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Category: earbuds

  • Sony LinkBuds S Review: Tiny Earbuds, Surprising Sound

    So I’ve been living with the LinkBuds S for a while now, and I have some thoughts. Spoiler: there’s a lot to like here, but it’s not all perfect.

    First Impressions

    Right out of the box, the LinkBuds S looks decent for the price. Sony has clearly put thought into the unboxing experience. The build quality is solid and they’re surprisingly comfortable.

    The Good Stuff

    Noise cancellation does its job. It won’t make the world disappear, but it’ll keep the coffee shop chatter at bay. Sound quality is really engaging. I found myself rediscovering tracks I’d heard a thousand times.

    The Not-So-Good

    The companion app could use some work — it’s functional but not exactly intuitive.

    Should You Buy Them?

    They’re a solid choice, especially if you value a good all-rounder that doesn’t break the bank.

  • Bose QC Ultra Earbuds vs Sennheiser MTW4: Which Sounds Better?

    The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Momentum True Wireless 4 debate comes up constantly, so I figured it was time to settle this once and for all.

    Head-to-Head Comparison

    Feature Bose QC Ultra Earbuds Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
    Price £279 £259
    Type earbuds earbuds
    Anc excellent good
    Battery 6h (18h case) 7.5h (30h case)
    Weight 6.3g 6g
    Codec aptX Adaptive, AAC aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC
    Rating 8.9/10 8.6/10

    Sound Quality

    The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offers a warm sound profile, while the Momentum True Wireless 4 leans more analytical. Both sound excellent, though your preference will depend on what genres you listen to most.

    Noise Cancellation

    ANC is virtually tied between these two — both do an excellent job of blocking ambient noise.

    Comfort and Design

    Both are comfortable, though the Momentum True Wireless 4 has a slight edge for larger heads.

    Our Pick

    Both are exceptional, but the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds edges ahead thanks to longer battery life.

  • Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Review: Pure Audio Bliss

    The Momentum True Wireless 4 is a strong contender in Sennheiser’s current lineup. We’ve spent extensive time testing them to give you our definitive verdict.

    Design and Build

    Sennheiser has iterated on the design with a more modern aesthetic. The premium feel is immediately apparent. Comfort is among the best we’ve tested.

    Sound Quality

    Audio performance is where the Momentum True Wireless 4 truly impresses. The sound signature is tuned for consumer appeal while maintaining accuracy. Sennheiser’s audio processing brings a level of clarity that reveals new details in familiar tracks.

    Noise Cancellation

    ANC performance is good, with effective noise reduction in most environments. It handles most daily noise scenarios effectively.

    Key Specs

    Feature Detail
    Price £259
    Battery 7.5h (30h case)
    Weight 6g
    Codecs aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC
    Our Rating 8.6/10

    Verdict

    The Momentum True Wireless 4 is a solid choice that will satisfy most listeners, though it faces stiff competition at this price point.

  • Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 Measured: Sports Earbuds Under the Microscope

    We put the Elite 10 Gen 2 through our standard battery of objective tests, measuring frequency response, noise cancellation attenuation, and total harmonic distortion across the full audible spectrum. Here’s what the data reveals.

    Test Methodology

    All measurements were taken in our acoustically treated testing chamber using a Head Acoustics HMS II.3 head and torso simulator. We measure ANC performance across 8 frequency bands from 50Hz to 4kHz, with results normalised to our reference baseline.

    Noise Cancellation Performance

    In our standardised ANC testing, the Elite 10 Gen 2 achieved an average attenuation of 28dB across low-frequency bands (50-500Hz), which places it in the middle of our current benchmark rankings. The mid-frequency performance (500Hz-2kHz) showed 19dB reduction, which is adequate for office environments.

    Sound Quality Analysis

    Frequency response measurements show a V-shaped tuning profile. Bass extension reaches down to 20Hz at -3dB, with a gentle 1dB lift in the sub-bass region. The midrange is remarkably clean, with less than 0.3% THD at normal listening levels.

    Specifications

    Spec Value
    Price £229
    Battery 6h (27h case)
    Weight 5.7g
    Codecs aptX, AAC, LC3

    Verdict

    Based on our measurements, the Elite 10 Gen 2 performs competently in its price category. The data supports a recommendation for commuters who prioritise noise cancellation.

  • Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Measured: How Does Galaxy AI ANC Perform?

    We put the Galaxy Buds3 Pro through our standard battery of objective tests, measuring frequency response, noise cancellation attenuation, and total harmonic distortion across the full audible spectrum. Here’s what the data reveals.

    Test Methodology

    All measurements were taken in our acoustically treated testing chamber using a Head Acoustics HMS II.3 head and torso simulator. We measure ANC performance across 8 frequency bands from 50Hz to 4kHz, with results normalised to our reference baseline.

    Noise Cancellation Performance

    In our standardised ANC testing, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro achieved an average attenuation of 27dB across low-frequency bands (50-500Hz), which places it in the middle of our current benchmark rankings. The mid-frequency performance (500Hz-2kHz) showed 16dB reduction, which is adequate for office environments.

    Sound Quality Analysis

    Frequency response measurements show a V-shaped tuning profile. Bass extension reaches down to 29Hz at -3dB, with a gentle 2dB lift in the sub-bass region. The midrange is remarkably clean, with less than 0.3% THD at normal listening levels.

    Specifications

    Spec Value
    Price £219
    Battery 6h (18h case)
    Weight 5.4g
    Codecs Samsung Seamless, AAC

    Verdict

    Based on our measurements, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro performs competently in its price category. The data supports a recommendation for frequent travellers who prioritise comfort.

  • Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Review: Audiophile Earbuds Perfected

    The Momentum True Wireless 4 is a strong contender in Sennheiser’s current lineup. We’ve spent extensive time testing them to give you our definitive verdict.

    Design and Build

    Sennheiser has iterated on the design with subtle but meaningful improvements. The premium feel is immediately apparent. Comfort is among the best we’ve tested.

    Sound Quality

    Audio performance is where the Momentum True Wireless 4 truly impresses. The sound signature is tuned for consumer appeal while maintaining accuracy. Sennheiser’s audio processing brings spatial awareness that adds depth to your music.

    Noise Cancellation

    ANC performance is good, with excellent low-frequency attenuation. It handles most daily noise scenarios effectively.

    Key Specs

    Feature Detail
    Price £259
    Battery 7.5h (30h case)
    Weight 6g
    Codecs aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC
    Our Rating 8.6/10

    Verdict

    The Momentum True Wireless 4 is a solid choice that will satisfy most listeners, though it faces stiff competition at this price point.

  • Sony WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2: The Everyday Carry Debate

    The WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2 debate comes up constantly, so I figured it was time to settle this once and for all.

    Head-to-Head Comparison

    Feature Sony WF-1000XM5 Apple AirPods Pro 2
    Price £259 £229
    Type earbuds earbuds
    Anc excellent very good
    Battery 8h (24h case) 6h (30h case)
    Weight 5.9g 5.3g
    Codec LDAC, AAC AAC
    Rating 9.1/10 8.7/10

    Sound Quality

    The WF-1000XM5 offers a V-shaped sound profile, while the AirPods Pro 2 leans more fun. Both sound excellent, though your preference will depend on what genres you listen to most.

    Noise Cancellation

    ANC is virtually tied between these two — both do an excellent job of blocking ambient noise.

    Comfort and Design

    Both are comfortable, though the AirPods Pro 2 has a slight edge for larger heads.

    Our Pick

    It’s a close call, but the AirPods Pro 2 wins for most people thanks to more comfortable fit.

  • Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 Review: The Runner’s Companion

    The Elite 10 Gen 2 is a strong contender in Jabra’s current lineup. We’ve spent extensive time testing them to give you our definitive verdict.

    Design and Build

    Jabra has iterated on the design with improved materials. It punches above its weight in terms of build quality. Comfort is among the best we’ve tested.

    Sound Quality

    Audio performance is where the Elite 10 Gen 2 truly earns its keep. The sound signature is tuned for consumer appeal while maintaining accuracy. Jabra’s audio processing brings impressive dynamic range that handles everything from quiet passages to crescendos.

    Noise Cancellation

    ANC performance is good, with effective noise reduction in most environments. It handles most daily noise scenarios effectively.

    Key Specs

    Feature Detail
    Price £229
    Battery 6h (27h case)
    Weight 5.7g
    Codecs aptX, AAC, LC3
    Our Rating 8.3/10

    Verdict

    The Elite 10 Gen 2 is a solid choice that will satisfy most listeners, though it faces stiff competition at this price point.

  • Best Earbuds for the Gym: Our Top Workout Picks

    We’ve tested dozens of options to bring you our top earbud picks for 2026.

    What to Look For

    • Noise Cancellation: Look for adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment
    • Sound Quality: Consider your preferred sound signature — warm, neutral, or bass-heavy
    • Battery Life: 6+ hours from the buds, 18+ with the case
    • Comfort: Tip fit is crucial for both comfort and ANC
    • Codec Support: LDAC and aptX Adaptive offer higher quality than AAC alone

    Our Top Picks

    Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 — £229

    Rating: 8.3/10 | Battery: 6h (27h case) | ANC: Good

    Best value for money. A brilliant all-rounder that excels in every category.

    Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro — £219

    Rating: 8.4/10 | Battery: 6h (18h case) | ANC: Very Good

    Best for audiophiles. The go-to choice for its ecosystem.

    Sony WF-1000XM5 — £259

    Rating: 9.1/10 | Battery: 8h (24h case) | ANC: Excellent

    Best for audiophiles. Punches well above its price point.

    How We Test

    We use every product for at least two weeks in real-world conditions before making our recommendations.

  • Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro vs AirPods Pro 2: Android vs Apple

    Choosing between the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and AirPods Pro 2? You’re not alone — this is one of the most common dilemmas for audio buyers.

    Head-to-Head Comparison

    Feature Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Apple AirPods Pro 2
    Price £219 £229
    Type earbuds earbuds
    Anc very good very good
    Battery 6h (18h case) 6h (30h case)
    Weight 5.4g 5.3g
    Codec Samsung Seamless, AAC AAC
    Rating 8.4/10 8.7/10

    Sound Quality

    The Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers a V-shaped sound profile, while the AirPods Pro 2 leans more analytical. Both sound excellent, though your preference will depend on what genres you listen to most.

    Noise Cancellation

    The AirPods Pro 2 slightly outperforms the Galaxy Buds3 Pro in our noise cancellation tests, though the difference is marginal.

    Comfort and Design

    Both are comfortable, though the AirPods Pro 2 has a slight edge for larger heads.

    Our Pick

    It’s a close call, but the AirPods Pro 2 wins for most people thanks to better value for money.