Best overall		AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)		SEE IT	The top-of-the-line AirPods Pro 2 are Apple’s best portable personal audio item yet.
Best over-ear		AirPods Max		SEE IT	Apple’s over-ear headphones have the longest battery and most distinctive look.
Best value		AirPods (3rd generation)		SEE IT	Many of the features you can get from AirPods Pro, but for a lot less money.

AirPods have come a long way since the first generation of Apple’s true wireless earbuds were released in 2016. Industry research firm Canalys found that TWS sales may have decreased in 2023, but Apple’s AirPods Pro remain dominant. The company’s success has contributed greatly to popularizing TWS earbuds and features like active noise cancellation, which was previously only available in over- and on-ear headphones but is now mainstream on earbuds. It’s also raised the bar for connectivity, ease of use, battery life, and, of course, sound quality. While the term “AirPods” was synonymous with in-ears, the company launched the AirPods Max, its first pair of over-ear headphones, in 2020. The company has continually updated its lineup to introduce models with additional features or design changes. The best AirPods will allow you to enjoy your favorite music on-the-go while ditching wires completely.

• Best overall: AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
• Best value: AirPods (3rd generation) with Lightning Charging Case
• Best over-ear: AirPods Max
• Best budget: AirPods (2nd generation)

How we chose the best AirPods for you

Our AirPods recommendations come from a mix of research and hands-on testing. When possible, we compared AirPods to different current-generation headphones in their respective categories. We also considered the style of headphones listeners preferred, the performance of features like active noise cancellation, battery life, and price. The good news is there’s no bad choice in the bunch; it’s just a matter of finding a set that best fits your needs.

The best AirPods: Reviews & Recommendations

The best AirPods will allow you to appreciate your music more than a typical budget pair of headphones because of their audio quality, while still fitting comfortably in a pocket or bag. They should fit your budget, and work just as well with your Android and Windows devices as your Apple gear.

Best overall: AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)

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Specs

• Headphone style: Earbuds
• Battery Life: Up to 6 hours listening time per charge
• ANC: Yes
• Connector: USB-C
• Price: $249.99

Pros

• Adaptive Audio (EQ) support
• Personalized Spatial Audio support w/ dynamic head tracking
• Comfortable to wear

Cons

• Less software customization than come competing brands
• Some features require the latest and greatest Apple hardware and an Apple Music subscription
• Not the most secure option for activity

The 2nd-generation AirPods with MagSafe Charging Case add small but consequential updates to what was already a fantastic flagship. As we declared in our full review of the AirPods Pro 2, these earbuds are “a highly noticeable improvement over their predecessors” thanks to a new low-distortion, high-excursion 11mm driver plus a custom amplifier. The augmented dynamics are richer, rounder, with textures splashier, crashier, crispier. And that’s before you add in any of the bells and whistles, like Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, active noise cancellation, and transparency, which combine to narrow the gap between you and your music while widening the soundstage you experience it in. (And, if you happen to have the Apple Vision Pro headset, the H2 chip with Bluetooth 5.3 in the AirPods Pro 2allows you to get 20-bit/48 kHz lossless audio streaming with your spatial computing.)

In terms of build improvements, the latest AirPods Pro earbuds are IP54 for better sweat and dust resistance, with multiple sizes of silicone eartips that anchor in your ear canals and create a tight seal for optimized bass performance. Simultaneously, a vent system improves pressure equalization for comfort. Skin-detect sensors tell the earbuds when to pause and play music if you take the earbuds out and put them back in. Touch controls are more responsive. The beamforming microphones do a great job isolating your voice on calls. Perhaps the greatest quality-of-living change is that the case supports both wireless and USB-C charging, so you can put that last Lightning cable away.

All these factors contribute to our naming the AirPods Pro 2 the best overall earbuds for most people. If you have a newer-generation iPhone, iPad, MacBook, etc., an insatiable love of music, and the budget (these are often on sale for $179-$199), the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) earbuds are a splurge that justifies itself immediately.

Best value: AirPods (3rd generation) with Lightning Charging Case

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Specs

• Headphone style: Earbuds
• Battery Life: Up to 6 hours listening time per charge
• ANC: Yes
• Connector: Lightning
• Price: $169.99

Pros

• Adaptive Audio support
• Spatial audio support
• Comfortable to wear

Cons

• Uses a proprietary connector

While the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) earbuds are our default suggestion for anyone looking for AirPods, we understand that some folks don’t want to spend that much or still have an older iPhone and would prefer not to replace their Lightning cable(s) until they must. In that case, the AirPods (3rd generation) with Lightning Charging Case is your choice, and it’s not a bad choice by any means. It has a lot of the same audio features as the AirPods Pro 2, including the custom high-excursion driver and high dynamic range amplifier, Adaptive EQ, and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. So, if you liked the sound of the sound in the AirPods Pro 2 description above, you’ll like how it sounds here. What you don’t get, however, does come into play when you hit play. The AirPods (3rd generation) have a hardshell design, no interchangeable tips, so it can be harder to get a tight seal (and therefore harder to get lower bass). Also, there’s no noise cancellation, so the world might intrude more on your tunes (and you might be tempted to turn up the volume more but please do not or you’ll need to buy these). The chipset is an H1 with Bluetooth 5.0, so these will become obsolete faster than the Pro 2. And you must click, not swipe, for certain controls. Still, these AirPods have the same battery life and IP durability rating as the AirPods Pro, plus a case with a Lightning jack for charging (or one that charges wirelessly if you’re inclined to spend a little more). You get the AirPods experience in a pair of earbuds that’s routinely discounted to $140-$150, and you may not miss active noise cancellation if you work from home or in quiet environments.

Best over-ear: AirPods Max

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Specs

• Headphone style: Over-ear
• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours listening time per charge
• ANC: Yes
• Connector: Lightning
• Price: $549

Pros

• Better ANC than earbuds
• Solid battery life
• Comfortable to wear

Cons

• Cost

The AirPods Max are the only pair of over-ear headphones made by Apple, so they’re your sole option in this category. Apple brought over many of the same features that helped make its earbuds popular: instant pairing with Apple devices, support for Spatial Audio and quick access to Siri, active noise cancelation, a well-balanced sound profile, and a design that’s focused on comfort. They’re also available in four colors, while Apple’s earbuds are only available in white.

At $549 (though often on sale as low as $479), the AirPods Max are a lot more expensive than comparable flagship models from Sony and Bose, and those headphones have better battery life and noise cancellation performance. Headphones from those companies also feature a USB-C port rather than Lightning for charging. A big part of the AirPods Max’s appeal is the signature aesthetics and integration with the Apple ecosystem. Anodized aluminum and mesh textile aren’t materials we’re used to seeing in the headphone world, and they’re undeniably luxe. Aluminum is heavier than the plastic used by other headphone companies, so the AirPods Max will weigh more heavily on your head if you’re jumping from another over-ear pair (though that breathable headband distributes weight well).

On a technical level, the AirPods Max were cutting-edge when they were released, but have started to cede some ground to the competition in the past couple of years. They support Spatial Audio with head tracking, which makes music and movies with a Dolby Atmos mix sound more immersive and more like listening to audio on a pair of high-end speakers, but it’s not lossless audio. Their 20-hour battery life is way higher than what you’d get from a pair of AirPods Pro, but that’s to be expected when comparing over-ear headphones to earbuds. However, the AirPods Max’s battery life is so-so compared to other over-ear headphones.

Still, if you care about aesthetics and comfort and want the AirPods experience from a bigger set of cans, the AirPods Max headphones are your only choice.

Best budget: AirPods (2nd generation)

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Specs

• Headphone style: Earbuds
• Battery Life: Up to 5 hours listening time per charge
• ANC: No
• Connector: Lightning
• Price: $129.99

Pros

• They pair easily with an iPhone
• They play music
• Compact design
• Price

Cons

• No special audio-processing/convenience features

If you want the classic Apple aesthetic without the expense, these are the AirPods for you. These are the long-stemmed earbuds that established the ubiquity of AirPods. They play nice with iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS devices, as well as Siri—no picky pairing or fussy settings, unlike competitors’ earbuds. They play music and can let you take calls. However, you’re not getting any of the advanced features that come with even the AirPods 3. There’s no custom, Adaptive, Personalized, active anything. But if you want the most affordable entry to portable personal Apple audio, this is it.

What to consider when shopping for the best AirPods for you

Picking a pair of AirPods is pretty simple because Apple doesn’t offer many models, and all of them are pretty good. The company has done an admirable job trickling certain features between its earbuds, including battery life, durability, and technical features. Unless you opt for the budget pick, your decision will come down to how much you’re willing to spend, whether you prefer earbuds or over-ear headphones, and if you care about USB-C charging.

Headphone style

While AirPods are synonymous with earbuds, Apple has branched out into offering an over-ear pair of headphones called the AirPods Max. Earbuds will always be more convenient to use because they can fit in your pocket comfortably with their charging case, whereas over-ear headphones need to be kept on your head, around your neck, or in a larger bag. The tradeoff is that over-ear headphones have larger drivers for better, louder sound, and a longer-lasting battery.

Connector

Once upon a time, all AirPods had a Lightning charging port. Apple developed the proprietary connector and featured it on the iPhone from 2012 until 2023, when it was replaced with a USB-C port. Now, most of Apple’s audio has a Lightning port, but the latest AirPods Pro (2nd generation) now comes with a USB-C charging port, and we expect this will become standard on all AirPods models in the next couple of years.

Battery life

All of Apple’s earbuds have the same six hour battery life, which is solid for this style of headphone. The amount you actually get will depend on whether you leave active noise cancellation enabled and your preferred listening volume. AirPods Max get up to 20 hours of usage per charge, which is more than enough to get you through a transatlantic flight with plenty of power to spare.

Active noise cancellation

Apple’s top AirPods—both earphones and headphones—have active noise cancellation, a feature wherein microphones analyze and algorithms neutralize outsound sounds before they reach your ears. Apple was one of the first companies to add credible active noise cancellation to the earbud world, and it’s only improved its performance in the second-generation AirPods Pro.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best AirPods

• Best overall: AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
• Best value: AirPods (3rd generation) with Lightning Charging Case
• Best over-ear: AirPods Max
• Best budget: AirPods (2nd generation)

AirPods have forever changed the world of earphones and made headway into headphones. And Apple’s continued pursuit of bringing technical improvements to a mass audience is laudable. It’s safe to say true wireless earbuds wouldn’t be as popular, and active noise cancellation would have been a lower priority for other headphone makers, if Apple hadn’t stepped up its game. With its latest generation of AirPods, Apple has shown there’s no better time to invest in easily pocketable portable audio accessories than now.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best AirPods in 2024: How to pick which ones are right for you appeared first on Popular Science.

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Bose, the company that popularized noise-cancelling headphones, has retaken the crown amongst sharp competition from Sony and Apple. The QuietComfort Ultra earbuds simply block more high and low frequencies more efficiently. True to their name, the earbuds are also comfortable to wear, lending themselves to longer listening sessions when you’re on a plane or train for business or pleasure. Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra are the best noise-canceling earbuds we’ve tested, and they’ve returned to their best price thanks to a current Amazon deal.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds $249.99 (Was $299.99)

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The QuietComfort Ultras achieve their high level of active noise cancellation by using multiple microphones built into each bud to “hear” unwanted sounds that an advanced algorithm filters out before they reach your ears. All of this processing is done in real time and doesn’t significantly impact the earbuds’ audio quality, which is excellent. The QuietComfort Ultra earbuds’ sound profile creates tight bass, clear-but-not-hot treble, and a smooth midrange. You’ll be satisfied with what you hear regardless of the music genres you typically listen to. While the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are always worth their premium price, they’re even easier to recommend during Amazon’s flash sale.

Other great Bose audio deals:

• Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker $99 (Was $119)
• Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker $119 (Was $149)
• Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones $249 (Was $249)
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones $379 (Was $429)

The post Get Bose’s flagship QuietComfort Ultra earbuds for their lowest price ever appeared first on Popular Science.

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Sony launched its new TV and soundbar lineup April 17 with the tagline “Cinema is coming home.” But a month earlier, they invited me to travel far from home—from the East Coast to Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, Calif.—for a behind-the-screens preview of the philosophy and technology that went into the 2024 models. 

Ecto-1. Johnny 5. BRAVIA 9. Our two-day tour of the lot showcased applied science of the past and present. Movie props and filmmakers giving Sony engineers props. Classic characters and new naming conventions. I found myself in JEOPARDY! and on a holodeck. It was a soup-to-nuts, lens-to-living room look at mastering monitors, home theater setups, and the push to narrow the gap between creators and consumers.

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Seeing what we’re not seeing  

Sony’s new TVs include four models and two important acronyms: BRAVIA and HDR. The “Best Resolution Audio Visual Integrated Architecture” brand has been part of Sony’s televisions for almost 20 years but is now the unifying label for the BRAVIA 3, 7, 8, and 9 screens, as well as the BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 and Theater Bar 9. For anyone used to Sony’s sets like the X95L, X90L, etc., X no longer marks the spot except on the SKU. (The A80L is also gone—no more separate LED and OLED series—but that didn’t fit the last sentence’s wordplay as well.) 

The BRAVIA 9 is now the Mini-LED flagship, with the most expanded, authentic contrast, while the BRAVIA 8 is a 4K OLED alternative. The BRAVIA 7 is a premium but more approachable 4K Mini-LED, while the BRAVIA 3 is an entry-level 4K 60Hz Direct LED. Is making shopping simpler versus the previous system the rename of the game? Debatable, and it doesn’t help that the flagship A95L will remain on the market. At the very least, the new monikers make it clear that the BRAVIA 9 is the set Sony considers the true peak of this year’s innovations—peak brightness particularly.

On to that second acronym. The ability to turn off every diode independently allows OLED screens unbeatable black levels and contrast, given a low-light environment to show its best. But when it comes to HDR, or High Dynamic Range, the peak brightness levels achievable by a Mini-LED screen allow for more control over fine highlights and luminance that can stand up to rooms with more natural light. 

Sony’s brightest 4K TV to date (50% brighter with 325% more dimming zones), the BRAVIA 9’s High Peak Luminance sets out to narrow the gap with OLED’s pixel-level control while improving the ability to perform accurately wherever people want (or need) to set up their TV, not just in an optimized home theater or demo den. Sony hosted its product reveal throughout the studio lot, and invited directors and cinematographers to speak to us, to reinforce the part the company plays in every stage of the cinema signal chain—from professional Venice cameras used in aircraft on Top Gun: Maverick to Gran Turismo’s object-based sound design to color-grading monitors. And it’s Sony’s belief in the ability of HDR to preserve the detail and intent of every frame that explains why the first, foundational screen we saw was one none of us will ever buy.

Shining a light on backlighting

The HX3110 is an if-you-have-to-ask-you-can’t-afford-it 31-inch 4K reference monitor with a dual-layer LCD panel capable of color grading up to 4,000 nits. To date, most films are mastered to 1,000 nits because of the limitations of previous monitors. With the NX3110, even the smallest highlights can be displayed without clipping, and 2,000/1,000 nits settings allow filmmakers to ensure details translate to any current display scenarios. And the gradients on display were compelling. But it’s that 4,000 nits future that informed the development of the BRAVIA 9’s local dimming and backlight processing. 

Handing out sunglasses, our hosts had us turn to the other side of the darkened room, draped in blackout curtains. On one table was a BRAVIA 9 without its LCD panel, with an intact TV on the floor in front of it. To the side were two sets from a competitor in an identical arrangement [see image below]. Can the BRAVIA 9 reach the brightness levels or shading of a tens of thousands of dollars professional monitor without clipping? No, but it did demo the response time and object recognition of the “XR Backlight Master Drive” and newly developed IC [LED Driver] system [see above], as well as show off the color volume and specular highlights, which emulated some of the HX3110’s vivid reproduction admirably. The naked backlight, well, illuminated the level of definition 22-bit channel control can produce. And a granular grasp of each component and current also means 20% less power consumption, according to Sony.

This will also come into play in one of Sony’s new partnerships. The BRAVIA 7, 8, and 9 will all feature Prime Video Calibrated Mode—announced at the event by BA Winston, VP, Technology, Amazon Prime Video. A Sony-exclusive feature (at least initially), this algorithm auto-adjusts picture settings for the content streaming (movies, TV, live sports, etc.), screen type, and the light conditions in the room. (Prime Video joins similar processing for Netflix and the Sony Pictures Core app.) IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Vision, HLG, and HDR10 support—plus 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Auto Tone Mapping, and other “Perfect for PS5” features for gamers—make sure all the picture mode boxes are checked. 4K X-Reality PRO, XR Clear Image, XR Triluminos PRO, XR Motion Clarity (120Hz native refresh rate), and X-Wide Angle with X-Anti-Reflection underlie upscaling, color mapping, etc.

As for the BRAVIA 8 OLED, it’s 10% brighter while being 30% slimmer than 2023’s A80L. The BRAVIA 7 is 790% brighter than last year’s full-array LED X90L but lacks the flagship’s precise lighting and peak management. It’s the BRAVIA 9 that’s an upgrade from every angle—including the viewing angle, which exhibited low off-axis desaturation. I look forward to testing one to bring all the shadowy details into the light.

Elevating more than brightness

Obviously, Sony believes Mini-LED has a … bright future. But what’s cinema without being equally saturated in sound? Whereas the BRAVIA 9 operates under a mantra of more is more, the BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 makes a statement that less isn’t less. The 2024 soundbar, which replaces the HT-A7000 [a Dolby Atmos soundbar that impressed our reviewer], is 36% smaller with no decrease in capability thanks to its 13-driver array and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology filling in the virtual channels for spatial audio. Integrated with a BRAVIA 9 TV and augmented by wireless SA-RS5 satellite speakers and the SA-SW5 subwoofer, the Theater Bar 9 delivered 7.1.4 channels and plenty of energy. Thanks to AI-powered Voice Zoom 3 and “Acoustic Center Sync,” which uses the BRAVIA 9 as the center channel (and the TV now has up-firing Beam Tweeters and Frame Tweeters), dialog stayed anchored and audible even as action swelled. The demo was dynamic, despite the challenges of being in an acoustically treated recording studio full of irregular surfaces. (The Theater Bar 8 offers similar soundfield features but with 11 drivers within a slimmer, less powerful footprint.)

The real surprise was the BRAVIA Theater Quad system, which maximizes minimalism with four fabric-wrapped panel-like powered speakers with four drivers each (tweeter, mid, woofer, and up-firing). The wireless speakers self-calibrate to adjust volume and create 16 phantom channels based on their placement (and they’re purpose-built to be wall-mount friendly but also stand-suitable). They’re also wireless subwoofer compatible. Flanking a BRAVIA 9 hung a touch above eye/ear level, with the other two Quad components behind the sitting area, the Theater Quad system delivered an even more immersive experience than the Theater Bar 9, with audible overhead effects. Flexible positioning plus fluid sound? Yes, thank you. Speakers that stand out by blending in are so hot right now.

There was one last stop on our tour of Sony Pictures and Sony products, and that was to Pixomondo—a virtual production company/LED soundstage. Combining a modular wall of 1,400 display panels with infrared motion-tracking cameras to render perspective changes in real-time, Pixomondo allows directors to film free-flowing action in virtual environments (like, say, a starship). It also allows journalists to take pictures of the TVs and soundbars staged in multiple suites of varying moods, all without leaving one space [as shown below]. Placed against a towering crescent of monitors, the new BRAVIA setups were visually eclipsed yet still stood out. Colorful screensavers cranked, it was quite the contrast(s) … talk about heightening the experience.

BRAVIA TV and soundbar models and prices, once available 

BRAVIA 9 Mini LED

• 85″ Class (84.6″ diag): $5,499.99 USD MSRP
• 75″ Class (74.5″ diag): $3,999.99 USD MSRP
• 65″ Class (64.5″ diag): $3,299.99 USD MSRP 

BRAVIA 8 OLED

• 77″ Class (76.7″ diag): $3,899.99 USD MSRP 
• 65″ Class (64.5″ diag): $2,799.99 USD MSRP  
• 55″ Class (54.6″ diag): $1,999.99 USD MSRP 

BRAVIA 7 Mini LED

• 85″ Class (84.6″ diag): $3,499.99 USD MSRP
• 75″ Class (74.5″ diag): $2,799.99 USD MSRP
• 65″ Class (64.5″ diag): $2,299.99 USD MSRP
• 55″ Class (54.6″ diag): $1,899.99 USD MSRP

BRAVIA 3 LED

• 85″ Class (84.6″ diag): $1,799.99 USD MSRP
• 75″ Class (74.5″ diag): $1,299.99 USD MSRP
• 65″ Class (64.5″ diag): $999.99 USD MSRP 
• 55″ Class (54.6″ diag): $849.99 USD MSRP
• 50″ Class (49.5″ diag): $699.99 USD MSRP 
• 43″ Class (42.5″ diag): $599.99 USD MSRP

BRAVIA Theater Quad has a suggested retail price of $2,499.99 USD 

BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 has a suggested retail price of $1,399.99 USD 

BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 has a suggested retail price of $999.99 USD 

BRAVIA Theater U has a suggested retail price of $299.99 USD

The post Sony’s new TVs take Mini-LED to the max: Here’s what you should know appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II		SEE IT	Premium, surround sound-ready stereo towers well designed from top to bottom for high-output, highly emotional entertainment.
Best Splurge		The Nines		SEE IT	The ultimate multi-use speakers for analog and digital music lovers alike.
Best budget		Klipsch Austin		SEE IT	A multi-driver $100 speaker that almost fits in a pants pocket.

Klipsch speakers have impressed the audio world since the company’s inception in 1946, and the tradition of continually releasing new, innovative hardware has continued for the past 78 years. In recent years, Klipsch has branched out from passive floorstanding and bookshelf speakers into making powered and portable Bluetooth speakers. The company’s attention to high-energy acoustics and dual focus on both audio quality and value have helped it stand out even with increased competition from both new and legacy speaker makers. The best Klipsch speakers will extract all the dynamic details of your music, movies, and video games at home and on the go.

• Best overall: Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II
• Best splurge: Klipsch The Nines
• Best portable: Klipsch Nashville
• Best soundbar: Klipsch Flexus CORE 200
• Best budget: Klipsch Austin

How we chose the best Klipsch speakers

Klipsch makes an enormous number of speakers, so winnowing down the best required us to take into consideration the most common ways people will use them. After careful consideration we decided on portable speakers for on-the-go listening, passive and active speakers for music listening, and a soundbar for those who want a more compact home theater system. Our recommendations are based on a mix of hands-on testing and research to determine the best choice in each given category.

The best Klipsch speakers: Reviews & Recommendations

Ready to set up a home theater or upgrade from a pair of speakers with toasted tweeters and worn-out woofers? It’s time to hear what your music, movies, and games really sound like with a set of Klipsch speakers.

Best overall: Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II

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Specs

• Powered: No
• Dimensions: 22.04 x 14.96 x 48.42 inches
• Weight: 61.4 pounds
• Price: $1,198

Pros

• Triple driver audio system
• Aluminum feet designed to absorb vibrations
• Aesthetically pleasing

Cons

• Price

Klipsch’s Reference Premiere RP-8000F II speakers typify what makes the company’s audio hardware so impressive and revered. Yes, the floorstanding speakers are large, but each cabinet houses multiple drivers: a pair of eight-inch woofers and one-inch tweeters. These woofers are made from a cerametallic material, which Klipsch says maximizes their efficiency while minimizing the potential for distortion. In addition, specially designed bass ports allow for more extension with less noise. This is especially important because the woofers will be responsible for accurately representing the dynamic width of midrange and low frequencies unless you connect a subwoofer to your home audio system.

The speakers’ titanium LTS tweeters and vented housings are mounted onto Tractrix horns, a proprietary component designed by Klipsch to ensure detailed, accurate reproduction. The silicone composite horn is flared so that the tweeter’s sound is properly dispersed outward. Klipsch says this design is an efficient way for treble sounds to always clear the enclosure with deliberate directivity and minimum reverb from wall reflections, lowering the probability of harsh harmonics and sibilant sounds.

If you like to listen to your music loud, the RP8000F II’s cast aluminum feet may be a most appealing feature. They keep the speaker from sitting flush on the floor, so vibrations from loud sounds don’t rattle the cabinet, which causes distortion. While these speakers were designed for stereo listening, each one has a pair of connectors toward the top of the cabinet that allow you to connect one of Klipsch’s RP-500SA upward-firing surround sound speakers to them. This, along with a switchable crossover setting, will allow you to listen to music mixed in Dolby Atmos without hooking those additional speakers up to your AV receiver. Klipsch includes a pair of “jumper cables” with the RP8000F IIs for this purpose. It’s great to know there’s a built-in upgrade path if you’re starting to build a home theater system and are starting with these speakers.

Yes, they’re expensive, but there’s a reason Klipsch has labeled the RP-8000F IIs as reference speakers. They’re well worth the price if you have enough space for a pair of floor-standing speakers and care about premium sound.

Best splurge: Klipsch The Nines

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Specs

• Powered: Yes
• Dimensions: 13.38 x 9.5 x 19.13 inches
• Weight: 66 pounds
• Price: $1,499

Pros

• Enormous woofers for a relatively compact cabinet (compared to a tower speaker)
• Designed for both analog and digital music listening
• Loaded with inputs

Cons

• Price

The Nines is an all-in-one audio system that blew us away during our time with them. Klipsch outfitted its powered speakers with a single eight-inch woofer and one-inch tweeter mounted onto a Tractrix horn. While they don’t have the exact same components as the Reference Premiere RP-8000F IIs, they share the same DNA, if not the dimensions. You’ll get enormous sound—both in depth and volume—from speakers just over a foot-and-a-half tall.

Part of The Nines’ appeal is their versatility. Like the smaller Fives and Sevens, these powered speakers have an RCA phono input, USB port, HDMI port, optical audio port, and subwoofer output, meaning you can connect them to virtually any component. It’s conceivable that one could hook up a turntable, TV, and computer up to The Nines simultaneously and use them as home audio, home theater, and computer speakers with the flick of a switch.

And because The Nines have a built-in phono stage, you won’t need an external phono preamp or AV receiver for them to be excellent turntable speakers. Discerning digital music listeners will be able to listen to 24-bit 192kHz natively through any of its digital inputs, or stream compressed audio to the speakers wirelessly over Bluetooth. This is it if you’re looking for one set of speakers that can fit into any audio system.

Best portable: Klipsch Nashville

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Specs

• Powered: Yes
• Dimensions: 3.19 x 3.07 x 7.01 inches
• Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Price: $149

Pros

• 24-hour battery life
• Can connect to up to 10 additional Klipsch speakers
• Reverse charging

Cons

• Bluetooth only

Klipsch’s Nashville is the mid-sized option in the company’s “Music City” portable speaker series, and it delivers a lot for its small size. The speaker has a pair of 2.25-inch full-range drivers behind its signature copper logo and black grille—one front and one rear-firing so it can be enjoyed from any angle. The Bluetooth speaker’s drivers are augmented by a pair of bass radiators for cleaner low-end response. There aren’t any onboard tone controls, but you can tweak how the Nashville sounds using the Klipsch Connect app on iOS and Android if you’d like to dial in different frequencies or adjust its EQ to suit the type of music you like listening to the most.

The Nashville supports Bluetooth 5.3, the latest most stable version of the wireless audio protocol, though it only connects to smartdevices and computers via the baseline SBC codec. It does, however, support a feature called “Broadcast Mode” that allows you to connect it to up to 10 other Klipsch speakers. This feature will come in handy if you’d like to create a whole-home wireless audio system or just want to be able to stream the same track to two places during a larger party. Broadcast Mode works over Bluetooth, as the Nashville doesn’t support Wi-Fi audio streaming. Similarly, there’s no Aux input on this speaker, which means it’s Bluetooth or bust. We’re pleased that the Nashville has an IP67 rating, so it won’t get damaged when exposed to water or dust.

Klipsch says the Nashville supports up to 24 hours of music playback per charge, but the amount you get will be dependant on your listening volume and whether Broadcast Mode is engaged. The speaker charges via USB-C, and you can use its charging port to top up the batteries in your other devices by plugging them in. Using the Nashville as a power bank will deplete its battery a lot more quickly, but the feature is useful in a pinch.

Of course, none of this is worth a dang if the speaker ain’t got that twang. Luckily, the Nashville’s 60Hz to 20kHz frequency response is surprisingly robust for a speaker its size. At 50 to 60 percent volume, the speaker maintains pleasingly throaty dynamics with minimal distortion, thanks to its DSP. Things start getting iffy above that, so if it’s volume you seek, look to the bigger $299 Detroit speaker (the elongated speaker in the image above). Playback is in mono but there’s still a good sense of instrument separation, aided by some EQing in the app to bump tight bass and boost treble without tizziness. The Nashville is a speaker that can hold a note and hold up under the conditions of a pool party or beach bash.

Best soundbar: Klipsch Flexus CORE 200

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Specs

• Powered: Yes
• Dimensions: 4.94 x 44 x 3.1 inches
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Price: $499

Pros

• Built-in subwoofers
• Upward-firing drivers for Atmos height channels
• Can be augmented with a dedicated subwoofer/surround speakers

Cons

• Requires a wide space.

The Flexus CORE 200 is Klipsch’s newest soundbar, and it’s quickly become one of the best we’ve ever tested. At 44-inches wide, you’ll need a large media center to accommodate the home theater speaker, but you’ll be rewarded handsomely once you hear how music, video games, and movies sound. The Flexus CORE 200 has six 2.25 ceramic drivers (one on the left and one on the right, two in the center, and two facing upward) plus two 4-inch subwoofers. We’ve never heard better bass response or single-point surround sound from another compact soundbar at this price point (or a bit beyond).

The low end was shockingly tight when listening to explosions while playing games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch OLED or titles with bombastic bopping soundtracks like Penny’s Big Breakaway. The Flexus CORE 200 could recreate the ambiance of a theater or hall when watching comedy specials like Neal Brennan’s Crazy Good and Demetri Martin’s Demetri Deconstructed. Even casual YouTube videos sound great, with clear separation between voiceovers and sound effects.

This performance is possible because Klipsch partnered with Onkyo when developing the Flexus CORE 200. The former designed the enclosure and acoustic components, while the latter was in charge of developing the processor inside. Onkyo has a long history of making AV receivers and amps and has brought that expertise to the table in a big way. It’s no surprise that their technology was able to recreate the experience of listening to a more traditional multi-speaker multichannel setup.

On its own, we can recommend Klipsch’s Flexus CORE 200 as a premium 3.1.2-channel soundbar for anyone who’s at least a little surround sound curious. However, we were also able to test it alongside Klipsch’s new $299 10-inch Flexus Sub 100 and $249 wireless Flexus Surround 100 speakers. This trio is a grand slam, offering better-balanced sound and more immersive audio experiences when listening to Dolby Atmos mixes of albums like The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, with spatial audio ping-ponging off the ceiling and walls around you.

Whether you use it on its own or with Klipsch’s optional satellites/sub, we cannot find a major fault with the Flexus CORE 200 system. If you have enough space, it’s a home theater upgrade you’ll deserve.

Best budget: Klipsch Austin

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Specs

• Powered: Yes
• Dimensions: 1.73 x 4.13 x 4.13 inches
• Weight: .88 pounds
• Price: $99

Pros

• 12-hour battery life
• IP67 durability rating
• Price

Cons

• May not get loud enough for certain situations

If you need an ultra-portable, highly affordable Klipsch speaker, The Austin is the one you’ll need. This personal speaker retains many of the looks and features that impressed us during our time with its Music City sibling the Nashville, including IP67 water and dust resistance, support for Bluetooth 5.3, Klipsch’s Broadcast Mode, speakerphone capabilities, and reverse charging. Klipsch says The Austin can last up to 12 hours per charge, which is great for a speaker conceivably fitting in a pair of cargo shorts.

Despite its small size, Klipsch managed to fit a 2-inch woofer and separate tweeter into its compact square enclosure. This means that even though the Austin is mono, you’ll get better separation between crisp high and rich mid frequencies than you would with most single-driver ultra-portable speakers. The 10W 70Hz to 20kHz Austin is not going to be a suitable speaker system for a large space or a bass lover, but that’s not what it was designed for. Klipsch did outfit the speaker with a built-in strap, which you can use to attach it to a bicycle’s handlebars or on a backpack. Don’t be fooled by The Austin’s size and price, Klipsch spent the time to optimize its performance, so you won’t get a significantly diminished experience when listening to your tunes. We’ll be including it in our favorite portable Bluetooth speakers in the future.

What to consider when shopping for the best Klipsch speakers

There are many factors to consider when deciding which Klipsch speakers are right for you. Below are the factors we considered most important when writing this guide:

Active vs. Passive

The first consideration you’ll need to make when deciding which Klipsch speakers to get is whether you’d like them to be active (with built-in amplification) or passive (without that). Passive speakers require an AV receiver or other amp and speaker cable for power and to connect to sources like a turntable or computer. Active speakers have built-in amplification (and more and more frequently some sort of DAC and/or wireless streaming capabilities), which allows you to connect components to them using an HDMI cable, optical audio, or RCA cable, as well as Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth. Active speakers are typically heavier, and their power supply and other audio hardware take up space inside each speaker’s cabinet, leaving less room for audio components. Passive speakers are lighter, only have audio hardware inside, but don’t have any utility on their own out of the box.

Style

Traditional Klipsch speakers come in the two classic form factors: bookshelf and floorstanding. Bookshelf speakers are more compact, and can fit more easily on top of a media center or in a smaller space like bedrooms and home offices (assuming you also factor in space for an amp, or you pick a powered pair). Their smaller size does limit how many drivers they can have and the size of those drivers. Floorstanding (aka tower) speakers are significantly taller but have more room for multiple larger drivers, which means more extension and greater separation between frequency bands, resulting in a more dynamic response. These speakers sit directly on the floor—as their name suggests—so you’ll need space on both sides of your home audio system to make them work.

In addition, Klipsch has introduced its soundbars and a new line of portable Bluetooth speakers in addition to passive and active bookshelf and floorstanding speakers. These speakers follow Klipsch’s adherence to strict audio quality, and come in a trio of sizes—all easily taken on the go.

Connectivity

As we outlined earlier, Klipsch has outfitted its powered speakers with several means of connectivity, which will allow you to use them in several ways simultaneously. For example, The Nines speakers have a USB port, HDMI port, and RCA input (with a grounding peg), which means you can conceivably connect them to a computer, TV, and turntable. These active speakers also support Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Klipsch speakers

• Best overall: Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II
• Best splurge: Klipsch The Nines
• Best portable: Klipsch Nashville
• Best soundbar: Klipsch Flexus CORE 200
• Best budget: Klipsch Austin

Klipsch’s continued efforts to make the best-sounding speakers for music listeners and home theater enthusiasts after nearly 80 is laudable. The Flexus CORE 200, a 2024 release, is the perfect example of this. The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos—an audio format that wasn’t even around 10 years ago, much less when the company was founded—yet it adheres to the same fundamentals of Klipsch’s most traditional passive speakers. By using common connectors like HDMI, RCA, and USB on its powered speakers, Klipsch ensures their longevity and usefulness as you upgrade your current audio components. This commitment to both sustainability by design and audio quality has kept Klipsch as relevant today as it was in the 1940s and will carry the company through into the future.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best Klipsch speakers in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Anker Soundcore 3		SEE IT	A well-rounded speaker with a solid build that won’t break the bank.
Best for a party		Tribit XSound Mega		SEE IT	A speaker equipped with flashy features for a fraction of the price.
Best for travel		JBL Clip 4		SEE IT	A super portable speaker  designed to move with you thanks to its carabiner-like design.

There is no shortage of Bluetooth speakers under $100, even $50, which can make choosing the right one for your listening needs particularly difficult. While you’d think a less expensive option might not boast outstanding audio quality or unbeatable battery life, there are many models that are going to deliver exactly what you need when it comes to wire-free listening. Hone in on your top priorities and search accordingly. Do you need something waterproof? A speaker that will clip onto a backpack? Or maybe something extra bass to bump at a party? When it comes to the best budget Bluetooth speakers, it’s okay to focus on one or two central features so you get the most bang for your buck. Here are picks for speakers that can fit your needs and your budget.

• Best overall: Anker Soundcore 3
• Best for bass: Sony SRS-XB100
• Best waterproof: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3
• Best for travel: JBL Clip 4
• Best budget: Oontz Angle 3
• Best party speaker: Tribit XSound Mega
• Best for (viewing) parties: EarFun UBOOM L
• Best smart speaker: Amazon Echo (4th Gen.)

How we chose the best budget Bluetooth speakers

Many of the speakers recommended here have been personally tested by myself or our team, which is why we confidently recommend this selection. We retested some of our personal favorites and compared them to new units from other reputable brands with a focus on sound quality. While smaller portable speakers can’t deliver audio that’s as precise as premium stereo or multi-channel models, we made sure to pick products that preserve the integrity of our favorite albums. To further pare down the list, we only looked at speakers that currently retail for under $115, primarily focusing on those around $50, while paying particular attention to durability, portability, and battery life. Then, we considered special features like onboard controls, EQ customization, and connectivity to bring you the best of the best when it comes to affordable Bluetooth speakers. 

The best budget Bluetooth speakers: Reviews & Recommendations

If you visit my apartment, you will immediately see a veritable wall of Bluetooth speakers, large and small. I have what some may call a deep enthusiasm for portable sound that doesn’t require equally deep pockets or corners. And I’ve found that the best cheap Bluetooth speakers don’t have to sound dinky. In fact, many options provide solid sound for less. While shopping, consider your top priorities for your budget-friendly speaker. Do you emphasize battery life, portability, water resistance, or sound quality? Once you can answer this question, you can pick out an excellent speaker from our picks without spending a fortune.

Best overall: Anker Soundcore 3

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Why it made the cut: The Soundcore 3 is a well-rounded, budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker with an impressive 24 hours of battery life and the option to boost the bass without distortion. 

Specs 

• Battery Life: 24 hours 
• Bluetooth Range: Up to 66 feet
• IP Rating: IPX7
• Size: 6.9 x 2.4 x 2.2 inches  

Pros

• Excellent Battery Life 
• Sound Quality 
• Bass Up technology 
• Customizable EQ 

Cons

• Simplistic design
• Voice assistant capability is lacking

The Soundcore 3 is a robust, portable Bluetooth speaker that won’t cost an arm and a leg, making it the best budget Bluetooth speaker overall. Available in four colors, this powerful unit utilizes 16 watts of power to push dual 1.5-inch drivers with titanium diaphragms. Meanwhile, dual passive radiators combine with improved BassUp technology to analyze music in real-time and work to punch up the low-end during your favorite bass-driven songs. Alongside BassUp, there are three additional preset EQs you can choose from, or customize your own using the Soundcore app. The treble on the Soundcore 3 stretches all the way up to 40kHz. Bluetooth 5.0 offers a consistently stable connection and PartyCast compatibility means you can link up to 100 Soundcore speakers for a truly impressive array of sound. To get a full battery faster, this speaker charges via USB-C, and the 24-hour battery life beats more expensive models. While $55 isn’t the steepest cost if you needed a replacement, an IPX7 rating means you won’t have to worry about water damage if you get caught in the rain or drop it in the pool. And if you’re definitely planning to fill a patio with friends, there’s also the Anker Soundcore Glow Mini, an outdoor-friendly speaker that offers 360-degree sound, a pulsing LED halo, and IPX7—all for less than $50.

Best for bass: Sony SRS-XB100

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Why it made the cut: The SRS-XB100 is a compact, portable waterproof speaker that automatically boosts the bass for party-worthy sound wherever you are. 

Specs

• Battery Life: 16 hours 
• Bluetooth Range: Up to 32 feet
• IP Rating: IP67
• Size: 3.43 x 3.43 x 4.41 inches 

Pros

• Removable strap
• UV coating 
• Five cool colorways
• Extra Bass 

Cons

• Extra bass isn’t adjustable 

If you’re looking for a compact speaker that weighs less than 1 pound and costs less than $50 but doesn’t sacrifice bass-booming sound, then the SRS-XB100 is the best bass Bluetooth speaker for you. With a 20Hz – 20kHz frequency response and a dedicated passive radiator to reinforce low-end, your music won’t be found lacking when it comes to heart-thumping beats. An IP67 rating means it’s protected from water and debris, so you can toss it into your beach bag without worrying about sand getting into the speaker grill. Available in five modern colors, each unit comes with a matching multiway strap, so you can easily carry the speaker if you run out of room in your backpack, or hang it up for easy access at a pool party. With an extra XB100 speaker, you can enable stereo mode, and a USB-C port means you can charge quickly to keep the party going all night long. And the integrated microphone means you can have a conference call from the campfire.

Best waterproof: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3

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Specs

• Battery life: 14 hours
• Bluetooth range: 131 feet
• IP rating: IP67
• Size: 3.68 x 3.68 x 4.02 inches

Pros

• Easily portable 
• Can be submerged for up to 30 minutes 
• Impressive volume 

Cons

• No microphone 
• No USB-C charging

The WONDERBOOM 3 from Ultimate Ears is a great option for any listener who needs the perfect shower speaker or pool-party pal. The unique design is an immediate eye-catcher, and the sound quality is genuinely impressive for its size. Power by two active drivers and two passive radiators, coverage is pretty great with solid reproduction across the lows, mids, and highs. Granted, it doesn’t have the heart-pounding bass a larger speaker would, but will certainly do for poolside, lakefront, or river raft listening.  Plus, it can be paired with a second WONDERBOOM for even better stereo sound. An Outdoor Boost button at the bottom of the speaker adjusts the sound to suit your environment better.

If you’ve ever seen a picture before of the WONDERBOOM 3, chances are it’s bobbing around in a pool or being sprayed with water from a rogue splash. This is, yes, because of target ads, but also because this tiny but mighty speaker is genuinely well-suited for “aquatic” listening. The IP67 rating means it’s essentially waterproof. Specifically, you can submerge this model in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. It’s okay to accidentally drop this speaker in the pool, bathtub, or ocean. This rating also means it’s also protected from dust and debris. 

Build-wise, you get a stable rubber loop at the top of the speaker that can easily clip to a backpack or make for easier carrying. You’ll also get large, easy-to-use onboard controls, so you won’t have to get your pruney wet fingers all over your smartphone just to change the volume or skip a song. The WONDERBOOM 3 comes in four fun colors, including “Hot Pink” and “Performance Blue.” (And, if you dig the aesthetic and budget becomes less of a concern, the new, admittedly much more expensive EPICBOOM brings a lot more bass and even more battery to the party, while remaining floatable.)

Best for travel: JBL Clip 4

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Specs

• Battery life: 10 hours
• Bluetooth range: 32 feet
• IP rating: IP67

Pros

• Excellent design
• USB-C charging
• Good volume

Cons

• No fast charge 
• No wired connectivity

The JBL Clip 4 is a small speaker designed to keep you connected wherever your travels take you. Weighing just over half a pound, with an integrated carabiner clip, you can attach this speaker to your backpack, suitcase, bike handle, lunch box, belt loop, etc. There are rubberized grips on the speaker’s backside to increase stability, and the textured wrap covering most of the speaker is easy to hold onto. All in all, this is the easiest speaker to grab and go if you’re hiking or cycling; plus, it has an IP67 rating, so you can even attach it to your shower rod, beach tent, or foldable kayak (yes, it’s a thing).

Sound quality is pretty solid for such a small unit thanks to an impressive dynamic driver; plus, it can get loud for a 5-watt output (JBL knows how to build a potent party speaker and sensational shower speaker). Yes, it’s a little lacking in low-end, but that’s par for the course. Overall, this little guy sounds great. Sound can be controlled by five onboard buttons and charges via USB-C. 

If you don’t want to play the $80 market price for the Clip 4, check out early models, like the Clip 3, which are still available for just under $50.

Best budget: Oontz Angle 3

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Why it made the cut: With an impressive connectivity range, solid battery life, and thousands of positive user reviews, the Oontz Angle 3 is one of the best budget Bluetooth speakers for those looking to spend less than $35.

Specs 

• Battery Life: 14 hours 
• Bluetooth Range: Approx. 100 feet 
• IP Rating: IPX5
• Size: 5.3 x 2.8 x 2.6 inches

Pros

• Extended Connectivity Range
• Price
• Stereo Drivers

Cons

• Not fully environment-proof 
• Limited onboard controls 
• Sound quality is just okay

While the Angle 3 isn’t touting many bells and whistles, it will have what you need to take tunes with you on the go. It’s got 10 watts that power acoustic stereo drivers, as well as a passive radiator—all wrapped up in 10 different colorways. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, this wedge-like speaker delivers a strong connection across 100 feet and is compatible with most current devices. With its IPX5 rating, you won’t want to toss this model into the pool, but you don’t need to worry about a few splashes or drops of rain. While the volume is certainly there, don’t expect a lot when it comes to wide stereo, booming bass, or true clarity across mids and highs. It’ll do the trick for lite listening on the go, but it won’t necessarily stand up to other, more expensive models. That being said, if you just need something that’s far preferable to silence, the Angle 3 should do the trick.

Best party speaker: Tribit XSound Mega

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Why it made the cut: Boosted bass, additional EQ presents, and a veritable light show deliver a high-end listening experience at a reasonable price. 

Specs

• Battery Life: 20 hours 
• Bluetooth Range: Up to 98 feet
• IP Rating: IPX7
• Size: 10.66 x 3.42 x 3.14 inches 

Pros: 

• 3 listening modes 
• Dual charging/powerbank ports  
• Music-activated lighting 
• Carrying strap 

Cons: 

• Some distortion at high volumes 
• Pricier

If you’re having a gathering with more people you’re going to want more sound, and that may mean spending a little more, so here’s the best Bluetooth party speaker if your budget can stretch slightly above $100. The Tribit XSound Mega, released in early January, follows the waterproof, outdoor-friendly, ultraportable XSound Go models with a similar form factor but significant upgrades when it comes to sound quality and visual appeal. 

Right out of the box, the Mega feels sleeker than some of its contemporaries with a texturized rubber surface that’s easy to grip, a black speaker grill, a discrete brand label, and smooth, integrated onboard controls. These seven intuitive buttons control power, Bluetooth pairing, play/pause, volume down, volume up, light adjustment, and EQ adjustment. Directly underneath the EQ Mode button are three indicators that will tell you which mode has been triggered: options include XBass, Music, and Audiobooks. At the back of the speaker is a rubber panel housing USB-A and USB-C ports for charging/using the 8000mAh battery as a powerbank to top off other devices, plus an AUX input. The included carrying strap is black and grey with silver hardware and two small carabiners easily clip onto the discrete embedded handles, which certainly helps shoulder the speaker’s 2.2 pounds. The visual pièce de résistance is the frame of LEDs that surrounds the front face of the speaker—a rainbow gradient of light that slowly cycles through colors while you pair your device. 

Bluetooth 5.0 pairing is simple and easy, following the standard protocol of most speakers. The Mega is also equipped with NFC (Near-Field Communication), this is the same technology that allows you to tap your phone at a point-of-purchase to use ApplePay or Android Pay. NFC eliminates the need to push buttons and scroll through settings by allowing you to simply tap your speaker and phone together to establish a secure connection. Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t equipped any of their phones with controllable NFC modes, so you can only take advantage of this function if you have an Android or another device running Windows 10 or higher. The final pairing option you can consider is Broadcast Mode, which will allow you to link more than 100 XSound Megas together for a boost in volume or stereo playback. 

When it comes to sound quality, this Tribit speaker has the thump if not exactly the clarity and soundstage of comparable models, like the JBL Charge 5. An impressive 30 watts power a driver with a pure titanium diaphragm, which combines with two passive radiators to reproduce low frequencies to 45Hz and high frequencies up to 14kHz. Audiobook mode successfully isolates the dulcet tones of Jim Dale, who you might recognize as the reader of the Harry Potter series, though the audio can get a little muddy if you are listening to a music- or sound design-heavy podcast. However, Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan’s sultry vocals and staccato keys on “Come Undone” are smooth and clear when Music mode is triggered. The low-end on Subtrakt’s “Wildfire” is big and bold when XBass is engaged, delivering a party-appropriate level of “thump” to get things going without overpowering the vocals. The volume can reach over 100 dB but some distortion does occur when pushed to its max, though that is to be expected from a speaker of this size. 

One of our favorite features is the light display, which flashes in time with the beat of whatever you are playing. You can select from different options: a continuous oval of rainbow lacing glowing around the speaker grill’s perimeter; colors pulsing rhythmically in a symmetrical left/right or top/bottom pair, almost mimicking the metering you’d see on a recording studio console or DAW; or a circuit traveling the display track changing color, speeding up and slowing down in time with the beat. You can also forgo the light display altogether, but a 20-hour battery life keeps all that flair from fading fast.

While this model is a bit more expensive than other budget-friendly models, you will certainly get what you pay for when it comes to audio quality and special features.

Best for (viewing) parties: EarFun UBOOM L

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Why it made the cut: Its wide, rich sound, surprising for a speaker this size, delivers a powerful listening experience at a reasonable price. 

Specs

• Battery Life: 16 hours 
• Bluetooth Range: up to 50 feet
• IP Rating: IP67
• Size: 8.27 x 3.07 x 2.83 inches 

Pros 

• Video mode 
• Aux connection available 
• Stereo Pairing

Cons 

• Short charging cable 
• Only available in black

The UBOOM L from EarFun is a budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker that delivers surprisingly impressive sound. While the texturized black grill, rubber trim, and raised buttons resemble its predecessors and contemporaries (like the Treblab HD77 or JBL Flip 5), its price:performance helps this compact speaker stand out in the sub-$100 crowd. Two 14-watt, 55mm drivers and dual passive radiators support potent but balanced playback across the full frequency range. Bluetooth 5.0 supports a stable connection for up to 100 feet of distance. Multiple devices can connect to the UBOOM L, so you can easily pass along the party playlist responsibilities; to really kick things up a notch, you can easily create a stereo pair using two UBOOM Ls, widening coverage and essentially doubling volume (great for gatherings). Three listening modes are available: Indoor, Outdoor, and Video—the most unique of the bunch. Using digital signal processing (DSP) technology, Indoor mode focuses on sonic clarity and depth, while Outdoor mode boosts volume and low-end bump. Video mode supports low-latency playback with lag reduced to 150ms, making it an excellent solution to greatly improve sound when watching movies and TV shows from a laptop or other device with smaller internal speakers. A built-in microphone makes hands-free calls an option, and an IP67 rating means the appropriately portable speaker is protected from dirt and water damage when you take it to the pool or on a trek.

Best smart speaker: Amazon Echo (4th Gen.)

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Why it made the cut: For under $100, the 4th-gen. Amazon Echo is the perfect at-home speaker with a built-in microphone, impressive sound quality, and multiple connectivity options. 

Specs

• Battery Life: Not rechargeable 
• Bluetooth Range: 30 feet
• IP Rating: None
• Size: 5.7 x 5.7 x 5.2 inches

Pros

• Sound quality 
• Auxiliary port 
• Built-in mic 

Cons

• Not portable 
• Not waterproof 

While the Amazon Echo is not a speaker you can take with you on the go, it is the best option for indoor listening if you’re assembling a smart-home system around Alexa. Like its Echo predecessors, the 4th-generation model is easy to use and compatible with many smart devices, doubling as a smart home hub for those who have smart lights, switches, doorbells, locks, and more. Even without the extra fixtures, Amazon’s voice assistant Alexa can help you set up timers, reminders, check the weather, call your family and friends, or call up your favorite playlists. The built-in microphone and speaker capabilities make for streamlined, hands-free communication. Installing more than one Echo in your home means you can program and sync multiroom music.

Available in three sleek colorways, the Echo will not only look good but sound good, with dual front-firing 0.8-inch tweeters and surprising bass thanks to a 3.0-inch neodymium woofer. These three drivers combine to deliver a satisfying thump and improved clarity, plus they support Dolby Audio (but not Dolby Atmos). Wi-Fi enabled, you can cast music from your phone if you’re on the same network or let it take direct advantage of connected services like Amazon Music HD, Audible, or Spotify Connect if you want to reserve your Bluetooth for another device.  

The Echo orb is equipped with onboard controls that will allow you to control volume, mute the microphone, or skip tracks. An LED ring at the base of the speakers will illuminate when Alexa has been activated and glow red when the microphone is muted. At the back of the speaker, you’ll find a power input port and an aux port for analog connections. The Echo is not a portable speaker, so it will need to stay plugged in at all times, though the Bluetooth 5.0 connection means you can play from just about any smart device in your home (and most rooms, depending on the layout of your walls).

Here are other options we think sound like a good investment:

• Best battery life: Tribit XSound Go
• Best ultraportable: JBL GO 3
• Best compact connected speaker: Echo Dot (5th Gen)
• Best to strap on a bike: Tribit StormBox Micro 2
• Best with RGB lights: TREBLAB HD-Mini

Things to consider before buying the best budget Bluetooth speakers

In order to find the best budget Bluetooth speaker for you, think about what features will be a defining factor in your final decision. Are you prioritizing battery life? Volume? Portability? When it comes to inexpensive speakers, you might not have all the fancy features of a high-end model at your fingertips, but as long as you know what you want to focus on, you’ll be satisfied. 

What should a budget Bluetooth speaker sound like? 

Sound quality is typically a top priority, no matter what kind of speaker you’re looking at. While we cannot expect a 6-inch speaker to carry the same sonic weight as a set of premium monitors, you can still make smart choices if you value sound above the rest. 

First and foremost, if you want better sound you’ll have to sacrifice a little bit of portability. That’s because larger units are generally more equipped to maintain consistent, distortion-free audio even as you turn the volume up (a common critique of compact speakers is that though they can get pretty loud, the audio quality significantly degrades with each decibel). Bigger speakers also have more room for well-designed subwoofers, which provide an accurate low end that won’t totally overpower the mids and highs, making for a more satisfying mix.  

If you really want booming bass but can’t upgrade when it comes to size, many smaller units now come equipped with “bass boosting” technology that uses digital signal processing to put an emphasis on low-end frequencies that bumps without any rattle. While this can be a major pro for parties or at-home workout playlists, beware of speakers that use these boosts to overcompensate for a lack of clarity throughout other frequencies. 

To learn more about where your new speaker will succeed or fall short when it comes to audio quality, look at the frequency response. Measured in hertz and kilohertz, this range lets you know the range of frequencies (lows, mids, and highs) the speaker will support. More often than not, you’ll see a response range from 20Hz – 20kHz, which are the limits of human hearing for both highs and lows. This is certainly an ideal range; however, just because the model boasts a wide range doesn’t mean it won’t suffer from dips and peaks around specific frequencies. For a really in-depth understanding of the speaker’s success at accurately reproducing audio, you can take a look at a frequency response graph for the product, often created with audio testing by a third party.  

For more information about volume, check out the speaker’s specs to find a maximum decibel level, notated as dB. If you are primarily playing music inside, you won’t need to go over 100 dB and we don’t even recommend listening at that level, as it’s akin to listening to a jackhammer at close range. On the other hand, if you’re hosting an outdoor party with many people in attendance, you could think about increasing the volume to 115 dB, which is concert-level; music at this volume will cover a large area, but you wouldn’t want anyone standing too close. Generally speaking, we are satisfied with Bluetooth speakers that maintain good sound quality at 85 dB for larger gatherings. As I write, I am happily listening to music at 74 dB and really don’t require any more volume. 

What’s the deal with codecs and connectivity?

While options can be limited when it comes to budget speakers, we recommend looking for gear that supports the most recent version of Bluetooth you can find (at the moment that’s anything in the 5.0 range). A Bluetooth 5.1 or 5.2 and especially 5.3 or 5.4 speaker will have a more stable connection, which makes it easier to support brand-specific features like allowing more than one person to connect and control the speaker at a time. Bluetooth 4.0 will still function just fine with most devices, but you may miss out on some range, stability, and special features like multiuser pairing. 

A Bluetooth codec describes the way in which your digital audio data is encoded and decoded from a source device to your speaker or headphones. To get the most from these high-speed transfers both your receiver and transmitter need to be equipped with the same codecs. The most common codec to see is SBC, which is supported by every Bluetooth speaker. While not the highest quality codec, it’s a virtually universal, reliable way to transfer data. If you’re an iOS user looking for higher quality, consider a speaker with AAC, or Advanced Audio Coding. If you have an Android smartdevice, select a speaker with aptX/aptX HD/aptX Adaptive (or LDAC) support for faster transfer rates that preserve more data. 

One final thing to keep in mind when considering connectivity is Bluetooth range. This describes how far you can wander away from your device before the sound starts to get fuzzy and eventually you get disconnected. If you plan to never leave your speaker’s side, you’ll probably be fine with a connectivity range under 30 feet. However, if you’re listening to music outdoors, need to go inside, and you don’t want to leave your phone unattended, then look for a speaker with a range above 35 feet. 

What kind of special features should you look for?

Typically, the best budget Bluetooth speakers lack high-flying special features, though this isn’t always the case. If a Bluetooth speaker provides custom EQ options via an app or onboard control, that is a major win. Custom equalization will give you way more control over your sound and is particularly helpful if you are listening to various types of media—as you certainly won’t need to boost the bass when you’re listening to Terry Gross on “Fresh Air.” Some inexpensive models are starting to roll out visual features first employed by higher-end models, like bold colorways or LED panels that pulse to the beat. 

Another prime feature to look for is the elusive onboard microphone that will let you conduct phone calls or speak to voice assistants like Siri or Alexa without having to pick up your device. 

What is the bare minimum when it comes to battery life? 

Luckily, one of the things budget Bluetooth speakers rarely sacrifice is battery life. Even at a lower price, it’s unlikely you’ll come across a model that has less than a 10-hour charge and many can do even better. For infrequent listening at moderate volume, 10 hours of playback could last you up to a week; however, the louder you play your music, the faster battery life will be depleted. If a speaker boasts 13 hours of consistent playback, you may get something closer to 7-10 hours if you’re blasting EDM all night long. Party throwers and party-goers should look for a model that boasts a battery that can last over 12 hours. 

How do you know if your budget Bluetooth speaker is actually waterproof? 

The only way to guarantee your speaker is waterproof (or dustproof) is to look at its IP rating. If you’ve ever purchased a portable speaker before or checked out one of our other reviews, you’ll know that IP rating is one of the most important specs to check out before buying. This is especially true if you know you want to prioritize outdoor use. If you want a speaker to safely take you to the beach or into the shower—make sure you investigate how well it’s already protected from the elements.

IP stands for “Ingress Protection,” which tells you just how fortified an electronic device is against dirt, dust, and water. These ratings are typically composed of two numbers, or one number and an X. We often cite the Wonderboom 2, a tried-and-true favorite, when it comes to durability. The Wonderboom 2 has an IP67 rating. The first digit describes particle protection, the second liquid. The “6” indicates it can keep out most dust and dirt particles, while the “7” means it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes before any damage occurs, making it a great option for poolside tunes. The higher the number, the more protected your speakers will be from debris and water. This is why you can often find the Wonderboom poolside, or hanging off a showerhead. 

You may find an IP that replaces particle protection with an “X,” written as IPX7, for example. An “X” in place of any number means no data is available for that substance, or rather that the unit is not protected from that substance. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on selecting the best budget Bluetooth speakers

• Best overall: Anker Soundcore 3
• Best for bass: Sony SRS-XB100
• Best waterproof: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3
• Best for travel: JBL Clip 4
• Best budget: Oontz Angle 3
• Best party speaker: Tribit XSound Mega
• Best for (viewing) parties: EarFun UBOOM L
• Best smart speaker: Amazon Echo (4th Gen.)

You don’t need to go above and beyond your means to find the best budget Bluetooth speakers that will satisfy your sonic needs. There are plenty of options out there that you can take with you to the park, beach, or nearest house party without breaking the bank. Generally speaking, an inexpensive speaker won’t have all the bells and whistles a fancier model might, but you can still tune into your favorite audiobooks, podcasts, and playlists—which, at the end of the day, is all a Bluetooth speaker is designed to do.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best budget Bluetooth speakers in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best powered speakers		Klipsch The Nines		SEE IT	Uncompromised sound from a set of powered speakers perfect for both analog and digital music listening.
Best record brush		Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs Anti-Static Record Brush		SEE IT	This brush keeps your vinyl’s grooves free from hair, dust, and static.
Best turntable cartridge		Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Cartridge		SEE IT	Ortofon’s 2M Bronze was designed from diamond-tip to tail to extract the best sound from your albums.

• Best powered speakers: Klipsch the Nines
• Best preamp: Cambridge Audio Alva Solo
• Best record weight: Andover Record Damping Weight
• Best record cleaner: Spin-Clean Record Washer Complete Kit
• Best turntable slipmat: Pro Spin Cork Turntable Mat
• Best record brush: Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs Anti-Static Record Brush
• Best turntable cartridge: Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Cartridge
• Best power conditioner: WAudio AC Power Filter Power Conditioner
• Best vinyl subscription: Vinyl Me, Please

Record Store Day 2024 is this coming Saturday, April 20, and to enjoy your limited-edition slabs of wax to their fullest, you’ll need a few accessories. (If you need help finding the right turntable, we have recommendations, too.) Add-ons for your record player typically fall into a couple of categories: maintenance and audio fidelity improvements. The former will keep your treasured grooves in tip-top shape to avoid creating scratches that can result in unwanted clicks and pops. The latter are components to add to your analog audio system to help your albums sound their best. Having a few turntable accessories from both categories will ensure your vinyl gives you maximum enjoyment for a lifetime—if not multiple lifetimes.

Best powered speakers: Klipsch the Nines

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The Nines topped our list of the best turntable speakers, and they’re an incredible upgrade for turntable owners looking for an audiophile-grade all-in-one system. In our full review, our author praised The Nines for the presence of an internal preamp, which will allow you to quickly plug any turntable with a moving magnet cartridge into it. Many modern turntables come with a built-in preamp, but older models and lots of high-end record players don’t. Using an external preamp will always yield better results, but it’s nice to be able to use The Nines with a turntable out of the box. Additionally, The Nines have a grounding peg for your turntable’s RCA cables.

The Nines are stacked on the audio hardware side: Each speaker has an eight-inch long-throw woofer, one-inch tweeter, custom DSP, and an amp that delivers up to 480 watts of power. In addition to a turntable function, The Nines supports native playback of 24-bit digital audio files up to 192kHz when connected to a source using its optical audio or USB port. Yes, you can connect The Nines directly to a computer using the included USB-B to USB-A cable or optionally pick up a USB-B to USB-C cable, depending on your computer’s ports. The Nines also sport an HDMI port to use them as home theater speakers with a television.

This versatility makes The NInes’ $1,499 price tag easier to justify. You can use them as a pair of incredible speakers for your turntable while pulling double or even triple duty as the Bluetooth wireless audio system and home theater setup in a living room. Just make sure you have enough space for the speakers because at 19 inches tall and 13.38 inches wide, you’ll need a fairly large entertainment center.

Best preamp: Cambridge Audio Alva Solo

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A phono preamp sits between your turntable and amplifier (or powered speakers) and boosts its signal so that you’ll be able to actually hear your music. Cambridge Audio’s Alva Solo works with turntables outfitted with moving magnet cartridges, and we like it for both its understated look and powerful features. Its all-aluminum enclosure houses a 10-watt preamp with 39dB of gain, RIAA equalization, and a built-in subsonic filter that can reduce the sound of some subtle sonic imperfections from your albums. Critically, the Alva Solo’s power supply is built inside its relatively svelte box, so you can connect it to the wall with a single clean cable. The preamp’s relatively small footprint (just under seven inches wide and two inches tall) means it’ll fit in any turntable setup, either beside or below your deck. Our favorite touch is that Cambridge Audio labeled each input and output above and below the RCA jacks, so you can easily identify them if you’re looking at them upside down (aka from in front of the equipment).

Best record weight: Andover Record Damping Weight

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The purpose of a record weight is to help keep vinyl from moving vertically as it spins around; even a visually imperceptible amount of movement can cause distortion. Andover’s Record Damping Weight weighs 9.35 ounces and fits right on top of your vinyl’s label, with a cutout that fits over the turntable’s spindle. The company says using this weight can result in less distortion, improved dynamics, righter bass, and a deeper sound stage, among other benefits.

Best record cleaner: Spin-Clean Record Washer Complete Kit

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If we could only recommend one vinyl maintenance tool, it’d be this record-washing kit from Spin Clean. Here’s how it works: the spin clean’s basin gets filled with a mixture of water and the included record cleaning solution, at which point you submerge your album inside. The water only gets high enough to reach the innermost groove, so your vinyl’s label won’t get damaged. Once it’s submerged, you’ll physically rotate the vinyl clockwise a few times. Soft brushes on the inside of the spin clean will get the gunk out of your record’s grooves, which can reduce the album’s surface noise and the number of clicks and pops you’ll hear. Once it’s been cleaned, wipe off your album with the included cleaning cloth. It won’t turn your VG- mono copy of The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society into an NM-sounding album, but the difference will be noticeable.

Best turntable slipmat: Pro Spin Cork Turntable Mat

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Static buildup is one of the reasons you’ll hear clicks and pops on your albums, but you can eliminate this issue by switching to a cork turntable mat instead of using the felt mat that comes with most record players. There’s no increased risk of scratching your albums using a cork mat, and you’ll ensure the grooves of your records won’t accumulate stray stands of felt in them. This cork turntable mat from Pro Spin was designed to fit both 12-inch and 7-inch vinyl and is thick enough to absorb a few stray vibrations to reduce overall distortion.

Best record brush: Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs Anti-Static Record Brush

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Another way to reduce static clicks and pops from your albums is using an anti-static brush like this one from Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs each time you play a record. Its fine plastic bristles will clean your album’s grooves while removing static simultaneously. To use this brush most effectively, start your turntable and gently place the brush’s bristles over your spinning record. Repeat this process each time you flip the album for the best results.

Best turntable cartridge: Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Cartridge

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If you’re using a turntable that lets you upgrade its cartridge, we highly recommend stepping up to the Ortofon 2M Bronze moving magnet cartridge to get the most out of your record collection. It’s a level up from the already excellent Ortofon 2M Red and 2M Blue (found on excellent turntables like the Fluance RT85, which our reviewer loved). Its Nude fine line diamond-tipped stylus was specifically cut to a profile optimized to stay inside the groove of a record even if it’s wobbling a little bit, and it uses split pole technology to send a clean signal from the needle to the tone arm using a copper wire. The Dutch-made cartridge we’re recommending has been premounted, which means it can plug directly into the tone arm of a record player rather than requiring you to futz with removing and replacing an entire needle. A turntable’s needle is the literal point of contact between your vinyl and the rest of your audio system. A weak or lackluster signal cannot be improved as it moves through your chain, so having a strong piece of hardware right up front is the best way to ensure you get the best possible sound from your albums.

Best power conditioner: WAudio AC Power Filter Power Conditioner

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If you’re incredibly sensitive to any noise when listening to a new or mint album, turn to WAudio’s AC Power Filter Power Conditioner. The truth is that some noise can come from the quality of the electricity coming from your wall due to old or low gauge wiring. You can eliminate this by plugging your turntable (and other audio accessories) into a power conditioner, which will pick up and eliminate this noise before it hits your system. WAudio says its power conditioner can restrain interference above 1kHz and will up to 10dB of digital noise between 2MHz and 100MHz. This power conditioner has 10 outlets—six of which are filtered—and also provides overload and voltage protection to avoid electrical spikes from damaging your equipment.

Best vinyl subscription: Vinyl Me, Please

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So, you got the taste for premium pressings of classic albums but don’t want to wait till the next RSD to flesh out your collection. Well, look no further than Vinyl Me, Please. The site allows you to join a “club” and will send you one LP per month. Clubs are broken down by genre (country, hip-hop, rock) plus essentials (covering soul, blues, and jazz) and a generalist essentials option for listeners who want a little bit of everything. A subscription costs $46 per month, with discounts if you subscribe for three, six, or 12 months. Albums and box sets are also available a la carte for varying prices. Finding original pressings of albums in near-mint quality can be difficult, and Vinyl Me, Please takes the hassle out of crate digging with the hopes of striking gold.

The post The best turntable accessories for Record Store Day 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Fluance RT85		SEE IT	The RT85 offers clear sound, a wide stereo image, and whisper-quiet operation.
Best Bluetooth		Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB		SEE IT	The AT-LP120XBT-USB will appeal to wire-averse music listeners and even entry-level DJs.
Best for DJs		Reloop 4000 MK2		SEE IT	The RP-4000 MK2 features robust construction and new shock-absorbing feet to limit vibrations from dancing people and massive speakers.

You could have the sweetest vinyl collection around but it won’t do you much good without a reliable turntable to play them on. The turntable and its needle, which translates the grooves of a record into an audio signal, is arguably the most critical component in your analog sound system. Even if you have a quality amplifier or receiver and excellent speakers further down your sound system’s signal chain, they’ll only serve to accurately reproduce a subpar signal if you’re using a low-quality source. With that in mind, we’re recommending a selection of the best turntables under $500 here that you can feel assured will translate those grooves so that your system plays the music the way it was intended to sound.

• Best overall: Fluance RT85
• Best Bluetooth: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB 
• Best for DJs: Reloop 4000 MK2
• Best for beginners: Audio-Technical AT-LP60X-BW
• Best budget: Fluance RT81 
• Best for audiophiles: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo

How we selected the best turntables under $500 

The turntable contains a vast array of options, ranging from cheap beginner models to uber-expensive devices built for audiophiles. Here, we chose to focus on what you might characterize as the lower midrange of the market. We capped the prices at around $500 because you can get an excellent model to provide the foundation for your sound system. And while that mark may not sound budget, it’s still relatively low compared to the $1,000 and higher turntables in the hard-core audiophile market. We also left out sub-$100 turntables to keep the quality level at the bottom of the list in a respectable place. We considered dozens of models, relying on personal experience and spec comparisons, peer recommendations, user feedback, and trusted editorial reviews to narrow our list of record players we’d love to plug into some turntable-friendly speakers. 

The best turntables under $500: Reviews & Recommendations

Once you understand the differences between different turntable types and features and you factor those in with your budget, making a turntable buying decision shouldn’t be too difficult. We hope our list of the best turntables under $500 will simplify your decision-making process.

Best overall: Fluance RT85

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Why it made the cut: The RT85 offers excellent design, build quality, components, and sound. It’s a deal at this price.

Specs

• Turntable operation: Semi-automatic
• Cartridge Type/Model: Moving magnet/Ortofon: 2M Blue
• Phono preamp: No
• Speeds: 33-1/3 and 45 RPM
• Drive Method: Belt

Pros

• “Reference-quality” sound
• Heavy-duty plinth and platter keep vibrations at bay
• Nude-diamond cartridge for accurate pickup

Cons

• Requires some assembly
• Larger and heavier than average

Our top pick comes in right under the cutoff for the best turntables under $500, and it’s worth every penny. The RT85 is an example of Fluance’s talent for designing and building gear that can go toe-to-toe with higher-priced models from its competitors. Available in white, walnut, and bamboo finishes, it looks expensive. More importantly, though, it sounds fantastic, particularly when paired with other quality components. Bigger and heavier than your average turntable, its MDF wooden plinth features three large, adjustable rubber feet, which, along with the weight and density of the plinth, help limit external vibrations. Fluance outfitted the two-speed, belt-driven unit with a heavy, translucent acrylic platter. Its mass and density help keep the speed consistent.

Like most high-quality turntables, the RT85 doesn’t have a built-in preamp. You’ll need to pair it with an outboard phono preamp or a receiver with a phono input. But the results are worth it. Its Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge features a “nude” diamond stylus for the most accurate tracking. The RT85 offers clear sound, a wide stereo image, and a whisper-quiet operation. Our reviewer used the term “reference experience” to describe listening to records on the RT85 and you can read more comprehensive hands-on impressions of its features, sound, and user experience.

Best Bluetooth: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB

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Why it made the cut: The AT-LP120XBT-USB offers not only excellent Bluetooth implementation and A/D conversion to USB but line and phono analog outputs, too.

Specs

• Turntable operation: Manual
• Cartridge Type/Model: Dual moving magnet/Audio-Technica AT-VM95e
• Phono preamp: Yes
• Speeds: 33-1/3, 45, and 78RPM
• Drive Method: Direct

Pros

• Digital and analog connection options
• USB port for copying albums
• Line or phono analog outputs

Cons

• Dust cover vulnerable to scratches

The AT-LP120XBT-USB is compatible with virtually any music system, thanks to its variety of outputs, both digital and analog. On the digital side, you can pair the unit with Bluetooth speakers, allowing you to enjoy your music wirelessly. Listeners can also use the USB port for copying your albums digitally to a computer. In the analog domain, the built-in preamp allows you to connect the turntable to line-level inputs on a preamp or receiver. You can also bypass the preamp to connect to an external unit. Thanks to its multiplicity of output types, the AT-LP120XBT-USB is a turntable you can hold onto for a long time, even if you completely change the sound system around it.

More dusty than digital? The AT-LP120XBT-USB will appeal to music listeners and entry-level DJs. Not only is its vibe reminiscent of classic DJ turntables (think the Technics SL-1210mk2), but it’s also got many of the features DJs want, such as a quartz-controlled +/-10% pitch control, a start/stop button, stroboscopic platter, and a direct-drive design. 

If you’re more concerned with budget than rocking beats, Audio-Technica also offers a more affordable belt-driven Bluetooth option, the AT-LP60XBT-BK.

Best for DJs: Reloop 4000 MK2

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Why it made the cut: It’s solidly built, offers all the critical DJ features, and costs under $400.

Specs

• Turntable operation: Manual
• Cartridge Type/Model: Dual moving magnet/Ortofon OM Black  
• Phono preamp: Yes
• Speeds: 33-1/3, 45, and 78RPM
• Drive Method: Direct

Pros

• High-torque motor for faster speed changes
• Reverse and pitch reset features added
• Shock-absorbing feet increase isolation
• Improved needle illumination

Cons

• Sound damping could be better

This quartz-driven, high-torque, direct-drive turntable is purpose-built for DJs who need meticulous accuracy for matching tracks. Reloop improved the MK2 version with capabilities like quartz-lock tempo reset and reverse play. The onboard pitch control allows for +/-8-percent and +/-16-percent changes. The higher torque in the direct-drive motor helps the turntable get back up to speed faster and more cleanly.

Reloop redesigned the top panel and equipped it with tactile buttons. It also added extendible needle illumination, which allows you to use the aluminum target light to see the needle position when you’re in a dark environment. The RP-4000 MK2 features robust construction and new shock-absorbing feet, which help limit vibrations—a helpful feature when you’re working in a club full of dancing people and massive speakers. The tonearm on the RP-4000 MK2 is statically balanced and includes a hydraulic lift and anti-skating mechanism.

With its extensive feature set and solid build quality, the RP-4000 MK2 is a capable DJ turntable at an affordable price point. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, Reloop’s RP-7000 MK2 offers even more capabilities while still being a bargain compared to the top-tier Technics SL-1210mk2.

Best for beginners: Audio-Technical AT-LP60X-BW

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Why it made the cut: It outperforms everything in its price range.

Specs

• Turntable operation: Automatic
• Cartridge Type/Model: Dual moving magnet/ATN3600L
• Phono preamp: Yes
• Speeds: 33-1/3, 45 RPM
• Drive Method: Belt

Pros

• Best entry-level deck on the market
• Excellent value.
• Defeatable preamp

Cons

• No Bluetooth output

An updated version of the AT-LP60, this belt-drive turntable is easy to set up and operate and can more than hold its own with similarly priced or even higher-priced competitors. The AT-LP60X-BW features an onboard phono preamp, so you can connect it to sound systems that have no phono inputs available. If you don’t need the preamp, you can switch it off.

One area where you can see how A-T kept the price down is connectivity: It only offers a single stereo 3.5mm output. However, the turntable comes with an RCA breakout cable for connecting to other components in your system.

The most significant changes in this updated version include a newly designed tonearm base and headshell, which Audio-Technica says will improve tracking and decrease resonance. A-T externalized the power supply, which reduces the chance for electrical interference getting into the audio signal. In the cartridge department, A-T offers one of its own, the dual-moving magnet ATN3600L. If you’re new to vinyl or just looking for a quality turntable at a low price, you won’t go wrong with the AT-LP60X-BW.   

Best budget: Fluance RT81

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Why it made the cut: A lot of turntable for the money.

Specs

•  Turntable operation: Auto Stop and Start
•  Cartridge Type/Model: Dual moving magnet/ATN95E
•  Phono preamp: Yes
•  Speeds: 33-1/3, 45 RPM
•  Drive Method: Belt

Pros

•  Quality AT95E cartridge
•  Phono and line output
•  Solid wood plinth

Cons

• No automatic return
• Plastic tonearm
• No Bluetooth

This unit is an excellent choice if you want a low-priced option as a step up from a beginner model. The unit features an onboard preamp that you can switch on and off, giving you the flexibility to connect with various components. Fluance equipped it with an Audio-Technica ATN95E cartridge, which offers solid sonics. If you want to up the quality at some point, you can replace it with a higher-end cartridge.

The RT81’s plinth is solid wood with a spiffy-looking walnut finish. It’s relatively heavy, which helps it withstand vibrations. On the downside, its tonearm is plastic. Although the turntable doesn’t offer fully automatic operation, it features auto-start and -stop. The turntable starts when you lift the tonearm and move it over the record. When a record reaches the end, it stops (although you still must put the tonearm back manually). These are just some of the features that make this our best value for vinyl.

Best for audiophiles: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

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Why it made the cut: Yes, we went slightly over our price point for this turntable, but it was the clear choice near this category. Hey, we made the rules, so we can bend them a little.

Specs

• Turntable Operation: Manual
• Cartridge Type/Model: Moving Magnet/Sumiko Ranier
• Phono Preamp: No way
• Speeds: 33-1/3, 45, and 78RPM  

Pros

• Exceptional sound quality for the money
• Additional isolation of platter helps reduce vibrations even more
• Electronic 3-speed switching
• Lots of color choices

Cons

• Relatively pricey 

Pro-Ject’s first new Debut model in 10 years, this turntable offers a stripped-down design aesthetic and a dedicated focus on excellent sound quality. Hand-built in the Czech Republic, the belt-driven Carbon Evo features a heavier platter than its predecessors, with extra internal damping to isolate it from the surface on which it rests.

The company designed the Carbon Evo with height-adjustable metal feet for precise leveling and to further reduce vibrations. Unlike previous Debut models, the Carbon Evo has a switch for changing speeds—it used to require removing and changing the belt. What’s more, the company has also added a 78RPM setting. Listeners can choose from nine different hand-painted finishes.

But the sound is the driving factor in the design of this turntable. Thanks to its heavy plinth, improved motor suspension, Sumiko Ranier cartridge (models outside the US may get an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge instead), and a one-piece carbon-fiber tonearm, the Debut Carbon Evo delivers it, big time. It provides generous bass, an exceptionally warm midrange, and plenty of high-end. You’ll have to supply your own preamp, but, hey, that’s the way any audiophile would want it. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find a sale on this unit sometime soon, so it actually qualifies as one of the best turntables under $500. Until then, it’s the top pick around that price.

What to consider when shopping for the best turntables under $500

You’ve got several decisions beyond price to make when buying one of the best turntables under $500—or any turntable, for that matter. Do you want a belt-drive or direct-drive operation? A phono, line-level, USB, or Bluetooth output—or a combination thereof? Automatic or manual operation? Do you want it to integrate into your existing stereo system or are you building from scratch? Do you plan to DJ with your turntable? We’ll get into specifics on those issues here.

What are the significant parts of a turntable?

The base of a turntable is called the plinth. An ideal plinth is made of wood and is dense enough to reduce the vibrations it picks up from the surface on which it’s sitting. The motor and other circuitry typically reside inside the base. A spinning cylinder called the platter sits on top of the base and provides a platform for the record. 

The tonearm attached to the base houses the cartridge and the stylus. The stylus is the needle that vibrates as it travels through a record’s grooves. The tonearm may or may not have a cue lever, which raises and lowers it remotely. If there is no cue lever, the cartridge will have a small handle which you lift the tonearm on and off the record.

When the stylus touches the grooves of a spinning record, it creates vibrations that travel to the cartridge, which amplifies them into an electrical signal. In a turntable with no preamp, that electrical signal travels to the turntable outputs and will require an external preamp (either standalone or in a receiver) to bring it up to line level. With a built-in preamp, the signal goes from the cartridge into the preamp, and the turntable outputs it at line level.

Is it true that built-in phono preamps are inferior to external ones?

For the most part, you’ll get better quality by using a separate phono preamp or an A/V receiver that includes one rather than a built-in preamp. Turntables with built-in preamps tend to be cheaper than those without. A built-in preamp typically indicates cheaper components across the board. No self-respecting audiophile would come near a turntable with a built-in preamp, but typical listeners may find them totally fine.

Built-in preamps make it possible to use a smaller system—for example, just a turntable and a pair of powered speakers (such as the Klipsch the Nines). They’re also necessary on certain kinds of turntables, such as ones with digital outputs (which require line-level signals) or models built for DJs. As a result, four of the six turntables in this roundup have preamps built-in, although most offer options to bypass them.

What’s the difference between belt-drive and direct-drive turntables?

A belt-drive turntable has a motor adjacent to the platter. The motor has a belt attached that goes around the circumference of the platter and back. When the motor turns, the belt moves, causing the platter to spin. Depending on the turntable’s design, the motor and belt may be visible or hidden inside the base.

On a direct-drive turntable, the motor is located under and attached to the center of the platter. When the motor spins, the platter does, as well.

The most significant advantage to a belt-drive turntable is that the motor is isolated from the platter. As a result, the cartridge is less likely to pick up machine noise than on a direct drive model where the motor is underneath the center of the record.

However, direct-drive turntables can provide more precision when it comes to speed. Many have a quartz-lock feature that controls platter speed with a quartz-crystal oscillator to ensure the record plays at the correct, consistent speed. Two of the turntables we’re covering here, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB and the Reloop 4000 MK2, are direct-drive models, and both offer quartz-lock features.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best turntables under $500

If you’ve decided to take the plunge and get a turntable—whether it’s for the first time or you’re moving back to vinyl after many years with CDs—we’re confident you’ll be able to find a model that works for your needs from the best turntables under $500 we’ve recommended here. These six turntables offer a range of prices and capabilities and should satisfy any listener except perhaps hard-core audiophiles.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best turntables under $500 (and one that isn’t) in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		JBL 4305P		SEE IT	Prosumer connectivity and hi-res streaming meets precision tuning in a premium speaker ideal for both pro and casual listening.
Best for the bookshelf		KEF LS50 Wireless II		SEE IT	This beloved powered bookshelf doubles as a full-featured hi-fi wireless hub.
Best PA speakers		Bose L1 Pro8		SEE IT	Power performances and parties with an ultra-portable all-in-one PA you can carry in one hand.

Powered speakers are a minimalist’s dream. Because they feature built-in amplification, there’s no power-matching, no racks of components, and cable clutter is essentially nonexistent: Just plug the speakers into wall power, connect your sound source, and you’re in business. Increasingly, powered speakers are being marketed as all-in-one sound hubs, combining the convenience of built-in power with wireless connectivity and smart assistants. But powered speakers aren’t just designed to spark joy in your less-is-more living space; they often offer sonic advantages over passive models. Read on to learn what’s great about the best powered speakers and how to start your journey into the maximized minimalism of a sweet new self-contained sound system.

• Best overall: JBL 4305P
• Best bookshelf: KEF LS50 Wireless II
• Best for computers: Edifier S1000W
• Best for turntables: Kanto YU6
• Best PA speakers: Bose L1 Pro8
• Best budget: Klipsch R-15PM

How we chose the best powered speakers

We explored hundreds of products in our pursuit of the best powered speakers: We concentrated mainly on companies with a lot of experience designing powered models. While we considered a range of listening applications, we prioritized speakers that offer convenience and connectivity features but focus on fidelity first. Our in-house hi-fi heads and active producers debated our favorite models, solicited input from respected peers, and collected user impressions and critical perspectives, performing listening tests whenever possible as we narrowed down the contenders.

The best powered speakers: Reviews & Recommendations

As more speaker makers add powered models to their lineups, wading through the choices can get pretty overwhelming. We’ve made things a little easier with our top choices for a range of listening scenarios, from best-loved bookshelf speakers to all-in-one PA systems to power your next pool party or jam sesh. With models here starting below $200, you’ll land on the best powered speakers for your budget and lifestyle.

Best overall: JBL 4305P

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Why it made the cut: Advanced transducer designs, hi-res streaming, and prosumer connectivity make this powerhouse speaker well-suited for both pro monitoring and casual listening.

Specs

• Driver complement: 2 (one 1-inch compression driver, one 5 ¼-inch composite woofer)
• Amplification: 300 W rms
• Frequency response: 45 Hz – 25 kHz
• Dimensions: 13.2 x 8.3 x 8.8 inches (H x W x D)

Pros

• Inputs support both consumer and pro devices
• 24-bit/96 kHz converters preserve hi-res audio
• Optimize sound with room-correction EQ

Cons

• Pro sound comes with a premium price

JBL is no newcomer to powerful speakers, introducing some of the first models as far back as the 1960s. The company’s brand-new 4305P ($2,200/pair) is the first powered model in its consumer Studio Monitor series, which pay homage to the brand’s ’70s-style speakers. This fully loaded speaker features built-in Class D amplification, 24-bit/192 kHz converters, and six audio inputs that can connect to a huge range of digital and analog sources to provide comprehensive, hi-res wired and wireless connectivity. 

The 4305P (shown in walnut above with its grille removed) aims to deliver the presence and power of a floorstanding speaker in a standmount form factor, using patented JBL transducer technologies: each speaker features a 2410H-2 1-inch compression driver mated to a High-Definition Imaging horn for crystal-clear highs and lifelike dynamics. A 5.25-inch cast-frame, fiber-composite cone woofer operates in a bass-reflex configuration with dual front-firing tuned ports. An onboard Class D amp delivers 25W to each compression driver and 125W to each woofer for a total system power of 300W rms. Other features include a bass contour control to compensate for acoustic issues introduced by speaker placement close to walls, plus a signal-sensing line-level subwoofer out (which applies a high-pass 80Hz filter when in use to give the cabinets more headroom).

The result is the lively dynamics expected from a horn-guided tweeter presented with punchy authority, especially in its beefy midrange—not surprising for a company with heritage firmly entrenched in both control rooms and live sound reinforcement. Imaging is impressively wide, though the darting transients can get bright. Thankfully, this is accompanied by bass that’s well-etched and impactful, maybe not the deepest, but capable of keeping things balanced. (A powered subwoofer—such as the aesthetically and aurally compatible L10cs, with a 10-inch down-firing polycellulose cone driven by a 250W RMS/500W dynamic built-in amplifier—is needed to really warm things up.) What stands out most about the 4305P’s innate character, perhaps, is the overall speedy response, which never loses its footing at any pace or pressure. The 4305P isn’t a laidback analytical listen and can play far louder (with minimized distortion) than you’d expect from speakers this size.

When it comes to high-res streaming, the 4305P takes quality to the next level thanks to an integrated streaming engine that provides wired and wireless network audio capabilities via Ethernet, Google Chromecast Built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.1. A high-resolution digital-to-analog converter preserves 24-bit/96 kHz resolution when the speakers connect wirelessly; when they are tethered with the included 2m Digital Link cable, resolution can be extended to 192 kHz. The 4305P can render MQA files (the musical equivalent of a ZIP file, a way to encode and distribute full-spectrum audio in a compressed container) and is set to be Roon Ready, giving you access to a compatible music server while on your local network. As a bonus, JBL has thrown in a 90-day Qobuz trial membership that includes a curated playlist of songs that showcase the speaker’s audio capabilities.

Analog ins include combo XLR and ¼-inch TRS phono connectors and a selectable input-sensitivity switch. This configuration provides the option for balanced XLR and ¼-inch TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) or unbalanced TS (tip/sleeve) connections, which cover both pro and consumer gear. Other I/Os include asynchronous USB and optical digital inputs and a 3.5mm analog in. In addition to front-panel controls, the 4305P includes a Bluetooth handheld remote and can be controlled as part of a Google Home or Apple AirPlay ecosystem.

The 4305P’s enclosure is constructed from 3⁄4-inch MDF with internal bracing. It is finished in wood veneer, styled in Natural Walnut with a blue grille or Black Walnut with a black grille (shown above in Natural Walnut with the grille off). With its pedigree and presence, the 4305P can look as at home flanking a mix console as it does facing your comfiest listening chair. Crave more kick? The 4329P, which debuted at CES 2023 and will ship in Q2, is a similarly self-contained, amplified system that increases the size of the woofer to a JW200P-4 8-inch pure-pulp black paper cone, with 250W delivered there and 50W to the step-up JBL 2409H 1-inch compression driver. That comprehensive connectivity/high-res rendering engine remains intact while receiving a specs bump to Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive audio. Of course, larger model means larger price, so expect these to hit the market around $4,500/pair.

Best bookshelf: KEF LS50 Wireless II

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Why it made the cut: Built-in amplification, hi-res audio support, acoustic upgrades, and futureproof connectivity add up to a full-featured audiophile-grade wireless hub.

Specs

• Drivers: 2 (one 1”, one 5 ¼”)
• Amplification: 380W per speaker
• Frequency response: 45 Hz – 28 kHz
• Dimensions: 12 x 7.9 x 12.2 inches (H x W x D)

Pros

• Set up a whole-home system with Chromecast
• Robust wired and wireless connectivity
• Future-proof app tech

Cons

• Speakers and stands are very pricey

In 2016, KEF debuted the LS50 Wireless, a successor to its classic LS50 bookshelf speaker that added built-in amplification and streaming. The next-gen LS50 Wireless II boasts refinements to acoustics, connectivity, and the KEF Connect control app.

As at home stand-mounted (shown above) or on a desktop as it is tucked in a nook, the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a “bookshelf speaker” in the classic audiophile sense, an effortlessly integrated component capable of bringing a wide sweet spot to a small room. Inside each speaker, custom amps deliver 280 watts of power to each woofer and 100 watts to each tweeter for big, clean, distortion-free sound at any volume. Digital processing lets you fine-tune the sound to fit your speaker placement and space, either on-speaker or via the free KEF Connect app.

The LS50 Wireless II is available in signature KEF Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Mineral White (pictured), and Crimson Red finishes, with optional matching stands. KEF’s striking, copper-hued Uni-Q driver orients a 1-inch vented aluminum-dome tweeter in the acoustic center of a 5 ¼-inch magnesium-aluminum alloy woofer cone to create a wide listening sweet spot; a bass-reflex cabinet with elliptical rear ports is designed to maximize accurate, musical low end. And Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) behind the proprietary 12th-generation drivers takes in unwanted reflections and reduces distortion. Much like the JBL 4305P (above) is detailed and dynamic, the LS50 Wireless II is spacious and gripping; one will sweep you up in every track while the other will let you float away. Your preference when it comes to these equally adept two-way challengers may come down to whether your listening leans nimble/bright versus natural/rounded.

The LS50 Wireless II supports Hi-Res Audio; network file support is 24-bit/384 kHz; a wireless setup supports 24-bit/96 kHz audio resolution or connect the speakers with the supplied CAT 6 cable for 24-bit/192 kHz support. Stream music directly over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast, or through the KEF Connect app, which supports Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and Deezer. In addition, you can use the LS50 Wireless II as an endpoint if you set up a Roon music library on your local network. Wired connections include HDMI eARC, Ethernet, coaxial and optical inputs, a subwoofer out, and 3.5mm aux-ins.

The LS50 Wireless II is pricey, typically retailing for $2,799/pair, plus $449 for optional S2 floor stands. (Willing to sacrifice some features to save some money? KEF also makes a baby-in-size-not-sound brother speaker system, the Wi-Fi-connected LSX II, or you can opt for just Bluetooth connectivity and pick up the Dynaudio Xeo 2s at $679/pair.) But if you crave a highly resolving, engaging experience and your budget supports it, the LS50 Wireless II’s versatile connectivity options and potent sound make it an ideal all-in-one listening system. And they’re a “bargain”—even if you toss in the sonically and aesthetically complementary KEF KC62 subwoofer—considering stepping up to the richly evocative, surprisingly slimline KEF LS60 floorstanding powered speakers are $6,999!

Best for computers: Edifier S1000W

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Why it made the cut: The Edifier S1000W’s sound, size, connectivity, and price are in perfect alignment for computer users looking at an audio upgrade.

Specs

• Driver complement: 2 (one 1-inch tweeter, one 5.5-inch woofer)
• Amplification: 120W rms
• Frequency response: 45 Hz – 40 kHhz
• Dimensions: 13.6in x 7.8in x 11.6in (H x W x D)

Pros

• Well balanced sound
• Great mix of inputs
• High-resolution audio support
• Amazon Alexa support
• Intuitive app

Cons

• No USB port

Edifier is a company known for its ability to cram a lot of performance into audio gear with surprisingly low prices. Its S1000W powered speakers, which were released late in 2021, continue that trend, but their $550 price tag allowed Edifier to reach beyond the technical sacrifices necessary to make its most budget gear. Although these speakers can be used in multiple applications, we found they’re particularly great with a computer due to their slim, acoustically angled design and clarity at a reasonable volume.

On paper, the speakers are pretty stacked: They’re powered by a 120W Class-D amplifier, can natively play 24-bit/192kHz audio, and use a digital signal processor to control their crossovers dynamically, so optimized frequency division always reaches the titamium-dome tweeter and aluminum woofer. These features are present in other speakers in this guide, but both of those pairs cost roughly four times as much as the S1000Ws. We wouldn’t go so far as to say these speakers can stand toe-to-toe with speakers that cost over $2,000, but after spending time with the S1000W at home we can say they certainly give any pair under $1,000 a run for their money.

Midrange-heavy genres like live and acoustic music sounded superb, with plenty of detail and a wide soundstage when the speakers sat 3 feet away from one another. We connected them to a computer for use more as nearfield monitors (more on that in a little bit), but we could see how listening to live music would become even more immersive and engaging if the S1000Ws were spread further apart. And, thanks to well-handed treble reproduction, distorted guitars and crashing cymbals in lo-fi and punk songs sounded clear without requiring us to reach for the volume knob to protect our ears.

Similarly, we didn’t hear any sibilance across the board. The S1000Ws didn’t have quite as much bass as we would have liked out of the box, though hip-hop and R&B sounded serviceable. Once we tweaked the response, though, we got closer to our ideal while never pushing the woofer to the point of distortion, even at the very least low frequencies. While our experience was positive, yours will vary based on the music you listen to, how it was mastered, and even its bitrate. In general, though, you should expect to hear quite a lot of detail without much futzing.

Beyond their sound, the S1000Ws are easy to recommend because they have many of the trademark features that have endeared Edifier to price-conscious audiophiles. The speakers have physical EQ knobs on a side panel, so you can adjust their sound to your exact preference. And if you prefer digital customization, Edifier’s app is surprisingly intuitive to use and walks you through the step-by-step process of hooking them up to your Wi-Fi network without frustrating you. While the S1000Ws don’t connect to each other wirelessly, the cable that’s provided to connect one speaker to the other is long enough that you can set the S1000Ws up on a desk with your computer, or on top of a media center flanking your television.

The speakers support both Bluetooth 5.0 and Apple’s AirPlay 2, wireless protocols that complement the pair of RCA inputs, coaxial input, and optical audio input on their backside. The speakers lack a USB port, but in this day and age it’s hard to imagine your computer, your whole house, isn’t on Wi-Fi so you can stream whatever you desire directly from your laptop. In addition, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect are supported, so once you pick a playlist on your phone you can offload the streaming directly to the speakers. If you’ve set up a smart home, you can connect Edifier’s speakers to your Amazon Echo and tell it to play music through your streaming service of choice using Alexa. Even the S1000W’s remote is good, with input and media control buttons that depress with a satisfying click and work instantly (as well as another way to adjust EQ). All of these smaller quality-of-life decisions add up and help the speaker become greater than the sum of its parts.

If you spend a lot of time listening to music at your work desk, you owe it to yourself to check out Edifier’s S1000W speakers, especially if you’ve been making do with tinny sound coming from the built-in drivers in your computer or monitor.

Best for turntables: Kanto YU6

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Why it made the cut: Connect all of your digital and analog gear to these stylish speakers, available in seven stunning finishes.

Specs

• Driver complement: 2 (one 1” silk-dome tweeter, one 5.25-inch Kevlar cone woofer)
• Amplification: 100W rms
• Frequency response: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
• Dimensions: 13.98 x 6.89 x 10.71 inches (H x W x D)

Pros

• Versatile inputs support turntables
• Well-balanced sound with respectable bass
• Seven gorgeous finishes elevate any décor

Cons

• USB connection is underutilized

People often ask if powered speakers are good for vinyl and we can conclusively say that if you enjoy listening to both analog and digital sound, the Kanto YU6 ($379/pair) has you covered. It’s highly capable thanks to analog RCA and 3.5mm mini-jack ins, a switchable phono preamp/line-in, optical TOSLINK inputs, and Bluetooth 4.0 streaming with aptX support.

This versatile powered speaker features 1-inch silk-dome tweeters and 5.25-inch Kevlar cone woofers, powered by built-in Class D amps (50W rms per channel); it’s all housed in rear-ported fiberboard cabinets that come in a spectrum of bold finishes, including matte black, matte white, gloss black, gloss white, gloss red, bamboo, and walnut. (Available stands support a range of desktop and home theater scenarios.)

Vinyl fans will gravitate right to the YU6’s rear-panel RCA stereo input, which is switchable between moving magnet phono preamp-in and analog line-in. Optical ins connect TV, CD player, or game console digital audio. A USB jack charges devices and a subwoofer output with 200 Hz lowpass filter provides the ability to extend the low end with a standalone sub.

One note: If you’re using the YU6 speakers for a turntable playback system, it’s best to position your turntable and cabinets on separate furniture or stands or add a turntable platform to control vibration. (Just getting started on your vinyl journey? Fluance makes some great options to consider when it comes to turntables we like, such as the RT81 and RT85.)

A front-panel control knob provides simple access to volume and input adjustments: Twist the knob to adjust volume, press it to cycle through inputs. The included remote control handles power, volume, mute, EQ, source input, and Bluetooth pairing. Rubber feet are supplied but not attached.

Looking for a step up from the YU6? Kanto’s premium TUK powered speakers ($779) feature onboard DSP, high-performance AMT tweeters and 5.25-inch aluminum drivers, active crossovers, plus dedicated phono, RCA, and Optical TOSLINK inputs, onboard USB DAC and headphone amp, and Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX HD and AAC codecs.

Best PA speakers: Bose L1 Pro8

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Why it made the cut: This all-in-one sound system packs up tight to go from vehicle to venue in a single trip.

Specs

• Driver complement: 8 2” neodymium drivers, 1 7×13” subwoofer
• Amplification: 60W (driver array), 280W (subwoofer)
• Frequency response: 45 Hz – 16 kHz
• Dimensions: 78.94 x 17.32 x 38.92 inches (H x W x D) assembled

Pros

• Eight-speaker array provides broad coverage
• Control mixes from your mobile device
• Two phantom power inputs

Cons

• Assembled system can feel unstable in windy conditions

Whether you’re a singer/songwriter, band, DJ, or just looking for a plug-and-play-simple way to transform your next BBQ into an impromptu dance party, a portable powered public address system is the perfect all-in-one sound solution. Powered PA systems are serious multitaskers, delivering pro-quality sound reinforcement with built-in amps, mixers, audio effects, Bluetooth streaming, and tons of I/Os, in self-contained systems you can schlep in one hand while you carry your guitar (or beer) in the other.

Nearly 20 years ago, Bose introduced the shockingly portable L1 PA, which became a go-to gig staple for indie artists thanks to its premium sound and built-in amplification, mixer, effects, and subwoofer. The series has been updated over the years and the L1 Pro line debuted in 2021, in driver configurations up to 32 speakers.

The L1 Pro8 ($1,199), the most portable array in the Pro series, is ideal for singer/songwriters and best for DJs. Inside, a C-shape 8-driver array that provides 40 degrees of vertical coverage and 180 degrees of horizontal coverage, with an integrated subwoofer that features an elongated RaceTrack driver, which Bose says delivers low-end performance that rivals a conventional 12-inch woofer in a slimmer footprint. All L1 Pro models feature a built-in 3-channel mixer: Channels 1 and 2 can receive signal from combo XLR/TRS jacks (with phantom power), while Channel 3 can receive signal from either a 1/8-inch headphone jack, a ¼-inch TRS jack, or via Bluetooth streaming.

This system sets up fast, is easy to operate, and packs a sonic punch, powering the speaker array with 60 watts of Class D amplification and the subwoofer with 240 watts, for 118 dB peak SPL.

Use the Bose L1 Mix App to adjust mixes and effects settings (including Bose’s ToneMatch library of custom EQ presets) from anywhere in the room. The system weighs just 35 pounds and disassembles into three pieces that pack into the base unit for effortless transport in the included travel bag.

Thinking of cutting the cord entirely? Check out Bose’s S1 Pro portable Bluetooth speaker, which has three 2 1/4-inch high-frequency drivers and a 6-inch low-frequency woofer and provides up to 11 hours of play time. Or keep all the features (and, admittedly, the price) and get the rechargeable 1,500W JBL EON ONE MK2 column PA, with 8 2-inch tweeters, built-in 10-inch woofer, and a 5-channel mixer that can run off a 6-hour battery.

Best budget: Klipsch R-15PM

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Why it made the cut: When it comes to price/performance ratio, these feature-packed budget beauties punch way above their class.

Specs

• Driver complement: 2 (one 1”, one 5 ¼”)
• Power rating: 50 WPC
• Frequency response: 62 Hz – 24 kHz
• Dimensions: 12.5 x 7 x 8.11 in (H x W x D)

Pros

• Diverse I/O set handles a range of sound sources
• Onboard phono amp
• Convenient remote

Cons

• Difficult to conceal cables when using stands

The Klipsch R-15PM small powered speakers boast 50 watts per channel of amplification, for room-filling sound in a super-compact footprint. Each speaker features a 1-inch aluminum diaphragm compression driver that’s integrated with Klipsch’s square Tractrix horn, which Klipsch says delivers wider dispersion and cleaner, clearer highs; a distinctive, 5-¼-inch spun copper woofer provides solid midrange, and a rear-firing port beefs up bass response. It’s all housed in resonance-deadening MDF cabinets for smooth, distortion-free response.

These speakers, which retail for an affordable $275/pair, offer an incredible array of features on top of their solid sound performance. Setup is plug-and-play easy: Connect directly to a range of sound sources, from your tablet to your TV, thanks to an onboard phono preamp, Bluetooth connectivity, and a range of analog and optical digital inputs, plus a USB Type B input. A remote lets you adjust volume and change inputs from the convenience of your couch. A mono subwoofer output connects an optional powered sub; consider Klipsch’s wireless Reference R-10SWi.

For an alternative at the same price point, check out the Audioengine A2+ wireless Bluetooth bookshelf speakers, or if you’re hoping to keep your purchase below $200, the Edifier R1700BT, at $159, is a worthy contender.

Things to consider before buying powered speakers

Buying powered speakers is a personal process, weighing subjective factors like sonic preferences along with objective benchmarks like power output, number of inputs and outputs, and convenience features. Many factors influence a powered speaker’s sound, including driver and cabinet size, type of amplification, and build quality. The size of your listening space plays a major role. Your sound sources will also inform your decision: If you’re planning to connect a turntable, for example, you’ll need phono inputs. If you want to stream music, you’ll need Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

One drawback of powered speakers is the inability to mix and match or upgrade components, such as the best AV receivers. But a pro is that, because amplification is built into a powered speaker, it’s perfectly optimized for its specific speaker driver(s) needs. Amps sit right inside the cabinet, so there’s no need to connect long lengths of wire between drivers and amplifiers, which takes cable-induced distortion and signal loss out of the picture. In addition, integrated crossover design gives the designer more control over the frequency response. [Note that not every speaker manufacturer designs its own amplifiers, sometimes relying on OEM parts. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but be sure the technologies are well implemented for the best sonic performance.]

What size powered speakers should I get?

Powered speakers are available in a vast array of sizes, from smart speakers you can fit in the palm of your hand to towers that top 6 feet in height. In general, the bigger the speaker, the more power it can put out, and the deeper the bass it can produce. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that more is better. Speakers should be small enough to efficiently produce space-filling sound; if they’re too powerful for the size of the room, they can’t be operated at their ideal performance levels and can end up sounding boomy. On the other hand, they must be powerful enough to easily reproduce the most dynamic music, movie, and game content. Generally, bookshelf speakers with 5- or 6-inch drivers are good matches for offices, dens, and other small rooms, while larger bookshelf speakers and floorstanding models with 8-inch drivers are more appropriate for bigger rooms, like home theatres.

What kind of features should I look for in powered speakers?

Increasingly, powered speakers offer more features than their passive counterparts, evolving into all-in-one entertainment hubs for minimalists who don’t want to navigate a sea of components and cabling. If you’re in the less-is-more camp, you’ll appreciate features like digital and analog inputs and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming, in addition to built-in amplification.

Should I add a subwoofer?

You should add a subwoofer if you want to extend your system’s low-end energy and bring more visceral impact to your listening experience, whether you’re watching the latest action flick, crushing your favorite videogame, or transforming the living room into a dance floor. You can mix and match speakers and subs, but many products profiled here are designed to pair perfectly with available companion subwoofers. For instance, there is a setting within the KEF app to automatically integrate and optimize the KEF LS50 Wireless II and KEF KC62 subwoofer, allowing them to wake together and produce an amazingly musical, muscular response down to 11 Hz. Remember that you can always start small and add a sub later if you’re not feeling enough room-rocking thunder.

FAQs

Final thoughts on choosing the best powered speakers

• Best overall: JBL 4305P
• Best bookshelf: KEF LS50 Wireless II
• Best for computers: Edifier S1000W
• Best for turntables: Kanto YU6
• Best PA speakers: Bose L1 Pro8
• Best budget: Klipsch R-15PM

If you strive for a simple, minimalist setup, and don’t want to deal with connecting racks of audio components and yards of cables, powered speakers just might be perfect for you. Anytime you’re shopping for speakers, fidelity comes first. That said, we’ve spotlighted versatile products that excel in a range of scenarios. If you choose any of the speakers above, you won’t be disappointed.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best powered speakers in 2024, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Apple Beats Fit Pro		SEE IT	A snug fit, balanced sound, and seamless iOS connectivity make these easy to add to any workout routine.
Best battery life		Jabra Elite 8 Active		SEE IT	These earbuds are extremely impervious to dust and water and feature an amazing combination of ANC performance and battery life.
Best budget		soundcore by Anker Sport X10		SEE IT	The soundcore by Anker Sport X10 headphones are great for runners on a budget.

Using headphones for working out can transform your frame of reference and put you in the mood to grind like nothing else. Of course, exercise can be strenuous and involve tons of movement, so it’s essential to find a pair that leaves you unencumbered by wires and fit securely enough that they won’t be flung to the ground every time you move your head. In this list, we’ll break down the best headphones for working out and optimizing your circuit(s) with your favorite music and podcasts.

• Best overall: Apple Beats Fit Pro
• Best on-ear: JBL Live 670NC
• Best bone conduction: SHOKZ OpenRun
• Best earbuds for running or cycling: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
• Best battery life: Jabra Elite 8 Active
• Best budget: soundcore by Anker Sport X10

How we chose the best headphones for working out

The best headphones for working out are wireless, and Bluetooth requires power. And, in all honesty, the best headphones for working out are earphones, which is why they make up the majority of our selections. We picked pairs that offer at least five hours of single-charge battery life, and all of the earbuds include charging cases. Considering the battery life of your audio device is extremely important for keeping the flow going—you wouldn’t want the music to stop mid-workout. All of the selections on our list fit securely around the head or in the ear to ensure that they move very little or not at all during workouts. Everyday headphones made for walking or when you’re stationary aren’t typically designed with extreme movement in mind.

Sound quality was also a big factor in considering headphones for this list, and many of the earbuds we picked either come with a full and balanced sound profile or offer the option to adjust their sound via an app. Staying aware of the activity around you is always important while wearing headphones, especially if you’re on the go. For our list, we picked headphones/earphones that either feature a transparency mode or are completely open-ear.

The best headphones for working out: Reviews & Recommendations

Prepping for a workout is all about getting your mind and body in the right place, and apart from stretching, putting on the right clothes, and making sure you have a favorite water bottle and your fitness tracker, pumping up the jams properly can pump you up for a regular training run. One of our choices is sure to put a spring in your step the next time you go for a jog or lift weights.

Best overall: Apple Beats Fit Pro

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Apple Beats Fit Pro features a snug fit, balanced sound, and seamless iOS connectivity that make them easy to add to any workout routine.

Specs

• Weight: 0.2 ounces/earbud; 2.3 ounces with case
• IP rating: IPX4 (splash-resistant)
• Battery life: 6 hours single-charge; 24 hours with case

Pros

• High-performance active noise canceling in a compact earbud design
• Secure design stays in ear when running or working out
• Compatible with dynamic head tracking on iOS devices
• Includes pocket-sized travel case and three eartip options

Cons

• No wireless charging
• iOS device required for full functionality
• Not protected against water immersion
• No multipoint pairing

We’ve thoroughly reviewed the Apple Beats Fit Pro, and they take the best overall award on this list thanks to their sound quality, workout-friendly design, and fantastic iOS compatibility. They contain the same proprietary H1 chip found in Apple’s AirPods, which enables near-instantaneous pairing and steady, reliable connections to iOS devices along with battery life optimization. Like AirPods, the Beats Fit Pro earbuds are also fully compatible with iOS head-tracking and spatial audio features for simulated surround sound and immersive media listening. Their inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes make them equally useful on the road and at the gym. We also love the range of colors these buds come in.

The Beats Fit Pro earbuds are designed to sit securely in your ears using small rubber wings that rest comfortably against your outer ear along with three sets of variously sized ear tips. A quick optional setup step uses the earbuds’ onboard microphones to test your fit for sound leaks. Once your optimal fit is achieved, the Beats Fit Pro can endure almost every exercise imaginable, including rowing, without budging. They’re some of the best running headphones around. The earbuds’ conveniently pocked-sized charging case brings their total battery life to around 24 hours. While it would be nice to see wireless charging in a product with this price tag, we appreciate that the case is chargeable via USB-C rather than Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector.

While the Beats Fit Pro earbuds are unmistakably great for iPhone users, it’s unfortunate that the instant pairing and steady connectivity of the earbuds’ H1 chip aren’t extended to Android users. For their price, it would also be nice to see features like multipoint pairing and more robust weatherproofing rather than the same IPX4 rating found in standard AirPods. Still, if you work out regularly and are an iPhone user, you’d be seriously hard-pressed to find a better in-ear option. If you’re sold on the Beats features but are looking for an option with earhooks, the Powerbeats Pro earbuds are also a solid choice.

Best on-ear: JBL Live 670NC

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Why it made the cut: The JBL Live 670NC boasts full, energetic sound with up to a 65-hour battery life, making them perfect for spur-of-the-moment workouts.

Specs

• Weight: 9.3 ounces
• IP rating: N/A
• Battery life: Up to 65 hours (50 with ANC)

Pros

• Long-lasting 65-hour battery life
• Quick charge gives 4 hours operation in 5 minutes
• Adaptive noise cancelling
• JBL app offers EQ and other advanced features

Cons

• Variable fit affects noise cancellation performance
• Integrated voice assistant button is easy to press accidentally
• No IP rating

If you prefer the fit and look of over-ear headphones for working out, the JBL Live 670NC’s are worth considering, thanks to their snug fit and battery life. They offer up to 65 hours of operation on a single charge (50 with ANC, but aided by auto play/pause), a full recharge in two hours, and a burst charge for four hours of operation in 5 minutes, so they’re almost always ready to go on a moment’s notice. The 670NC’s also feature noise-canceling and ambient-aware modes fed by four noise-sensing mics, making them equally suitable for use in noisy gyms and on busy streets. We had inconsistent results with their noise-canceling abilities due to the on-ear earcups sealing differently on different peoples’ heads, so if the best noise-canceling is an absolute must in your book, you’ll want to consider noise-canceling over-ears or earbuds instead. But the 670NC is easy to pull off if you need situational awareness (or you can keep them on with Smart Ambient activated).

Thanks to their 40mm drivers and Bluetooth 5.3, the sound of the JBL 670NC is energetic and immersive with a pronounced “Pure Bass” response that makes them great for listening to pop, dance, and other beat-heavy music while working out. The JBL Headphones app offers further sculpting of the 670NC’s’ sound with EQ (including Personi-Fi 2.0 custom sound profile) and ambient-aware level adjustments, as well as access to battery life indicators and more. The headphones also feature their own onboard suite of control buttons. Still, they require a bit of studying to master, and the voice assistant button that covers the entirety of the left earcup is easy to press accidentally.

Lastly, the 670NCs have no official IP rating, and while we didn’t experience any technical issues from getting them a little sweaty, you’ll still want to be mindful of using them in heavy rain or other settings where they might get doused. If you absolutely need to work out with water-resistant over-ear headphones, the Treblab Z2 headphones are a uniquely light, comfy option with IPX4 and a long battery life that makes them great for taking on a run.

Best bone-conduction: SHOKZ OpenRun

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Why it made the cut: The unique design of the SHOKZ OpenRun keeps your ears fully open, so you can stay aware of your surroundings.

Specs

• Weight: 0.92 ounces
• IP rating: IP67 (dustproof, waterproof for 30 minutes)
• Battery life: 8 hours

Pros

• Fully sweatproof and weatherproof for high-impact workouts
• Open-ear bone conduction design for improved situational awareness
• Long battery life with quick charge function

Cons

• Lacks bass response
• Proprietary magnetic charger isn’t interchangeable
• Not silent—others can hear what you’re listening to

The SHOKZ OpenRun is one of the best bone-conduction headphones on the market, boasting a unique open-ear design that allows you to listen to music and podcasts while maintaining full situational awareness. Unlike traditional headphone designs, bone conduction headphones employ a clever hack of human anatomy to transfer sounds directly to the inner ear by gently vibrating your facial bones from the outside in, leaving the entire ear canal unobstructed. The drawbacks to this design include that they provide no passive or active noise cancellation, and the vibrations can be audible to others, so they’re not the best choice for quiet environments or taking public transit. Bone conduction headphones also produce markedly less bass frequencies than traditional designs, making them less ideal for immersive music listening.

On the functionality side of things, the SHOKZ OpenRun packs about eight hours of battery life on a single charge and boasts a substantial IP67 rating, making them completely impervious to dust ingress and fully waterproof for up to 30 minutes. They have a comfy and lightweight headband design with easy-to-use control buttons that makes them particularly suited for running and cycling on roads and trails. While there’s no way to adjust the headband’s fit, the OpenRun does come in two different sizes. Another minor design gripe is that the OpenRun uses a proprietary magnetic charger instead of USB-C, making it more of a hassle to replace if it breaks or goes missing.

Best for running or cycling: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

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Specs

• Weight: 0.2 ounces/earbud
• IP rating: IPX4
• Battery life: 7.5 hours (4.5 hours with Immersive Audio enabled)

Pros

• Situational awareness of the world around you
• Guaranteed to fit
• Surprisingly good bass

Cons

• Absolutely no isolation or ANC

It may come as a surprise that Bose, so well-known for industry-leading noise cancellation that shuts the world out, is also responsible for earbuds on this list that are purpose-built to do the exact opposite. Its new Ultra Open Earbuds have a unique design; instead of inserting buds into your ear canal, you wrap it cuff-like around the helix (the edge) of your ear, then settle the speaker end into the concha right above the ear canal. This lets the earbud play into your ear while leaving it exposed to outside noise, which is practical when running or biking or when you need to hear an instructor’s directions/motivation. You’ll be able to hear obstacles like cars or other runners/cyclists coming behind you. And, unlike with bone-conduction headphones, there is ample bass response and a convincing Immersive Audio mode, so the sound appears far more outside your head.

Getting the hang of how to properly wear the Ultra Open Earbuds takes a couple of tries. The buds are very flexible as you clip them on. This curled design ensures they can fit behind virtually any sized ear comfortably. There’s no worrying about which eartips will create a proper seal or whether they’ll fall out of your ear, which allows you to grab and go and focus on whatever you’re listening to or doing with your body. Once settled, the control buttons sit atop the body held securely behind the ear, allowing you push patterns to pause/play, skip/repeat a track, answer calls, toggle the Immersion mode, and adjust volume. And the polished exterior doesn’t interfere with the style or fit of your jewelry, glasses, hats, etc. They grip snugly around our ears even during jogs without indicating they’d slip or fall off. That said, it never felt like the earbuds were pinching our ears or irritating them in any other way.

Musically, Bose’s Ultra Open Earbuds are a great addition to the company’s lineup. They support Bluetooth 5.3 (including AAC for iPhones) and, surprisingly, delivered a lot of bass, which we didn’t think would be possible from earbuds that created no seal around our ears. Perhaps even more surprisingly, there was very little sound bleed; the directional drivers do an excellent job of beaming sound into the canal so that you could feel comfortable wearing these without worrying about disturbing someone doing their set next to you. But really where they excel is when you’re actively exercising outdoors and want to enjoy that perfect playlist without sacrificing safety.

Best battery life: Jabra Elite 8 Active

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Why it made the cut: The Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds are highly resistant to dust and water and feature the best combination of ANC performance and battery life we’ve encountered in a pair of workout headphones.

Specs

• Weight: 0.2 ounces/earbud; 1.8 ounces with case
• IP rating: IP68 (dust-tight, waterproof against extended submersion)
• Battery life: 8 hours single-charge w/ ANC; 32 hours with case

Pros

• Very long battery life for frequent use without charging
• Snug and secure fit with three eartip sizes
• Balanced sound profile with customizable EQ via app
• Multipoint pairing
• Military Standard (MIL-STD-810h) durability

Cons

• Case can be tough to open
• Low-frequency noise cancellation could be improved
• Hit-and-miss phone call quality in loud environments

If you often find yourself in situations where you forget to charge your headphones—maybe you’re an endurance athlete, parent, or every overworked person in the modern world—the Jabra Elite 8 Active, much like the Elite 7 before it, is a great-sounding and reliable option to add to your workout routine. The low-profile design of the Elite 8 Active is utilitarian and doesn’t belie the wealth of tech and battery life within the military-grade, liquid silicone rubber-covered shells—available in dark grey, caramel, or navy. Despite weighing only 0.2 ounces per bud, the Elite 8 Active can run up to 8 hours with ANC on (14 hours with ANC off) and up to 32/56 hours when used with their charging case, making them great for infrequent charging and ideal for stowing in a gym bag or glove compartment.

The Elite 8 Active’s Adaptive Hybrid ANC is also very good in the midrange and high-frequency ranges where human conversation and music from speakers live. However, they didn’t beat our top picks when dealing with car engines, rumble from inside an airplane, and other very loud low-frequency information. This can be mitigated somewhat by selecting the best-fitting “EarGels” (aka tips) from the three pairs included with the buds. Still, if you’re using them for a workout or to listen to podcasts while your kid burns through some energy, the ANC might not be your first concern, as you’ll probably want to stay aware of your surroundings and use the earbuds’ HearThrough mode anyway (which benefits from upgrades to its wind noise detection and suppression technology).

Music sounds great on the Elite 8 Active earbuds thanks to their stable Bluetooth 5.3 (SBC, AAC) connection and flat and balanced sound profile, which you can sculpt further using the EQ settings in the Jabra Sound+ app. The app can also toggle Dolby Audio (spatial sound) and offers battery life indicators, pairing options, and firmware updates, among other features. Call quality through the buds is quite good, with six built-in mics sometimes to discern your own voice from ambient chatter when taking public transit or in other loud environments. The sleek charging case is also a great size and shape for keeping in a pocket during your workouts, but if you’ve worked up a sweat, its shape and smooth finish can make it difficult to open. Still, the ShakeGrip coating and drop resistance ensure these earbuds stay secure throughout strenuous exercises and survive in the unlikely event of a slip.

Best budget: soundcore by Anker Sport X10

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Why it made the cut: The Anker Soundcore Sport X10 offers an incredibly secure fit and long battery life for runners on a budget.

Specs

• Weight: 0.2 ounces/earbud; 1.9 ounces with case
• IP rating: IPX7 (waterproof for 30 minutes, not dustproof)
• Battery life: 8 hours single-charge; 32 hours with case

Pros

• Very secure swiveling ear hook design
• Controls customizable via a smartphone app
• Transparency mode enhances situational awareness

Cons

• No multipoint connection
• ANC performance is lacking in loud environments
• Multi-press controls are confusing and uncomfortable

If you’re less concerned about noise cancellation performance, the Anker Soundcore Sport X10s are a great budget option for working out thanks to their secure fit and long battery life. They have a unique swiveling ear hook design that folds into a compact shape for storage in their charging case and unfolds to loop securely around the front of your earlobe, keeping them snug during even the most vigorous exercise routines. The Sport X10s also features a six-microphone array that provides relatively good phone call quality and an effective transparency mode. Still, their ANC performance falls short of quieting most common midrange sounds like speech, engines, and other urban noise.

The Sport X10’s sound profile is a bit muddy and heavy in the low-mids, but this can be adjusted using the EQ settings within the Soundcore app, which includes several presets to choose from. The app also allows you to rebind custom functions to the earbuds’ onboard control buttons, which are clicky and provide some nice feedback but tend to shift the earbud around with minor discomfort. You also don’t get multipoint pairing with the Sport X10, but at their price point, that’s understandable.

What to consider before buying the best headphones for working out

You could take the best headphones to the gym, but you would probably have very sweaty ears and potentially ruin your precious investment. Heck, even some of the best Bluetooth earbuds might not be suited for more than a brisk stroll. So here is what to think about before clicking “add to cart” on the best headphones for working out and going all in on that next set:

Sweat level

Sweating is a normal part of any workout, but if you tend to sweat more than the average person while you exercise, you should consider a pair of headphones with an Ingress Protection rating of at least IPX7. Most of the headphones on our list are designed with that level of waterproofing, including the Jabra Elite 8 Active and SHOKZ OpenRun. If you sweat a lot, you’ll probably also want to steer clear of over-ear designs, which can heat up your ears and exacerbate the problem.

Workout intensity

If you do CrossFit or other forms of intense workouts, choose earbuds that use an ear hook or another type of external fastener to ensure that they don’t go flying. We like the Powerbeats Pro earbuds for heavy exertion, though the soundcore by Anker Sport X10 is an inexpensive alternative.

Charging capacity

If you use your headphones frequently, have limited access to charging capabilities, or just find yourself constantly running devices on low battery, picking a set of headphones with a high battery capacity can increase the likelihood that they’ll be ready come workout time. The 8-hour single charge and 30-hour charging case with the Jabra Elite 8 Active are the best we’ve tested in the battery life department, though our budget pick, the soundcore by Anker Sport X10, also performs well.

Situational awareness

If you spend lots of time exercising near traffic or in busy locations, it’s important to maintain a good level of situational awareness for your own safety. Many headphones include a transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings in addition to your music, including the Apple Beats Fit Pro and the Jabra Elite 8 Active. For maximum situational awareness, nothing beats the open-ear design of bone-conduction headphones, and we prefer the SHOKZ OpenRun.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best headphones for working out

• Best overall: Apple Beats Fit Pro
• Best on-ear: JBL Live 670NC
• Best bone conduction: SHOKZ OpenRun
• Best earbuds for running or cycling: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
• Best battery life: Jabra Elite 8 Active
• Best budget: soundcore by Anker Sport X10

The best headphones for working out will fit securely in your ears or on your head while delivering great sound and a good level of situational awareness. We love the Apple Beats Fit Pro for its overall sound quality and secure fit. If you need the longest and most reliable battery performance, the Jabra Elite 8 Active and JBL 670NC are the best earbuds and over-ears for working out, respectively. And if you want the best situational awareness possible while cycling and running, the SHOKZ OpenRun bone conduction headphones and the surprisingly immersive Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have our vote.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best headphones for working out in 2024, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		JBL Boombox 3		SEE IT	JBL’s Boombox 3 hits the sweet spot between portability, battery life, additional features, and cost.
Best With Lights		JBL PartyBox 110		SEE IT	JBL’s PartyBox 110 is a big, bass-thumping speaker with lights that impress as much as its sound.
Best Budget:		Tribit XSound Mega		SEE IT	The Tribit XSound Mega shares many of the features as some other picks but at a way lower cost.

Party speakers may be the most misunderstood mainstream category in the audio world. Contrary to popular belief, party speakers aren’t limited to bass-heavy Bluetooth models. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with bassy Bluetooth speakers. Don’t worry, we’re going to recommend you some how-low-can-you-go options. However, a party speaker, to us at least, can be an all-in-one PA system, a practice amp that doubles as a speaker, a speaker that lights up the room just with dance music or that adds in equally kinetic LEDs. The best party speakers can be a concert for one or for everyone, and they can be found in selections for every type of celebration.

• Best overall: JBL Boombox 3
• Best portable: Sony SRS-XG300
• Best with lights: JBL PartyBox 110
• Best for outdoor party: Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo 
• Best for house party performances: JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA
• Best for guitarists: Positive Grid Spark MINI
• Best for gamers: GravaStar Mars Pro
• Best Wi-Fi speaker: Sonos Move 2 
• Best budget: Tribit XSound Mega

How we chose the best party speakers

This speaker category is extremely broad, so we took a fairly granular approach when choosing our recommendations. A mix of hands-on testing and research lead us to a list of speakers that range from pint-sized to powerful, covering common and niche needs. Special attention was paid to bass performance, connectivity options, durability, expandability, and portability. The right party speaker for you will depend on whether you’re throwing backyard cookouts or basement ragers, are looking for something that sits on a desk or a deck, need something to provide a solo gaming soundtrack or that might require guests to wear earplugs. We don’t judge. Well, we do judge some things, like audio quality and connectivity. But parties aren’t the time for critical listening, so what we recommend by the pool or for a DJ is very different than what we’d look for in our best powered speakers or best bookshelf speakers for music lovers. We’ve also been mindful of how much these speakers cost, with recommendations ranging from under $60 to $530.

The best party speakers: Reviews & Recommendations

We’ve cut through the noise to present speakers to suit everybody’s needs. You saw our overall methodology above and can find more information on our key considerations later in this story. Now, let’s get the party started.

Best overall: JBL Boombox 3

SEE IT

Specs

• Bass driver size: 8.6 inches
• Power source: Battery power (up to 24 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth
• IP rating: IP67

Pros

• Massive bass driver
• Can be connected with up to 99 other JBL speakers
• Excellent battery life

Cons

• Big and heavy for a portable speaker

JBL’s Boombox 3 pushes the limits of what you can expect from a portable Bluetooth speaker. The subwoofer in its three-way speaker configuration is larger than the ones you’ll find on some desktop speakers or compact monitors, so you should expect loud, thunderous sound. You won’t just hear the drop on EDM tracks, you’ll literally feel it radiate down to 40Hz if the speaker’s 160 watts are cranked all the way up. In fact, the only way you’ll get a louder, bigger bass around the same size is by picking up something like JBL’s PartyBox 110, which we’ll introduce in more detail below.

The Boombox 3’s large size comes with one big pro—beyond great sound, of course—and a necessary con. In the plus column, this speaker can last up to 24 hours on a single charge, easily enough time to get you through a proper rager. JBL says the amount of battery life you’ll get ultimately depends on your listening volume, which is true, but the Boombox 3 should still last all night (literally) even when it’s being maxed out. That said, a big battery and large drivers contribute to this speaker’s 22-inch width and nearly 15-pound weight. This speaker is portable, but it’ll need someone willing to lug it around—luckily, it’s equipped with a sturdy molded handle.

JBL has gotten around this by designing the Boombox 3 with support for its PartyBoost feature, which allows you to link it with up to 99 other JBL speakers. Several JBL speakers support this feature, so you could use the Boombox 3 as your main party speaker, then spread a couple of smaller models around the periphery of your party space to blanket more ground (for example, you could put several lava-lamp-like JBL Pulse 5 speakers around to visualize the vibe). We can’t think of a room—or entire floor, frankly—that this speaker wouldn’t blanket in loud sound on its own, however.

If your parties take place outdoors, the JBL Boombox 3 is a great choice thanks to its IP67 rating (for a detailed explanation of IP, check out our considerations at the bottom of this feature). This Boombox 3 can get splashed, rained on, spilled on, or even dunked underneath the water for several minutes without skipping a beat. And it can stand up to dust or sand. Durability is definitely not an issue. The speaker shown above has taken a licking and kept on kicking … or maybe that’s taken a kicking and kept on ticking, as it got hit by a soccer ball while providing the soundtrack to a high-intensity practice on the field pictured. If its size and weight (and $449 price) don’t intimidate you, the JBL Boombox 3’s bass performance, battery life, and durability are a pretty unbeatable combination.

Best portable: Sony SRS-XG300

SEE IT

Specs

• Bass driver size: 2.7 inches (2x)
• Power source: Battery (up to 25 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth
• IP rating: IP67

Pros

• Mega Bass button for even more low end
• Exceptional audio quality
• Best battery life for a portable party speaker

Cons

• Very few devices can take full advantage of this speaker’s audio potential

Sony has been making party speakers for half a decade, but the SRS-XG300 is the first time it seems to take this category very seriously. It’s completely overhauled the look of its party speakers, with a mesh covering that screams sophistication, with LED rings that surround its pair of 2.7-inch bass drivers with a subtle glow rather than a garish one. And the unobtrusive handle conveniently slides in and out of the top, an aesthetically pleasing marriage of form and function. Put simply, the SRS-XG300 speaker looks sophisticated during the day but a little more fun at night. The LEDs can be turned off using Sony’s app or a button on the backside of this party speaker so you can ignore them entirely.

That may be a good idea if you plan on stretching the SRS-XG300’s battery to its 25-hour maximum. Sony is so confident in this portable Bluetooth speaker’s battery capacity that it built a USB-A port into it, so it doubles as a power bank. In our tests, this speaker could put out a tremendous amount of bass, but it never distorted, even at high volumes. If you want a little more oomph, the speaker’s Mega Bass button boosts low-end frequencies, but never to the point that the midrange and treble get completely drowned out. If your playlist is full of bass-heavy music, turning on this setting to see how you like it won’t hurt.

The SRS-XG300 supports a Sony feature called Party Connect, which allows you to pair up to 100 speakers to play music simultaneously. This was one of our favorite features of JBL’s Boombox 3, and it remains impressive here. We can’t see any reason you’d need more than one of these speakers to fuel your beach, backyard, or basement party, but it’s nice to have the option.

You can connect any smartphone, tablet, or computer to the SRS-XG300 wirelessly over Bluetooth, but to get the most out of it, you’ll need a device that supports the LDAC codec, which allows you to stream music at a very high—nearly CD quality—bitrate. This isn’t necessarily important at a party unless you host audiophiles exclusively. Still, it’s worth pointing out since Sony’s speaker is one of the few Bluetooth models that support this feature. But it’s also worth pointing out that only select digital audio players and smartphones support this protocol (nothing Apple, which is why we lean toward this being the best portable Bluetooth speaker for Android users). You can use any Bluetooth-enabled device to connect via more traditional lossy codecs, and you also have the option to connect a device using a 3.5mm cable, thanks to its AUX input.

If the most important part of your party is taking top-notch tunes conveniently from one place to another without hitting pause, Sony’s SRS-XG300 is the clear choice.

Best with lights: JBL PartyBox 110

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 5.25-inches (2x)
• Power source: Battery (up to 12 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth, AUX in, 1/4-inch inputs (2x)
• IP rating: IPX4

Pros

• Massive
• Doubles as a dual-input PA system
• Can be used portably in a pinch

Cons

• Overkill in most cases

There’s no getting around the fact that the JBL PartyBox 110 is a big party speaker, but if you have enough space and need to entertain a large crew with live music or a pre-made mix, it’s the ideal choice. You can read more about this large speaker in our full review, but it’s ultimately a treat for both the eyes and ears. The PartyBox 110 occupies an interesting place in JBL’s party speaker lineup, sitting between our approved entry-level PartyBox, the Encore Essential, and the much larger PartyBox 1000 (a behemoth of a speaker we’ve auditioned and enjoyed). It’s also much more than a typical Bluetooth speaker, party-friendly or otherwise.

The big LEDs surrounding the PartyBox 110’s pair of bass drivers turn the front of this speaker into a big figure eight. These lights can be programmed to a handful of patterns—including synced to the beat—or turned off entirely to preserve battery life. Yes, despite the amount of air it’s pushing and the show it bestows, the PartyBox 110 can run for up to 12 hours without being plugged into an outlet. It’s also one of the only speakers in its size class to have an IP4X rating, which means it can be splashed with water without incident.

It may not support JBL’s PartyBoost, but two of these speakers can be paired together wirelessly. This makes sense when you realize the PartyBox 110 has a pair of 1/4-inch audio inputs designed for a microphone and instrument. Connecting these speakers together will double the number of inputs, giving you greater flexibility when setting up come competitive karaoke.

If you only plan on using this speaker with prerecorded music, you’ll be treated to loud, room-shaking sound at the highest volume levels. PA-style party speakers are known for their bass performance, but JBL built a Bass Boost button onto the top of the PartyBox 110 to really drive the point home for lovers of lower frequencies. Let’s face it, the PartyBox 110 isn’t necessary for the average cocktail party or even cookout, but having the extra power in your back pocket won’t hurt if it becomes necessary.

Best for outdoor patio party: Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo 

SEE IT

Specs

• Bass driver size: 5.1-inches
• Power source: Battery (Up to 16 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth, 2.5mm
• IP rating: N/A

Pros

• Modular assignable-channel speaker system
• Discrete dedicated subwoofer
• Unlimited speakers can be connected
• Portability

Cons

• You have to keep track of/charge multiple speakers

By now, most people are familiar with a 2.1 speaker system in a home theater environment, which indicates Left and Right speakers paired with a dedicated subwoofer to push the lows higher. Now the Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo lets you take it into the great outdoors. All three touch-controlled speakers connect to one another via a Bluetooth 5.0 mesh network, which means you can place them anywhere you’d like so long as they’re within 100 feet of one another. This will allow you to cover a larger area without turning the volume knob to 11. Pick up four 6-inch-tall multidriver rectangles and turn your patio into a quadraphonic quarter. There’s a mid-bass driver and passive radiator paired with the tweeter in each. Still, for the deepest bass experience, you’ll want to keep the discrete front-firing subwoofer (or subwoofers) near a wall so the sound gets reinforced by reverberations.

Many party speakers we recommend can be chained to play simultaneously in mono, but Rocksteady designed its hardware exclusively to be immersive—letting you assign each as Left/Right/Dual channel. Because of that, you can pair an unlimited number of speakers in various multidirectional configurations, though hitting this theoretical limit—or lack thereof—probably won’t be necessary. We like the modularity of the Stadium Mode system, but it isn’t waterproof, which can be a problem if your outdoor area has a pool. If that’s the case, a cadre of UE’s WONDERBOOM 3 mini-speakers may be a better pick; these $99 floatable orbs produce surprisingly loud 360-degree sound, can be linked via PartyBoost and, being dustproof, are also one of the best speakers to take with you to the beach.

The only real downside to getting a multispeaker system is that you’ll need to monitor multiple pieces of audio hardware at all times. Every speaker needs to be charged separately, which can require some juggling if your place doesn’t have too many outlets. Luckily, battery life is rated at 16 hours, and the speakers are USB-C Quick Charge equipped. If that isn’t an issue, we can recommend taking Rocksteady’s Stadium Travel Combo to any outdoor party you’re hosting or attending.

Best for house party performances: JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 8-inch woofer
• Power source: Battery (Up to 12 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth, AUX in, 1/4-inch input, mic/line input (2x)
• IP rating: N/A

Pros

• Simple setup
• Easy-to-use controls
• Portable
• On-unit 4-channel mixer with EQ and effects
• Built-in microphone preamps
• Phantom power

Cons

• Can be too quiet for loud practices
• Reverb effect is subtle for those looking for washed-out sound

The JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA offers musicians and DJs an easy-to-setup audio solution for smaller performance situations. Weighing just under 18 pounds, packing a 12-hour swappable rechargeable battery, the speaker is light enough to carry to and from smaller gigs and fits easily in the trunk or backseat of most cars. 

The onboard 4-channel mixer offers two XLR/TRS combo jacks, one 1/4-inch guitar input, and a 1/8-inch aux input for dialing in the mix. If you’re using a condenser microphone, the unit also comes equipped with phantom power. The EON ONE Compact Personal PA’s four-channel configuration provides the flexibility to create a balanced mix of guitars, vocals, and backing tracks from the controls on the speaker itself or via the JBL app. Connect your phone via Bluetooth to access Lexicon and dbx-inspired 4-band EQ, reverb, chorus, and delay (with quick-recall presets), plus control the volume or stream music wirelessly. 

The unit can sit vertically or horizontally and provides a built-in pole mount socket for elevated placements. This flexibility allows the system to thrive in various settings, as a monitor or for broadcast, even when space is tight. Two USB 3.0 ports let you high-speed charge tablets, phones, and bus-powered DJ devices—perfect if you mix digital formats. According to JBL, a 1/4-inch (6.3mm) passthrough lets you connect up to four speakers and extend your mix to larger crowds. [We only got one speaker, so we couldn’t try this out.] 

The EON ONE Compact can reach 112 dB and the 8-inch bass driver hits 37.5 Hz, though it isn’t ideal for louder rock shows. However, it is a great option for solo and acoustic gigs and smaller gatherings where you want a bigger sound without a big hassle.

Best for guitarists: Positive Grid Spark MINI

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 2-inches (2x)
• Power source: Battery (Up to 8 hours)
• Expandable: No
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth, AUX input, 1/4-inch input
• IP rating: N/A

Pros

• Ultra-portable guitar amp
• Ability to switch between 10,000 tones
• Smart Jam Live mode

Cons

• Only worthwhile for musicians

The Positive Grid Spark MINI was designed for musicians who don’t just want to attend a party; they want to amp up the entertainment at a party. However, its support for Bluetooth and the presence of an AUX input allow you to kick out other people’s jams too. As a 3.3-pound practice amp, the Spark MINI is surprisingly capable. Battery-powered and DSP-based, it has a single 1/4-inch input to plug in almost any electric instrument with a standard cable and get a far more robust tone than you might expect looking at the compact cube. You can add accompaniment (drums and bass) by pairing the speaker to your phone to play a backing track (or use your phone to learn with the Positive Grid app’s auto chords feature). Knobs on top of the Spark MINI let you independently adjust the volume of your music and that amazing new electric guitar you just picked up till you get the right mix (though the MINI plays nicely with acoustic guitar and bass, as well). You can even select your tone from an online library of over 10,000 sculpted through Positive Grid’s BIAS tone engine and shared through its app. It’s like carrying a Marshall stack or AMPEG cabinet … in a backpack.

Suppose you’re a solo musician going to a small get-together. In that case, the Positive Grid Spark MINI is way more practical to lug around than the other PA-capable party speaker we recommend. And with its 8-hour battery life, it will satisfy all but the most out-there jam-band fans. With just two 2-inch drivers and a passive radiator, it won’t earn the party speaker seal of approval as just a Bluetooth speaker, but it’s nice to have a near-field option if you’re in a small space with a handful of friends. Just avoid water (or a spilled beer) with this one. However, none of these downsides are dealbreakers because the Spark MINI is capable of its main task. One of this party speaker’s underrated features is its Line Out, which allows you to connect the amp to a larger PA. If you like a specific guitar tone from Positive Grid’s library and show up to a party with a larger system, you can use your preferred effects with a lot of additional volume.

When you’re not entertaining guests, you can connect this amp directly to your computer using its USB-C port and use it as an interface to record your instrument with your own custom guitar tone using the PreSonus Studio One digital audio workstation software that comes with it. Everybody likes going to a party with live music, but bringing all the equipment necessary for it at the last minute is not always practical. With the Positive Grid Spark MINI, it’s possible to fit everything you need for a “gig” in the back seat of a small car, making it a lot more reasonable.

Willing to trade a little space for more physical tone controls and more room-filling sound? The “full-sized” 40W Positive Grid Spark is still plenty portable, whether you’re ascending a stairway to heaven, speeding down a highway to hell, or taking friends and family on any other number of musical detours.

Best for gamers: GravaStar Mars Pro

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 2.76 inches (2x)
• Power source: Battery (Up to 15 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth
• IP rating: IPX7

Pros

• Intricate design
• Stereo pairing support
• Two subwoofers

Cons

• Limited connectivity options

GravaStar’s Mars Pro proves there ain’t no party like a LAN party. OK, most of our competitive gaming is done remotely, but we like listening to big beats and bouncy bands with our big broadband. This 7.5-inch-tall wireless party speaker is relatively small but has multiple drivers, a big bass radiator, and 25W to deliver lots of low-end. Its distinctive, futuristic look will fit into a party hosted in a game room or bring an out-of-this-world vibe anywhere with a rechargeable battery that lasts 15-20 hours. That’s doubly true if you put a pair next to one another and connect them to listen in true stereo. Still, you must applaud the industrial engineering in this speaker’s zinc alloy body. There are multiple designs and colorways, a touch-responsive volume strip, and it even has LED accents all over it that would make it eye-catching on a livestream as you blast competitors and tunes.

As far as features go, you can’t plug an instrument into it or connect it to dozens of speakers simultaneously (just the one other for true L/R channels). Still, none of those options are absolutely necessary. If anything, pairing them down allowed GravaStar to focus more on audio quality and aesthetics, including making the Mars Pro IPX7—or effectively waterproof. Our only disappointment is that the only way to connect devices to this speaker is over Bluetooth 5.0. To be fair, that’s the universal wireless connectivity standard for all of the best portable speakers. However, it would have been nice to see an AUX in jack as a backup, especially with something that sits nicely next to a computer.

If that doesn’t bother you, the GravaStar Mars Pro is an excellent party speaker for smaller rooms. If anything, your guests may spend a few seconds searching around for the sound source when you start to play music from what they might have thought was an extremely detailed model. That party trick alone may make the Mars Pro worth the price of admission.

Best Wi-Fi speaker: Sonos Move 2 

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 3.5-inches
• Power source: Battery (Up to 24 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth
• IP rating: IP65

Pros

• Sonos’ ecosystem is strong
• Excellent range
• Amazon Alexa and Sonos Assistant compatible

Cons

• Price

The Sonos Move 2 comes hot on the heels of the Era 100 and Era 300, Sonos’ next-generation connected speakers, and inherits many of the same great traits. One of the Move 2’s biggest selling points is its Wi-Fi connectivity, which has two distinct advantages over Bluetooth: Longer range and the ability to stream higher-resolution music files. If you have the option to be on the same Wi-Fi network as the Move 2, that’s the connectivity option we recommend.

The Move 2 isn’t Sonos’ only portable speaker, but the diminutive Roam is too small to be used as a party speaker—especially given its price. The Move 2 is a lot larger, but the extra volume allowed Sonos to use better audio hardware. Sonos’ advancements in amp and driver technology shine through, as does the company’s tasteful use of EQ. Music never sounded too bassy or treble forward, it was, cliche as it sounds, just right. The Move 2 also supports TruePlay, a feature that allows it to automatically adjust its sound using its built-in microphone to determine the size and shape of the room it’s in.

This is the only party speaker we recommend in this roundup that supports Amazon Alexa, as well as the Sonos Assistant, allowing you to use it hands-free. Sonos allows you to link streaming services through its app, so you can call up playlists or make them up on the fly without touching your phone. This feature requires an active Wi-Fi connection, so consider that if you plan on bringing the Move 2 to a beach. On a related note, this speaker has an IP56 rating, so it can get splashed with water without incident, but don’t submerge it under water.

The Sonos Move s is an excellent portable wireless speaker for all occasions, but its bigger size and louder sound do make it especially useful for a party. The Move 2’s batter is also 13 hours longer than the first-generation, so it’ll keep the party going all night long. Taking a Sonos speaker by the pool or beach is extremely appealing. Our only concern with recommending the Sonos Move 2 is its $450 price, which is steep.

If you’re happy with the way Sonos speakers sound, the Move 2 is absolutely worthwhile, and it’s the best option if you’re looking for a party speaker with a Wi-Fi connection. Only planning to have people gather inside and want to fill an entire room with multidirectional music from one standalone speaker? The new Era 300 has an original acoustic design optimized for Dolby Atmos and the captivating gradients of spatial audio.

Best budget: Tribit XSound Mega

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 1.5-inches (2x)
• Power source: Battery: (Up to 20 hours)
• Expandable: No
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth
• IP rating: IPX7

Pros

• Ultra-portable, with an included shoulder strap
• Battery lasts a long time relative to its size
• Price

Cons

• Smaller speakers make less sound

If you’ve spent your party budget on a venue, food, and drinks, there’s still bound to be enough in the bank for Tribit’s XSound Mega. The beach-bag-friendly speaker has two 1.5-inch bass drivers, which will pump out a reasonable amount of sound, given their size. If you’re hosting a small gathering at home or outdoors, it’ll be sufficient but don’t expect miracles at a big backyard bash.

We named this the top party pick in our guide to the best budget Bluetooth speakers because of its battery life, multiple listening modes, built-in LEDs, and carrying strap. The fact that Tribit equipped it with a USB-A port, which allows you to use it as a power bank, was a welcome feature. We found the speaker’s XBass mode added an appreciable amount of low-frequency response but found the XSound Mega distorted a little at high volumes. It never ruined the song, but the distortion was present. Alternatively, the speaker’s LEDs were surprisingly sophisticated, pulsing rhythmically as the music played.

The Tribit XSound Mega is a little barebones compared to some of our other recommendations, but it also costs under $100. You’re getting a lot of value for your money with this party speaker, which has several of the same core features as our other recommendations in a smaller, less expensive package.

What to consider when shopping for the party speakers

Bass driver

Party music is typically all about that bass—though midrange and treble shouldn’t be dismissed!—so it makes sense to focus on a party speaker’s woofer, the driver that determines how low (in the frequency range) you can go. The bigger the woofer, the more sound it can produce. The biggest impediment to bass performance is often size of the speaker itself, since a driver can only be as big as the case it’s in—though custom waveguides and well-implemented DSP can produce some surprising results. To ensure you get more bounce to the ounce, however, we’ve only chosen party speakers with larger bass drivers for this reason.

Power source

Some party speakers need to be connected to an outlet at all times because they consume too much power to run on a battery for a long period of time—if at all. The tradeoff between a smaller, less powerful party speaker and a large, high-powered one is real, but in many cases, the answer is clear. If you host large basement parties where there’s no chance of disturbing the neighbors, a plugged-in party speaker makes sense. For smaller get-togethers—especially those in the outdoors—a portable party speaker makes more sense.

Expandability

Some speaker makers allow you to daisy chain multiple speakers together, so you can play the same music in different places or listen in true stereo. In some cases, this feature is literally called PartyBoost mode. If the parties you throw take place indoors and outdoors, or you have to cover a lot of ground and don’t want a single huge speaker, expandability is key.

Connectivity

All of the party speakers we’re recommending support Bluetooth, the universal wireless standard that allows you to connect your phone, tablet, or computer to countless tech accessories. But even a universal standard has variants, so you’ll want to make sure the Bluetooth version of your source and speaker are in line (Bluetooth 5.3 devices are the most current, but there are plenty of 4.x devices floating around that still function perfectly well). Some have the option of connecting to your device over Wi-Fi, which offers a better range, a more stable signal, and higher-fidelity streaming. If you want to go old school, a 3.5mm AUX input will let you connect your source to the party speaker directly, which offers the highest level of fidelity—assuming you’re playing lossless music—but means your device is literally tethered to the speaker.

IP rating

A speaker’s IP (Ingress Protection) rating determines its durability against dust and water. Our recommendations range from having no IP rating to an IPX7 rating, which means they can be fully submerged underwater for up to 30 minutes without the risk of damage. This feature won’t matter if you keep your speaker indoors—so long as nobody spills a drink on it—but is extremely important if you host outdoor gatherings.

FAQs

Final thoughts on choosing the best party speakers

• Best overall: JBL Boombox 3
• Best portable: Sony SRS-XG300
• Best with lights: JBL PartyBox 110
• Best for outdoor party: Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo 
• Best for house party performances: JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA
• Best for guitarists: Positive Grid Spark MINI
• Best for gamers: GravaStar Mars Pro
• Best Wi-Fi speaker: Sonos Move 2 
• Best budget: Tribit XSound Mega

Whether you throw a couple of casual get-togethers yearly or host the weekly event friends look forward to throughout the week, having a party speaker is key to everyone having a good time. No party is complete without music; you can be the hero by providing it. We’re especially pleased that companies have begun taking this speaker style seriously rather than chalking it up as a gimmick and slapping unnecessary features onto previously available models that just blurt farty bass. Any of our speaker recommendations will get the job done; now it’s your task to create the perfect playlist.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best party speakers in 2024, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Roland RD-2000		SEE IT	Abundant sound choices with an excellent feel.
Best budget		Yamaha P71		SEE IT	Built for serious players on a budget.
Best for beginners		Alesis Melody 61		SEE IT	Discover your inner tunesmith.

Did you know that the predecessor to the electric piano, the acoustic piano (also known as the pianoforte), has been around since 1700? Bartolomeo Cristofori of Padua, Italy, is credited for its design, which evolved from the harpsichord. You can still view one of his surviving models at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Playing a piano can feel like you have an entire orchestra at your fingertips, but the acoustic version has some serious drawbacks. These heavy and unwieldy instruments are notorious for being more expensive to move than their worth, and the trope of a falling piano endures in cartoons and sitcoms. Electric pianos are a welcome alternative for musicians across all genres who want to make music from anywhere and enhance their skills in ways that aren’t possible on a 500-pound baby grand. Here’s what to look for as you choose one of the best electric pianos for your lifestyle.

• Best overall: Roland RD-2000
• Best for beginners: Alesis Melody 61
• Best for stage: Nord Electro 6D 61
• Best for songwriters and teachers: Casio PX-780 Privia
• Best budget: Yamaha P71

How we chose the best electric pianos

Brand: I selected quality options from brands my colleagues and I trust to use on stage and in our home studios. I placed a high value on the top brands used by pros, even when selecting models more suitable for beginners.

Value: For each model chosen, I evaluated use cases for prospective buyers. For example, a true beginner who will graduate to a larger keyboard or piano over time will have different parameters for what makes a good buy than would a pianist on a budget looking for an electric piano that sounds and feels like its acoustic counterpart.

Size: For performers seeking a substitute for an acoustic piano in their home or home studio, I selected full-size 88-key instruments with less focus on their physical footprint. For performers who take their keyboard to gigs, I evaluated weight, versatility, and durability.

Special features: I did not consider special features as a bonus or extra that would make one model preferable over another. Instead, for each special feature of a particular model, such as extensive sound libraries, play-along songs, or access to educational materials, I assessed their purpose and value to different kinds of musicians before making my choices.

The best electric pianos: Reviews & Recommendations

As a professional musician, I’ve combined personal experience with the type of equipment my colleagues and I use, as well as research into brands and models carried by reputable stores, to identify the following electric pianos—a selection of digital pianos designed as instruments for creating art, as opposed to toys.

Best overall: Roland RD-2000

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Why it made the cut: We’re excited about the Roland RD-2000 because of its versatility in delivering weighted piano action along with hundreds of sounds and ample effects controls.

Specs

• Number of keys: 88
• Dimensions: 55.6 by 14.5 by 5.6 inches
• Built-in speakers: No

Pros

• Two sound engines (V-Piano Technology and SuperNATURAL)
• Multiple controllers from sliders to a modulation wheel
• Multiple connectors from MIDI to USB
• Weighs just under 48 pounds

Cons

• Must be connected to speakers or used with headphones

Roland is known for designing and manufacturing pianos. The Roland RD-2000 launched in 2017 as the brand’s next-generation stage piano following the success of the RD-1000, which debuted in 1986.

Stage pianos are designed first for live performances where PA systems are the amplification method preferred over built-in speakers. However, we think that the overall combination of features in this model outweighs the small hassle of hooking the RD-2000 up to external speakers when you’re at home—or just using it with headphones.

Piano nerds will love that the two independent sound engines give you access to classic acoustic and electric Roland piano sounds (you can even go retro with the RD-1000 sound), plus hundreds of others. A zone-mapping feature makes it possible to play and control internal sounds of the piano at the same time as you control synth sounds in a DAW (digital audio workstation).

There’s a bit of a learning curve to take advantage of all the customization tools, but the opportunities for personal expression are enormous. Expansion slots for additional sounds keep your gear relevant to current sonic trends and add longevity to your purchase.

Best for beginners: Alesis Melody 61

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Why it made the cut: The Alesis Melody 61 is a fantastic entry-level choice to develop your skills at playing and songwriting right out of the box without breaking your budget.

Specs

• Number of keys: 61
• Dimensions: 17 x 10.9 x 40 inches
• Built-in speakers: Yes

Pros

• 300 sounds from strings to brass
• 300 built-in rhythms for effortless accompaniment
• Comes with a 3-month subscription to Skoove online piano courses
• Includes essential accessories from a stand to a microphone

Cons

• Non-weighted keys
• No sustain pedal input

Alesis is part of the inMusic portfolio of brands, which includes M-Audio and Akai. The Melody 61 is part of the company’s line of portable keyboards, which range from 32-key to 61-key models. Suppose you’re buying a digital piano solely to learn how to play and perform. We recommend investing in an 88-key piano with weighted keys instead (like the Yamaha P71, our budget pick below). However, for anyone who wants to get into the basics of music performance, songwriting, or arranging, this 61-key model offers a range of possibilities.

One of the biggest obstacles to starting a new hobby or sticking to a practice routine is the time it takes to get set up with the right gear. The Melody 61 already eliminates many barriers to getting started as it comes with a piano bench, stand, and microphone, plus access to Skoove’s online piano courses for three months (which include basic skill development and songs you can play along with).

We love that you can hear your piano playing and vocals through the built-in speakers when using the microphone, so once you learn a few basic chords, you are ready to compose an original song. You can also use the rhythmic accompaniment function to provide a beat to play along with and trigger the keyboard to play chords on those beats for a richer harmonic experience.

A record button allows you to play back your creations, although the save function lasts only while the piano is turned on. If you’re feeling shy or don’t want to disturb housemates or neighbors, plug in the included headphones to override the external speakers.

Best for stage: Nord Electro 6D 61

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Why it made the cut: At just under 18 pounds, the Nord Electro 6D 61 is extra-portable and can transform you into a pianist, an organist, or a synth player depending on your mood.

Specs

• Number of keys: 61
• Dimensions: 35.4 x 3.8 x 11.7 inches
• Built-in speakers: No

Pros

• Semi-weighted keys with waterfall tips ideal for organ and synth techniques
• 512 MB memory for the Nord Sample Library
• Iconic organ simulations from the Hammond B3 to the Farfisa
• Vintage 122 Rotary Speaker simulation (aka a Leslie)

Cons

• Lacks full 88 keys
• Must be connected to speakers or used with headphones

Handmade in Sweden by Clavia Digital Musical Instruments AB, the Nord keyboards’ signature red color can be spotted on arena stages or in the dimly lit corner of your favorite underground music club. The first Nord Electro was released in 2001, and the Nord Electro 6 is the latest iteration. We chose the Nord Electro 6D 61 over the Nord Electro 6 HP 73-key model because of the waterfall tips on the keys, which are slightly rounded and well-suited to synth and organ techniques, and also because the slightly smaller keyboard size makes it even more portable.

Many digital pianos are designed as alternatives to acoustic pianos, with a range of sampled instrument sounds but few controls. In contrast, the Nord Electro 6D is like having a piano plus some of the most striking organ and synth sounds rolled into a single piece of equipment. The 6D (as opposed to the HP) also has physical drawbars (a type of slider) that mimic a real organ.

While there is a MIDI input/output, the vast amount of built-in controls can keep you (and your audience) entertained without ever cracking open your laptop. In addition to panning, flanging, ring modulator, and chorusing effects, you can also control multiple reverb types to make it drier or wetter. Amp simulators allow you to manipulate drive and compression, and every Hammond B3 fan will delight in mimicking the unmistakable sounds of a Leslie speaker.

Best for songwriters and teachers: Casio PX-780 Privia

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Why it made the cut: We chose the Casio PX-780 because of its nice balance between expressive qualities and special features that educators and composers will enjoy, all for less than a grand.

Specs

• Number of keys: 88
• Dimensions: 59 x 16 x 17 inches
• Built-in speakers: Yes

Pros

• Tri-sensor scaled hammer action keyboard17-track recorder
• Can be used as a MIDI controller for iPad with Apple’s Camera Connection Kit
• Duet mode

Cons

• At nearly 90 pounds, it’s not very portable

Whether or not you grew up in the ’80s or are just vaguely familiar with the influential decade of hair bands and hanging out at the mall, you may associate Casio keyboards with quirky and cheesy digital sounds. You wouldn’t be wrong—the ’80s CK-200 was a combination piano and boom box—but, in the 21st century, the Japanese electronics company has many digital pianos suitable for serious musical artists.

To begin with, the PX-780 Privia has a full-size keyboard, and three built-in sensors capture how you strike each key to approximate the sound you would get if you were playing a grand piano with hammered strings. Coupled with Casio’s own AiR (Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator) processor technology, players can get a nice amount of nuance and realism from the sound.

Songwriters can take advantage of 17-track recording to layer piano, strings, bass, drums, and more, with the ability to access your pre-recorded mixes live on stage. You can even punch in to re-record part of a track and record your song to a USB drive as a .WAV file.

Teachers of beginners will enjoy duet mode, where you can sit side by side and each access the same note range (a little more than one octave below middle C and a little more than two octaves above) as if the piano is two identical 44-key segments. Teachers may also enjoy introducing students to recording and production basics to create demos of their progress for family and friends.

Best budget: Yamaha P71

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Why it made the cut: The Yamaha P71 stands out in the market because of its no-frills focus on pianists who want a well-priced instrument that sounds and feels like an acoustic piano but can be used with headphones when the neighbors are home.

Specs

• Number of keys: 88
• Dimensions: 52.25 x 11.5 x 6 inches
• Built-in speakers: Yes

Pros

• Fully weighted keys
• Can combine two voices to play together when keys are struck
• Metronome
• Weighs just 25 pounds

Cons

• Only 10 sampled voices (i.e., grand piano or strings)
• Does not store recordings

Yamaha is a revered music company that has been around for more than 130 years, with a roster of famous artists who play their pianos that ranges from pop icon Burt Bacharach to singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles and jazz star Gerald Clayton. The Yamaha P71 is an entry-level model for the company in terms of price. Still, their proprietary Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) technology means that pressing keys on the low end of this piano will have a heavier feel than pressing keys on the high end, like their acoustic counterpart.

As you might guess, Yamaha’s AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) sampling process uses Yamaha acoustic pianos to deliver high-quality sounds. Practice your technique at home with or without headphones, and then take advantage of the lightweight body and built-in speakers to take it to your live gig.

This piano has just 10 sampled sounds to play with (including harpsichord and vibraphone), does not have a built-in memory for recording, and doesn’t offer chord arpeggiation or rhythms for you to play along. However, a USB out port allows you to configure your MIDI to use the piano to record into a DAW or control virtual instruments and plug-ins.

It’s important to note that the P71 is a model exclusively available on Amazon, and according to Yamaha, it has no functional differences from their popular P-45 model. This means you may be able to get it at a better price than its twin sold elsewhere, but it’s smart to verify at the time of purchase.

Things to consider before buying an electric piano

These important factors will help you quickly narrow down your options from the immensely wide range of digital pianos on the market:

Space: When choosing an electric piano, you’ll definitely want to consider where you’re going to put it and whether or not you’ll want to move it regularly. A rectangular shape coupled with a lack of strings and hammers makes these pianos considerably easier to find room for in your home studio or living area than the average upright or baby grand. However, the weight and other dimensions of the piano itself are just a starting point. You should also factor in a piano stand to get your equipment to the right height, a piano bench set up at a distance that allows you to sit comfortably at the keys, and any extra lighting or other audio gear you’ll want to have at hand as you play.

Musical focus: Your musical focus should be one of the first things you identify before selecting an electric piano. Are you a performer, composer, producer, accompanist, or all of the above? Do you play all styles of music, or are you in a live band where you’ll want access to a variety of piano, organ, and synth sounds in one instrument? An ideal choice will have a balance between essentials and special features you’ll want to use regularly.

Feel: One of the most important questions to ask yourself about purchasing an electric piano is whether or not you are buying it primarily as an alternative to an acoustic piano. If so, you’ll want to select models with weighted keys and choose keyboards with a full 88 keys if you regularly use the full range of the piano in the music you write and play. Feel is subjective, so be aware that just because a favorite musician likes one model doesn’t mean it will be the right choice for you.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best electric pianos

• Best overall: Roland RD-2000
• Best for beginners: Alesis Melody 61
• Best for stage: Nord Electro 6D 61
• Best for songwriters and teachers: Casio PX-780 Privia
• Best budget: Yamaha P71

Taking your time to know what’s on the market and understand the benefits of various features makes a difference when choosing an instrument that can be a cathartic outlet for individual expression. We chose the Roland RD-2000 because it resonated with many of our criteria, from realistic sounds to portability and versatility. However, this doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for you right now. Even a small investment in the Alesis Melody 61 could be the perfect catalyst for an exciting journey as a songwriter or performer. The important thing is to keep making music.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best electric pianos for 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Sennheiser HD 660 S2		SEE IT	An overall balanced sound that leans slightly warm is presented in a wide soundstage rich in detail.
Best for gaming		beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro		SEE IT	Hear every spatial cue and hit more targets with the highly positional, exceptionally resolving sound in these comfortable headphones.
Best budget		Philips SHP9600		SEE IT	A spacious, non-fatiguing presentation and build allow for long listening sessions even if you’re short on budget.

While most of the world is content to rush toward a wireless future, audiophiles know the truth: the best sound quality still comes from wired headphones. Without Bluetooth compression to worry about, you can listen to music in full fidelity, enjoying every tiny detail and nuance that made you fall in love with music in the first place. A great pair of headphones can breathe new life into your favorite music. The best can let you hear details you may have never heard before. Others can sweep you away with their spacious and immersive listening experiences.

Finding the best pair of headphones isn’t always easy. If you can’t listen to them for yourself, you’re stuck with a mountain of research and recommendations that can be more confusing than helpful. That’s where we come in. We’ve done the research for you and have spent hours listening to countless sets to bring you the headphones that kept the cord and struck a chord with us. These are the best wired headphones for every kind of listener. 

• Best overall: Sennheiser HD 660 S2
• Best dynamic: Focal Utopia (2022)
• Best planar: HIFIMAN Arya Organic
• Best closed back: Meze LIRIC II
• Best for mixing: Sony MDR-MV1
• Best for iPhone: Questyle NHB-15
• Best in-ear headphones: Thieaudio Monarch MKIII
• Best for gaming: beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
• Best budget: Philips SHP9600

How we chose the best wired headphones

I’ve been writing about tech online for more than a decade and have been a music lover my whole life. Over the last 10 years, I’ve written about headphones, in-ear monitors, and other audio equipment extensively for MMORPG.com, IGN, PC Perspective, and, of course, Popular Science. During that time, I’ve tested hundreds of headphones and have a personal collection that most people would consider unhealthily large. I love headphones almost as much as I love music; they are the lens through which we experience what moves us.

For this collection, I began by considering the many headphones and IEMs I’ve tested over the years and seeing which truly stood out as something special. After that, I expanded my search to include the many sets I didn’t personally experience but have been widely regarded by critics and real listeners. Sound quality was first on my list, followed closely by fit, comfort, design, and build quality, as well as long-term reliability. I narrowed this lengthy list down to eight core picks, broken into categories for different types of listeners. I spent extensive time with seven of the nine picks. The last, the Meze LIRIC II and Focal Utopia, have spent many hours on the head of our editor, Tony Ware. Our final collection represents an array of options from leading brands in the space, ranging from the boutique and high-end to the affordable and accessible. 

The best wired headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

With our considerations in mind, which you can read below the picks, you’d be equipped to search the internet and make the best choice from the featured options. If you’d rather save yourself time, we’ve done the research for you. Looking for a sound investment? These are the best headphones to deliver an expressive audio experience that’ll get you wired.

Best overall: Sennheiser HD 660 S2

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Why it made the cut: The HD 660 S2 is a jack of all trades for the everyday listener, balancing outstanding sound quality, great comfort, and a reasonable price.

Specs

• Price: $400
• Wearing style: Over-ear
• Earcup design: Open-back
• Driver type: Dynamic 
• Weight: 260 grams
• Impedance: 300 ohms
• Sensitivity: 104dB

Pros

• Overall balanced sound signature that leans a bit warmer than the original
• Wider soundstage
• Strikes a good middle-ground between price, performance, and comfort

Cons

• Plays it relatively safe in sonic improvements
• Substantially more expensive than HD 650, HD 6XX

Sennheiser is one of the most esteemed brands in the entire audio industry, and its HD 600 series is one of the longest-running default recommendations for anyone looking for a great pair of cans that don’t break the bank. The HD 660 S2 is the latest entry, and though they play it safe with their improvements, what has changed makes us feel like these are the best all-around bet for the majority of listeners. 

Like its predecessors, the HD 660 S2 aims for balance. It doesn’t tread too far in any direction, so you can count on a listening experience that’s overall neutral but also a bit more fun and certainly more engaging. Sennheiser has subtly increased its 600 series bass extension for deeper rumble and tweaked the mids for a wider soundstage. At times, the treble can sound more detailed because of this change. At others, the bass seems to warm the sound instead. It’s music-dependent but always enjoyable.  

It’s clear that Sennheiser didn’t want to fix what wasn’t broken with its beloved headphone series, and as a result, it feels a bit safe. That doesn’t mar the fact that this is still an outstanding pair of headphones intentionally designed for wider appeal and to address some of the most common criticisms of the originals: they were bass light, had “three blob” imaging, and didn’t have a great soundstage. The HD 660 S2 corrects all three and is also ridiculously comfy thanks to its plush velour earpads and well-balanced weight.

Its higher price will be a sticking point for some, though we think it earns its keep with how well it balances its aims. If you don’t mind playing with EQ, the Drop x Sennheiser HD 6XX and original HD 650 are still great picks that can get you very close to what the 660 S2 offers. But for an out-of-the-box, no-tweaks-required experience, the HD 660 S2 is a great pick that’s sure to please. 

Best dynamic: Focal Utopia (2022)

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Why it made the cut: Class-leading in nearly every way, the Focal Utopia drips decadence and backs it up with solid sound.   

Specs

• Price: $5,000
• Wearing style: Over-ear
• Driver type: Dynamic
• Earcup style: Open-back
• Weight: 490 grams
• Impedance: 80 ohms
• Sensitivity: 104dB

Pros

• Decadent design and presentation
• Wonderfully balanced sound
• Rich in detail and clarity

Cons

• Potential comfort issues
• Smaller soundstage than expected at this price

Hailing from France, the 2022 revision of the Focal Utopia is the definition of decadence. At $5,000, this headphone could easily win a category for “best splurge,” but there’s substance behind its style. Utilizing pure beryllium dynamic drivers with Focal’s proprietary M-shaped design and acoustic dampening, it offers a balanced yet incredibly detailed sound signature. This class-leading pair of headphones lets you understand why someone might pay so much for a pair of headphones. 

Focal is an expert at its craft, and nowhere is that clearer than with the Utopia. The engineers clearly aimed for a more reference sound with this set, so while the bass isn’t over-represented, it has genuine impact and speed. It’s a case of quality over quantity and only needs to be heard to be understood. Texture, nuance, and pound: these are the watchwords for the Utopia 2022. 

That level of quality doesn’t subside at higher frequencies. Pure beryllium drivers are coveted for their responsiveness and rigidity, which directly translates to speed and precision. Layering and separation are articulate, so you’ll never be left wondering if you’re hearing everything your music has to offer—you’ll know. That can be a double-edged sword for poorly mastered tracks, but when everything comes together, it’s akin to jumping from 480p straight to 4K Ultra HD. 

With such a high asking price, Focal pulled out all the stops with its presentation and build quality. The unboxing experience is one of the best with an artful presentation of its cables and accessories. Its documentation even comes in its own leather folio. The headphones themselves make heavy use of metal for durability and offer an exceptionally attractive honeycomb grill design with hints of red behind the center logo. The yokes are real carbon fiber, and the cable connections utilize genuine LEMO terminations. It’s fittingly overbuilt.

The biggest drawbacks you’re likely to experience have to do with comfort and soundstage. Focal didn’t change the design much from the 2016 version, so the clamp force is still on the tighter side and rests a bit too much on the top of your head. Some users have found a hot spot developing before long. The soundstage, on the other hand, is surprisingly closed in for an open-back flagship pair of headphones. While not congested in any way, you won’t be mistaking sirens in a song for sirens out your window.

Still, this pair of headphones oozes luxury and has a sound to back it up. 

Best planar: HIFIMAN Arya Organic

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Why it made the cut: A revision of the highly esteemed Arya Stealth Magnet, the Arya Organic has a fuller sound signature, enhanced comfort, and easier drivability. 

Specs

• Price: $1,299
• Wearing style: Over-ear 
• Driver type: Planar magnetic
• Earcup style: Open-back
• Weight: 440 grams
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• Sensitivity: 94dB

Pros

• Much fuller sound than previous models
• Fantastic soundstage and detail
• Improved fit and comfort 

Cons

• Very large
• Can still be difficult to drive well

The HIFIMAN Arya has been one of the best headphones in its price bracket since its debut in 2018, but the crisp sound signature of the original and Stealth Magnet revision left bass fans feeling left out. The Arya Organic changes that with the fullest sound of any Arya model to date and doesn’t sacrifice any of the spaciousness and detail that made it so popular in the first place. Improved comfort and ergonomics also make it the easiest and most securely fitting yet, making it the most well-rounded and appealing Arya ever released.

Planar magnetic headphones are renowned for their detail, speed, and clarity, and the Arya Organic embraces every piece of what makes them so beloved. Their large egg-shaped earcups make way for an exceptionally open and wide sound. Instruments ring out with room to breathe, creating a strong perception of depth in the listening experience. Every note, every finger slipping across a fretboard rings out with lifelike clarity. Because of their depth and fantastic imaging, no one element feels over-loud. It’s natural, crisp, and, with the right music, quite beautiful.

While not overdone to muddy the rest of the mix, the low-end is wide and foundational to fill out any track that calls for it. It’s exacting, starting and stopping with precision, swelling up when called for, and falling back when not. Hip-hop and metal fans may still find that they crave more punch and slam, but it remains full-bodied enough for just about any genre or style of music and will wow you with its detail. Just make sure you have some kind of amplifier to drive it because a laptop or simple dongle DAC won’t cut it. 

The Arya Organic is huge. There’s no way around its size, but it fits more snuggly than any version before it. Most listeners should be able to find a comfortable fit, which has been a long time coming for these headphones. Between its incredible sound, comfortable fit, and enrapturing presentation, the Arya Organic is an incredible choice among planar magnetic headphones.

If you’re not a fan of the over-large egg-shaped design, the Audeze LCD-3 is a great alternative that research indicates offers very similar performance. And from a brand as esteemed as Audeze, you’re not likely to go wrong. 

Best closed back: Meze LIRIC II

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Why it made the cut: This top-tier closed back won’t bleed sound but is surprisingly spacious. It’s detailed, comfy, and downright gorgeous.

Specs

• Price: $2,000 
• Wearing style: Over-ear
• Driver type: Planar magnetic
• Earcup style: Closed-back
• Weight: 427 grams
• Impedance: 61 ohms
• Sensitivity: 100dB

Pros

• Phase-X Spatial Imaging works wonders with soundstage and imaging
• Included hand-braided balanced copper cable adds value
• Gorgeously designed and very comfortable
• Full-bodied, rich, and highly detailed listening experience

Cons

• Treble, while more attenuated than the original, may be too energetic for sensitive ears
• Relatively heavy, though the wide headband distributes weight well

The Meze LIRIC II is what every great successor should be: an evolution that discards what doesn’t work, enhances what does, and adds fresh features to create something new and exciting. Meze listened to the community with this redesign, and the result is a pair of closed-back headphones that leap-frog the original and are genuinely surprising in more ways than one. 

The biggest advancement, apart from its new and elegant Macassar ebony wood earcups, is the Phase-X Spatial Imaging technology and QWRM (Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask) layered onto its planar magnetic drivers. The company describes these systems as reducing phase distortion and increasing linearity, as well as attenuating fatiguing frequency peaks. But the real-world impact is a much more spacious and positionally accurate sound than a closed-back headphone has any right to provide. It offers a genuine “wow” moment upon first listening and keeps on giving as you re-discover familiar tracks. It’s as close as a closed-back headphone has come to an open-back experience as we’ve heard. 

The sound signature is U-shaped with emphasis on both the mid-bass (bass guitars, synths, cellos, etc.) and the lower treble. This gives it a very full-bodied, lush sound that’s simultaneously very crisp with excellent layering and instrument separation. Of course, some listeners might even find it to be too hot, so we’d recommend being open to EQ if you’re treble sensitive. 

The LIRIC II is the closed-back complement to the Meze Empyrean II, another Meze Audio headphone revised in 2023 that wowed us. Both are amazing, but the LIRIC’s superior isolation makes it a much better fit for travel. 

If you’re looking for something a bit more versatile, something to bridge the gap between wired and wireless, the Dali iO-12 is an option worth considering. Built with a custom low-distortion magnet/driver system derived from flagship loudspeakers, these $1,300 wired noise-canceling headphones offer striking clarity. Along with effortlessly rendering details across an expansive soundstage, these headphones offer advanced features like USB-C DAC, passive 3.5mm, and Bluetooth 5.2 (SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive) connectivity; active noise cancellation, making them great for airplanes, etc.; and the ability to fold flat in a travel case when not in use. While plush, the chocolate brown earcups with gold accents (shown below) also won’t attract as much attention as the LIRIC II, with its gorgeous polished faceplates that broadcast luxury from every angle (but also threaten to take on scratches and scuffs). 

Best for mixing: Sony MDR-MV1

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Why it made the cut: With its spacious, accurate sound, exceptional build quality, and top-tier comfort, the MDR-MV1 is made for the rigors of the studio. 

Specs

• Price: $398
• Wearing Style: Over-ear
• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Earcup Style: Open-back
• Weight: 223 grams
• Impedance: 24 ohms
• Sensitivity: 100dB

Pros

• Well-balanced sound signature with enough bass for monitoring
• Atmospheric, well-layered sound
• Wide frequency response

Cons

• No protective storage case
• Significantly more expensive than their predecessor

If you’ve worked in or visited a recording studio, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the Sony MDR-7506, the predecessor to the MDR-MV1. It’s a classic pair of mixing cans and affordable enough to be a staple even among students studying audio engineering. The MDR-MV1 upgrades everything from the sound quality and construction right down to the cable. They’re designed to let you peek into a mix with utter precision and comfort and to stand the test of time—all for more than triple the price. 

But don’t let that scare you. The MDR-MV1 is seriously excellent for mixing and monitoring music. The headphones are made of lightweight aluminum with open and highly perforated earcups to trim off even more weight (on top of tuning its sound). At 223 grams and sporting plush suede ear cushions, you can wear these all day for mixing and all evening for movies and games with only headphone hair to show for it. Hot-spotting and ear fatigue just aren’t issues with the MV1. 

More importantly, its sound is highly tuned to match the needs of a mix engineer. Though it’s not the most spacious listen in sheer soundstage, its layering and detail are next-level. You can pick what’s happening throughout the stereo field even in a highly layered and busy track. The sound isn’t wide, but it is deep, which perhaps isn’t surprising given that these headphones were designed with spatial audio productions in mind (Sony’s 360 Audio specifically). 

So even though they’re more expensive than the original, they’re the exact right mix of comfort, sound quality, and tonal balance to max them premiere mixing cans for the price. 

Looking for something closed-back or backed by a current industry pro? The Audeze MM-500 is a fantastic, if more expensive, alternative designed in collaboration with multi-Grammy-winning producer Manny Marroquin. It doesn’t come cheap but is very impressive in its own right. 

Best for iPhone: Questyle NHB-15

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Why it made the cut: This hi-res pair of earphones features MFi certification, a USB-C or Lightning cable, and a built-in audiophile-grade DAC and amp. 

Specs

• Price: $350
• Wearing Style: In-ear
• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Weight:  26 grams
• Impedance: 38 ohms 
• Sensitivity: Not disclosed

Pros

• Built-in DAC/amp
• Detachable cable can be used with other IEMs 
• MFi (Made For iPhone/iPad) certified

Cons

• Lightning cable is a separate model/accessory

The headphone jack’s death has been hard for all of us, but Apple users finally have a high-resolution solution with the Questyle NHB-15. This pair of in-ear monitors is MFi-certified to work with Apple devices and ships with both 3.5mm and USB Type-C cables for easy connectivity (not just to iOS but also Android, HarmonyOS, Windows, and macOS devices). Of course, not every iPhone user has upgraded to the 15 series, so there is a Lightning cable model, and you just might want to pick up this accessory for the excellent features and sound quality they offer. 

While the NHB-15 sounds great on the minijack cable (which allows it to be used with a dongle of choice), its magic really lies in the USB-C cable. Since it draws power from its audio source, Questyle was able to outfit it with a high-quality DAC and amp built right into its cable. Taking advantage of the company’s proprietary Current Mode technology, the custom dynamic driver can deliver a crisp and engaging sound with absolutely no background noise. After all, the name promises NHB—what you’ve Never Heard Before. Though they’re ultimately not the most detailed IEMs available at this price, they’re no slouch either; you’ll hear more simply because of how silent the DAC and amp circuit is. And it’s capable of processing a signal up to 192k with ultra-low distortion at 0.0002%, more than enough for the hi-res lossless streams on Apple Music. The best part is that the cable is detachable and uses a standard 2-pin connection, making it compatible with a vast sea of other IEMs. 

These earphones are versatile and well-suited to a multitude of genres, but pop and rock are at the front of the priority list. The bass is full without sounding boomy, vocals are natural and centered, and the highs, while slightly smoothed over, offer enough detail to make them sound crisp. It plays it safe, but that also means most listeners should also be able to bob along with their favorite music happily.

The NHB-15 also embraces an Apple-friendly sense of style. The earpieces are small and low-profile but eminently stylish thanks to their polished metal shells and white cable. They don’t look fancy enough at a glance to garner unwanted attention but, on close inspection, offer a satisfyingly premium look and feel. If you’re an iPhone user, the NHB-15 is one of the most low-hassle, high-performance pairs of wired IEMs you can buy.

Best in-ear headphones: Thieaudio Monarch MKIII

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Why it made the cut: The Monarch MKIII is the premiere IEM for around $1,000, and it is ridiculously detailed without sacrificing the bass.

Specs

• Price: $1,000
• Wearing Style: In-ear
• Driver Type:  x2 dynamic drivers, x6 balanced armatures, x2 electrostatics
• Weight: Not disclosed
• Impedance: 20 ohms 
• Sensitivity: 99dB

Pros

• Punchy and textured bass
• Exceptionally detailed
• Spacious, airy sound signature

Cons

• Large size
• Limited accessories

As you might have guessed from the name, the Thieaudio Monarch MKIII is the third iteration of this pair of earphones (yes, earphones, not headphones, but they’re far-from-distant relations). And it is the best version yet. Thieaudio took the tribrid (three driver type) design of the previous versions and built upon it, adding a second dynamic driver, new versions of its electrostatics, and a refined tuning that offers fast and powerful bass alongside a sparkly and immaculately detailed sound.

While there’s a lot to love about these in-ear monitors (another name for deeper insertion, higher-resolution wired earphones), the show’s star is absolutely the bass. It uses Thieaudio’s new IMPACT² system that houses both dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber. The result is bass that is powerful yet controlled and exceptionally rich in texture. Kick drums have a rapid pound, while bass guitars and synths draw you in with a wide, textured foundation.

The mids and highs are nearly as good. Since the bass doesn’t step on the mids, vocals and instruments can resonate with excellent clarity and true-to-life timbre. The transition to the highs is seamless and allows harmonics to ring out so instruments like guitars and pianos are clarion and unveiled. The electrostatic drivers play a major role in making the highs sound as airy and detailed as they do, all while avoiding fatiguing sharpness in cymbals and hi-hats. 

There’s a lot to love about the Monarch MKIII, and for its price, it’s simply one of the best in-ear monitors you can find at this price and substantially higher. A thousand-dollar pair of IEMs would not often feel like a winning value, but this is definitely a case where it does. 

Just don’t expect tons of accessories. You’ll receive a modular cable, a handful of eartips, a travel case, and not much else. Still, it’s hard to argue that the Monarch MKIII is anything other than fantastic. 

Best for gaming: beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO

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Why it made the cut: Perfect for multi-hour gaming marathons, the DT 990 PRO offers all-day comfort and the positional accuracy gamers demand. 

Specs

• Price: $170
• Wearing Style: Over-ear 
• Driver Type: Dynamic 
• Earcup Style: Open-back
• Weight: 340 grams
• Impedance: 80 ohm 
• Sensitivity: 96dB

Pros

• Highly positional sound
• Very detailed and resolving
• Exceptionally comfortable over long gaming sessions

Cons

• Can be too bright for some
• Cable is too long

The beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is perhaps one of the most well-regarded audiophile-tier headphones in the world of gaming. Propelled to the mainstream by mega-streamer, Ninja, these cans have proven to be some of the best for gaming in general and competitive gaming in particular. 

The secret to these gaming headphones’ success is in their highly positional sound. While not the widest or most spacious in the world, their bright tuning allows you to pick up on positional cues to locate your enemies by their footsteps or distant gunshots. For games like Call of Duty, being able to hear your enemy before you see them is a major advantage. 

Compared to many other headphones on this list, they’re lightweight and exceptionally comfortable. Their velour ear pads hug your ears like soft pillows, allowing you to play for hours with ease. Some listeners may find their brightness and long, studio-aimed cable a little bothersome, but when it comes to gaming cans, these are a bargain. Like the sound signature and thinking about going into sound design? If you want to lean in on the critical listening end of the frequency spectrum, there’s an easy upgrade path from the DT 990 Pro to the $269 900 Pro X to the $529 DT 1990 Pro—each model more energetic and exacting than the last.

If you’re looking for something that’s just as good for pure musicality as it is for gaming, the Audeze LCD-GX is an excellent alternative that even includes a microphone. Just be prepared for its much higher price. 

Best budget: Philips SHP9600

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Why it made the cut: The SHP9600 makes for the perfect introduction to audiophile-grade headphones for listeners on a budget.

Specs

• Price: $69.99
• Wearing style: Over-ear
• Driver type: Dynamic 
• Earcup style: Open-back
• Weight: 292 grams
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 102dB

Pros

• Spacious soundstaging
• Very comfortable
• Warm, non-fatiguing sound

Cons

• Detail isn’t that remarkable
• Loose fit
• Over-long cable

The Philips SHP9500 has been a staple recommendation for budget-conscious audiophiles for years, but now that its successor has arrived, there’s no reason to stick with old hardware. The SHP9600 looks better, sounds better, and won’t break the bank. It offers a warm sound signature with plenty of bass and comfortably smooth mids and highs for long listening sessions. 

They won’t win awards for being the most detailed (a fact which was also true of their predecessor), but you wouldn’t expect them to at this price. Instead, they exist to whet your appetite and act as a first step into the world of high-fidelity headphones. But that doesn’t mean they underperform. For the money, they still manage to impress. Once you get a taste of it, don’t blame us if you find yourself shopping for even better headphones in the future. 

Some qualities that make the SHP9600 especially appealing are that they are lightweight and have an above-average soundstage. Like detail, you’ll find lighter and wider headphones higher up the price ladder, but for the price, these open-backs exceed expectations. And since they’re so svelte (and stylish, we might add), you’ll be able to comfortably wear them all day. 

If you’re looking to skip this first step and can extend your budget to around $100, the Thieaudio Ghost is an excellent alternative. Heavily inspired by the Sennheiser HD 650/HD 6XX, it offers a balanced sound signature with greater detail, an even lighter weight, and is just as comfortable. If the Philips SHP9600 is our pick for “best budget,” the Thieaudio Ghost would be our choice for “best value.”

What to consider when buying wired headphones

If you’re shopping for a great pair of wired headphones, there’s a lot to consider. Here are the most important things to look for while in the consideration phase. 

Size, fit, and weight

Headphones come in many different styles and one size does not fit all. They come in three basic varieties: on-ear (supra-aural), over-the-ear (circumaural), and in-ear, with many variations within each of these categories. Some headphones are very large, trading sleekness for larger earcups and a more spacious sound. Others are low profile and won’t attract unwanted attention on your commute. 

Consider the dimensions of headphones carefully. As strange as it sounds, measuring the length of your ears and comparing to the dimensions of a potential headphone can be a worthwhile step to ensuring they’re going to be a good match for your anatomy. Some headphones, like the HIFIMAN Arya Organic, feature egg-shaped ear cups that extend down your jawline. Others, like the Grado SR60X rest directly on top of your ear. Both could be perfect, or irritating, depending on your preferences.

Another thing to carefully consider is how much the headphones weigh. Audiophile headphones, and planar magnetics, in particular, can become quite heavy. As a rule, anything over 400 grams is considered rather weighty and can cause sore spots on the crest of some listeners’ heads. This is especially true if you have short or no hair, but can vary from listener to listener and how the headphones balance their weight. A single headband is more likely to result in soreness than a suspension strap.

Compare the weight with the headband and read user reviews to develop an idea about the fit and comfort of each pair of headphones you’re considering.

Open- or closed-back

Headphones can be either “open” or “closed.” This refers to the outer face of the earcup and whether or not it is a solid surface or some form of grille to let air escape. Look carefully at the specifications, not just images, because some closed-back headphones feature grilles for aesthetic purposes only.

Closed-back headphones have solid backs and are better at isolating sound. These over-the-ear headphones block out more of the world around you and also keep your music from irritating other people in your space. They tend to have a less spacious sound overall because of this but more powerful bass. 

Open-back headphones let sound freely travel out of the earcup, which usually results in a greater sense of space when listening. The best open-back headphones can sound like the sound isn’t actually coming from right next to your ears and offer better positional accuracy and imaging. They’re the better choice for gaming and mixing because of these qualities. Sound bleed is a real issue, however, and you’ll hear everything around you too, which can be distracting when you’re trying to focus on your music. 

In general, closed-back headphones are better suited for listening around other people. If you’re alone or don’t need to worry about bothering others, open-backs are our go-to recommendation.

Driver type

Headphones are just speakers strapped to your head, and the part of the headphone that makes sound is called the transducer, or driver. But that doesn’t mean they’re all the same, and there are a couple of key types you need to know about. The first is dynamic drivers. Dynamic drivers are the most common type you’ll find in headphones, especially if you’re used to buying your headphones from a department or electronics store. They feature cone-shaped diaphragms powered by large magnets. They’re a jack of all trades, which is why they’re so ubiquitous, but have a particular strength in bass.

The second driver type is planar magnetic. These drivers use completely flat diaphragms traced with electrical filaments. These drivers are flanked on one or both sides by rows of powerful magnets. They’re larger and heavier than dynamic drivers but are renowned for their exceptional clarity and low distortion. Because of this, headphones that utilize them are often bigger and heavier. Their clarity makes them a popular choice among audiophiles. 

In-ear monitors—also known as in-ears or IEMs—use miniature versions of these drivers, as well as an array of others. Balanced armatures, typically found in hearing aids, are common and often work in conjunction with a dynamic driver to round out their sound (but not always). Electrostatic drivers are another, which offer exceptional treble detail but are usually very expensive. Bone conduction and piezo drivers are also sometimes found. The more important thing to consider is how these drivers are being used and how they impact their overall sound, which can be found in the product description and reviews.

Sound signature

Sound signature, tonality, and tonal balance all refer to how a pair of headphones sounds. In simple terms, it’s the balance between the bass, mids, and treble. Some manufacturers make this information known through frequency response graphs: line charts that show how loud the frequencies are across the three registers. This is often left to reviewers while the brand contents itself on flowery marketing language. 

Understanding how a headphone sounds before you buy it is both important and difficult. Unless you can try it for yourself ahead of time, it’s always worth reading reviews for professionals and real listeners. Don’t stop at one. Because everyone’s ears are different, we perceive sound differently, and a single review may not capture exactly how the headphones will sound to you. Take a broad overview of feedback by reading Amazon reviews and searching for the headphones on community forums like Reddit’s r/headphones and Head-Fi.

What to listen on

While upgrading your headphones is usually the best way to enhance your listening experience, it’s also important to consider what you’ll be listening on. Some headphones, like the HIFIMAN HE-1000, require more power than your average laptop or headphone adapter can provide to sound their best. Others use special 4.4mm or XLR balanced cables that reduce audio signal noise and accept more powerful output but require special jacks that those devices won’t provide. 

You can get a good idea of a headphone’s power needs by reading reviews and seeing what other people are listening on. Still, if you’d rather know exactly what they take to drive, we recommend using Headphones.com’s power calculator and finding a source device that will truly do them justice. 

As luck would have it, I’ve written an extensive guide on exactly this. For audio quality, you’ll need a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). For audio power, you’ll need an amplifier. These can be purchased separately but also come as hybrid, combined units to keep things simple and compact. If you’re planning to listen in one place, a larger desktop DAC may be a good choice but if you’re on the go or want to listen while doing chores, you’ll want something pocketable. 

On the higher end, the iFi xDSD Gryphon is an excellent choice. It offers fantastic audio quality, enough power for any pair of headphones, and xBass and xSpace enhancements to add low-end and spaciousness to your sound. It’s a bit bigger than a smartphone, so is pocketable, but may still be too big if you’re carrying other items at the same time. If space is a concern, the Questyle M15i is a great, bite-sized alternative (it’s literally about the size of a fun-sized candy bar) that sounds amazing and still has enough power for most headphones. On the budget end, the Moondrop Dawn Pro is even smaller and can run nearly any pair of in-ear monitors and many less demanding headphones too.

You can also go all-out and get a digital audio player (DAP). The best DAPs are completely dedicated to music and feature top-tier components, plenty of power, and features dedicated to ensuring you have the best listening experience possible. The FiiO M11 Plus remains our go-to recommendation for its competitive features, Android OS, and high output for its price, though FiiO offers portables at every price point (as well as a stellar Android-based desktop media streamer/amp, the R9, for power-hungry headphones). If you don’t need Android, the Hidizs AP80 Pro-X is an excellent and much more affordable alternative (and you can pair them with the $199 MP145 planar-magnetic IEMs for a budget rig that punches well above its price).

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best wired headphones

• Best overall: Sennheiser HD 660 S2
• Best dynamic: Focal Utopia (2022)
• Best planar: HIFIMAN Arya Organic
• Best closed back: Meze LIRIC II
• Best for mixing: Sony MDR-MV1
• Best for iPhone: Questyle NHB-15
• Best in-ear headphones: Thieaudio Monarch MKIII
• Best for gaming: beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 
• Best budget: Philips SHP9600

Wired headphones may seem like a blast from the past, but when it comes to sound quality, they’re a wave that will ride long into the future. There’s a lot to consider but it’s worth the effort. Whether you’re getting lost in your favorite song, blocking out the world on your commute, or putting your feet up with a new game, a great pair of wired headphones is the gift that keeps on giving. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best wired headphones for 2024, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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We recently had the opportunity to spend a day with Samsung’s 2024 TV offerings, as well as its updated HW-990D soundbar and new Music Frame speakers. Overall, the 2024 lineup isn’t a revolution from the 2023 offerings, but the company has placed a clear influence on AI capabilities for features like upscaling and analyzing audio in order to emphasize dialog so it’s easier to hear through ambient noise. 

To test the TVs to the best of our ability, we spent some time streaming content with the built-in Tizen OS smart TV apps, including Netflix and other popular streaming services. We also used 4K Blu-ray copies of Alien and Blade Runner 2049 to test Ultra HD playback. 

Here are some first impressions about the new gear, with more in-depth reviews to come down the line:

S95D OLED 4K TV

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LG has historically dominated the OLED segment of the TV market, but Samsung took a big swing with last year’s S90C. It offered all the poppy contrast and deep black levels you’d expect from an OLED, adding amplified brightness to make it more watchable in a bright room. Now, Samsung has introduced its successor, and it is making even more strides to battle back against bright environments.

The S95D employs an impressive glare-resistant matte coating to reduce reflections that can ruin your watching experience. Glare can be especially problematic for OLEDs since they typically can’t achieve the same brightness levels QLEDs or even typical LEDs provide. During our time with the S95D, we were very impressed with the brightness, color gamut, and anti-reflective properties. Shining a lamp directly at the screen from just a few feet away created a dull blob of illumination rather than a clear image of the lamp or a well-defined specular highlight (a bright light source reflecting directly back at the viewer from within the frame). 

The demo room where we watched the TV had ample ambient light, but we could still clearly make out details in dark scenes from most angles. The Pantone-validated screen predictably excels with the lights off, but the daylight performance was truly impressive. That doesn’t come as too much of a surprise as Samsung has been honing its anti-glare screen tech for years with its design-oriented Frame-series TVs. 

We spent most of the demo watching 4K Blu-ray content in Cinema mode. And while that’s our preferred mode for most content, the overall picture does benefit from a little bit of added brightness. If you’re blacking out your room completely, Cinema mode may be fine, but those dark OLED blacks everyone loves so much can still get a little too black without a little tweaking. 

Overall, we were very impressed with the S95C, and the S95D seems like a very worthy successor. It maintains the gaming-friendly “Motion Xcelerator” 144Hz maximum refresh rate with 2.0ms lag (only available in specific modes); Samsung’s smart TV features; support for HDR10, HDR10+ (adaptive and gaming), and hybrid log gamma (HLG) HDR profiles (but still no Dolby Vision on any Samsung sets); and very fast upscaling thanks to the new NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor. 

It’s available in 55-, 65-, and 77-inch models and is currently up for pre-order.

QN900D Neo QLED 8K TV

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While the OLED TV is flashy, the QN900D 8K TV is Samsung’s true flagship and offers the top-end bells and whistles you’d expect. Samsung is touting its new AI-based upscaling powered by the NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor. Upscaling acumen is crucial in this case since you don’t really have any native options for 8K source material at the moment. You’ll always be upscaling no matter what you watch. 

We got the chance to check out the 65-inch mode, and the 4K Blu-ray content looks spectacular, as you might expect. From an appropriate couch distance (roughly 6 to 8 feet), I don’t think the average person will notice an appreciable difference from a typical 4K display, thanks to the algorithm-based upscaling, motion-tracking (particularly useful for sports), “Motion Xcelerator” 240Hz refresh rate, and Auto HDR (with the same profiles as the S95D). The image is bright, the colors are simultaneously vivid and accurate, and it provides an overall excellent picture. Is it overkill for most people? Sure. But that’s always been part of a flagship experience. 

The panel itself is one of the most impressive parts of the whole experience. All of the HDMI 2.1 ports, etc., reside on a remote box connected by a single wire, which is something Samsung has been doing with many of its high-end TVs for a while now. (The S95D above also has a “One Connect” box.) Thanks to its flexibility, installation is relatively simple. The panel itself is wildly thin with a barely noticeable bezel (Samsung calls it the “Infinity Air Design”). In a darkened room, the image looks like it’s floating. 

Despite its diminutive thickness, this flagship TV provides fairly impressive sound. You’re still going to want a soundbar or some other home audio setup to do justice to the image, but the onboard 6.2.4-channel speaker system does an admirable job right out of the box. The TV supports Dolby Atmos with its built-in sound system. The directional audio is subtle compared to a dedicated system, but it is noticeable if you’re paying attention. The TV tracks objects as they move across the screen and tweaks the sound output to mimic the movement. 

It comes in 65-, 75-, and 85-inch configurations and is currently available for pre-order.

QN90D Neo QLED 4K TV

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This is Samsung’s bread-and-butter QLED 4K TV. It eschews 8K but comes in a wider variety of sizes, including 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85, and a massive 98 inches.

The backlight includes Quantum Matrix Mini-LED technology, which allows for hyper-local dimming. It can’t quite reach OLED levels of contrast, but it does offer considerably more brightness, which is crucial if you’re battling lots of ambient light. I did notice that specular highlights sometimes cause a curious red, green, and blue halo effect on the screen. It’s not a problem in most settings, but it’s noticeable if you have a light directly near the TV, especially if you’re off the center axis.

Generally, though, the TV performs excellently. The extra brightness from the Mini-LEDs makes the Filmmaker Mode usable in just about any lighting situation. I still prefer a little bit of added brightness, but if you’re in a pitch-dark room with eyes adjusted to the dark, you can really appreciate the subtlety. 

The QN90D’s processing hardware isn’t as robust as the flagship’s chip, but it doesn’t need to be since it’s not on constant upscaling duties. You do, however, still get the AI-powered features. The voice enhancement tech really does make it easier to understand people when they’re speaking on-screen. And once again, the Dolby Atmos performance provides noticeable directionality without any extra hardware. 

We’re looking forward to spending more time with a review unit, during which we can test it in a wider variety of settings. If you want to try one before we do, every size except the 98-inch is currently available for pre-order.

HW-990D Soundbar

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While Samsung’s TVs have received noticeable upgrades and improvements, the company’s flagship soundbar for 2024 is similar in many ways to the 2023 edition. But that’s not a bad thing. This celebrated Dolby Atmos soundbar’s hefty hexagonal hardware (say that five times fast) still delivers 7.1.2 channels when paired with its wireless subwoofer. And that channel count continues to expand to 11.1.4 when you add in the optional wireless rear satellites with their additional upfiring drivers (the configuration we wholeheartedly recommend).

The soundbar remains 48 inches long (fitting between the width of 55- and 65-inch TVs), 2.7 inches tall, and 5.4 inches deep, so measure your credenza/media stand pre-purchase. Within that 17-pound enclosure are 15 front-facing, side-firing, and top-mounted drivers in total. The sub is relatively slim for its 26 pounds, housing an 8-inch driver with a rear port and a distinctive acoustic lens. The two 7-pound satellites, which each require a power output, share design language with the soundbar’s metal grille. It’s still a Wi-Fi-enabled setup, with AirPlay 2/Chromecast/TIDAL Connect/Spotify Connect for network music streaming, as well as support for Bluetooth 5.2 for less advanced-resolution content. As for the system’s differences, the 990D’s ports are now HDMI 2.1 with 4K 120Hz passthrough and VRR, which is great for gamers. 

Just because the 990D looks the same doesn’t mean it sounds the same, however. Thanks to AI (the buzzword at CES 2024 in January), the 990D has “SpaceFit Sound Pro,” an auto-calibration system that analyzes room surroundings for optimal response based on the layout of soundbar, satellites, and sub. In addition, a new Game Pro mode promises to adapt playback to different game profiles (FPS, racing, RPG, etc.). Oh, and a pro tip: Make sure the TV is set to properly passthrough bitstream audio so that the soundbar can properly decode it (a setting we had to tweak on the demo unit after an initially confusing, underwhelming minute).

We didn’t get any gaming in, but we did cycle through several Dolby Atmos albums (Rage Against the Machine’s self-titled debut was a pummeling highlight), as well as select scenes from Blade Runner 2049. There’s a sequence in the film where cars, flying through a violent storm, crash land at a seawall. Parts of the action take place above and below water, featuring immersive, operatic sound design alternating between claustrophobic and crescendo. Our general takeaway was that the 990D extracted even more intent and impact than the already impressive 990C. Even when the ambiance was meant to be crushing, there was clarity—precise imaging and clear dialogue aided by the Q-Symphony synchronization of sound and on-screen action. The subwoofer, given a thorough workout, never felt overwhelmed. The overall experience was never just a case of everything being louder; it was an ability to make everything feel larger. From flyovers to drum fills, the 990D deftly rendered a sense of spaciousness and dynamic tension.

Sound like something you’d like to hear? The HW-990D is available to purchase now.

The post Samsung 2024 TV and soundbar lineup: First impressions appeared first on Popular Science.

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Bustling restaurants provide the ultimate real-world hearing challenge. As diners swap stories, their voices compete with the chatter of other tables, the clatter of dishes, and a smattering of background music that creeps into the foreground. It’s the perfect recipe to overwhelm someone with hidden hearing loss—a poorly understood condition that makes communicating in noisy environments a frustrating ordeal.

A new wave of consumer wearable technologies aims to help people with hidden or mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss who are not good candidates for traditional hearing aids. For example, Sennheiser’s Conversation Clear Plus looks like and can act just like a regular pair of sleek true wireless earbuds that handle calls and stream content, complete with multiple sizes of eartips and ear fin stabilizers as you’d find with any standard consumer electronics. However, this personal sound amplification product also offers speech enhancement, automatic scene detection, and active noise cancellation technology so wearers can fully participate in everyday conversations without missing a beat.

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“There’s a gap we try to fill: reaching people who have an issue but there’s not really a solution for it yet. They may not be ready for hearing aids due to stigma or just not feeling that it’s for them yet,” said Laura Jagoda, a psychologist specializing in speech perception and Conversation Clear Plus product manager.

Unlike traditional hearing loss where sounds become inaudible, hidden hearing loss makes distinguishing speech from background noise difficult. The condition is hard to diagnose, and many people with hidden hearing loss may pass standard hearing tests—myself included, as I’ll soon explain. More often than not, sufferers easily understand conversations in one-on-one or quiet settings, so they ignore common signs of hearing loss like asking people to repeat themselves. 

Traditional, always-on hearing aids amplify, but people with hidden hearing loss need clarity more than capacity, and only at certain times. The Conversation Clear Plus hearables combine technology and techniques from the long histories of Sennheiser’s personal audio products—such as the low-profile IE 900 audiophile in-ear monitors and connectivity-rich MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds—and parent company Sonova’s hearing aid development. 

Multiple beamforming microphones fill each Conversation Clear Plus earbud, allowing them to focus on what’s in front of the wearer while tuning out environmental noise. Active noise canceling blocks frequencies outside of human speech. Tests at Force Technology’s SenseLab, a third-party laboratory, found that 95 percent of users experience significant speech enhancement in noisy environments. 

“We have decades of hearing aid experience that really gives us an advantage,” notes Jagoda. “We’re not just tuning out all noise blindly—our techniques isolate speech while maintaining ambient awareness.”

I’ve used the Conversation Clear Plus out and about for happy hours and in restaurants and coffee shops, situations where I increasingly found myself asking “What?” more than I’d like. Group conversations seemed to be a thing of the past, presumably thanks to years spent at clubs, concerts, and live sporting events with only a belated adoption of ear protection. I took a hearing test in 2023, fully expecting to be put into hearing aids. Instead, I was told my hearing fell in a normal range and got a few useful tips like trying to pick a table seat that put my back toward the din of a restaurant. It helped, but I still wondered if there was a discreet, over-the-counter solution for someone who needed slightly elevated audibility with a low barrier to entry.

With the earbuds paired to my phone via Bluetooth 4.2, Sennheiser’s simple smartphone app makes it easy to personalize the earbuds to my hearing, whether you use an iOS or Android device. And the system can automatically adjust levels according to the surrounding environment so I’d often put them in as I entered a challenging space. While AirPods have normalized the near-constant presence of earbuds, I felt compelled to point out that I was wearing the Conversation Clear Plus to help with my hearing, not to block out my conversation-mate for more Kylie. Only then did people notice anything was in my ears, proof that nothing about the earbuds screams garish or medical-grade (though I do have long hair). In moderately noisy bars, I successfully participated in small group conversations with just a little adjustment on the simple sliders to let more or less external sound in, plus occasionally toggling the “enhanced clarity” option to switch the mics from omni to directional pickup. 

Let’s talk about the occlusion effect. Popping in hearing aids, ear plugs, or earbuds blocks an ear pathway, which can make the wearer’s voice sound unnaturally hollow. Ultimately, it makes it hard for the wearer to determine the volume of their voice. With other hearing enhancement products, my voice sounded absolutely booming to me but I was often asked to speak up. Apparently, I was basically whispering. Conversation Clear Plus’s use of active noise cancellation mitigates this effect substantially. 

With Sennheiser’s device, I had normal, seamless conversations. And as I left, I simply popped the earbuds back into the charging case in my bag, assuming I didn’t have any podcasts to catch up on (they can last up to nine hours on a full charge—that’s a looooong conversation or playlist—and the case contains two additional charges). And all without using anything that looked like hearing aids. After all, hearing aids are for old people. Or that’s what people think, according to a National Council on Aging (NCOA) study, but signs of hidden hearing loss show up in groups as young as college students. The council found many people overlook or avoid addressing hearing issues for as long as a decade. Symptoms slowly creep into daily life, like turning up the TV or music far louder than other folks and feeling exhausted from concentrating on listening. NCOA found about 37.5 million American adults report perceived hearing issues, but many question whether hearing aids that cost an average of $4,600 are worth it. 

The Conversation Clear Plus—with its $849.95 MSRP—bridges the gap, but there are still hurdles to clear. Part of the problem is a general lack of awareness about hearing loss compared to similar problems like vision impairments. Though they are both physical problems, vision screening and corrective options are more commonly discussed and accepted. 

“You start wearing glasses quite early on, even if your correction is very low, right? It’s even a fashion item,” Jagoda points out. “Your vision can decline. That’s natural; just biology. It’s nobody’s fault. It’s the same for hearing actually. … We’re just not used to paying a lot of attention to that gradual decline and starting to act on it early on.” 

Various stigmas burden hearing loss. Not only can it be dismissed as a problem for the elderly, but others can confuse a sufferer’s physical impairment with a lack of intelligence when they persistently ask others to repeat themselves or miss parts of conversations. Embarrassment and frustration can lead people to retreat from social interactions. Leaving hearing loss untreated can lead to anxiety, depression, social isolation, and dementia, according to the World Health Organization.

“Some people basically give up or just avoid certain situations. This alone can lead to social isolation … depression,” Jagoda explained. “This sounds quite intense, but with an untreated hearing loss, your brain structure and function reorganizes as it reacts through to lacking input.” 

Game-changing solutions like Conversation Clear Plus add a valuable option between hearing aids and leaving hearing loss untreated. They provide people with hidden hearing loss or who need an audible boost with an accessible, affordable, and unassuming means to remain connected to friends and family.

The post Breaking through the noise appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best for broadcast		Shure SM7B		SEE IT	Pro-level from the inside out, with a built-in thread mount, XLR connector, and extensive electrical shielding.
Best for versatility		AKG C414 XLII		SEE IT	A studio staple that sounds as good on acoustic guitar, piano, and drums as it does on voice.
Best overall		Neumann TLM 102		SEE IT	Hi-fi vocal sound in a small package.

Few sounds, musical or otherwise, are as deeply familiar to the human ear as the human voice itself—and it takes a good microphone for vocals to make sure they stay that way. When recording vocals for any purpose, capturing a lifelike and high-quality sound is the key to translating this familiarity. Doing so requires a microphone that effectively replicates vocal frequencies and dynamic range. There’s a broad variety of vocal microphones on the market today, with some designs ideal for streaming and podcast use and others designed for versatility in musical applications. In this article, we’ll break down what to look for when shopping for the best microphones for vocals in every creative situation.

• Best overall: Neumann TLM 102
• Best single mic for versatility: AKG C414 XLII
• Best for live performance: Telefunken M80
• Best all-in-one system: UA Sphere DLX Modeling Microphone
• Best for portability: Blue Yeti X
• Best for broadcast: Shure SM7B
• Best budget: Audio-Technica M8000

How we chose the best microphones for vocals 

Apart from considering their specs on paper and basic designs, we evaluated a range of vocal recording microphones primarily based on their durability, sensitivity, and frequency smoothness (that is, if there’s variation in volume between highs and lows). Differing feature sets make each suitable for specific tasks. For example, high durability is desirable for long-term podcasting and streaming use, but sensitivity and smoothness are more important for candid vocal reproduction and usually require more delicate designs (we recommend always testing microphones before recording to find the right one for the application at hand). We’ve had many of these mics in the studio, and the ones we haven’t we selected based on a combination of peer recommendations and real-world user impressions.

The best microphones for vocals: Reviews & Recommendations

The microphone market comprises an enormous range of designs, each suitable for different tasks, but we focused on two for vocals: condensers and dynamics. Condenser microphones use thin membranes of mylar and other materials to capture sound, which gives them unparalleled sensitivity and helps them excel at reproducing a high level of detail—and makes them ideal for acoustically optimized spaces like studios. Dynamic microphones use moving coils, which makes them great for recording in loud public spaces or untreated rooms.

Best overall: Neumann TLM 102

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Why it made the cut: The portable Neumann TLM 102 packs a robust and detailed sound rivaling that of much larger condenser microphones.

Specs

• Pickup pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sound pressure level limit: 144 dB
• Impedance: 50 ohms
• Weight: 0.57 pounds

Pros

• Large-diaphragm sound in a compact package
• Integrated pop screen
• Low-noise circuitry

Cons

• Lacks any switchable EQ or pads
• No shock mount included
• Limited to single, cardioid pickup pattern

The Neumann TLM 102 is one of the best microphones for vocals overall. A large-diaphragm condenser microphone that shares a lineage with the Neumann U87 and some of the most legendary microphones in music history, the TLM 102’s design offers detailed audio reproduction and smooth high-end response in a relatively small package.

While the TLM 102 has a frequency response and sound pressure level limit that makes it suitable for capturing even louder musical sources like a drum kit or electric guitar, it boasts a high-frequency boost beginning around 6 kHz that’s ideal for capturing the natural presence of the human voice. Its cardioid, or heart-shaped, pickup pattern limits the microphone’s sound sensitivity to the front and sides, and the design has an integrated pop screen for quick setup and pristine vocal recording.

The TLM 102 is arguably one of the best vocal microphones for the money, but it doesn’t come with switchable pickup patterns, equalization, or volume pads, so the sound it gives you is the sound you get. If you’re looking exclusively for a vocal mic, this shouldn’t be a problem. Still, your space should be able to accommodate flexible microphone placement or have some level of acoustic treatment if you want to use the TLM 102 on other musical sources successfully.

Best single mic for versatility: AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII

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Why it made the cut: A high sensitivity combined with a wide array of adjustable settings make the AKG C414 XLII one of the most versatile microphones on the market today.

Specs

• Pickup pattern: Figure-8, hypercardioid, cardioid, wide cardioid, omnidirectional
• Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sound pressure level limit: 158 dB
• Impedance: 200 ohms
• Weight: 0.66 pounds

Pros

• Classic, versatile sound
• Nine switchable pickup patterns
• Onboard pad and bass cut
• Includes shock mount, case, and pop filter

Cons

• Many options mean a steeper learning curve
• Pricey

If you have more to spend and want to get the most bang for your buck, a more versatile condenser microphone like the AKG C414 XLII is a foolproof option that will perform well in almost every situation. The C414 XLII has an SPL limit of 158 dB and an extended frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, making it a great all-rounder microphone for vocals, guitars, drums, and just about anything else you can throw at it. 

The sound of the C414 XLII is modeled after AKG’s legendary C12, one of the most-used studio condensers in music history, and it has a relatively neutral frequency response with a smooth top end that shines not only on vocals but on drum overheads, orchestral instruments, acoustic guitars, and more. Built for modern studio usage, the C414 XLII is set apart from more niche options by its wide range of onboard switches that include a three-position low-cut filter, a volume pad for louder sources, and a whopping nine switchable pickup patterns. This flexibility offers users an endlessly customizable array of creative options, which makes the C414 XLII a good investment for pro studio use.

Like all condensers, the C414 XLII is relatively sensitive and may not perform well in noisy environments or untreated rooms. Still, some of this can be mitigated by engaging its more narrow hypercardioid polar pattern. Its large array of options makes it one of the most flexible mics on the market, but this may also present a steep learning curve for some users, so there’s a bit of a trade-off there.

Best for live performance: Telefunken M80

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Why it made the cut: The Telefunken M80 packs condenser-style vocal tone in a design that’s tailored for use on the road and on stage.

Specs

• Pickup pattern: Supercardioid
• Frequency range: 50 Hz to 18 kHz
• Sound pressure level limit: 135 dB
• Impedance: 325 ohms
• Weight: 0.85 pounds

Pros

• Tailored vocal sound resembling a condenser mic
• Very good feedback rejection in stage applications
• Impedance-matching transformer delivers consistent sound across systems

Cons

• Thin membrane is more sensitive to plosives than traditional dynamic mics
• May sound too bright on thin or high voices

The Telefunken M80 is a unique dynamic microphone in that it’s designed to offer condenser-like sound and performance in a stage-friendly form factor, making it one of our favorite microphones for live vocals. Thanks to its relatively thin internal membrane and a vocal-friendly EQ profile that skews slightly bright, the Telefunken M80 captures more nuance and detail than traditional dynamic mics, allowing vocals to sound full and natural while soaring over dense instrumentation without the need for much post-processing. The microphone also features a very narrow supercardioid pickup pattern that allows for excellent feedback rejection, giving it an edge over other stage mics and allowing vocals to be pushed louder. A custom-wound internal transformer also gives the Telefunken M80 the ability to automatically match impedance across a variety of systems, giving it reliable and consistent sound no matter where you perform.

Best all-in-one system: UA Sphere DLX Modeling Microphone

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Why it made the cut: This condenser microphone-software combo mimics some of the most famous vintage mics at a fraction of the cost.

Specs

• Pickup pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8
• Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sound pressure level limit: 140 dB
• Impedance: 200 ohms
• Weight: 1.7 pounds

Pros

• Models over 30 professional ribbon, condenser, and dynamic microphones in excruciating detail
• Great standalone performance as a cost-effective stereo condenser mic
• Rugged design and build quality with low self-noise and high max SPL
• Customize polar patterns, proximity, and other parameters before, during, or after recording

Cons

• Pricey initial investment
• Additional mic bundles are UAD-exclusive; cost extra
• Requires up-to-date computer for access to full features

[Editor’s note: On Jan. 11, 2023, Townsend Labs parent company Universal Audio released the UA Sphere DLX Modeling Microphone as a replacement for the Townsend Labs Sphere L22 modeling mic system. The UA Sphere is a functionally identical hardware-software system (except for a fixed -20 dB pad in place of the L22’s selectable -10 and -20 dB pads). In addition, a new, more compact kit, the UA Sphere LX, offers 20 mic emulations (no 180 stereo miking options) for $999. However, we’ve maintained our original writeup of the Sphere L22 system below (as well as our full review), as the description is still applicable.]

A beefy cylinder, the Townsend Labs Sphere L22 modeling mic system houses two internal capsules that allow it to capture both mono and stereo signals, fed to compatible recording interfaces with 48V phantom power through its included dual-output XLR cable. This dual-capsule design allows the Sphere L22, which has been around since 2016 but recently welcomed into the Universal Audio product family, to capture more acoustic information than a single-capsule microphone, a detail that’s key to the system’s distinctive ability to model the physical traits of other microphones, including polar patterns (Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8), proximity effect, and off-axis response.

This customizability takes place in software, however. Once you dig into the software side of things—available in AAX, VST, and AU formats—you get to the granular controls, which allow you to take the pleasingly lush baseline sound in any direction imaginable. As a standalone mic, the Townsend Labs Sphere L22 is hi-fi and modern-leaning yet well-rounded, which is the perfect foundation for overlaying the recognizable sonic character of mics that cover a wide range of recorded music history. The effect is uncanny and the stereo instance of the Sphere DSP plugin allows users to model two different microphones for the left and right channels. And that only scratches the surface of the mic’s capabilities.

Retailing at $1,499, this flagship Townsend mic isn’t a casual purchase, but its rugged build, stereo performance, and dry sound quality alone would make it a fantastic value for studios of every size. Then you add in all the other features, and it’s a “bargain” no-brainer, considering it’s way easier and cheaper than assembling a vintage mic locker from scratch. The only other drawback to the Sphere L22 system is that you’ll need a powerful computer/digital audio workstation setup and to further buy into the Universal Audio ecosystem if you want to get the most out of the L22, like latency-free monitoring and live emulation features.

Best for portability: Blue Yeti X

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Why it made the cut: The all-in-one design of the Blue Yeti X makes it extremely appealing for streaming use, portable use, and other minimalist recording setups.

Specs

• Pickup pattern: Cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8, stereo
• Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sound pressure level limit: 122 dB
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• Weight: 2.8 pounds

Pros

• One-cable design for easy setup
• Visual LED metering
• Four polar pickup patterns
• Built-in stand

Cons

• Requires software for full functionality
• All-in-one control knob has a learning curve
• Vocal-specific frequency response limits versatility

Blue is one of the best-known manufacturers of studio mics, and the company’s Yeti X—like its older brother, the original Blue Yeti microphone (click to learn more about the differences)—is arguably one of the most well-known USB condenser microphones on the market. Like most USB microphones, the Yeti X acts as its own computer audio interface and preamp, functioning with a single USB cable and requiring no extra gear beyond a laptop and a pair of headphones.

The Yeti X is a condenser microphone that uses an array of four capsules to capture sound and can change the pattern of sound it captures via a knob on the rear. A multifunction knob on the front allows for adjustment of input gain, headphone volume, and signal blend, and it’s surrounded by 11 LEDs that offer a visual indication of audio level and overloads. The microphone’s frequency response stretches from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and has a slightly pronounced presence bump that’s great for a natural vocal sound.

While it’s compact and built for versatility, the Blue does require a bit of software setup to get the most out of the mic. It’s compatible with two downloadable control interfaces that grant users access to broadcast effects and other microphone controls. The body of the Yeti X can stand alone thanks to its integrated desk stand. Still, the microphone doesn’t include a carrying case or a windscreen, so users will want to grab these accessories to achieve optimal sound quality and safe handling.

Best for broadcast: Shure SM7B

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Why it made the cut: Found in recording studios and broadcast environments worldwide, the Shure SM7B is a durable mic that captures smooth, natural vocal sound.

Specs

• Pickup pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency range: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sound pressure level limit: >180 dB
• Impedance: 150 ohms
• Weight: 1.69 pounds

Pros

• Very durable
• Switchable EQ
• Close-talk windscreen
• Reliable, industry-standard sound

Cons

• Requires a high-gain preamp
• Requires a robust mic stand

The Shure SM7B is a storied dynamic microphone that features a yoke mount, a rugged housing, and an internal shock mount that keep mechanical noise from handling and adjusting to a minimum. An extra-thick removable windscreen also helps keep vocals pure and unhindered by noise in close-talk applications.

Built by Shure engineers as a souped-up version of their popular SM58 vocal mic, the SM7B features extended low-end response and two rear switches for bass cut and mid boost EQ adjustments. The included onboard EQ is a great way to tailor the microphone sound on the fly and work with various voices, as well as musical instruments like electric guitars and bass drums. Thanks to its ability to deliver highly consistent vocal sounds in even the most undesirable acoustic spaces, the SM7B is one of the best vocal microphones for podcasters, streamers, and other content creators who want a reliable and predictable microphone to rely upon.

To get the most out of the SM7B and record a usable signal, users will need a microphone preamp with above-average gain or a booster like the Cloudlifter CL-1. It’s also fairly heavy and designed only for use on a stand or boom arm, so users will need equipment that’s at least as robust as the mic itself. It’s not the only microphone Shure makes that can work for podcasters, and there are challengers to the throne, but the SM7B remains an icon justifiably.

Best budget: Audio-Technica M8000

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Why it made the cut: A counterpoint to the more expensive and sensitive studio condenser designs available, the Audio-Technica M8000 is a durable, affordable vocal microphone optimized for handheld use. 

Specs

• Pickup pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency range: 50 Hz – 14 kHz
• Sound pressure level limit: 145 dB
• Impedance: 600 ohms
• Weight: 0.68 pounds

Pros

• Tightly focused for live use
• Durable construction
• Handheld design
• Good option for loud sources

Cons

• No shock mount or storage bag
• No switchable sound options
• Limited frequency response

Similar in design and frequency response to the Shure SM58, the Audio-Technica M8000 is a lightweight dynamic microphone that uses a moving coil to capture sound and has a relatively high SPL of 145 dB. It has a hypercardioid pickup pattern for incredibly focused sensitivity and good rejection of outside sound. Its full frequency response range is 50 Hz to 14 kHz, with small bumps around 2.5 kHz and 10 kHz that aid in enhancing vocal presence.

A no-frills design and durable construction make the M8000 great for live and rehearsal sessions, as well as all-around studio use, especially when you’re on a budget. Apart from being a vocal go-to, it’s also suitable for some high-volume applications like close-miking of drums and guitar amps. And, thanks to its low price point, the M8000 can be put through the rigors of active recording studios and mobile applications, and you won’t feel too bad if it’s damaged.

Being a budget microphone, the M8000 includes a single mic clip but doesn’t come with any sound-adjustment options, a shock mount or zippered storage bag. Its focused and somewhat “sterile” sound make it great for capturing basic speech, rock vocals, and electric guitars, but there are better, more sensitive options on the market for critical applications like intimate voiceover or acoustic guitars.

Things to consider when buying the best microphones for vocals

The best broadcast microphones for vocal use are typically built differently than live sound microphones. They emphasize eliminating ambient noise, handling noise, and other disruptive environmental factors that might otherwise interfere with the recorded sound. For the best podcasting and streaming vocal sound possible, go with a mic like the Shure SM7B that has heavy-duty housing, swappable windscreens for close-talk applications, and an internal shock mount. If you want USB functionality in your broadcast mic, you might also consider the Shure MV7 or the Samson Q9U (reviewed here).

But do you want to use your vocal microphone on musical instruments?

If versatility is important, you’ll probably want to use a condenser mic. While dynamic microphones are great for guitar amps, drums, and other loud sources, condensers provide a level of detail and sensitivity that makes them much better suited to all-around duties. If you’re looking for the main studio microphone for recording vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, and other instruments, investing in a condenser mic, such as the AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII, eliminates the potential need to buy more microphones as more needs arise.

Do you want portability?

Not all vocal microphones are portable, and most require some form of external preamp and recording interface to function on the go. Vocal microphones with USB connectivity hold all the necessary tech you need to record on the go, which makes them a great choice over traditional designs when you’re packing light and looking to optimize your workflow. For maximum convenience, choose one like the Blue Yeti X USB microphone that comes with its own built-in desk stand.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best microphones for vocals

• Best overall: Neumann TLM 102
• Best single mic for versatility: AKG C414 XLII
• Best for live performance: Telefunken M80
• Best all-in-one system: UA Sphere DLX Modeling Microphone
• Best for portability: Blue Yeti X
• Best for broadcast: Shure SM7B
• Best budget: Audio-Technica M8000

Whether you’re leaning toward a dynamic microphone or a condenser microphone for vocal recording, it’s undeniable that the quality of a vocal recording has an enormous impact on how content is perceived. Choosing the best microphone for vocal accuracy and reproduction is the key to capturing a lifelike recording that’s easy on the ears and clear enough to understand. A dynamic microphone is the best choice if you’re working in an untreated acoustic space due to its relatively low sensitivity, smooth transient response, and good ambient noise rejection. If you’re looking for the absolute best microphone for vocals, however, condenser microphones deliver superior detail and are the ideal design for critical vocal applications. Whether you’ll be using a dedicated audio interface for your microphone or leaning toward the convenient all-in-one design of a USB microphone for vocals, we hope this list has helped thin the herd.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best microphones for vocals in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Moon by Simaudio		SEE IT	An all-around musical preamp with adjustable gain and equalization that will ensure you’re ready for any cartridge.
Best entry-level		iFi Audio Zen Air Phono Preamp		SEE IT	With a smart low-frequency roll-off and the ability to produce a deep soundstage from a low-profile body, this robust entry-level preamp is both musical and versatile.
Best features		Rega – Fono Mini A2D		SEE IT	An affordable and all-around solid phono preamp with a majorly rare feature at this price: a built-in USB out.

For many music connoisseurs, vinyl is the rule, not the exception, in their collections, and in most serious hi-fi systems, there’s a phono preamp between a turntable and mixer. That’s because most turntables, unlike CD players, deliver an audio signal without inherently raising it to the correct level for your receiver and speakers. Phono preamps solve this problem by boosting your turntable’s signal by between 40 dB to 50 dB. Additionally, phono preamps apply the standardized RIAA equalization curve, an industry standard that counteracts the innate highpass physically cut into most vinyl records produced after 1954. In short, phono preamps are the bridge between your turntable and A/V receiver and a crucial step in most audiophiles’ systems. They deliver excellent EQs that uncover the nuance and depth of your record without overtly coloring it, powerful gain that boosts it without bloating it, and offer control over output. Some even provide USB outs and customizable equalizers. Here are our picks for the best phono preamps worth a spin. 

• Best overall: Moon by Simaudio
• Best entry-level: iFi Audio Zen Air Phono Preamp
• Best features: Rega – Fono Mini A2D
• Best high-end splurge: McIntosh MP100
• Best budget: ART DJPREII Phono Preamplifier
• Also worth considering: Cambridge Audio Alva Solo

How we chose the best phono preamps

As a lifelong musician and audio enthusiast, I own and have owned a revolving panoply of audio equipment. For this article, I researched phono preamps at all price points, surveying specs, user impressions, peer recommendations, and critical evaluations. I examined numerous models of preamps from many manufacturers, using my own knowledge of audio gear and my experience as a tech reviewer to compare and contrast these devices, sifting them into multiple categories and ranking them based on a few criteria. Firstly, I looked for phono preamps that do a great job at their crucial function of applying a reliable gain boost and solid RIAA curve. I prioritized phono preamps that deliver especially well, whether providing great moving magnet and moving coil capability in just one package, offering especially deep and robust sound stages, or including special premium features like analog-to-digital 24-bit USB out. 

The best phono preamps: Reviews & Recommendations

Phono preamps usually don’t come with a lot of options and features, but that doesn’t mean they’re one size fits all. Rather, with these technical devices, it’s often important to be sure you know what your sound system needs before you invest. Here are our picks for the best phono preamps for all scenarios.

Best overall: Moon by Simaudio

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Why it made the cut: This phono preamp from Simaudio offers a customizable and innately musical soundstage that pairs well with MM and most MC cartridge turntables.

Specs

• MM or MC: Both
• Gain control and filters: Yes
• Weight: 1.05
• Size: 9.2 x 7.1 x 2.2 inches

Pros

• Gain, impedance, and resistance controls make this device compatible with most MM or MC cartridges
• Gorgeous clear audio
• Great aesthetics

Cons

• No special features
• Pricey

If you’re an audiophile looking for a gateway piece of kit to usher your vinyl system into true hi-fi audio, look no further than Moon by Simaudio. A celebrated manufacturer of collector audio equipment, Simaudio creates sonic stages that deliver crisp clarity, resonant depth, and bass response with enough drive that you can really hear the mallets in that first timpani roll in Finlandia (or Bernard Edwards “chuck” in “Everybody Dance”). 

The Moon phono preamp delivers dialable gain, impedance, and resistance settings in the form of switches on the bottom plate, ensuring that your Moon can adapt to your turntable even after you’ve changed out the turntable’s cartridges. For a phono preamp at its price point, it offers decent MC cartridge capabilities that far exceed most of the competition; however, it still sounds thinner and less punchy with an MC cartridge than it will with an MM. That said, this is still one of the best MC-capable preamps with a price tag that doesn’t encroach on the $1,000 price point. 

The Moon is a Canadian-made phono preamp that delivers an excellent, detailed sound and features enough versatility to pair well with nearly the whole spectrum of cartridges, even if its delivery falls off somewhat with the quietest end of the MC spectrum.

Best entry-level: iFi Audio Zen Air Phono Preamp

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Why it made the cut: With a wider-than-normal feature set for an entry-level phono preamp, the Zen delivers MM and MC capabilities with selectable gain and a smart subsonic filter, all while sounding remarkably nice.

Specs

• MM or MC: Both
• Gain control and filters: Yes
• Weight: 1.79 pounds
• Size: 10.87 x 6.14 x 2.32 inches

Pros

• Excellent sound quality with great depth
• Subsonic smart roll-off filter
• Adjustable gain with MC capabilities

Cons

• Not as loud and bassy as some competitors
• May not give perfect performance with MC cartridges

The iFi Audio Zen Air Phono Preamp is a rare audio gear piece that seems too good for its price point. It’s an entry-level preamp that costs a little more than some competitors yet boasts a feature set that exceeds what most of that competition delivers.

Based in Southport, United Kingdom, iFi has been developing high-end audio gear since 2012 (if you’re more into digital-first listening, the iFi xDSD Gryphon is one of our favorite DAC-amps). The company is known for its excellent sound and sleek, curvy enclosures, and the Zen Air phono preamp greatly matches its reputation. The Zen Air offers a sound stage without too much emphasis on the bass register, which supports a sound stage with nuance. Compared to the Pro-Ject Audio – Phono Box DC, which is typically $30 more, the Zen Air delivers more robust mids.

If its innate musicality isn’t enough to make this preamp worth it, the Zen Air’s feature set seals the deal. Perhaps most striking is the subsonic filter switch, which purportedly uses AI to dictate bass roll-off and, in practice, eliminates low flutter and drive rumble without cutting out the juicy low end of your track. The Zen handles MC capabilities with switchable gain levels on the rear. It delivers a lower-than-average noise floor, though, in practice, this will be greatly affected by your placement of the device around other electronics (as with any preamp).

All in all, the iFi Audio Zen is a remarkably capable entry-level preamp that impresses with its innate sound, feature set, and signature look. However, if you’re looking for a more traditionally square, nondescript component specifically for MM cartridges, the Fluance PA10 High Fidelity Phono Preamp is another $99 option with a selectable high pass filter.

Best features: Rega-Fono Mini A2D

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Why it made the cut: With great sound, and a built-in USB connection, this phono preamp makes sure your analog audio is ready for the digital age.

Specs

• MM or MC: MM only
• Gain control and filters: Yes
• Weight: .22 pounds
• Size: 10 x 7 x 2.5 inches

Pros 

• USB out
• Gain knob

Cons

• No MC capabilities

For most phono preamps, it’s enough to sound good and offer some breadth of connectivity—maybe they add an EQ into the mix—not so with the Rega-Fono Mini A2D, which doubles as an analog-to-digital converter with the help of its USB connection. The Fono Mini is particularly tiny by preamp standards, it weighs just .22 pounds. The housing features a simple gain knob on the front, next to a centrally located USB output. The back houses the customary ins and outs.

The Rega’s equalization tends toward bright highs but still produces decent bass. Its gain, which is adjusted with the knob on the front, delivers powerful boosting. The lack of EQ customization isn’t too much of a downside, as many receivers offer some degree of customizable EQ if you should want it, and the Rega inherently sounds nice.

It’s the Rega’s USB connection that makes this device really shine. It’s a feature that isn’t common in phono preamps unless you’re shopping for devices five times the price of the Rega, and it seriously expands what the phono preamp can do—and even be. The Rega-Fono Mini A2D is a preamp that questions the bounds of what a phono preamp can be.

Best high-end: McIntosh MP100

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Why it made the cut: With immaculate sound, discrete MM and MC load dials, and a mechanical switch-off digitizer, the MP100 is a stacked preamp.

Specs

• MM or MC: MM and MC with discrete circuits
• Gain control and filters: Yes
• Weight: 8.6 pounds
• Size: 11.5 x 3.3 x 13.75 inches

Pros

• Gorgeous sound
• Excellent 24-bit USB digitizer included
• Coaxial and optical output

Cons

• Expensive

Based in Binghamton, New York, McIntosh is famous for handcrafted, precisely engineered audio equipment. The McIntosh MP100 phono preamp is a true high-end phono preamp with one of the best feature sets on the market. With a glass front featuring the iconic McIntosh logo illuminated in green LEDs and a stainless steel housing, the MP100 shows off its quality at first glance. Those same extra long-lasting LEDs are used for a clipping indicator, as well as type above the various knobs and buttons along the front display. Front controls include separate tiered MM and MC load knobs, an MC/MM input button, a mono button, a digital output level button, and a standby button. 

Perhaps the most exciting feature of the MP100 is its 24-bit analog-to-digital converter. With a USB-B, coaxial, and optical output, the MP100 is ready for vinyl digitization at 24 bits with a 96khz sample rate (much higher than CD’s 16 bits and commensurate with Blu-ray). It’s a pretty futuristic feature that ensures you can rip vinyl records to digital with world-class lossless quality. However, those digital outs aren’t just for ripping FLAC files; the digital outs also allow you to use your MP100 to connect a turntable directly to a home theater system without a full-sized phono receiver. Additionally, in a nod to pure analog lovers, these digital features can be fully disabled and powered down for those who wish to reduce potential noise.

The digitizer isn’t the only exciting feature of the McIntosh, however. It’s a preamp built with love, and it shows. The MP100 contains two discrete phono circuits, one for MM and one for MC, designed with an ultra-low noise floor and flat response in mind, controllable via two loading dials on the front of the device. To solidify that low-noise floor, the device incorporates a multi-regulated power supply. 

If it weren’t for the digitizer, the McIntosh would remain competitive with other high-end handcrafted phono stages in its class, like the Stellar Phono Preamplifier, which also includes dual controllable inputs for MM and MC cartridges, similar to the MP100s dual circuits. However, we think most audiophiles can appreciate native analog-to-digital conversion at 24 bits. Therefore with its feature-rich delivery, exceptional sound handling, and absolutely gorgeous build, we think the McIntosh MP100 is the best high-end phono preamp on the market.

Best budget: ART DJPREII Phono Preamplifier

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Why it made the cut: With a low-cut filter, adjustable capacitance, gain, and a clipping indicator, this preamp puts you in control.

Specs

• MM or MC: MM (MC limited)
• Gain control and filters: Yes
• Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Size: 1.75 x 4.2 x 3.5 inches

Pros 

• Highly versatile
• Significantly more features than you would expect on an amp of this price
• Affordable

Cons

• Not the best MC coverage

Generally, when you think of budget items, you don’t expect them to come loaded with a wide feature set. The ART DJPREII, however, is a budget option that’s an exception. At an affordable price point, the ART offers a good sound that may not deliver some of the detail and depth of higher-end preamps but will still create a detailed soundstage with good low-end and pleasant musical highs.

The ART does good sound, but what makes this preamp stand out is everything it throws into the package beyond that solid sound delivery. Perhaps its most exciting feature is a low-end roll-off switch that cuts some of the boominess from older distorted vinyl, or a turntable’s drive rumble, without cutting much out of the mix. On the front of the device, there’s a centrally located gain knob (up to +10 dB) with a convenient clip indicator, as well as a low-cut switch and input cap button. It has a lot of features for such a good price.

While the ART may be able to achieve some results with an MC system, it isn’t nearly as optimized for that as it is for MM. But that’s okay because this product is already loaded for the price. All in all, it’s a budget preamp that should do more than most people expect out of their phono preamp.

Also worth considering: Cambridge Audio Alva Solo

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Constructed with an internal switch mode power supply and surface-mounted circuit board for a clean, clear signal path, the Cambridge Audio Alva Solo preamp for moving magnet cartridges is neutral and expressive throughout the frequency range. It’s circuitry that conveys the vibrancy of vinyl and a design the company is so proud of that it has been adapted in some form into both the $2,999 flagship EVO 150 integrated amplifier/hi-res network player and the $1,999 flagship Alva TT V2 direct-drive moving coil turntable (both of which are standout products). Another appealing aspect of the Cambridge Audio Alva Solo is how the compact lunar grey exclosure matches physically and aesthetically with the MXN 10 High-Resolution Wi-Fi Network Audio Player and Bluetooth Streamer and DacMagic 200M DAC and Headphone Amplifier with Bluetooth and USB, in case you want to build a hybrid analog-digital stack in a personal listening station—just add high-end headphones for maximum clarity. It’s a specific look, but the same can be said of all our picks. And it doesn’t support MC cartridges. Still, the instrument separation and sonic extension are undeniable.

What to consider when buying the best phono preamps

The first question to ask yourself is whether you actually need a phono preamp. Some turntables and A/V receivers include built-in preamps. Receivers with a grounding screw next to their phono jack (this should be labeled) have a phono preamp. Some contemporary turntables also boost signal all in one and eschew the need for a phono preamp completely. Before you buy a phono preamp, it’s worth investigating whether your turntable, receiver, or even powered speaker (for example, the Kanto YU6 or Klipsch The Sevens and Nines or other turntable-friendly speakers) might include a preamp. Trial and error here won’t hurt anything. You’re golden if you plug your turntable into your sound system, and it begins playing at a decent volume. But if you find little to no sound produced, you need one of the phono preamps listed above.

Sometimes systems with a built-in preamp can also benefit from a phono preamp, as a discrete preamp will often do a better job than the included components. 

Your phono cartridge

Turntables fall into two categories: moving magnet (MM) cartridges and moving coil (MC) cartridges. MM cartridges tend to be heavier and yield a more saturated response. Lighter MC cartridges lean more toward an airier, detailed sound. The two cartridge types are both transducers that change kinetic energy into electrical energy. However, they do this in opposite ways.

MM cartridges employ a stylus attached to magnets, which vibrates between coiled wires as the needle tracks a record’s groove. Because the magnets attach to the stylus, the mass of the magnets puts greater pressure on the stylus and makes it slightly less responsive. MC cartridges invert this system by attaching the coils to the stylus so that they vibrate next to fixed magnets. Since the coil has less mass than the magnet, this creates a smaller and lighter cartridge with less drag and more responsiveness to the vinyl. 

Some phono preamps work for both MM and MC cartridges. However, most lower-end phono preamps are better with common MM cartridges—like the one on the Fluance RT85, a turntable our reviewer loved. If you’ve invested in an MC cartridge turntable, be sure you’ve selected a phono preamp that has enough gain to power your sound.

Filters

One of the most important components of a phono preamp is its equalizer. That’s because RIAA equalization is built right into the way that records have been physically produced since the standard was implemented in 1954. RIAA equalization protocol physically prints a highpass filter into the structure of your record, allowing records expanded playback time and less stress on your device’s stylus. The standardized RIAA equalization curve fixes this by boosting low frequencies and reducing high frequencies.

As bassier frequencies require larger groove widths that take up more space, put more stress on a record player’s stylus, and require more from cutters when cutting a record, RIAA equalization was implemented to initiate a standard physical low-frequency reduction and high-frequency boost on the recording end of all record production, which is then counteracted with a standardized inverse lowpass EQ on playback, allowing for greater record length and longer-lasting needles. RIAA equalization is one of the most important functions of a phono preamp, as it normalizes the inherent physical lowpass cut into your vinyl.

Because of the innate low boost in RIAA equalization, records are prone to low-end flutters and drive rumble, which is boosted along with your album’s bassline. Many phono preamps feature equalization settings designed to help with this and other issues. A low-cut filter (subsonic or otherwise) is a common feature on phono preamps, as are variable gain settings and various other filter patterns that can bring out particular nuances.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best phono preamps

• Best overall: Moon by Simaudio
• Best entry-level: iFi Audio Zen Air Phono Preamp
• Best features: Rega – Fono Mini A2D
• Best high-end splurge: McIntosh MP100
• Best budget: ART DJPREII Phono Preamplifier
• Also worth considering: Cambridge Audio Alva Solo

With so much positive output in such a little box, picking a phono preamp can be an exciting step in building a top-tier audio system. The best phono preamps deliver solid sonic boosting and a balanced sound stage equalized for the RIAA standard. Sometimes, they deliver special features like an analog-to-digital converter. Higher-end models can feature dual circuits with tweakable loading settings for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. For most users, the Moon by Simaudio does the best job at providing everything you need in all the right measures. The iFi Audio Zen Air, on the other hand, is an entry-level contender worth a look for its MM/MC cartridge support and subsonic filter. However, if you’re looking for the truly high-end (and top-dollar) option, the McIntosh MP100 dishes out inarguable quality that’s future-proofed with a native 24-bit analog-to-digital converter. Whatever you pick, some heavenly hi-fi audio awaits.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best phono preamps for turntables in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs		SEE IT	These crowd pleasers provide balanced sound and a secure fit.
Best Aesthetics		Loop Experience Pro		SEE IT	Form meets function in this uber-stylish set.
Best for Musicians		Minuendo		SEE IT	Seamlessly adjust sound attenuation on the fly—no batteries required.

Earplugs for concerts are the MVPs of personal accessories. They’re easy to use, comfortable, and, most importantly, protect your hearing while letting you enjoy shows in full, heart-pounding fidelity. If you spend time at concerts, work or play in noisy settings, or just want to block out the outside world and get a little peace and quiet, hearing protection is essential. When it comes to enjoying music at full volume, we’re biased by what audiologists call the “annoyance factor.” Your favorite song, cranked up in your earbuds, never really feels overly loud, but the pounding jackhammer across the street is unbearably noisy—when often, they’re equally dangerous. People adapt psychologically to loud sounds they like—like music—and assume that if sound doesn’t hurt, it’s not hurting them. But, as anyone who’s woken up after a show with ringing ears knows, nothing could be farther from the truth. Fortunately, there’s a simple, affordable solution with the best earplugs for concerts.

• Best overall: Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs
• Best aesthetics: Loop Experience Pro
• Best for musicians: Minuendo
• Best invisible: Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs
• Best swappable filters: Sennheiser SoundProtex Plus Earplugs
• Best electronic: Elgin Rukus
• Best budget: Etymotic ER20XS

Why you should already be wearing earplugs

Real talk: Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent. It sneaks up on you in a slow, painless progression; by the time you recognize that there’s a problem, it’s usually too late to do anything about it. Making bad decisions now can come back to haunt you decades down the line: Just ask Dave Grohl, Jucifer (the underground duo whose battle with hearing loss inspired the film The Sound of Metal), or the countless artists who have gone public about their severe hearing damage caused by spending their whole careers turning things to 11.

Noise-induced hearing damage manifests in all sorts of insidious ways, from muffled highs and frequency dropouts to tinnitus, a continual ringing or buzzing in the ears. But the great news is this kind of hearing loss is almost always preventable. All you need is basic ear protection.

How we chose the best earplugs for concerts

PopSci’s resident audiophiles and musicians are lifelong fans of hearing protection; we compared our own experiences using earplugs over the years, including many of the products here. It’s difficult to measure the actual attenuation level offered by earplugs without specialized equipment, so, for that, we relied on provided specs. But we were able to evaluate fit and comfort across a broad range of ears and in a range of scenarios, and we put features like apps through the paces wherever possible. Because hearing loss is a medical condition, we consulted audiologists who are also musicians to get their advice on navigating the unique hazards of the concert environment.

The best earplugs for concerts: Reviews & Recommendations

At the risk of sounding like your meddling aunt, nobody can protect your hearing but you. However, you can start your journey to safer, more enjoyable live performance experiences now with our guide to the best concert earplugs.

Best overall: Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs

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Why it made the cut: These affordable silicone earplugs feel great in your ears and offer balanced attenuation, for a more natural sound profile usually only available in expensive models.

Specs 

• Attenuation: 21 dB
• Material: Silicone
• Customizable fit: Yes
• Storage case: Waterproof aluminum

Pros

• Balanced sonic attenuation
• Durable build quality
• Two shell options for fine-tuning fit

Cons

• Blue shell visibly protrudes from ear canal

Many earplugs, including standard-issue disposable foam models, do an excellent job attenuating noise but end up blocking a lot more highs than lows, leading to that dull, muffled sound that makes you want to yank them out of your ears. Perennial crowd favorite Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs incorporate filters that even out attenuation—it’s like turning down the overall volume knob, not just the treble. Eargasm’s three-tiered, flanged, conical design makes it easy to ensure a seal in your ear canal, which is critical for effective protection. And, the package includes two shells, letting you fine-tune the perfect fit. The included waterproof aluminum case attaches to a keyring for portability. Also available in a Smaller Ears model.

For a lower-priced option, consider Mack’s Hear Plugs flanged silicone earplugs, which preserve clear, natural sound across the frequency spectrum, using an open-air membrane filter system.

Best aesthetic: Loop Experience Pro

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Why it made the cut: These wildly popular models offer adjustable attenuation—and are so cool looking that you can talk your teenager into wearing them.

Specs

• Attenuation: 18 or 23 dB
• Material: Silicone and foam
• Customizable fit: Yes
• Storage case: Hard hinged plastic

Pros

• Removable filters increase attenuation level
• Seven tip options for a perfect fit
• Jewelry-inspired style

Cons

• Case doesn’t include a keychain attachment

Not many earplugs double as fashion accessories. Loop Experience Pro breaks the mold, so to speak, providing robust, high-fidelity hearing protection in sleek, jewelry-inspired enclosures that look way more stylish than sticking orange wads of foam in your ears. Obviously, looks have nothing to do with hearing protection, but we’re fans of anything that ups concert earplugs’ cool factor if it inspires you (or your kids) to wear them.  

Loop Experience Pro earplugs attenuate sound somewhat evenly across the frequency spectrum; two swappable Loop Mute silicon filters let you tailor attenuation (-18 dB or -23 dB) to your surroundings and preferences, and resonant acoustic chambers inside their eponymous “loops” help optimize sound quality.

The Loop Experience Pro package includes four silicone ear tips, three foam ear tips, two sets of Loop Mute filters, and a plastic carry case. Models are available in a variety of colors and metallic finishes (such as silver, shown above) and can be washed with soap and water. A Quiet version, without adjustable filters and set at -27 dB (shown in red above), is just $20. Even more recently, Loop released a multi-mode Switch model, which combines Quiet, Experience, and Engage settings into one $65 set of earplugs. If flash isn’t your thing and you just need to shave off a dozen decibels, check out fully transparent Eardial earplugs, which virtually disappear inside your ears.

Best for musicians: Minuendo

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Why it made the cut: Dial in the perfect sound attenuation level—and the perfect fit—with these highly customizable passive earplugs.

Specs

• Attenuation: 7–25 dB
• Material: Silicone
• Customizable fit: Yes
• Storage case: Hard plastic

Pros

• Stepless adjustable sound attenuation
• Flat attenuation for clear, natural sound
• Eleven tip sets cover just about any ear size

Cons

• Stepless level control is easy to set incorrectly

Designed and manufactured in Norway, Minuendo silicone earplugs are touted as the first passive (non-electronic) earplugs that offer “stepless” sound attenuation. (As someone who can’t live without her active adjustable earplugs, the “battery drain” struggle is real.)

Unlike many earplugs in this class that include switches or removable filters that increase or decrease volume attenuation in specific increments, Minuendo earplugs offer seamless, nuanced adjustment that slides the membrane from “open” (-7 dB) to “closed” ( -25 dB) and anywhere in between. This makes them good in multiple scenarios (the reason why they’re our best overall earplugs for work.)

Minuendo’s low-profile black design features an innovative magnetic locking feature that lets you clasp the earplugs logo-to-logo while leashed around your neck so that you can worry less about losing them. Eleven sets of tips—including foam, silicone, and flange designs—fit just about any ear out there. Wipe clean with water or alcohol.

Like the form factor but don’t need the more conversational or quieted ends of the spectrum? Save $50 and pick up the single setting, 17 dB attenuating Minuendo LIVE with its distinctive copper faceplates. Looking for an even more affordable solution? Check out Earos One High Fidelity Acoustic Filters ($40); developed by audiologists and engineers from MIT’s Acoustics Lab, these flat-response earplugs are modeled after the sound curve of your ear to provide optimal sonic clarity and hearing protection.

Best invisible: Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs

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Why it made the cut: These earplugs are made with a clear tube that makes them nearly invisible, and they filter out up to 22 decibels of sound.

Specs

• Attenuation: 22 dB
• Material: Silicone
• Customizable fit: Yes
• Storage case: Hard plastic

Pros

• Low profile
• Come in three sizes
• Don’t compromise sound quality

Cons

• Some users say they can get stuck in ears
• Noise reduction may compromise audio quality

If you want to protect your hearing but prefer to keep that fact incognito, Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs are a good choice. Made of silicone, their clear outer sound tubes are discreet. The eartips come in three sizes—small, medium, and large—so you can get the best fit.  

These high-fidelity earbuds filter out up to 22 decibels of sound, but instead of blocking out noise, Vibes’ earplugs use attenuating filters to lower the volume of the surrounding environment as opposed to noise cancellation, so sound quality is preserved, and you can still hear what’s going on around you. These earplugs also come with a hard plastic travel case for protection and are washable.

Best swappable filters: Sennheiser SoundProtex Plus Earplugs

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Why it made the cut: These Sennheiser swappable-filters earplugs use a two-stage system to maintain clarity and fidelity during shows.

Specs

• Attenuation: 10 dB (weak filter), 17 dB (medium), 20 dB (strong)
• Material: Medical-grade TPE
• Customizable fit: Yes
• Storage case: Soft pouch

Pros

• Tab makes them easy to remove
• Comes with four filters with different strengths
• Includes three eartip sizes
• Very comfortable even for long periods

Cons

• Pricey for earplugs
• Anything over the medium filter makes conversations tricky

Most earplugs give you a single level of protection, which may mean that you leave them behind when going to certain shows or events. The Sennheiser SoundProtex Plus earplugs are unique in their versatility. This set comes with four different filters (three acoustic and one full-block) with different decibel reduction ratings, making them suitable for just about any situation. The two-stage filter design reduces both high and low frequencies but maintains clarity so you can still enjoy the music fully (tested and confirmed in the crowd at an Amon Amarth-Ghost concert, shown above).

The weak filter offers 10 dB of attenuation, perfect for intimate performances or noisy public places. Medium is ideal for festivals or general travel. Finally, the strong filter is made for loud concerts or heavy machinery. Or, if you want total quiet, opt for the full-block filter, which even keeps water out during swims. You’ll also get three eartip adapters to get the most comfortable fit.

The SoundProtex Pro earplugs are high-quality and made of medical-grade TPE, an ideal material for sensitive skin. It also makes them infinitely reusable, as you can simply wash them and toss them in the included pouch to keep them clean. The tab at the end makes it easy to remove them, so you don’t have to worry about the triple-flange design—which, admittedly, can feel somewhat invasive the first time you try it—getting stuck in your ears.

Best electronic: Elgin Rukus Discord

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Why it made the cut: These multitasking wonders let you listen to music, take calls, and command your smart assistant—all while protecting your ears.

Specs

• Attenuation: 25 dB
• Material: Industrial-grade polymer
• Customizable fit: Yes
• Storage case: Yes, plus collar clips

Pros

• Multipurpose active earplugs let you listen to music and make calls
• Bluetooth 5.3 functionality

Cons

• Not everyone likes a neckband, or a deep-insertion earbud
• You might be paying for features you don’t need

Elgin Ruckus Discord Bluetooth Earbuds are ideal for anyone looking for sound attenuation in a rigorous environment while also desiring Bluetooth 5.3 functionality. These active earplugs combine Elgin’s rugged design with classic wireless earphone technology for immersive audio with 25 dB reduction in external sound. But that’s just the beginning.

When the music isn’t playing around you, you can pair these earplugs with your phone and listen to your favorite bands privately, just like the best consumer earbuds. A built-in noise-isolating mic lets you make clear, uninterrupted phone calls. Ruckus Discord is compatible with Siri and Google Assistant, allowing you to control playback and volume with your voice. Battery life is impressive, with 14 hours of continuous audio playback on a single charge. Weatherproof enclosures have an IP65 rating, which means they are resistant to sweat, dust, and dirt damage. These earplugs are constructed with industrial-grade, impact-resistant polymer with Kevlar-reinforced cables and come with isolating, medical-grade, triple-flange silicone tips. Once you leave the concert, they’re equally great for a job site, yardwork, or home improvement project. And the neckband form factor means you’re highly unlikely to lose an earplug if/when you need to take one out.

If you’re looking for rugged earplugs that also raise the level of sounds around you during quieter moments (in noisy work environments, or while hunting, for example), Caldwell E-Max Shadows Pro plugs provide even greater noise suppression while amplifying ambient sounds.

Best budget: Etymotic ER20XS

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Why it made the cut: From trusted audiology experts, these simple silicone models offer balanced sound attenuation at an entry-level price.

Specs

• Attenuation: 20 dB
• Material: Silicone
• Customizable fit: No
• Storage case: Plastic

Pros

• Reduce sound evenly across spectrum
• Backed by decades of audiology research
• Low-profile, stemless design

Cons

• No extra eartips

With deep roots in acoustic and hearing aid research and more than 100 patents, Etymotic has been innovating earphones and earplugs for 40 years. I haven’t left the house without the company’s pro electronic earplugs in a decade—but if $300 sounds like a crazy amount of money to spend on hearing protection, Etymotic’s $20 ER20XS High-Fidelity Earplugs might be for you.

These flanged silicone earplugs reduce sound evenly across the hearing spectrum, which makes them great for enjoying concerts in balanced, natural sound. The ER20XS’ low-profile, stemless design fits snugly in the outer ear without protruding, for a discreet look and comfort under headgear. These silicone earplugs are reusable but may lose elasticity with repeated use, so Etymotic recommends replacing the eartips every three to six months. Standard and Large package options include a neck cord and carrying case that easily attaches to a keychain; a Universal Fit version ($25) includes extra foam and silicone tips.

Things to consider before buying the best earplugs for concerts

The best earplugs for concerts allow you to comfortably listen to music without compromising your hearing—or your experience. Then, it’s about matching features to your lifestyle.

What will you be using earplugs for?

There’s a difference between blocking sound you don’t want to hear and attenuating sound you do want to hear. If you’re in a factory or at a gun range and want to block out a continuous industrial din or potentially hazardous sudden noises, simple foam earplugs or earmuff protectors offer the most robust protection. For sleeping, it’s all about extended comfort. Simple, soft foam or silicone earplugs are ideal, and purpose-designed sleep models, like Loop Quiet, are so comfy you might even forget you’re wearing them. But if you want to safely enjoy music without feeling like there’s cement in your ears, your best option is to invest in a pair of high-quality, flat-response earplugs, which lower sound evenly across the frequency spectrum for a natural, high-fidelity sonic signature.

Types of earplugs

Earplugs run the gamut from cheap, no-frills off-the-shelf earbuds to balanced-response earplugs to electronic systems with adjustable attenuation to professional custom-fit models, which require a visit to an audiologist. Here, we’re focusing on universal, off-the-shelf models.

Expandable foam earplugs are made of pliant material designed to conform to the shape of the ear canal. They’re inserted by first rolling them into compressed cylinders, then placing in the ear canal, where they expand to form a seal. Foam earplugs are the cheapest option and, because they cannot be washed, are considered disposable.

Pre-molded earplugs, constructed from silicone, rubber, or plastic, retain their size and shape when inserted into the ear canal. Because they don’t expand, they’re available in various sizes and often include a range of custom tips to ensure a perfect fit. Pre-molded earplugs can be cleaned and reused.

Earmuffs completely cover the outer ear and are often available with electronic components that suppress sudden noises or let users communicate. If you hate sticking things inside your ear canal and you don’t mind a somewhat bulky profile, earmuff protection might be for you.

Earplug tech innovations

When it comes to off-the-shelf, universal earplugs, technology advancements lean toward expanded feature sets, including noise cancellation, Bluetooth functionality, and companion apps. Some earplugs, such as Loop Experience Pro, feature acoustic innovations, such as resonant chambers, that promise to improve sound quality. Earmuff manufacturers are developing high-tech materials that reduce weight and bulk yet still effectively block noise. These improvements add up to improved sound and a better experience, which is great incentive to wear your earplugs more. And, aesthetic improvements (see: Loop Experience Pro’s jewelry-inspired look) mean your kids might wear them longer, too.

Just like cameras, the best earplugs are the ones you actually have on you when you need them. So, no matter which models you prefer, it can’t hurt to pick up a huge vat of inexpensive, disposables such as Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs, which are effective and ridiculously cheap at $8.99 for a tub of 50. (Left yours at home? Some cities, such as San Francisco and Minneapolis, require large venues to make free earplugs available to concertgoers.)

Protecting your ears is all about exposure

Sound-induced hearing damage happens as a result of sudden acoustic trauma (like an explosion) or through chronic exposure to high sound levels. The general rule is the louder the sounds and the longer the length of exposure, the greater the risk of hearing loss. For example, eight hours of exposure to sound levels of 85 decibels (equivalent to heavy street noise) is considered safe according to decibel exposure time guidelines, but at 100 dB—the level of a typical rock concert—safe exposure is limited to 15 minutes. (Free sound-metering apps such as Decibel X can measure surrounding noise and help keep your exposure in check.)

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best earplugs for concerts

• Best overall: Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs
• Best aesthetics: Loop Experience Pro
• Best for musicians: Minuendo
• Best invisible: Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs
• Best swappable filters: Sennheiser SoundProtex Plus Earplugs
• Best electronic: Elgin Rukus
• Best budget: Etymotic ER20XS

As musicians and music lovers, we know there’s nothing better than being front and center at your favorite concert, getting lost in the song, feeling every note in your bones. Ultimately, though, loud is loud, and every time you expose your ears to high volume levels, you’re putting your hearing at risk. Luckily, today’s high-fidelity earplugs for concerts let you experience the full spectrum of sound while protecting your hearing: Highs are clear, lows are full, and the overall presentation is rich and detailed, just like without earplugs. All while preserving your precious hearing. Save your ears now; your future self will thank you.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best earplugs for concerts in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88		SEE IT	Lovely keys and DAW integration combine.
Best for beginners		Akai Pro MPK mini mk3		SEE IT	What more could a beginner want with the included keys, pads, knobs, and free DAW.
Best weighted keyboard		M-Audio Hammer 88		SEE IT	Puts the focus where players need it: on the keys.

It’s never been easier (or cheaper!) to make music, thanks to computers and affordable MIDI keyboards. Until recently, even the most basic of home studios seemingly required an advanced degree in electronics to understand how to hook everything up—to say nothing of the cost. Nowadays, you have access to incredibly powerful, surprisingly intuitive music-making software and hardware. And at the center of it all should be one of the best MIDI keyboards.

The right keyboard lets you input all those notes and chords that will set the world on fire. Don’t start popping corks yet, though, as you still need to choose the kind of MIDI keyboard that’s best for you. It’s a little more complicated than just getting any old thing with piano keys and plugging it into your computer. The world of MIDI controller keyboards is broad, with more variables than a badly planned high school science fair project. How many keys do you need? What kind of connectivity is best for you? How much money do you have to spend? You’ll need to consider all of these (and more) before you can start collecting royalty checks from all your future hits. Here are our picks.

• Best overall: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88
• Best for beginners: Akai Pro MPK mini mk3
• Best weighted keyboard: M-Audio Hammer 88
• Best small keyboard: Arturia KeyStep Pro
• Best for Ableton: Novation Launchkey MK III 61
• Best budget: Nektar SE25

How we chose the best MIDI keyboards

There is a bewildering number of MIDI keyboards on the market, with options that range in key number, size, and weight to ones offering more esoteric extras, like CV/gate connectivity for interfacing with modular synthesizers. Some are for general use, while others have been designed to work best with specific digital audio workstations (DAWs) and music production software. What all of them offer, however, is compatibility with MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface—an industry-standard connection/communications protocol that converts interactions with the keyboard into instructions for compatible interfaces, computers, musical instruments, and other outboard processors/sound modules.

We looked at all of these options when hammering out our list of the best MIDI keyboards. To narrow down our top controllers for each category, we made use of our own experience as experts in the field—specifically, I’ve spent three decades as both a professional musician and writer for top music technology publications, including Attack Magazine, Computer Music, MusicTech, Reverb.com, IGN.com, and more. In addition, we drew on the opinions of our peers and factored in critical consensus, user impressions, as well as the use cases of famous music producers and composers.

The best MIDI keyboards: Reviews & Recommendations

Because MIDI keyboards don’t make any sound themselves, it can be tempting to scrimp on one and put that money toward something else in the studio (maybe you’re eyeing a new laptop or a fine new monitor to make your session look as sweet as it sounds). But when you consider that your MIDI keyboard will likely sit at the center of your studio monitors or live rig and that you’re going to be putting your hands on it more than any other piece of gear you own, you start to see why investment is worth it. So, as the price often will determine not only quality but the number of options, it can be helpful to start with a budget and then work from there, with any additional necessities like knobs and sliders following suit. No matter your budget, though, you can be confident that all of the keyboards on this list are worthy of your hard-earned cash.

Best overall: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88

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Why it made the cut: A full keybed plus smart DAW and computer integration means you’ll finally take your eyes away from the computer and focus on the music.

Specs

• Keys: 88 full-size weighted keys
• Connectivity: USB 2.0, MIDI in/out, 2 pedal controller inputs
• Compatibility: Mac/PC

Pros

• Fully weighted hammer-action keys
• Two high-res color displays
• DAW integration

Cons

• No sliders or drum pads
• Best with Native Instruments Komplete software

Modern music production is all about the DAW, or the digital audio workstation. Because of this, we tend to keep our eyes trained on the computer monitor, for better or for worse. German company Native Instruments thinks this is for the worse and so has designed a series of MIDI keyboards that encourage you to look away from the computer and interact more with the keyboard itself. Called Komplete Kontrol, they range from the small to the large, with our pick for best overall MIDI keyboard, the S88, at the top of the line.

As the name suggests, the S88 has 88 keys, with a fully weighted Fatar keybed with hammer action—something that piano players looking for an acoustic piano feel and level of control will surely appreciate. It also has two control pedal inputs to ensure that your playing can be as realistic as it needs to be. To this keybed it adds a row of eight rotary encoders and a slick four-directional push encoder for navigating the two high-res color displays. The latter features are how NI gets your eyeballs off the monitor. With deep DAW integration, this full-size MIDI keyboard can replicate portions of your DAW on the twin screens, allowing you to do tasks like mixing from within the keyboard. It also integrates with software via the included Komplete Kontrol application, which can run standalone or as a DAW plugin. This maps Native Instruments and participating third-party software instantly to the knobs, saving you the trouble of having to create MIDI maps to control things like filter cutoff.

Komplete Kontrol S88 is not cheap, but as a fully featured MIDI controller with a piano-like keyboard, it’s just begging to be the centerpiece of your home studio. For musicians who like the functionality but don’t need all the keys, look to the Komplete Kontrol S49 or Kontrol S61 for the same extras without the extra octaves.

Best for beginners: Akai Pro MPK mini mk3

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Why it made the cut: Keys, pads, knobs, and even a free bundled DAW—what more could a beginner want?

Specs

• Keys: 25 mini keys
• Connectivity: USB 2.0, sustain pedal input
• Compatibility: Mac/PC

Pros

• 8 pads straight from the MPC line
• Lightweight and portable
• Includes free MPC Beats DAW

Cons

• Mini keys could be better

Want to make beats but don’t know where to begin? As long as you have a computer, Akai Pro’s MPK mini mk3 can provide a solid and affordable entry point into the world of music production.

For those not in the know, Akai Pro is the company behind the MPC line of hardware samplers, a series of grooveboxes that laid down the blueprint for hip-hop and other genres of music. What does this have to do with a MIDI keyboard? The MPK mini mk3 (the best-selling MIDI keyboard in the world, according to Akai Pro) borrows some of that MPC hardware magic and pairs it with MPC Beats, the DAW version of the music-making operating system inside the machines. For around $100, you’re making music with the best of them.

Think of the MPK mini mk3 as an all-in-one MIDI controller. It’s got 25 mini keys, eight drum pads taken straight from the MPC with both channel and polyphonic aftertouch for complete timbre control (unheard of at this price point), eight endless encoders for controlling software instrument parameters, a mappable X-Y joystick, an arpeggiator, and even an OLED screen for visual feedback. It’s light enough to take on the go and solid enough to not slip around your studio when you bang out drum beats.

While the action on the keys could be better, for this price you’re getting a lot of controller for not much money. It’s hard to not recommend it more strongly for many, not just as the best beginner MIDI keyboard.

Best weighted keyboard: M-Audio Hammer 88

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Why it made the cut: Grand piano action for around $500.

Specs

• Keys: 88 full-size weighted keys
• Connectivity: USB 2.0, MIDI out, 3 pedal ports
• Compatibility: Mac/PC

Pros

• Gorgeous weighted piano feel
• Affordable price
• Music rest

Cons

• Lacks additional controls

There are music producers, and then there are musicians. While those in the former category want all manner of control with their MIDI keyboard, the latter really care about just one thing: the keys. If you’re primarily a keyboardist and your means of expression is your instrument, you want a MIDI keyboard that will provide a piano-like experience. You want M-Audio’s Hammer 88.

A well-made keyboard with a minimal aesthetic, Hammer 88 offers seven octaves of velocity-sensitive and weighted keys. They have a substantial, almost acoustic feel to them and piano players will take to them instantly. Part of the piano experience is using the pedals, so Hammer 88 provides three pedal ports: one each for sustain, soft, and expression. There’s even a music rest included.

While M-Audio’s keyboard doesn’t offer a lot in terms of hands-on control—no arrays of encoders or sliders here—it does make concessions to modern synth players, with pitch and modulation wheels, as well as two basic selection buttons. A bundled application allows users to set up splits and other configurations.

At only around $500, M-Audio’s Hammer 88 is a striking bargain. And, if you really find yourself needing drum pads, M-Audio makes one with additional controls. Players, do seek this one out.

Best small keyboard: Arturia KeyStep Pro

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Why it made the cut: A plethora of control options elevate this Swiss army knife of a MIDI keyboard.

Specs

• Keys: 37 slim keys
• Connectivity: 4 x CV/gate/modulation output sets, 8 drum gate outputs, 1 MIDI in, 2 MIDI outs, USB, clock synchronization in/out, metronome line out, sustain port
• Compatibility: Mac/PC

Pros

• 4 sequencer lanes
• Analog and digital drum triggering
• DAW control mode

Cons

• White color may turn some off

Most of the MIDI keyboards on this list are designed to work in tandem with computers. Yet there’s a growing movement of musicians breaking away from the screen and going DAWless. This includes modular synthesizer users, for whom experimentation, free from the rigid structure of a computer-based sequencer, is key. If this sounds like you, you need Arturia’s Keystep Pro.

A 37-key controller, the Keystep Pro combines sequencing and MIDI note triggering into one device. It has four sequencer lanes with one doubling as a drum programmer. Sequencing here goes beyond just note on/off, but also includes gate length, note offset, velocity, and more. Think of it as a box of tools to experiment with notes and patterns. The Keysetp Pro can transmit control information via MIDI over USB or five-pin DIN MIDI cable, or through control voltages—the language of modular and vintage synths. Of course, Arturia’s MIDI keyboard can also work with a DAW, with a customizable controller mode for mapping to soft synths and other applications.

Because it does so much, the Keystep Pro is a little pricey for a MIDI keyboard with mini keys. Should you want something similarly unconventional but with a friendlier price tag, Roli’s Lumi Keys and Keith McMillen’s QuNexus Red are inspiring alternatives.

Best for Ableton: Novation Launchkey MK III 61

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Why it made the cut: It’s the most, well, able-bodied controller for everything the Ableton power user needs.

Specs

• Keys: 61 full-size keys
• Connectivity: USB, MIDI out, sustain pedal port
• Compatibility: Mac/PC

Pros

• Effortless Ableton integration
• Plenty of knobs, sliders, and buttons
• Excellent price

Cons

• Non-Ableton users may feel left out

Despite what some may argue, all DAWs are not the same. Sure, they’ll all get you to the same place—a (hopefully) finished song—but the way they transport you there can often be very different. A case in point is Ableton Live. With its two views and focus on clips and live performance, it does things very differently than, say, ProTools. Wouldn’t it make sense to have a MIDI keyboard that was made just for Ableton?

Novation has been making Ableton-focused MIDI keyboards and controllers for almost a decade now and the Launchkey MK III series is the culmination of this experience, with 25-, 37-, 49-, and 61-key models available. The flagship model, the MK III 61, is our pick for the best MIDI keyboard for Ableton.

As you’d expect, the Launchkey MK III 61 integrates fluidly with Live, so much so that using the controller becomes second nature. Clip launching, view changing, recording, even mixing can all be handled right from the keyboard, with the plethora of knobs and sliders making this easy to do. It has a host of additional, non-DAW functionality as well, with scale and chord modes and a deep arpeggiator to aid in your creativity. The full-size keys feel nice as well, particularly for the price point, which is shockingly low for a device like this.

While it does work with other DAWs like Logic Pro X, it’s not as slickly integrated. But if you’re an Ableton power user, Novation’s Launchkey MK III 61 is practically a requirement. (FL Studio producers, check out Novation’s FLkey 37, the world’s only dedicated FL Studio MIDI keyboard.)

Best budget: Nektar SE25

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Why it made the cut: It’s lightweight, eminently usable, and so cheap it’s practically an impulse purchase.

Specs

• Keys: 25 mini keys
• Connectivity: Mini USB
• Compatibility: Mac/PC/iOS

Pros

• Very cheap
• Extremely lightweight
• Useful functionality

Cons

• No knobs or sliders

Not everyone needs an all-singing, all-dancing MIDI keyboard. Sometimes, a small budget keyboard fits the bill perfectly. Whether that’s because you’re working with limited studio space or you want to take your music production on the road, tiny is sometimes just fine. Tiny and cheap is even better, and tiny, cheap, and quality is the budget musician’s trifecta.

MIDI controller company Nektar offers a range of controllers. Still, we’re particularly smitten with the SE25, a two-octave MIDI keyboard that manages to be just about everything you need in not a lot of space—and for an attractive price. At only 33.5cm x 10cm x 2.1cm, it’s not much bigger than the 25-key MIDI controller itself. This makes it perfect for plopping down on a desk with a laptop and getting to work. It’s also astonishingly lightweight, with its 400 grams and bus power making it a no-brainer for on-the-go production.

While it doesn’t have any knobs or sliders (there’s no room!), it does have six buttons that, when pressed in certain combinations, give you access to a surprisingly large amount of control, from MIDI channel changes and note harmonizations to basic DAW integration.

This all adds up to a budget MIDI keyboard that is worth a look—and a play.

What to consider when buying the best MIDI keyboards

Because of the wide variety of models on the market, all with different feature sets, it’s best to first decide how you plan to use your MIDI keyboard. This will largely depend on your playing style, as well as possibly genre. A lo-fi hip-hop producer will have very different needs than a concert pianist, for example. 

First, consider the keys. How many do you need? A full piano keyboard has 88 keys (key count can also be expressed in the number of octaves). Keys come in different sizes too, from full-size down to mini. There’s also key weight. Weighted keys will give you more of a piano feel—necessary for a jazz pianist, not so much for an EDM producer. 

Next, decide how many knobs and sliders you need. Many MIDI keyboards can double as studio control centers, with knobs mapped to your DAW or soft synths. You may want trigger pads, either for finger drumming or launching clips in a DAW like Ableton Live. Connectivity should also be on your list. Basic MIDI keyboards will have a single USB connector, while more complex ones could have DIN MIDI ports, CV/gate, or jacks for expression pedals. Most will be PC or Mac-ready, but some may also work with an iOS device.

Is portability important? A MIDI keyboard that can function on the go will have a different feature set than one meant to hold down the studio fort. Finally, your budget will determine how far from basic you can get. An 88-key keyboard with knobs, sliders, and plenty of connectivity could cost as much as a new synthesizer—or more!

What is a MIDI keyboard?

It can be helpful to define just what a MIDI keyboard is. Think of a MIDI keyboard as a silent synthesizer. It has piano-type keys and possibly other controls, but it doesn’t produce sound on its own. It interfaces with a computer, device, or another electronic instrument via MIDI and allows the user to play the destination instrument’s sounds remotely. Additional controls like knobs or sliders send control information to the instrument at the other end. This is useful for changing the timbre of a sound, such as opening and closing a low-pass filter, or for adjusting the volume on a virtual mixer. Additional controls can include transport buttons for starting and stopping playback on a DAW, sequencers for generating musical passages independent of a DAW, and buttons for triggering drums or other samples. MIDI keyboards can be as complex and full-featured as you need them to be, or, conversely, as simple.

Do I really need a MIDI keyboard?

While a MIDI keyboard can certainly aid in music composition, it isn’t strictly necessary. Most DAWs will allow you to trigger notes via a QWERTY keyboard. You can also draw them directly into the MIDI sequencer section of your DAW, which might even be the preferred method of note input for some producers. But for many—and especially for pianists playing classical or jazz music—this is nothing but cumbersome and frustrating. The piano keyboard hasn’t changed much in function in hundreds of years, and there’s a reason for that. It’s an effective way to get musical ideas from your head, through your fingers, and out into the world. You might be able to get by without a MIDI keyboard but it’s certainly a whole lot more fun with one.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best MIDI keyboards

• Best overall: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88
• Best for beginners: Akai Pro MPK mini mk3
• Best weighted keyboard: M-Audio Hammer 88
• Best small keyboard: Arturia KeyStep Pro
• Best for Ableton: Novation Launchkey MK III 61
• Best budget: Nektar SE25

While we’ve focused on things like budget, performance, and options in this list, any instrument or device in your studio should contribute to the ultimate goal of making music. So, beyond everything else, you should go with the MIDI keyboard that is most creatively inspiring to you. Whether that means flashy colors, a minimal aesthetic, or one that has every bell and whistle imaginable depends entirely on your circumstances. Your MIDI keyboard will be the musical conduit that connects your imagination to reality. Make sure that it fulfills that function, too.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best MIDI keyboards in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Anker makes some of the most underrated headphones on the market. Right now, they’re up to 50 percent off during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. This includes over-the-ear and earbud models, so you can jam out however you want with enough cash left over to buy bootleg band shirts in the parking lot at your next show. The sale goes until March 25, but the prices only last until they sell out, so don’t dilly-dally.

Soundcore by Anker Space A40 Auto-Adjustable Active Noise Canceling Wireless Earbuds $49 (was $99)

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Find another pair of decent wireless earbuds for $50. Even if you can, they probably don’t have the active noise-cancelling functionality you’ll get from Anker’s Soundcore A40s. The buds hold up to 10 hours of charge, and the case brings that total playtime up to 50 hours before they need a sip of electricity from the charger. They also sound surprisingly excellent. Even if you’re just getting a backup pair for when you lose your AirPods, this is a great deal.

In addition to the black model listed above, they’re also available in blue and white to match your vibe.

Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones $55.99 (was $79.99)

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These over-the-ear headphones also have active noise-cancelling that’s augmented by the sound-isolating ear cups. $50 is a low price to pay to drown out a crying baby or a person playing a phone game with the volume turned up on a plane/train/automobile. Large drivers provide an impressively big sound, and the battery provides up to 40 hours of playback with noise-cancelling turned on and 60 hours with it turned off. You can basically charge them once a week if you want. We ranked these the best cheap noise-cancelling headphones for commuting in our buying guide just for that reason.

More Anker Soundcore headphone and earbud deals:

• Space One Active Noise Cancelling Headphones by Anker $79 (was $99)
• Soundcore by Anker, Space One, Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Light Blue $79 (was $99)
• Soundcore by Anker, Space One, Active Noise Cancelling Headphones White $79 (was $99)
• Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones Pink $55 (was $85)
• Soundcore Anker Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones, Blue $55 (was $85)
• Soundcore Anker Space Q45 Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Black $99 (was $149)
• Soundcore Q45 Noise Cancelling Headphones – 50H Playtime, LDAC Hi-Res Audio Blue $99 (was $149)
• Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones $99 (was $149)
• Soundcore Anker Life P2 Mini True Wireless Bluetooth 5.2 Earbuds Headphones, Black $23 (was $39)
• Soundcore by Anker AeroFit Pro Open-Ear Headphones $129 (was $169)

The post Amazon’s Big Spring Sale drops Anker Soundcare headphones and earbuds below Black Friday prices appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		beyerdynamic DT 1990		SEE IT	Big, bright, sound that feels like listening to studio monitors.
Best for DJs		Sony MDR-7506		SEE IT	Thirty years in, these popular workhorses count many DJs among their greatest fans.
Best audiophile		Sennheiser HD 800 S		SEE IT	Unsurpassed precision and performance when money’s no object.

Whether you’re a professional audio engineer or a weekend warrior, chances are, you have headphones in heavy rotation. Headphones for mixing provide a reliable audio reference in chaotic sound environments. They’ll help you focus on the fine details, and they’ll never disturb the neighbors. At the same time, with so many designs and styles out there, honing in on the perfect pair can feel daunting … but less so if you take advantage of our hand-picked selections.

• Best overall: beyerdynamic DT 1990
• Best for overdubs: Yamaha YH-WL500 Wireless Musical Instrument Headphones
• Best for EQing vocals: Audeze MM-500
• Best for spatial audio: Sony MDR-MV1
• Best wireless: AKG K371-BT
• Best audiophile: Sennheiser HD 800 S
• Best for DJs: Sony MDR-7506
• Best in-ear monitors: Etymotic ER4XR
• Best budget: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
• Also worth considering: OneOdio Monitor 80

How we chose the best mixing headphones

When you’re mixing, it doesn’t matter if you recorded with the world’s most gorgeous microphones and dazzling special effects, if you straddled up to your Shure SM7B to put on your best NPR podcasting voice, if you aren’t able to hear a true sonic representation of your tracks. This is where professional mixing headphones differ from their consumer cousins. Consumer cans are designed for an enjoyable listening experience, so they tend to have a sonic profile emphasizing big bass and extra-shimmery highs. But this is the sonic equivalent of an Instagram filter: You may perceive that your music has too much bass, for example, but that’s really the headphones talking. So maybe you dial that bass down, but then you play your new mix on another system, and suddenly it sounds thin and weak. That’s why we’ve combined the production and personal audio experience of multiple PopSci writers and editors to select only professional mixing headphones, which are all about presenting an honest, accurate translation of your mix—even if it isn’t pretty.

The best mixing headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

Ideal mixing headphones will unveil new sonic detail and reconnect you with music as it was intended to sound—whether that’s what’s coming directly from your digital audio workstation, through a top-tier digital audio player, or off your favorite playlists. Like studio monitors, headphones are highly personal, so here are some of the best mixing headphones for various scenarios.

Best overall: beyerdynamic DT 1990

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Specs

• Style: Over-ear/open-back
• Drivers: 45mm Tesla neodymium dynamic
• Frequency response: 5 Hz–40 kHz
• Weight: 370 grams
• Impedance: 250 ohms

Pros

• Wide imaging and airy soundstage
• Swappable earpads tailor sonic profile
• Flawless build quality

Cons

• Some find fit uncomfortable
• More power-hungry than some other options

Professional audio engineers will tell you that open-back headphones provide the best approximation of studio monitors, with their airy, open feel and wide, natural imaging. As the best mixing headphones for studio purists, these qualities are central to the design and performance of DT 1990 studio headphones from German manufacturer beyerdynamic, which has been handcrafting headphones since 1937. With the DT 1990s, beyer has funneled all those decades of engineering expertise into highly efficient, rich, but accurate 45mm Tesla neodymium drivers designed to deliver high-resolution sound with powerful lows, detailed mids, and smooth highs. Titanium-coated acoustic fabric and precision-woven textiles help round off the DT 1990’s balanced sound quality. You’ll be giving off Death Star vibes in these sleek, black cans with big perforated earcups. But all that metal remains comfortable because of the two sets of interchangeable earpads, which let you choose between sonic profiles with a neutral frequency response or a slight bass boost.

At $559 (and maybe an amp to fully realize the 250-ohm design’s potential), DT 1990s will make a dent in your gear fund, but beyer softens the blow by throwing in tons of accessories, including the earpads, straight and coiled cables, hard case, and a cleaning solution and pad. Plus, you’ll make it back when you mix a hit banger. Bonus: The qualities that make the DT 1990s great for mixing—detailed imaging and crisp transients, for example—also make them great for gaming and in-game sound design, giving an immersive experience and maybe even a competitive edge. And, if you need a more affordable, less power-hungry option, beyer offers its PRO X line, which is less demanding while still highly capable.

Best for overdubs: Yamaha YH-WL500 Wireless Musical Instrument Headphones

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Specs

• Style: Semi-open-back/over-ear wireless
• Drivers: 40mm dynamic
• Frequency response: 20 Hz-20kHz
• Weight: 0.69 lbs
• IP rating: N/A
• Battery life: 9 hours

Pros

• Low-latency wireless monitoring at 4 milliseconds
• Sound and design tuned specifically for musical performance
• Listen simultaneously via Bluetooth and wireless transmitter

Cons

• Semi-open design isn’t ideal for listening in public
• Headphones aren’t sold without transmitter
• No built-in mic

Until recently, musicians have had scant options for wireless monitoring in studio and practice spaces due to latency and reliability issues. The new Yamaha YH-WL500 aims to shake up this paradigm, offering sound quality and connection stability that can go head-to-head with any wired pair of headphones in a studio setting. A dual-unit set that includes a headset and a dock, the YH-WL500 is built to connect to your guitar, keyboard, or other live audio sources and send it directly to your ears with a nearly imperceptible latency of just 4 milliseconds. This makes these headphones a great option for practicing before a take and also looping into a music production setup for cordless, latency-free monitoring of recording sessions.

The Yamaha YH-WL500’s charging dock is a latency-free wireless transmitter that accepts any 3.5mm stereo audio input. Using this input, users can simultaneously cast audio to the headset via Bluetooth and play along via the transmitter, making this a great option for practicing at home. The headset can also operate independently from the dock in Bluetooth mode; however, its lack of a built-in microphone and its airy open-back design make it less suitable for everyday commuter and office use. One interesting feature is the ability to pair multiple pairs of YH-WL500 headphones to the same transmitter dock. While this has great implications for use in group performance scenarios, the headphones are unfortunately not sold without the dock currently.

Best for EQing vocals: Audeze MM-500

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Why it made the cut: The Audeze MM-500 is custom-tuned by a renowned audio engineer, and it shows. These headphones are comfy, balanced, and revealing. 

Specs

• Style: Open-back/over-ear
• Drivers: Planar-magnetic
• Frequency response: 5Hz-50kH
• Weight: 1.09 lbs
• Impedance: 18 ohms
• Sensitivity: 100dB

Pros

• Balanced, midrange-focused tuning that doesn’t color the mix
• Comfortable to wear over extended listening sessions
• Detail-rich with clear layering

Cons

• Soundstage isn’t very big

Crafted with the help of Grammy-winning audio engineer Manny Marroquin (and emblazoned with his initials beneath the headband), these headphones are designed with an exceptionally clear upper midrange, as that’s the frequency range where the hardest work to avoid mix congestion must be done. This makes the headphones perfectly suited for modern music with rich vocals and energetic instrumentation—able to handle tactile tones and busy articulation while maintaining a naturalistic presentation that never masks the rest of the spectrum.

These headphones are revealing. Though the soundstage isn’t very big, a lack of exaggeration is a positive and they offer a very detailed listening experience with outstanding layering between tracks. Everything is well-defined, crisp without being sharp. As you playback takes, you’ll hear exactly how they fit together without any of the messiness or veiling of lesser headphones. Their natural timbre combined with the ultra-thin planar-magnetic drivers’ resolution and response makes these a secret weapon when it comes to (de)constructing the mix. 

The other high point they bring to the table is their exceptional comfort. While sitting slightly tighter around the ears than several of Audeze’s classic audiophile-oriented headphones (like the popular LCD-2 Classic), their headband distributes their weight well so that, despite the rock-solid aluminum and steel build, they can be worn for hours without soreness (as one might do in a mix session). (Interested in a taste of the tone at a more approachable price? The Audeze MM-100, an introductory headphone in the studio line, is only $399.) — Chris Coke

Best for spatial audio: Sony MDR-MV1

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Specs

• Style: Semi-open-back/over-ear wireless
• Drivers: 40mm dynamic
• Frequency response: 5Hz-80,000Hz
• Weight: 223 grams

Pros

• Outstanding comfort and build quality
• Detail rich and atmospheric listening experience
• Well balanced for mixing with enough “oomph” in the bass for realistic monitoring
• Exceptionally wide frequency response

Cons

• Its improvements come at a significantly higher price
• No storage case to keep them safe between sessions

There are a lot of things to appreciate about the Sony MDR-MV1, and build quality is foremost among them—which you would hope to be true in a $399 headphone. It has an airy fit that first makes you question how well-built it could be and then appreciate it all the more. At only 223 grams, it’s one of the lightest professional monitoring headphones you can buy and comes in around 40% lighter than the venerable DT-1990s and less than half that of the Audeze’s MIAU MIAU!-500. What makes its light mass so remarkable is that Sony has incorporated a plentiful amount of aluminum reinforcement into its design rather than the pure plastic of the MDR-7506—a headphone that is heavier than the MV1.

Internally, the headphones use specially designed low-distortion 40mm dynamic drivers with custom-shaped and corrugated diaphragms to deliver their sonic experience. With an ultra-wide frequency response, they can accurately reproduce the entire range of human hearing (and beyond) with exceptional clarity and low distortion. The open-back design of the headphones naturally reduces reflections within the housings that might otherwise impact dynamics (and requires you to use them in a controlled, low-noise environment), but Sony has also added acoustic dampeners throughout the structure to silence them further. This creates a directionality to the flow of soundwaves from the back of the headset, improving its spatial accuracy. The resulting response is balanced but not neutral to the point of anemic. It’s energetic but not sharp, spacious but not extravagant. It’s a headphone designed for accurate monitoring and reproducible results and delivers on that promise. Accuracy, in this case, doesn’t mean a completely flat frequency curve—something we discovered and described more in our in-depth review—but it does mean a balanced and revealing one with delightful body.

The spatial presentation, in particular, is exceptionally well-balanced. These headphones deliver separation between the instruments needed to carve frequencies and ensure imaging. There’s a depth to the listening experience, an easy perceptibility of layer upon layer, coming together to create a track. Each is discernible with even casual listening. If something is off, you’ll hear it in an instant. Imaging is also excellent with excellent directional cues and clear panning between each channel. All of this is important because these headphones have been designed in conjunction with Sony’s 360 Virtual Mixing Environment (360VME) service with more than stereo mixing in mind. Spatial audio is on the rise across the headphone industry (delivered via Dolby Atmos by Apple and as “360 Reality Audio” on Sony products), and being able to mix for spatial dynamics accurately is more important than ever. The Sony MDR-MV1 offers the exceptional clarity, comfort, and spatial awareness needed to make your mixes shine … or smolder or soar, whatever vibe you’re going for. — Chris Coke

Best wireless: AKG K371-BT

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The K371-BTs are mid-level professional studio headphones from AKG, the 75-year old Austrian company behind the iconic studio microphones used to record many of your favorite songs. These over-ear, closed-back cans are designed to marry pro performance with Bluetooth convenience, featuring beefy 50mm drivers and pure oxygen-coated voice coils for clear, balanced sound, with an extended frequency response of 5Hz to 40kHz. You’ll hear every detail you need to make informed mix decisions, from the deepest lows to the most sparkling highs, and their memory foam earcups’ sound-isolating qualities let you hear without distractions. K371-BTs ($179) also bring the advantages of Bluetooth 5.0, like extended range and long battery life, but curiously, don’t support the aptX codec, only AAC and SBC, which means limited higher bitrate streaming capability. But this is a minor issue, given that Bluetooth features are meant to be mere conveniences and while they’re good to test how an average Spotify user might hear a track, professionals should be plugging in to listen critically to full-bandwidth audio. And if you’re as busy booking the next session as you are sculpting frequencies, a built-in microphone allows two-way Bluetooth communications; earcup gestures control answering calls, adjusting volume, and playing and pausing music. (If Bluetooth doesn’t matter to you, these AKG headphones are available in a non-Bluetooth variant.) The K371s are designed for mobile lifestyles: Wire-free operation lasts 40 hours; earcups swivel 90 degrees, and metal-reinforced hinges add brawn to a somewhat slight headband design. Three mini-XLR to 3.5mm cables are included.

Best audiophile: Sennheiser HD 800 S

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When Sennheiser introduced its flagship HD 800 over-ear, open-back headphones more than a decade ago, they became instant icons in both the pro audio and audiophile worlds, thanks to their richly detailed, natural response and open, neutral presentation. Like the originals, the newer HD 800 S headphones are hand-assembled in Germany. They’re based on Sennheiser’s 56mm, D-shaped Ring Radiator, which Sennheiser claims is the largest driver ever used in a dynamic headphone, and incorporate resonators that smooth out subtle resonances and peaks. That may sound like a lot of bulk, but these airy headphones weigh just 330 grams, making for effortless long wear. They also sport an improved yoke and a sexy matte-black finish. But back to the sound … you’ll be stunned by the detail you unveil when you hear your go-to reference tracks spread out across the headphones’ 4-51,000Hz frequency response. Their accuracy, transparency, and openness rival that of the most balanced studio monitors, whether you’re doing highly technical critical listening or just enjoying your favorite music. If you have $1,600 to spend on top-of-the-line headphones, these are widely, wisely considered the best in the game when it comes to an analytical approach to personal audio. They even come with a certificate of authenticity.  

Best for DJs: Sony MDR-7506

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Sony MDR-7506 headphones, the best mixing headphones for DJs celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2021. These enduring, lightweight, foldable headphones can be found everywhere professional audio engineers work: in music studios, on broadcast stages, on location. While the $99 MDR-7506s are officially studio headphones, DJs love them for the same reasons that engineers do. They deliver bright, crisp, neutral sound, they offer superior isolation with minimal leakage, and they’re built like a tank. Their all-black, straightforward design is more utilitarian-looking than other models, but what they lack in swagger they make up for in performance features that appeal to DJs. These over-ear, closed-back headphones offer well-balanced sonic clarity that cuts through club noise. Their high sensitivity means they’re easy to drive loud and their 40mm drivers deliver low-frequency extension to 10Hz, which translates to defined bass, no matter how low you go. The MDR-7506’s well-padded, close-fitting earcups swivel, and a beefy 3-meter coiled cable may be cumbersome for commuting but allows plenty of free movement onstage. As longtime users can attest, however, the vinyl earpads are notorious for wearing out quickly, which has led to a robust market for replacement options.

Best in-ear monitors: Etymotic ER4XR

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In the right situations, IEMs, or in-ear monitors, are perfect studio headphones despite not being technically headphones at all. Because they sit in your ear canal and block out external sound, they take a bad-sounding mixing environment right out of the equation, giving you a consistent reference anywhere you work. And thanks to their size, they’re perfect if you like to work everywhere. On top of packing light, IEMs let you monitor at lower volumes, so you’ll have less ear fatigue during marathon sessions. 

There’s a lot of market pressure to deliver “big bass sound” in in-ears; in response, Etymotic’s ER4XR IEMs ($197) depart from the company’s traditional uber-analytical frequency profiles by slightly nudging bass presence to add a bit of warmth. While this may make them a little less flat than others in the bunch, they’re still more accurate than most IEMs in their class, and they’re pleasing to listen to, whether for studio material or as stage monitors. IEMs need a perfect fit to provide long-term listening comfort, great isolation, and full-bandwidth sound. The ER4XRs come with a range of tip styles and sizes, but to ensure a good seal, you must insert long triple-flange silicone tips pretty deep into your ear canal, which can feel disconcerting at first. However, once you dial in that perfect fit, you’ll experience an impressive 42dB of isolation. If you love the precision, isolation, and versatility of IEMs but even slightly elevated bass isn’t your jam, check out Etymotic’s ER4SR IEMs, which offer the same performance and features as the ER4XR without the enhanced low-end tuning.

Perhaps you’re a professional live-sound engineer, and you’re looking for something suited for the rigors and requirements of full-spectrum performances. If you’ve got the budget for something that can deliver reliable, adjustable results, consider the Ultimate Ears Premier, a top-tier EQ-friendly $2,999 IEM that can be customized to match your aesthetic and sonic style(s). These earphones use an astounding 21 balanced armatures per ear, with a five-way passive crossover, to deliver their sound. The Premier’s bottomless well of headroom allows is for the monitor engineer to carve a curve tailored to each musician, isolate a band within the band. If you need to sync to sequencing or track trailing notes, the UE Premier offers percussive snap and effortless transients, definition and directional cues. And, made entirely of 3D-printed acrylic, these IEMs offer isolation, clarity, and a locked fit on stage, plus an IPX67 (waterproof) connection system and SuperBAX cable for long-term durability (and things get sweaty under the stage lights).

Best budget: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

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If you’re a bass lover looking for the best mixing headphones, Audio-Technica’s wildly popular ATH-M20x mixing headphones deliver the goods. These versatile, all-purpose studio headphones feature 40mm neodymium drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils tuned for deeper bass performance. They weigh just 190 grams, making them comfortable (if a bit warm) over long sessions. Their over-ear, closed-back design provides great isolation for tracking or mixing in loud environments and, at just $49, they’re affordable enough to stock up for everyone in the studio. Plus, they’ll let you test just how much air your track can push. If you’re looking for a few more bells and whistles, try the ATH-M50x ($149), pro studio faves that offer larger drivers and wider frequency response, and come in wired and wireless versions.