Best Wireless Earphones For Travelling

Final ZE8000 MK2 – ANC TWS Earphones £199.00

Final’s flagship TWS earphones are the perfect travel companion, blending striking aesthetics with top-tier performance. Their sound quality rivals the best wired earphones. While modern features like a user-friendly app and excellent wireless functionality ensure a seamless experience, especially useful for when on the go. The unique earbud design offers exceptional comfort, making them ideal for long journeys and their robust feature set guarantees that it will be a reliable and enjoyable journey.

Cleer Audio Arc 3 – £229.00

The Cleer Arc 3 open-ear earbuds are an excellent choice for travelling and those with active lifestyles. With Dolby Atmos optimization, they deliver an immersive audio experience while their open-ear design ensures you are always aware of your surroundings, especially useful in busy enviroments. Providing a secure fit, 10-hour battery life, and a smart charging case with a touchscreen and mirror, the Arc 3 is both a practical and stylish Audio travel companion.

1MORE Aero ANC TWS Earphones – £70.00

The 1More Aero is an excellent choice for those with an on-the-go lifestyle, combining convenience with top-tier features. Its comfortable fit and compact design make it easy to wear for long hours during travel, while the effective ANC ensures a peaceful listening experience even in noisy environments. The head-tracked spatial audio adds a premium, immersive touch to movies and music, typically only found in higher-end models. With great sound quality, reliable battery life, and intuitive controls, the Aero is a versatile bit of kit suited for ones travels.

Best Headphones For Travelling

1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51– £89.99

The SonoFlow HQ51 is a top pick for travelers, offering 70 to 100-hour battery life and advanced Active Noise Cancellation to block out distractions on long trips. With Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity and 12 customizable EQ modes, it delivers immersive, tailored sound. Lightweight and comfortable, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to pricier brands, perfect for music on the move.

Final UX3000 ANC Wireless Headphones – £119

The Final Audio UX3000 is an excellent device to take with you on holiday. Offering smooth sound quality, effective ANC (which can also be used on it’s own without the need to be powered on), and modern Bluetooth codecs for a seamless listening experience. Its solid build, the fact that it can be folded and fit into the included carrying bag ensure durability on the go without taking up too much space. While the fantastic mic quality makes it a good one for calls. At under £120, this headphone delivers a premium for good value. Perfect for portable use.

SoundMAGIC P23BT Portable Wireless Headphones – £49.99

The SoundMAGIC P23BT is an excellent travel-friendly headphone, combining lightweight comfort with impressive battery life for all-day listening. Its full, warm sound delivers an enjoyable audio experience without overpowering bass, making it versatile for music and calls. With a detachable boom mic for enhanced call clarity while at your desk, plus simple controls, the P23BT is a bargain for wireless on-ear headphones that fit seamlessly into your on-the-go lifestyle.

WATCH VIDEO: SoundMAGIC P23BT Wireless On Ear Headphone Review

Best Portable DAC/Amps for Travelling

iFi Audio GO Link MAX – £79.00

The iFi Go Link Max is a fantastic travel accessory, offering premium audio performance in a compact, portable design. With support for high-resolution formats and powerful amplification, it upgrades your listening experience on the go, whether you’re using wired headphones or IEMs. Its durable build, lightweight form, and plug-and-play functionality make it perfect for seamless use with your smartphone or laptop during travel.

iFi Audio hip-dac 3– £199.00

The iFi Hip-DAC 3 is an excellent choice for those who are often on the go. It offers excellent power & provides premium sound quality in a portable, stylish design. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, while the powerful amplifier ensures your headphones deliver exceptional audio, especially on the go. With high-res audio support, long battery life, and versatile connectivity, it’s the perfect choice for enhancing your music during commutes, flights, or adventures.

iFi Audio GO blu– £199.00

The iFi GO blu is a must-have for audiophiles on the go, combining compact portability with impressive sound quality and versatile functionality. Its dual headphone outputs (3.5mm and 4.4mm) and DAC/amp capabilities make it a powerful companion for virtually any audio setup. Whether you’re commuting or traveling, its tiny form factor fits seamlessly into your luggage or gear pack, while delivering the punchy, high-quality audio you expect from iFi. An exceptional choice for those who value performance and convenience.

Best Reuseable Ear Protection for Travelling

Etymotic ER20 / ER20XS High Fidelity Earplugs– £19.99

The Etymotic ER20XS earplugs are a must-have for travelers, offering outstanding hearing protection while preserving sound clarity. Their compact, low-profile design fits comfortably and discreetly, making them ideal for flights, noisy environments, or even concerts abroad. With advanced sound attenuation, they reduce harmful noise levels without distorting speech or music, ensuring your ears stay protected without missing out on the experience.

Best Wired Headphone for Working/ Listening On The Move

Audeze MM-100 – £399.00

The Audeze MM-100 is perfect for studio engineers and music enjoyers who are often on the move. They offer studio-grade sound in a portable and durable design. Featuring Planar Magnetic drivers, it delivers precise, studio-quality audio with incredible detail and clarity, making it ideal for mixing, mastering, or casual listening. The sound is stunning, especially when paired with a quality setup and completely outperforms anything else in its price bracket at just £399. Lightweight and comfortable, the MM-100 ensures long sessions are a breeze and gives an immersive listening experience to anyone who put them over their ears. For professionals and music aficionados who need reliable, high-quality performance on the go, the MM-100 is a standout choice.

What is your favourite gear to take along while travelling? Let us know in the comments below.

For more buying tips, check out our best of guides here

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Headphones With The Best Battery Life

1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51 – £89.99

Combining 100 hours of battery life with advanced ANC and featuring all the modern bells and whistles expected in a wireless headphone, the SonoFlow HQ51 is a standout for it’s quality, longevity and price. It’s a great alternative to high-end models from Sony or Bose.

• Key Features: Advanced ANC, Bluetooth 5.4, and 12 EQ modes.
• Why It’s Great: Offers incredible versatility and sound quality at an unbeatable price.
• Why You Want It: Perfect for long journeys or extended listening sessions without recharging.
• Extra Detail: Comfortable enough for marathon use, thanks to its lightweight design and plush ear pads.
• Battery Life: 70-100 hours

Audeze Maxwell – £319.00 / £349.00

The Audeze Maxwell reigns as the ultimate gaming headset, combining uncompromising planar magnetic audio, ultra-low latency, an epic 80-hour battery life, and unmatched comfort for gamers and audiophiles alike. – Full Review

• Key Features: Class-leading wireless performance, ultra-low latency, and studio-grade sound.
• Why It’s Great: Engineered for gamers, the Maxwell offers unmatched audio clarity and robust build quality.
• Why You Want It: Take gaming audio to the next level with premium sound and durability for all-day sessions.
• Extra Detail: Customizable EQ presets. Includes advanced spatial audio for pinpoint sound accuracy, enhancing your competitive edge.
• Battery Life: 80 hours.

Cleer Audio Arc 3 – £229.00

The Cleer Arc 3 open-ear earbuds combine immersive Dolby Atmos sound, a secure fit, and a total 50-hour battery with its sleek touchscreen charging case. They are the perfect blend of style, safety, and practicality for those who want earphones to use on the go.

• Key Features: Open-ear design, Dolby Atmos optimization, secure fit for active lifestyles.
• Why It’s Great: The open-ear design lets you stay aware of your surroundings, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
• Why You Want It: Enjoy an immersive audio experience without sacrificing safety while on the move.
• Extra Detail: The innovative touch-screen charging case doubles as a mirror for convenience on the go.
• Battery Life: 10 hours – 50 hours with the charging case.

Final UX3000 ANC Wireless Headphones – £119

The Final Audio UX3000 delivers smooth sound, effective ANC that works even when powered off, seamless Bluetooth connectivity, foldable for easy transport/storage and has a 35 hour battery life. Paired with fantastic mic quality for calls it offers exceptional value all the way from Japan.

• Key Features: Effective ANC, carrying bag, and smooth, balanced sound.
• Why It’s Great: Delivers premium features at an accessible price, making it a standout in its category.
• Why You Want It: A perfect mix of comfort, portability, and high-quality sound for everyday use.
• Extra Detail: Comes with updated Bluetooth codecs for seamless connectivity.
• Battery Life: 35 hours.

SoundMAGIC P23BT Portable Wireless Headphones – £49.99

The SoundMAGIC P23BT is a lightweight, wireless on-ear headphone with impressive battery life of up to 60 hours, delivering warm, balanced sound and the versatility of a detachable boom mic for crystal-clear calls.

• Key Features: Foldable design, boom mic for calls, and warm, full sound signature.
• Why It’s Great: A budget-friendly choice that punches well above its weight in both audio and features.
• Why You Want It: Ideal for travel, these lightweight headphones are easy to pack and comfortable to wear.
• Extra Detail: The boom mic ensures crystal-clear communication for work or gaming on the go.
• Battery Life: 60 hours.

Best Portable Wireless DAC/AMP

iFi Audio GO blu– £199.00

An audiophile’s pocket companion, the iFi GO blu combines compact portability with impressive sound quality. This device allows you to make your wired in-ears or headphones “wireless” from the source device. With dual headphone outputs (3.5mm and 4.4mm), seamless Bluetooth connectivity and a 10-hour battery life, this little pocket rocket helps deliver high-performance audio on the go.

• Key Features: Hi-res audio support, Bluetooth 5.1, 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs.
• Why It’s Great: Combines portability with premium sound to elevate any headphones you pair with it.
• Why You Want It: Perfect for those who want powerful sound amplification in a pocket-sized device.
• Extra Detail: Features a balanced output for added clarity and depth in your audio.
• Battery Life: 8-10 hours.

With all these options, you’re bound to find the perfect product for your needs. Whether you prioritize battery life, sound quality, or comfort, each product in this guide offers a standout experience for those who take the plunge.

What is your favourite headphone with a long battery life? Let us know in the comments below.

For more buying tips, check out our best of guides here

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Audeze Maxwell – £319.00 / £349.00

The Audeze Maxwell is still the best gaming headset currently on the market, It offers uncompromising audio quality with its planar magnetic drivers, delivering deep bass and clear mids, all in a comfortable, wireless design. With ultra-low latency and an exceptional 80 hour battery life, it’s perfect for gamers and those seeking a pair of high-performance wireless headphones for immersive listening. – Full Review

1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51– £89.99

If earphones aren’t your thing, then the SonoFlow HQ51 makes a perfect upgrade choice under £100. With its extended 70 to 100-hour battery life, advanced ANC, The SonoFlow HQ51 also features an all new DLC 40mm dynamic driver. Comfortable to wear, it is equiped with Bluetooth 5.4 and has 12 EQ modes, it’s ideal for immersive listening at an affordable price. The SonoFlow is a great alternative challenger to the pricier options out there from Sony, Bose and Sennheiser.

iFi Audio GO Link MAX – £79.00

The all new iFi GO link Max delivers studio-quality sound with up to 241mW of output power—nearly five times that of a MacBook Pro—driving demanding headphones with ease. Compact, portable and versatile, it’s the perfect upgrade for immersive, high-fidelity audio anywhere. An upgrade over the original in every way, this is sure to be a big hit this Xmas (and a perfect size for a Christmas stocking too!).

Etymotic ER20 / ER20XS High Fidelity Earplugs– £19.99

The Etymotic ER20 range of earplugs are perfect for musicians and concertgoers, preserving clear music and speech while protecting your hearing. With a secure fit, attachable string and compact case they’re a reliable choice for any live event.

Cleer Audio Arc 3 – £229.00

The Cleer Arc 3 open-ear earbuds are the perfect running companion. They now deliver a fantastic sound with Dolby Atmos optimization for an immersive audio experience. Their secure fit means they will stay put, and the open sound means you can hear your surroundings while on the move. Also featuring a 10-hour battery life and an all smart charging case with a touch screen and a mirror, they’re perfect for life on the go.

64 Audio U4s-£1,099.00

The 64 Audio U4s delivers powerful sub-bass, clear mids, and sparkling highs, making it perfect for EDM out of the Box. The beauty of its hybrid design and the inclusion of various apex filters offer flexibility, letting you fine-tune them for a dynamic or neutral sound. A jack of all trades with an added kick.

Final A5000– £259.00

The Final A5000 IEM delivers exceptional sound quality with powerful, tight bass and stunning mids and highs, all at an affordable price of £259. A perfect choice for those looking to upgrade their gear without breaking the bank.

Etymotic MP9-15 Music-PRO High-Fidelity Electronic Earplugs – £340.00

If you’re a lifetime rock & roller, either on the stage or in the crowd then we have the perfect gift idea for you! These dynamic, electronic earplugs will keep your ears damage-free without forcing you to give up the natural quality of the music around you.

iFi Audio Zen DAC 3 – £229.00

The iFi Zen DAC 3 is the perfect Christmas gift for music lovers, offering incredible sound quality with its advanced Burr-Brown DAC for rich, detailed audio. Its sleek design and versatile connectivity make it ideal for upgrading any desktop or home audio setup.

Final ZE3000– £119.00

The Final ZE3000 are designed for ultimate sound quality and in that they succeed, They also look awesome and fit perfectly. What more could you ask for at £119? – Full Review

SoundMAGIC E11C Silver – £39.98

A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. We have found the E11C to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. It is a true bargain and certainly a very good IEM for everyday use. The mic and controls are an added bonus and making use of the included case as well as regular cleaning ensures that these earphones last well beyond their warranty. Perfection? Not quite. But at £40 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment. – Full Review

iFi Audio hip-dac 3– £199.00

The iFi Hip DAC 3 is an excellent choice of gift to those who are often on the go. It offers excellent power, versatile features, and seamless portability, making it a top choice for consumers at £199.00. With improvements over previous models, including the new IEMatch feature and USB-A connectivity, it set a new standard in portable DAC/amps.

Final VR500– £29.00

A perfect companion to all those virtual reality headsets that will be under the tree this year. The VR500 is a testament to Finals commitment of delivering premium sound at an unbeatable price. TheVR500 is not just an pair of earphones; they are a gateway into a new dimension of gaming audio.

GravaStar Mars Pro V2 Bluetooth Speaker– £199.00-£280.00

For those who love Sci-fi. A Bluetooth speaker with all the character of a sci-fi movie and the sound to match. This speaker is as much an art piece as it is a piece of tech, with unmatched build quality, portability, and style. It would look at home in any gamer’s space. You can even pair two together to create surround sound!

Audeze LCD-2 Classic – £799.00

The LCD-2 Classic are a well controlled, but ultimately warm sounding headphone. They offer up a fatigue free sound with good width and height. If you listen to electronic centred music, old school rap/hip-hop and smoother more acoustic music they are a joy to listen to. Full Review

iFi Audio Zen Blue 3– £299.00

The iFi ZEN Blue 3 is the perfect Christmas gift for music lovers, offering stunning wireless audio with lossless Bluetooth streaming and support for all major codecs. Its sleek design and versatile connectivity makes it a futureproof easy upgrade for any home audio setup.

Audeze LCD-5– £3,999.00

The Pinnacle of performance. This is a gift for someone who only wants the best of the best. Audeze’s new flagship planar magnetic headphone is a phenomenal piece of kit. It offers a brand new Audeze sound, way more than just a simple evolution from the LCD-4. With a natural yet almost reference style tuning they hit all the right marks. They are also lighter and significantly more comfortable than previous models. Full Review

SoundMAGIC E80D– £39.98

The E80D ideal gift for somebody who would like a pair SoundMAGIC earphones but has a modern smartphone without an audio jack. With its comfortable fit, impressive passive noise isolation, and rich, balanced sound, it’s perfect for enjoying music or podcasts for hours on end. Modernising SoundMAGIC’s iconic earphone design, The USB-C terminated E80D is a practical yet thoughtful choice for gifting this Christmas.

Audeze LCD-X– £1,149.00

If you want to give yourself or someone you know a birthday or Christmas present, you can safely consider surprising yourself/them with the Audeze LCD-X. The Audeze LCD-X is a real eye-catching headphone. For a retail price that seems crazy at first glance, the bottom line is that the price-performance ratio of this headphones is absolutely fantastic. Not only due to the impeccable manufacture, but also a robust construction, use of high-quality materials and wonderful, detailed sound Loved by Audiophiles and sound engineers alike. If you do take the plunge, A very, Merry Christmas is all but guaranteed.

Anything we have missed? Let us know what would be in your Christmas gift guide 2024 in the comments below!

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Best Headphone Amp 

iFi Audio iCAN Phantom – £3,749.00

The iCAN Phantom is the jack of all trades and the master of them all. It delivers unmatched versatility, combining top-tier solid-state and tube amplification with cutting-edge XSpace and XBass customization. It is also an Energizer. Pure end-game gear. Perfect for audiophiles, it powers any headphones with effortless precision and offers stunning sound.

Best Headphone DAC/Amp under £100

iFi Audio Go Link Max – £79.00

The all new iFi GO link Max delivers studio-quality sound with up to 241mW of output power—nearly five times that of a MacBook Pro—driving demanding headphones with ease. Compact, portable and versatile, it’s the perfect upgrade for immersive, high-fidelity audio anywhere. An upgrade over the original in every way, this is a must have for anyone who owns wired headphones.

Best Headphone Amp £100-£300

iFi audio Zen CAN 3 – £229.00

The iFi ZEN CAN 3 offers stellar sound and versatility, perfect for music, gaming, and movies. With excellent build quality and performance, it’s the standout entry-level amp and punches well above its selling price.

Best Headphone Amp £300-£1000

iFi Audio Neo iDSD 2 -£899.00

The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 is a versatile all-in-one home audio solution, offering improved performance, user-friendly features, and a powerful amplifier with IEMatch. It delivers a neutral, balanced sound that enhances any audio setup, making it perfect for those seeking high-quality sound without the need for extra equipment.

Best Wireless Headphones with ANC under £100

1More SonoFlow HQ50 – £89.99

The SonoFlow HQ50 is a fantastic product priced under £100. Boasting up to a 70-hour battery life, QuietMax ANC technology, a DLC 40mm driver and featuring 12 EQ modes, it delivers premium sound and comfort at a budget-friendly price—challenging pricier rivals like Sony and Bose.

Best True Wireless for Sound Quality

Final ZE8000 MK2- £199.00

The ZE8000 MK2 combines striking aesthetics with top-tier performance. They deliver sound quality that rivals the best wired earphones as well as providing all the modern features you’d expect from TWS earphones. The distinctive shape of the buds also provides insane levels of comfort and the app is a treat to use. The ZE8000 MK2 is a great overall package.

Best Wired Earphones under £50 

SoundMAGIC E11C Silver – £39.98

A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. We have found the E11C to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. It is a true bargain and certainly a very good IEM for everyday use. The mic and controls are an added bonus and making use of the included case as well as regular cleaning ensures that these earphones last well beyond their warranty. Perfection? Not quite. But at £40 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment. – Full Review

Best Wired Earphones £100-£300

Final A5000 – £259

The Final A5000 IEM delivers exceptional sound quality with powerful tight bass, stunning mids and highs, all at an affordable price of £259. A perfect choice for those looking for an upgrade within this price range.

Best Wired Headphones Under £100

SoundMAGIC HP151- £88.99

The SoundMAGIC HP151 offers exceptional clarity and precision, letting finer details in your music shine. Durable, comfortable, and priced just under £90, it’s a fantastic choice for those seeking great sound from a wired headphone without breaking the bank.

Best Wired Earphones £1000-£2000

64 Audio U6t- £1,299.00

For the price, 64 Audio have created a brilliant everyday earphone that allows great insight into the recording with superb clarity and detail retrieval, wrapped up in a smooth, coherent and easy to listen to sound. They are such an easy earphone to live with. Providing a comfortable fit and refined sound that many fail to match. This is proof that 64 Audio really do know what they are doing when it comes to sound. A superb model for the price.

Best Wired Earphones £2000+ 

64 Audio tia Fourte – £3,599.00

This model pushes the boundaries and shows what’s possible with only 4 drivers. This is a hybrid design with an intricate inner shell with chambers that help shape the sound. Nothing sounds overly boosted on the Fourte, but they do have a healthy dose of impact down low. The Fourte are very revealing and will throw up flaws in recordings, but the clarity in the midrange is truly astonishing. What’s even more impressive is how the top end just extends without rolling off at all.

Best Wired Studio Earphones 

Etymotic ER-4SR – £305.95

If you are looking for neutrality, the ER-4SR are the industry standard – they do not flatter you with a smooth sound or hide any mistakes in recordings, so not great for everyday listening but superb if you want to hear every detail.

Best Wireless Headphones

Audeze Maxwell- £319.00-£349.00

• The Audeze Maxwell the best gaming headset currently on the market, but it is also superb for listiening to music too. It offers uncompromising audio quality with its planar magnetic drivers, delivering deep bass and clear mids, all in a comfortable, wireless design. An exceptional 80 hour battery life, and the ability to create and store custom EQs for different genres, it’s perfect for those seeking a pair of high-performance wireless headphones for fully immersive listening. – Full Review

Best Headphones £100-£500

Audeze MM-100 – £399.00

The Audeze MM-100 can be driven by just about any source, making it ideal for on the go. It delivers stunning transparency and musicality, especially when paired with a quality setup, completely outperforming anything else in its price bracket at just £399. Perfect for audiophiles and studio use alike, it has unbeatable value.

Best Headphones £500-£1000

Audeze LCD-2 Classic – £799.00

The LCD-2 Classic are a well controlled, but ultimately warm sounding headphone. They offer up a fatigue free sound with good width and height. If you listen to electronic centred music, old school rap/hip-hop and smoother more acoustic music they are a joy to listen to. Full Review

Best Headphones £1000-£3000 

Final D8000 – £2,999.00

Instead of going for the usual neutral-ish sound signature of most high-end models, Final instead decided to make the D8000 enjoyable, with very punchy and dynamic bass and impressive clarity across the board, the D8000 stand out from the crowd.

Best Headphones £3000+

Audeze LCD-5 -£3,999.00

The Audeze LCD-5 is a masterpiece of audiophile engineering, delivering unmatched clarity, precision, and emotional depth to your music. Audeze’s Flagship LCD has a lightweight magnesium frame and the premium materials ensure long-lasting comfort, while the cutting-edge planar magnetic drivers reveal every nuance in your favorite tracks. For those seeking the pinnacle of sound reproduction and a transformative listening experience, the LCD-5 is still there, in a league of its own. Full Review

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iFi Audio Go Link Max – £79.00

The iFi GO link Max delivers studio-quality sound with up to 241mW of output power—nearly five times that of a MacBook Pro—driving demanding headphones with ease. Compact, portable and versatile, it’s the perfect upgrade for immersive, high-fidelity audio anywhere. An upgrade over the original in every way, this is a must have for anyone who owns wired headphones and wants to get the most out of them on the move.

Final VR500– £29.00

A perfect companion to all those virtual reality headsets that will be under the tree this year. The VR500 is a testament to Finals commitment of delivering premium sound at an unbeatable price. TheVR500 is not just an pair of earphones; they are a gateway into a new dimension of gaming audio.

1MORE Aero ANC TWS Earphones – £70.00

The 1MORE Aero offers a solid mix of great audio quality, effective ANC, and a comfortable fit for an exceptional price. The Aero stands out by bringing the premium head-tracked spatial audio to the table—something usually only found in much pricier models. If immersive audio for movies and TV is your thing, the Aero is a fantastic value choice.

SoundMAGIC E11C Silver – £39.98

A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. We have found the E11C to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. It is a true bargain and certainly a very good IEM for everyday use. The mic and controls are an added bonus and making use of the included case as well as regular cleaning ensures that these earphones last well beyond their warranty. At £40 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment.

1More SonoFlow HQ50 – £89.99

The final product to feature on our Top 5 sub £100 products is the SonoFlow HQ50. Boasting up to a 70-hour battery life, QuietMax ANC technology, a DLC 40mm driver and featuring 12 EQ modes, it delivers premium sound and comfort at a budget-friendly price. This headphone is a challenger to its pricier rivals from the likes of Sony and Bose.

Enjoyed our Top 5 Sub £100 list? Check out more from our Best Of Series HERE

Bonus round: Other great products that deserve their own Top 5 Sub £100 list!

• Final VR3000 – Virtual Reality in your ears – £69
• Cleer Enduro 100 – 100 hours of Music from a single charge! £99
• Etymotic ER-20XS High Fidelity Earplugs – Next generation market leading earplugs. With a stem or stemless £16- £25

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BEST EARPHONES UNDER £50

1. final E500 Wired Earphones – £19.99

Designed with gaming and VR users in mind, the E500 delivers impressive spacial awareness and pin point accuracy. These qualities don’t only favour gamers – they give music an edge with clear imaging and a soundstage that brings you right into the mix. All of this for under £20 makes them a no brainer for those looking for a budget wired earphone.

READ MORE: Final E500 In-Ear Headphones Review

2. SoundMAGIC E11/E11C Wired Earphones – £34.98/£39.98

With various SoundMAGIC models already available, what can the E11/E11C bring to the table? Well, Everything! We have found the E11 to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board.  A truly impressive earphone for the price and in 2024 it is still the wired budget king.

READ MORE: SoundMAGIC E11C In-Ear Headphone Review

3. SoundMAGIC E80D USB-C Wired Earphones – £34.98/£39.98

Modern technology requires modern solutions. No headphone jack on your new phone? The SoundMagic E80D has you covered. These earbuds deliver exceptional comfort and impressive passive noise isolation at a budget-friendly price. With a reliable USB-C connection, they provide seamless compatibility with modern devices. Lightweight and elegant, they’re perfect for long listening sessions, offering great value without compromising on audio clarity or design quality.

READ MORE: SoundMAGIC E80D

BEST EARPHONES UNDER £100

4. final VR2000 Virtual Reality In Ear Isolating Gaming Earphones – £59.99

The VR2000 builds on the immense success of their gaming earphone predecessor the VR3000, which is known for their overwhelming spatial expression. The VR2000 focuses on the rapid response and aims to make object sounds within game audio more noticeable. Many typical gaming earbuds and headphones emphasize an exaggerated sound quality, aiming to accentuate sound effects for a more dramatic experience for the user. But in competitive gaming such as arcade fighting (Tekken), FPS (Apex Legends), Third person shooters such as Fortnite or rhythm games sich as Osu! it’s no exaggeration to say that the player’s quick judgment in reacting to sound effects can largely influence the outcome of each round. The VR2000 is a set of professional-grade earbuds developed specifically for players who are serious about winning.

READ MORE: final VR2000 Gaming Earphones

5.1MORE Aero ANC TWS Earphones – £70.00

The 1MORE Aero offers a solid mix of great audio quality, effective ANC, and a comfortable fit for an exceptional price. The Aero stands out by bringing the premium head-tracked spatial audio to the table, something that currently is only usually found in much pricier models. If immersive audio for movies and TV is your thing, the Aero is a fantastic value choice.

READ MORE: 1MORE AERO

BEST EARPHONES UNDER £200

6. final ZE3000 True Wireless Earphones – £119.00

True wireless earphones for the audiophiles and purists out there. The final ZE3000 don’t have many of the bells and whistles. They have no ANC, no ambient mode nor wireless charging. However they were designed from the bottom up for ultimate sound quality and in that they totally succeeded. They also look abolutely fantastic and fit perfectly. What more could you ask for at £119!

READ MORE: final ZE3000 True Wireless Earphones Review

7. 1MORE Penta P50 – Five Hybrid Driver IEMs – £179.00

The Penta P50 offers a smooth, natural sound with standout bass texture and crisp treble, perfect for those who prefer a relaxed and fatigue-free listening experience. Its compact, comfortable design adds to the appeal, making it a strong choice for audiophiles seeking balanced tuning.

READ MORE: 1MORE Penta P50

8. Final ZE8000 MK2 – ANC TWS Earphones £199.00

Finals flagship TWS earphone combines striking aesthetics with top-tier performance. They deliver sound quality that rivals the best wired earphones as well as providing all the modern features you’d expect from TWS earphones. The distinctive shape of the buds also provides insane levels of comfort and the app is a treat to use. All the bells and whistles are there, a great overall package.

READ MORE: Final ZE8000 MK2

BEST EARPHONES UNDER £500

9. Westone Audio AM Pro X20 Professional Earphones – £400.00

Stage musicians rejoice! Musicans of the past were limited to selecting either an isolated in-ear monitor mix or an immersive wedge based experience for monitoring. With the Am Pro X20 you can now enjoy both the energy and input from the audience, as well as from other performers and the stage. With Westone Audio’s exclusive StageSense Ambient Technology you are in total control of your musical environment. You can enjoy full-range frequency response from your in-ear monitor signal, hear and feel your surroundings and engage with fellow performers and your audience like never before. The AM Pro X series is a recommended universal solution for on-stage monitoring and band practice.

READ MORE: Westone Audio AM Pro X20

10. Final A5000 – £259.00

Final’s new addition to the “A” series, The A5000 is a wired IEM that punches far above it’s price in terms of sound quality. Style aside, the bass is powerful and tight, the mids and the highs fabulous. Final have proven time and time again that you do not need to spend an arm and a leg for a quality earphone. For anyone looking to upgrade their gear on a budget, look no further. Final Magic for £259.00? Yes please.

READ MORE: Final A5000

BEST EARPHONES OVER £1000

11. 64 Audio U4s -£1,099.00

The U4s is 64 Audio’s new, blue & cheapest UIEM coming in at £1099.00. The hybrid construction delivers a richer and deeper sub-bass then their next cheapest universal model the U6t (which is made up from a full BA driver set up) thanks to the dynamic driver under its hood. The U4s comes with 64 Audio’s all new M12 Apex module, meaning you essentially get four different sound signatures out of the box. You are after an open sound with as wide an image as possible? Then slot in the MX or the M12. Want more bass? Say hello to the M20 or M15. The versatility of these is great and the energetic sound from the U4s will keep your attention for years to come.

READ MORE: 64 Audio U4s

12. final A8000 Audiophile Custom-Driver Earphones – £1999

With the A8000, final prove that multiple drivers aren’t necessary for producing mind blowing audio. One driver is all that’s needed! Final don’t settle with any old drivers either. For the A8000, Final has developed their custom made ultra thin Beryllium foil driver. Along with Final’s four chamber housing design, the A8000 gives high resolution a whole new meaning. These need to be heard to be believed.

READ MORE: final A8000 Custom-Driver Audiophile Earphones Review

13. 64 Audio Volür – £2369.05

What started out as the Nio 2 evolved into a whole new word (and a UIEM) that never existed before. The Volür. The newest Universal IEM from 64 Audio. The pulsating heart of which is made up of two new custom 9mm dynamic drivers set in a True Isobaric configuration that delivers unprecedented low-frequency capability. The low end of the Volür will simply blow you away. It is easily one of the best technical performing earphones that has a “fun” sounding signature. Those purple abalone faceplates also look fabulous.

READ MORE: 64 Audio Volür

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Honourble mentions to the, Fourté , LCD i3, OV800, and many more out there! What is your favourite? Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

The post Best Earphones 2024: IEM, Bluetooth, Wireless, Budget, Audiophile appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Custom-Designed Drivers for Rich, Full-Bodied Sound

The SoundMAGIC P58BT ANC comes equipped with custom-designed drivers that deliver an immersive audio experience. The headphones feature a large neodymium iron boron magnet and precision-engineered magnetic components, providing a wide dynamic range and exceptional transient response. The composite vibrating diaphragm ensures crystal-clear reproduction of voices and high frequencies, free from distortion or fatigue.

60 Hours of Playtime and Superior Comfort

With up to 60 hours of playtime, the P58BT ANC offers unparalleled battery life for long listening sessions. The oval-shaped earcups and soft silicone earpads ensure lasting comfort, while enhancing the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. Whether you’re commuting, working, or relaxing, the P58BT ANC delivers a consistently comfortable and immersive listening experience.

Low-Latency Gaming Mode for Seamless Performance

Gamers and Film enthusiasts will appreciate the P58BT ANC’s Gaming Mode, which minimizes latency for a seamless, lag-free experience. This feature makes the headphones ideal for on the move entertainment, instantly providing a smooth transition between audio powerhouse and gaming/video streaming companion.

A New Addition to the Award-Winning SoundMAGIC Family

The P58BT ANC joins SoundMAGIC’s renowned lineup of audio products, including the E11c wired earphones and the E80D USB-C earphones. A new torchbearer, the P58BT ANC combines premium sound quality, advanced features and unbeatable value. Making it a standout choice for budget-conscious audio enthusiasts looking for a new pair or wireless headphones.

Key Features

• Hybrid active noise cancellation with dual-feed microphones for noise reduction, ambient transparency, and Bluetooth modes
• 40mm neodymium drivers for powerful bass, detailed midrange, and delicate treble
• Up to 60 hours with an 800mAh battery
• Bluetooth 5.3, multi-device connectivity, and wired options
• CVC noise cancelling for clear calls, low latency game mode
• Ergonomic design and easy touch controls
• Silicone ear pads and headband are sweat-proof, water-resistant, makeup-proof
• Ultra low-latency gaming mode for synchronized audio and video for perfect gaming

SoundMAGIC P58BT ANC Specifications

• Bluetooth: Version 5.3
• DAC: SBC, AAC
• Transmission Range: up to 15 m
• Playtime with ANC: up to 35h
• Playtime without ANC: up to 60h
• Talk time with ANC: up to 45h
• Talk time without ANC: 65h
• Driver: 40mm, Dynamic, Neodymium
• Driver Sensitivity: 115dB
• Impedance: 38 ohm
• Mic Sensitivity: 42dB
• Weight: 305g
• Battery: 800mAh, Li-ion polymer

Release Date and Pricing

The SoundMAGIC P58BT ANC is available now for £79.99!

Interested in SoundMAGIC? Read more news and reviews here!

The post SoundMAGIC P58BT ANC Now Live! appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

What’s the most common solution? Turn it up!

However effective this may be for many viewers, others in the room may not be as open to this tactic. And making everything louder can only make things worse in the long run. There are plenty of ways to improve the overall sound quality coming out of your TV such as soundbars, home theatre systems and TV headphones (wired or wireless).

With the way most of these shows are mixed, the speech can still get lost very easily…

What about soundbars?

Soundbars will certainly improve the sound quality of your TV, the problem here is that they improve the sound as a whole. Soundtracks and effects included. Now most of these soundbars and AV setups will improve overall clarity, which will in effect make dialogue clearer. Yet, with the way most of these shows are mixed, the speech can still get lost very easily, and for those with hearing loss, the extra clarity more than likely will not be enough.

Will TV headphones come to the rescue?

For a lot of situations – yes. TV headphones do a great job of improving sound quality for the user, not only improving the sound as a whole, plenty of TV headphone models out there will have features and settings that focus on speech, making it a lot easier to understand dialogue. So, what’s the issue here then? Headphones are great for solitary TV sessions. They are not as well suited for watching TV with others – and many of us like to watch TV with our family, friends and even pets. Don’t tell me you have never had a little chat with your furry friend in front of the TV.

Not great when others want to watch the TV too.

The problem with wires

Another issue with headphones, is that wired headphones require a headphone socket to be used. Not all TV’s have a headphone socket and for the ones that do, using that socket tends to cut the sound from the speakers entirely. Not great when others want to watch the TV too. Wireless TV headphones on the other hand manage to get around this problem by using an optical connection which does not cut the speakers off.

What if you struggle with hearing TV dialogue, enjoy watching TV with others and have been told that if you turn the TV volume up again, you’re out!

Well, there is another option

There are a handful of brands releasing TV speakers catered to those with hearing loss and designed to enhance TV speech. One of those brands comes out of Germany and is called Faller, who has just released the OSKAR TV speech enhancing speaker here in the UK. This is not a soundbar, and unlike typical soundbars, the faller OSKAR is much smaller, and sits on top of a docking station that charges the speaker and also acts as a wireless transmitter. This allows you to use the speaker up to 30 meters away from the TV or any other audio source you choose such as a radio, computer or even a smartphone. The beauty of this is that you can place the OSKAR close to where you sit, bringing the speech enhancing technology directly to you. This type of speaker ticks all of the boxes:

• Improve speech clarity and enhance dialogue
• Watch TV with others without affecting their viewing
• Sit in comfort with no need for headphones or straining to hear the TV

Making TV a lot more enjoyable

In testing the Faller OSKAR myself – full review here – I realised that I was using this speaker a lot more than I thought I would. The OSKAR makes watching sports on TV a lot more enjoyable. I have always found that the commentary can easily get lost to the background crowd noise. Using the OSKAR meant that the commentary was crystal clear, while my TV still brought the stadium sounds to the room. Then, when I needed to go into the kitchen, I could bring the speaker with me so I didn’t miss anything.

Whether you watch TV on your own or with others, the flexibility, comfort and ease of using the Faller OSKAR makes it the ideal TV viewing companion…

I found that it also works great for late night viewing, especially when you don’t want to wake up the kids! I could keep the TV volume low while using the OSKAR to deliver its enhanced audio without sound leaking into the other room.

So what am I trying to say here?

If you suffer from hearing loss, are annoyed with not being able to hear dialogue on TV and want to enjoy watching your favourite shows with friends or family (or pets), then there are options out there. Just make sure you know what you are buying, and that more volume and better sound quality does not always mean easier to understand speech. Whether you watch TV on your own or with others, the flexibility, comfort and ease of using the Faller OSKAR makes it the ideal TV viewing companion for those who have had enough of resorting to subtitles.

Interested in all things Faller? Check out more News and Reviews here!

More about Faller here!

The post Our guide on different options and why you might need the Faller OSKAR appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

PREFER EARPHONES? READ MORE: Best Earphones 2024

BEST ENTRY LEVEL HIGH-END

Audeze MM-100 – £399.00

The Audeze MM-100 is a versatile headphone designed for both studio engineers and music enjoyers on a budget. It can be driven by just about any source, making it ideal for life on the go. With its Audeze patented planar magnetic drivers, it delivers precise, studio-quality audio with incredible detail and clarity, making it ideal for mixing, mastering, or casual listening. The sound is stunning, especially when paired with a quality setup and completely outperforms anything else in its price bracket at just £399. Lightweight and comfortable, the MM-100 ensures long sessions are a breeze and gives an immersive listening experience to anyone who put them over their ears.

BEST BUDGET WIRED HEADPHONES

SoundMAGIC HP151- £88.99

The SoundMAGIC HP151 offers excellent audio quality with a balanced sound signature and impressive detail for its price. Its spacious soundstage and comfortable design make it an ideal choice for budget-conscious listeners seeking reliable, wired performance. Priced just under £90, it is a great pick for anyone looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES

1More SonoFlow HQ51– £89.99

If earphones aren’t your thing, then the SonoFlow HQ51 makes a perfect upgrade choice under £100. With its extended 70 to 100-hour battery life, advanced ANC, The SonoFlow HQ51 also features an all new DLC 40mm dynamic driver. Comfortable to wear, it is equiped with Bluetooth 5.4 and has 12 EQ modes, it’s ideal for immersive listening at an affordable price. The SonoFlow is a great alternative challenger to the pricier options out there from Sony, Bose and Sennheiser.

final UX3000 ANC Wireless Headphones – £119

Final have really worked their magic here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The UX3000 can be recommend to absolutely anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone and you will only see smiles on their faces.

SoundMAGIC P23BT Portable Wireless Headphones – £49.99

How do they do it? SoundMAGIC have once again made a killer headphone for a super price. The P23BT doubles up as a headset too with the included cable and boom mic (great for home office or even gaming). In addition, the headphone is lightweight and comfortable. Add into the mixer an incredibly impressive battery life and a simple ease of use and you have got yourself a bargain. They sound full and warm yet never bass heavy. They really do sound incredible and for a Wireless on ear headphone what more could you want?

WATCH VIDEO: SoundMAGIC P23BT Wireless On Ear Headphone Review

READ MORE: Christmas Gift Guide 2024

BEST OVER-EAR HEADPHONES

5. Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Full Size Headphones – £1149

The Audeze LCD-X are a real eye-catching headphone. For a retail price that seems crazy at first glance, the bottom line is that the price-performance ratio of this headphones is absolutely fantastic. Not only due to the impeccable manufacture, but also a robust construction, use of high-quality materials and wonderful, detailed sound Loved by Audiophiles and sound engineers alike. If you want to give yourself a birthday or Christmas present, you can safely consider surprising yourself with the Audeze LCD-X.

READ MORE: Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Headphones

READ MORE: Christmas Gift Guide 2024

Audeze MM-500 Planar Magnetic Full Size Studio Headphones – £1699

Audeze MM-500 is designed to suit the requirements of long daily listening sessions under almost any condition. World-class studio monitor? Check. Quick reference on-the-go? No problem. Deep late-night listening? Done. With its ease of drive, comfortable fit and trustworthy sound, you can count on the MM-500 to deliver in every situation. The MM-500’s planar magnetic drivers provide realism that audio professionals like Manny “can’t live without.” With lightning-fast transients, accurate frequency response and trusted mix translation.

READ MORE: Audeze MM-500 Planar Magnetic Studio Headphones

Final D8000 – £2,999.00

Instead of going for the usual neutral-ish sound signature of most high-end models, Final instead decided to make the D8000 enjoyable, with very punchy and dynamic bass and impressive clarity across the board, the D8000 stand out from the crowd.

Audeze LCD-5 -£3,999.00

The Audeze LCD-5 is a masterpiece of audiophile engineering, delivering unmatched clarity, precision, and emotional depth to your music. Audeze’s Flagship LCD has a lightweight magnesium frame and the premium materials ensure long-lasting comfort, while the cutting-edge planar magnetic drivers reveal every nuance in your favorite tracks. For those seeking the pinnacle of sound reproduction and a transformative listening experience, the LCD-5 is still there, in a league of its own. Full Review

READ MORE: Christmas Gift Guide 2024

BEST GAMING HEADPHONES

Audeze Maxwell Ps5/Xbox – £319.00/£349.00.

The Audeze Maxwell redefines what a wireless gaming headset can be. With its planar magnetic drivers, it offers astonishingly clear, detailed sound that brings games and music to life. Combine this with ultra-low latency performance, an 80-hour battery, and a premium build, and you have a headset that’s as serious about sound as it is about gaming. The Maxwell remains the gold standard for serious gamers and audiophiles alike and a must have in 2024

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

The post Best Headphones 2024 appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

About SoundMAGIC

Tony Xu founded SoundMAGIC in 2005. As mentioned above, their main products include in-ear headphones, professional HiFi headphones, Bluetooth headphones and more. They are one of the only Chinese earphone brands that is widely recognized worldwide. Having been deeply involved in the industry for more than ten years, a lot of their success can be attributed to their brand purpose:

Providing consumers with high-quality audio products that have the ultimate cost / performance ratio. 

SoundMAGIC are particularly famous worldwide for their flagship earphones, the E Series. The E series in-ear headphones are known to be fun and exciting while producing clarity and definition rivalling earphones twice the price. The E Series consists of earphones like the SoundMAGIC E11C, SoundMAGIC E10C, SoundMAGIC E11BT, SoundMAGIC E80, E10, E11 & more!

Many “E” products from SoundMAGIC have been highly praised by the world’s two famous industry magazines “WHAT Hi-Fi” and “Stuff” for the last 12 years and have repeatedly won the “Best Product of the Year Award”. Since 2018 the “E11C” has been best in class in its product category. Proving that you can get immersive sound quality, outstanding durability and stylish aesthetics on a budget.

Product Highlight: SoundMAGIC E11C – “Natural Born Winner That Sounds MAGIC “

Sophisticated Sound
As well as Providing refined and accurate sound from redesigned 10mm dynamic drivers, SoundMAGIC E11C delivers a balanced sound image with extended transparent detail and warm, textured bass.

Elegant Aluminium Housing
Furthermore, E11C are completely crafted from aluminium in a high-precision cutting process and finished with a unique hand painting process. The lightweight and robust housing of the E11C displays a delicate texture with refined and elegant appearance.

Another great pair of SoundMagic budget earphones, the E11C in-ears continue the fine work of their predecessors and deliver an entertaining, upfront sound, complete with a remote control and mic. And we can’t argue with that.

What Hi-Fi 2022 Award Winner Review

Comfortable Isolating Design
Likewise, the E11C combines ergonomic angled sound tubes with an in-ear fit that seals the ear canal totally with soft silicone eartips to provide a secure fit with total sound isolation and immersive listening.

Complete Communication
In addition to the above, they are able to pair with any type of smartphone. The SoundMAGIC E11C has been equipped with a unique technology in the 3-button control unit that switches automatically between Apple and Android smartphones for management of volume, track control and telephone calls. Though some remote features may have limited functionality on Google Pixel 3a/4a and Sony Xperia devices.

Brand Culture

In essence, a good brand is established by the accumulation of time and the spread of word of mouth. By and large, providing customers with high-quality products and services is how you succeed. This is what SoundMAGIC is. As well as focusing on the performance of their products they also focus on their customers with a both come first approach. Hence pursuing original product design, aiming for perfect quality, listening to customer feedback and providing end products that are cost effective & high quality, is what has helped them create a world renowned brand.

All “SoundMAGIC” products present the best cost to performance ratio in their respective categories.

SoundMAGIC Philosophy

Milestones

• 2005: Shenzhen SoundMAGIC Technology Development Co., Ltd. was founded and “SoundMAGIC” trademark registered
• 2006: Comprehensive overhaul design, research and development, manufacturing and sales system
• 2007: SoundMAGIC’s first earphone sold overseas won a four-star recommendation from the influential magazine “WHAT Hi-Fi”
• 2009: The SoundMAGIC PL11 earphones received a five-star recommendation from the world-renowned magazine “Stuff”
• 2010: The SoundMAGIC PL50 received five-star recommendation from “Stuff” and created a best-selling myth
• 2011-2013: The SoundMAGIC E10 has been voted “Best In-Ear Headphones Under £40” by WHAT Hi-Fi for three consecutive years
• 2014-2015: SoundMAGIC E10S was voted “Best In-Ear Headphones Under £50” by WHAT Hi-Fi for 2 consecutive years
• 2016: SoundMAGIC E10C voted “Best In-Ear Headphones Under £50” by WHAT Hi-Fi
• 2018: SoundMAGIC E11 received five-star recommendations from “Stuff” and “WHAT Hi-Fi”
• 2019: SoundMAGIC launches the first closed-back HiFi headphone HP1000 with a unique design and an open-back sense of hearing
• 2019-2022: SoundMAGIC E11C has been voted “Best In-Ear Headphones Under £50” by WHAT Hi-Fi for four consecutive years

Our Top 5 SoundMAGIC Product Picks

1. SoundMAGIC E11C In Ear Isolating Earphones with Mic – £52.99

Launched in 2018, the SoundMAGIC E11C is still reaping rewards for being a great pair of affordable in-ear headphones, complete with remote and mic. It’s not often that budget consumer goods stand the test of time but the E11C continues to deliver a great sound for an outstanding price.

2. SoundMAGIC P23BT Portable Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – £49.96

SoundMAGIC once again show that they are unrivalled when it comes to creating budget models with excellent sound quality, the P23BT has such an enjoyable sound that you quickly forget they only cost £50. The addition of a boom mic on the wired cable is really impressive for home working or office use, along with insane battery life for everyday use.

3. SoundMAGIC S20BT In Ear Isolating Wireless Earphones with Controls & Mic – £39.95

The S20BT is the perfect exercise partner. For just under £40 you get a warm and enjoyable wireless set of earphones that sound fun and fit securely for any kind of active use. These are specifically designed for out and about use, and for that purpose they tick all the right boxes.

4. SoundMAGIC E11 In Ear Isolating Earphones– £42.99

The E11 is perfect for somebody who likes what is offered by the E11C but has no use for a microphone or volume controls.

5. SoundMAGIC E10 In Ear Isolating Earphones – £31.99

SoundMAGIC’s acoustic engineers carefully configured the drivers of the E10 to produce exciting sound with powerful bass and balanced musical detail. It is a beautifully finished in-ear sound isolating earphone made from brushed metal with a choice of four vibrant colours.

Lastest SoundMAGIC Updates and News:

Headphones with the Best Battery Life

December 13, 2024

When you’re on the move or working through a busy day, nothing beats the convenience of headphones or wireless earbuds that keep going as long as you do. Long battery life is crucial, whether you’re commuting, traveling, gaming, or simply enjoying your favorite playlists. Here, we’ve rounded up the best…

Best Wireless Headphones 2024: On-Ear, ANC, Earbuds, Audiophile

December 2, 2024

Our breakdown of the very best wireless headphones and earbuds, full size and gaming to buy for home, portable and travel use.

Top 5 sub £100 Portable Audio Devices

November 26, 2024

We often feature high end equipment on our blog, but there are plenty of excellent products to be had for under £100. Today share our top 5 sub £100 picks for 2024!

Best Earphones 2024: IEM, Bluetooth, Wireless, Budget, Audiophile

November 24, 2024

Here you can see the best earphones, in ear headphones, earbuds, Bluetooth and even audiophile IEMs to buy right now in 2024

SoundMAGIC P58BT ANC Now Live!

August 27, 2024

SoundMAGIC, a brand well known for delivering high-value, high-performance audio, has just unveiled its latest offering: the SoundMAGIC P58BT ANC. Priced at just £79.99, these wireless headphones are looking to redefine the standard for affordable portable audio. Combining advanced features with an all new, sleek design.

The post Brand Story: SoundMAGIC appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

BLACK FRIDAY MONTH: Most Popular Deals

Final UX3000- £119.00 NOW £89.00

The Final UX3000 ANC is a fantastic product for its price. Final have really worked their magic here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The UX3000 can be recommend to anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone. Full Review

SoundMAGIC E11C Silver – £52.99 NOW £34.99

A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. We have found the E11C to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. It is a true bargain and certainly a very good IEM for everyday use. The mic and controls are an added bonus and making use of the included case as well as regular cleaning ensures that these earphones last well beyond their warranty. Perfection? Not quite. But at £52 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment. – Full Review

Lypertek PurePlay Z5 – £129.00 NOW £69.00

the Lypertek PurePlay Z5 is ideal for those that want the best sound quality from their true wireless earphones. Having gained multiple awards for not just their impressive sound – the PurePlay Z5 is jam packed with features for a very favourable price.

The PurePlay Z5 are one of the best, if not the best, true wireless models for daily use. They have ANC, Ambient mode, wireless charging, accompanying app and more along with truly suburb sound quality for a low price.

Oscar – Full Review

PLUS SO MUCH MORE!

Check out more news and reviews on our Blog here

The post Black Friday Month Sale Now LIVE! appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

For those that want powerful sound from the future – Gravastar Mars Pro Speaker- from £199.99

If you are after a sci-fi designed speaker with next generation sound tech and arguably one of the Bluetooth speakers on the market, then boy, do we have a surprise for you! The GravaStar Mars Pro is created for audiophiles, who love sci-fi. They can be paired together to give epic, immersive surround sound. They also have built-in, exclusive DSP audio algorithms that give you a deep bass, accurate mids, and crisp highs. Combined with an equal-loudness contour, you get a powerful sound experience.
They are very well made, look fantastic, some models are hand painted and they sound amazing. What is not to love ?

For those that want peak performance on a modest budget – Audeze Penrose / Penrose X – £298.99

With the advent of the PS5 and Xbox X consoles, us gamers need headphones to maximise our chances of winning online (as well as a good gaming chair, naturally ). Using Audeze’s low latency wireless technology for accurate listening, presets and other customization options. As well as a built-in microphone designed by the one and only Shure. Rounding off with planer magnetic drivers for award winning sound quality makes these beauties a must have. Check out our – Full Review

For those that do not want a mic – Final E500 – £19.99

No mic! It has no mic! Perfect for those who want to game in peace and quiet. Whether on a plane or a train, or even jacked into your console contorller. The Gaming performance is one of the highlights of the E500 and was a clear focus for Final when designing them. You will not be prepared for a £19.99 pair of earphones to provide such accurate spatial feedback. In Online Battle Royales, you can hear exactly where bullets are coming from. Footsteps are pinpoint accurate and they give a very honest and detailed sound. Just remember to clean them regularly to keep them tip-top (as they go in your ears after all)

For those that want wireless and to stand out – Final Evangelion 01, 02 & 06 TWS Earphones – £199

This is something for lovers of the anime show, or for people who want to stand out at a LAN party, in their stream or the next Insomnia. Final has collaborated with Evangelion to release these TWS models based on different robot units from the hit show. With Final behind the build, sound quality is as good as you’d expect – and the design is equally impressive. Maybe you also love playing Neon Genesis so much, you just want to go that extra mile!

For those that want a clean and full output for their headphones (PS4/5) – JDS Labs Element III – £499.00

Sony is notorious for making it difficult for anyone with decent equipment to get good sound out of the PS5. Luckily JDS Labs is so customer focused that they jumped on this early and have a solution. Just make sure to buy the UAC1 fallback cable and the inbuilt software does the rest. This is a great bit of kit that can also be used with your PC. (If you want a cheaper set up or just want a DAC or an Amp, take a look at JDS Labs Atom+ Stack) – Element III Full Review

For those that want superb TWS earphones with a bottle opener – Gravastar Sirius Pro – £109

Back to sci-fi but this time with an extra twist! In fact, no twist caps needed as these earphones have an integrated bottle opener on the earphone case itself. And guess what? It works! With a dedicated Gaming mode you are easily able to pinpoint the direction of your enemy’s footsteps by harnessing the buds 5.1 virtual surround sound. They have a dedicated Movie and Music mode too, adjusting the EQ accordingly to get the most out of what you use them for. These are eye catching earbuds sent from the future and well worth a further look into.

For those that want earphones & the full experience on a budget – SoundMAGIC E11C Silver – £52.99

A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. The E11C gives a clear and accurate presentation across the board making them not just great for gaming for everyday listening to tunes as well. The mic and controls are an added bonus that make these great for online teamplay. Just do not forget to make use of the included case as well as regular cleaning. As this ensures that these earphones last well beyond their warranty. Perfection? Not quite. But at £52 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment.

For those who want to silence the outside world & immerse themselves fully into their game – Final UX3000 – £119.00

These are a fantastic pair of headphones for the price. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio cable allows you to use the UX3000 with your favourite games console (no ANC via this method). But via the cable, games sound atmospheric and you can easily pick out distinctive noises like footsteps and distant enemies. Thanks to the built-in microphone you can also communicate clearly with your teammates and the quality of the mic is simply superb.
The Final UX3000 also supports aptX LL, a low-latency codec, meaning gaming on a smartphone or tablet or wirelessly on your PC is also an enjoyable experience. Whack on ANC mode and you can fully immerse yourself into the game you’re playing. No loud Fan noises, no screaming kids, just you and the game on the screen in front. Not only that, they are also a brilliant device for listening to music. The UX3000 really can be recommended to anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone. check out our Full Review.

For those that simply want the best (and to game like a streamer) – Audeze LCD-GX – £899.00

The LCD-GX looks like it was made for the professional gamer. It is wired, analog, and stereo only. But it offers probably the most accurate, detailed listening experience you can get for a gaming headset. The LCD-GX has advanced the gaming category beyond the stratosphere. The finest sound quality paired with a clear voice chat means this headphones is for the serious audiophile gamer.

For the listening experience and the immersion it provides, you simply won’t find a better gaming headset and certainly not one that looks and feels as exquisite as the LCD-GX.

Anything we have missed? Let us know what you use for Gaming in the comments below!

The post Our Top Gaming Picks to get You in the Zone appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Design: 9/10

The E11C Features an updated 10mm dynamic driver from its predecessor, the E10C. It has also been upgraded via a high quality silver plated copper cable. Proof that SoundMAGIC is continuously evolving as a brand. Not only does this improve the sound, but it also gives the earphones a more sophisticated, grown up look. Other than these changes, they essentially look like a typical SoundMAGIC in ear earphone and still feature a 3.5mm jack. They look great. Why change a good looking winning formula?

Fit & Comfort: 9/10

As with previous wired models, the E11C can be worn with cable going over the ears or just straight down. Although this will interfere with the position of the microphone. The angled jack is great for when you have your Phone/ Mp3 Player in your pocket as it prevents any premature cable break (from poor care!). The ergonomically designed housing fits in your ear very well. The posistion of the in-line mic and controls is practical and makes them easy to use. Finally, the tips that are provided add to the comfort and it is easy to get a secure / solid fit. This ensures not only comfort but total sound isolation and the best chance to immerse yourself in the music.

The sound quality is excellent and the E11C is suitable for all genres.

Sound: 10/10

The sound quality is excellent. The E11C is similar in sound to the SoundMAGIC E50 models. But the E11C has a little more mid and upper-bass warmth to it. To sum up, the bass is well controlled, The mids crystal and the treble super smooth. It’s suitable for all genres, but is outstanding when listening to vocals, acoustic recordings and music making use of “real” instruments. (Sorry techno, you still sound great too though!)

Mic & Controls: 9/10

The E11C comes with an in-line control and mic that works with both iOS and Android (for devices that still have a jack). The controls provide volume and stop/start functionality which is great for when you are on the move. In addition to this the mic/controls are durable and unobtrusive. They do not interfere with the cable which means they do not create any background noise. The call quality is good and your voice comes through loud and clear on the other end, too.

The E11C proves that quality does not need to cost an arm and a leg.

Value For Money 10/10

The E11C proves that quality products do not need to cost an arm and a leg. The updates are modest but make the E11C stand out from its predecessors. The sound is more refined and pricepoint of around 50 pounds really hits the nail on the head. Most people will only spend as much as they need to in order to get something that they will be happy to use every day. And guess what? The E11C is it. The in-line mic and controls are a great practical feature and fantastic addition. They are simply a very durable, stylish and versatile earphone to use day in and day out.

Want to keep in the Loop with all things Sound MAGIC? Check out all News and reviews here.

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ANC and Passive noise isolation are very different in how they try to block out unwanted outside noise. ANC uses an electronic circuit and sound waves while passive isolation is a purely mechanical system without any additional sound trickery. But their goal is the same, to allow you to enjoy your music to its fullest, without any unwanted distractions.

Passive Isolation

Both earphones and headphones aim to create a seal around your ears or in your ear canal itself to block out outside noise. Many earphones and headphones have venting on them to help tune the sound signature. But these vents also often compromise the sound isolation of the model – this is mainly in models that use conventional dynamic drivers. Balanced armature models are easier to fully seal and some of these, such as models from Etymotic, offer up extremely high levels of passive isolation that are much more effective than ANC.

Etymotic claim that their ER series earphones offer 35-24 dB of attenuation depending on the eartips and depth of insertion. This is much higher than most earphones. Westone Pro X series earphones offer up around 25 dB of attenuation. Some studio headphones such as the Sennheiser HD380 Pro also offer up to 32 dB of attenuation. However more consumer friendly closed back headphones will likely offer around 20 dB of attenuation.

When it comes to what frequency range is most affected, the bass is the hardest to isolate from with a passive isolation model. In fact only some good earphones can effectively isolate in this region. Whereas ANC does a better job at blocking out low frequency noise. Midrange and Treble regions however are usually well isolated with passive designs, especially in the treble region where ANC designs don’t attenuate very well.

For most uses, passive noise isolation is actually more than enough to enjoy your music without outside distractions. It can be argued that ANC seems to have been pushed via marketing to sell a feature many don’t fully understand. Also, a pair of fully sealed earphones will likely work better than a pair of ANC headphones for example. So it is wise to carefully consider where you will be using your earphones/headphones.

ANC

Now on to ANC, shorthand for Active Noise Cancellation. As mentioned before ANC takes a very different approach to noise attenuation. One that oin fact has some benefits but also some drawbacks. ANC uses external microphones to monitor noise levels and create a phase-inverted sound wave to cancel out the ambient noise before it reaches your ears. This system requires a power source, so will only work if there is power supplied (often via a rechargeable internal battery), and this can make them heavier.

ANC works in tandem with passive isolation normally. If the earphones/headphones already have great passive isolation the ANC circuitry will only help a marginal amount and often compliments the downfalls of passive isolation (low frequency attenuation). However, this does cause some confusion, as some people may think that ANC is not working well if the passive isolation is already high. But due to the passive noise isolation doing a great job already, it will seem like ANC is hardly working. However, if the passive noise isolation is mediocre, then it may seem like the ANC is better on that particular model due to having more of an apparent effect. This backfires if the battery runs out though, as models with high passive isolation can be easily enjoyed with ANC on or off.

Another thing to consider is the environment where the earphones/headphones are going to be used. ANC is best used in environments where there is persistent low-mid frequency noise as this is where they work best. This is why they often work well on planes and public transport where there is a constant background noise. However, they do not handle impulse noises very well and don’t cancel out higher frequency noise as effectively either.

Another issue common with ANC models is wind noise. Some models do not handle wind noise well at all, while others are better. So you need to read up on reviews of specific models to see if this could be an issue. ANC can reduce some low frequency noises up to 60 dB but again this is only in certain environments and frequency ranges. Overall usually only reduces noise by up to 30 dB and puts it in line with most passive earphones/Headphones.

When it comes to sound quality, ANC nearly always has an impact, and it’s a negative one. There is an additional circuit influencing the sound, as much as the designers will want it to impact the audio as little as possible, it still has an impact. Those seeking the best sound quality should stay away from ANC, ANC can create constant white noise and also introduces distortion due to the way it cancels out noise.

So what’s better?

Well, it’s not quite as simple as one being better than the other. For sound purists ANC is never going to cut it, but for your everyday listener ANC will sound just fine. The problem is that marketing has over-hyped ANC’s capabilities and people expect them to cut out everything, which they don’t. Wind noise can be problematic for ANC, as can impulse noises. These won’t be filtered out and people will assume the ANC is poor on such models.

ANC is best suited to constant noise environments where there is a steady low-frequency noise that can be effectively cancelled out. Passive models tend to work better in day-to-day use as they more evenly attenuate outside noises and present the music in a more realistic way.

ANC needs power and consumes a lot if active, this will lower the operating time of any wireless models that have this feature, so if you are not in an environment where it is effective, it is worthwhile leaving it off.

We hope this article has helped clear up some misunderstandings when it comes to ANC vs Passive noise isolation, and if you have any further queries don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Did you Enjoy our Passive Isolation Vs ANC? Check out our other How To’s HERE

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Oscars written review of the SoundMAGIC P23BT can be read here. You can purchase the P23BT from SoundMAGIC headphones directly here

The post SoundMAGIC P23BT Bluetooth On-Ear Headphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

ALL FEATURED PRODUCTS:

• Campfire Audio Satsuma – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Campfire Audio Honeydew – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Burson Audio Conductor 3X Reference – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• JDS Labs Atom Amp+ – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• JDS Labs Atom DAC+ – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Lypertek Z3 2.0 – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• SoundMAGIC P23BT – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Audeze LCD-5 – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• 64 Audio U6t – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Final D8000 Pro – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Cleer Enduro ANC – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Etymotic Evo – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…

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Fit and Comfort

Here we review the new SoundMAGIC P23BT, an on-ear model which are compact in size and lightweight too. They will fit well over a wide range of head sizes due to a good amount of adjustment in the arms and the clamping force is just enough to provide a secure fit without inducing any discomfort.

Comfort is good, with the right amount of clamp to provide a secure yet comfortable fit I had no issues with the P23BT during longer listening sessions. The earpads are soft and provide ample cushioning, the headband has minimal padding but due to their weight this didn’t seem to cause any issues for me.

Features

The P23BT use bluetooth 5.0, a little behind most modern devices that use 5.2 but they do have the benefit of aptX HD / SBC and AAC codec compatibility. They use a 40mm dynamic driver and have an incredible battery life of roughly 54-60hrs of music playback, or 39-45hrs talk time, these are not a headphone you will find yourself needing to charge very often.

They don’t have ANC, instead rely on passive isolation, which is good enough for most daily use. These work wired too and come with a high quality boom mic attached to the analogue cable – this is a brilliant feature that makes them perfect for home office use too. We found that making sure there is no microphone boosting in the windows sound settings worked the best in terms of voice quality – but once set up the quality is excellent for video and voice calls when connected to a PC. These really are very versatile, and the boom mic is not something you see very often when it comes to this kind of product.

Playback controls are really easy to get the hand of, they use a touch pad on the left earcup and a simple double tap will pause the music, swipe up for volume up, down for volume down. Swipe forwards and backwards to skip tracks, you can also answer calls and activate voice assistant too. Call quality over bluetooth is perfectly acceptable in most environments but they are not the best for noisy outdoor calls.

Sound

Bass:

The P23BT is a well balanced headphone with just the right amount of warmth, body and punch down low to keep them engaging and enjoyable without overwhelming the rest of the sound. These are not bassy, they will not appeal to those who want a bass heavy sound, but those who want a daily headphone that works well with a multitude of genres will be happy with their sound and presentation. These do handle EQ well so if you do want a bit more punch, they can deliver, but out of the box they offer up a really enjoyable sound. The 40mm drivers can dig deep when needed, and hit hard too, but they are tuned in such a way that they do all of this with poise and control and never sound muffled or bloated.

Midrange:

Due to the controlled low end, the P23BT actually has a very well presented midrange for a budget, more consumer oriented product. This means that those who enjoy vocal and guitars to sit and and central in the mix will really enjoy the P23BT – these don’t follow the typical v-shaped sound that many consumer models have, this means you get to hear more in your favourite tracks. The bass does a good job at not bleeding into the midrange, which allows the P23BT to sound surprisingly well separated and detailed for the price. .

Treble:

Surprisingly well refined up top, these have a crisp and clean treble presentation but with a smooth transition from the upper midrange into the lower treble they are also not harsh or sibilant. There is a bit of a peak slightly higher up the range, but it’s not really fatiguing and tends to only show up on less well recorded music. There is good detail and extension up top, and the presence is good leaving them with a very pleasing tonal balance overall, never sounding dull. You do have to remember these are only £50, but for that price you get really impressive treble, normally you get muffled and splashy cymbals, instead of crisp and easy to distinguish and place crashes.

Soundstaging and Genres

The P23BT are not masters of soundstaging, but that’s ok, they are on-ears and have quite a direct presentation but instruments are still easy to place within the limited soundstage.

These are a great all rounder, their balanced yet slightly punch sound signature makes rock and pop sound engaging, yet these have enough detail and finesse to render acoustic and jazz brilliantly.

Who are they for?

• The general listener who wants good sound quality at a modest price
• Everyday users wanting a feature packed yet quality bluetooth headphone they can use at work and on the go

Like all things that SoundMAGIC? Take look at more news and reviews here.

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Our Own Review of the SoundMAGIC E11C? “We have found the E11C to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board.  A truly impressive earphone for the price and in our opinion the new budget king.” – This was 3 1/2 years ago and still rings true today!

What more is there to say? What Hi*Fi concludes: “Considering the price, the SoundMAGIC E11C are nothing short of a miracle. If you’re on a budget, we have no hesitation in recommending them most heartily. What are you waiting for?” Check out What Hi-Fi’s newest budget buying guides here and here and go see for yourself!

If you would like more information on the product then check out SoundMAGIC’s online shop here: SoundMAGIC Headphones

Finally, there is plenty more information on many of SoundMAGIC’s products throughout our blog!

The post SoundMAGIC E11C- Still the best Budget wired earphones out there! appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Introducing the new SoundMAGIC P23BT, a truly portable headphone equipped with a foldable headband ideal for packing in a bag or suitcase when out and about. Soft, leatherette earpads equipped with memory foam gently mould on the ear to create a comfortable wearing experience.

Pure Sound

High-definition stereo sound through either wired or wireless with Bluetooth version 5.0 with SBC and aptX decoding makes sure your music always sounds its best. The closed back design keeps out background noise, letting you hear subtle details more clearly – even at lower volume levels.

Long Listening

With 10 minute charge you get 5 hours playtime through the 400mAh large capacity lithium battery and continuous play of 54-60 hours on full charge. A staggering 50 days standby time means you don’t need to ever worry about being caught out with an empty battery.

Features

• High-definition stereo sound with wired and wireless connection
• Bluetooth version 5.0 with SBC and aptX decoding
• 10 minute charging gives 5 hours playtime
• 400mAh large capacity lithium battery
• Continuous play of 54-60 hours on full charge
• Clear conversations and easy activation of voice assistant
• CVC8.0 noise reduction microphone
• Foldable design and lightweight build

The post New SoundMAGIC P23BT – Bluetooth Headphones appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Fit and Comfort

The SoundMAGIC S20BT use a neckband bluetooth design, this is favoured by some users, whilst others prefer the more premium true wireless style. Either way, the neckband on the S20BT is soft and very lightweight which means it’s barely noticeable in use. The length of cable to the earphones is perfect, giving you freedom to move your head without constraint, yet not too long so as to snag on things or get in the way. The earphones have an angled nozzle with specifically shaped tips for optimal comfort and fit in the ear, and it works wonders. They S20BT sit securely in your ears once you find the right size tips and they are secure and work well for more active use.

Sound

The S20BT are full and warm, which makes them an easy recommendation and also an earphone that will please a lot of users. Coming from cheaper models you will definitely notice an increase in clarity and control, but they are not tuned to be clinical or critical of what tracks you play through them. What they might lack in refinement they make up for in easy listening and an overall enjoyable sound signature.

Starting down low they have enough body to make them a warm and full sounding earphone, there is moderate punch but overall they are more full than overly punchy. Luckily the warmth down low only moderately affects the midrange, and you still have relatively clean and clear vocals with a little added body to them. This is great, as you can clearly hear vocals and guitars without them being pushed to the back of the mix, yet they are delivered in a very smooth way to not cause fatigue. The same goes for the treble, which is probably where they fall behind slightly, there isn’t a lot of presence or bite in the upper region which means high-hats and cymbals do come across very muted.

These are not designed for the critical listener, they are a budget wireless earphone that just wants you to enjoy the music. They work well with most genres you throw at them, but do sound better with more modern pop music.

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