Headphones were the original piece of wearable technology and they remain as essential today as ever. But they are starting to change rapidly now, as things like noise cancelling and Bluetooth wireless technology enable the dream of completely cable-free living. What will the best headphones of the future look like?
6
Verge Score
Innovative earbuds with a microphone built into the charging case.
With glued-in components that are difficult to access, iFixit has some major criticisms of the AirPods Pro 3 that echo what it said about the first AirPods Pro and even about the very first set of AirPods.
You might have noticed tech is getting just a little more expensive these days. SteelSeries’ new $599.99 Arctis Nova Elite headset is only the latest example, but at least it means fans of spending money can complete the set.
Holmeser:
Pairs perfectly with my $999 Xbox Ally X and $750 PS5 Pro
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8
Verge Score
SteelSeries has created a category of luxury gaming headsets that doesn’t really exist right now.
The update to firmware version 4.467 is rolling out, letting the buds adjust ANC on the fly to keep you aware of your surroundings. Announced in August, the update also brings loud noise protection, clearer mic audio for Gemini Live, and head gesture controls to take or decline calls.
The OpenFit 2 debuted at CES 2025 earlier this year, but Shokz is already rolling out an updated version called the OpenFit 2 Plus. Their functionality is nearly identical to the $179.95 Open Fit 2, but the Plus adds the convenience of wireless charging, support for Dolby Audio, and a price bump to $199.95.
7
Verge Score
Good for side sleepers but ANC kills battery life.
“Live translation with AirPods is not available if you are in the EU and your Apple account country or region is also in the EU,” reads the Apple support page. According to Politico, Apple is blaming DMA’s interoperability requirement for the limitation.
We’re here with the latest on iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods.
Apple just released a video teasing the Powerbeats Fit, and they look a bit like the Beats Fit Pro launched in 2021. The video doesn’t reveal any other details about the new earbuds, other than that they’re arriving in fall 2025.
Alongside its Magic V Flip 2 smartphone, Honor announced a peculiar accessory designed to reduce desktop clutter. The 269 yuan (around $37) Select Yuewo Wireless Ear Mouse Pro doubles as storage and a charger for a pair of wireless earbuds. Not ideal for travel, but useful if your work earbuds frequently go missing.
There are a ton of new AI features and plenty of notable device upgrades, too.
