When tech products reach the end of their life, it usually means its pretty much unusable from then on. Whether that's through hardware which has aged out or software no longer being supported, the lifespan is usually fairly finite.

That's what makes the latest news from Bose such an unexpected surprise. The brand has opened up access to its API documentation for the SoundTouch smart speakers.

That range was set to lose its official support on February 18th, though the brand has subsequently pushed that back to May, as reported by The Verge. Once that cloud support ends, the app for these speakers will receive an update, which will allow users to retain as much functionality as possible.

The opening of this API documentation will allow users to fill in any gaps, ensuring that any functionality still required can be programmed by those who need it. It's not dissimilar to the Pebble smartwatch community, which setup a community of users creating software to keep devices working after first-party support had shut down.

It's worth noting that there shouldn't be too many of the aforementioned gaps which need filling. According to the report, the app update will add local control, which will retail streaming capability for Bluetooth, AirPlay and Spotify, while also giving remote control features and speaker groupings.

But it's still something incredibly rare in the industry, and ensures that Bose really do deserve some credit here. Many other brands would simply let a product die, hoping that it would spur the purchase of a newer product in the process.

Personally, I'd love to see this practice become more commonplace across the industry, but I certainly wont be holding my breath. Still, it's nice to see it happen, even if those moments have to be a little more few and far between.

It's not easy standing out in the speaker world right now; everyone and their nan seems to make a portable speaker, and while the best Bluetooth speakers hold up to sustained use amazingly, they're just a few of the thousands that you could opt for once you start to do some research into the market.

Bose has long been one of the most trustworthy brands in the game, and its SoundLink line of speakers has a whole heap of different sizes on offer. After testing the SoundLink Plus, I've now used the SoundLink Home for many weeks too, and it makes a very similar case – albeit with a different aesthetic and a weaker features offering.

Price & Availability

The Bose SoundLink Home is now available in most regions, after launching in late September (although it's been available in the US since 2024). The speaker is priced at £219.95 / $229.

That's quite a chunky price for a speaker of this sort, and it's a marker of the fact that Bose isn't trying to compete with budget speaker-makers – this is aimed at a premium slice of the market.

Design & Features

The SoundLink Home is a pretty classy bit of desktop design – while this is a portable speaker in many of the ways that count, it's pretty clear both from how it's made and indeed its name that it's aimed at home use. This is a Bluetooth speaker that will likely live on a shelf, countertop, desk or some other surface in your home, but which can moved around easily.

The speaker sits on a sort of rail that has a rubber bottom to anchor it. Above this is a small gap, and then the main body of the speaker. This is covered in a cloth mesh on the front, with one big depression where the main driver resides, while the back is similar, with a long divot that makes it easier to pick the speaker up.

The top of the speaker houses some button controls, including a power button, pairing button, volume keys, and a multifunction button that can pause tracks, summon voice control for the built-in microphone and more. You can, with some funky button presses, also pair the speaker to another SoundLink Home if you have one.

One tiny gripe here is that those buttons take quite a bit of pressure to actually actuate – that might sound minute, and it is, but tactility matters on a device like this.

Crucially, though, the SoundLink Home is all made of really nice materials, with metal and fabric being the two most prominent, making for a speaker that feels extremely solid in the hand and which looks great in situ.

It's available in black, cream and silver, and I do think it seems really mature compared to many of the more rugged-looking options on the market right now.

That said, this comes with a huge tradeoff – Bose doesn't describe the SoundLink Home as having any water- or dust-resistance, which means it basically shouldn't ever leave your home and isn't great for kitchen use if you're a splashy washer-upper. That's a true shame, and perhaps a surprise at this price.

Battery life is rated at 9 hours on a charge, something that I found held up to use, and a USB-C port on one side is the charging method. This can also be an audio input, though, which could be handy in a pinch.

I'll say that 9 hours is pretty much the bare minimum I'd expect from a speaker of this size, at this price – and I'd really rather it got at least 12 hours or more.

Finally, the Bluetooth version on hand here is 5.3, which means you're not likely to miss out on any major connectivity features going forward.

Sound & Performance

With no water resistance and battery life that can only be called "fine", a lot rides on the SoundLink Home's sound performance, which is thankfully very solid. Bose has carved out a reputation for noise-cancelling excellence in the world of headphones, but in portable speakers that crutch doesn't exist.

Here, then, it's all about neutrality and balance, which is where it errs in sound terms – music you know really well won't sound blown out or over-bassy through the SoundLink Home, instead hitting pretty much all the right notes.

It's also got a decent amount of delicacy when needed, and I've been able to pick out details in tracks I know inside and out (like Dire Straits' Money for Nothing, which has the layers I need it to). That said, this isn't the sort of sound quality to blow your socks off, and I think it arguably needs to be given the shortcomings in other areas.

It's also worth saying that this is a very directional speaker – it has a clear front and back, and is aimed at sitting on a shelf facing into the room. Place it on a table in the middle and you'll find its sound is completely different, depending on where you sit or stand, which isn't a flaw as much as it is a tasting note.

Bose SoundLink Home review: Verdict

I've had a perfectly solid time with the Bose SoundLink Home, but that doesn't mean I can ignore some weird flaws in its design. To have a portable speaker of this sort without any water resistance at all in 2025 is baffling in my view, and for its portability to cap out at 9 hours of battery also simply doesn't impress me much.

The speaker looks really classy, I'll give it that, and I'd rather look at it than the SoundLink Plus I tested before it, but that chunkier speaker is better in every conceivable way and is barely any more cash. Before you even think about the non-Bose competition, that leaves the SoundLink Plus looking a little like an also-ran, from here.

Also consider

As I've mentioned, those who know they really like how Bose tunes a speaker should probably save up or rummage around to find the extra cash and get the SoundLink Plus, which is more useful and practical in every way.

If you're more brand-agnostic, I think the obvious comparative choice is actually the B&O Beoplay A1 V3, which is pricier but sounds phenomenal and, more importantly, has an even more impressive design that should look classy in tasteful home setups.

Building a great portable Bluetooth speaker isn't as simple as it can seem – people's expectations have started to creep higher and higher in recent years, as brands have added new features and conveniences to their devices. Now, it's a genuine challenge to stand out from the crowd.

Bose has the brand-name recognition that many rivals crave, but can't just rest on those laurels. Its SoundLink Plus speaker is a really competent new offering that might be perfect for those looking to take a speaker with them on rough-and-tumble outings. Is it good enough for everyday life, though?

Price & Availability

You can now pick up the SoundLink Plus speaker now, after it launched earlier this summer – and it comes in at $269 / £249 / AU$429. That's quite a chunky price for a small speaker, but it's admittedly a very capable device.

Bose seems to be betting on people valuing quality and sound over the asking price, and it'll be interesting to see how the SoundLink line fares in the next year or more. The more expensive SoundLink Max is another option for those looking to step up to an even more powerful speaker.

Design & Features

It's a little too easy to describe the SoundLink Plus as a smaller version of the SoundLink Max, but that doesn't stop the description from feeling accurate. Much of Bose's design language from that bigger speaker has been preserved here, but with a smaller body and a change to the carrying handle.

So, the SoundLink Plus comes in as a fairly standard-looking speaker – with a grille steel cover on the front side that you can fairly easily see the drivers through. Above this is the Bose logo, and the whole front is subtly curved with a smooth matte finish.

Atop the body of the speaker are some refreshingly reliable buttons – recessed in a way that might make you think they're going to be touch-sensitive, but in fact hiding nice, clicky mechanisms. These let you turn it on and off, play/pause, change volumes and initiate pairing and sound mode swaps.

These buttons are part of a soft rubber surface that coats the outside of most of the speaker, other than that front grille. It's extremely satisfying to the touch, and presumably dampens impacts to help with durability. That said, it's a bit of a dust and hair magnet.

That doesn't matter much, though, because an IP rating of IP67 means it's completely impervious to dust and water, up to being submerged for 30 minutes at a time. Well, technically to a metre, rather than sharing life with the Titanic.

The bottom of the speaker has a raised foot for stability, while the back has another speaker grille and the USB-C charging port exposed. Finally, on the right side of SoundLink Plus, you'll find the fabric weave loop that makes it easy to carry. It's big enough to slip a couple of fingers through, but can also be paired with a carabiner or another sort of fastening to clip onto a bag or hook.

The speaker feels extremely sturdy and well-built, but part of that comes down to its weight. At 1.45kg, there's no escaping the fact that it's heavy for its size, so you should bear that in mind if you're looking for something truly hassle-free. Something smaller, like the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4, would be substantially lighter.

In terms of features, the SoundLink Plus comes loaded with Bluetooth 5.4 compatibility, which means it's futureproof where connectivity is concerned. It also supports the SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive codecs, and has two-point multipoint connectivity for convenience in connecing to two devices at once.

The battery life has a stated maximum of 20 hours, but it's worth noting that this can be heavily impacted if you go loud on volume. I typically ended up getting a little over 10 hours from a charge, which isn't all that exemplary. The speaker can also charge your phone from its USB-C slot, which is a nice little bonus.

Sound & Performance

Bose's brand is synonymous with reliability when it comes to sound quality, and that's a pretty good association to boast. Still, that sort of reputation doesn't always mean guaranteed success with a new device.

Thankfully, I've found the SoundLink Plus to live up to the Bose name, and its sound performance is arguably the biggest reason why the brand has been able to slap what is quite an aggressive price tag on the speaker. It's a great fit for small gatherings, whether outdoors or not, and has the power to fill rooms impressively.

It's got that trademark Bose balance – performing really ably across all genres, and making sure not to overdo any one part of the frequency register. So, you can expect detail in the mids and highs, but a really good amount of oomph in the lows, too, with bass response proving very solid.

It can get really, really loud when you want it to, although you will have to accept that the battery will drain faster as a result. I tested it across new(ish) albums by Lorde and Jamie XX and found it bumped along really nicely, while the dancier direction of Tame Impala's End of Summer also bopped.

Bose SoundLink Plus review: Verdict

There's only really one big thing stopping me from being unequivocal in my praise for the SoundLink Plus, which is the chunky price that Bose has attached to it. It's never been a brand for the budget-minded, but I think its RRP is pushing it a little for this all-weather speaker.

Don't get me wrong, the specs are great and its sound lives up to expectations, but the problem comes when you start to tally up alternatives – and they're all a good chunk more affordable. However, if you're a big fan of its aesthetics, the SoundLink Plus will almost certainly please you – as it's a great little speaker.

Also consider

JBL's Charge 5 is an easy recommendation in a very similar vein – it has superb features that pretty much match the SoundLink Plus, but can be had for less than half the price. You could even upgrade to the Charge 5 Wi-Fi for some additional connection options and still save money.

If you have a Sonos system of any description, meanwhile, the Roam 2 is a slightly smaller and more portable pick that excels. It plays so nice with your multiroom audio, but can also be a great standalone pick – although it won't fill a room to the same extent as the SoundLink Plus.

Bose products can frequently be found topping lists of the best noise cancelling headphones, and now its five-star QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have been refreshed with even better ANC.

The improvements, Bose says, are thanks to new and improved AI algorithms that enhance Bose's ActiveSense technology. That smooths out the sound you hear by flattening sudden spikes in sound around you, and it also makes you sound better in calls.

Improving Bose ANC is quite an achievement: in our QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (1st Gen) review we described the ANC as "frankly astounding". So any further enhancement is something we're really looking forward to testing.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): key features and pricing

The new buds are IPx4 rated, while battery life per bud is a claimed six hours – four with Immersive Audio switched on.

In a welcome change, the case is now chargeable via wireless charging as well as wired, so that's one less cable to carry. And there's also a new wax guard to minimise build-up that can degrade your audio.

I'm looking forward to hearing these: my daily earbuds are the original QuietComfort earbuds – the non-Ultra version – and I prefer their sound and ANC to my other in-ears, the AirPods Pro 2.

They're that good, and more recent models appear to be even better. The Ultras are considerably smaller too, addressing the one downside of my current buds.

The new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) will go on sale this summer in three colour options: Black, White Smoke and Deep Plum.

International pricing and availability hasn't been revealed just yet but the US price is $299, the same as the first generation.

The existing Ultra Earbuds sell for £299 / €349 / AU$299 elsewhere, and of course you might find their price drops soon with the 2nd Gen pair imminent.

Bose's new colour for its SoundLink speakers couldn't be more yellow if it were sitting on a banana, covered in custard and streaming Coldplay.

The new Citrus Yellow option is currently exclusive to one of two brand new SoundLink models: the Bose SoundLink Plus Portable. It's also available in Black and Blue Dusk, if the yellow's a little too bright for you.

There are two new speakers in the range. Bose will be hoping that the aforementioned Plus, and a second generation of the cute SoundLink Micro will shoot to the top of your best Bluetooth speakers wishlist.

Of course, looks aren't the most important thing with speakers. Both have impressive specs, although they're aimed at very different types of listener.

Bose SoundLink Plus and SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen): key features and pricing

They each sport Bluetooth Core 5.4 and Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive, Fast Pair and multipoint. They also support Bose SimpleSync and Spotify Tap.

The SoundLink Plus has one subwoofer, one tweeter and four passive radiators to deliver big low end thump, and it's both IP67 rated and designed to float in water.

Battery life is a promised 20 hours and you can also use its USB-C port to charge other devices.

International availability and pricing haven't been revealed as yet, but the US launch is 26 June, with pre-orders opening today (12 June) for the black and blue models. You can also order the citrus yellow one on 18 June. The US price is $299.

The SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) now has a nylon strap for attaching it to things, USB-C, 12-hour battery life, and Bose app compatibility for customising the EQ and the controls. Bose claims it sounds noticeably better too.

It'll launch later this summer with a US price of $129. The first generation is currently £99 in the UK, AU$129.95 in Australia and €107 in Europe.

If you like the sound of Bose's QuietComfort Earbuds 2 but are on a tighter budget, you should check out the new Skullcandy Method 360 ANC buds.

They're a collaboration between Skullcandy and Bose, combining the former's distinctive design with Bose's audio excellence.

The earbuds look rather like Bose's QuietComforts, but they come with a more funky design and a much lower price – they're £99 / $99/ AU$189.99 for an introductory period.

This could be a match made in headphone heaven, because while Skullcandy designs are usually fun, the sound tends to be good rather than great. In our review of the Skullcandy Dime budget earbuds, we said they just sounded "fine".

Bose's own alternatives are generally much better received and often feature among the best earbuds each year. That means these new collab in-ears could be the best-sounding to bear the Skullcandy skull.

Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds: key features

Rather than a flip-top, the charging case here is more of a cylinder and uses a sliding sleeve. That makes it a little bulky, but there's a karabiner so you can clip it to a backpack or bag. There are four striking colours and a leopard-print option, too.

The software here is Skullcandy's QCE app, which looks very like Bose's phone app – a good thing – and while there's no spatial audio (which makes the "360" product name seem an odd choice) you do get ANC with a transparency mode and four mics.

There's Bluetooth 5.3 with LE audio for compatible smartphones, and the buds have multipoint and Google Fast Pair. Battery life is nine hours plus 23 from the charging case with ANC on, and 11/29 with it off.

The key differences between these buds and Bose's QC range are in high-end features. Bose QC buyers get aptX adaptive and lossless CODECs, plus Immersive spatial audio and custom tuning.

However, early reviews suggest that when it comes to sound, the Method 360 buds sound like they come straight from the Bose factory.

The Method 360 ANC earbuds are available now from Skullcandy and the usual retailers.

Bose is one of the most well-known audio brands in the world, and there’s a good reason for that. Its devices deliver top-quality performance across the board, whether you’re listening to its best Bluetooth speakers, wireless speakers, true wireless earbuds or over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

SoundLink is Bose’s range of portable speakers, and within that, there are a few different devices: the tiny SoundLink Micro, the mid-sized SoundLink Flex, the super smart Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II, and the biggest of the bunch – on review here – is the SoundLink Max.

I’ve been using the biggest Bose portable for a few months as my go-to Bluetooth speaker, and I’ve made a lot of use of it. In that time, it’s been a party speaker, a park speaker, a bathroom speaker and a chilled-night-in speaker. And naturally, it’s better suited to some scenarios than others – as I'll get to in my below review.

Is the SoundLink Max worth it?

The Bose SoundLink Max is available to buy right now from several retailers including Bose and Amazon. It launched at £399 / $399 / AU$599.95, depending on your region.

You can regularly find discount deals though. For instance, at the time of writing, it has been discounted to £349 in the UK, $299 in the US and AU$475 in Australia – but check out the embedded shopping widget above for live and up-to-the-minute results.

Just how big is the Bose SoundLink Max?

Bose has developed quite a distinct design language for its SoundLink speakers – and the Max supersizes it.

A rectangular device covered with smooth silicone, it looks and feels premium. You can buy one in black or blue. As you can see from my review images, I tested out the blue version – and it fits nicely when placed on a shelf in my living room.

At 12 x 26.5 x 10.5cm and 2.13kg, the Bose SoundLink Max is a fairly hefty bit of kit, so you won’t be carrying it around all the time. But it does come with a handy rope strap across the top for when you do.

The steel body beneath the silicone is robust and will survive knocks and bumps, which is handy if you intend to put it in the back of the car to take on camping trips or days out. And IP67 water and dust resistance protects it from the elements. If the speaker does get water inside, it will let you know with a blinking amber and white light, so you can wait for it to drain out.

Across the top, there are a few buttons to control the music, including the standard volume controls which you can also use to skip backwards and forwards through tracks, and a play/pause button, as well as the Bluetooth button and the Shortcut button (which I had set to play music from Spotify).

The battery should last around 20 hours of playback, depending on your listening volume. To conserve power, it’ll shut down after 20 minutes of inactivity and you can check how long you have left by pressing-and-holding the power button.

A full charge takes about 5 hours through the USB-C port on the back, so I usually plugged it in overnight. You can also use that port to charge your other devices like your phone if you’re running out of juice. But it's a slow charger, which is one of my main criticisms.

Connecting to the speaker is most easily done wirelessly through its Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and it supports multipoint so you can share the DJ responsibilities by connecting to multiple phones, tablets or laptops at once. You also get the option to use a wired connection using the 3.5mm audio port on the back.

Unlike some other similar speakers, this one doesn’t have a built-in microphone, so you won’t be able to take calls using it, nor will you be able to talk to your phone’s voice assistant.

Does the SoundLink Max sound any good?

The name 'Max' feels very fitting for the performance of this speaker, as it’s powerful and loud – with a bass so booming that it will be sure to get any party started.

This is very much a party speaker though. I used it for a quiet dinner with friends and found the default bass settings overwhelming, but it worked a treat when I hosted a bustling barbecue in the garden.

Listening to high-energy tracks like Ezra Collective’s Streets is Calling, the SoundLink Max delivers its best work. The bouncing bassline is electrifying, yet every instrument pushes through engagingly. Similarly, Pencil Full of Lead by Paolo Nutini makes great use of this speaker’s rich performance, while allowing for crystal-clear vocals and plenty of room for the piano, brass section and drums to hold their own.

In the Bose smartphone app, there’s a three-band manual EQ and four preset sound modes including Bass Boost, Bass Reducer, Treble Boost and Treble Reducer. I made a lot of use of the Bass Reducer when it was just me listening, which did a good job of balancing out the sound a little – especially when it came to more laid-back tracks.

To create an even bigger sound, you can connect the Max to another compatible SoundLink speaker. Although that won’t be necessary most of the time – as it is plenty loud and bassy enough on its own.

The app doesn’t have tonnes of functionality other than that. You can use it to change what the Shortcut button does, you can set it to link two Bose speakers, switch the audio to your AUX-in device, or resume Spotify. You can see the speaker's battery percentage, change the volume, adjust the auto-power-off settings, manage the voice prompts and even change the name of the speaker if you want.

Bose SoundLink Max review: Verdict

If you’re looking for a powerful portable Bluetooth speaker for listening to music outside, the Bose SoundLink Max is ideal. This booming Bluetooth device will happily pump out tunes and be heard over dozens of voices. Even more so if you connect two of them together, but I can’t see many people needing that level of power.

The Max's design is slick and sturdy, the battery life is solid, and it’s great that you can connect your devices through a wired or wireless connection. It’s very useful to be able to charge your phone from it in desperate situations as well – I made use of that feature more times than I’d like to admit.

But it is lacking in a couple of small ways. There’s no microphone to make calls and it takes ages to charge. You shouldn’t buy it if you don’t intend to regularly host more than a couple of people either, because the sound performance isn’t particularly suited to chilled-out listening.

Also consider

Get the Sonos Move 2 if you want something a little more feature-packed. A T3 5-star rated speaker, it delivers excellent sound whether you use it in the house or outside. You can connect using either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and it’ll work alongside your other Sonos speakers too. Battery life is limited to around 11 hours, but that will still be more than enough for a day out.

A similarly-sized and similarly-priced speaker to the Soundlink Max is the JBL Xtreme 3. It’s super durable and comes with a long strap to carry it. Like the Bose, it’ll deliver punchy, loud audio that will carry well outside. It’s a great choice for parties and even has a bottle opener attached, although the battery life is limited to around 15 hours. It's far cheaper, though, which will be a big appeal.

Launched towards the end of 2024, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds offer a slightly more affordable option than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds – which are still some of the best noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones I’ve ever tried.

Because of that, I had high hopes for the 'QCE', as some people shorten the name to. If you want to know how they compare, then you're in the right place – as I’ve been using them over the last couple of months, everywhere from the London Underground to the gym. And to cut a long story short – there’s a lot to like!

Before I dive in, it’s worth pointing out that if you are getting a bit of déjà vu with these earbuds, there’s good reason: Bose discontinued the QuietComfort Earbuds II and started fresh, naming its 2024 model the QuietComfort Earbuds – as if they were the first. They might not be the first, but they certainly are among the best.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: price & availability

Launched in September 2024, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds initially cost £179 in the UK, $179 in the US, and AU$289 in Australia – but there have already been discounts significantly dropping the price. Check out the widget embedded above to see the current lowest price.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review: what’s new?

Compared to the Ultra, the regular QC Earbuds opt for a rounded design rather than a stem – and have a slightly chunkier case. However, you’ll still get the super secure stability bands around the outside and soft ear tips.

They have slightly better battery life, with 8.5 hours per charge and a total of 31.5 hours of listening time with the case. The Ultra can provide 6 hours of music per charge and 24 hours with the case, so the 'lesser' product is better in this regard.

Currently, the QuietComfort Earbuds 2024 don’t have spatial audio, and the ANC is less advanced than on the Ultra. But you will get a new selfie trigger in the touch controls – so you win some, you lose some.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review: design & features

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are rounded, don’t have a stem, and sit discreetly in your ear. They are available in black, white, or lilac (as per my review sample) and come housed in a matching charging case that opens like a jewellery box.

Made largely from plastic, the QuietComfort Earbuds feel sturdy, and they are IPX4 rated – so I wasn’t worried about listening to music on a wet afternoon or getting sweaty during a workout.

At 8.49g each, the earbuds are relatively big – but they felt nicely weighed down in my ear. They come with three sizes of silicone ear tips and stability bands to keep them in place. When I went for a run they felt secure and I wasn’t at all worried about one falling out.

The charging case is quite large in comparison to other true wireless earbuds, so it certainly didn’t easily slip into my jeans pocket. The lid also feels a little flimsy, something I noticed on the pricier Ultra Earbuds as well. But having said that, I’ve been using the Ultra model for a long time and the case remains in tact.

Bluetooth 5.3 delivers a solid, stable connection between the earbuds and your phone. The best part? These have multipoint connectivity so you can be hooked up to multiple devices at once – and easily switch between them. I would regularly be connected to my smartphone and my laptop at the same time, for example.

Touch controls on the outside of each earbud allow you to control the music without needing to unlock your phone too. One tap pauses or plays, two taps skips forward to the next track, three taps starts the song again, and a long press cycles through the ANC modes.

There’s also a nifty little feature unique to this 2024 model of the QuietComfort Earbyds, allowing you to take photos on your phone camera by tapping the touch controls. That means you can set up a group shot and get into place without setting a timer. It’s quite random but actually came in handy a few times.

Not keen on touch controls? No problem! You can use voice commands to change the music too. Just say “hey headphones, pause the music” or “hey headphones, turn the volume up” and these Bose 'buds will listen.

Interestingly, these earphones have their very own smartphone app – they don’t join up to the usual Bose one. The Bose QCE app is available for both Android and iOS and gives you all sorts of extra controls like the ability to change the touch gestures, adding features like fast mute, access to your voice assistant and remote selfies.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review: sound & performance

Sound quality is a huge draw to all Bose audio equipment, and these QuietComfort Earbuds certainly deliver in that sense. To sum up the audio in three words: it’s rich, balanced and detailed.

During testing, I listened to a range of different tracks and genres. Vocal-heavy songs like Listen by Beyoncé showcase how well-balanced these are, allowing for crystal clear distinction between every element of the song, be that the soft piano, dramatic drums or the increasing intensity of her voice.

On the flip side, more upbeat songs like SOS by Little Simz are delivered with an enthusiastic bass performance, without ignoring the more subtle instruments and distant vocals littered throughout the track.

Bose holds the crown as delivering some of the best ANC in the world in its Ultra Earbuds, so I was expecting to get the same from these 'buds. Truth be told, that’s not the case – but then that's why they're positioned at a lower price. It is noticeably less effective, but it’s still miles better than most competitors at this price point – so it's all about context.

With the earbuds in my ears, when music was playing I could barely hear anything happening around me. Even the extra loud parts of the London Underground were significantly dulled behind the music. In a loud cafe, I wasn’t distracted by conversations nearby, and while I was working I could barely hear my keyboard taps.

Unlike the Ultra, the more entry-level Earbuds don’t currently have immersive spatial audio, but Bose has promised this will arrive with a software update further down the line. So that's a future upgrade bonus.

If you’d like to customise the sound, the app has a selection of adjustable EQ settings. You can choose from several presets, such as Flat, Bass Boost and Treble Reducer, or tweak the audio manually across five bands to create a new, custom sound setting.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review: verdict

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have impressive sound and effective ANC. They are well worth considering, especially if the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are out of your price range – because despite the entry-level positioning of Bose's lower-spec earbuds, the performance is mind-blowing.

Audio is simply excellent no matter what you listen to, particularly when you make use of the preset sound modes in the app. I was also pleased with the performance of the ANC – even if it’s not quite on the same level as the Ultra – while plenty of handy extra features like multipoint connectivity and long battery life make these great in-ears at a great price.

Also consider

Apple users should consider the AirPods Pro 2 – they are direct competitors to the Bose, with a similar feature set and asking price. They have excellent ANC, impressive sound quality, a comfortable fit, and are ideal for fitting into Apple's ecosystem.

Another similarly priced pair of earbuds to consider (when they are on offer), is the Sony WF-1000XM4. Like the Bose, the Sony deliver a rounded design rather than a stem. They have solid ANC, people-pleasing sound, and handy features like Speak to Chat and Voice Control.

For me, there's nothing better than a pair of the best earbuds on the market. Whether you're an audiophile seeking to enjoy you favourite tunes, a podcast enthusiast looking for ultimate detail for your next murder mystery, or simply someone who takes a lot of work calls, a good pair can make a massive difference to your daily life.

It's a product category which often crops up among the best Black Friday deals, too, which makes this the best time to buy! Snagging them at a discount is handy – particularly when the really good stuff can set you back a few hundred pounds.

That's exactly what I've found on one of my favourite pairs from this year. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are absolutely killer – and they're over £100 cheaper right now!

That's a lot of earbuds for the cash. These Bose units sound absolutely killer, with a full and pronounced bass response, as well as gorgeous detail in the high end.

The active noise cancelling properties are equally impressive. They'll shut out everything around you, to shroud you in a warm cocoon of silence. It's simply brilliant, and really handy for those times when you need to focus.

In fact, my only real gripe with these earbuds is their appearance. I famously referred to them as looking like a "Stormtrooper's ear" in a TikTok video, but that's not much of a concern. It's actually only the inside of the bud which I find unsightly – and that's going to be sat in your ear! The bit which is visible in neat and sleek, meaning you'll look lovely and stylish while wearing them.

Ultimately, these are some of the best earbuds out there night now. At the retail price, you'd certainly pay for it, too – though at just £198, these are a much nicer pill to swallow.

I'm a big lover of the best earbuds on the market. For me, investing in a quality pair is one of the best things you can do, giving a boost for just about everyone.

If you want to snag a decent pair of earbuds, there's no better time to shop than right now. The best Black Friday deals are cropping up everywhere, and can save you money on top tech products.

That's exactly what I have here. Amazon has a pair of the best budget earbuds I've used on sale, meaning you can snag them for just $62.99!

That's a killer deal. I've been lucky enough to use a wide range of some of the best earbuds on the market, testing them with various different sound sources to ensure I've got a good grip on what they offer.

My daily drivers for most of this year have been the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Those are absolutely incredible, with top marks for both sound quality and active noise cancellation.

They were dethroned more recently by the JBL Tour Pro 3. Those are easy to pass over given the focus will undoubtedly be on the Smart Charging Case, but the performance there is second to none.

What blew me away more than anything, though is the Earfun Air Pro 4. I've been testing these more recently – so recent, in fact, that my review isn't even live yet – but have been blown away with just how good they sound. The app is slightly more gamified, but still yields some serious tone sculpting potential.

The ANC is also really strong. In fact, there really is no other pair of buds at this price point which come close.

I wouldn't quite go as far as saying they're as good, but they're really close. When you factor in the price difference, it's not hard to see why these are so beloved – particularly with deals like this!

There are a great number of Bluetooth speakers out there, with superb options from the likes of Sonos in the Roam 2 and Move 2, Bose in the SoundLink Max and SoundLink Flex, and Ultimate Ears in its Wonderboom and Everboom options. That's only a tiny selection of our favourites though – there are plenty of other excellent options on the market, too.

However, Bose has made one of its options even more compelling, replacing the SoundLink Flex with a 2nd generation model that brings a number of improvements.

The portable Bluetooth speaker not only adds a new Shortcut button, matching that of the SoundLink Max, but you can customise that button through the Bose app too, choosing to connect to your Spotify account for quick music playback, or access the voice assistant on your connected phone.

There's also Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) Bluetooth codec standard support and aptX, allowing for Snapdragon Sound on compatible Android devices.

The 2nd generation of SoundLink Flex has the same design as the original model, along with the same audio performance, neither of which will get any complaints from us, though you will get new colour options including Blue Dusk, Sandstone, Alpine Stage and Black.

Like its predecessor, the SoundLink Flex offers up to 12 hours of battery life. It is water and dust resistant and you can pair it with another compatible Bose speaker to activate Party Mode for in-sync audio, or Stereo Mode if pairing the same Bose speakers for left and right channels.

PositionIQ technology meanwhile, can automatically sense the SoundLink Flex's orientation, adjusting the sound output accordingly.

Through the Bose app, you can also adjust the SoundLink Flex's equaliser settings to make sure you are getting the sound output you want, or create a SimpleSync with another compatible Bose product.

It's worth mentioning that the SoundLink Max – which launched in May 2024 – also received a firmware update, bringing pairing to the larger portable speaker, as well as the ability to pair it with another SoundLink Max for playback in Stereo Mode or Party Mode.

The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd generation) costs the same as the original at £150 in the UK, $149.95 in the US and AU$249.95 in Australia. The SoundLink Max costs £399 / $399 / AU$599.

When it comes to the best headphones I've tried stacks of the top over-ear cans over the years. My current noise-cancelling favourites are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which are a no-brainer as the best travel headphones too.

As part of Bose's 60th anniversary celebrations, the audio-maker has just upgraded the cans with a special Diamond 60th Edition finish – which is available now for both the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and also the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. 

If you buy a pair then you'll be entered into a prize draw with a chance to win another very special-edition product: the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds – but in a one-off diamond-encrusted finish, which the brand says is worth "nearly $9,000". 

That's a £6,820 equivalent in Sterling – which might equate to the same price as my retina surgery if I continue to stare at the above picture for too much longer. It's quite a bling prize, right? You've only got until 18 September 2024 to be in with a chance though.

But back to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones in the Diamond 60th Edition finish. As you can see from the picture top of page, this pearlescent finish gives a subtle new elegance to the headphones. Other finishes comprise Black, White Smoke and Sandstone. 

Not only is there a look for everyone thanks to the new Diamond option, the sound quality is something I think everyone will love too. There's no change in that for the 60th anniversary edition, though, but with the best active noise-cancelling of portable over-ears that I can name, the Bose are true champs. 

Indeed, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones won a gong at the T3 Awards 2024 for Best Headphones. Going one further, the team awarded them the Product of the Year trophy too – as they're really that good. And now you can buy ones that shine like a diamond – although the £449.95/$429 is a little more than the now-discounted other finishes, as you can see below.

When it comes to the best headphones there are dozens upon dozens of brands fighting it out to be the best. But a major British brand has just thrown its hat into the ring: Dyson, best known for its vacuum products, has revealed its all-new OnTrac over-ear headphones. 

That may not come as a total surprise, given the launch of the Dyson Zone – an unusual air-purification-plus-headphones combination – but the OnTrac focus on sound quality, longevity and personalisation with a number of standout features. 

Key to the OnTrac's unique design proposition is the interchangeable earcups/earcaps (sold separately) so you can personalise the headphones to your tastes with different colours and finishes. Mix and match and there are literally thousands of possible combinations beyond the four in-box design mainstays. 

Looking to solve another major consumer pain point, the Dyson OnTrac also go big on battery: cells are incorporated into cushion-like sections in the headband, distributing the weight equally, while promising a massive 55-hours of battery life per charge. That's a long innings by any measure.

Read T3 Tech Editor's first impressions on Dyson's OnTrac headphones

That battery longevity per charge figure is quoted with the brand's active noise-cancellation (ANC) also switched on – which Dyson is claiming to be "best-in-class", given its eight microphone system and 384,000 times-per-second sample rate to cancel up to 40dB of unwanted noise – so you can rest assured that outside ambient noise isn't going to bother your listening experience. 

Audio is delivered to the ears using two 40mm neodymium drivers, able to deliver a wide-ranging 6Hz-20kHz frequency range – that's a massive focus on low-end bass capability there – from those large earcups. There's no spatial audio or 360-degree sound compatibility, though, which in today's market feels like an omission. 

In addition to Dyson's unique interchangeable design feature, the OnTrac feature a variety of controls: there's a physical joystick on one earcup, which is unlike anything the competition offers, while tap-based controls can also make quick adjustments. The MyDyson app, meanwhile, allows for real-time tracking for ANC adjustments, and offers a trio of custom EQ modes for your sound profile preference.

Available from 1 August 2024, the Dyson OnTrac will be priced at £449 in the UK ($499 in the US and AU$799 in Australia) – so going head-to-head with the likes of Apple's AirPod Max headphones in that regard. The earcup/earcap additions are priced at £49 each ($49/AU$79). 

Here at T3 we're a little bit obsessed about audio quality – our comprehensive guide to the best headphones will tell you that much – and so we know a good-sounding pair of cans when we hear it. That's exactly what the Bose QuietComfort headphones are – and they're now as cheap as they've ever been at Amazon.

View the Bose QuietComfort deal here

Of course we ran the necessary checks over at CamelCamelCamel, confirming that this is the cheapest these Bose headphones have ever been. Specifically, they've been knocked down by $100 – a cool 29% – so they'll now cost you a mere $249 rather than the $349 they were priced before.

If you think about all the key features you want from a pair of wireless headphones, the Bose QuietComfort features them. The features start with top-notch noise-cancellation technology (ANC), so you can shut out the outside world as and when you need to, and focus on your music (or movies, or podcasts, or audiobooks).

Then there's a choice of two listening modes, which let you switch between full ANC and full awareness of the environment around you. All-day battery life, meanwhile, means you can confidently leave the house in the morning without worrying about where you're going to find a charger in the day.

A word too on the comfort of these headphones – which is always something Bose has excelled at. They fit very snugly over your ears, combining plush, soft ear cushions with a comfortable padded band. You're not going to notice these feeling uncomfortable or awkward even after hours of listening.

If you need even more reasons to pick up the Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones, you can pick from four different colors: Black, Cypress Green, Moonstone Blue, or White. Pick the one that most closely matches your style and enjoy listening for less.

The first rumours of 'Sonos Headphones' began many years ago, so official news that the over-ear product is finally here – and set to go on sale from 2 June – almost feels like a relief. Especially as the leaks have been so abundant it's pretty much spoiled any surprise at all.

Originally thought to be called Sonos Headphones, the official product name is indeed Sonos Ace. These are the audio company's first-ever pair of headphones – which will be priced at £449/$449 in a clear face-off with the likes of Apple's AirPods Max and Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. 

Sonos' first foray into the best noise-cancelling headphones market hasn't been taken lightly by the brand, that's clear to see. The Sonos Ace deliver a design that's oh-so-very Sonos, most eloquent for the eyes, yet with a focus on comfort by using long-lasting, lightweight materials.

A stainless steel slide-adjustable headband hides its hinge within the earcup for a pristine finish that also serves a function: to avoid hair- or finger-snagging. A multi-function toggle-button on the right earcup (also steel) makes for easy physical controls, while a separate active-noise cancellation control button beneath cycles between ANC modes.

As you'd expect, Sonos Ace come in black or white finishes. But neither is an exact echo of other Sonos products: the 'Soft White' is much less shiny, featuring a laser-etched Sonos logo to the right earcup, which is debossed against the fingerprint-resistant paint finish. 'Black', which also features that laser-etched logo, is an even darker finish compared to Sonos' best wireless speakers – and less polished-looking than the white alternative.

So why would you want Sonos' headphones over any of the (many) other best headphones competitors? Well, this being Sonos, there's some app-based and cinema-focused magic to really appeal. Beyond being at-home or on-the-go headphones, Sonos Ace also features a spatial audio mode called TrueCinema, for private at-home experiences when watching the best TV shows.

At launch TrueCinema is a very interesting proposition that will only work with a Sonos Arc soundbar (and Apple iOS device) – however, Sonos will bring Beam and Ray compatibility in the future (and Android compatibility is coming too) – that will measure the room in which you're viewing to 'recreate' that in the headphones, without anyone else being able to listen in. Dolby Atmos spatial audio and head-tracking will deliver a true 7.1.4 surround experience within the headphones. 

TrueCinema is similar to Sonos TruePlay in the way it measures, but what's interesting is that the profile is saved on the Sonos Arc soundbar. That means should  you encounter another Arc system elsewhere with a TrueCinema profile setup specifically for that room, it'll automatically deliver that acoustically-optimised listening experience without needing to run the setup process again. 

This doesn't mean the Sonos Ace aren't capable of processing spatial audio within the headphones, though. If you receive a spatial audio source – TrueCinema works by Wi-Fi only (not lossless) – directly from, say, Spotify or Apple Music, then Dolby Atmos will do its magic and deliver a three-dimensional experience via Bluetooth connection too. 

That means the Sonos Ace are tied into Sonos' ecosystem for full feature availability, but beyond being 'just another pair of headphones' are therefore specifically designed for personalised home cinema experiences. They look fantastic, they sound fantastic, and with some future feature updates these headphones might replace your best soundbar for late-night listening experiences. All of which sounds, you guessed it, ace...

Even if you only take a quick glance at our list of the best headphones on the market right now, you can see the competition is fierce. It's a crowded field, which is why the Bose QuietComfort Ultra do so well to stand out – and especially at $379, the lowest-ever price they've been on sale at Amazon.

View the Bose QuietComfort Ultra deal here

It's a reduction of $50 off the previous price, which is a great deal for the best Bose headphones money can buy. It means you don't have to pay the top-end prices to get some top-end audio equipment wrapped around your ears, and the discount is available on all three color options: Black, Sandstone, and White Smoke.

Buy something with the Bose label attached, and you get a certain level of quality guaranteed. The company has been making audio equipment for 60 years now, and all of that tradition and heritage can be heard through a pair of headphones such as  the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. They're called 'Ultra' for a reason. 

These over-ears have the best active noise cancelling technology yet, meaning you can well and truly shut out the outside world. There's also an Immersive Audio mode that puts you and your ears right in the middle of whatever you happen to be listening to.

Battery life can go up to 24 hours, so you don't need to panic about always having a charging cable nearby. First and foremost though, it's the sheer brilliance of the audio that appeals here, and especially when you're getting the significant discount that we've already mentioned.

Perhaps you could put the money you save towards the cost of your monthly music streaming subscription – or maybe you want to treat yourself to some new LPs. Whatever the source of the audio you're listening to, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones should make sure it sounds as good as it possibly can do.

Bose has announced a beefy, rugged Bluetooth speaker that can bring the party anywhere you like.

The Bose SoundLink Max comes with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and Snapdragon Sound support, which means it has aptX Adaptive decoding on board and can therefore stream up to lossless audio.

It is built with a steel enclosure that's wrapped in powder-coated silicone, ensuring that it is both water and dust proof – ideal for the beach, for example. That's backed up by IP67 certification.

The outer material is also resistant to corrosion and UV light, so should discolour when left in sunlight for an extended period.

There's up to 20 hours of battery life too, so the fun can last almost an entire day between charges. A USB-C port is on board, so it can even charge your mobile device while to listen.

Google Fast Pair is enabled for a quicker first-time connection, should you be using an Android phone.

The SoundLink Max certainly lives up to its name, measuring 264.7 x 120.1 x 104.9mm and weighing 2.27kg. There's an integrated, removable rope handle for transportation – old school boom box style.

As well as Bluetooth, the speaker has an auxiliary input so you can connect other audio sources. A shortcut button is present that can be assigned for AUX switching or enabling Spotify Tap.

Playback is provided through three transducers ranged across the front of the speaker, which provide a boosted stereo experience. There are also two custom-designed passive radiators purely for bass. Bose claims it is similar to tech found in soundbars.

You can adjust the EQ through the dedicated Bose mobile app.

The Bose SoundLink Max will be available in black or blue from 4 June 2024 priced at £399 in the UK, $399 in the US. It will be available for pre-order from Bose's own webstore from 14 May.

There are several other speakers available in the SoundLink range already, including the Bose SoundLink Flex, if you're looking for something a little less heavy and loud.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra wireless headphones were only released at the end of last year and received a glowing five-star review right here on T3.

Now you can find out why for less, as they are available as part of the amazing Amazon Spring sale event both in the UK and US.

Normally priced at $429 in the States and £449.95 in the UK, they are now just $379 / £379 respectively. That's a great discount on headphones we described as delivering an "unrivalled experience" only a few short months ago.

Why choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones?

Bose's latest flagship wireless over-ears not only look the part, they sound great too. There's spatial audio support on board, along with Bose's proprietary CustomTune technology that adjusts the sound signature to suit your tastes.

They come with active noise cancelling to counteract ambient sounds, plus multiple modes that enable you to either listen without distraction, or be more aware of your surroundings too.

Bluetooth 5.3 is on board for stable wireless connection to your phone or tablet, and you can even sync the headphones to a Bose Smart Soundbar to expand the listening experience.

The company has been making headphones for eons, with ANC over-ears at the heart of its strategy. These are the pinnacle of that work, so to see them reduced so soon after launch is a treat.

Sonos has been working on headphones for a long time – that isn't something the company has openly confirmed, mind, but the amount of leaks and rumours about Sonos wireless headphones seemingly makes it all but guaranteed.

With such a long gestation period, it's pretty clear that the project has been a slow burner, which could bode well for the end result, but could also suggest that it's had some turbulent times. 

As a trusted audio brand, though, getting on the best headphones wagon makes perfect sense for Sonos. Here's what I'd want to see from the rumoured headphones to outsmart Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones alternatives. 

1. Meaningful integration with your speakers

The whole joy of Sonos is how easy it is to set up multiroom audio and control it –whether you're building a surround-sound system or just a comprehensive home audio suite.

Sonos headphones shouldn't just be a new, disconnected audio product. Rather, they have to be integrated into the lineup properly, whether that's with intelligent audio swapping and sharing, or being able to leave your house without your music ever dropping out. 

Much of this, and the next feature in my list, is likely to come down to how and whether Sonos manages to get Wi-Fi connectivity in its headphones, something that would make it stand out from the crowd. It would enable a whole heap of integration possibilities with higher-speed and more stable connections.

2. A cinematic option

I use a Sonos Beam with some Symfonisk speakers for my TV's audio – how about that for one of the best soundbar options, eh? – which works a treat. But sometimes you don't want to deafen the neighbours, and the bass-dimming 'night mode' is too big a compromise to a movie or show's atmosphere.

In these situations, being able to pick up a pair of Sonos headphones to easily transition to personal audio would be a dream – they should aim to be able to connect to my Beam and get me high-quality lag-free audio from my TV. 

This would also be another unique selling point to help them stand out from the crowd in a pretty busy market, and would also open them up a little to potentially attract gamers who don't want a microphone-focused headset. 

3. Proper ANC

Sonos is a premium brand, with only a few genuinely affordable speakers, which means we can expect these headphones to be pricey when they arrive. Any premium headphones now need the best active noise cancelling (ANC). From a performance point of view, though, this can often be surprisingly pedestrian even from reliable makers, though.

If Sonos wants to cement an immediate place in the high-end market, its ANC is going to have to compete with Sony and Bose to genuinely cocoon you as you travel or listen. It's a must-have, at this point, and I hope it can be significantly adjustable to suit all manner of use cases.

It would also be great if this could be fully adaptive – while I'm more the type to stick my ANC on maximum and leave it there happily, many people prefer to have it adapt to their surroundings to prioritise audio quality. Having that option is another thing that the Sonos team should be aiming to achieve.

4. Stretch the battery life

Again, Sonos has stood by over the last few years as the luxury headphone market has zoomed forward in terms of quality, and battery life has gone from mediocre to very solid in many cases.

With headphones from the likes of Sennheiser that offer dozens and dozens of hours of listening on a charge, if Sonos arrives with less than 20 or so hours, it'll constitute a disappointment. 

Given the smart features that its headphones might be trying to pack in, that could mean a real challenge, but it's a seriously essential part of the user experience that needs to be nailed. Maybe a new battery technology will be in tow, which could solve this...

5. A genuinely fantastic design

Now, this might seem obvious, but Sonos has a lot riding on these headphones, and it's going to want to stick the landing. While the sound quality is a huge proponent of purchase incentive, it's not to be overlooked that these headphones also need to look great.

Most people will see these rumoured headphones either on someone's head or in an advert before they ever hear them. They're going to have to look attractive and striking in equal measure – a step beyond the sea of black and white that's typical in the market (yes, Sony and Bose, you know the deal).

We're no longer in the era where headphones look completely whacky, and there are a lot of homogenous designs right now, but Apple showed with the AirPods Max that it's possible to make standout designs – so Sonos needs to be straining every sinew to match that level of work.

One of the main times I listen to music is on the bus to and from work. Over the engine and the noise of other passengers (hi 7:45 bus crew!) I can scarcely hear what I'm listening to. 

But a couple of weeks ago I switched to the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 and now every bus ride is a personal concert between me and whatever artist I'm listening to (yes, it's normally Taylor Swift). Oh and what do you know, they just so happen to have a big discount on Amazon right now. 

That's right, you can grab the BoseQuietComfort Earbuds 2 for just £195 on Amazon, a 30% saving from the regular £279 price and the second-best price ever for these buds. 

So how come I'm being treated to private shows on the bus each morning? Because the ANC of these earbuds is absolutely immense. When toggled on (by pressing and holding the top right bud), you'll hear pretty much nothing around you save for the music it's the same tech used in their bigger brother, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, which we rate as some of the best wireless earbuds around. 

If you're one to have their earbuds in all day, the QuietComfort 2 are, firstly, super comfortable in your ears and come with a choice of tips and, secondly, have a pretty competitive battery life. Each bud comes with six hours of charge and the case can hold a further 18 hours to keep you singing along. 

Soundwise the QuietComfort 2 are no slouch, but if you're looking for spatial audio and the absolute best audio performance we'd recommend something like the Sony WF-1000XM4 but they can't match the Bose buds for noise cancelling so it's down to personal preference. If you work in a quiet controlled environment, go for the Sony option, otherwise, I'd back Bose. 

Just before CES 2024 kicked off we got a look at leaked images of some new earbuds from Bose, a revival of its Open Ear lineup.

Well, that leak was wrong in terms of the timing, since Bose has waited until a little while after CES to actually unveil the earbuds in question.

However, the substance of the report looks to have been solid. The Ultra Open Earbuds have now been officially unveiled, as part of a partnership between Bose and the fashion brand Kith.

Weirdly, this means the true wireless earbuds will only be available directly from Kith itself on 22 January when they launch, and they don't actually have any Bose branding on them. Instead, the logo featured on the case and buds has been replaced with a stylised Kith one. 

That logo is a hybrid one of Kith's and Bose's, which both brands are making a big deal about – it's something that demonstrates their mutual respect, we guess. 

Also, while the original leak suggested that these earbuds would hang down off the ear like an earring, the official material demonstrates that the idea is in fact to have them almost clipped around the ear horizontally. 

Kith says it'll be like wearing a light ear cuff, and that Ultra Open Earbuds have a flexible grip that should be easy to slip on and off.

As the name makes fairly obvious, these are open earbuds that don't block your ear canal, so the idea is that you can still be fully aware of the world around you while wearing them. You shouldn'y expect noise cancelling or much passive isolation, therefore. 

Still, Bose has real pedigree where sound quality is concerned, so these should still deliver high-quality audio. 

The Ultra Open Earbuds will apparently give you up to 7.5-hours of listening on one charge, though, although this dips to 4.5-hours if you turn on their spatial music features. 

They'll also come with a pretty premium price tag, sitting at $300 with UK and EU pricing yet to be detailed – this should become clear pretty quickly given how soon their launch is, though. 

Bose might have just had one of its surprises at CES gazumped, as leaked images show off what appears to be a pretty interesting-looking revamp of its Open Ear earbuds. 

What had previously been aimed at sporty types may now have a more lifestyle-focused design, one that involves a really kooky new look that can be quite hard to visualise in the ear. 

Thankfully, the team at MySmartPrice doesn't just have renders, but also some lifestyle shots that show how the G-shaped earbuds will hook under the ear to rest in the outer ear, presumably quite comfortably. 

The new earbuds will seemingly be called the Open Ear Clips TWS, with that Clips part of the name seeming apt given the way they'll hang out of the ear almost like earrings. 

They'll provide solid sound, you'd assume, given Bose's pedigree, but won't block the ear canal at all, making them ideal for navigating through busy places without losing your sense of awareness. 

There's no denying that these are a really interesting-looking set of earbuds, but until Bose itself actually unveils them we're in the dark in more than a few key areas.

We don't have any indication of pricing at the moment, or indeed when they'll release, and it'll also be very interesting to learn more about their prospective sound quality and battery life, as well as what their case looks like since it's in none of the leaked images. 

We're assuming they won't be priced in the same bracket as noise-cancelling wonders like the recent QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which are stunning but also very much a premium option. 

Still, that lifestyle image doesn't suggest they'll be bargain-priced, either, so we'll have to wait for official word to learn more. For those who want classy earbuds that don't require a firm seal in their ear canal, they could be a really good option. 

The good news is that with CES now in full swing, it's likely to be a very short wait, since Bose will probably be taking the wraps off the Open Ear Clips before the show is over, so keep checking back to find out more. 

Bose has had a great 2023, scoring five-star reviews for its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Ultra Earbuds. Both are exceptional products and, even better news, they are both available in great Black Friday deals in the UK and US.

The Bose QC Ultra Headphones are among the very best ANC over-ears money can buy and are now under £400 / $400 for the first time. There's £50 / $50 off them from numerous retailers, including Argos in the UK and Amazon in the States.

The superb Bose QC Ultra Earbuds are available with £40 / $50 off. You can see all the offers below.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra UK Black Friday deals

Bose QuietComfort Ultra US Black Friday deals

Why choose the Bose QC Ultra headphones?

Bose has really taken its premium headphones and earbuds to the next level when it comes to the Ultra range.

Both the Bose QC Ultra Headphones and Earbuds have earned their T3 five-star ratings, thanks to next-level active noise cancellation – quiet possibly the best we've ever tried. The ANC really does block out all ambient sound, leaving you with a sublime listening experience.

There are few premium headphones or buds that can match their overall performance, and so both represent amazing bargains at these Black Friday prices.

There’s a reason why Bose is considered by many as one of the best audio companies in the world and maker of many of the best headphones and best earphones. Not only does it manage to cobble well-made and stylish-looking audio gadgets, but it’s constantly innovating to deliver features not yet seen in rival products.

That’s certainly the case for the brand’s new flagship over-ears, the QuietComfort  Ultra Headphones (which many will abbreviate to 'QC Ultra', no doubt), which were unveiled at a flash event in New York on Thursday 14 September 2023. Replacing the four-year-old Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, they boast a fresh design alongside a host of innovative audio technologies.

But how do the new QC Ultra Headphones compare to their 700 predecessor? Can you justify paying extra for these new cans, and are they a worthy upgrade if you’ve already got a pair of the much older 700?

What’s new?

Besides a slightly different, perhaps more cumbersome design, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones bring users a completely new audio experience through a technology called Bose Immersive Audio. But more on this later.

Bose has also loaded the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with a fresh beamform array (antenna) that the firm says enhances voice pickup, ensuring crystal-clear calls in any environment.

Price & Availability

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 officially hit the shelves in June 2019 retailing at £349/$379/AU$599, which was about on par with most other noise-cancelling headphones of the type in this market at the time.

However, those older cans can now be picked up on sale for a bargain price of £199/$329/AU$499 - a lot less than the ‘phones original recommended retail price.

While the new model isn't available at the time of writing, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones will cost £449/$429 when they hit the shelves in early October.

So, if you want to buy the best headphones that Bose has to offer, you’re going to have to fork out an extra £250/$130 on the Ultra compared to their predecessor.

On the other hand, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are over four years old now, so bear in mind that you will be missing out on quite a lot of fresh tech if you opt for the older model instead of the brand-new Ultras.

Design

The QC Ultra Headphones sport the same top-quality build and minimalist design as their predecessor but they are slightly more clunky-looking, with thicker bands connecting the left and right earcups.

While not as slim as previous models, the QC Ultra Headphones still maintain an overall sleek design and are able to fold flat into a carry case, which is included. 

Controls on the earcups have been designed to make operating the headphones as easy as possible. You’ll find physical controls for power, volume, mode toggling, and playback control.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700’s controls are of the touch-control variety. Controls include double-tap for play/pause, swipe for volume adjustment and track navigation, and tap and hold for battery status (although these can be customised in the Bose app). There are also three low-profile buttons: on/off/Bluetooth and smart assistant controls on the right, and noise cancellation presets on the left.

Both pairs of headphones also feature LED indicators, a 2.5mm jack for wired connection, and USB-C charging.

Audio features

As mentioned earlier, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deliver a completely new audio experience through its Bose Immersive Audio tech.

This standout innovation is all about creating a more expansive, multi-dimensional soundstage for more realistic and thus immersive listening. Utilising custom signal processing, the audio feature can be switched off to preserve battery - but when it’s on it will work to position sound 'in front of you' for an authentic audio experience, which will work especially well when watching movies and other video content.

Bose Immersive Audio offers two modes: 'Still' for fixed sound and 'Motion' for on-the-go. This technology collaborates with Bose’s CustomTune tech, optimising sound and noise-cancellation to individual ears.

The tech also works in conjunction with Bose’s CustomTune - a tech the brand launched last year in its QuietComfort Earbuds 2 that fine-tune both sound and noise-cancellation to the shape of every individual ear.

The two technologies work together to deliver enveloping noise-cancelling sound that’s fully optimised for your ears.

As for the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, you’ll not find Bose’s Immersive Audio but they do sport a pretty wide soundstage, which is particularly noticeable during movie and show playback, offering excellent sound imaging.

The older cans also feature controllable ANC with 11 settings, including conversation mode, effectively blocking outside noise.

Battery life

When it comes to battery life, the QC Ultra Headphones promise up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge (while Bose Immersive Audio is turned off), and up to 18 hours (when it’s turned on).

The Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 offer a little less, providing 20 hours of juice after a full charge, as per our review.

However, we’ve not had the chance to test the Ultra Headphones’ battery performance yet. It might be that we find they don’t live up to Bose’s promises when conducting a full review.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for either of Bose’s flagship over-ear headphones, there are a fair few things to consider.Do you opt for a much cheaper yet significantly older device over a much more innovative and feature-rich offering for almost double the price?

In my opinion, it depends entirely on how much you value your audio experience. If you’re looking for a decent pair of noise-cancelling cans but not too fussed about fancy spatial audio experiences then, of course, go for the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. But if you’re desperate to have the latest and greatest in personal audio tech and don’t care how much it costs to get it, then you know what to do…

When Bose took the wraps off its second-gen wireless in-ear headphones - the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 - in September 2022, quickly rising to the top of the best true wireless earbuds option, the company said the release was by no means an iteration of the previous model. 

Speaking to me at the launch event in New York, one of the company’s distinguished engineers explained how the QC Earbuds 2 were “a whole new generation” of earphones thanks to some new innovations in active noise-cancelling (ANC) technology.

Fast-forward one year and I find myself at 2023’s equivalent launch event in the same city, where Bose has, yet again, unveiled its latest flagship in-ears: the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. This time, Bose claims its 'buds will deliver “the most realistic sound ever” thanks to some cutting-edge spatial audio tech.

What’s surprising here is that Bose doesn’t usually roll out an update to a flagship product line so quickly. The original QuietComfort Earbuds, for example, were released two years prior to their successor, in October 2020. They were also a little cheaper.

So the big question now is: are the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds just a refinement of existing tech? And do they bring enough to the table to warrant the price bump? I’ve pitted the brand new QC Ultra Earbuds against their predecessor to compare their features and find out. 

What’s new?

While the QC Ultra Earbuds don’t look all too different from the QC Earbuds 2 in terms of shape and size, they do now sport a metallic finish, which gives them a slightly more premium look.

However, it’s on the inside where you’ll find most of the differences. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have been upgraded and instilled with Bose’s all-new Immersive Audio tech (just like the also new over-ears, the Ultra Headphones), which the company says will bring a new dimension to users’ listening experiences. This is something I’ll discuss in more detail in the audio section. 

Another big update comes in the form of improved far-end call quality thanks to some major updates to the built-in microphones. Here, dynamic microphone mixing and adaptive filters work together in real-time to prioritise which microphone on each 'bud is experiencing the least interference. They’ll select from a variety of noise filters to ensure your voice sounds clearer to those you’re calling.

Last but not least, the new earbuds’ stability bands have been given a slight update to ensure there’s no chance of them slipping off.

Price & Availability

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 were launched in late September 2023 with an recommended retail price £279/$299/AU$429 and are still available for that price on the brand’s official website.

While they’re not available yet, the all-new QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds will cost £/$299 when they hit the shelves in early October. 

That means if you want the best ANC in-ear headphones Bose has on offer, you’re only going to have to spend an extra £20 in the UK and nothing extra in the US when buying the older pair.

Design

Design is one aspect of the Bose Earbuds that hasn’t changed so much. Both the QC Earbuds 2 and their QC Ultra Earbuds successor boast the same size and shape (despite the image top of page looking a little contrary to that - it's all about the angle!). 

The only difference is the finish, with the newer earbuds now sporting a more fancy metallic finish, giving off more stylish vibes. 

Both 'buds also feature the same responsive touch controls and ingress protection (IP) rating of IPX4 - resistant to water only at a splash level.

Elsewhere, the earbuds’ stability bands have been overhauled and now feature an improved interlocking fit on the newer 'buds. This, Bose says, prevents them from slipping off, which we found could happen on the QC Earbuds 2 from time to time, especially if they were left to rattle around in a pocket, for example.

Nonetheless, I’m a fan of this new earphone design, which has proven to be super comfortable during use, even for longer periods.

Audio features

Both the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and their predecessor offer the same level of noise cancellation (ANC) `and Bose’s CustomTune sound calibration tech, which intelligently personalises audio and ANC performance to the unique shape of your ear.

However, this time around Bose has added a cutting-edge audio innovation in the form of Bose Immersive Audio for the QC Ultra. This, the company says, creates an expansive, multi-dimensional soundstage, making audio content feel like it’s “come alive”. It does this by making use of custom digital signal processing software to spatialise what you’re hearing by virtually placing it 'in front of you'. On the connected Bose app, you’ll be able to choose between two Immerse Audio modes: ‘Still’ for a fixed sound when you're stationary and ‘Motion’ ‘for sounds that move with you when you’re on the go.

Bose Immersive Audio is a major feature that's lacking in the QC Earbuds 2. So, if the difference in price between the two models is relatively modest, then it's probably worth opting for the newer Ultra Earbuds.

Battery life

When it comes to battery life, the QC Earbuds 2 last up to six hours, with three additional charges provided by the case. So 18 hours in total.

You can expect the same from Bose’s latest Ultra Earbuds, which offers up to six hours of juice on a single charge. Although this reduces to four hours when Bose Immersive Audio is turned on, so it's between 12-to-18-hours when including the case's battery. 

Both earphone models are charged via USB-C in their cases.

One thing the QC Earbuds 2 lack is wireless charging capabilities. However, Bose has introduced an optional silicone case cover with its latest launch, which is compatible with both the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and their predecessor. Priced at an additional £/$50, this cover easily attaches to the existing charging case, enabling wireless charging without it being a standard feature.

Conclusion

The main difference between the one-year-old QuietComfort Earbuds 2 and the brand new QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is the addition of a slightly more flash metallic finish and the integration of Bose’s fresh Immersive Audio technology, which will bring you closer to the action of whatever you’re watching or listening to. 

While the update might not look massive, the sound improvement alone, I think, warrants the small difference in price (in the UK, anyway). However, if you’re already the proud owner of a pair of QC Earbuds 2, and they’re working perfectly fine, then it’s probably not worth forking out for a brand new pair of Ultra 'buds unless you’re made of money, or super realistic sound is just incredibly important to you.

No resting on its laurels for Bose, no matter how comfy they may be - today the brand has announced three new models in its acclaimed QuietComfort range. Surely contenders for the best headphones and the best earphones of 2023 already?

Replacing three extremely well-regarded products, the new QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and QuietComfort Headphones all build on long-established Bose expertise where active noise-cancellation (ANC) is concerned, and some of them throw in an intriguing new technology or two for good measure.

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones replace the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 as the flagship Bose over-ear headphones. Completely re-engineered in comparison to the model they replace, QuietComfort Ultra Headphones feature an advanced microphone array designed to further improve ANC and, thanks to a beamform arrangement that can differentiate your voice from 360 degrees of external sound, aim to deliver crystal-clear call quality and reliable interaction with voice assistants. Bose is claiming battery life of up to 24 hours from a single charge, and suggests the line-up of physical controls is the most reliable and intuitive it’s ever fitted to a pair of over-ear headphones.

The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, meanwhile, are the replacement for the widely admired (and award-winning) QuietComfort Earbuds II (it really didn't take long for those to get replaced!). Bose claims these new earbuds improve on ANC that was generally reckoned to be the best around, offer improved far-end call quality thanks to dynamic mic mixing and adaptive filters, and look a more premium proposition thanks to a new metallic treatment on the body of the earbuds. Battery life is up to six hours from a single charge - and there’s the option of a silicone charging case cover that facilitates wireless charging and is also compatible with the outgoing QuietComfort Earbuds II.

Both the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds use Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity, and support the aptX Adaptive codec. They both feature the Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite, meaning seamless and robust connectivity with some premium Android devices, such as the best Android phones. They also feature Google Fast Pair for superior ease-of-use when pairing with such Android machines. 

In addition, each uses the company’s brand-new Immersive Audio technology. On the face of it, this is a variation on the ‘spatial audio’ theme - Bose is claiming to be able to make any content ‘multi-dimensional’ and ‘layered’, regardless of its source or native configuration. Each model has an onboard inertial measurement unit (IMU) and some proprietary Bose digital signal processing software, and the intention is that the true depth of a recording is revealed by virtualising it to sound as if it’s in front of, rather than either side of, your ears. Two modes (‘still’ and ‘motion’) allow the sound to either remain in its fixed position or to respond to your movements to ensure it’s always out in front. 

The third product is the new QuietComfort Headphones, which are the replacement for the outgoing QuietComfort 45 Headphones. In addition to the older model’s exemplary ANC and competitive sound quality, the QuietComfort Headphones feature adjustable ANC levels with ‘custom’ options. Wireless connectivity is of the multipoint variety and is via Bluetooth 5.1, and battery life is claimed to be 24 hours from a single charge.

All three of these products are compatible with Bose SimpleSync technology, which means they can pair with certain soundbars and speakers for a ‘personal’ listening experience. Obviously volume control is independent, so the speaker can be muted while the headphones do their thing. In addition, each can be used with the Bose Music control app.

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are on sale from early October, although pre-orders begin today at bose.com - they’re available in ‘black’ or ‘white smoke’ finishes and cost $449/$429 and £349/$299 respectively. The QuietComfort Headphones are on sale now at £349/$TBC, and in addition to ‘white smoke’ and ‘black’ are available in a limited edition ‘cypress green’. Very fancy.

Soundcore Space One review in a nutshell: fantastic value-for-money headphones with adaptive noise cancellation, personalised sound, comfortable ear cups and folding design.

Soundcore by Anker is a popular brand, thanks to their ability to design audio products – primarily headphones, earphones, and portable speakers – that sound good but don't cost the earth. Their latest product, the Soundcore Space One, fits perfectly into this mould and offers a bunch of excellent features for not a lot of money.

The new cans aren't the best noise-cancelling headphones, but they are an amazing value-for-money alternative for similar audio products from big-ticket brands such as Sony, Bose and Beats. Sure, some corners have been cut, but you still get a lot of headphones for your hard-earned cash. Should you buy one? Let's find out.

Soundcore Space One review: price and availability

The Soundcore Space One headphones were released in August 2023 and are available to buy now at Soundcore UK and Soundcore US for a recommended retail price of £89.99/ $99.99, which is an excellent price—AU price and availability TBC. The cans are available in three colours: Jet Black, Latte Cream, and Sky Blue. I tested the Latte Cream colourway.

Soundcore Space One review: specifications

• Driver size: 40mm dynamic speaker
• Maximum Volume: 93dB
• Sensitivity/SPL: 115dB @1KHz 1mW
• Speaker Impedance: 16Ω
• Harmonic Distortion: Input 0.126V, 50Hz-8KHz ≦3%
• Frequency: 20-20KHz
• Signal to Noise Ratio (dB): 70dB, f=1kHz, Pin=1Pa (A-Weighted)
• Sensitivity: -35dB, f=1KHz, Pin=1Pa, 0dB=1V/Pa
• Codecs: AAC, SBC, LDAC
• Microphone: 3-MIC, AI-powered
• Ingress protection: N/A
• Active noise cancellation: Adaptive Noise Cancelling (depth of noise cancelling: 40dB)
• Transparency mode: yes
• Battery life: 40 hours (ANC on), 55 hours (ANC off)
• Weight: 265g
• Connection: Bluetooth 5.3
• Other features: 

Soundcore Space One review: design and build quality

The Soundcore Space One look handsome in the images, and I liked the new colourways, which reminded me of the Beats Studio Pro with its earthy tones. Not like Soundcore's cans are earthy; they are trying to look different, not just a cheaper, dumbed-down version of popular brands' products, an approach many affordable headphone manufacturers adopted over the years.

The Space One look good but feel slightly less premium in the hand. The headband and the earcups are made of a combination of PU leather and cushioning, which are soft and comfortable but not quite as sleek as – you know – premium over-ear cans. For the price, though, they are perfect and come across as decent-quality headphones.

On an anecdotal level, one of my colleagues mistook the Soundcore Space One for the Beats Studio Pro, partially because Soundcore's logo looks similar to Beats (from a distance), and the material of the headphones looks sophisticated. Long story short, the Soundcore Space One look the part.

They don't just look cool but also fit well, thanks to the large ear cups and the 8° Floating-Axis Design. This allows the cups to move independently and to a very high degree, ensuring they don't press on any parts of your ears/skull the wrong way. The soft PU leather cover of the headband and the cups is rather comfortable, too.

My only concern is the longevity of the headphones, which I can't comment on after just a couple of weeks of use. So far, the plastic joints that facilitate the folding mechanism of the Soundcore Space One are fine, but I wonder how many folds you'll get out of them before they snap.

The all-plastic construction might not lend an air of indestructibility to the Soundcore Space One, but it sure helps them feel light. At only 265 grams, the Space One headphones are what I'd call market average in terms of weight. They are lighter than the bass-heavy Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 (332 grams) and the top-rated Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless (293 grams).

One cool feature (at this price point) is wear detection, which, strangely, isn't activated automatically. To activate it, you have to pair your Space One with the Soundcore app, go into the settings, and set up the feature. I found the process slightly strange, as I assumed wear detection was good to go straight out of the box. That said, it's not hard to set up the function once you find the option in the app. I just wish it was highlighted a bit better.

Soundcore Space One review: audio performance

Soundcore puts the most emphasis on the active noise cancellation prowess of the Space One, claiming that the cans offer twice as substantial noise reduction as the Soundcore Life Q30 headphones. Said ANC is also adaptive, meaning it automatically adjusts based on the environmental sound levels around you.

ANC is robust enough, although it's far from the best on the market. The best noise-cancelling audio product title goes to the Apple AirPods Pro 2, closely followed by the Beats Studio Buds Plus. Of course, those are much smaller than the Soundcore Space One headphones and have the advantage of sitting in your ear canal, which improves passive noise cancellation.

But back to the Space One. Active noise cancellation does an admirable job of reducing noise levels. However, in my experience, it struggles with blocking out some sounds in the lower register. Instead, it makes them sound muffled and distant but still audible. Increasing the volume helps to drown out these sounds, but you won't be able to completely cancel them out.

On a more positive note, the Soundcore Space One headphones have one of my favourite features, HearID,  which tailors the sound to your hearing. This is especially useful for older users who might not pick up sounds in the higher register as well anymore. I activated this as soon as I started using the cans, and they sounded pretty good as a result.

Of course, activating HearID can significantly alter the sound profile, but I doubt audiophiles would opt for the Space One anyway. For everyday use, they sound more than good enough, albeit a bit bass-heavy, which is not all that surprising from a Soundcore product (they often are). And although there is no Dolby Audio or spatial sound, the sound emanating from the cans is full-bodied and well-balanced.

The headphones have a transparency mode and a feature called Easy Chat, which resembles Apple AirPod Pro 2's upcoming Adaptive Audio. You can activate Easy Chat by covering the left face plate or starting to speak (the latter is in beta mode). Easy Chat automatically reduces the volume and increases mic sensitivity, so you can chat with people without stopping the music.

Admittedly, covering the left face plate while talking to people is clunky, but once the algorithm is trained to perform the task automatically, this will be a killer feature for sub-$100 headphones.

Soundcore Space One review: verdict

It feels extremely nitpicky to criticise the Soundcore Space One. They aren't the most premium headphones, nor are they excellent audiophile audio equipment, but at this price point, these sleek cans are an absolute steal. For $100/£90, you get decent, bass-rich sound, comfortable folding design, adaptive ANC and transparency modes, as well as a suite of additional features, such as HearID.

I can't stress enough how good value-for-money the Soundcore Space One are. You won't get anything nearly as capable as these cans for this price that aren't just cheap knock-offs of big brands. If you're on a budget and don't want to compromise too much on sound or comfort, you should seriously consider the Soundcore Space One.

Soundcore Space One review: also consider

It's hard to recommend any other headphones in this price bracket. If you can't quite spend as much as the Soundcore Space One, you can consider the JBL Tune 660NC. Strong, rich audio with a heavy focus on the low-end is what you get from these headphones. They aren't as bassy as the Space One, but their punchy sound performance paired with a simple, smart design, excellent noise cancelling capabilities and hours upon hours of battery life make these some of the best budget headphones you can buy. Read Yasmine's full JBL Tune 660NC review.

Bose isn't doing a brilliant job of keeping its next flagship headphones a secret: shortly after images leaked via MySmartPrice, a whole bunch of details have now leaked to The Verge – and they confirm that the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are going to be a serious rival to the Apple AirPods Max. 

The big reveal this time around is that there's a new feature that Bose calls Immersive Audio, which sounds very much like Spatial Audio: It will "enhance and add depth to your content" and comes in two versions, one for when you're sitting still and one for when you're moving around. This mode will be in addition to Bose's existing Quiet and Aware modes, which are its noise cancellation and transparency modes. 

What do we know about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones?

The latest report says they're Snapdragon Sound Certified, which means higher quality Bluetooth streaming from compatible Android phones. It should mean lower latency in gaming too.

The QuietComfort Ultra appear to be positioned as the replacement for the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which currently have a recommended retail of £279. They're a truly exceptional pair of headphones, as our five-star Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 review explains: they deliver "well-balanced sound, terrific sound imaging, and effective noise cancellation", leading us to recommend them not just once but "a thousand times".

If you've been thinking about Apple's AirPods Max or similarly expensive headphones, I think it'd be worth waiting until these arrive: I'm a big fan of Bose, so for example while I own a set of AirPods Pro 2 I don't take them out and about: for listening on the go, the Bose QuietComfort II earbuds sound far superior. With Apple showing no signs of replacing or cutting the price of AirPods Max, the new Bose will almost certainly join Sony's superb WH-1000XM5 headphones at the top of the best wireless headphones chart, and while both are comparatively pricey they're not Apple pricey. These could well be the AirPods Max alternatives you've been waiting for.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 review: Apple's premium in-ear wireless earbuds improved all across the board, thanks to the new Apple H2 chip, without any increase in price. That's a big win in my books.

The best noise-cancelling headphones market is pretty busy. You have brands such as Sony, Bose, Beats and more producing brilliant and compact listening devices for not a lot of money, helping keep innovation alive and prices down, which, let's admit, isn't the worst place to be for us, customers. A saturated, innovative headphones scene means we always get the most bang for our buck.

Apple always managed to make a big noise with their latest AirPods releases, even in this busy environment. We awarded the original Apple AirPods Pro five stars in our review, and it still sits near the top of T3's best noise-cancelling earbuds years after its release. Now on their second iteration, Apple's top dog buds offer even more value for your hard-earned money in the best possible sense.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 learned from the mistakes of their predecessor, and thankfully, Apple also had a good hard look at the competition to bring these premium tiny headphones up to speed. All that tinkering did make a difference, and although I can't give them more than five stars, let me just say that the AirPods Pro 2 are far more capable than their predecessor, both in terms is sound quality and active noise cancellation, among other things.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

Apple AirPods Pro 2 review: price and availability

Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro were announced in September 2022 and are available to buy now at Apple for a recommended retail price of $249/ £249/ AU$ 399. You might have noticed that the price stayed the same, despite the many improvements made to the buds. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 come in one colour only, but you can personalise the charging case for free when you buy them via Apple.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 review: specifications

• Type: in-ear true wireless earbuds
• Active noise cancellation: yes, fully-adaptive
• Transparency mode: yes, adaptive
• Processor: Apple H2 chip
• Spatial Audio: yes, personalised with head tracking
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
• Water rating: sweat and water-resistant (IPX4) buds and charging case
• Weight: 0.19 ounces (5.4 grams)
• Battery life: up to 6 hours with ANC on (AirPods Pro 2 only), up to 30 hours with ANC on (AirPods Pro 2 and MagSafe charging case)
• Fast charging: yes, 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time

Apple AirPods Pro 2 review: design and build quality

Put them side-by-side, and you’ll find it hard to distinguish the second-generation AirPods Pro 2 from the first one – they look and weigh almost exactly the same. Once you observe the buds more closely, you’ll discover the differences: the vents are placed in different areas, and the AirPods Pro 2 also have updated touch controls, which allow you to control the volume of the buds via swipes on the arm of the headphones. It’s pretty intuitive, and once you get used to it, adjusting the volume on the AirPods Pro 2 will become second nature.

Another massive upgrade is the introduction of the Apple H2 platform. The chip doubled the transistors over H1 to over 1 billion and has supreme computational prowess, evident when looking at audio quality and especially active noise cancellation. The Apple H2 chip also allows for better transparency, which is now adaptive and can feed in sounds more efficiently.

It’s worth mentioning the all-new MagSafe Charging Case, which has a built-in speaker to let you find them quicker and is now IPX4-rated, like the Apple AirPods Pro 2. It has Precision Finding with U1 technology, making locating the buds wherever they are easier. And although the buds and case only come in one colour, you can customise the case via Apple’s free engraving service, which might make it unappealing for thieves. After all, who wants to steal a case that says ‘MATT’S EFFING PODDIES’?

The headphones are somewhat environmentally friendly, featuring 100 per cent recycled rare earth elements, while the case uses 100 per cent recycled tin in the solder of the main logic board and recycled aluminium in the hinge. AirPods Pro 2 are also free of potentially harmful substances such as mercury, BFRs, PVC, and beryllium. Sadly, there is no mention of where the plastic comes from.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 review: Adaptive Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes

The second generation AirPods Pro 2 made considerable gains in the ANC department, thanks to the Apple H2 chip. More computing power means ANC on the AirPods Pro 2 delivers up to double the noise cancelled over the previous generation. Apple claims ANC was also tuned explicitly for common daily scenarios like a busy office or cafe when you need to focus with a lot of people around or when travelling on the bus, train, or aeroplane where you want to reduce all that unwanted background noise.

Now, I was pretty pleased with the ANC prowess of the Beats Studio Buds Plus, but the AirPods Pro 2 blow those out of the water in terms of ambient sound isolation. I appreciate that Beats’ buds are much smaller, but that’s almost beside the point. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 seals you from your environment, no matter how noisy. I’m writing this on the way to London on the train in a coach full of people, and all I can hear is the faint hum of the train chugging along – that’s it. You have to experience it to believe it.

Transparency mode is also much better on the Apple AirPods Pro 2. Apple says on-device processing cycles 48,000 times per second to adjust down harsh environmental noises like sirens dynamically. Better still, when you use AirPods Pro 2 with Apple Watch, you can view the level of noise reduction in real time! Go to the Noise app on your Apple Watch, and tap on the little white icon in the corner to see the environmental sound level difference.

You’ll notice the difference between the two is only 15-20 dB, which goes to show that the algorithm is filtering out the right noises instead of using brute force to block out ambient sounds, which is what most earbuds do. The results are phenomenal.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 review: audio performance

The Apple H2 chip made a huge difference not just in terms of ANC and Transparency mode performance but also in audio quality. Apple says the AirPods Pro 2 produce richer sound with more clarity and consistency across volumes and a wider range of frequencies, benefiting genres like pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic dance music. Indeed, based on my experience, the buds are leaps and bounds better than the original AirPods Pros and have a crisp, lively sound across the whole sound stage. Listen to Yosi Horikawa’s Bubbles and experience it yourself.

Distortion is kept to the minimum, even at louder sound levels, unless, obviously, it was intentionally put in there (duh). There is a nice separation on bass, mid and treble, each sounding distinctively clean and well-rounded. The bass isn’t overly heavy but is noticeable, and higher notes are also coming through the buds with superb clarity. I was impressed by the lack of ANC artefacts in the sound – it’s not like I was expecting it to sound terrible, but considering how effective ANC is, I thought I might be able to hear the overlay at lower volumes. I couldn’t detect anything.

There is also Personalised Spatial Audio, which for the first time, precisely tunes the surround sound experience to your ears, delivering the most immersive listening experience in the industry, according to Apple. With iOS 16 and the TrueDepth camera on iPhone, you can quickly create a personal profile that will work across your Apple ecosystem. Better still, this feature works with other headphones, including the AirPods (3rd generation), first-generation AirPods Pro and Apple AirPods Max. It also works with the brand-spanking new Beats Studio Pro headphones.

On iPhones, Spatial Audio is further enhanced by dynamic head tracking, making video content all the more immersive. Head tracking works exceptionally well, which shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering AirPods Pro 2 is tailor-made to work seamlessly with all Apple products and uses the Apple H2 chip (I might have mentioned the latter already). Watching Netflix – sorry, Apple TV – on the train has never been more fun than now.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 review: verdict

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are truly scrumptious audio tech that should be right at the top of the shopping list of any music or movie fans who use iPhones (or Apple products, in general). These lightweight earbuds improved across the board, offering a more balanced sound, far better active noise cancellation and transparency modes, and longer battery life than their predecessor.

Apple's H2 chip did wonders for audio performance. Not to mention, it is currently exclusive to the AirPods Pro 2, which I can only assume will change soon based on how well it performs. Imagine an AirPods Max 2 with the Apple H2 chip! They would (will?) be quite something.

Best of all, you can buy the Apple AirPods Pro 2 for much cheaper these days, which is fantastic and should make you consider investing in them. As mentioned above, the second-generation AirPods Pro 2 is exactly the same price as their predecessor, so even at full price, you get more bang for your buck, let alone when they're on offer! Highly recommended.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 review: also consider

I mentioned a few alternatives above and would like to point out that Beats headphones offer native features on both Apple and Android devices, making them an ideal choice for people who occasionally use both.

Currently ranked as the number one noise-cancelling earbuds by T3, the Sony WF-1000XM4 are profoundly impressive and arguably one of the best true wireless earbuds you can buy. Some rivals may outperform them in certain areas, but the all-around package is hard to beat. Read Simon's excellent Sony WF-1000XM4 review for more info.

Or you can try the Nothing Ear (2) if you're after something more affordable. They build on the brand's position as a fashionable start-up to offer a genuine knockout product. ANC earbuds don't come more complete than this, offering excellent sound quality, a top-notch app interface and great battery life for Android users. Read Sam's full Nothing Ear (2) review.

No one can blame Beats for sitting on their laurels. Two months after the Beats Studio Buds Plus launch – my favourite noise-cancelling headphones so far this year – the Culver City-based brand is back with another exciting release: the top-tier Beats Studio Pro. In hindsight, it almost feels like Beats were trying the whet our appetite for the Studio Pro with the Studio Buds Plus. One thing is for sure: my appetite was thoroughly whetted for Beats' flagship cans when I received them.

The physical design of the noise-cancelling over-ear cans looks even sleeker than ever, and the audio quality feels more refined than the Beats Studio 3 (can't believe it was launched six years ago!), and those were pretty good, although certainly not flawless. Have the Studio Pro managed to iron out all the issues, or are you better off choosing one of the similarly priced alternatives, like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 45? Let's find out.

[First reviewed July 2023]

Beats Studio Pro review

Beats Studio Pro review: price and availability

Beats Studio Pro are available to order from 19 July 2023 in four colours, Black, Deep Brown, Navy and Sandstone, for $349.99/ €399.95/ £349.95 from Apple in the US, Canada, France and Germany with shipping and on-shelf beginning 20 July 2023. That's the same recommended retail price as the Studio 3 used to sell for (you can get it much cheaper these days). For comparison, the suggested retail price of the Sony WH-1000XM5 was £379 when it was launched. Bose's QuietComfort 45 was £319 when it was released.

Beats Studio Pro review: specifications

• Type: over-ear, closed-back wireless headphones
• Weight: 260g/ 9oz
• Clamp: moderate-to-firm
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (Class 1), USB-C audio, 3.5 mm audio jack
• Folding: yes
• Tech platform: Beats Proprietary Platform (gen 2)
• Spatial Audio: yes, with dynamic head tracking and personalisation (iOS only)
• Active Noise Cancelling: yes, fully adaptive
• Transparency mode: yes
• Battery life: 40 hours (ANC off), 24 hours (ANC on)
• Charging 1-100%: 2 hours
• Fast charge: yes, 10 mins charge = up to 4 hours of playback
• Microphones: 6 upgraded MEMS-type mics
• Operating system compatibility: iOS and Android

Beats Studio Pro review: design and build quality

Saying that Beats completely overhauled the physical design of the Studio would be a bit of a push, but it's safe to say there have been serious improvements. Beats enlisted Samuel Ross to 're-think' the colour, materials, packaging, and branding of the Studio Pro to bring the franchise up to speed in the new decade. I like what they did with the headphones, as I wasn't the biggest fan of the accents on the Studio 3.

The ear cushions underwent the most significant changes (more on this below), but minor tweaks had the most significant impact on me. The Beats Studio Pro feels sleeker than the Studio 3; the angles are more refined, and the almost monotone colours help further reinforce this feeling of unity and class.

Beats made an effort to make the Studio Pro more environmentally friendly. Of course, it's still made mostly of plastic, but Beats claims up to 26% of the headphones' plastic parts are recycled. The rare earth elements in the driver and the tin solder of the main logic board are both 100% recycled, and the Studio Pro are also PVC-, Beryllium- and Mercury-free.

The all-plastic construction (with brushed metal accents and metal sliders) feels good in the hand, and the Beats Studio Pro don't make any creaks when you flex or twist the headphones, either. I noticed that the brushed exterior of the Studio Pro does pick up grease and fingerprints easily, which in turn makes the headphones look less snazzy, so if you prefer your cans to look box-fresh, I'd recommend keeping your hands super clean when operating and putting on/removing the headphones.

Beats Studio Pro review: ergonomics and comfort

Beats' Studio franchise is (in)famous for its clamp force, and the Studio Pro is no different. This helps the headphones stay on your head more efficiently, but it might get slightly uncomfortable for those wearing glasses. Beats addressed this issue (to a certain degree) by introducing UltraPlush ear cushions.

UltraPlush design is memory foam padding wrapped in a seamless engineered (vegan) leather cover. The ear cushions have a soft, leathery feel but without genuine leather's sweaty, ventilation-blocking properties. On occasions, I wore glasses while listening to music with the Beats Studio Pro; nevertheless, my ears felt fine, even after wearing the headphones for over an hour.

The padding at the top is made from a different material and feels almost sticky. I liked this a lot as it ensured the headphones didn't slide forward or backwards on my head – a nice touch. I'm sure the moderate clamp of the headphones also helped.

The Beats Studio Pro have three tactile buttons on the left faceplate, allowing you to perform basic action without having to interact with your smartphone. These work fine and the interactions are also straightforward – no issues here. I have a slight problem with the system button, though, which is tiny and not easy to locate and operate.

Granted, it's not like you have to fiddle around with it all the time, but when you do, you'll be sliding your finger back and forth around the edge of the right faceplate until you get bored and take off the Studio Pro to see where that darn button is. I'm sure it wouldn't have been impossible to make this button more detectable, maybe by raising it ever so slightly.

Beats Studio Pro review: audio performance

Beats went above and beyond to improve the sound quality of the Studio Pro. They use a fully custom 40mm active driver, and the diaphragm is constructed using a two-layer design, combining a rigid inner core with a flexible outer surround for "exceptional performance across the frequency spectrum," as Beats put it. It also features 25% stronger magnets compared to the Beats Studio 3.

The driver also employs a precise array of micro-vents and fine acoustic mesh to optimize airflow and minimise distortion, Beats claims. Coupled with advanced digital processing, Beats says this acoustic architecture delivers tonally balanced audio with less than .02% total harmonic distortion – even at high volumes.

The Studio Pro headphones moved away from the Apple W1 platform and now use Beats' second-generation Proprietary Audio Platform instead. This is so the headphones can provide a better listening experience on all platforms, not just iOS devices. Indeed, Studio Pro offer native features on both Android and iOS smartphones.

The Beats Studio 3 already had fully-adaptive active noise cancellation, but Beats say they improved this on the Studio Pro. Plus, they added a Transparency mode, which can be toggled with the System button mentioned above (if you can find it). Transparency mode is said to be different from Apple's AirPods Pro 2 (that uses Apple silicone), although it's very similar from the user's point of view.

Beats Studio Pro features playback correction, a secondary filter driven by the feedback microphone, designed to identify and remove any sonic artefacts that may have inadvertently been introduced via ANC or Transparency processing. The source audio is said to be analysed up to 48,000 times per second for real-time correction.

Spatial Audio isn't a new feature for the Studio franchise, either, but the Studio Pro headphones now feature Dynamic Head Tracking with personalisation on iOS devices. The headphones have a built-in IMU (inertial measurement unit) consisting of a gyroscope and accelerometer. You can still enjoy Dolby Atmos sound on Android, but it won't track your head.

How do the Beats Studio Pro sound? I found them pleasantly well-rounded, with minimal distortion across the spectrum. The sound stage feels balanced with some bassy undertones. The Studio 3 was criticised for having a somewhat lacklustre mid, but the Studio Pro sound more tonally accurate overall. I haven't done any scientific tests to verify this, so you just have to take my word for it.

The UltraPlush ear cushions provide decent passive noise cancelling, and ANC seems to be coping okay. I'm not the biggest fan of commuting on the train, but it allows me to test ANC properly. The Beats Studio Pro struggled occasionally, but o could drown out the noise by raising the volume slightly (it was still well below the recommended maximum limit, though).

If you want to enjoy USB-C audio, you need an Android smartphone or buy a USB-C to Lightning cable separately, as there are only two cables in the box: USB-C to USB-C charging cable and a 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable. Even sadder, you can only try the three EQ- optimised sound profiles when USB-C audio is enabled.

That said, I appreciate Beats offer these equaliser modes to provide a well-rounded package of sound customisation options. They allow you to tailor the headphones' sound to your liking and make the most of your listening experience. It's a commendable feature that enhances the overall versatility and appeal of the Beats Studio Pro headphones.

Beats Studio Pro review: verdict

I'm becoming increasingly fond of Beats' audio products these days. I like the brand's approach of not churning out yearly iterations of its most popular headphones. Instead, Beats focuses on addressing any issues the products might have, not being afraid to move to a completely sound different platform if needed. 

Granted, I got instantly hooked on the Studio Buds Plus, but I can't say the same about the Studio Pro. Don't get me wrong; I like the headphones and love the changes Beats introduced. But there are a couple of niggles that hinder the otherwise harmonious audio performance.

The sound profile of the Beats Studio Plus headphones is geared towards fans of lively, energetic music with peppy treble and resonant bass. Mid is better than it used to be on the Beats Studio 3, but still imperfect. 

If you're looking for a pair of noise-cancelling over-ear headphones that can make your favourite beats (pun intended) come alive with vigour and vitality, the Beats Studio Pro are worth considering. However, those seeking a more neutral sound signature or audiophile-level soundstage might want to explore other options in the premium headphone market.

Beats Studio Pro review: also consider

For something more premium, check out the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2. It's priced similarly to the Beats Studio Pro and has immaculate audio performance as well as superb build quality you'd expect from the bard. Read Simon's brilliant Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 review.

A well-balanced sound, terrific sound imaging, and effective noise cancellation are only a few of the many things you'll love about the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. If you want to elevate your listening experience without going full audiophile (just yet), this one's an excellent introduction. Read Michelle's full Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 review.

When it comes to the best noise-cancelling (ANC) earbuds of 2026 there are some super impressive options available. Apple's AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are, but of course, high up the list. But, no, it's actually these ANC earbuds that I rate above all others.

I'm talking about the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2. I know, not an Apple product, but hear me out. There's a simple reason to consider these over your go-to AirPods grab: because the active noise-cancelling is insane. Believe me here, no other in-ear headphones are better able to cut out surrounding noise than these. 

I know, Bose isn't going to provide certain Apple-specific features, such as speedy connectivity or Spatial Audio, but if you're less fussed about those points are here because you want the absolute best block-out-all-the-noise ANC then, well, the Bose are without compare.

There's so much choice when it comes to the best headphones and the best true wireless earbuds right now that it can be difficult to know where to start. I'd think more holistically about the kind of audio experience you want to have and whether you listen using any device outside of your iPhone, iPad or MacBook though. If you're using a wider range of products then some Apple-specific features won't apply and there the Bose will stand their own in every regard. 

I think the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 look pretty smart too, and while they don't come in a pure white finish option I do really like the visual appeal of the 'Soapstone' finish if the standard 'Black' isn't quite to your tastes. So if you're looking for well-made, super-capable truie wireless ANC earbuds then the Bose is my top choice right now. 

If you haven't already streamed the spectacular Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever on Disney+, you're missing out: not only has the film broken streaming records, but it's also a really good action adventure with spectacular visuals and some stunning acrobatics.

According to Disney, the film is the most-streamed Marvel film premiere on Disney+ to date, and while Disney+ doesn't share the actual numbers – it's like Apple TV+ in that respect, preferring not to dwell on mere details – it achieved the feat in just five days.

It looks like viewers loved what they saw. The film has a very impressive 94% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 

Here's the trailer.

A spectacular sequel with a hint of sadness

The sequel to the original Black Panther comes shot through with sadness: the titular character was played in the first film by the incredible Chadwick Boseman, who died of cancer in 2020. Rather than replace him, the filmmakers chose instead to focus on the other residents of Wakanda and their battle to protect their nation in the shadow of King T'Challa's death, and while the film is a great story in its own right the spirit of Boseman/T'Challa is there throughout.

The film was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, and Angela Bassett – who plays Queen Ramonda – made history as the first woman, the first person of colour and the first Marvel Studios actor to be nominated for an Academy Award for their performance in a comic book adaptation. It was Bassett's second nomination: she was also nominated for her starring role in the 1993 Tina Turner bio, What's Love Got to With It?

While the fans loved the film, critics were more divided: their tomatometer rating is a more cautious 84%. In Decider, John Serba said that "The tribute here is heartfelt, but the spirit of the man [Boseman/King T'Challa] and the character sometimes get lost in all the bric-a-brac of the Marvel machine" while Aaron White of Feelin' Film Podcast said that while it was "a beautiful tribute... they meant so well, but as a film there are a lot of misses here."

For many critics the issue wasn't so much that Black Panther 2 wasn't a good film, because it is a good film. But the original was a great film, setting such a high bar and featuring such a magnetic performance by Boseman that even its own sequel can't quite match it. However, if you loved the original you'll love this – and if you haven't seen either, you're in for a double treat. The original's on Disney+ too.

A wise man once said Valentine's Day was an unimaginative, consumerist-oriented and entirely arbitrary, manipulative and shallow interpretation of romance that did more to sell cards and chocolates than to celebrate love and companionship. Or in the words of Adam Sandler’s Wedding Singer, Robbie Hart, ‘’Love Stinks!’’

If you’re looking to pass on this year’s V-Day, we’ve got you. There will be no focus on romance, no holding hands, meaningful glances or increased heart rates, we want fun, action, horror and a complete lack of beautiful strangers falling into each other's arms in horribly formulaic and cliched ways.

So read on and let us guide you towards a selection of new TV shows and movies on the best streaming services that are here purely to entertain without a hint of that sickly sweet embrace of romance. 

Want to get romantic?  Take a look at our alternative Valentine's Day list.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

After the tragic death of actor Chadwick Boseman in 2021, Marvel Entertainment was put into the unenviable position of deciding what to do with the character King T’Challa and the ‘Black Panther’ franchise. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the answer to that question.

With unbelievable sensitivity and real respect for Boseman and the character itself, this new movie is not only a fitting tribute to the actor but also a solid addition to the ever-growing roster of films and TV shows within the MCU.

Grieving their lost king, the nation of Wakanda is faced with a new enemy, and the ever-growing pressure put on them by a suspicious world. Now under the rule of Queen Ramonda (a stunning Angela Bassett) it finds itself alone and battling to not only survive but also to keep its identity and independence.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a fantastic action movie, with solid set pieces, stunning effects work and a great cast building perfectly upon the foundations of the first film. An absolute popcorn movie, it’s a perfect way to spend an evening in with absolutely no romance in sight.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is available now on Disney+

Smile

Not interested in Valentine's day? Not looking for anything nice, sweet, kind, romantic or loving? How about one of this generation's best and most disturbing horror movies?

Smile is the horror debut of first-time writer-director Parker Finn, and it is a simply stunning opening salvo in what I can only imagine will be a huge career.

Having spent years trying to flee her own childhood trauma, compassionate psychiatrist Dr Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) is used to treating the most damaged and vulnerable members of society. A new patient’s puzzling case, however, is a different story altogether. As unsuspecting Dr Cotter attempts to rationalise the dreadful delusions of the deeply disturbed young woman, hair-raising encounters with the unexplained cause the therapist to reconsider everything she knows about the world.

A truly shocking and unsettling film, Smile has become something of an underground hit recently, due to a fantastic marketing campaign, great reviews and a sharp and raw sense of tone and direction. It is a solid horror movie that will leave an impression long after the titles have run.

So, kill the lights, find something to hide behind and treat yourself to a little bit of healthy fear.

Smile is available now on Amazon Prime Video

Lockwood & Co

Set in an alternate version of 1980s London, Lockwood & Co follows Lucy Carlyle (Ruby Stokes), an extremely gifted young psychic, as she joins forces with an independant ghost hunting agency run by the elusive and mysterious Anthony Lockwood (Cameron Chapman). Determined to prove themselves against rival companies in a hyper-competitive marketplace, the team of Lockwood & Co set out to solve a decades-old mystery, save London itself from a growing threat, and keep from being killed by enemies both human and otherworldly.

Written for the screen by the legendary Joe Cornish (Attack The Block) and based on the popular books by Jonathan Stroud, Lockwood & Co is a fun ride through lore and mystery with a great young cast and some wonderfully cinematic visuals. Aimed towards the increasingly popular YA market, the show still maintains an adult tone with some great ghostly jump scares and intelligent and well-devised storytelling.

If you find yourself in the mood for something a bit dark but with a solid dose of action and adventure, Lockwood & Co is a solid series that given time could grow into a successful franchise and works great for an evening's binge.

Lockwood & Co is available now on Netflix

Extraordinary

In a world where everyone receives a random superpower when they turn 18, what happens when you don't and you find yourself very ordinary in an extraordinary world? 

This is the premise in which first-time writer-creator Emma Moran and her fantastic young cast drop us into in this new flatshare comedy from Disney Plus.

The series follows our main character Jen (Mairead Tyers) as she navigates life, love, friendship and the trials of modern life, along with friends Carrie (Sofia Oxenham), Kash (Bilal Hasna) and a shape-shifting human cat called Jizzlord (the amazing Luke Rollason). From disastrous job interviews, channelling the spirit of Hitler and pathetic attempts at actual superhero heroism this is a genuinely hilarious comedy that is not afraid to push the limits of its audience and to what the people at the family-friendly Disney network will let it get away with.

With a second series already in production, this is a perfect time to be offended at the day-to-day chaos of these less than super, superheroes.

Extraordinary is available now on Disney+

When it comes to the best true wireless earbuds you can buy, there are some names that absolutely have to be mentioned including the likes of Sony, Bose and another is undoubtedly Bowers & Wilkins. 

A British audio brand boasting premium products with top-notch sound quality, B&W have a range that not only includes earbuds but speakers, sound bars and over-ear headphones as well. They're experts in their field, which is why their devices tend to be pricier. 

For a long time, we've considered the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 some of the very best in the business, so much so that they won the Best Headphones and Best True Wireless Earbuds awards at the T3 Awards 2021. Or, for those who like the idea of them but who didn't fancy spending an eyewatering $399/£349/AU$599, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi5 were a similar but more affordable option setting you back $249/£199/AU$369.

Two years after their initial release, Bowers & Wilkins have refreshed both pairs of headphones to make them even better than they were before. So what's changed? 

The answer to that is not very much because if it isn't broken then there's no need to fix it - they've kept the same audio setup, and so the main differences are actually around battery life, connectivity and design.

You'll now be able to listen to both pairs of earbuds for around five hours at a time, up from just four before. Alongside the charging cases, that means you get a total of 21 hours of use from the Pi7 S2 and 24 hours from the Pi5 S2. As before, both have a quick charge function delivering two hours of listening time from a snappy 15-minute charge.

In terms of connectivity, you'll find these much more reliable thanks to a new 25m Bluetooth range. You won't need to be glued to your phone or laptop for them to smoothly stream audio.

The earbuds are now fully integrated with the Bowers & Wilkins Music App as well, which means you'll be able to configure the noise cancellation modes and access the wear sensor adjustment. The app also supports hi-res streaming capability through services like Qobuz, TIDAL and Deezer.

To add to those changes, both sets come in new reimagined colourways. You'll be able to get the Pi7 S2 in Satin Black, Canvas White and Midnight Blue, while the Pi5 S2 will be available in two new colours, Spring Lilac and Sage Green, as well as the same Cloud Grey and Storm Grey as before.

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 will be available to buy from the 25th of January for $399 in the US, £349 in the UK and AU$700 in Australia. The Bowers & Wilkins Pi5 S2 will go on sale at the same time for $299/£249/AU$450.

From globe-straddling behemoths like Bose and Sony to altogether more specialist or boutique concerns like Bowers & Wilkins, Focal and Montblanc, it seems everyone wants to sell you a pair of the best wireless active noise-cancelling over-ear headphones. 

So why not KEF? After all, the British loudspeaker specialist certainly has credibility on its side. But given the strength and straightforward numerousness of the competition, a little more than ‘credibility’ (no matter how hard-won) is required to make a dent in consumer consciousness. Does the KEF Mu7 have what it takes to crash a party that’s already over capacity? Here's our in-depth review...

KEF MU7: Price & Release Date

The KEF Mu7 wireless active noise-cancelling over-ear headphones are on sale now, and in the United Kingdom they’ll set you back £349 a pair. In the United States they’re priced at $399, while in Australia you’re looking at AU$539 or so.

This, it hardly needs stating, is right in the thick of the ‘premium over-ear wireless ANC headphones’ action. Sony’s acclaimed WH-1000XM5, the snappily named Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700 by Bose, Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 and the PX7 S2 by Bowers & Wilkins all sell for similar money… we could go on, but the broad point is already made: the KEF Mu7 have it all to do in an area of the market where ‘pretty good’ is seldom good enough.

KEF Mu7 review: Features & What's New?

The Mu7 use Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connectivity. There’s compatibility with SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX HD codecs - so high-resolution audio up to a 24bit/48kHz standard is available. Make a wired connection, of course, and as long as the best DAC or headphone socket you’re plugged into can manage it then playback of a still higher resolution is possible.

No matter how you get the audio information on board, though, it’s delivered to your ears via a couple of 40mm full-range dynamic drivers. KEF is claiming a frequency response of 20Hz - 20kHz, which is a) about par for the course and b) plenty.

Battery life is a perfectly respectable 40 hours from a single charge of the 1100mAh lithium-ion battery, and that’s with ANC switched on and a wireless connection made. Just a 15 minute charge via USB-C is sufficient to keep the Mu7 playing for another eight hours. And unlike quite a few rivals we could mention, KEF’s figures are all completely realistic.

The active noise-cancellation (ANC) operates in three modes. Or, rather, it operates in two modes - because the third mode is ‘off’. Otherwise you can choose from ‘on’ or ‘smart ANC’ - this last one attempts to assess your surroundings on the fly and targets both specific frequencies and the overall level of noise-cancellation to suit.

As well as monitoring your environment, the array of mics fitted to the Mu7 is available for voice calls. KEF has specified proven 'cVc technology' in an effort to make call quality as clear and intelligible as possible.

KEF Mu7 review: Performance

The way any piece of audio equipment sounds is ultimately a judgement call. Someone (or some group of people) has decided on the ‘voice’ a pair of headphones (for instance) is going to have, and then fingers are crossed as to whether or not it finds favour. In the case of the KEF Mu7, it’s not difficult to picture the wish-list: five minutes inside these headphones and words like ‘judicious’, ‘precise’ and ‘mature’ all start to muscle their way to the front of the mind…

Given some appropriate content of appropriately sizable resolution to deal with, there’s plenty to like - admire, even - about the sound the Mu7 make. They have scale on their side, for a start-off - even intimate, minimal recordings sound widescreen and quite expansive. And they retain and reveal an impressive amount of detail, too - even the more fleeting events in a recording, the attack and decay of the highest-frequency, shortest-wave sounds, are identified and described.

Everything that occurs does so on a generous, well-organised and entirely believable soundstage, and the Mu7 pull off the by-no-means easy trick of offering good separation and decent focus at the same time. There’s a fair sense of unity and togetherness to the sound the KEF deliver.

There’s not a huge amount of extension or, more accurately, presence to the low frequencies the Mu7 generate, though. Bass sounds are reasonably well controlled where entry into and exit from individual hits and/or notes are concerned, and those detail levels are as high here as anywhere else - but the low-end is relatively short of substance and body. 

So in relative terms the KEF push rather than punch, and don’t create quite the sense of momentum or rhythmic positivity that other, more assertive, designs can achieve. And when you realise the Mu7 aren’t the most dynamic headphones around when it comes to putting appreciable distance between ‘quite quiet’ and ‘extremely loud’ is concerned, it becomes apparent the KEF can sound slightly undemonstrative and matter-of-fact when compared to their most capable price-appropriate rivals.

They’re rather more adept at identifying the harmonic dynamics present in a solo instrument or an unaccompanied voice, though, and do good work in making them apparent without getting all prissy about it. The Mu7 are quite convincing where tonality is concerned, too - even though their low-end reproduction in particular is trying hard not to give offence, it’s tonally natural and neutral.

‘Inoffensive’ isn’t always the most positive trait, though - it’s the unlovely flip-side to ‘grown-up’ or ‘mature’, and it’s an especially unhelpful stance to adopt when the music you want to listen to is trying with all its heart to be offensive or otherwise get all up in your face. The KEF just aren’t comfortable with anything they deem too attacking, too delinquent or too cheap-sounding - they can’t summon the conviction necessary to hand it over with its attitude intact. Or, more correctly, they prefer ‘judicious’ and ‘mature’ to ‘angsty’ and ‘raucous’. And there’s every chance you might too… but we prefer our premium headphones to be a little more adaptable and/or agnostic than the KEF Mu7 seem to be.

The two-stage ANC is just as effective as the sound-reproduction itself is - and yet it’s somehow just as imperfect. Switch ANC ‘on’ or active ‘smart ANC’ and there’s no two ways about it: ambient sound is reduced a great deal, to the point that only the loudest or most nearby sounds are likely to impact on your listening pleasure. But both positions alter the sonic signature of the Mu7 just a touch, dulling off the last bit of shine and bite from the top of the frequency range. And the noise-cancellation circuitry introduces a very mild, yet undeniable, sensation of ‘cabin pressure’ or ‘sinus blockage’ when it’s activated, too - and it’s been a while since we’ve heard a pair of active noise-cancelling headphones that do this to any noticeable degree.

KEF MU7 review: Design & usability

For the design of the Mu7, KEF has enlisted the services of long-time collaborator Ross Lovegrove. Anyone familiar with this work for the company, from the huge Muon loudspeakers to the grabbable Muo wireless speaker, will know what to expect here (beyond a model name that starts ‘Mu’) - the Mu7 are an organically flowing combination of bumps and recesses. Or, at least, they are as far as the earcups are concerned - that’s about the only area of a pair of over-ear headphones that doesn’t have its form utterly dictated by its function.

Which means that aside from the aluminium earcups, the rest of the KEF are unremarkable where design is concerned. Faux-leather covered memory foam forms the earpads, and there’s more of the material covering the central part of the headband. The rest of the headband, the arms and the yokes are aluminium too, and the earcups fold flat to allow the KEF-branded sem-rigid carry case to be of manageable size.

At 309g the Mu7 are neither especially light nor especially heavy, but the headband and hanger arrangement allows them to stay comfortable for a good long while. Certainly longer than it takes for the earpads to get your ears nice and toasty, anyhow. There are a couple of finishes available: the ‘silver grey’ of our review sample and ‘charcoal grey’ (which is, to all intents and purposes, black).

As far as control is concerned, options are rather restricted by prevailing standards. In terms of physical controls, the right earcup is doing all the work: arranged around the edge of its aluminium section there’s a USB-C input for charging the battery, a button to cycle through your trio of noise-cancellation options, a power on/off button, a Bluetooth pairing button, and a 3.5mm analogue socket. KEF provides a couple of nicely branded cables in the carry-case: one is USB-A to USB-C, the other 3.5mm to 3.5mm. There’s also a flight adapter in there too. With a 3.5mm connection to a source made, the Mu7 can be used without being powered up - unless you want to use ANC at the same time, of course.

The bumpy surface of the right earcup is where the touch-controls are integrated. Volume up/down, skip forwards/backwards and play/pause are all available, as well as all the relevant telephony controls, and all are reliable and responsive. A long press on the ANC button enables or disables this touch-surface.

Each earcup has a couple of cutaways near the top that act as mic openings. The right earcup also has a smaller mic opening towards the bottom, and there’s also a little LED down here too - it lets you know what’s what regarding charging, pairing, power status and so on.

That’s your lot. Every price-comparable rival we’ve invoked (and quite a few more affordable alternatives we haven’t) will offer you a control app of lesser or greater comprehensiveness - but there’s no KEF equivalent. And unlike a great many alternatives, the Mu7 aren’t compatible with voice control either.

KEF MU7 review: Verdict

That the attitude of the KEF Mu7 will find favour with any number of listeners seems assured. They’re a full-scale, detailed and quite insightful listen, after all. 

But once out of their comfort zone they can sound a little flustered, and they’re by no means flawless when it comes to noise-cancelling. 

Add in the relative lack of control options, and it becomes apparent you’ll have to be very keen indeed on those ‘designer’ earcups to put the Mu7 near the top of your shortlist.

Also consider

Like the KEF Mu7, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 are the product of a venerable British loudspeaker firm. Unlike the Mu7, though, the Px7 S2 are more than happy to give it their best shot no matter the sort of music you like to listen to - and while they’re hardly Bose when it comes to active noise-cancellation, they are at least consistent in their sound whether ANC is on or off.

Bose currently makes some of the best noise-cancelling headphones and best noise cancelling earbuds in the world – I've got a pair of QuietComfort Earbuds 2, and they're sublime – but would they be such an attractive buy if some of their features required an extra subscription?

Well, there's an absolutely fascinating interview in The Verge between Nilay Patel and Bose CEO Lila Snyder that covers all kinds of tech from in-car audio to noise cancelling and more. But the most interesting bit for me is when Patel and Snyder talk about the possibility of subscriptions for devices such as headphones. 

That's something Bose apparently intends to find out.

Are headphones hardware or software?

That's a good question because so much of what high-tech headphones do happens in firmware and in their app – and keeping them up to date is an ongoing cost for manufacturers. When Patel asked Snyder whether Bose might consider charging for that, the response was interesting. "It's certainly something we talk about and we think about," Snyder said. However, "You have to have the customer value to create that ongoing model."

Rather than charge for software updates, Snyder suggests that one option may be to keep certain features paywalled; not basic stuff, but "features and functionality that maybe not everybody wants or needs, but is highly valuable to some".

Snyder is refreshingly honest about this. "I don't think we know yet... I think this is a test-and-learn situation. Sometimes the things that you imagine are going to create value, and that customers are really going to want to pay extra for, don't turn out to be the things. Other things that you never would have thought about might be... there is a long road in front of us to figure this out".

As a die-hard Marvel fan who hates spoilers, it was always a given that I’d be watching Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on its day of release. And it’s for this very same reason why I could not, in good conscience, write an article about the fitness regimes of the cast that gave the slightest indication of any potential new Black Panther - if there is indeed one (see what I did there?) - following the devastating passing of the first film’s lead, Chadwick Boseman.

Lucky for me, this tricky task was made all the easier thanks to the awe-inspiring arms of Angela Bassett, who returns as Queen Ramonda for the sequel. Because let me tell you, her insane biceps, triceps and delts – along with her Oscar-worthy performance - manage to steal the show Every. Single. Damn. Time she appears on the screen. Best of all, I reckon 64-year-old Bassett (yes, she really is 64!) does a stellar job of proving that when it comes to maintaining muscle tone and keeping fit, age is just a number. But how does she do it? I put on my detective hat to find out.

How does Angela Bassett keep fit?

It’s fair to say that Angela Bassett has always had an impressive set of guns. But don’t be fooled into thinking that they come naturally. Evidence of Bassett’s dedication to fitness can be seen in every film she’s ever appeared in during her lengthy career, including her turn as Tina Turner in the 1993 biopic What’s Love Got to Do with It. To keep her body in tip-top shape, Bassett swears by a combination of cardio, weight training and yoga - along with a nutritious diet - and ensures she stays committed and accountable by working out with her personal trainer at least twice a week.

“I will show up ’cause I don’t want to waste my money”, she told TV host Laila Muhammad. “I’ve gotta be accountable and know somebody’s there waiting for me because I know myself, and I will talk myself out of going. I go in the morning because my workout quotient will diminish as the day goes on.”

On her actual workouts, which Bassett tailors to work in conjunction with her strict nutrition regime, she said, “Maybe Monday and Tuesday, I’ll do cardio; Wednesday, Thursday, because I’m eating protein, I’ll do strength building; and then Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, when I’m eating all that [good] fat, then it’s about deep breathing, a massage, and yoga.”

In addition to her consistent gym sessions, Bassett is also a fan of doing outdoor group activities such as walking and hiking with her friends. “It's about showing up and accountability," she told BlackDoctor.org. "You have to say, 'Everyone will meet at 8:15 a.m.' I know when I have a real plan, then I'm there. If my friends are waiting, that puts pressure on me not to disappoint them." 

What is Angela Bassett’s diet regime?

Over the years, Bassett has crafted a strict dietary formula that works for her – and she’s sticking with it. “You can out-eat any exercise routine, so you’ve gotta eat right and clean, at least 80-85 per cent of the time,” she told Muhammad. “Follow a plan, not one that’s too restrictive. I happen to follow one that sort of cycles through [the week].”

The ‘cycle’ Bassett refers to works in harmony with her fitness regime and involves her eating lots of carbs and fruit on Mondays and Tuesdays when she’s doing cardio and consuming lots of protein and veggies on Wednesdays and Thursdays to fuel her muscles for strength training, with absolutely no fats over those four days. Then, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Bassett says she floods her diet with fat, but only the “good fat, though: maybe coconut oil, salmon, almonds, almond butter, olive oil, that sort of thing."

On top of this, Bassett eats only organic produce and makes sure that dairy, bread, and flour are strictly off the menu, swapping regular milk for almond milk and using Ezekiel bread instead, which is sprouted. This regime might sound strict, but the results clearly speak for themselves. As Bassett told Porter, “I’m regimented and rigorous about what I’m eating. Diet is 85 per cent of the whole thing for me.” 

Who is Angela Bassett’s personal trainer?

While Basset prepared for the first Black Panther film with the movie’s lead trainer Corey Calliet - who was also responsible for getting Michael B. Jordan in peak condition for Creed - the man who has been putting the award-winning actress through her paces for at least seven years is none other than Hollywood PT Rob Thompson, whose clients include actress Regina King and TV Host Nischelle Turner.

Now, when I say I’ve spent hours looking for an Angela Bassett x Rob Thompson workout to find out how he trains her specifically, I mean I’ve spent hours. And the little I’ve learnt from Thompson is that “the work she puts in during her training sessions is remarkable”. 

Bassett is equally elusive, revealing once in a 2016 interview with the Los Angeles Times, “I started doing TRX training with Rob Thompson of Get Fit By Rob. We start with low cardio — maybe run half a mile, then lift barbells while stepping up onto a bench and do a few machines.”

Now, personally, I think there’s a lot more to Bassett’s workouts with Thompson than she lets on, especially when you look at footage of him training other clients. As well as TRX, he’s clearly a fan of boxing, battle ropes and cable machines, all of which are amazing for working the upper body and core at the same time. Better still, even the best boxing gloves and best suspension trainers are cheaper and easier to store than a full-size treadmill.

And in a 2019 interview with Laila Muhammad, Thompson revealed that working on posture was key for helping his female clients get red carpet ready. “The main thing for sure is posture, making sure the shoulders are in line, definitely working the upper back, the biceps, and, of course, the abs have to be showing, and the legs have to be right”, he said, before demonstrating some key moves including kettlebell swings, TRX rows, and a squat with a row using a cable machine.

Angela Bassett arm workout

But it’s this full-body workout with former Miss California Natasha Alexis Martinez that I think gives a real insight into how Thompson works in the gym and how he could potentially train Bassett (skip to 2:56 to watch from the warm-up). After warming up with two rounds of 50 jump ropes and side steps with resistance bands, the main workout includes:

• Resistance Kettlebell Dead Lifts (12 reps on both sides)
• Resistance Kettlebell Swings (15 reps)
• Squat Jumps (2 x 15 reps)
• Kettlebell Reverse Lunges (2 x 12 reps on each leg)
• TRX Rows (2 x 12 reps)
• Two rounds of the following circuit: TRX Single Leg Squats (12 reps on each side); TRX Jump Squats (15 reps); TRX High Pulls (12 reps); Front lunge with medicine ball twist (12 reps on each side)
• Cable Twists with Arm Pulls (12 reps each side)
• TRX/Bosu Ball Plank with Knee Tucks (2 x 5 reps, 4 reps, 3 reps, 2 reps, 1 rep)

As you’ll see, Thompson’s workout is intense, fast-paced, packed with variety, and features a lot of compound moves that work the entire body in one hit. In addition, it also appears he likes to come up with moves and circuits on the spot to keep his client’s minds and bodies constantly guessing, which can be a total game-changer if you ask me!

And while this workout is by no means Bassett’s prescribed workout (because, you know, everybody is different), I reckon you too could have ‘Angela Bassett arms’ if you gave this workout a go.

I've rarely been as impressed by in-ear wireless headphones as Bose's second-gen QuietComfort Earbuds. Having already netted a lucrative five-star review on this very site, owners are about to receive a cool free upgrade in early 2023. 

At the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit 2022 – where the company revealed its flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor – Bose's SVP of strategy and business development, Nick Smith, dialled into the keynote to deliver a pre-recorded video of the good news for Bose QC Earbuds II owners.

So just what can you expect? Smith confirmed that the QC Earbuds 2 will receive over-the-air upgrades to deliver aptX Lossless and new low-latency capabilities, part of the Snapdragon Sound suite of features that the chip-maker bakes into its products. 

That means the already stellar sound quality of the QuietComfort Buds will step up a grade if you're listening to the correct source material. Qualcomm's aptX Lossless can deliver signals up to 16-bit/44.1kHz, which is a big upgrade (although not top-drawer 24-bit/192kHz, which I'm sure will be featured in future products and platforms' wireless capabilities – just not quite yet).

Exactly when to expect this update to roll out is as-yet unknown, only that it's a 2023 benefit to Bose's QC Earbuds 2 owners. Smith did also confirm that the audio company will be using Snapdragon Sound in its future products, so expect heightened quality from Bose to become the norm. 

Editor's note: this article has been edited to clarify that aptX Lossless is lossless to 16-bit/44.1kHz.

This month is a really good time to buy the best true wireless earbuds and the best headphones generally. Black Friday Super Magic Deals Month is well under way and we're already seeing some pretty good earbud and headphone deals, and there will be plenty more to come over the next couple of weeks. 

But what ones should you buy? I've got several pairs of brilliant 'buds right in front of me, ranging from pretty cheap to absolutely incredible. And I'd recommend three of them in particular, albeit each one for a different kind of buyer. 

Best for noise cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2

Despite being completely immersed in the Apple ecosystem, I prefer the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 to Apple's AirPods Pro 2. They fit better, their noise cancelling is absolutely first class and most importantly of all, they sound spectacular. 

Best for sound quality: Astell & Kern UW100

Astell & Kern make breathtakingly good high-end audio hardware, so it's hardly a surprise that their first wireless earbuds are worthy of the brand. The UW100s are incredibly musical, and while they lack the noise cancelling that means I take the Bose on the Subway they're absolutely sublime for home listening or listening anywhere you don't need noise cancelling. 

Best on a budget: Cambridge Audio Melomania

I've had several pairs of Cambridge Audio earbuds, and I think they're absolute bargains: whether you go for the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus, worthy winners of T3's Platinum Award, or the underrated Melomania Touch, you're getting phenomenal sound for very little cash. These earbuds are currently hovering around the £50 and £100 mark respectively; if you can get them for less in Black Friday deals you should absolutely snap them up.

Bose has announced its new Home Speaker 300 – a smaller take on the Bose Home Speaker 500 unveiled last summer. Like its bulkier brother, the Home Speaker 300 has physical keys on the top to control playback, as well as load presets – like your favourite playlist on Spotify, or radio station on Apple Music – so you don't have to rummage for your smartphone each time to play something.

According to Bose, the Home Speaker 300, which stands around 6-inches tall, can deliver "powerful bass and true 360-degree sound," despite its diminutive stature. And just as owners of Sonos smart speakers, Sonos One and Sonos Beam, can new use Google Assistant AND Alexa, now so can owners of Bose smart speakers, including this new one. 

• Bose Home Speaker 500 price, release date
• Best multi-room speakers

Downsizing from the larger footprint seen on the Home Speaker 500 has resulted in Bose ditching the small LCD display used to display album artwork for whatever is currently playing through the Bluetooth-powered speaker. So, if you're only here for the album artwork, it's worth avoiding the Home Speaker 300.

The smaller sibling does support AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth. It can also link with the other smart speakers and soundbars in the Bose range, to create a multi-room experience not dissimilar to the one offered by Sonos. 

Like Sonos, which rolled-out the same feature earlier this month, Bose is also bringing Google Assistant to its smart speaker range. 

That means you'll be able to do all the usual voice assistant-powered tricks, including getting the latest news and weather updates, dimming your Philips Hue lights, ordering Ubers, setting timers, finding out the GDP of Swaziland, and more.

Bose has fitted the speaker with a small LED strip on the front of the Home Speaker 300 that lights-up whenever the microphone is activated with the "OK, Google" or "Hey, Google" wake phrases, which is sure to appease those who are worried about allowing an always-listening speaker into their home.

Pre-orders for the Bose Home Speaker 300 start on June 4, 2019 in the United States. The smart speaker will launch in brick-and-mortar stores and online on June 20. Home Speaker 300 costs $259.95 – that's $140 cheaper than the Home Speaker 500.

There’s no word yet on UK availability or pricing, but we'll update this article as soon as we hear back with details on that. However, UK customers with existing products from the Bose Home Speaker range (Home Speaker 500, Soundbar 500 and 700) will still benefit from the addition of Google Assistant. These were already compatible with Amazon's rival talkative AI companion, Alexa.

• Best Bluetooth speakers
• Best soundbars and soundbases