three years have passed since the original Apple HomePod Mini came to market. Since then, the company has not refreshed its HomePod mini product category. This makes it difficult to gauge an exact release window for the next-generation speaker. However, its larger siblings, the HomePod and HomePod (2nd Generation), came to shelves on February 9, 2018, and February 23, 2023, respectively. Strangely, the HomePod mini‌ was announced in October 2020 alongside the iPhone 12. This marked a shift from Apple’s tradition of announcing its new iPhones in September. With that being the case, we could see the HomePod mini (2nd generation) come to market in October 2024. However, it seems more likely that the company’s feature-rich upgrade will be announced alongside the new iPhone 16 in September 2024.

Should you wait for the Apple HomePod mini (2nd generation)?

The touch controls on the Apple HomePod mini are pretty intuitive.

If you own an iPhone or iPad and want a smart home speaker, the Apple HomePod mini will make a great addition to your home. The HomePod mini is available from the company’s website and most major retailers including Amazon and Best Buy. However, if you are keen on the latest tech and the potential of utilizing Apple’s rumored S10 chip, it may be worth waiting a few more months for the Apple HomePod mini (2nd generation).

That said, the Apple HomePod mini () delivers surprisingly good sound and a rich feature set on a shoestring budget. The speaker intelligently distinguishes between different voices, and the microphone reliably hears the wake phrase. Unlike some smart speakers, setting up the HomePod mini is a breeze thanks to streamlined Apple integration and the “Hey Siri” voice assistant. Those who invest in multiple copies of the speaker can enjoy stereo audio and a multi-room setup. Similarly, the HomePod mini includes a handy intercom feature so you can speak to other rooms in the house. Apple AirPlay is compatible with any Apple device, and the company’s Handoff feature is useful when it works. There is no AUX input or microphone mute button here, but you could do much worse for sub-$100.

Those craving a microphone mute button will enjoy the similarly-priced Amazon Echo (4th Gen) (.) This speaker uses the Alexa assistant and adorns a similar form factor to Apple’s HomePod mini. The sound quality is pleasing, with extra bass reproduction for bass heads and those who listen to a lot of EDM. Downloading the Alexa app is vital for the initial setup process. It also controls volume, Bluetooth device pairing, alarms, and selecting whether the aux is used as an input or an output. The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) can also be used in multi-room groups and connected with a second speaker or subwoofer. Unlike the Apple HomePod mini, the Echo (4th Gen) has Spotify Connect built-in. It also runs Bluetooth 5.0 so you can use it like a normal Bluetooth speaker if and when your source device cannot connect to Wi-Fi.

No iPhone? Good luck!

Those invested in the Google ecosystem should consider the Google Nest Audio (.) Out of the box, users gain integrated access to Chromecast and YouTube Music. Like the Amazon Echo (4th Gen), the Google Nest Audio houses a microphone mute button. It also uses a verbal prompt to confirm when it is muted. Handy bespoke features include Ambient IQ, which automatically adjusts the volume level based on the amount of environmental noise. The speaker also uses Google’s proprietary Media EQ function to alter the sound signature to the specific media type you are streaming. Stereo playback is supported, and the speaker works seamlessly with other Google Nest and Google Home products to deliver multiroom sound. Smart home enthusiasts will relish the ability to broadcast to the Google Nest Audio from your phone when away from home.

If saying “Hey, Siri” is your preferred voice assistant phrase, then the Apple HomePod (2nd generation) () is the best alternative. This speaker owns a louder and more bassy sound profile than its smaller, cheaper sibling. Those with multiple HomePod products can sync Apple’s newest smart home speaker for stereo audio. An advanced on-board computational audio system tailors the sound to your environment, should you wish. As with the HomePod mini, the HomePod (2nd generation) works seamlessly with Apple AirPlay, the Siri voice assistant, and Apple Handoff. Unfortunately, audio-visual lag is also a frequent issue and the speaker does not support direct Spotify access.

FAQs

Audio-based AI isn’t just a matter of convenience; it represents a fundamental change in how we perceive and interact with artificial intelligence. Many AI services offer voice interaction, but only a few major tech players have hosted conversations via earbuds: Samsung’s latest Galaxy Buds3 Pro feature Galaxy AI for live translation, and the Nothing Ear have integrated ChatGPT as a voice assistant. Google’s next Pixel Buds are likely to incorporate Gemini AI as well.

Still, the limited options and services are surprising compared to the number of AI-integrated visual interfaces available, especially given that conversation is more natural than typing, and listening to a voice is more emotionally rewarding than reading text. And that’s ultimately why I think pins, pendants, and glasses won’t be the final home for AI assistants.

The advantages of audio-based AI

We are already accustomed to issuing voice commands and having phone calls via wireless earbuds.

Screens demand our visual focus, often disrupting our engagement with the physical world around us. Smart glasses, while innovative, face challenges in terms of social acceptance and practical wearability since they are so bulky. The need to constantly look at or touch a device to interact with AI creates a barrier between us and our environment, potentially hindering rather than enhancing our daily experiences.

In contrast, audio-based AI assistants offer a more natural and seamless integration into our lives. The act of speaking and listening is inherently more efficient and intuitive than tapping on screens. As natural language processing continues to advance, conversing with AI is becoming increasingly fluid. For instance, OpenAI has begun to roll out its ‘Advanced Voice Mode‘ for ChatGPT Plus users, promising more natural, real-time conversations with the ability to detect and respond to emotions.

Voice interaction is more intuitive, less intrusive, and far more effortless than typing on a screen or navigating visual interfaces.

Moreover, we’re already comfortable with audio devices. Headphones and earbuds have become ubiquitous, worn by people of all ages throughout their daily activities, not just for music but also for audiobooks, podcasts, and phone calls. This existing comfort with audio technology provides a perfect foundation for the integration of AI assistants.

The Iyo One AI Audio Computing solution is a bit bulky but doesn’t require a phone.

One product hoping to capitalize on this trend is the upcoming Iyo One. This device forgoes the need for any screens. Iyo claims that these wireless earbuds provide an AI that can coach you through workouts, remind you what’s on your grocery list, and selectively isolate audio from a noisy environment. They term this all-on-one, talking-based interface “audio-computing.”

Audio-based AI assistants offer more accessibility.

Additionally, AI assistants also offer significant accessibility benefits. For visually impaired users, these devices provide a natural way to interact with AI without relying on screens. People with mobility issues can benefit from voice commands, which are often more convenient than typing or tapping. Audio-based AI can also be a game-changer for those with reading difficulties or dyslexia, offering an easier way to access and process information.

Still, there are a lot of kinks to work out. The issue of trustworthy information is paramount, as AI hallucinations — instances where AI generates false or nonsensical information — remain a significant concern. Privacy is another crucial consideration: how do we ensure these devices are listening and responding only when we want them to? Many already encounter this problem with smart speakers at home. There’s also the more existential risk of over-reliance on AI assistants, potentially impacting our ability to think and act independently.

AI relationships

Life imitates art as our reality inches closer to the futuristic world depicted in 2013’s Her.

Despite these challenges, it’s clear that we are chasing — or perhaps hurtling towards — a reality reminiscent of the 2013 movie Her. This science fiction film depicts a man falling in love with an earbuds-based AI system voiced by Scarlett Johansen. The film explores the deep emotional connections that can form between humans and AI once they’ve far exceeded the Turing Test and isn’t nearly as dystopian in its tone as you might expect. Ten years ago, this depiction may have seemed far-fetched, but not today.

It's much easier to become emotionally attached to something with a voice.

The line between science fiction and reality is blurring fast, and we are already seeing examples of people forming deep emotional bonds with AI. In Japan, for instance, approximately 4,000 men have “married” AI holograms using certificates issued by Gatebox, a device that costs approximately $1,000. Recently, ChatGPT even mimicked Scarlett Johansson’s voice (perhaps unintentionally) for its avatar “Sky.” When OpenAI was forced to remove this feature due to potential legal issues, there was considerable pushback from users who had grown attached to the voice.

We saw a similar but enhanced reaction in February 2023 when Replika, a generative AI chatbot, altered its software to remove certain intimacy features, including erotic roleplay, expressions of love, and virtual displays of affection like hugs and kisses. Many users experienced significant psychological distress akin to losing a real relationship. Due to the outcry, Replika quickly reinstated the functionality for existing users.

AI excels at simulating care, but can it truly reciprocate emotional vulnerability?

Obviously, as we navigate this new frontier of human-AI relationships, many ethical concerns arise. Through the lens of an ethics of care framework, AI is very good at simulating attentiveness and providing a non-judgmental ear. Still, I’m skeptical, to say the least, that AI can genuinely reciprocate feelings or exhibit true vulnerability. Additionally, unlike human relationships, users can ignore or turn off AI whenever they like without consequences. It’s all a convincing illusion that, while comforting, is fundamentally different from the give-and-take of human relationships.

AI is coming to wireless earbuds, whether you like it or not

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro are one of the first earbuds to support Samsung’s Galaxy AI.

As we look to the future of AI interaction, it’s clear to me that AI assistants belong in our ears, not on screens. This isn’t just a technological preference but a reflection of how humans naturally communicate and form connections. Voice interaction is more intuitive, less intrusive, and far more effortless than typing on a screen or navigating visual interfaces.

AI assistants will inevitably find a home in our ears, but we must guard against the erosion of genuine human connection.

Text-based AI interaction will certainly retain its place in specific contexts, such as code generation, and for hearing-impaired users, audio interfaces present obvious hurdles. But for most people, most of their interactions will likely be replaced by audio-based AI. But by giving AI a voice, we’re opening up new dimensions of intimacy and sentimentality that make these interactions even more compelling. The ease and comfort of AI companionship could lead to what philosopher Shannon Vallor calls “moral deskilling,” potentially eroding our ability to navigate human relationships.

AI might have started on screens, but as it continues to improve its ability to understand context and engage in natural conversation, our ears will become the primary interface for this new form of interaction, and we must approach this future thoughtfully. The challenge will be to not get swept up in the novelty and allure of audio assistants and to maintain the essence of human connection that no algorithm can replicate.

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No way, HUAWEI

The HUAWEI FreeBuds 5 are one of the company’s more accomplished open-ear buds.

HUAWEI is a relatively young company in the grand scheme of things. Established in 1987 after Ren Zhengfei was discharged from China’s People’s Liberation Army, Zhengfei’s military history helped HUAWEI secure some of its first major contracts. However, HUAWEI has since faced consistent international scrutiny for allegedly stealing intellectual property from other companies. Yet despite this, HUAWEI entered the consumer electronics arena in 2016 with great success. For example, its smartphones were immediately popular for their pleasing designs and reasonable price tags.

At the time, HUAWEI boasted it would become the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer within five years. By 2018, it had taken second place ahead of Apple and was closely trailing Samsung. By all accounts, it was widely expected to make good on its promise by the end of 2019. This would have overthrown Samsung as the leading player for the first time since 2011.

HUAWEI smartphone sales overtook Apple in 2018. But in 2024, the company is no longer among the top ten global smartphone manufacturers.

However, everything stalled in May 2019 when then-US president Donald Trump signed an executive order banning telecommunications equipment from foreign firms deemed national security risks. While the ban only affects products released after May 15, 2019, it remains in perpetuity and has faced little resistance from the Biden administration. This has forced HUAWEI to pivot its business practices. It also encouraged Google to bar HUAWEI from using its suite of digital products. Subsequently, fans can no longer access Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive, or the Google Play Store from newer HUAWEI smartphones. Other US-based companies have followed suit. From Qualcomm, Intel, Arm, and Microsoft, HUAWEI is increasingly isolated from Western technology companies.

In recent years though, the US government has enacted a licensing system for US firms that want to work with HUAWEI. In particular, Qualcomm, Samsung, and Sony can sell specific manufacturing parts to HUAWEI. However, the company launched its own Harmony OS NEXT in August 2023. This removes the Android layer and strips HUAWEI devices of Android-based applications. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this has led to a downfall in international sales.

My way or the HUAWEI

The HUAWEI FreeBuds 5i have excellent noise canceling and cost significantly less than the competition.

Apple is still the player to beat regarding headphones. AirPods frequently top international sales. Apple’s Wearables, Home, and Accessories category also consistently outstrips its Mac and iPad segment. This is shown by the listing profiting $7.9 billion in Q2 of 2024. However, this marked a roughly 10% fall on the previous quarter’s earnings of $8.8 billion. Tim Cook (Apple’s CEO) attributes this to a difficult comparison on Apple Watch and AirPods.

In another show of strength, HUAWEI’s Harmony OS exceeded Apple’s iOS market share in China in Q1 of 2024, selling 900 million consumer devices. Domestically, HUAWEI smartphone sales increased from 9.3% to roughly 16% in 2023 — a roughly 70% improvement. Conversely, Apple’s share in China fell to 15.7% in Q1 of 2024 from 19.7% a year earlier, splitting the market virtually evenly with HUAWEI. Apple has since cut prices for Chinese customers to stay in the race.

If HUAWEI's climbing smartphone sales are anything to go by, the once-dominant AirPods Pro could be in trouble in China.

Other Western consumer electronics manufacturers fare worse than Apple. For example, Samsung recorded a $2.3 billion turnover for its Harman category in Q1 of 2024. Preliminary data from Sony’s recent Consolidated Financial Results shows that its Audio and Visual sales for Q1 of 2024 hit just over $0.5 billion. This seems markedly low. We must wait for more details when the company unveils its Q1 Earnings Announcements on August 7, 2024.

While HUAWEI’s geographical revenue stream has struggled since the US ban took effect in 2019, its domestic sales remain resilient. For example, the company earned $97 billion at home in 2023, with $35 billion generated specifically from its consumer business segment. This is up roughly 9.6% overall and 17% in its consumer category from a year earlier. Abroad, HUAWEI enjoyed an income of $6.6 billion across the Americas in 2018. This was even higher in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA,) reaching $28 billion. This fell sharply in 2020 though, hitting just $5.5 billion in the US and $25 billion across the EMEA respectively. In its most recent yearly accounting, HUAWEI raised just $4.9 billion in the States and just over $20 billion across the EMEA.

Time to Free(the)Buds?

The HUAWEI FreeBuds 5 offer an extremely comfortable fit.

It’s much more difficult to purchase HUAWEI products in the US than it used to be. However, fans outside the US and those who find a workaround may be pleased with what’s on offer. For example, HUAWEI’s latest FreeBuds 6i () have 11mm dynamic drivers and support the SBC, AAC, LDAC, and L2HC Bluetooth codecs. The last is HUAWEI’s proprietary connection and profits up to 960kbps, 44.1kHz/ 24-bit audio sampling. The buds also benefit from powerful noise canceling that attenuate an average of 27dB between 50Hz and 20kHz. They are also IP54-rated to protect against omnidirectional water splashes and small solid objects. The FreeBuds 6i last five hours with ANC enabled and benefit an extra 20 hours from the charging case. They also work with the HUAWEI AI Life app (Android/ iOS) to conduct firmware updates, edit the EQ, and customize controls.

It isn’t just in-ear buds that HUAWEI has to offer, though. The company’s recent FreeClip () open-ear buds are a spherical take on the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. Wearing a similar clip-on design, the HUAWEI FreeClip leave your ears unoccluded to maintain situational awareness. This build is often more popular among athletes and cyclists than open-fit buds like the AirPods (3rd Generation) and HUAWEI FreeBuds 5. The FreeClip wear an IP54 water- and dust-resistant rating and weigh just 5.6g. The buds last eight hours on a single charge and the case profits an extra 24 hours of playtime. Those who frequently find themselves on Zoom calls will enjoy the buds’ ability to block out distracting environmental noises. Android and iOS fans can also download the HUAWEI AI Life app to install vital firmware updates and utilize other flagship features. Unfortunately, the buds do not support active noise canceling.

HUAWEI has many other offerings, including the FreeBuds Pro 3 () and FreeBuds SE 2 (.) The former adorn an AirPods Pro aesthetic and offer a list of pleasantries including powerful noise canceling, adaptive EQ, and four ear tip sizes. The latter are the company’s affordable alternative and profit an IP54 resistance rating, Bluetooth 5.3, nine hours of battery life, and compatibility with the HUAWEI AI Life app.

But what do you think? Is HUAWEI’s recent resurgence at home indicative of the company again emerging as an international contender in the headphone arena, or is it doomed until the US lifts its sanctions? Let us know in the poll below.

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My view basically boils down to the fact that I’m not comfortable choosing convenience over reliability and quality — ever. Bluetooth headphones are often the disposable point-and-shoot of audio, the K-cup machine, the IKEA living room set. Sure, all those things appear to get the job done conveniently, but well? Not often.

I’m the dinosaur that still shoots with a full-frame DSLR. I roast my own coffee because I refuse to pay more for burnt beans. And if I need furniture: I build it out of mahogany, oak, or birch. Maybe you don’t have a lot in common with my worldview, but I think it’s pretty clear that the older, wired designs are still superior to wireless. At least, for now.

Editor’s note: this article was updated on July 31, 2024 to update links and language.

1) Wired headphones perform better than Bluetooth headphones

Bluetooth simply doesn’t have the bandwidth or the performance ceiling to keep up with the best wired headphones. That’s not to say that all wired headphones are better than all Bluetooth headphones. Oh no. But Bluetooth’s “lossless” options are still a few years out, or reliant on a very specific constellation of hardware to achieve. If you have an iPhone or older Android phone, you’re currently outta luck.

Pictured: headphones that will blow any pair of Bluetooth cans away with their audio quality.

Even if you do meet the above requirements, you’re going to struggle to find anything that competes with, say, a Sennheiser HD800. And you’d need a very loose definition of “competing.” Even though there are some really awesome Bluetooth headphones out there (see: Apple AirPods Max): those are the exception, not the rule.

Bluetooth does a really great job at transmitting “good enough” music for commuters, and that’s great — but it’s a pretty low bar to clear. Though most people can’t really tell the difference between a FLAC file and an MP3 file at 320kbps, the point here is that Bluetooth’s ceiling isn’t quite at CD quality just yet. MP3 compression may be able to maximize quality by deleting out sound we can’t hear, but you can definitely tell when you lose quality after a certain point.

In the future, wireless audio will easily beat the crap out of our current wired headphones where audio quality is concerned via digital audio transmission. However, that day isn’t today: and if you really want the best of digital audio, you need a cable — be it USB-C, Lightning, XLR, or preferably your standard 3.5mm. While there are codecs like aptX Lossless and LDAC that bear the “Hi-res certified” branding, the truth is they’re not actually lossless, however adamant that press material is on the point. Bluetooth just isn’t there yet.

2) Batteries are inconvenient and wasteful

Which will last longer, the latte or the battery?

Having yet another battery to charge is, in my professional opinion, an unacceptable pain in the ass. It’s also very bad for the environment!

Why on earth would you limit yourself that way, especially with the main instrument you use in situations like an airplane trip? You might find yourself without access to power, and welp: you’re outta luck. Sorry about that! While battery tech is getting better, there’s always that point where a cell will stop charging. When that happens, you need to be able to change out the battery — but unless you have a product like the Fairphone Fairbuds, you really can’t do that. At this point, your headphones are dead. If you could change out the battery easily this wouldn’t be an issue, but nope: the whole thing is garbage now.

That doesn’t even touch upon the issue that true wireless earphones in particular are strong drivers of e-waste. If you’ve ever had a set of true wireless earphones break on you, did you do the research to find the proper recycling facility, or did you just throw them away? Yeah, that’s what I thought. If you’re feeling bad about considering tossing your wireless earbuds, I suggest reaching out to a recycling service like Call2Recycle.

3) You’re paying extra when you don’t need to

Flickr user: reynermedia Don’t blow your cash when you don’t have to.

Bluetooth headphones in general are undeniably convenient when you discount the headaches associated with having to charge the damn thing. However, when you’re paying $50-100 more for the same set of headphones — and the wired version works just as well — you may want to just save the money to spend on better things.

Better things include:

• A good number of café trips
• Putting it into a Roth IRA
• Spring for a better streaming service
• Investing in a better phone
• Buying new music
• Showing that special someone you care
• A good bottle of whiskey

Everyone has that point where the extra cash is worth it for the convenience, but truthfully not everyone can throw around cash willy-nilly. Students, for example, should really be doing whatever they can to maximize their “textbook” budget — and $50 buys a lot of really cheap beer. While it’s tempting to really tee off on Apple right about now, I’m going to hold back because luxury products aren’t something you buy when you’re looking to save money. If you’re seriously considering the AirPods Max, cost is not really something I imagine you care too much about.

4) “Wireless” isn’t always a durability feature

In theory, the ability to ditch the wire — the most delicate and oft-broken part of any headphone anywhere — is a positive for durability and safety. And Bluetooth headphones seem to be the logical fulfillment of that idea. However, this problem can be side-stepped if headphone manufacturers use a removable cable. To wit, V-Moda, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Beats, Bose… and pretty much all of the major headphone companies use a removable cable on many of their non-Bluetooth headphones.

Removable cables are a lot more common nowadays.

But that doesn’t even address the other part of this issue: adding a battery and other sensitive electronics adds another point of failure. Ever drop a set of headphones or knock it off a table? I sure have. Ever stuff them in a bag and subsequently toss the bag onto a hard surface? Guilty. Banging around your Bluetooth headphones probably won’t kill them, but there’s more to break inside. If one of the solder points shatters, if the electronics break, or if — God forbid — the battery pulls a Note 7 on you: your headphones will die.

Wired headphones aren’t impervious to breakage, but they’re definitely much simpler (and cheaper) to fix with the right design.

5) Reliability

Bluetooth just isn’t as reliable as a directly wired connection, and that’s a big deal.

As with most machines, adding a link in the chain will often introduce potential points of failure, and Bluetooth headphones, in particular, add a point where the connection is subject to external factors not applicable to wired ones. Lots of things can affect whether your headphones will work the way you’ve come to expect them to, and the crappier Bluetooth headphones seem to consult a pantheon of frustration gods to decide how they’re going to tick you off on any given day.

Being in a room with too many other Bluetooth devices can affect your headphones, as can bad software. Maybe your phone is too old and your new headphones will only use an SBC profile instead of the A2DP or aptX you were promised. Maybe you’ll suffer packet loss for no discernible reason, and your music skips. There’s lots that can go wrong with a wireless connection.

Wired headphones don’t skip occasionally, nor are they hard to use with your source (assuming it has a jack). They don’t have trouble when there’s lots of other Bluetooth devices around, and they won’t default to a lower-quality standard of connection if your source is 2-3 years old. They may not be glamorous, but wired headphones are extremely reliable. They don’t have lots of points of failure, they’re cheap to fix, and they work.

For the above reasons and many more: wired headphones will always be king in my eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you listen to music?

Workout buds should block out the noise around you and fit securely.

As they say in real estate: location, location, location. Where you listen to your music, podcasts, and audiobooks determines what kind of earbuds you should buy. Those who plan to listen to music while commuting by train or bus will want to prioritize active noise canceling (ANC). Likewise, gymgoers will enjoy noise canceling too.

Sitting on the opposite end of the spectrum, bike commuters and people who live in urban areas can safely navigate the world with open earbuds like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and rumored AirPods (4th generation). If you’re a proud homebody, you may not have a use for noise canceling and dislike the fit of open earbuds. In that case, the world is your oyster.

Your conference call attendees will appreciate you for buying earbuds with a high-quality mic.

Anyone who spends time in virtual meetings will want to invest in earbuds with a good microphone, which often cost at least $100. Of course, spending more than that doesn’t guarantee a good pair of buds, but spending less than that typically yields unimpressive microphone quality.

Where you listen to your music may also influence how often you use your earbuds. If you don’t plan to use your buds more than once a week, keep it simple. Get something cheap and effective like the Jlab JBuds Mini. You can probably spend less than $100. However, if you use your earbuds every day, multiple times a day, you may want to get a pricier pair.

No matter where you listen, you’ll have to consider many features before clicking a buy button.

What features do you want from your earbuds?

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra noise canceling earbuds feature wraparound fins help keep the buds in place during exercise.

Noise canceling is one of the hottest audio features, and expensive and cheap earbuds alike share this feature. A good pair of ANC earbuds can unplug you from outside distractions, allowing you to focus on your music. The Sony WF-1000X5, for instance, can reduce the loudness of low frequencies like the rumble of your train car up by about 88%. Of course, commuters, especially those who fly often, will want to get something comfortable. Comfort is notably more subjective than ANC. However, for the most comfortable fit, we recommend earbuds with memory foam ear tips. Some earbuds, like the WF-1000XM5, come with foam tips, but you can always buy a pair from Comply to fit whatever buds you’d like.

Typically, the more features you want out of your earbuds, the more expensive the price tag.

Similarly, if you listen in the gym, noise canceling may help block out background noise. I find ANC earbuds to be particularly good at hushing the low, unending groan of a treadmill. A good fit will also quiet the metallic “clang” that inevitably happens from people dropping weights.

The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 are a durable pair of earbuds and sadly, Jabra’s last pair of consumer buds.

Beyond ANC, gym rats and athletes at large will need to invest in durable earbuds. Fortunately, there’s an objective rating system that informs you of what conditions you can subject your earbuds to. A pair of durable earbuds will have an “Ingress Protection” (aka IP) rating. You can almost always find a pair of IPX4-rated earbuds in any price range. An IPX4 rating means your buds will resist water sprays from all directions. If you rock-climb or run on the beach, you may want to opt for earbuds with a dust-resistant rating too. A great example of durable earbuds are the IP57-rated Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2.

You should know that most wireless earbuds include a companion app for your phone. Nine times out of 10, you’ll need app access to enjoy 100% of your earbuds’ features. Once you get set up in the app, you can usually customize the sound, change the onboard controls, and more. Some of our favorite mobile earbud apps come from Sony, Jabra, and Nothing. All of these apps give you granular control over the multi-band custom EQ.

The Samsung Wearables app has a 9-band equalizer for the Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

Nearly all applications work equally well on iPhones as they do on Android phones. However, if you’re interested in the AirPods Pro or AirPods series, you’ll need an iPhone to access almost all the features. Apple reserves it’s (limited) customization options for its own hardware. Through the iOS or iPadOS Settings apps, you can personalize the Spatial Audio effect, customize the onboard controls, toggle auto-ear detection on/off, and more. Plus, Apple hides some of its best AirPods features in the Accessibility menu within the Settings app.

Do you have an iPhone or Android phone?

Android phones have more Blueooth codecs to choose from than iPhones.

Not only does smartphone compatibility determine app features and access, but it also affects Bluetooth audio quality. Different smartphones support different Bluetooth codes. The better the codec, the better your wireless audio quality. LHDC is one of the best Bluetooth codecs you can use regarding sound quality and lag (or lack thereof), but relatively few devices support it compared to other high-end Bluetooth codecs like aptX and LDAC. Android supports a variety of Bluetooth codecs, while Apple only supports two (SBC and AAC). All Bluetooth-enabled devices must support SBC, so it’s no boon for Apple, and AAC is quite good, but its transfer rates can’t hold a candle to LHDC.

Investing in earbuds that can make use of high-quality Bluetooth codecs is worthwhile for anyone. We especially recommend high-quality codec support to listeners who want the best audio quality from their earbuds. Gamers can also benefit from the virtually imperceptible lag that comes from high-quality Bluetooth codecs.

How much do earbuds normally cost?

The cost of earbuds and headphones can ramp up quickly, but just breathe. You don’t have to overspend to get good buds for your needs.

Once you’ve narrowed down the factors above, you can start to narrow down the price range. Budget earbuds usually cost less than $100; mid-range buds are between $100 and $200; and top-tier earbuds will run you more than $200.

Budget earbuds will usually have okay sound and call quality. You might find noise canceling on budget buds, but more often than not, it will do very little to quiet the sounds of your environment. The fit can be hit or miss because ergonomics often take a backseat to other features. Buds at the lower end of this price range often won’t have an app. A great budget option are the Moondrop Space Travel ().

You can toy with the smart case to control your earbuds in your phone’s stead.

Midrange earbuds are my favorite, because they cover all bases, bringing a whole lot of value to the table. You’ll start to find better build quality, very good sound quality, solid mic quality, and useful mobile applications. Examples of excellent midrange earbuds: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro () and JBL Live Beam 3 ().

Last but not least, you have the best earbuds money can buy at $200 and up. At this price point, expect advanced ANC, very comfortable designs, wireless charging, and other premium features like multipoint connectivity. Premium earbuds are for listeners who want cutting-edge tech, price be damned. For this category, we recommend the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) () for iPhone owners, and Sony WF-1000XM5 () for Android users.

By listing out your needs and being true to them, you can find the perfect buds without breaking the bank.

Frequently asked questions about the cost of earbuds

Define “best”

If I could put my finger on why the question is so tough to answer, it’s like asking someone what the best car or power tool is; there’s so much information that’s missing from the question that it becomes hard to answer. What are the best headphones? Is it what sounds the best? What about features? Do you have the right phone? Must the best headphones have a certain feature? The list goes on.

There’s no such thing as best, and it’s time to stop pretending that there is.

There should be no greater clue to the lack of the “best” headphones out there than the constant bickering and user reviews on YouTube. If there were a set of “best” headphones, it would not be so difficult to figure it out. There are a fair number of experienced journalists, engineers, and enthusiasts all chasing that dragon — so there would be a lot less confusion around the issue if such a thing existed. The simple truth is there isn’t a “best” set of headphones, there’s only a “best” set for your needs at any given time.

Normally, I try to answer this question by starting a conversation, but in my experience, people generally want an immediate answer. The sheer number of people treating our FAQ submission tool as a search engine is a testament to that. Sometimes, they simply want confirmation that the popular headphones du jour are what they should buy (Beats, AirPods, etc.), or hope you know about a product that doesn’t exist offering ANC, stellar audio, and impossible features that only costs $10. Everybody wants a unicorn, but sadly, they don’t exist.

Are the most expensive headphones not the best? Why spend so much money on them, then?

It may sound as if I’m being unfair, but it’s worth considering that asking someone out of the clear blue sky, “What’s the best ice cream flavor?” or “What’s the best Rush album?” is a bit of a tall ask. So, in a product category with as much diversity as personal audio has, how is asking “What are the best headphones?” any different?

It’s not.

To ask the right questions, you should be asking yourself first:

1. How do you want to use your headphones? Working out? Travel? Critical listening?
2. What headphones have you tried that sounded great to you?
3. Is there something you absolutely need your headphones or earbuds to do?

After you’ve answered those questions, think to yourself: is everyone on this planet going to use their headphones or earbuds in exactly the same way? If not, you’ve discovered why there’s no such thing as the “best headphones.”

It’s a matter of taste

Now that headphones are used in many more contexts by many more people than simply listening to music, so too have the demands on earbuds and headphones. Over the last twenty years, headphones went from a wired-only affair with very few models requiring any sort of advanced processing power to where we are now. Most of the earbuds that cross my desk are wireless ANC models with new features like spatial audio with head tracking, or adaptive ANC, or even some that measure your ear canal and adjust their sound that way. The days of simple headphones that do one thing are gone.

I miss when headphones simply needed a wire to connect.

So when you’re faced with the idea that headphones need to do lots of different things, get ready to understand that not every product out there is going to do what you want it to. In a world where there’s so much to choose from, paradoxically, there’s less that will suit your demands as those demands get increasingly granular. Our recommendations can change depending on what kind of phone you have, where you listen to your music, or even what you do at work. These can all affect what we tell you to look for in a personal audio product.

You’d be surprised how often something like “not having adequate water resistance” or having the right flavor of spatial audio has swayed my personal recommendations. Even having the wrong phone processor is swaying my recommendations now. It’s exhausting!

Some people like less bass, others people want their inner ear bones rattled into powder — what people like varies.

Even if it was just down to sound quality, that, too, is a loaded subject. Even though there’s a certain kind of sound that we prefer, that’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. In fact, one of the things we learned from independent listening tests is that lots of people prefer very different sounds, even if they can largely agree on a preference curve that is a bit different than what they like the most. Some people like less bass, and other people want their inner ear bones rattled into powder. While most tuning preferences will center around some identifiable characteristics, what people like varies. We routinely review headphones that score well on the best approximation we have for measuring sound quality at present, but our reviewers are looking for something else.

Preference curves are very different, and what you prefer might not align with any.

What about a standard response? A preference curve like the Harman Target describes what most people will rate positively — but meeting a preference curve isn’t going to guarantee that every person out there would prefer that kind of sound to any others. It may even be a moving target (if you’ll excuse the pun). If you dig into the scores different preference curves earn from large groups of listeners, you’ll see that none really approach a perfect 100; even the best-rated preference curves bounce around 60-70 percent listener preference. Though it’s true that these preference curves can help us contextualize how headphones sound, meeting them is no guarantee that you, personally, will like the sound.

Big tech has skin in the game

One of the more frustrating developments in personal audio was the entrance of big tech into the category. Sure, these megacorps have added a lot of really cool features and produced many of the most beloved personal audio products out there — but the development has also introduced the concept of walled gardens to a segment that used to be more or less universally compatible.

These things changed the course of audio, whether you like it or not.

Though large companies have guided the development of personal audio since the very beginning, the market has never been more fractured than it is now. When Apple bought Beats, it shifted the landscape of headphones and earbuds forever. Though heavyweights like Sony and Panasonic had long since been major players in audio, a computing company that popularized the smartphone was now turning the segment into an extension of a larger one. We’re starting to see more and more personal audio products locked to source hardware than ever before. For example: AirPods simply don’t have the same features unless you use them with an iOS device, and Samsung earbuds have lots of cool AI features — but only if you have a new Samsung phone.

Live translation is cool, but you’ll need to choose your earbuds based on the platform that supports it.

The profit motive does bad things to a market, especially when there’s money to be made by shutting the door on interoperability or user maintenance. I’m not saying that headphones are getting enshittified, just that there’s little motivation to spend the extra money required to make sure your products don’t generate sales for your other wares. It’s not surprising that earbuds and headphones are more “disposable” than ever, because that’s just the most efficient way to make money from them. This is fundamentally at odds with someone looking to make a smart and savvy purchase.

Since the market dominance of true wireless earbuds, headphone and earbud designs have become nearly impossible for normal people to fix themselves. It used to be that you could swap out batteries to ANC headphones, or order replacement drivers for headphones that gave up the ghost, but no more. It’s much less profitable for a company to allow maintenance of their products when forcing consumers to buy a whole new one would be better for the bottom line. There’s a reason why we’ve only seen one set of earbuds with a removable battery housing, and it’s not one of the top manufacturers out there.

Stop worrying about the best headphones: what’s going to make you happy?

Listen to your media, not your headphones.

It should come as no surprise, then, that what people consider to be the “best” is now going to be a much more loaded question. There’s not an easy answer out there, but there are potentially hundreds of products that fit the bill. Instead of chasing what’s best, try to figure out what’s best for you, or at least realize that pure satisfaction may never come. You know that old saying “perfect is the enemy of good?” That’s what you should be keeping in mind while searching for headphones. Remember, buying headphones isn’t going to make you happy for the long haul, but it is a great tool to help you experience art.

Being happy with what you have will allow you to do more meaningful things like find new music, enjoy your gaming, or have a better workout. The goal shouldn’t be to buy a status symbol or what other people think you should have, but to get the right tool for the job. Only when you look at buying headphones through that lens does the way forward get clearer. If you’re able to narrow down what you want, we have more than a few recommendations for you to explore.

Editor’s note: this article was published on July 26th, 2024, and is the first version. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Beats Pill compared to the Sonos Roam 2?

The Beats Pill and Sonos Roam 2 are competent but different portable Bluetooth speakers. The Pill is a bit larger, weighing 680g, while Roam 2 is much lighter at 430g. Both speakers feature a relatively sleek and packable design and an IP67 protection rating, making them dust and waterproof.

Of course, the big difference lies in the tech. While the bigger Beats Pill is a beach party starter with straightforward operation, the Sono Roam 2 is a smart speaker capable of starting or integrating into an entire Sonos ecosystem. It also offers voice commands via Sonos Voice Control or Amazon Alexa, and its slender size makes it easy to move from room to room around the house.

With its updated Bluetooth connectivity, the Roam 2 can function as a dead simple stand-alone Bluetooth speaker without relying on the Sonos app. A welcome update, but if you’re shelling out for a smart speaker, you’ll likely want to take advantage of the available tech.

How do you control the Beats Pill and Sonos Roam 2?

Both units feature tactile controls that offer a satisfying click when pushed. The Beats Pill has recessed buttons along the top, and the Roam 2 has a control panel integrated into one of its rubberized end caps. Of course, you can also control some of the Roam 2’s features via the Sonos app or voice commands.

Should you use the apps of either the Beats Pill or Sonos Roam 2?

The Beats Pill only offers an app for Android users and doesn’t even contain an equalizer. If you’re an iPhone user, the software is conveniently baked into the Setting app on iOS, but you still don’t get an equalizer.

While the new Sonos Roam 2 can be used as a standalone Bluetooth speaker without the app, you will need to download and install it to take advantage of all its smart features, such as Wi-Fi connection, configure your voice control, and integration into an existing Sonos setup. You can also take advantage of and personalize your sound a bit with the better-than-nothing Bass and Treble sliders.

How do the Beats Pill and Sonos Roam 2 connect?

The Beats Pill connects to your device via Bluetooth 5.3 and is SBC and AAC, but supports lossless listening over USB-C connection. It’s a cool feature, but portable Bluetooth speakers aren’t exactly ideal for critical listening.

The Sonos Roam 2 connects to your device via Bluetooth 5.2 and is also SBC and AAC only. However, as a smart speaker, it also offers a Wi-Fi connection for higher-quality audio streams and supports Apple Airplay 2.

Does the Beats Pill sound better than the Sonos Roam 2?

The Beats Pill puts out an impressive amount of bass for a portable speaker.

Getting down to the brass tacks, if you’re looking for a party speaker for the backyard or the beach, the Beats Pill annihilates the Roam 2 when it comes to low-end bass response. Listening to Night Train by Code Elektro, there is clearly no contest. The Pill provides a steady pulse of the synthesized bass on this track, even at lower volumes. It has enough output to keep a medium-sized gathering going, but you’ll start hearing some distortion past 80% volume. If your friends are known to get a little rowdy, consider buying a second Pill and running them in stereo for more party-filling power.

While the Pill wins regarding bass response, the Roam 2 does a much better job reproducing mid-range frequencies. This is apparent when changing the genre and listening to Sun Goddess by Ramsay Lewis. While the groove is there, the percussive strumming of the rhythm guitar cuts through with better clarity, not to mention the vocals sound much more present in the mix. If you’re not concerned with a thumping bass response while casually listening to music in the kitchen while making dinner, the Roam 2 is still a decent-sounding speaker with good instrument separation.

Should you get the Beats Pill or Sonos Roam 2?

The larger size of the Beats Pill gives it an advantage in performance.

If you’re an existing Sonos user, snagging a Roam 2 is a no-brainer. It will easily integrate into your home system, and you’ll have a decent-sounding speaker to extend its reach around the house or into your backyard. If you’re considering getting into the world of smart speakers, the Sonos Roam 2 makes a great choice to get your toes wet without going overboard.

However, the Beats Pill is an undeniable choice if you’re looking to start your party. It’s durable, has excellent battery life, and has tons of bass. What else do you need? You won’t have to deal with a buggy companion app either, so you can focus on having a good time with your pals.

What should you get instead of the Beats Pill and Sonos Roam 2?

If you like the size and packability of the Roam 2 but aren’t interested in its smart features, consider the JBL Flip 6 () and save a few bucks. It’s IP67, has a robust build, and has a decent bass response. That said, the Beats Pill puts out way more low-end than the Flip 6.

If you like the Beats Pill’s more prominent size and sound, you’ll want to size up and look at the JBL Charge 5 (). It also features an IP67 protection rating and is closer in battery life to the Pill, advertising 20 hours of playback. It also features a courtesy outlet for charging any devices in the field.

Frequently asked questions

Results

On our website, 682 readers participated in the poll. A staggering 72% of respondents said they were crushed by Jabra closing up shop. This strong emotional response underscores Jabra’s impact on its loyal customer base. An additional 22% acknowledged that Jabra’s products were pretty good, bringing the total positive sentiment to 94%.

Our YouTube poll, which garnered 668 votes, showed a more diverse range of opinions but still demonstrated significant support for the brand. Here, 18% of voters expressed being crushed by the news, while 35% agreed that Jabra’s products were pretty good. Combined, 53% of YouTube respondents showed a positive attitude towards the brand.

Interestingly, the YouTube poll revealed a higher percentage of users who were less affected by Jabra’s exit. 28% said they wouldn’t really miss the brand, while 19% weren’t familiar with Jabra at all. This difference could be attributed to the broader audience on YouTube compared to our website’s more audio-focused readership.

When we combine the results from both polls, the overall sentiment becomes clear:

Most of you will miss Jabra, too.

• Strong emotional attachment: 45% of all respondents (across both platforms) expressed being deeply affected by Jabra’s departure.
• Positive brand perception: An additional 28.5% acknowledged Jabra’s quality, even if they weren’t as emotionally invested.
• Limited impact: 16% of total respondents won’t miss the brand significantly.
• Brand awareness: 10.5% were unfamiliar with Jabra, highlighting the challenges the company faced in achieving widespread recognition.

While the Jabra may not have achieved the household name status of giants like Apple or Sony, it clearly cultivated a dedicated fan base who appreciated its innovation, quality, and value for money. From pioneering early models to pushing the popularity of features like Bluetooth Multipoint and workout-friendly designs, Jabra has cemented a legacy in portable audio.

As Jabra exits the consumer earbuds market with its final offerings—the Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2—many audio enthusiasts will feel the loss. As the audio world moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the gap left by Jabra will be filled.

Comments

Editor’s note: this article was published on July 26, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Galaxy Buds3 Pro compared to the MOMENTUM True Wireless 4?

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 offer distinctly different form factors and user experiences.

Removable ear tips mean do hard plastic bits getting jammed into your ear canal.

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro features a sleek, blade-shaped stem design reminiscent of a futuristic take on Apple’s AirPods. This design also houses aesthetic lights along the stem and utilizes swipe and pinch controls. The earbuds are relatively small and lightweight at 5.4g each, making them comfortable for extended wear. However, their unique shape may not suit all ear types, and some users might find them less secure than traditional in-ear designs.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 is definitely made for fashion-forward folks.

In contrast, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 sports a more classic true wireless earbud design, with a circular touch panel on each bud. These earbuds are slightly heavier at 6.2g each and have a larger housing that protrudes more from the ear. Sennheiser has included three sizes of concha fins to help secure the fit, but users with smaller ears might find them a bit bulky.

Both earbuds offer strong durability ratings, with the Galaxy Buds3 Pro boasting an impressive IP57 rating for water and dust resistance, while the MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 carries a respectable IP54 rating. This makes both suitable for workouts and light rain, though the Galaxy Buds3 Pro have a slight edge in this department.

In terms of case design, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro comes with a compact plastic case featuring a clear window lid. The Sennheiser case is larger and fabric-covered. Both offer USB-C and Qi wireless charging.

How do you control the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and MOMENTUM True Wireless 4?

The control schemes of these two earbuds differ significantly, each offering unique advantages. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro utilize a series of pinches and swipes on the stem for control. The touch-sensitive area is located near the bottom of the stem, which can be a bit unintuitive at first. Users can adjust volume, play/pause music, skip tracks, and toggle between ANC and ambient sound modes using various combinations of pinches and swipes. Additionally, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer voice command functionality, although this feature can be hit-or-miss in noisy environments or with background conversations.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4, on the other hand, employ a more traditional touch panel on the outer surface of each earbud. The default control scheme is straightforward: single taps control transparency mode and play/pause, double taps skip tracks, triple taps toggle ANC and activate voice assistants, while long presses adjust volume. This layout may be more intuitive for users familiar with other true wireless earbuds, and the larger touch surface can make inputs more reliable.

Should you use the apps of either Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4?

Both the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 come with companion apps that enhance their functionality, making app usage highly recommended for both devices.

The Samsung Wearables app has a 9-band equalizer for the Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro uses the Samsung Wearable app, which is essential for accessing many of the earbuds’ advanced features, especially for Samsung phone users. The app allows for customization of touch controls, enables voice commands, and provides access to features like 360 audio, adaptive noise control, and AI translation services. It also includes a 9-band equalizer for sound customization and a “Find My” feature for locating lost earbuds. Users with Android phones other than Samsung or iPhones may find some features limited or unavailable.

The default control layout may not be 100% to your liking, but you can customize it using the Sennheiser app.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 pairs with the Sennheiser Smart Control app, which offers a comprehensive suite of features. It includes a fit test to ensure optimal seal and sound quality, a 5-band equalizer for audio tweaking, and the ability to set geofenced behaviors for ANC strength. The app also facilitates firmware updates and offers a unique Sound Check feature that creates a personalized listening profile, though this requires creating a Sennheiser account. The Sennheiser app also includes a “Battery Protection Mode” that optimizes charging to preserve long-term battery health.

How do the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 connect?

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro utilizes Bluetooth 5.4 and supports a range of codecs, including SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec, and Samsung Seamless Codecc, which are only available on newer Samsung devices. Likewise, they offer instant pairing and easy switching between Samsung devices.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 also employs Bluetooth 5.4 but offers a wider array of codec support. They’re compatible with SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, and after a firmware update, LC3 and LE Audio. This broader codec support makes the Sennheiser earbuds more versatile across different devices and potentially future-proof.

Both earbuds support multipoint connectivity, allowing users to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. They also both feature Auracast support, a new Bluetooth capability that enables public audio sharing and improved broadcasting features.

Is battery life better on the Galaxy Buds3 Pro or MOMENTUM True Wireless 4?

When it comes to battery life, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 clearly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro. In standardized battery tests, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 delivered an impressive 7 hours and 45 minutes of continuous playback at a safe listening volume. This performance puts them well ahead of many competitors in the true wireless earbud market.

In contrast, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro fell short in battery longevity, managing only 4 hours and 31 minutes under similar test conditions. This significant difference in battery life could be a crucial factor for users who require extended listening sessions without needing to recharge, such as on flights or road trips.

In terms of fast charging capabilities, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 can provide about 1 hour of listening time from just 8 minutes of charging. Samsung does not list fast charging on the product page, but given the relatively small size, we expect the earbuds to charge pretty quickly.

Do the Galaxy Buds3 Pro or MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 block noise better?

When it comes to noise cancelation, both the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 offer strong performance but with some notable differences. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 demonstrates superior overall noise attenuation, achieving an impressive 83% average noise attenuation in laboratory tests. This performance puts them in the upper echelon of noise canceling earbuds.

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro, while still competent in noise cancelation, falls slightly short of the Sennheiser’s performance. They manage to attenuate about 76% of outside noise with ANC enabled, which is good but not exceptional for their price point. However, it’s worth noting that the Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers strong passive isolation, blocking out almost 57% of external noise even without ANC activated. Still, the Sennheiser could also physically block up to 50dB in some frequency ranges.

One unique feature of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro is their adaptive noise control, which can automatically adjust ANC levels based on your environment. They also offer a siren detection feature, though the reviewer noted that given the overall ANC performance, this feature might not be as necessary as Samsung suggests. Both earbuds offer transparency or ambient sound modes to allow external sounds in when needed.

Do the Galaxy Buds3 Pro sound better than the MOMENTUM True Wireless 4?

When it comes to sound quality, both the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 deliver impressive performance, but with distinct characteristics that cater to different listening preferences.

In real-world listening tests, we praised the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 for their handling of various genres, particularly excelling with funk, psych rock, and 70s-80s era music. We noted the Galaxy Buds3 Pro for their full and detailed sound, though some listeners might find the treble emphasis fatiguing over long listening sessions.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 showcases Sennheiser’s renowned audio expertise. It received high marks in the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) assessment, with particularly high ratings in Timbre (4.9) and less Distortion, as indicated by the lower score. They did score slightly lower in Immersion, however.

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro also performed admirably in their MDAQS results. They received the same score for Timbre score of 4.9, matching the Sennheiser, but scored higher in Distortion (3.3), indicating there is more.

Objective Measurements

In terms of frequency repsonse, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer a slightly V-shaped response, with emphasized bass and treble. This tuning can make certain genres like pop and electronic music sound more exciting, but it may not be ideal for listeners seeking a more neutral sound. The Sennheiser earbuds, on the other hand, follow our house curve a little more closely, offering a more balanced sound profile out of the box, with a slight bass emphasis that doesn’t overpower the mids and highs.

Both earbuds offer customizable EQ settings through their respective apps, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences. The Sennheiser app provides a 5-band EQ, while the Samsung app offers a more detailed 9-band EQ.

Do the Galaxy Buds3 Pro or MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 have a better microphone?

When it comes to microphone performance, neither the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro nor the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 particularly excel.

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro microphones offer decent performance in ideal conditions, with clear voice reproduction. However, they struggle significantly with noise rejection. In office environments, louder noises tend to come through while quieter ones are attenuated, leading to inconsistent call quality. The earbuds particularly struggle in windy conditions, with wind noise severely impacting speech intelligibility.

For the MOMENTUM True Wireless 4, we found the speech quality to be highly variable, and environmental noise suppression was noted as poor and inconsistent. Like the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, the Sennheiser earbuds also struggled significantly with rejecting wind noise.

Those prioritizing call quality in their true wireless earbuds might want to consider other options on the market that specialize in this area.

Galaxy Buds3 Pro microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Galaxy Buds3 Pro microphone demo (Windy conditions):

MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4: Price and availability

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 are both positioned as premium true wireless earbuds, reflected in their pricing. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro are priced at , while the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 come in at a slightly higher price point of . This $50 difference puts both earbuds in the upper tier of the true wireless market, competing with other high-end offerings from brands like Apple, Sony, and Bose.

Both earbuds are widely available through their respective manufacturer’s websites, major electronics retailers, and online marketplaces. However, Samsung has temporarily paused shipments of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro due to quality control issues with early production units. This may affect short-term availability, with some pre-orders potentially delayed until late August 2024.

Should you get the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4?

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 ultimately depends on your personal preferences, device ecosystem, and specific needs. Both are among the best earbuds, offering future-proof features and high-quality audio experiences, but they cater to slightly different audiences.

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

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are an excellent choice for users deeply integrated into the Samsung ecosystem. They offer seamless pairing with Samsung devices, access to Samsung-specific high-quality audio codecs, and AI-powered features that work best within the Samsung environment. Their sleek design with Blade Lights make them a fashion-forward option. However, their shorter battery life and some limitations in ANC performance are notable drawbacks.

Three sizes of concha fin, four ear tip sizes, and a USB-C cable are included with the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4, on the other hand, offer a more universal appeal. They boast superior sound quality with excellent clarity and soundstage, longer battery life, and support for a wider range of high-quality audio codecs, including aptX Lossless.

For most Android users, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 are likely the better choice. They offer superior sound quality, more effective noise cancelation, and longer battery life. However, Samsung phone owners might find more value in the Galaxy Buds3 Pro. While they don’t match the Sennheiser’s audio quality or ANC performance, their seamless integration with Samsung’s ecosystem unlocks exclusive features like real-time translation and adaptive sound control.

Frequently asked questions