Studio Buds are the first True Wireless headphones from Apple subsidiary Beats. With their debut, the manufacturer wants to delight the iOS community with a low-cost AirPods alternative, as well as convince Android devotees with an almost identical feature set.
Bowers & Wilkins like to take their time in the innovation race and do not always try to jump on the technology-driven bandwagon immediately. Better late and done properly was what I thought when B&W announced the first True Wireless in-ears in their range with the PI5 and PI7.
After Bang & Olufsen announced a partnership with Microsoft in mid-2020 and specifically mentioned the US software giant's Xbox gaming console, it was only a matter of time before we got the chance to wear a pair of gaming headphones from the Danish hi-fi specialist on our ears. Now the time has finally come: Beoplay Portal are here, and we shall see if they have what it takes to take the throne in the hotly contested gaming headset market. But will the result be Game Changer or Game Danger?
Bang & Olufsen launches the HX, a successor to the H9 that is supposed to offer more in all respects - except weight. At 285 grams, it occupies a top spot in the lightweight ear-cup league, which makes them exceedingly pleasant to wear right from the first fitting.
Skullcandy's Jib True are wireless in-ears available at an attractive price that come with IPX4 water- and sweat-resistance and offer extensive functions via remote control. With the AAC format, these bass-tuned headphones also support a high-quality audio codec.
Apple has added the first over-ear headphones to its range with the AirPods Max, which must be pretty good as they cost 600 Euros - and for those of us who live in the Apple world this is certainly the case. Those who are just looking for a good pair of true-wireless headphones are nevertheless cordially invited to read the review of the AirPods Max, knowing full well that they might change their minds afterwards.
The closed circumaural Marshall Monitor II A.N.C. offer well-balanced sound, but score particularly highly on wearing comfort and have several interesting functions.
The Danish high-end manufacturer Bang & Olufsen celebrate their 95th birthday with the special model H95, which - as of 2020 - seeks to combine all their experience and technical know-how in a pair of stylish ANC headphones.
The renowned Hamburg manufacturer of pens, leather goods and watches Montblanc has introduced its first branded headphones, the MB 01, which are designed to provide high-quality sound for use when travelling. This portable wireless model supports audio codecs including aptX Adaptive as well as the AAC format, they have built-in device control and Google Assistant is integrated, they also offer functions for the suppression and improved perception of external noise.
The new Powerbeats Bluetooth in-ears are aimed - like their True-Wireless counterparts the Powerbeats Pro - primarily at an audience who want to use them during sports and exercise. And they are particularly suited, thanks to their securely fitting ear hooks and their sweat- and water-resistant design. Their powerful sound and long battery life provide additional motivation for power workouts.