Tag Archives: Sony

Sony releases two new Bluetooth turntables to spark Gen Z’s love for vinyl

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Sony is revisiting the vinyl arena with two new Bluetooth turntables, and for me, it’s resounding confirmation that records have made the comeback we were only speculating about over these years. The new models, the PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT, aren’t designed solely for established vinyl audiophiles. With their easy-to-use approach, these Sony turntables are aimed at Gen Z listeners who are just beginning to explore classic record players and CDs.

This is Sony’s first adventure in the vinyl market since the launch of the PS-LX310BT. Released in 2019, the turntable ensured hassle-free Bluetooth connectivity and reliable performance sans complex setups, and the new options are built on the same formula; adding a refined design approach and authentic vinyl sound.

Designer: Sony

Sony PS-LX3BT and the PS-LX5BT do not have biases. Both the turntables are targeted at first-time vinyl listeners and audiophiles, according to the company’s press information. The units thrive on advanced wireless connectivity options and craftsmanship, standing out visually thanks to the transparent dust cover over the platter. This not only protects the gorgeous thing from dust but also protects the components underneath from accidental damage.

Both units, Sony affirms, are intuitive and easy to operate. A single-button automatic playback and Bluetooth connectivity are configured to allow detailed output in both wired as well as wireless connections. For this, the turntables support aptX, aptX Adaptive, and Hi-Res Wireless Audio, which allow users to connect their devices – headphones and speakers – directly to the turntables without requiring a fully-fledged amp setup.

Even though both turntable supports 33⅓ and 45 RPM records (7″ and 12″) and include built-in phono equalizers to work with powered speakers, they differ in positioning. PS-LX5BT is more premium of the two. It features a slightly more refined look with a unibody design, rubber mat and an aluminum tonearm, offering a premium sound experience. “Engineered to suppress unwanted vibration and preserve audio purity,” it comes with a high-grade cartridge. Priced at a competitive $500, the PS-LX5BT offers audiophile-level wireless audio and features a gold-plated audio jack for wired connections.

The PS-LX3BT, on the other hand, offers “warm analogue sound with smooth tracking” for those enjoyable everyday moments that are rare to create with the turntable,s otherwise cumbersome to use. The turntable is equipped with an audio cable and phono equalizer to be used straight out of the box, no real setup required, even for those just starting out with vinyl. This unit is priced comparatively lower and is available for preorder at $400. Interestingly, both of Sony’s new turntables will be sold in recycled packaging, reflecting Sony’s commitment to sustainability.

The post Sony releases two new Bluetooth turntables to spark Gen Z’s love for vinyl first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sony unveils LinkBuds Clip open-ear earbuds in peppy colors

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Open earbuds are the fastest-growing segment of the headphone market, but long before they gained popularity, Sony initially introduced the concept to the market. From their first ever iteration, this style of earbuds has graduated into earhook and clip-style designs. When LinkBuds were first released in 2022, they came in a peculiar design with an ear hook and a circular housing that lets in ambient noises.

After the LinkBuds Open were released in 2024, Sony has now introduced the LinkBuds Clip, featuring an always-clip-on design similar to the Bose Open Earbuds, Edifier LolliClip, Shokz OpenDots One, and the JVC Nearphones. These new flagship earbuds improve on the previous open ear version in every aspect, making them a great choice for people who want situational awareness of their surroundings without any degradation in music quality.

Designer: Sony

Targeted towards active lifestyle users, the buds don’t block the ear canals to hear conversations better, and are ergonomically designed for all-day long wear comfort. The Japanese consumer electronics giant is positioning them as a flagship option for music lovers who are worried about losing their pricy pair of buds during workouts, sporting activities, or adventurous escapades. IPX4 splash-proof rated LinkBuds Clip have a glossy finish with a C-bad connecting the two contoured stems that rest on either side of the ear. While I’m not a big fan of the glossy finish on these, the design looks reassuring, and the buds won’t fall out even after rigorous activity.

The flexibility of adjusting the positioning of the buds depending on the comfort and desired audio output makes the pair recommendable. You can go for a closer proximity to the ear canal for a better sound signature with noticeably more bass, or have a laid-back setup that promotes comfort and consequently a more open input of the ambient noises around. The case of these open-ear earbuds is more or less the same as the LinkBuds Open and Fit, but it doesn’t support wireless charging, which is a bit of a disappointment.

As per independent reviewers who have spent time with the LinkBuds Clip, the touch controls on these are not as good as other Open ear options. The taps can be a miss at times or trigger unwanted action. That said, it is the issue with most touch control earbuds, and for people like me who love physical controls, the features can be a bit of a miss. The sound signature on the LinkBuds Clip is balanced when ideally placed in the ear openings. However, it will be interesting to see how they compare to the next version of Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (released back in early 2024), which are speculated to come out this year.

Battery life on the buds is typically hours that extends to 37 hours with the charging case. The clip-ons have three listening modes: Standard mode for more immersive sound with a lot of detail and clear vocals, Voice Boost mode for listening to the other person in crowded spaces, and the Sound Leakage Reduction mode for lesser disturbance to people in the vicinity.  LinkBuds Clip can be bought right away for $230 in peppy color options like black, greige, green, and lavender. The case covers and fitting cushions in coral green, blue, lavender, and black can be added on for $25 each.

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Sony’s Upcoming Portable PS6 Aims to Challenge the Steam Deck and Switch 2 in 2027

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Sony’s portable gaming attempts have followed a familiar pattern: innovative hardware held back by baffling compromises. The PSP had one analog stick when games clearly needed two. The Vita added that second stick but inexplicably skipped analog triggers and clickable thumbsticks, forcing developers to map essential controls to an awkward rear touchpad. The PS Portal finally nailed the controls by essentially splitting a DualSense controller in half, then rendered the achievement mostly irrelevant by making it stream-only. Project Canis, the rumored PS6 handheld arriving in 2027, needs to break this cycle.

The fundamentals look promising this time. Reports suggest full PS4, PS5, and PS6 compatibility with proper docking functionality, which would position it as Sony’s answer to both the Steam Deck and Switch successor. The recent PS5 low-power mode appearing in firmware updates telegraphs Sony’s strategy clearly: get developers optimizing games for portable performance now, before the hardware officially exists. With AMD’s APUs getting more capable and the handheld gaming PC market proving there’s demand for portable power, Sony actually has a clearer path forward than they did with previous attempts. The question is whether supply chain realities and component costs will force them to compromise again.

Designer: Yousef Popov

Sony recently added a power-saving mode to PS5 games that scales down graphics and frame rates, supposedly for energy conservation. But here’s what’s actually happening: they’re teaching developers how to optimize their games for weaker portable hardware before that hardware even exists. When Project Canis launches, every game with this low-power mode already has a built-in portable profile ready to go. It’s Sony creating a standardized “handheld mode” years in advance, which suggests they’re genuinely committed this time rather than half-heartedly supporting another doomed experiment like the Vita became.

The design remains anyone’s guess at this point. Concept images floating around Behance show sleek interpretations of what a modern PSP could look like, though these fan creations obviously don’t reflect whatever Sony’s industrial designers are actually cooking up. What we do know is that the PS Portal’s controller layout works beautifully, with full-sized analog sticks and proper trigger feedback. If Sony keeps that ergonomic foundation and adds actual processing power inside instead of relying on cloud streaming, they’d have something genuinely compelling. The Portal proved they finally understand that portable controls can’t be compromised versions of console controllers, they need to be the real thing.

The 2027 target might actually work in Sony’s favor despite the RAM shortage threatening to push prices up or launch dates back. Handheld gaming has exploded in ways nobody predicted five years ago. The Steam Deck created an entire category of expensive portable PCs that people happily bought. The Switch keeps selling despite aging hardware because portability matters that much to players. Sony entering this space in 2027 with a device that plays God of War and Spider-Man natively, then docks to your TV for the full experience, feels less like another doomed experiment and more like arriving exactly when the market’s ready.

The backwards compatibility angle could be the real hook though. Running your entire PS5 library on the go would be compelling enough, but reports suggest potential support reaching back to PS1 and PS2 through emulation. Imagine having decades of PlayStation history available on one portable device, from classic JRPGs to current blockbusters. The Switch has proven that players will rebuy old favorites for portability, but Sony wouldn’t need to resell anything if they nail backwards compatibility. Your existing library just works, from launch day classics you bought fifteen years ago to whatever drops next month. That’s the kind of feature that turns a neat gadget into something you’d actually carry everywhere.

The post Sony’s Upcoming Portable PS6 Aims to Challenge the Steam Deck and Switch 2 in 2027 first appeared on Yanko Design.

The best subscription gifts to send to your loved ones this Christmas: Disney+ bundle, MasterClass, Field Notes and more

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There are way too many online services and subscriptions to keep track of these days, but the flip side is there’s a tool for just about everything. Time is just about up to get a physical gift shipped in time for the holidays, so below we’ve pulled together some of our favorite digital gifts and subscriptions, including time-tested video, music and gaming services as well as tools to clear your mental space and learn new skills. There are also a few subscriptions that provide ongoing, IRL deliveries, if you think your giftee will appreciate the nostalgic charm of a physical object.

Game consoles are certainly among the most popular gift ideas this time of year. If you know someone who’s been so good that they’re getting a new Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S, one of these subscriptions will make their shiny toy immediately playable out of the box.

There’s no doubt that Microsoft has changed the value proposition for its Game Pass subscription service service. It recently raised the price for its most comprehensive Ultimate tier by 50 percent, to $30 a month. That’s a bitter pill to swallow — but devoted players who have an Xbox as their main (or only) console will still get a ton of value out of Game Pass.

The aforementioned Ultimate tier provides access to more than 500 games that’ll work on Xbox, PC and other supported devices. It’s also the only way to get “day one” release games like Hollow Knight: Silksong Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer World 2, Call of Duty Black Ops 7; in recent years other high-profile day one releases have included Doom: The Dark Ages, Starfield, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Forza Motorsport and numerous others. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers also have access to the highest quality and fastest game streaming Xbox offers. For a slightly less hardcore Xbox fan, though, the $15-per-month Premium tier is also worth considering.

Nintendo’s Switch Online subscription has gotten some nice upgrades in 2025, the year of the Switch 2. As it has for years, Nintendo offers two different Switch Online plans. The basic $20-per-year plan unlocks online play and enables Switch 2 owners to use the system's GameChat capabilities. It also includes more than 100 Game Boy, NES and Super NES games, cloud backups of your saved games as well as the occasional special offers. It also includes access to the rather silly but enjoyable Nintendo Music app, so you can listen to your favorite Zelda or Mario tracks at any time.

The $50 “expansion pack” adds a collection of N64, Game Boy Advance and Sega Genesis games as well as some DLC for games like Mario Kart 8, Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Splatoon 2. But most interesting are the new additions for Switch 2 owners: there’s a small but growing library of GameCube games, including classics like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and F-Zero GX. Switch 2 owners who have the expansion pack subscription can also upgrade to the Switch 2 versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom for free.

A PlayStation Plus subscription is a must-have for any PS5 owners. That’s partially because you need one to play multiplayer games online, but there are plenty of other significant benefits. PS Plus comes in three tiers, but the middle “Extra” plan ($15/month or $135/year) is probably best for most gamers. In addition to cloud storage for saves, online multiplayer support and a couple of free games for your library every month, you get access to the PlayStation Plus catalog, which includes more than 400 PS4 and PS5 games.

There are a number of heavy hitters here, including The Last of Us Part I and II, Ghost of Tsushima, God of War Ragnarok, Death Stranding, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered and Returnal alongside lower-profile hits and indie games such as Citizen Sleeper, Sayonara Wild Hearts, Dave the Diver and Humanity. If you know someone who loves older games though, the “Premium” tier ($18/month or $160/year) adds a bunch of titles from the PS1 through the PS4 as well as perks like game trials and PS5 game streaming from the cloud.

Check out the rest of our gift ideas here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-subscription-gifts-to-send-to-your-loved-ones-this-christmas-disney-bundle-masterclass-field-notes-and-more-141830326.html?src=rss

Anicorn x PlayStation’s $780 Mechanical Watch Is The Wildest 30th Anniversary Flex Yet

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Anicorn and Sony just dropped a fully mechanical PlayStation watch, and the fact that it exists at all feels like a minor miracle in a market drowning in lazy licensed quartz. Limited to 300 numbered pieces and priced at $780, the PlayStation 30th Anniversary watch launches December 19th with a Miyota automatic movement, a custom rotor, and enough thoughtful design touches to justify the “limited edition” label beyond artificial scarcity. The caseback alone, with its exhibition window and engraved numbering, shows more restraint and craft than most gaming collabs bother with.

What makes this interesting beyond the usual merch cycle is how seriously they treated the design language. The △○×□ symbols sit at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock as three-dimensional applied elements, not flat prints. The PlayStation logo occupies a raised central medallion, and the hands are modeled after the original controller’s Start and Select buttons, which is the kind of nerdy detail that separates fan service from actual design work. The case mirrors the faceted geometry of the 1994 console hardware, finished in that unmistakable matte grey, and the rubber strap carries the button symbols all the way down. It feels like someone actually cared about making this coherent as an object of sheer nostalgia, not just profitable as a limited drop.

Designer: Anicorn

Miyota movements get dismissed sometimes by the Swiss snob crowd, but here’s the thing: they’re reliable, serviceable by basically any competent watchmaker, and when decorated properly, they do the job without drama. The rotor visible through the exhibition caseback gets custom perforation work that echoes disc drive aesthetics, which is a subtle touch that could have easily been skipped in favor of a plain rotor with a logo slapped on. That kind of restraint shows up throughout the design, actually. The dial could have been a chaotic mess of branding and colors, but instead it uses that soft grey finish with selective pops of color on the applied symbols. Legibility takes a backseat to theme, sure, but you buy a watch shaped like a PS1 controller for the vibe, not to check train schedules.

Pay special attention to the case shape. Those faceted, near-octagonal edges are a direct reference to the original PlayStation’s industrial design language, which was all hard angles and serious electronics aesthetics back when consoles still tried to look like they belonged in an A/V rack. Anicorn could have gone with a standard round case and called it a day, but the geometric approach makes the whole thing feel intentional rather than opportunistic. The integrated strap design, with that all-over micro-print of controller symbols, reinforces the “this is a device” impression rather than trying to split the difference between jewelry and gadget. You wear this and people either get it immediately or think you’re wearing some kind of fitness tracker. There’s no middle ground, which is exactly how it should be.

Three hundred pieces worldwide means this will sell out in minutes, probably to a mix of serious PlayStation collectors who still keep mint PS1 longboxes and watch nerds who appreciate limited mechanical releases with actual design thought behind them. The memory card-shaped authenticity cards included in the packaging are pure fan service, but they work because they commit to the bit completely. At $780, you’re paying for scarcity, licensing, and that Miyota movement wrapped in very specific nostalgia. I can almost hear the PS booting sound as I look at this watch! Don’t lie, I’m sure you can too.

The post Anicorn x PlayStation’s $780 Mechanical Watch Is The Wildest 30th Anniversary Flex Yet first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sony Alpha 7 V Integrates AI Processing Into Its Imaging Engine, Rewrites Full-Frame Expectations

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Sony’s Alpha 7 line has defined full-frame mirrorless photography for over a decade. The fifth generation arrives with a fundamental change: the AI processing unit now lives inside the BIONZ XR2 imaging engine rather than running on a separate chip. Every imaging function shares the same processing backbone, and the performance gains cascade through autofocus, subject recognition, color science, continuous shooting, and video.

Designer: Sony

The Alpha 7 V (ILCE-7M5) pairs that integrated processing architecture with a new partially stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor. At approximately 33 megapixels, it strikes a balance between resolution and file manageability, but the real story is readout speed: 4.5 times faster than the Alpha 7 IV. Faster readout means reduced rolling shutter distortion during fast panning. It means blackout-free continuous shooting up to 30 fps with full AF/AE tracking. It means 14-bit RAW capture at that same 30 fps speed without compromising autofocus performance. Sony also announced the FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II (SEL28702), a compact standard zoom designed to match these capabilities.

The Pre-Capture function deserves its own attention. It records up to one second before you press the shutter, storing frames in a rolling buffer until you commit to the shot. For unpredictable subjects (pets, children, sports action), this changes the timing equation entirely. Still image performance reaches 16 stops of dynamic range in mechanical shutter mode, ensuring tonal detail across highlights and shadows even in scenes with extreme contrast.

The Real-time Recognition AF system now identifies humans, animals, birds, insects, cars, trains, and airplanes. Sony claims a 30% improvement in eye recognition performance compared to the Alpha 7 IV, measured through internal testing. The 759 phase-detection points cover 94% of the frame, and low-light autofocus extends down to EV -4.0. AF/AE calculations run 60 times per second, continuously adjusting both parameters during high-speed shooting.

Color science gets its own AI treatment. A newly introduced AI-driven Auto White Balance leverages deep learning technology for light source estimation, automatically identifying the shooting environment’s light source and adjusting color tones for natural, stable color reproduction. This should reduce post-production workload for photographers who shoot across varied lighting conditions.

Video capabilities expand significantly for hybrid creators. The Alpha 7 V introduces 7K oversampled 4K 60p recording in full-frame mode and 4K 120p recording in APS-C/Super 35mm mode. Full pixel readout without pixel binning enables highly detailed footage. Dynamic Active Mode provides smooth stabilization for handheld shooting. An Auto Framing function automatically maintains optimal subject composition during recording. New in-camera noise reduction and improved internal microphone functionality address the audio side.

The operability improvements read like a professional wish list: Wi-Fi 6E GHz compatibility, dual USB Type-C ports, vertical format support, adjustable electronic shutter sound, a 4-axis multi-angle monitor combining tilt and vari-angle design, and an improved grip. Battery life reaches approximately 630 shots using the viewfinder (CIPA standards), with a Monitor Low Bright mode extending that further. Thermal management supports extended 4K recording at approximately 90 minutes at 25°C and 60 minutes at 40°C.

The Companion Lens and What It Costs

The FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II earns attention beyond its kit lens positioning. When paired with compatible cameras, it offers up to 120 fps AF/AE tracking, continuous shooting up to 30 fps, seamless body-lens coordinated image stabilization, AF available during zooming, and built-in breathing compensation support. This addresses the original 28-70mm kit lens’s sharpness and autofocus speed criticisms while maintaining the lightweight profile that full-frame mirrorless shooters expect.

Sony aligned this release with its Road to Zero environmental initiative. Manufacturing facilities for imaging products operate at 100% renewable energy. The packaging uses Sony’s Original Blended Material (bamboo, sugarcane fibers, post-consumer recycled paper) instead of plastic.

The Alpha 7 V body arrives by the end of December 2025 for approximately $2,899 USD ($3,699 CAD). The kit with the SEL28702 lens follows in February 2026 for approximately $3,099 USD ($3,899 CAD). The lens alone: $449 USD ($599 CAD), also February 2026. All products will be sold through Sony and authorized dealers throughout North America.

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The best wireless earbuds for 2026

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Wireless earbuds are now the default option for everyday listening, whether you’re heading out for a commute, fitting in a workout or just watching videos at home. The best wireless earbuds combine reliable connectivity, comfortable fits and sound quality that holds up across music, calls and podcasts, all without the hassle of cables. Most are small enough to disappear into a pocket and pair quickly with phones, tablets and laptops.

What sets one pair apart from another often comes down to priorities. Some earbuds lean heavily on active noise cancellation, while others focus on long battery life, compact charging cases or lower prices. Features like water resistance, customizable controls and app support can also make a real difference day to day. This guide breaks down the best wireless earbuds available now to help you find the right match for how you listen.

When it comes to shopping for earphones, the first thing to consider is design or wear style. Do you prefer a semi-open fit like AirPods or do you want something that completely closes off your ears? If you’re shopping for earbuds with active noise cancellation, you'll want the latter, but a case can be made for the former if you want to wear them all day or frequent places where you need to be tuned in to the ambient sounds. The overall shape of earbuds can determine whether you get a comfortable fit, so can the size and weight, so you’ll want to consider all that before deciding. And remember: audio companies aren’t perfect, so despite lots of research, the earbud shape they decided on may not fit you well. Don’t be afraid to return ill-fitting earbuds for something that’s more comfortable.

As wireless earbuds have become the norm, they’re now more reliable for basic things like consistent Bluetooth connectivity. Companies are still in a race to pack as much as they can into increasingly smaller designs. This typically means a longer list of features on the more premium sets of earbuds with basic functionality on the cheapest models. Carefully consider what you can’t live without when selecting your next earbuds, and make sure key items like automatic pausing and multipoint connectivity are on the spec sheet. You’ll also want to investigate the volume and touch controls as you’ll often have to sacrifice access to something else to make that adjustment via on-board taps or swipes. Some earbuds even offer app settings to tweak the audio profiles or firmware updates to improve performance over time.

For those in the Apple ecosystem, features like auto-pairing with devices, especially with AirPods Pro 3, can be an added advantage, while Android users may want to look for models that offer similar cross-device functionality.

When it comes to battery life, the average set of earbuds lasts about five hours on a single charge. You can find sets that last longer, but this is likely enough to get you through a work day if you’re docking the buds during lunch or the occasional meeting. You’ll want to check on how many extra charges are available via the case and if it supports wireless charging.

Companies will also make lofty claims about call quality on wireless earbuds. Despite lots of promises, the reality is most earbuds still leave you sounding like you’re on speakerphone. There are some sets that deliver, but don’t get your hopes up unless reviews confirm the claims.

Sound can be subjective, so we recommend trying before you buy if at all possible. This is especially true if you're an audiophile. We understand this isn’t easy when most of us do a lot of shopping online, but trying on a set of earbuds and listening to them for a few minutes can save you from an expensive case of buyer's remorse. If a store doesn’t allow a quick demo, most retailers have return policies that will let you take earbuds back you don’t like. Of course, you have to be willing to temporarily part with funds in order to do this.

We also recommend paying attention to things like Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, 360 Reality Audio and other immersive formats. Not all earbuds support them, so you’ll want to make sure a perspective pair does if that sort of thing excites you, especially if you plan to use them for playback of high-quality audio.

The primary way we test earbuds is to wear them as much as possible. We prefer to do this over a one- to two-week period, but sometimes embargoes don’t allow it. During this time, we listen to a mix of music and podcasts, while also using the earbuds to take both voice and video calls. Since battery life for earbuds is typically less than a full day, we drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent).

To judge audio quality, we listen to a range of genres, noting any differences in the sound profile across the styles. We also test at both low and high volumes to check for consistency in the tuning. To assess call quality, we’ll record audio samples with the earbuds’ microphones as well as have third parties call us.

When it comes to features, we do a thorough review of companion apps, testing each feature as we work through the software. Any holdovers from previous models are double checked for improvements or regression. If the earbuds we’re testing are an updated version of a previous model, we’ll spend time getting reacquainted with the older buds. Ditto for the closest competition for each new set of earbuds that we review.

The WF-C710N is a set of compact and comfy earbuds that offer several of Sony’s best features. While the ANC performance is above average for this price ($120), sound quality isn’t as good as the company’s slightly more expensive options. Battery life fell below stated figures and call performance isn’t good enough to use these buds for work.

The newest version of the Powerbeats Pro have an improved, comfortable design, balanced bass and new H2 chips and a heart rate sensor inside. But heart rate support is currently limited on iOS.

The Galaxy Buds 3 combine ANC with an open-type design, which renders the noise-blocking abilities of the earbuds mostly useless. Still, there’s great low-end tone with ample bass when a track demands it. There are also lots of handy features, most of which require a Samsung phone. But at this price, there are better options from Google, Beats and Sony

I really like the overall shape of the Momentum Sport earbuds. They’re more comfortable than the Momentum True Wireless 4 and fit in my ears better. What’s more, the body temperature and heart rate sensors work well, sending those stats to a variety of apps. However, that sport-tracking feature works best with Polar’s app and devices, so there’s that consideration. Also, the audio quality and ANC performance isn’t as good as the MTW4, and these earbuds are pricey.

There’s a lot to like about the Solo Buds for $80. For me, the primary perk is they’re very comfortable to wear for long periods of time thanks to some thoughtful design considerations. You only get the basics here in terms of features and, as expected, the overall sound quality isn’t as good as the pricier models in the Beats lineup. You will get 18 hours of battery life though, since the company nixed the battery in the case and beefed up the listening time in the buds themselves.

Bose created something very unique for this set of earbuds that allows you to stay in-tune with the world while listening to audio content. The clip-on design is very comfortable, but sound quality suffers due to the open-type fit, especially when it comes to bass and spatial audio.

These stick buds have a compact design that’s comfortable to wear and the warm sound profile is great at times. However, overall audio performance is inconsistent and there’s no automatic pausing.

Master & Dynamic MW09

Retooled audio, better ambient sound mode and reliable multipoint Bluetooth are the best things the MW09 has to offer. They’re expensive though, and you can find better ANC performance elsewhere.

Most wireless earbuds will last five hours on a single charge, at the least. You can find some pairs that have even better battery life, lasting between six and eight hours before they need more juice. All of the best wireless earbuds come with a charging case, which will provide additional hours of battery life — but you'll have to return each bud to the case in order to charge them up.

Comparing sound quality on earbuds and headphones is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. There are a lot of variables to consider and the differences in components make a direct comparison difficult. Personally, I prefer the audio quality from over-ear headphones, but I can tell you the sound from earbuds like Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 3 is also outstanding.

With new models coming out all the time, tracking the hours of battery life for each this can be difficult to keep tabs on. The longest-lasting earbuds we’ve reviewed are Audio-Technica’s ATH-CKS5TW. The company states they last 15 hours, but the app was still showing 40 percent at that mark during our tests. The only downside is these earbuds debuted in 2019 and both technology and features have improved since. In terms of current models, Master & Dynamic’s MW08 offers 12 hours of use on a charge with ANC off (10 with ANC on) and JBL has multiple options with 10-hour batteries.

There are plenty of options these days when it comes to increased water resistance. To determine the level of protection, you’ll want to look for an IP (ingress protection) rating. The first number indicates intrusion protection from things like dust. The second number is the level of moisture protection and you’ll want to make sure that figure is 7 or higher. At this water-resistance rating, earbuds can withstand full immersion for up to 30 minutes in depths up to one meter (3.28 feet). If either of the IP numbers is an X, that means it doesn’t have any special protection. For example, a pair of wireless earbuds that are IPX7 wouldn’t be built to avoid dust intrusion, but they would be ok if you dropped them in shallow water.

A secure fit can vary wildly from person to person. All of our ears are different, so audio companies are designing their products to fit the most people they can with a single shape. This is why AirPods will easily fall out for some but stay put for others. Design touches like wing tips or fins typically come on fitness models and those elements can help keep things in place. You’ll likely just have to try earbuds on, and if they don’t fit well return them.

PlayStation 5 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio without an adapter or dongle. Even Sony’s own gaming headsets come with a transmitter that connects to the console. There are universal options that allow you to use any headphones, headset or earbuds with a PS5. Once you have one, plug it into a USB port on the console and pair your earbuds with it.

January 2026: Updated to ensure our top picks have remained the same.

September 2025: Updated to add AirPods Pro 3 to our top picks.

May 2025: Updated to ensure top picks and buying advice remain accurate.

March 2025: Updated the top pick for the best sounding wireless earbuds - runner up.

January 2025: Updated the top pick for best sounding wireless earbuds.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-wireless-earbuds-120058222.html?src=rss

Sony made a PS gaming monitor with a holder for DualSense controller, and you can buy it soon

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When you read that headline, you could have two questions: Was it really necessary? And/or, why didn’t someone think of it before? If you think your monitor is doing just fine with the PS5 (like it is for me), you will probably have the answer to the second question. But if you have been following the recent PlayStation, moreover console gaming, updates Sony is making, I am sure you’ll guess why Sony is investing in an official monitor for its game console.

Sony recently dropped the first wireless desktop speakers – Pulse Elevate – to pair with the PlayStation 5. At first, you could presume these speakers matched the aesthetic sophistication of the gaming console, while providing audio quality that serious gamers would demand. That’s true, but now with the follow-up; this dedicated monitor, it all seems like a bigger plan. A plan to create Sony’s own gaming ecosystem that feels like a natural extension of the PlayStation’s futuristic design language.

Designer: Sony

However you feel about it, Sony’s new monitor, ‘designed from the ground up for the PlayStation 5’ demands your attention. Even though it is made specially for the PS5, it can be used with a PC. Highlight, of course, is the integrated charging hook, attached to the monitor stand, which holds and recharges your DualSense wireless controller when you’re not using it. That USB-C cable you have been losing all this time can now go into a safe drawer for good (until you break the holder loose from the monitor that is).

The 27-inch 1440p LCD monitor designed for gaming, per se, was unveiled at PlayStation’s State of Play Japan recently. It features a Quad high-definition (2560 x 1440) IPS screen that offers HDR and Auto HDR Tone Mapping support. The display, Sony affirms, has a refresh rate of 120 Hz when playing games on the PlayStation 5. But with variable refresh support, it can scale that up to 240 Hz with a compatible PC or Mac.

According to the press information, this official PlayStation monitor is slated to be available in the US and Japan sometime in 2026. Sony remains tight-lipped about the pricing for the monitor, which features two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, a pair of USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack for connectivity. It also has a built-in stereo speaker to make your gaming sessions more intriguing.

Alongside the 27-inch gaming monitor, Sony has also unveiled a PlayStation 5 Digital Edition for Japan only. It will be priced at ¥55,000 (approx. $355) and will begin shipping in Japan from November 21, 2025.

The post Sony made a PS gaming monitor with a holder for DualSense controller, and you can buy it soon first appeared on Yanko Design.