Sony's premium wireless headphones, the WH-1000XM6 and WH-1000XM5, are currently down to $400 and $250 respectively, following the debut of the 1000X The ColleXion lineup. Both remain among the top ANC headphones available, offering strong audio quality, and long battery life.
Sony's new 1000X "The ColleXion" headphones celebrate a decade of the company's flagship ANC lineup with a more luxurious take on the WH-1000XM6 formula. Built around the same QN3-powered noise canceling platform, early impressions praise the upgraded materials, comfort, and refined tuning, though the premium design also brings a much higher price tag and shorter battery life.
Early reviews of the AirPods Max 2 highlight improved sound quality, excellent noise cancellation, and deeper Apple ecosystem integration, powered by the new H2 chip and added smart features.
The WhisperPair vulnerability affects headphones and speakers from major brands
Winners & losers: Google's Fast Pair technology was designed for convenience. The protocol turns pairing a new Bluetooth accessory into a tap-and-go experience for Android and Chrome OS users. But new research suggests that the same design choices that make Fast Pair effortless also make it alarmingly easy to abuse.
The AirPods Pro 3 debut with a built-in heart rate sensor, "Live Translation," and a revamped ear tip system that now offers an additional XXS size. Reviewers praise the enhanced ANC, improved Transparency mode, and upgraded IP57 water and dust resistance.
The unique-looking Nothing Headphone (1) is praised for its premium build quality, effective noise cancellation, and strong battery life. However, reviewers point out that the sound needs EQ adjustments, the analog jack only works when the headphones are powered on, and the design may not appeal to everyone.
Sony recently launched the WH-1000XM6 with some upgrades, but they also come with a steeper $449 price tag. Meanwhile, the prev-gen XM5s continue to deliver top-tier ANC, 30-hour battery life, and exceptional sound quality. Usually $400, they're currently on sale for $298.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 builds on its predecessor with enhanced noise cancellation and refined sound quality. The return of the foldable design and an ultra-comfy fit help maintain its place at the top of the headphone market, albeit the steep price tag.
Facepalm: Many of us have been guilty of it – mindlessly streaming videos or taking calls sans headphones while waiting at an airport gate or on the plane itself. But that tendency is apparently driving fellow travelers crazy. Flight attendants are now even making pre-flight announcements pleading with passengers to use headphones, but the scourge of audio oversharing shows no signs of stopping.