Best overall		Arturia Pigments		SEE IT	Deep and versatile.
Best analog		u-he Diva		SEE IT	You’ll swear it’s actually analog.
Best for pros		Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2		SEE IT	Sound design has never been so much fun.

There’s never been a better time to make music. What used to be a prohibitively expensive endeavor that required thousands of dollars of pricey hardware and outboard gear is now possible with a laptop, a decent set of studio monitors, and a MIDI controller. Fueling the fire of this production revolution are top-quality synth VST (Virtual Studio Technology) instruments and effects. Thanks to ever-improving computing power, the sound of these virtual synthesizers—which load into your computer as plugins in a DAW, or digital audio workstation—are now almost indistinguishable from their hardware counterparts. Whether you can hear the difference in the mix arguably doesn’t even matter anymore. Listeners surely don’t notice! And, because synth VSTs aren’t bound by real-world rules, advanced features, new and novel forms of synthesis, and astonishing, built-in effects are par for the course. And all at a fraction of the cost of hardware. There will always be a place for physical musical instruments but right now, many of the most exciting things in music production are happening in the computing realm. Here are our picks for the best synth VSTs on the market now. Viva la VST revolution!

• Best overall: Arturia Pigments
• Best free: Surge XT
• Best for beginners: Roland Cloud Juno-106
• Best for pros: Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2
• Best analog: u-he Diva
• Best wavetable: Xfer Records Serum
• Best loop-based/best sampler/best ROMpler: Native Instruments Kontakt 7

How we picked the best synth VSTs

The VST market is already massive and companies release new versions every day. And that’s before you even start counting freeware instruments. To arrive at our list of the best synth VSTs we considered a number of points, such as sound quality, the types of synthesis (how it generates the sound), an abundance of patch-shaping parameters, extras like built-in effects and sequencers, and price—including free synths. We also looked at the level of difficulty of use. Will beginners feel comfortable with it or is it better suited for pros? After narrowing things down, we amalgamated the results of our personal experience with general industry consensus and critical response to assemble this list of the best synth VSTs.

The best synth VSTs: Reviews & Recommendations

When shopping for a VST synth, remember to keep your end goal in mind. What kind of music do you intend to make with the instrument? If your goal is synthwave, something suitably retro and vintage-sounding is in order. However, a virtual analog synth won’t cut the mustard (or even the mayo) if your musical sandwich needs acoustic and real-world ingredients. In that case, you may need a sampler. Also, remember that beyond its musical capabilities, this is a piece of software with technical specifications, so ensure that your computer and DAW can handle it—both in terms of format and CPU hit. Finally, have fun. There’s very little that’s more exciting than a new synthesizer to bring your studio monitors to life.

Best overall: Arturia Pigments

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Why it made the cut: A synthesizer that can do it all and sound great doing it.

Specs

• Formats: VST2, VST3, AAX, AU
• Synthesis types: Virtual analog, wavetable, additive, sample-based, granular
• Effects: Yes

Pros

• Stunning sound quality
• Variety of sound engine types
• Plenty of modulation possibilities

Cons

• Could be challenging for beginners
• CPU hog

Arturia is one of the top VST synth developers in the world. It made a name for itself creating deliriously great-sounding emulations of classic synthesizers. For its first original VST synth, the French company brought all of its decades of experience to bear in Pigments, a modern instrument with a deep variety of sound engines and parameters.

Think of Pigments like a colorful build-your-own dessert bar where you get to stack up the sweet flavors however you see fit. Start with the sound-generating oscillators: You can have up to three of these, with virtual analog, wavetable, samples, and additive (building up harmonic partials) available. After this comes the filter, or actually filters, with 10 types culled from a variety of famous synths ready to slide into two slots. Modern music is all about modulation, and Pigments comes packed with envelopes, LFOs, step sequencer-like function generators, and more. Colorful visual feedback that lives up to the instrument’s name makes this relatively easy to understand. Finally, there’s an extensive effects section, including ones taken from Arturia’s many famous effect unit emulations.

Pigments is not a beginner’s instrument; it’s deep and complex and powerfully capable. To get the most out of it, you need to know your way around subtractive synthesis, how to manipulate a wavetable, and how granular synthesis works. However, this also makes it incredibly versatile and able to turn out sounds that will easily fit into any genre. The presence of a sample sound engine alone makes it usable in everything from electronic music to film-scoring. 

One caveat: all that power requires CPU so make sure your system can handle it or be prepared to freeze or bounce tracks.

With its deep synthesis options, customizable modules, and powerful modulation parameters, Pigments could be the only VST synth you ever need.

Best free: Surge Synth Team Surge XT

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Why it made the cut: This free and open-source VST synth is ridiculously powerful.

Specs

• Formats: VST3, AU
• Synthesis types: Virtual analog, wavetable, FM, physical modeling, more
• Effects: Yes

Pros

• Free
• Great sound quality
• Plenty of synthesis options

Cons

• May scare beginners off

You don’t have to spend a lot of money for quality synth VSTs. In fact, sometimes you don’t have to spend any money at all. Case in point is Surge XT, a deep and dynamic freeware synthesizer. What started as a paid synth by developer Vember Audio has now evolved into an open-source passion project by a team of volunteer developers known as Surge Synth Team. As more people come on to work on it, the synth continues to evolve almost organically.

Given its collective nature, practically every facet of Surge XT has an almost bewildering variety of options. The oscillator section alone has 12 different algorithm types, from standard virtual analog and wavetable to different FM varieties, physical modeling, and even a port from a modular synth. You could spend days just exploring the sound generation section, and that’s without mentioning the dual filters, each with a ton of different configurations, some taken from other freeware instruments like Odin and OB-Xd. Modulation is similarly deep and extensive, as is the effects section. There’s plenty more too.

If Surge XT has a drawback, it’s that it’s almost too complex. With so many options you’d be forgiven for finding yourself lost in the permutations. This can make it intimidating for beginners. Thankfully, there are presets to help get you started—unsurprisingly, almost 3000 of them. But if you’re going to have a problem, too much of a good thing is a fine one to have.

Best for beginners: Roland Cloud Juno-106

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Why it made the cut: Roland’s emulation of its classic polysynth sounds just like the real thing.

Specs

• Formats: VST3, AU, AAX
• Synthesis types: Virtual analog
• Effects: Yes

Pros

• Gorgeous sound
• Uncluttered layout
• Perfect for beginners

Cons

• CPU hungry

Roland made a name for itself by releasing some of the most popular analog synthesizers of the 1980s. One of those, the Juno-106, has gone on to become something of a legend. With its uncluttered interface, streamlined signal path, and gorgeous tones, it has become classic hardware for synth-pop and dance music. The company has now released its own VST version and it’s the perfect instrument for beginners to get their heads around subtractive synthesis.

The sound starts with a single oscillator. Here called a DCO (Digitally Controlled Oscillator), it has a particularly smooth and stable tonal character. This passes through a single and lovely filter before hitting the effects section. The famous Juno chorus effect is included but Roland has beefed up this section to include distortion, reverb, delay, and other common effects. And while the signal path may be easy to understand, sound quality is not lacking in any way, with a depth and profundity to match the hardware original.

It’s not all sunshine though. As with other, modern VST synths, sound quality has a price tag and it’s usually paid by the CPU. You can reduce polyphony (the number of notes you can play at a time) to address this but this will also affect your ability to play complex chords.

Juno-106 is part of Roland Cloud’s subscription service. You can access it by paying a monthly or yearly fee or buy it outright for $149. Both options have their benefits; it’s for you to decide which is the more attractive. Either way, you’re getting access to one of the best—and easiest to use—synthesizers ever made.

Best for pros: Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2

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Why it made the cut: With both samples and unique wavetables, Omnisphere is capable of wholly original sounds.

Specs

• Formats: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX
• Synthesis types: Wavetable, sample-based
• Effects: Yes

Pros

• Deep sound design
• Unique sample library
• Hardware integration

Cons

• Expensive

Some synths, like the Juno-106 (above), offer a limited palette of sounds. That’s OK. They do one thing and they do it well. And then there are synths that do pretty much everything. That’s Spectrasonics’ Omnisphere. And the clincher is it sounds like heaven.

Omnisphere combines samples with synthesis—in this case, DSP-generated wavetables. Because of the samples—many recorded bespoke by Spectrasonics itself—the instrument can go beyond the usual familiar synthesized sounds into completely uncharted territory. This makes it the go-to program for professional sound designers working in film, television, and the video game industry. Beginners beware: this is a seriously high-level instrument. Wallets also beware: Omnisphere comes with a pro-level price tag.

Spectrasonics was founded by hardware synthesizer designer Eric Persing (Roland, Alesis) so it’s no surprise that it allows you to use your real-world synth as a MIDI controller. Finally, the either/or question of hardware versus software has been answered with a resounding “both.”

When it’s time to level up in the VST synth game, Omnisphere is the obvious choice.

Best analog: u-he Diva

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Why it made the cut: Diva’s analog dream synth combines the best bits of famous instruments into a jaw-droppingly beautiful whole.

Specs

• Formats: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX (currently Windows only)
• Synthesis types: Virtual analog
• Effects: Yes

Pros

• Incredible sound quality
• Modular approach to synthesis
• Deep sound design

Cons

• Heavy CPU usage

With so many famous analog synthesizers released in the 1970s and 1980s, wouldn’t it be amazing if we could somehow combine them all into one gorgeous instrument? Take, say, the oscillator section from a Moog Minimoog and combine it with the filter circuit from a Korg MS-20. That’s the idea behind u-he’s Diva, an analog-style synthesizer that offers not only this kind of flexibility, but also sounds absolutely stunning in the process.

At first blush, Diva appears to be your standard analog synthesizer. It has an oscillator section, filter, and envelopes. Move along, nothing to see here, right? Not quite. You can choose from a number of alternatives for each of these sections, building up the ideal signal path for your target sound. This offers a level of flexibility you don’t often get in traditional analog emulations. Diva goes deeper though, with additional controls for fine-tuning—even offering modifications to the “circuit” itself. It’s all finished off with a comprehensive effects section.

None of this would mean anything if Diva didn’t have the sound quality to back it up, but it does. Oh, does it ever. It can be luscious and creamy or wild and wooly, just as you expect a hardware synth to be. Close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re playing an analog synth from 1980. You do have to pay the piper in the form of CPU consumption, though.

If you’re after analog authenticity but don’t want the headache and hassle of owning a room full of cantankerous old synths, Diva is the way to go.

Best wavetable: Xfer Records Serum

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Why it made the cut: Ultra-clean wavetables and plenty of modulation options make Serum a digital synth god.

Specs

• Formats: VST2, AU, AAX
• Synthesis types: Wavetable
• Effects: Yes

Pros

• High-quality sound
• Workflow oriented
• Effects suite

Cons

• CPU hungry

If you’ve listened to EDM or any other kind of dance music in the last few years, you’ve likely heard Xfer Records’ Serum in action. This wavetable VST synth has come to dominate the sound of electronic music and for good reason: it’s absurdly powerful and it sounds astonishingly good.

Xfer Records didn’t invent wavetable synthesis. That honor goes to Wolfgang Palm, who made it famous with his PPG Wave instruments in the 1980s. They used dynamic digital samples to create new textures and tones. These sounds were also full of aliasing, or digital noise, however. While some find aliasing charming, Xfer Records clearly does not and has managed to wipe it completely clean from Serum. The result is a synth with all the inherent power of wavetables that is also mind-blowingly smooth and crystalline.

Serum also offers more than just the usual scannable wavetables, with a whole host of table manipulation options. You can warp them in a variety of ways, from subtle to complete annihilation. You can even import your own wavetables and draw in original manipulations.

With tons of modulation possibilities—the source of the wubs, or fluttering bass sound, so popular in dance music—plus tons of filter types, effects, and a massive unison mode for stacking oscillators into single, fat tones, Serum is your one-stop-shop for dance floor destroying sounds. Just keep an eye on your CPU meter—Serum can be a ravenous monster.

Best loop-based/best sampler/best ROMpler: Native Instruments Kontakt 7

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Why it made the cut: Kontakt is the sampler to have if you work with sample libraries, want to make your own, or both.

Specs

• Formats: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX
• Synthesis types: Sample-based, wavetable
• Effects: Yes

Pros

• Many libraries available
• Drag and drop sampling
• Built-in filter and effects

Cons

• Expensive

There are different kinds of VST instrument users. If you’re the type that likes working with real-world sounds like violins, guitars, and acoustic percussion, you’re going to need a sampler. Likewise, if you want to make your own sample packs. In either case, the choice is clear: Native Instruments’ Kontakt 7.

Native Instruments is a real player in the VST synth game, with an almost endless amount of famous releases in its stable (Massive, anyone?). Kontakt 6 is the jewel in its crown and practically an industry unto itself. All those expensive orchestra sample libraries aimed at composers and wannabe Hans Zimmers? They all run on Kontakt. If you have any interest at all in soundtrack work, Kontakt needs to be in your plugin folder. While third-party libraries must be purchased separately, Kontakt 6 does include a large and very usable factory library for immediate gratification.

Kontakt 6 is more than just a ROMpler, powerful though it is. It’s also incredibly useful for making your own sample packs. You don’t need to be a software developer to get the most out of it either. With drag and drop sample importing, easy editing, built-in filters and effects (many taken from NI’s own effects plugin line), and now even a wavetable engine, you’ll be sampling in no time.

What is a VST?

Put simply, a VST is a plugin instrument, audio effect, or MIDI effect that you can load into a separate application, usually a DAW (see below). The term VST can be used in the broad sense to refer to all music plugins in general (and this is how we’re using it primarily in this list) or, confusingly, a specific format of music plugin. At the format level, VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology and was invented by audio developer Steinberg in 1996 for use in its Cubase DAW. The most recent iteration of the company’s VST standard is VST3. You may see the term VSTi used. This is an older abbreviation that refers to a VST-format instrument. 

Other plugin types include AU (Audio Unit) for Apple computers and AXX (Avid Audio eXtension) for Pro Tools software. Some DAWs will accept only one format, like Logic (AU) or Pro Tools (AAX). Others, like Ableton Live, accept multiple ones (AU, VST2, VST3). Check your DAW’s technical specifications to find out what formats are compatible.

What is a DAW?

A DAW is a digital audio workstation. It’s a music-making application and, as the name suggests, a kind of virtual studio. It’s fully self-contained and allows you to make music with essentially just a computer. Some famous DAWs include Steinberg Cubase, Avid Pro Tools, Apple Logic Pro X, and Ableton Live. They are all a little different in terms of workflow but share many similarities. They allow you to record audio, work with MIDI to sequence notes, and load instrument and effects plugins. Most come pre-stocked with a selection of plugins to get you started and also accept third-party plugins, such as the ones on this list.

Things to consider when shopping for the best synth VSTs

What kind of music are you making?

As with any instrument, the first thing to address when buying a synth VST is does it match the music that you intend to make? Just as you probably wouldn’t buy an accordion to make heavy metal, a retro-sounding virtual analog synth might not be the best complement for dark trap. Or maybe it would—that decision is ultimately up to you and your creative needs.

Software support

There are also technical considerations. As computers age and operating systems are updated, software developers have to make choices about how far back they are willing to support. Make sure that the program you’re about to drop $200 on will run on your system. There’s also the matter of 32- and 64-bit apps. Modern operating systems no longer support 32-bit programs. While you should not run into any conflicts with the VSTs on this list, some older ones (and especially freeware plugins) may not work if they haven’t been updated to 64-bit. 

Format

Your chosen DAW has restrictions too. There are different plugin formats, such as VST and AU. We’ll explain this in more detail later but keep in mind that not all plugins will work in every DAW. 

Performance requirements

Finally, there’s the issue of CPU usage. Many modern VST synths are power-hungry beasts. After all, there’s a reason they can rival hardware in terms of sound quality. Make sure you’ve got a laptop for music production that is up-to-spec before spending money on a CPU vampire. Nothing kills the studio vibe like stuttering audio and drop outs.

Synthesis types

Every synthesizer, soft or hard, generates sound through a form of synthesis. Think of synthesis as sonic alchemy—the process by which raw sound gets transubstantiated into throbbing bass, searing leads, soft pads, or whooshy effects. Much like the many different kinds of chemical reactions in the world, there are a number of different ways for sound to come together. 

Virtual analog is traditionally the most popular form of synthesis for VST synths. This digitally mimics the real-world warmth and power of electricity coursing through a hardware synthesizer, like a Moog Minimoog or Roland Juno-60. This is also known as subtractive synthesis, as you start with a harmonically complex waveform and subtract frequencies and amplitude from it. 

FM, or Frequency Modulation, was the first major digital brand of synthesis to challenge analog. It involves waveforms (usually sine waves) modulating other waveforms to generate new harmonics. Yamaha’s DX7 rode FM synthesis into 1980s pop ubiquity. 

Wavetable synthesis starts with a sample that changes over time—for example, a bright brass patch that becomes progressively darker. This sample is called a wavetable and you have control over a number of parameters, such as playback position. Although this technology goes back to the late 1970s, it’s had a resurgence lately in modern music thanks to VST synths like Native Instruments’ Massive and Xfer Records’ Serum (see below). Other forms of synthesis include sample-based, granular, additive, physical modeling, and many more.

FAQs

A final word on selecting the best synth VSTs

• Best overall: Arturia Pigments
• Best free: Surge XT
• Best for beginners: Roland Cloud Juno-106
• Best for pros: Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2
• Best analog: u-he Diva
• Best wavetable: Xfer Records Serum
• Best loop-based/best sampler/best ROMpler: Native Instruments Kontakt 7

There’s a vast world of incredible synth VSTs out there, no matter your musical style. While the sheer number of instruments on the market may initially seem overwhelming, the good news is that there are synths out there that will definitely work for you. You can also often try before you buy. Many offer free trial periods so you can make sure that the instrument will work with your genre and DAW/computer. Have fun and enjoy making music.

Why trust us

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

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

The post The best synth VSTs of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Total Package		Native Instruments Komplete 13		SEE IT	A huge and well-rounded collection of time-tested synthesizers and effects, along with recent genre sounds, best purchased at this deeply discounted bundle price.
Mixing and Mastering		iZotope Music Production Suite 4		SEE IT	This wonderland for mixing and mastering music includes innovative AI tools for helping both beginners and professionals achieve results.
One-Stop Shop		Reason Studios Reason+		SEE IT	The flagship Reason 11 software works as both a plug-in and a standalone music workstation, and the Reason+ subscription includes all the instruments and effects, as well as weekly sound packs.

Music and technology are two constants in human society, so it’s fitting that most of today’s artists satisfy their creative drive and the public’s insatiable appetite for sound by making music on computers. The basic setup includes a digital audio workstation (DAW) program for recording and mixing tracks, which may come free with your computer or cost a few bucks. And those DAWs often offer generous toolkits. But producers with a vision should complement their DAW with the best music production software to suit their specific goals. Are you essentially a one-person show like Tyler, the Creator? Will you stay behind the scenes, mixing and mastering songs for the next Post Malones and Ariana Grandes of the world? What about writing musical scores? All those new Netflix shows aren’t going to compose music for themselves. Fortunately, there are outstanding music-creation software options for every artistic agenda. 

• Best overall: Native Instruments Komplete 13 
• Best for mixing and mastering: iZotope Music Production Suite 4 
• Best for synth addicts: Arturia V Collection
• Best for one-stop shoppers: Reason Studios Reason+
• Best for composers: EastWest ComposerCloud X 
• Best free: MeldaProduction MFreeFXBundle 

The best music production software: Reviews & Recommendations

In addition to complementing the built-in features of your DAW software of choice, the best music production software complements your creative goals as well. The number of interesting individual plug-ins and virtual instruments for music-making runs into the thousands, so rather than piecing them together one by one, some of the best music production software options bundle together cohesive groups of excellent professional plug-ins for much lower prices than purchasing them separately. Each product here is a winner, so choose according to your own situation.

Best overall: Native Instruments Komplete 13 

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Germany’s Native Instruments was an early pioneer in integrating software instruments and sound effects into complete production suites. As its name implies, Komplete 13 ($599) supplies a comprehensive collection of 68 digital instruments, sounds, and processors for producing and mixing music. Thirty sample-based instruments outfit you with not only a full band’s worth of guitar, bass, drum, piano, and classic keyboard sounds, but also orchestral horns, strings, and the traditional instruments from cultures all around the world. More than a dozen synthesizer plug-ins cover recreations of classic synths and many synthesis styles, such as virtual analog and FM, and the Massive X wavetable synthesizers have been very influential in the worlds of dubstep and trap bangers. The REAKTOR modular environment lets you build instruments that haven’t existed previously.

Komplete 13 finishes off with something of almost everything in the realm of audio processing, including the Guitar Rig 6 suite of amplifier emulations and guitar-style effects, as well as a complement of reverb, delay, EQ, compressor, distortion, modulation, and other effects and dynamics plug-ins. Komplete 13 comes on a portable hard drive packing more than 36,000 sounds and 320GB of material. The high-end Komplete 13 Ultimate ($1,199) package adds another 50 instruments and effects and more than 500GB of additional audio material. Most of that comes in the form of orchestral and cinematic instruments providing brass, woodwinds, strings, mallet percussion, and complex soundscapes for modern professional scoring. All Komplete 13 plug-ins can operate within the included Komplete Kontrol software, which allows perfectly mapped hardware control from Native Instruments keyboard controllers such as the Komplete Kontrol A49 ($219) or S49 MK2 ($669). 

Best for mixing and mastering: iZotope Music Production Suite 4 

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Audio plug-ins like the graphical waveform-based Nectar for vocal processing, Neutron for mixing, Ozone for mastering, and RX for audio cleanup and repair were already industry favorites before iZotope imbued them with machine-learning AI assistants. Now, the latest versions in Music Production Suite 4 come with “Assistant” functions that automatically perform certain audio processes based on your input and the analysis of a growing database of thousands, if not millions of other tracks. But don’t worry, you can change any of the automated suggestions they make, whether you want to tune-up or intentionally trash a frequency. Your creativity drives the process.

The music mixing software suite also includes Tonal Balance Control 2, another of iZotope’s AI-assisted breakthroughs, which works with all the Neutron and Ozone plug-ins within a DAW session and adjusts them to meet the optimal levels of 12 tonal balance zones based on the optimal levels for different musical genres or any of your chosen reference songs. Rounding out the suite are VocalSynth 2 for beautiful-to-bizarre vocal effects and vocoding, Insight 2 for detailed track metering, three professional reverb plug-ins, and Stutter Edit 2 for rhythmic effects.

All told, Music Production Suite 4 is the best place to start for musicians who want to try mixing and mastering their own music for distribution. If its upfront price of $999 is too steep and you’d rather pay a monthly subscription, iZotope’s Music Production Suite Pro ($24.99/month) gives you most of the products in the Music Production Suite 4, including all of the AI-assisted mixing and mastering products, with the added bonus of Melodyne Essential, which can perform the kind of vocal trickery popularized by T-Pain, Kanye, and Future.

Best for synth addicts: Arturia V Collection 9

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Imagine a studio filled with the most famous vintage analog and digital synthesizers, organs, and electric pianos that fueled your favorite music from the ’70s to today: every Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock funk classic, every Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode synth-pop gem, and most of the glowstick-powered rave jams. When you wake up from that dream, feel good knowing that you can pack that fantasy studio into your laptop for $599 with the Arturia V Collection 9, a bundle of 32 instrument emulation plug-ins with a total of more than 14,000 preset sounds covering the best-loved timbres from beloved classic keyboards like Moog Minimoog analog synth, Yamaha DX-7 FM digital synth, the Hammond B-3 organ, Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric pianos, Mellotron, and much more. Arturia’s KeyLab keyboard controllers, like the KeyLab MKII 49 ($499), are designed to seamlessly manipulate the vintage emulations in V Collection 8 with their knobs, buttons, faders, and pads.

Best for one-stop shoppers: Reason Studios Reason+

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Since it added multitrack audio recording several versions back, Reason Studios Reason 11 really qualifies as full-fledged DAW software. But it stands out with its one-of-a-kind interface that arranges its analog-style mixer and all of its many instruments and effects into a fully configurable Rack, whose backside view allows you to connect and reconnect any of the individual devices together in infinitely creative configurations with virtual patch cords. Its unique, self-contained workflow and constantly expanding add-ons shop has made Reason a favorite among DIY music producers and songwriters since the dawn of the millennium. But these days Reason 11 is not only self-contained beat maker software but it also works as a plug-in workstation inside of any other major DAW software, allowing you to route whatever you’ve recorded through Reason’s expansive signal chain. With the Reason+ subscription ($19.99/month), subscribers get the Reason 11 standalone/plug-in workstation; 80 instrument, audio effect, MIDI effect, and audio utility devices; plus weekly sound pack downloads. The instruments comprise dozens of versatile, powerful, and fun synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines that when combined with the productivity-friendly Reason workflow, make up a musical laboratory perfect for discovering modern pop, hip-hop, and dancefloor-filling hits.  

Best for composers: EastWest ComposerCloud X

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Like most areas in music and pro audio, scoring music for pictures (movies, TV, video games) is a hyper-competitive field where composers would do well to differentiate themselves. One possible way to do that is to use the absolute highest-quality sound libraries for composing with the most realistic and meticulously recorded samples of orchestral instruments available. Anyone can hear a stark difference in realism between the brass and strings instruments included with Apple Logic Pro X, for example, and those of a renowned company like Spitfire Audio, which constantly strives to make more comprehensive and realistic virtual instruments that run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars per title.

Even if composers of moderate means acquire a few libraries covering the basic orchestral needs, what do they do when they need something rarer like a sitar or a dulcimer? Enter EastWest, one of the first music-making software companies to embrace the subscription model for ComposerCloud X ($29.99/month), a collection of 70 orchestral, choir, and piano sound libraries all aimed squarely at professional scoring. In all, it grants access to more than 40,000 virtual instrument variations covering brass, woodwinds, strings, vocals, drums/percussion, guitars/bass, pianos/keyboard, and world/ethnic categories. EastWest, and its associated brand Quantum Leap, make some of the most revered products in the business and ComposerCloud X includes all newly released products as they come out, such as the recent Hollywood Orchestra Opus Edition. 

Best free: MeldaProduction MFreeFXBundle

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While all DAW software now comes with at least some stock plug-ins for adding audio effects or often-crucial dynamics processors like EQ and compression, not every DAW includes every type of plug-in. And sometimes the stock plug-ins are light on perks like visual representation audio waveforms in their interfaces. Also, every reverb, distortion, or other effect plug-in is unique in some way, and it can only help to collect a few of each kind and choose your favorites (without going overboard and neglecting the actual work of making music). MeldaProduction makes a vast array of quality instrument and effect plug-ins, but you can pick up 37 of its very useful products for no cost in its MFreeFXBundle.

There are no instrument plug-ins, but this is still the most generous free bundle available. Its plug-ins cover the effect bases with the essential reverb, compressor, distortion, flanger, phaser, filter, ring modulator, and more, but there are also more rare and very useful utilities that your DAW may not include. For example, there is a stereo image widener, an instrument tuner, pitch correction, a visual metronome, a text-editing notepad, and quite a bit more. Also unusual for free plug-ins, the MeldaProduction plug-ins provide waveform displays for almost every effect that deals with audio. For example, the MAutopan performs the programmed panning of a track from left to right in the stereo image, but you can also see and adjust the waveform of the panning oscillator visually. MFreeFXBundle limits you in certain ways—the biggest being the inability to save your own presets. However, you can upgrade the entire bundle to allow preset saving, resizing of the windows, and several other features by paying a whopping $59.  

What to consider when choosing the best music production software

Assuming you have DAW software, which is the foundation for production, this guide concentrates on the best music production collections of audio plug-ins to complement that main software. There are some options, like Reason Studios’ Reason, that actually function as both a plug-in and a standalone DAW, but we’re primarily going to look at the best music production software for specific use cases. 

If you’re in a band and your focus will be on mixing and mastering songs that are mostly recorded from instruments, there are packages that emphasize tone cleaning and sculpting plug-ins over virtual instrument plug-ins. If, on the other hand, you can’t get enough synthesizer sounds or are obsessed with ’80s-esque retro-wave music, there are very synthesizer-focused collections. Composers will use a lot of virtual instrument plug-ins but need sample libraries that are based on acoustic orchestras rather than otherworldly tones, and there are options for that.

Big plug-in collections are investments in your musical career, but you can opt to make that investment as a single upfront price or try one of the growing number of subscription music software packages. Subscriptions allow you to get started producing music now if you don’t have the budget for the full-priced software, and they give you the latest updates to everything. However, many people prefer to pay once and not think about it again, and not all the best music production software is available via subscription.  

If you’re using a hardware controller to work with your DAW software, that same hardware may be able to also give you seamless, hands-on control of your music production plug-ins, as well. Both Native Instruments and Arturia make keyboard controllers that come pre-mapped to work with their music production plug-ins and also offer control over many of the best DAW programs too. 

You keep mentioning DAW software. What, exactly, is it?

Digital audio workstation software is sophisticated, deeply featured software for recording, editing, arranging, and mixing multiple tracks of audio for music, movie/TV productions, podcasting, and so on. They’re names you likely recognize, including Ableton Live, Apple Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and Avid Pro Tools. Most DAWs also support multiple MIDI-note tracks, which use virtual instruments such as synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers. Along with that comes support for third-party effects and processing plug-ins, as well as external hardware controllers. The DAW is what you use for framing the song’s structure, while plug-ins are great for the detailing.

OK, so what should I know about plug-ins?

The plug-in software that DAWs support are individual programs that work inside of the DAW. The producer “plugs in” these programs to an audio or MIDI track in the DAW. Instrument plug-ins generate sound either as digital synthesizers or by triggering audio files such as drum sounds or sampled acoustic instruments. Effect plug-ins treat a DAW track’s audio to some form of processing, such as adding echo or filtering the audio frequencies. Other MIDI plug-ins, such as an arpeggiator, determine how notes are played back, and some plug-ins are strictly visual, such as frequency spectrum analyzers, which present a display of audio waveforms.

Most plug-ins must be used within a DAW program, but some also work as standalone software. There are several common plug-in formats—such as VST, AudioUnits, and AAX—and your DAW software must support a plug-in’s particular format to work with it. All the plug-in collections in this guide support multiple plug-in formats and both Mac and Windows computers, so they will work with all the major DAWs.

FAQs

The final word on the best music production software

• Best overall: Native Instruments Komplete 13 
• Best for mixing and mastering: iZotope Music Production Suite 4 
• Best for synth addicts: Arturia V Collection
• Best for one-stop shoppers: Reason Studios Reason+
• Best for composers: EastWest ComposerCloud X 
• Best free: MeldaProduction MFreeFXBundle 

There are so many amazing music plug-ins for using inside your DAW to polish your songs into professional-sounding gems. Choosing the best music production software for you, therefore, comes down to factors other than just quality: your budget, your musical or pro audio focus, and even the compatibility of a plug-in collection with your music controller hardware. If you’re not sure, trying one month at a time of a subscription could help you narrow it down to your final choice. Just make sure you don’t sign up for a yearly commitment if you do that. You’ll soon discover that the biggest drawback to some of these plug-in collections is not enough hours in the day to enjoy them.

Why trust us

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

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

The post The best music production software of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

I used to cover conventions as a producer and cameraman and that meant conducting lots of interviews from crowded show floors. Because we wanted to stay light and mobile, we ran two mics directly into the XLR audio inputs on our video camera: one for the on-air host and the other for whoever she interviewed. The set-up worked, but it had two big problems. First, we could only use two microphones, and interviewing more than one person meant having them share a mic on-camera. Frankly, that looks a little lame. Much more significantly, we had no way to broadcast live and by the time our stories were uploaded that evening from a computer, we were often scooped by teams with expensive livestreaming technology. If I could take one piece of recording equipment back in time with me and do it all over again, I’d pack the Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X. 

Combined with an LTE or Wi-Fi-connected smartphone camera, this compact audio mixer for streaming is a pocket-sized problem solver. Whether you’re a podcaster, vlogger, videographer, or musician in the studio or on stage, the Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X helps get your audio to the masses. 

SEE IT

What is the Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X

The battery- and/or USB-powered GO:MIXER PRO-X features nine channels of audio for microphones, instruments, and line-level sources like music players. It also has a USB output so you can send your jam session directly to a phone or computer for livestreaming or recording. And at only 4.12 inches wide, 6.12 inches deep, and 1.62 inches high, this 8-ounce unit is ridiculously easy to transport. The $149 device isn’t any tougher on the pocketbook than it is on an actual cargo pants pocket but, at this price point, Roland had to make some choices about which features to include and which ones to leave out of the mix. With that in mind, let’s look at whether this mini-mixer for your smartphone is right for you. 

The Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X makes some modest improvements over the company’s previous model, the GO:MIXER PRO. Like its predecessor, the PRO-X features an XLR microphone input with optional 48v phantom power for use with condenser mics; a ¼-inch jack for guitar or bass; dual mono ¼-inch inputs for stereo, line-level instruments; two stereo TRS inputs for external audio from sources like music players; and, finally, a dedicated TRRS jack for connecting a smartphone’s output without losing access to its microphone. 

The Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X’s design

The Roland GO: Mixer PRO-X owes much of its portability to its small size, of course. But you can’t wander through the backcountry broadcasting your livestream if you need to plug into a wall outlet to make it all work. Thankfully, this little mixer draws power from four AAA batteries (not included). Roland claims you’ll get four-and-a-half hours of use from them; in my tests, I came in at just shy of that before I noticed little dips in the audio quality—and then the unit conked out completely. However, the mixer also draws power through its USB port, whether plugged into your phone, computer, or an external power pack. And if you’re using the mixer in a single spot, you can, of course, plug it into the wall via an adapter (also not included). Roland points out—and my tests confirm—that you’ll need to use batteries if you want phantom power for your mics. This will shorten the batteries’ run times, but I had more than enough juice to get through my recording sessions. The versatility of the dual power sources—battery and USB—is a nice touch. 

Hitting the right cords

The mixer connects to your smartphone or computer via a micro-USB jack located on the back of the unit. Much to my delight, Roland included a micro-USB-to-USB-C cable, as well as a micro-USB-to-Lightning cable, making it easy to connect to both older and new Apple and Android smartphones. The company also tossed in a TRRS cable for use with a phone’s dedicated audio output (found on Android phones and older iPhones). This makes the mixer usable straight out of the box.

The Roland GO:Mixer PRO-X improves on its older sibling by adding an attenuator switch that, when engaged, pads the guitar/bass input to help control hotter signals from instruments with active pickups. Roland also added a loopback function so you can play music from your smartphone while still recording video. Finally, they upgraded the headphone output to support headset and earbud mics. 

A strange spin on things

Roland arranged the mixer’s five knobs with enough space between them for even the thickest of fingers—or someone wearing gloves while using it outside on a chilly day. The knobs aren’t as rock-solid as those found on higher-end mixers, but they’re not flimsy either and I never felt like they were at risk of breaking when I carried it in a backpack or the pockets of my cargo shorts.  

Somewhat oddly, Roland marked each knob with an icon indicating the type of instrument they expect you to plug into the corresponding jack. I’d rather they just number them. Sure, the little keyboard icon tells me immediately which controller boosts my synth’s signal, but what if I’ve plugged a drum machine into it? If I’m setting up with a partner and they ask which channel has the DJ mixer, it’s a little confusing to tell them “the one marked with a keyboard.” How do I notate that if I’m writing everything down? Remember, when all’s said and done, an input is an input is an input, and the unit doesn’t really care what sound source runs into it. There are two notable exceptions: If you’ve got an unpowered microphone, you must plug it into the XLR input to use phantom power. And if you’ve got something that combines an output and input on one line, you’ll need to use the TRRS jacks.

I like that Roland designed the mixer with an integrated groove to hold my phone at a great angle for monitoring recordings or streams and, depending on where the mixer’s sitting, using the camera for things like Zoom calls. However, I think Roland missed a beat by not including screw-mounts on the underside for a tripod plate and on the top for a small, flexible arm to hold something like a light, phone clamp, or even a better camera. It would have been an easy way to provide a significant boost in functionality. It’s not a deal-breaker for me, but I’d love to see the company address it one day.   

Is the Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X a sound choice?

Features and inputs are all well and good, but how does the mixer sound? I don’t want an interface that colors the sound or introduces noise to the signal. It’s also important that it provides a decent amount of gain. Can a tiny, inexpensive mixer hit those benchmarks? 

For my first test, I decided to make a live music video about the existential drama unfolding between two squirrels outside my office window. I plugged a drum machine, a sampler loaded up with chugging electric guitar loops, and a high-end condenser vocal microphone into the PRO-X (making sure phantom power was engaged), and then sent the signal to my favorite phone video app, Filmic Pro. Then I hit record and started playing while trying to shoot the two rodents as they ran around a tree. I won’t lie, the video stunk, but I was absolutely impressed by the quality of the audio. 

The mixer didn’t color the sound at all and provided more than enough headroom for a strong signal without any added noise. I had no trouble dialing in and recording a mix that sounded excellent when played back. The peak indicator light was handy for setting levels, though I’d prefer a meter over a single LED for accuracy. 

In my next test, I plugged two dynamic microphones into the mixer for a simple interview setup. One went into the XLR input (without any need for phantom power) and the other plugged into one of the ¼-inch jacks using an XLR-to-¼-inch adapter. Once again, I sent the signal into my phone, but this time used Zoom to livestream a conversation between myself and an artist friend to an audience of six other people who tuned in for the test. Once again, the audio sounded great in my mixing headphones and the people on the other end of the signal gave it a thumbs-up as well. 

However, during setup, I discovered a rather head-scratching design decision: The mixer’s central volume knob controls output for both the main mix and the headphones. So if I want a bit of a boost in my cans, the recorded signal’s getting a boost, too. As frustrating as that is in the studio, it’s downright problematic if you’re somewhere you need to hear yourself over lots of background noise, like at a convention or a club. In order to make your headphones louder without increasing the entire output volume, you’ll need a separate headphone amplifier. Out of all the features I’d like to see added to the Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X, a separate control knob for headphone gain tops the list. 

That said, I love that the Roland GO:Mixer PRO-X makes it so easy to livestream from my phone. It’s a great tool for anyone with a podcast or vlog, whether they’re conducting interviews, playing live music, doing a DJ set in a virtual club, or holding a conference call. It’s perfect for virtual conventions and panels, too. The mixer’s small size and light weight make it easy to take anywhere, and it drops easily into a broadcast signal chain. In fact, the size and versatility of the GO:MIXER PRO-X invites experimentation. Want to livestream your wandering minstrel troupe at the next Renaissance Faire? It’s easy—just plug in your instruments, set your levels, attach it to your phone, and then drop the mixer into someone’s backpack. If you use wireless connectors, you can walk around and entertain the masses on-site, and your followers online, at the same time. (Who cares about historic accuracy—we’re living in the future, baby!)

So, who should buy the Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X?

Roland’s GO:MIXER PRO-X is ideal for anyone who likes to work with audio on the go, especially if livestreaming is a big part of their creative endeavors. This sound mixer features enough inputs for small bands to play and record together, and bloggers will find setting up audio for interviews or discussion panels a fast and simple affair. The unit’s small enough to toss into your kit bag or backpack, making it perfect for broadcasting from vacation destinations or while on tour. That said, anyone looking for more advanced mixer functionality, like separate gain stages, EQs, or even multiple XLR inputs won’t be happy with the PRO-X. Roland never intended it to replace the mixer in your home recording studio or broadcast booth, but, rather, it makes a perfect supplemental system that goes and performs wherever you do. Click here for more digital mixer options.

The post Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X review: A smart solution for smartphone audio streaming appeared first on Popular Science.

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

BEST OVERALL		Pig Hog		SEE IT	The right price and quality for most studio and stage applications.
BEST BUDGET		AmazonBasics		SEE IT	Crafted with quality components mirroring those found on pricier options.
BEST UPGRADE		Mogami		SEE IT	The gold standard for premium pro audio connections.

If you’ve ever used a piece of pro audio gear, you’ve most likely encountered an XLR cable at some point. Inventor James H. Cannon first developed the now-ubiquitous XLR connector in the 1930s as a compact adaptation of his company’s widely used multi-contact electrical plugs. Since then, XLR connectors have become an audio industry standard for passing signals between professional equipment of every conceivable type, appearing at the ends of most microphones and on the inputs of mixers, speakers, and audio interfaces. While XLR cables come in a wide variety of pin configurations, these recommendations are for the three-pin type that’s most commonly encountered in pro audio settings. Whether you’re looking to amass a collection of cables for an entire recording studio or just need to plug in a single microphone, we’ll help you find the best XLR cable for your needs and pass along a few things to consider when purchasing.

• Best overall: Pig Hog PHM15 Tour-Grade XLR Cable
• Best upgrade: Mogami Gold Studio-15 XLR Cable
• Best XLR-to-USB: Behringer MIC2USB
• Best XLR-to-1/4-inch: Monoprice Premier Series XLR Male-to-TRS Male Cable
• Best value: Monoprice XLR Male to XLR Female Cable
• Best budget: AmazonBasics XLR Cable

How we chose the best XLR cables

When selecting our picks, we looked at the scenarios users likely encounter, did market research, referenced product impressions and peer recommendation, and then combined all that with our own first-hand experiences to determine the cables that deliver the cleanest signal and feature the fewest potential failure points or parts that might come loose.

The best XLR cables: Reviews & Recommendations

Three-pin XLR cables are a pro preference due to their ability to carry robust audio signals. Unlike standard instrument cables and RCA cables, which carry a grounding wire plus a single signal wire, balanced XLR cables feature three conductors: a ground wire, a positive wire, and a negative wire. In this balanced design, the presence of signal on both the positive and negative wires allows for improved noise reduction over unbalanced designs. Due to the relatively delicate nature of their parts, wires, and internal electrical connections, an XLR cable should be built durable enough to withstand a reasonable amount of coiling, twisting, moving, and general use without risk of breaking. These are our top picks for the best XLR cables when you need reliable routing.

Best overall: Pig Hog PHM15

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Why it made the cut: This XLR cable from Pig Hog features exceptionally thick construction built to withstand the rigors of long-term use.

Specs

• Connectors: XLR male and XLR female
• Double-shielded: Yes

Pros

• Thick gauge
• Durable connectors
• Shielded

Cons

• Bulky

This XLR cable from Pig Hog comes in a variety of lengths ranging from 3 feet to 50 feet and is available in bulk packs of up to 10, making it an efficient and cost-effective choice whether you’re outfitting a large operation or just need a couple for casual use. Its gauge of 14 AWG is well above the industry average cable thickness, making it more likely to survive repeated kinking and twisting. For this reason, the Pig Hog is an excellent option for stage and touring use in particular.

Users should note that while the Pig Hog is one of the best XLR cables overall, its thickness comes with extra weight and bulk that makes storage a bit trickier whether it’s hung on the wall or stowed in a bin. Of equal importance is an audio cable’s ability to flex under doors, through wall ports, and in the cramped spaces behind equipment, and this cable may be a bit too bulky for those applications.

Best upgrade: Mogami Gold Studio-15 XLR Cable

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Why it made the cut: Mogami manufactures top-of-the-line cables with an extra layer of internal shielding for maximum interference reduction.

Specs

• Connectors: XLR male and XLR female
• Shielded: Yes

Pros

• Neutrik connectors
• Gold-plated contacts
• extra copper shielding

Cons

• Expensive

If you can afford to spend a little more, Mogami’s XLR cables are some of the absolute best that money can buy. They’re built from the highest quality components, featuring Neutrik locking ends for sturdy connections, gold-plated contacts for improved conductivity, and an extra insulating layer of copper shielding. All this is packed into a durable yet flexible 24 AWG rubber housing with heat shrink at each end.

Mogami’s cabling is known for providing some of the most reliable and noise-free performance on the market. Still, this reputation and quality come at a significant cost over other brands that can be hard for hobbyists and DIY-ers to justify. If you want a cable that consistently produces low-noise audio—and has a very low chance of cutting out, getting stuck, or breaking—the extra cost of the Mogami may be worth it.

Best XLR-to-USB: Behringer MIC2USB

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Why it made the cut: The Behringer MIC2USB turns any dynamic microphone into a USB mic.

Specs

• Connectors: USB male and XLR female
• Shielded: No

Pros

• Plug-and-play
• Direct microphone-to-computer connection

Cons

• Only works with dynamic mics
• Sample rate limited to 44.1 kHz
• Thin gauge

Users who want to circumvent the time, bulk, and cost of collecting recording equipment will appreciate this novel computer recording solution from Behringer that integrates a simple audio interface and an XLR cable into a single product. It’s 5-meters long and offers CD-quality analog-to-digital conversion on Mac and Windows without the need for drivers—simply plug in a microphone, open your recording software of choice, and begin recording. If you need a decent option for light content creation duties, already have a microphone, and aren’t ready to spring for a USB mic, this may be exactly what you need.

While the MIC2USB is all about convenience and delivers it on some level, it’s really more of a quick-fix item than an appropriate replacement for a dedicated audio interface. It offers users no control over aspects of analog-to-digital conversion, nor does it include a headphone output for monitoring. Additionally, it only works with dynamic mics due to its inability to pass phantom power, which is required by condenser microphones. If you’re looking for a long-term professional solution for computer recording, opt instead for a standard XLR cable and a simple audio interface.

Best XLR-to-1/4-inch: Monoprice Premier Series XLR Male-to-TRS Male Cable

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Why it made the cut: If you’re looking to connect balanced, line-level equipment like stereo receivers, speakers, and mixers, this XLR-to-TRS cable from Monoprice is one of the best-designed cables for the job.

Specs

• Connectors: XLR male and TRS male
• Shielded: Yes

Pros

• Thick gauge
• Gold-plated connectors
• Reinforced shielding

Cons

• Connector screws may loosen

TRS, or 1/4-inch balanced connectors, contain three conductors and are used industry-wide for carrying the exact same types of signal as XLRs. This XLR-to-1/4-inch cable from Monoprice features gold-plated connectors, robust internal shielding, and a thick 16 AWG gauge to offer good protection from electrical interference and great durability when used in critical applications. If you’ll be connecting balanced gear with mismatched inputs and outputs, this cable covers the most common applications.

Unlike other designs that fasten together without small parts, the XLR connector on this cable features a housing that’s held together by screws. While these provide reasonably convenient access to the cable’s internal parts for repairs and maintenance, the screws can come loose over time and affect both the reliability and durability of the cable. This is nothing to worry about if you’re using this cable for a semi-permanent purpose, such as installing a home stereo, but if you’re going to use it for repeatedly connecting and disconnecting gear, consider a Mogami Gold Series cable, which has Neutrik connectors.

Best value: Monoprice XLR Male to XLR Female Cable

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Why it made the cut: This no-frills cable provides rock-solid performance for a solid price while skipping the elaborate packaging.

Specs

• Connectors: XLR male and XLR female
• Shielded: Yes

Pros

• Simple packaging cuts down on waste
• Rock solid performance
• Thicker than most value-oriented cables
• Gold-plated connectors

Cons

• Added thickness also makes it heavier

Cheap cables are a gamble, but this 15-foot cable offers thick, durable construction and extremely reliable performance without busting up your band budget. The braided, shielded cables combat both EF and RF noise so that you won’t get annoying interference during a session. The 16-awg cable is heavy, which makes it durable and reliable. That’s great when you’re plugged in and playing, but can be a bit cumbersome when you’re lugging your gear or setting up. Still, that extra weight and sturdiness adds an element of security that other cheap cables can’t provide. The gold-plated connectors provide an impeccable connection. You can get longer cables for cheaper, but it’s hard to math this mix of performance and durability for the price. Plus, it comes in basic packaging, so there’s less waste than with some other brands.

Best budget: AmazonBasics XLR Cable

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Why it made the cut: This XLR cable from Amazon’s own brand offers good components and a quality build at a value price.

Specs

• Connectors: XLR male and XLR female
• Shielded: Yes

Pros

• Good value
• Connectors without small parts

Cons

• Thin shielding
• Built from budget components

AmazonBasics is known for offering a vast array of budget-friendly essentials at good quality, and the brand’s XLR cables certainly fit that reputation. Each connector on these XLR cables is built from minimal parts without screws and closely resembles the design of industry-standard connectors from Neutrik. A 6mm PVC jacket around a layer of spiraled copper shielding protects the cable’s internal conductors, though the shielding is not particularly thick, which may result in more RF interference.

While this cable is constructed from components that mirror high-end offerings and should last a long time if treated with care, they’re not guaranteed to be as robust or reliable as more expensive cables manufactured with premium components and high-level quality control. This may not be an issue for casual users—and these are certainly a good choice for light duties—but if you require prolonged reliability in critical environments, you may want to spring for a more durable cable, or at least invest in a soldering iron to handle any repair needs that arise.

Things to consider when buying one of the best XLR cables

The wires inside an XLR cable are incredibly small, and each is soldered to its respective pin at both connector ends. For this reason, the strength of the solder points, the cable, and the connector itself are of high importance when trying to find the best XLR cable. Most of the cables on this list feature simple connectors, as well as connector housings that sit flush with the cable surface to keep out dust and debris.

How many XLR cables do you need?

Quantity is an important consideration when searching for the best XLR cable for your needs. If you are setting up a rehearsal space, a live venue, or a recording studio, you’ll likely benefit from a bulk XLR cable package such as that offered by Pig Hog. More expensive cabling like that offered by Mogami will cost much more to purchase in bulk. Still, its lasting durability and quality may eliminate the need to otherwise repeatedly replace cheaper cables as they fail.

What type of equipment are you connecting?

Nearly all microphones use XLR connectors, as do most sound mixers and pro audio interfaces. Some amplifiers, sound mixers, speakers, and stereo receivers also use TRS connectors to receive balanced signals, so it’s important to verify what type of connection you’re looking to make before you make your purchase. Also important to note is that while most equipment connections require a male-to-female cable, some connections may require a male-to-male cable, such as that from an audio interface to a powered speaker.

Are you going to be making repeated connections?

Durability is an important quality to consider if you’re going to be repeatedly connecting, disconnecting, and storing your XLR cables. In situations where cables are plugged in and left there, such as podcasting setups or behind home stereos, connector quality isn’t of the utmost importance. For studio and stage work where equipment is constantly set up and torn down, however, choosing a cable with more robust connectors will lower the likelihood of cables becoming stuck in equipment or the internal connections failing.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best XLR cables for your audio setup

• Best overall: Pig Hog PHM15 Tour-Grade XLR Cable
• Best upgrade: Mogami Gold Studio-15 XLR Cable
• Best XLR-to-USB: Behringer MIC2USB
• Best XLR-to-1/4-inch: Monoprice Premier Series XLR Male-to-TRS Male Cable
• Best value: Monoprice XLR Male-to-XLR Female Cable
• Best budget: AmazonBasics XLR Cable

From hi-fi home stereos to mixing consoles, for microphones and recording interfaces, XLR cables are one of the prevailing tools for connecting sound equipment and carrying balanced audio signals. Budget XLR cables are great for keeping on hand as spares or installing in semi-permanent setups, while higher-quality cables are reinforced for durability and offer better shielding from electrical interference. Wherever your next creative endeavor takes you, find the best XLR cable to reliably connect your equipment so you can focus on the big picture.

Why trust us

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

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

The post The best XLR cables in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Dynamic and rich		UAFX Dream ’65 Reverb Amplifier		SEE IT	Record velvety highs in less-than-ideal acoustic spaces.
Leaner and meaner		UAFX Woodrow ’55 Instrument Amplifier		SEE IT	A dynamic, responsive play experience that can leap from bright to barking.
Chiming and charming		UAFX Ruby ’63 Top Boost Amplifier		SEE IT	Quickly switch between harmonically complex clean tones and crunch.

For decades, Universal Audio has made waves—or maybe that’s produced waveforms—in the music industry by developing world-class recording interfaces, legendary analog tone shapers, and painstakingly emulated low-low-latency channel strip and vintage instrument plug-ins. Recently, this dedication to a lush punchy presence in the mix has been exhibited with the introduction of their $20-a-month plugin subscription service, UAD Spark, as well as the release of the Sphere DLX and LX modeling microphones. Now, this multi-dimensional processing philosophy has found its way into inaugural Universal Audio guitar pedals, which take the form of stylish, sturdy stompboxes loaded with powerful texture-modulating engines and flexible connectivity options. 

I recently had a chance to test drive all three of the Universal Audio UAFX amp emulator pedals, from the classic Fender-esque Dream ’65 Reverb Amplifier and Woodrow ’55 Instrument Amplifier to the British Invasion-inspired Ruby ’63 Top Boost Amplifier. If you’re looking for ultra-portable, ampless authenticity that easily cuts through a mix, here’s a quick rundown of everything that makes each UAFX amp emulator pedal distinct.

Universal Audio guitar pedal comparison

All Universal Audio UAFX amp emulator pedals are priced at $400 and share similar design elements and basic functionality. Here’s a closer look at the unique electric guitar tones—shaped by signal paths that can include components modeled after legendary Celestion, Oxford, JBL, Korg, Shure, beyerdynamic, Royer, Sennheiser, Neumann, and AKG gear—to help you decide which one is right for you.

UAFX Dream ’65 Reverb Amplifier

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The Universal Audio Dream ’65 Reverb Amplifier pedal is an homage to the venerable Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb, a tube-powered guitar amp that’s made its way into countless recordings and performances over the decades by players from Johnny Marr and Muddy Waters to St. Vincent and Mac DeMarco. In addition to emulating the Deluxe Reverb’s iconically rich clean tones and ear-pleasing overdrive breakup, the Dream ’65 pedal includes built-in spring reverb and vibrato effects—a classic combination that’s not often seen in a single pedal (the Milkman F-Stop and Strymon Flint being a couple of fantastic exceptions). Via a set of onboard switches, users can toggle between (or bypass altogether) a range of historically accurate speaker cabinet, mic, and room tone modifiers—tech borrowed from the $1,200 UA OX Amp—to sculpt singing saturation for surf rock, Texas blues, jazz, punk, and almost everything in between. 

Hearing the Dream ’65 produce the nuanced and dynamic richness of a Fender Deluxe without a real speaker was equally satisfying and perplexing if you’re used to the experience of filling a room with the sounds of a real amplifier. Monitoring the pedal through headphones and studio monitors gave an experience more akin to listening to a high-quality recording than actually moving air in a physical space. Still, this sweet tube-like sparkle and sag spoke to the Dream ’65’s potential for recording great-sounding guitars in less-than-ideal acoustic spaces—just add digital audio workstation and an interface. Suppose you’re a session player looking for maximum tonal flexibility or want to crank the velvety highs that swept from Sunset Sound to Muscle Shoals in the ’70s. In that case, the Dream ’65 Reverb’s faithful modeling of its versatile namesake makes it a no-brainer.

UAFX Woodrow ’55 Instrument Amplifier

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The Woodrow ’55 Instrument Amplifier is a leaner, meaner cousin of the Dream ’65 pedal, designed to deliver all the full-bodied, harmonically rich tone and barking overdrive of a vintage Fender Tweed Deluxe amp from the mid-1950s. The “tweed sound” is considered by many players to be the holy grail of guitar tone, with an unmistakable midrange-forward bite and woody resonance that’s great for playing growly leads and thick chords, a la Neil Young and Blake Mills. The Woodrow ’55 emulates some of the most defining features of the original Fender Tweed Deluxe: it offers a unique dual input channel setup, with a brighter “instrument” and a bassier “microphone” input channel that can be blended for a wide range of tones; it also lacks a spring reverb circuit, opting instead for a “room” knob that adds studio ambiance to the overall sound. Like the Dream ’65, the Woodrow also features a three-way speaker selection switch, but the pedal’s second switch has been swapped for a boost selector, allowing users to “hot rod” their setup by toggling between stock, tape machine, and rack delay preamp tones. 

When put through its paces, the Woodrow ’55 delivered an impressive depth and range of tone plus a dynamic, responsive play experience incredibly similar to the Fender Tweed sound after which it’s modeled. As with the Dream ’65, it was a bit of an odd experience to hear a pedal produce such an accurate depiction of a loud amplifier in a room without any of the actual sound pressure, but the Woodrow ’55’s particular attitude and dynamic range suggested that it would be a particularly solid choice for adding tons of character to a clean solid-state amp like the Roland JC-40.

UAFX Ruby ’63 Top Boost Amplifier

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If British-style tone is more your thing, the Ruby ’63 Top Boost Amplifier offers a fantastic emulation of a vintage Vox AC30, another historically renowned amplifier used by the likes of Dave Grohl, Jonny Greenwood, and The Edge of U2. Compared to the ubiquitous sound of an American Fender-style amp, the Vox AC30 produces generally brighter and more harmonically complex clean tones. It delivers a lean and crunchy tube grit when overdriven. The UAFX Ruby ’63 effortlessly emulates the Vox’s classic jangle and chime with a three-way speaker selector and a second toggle for switching between normal, bright, and vibrato channels. 

The Ruby lacks a reverb circuit, just like the original Vox AC30, but the pedal includes a room ambiance knob similar to that found on the Woodrow ’55 pedal. Each of the three channels on the Ruby also features its own specific type of boost circuits to further add to the range of tones available, all eccentricities intact. Vox AC30s are large and heavy amps that need to be turned up very loud to achieve their signature overdrive, but the Ruby produced all the same full-throated tone and crunch without any logistical considerations.

What about the Universal Audio effects pedals?

Universal Audio’s UAFX line of pedals kicked off with the Golden Reverberator, Starlight Echo, and Astra Modulation Machine, effects stompboxes that feature the same overall design as their amp emulator counterparts but with a focus on expansive soundscapes rather than a like-you’re-in-the-room-with experience. Sculpt the clipping clangs and grainy tails of spring reverb tanks and studio plate reverbs, spread the whooshing haze of eccentric tape and bucket-brigade echoes, or surf the saturated ripples of chorus/flanging/tremolo. Since these debuted, additional tape echoes, reverb and delay, and preamps and compressors have been added to the lineup. We didn’t get a chance to test these effects yet, but if they’re as well-built and flexible as the amp pedals, they’re definitely worth a place mong the best guitar pedals if you’re looking to expand your sonic palette on stage and in the studio.

What makes Universal Audio guitar pedals so appealing?

The main appeal of the UAFX guitar pedals lies in their ability to recreate guitar tones from several classic tube guitar amplifiers without any of the associated upfront cost, bulk, ground-loop noise, or upkeep. Modern versions of the guitar amps emulated here are expensive—usually above $2,000 used—and vintage versions can reach well into the five-figure range. Unlike an amplifier, a UAFX pedal can also be thrown into a backpack and casually taken to another location for studio recording or live performance, even more easily than a practice amp. The pedals’ switchable speakers, effects, and channels also give them a wider range of tonal options than a traditional amp, giving them an edge in creative situations.

All of the pedals in the product line are compatible with Universal Audio’s UAFX Control smartphone app, which allows users to change and recall custom artist tones and personal presets, customize footswitch functionality, and even install free additional cabinet and mic emulations so you can tweak your signal chain wirelessly via Bluetooth. A desktop version of the control software is also available and includes the same features with the addition of firmware updates over USB-C.

Universal Audio guitar pedals comparison: Design

Universal Audio’s UAFX pedals all share the same form factor and feature eye-catching aluminum and plastic housings with high-quality knobs and switches that feel satisfying to use and are reminiscent of those found on high-end recording studio equipment. Each pedal includes two footswitches that toggle between live and amp/effect circuits by default, but users can also bind them to custom functions/presets using the smartphone app. At the rear of each pedal is an abundance of I/O, including a 400-milliamp-minimum 9-volt DC input, two unbalanced TS/TRS inputs and outputs, and a USB-C port for desktop control and firmware updates. In addition to being able to function like a traditional guitar pedal with a simple input and output, all of the UAFX amp emulation pedals feature a unique “four-cable mode” that allows them to be routed into the effects loop of any amplifier, giving players the option to easily switch back and forth between their own amp’s built-in preamp and the UAFX amp pedal of their choosing without having to commit to one or the other.

So, which Universal Audio guitar pedal is best for you?

The UAFX amp emulator line of Universal Audio guitar pedals all cost the same and all use a combination of high-quality hardware and software emulation to offer guitarists and producers a really interesting and intuitive creative alternative to a traditional amplifier without the need to interact with a computer screen. In an ideal world, you’d grab all three to give yourself the widest range of creative options to make signature tones into your tone. Still, if you need to stick with one, the UAFX Dream ’65 Reverb Amplifier will pull off the vast majority of traditional pop, rock, and blues tones thanks to its wide range of sounds and included effects. The UAFX Woodrow ’55 Instrument Amplifier is the best pedal in the product line for getting bright country twang and growly, in-your-face guitar tones, and the UAFX Ruby ’63 Top Boost Amplifier is the best choice for bright, jangly Britpop-style cleans.

The post Universal Audio guitar pedal comparison: Which amp emulator is right for you? appeared first on Popular Science.

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Amazon’s October Prime Day is a perfect time to shop if you’ve wanted to elevate your audio without increasing your budget. Whether you want space-filling sound from speakers that won’t crowd your room or to cancel more noise and more cost with discounted headphones and earbuds, Oct. 10-11 offers some sweet-sounding deals. Whether you’re an on-the-go gear connoisseur or setting up a luxurious listening station, you’ll find we’re on the same wavelength with our focus on assembling a more affordable audio oasis with gear offered at its lowest price in months. But act fast, as prices and inventory are highly volatile and could change at any moment.

Note: You’ll have to be an Amazon Prime member to take advantage of most of these deals, so be sure you’re signed up before making a purchase.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Wireless Earbuds with USB-C $189 (was $249)

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Apple recently released a version of its AirPods Pro that charge via USB-C instead of the now-defunct Lighting cable. And you can also score $50 off the retail price of this new model right now before Prime Day. These AirPods give you all the Pro features you expect, including active noise cancelation and Spatial Audio, with the added bonus of needing to carry one less cord. On top of that, they’re the only model (currently) that will support lossless audio with the upcoming Vision Pro headset. With the holidays coming up, they’re a fantastic gift, even if you’re giving them to yourself. (Still want the Lightning version? It’s also discounted. Want the AirPods Max instead? Also on sale!)

Earbud deals

• Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless IPX Earbuds $85 (was $179)
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 IPX4 Earbuds $142 (was $279)
• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 $89 (Was $149)
• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro $169 (was $229)
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II True Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Technology Earbuds $199 (was $279)
• Sony WF-1000XM5 True Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Canceling Earbuds $278 (was $299)
• Sony LinkBuds True Wireless Earbuds with Open-Ring Design for situational awareness $128 (was $179)
• EarFun Air Pro 3 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds $66.39 (was $79)
• EarFun Air S Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds $39.99 ($35.99 w/ coupon PD201PR1, was $59.99)
• Jabra Elite 7 Active Noise Cancellation True Wireless Bluetooth Sports Earbuds $79 (was $179)
• Jabra Elite 7 Pro Active Noise Cancellation True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds w/ MultiSensor Voice Tech $113 (was $199)
• House of Marley Champion 2 True Wireless Earbuds 15% off (was $89)
• TREBLAB X3 Pro Earbuds $49.99 (was $99.97)
• 1MORE PistonBuds Pro ANC Earbuds $39.99 (was $49.99)
• Skullcandy Grind True Wireless Earbuds $45.99 (was $79.99)
• Skullcandy Mod True Wireless Earbuds $36.99 (was $59.99)
• Skullcandy Jib 2 True Wireless Earbuds $27.99 (was $39.99)

Headphone deals

• Sennheiser HD 600 Audiophile Hi-Res Open-Back Dynamic Headphone $284 (was $449)
• Sennheiser HD 650 Audiophile Hi-Res Open-Back Dynamic Headphone $326 (was $499)
• Sennheiser HD 660S2 Wired Audiophile Headphones w/ Optimized Transducer System, Sound $427 (was $599)
• Sennheiser RS 120-W On-Ear Wireless Headphones w/ Transmitter/Charger for TV listening $77 (was $129)
• Beats Studio Pro Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones $179 (was $349)
• HIFIMAN Deva-Pro Over-Ear Open-Back Planar-Magnetic Headphones with Bluetooth 5.0 R2R DAC Receiver $199 (was $329)
• HIFIMAN HE-R10D Dynamic Topology Driver Close-Back Over-Ear Headphones with Bluemini R2R DAC Receiver $599 (was $1,299)
• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones $248 (was $348)
• Sony WH-CH720N Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Over The Ear Headset $98 (was $149)
• Bose Headphones 700 Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Over-Ear Wireless Headphone $279 (was $379)
• Sennheiser HD 450BT Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Headphone with Active Noise Cancellation $94 (was $129)
• beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 wired professional recording/mixing headphones $134 (was $169)
• beyerdynamic TYGR 300 R Gaming Headset $159 (was $199)
• TREBLAB Z2 Over-Ear Headphones $69.95 ($119.97)
• TREBLAB Z7 Pro Hybrid Over-Ear Headphones $119 (was $179)
• 1MORE SonoFlow ANC LDAC Hi-Res Headphones $74.99 (was $99.99)
• Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless Over Ear Headphones  $69.99 (was $104.99) 
• Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over Ear Headphones $89.99 (was $134.99) 
• Skullcandy Riff 2 Wireless Over Ear Headphones $34.99 (was $49.99) 
• Skullcandy SLYR Pro Gaming Wireless Over Ear Headphones $75 (was $99.99) 
• Skullcandy PLYR Gaming Wireless Over Ear Headphones $101 (was $129.99) 
• Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones $279 (was $299)

Party speaker deals

• Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Generation) Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker $199 (was $279)
• Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $449 (was $599)
• Soundcore Motion X600 Portable IPX7 Bluetooth Speaker w/ 50W Sound, Pro EQ, Aux-In $149 (was $199)
• Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Portable IP67 Speaker w/ Built-in Strap $47 (was $62)
• Sony SRS-XB13 EXTRA BASS Bluetooth Lightweight Travel Speaker, IP67 Waterproof $34 (was $59)
• JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $129 (was $179)
• JBL Go 3 Bluetooth Speaker $24 (was $49)
• JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker $89 (was $129)
• JBL Xtreme 2 $199 (was $429)
• JBL PartyBox Essential Encore $199 (was $299)
• House of Marley Bag of Riddim 2 Portable Speaker $149 + 15% off clickable coupon (was $229)
• House of Marley Get Together Bluetooth Portable Audio System $92 w/ clickable coupon (Was $169)
• House of Marley Get Together 2 Portable Speaker with Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity $174 w/ clickable coupon (was $249)
• House of Marley Get Together 2 XL Portable Speaker with Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity $319 + 15% off clickable coupon (was $399)
• TREBLAB HD77 Premium Bluetooth Speaker $59.96 (was $119.97)
• TREBLAB FX100 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $69 (was $89.97)
• Up to 25% OFF on Positive Grid’s Spark smart guitar practice amp w/ clickable coupons

Soundbars & wireless surround sound systems

• SENNHEISER AMBEO Soundbar Max 13 speaker 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos & DTS:X sound experience $1,699 (was $2,499)
• Bose Smart Soundbar 900 w/ Dolby Atmos, Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth connectivity $699 (was $899)
• Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with Dual Wireless 10″ Subs & 4 Rear Surround Speakers $1,049 (was $1,499)
• Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with Built-in subwoofer $198 (was $399)
• Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch 500W Dolby Atmos DTS:X 360 Audio Soundbar $998 (was $1,399)

Smart speakers

• Devialet Mania Portable Bluetooth + WiFi Speaker w/ Alexa Built-in $799 (was $900)
• Echo Pop, $17.99 (Was $39.99)
• Amazon Echo Dot, $22.99 (Was $49.99)
• Echo (4th Gen), $54.99 (Was $99.99)
• Echo Show 5, $39.99 (Was $89.99)
• Echo Studio, $154.99 (Was $199.99)
• Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), $159.99 (Was $249.99)

In-ear monitors (IEMs)

• Kiwi Ears Cadenza, Linsoul 10mm Beryllium Dynamic Driver Earphone $28 (was $35)
• KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5 Driver HiFi Earphone $39 (was $49)
• KZ AS10, Linsoul 5BA HiFi Earphone $47 (was $59)
• KZ ZAX, Linsoul 1DD+7BA Hybrid Driver HiFi Earphone $55 (was $69)
• Kiwi Ears Quartet, Linsoul 2DD+2BA Hybrid Earphone $87 (was $109)
• TINHIFI P1 Plus, Linsoul 10mm Planar-Diaphragm Driver HiFi Earphone $118 (was $199)
• KZ AS24, Linsoul 12BA Hybrid Drivers Tunable Earphone $126 (was $158)
• THIEAUDIO Legacy 4, Linsoul 1DD+3BA Hybrid Driver Earphone w/ 2 Tuning Switch $159 (was $199)

Music streamers

• WiiM Pro AirPlay 2/Chromecast WiFi Multiroom Streamer $119.20 ($149)
• WiiM Pro Plus AirPlay 2/Chromecast Receiver w/ Premium AKM DAC $175.20 ($219)

Turntables

• House of Marley Stir It Up Wireless Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity, Built-in Preamp $199 (was $249)
• House of Marley Stir It Up Lux Vinyl Record Player with Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity, Built-in PreAmp 15% off clickable coupon (was $399)

Receivers

• Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver with Phono Inputs & Bluetooth $148 (was $199)
• Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 CH Surround Sound Home Theater 8K A/V Receiver $598 (was $899)

Bookshelf & tower speakers

• Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15 Hi-Res Audio Certified Bookshelf Speakers w/ 1″ Tweeter & 5.25″ Woofer $194 (was $299)
• Polk Reserve R100 Hi-Res Bookshelf Speakers w/ 1″ Pinnacle Ring Tweeter & 5.25″ Turbine Cone Woofer $421 (was $649)
• Polk Audio Signature Elite ES50 Hi-Res Audio Certified Tower Speaker w/ 1″ Tweeter & (2) 5.25″ Woofers $269 (was $349)
• Polk Audio Reserve Series R600 Hi-Res Tower Speaker w/ 1″ Pinnacle Ring Tweeter & Dual 6.5″ Turbine Cone Woofers $524 (was $849)

Ear protection

• Vibes High-Fidelity Concert Earplugs $21.71 (was $33.99)

Microphones

• Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone – Silver $199 (was $249)
• Shure MV88 + Stereo USB Condenser Microphone $139 (was $199)

Accessorizing other activities? Take a look at our ongoing list of Big Deal Days discounts.

Want more deals delivered to your inbox weekly? Sign up for PopSci’s Deals newsletter and save money on stuff you’ll really use.

The post Save hundreds on headphones, earbuds, speakers, and more before Amazon’s Big Deal Days ends appeared first on Popular Science.

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For many, finding the time to listen to music can be declared a bright spot in the day. For us yammering music nerds, high frequencies during particularly active tracks may be described in glowing terms. There are far fewer folks, however, who speak about their actual audio components with extremely colorful descriptions—”sleek” is high praise but still a very cold adjective. ARCAM, a member of the HARMAN Luxury Audio portfolio, wants to add vivid details to your listening sesh and your setup’s look.

Revealed at an event held Oct. 3 in London’s Vinyl Factory Soho gallery, the new Radia Series introduces an updated aesthetic to ARCAM’s hardware, still backed by a long heritage of British audio architecture. “Radia Yellow” detailing speaks to the energy that the company—founded in 1976 as “Amplification & Recording, Cambridge,” shortened to A&R Cambridge, succinctly branded ARCAM—imbues through a focus on plentiful power and contemporary connectivity.

The initial Radia flagship family centres on five products: the ARCAM A5, A15, and A25 integrated amplifiers; the CD5 CD player; and the ST5 high-resolution streamer. The new amps feature 2x50W (A5) or 2x80W (A15) Class AB amplification plus new digital circuitry based on the ESS ES9018 DAC, stepping up to 2x100W Class G and an ESS ES9280AQ DAC in the A25 (all driven at 8Ω, but stable at 4Ω). All of them have two-way Bluetooth aptX Adaptive receivers with internal antennas (so you can connect wireless headphones or earbuds), as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack for listening solo (RMS into 32Ω/300Ω 2.5V/5V, load range 16Ω – 2kΩ). As for what you can listen to, there are three analog RCA inputs, Coaxial/Optical digital inputs, and an MM phono stage (plus the A25 adds a USB-C, perfect for playing directly off the new iPhone 15). Oh, and the DACs have three selectable digital filters.

The ST5 music streamer supports Google Chromecast, Apple Airplay2, MQA, Roon, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music Unlimited, UPnP, and more, with an ESS ES9019 DAC and 24-bit/192 kHz resolution. The CD5, meanwhile, can play physical media, including retail CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs—both Redbook and with FLAC and WAV files (which can also be decoded via USB). A “comms” cable between components (which are stackable) allows them to wake one another and sync volume changes from, say, a streaming app to the ST5 to the amp.

We’ve spoken highly of ARCAM AV receivers and their ability to balance clarity and muscularity throughout home theater’s dynamic transitions, so we expected a similar focus on spacious musicality, midrange accuracy, and smooth highs without losing articulate timing. And our first look and listen showed the company’s two-channel refresh to be punchy above its price point. We’ll have more to say about the Radia Series once we’ve had some hands-on time with the hardware. For now, we can share that pricing begins at $699 for the A5, going up to $1,099 for the A15 and $1,499 for the A25, while the ST5 streamer is $799 and the CD5 is $699. The products will be available at retailers in Q4 2023. In the meantime, you can visit www.arcam.co.uk for more details.

The post ARCAM spotlights industrial redesign with new Radia Series appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best Overall		Audeze LCD-2 Classic		SEE IT	You can count on rich, well-extended bass, lush vocals and instruments, and airy, spacious treble.
Best Closed-Back		Meze Audio LIRIC		SEE IT	This is the most spacious, source- and EQ-friendly closed-back planar magnetic headphone available today.
Best Budget		HIFIMAN Sundara		SEE IT	These headphones deliver a spacious soundstage and an incredible amount of detail for their comparatively modest price.

In the world of audiophile headphones, planar magnetics rule the roost. Many of the most popular headphones, even for listeners on a budget, use planar magnetic drivers, and for good reason: the level of detail and clarity they’re able to provide is outstanding. It’s no exaggeration to say that the best planar magnetic headphones will let you hear things you’ve never heard before and can breathe new life into your listening. If you’ve found yourself craving an upgrade to your audio experience, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be breaking down the best planar magnetic headphones you can buy across six key categories to help you sink into your music like never before with the set that’s right for you.

• Best overall: Audeze LCD-2 Classic
• True audiophile: Dan Clark Audio Stealth
• Best over-ear: Audeze LCD-5
• Best for classical and live music: HIFIMAN Audivina
• Best for mixing: Audeze MM-500
• Best closed-back: Meze Audio LIRIC
• Best earphones: 7Hz Timeless
• Best for gaming: Moondrop Venus
• Best budget: HIFIMAN Sundara

How we chose the best planar magnetic headphones

I’ve been a headphone collector for over five years but an audio enthusiast for much, much longer. I began my first foray into the world of audio as a kid, borrowing my dad’s Sony over-ears to sink into Metallica’s 1991 self-titled LP (aka “The Black Album”). As an adult, I contented myself with cheap earphones until I joined the tech press in 2013 and discovered a passion for all things personal audio. Since then, it’s become a full-on hobby, and some of my very favorite listening experiences have taken place with planar magnetic headphones. I own nine different sets of planar headphones and have no plans to stop collecting them anytime soon.

For this round-up, I’ve gathered the best selections across six different product categories. Listening is a subjective thing, so I connected with Tony Ware—PopSci’s managing editor and a fellow personal audio enthusiast—to discuss our experiences and hash out what really deserved to be called the best of the best. Every choice we landed on was researched and cross-referenced with leading audio forums, Head-Fi and r/headphones, and a wide array of professional reviews and user impressions. They don’t often come cheap, but each of the headphones included in this list is exceptional and well worth your hard-earned dollars.

The best planar magnetic headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

Now that you’re interested in planar-magnetic technology (sometimes referred to as orthodynamic headphones), we’ve gathered the top choices across six categories for your consideration. There is some overlap in these choices, so consider all these planars and what works best for your budget and listening preferences.

Best overall: Audeze LCD-2 Classic

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Why it made the cut: The Audeze LCD-2 Classics balance outstanding sound with a reasonable price, making them an accessible and exceptional choice.

Specs

• Price: $799
• Type: Open-Back
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 50kHz
• Impedance: 70 ohms
• Sensitivity: 101 dB
• Weight: 550 grams

Pros

• Great balance of price and performance
• Durable metal construction
• Outstanding value 
• Pelican-style travel case

Cons

• Boring appearance
• Requires EQ to sound its best

The LCD-2 Classic may not be the pinnacle of planar performance, but it’s the best overall choice for users looking to balance outstanding audio quality with a reasonable price. The LCD-2 Classic takes the LCD-2 back to its roots, removing the current generation’s Fazor waveguide system, and simplifying some design elements to deliver a headphone that’s the perfect fit for the value-conscious audiophile. 

The LCD-2 Classic features the same driver as the LCD-2, which means you can count on a similarly great sound: rich, well-extended bass, lush vocals and instruments, and airy, spacious treble. The LCD delivers a moderately wide soundstage but features exceptionally good layering, so you can hear every note and every harmony, regardless of how far back in the mix it is. This also makes it a great choice for sound engineers and content creators who need to hear every tiny piece of the content they’re creating. 

At $195 less than the current LCD-2 (with its more richly appointed trimmings and audiophile articulation), there are some trade-offs. The biggest is the need to EQ these headphones to get them to sound their best. Out of the box, many users describe the mids as sounding “off” or “glaring” due to some strange mid-range peaks. These can be easily tamed with EQ software, bringing this headphone in line with its more expensive sibling. Put another way, these headphones do require a touch more effort upfront but can sound downright amazing after.

The construction has also been changed, swapping out the wooden rings on the standard LCD-2 with basic black nylon. The all-black construction does make the LCD-2 Classic look a little boring, but it’s also more durable and pairs well with the otherwise metal build. Speaking of metal, specifically of the musical persuasion, the right planar magnetic headphone’s coupling of bass slam and nimble technicalities can be great when paired with the genre; the LCD-2 Classic has particular synergy with death and doom to industrial. Also, contrary to early reviews, this LCD-2 also now ships with a hard-back pelican-style travel case for even more peace of mind.

True audiophile: Dan Clark Audio Stealth

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Why it made the cut: The Stealth from Dan Clark Audio is super stylish and packed with technology to enhance the listening experience. 

Specs

• Price: $3,999
• Type: Closed-back
• Frequency Response: Not disclosed
• Impedance: 23 ohms
• Sensitivity: 86-87dB
• Weight: 415 grams

Pros

• Huge V-Planar drivers
• Stylish design
• Outstanding bass and rich detail
• Intricate tuning system

Cons

• Big and bulky
• Extremely expensive

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line headphone custom-designed for audiophiles by audiophiles, look no further than the Dan Clark Audio Stealth. It’s a set that includes all of the latest innovations from one of the most respected names in the boutique audio business. It also breaks the mold with its closed-back design, making it a better fit for those times when you want to block the world out and disappear into your music.

This stealth bomber-like headphone uses the fourth generation of the company’s esteemed V-planar drivers, which are 20% larger than the last generation and deliver incredibly low distortion and outstanding detail. Enhancing these drivers further is DCA’s Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, which not only reduces phase distortion for increased clarity but enhances treble performance without adding harshness or sibilance. 

When it comes to tuning, the Stealth plays it safe with a sound that’s close to the classic Harman Curve. That means you can count on rich, detailed bass that doesn’t overwhelm the other frequencies and plentiful details. The Stealth also manages to buck the stigma of closed-backs sounding compressed with a wide, airy soundstage.

The biggest drawback to this headphone really is its price. At $3,999, it will be hard for many listeners to justify. Those that do will be in for a treat, however. Dan Clark Audio rarely fails to impress.

Best over-ear: Audeze LCD-5

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Why it made the cut: The Audeze LCD-5 is a top-of-the-line headphone that showcases the very best of what this industry-leading brand can do.

Specs

• Price: $4,500
• Type: Open-back
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 50kHz
• Impedance: 14 ohms
• Sensitivity: 90dB
• Weight: 420 grams

Pros

• Easy to drive
• Great build quality 
• Neutral sound signature
• Much lighter than the LCD-4

Cons

• Extremely expensive
• High clamping force
• Can be very revealing

Audeze is one of the biggest names in the business, and the LCD-5 represents the peak of its engineering. For its new flagship, the company went back to the drawing board, redesigning its fit and function. While it’s still unmistakably an Audeze headphone with its circular earcups, precision-cut grilles, and floating headband, the LCD-5 comes in a whopping 290 grams lighter than the former flagship, the LCD-4. It makes heavy use of magnesium and carbon fiber, so is made to last and you can look forward to longer listening sessions and less head fatigue over time (the clamp force is a bit stronger, though).

Part of the reason for its reduced weight is the redesigned driver system. The driver is now 90mm instead of 106mm and uses fewer heavy magnets to deliver its sound. The new driver has also been engineered with Audeze’s new Parallel Uniforce voice coil, tightening its response across its entire surface, improving resolution, and lowering how much power it takes to drive. No need for a monster amplifier here (though, like all summit-tier headphones, performance will scale the more you invest in your signal chain)! This driver system is paired with Audeze’s acclaimed Fazor waveguide tech to reduce distortion and phase interference. 

The best word to describe the sound of the LCD-5 is “revealing.” These headphones deliver all of the incredible detail you would expect from a $4,500 planar magnetic, but they’re more balanced and less bassy than prior sets from Audeze. Because of their outstanding resolution and mid-forward tuning, they’ll allow you to hear things you’ve never heard before, and old favorites in a new way, but that also means uncovering flaws in recordings or sound characteristics from your amp or DAC that may have missed with other sets.

Best for classical and live music: HIFIMAN Audivina

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Why it made the cut: The HIFIMAN Audivina offers a balanced yet wholly engaging listening experience with one of the best soundstages available in a closed-back planar.  

Specs

• Price: $1,999
• Type: Closed-back
• Frequency response: 5Hz – 55kHz
• Impedance: 20 ohms
• Sensitivity: 97dB

Pros

• Deep soundstage
• Gorgeously designed and comfortable to wear 
• Richly layered and detailed

Cons

• Exceptionally large
• Sound is slightly colored

Closed-back headphones usually trade soundstage for isolation, but that’s not the case with the HiFiMAN Audivina. These headphones deliver far less isolation than the average closed-back but trade that for a surprisingly deep listening experience that almost seems to draw instruments apart, allowing you to hear the rich detail within. The sound is natural, though isn’t exactly flat, thanks to a slight bump in the bass and some small peaks in the mids and highs to push out details. There’s a small amount of coloration, but nothing exaggerated, and it makes for a thoroughly engaging listen. The depth of its listening experience draws you in and delivers a sense of realism perfect for live recordings, the richly detailed, open soundscape of classical music, as well as films and cinematic scores.

The naturalness of its listening experience is a perfect match for the design of the headphones themselves. Its large, oval-shaped cups are carved from real hardwood and have a beautiful, orange wood grain finish and equally earthy tan ear cushions. Because of the multi-stage acoustic architecture housed within, resonance chambers inspired by renowned concert halls, the headphones are big—so much so that smaller listeners may find that they sit too loosely without being very particular about their positioning. They also have heft, weighing in at roughly one pound, though you wouldn’t know it based on how comfortable they are to wear. Meant to replicate (replace?) the spacious presentation of a pair of nearfield monitors, HIFIMAN has done a great job with these headphones, making them the kind of cans you can lose hours to in a cascade of different movements. (Want a more traditionally intimate closed-back planar? Check out the Meze Audio LIRIC below.)

Best for mixing: Audeze MM-500

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Why it made the cut: The Audeze MM-500 is custom-tuned by a renowned audio engineer, and it shows. These headphones are comfy, balanced, and revealing. 

Specs

• Price: $1,699
• Type: Open-back
• Frequency response: 5Hz – 50kHz
• Impedance: 18 ohms
• Sensitivity: 100dB

Pros

• Balanced, midrange-focused tuning that doesn’t color the mix
• Comfortable to wear over extended listening sessions
• Detail-rich with clear layering

Cons

• Soundstage isn’t very big
• Limited availability

The Audeze MM-500 sounds unlike any other pair of Audeze headphones we’ve heard, but there’s a good reason for that. Crafted with the help of Grammy-winning audio engineer Manny Marroquin (and emblazoned with his initials beneath the headband), they’re designed to be used in the studio, replacing the classic studio monitors that are a staple of audio mixing. Their tuning is anchored by an exceptionally clear upper midrange, as that’s the frequency range where the hardest work to avoid mix congestion must be done, but this emphasis doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an uncolored listening experience. And this actually makes the headphones perfectly suited for music with rich vocals and energetic instrumentation—able to handle tactile tones and busy articulation while maintaining a naturalistic presentation that never masks the rest of the spectrum. It’s the ultra-thin, ultra-responsive drivers that set them apart from other mixing headphones, enhancing the monitoring experience with the detail, speed, and resolution that only planar magnetic drivers can provide. 

These headphones are revealing. Though the soundstage isn’t very big, they offer a very detailed listening experience with outstanding layering between tracks. Everything is well-defined, crisp without being sharp. As you lay down takes, you’ll be able to hear exactly how they fit together without any of the messiness or veiling of lesser headphones. These same qualities mean that some listeners might find them less exciting for normal listening, as there’s no elevated low-end. But for audio engineers, their uncolored timbre and ability to deconstruct the mix are their secret weapons. 

The other high point they bring to the table is their exceptional comfort. While sitting slightly tighter around the ears than several of Audeze’s other headphones (like the popular LCD-2 Classic), their headband distributes their 1.09-pound weight well so that, despite the rock-solid aluminum and steel build, they can be worn for hours without soreness (as one might do in a mix session). They’re a well-rounded pair of headphones custom-tailored for industry professionals but with plenty connoisseurs can appreciate. (Interested in a taste of the tone? The Audeze MM-100, an introductory headphone in the studio line, is only $399.)

Best closed-back: Meze Audio LIRIC

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Why it made the cut: The Meze LIRIC is a stylish closed-back in a world of open-back headphones and a great choice for isolation that doesn’t sacrifice an impressive soundstage.

Specs

• Price: $2,000
• Type: Closed-back
• Frequency Response: 4Hz – 92kHz
• Impedance: 30 ohms
• Sensitivity: 100dB
• Weight: 391 grams

Pros

• Great isolation (for you and others!)
• Stylish but minimal: won’t attract unwanted attention
• Comparatively low-weight
• Surprisingly wide soundstage

Cons

• Pricey
• No wireless option
• Still a bit bulky

Closed-back planar dynamic headphones are few and far between, but the Meze Audio LIRIC is the best among the more (relatively) approachable top-tier models. This headphone is packed with technology to make it the premiere closed-back headphone for audiophiles. The LIRIC uses a custom-made MZ4 driver, a scaled-down adaptation of the voice coil included in the Romanian company’s flagship Empyrean headphone (which retails for $2,999), tuned to operate in a closed-back shell. Best of all, Meze has been able to overcome the biggest challenge facing closed-back headphones—reduced soundstage—with its all-new Phase XTM system. This may just be the most spacious closed-back option (of any driver style) available today. 

Mounted in a vented, purpose-built acoustic chamber, the LIRIC’s driver manifests a captivatingly deep staging without losing its imaging authority. Despite being a closed headphone, the bass is not overwhelmingly energetic, though the LIRIC can take well to goosing the lows. Mid-range gives vocals plenty of presence, while treble is fresh but not fiery. Pair the LIRIC with a source known for its top-end extension; you’ll experience more energy. Pair the LIRIC with a rounder source; you’ll up the musicality. What the LIRIC is, ultimately, is extremely friendly to equipment and EQ choices. 

Meze describes the LIRIC as a “portable planar,” meant to be taken on the go. At 391 grams, it’s lighter than many competitors at this price point but still made of durable magnesium and aluminum to withstand the rigors of daily life. The black matte leather-surfaced, copper-accented earcups are exceedingly stylish, if a bit bulky, and rotate to lay flat on your chest when you need a break, though the plush oval pads and wide headband promote long-term comfort. The biggest downside is that there’s no way to listen to the LIRIC wirelessly, so “portable,” in this case, still factors in toting around a cable. But the most unadulterated listening experiences are still found across a wire, and the LIRIC is efficient enough to play nicely with almost any source, so this isn’t that big of a deal for most listeners—as long as you have a device with a headphone jack or an adapter.

Best earphones: 7Hz Timeless AE

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Why it made the cut: The 7Hz Timeless AE offers well-tuned planar sound at an affordable price. 

Specs

• Price: $259
• Type: Closed-back earphones
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz
• Impedance: 14.8 ohm
• Sensitivity: 104dB
• Weight: 5.5 grams (each earpiece)

Pros

• Very well-tuned, balanced sound
• Full of detail
• Good bass performance

Cons

• Unusual shape 
• Limited soundstage

Planar earphones are nothing new, but few have been quite as well received as the 7Hz Timeless at its $219 price point, and the company recently released an updated version that’s even better than the first: the 7Hz Timeless AE. The magic of the Timeless lies in the tuning of its 14.2mm drivers (powered by double-sided N52 magnet arrays), updated to provide deeper, more impactful bass and smoother treble for hours of easy listening. While others in this space, like the Tin HiFi P1, were criticized for their brightness, the Timeless AE delivers a warmer sound that doesn’t skimp on the bass. At the same time, it delivers an enjoyable amount of detail which combines to make these earphones a well-balanced buy at $249.

The Timeless isn’t perfect, however. Since it uses an in-ear design, the soundstage is narrower than any over-ear headphones included on this list. It also breaks the mold with the divisive, quarter-like shape of its earpieces. You’ll either be ambivalent about the shape or outright hate the shells—there doesn’t seem to be much in between. If you already own the original Timeless, the AE version probably isn’t worth the price to upgrade if you’re comfortable playing with EQ.

One of the biggest reasons to choose the 7Hz Timeless AE is its impeccable balance of price and performance, but there are better options if you’re willing to spend more. For a truly audiophile experience, the Audeze Euclid has a more appealing aesthetic and delivers incredible sound quality but at the high price of $1,299. While not a small earbud (it can’t be to fit its 18mm drivers, bigger than the 14.2mm of the Timeless), the Euclid is comfortable. And that comfort extends to the frequency response, which is smooth and cohesive throughout. Bass is tight, mid-range spacious, and treble snappy without being sharp. Details are effortlessly retrieved and rendered across an uncluttered soundstage—one that’s astounding for a closed, compact earpiece.   

And suppose you’ve got $1,500 and want something exclusively yours. In that case, the Campfire Audio Supermoon is an in-ear monitor featuring 14mm, 2-micron-thick planar drivers in solid-body enclosures custom-molded to your ear canals. The bass is textured but controlled, mid-range is dynamic, and treble is honest (which can be a good or bad thing, depending on the recording). Planar IEMs are really coming into their own.

Best for gaming: Moondrop Venus

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Why it made the cut: The Venus is only the second pair of headphones by Moondrop Labs, but you wouldn’t guess it based on its construction and sound quality—both of which convey a clear vision of clarity.

Specs

• Price: $599.99
• Type: Open-back headphones
• Frequency Response: 6Hz – 80kHz
• Impedance: 18 ohms
• Sensitivity: 100dB
• Weight: 600 grams

Pros

• Spatial cues are immaculate
• Distinctive look
• Responds well to EQ

Cons

• Somewhat bass-light out of the box
• Has to be used in a quiet location for optimal performance

We’re going out on a limb … a raid? a quest? … for this pick because it’s far from a standard “gaming headphone.” There’s no head-tracking or adjustable boom mic, etc. (but you have a signature mic for livestreaming already, we’re sure). However, the same things that make the Moondrop Labs Venus an attractive headphone for audiophiles—including a sparkly but still non-fatiguing treble that lets each note ring out—are also great for the situational awareness needed to win.

The Venus is the sophomore over-ear headphone of Moondrop Labs, a boutique audio company founded in 2015 in Chengdu, China, and colloquially known as “Moondrop,” which first became a darling of the IEM scene. It’s got a bold design and tuning designed to shear the veil between you and your music, or your adventure. Each earcup is finished with a milled faceplate that would be right at home in BioShock—if Andrew Ryan cared a little more about sound quality, that is. (And they’ll look great on a live stream.) The headphones have heft, but once in place, they’re stable: not too tight, not too loose.

Most importantly for missions, imaging and soundstage are excellent. Aided by a specialized waveguide that smooths any errant peaks, the Venus places each audio cue on its own layer. It’s resolving and spacious enough to make every sound source perfectly audible, even in busy tracks or cacophonous multiplayer matches. There’s no masking or loss of detail from overwhelmed drivers, but also not so immersive it’s diffuse (an experience we describe in more detail in our full review).

Being open-backed, the Venus lets in and leaks sound, so it won’t work if you’re gaming on the go. It’s also at its best when amped. And it isn’t going to hit as hard as some other closed-back planar gaming headsets (might we suggest the Audeze Mobius or Penrose, depending on your platform). But suppose you want to get lost in a soundtrack in or out of the game. In that case, the planar drivers have no trouble reaching low and maintaining speed, delivering rich sub-bass with engaging texturing even if it doesn’t delve to the deepest reaches of frequency response. Clarity is Venus’s hallmark, but it takes well to EQ if you think it’s slightly anemic. Honestly, it’s a strong contender for the best budget planar for pure audio lovers—as its fit, finish, and presentation are outstanding for the price—it’s just slightly more expensive than our next pick.

Best budget: HIFIMAN Sundara

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Why it made the cut: The HIFIMAN Sundara are detail powerhouses for their price and a gateway drug to the wider world of planar magnetics.

Specs

• Price: $299
• Type: Open-back
• Frequency Response: Not disclosed
• Impedance: 37 ohms
• Sensitivity: 94db
• Weight: 372 grams

Pros

• Affordably priced
• Wide soundstage
• Exceptionally detailed
• Thin, low-profile design

Cons

• Bass can seem recessed
• Not great for portable use

To start off, budget is relative. To some (like our managing editor), the $1,299 HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition is an amazing “budget” pick because of its extraordinary bang for the buck when putting many options in the $2,000-$3,000 range to shame. But here we’ll talk true budget, which in the planar magnetics world is under $500. So we’re talking about the Sundara, which has become one of the staple recommendations for new hi-fi(man) fans, and it’s not hard to see why. These headphones deliver a spacious soundstage and an incredible amount of detail for their comparatively modest price. In fact, it’s hard to find a better value in this space, which is exactly why terms like “giant killer” pop up so frequently in conversations surrounding it: these headphones deliver performance well beyond the $349 price point.

With that in mind, it’s important to note that balance is the name of the game with these headphones. Even though it offers good bass and treble extension, this isn’t what most people would consider a bass-heavy headset. Likewise, even though it offers a slim profile when worn, the cups don’t swivel to lie flat on your chest and there’s no travel case, so they’re still a better fit for listening at home than on the go.

Looking for something a little more portable but still great? The Audeze LCD-1, if you can snag one (it’s now discontinued), is an outstanding choice that solves the Sundara’s portability issues, is smaller, more stylish, allows you to rotate the earcups, and includes a travel case. Those benefits come at a higher cost of $399.99, less detail, and a more plasticky build, but it’s hard to argue with its still-great sound. 

Related, in a way, is the similarly priced Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3, which is quite a mishmash of branding and components, so let’s decipher. Edifier, a Chinese company with a firm foothold in the affordable speakers sector on Amazon (and beyond), bought the legendary STAX brand of electrostatic headphones in 2011. In 2016, Edifier invested in a minority share of Audeze. So, the STAX SPIRIT S3 is a wireless (but not noise-cancelling) closed-back headphone that, despite its name, has nothing to do with electrostatics (that’s a whole ‘nother tech for another time) but does feature Audeze’s Fluxor magnetic structure, Uniforce diaphragm, and Fazor phase management—and more than a passing resemblance to the LCD-1. Sonically, though, they’re a bit more reminiscent of the 7Hz Timeless in headphones form, offering a quick-moving body with plenty of detail balancing out bold but not boomy low end. It’s a clearly closed-back soundstage, so flat in comparison to its less-isolating brethren, but if you’ve got an Android phone that supports the aptX HD/Adaptive codec and are looking for some Bluetooth 5.2 headphones that travel well, the Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3 could be a flavor to savor.

Things to consider before buying the best planar magnetic headphones

Buying any pair of headphones can be a confusing mix of terminology and marketing buzzwords. This is especially true with planar magnetics, where the costs are often significantly higher. To help you cut through the noise, these are the most important things you should consider when shopping for the best planar magnetic headphones:

Price

Let’s get this out of the way first: planar magnetic headphones can be expensive. This is true of other types of headphones as well, but it’s especially common to see planar magnetics come at a premium compared to their dynamic driver counterparts. This is due to the complexity of the driver itself, as well as the pedigree of the brand producing them. As with all things personal audio, a high price doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to enjoy the sound more, so take the time to read reviews to get an impression of its real-world performance. If you’re considering a very expensive set, pay careful attention to the return guidelines to be sure you can refund or exchange it if it’s not your cup of tea.

How difficult they are to drive

Open up a headphone that uses dynamic drivers, and what you’ll find is familiar to anyone that has ever seen a speaker: a cone or dome, behind which a magnet pulls a coil that vibrates the diaphragm to create sound waves. At the heart of planar magnetic headphones, however, are incredibly thin membranes imprinted with conductors and strung across magnetic arrays that manipulate them at incredible speed with low distortion.

Because most planars are physically larger than dynamic drivers (sometimes twice as large at 100mm versus 50mm, for instance), they often require more voltage to drive. It’s important to consider whether you’ll need an external amplifier to power them properly. This isn’t always the case. Efficient planars like the HIFIMAN Deva can be run straight from most PCs, smartphones, etc. without issue. It isn’t common, however, and manufacturers often design their headphones around the idea that listeners will have a separate amp in their setup.

The amount of power a headphone requires will vary from set to set. This is determined by two key specifications: impedance and sensitivity. The higher the impedance (measured in ohms), the more difficult the headphones are to drive. The inverse is true of sensitivity (how loud the headphone will get with a certain amount of power): the higher the sensitivity, the easier it will be to drive. The simplest course to determining the power needs of a headphone is to plug these values into a headphone power calculator. This will tell you how much power it takes to drive those headphones to different volume levels.  

Open- or closed-back

Like all headphones, planar magnetics come in open-back or closed-back varieties. These terms refer to the outward-facing side of the earcups and whether it’s sealed off to trap sound or uses a grille to let sound pass out the back (while protecting the delicate diaphragm inside). Each design has its benefits and drawbacks and there is no right answer for which is better. Instead, it’s best to understand what each term means and to determine what’s best for you.

Whether it’s the more affordable HIFIMAN Ananda or the ultra-premium line-up of ABYSS Headphones, open-back is by far the most popular design in planar magnetic headphones. It complements the strengths of the driver—detail, clarity, realism—by adding a natural sense of airiness and space to the music. This is referred to as soundstage. Open-backs don’t isolate sound well, which is their biggest drawback. Anyone sitting close to you will be able to hear your music and you’ll be able to hear the noise of your surroundings.

Closed-back headphones are much more common when looking at big-box consumer stores for connected convenience features like noise cancellation, whether in budget models or more high-end ones like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8, Focal Bathys, or the Apple AirPods Max. These headphones usually offer a reduced soundstage but at the benefit of vastly improved isolation. If you plan on wearing your headphones to commute, or simply want more privacy to your listening, closed-backs are the superior choice.

Tuning

One of the most important considerations is also the most nebulous: how it actually sounds. Brands often refer to how clear and detailed their sound is, and make heavy use of buzzwords in their marketing. But what does that actually mean for how it compares to other headphones you’ve heard in the past? 

That’s where graphs come in. It can be difficult to test a headphone before buying it, so many manufacturers and audio enthusiasts provide frequency response graphs to give a better impression of how a headphone actually sounds. These graphs are essentially a swooping line that represents how the sound is balanced between the lows, mids, and highs. Take a moment to read up on how to read a graph and, wherever possible, take a peek at how the sound is balanced before hitting Buy Now.

Weight and size

While it’s not a rule, many planar magnetic headphones tend to be larger and heavier than their dynamic counterparts. This is because the driver itself tends to be larger and utilizes magnets on one or both sides of the driver to deliver sound. Both of these require a bigger earcup. Boutique audio brands also like to design their earcups around improved sound quality and unique aesthetics (even sometimes exotic woods and composites), which can mean anything from the egg-shaped windowshades of the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition to the stylish rings of the Audeze LCD-4z. This doesn’t have to be the case, however, as the traditional design of the discontinued but still desirable Oppo PM-3 clearly illustrates. 

Regardless, be sure to consider where you’ll be using your headphones and your own comfort needs while you’re doing so. A heavier headphone can lead to sore spots on the top of your head. Likewise, a giant pair of cans can attract sideways glances you may not be ready for. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best planar magnetic headphones

• Best overall: Audeze LCD-2 Classic
• True audiophile: Dan Clark Audio Stealth
• Best over-ear: Audeze LCD-5
• Best for classical and live music: HIFIMAN Audivina
• Best for mixing: Audeze MM-500
• Best closed-back: Meze Audio LIRIC
• Best earphones: 7Hz Timeless
• Best for gaming: Moondrop Venus
• Best budget: HIFIMAN Sundara

Upgrading to the best planar magnetic headphones can transform your listening experience. Take the time to find the right set for you, whether that’s a big and bold pair of over-ear headphones or a small-but-mighty pair of in-ears, and you’ll be able to experience your favorite songs like never before. They don’t always come cheap, but a great headphone investment can pay dividends in your enjoyment for years to come. 

Why trust us

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

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

The post The best planar magnetic headphones for 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best Overall		Sanken Cos-11D		SEE IT	Professional-grade audio in a tiny package
Best For DSLR		Sennheiser EW 112P G4		SEE IT	Natural-sounding mic with a powerful wireless kit
Best Mic For Streaming		Audio Technica AT899		SEE IT	A wired lav that’s used throughout many industries

Lavalier mics capture clear and clean audio in a small and lightweight package while leaving people’s hands free for other things. It’s a simple mission, and whether they’re used on a movie set, news broadcast, live presentation, or podcast, these ubiquitous clip-on mics have performed it well for decades. 

Lavaliers—also commonly known as a lapel mic, body mic, or, simply, a lav—come in wired varieties that plug into a power source and then directly into a recorder, computer, mixer, or PA system. Wireless models rely on a small transmitter and receiver pack that allow wearers a full range of unencumbered movement. Both can sound excellent, and choosing the right one depends entirely on your goals.

Lavs have a place in any dedicated audio kit, studio, or camera bag—or attached to your computer for Zoom meetings. And because they’re available at a variety of price points, you don’t need to be a professional sound engineer to afford one. We’ve assembled five of the best lavalier microphones to help you cut through the noise and find the one that best suits your needs.

• Best lavalier mic: Sanken Cos-11D
• Best for DSLR: Sennheiser EW 112P G4
• Best for iPhone: Rode smartLav+
• Best mic for streaming: Audio Technica AT899
• Best budget: Giant Squid Audio Labs

How we chose the best lavalier mics 

When considering which lavalier microphones to include in our recommendations, we relied on our own experience and also consulted with other professionals in the film, TV, streaming, and recording worlds to find out which mics they use. We read trade journals and websites and checked online impressions to see what typical users thought of the equipment. We narrowed the field down to 10 excellent microphones, focusing first and foremost on audio quality and then considering size, types of connectors, power sources, and, of course, price. When evaluating wireless kits, we evaluated the quality of the lav first and then looked at transmitter and receiver specs to check things like the robustness of their signals, their effectiveness in handling interference, and the flexibility of their features.

The best lavalier mics: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Sanken Cos-11D

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Why it made the cut: This professional-grade microphone captures the human voice without noticeable coloration, and its small size makes it easy to hide. No wonder you’ll find the Cos-11D on many TV and movie sets.

Specs

• Frequency Range: 50Hz-20kHz
• Connection Type: XLR-3M, Locking 3.5mm TRS
• Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional

Pros

• Natural, open sound
• Small and easy to hide
• Picks up very little clothing rustle
• Resistant to sweat and moisture

Cons

• More expensive than many lavs

The Sanken Cos-11D condenser mic has a frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz and captures wide, open, and natural sound. This 4mm lavalier hides easily under clothes, and a small boost in the upper-mid frequencies helps to counter any muffling effect.

With an omnidirectional polar pattern, the mic captures audio clearly even when positioned off-axis—it’s pretty forgiving when not placed perfectly. A built-in mesh screen helps resist RF interference while also providing a fair degree of protection against sweat and smeary makeup. Sanken makes the lapel mic in various connector configurations to fit any use and it comes with an alligator clip; small snap-on windscreen; and plastic sleeve to help when mounting it under clothes.

Finding fault with the Cos-11D isn’t easy, but this level of quality comes with a higher price tag. If your budget isn’t there yet, or your applications just aren’t as demanding as the professional broadcast world, other mics can deliver excellent sound in almost as small a package for less money.

Best for DSLR: Sennheiser EW 112P G4

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Why it made the cut: Sennheiser pairs their excellent ME2-II microphone with a flexible wireless transmitter and receiver for a kit that won’t tie up filmmakers or streamers with extra cables.

Specs

• Frequency Range: 50Hz-18kHz
• Connection Type: Locking 3.5mm TRS
• Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional

Pros

• Rugged construction
• Easy to set up
• Comes with transmitter and receiver

Cons

• Requires a lot of batteries
• Audio can sound somewhat boxy

Sennheiser’s EW112P wireless kit includes their ME2-II omnidirectional microphone, a wireless transmitter, and receiver. It’s a clean-sounding, affordable kit that’s become a workhorse on indie films, documentaries, live presentations, worship services, business events—basically, any situation where movement is key. The 5.6-ounce receiver won’t weigh down your digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera and the transmitter easily slips into a pocket or clips to a belt. 

The microphone 50Hz to 18Khz frequency response doesn’t match those found on higher-end, professional lavaliers. But it still performs well without coloring the sound too much or adding mud to the low-end. The mic handles sudden boosts in volume well. Like other mics with omnidirectional polar patterns, the ME2-II isn’t picky about where you place it. However, it’s susceptible to rustling from clothes, so be careful if trying to hide it. 

The plastic and metal transmitter sends a signal up to 330 feet and features 1680 RF channels to help you avoid interference from other wireless sources. Digital displays on both the transmitter and receiver provide information on battery status, output level, and RF level. Each runs on convenient AA batteries, though you’ll want to buy a lot of them—best practices are that you change batteries before each shoot just to be safe. The kit includes cables terminating in both XLR and 3.5 TRS jacks for connecting the receiver to any kind of camera, as well as a convenient, plastic cold-shoe mount. 

Best for iPhone: Rode smartLav+

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Why it made the cut: The smartLav+ includes Rode’s iPhone recording app that features editing functions and EQ settings, and can export files to SoundCloud and Dropbox.  

Specs 

• Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
• Connection Type: 3.5mm TRRS
• Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional

Pros

• Kevlar-reinforced cable resists stretching and tearing
• Included pop filter to cut down on plosive B and P sounds
• Custom iPhone recording app
• Compatible with third-party recording apps

Cons

• May require a TRRS-to-TRS adapter for use with some DSLRs.
• No version of Rode’s app for Android devices

Rode has a reputation for building affordable, high-quality mics. The smartLav+ plugs into an iPhone and you can use the company’s custom app to record, edit, and upload your audio. It’s great for anyone looking for a simple, streamlined recording solution that doesn’t require additional equipment. This body mic will work with Android phones as well, but you’ll need a third-party app. You can also plug it into DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, but you consult the camera’s manual to see if you’ll also need a TRRS-to-TRS adapter. 

As expected, this omnidirectional microphone picks up sound from all sides for easy use. It comes with a pop-filter to cut down on plosives—the hard B, P, and T sounds that can wreak havoc on a recording. Kevlar-reinforcing protects the cable from snapping, and the included mic mount includes an extra clip to help with wire management.   

Best mic for streaming: Audio Technica AT899

SEE IT

Why It made the cut: The AT899’s small profile won’t distract your viewers, and it works off an included battery pack or 48v phantom power, making it easy to integrate into any type of streaming studio. 

Specs

• Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
• Connection Type: XLR
• Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional

Pros

• Professional-quality sound
• Small profile
• Multiple power options
• Includes battery pack

Cons

• Moderately expensive

The AT899 is a wired lavalier that offers professional-quality sound in a small, flexible package suitable for any streaming studio. The included power-pack connects the mic to any device, including computer interfaces, mobile recorders, or cameras. But this lav also supports 48-volt phantom power for streamlined integration into higher-end mixing consoles, streaming interfaces, or pre-amps.

The low-profile 5mm hides easily under clothes; but even when exposed, it’s small enough that it won’t distract your audience. A wide, flat 20Hz-20kHz frequency response captures the nuances of the human voice and an omnidirectional polar pattern offers flexibility.

You’ll need an XLR to 3.5mm TRS adapter if you want to plug it directly into a DSLR or computer without a balanced audio interface.

Best budget: Giant Squid Audio Labs

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Why it made the cut: This lavalier from Giant Squid Audio Labs has a low price and surprisingly wide frequency response, making it ideal for people with tight budgets. 

Specs 

• Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
• Connection Type: 3.5mm TRS
• Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional

Pros

• Good sounding for a sub-$100 mic
• Convenient six-foot cord
• Low price

Cons

• Windscreen falls off easily
• Needs a TRRS adapter for smartphone use

With microphones, you often get what you pay for. However, Giant Squid Labs has done a nice job of delivering a reasonably flat-sounding lavalier for less than $50. Does it compete with a Sanken Cos-11D? Of course not—but the Sanken is about eight times the price. Still, Giant Squid Labs’ 20Hz-20kHz frequency response captures reasonably natural sound—even if it lacks a lot of the presence found in higher-end mics.

This budget lapel mic comes with an alligator clip, small windscreen, and a 6-foot cord. The latter is nice; no one looks great in a Zoom meeting when sitting too close to a web camera. And the windscreen helps cut down on noise when using the mic outside. However, it falls off easily, so consider avoiding heavy winds. The mic connects to a computer or other device using a 3.5mm TRS connector. If you want to use it with a smartphone, you’ll need a TRS-to-TRRS adapter.

Things to consider before buying the best lavalier mics

Wired or wireless

Lavalier microphones come in two basic varieties: Wired and wireless. Wired lavs connect to a small power source (usually an AA battery pack) that plugs into a recorder, PA system, or computer interface. It’s a strong signal path that won’t suffer from any interference. However, the length of the mic cable limits the wearer’s movement.

Wireless lavaliers plug into a small, wearable transmitter that sends the audio signal to a receiver plugged into a recorder or PA system. Wireless lavaliers provide complete freedom of movement, making them useful for video projects or presentations. While the transmitters and receivers have adjustable channels and frequencies to help avoid interference, sometimes they’ll still run into trouble in areas with too many other wireless systems. 

Pick-up pattern

Microphones have something called pick-up (or polar) patterns, which describe the way mics capture or reject sound. Most lavaliers have either omnidirectional or cardioid patterns. The first picks up sound evenly from all sides, a handy trick when there’s no way to perfectly position the mic. An omnidirectional mic attached to someone’s collar will capture sound almost as well as one placed on a lapel or tie. Mics with cardioid patterns, on the other hand, are directional, requiring more careful placement—make sure they’re pointed toward the speaker’s mouth. A less forgiving mic might sound like a big drawback, but because cardioid patterns are better at rejecting sound from the sides, these lavs work well in noisy spaces. When purchasing a body mic, think hard about the environment where you’ll use it the most.  

Power

Many lavaliers are condenser mics, and condensers need external power to operate. And let’s not forget, wireless mics require power for their transmitters and receivers. In either case, most of these body mics, as well as transmitters and receivers, run off AA batteries. Best practices say to change batteries before each use to avoid the risk of bad audio—or transmitters that drop signals entirely. Be prepared to stock up on AAs, and factor that into your budget. Good quality rechargeables will cost more at the outset, but they will cut costs and waste in the long run. 

Some lavaliers also accept 48+ volt phantom power from recorders, mixers, cameras, or other sources. These also have battery packs for use with other equipment. And other mics, like Rode’s smartLav+, can draw power through their 3.5mm jack. 

Connectors

The wires connected to lavaliers can terminate in a number of different jacks, including XLR, 3.5-inch TRS, and 3.5-inch TRRS for use with smartphones. Many companies manufacture their best clip-on mics in a variety of jack configurations. 

Durability

Lavaliers often take a lot of abuse. Not only can they get banged around, but their wires get twisted, and they’re sometimes attached to sweaty bodies. The best clip-on mics are durably built with at least a nod toward protecting them from low levels of moisture. Don’t submerge them, but don’t be afraid to attach them to someone who might be working in the sun all day. 

Attachments

Clip-on mics can attach to people in a variety of ways. Alligator-style clips are common and use a loop made from metal or rubber to hold the mic in place. If you don’t have anywhere to clip something like that, vampire clips use two small pins to attach the mic to clothing (hence the name). There are also magnetic attachments, which have a small metal disk that gets placed inside a shirt, and a small, magnetized loop that connects to it and holds the mic. Third-party manufacturers also make small foam or plastic sleeves that encase mics to minimize the rustling noise when hidden under clothes. Most lavaliers come with at least some basic attachments, but when buying others, find one that isn’t too big or small for your lav. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best lavalier mics

• Best lavalier mic: Sanken Cos-11D
• Best for DSLR: Sennheiser EW 112P G4
• Best for iPhone: Rode smartLav+
• Best mic for streaming: Audio Technica AT899
• Best budget: Giant Squid Audio Labs

If you’re looking for the cleanest, clearest, professional-quality lavalier for your film or streaming program, and you’re not worried about your budget, then I absolutely recommend the Sanken Cos-11D. It’s become my go-to mic on documentaries and TV shows, and I often pair it with a Sennheiser wireless transmitter and receiver for the most flexibility. 

But I’ve also used mics that cost a third as much. Before I upgraded to the Sanken, I was happy with the Sennheiser ME2-II lav that comes in the EW 112P G4 wireless kit. As long as I placed it carefully and watched my levels, it never let me down. I still carry it in my kit as a backup. 

In the end, great equipment won’t do much if you don’t know how to use it. Take the time to learn proper miking techniques and develop your skills. 

Why trust us

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

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

The post The best lavalier mics of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		Audio-Technica AT2020		SEE IT	In terms of overall audio and build quality, you won’t find a better inexpensive XLR microphone than Audio-Technica’s AT2020.
Best kit		Tonor XLR Condenser Microphone		SEE IT	If you want an entire at-home recording setup, Tonor’s budget XLR microphone and accessories bundle will get you almost all the way there.
Best budget		Pyle Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone		SEE IT	Pyle’s Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone is ultra-durable and designed to sound great.

A cheap XLR microphone is one of the key pieces of gear you’ll need to start a podcast or lay down vocals on a track you’re working on. Expensive gear is nice, but you can get a lot of quality out of a mic that costs well under $100. XLR microphones are used by professional musicians and broadcasters worldwide due to their consistency and universal, interface-friendly connector. You’ll never have to worry about a software update accidentally breaking your microphone or that it will somehow become technically outdated. Instead, spending a couple of bucks today will allow you to use and appreciate this gear for years (if not decades) to come. And the best cheap XLR microphones will provide good enough results that you may never have to upgrade.

• Best overall: Audio-Technica AT2020
• Best for podcasts: Marantz MPM-1000
• Best kit: Tonor XLR Condenser Microphone
• Best USB-XLR combo: Samson Q2U
• Best budget: Pyle Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone

How we chose the best cheap XLR microphones

When deciding which cheap XLR microphone recommendations to include in our guide, we considered the different reasons one may need to pick up a mic. Musicians and podcasters need slightly different equipment, though using the same XLR microphone for both cases can work. We also considered microphones that come with accessories like stands or arms, as these bundles can save you even more money when compared to picking up pieces of gear individually. The word cheap is relative, but we made sure all of the microphones we’re recommending cost under $100—the least expensive model below costs under $23. The SM7B is a standard, sure, but not everyone has $399 (or more) to spend on one component.

The best cheap XLR microphones: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you want to finally start a podcast or go from songs you’ve recorded on your phone’s mic to making polished tracks, these are the best cheap XLR microphones to start a recording rig.

Best overall: Audio-Technica AT2020

SEE IT

Specs

• Microphone type: Condensor
• Weight: 1.32 pounds
• Price: $99

Pros

• Sound source isolation
• Includes stand mount
• Part of a rich accessories ecosystem

Cons

• Price

This is the most expensive XLR microphone we’re recommending, but if you can stretch your budget a bit, you’ll be rewarded with audio excellence. Audio-Technica’s AT2020 is a condenser microphone designed for broadcasters or vocalists to sound their best. Thanks to its cardioid pattern, the microphone will reject more unwanted sounds coming from the sides or rear, just picking up what you want: your voice. It comes with a mount, so you can easily attach it to any microphone stand, and can be oriented on its side for easy access. You may want to get a sturdy stand because the AT2020 is among the heaviest microphones we’re recommending. One reason we like Audio-Technica gear is that it tends to last a long time, and the company offers first-party accessories designed to work especially well with its own hardware. Getting the AT2020 today means you can build a studio-class audio setup piece by piece.

Best for podcasts: Marantz MPM-1000

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Specs

• Microphone type: $49
• Weight: .66 pounds
• Price: $49

Pros

• Directional cardioid mic capsule
• Includes shock mount, windscreen, and desktop stand included
• 20-20,000Hz frequency range

Cons

• Not a great choice for recording instruments

For many podcasters, a USB microphone is their first, and often only, thought. But that limits them to a direct-to-laptop setup. If you want to be broadcasting on a budget without having your other hardware be limited, you won’t find a better cheap XLR microphone than Marantz’s MPM-1000. The mic comes with all the accessories you’ll need to sound your best on the go. All you’ll need to add to this bundle is an audio interface or mixer, and you’ll have a competent mobile recording setup with outboard processor access. The MPM-1000’s cardioid microphone capsule is oriented in such a way that the only sound being recorded will be your voice, and its frequency range captures the natural range of the human voice (and human hearing). The included windscreen will also act as a pop filter to prevent an unwanted frequency spike when you say words with the letter p in them. Marantz’s shock mount will keep the microphone from picking up unwanted distortion if it’s moved around while on a stand. You’re getting an exceptional amount of value from this bundle, given its $50 price tag, and you can up the ante by getting a package that includes a set of M-Audio headphones for under $90.

Best kit: Tonor XLR Condenser Microphone

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Specs

• Microphone type: Condenser
• Weight: 4.19 pounds
• Price: $64.99

Pros

• Includes a lot of helpful accessories
• 20Hz-20kHz frequency range
• Off-axis audio suppression

Cons

• You need a permanent recording space

If you have enough room for a permanent recording area, this cheap XLR microphone from Tonor comes with most of what you’ll need to get started. The microphone itself was designed with off-axis audio suppression, which is its way of only capturing your voice rather than sounds happening around you. The microphone’s high-frequency range ensures voices of all pitches can be picked up accurately. This microphone is a fine choice on its own, but Tonor’s included accessories push it over the edge.

The pop filter will prevent harsh sounds from marring your recording when certain consonants are spoken, Tonor’s shock mount will prevent the microphone from shaking around too much when it’s moved, and Tonor even includes an XLR cable in the box. The most helpful accessory in this bundle is the microphone arm, which allows you to position Tonor’s cheap XLR microphone directly in front of your face at the perfect angle. This gives you the greatest chance of creating a high-quality recording and allows you to adjust your chair’s position while moving the mic in front of your face.

Best USB-XLR combo: Samson Q2U

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Specs

• Microphone type: Dynamic
• Weight: .7 pounds
• Price: $69.99

Pros

• Great for recording instruments and vocals
• Can be connected directly to a computer if need be
• Has a built-in headphone jack for monitoring

Cons

• Price

While we’re highlighting cheap XLR microphones, Samson’s Q2U also offers USB connectivity, so you can plug the mic directly into your computer to create digital recordings. This is also the only microphone we recommend with a built-in headphone jack, so you can listen to the recordings you’re making in real-time to know whether you’ll need to move the microphone’s position or if a recording sounds off for some other reason. Samson includes both a pop filter and desktop stand with its microphone, so you’ll have a compact recording setup ready to go. The fact that you can use this as the backbone of an entire recording setup is especially great for beginning broadcasters or musicians without much room. Samson’s Q2U may be a little pricer than most of our other recommendations, but its versatility more than makes up for its cost. Want to up the build and sound quality? The Samson Q9U is a dynamic microphone that our reviewer found capable of handling high SPLs to vocal subtleties.

Best budget: Pyle Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone

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Specs

• Microphone type: Dynamic
• Weight: 1.32 pounds
• Price: $22.80

Pros

• Includes long audio cable
• On and off switch
• Price

Cons

• Heavier

If you want an ultra-cheap XLR microphone for your first recording setup or need a secondary mic to keep in a gig bag, Pyle’s Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone is the right choice. This unidirectional mic has a durable all-metal design, with an anti-dent ring along the middle of the microphone to prevent dings. The company says its built-in pop filter manages unwanted sounds well, so a standalone filter isn’t needed or included. In fact, the only accessory bundled with this mic is a 15-foot-long cable. The most clever part of this microphone’s design is its on-off switch, which is helpful if you’re performing music live and don’t want to risk feedback from the PA system when you’re not performing. It may be heavier than most of the microphones we’re recommending, but that’s the counterbalance to having an all-metal design. If you need the cheapest XLR microphone possible without settling for subpar sound, Pyle’s mic is the one.

What to consider when choosing the right cheap XLR microphone for you

There are many factors to keep in mind when choosing the best cheap XLR microphone for you. Below, you’ll find the ones we considered most important when selecting the microphones for this guide. Price was a factor, of course, as we highlight the best budget gear in this category, and these are the other things we thought about while picking microphones with our favorite mid-century connector:

Microphone type

Generally speaking, microphones can be categorized into two types: dynamic and condenser.

Dynamic microphones feature a Mylar diaphragm with a conductive coil attached to it. When sound waves vibrate the diaphragm, it moves the coil in a magnetic field, creating an AC voltage. As a result, dynamics are sometimes called moving-coil dynamic microphones. Live musicians typically use this mic style due to their durability and lower chance of distortion.

Condenser microphones feature a movable diaphragm attached to a fixed metal plate; both are charged and have electrodes attached. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, the distance between it and the plate changes, creating what’s called capacitance and resulting in small voltage changes that mimic the original wave. This microphone style has better high-frequency audio reproduction, which makes it better for picking up voices, which is especially helpful for broadcasters.

Weight

Weight is very important if you plan on holding your microphone while singing or recording a show. If a microphone is too heavy, it’ll cause fatigue. If it’s too light, you may unintentionally move it around a lot, leading to unwanted pops on your recording.

Accessories

If you’re starting your recording setup from scratch, a cheap XLR microphone may not be the only thing you’ll want to pick up. While some of our recommendations include accessories, you might need to consider things like a tabletop stand, pop filter, arm, and, most importantly, XLR cables. Getting a microphone bundle is also helpful because you know for a fact that all of these accessories will work with one another.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best cheap XLR microphones

• Best overall: Audio-Technica AT2020
• Best for podcasts: Marantz MPM-1000
• Best kit: Tonor XLR Condenser Microphone
• Best USB-XLR combo: Samson Q2U
• Best budget: Pyle Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone

A cheap XLR microphone can serve you well for many years, and will become the cornerstone of your recording setup. It’s a lo-fi tool you can confidently bring into any recording studio or music venue, with a guarantee you’ll be able to plug it into the house system to get the sound you’re familiar with. You can even continue using your cheap XLR microphone as you upgrade other pieces of gear in your recording setup.

Why trust us

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

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

The post The best cheap XLR microphones in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		KEF LS50 Meta		SEE IT	The proper pick for audiophiles who demand stunning sound.
Best powered		PSB Alpha iQ		SEE IT	Your top choice if you want to fill tight spaces with less wires and more fidelity.
Best budget		Edifier R1280T		SEE IT	The best bookshelf speakers for $100.

An excellent set of bookshelf speakers will enhance your listening experience with a wider stereo image and a more vibrant sound than what you get from a TV, laptop, or the average connected speaker. Whether you’re enjoying the lossless tier of a streaming service or admiring sleeve art as an LP revolves on your turntable, higher fidelity is often accompanied by an appreciation for upgrading your system. Regardless of the source, properly positioned home stereo speakers present audio with a true soundstage—the original immersive audio. Here are some of the best bookshelf speakers to deliver a rich response for any budget. 

• Best overall: KEF LS50 Meta
• Best powered speakers: PSB Alpha iQ
• Best for home theater: Klipsch The Fives
• Best for computers: Audioengine A2+ Wireless
• Best smart speakers: Sonos Era 300
• Best studio monitors: PreSonus Eris E4.5
• Best with a radio: Tivoli Audio Model One Digital (Gen. 2)
• Best budget: Edifier R1280T

How we chose the best bookshelf speakers on any budget

While we here at PopSci love portable party speakers, we spend as much, if not more, time looking through hundreds of choices to find the best true stereo speakers for music—but we don’t want you to feel overwhelmed by all the specs and requirements when online comparison shopping. So we combined our decades of collective experience, the impressions of trusted listeners, and the consensus of experts attuned to meticulous details to narrow our core choices. The speakers on this list range in price, but all lean more toward affordable (compared to so many easily recommendable but hardly affordable audiophile options) and present their case for value when it comes to the research, engineering, and, most of all, performance they represent.

The best bookshelf speakers: Reviews & Recommendations

Despite the prevalence of wireless noise-cancelling earbuds and compact Bluetooth speakers, people are rediscovering the high-quality, space-filling audio that can come from bookshelf speakers. While many still listen to music on budget ’buds and battery-powered speakers, there’s a growing appreciation for high-resolution audio formats on digital audio players and streaming services—like Apple’s Spatial Audio—and the analog warmth from vinyl and even cassettes. Don’t get us wrong; we love headphones for a close, critical listen … but even the best headphones can only approximate the visceral thrill of hearing your favorite songs fill the air. Of course, even the best-recorded album will sound like crap on subpar transducers, so the following list identifies the best bookshelf speakers for different situations, desires, and budgets.

Best overall: KEF LS50 Meta

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Why it made the cut: KEF speakers stand out with the impeccable sound that audiophiles revere just as well as they stand out in appearance.

Specs

• Frequency response: 79 Hz-28 kHz
• Power handling: 40-100W amp recommended
• Connectivity: speaker wire binding posts
• Drivers: 12th-generation Uni-Q driver, embedding a 1-inch tweeter within a 5.25-inch woofer
• Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 11 inches each (HxWxD)
• Weight: 17.2 lbs. each

Pros

• Entirely transparent sound
• Extraordinary detail
• Singular style

Cons

• Pricey
• Not as good in the low end as some passive speakers

KEF speakers, particularly 2012’s LS50, have dazzled audiophiles for years, but the updated LS50 Meta two-way bass-reflex speakers take the stunning clarity of sound to an even higher level. A new 12th-generation Uni-Q driver embeds the 1-inch tweeter within the 5.25-inch woofer, giving the LS50 Meta ($1,499 a pair) a stark, single-cone look and stunning off-axis response. New, proprietary Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) is integrated behind the driver to reduce distortion. The result is a beautiful design and an even more satisfying sound. These hi-fi speakers deliver a frequency response of 47Hz-45kHz and a maximum output of 106dB from a relatively compact enclosure of 11.89 inches (H) by 7.87 inches (W) by 10.94 inches (D).

Because the LS50 Meta is a passive system, you’ll need to supply it with ample power. As a starting point, the NAD D 3045 is an excellent, unobtrusive 60W-per-channel hybrid amp/DAC for building the best-sounding bookshelf speakers system to project powerful audio without taking up much area (it’s also a convenient hub for digital and analog connections, plus adds a subwoofer output). Want more of a connected but still compact home setup? Power the LS50 Meta speakers with a NAD C700 stereo amplifier with built-in BluOS streaming, AirPlay 2, and a 5-inch color display. Plus, because the C700 shares an operating system with our next pick, the PSB ALPHA iQ, you could have the KEF speakers + NAD amplifier in one room and the PSBs in another and play the same audio throughout the house.

If you’d prefer to achieve the same pinpoint imaging as the LS50 Meta in all-in-one self-amplified speakers, the $2,799 KEF LS50 Wireless II setup is the premium pick because it builds in 100W of power; HDMI, analog, and digital audio ports; plus Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, including 24-bit/96kHz wireless streaming and compatibility with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon, HD and Ultra HD music from Amazon Music, and more. And the impact that the sonically and aesthetically complementary KEF KC62 subwoofer can have when it comes to extending the low end and opening up the headroom cannot be overstated.

That’s a lot of options, but KEF isn’t the only Britain-based speaker manufacturer packing value into compact cabinets. If you’re still considering passive speakers, coming in hot are the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3—a clarity-centered “value” at $900/pair with a newly designed titanium dome tweeter and 5″ midrange/bass driver that uses a highly acclaimed transducer borrowed from the company’s high-end 800 series. We’ll share more about these two-channel champs in the near future.

Best powered speakers: PSB ALPHA iQ

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Why it made the cut: Pint-sized but persuasive, these connected speakers offer a comprehensive hub for expressive audio whether your sources are dusty or digital.

Specs

• Frequency response: 64-20,000 Hz
• Power handling: 180 watts (60 watts/woofer & 30 watts/tweeter)
• Connectivity: Ethernet; WiFi; Bluetooth (SBC, AAC, aptX HD); MM phono input; HDMI eARC port; Toslink optical digital input; 3.5mm auxiliary input; USB port for external drive/files
• Drivers: 4″ polypropylene mid-bass driver w/ steel basket and rubber surround; 3/4″ aluminum dome tweeter w/ neodymium magnet and ferrofluid cooling
• Dimensions: 9.6 x 5.7 x 7.6 inches (HxWxD)
• Weight: 8.2 lbs. (each)

Pros

• Wireless connection between speakers
• DSP crossover and tuned rear-firing ports for bass extension
• MQA decoding for TIDAL Masters streaming
• Roon support
• BluOS whole-house audio setup compatibility
• Subwoofer output

Cons

• You’re only going to get so much bass out of a 4″ woofer
• While sized to fit any shelf, these speakers are still best for a smaller room

All great things are made up of many small parts. And with the ALPHA iQ, Ontario, Canada’s PSB Speakers has shown that an eye (and ear) for details can mean small things play a great part in a deeply satisfying, space-saving sound system. Compact enough to fit any shelf, tucked between diaries or beside a computer display, the ALPHA iQ speakers offer natural, nuanced playback from any imaginable source. Yes, they’re $1,499 a pair (in satin white or black) and may not look like much for that price, but you’d be mistaken. Packed with class D amplifiers and wirelessly paired together, the primary and secondary speakers only require two wall sockets and WiFi to give you access to AirPlay 2 and countless high-resolution streaming services through the BluOS app (while also allows you to sync/pass off audio between compatible speakers on your home network, such as the Omni-Hybrid PULSE M).

There’s TIDAL Connect with MQA decoding, and Spotify Connect built-in. There’s also Bluetooth 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX HD), a Toslink optical input, and you can play files off an external USB drives. If (up to) 24-bit/192 kHz digital isn’t your jam, a moving magnet phono input (or 3.5mm aux-in for preamp-equipped platters) invites analog albums to the party. An HDMI input lets you make it a movie (or gaming) night. No matter how you feed the Alpha iQ, the active, two-way design maintains its composure and delivers full-fidelity finesse. Balance and separation are top-notch, aided by PSB’s signature driver inversion—the woofer on top/tweeter on bottom configuration helps keep frequencies in phase, whether standing or sitting. And the pair’s proportions can be deceiving; the ALPHA iQ speakers push impressive air for their size, capable of reaching a punchy 90 dB without breaking up (not recommended for medical reasons). No, they can’t defy physics, so fans of hip-hop, hyperpop, etc., may wish for more bass, but there’s more than you’d expect and a subwoofer output if you require reinforcement. In a typically sized room (or tighter space), the ALPHA iQ will allow you to fill the space with sound, not cords.

Best for home theater: Klipsch The Fives

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Why it made the cut: The Fives make it easy to set up a big, bold sound for both music and your home theatre.

Specs

• Frequency response: 50-25,000Hz
• Power handling: 160 watts RMS
• Connectivity: HDMI ARC port, optical digital audio input, RCA stereo analog input, USB Type B input, 3.5mm stereo input, RCA mono output for optional powered subwoofer
• Drivers: 1-inch titanium dome LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) tweeter with a 90° x 90° Tractrix horn, 4 1/2-inch long-throw woofer
• Dimensions: 18.5 x 17.5 x 13.5 inches (HxWxD)
• Weight: 23.60 lbs

Pros

• Generous connectivity, including HDMI ARC for TVs and Bluetooth
• Classic vintage look

Cons

• Larger-than-average bookshelf speakers
• Somewhat lacking bass response for the price

The Fives ($600 a pair) flaunt a retro-chic style in both black and walnut finishes. Still, these speakers also accommodate a technologically diverse modern lifestyle with connections for your turntable (RCA phono/line), mobile devices (Bluetooth and line Aux input), gaming consoles (digital optical), computer (USB), and, more uniquely, your TV (HDMI ARC). Just connect your flatscreen, set the output to PCM stereo, and you’ll get to enjoy video accompanied by rich mids and clarity emanating from the 1-inch titanium dome LTS tweeter and long-throw 4.5-inch woofer. You select the input from a dial on these powered speakers or with the remote control, which can also control your TV’s volume, a rarity for bookshelf speakers. The Fives are somewhat large for bookshelf speakers at 18.5 inches by 17.5 inches by 13.5 inches, but they get loud. Their maximum output reaches 109dB with a frequency range of 50Hz-25kHz. For even more thunderous vibes from movies, games, and music, connect a subwoofer from The Fives’ Sub Out. Two subwoofers that have earned reputations for an all-around excellent low-frequency roar include the $129 Polk Audio PSW10 10-inch subwoofer, which delivers 100W of power and a frequency response of 40-160Hz from a simple, all-black cube design that can fit into most home listening setups. For a step up in power, size, and price, with an appropriate step down into the lowest depths of bass, try the $299 BIC America Acoustech PL-200II 12-inch powered subwoofer, a 1000W behemoth with gut-punching 22-200Hz frequency response.

If you’d like even better performance and have the space required, you can step up to The Nines, Klipsch’s most premium powered speakers, which we reviewed earlier this year. They have the same general design and inputs as The Fives but larger drivers to deliver even more potent sound. If you have more clearance for taller “bookshelf” speakers, or want to keep them on stands, the Nines are an excellent upgrade.

Best for computers: Audioengine A2+ Wireless

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Why it made the cut: The Austin, Texas-based Audioengine manufactures many of its speakers’ own components, such as woofers and tweeters, and its commitment to affordable, quality sound has made its speakers favorites since its founding in 2005.

Specs

• Frequency response: 65Hz-22kHz
• Power rating: 60W peak power (2 x 15W RMS)
• Connectivity: USB input, Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD, stereo RCA I/O, stereo mini-jack input
• Drivers: 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, 2.75-inch aramid fiber woofer
• Dimensions: 5.25 x 4 x 6 inches each (HxWxD)
• Weight: 6.61 lbs. total

Pros

• Warm and clean sound
• Impressively loud for small speakers
• High-quality components and design

Cons

• A little less bass than medium-sized smart speakers and desktop speakers
• Sound cohesiveness gets lost in large spaces

Audioengine combines a non-intrusive footprint of 6 inches by 4 inches by 5.25 inches with versatile connectivity and crisp sound in the A2+ Wireless powered speakers for bookshelves and desktops. This small set ($269 a pair) utilizes ¾-inch silk dome tweeters and 2.75-inch aramid fiber woofers, with a 60W peak power total, max output of 88dB, and a frequency response of 65Hz-22kHz. There are analog RCA and minijack connections, as well as USB for computer audio. But the juice comes from Bluetooth 5.0 for compatibility with high-quality audio streaming codecs like aptX HD for Android users (up to 570kbps) and AAC for iOS users (up to 256kbps, with no additional loss from conversion).

Best smart speakers: Sonos Era 300

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Why it made the cut: Sonos helped popularize WiFi hi-fi, and the company makes great speakers if your preferred source of music is streaming.

Specs:

• Frequency response: N/A
• Power handling: N/A
• Connectivity: WiFi, Ethernet, USB-C port
• Drivers: Two woofers, four angled tweeters
• Dimensions: 6.3 x 10.24 x 7.28 inches (HxWxD)
• Weight: 9.83 lbs. each

Pros

• Single-speaker Dolby Atmos
• Can be paired with a second Era 300 for even better stereo and Atmos separation
• Can be used as rear speakers with a Sonos soundbar

Cons

• Requires speedy home WiFi

Dolby Atmos (and the term spatial audio) has become a dominant topic in the hi-fi world as streaming services like Apple Music and TIDAL have brought surround sound to a larger audience. Sonos’ Era 300 was designed to meet the moment, with a six-driver audio system that can natively playback Dolby Atmos audio from a single speaker. And it’s no slouch when it comes to delivering stereo from one unit, whether located on a bookshelf or countertop (if tucking it on a shelf, you will want to consider how close the surface above it is in order to maximize effects). Plus, you’ll get better separation and a wider soundstage by pairing two Era 300s together or connecting it to a home theater system with a Sonos Arc soundbar.

While Dolby Atmos support is the Era 300’s flashiest feature, it can also be used to play music in true stereo. In our tests, the Era 300 performs well under both circumstances. The Era 300 is primarily a WiFi-connected speaker, though it also supports Bluetooth 5.0 and has a USB-C port that can terminate into a 3.5mm audio jack via an adapter for wired connectivity. In our review, we found the Era 300’s sound exceptional, with deep bass, clear mids, and reigned-in high frequencies that never made music sound too crunchy. Performance when watching movies was equally engaging when a surround soundtrack was available. It may have fewer drivers than the Sonos Play: 5, but the processing and array arrangement of the Era 300 gives it the edge, especially when decoding spatial content.

Sonos speakers are genius because optimized placement is far less labor-intensive than with some standard speakers, considering there’s no stringing of speaker wire or fiddling with EQs as Trueplay software tunes the Era 300s based on the acoustics of your room. Pioneers of network-connected audio, Sonos speakers can also be synced throughout rooms for whole-house sound. This is true whether you get a system of all Era 300s, or mix and match different Sonos speakers.

If you’d like to experience the Sonos house tuning but want it in a svelter form without Dolby Atmos support, we recommend the Era 100s, stereo-only cylinders that rated very highly in our hands-on tests. Sonos has even brought its new dual-tweeter, custom waveform arrangement to the portable realm with the durable Move 2, which can reside in its loop charger on a bookshelf, happily filling a room with tunes until you head outdoors, where it’s equally adapt.

Want to explore another WiFi multi-room ecosystem? Bluesound offers several speakers, such as the Omni-Hybrid PULSE M, which manage wide dispersion from compact form factors and can sync/pass off audio with other speakers using the BluOS system on your home network (including our powered pick, the PSB Alpha iQ, above).

Best studio monitors: PreSonus Eris E4.5

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Why it made the cut: These monitors allow for studio reference sound even if your workstation space is limited.

Specs

• Frequency response: 70Hz-20kHz
• Power handling: 25X per speaker
• Connectivity: bare speaker wire inputs, RCA inputs, balanced ¼-inch inputs, 3.5mm input
• Drivers: 4.5-inch, woven-composite woofer and 1-inch silk-dome tweeter
• Dimensions: 9.45 x 6.42 x 7.09 inches (HxWxD)
• Weight: 2 lbs. each

Pros

• Compact and accurate
• Headphone jack

Cons

• Only so expressive because of size limitations
• Not the most bountiful bass

Small-studio musicians, producers, and DJs all love the PreSonus Eris E4.5 powered monitors for their accurate, reference-level sound coming from compact speakers that merge studio monitor and bookshelf speaker attributes. The Eris E4.5 ($200 a pair) has both bare speaker wire inputs, RCA inputs, and balanced ¼-inch inputs, plus a front-facing power switch, volume control, headphone jack, and aux input. Its 4.5-inch, woven-composite woofer and 1-inch silk-dome tweeter pump out a maximum volume of an even 100dB with a frequency response of 70Hz-20kHz. The 9.45 inches by 6.42 inches by 7.09 inches monitors also come in a Bluetooth-equipped model for $30 more, but if you have a little extra space and don’t need the front-panel features, check out options such as the Pioneer DJ VM-50 studio monitors if you’re building a more traditional workstation/listening post. Studio monitors can easily cost costs hundreds of dollars each (see the exemplary but expensive Focal Alpha 80 Evo), so these are a killer deal and some of the best budget computer speakers for music you can buy.

Best with a radio: Tivoli Audio Model One Digital (Gen. 2)

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Why it made the cut: A stylish way to enjoy soundwaves and airwaves, whether they’re FM or streaming from your smartphone.

Specs

• Frequency response: Unknown
• Power handling: 21W x 2
• Connectivity: DAB+/FM Radio Tuner, Bluetooth, Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Optical, 3.5mm Aux-In
• Drivers: Unknown
• Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.7 x 4.5 inches
• Weight: 3.40 lbs.

Pros

• Good for old-fashioned aerial broadcasts, as well as modern streaming services
• Bluetooth, Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2
• Optical and 3.5mm Auxillary inputs for TVs and turntables, etc.
• Alarm Clock
• Remote Control Included
• Attractive three wood cabinet finishes

Cons

• Not stereo

This is cheating a little since we’ve talked stereo up so much, but maybe your favorite things to listen to are the radio, or podcasts, or other content that doesn’t necessarily need the separation. The DNA of the Tivoli Audio Model One Digital (Gen. 2) traces back to 2005 and a mid-century-styled tabletop receiver. However, the latest permutation of that analog original adds AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast to increase connectivity and clarity for audiophiles (and others) who have embraced streaming. The Tivoli Audio Model One Digital (Gen. 2) (which we thoroughly reviewed) can still pick up DAB/FM radio broadcasts, but it can also present anything your smartphone throws at it with a rich, detailed response. Admittedly, this speaker differs from the rest because it’s mono and won’t have anywhere near as expansive a presentation as others in this round-up. But not every bookshelf is a big bookshelf, and sometimes you want a convenient concert for one in the living room, kitchen, etc. Perfect for nestling between art books or cookbooks, this is a compact wireless speaker that sounds as good as it looks. And it looks gooooooood. Plus, the Model One is now at least $100 cheaper than it was following the release of the Tivoli Audio Model Two Digital, which updates the look and connectivity but loses the radio function.

Best budget: Edifier R1280T

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Why it made the cut: In a word, price—this set lets you can enjoy every note for around a C-note.

Specs

• Frequency response: 75Hz-18kHz
• Power handling: 21W x 2
• Connectivity: 2 x RCA inputs
• Drivers: 4-inch woofer and 13mm (roughly a half-inch) silk dome tweeter
• Dimensions: 6.9 x 9.5 x 5.8 inches (HxWxD)
• Weight: 10.80 lbs.

Pros

• An inexpensive go-to for two-channel sound
• Clean, retro look
• Bass, treble, and volume dials

Cons

• Limited connectivity
• No subwoofer out

While there are even lower-priced bookshelf speakers, the compact and attractive wood-veneer Edifier R1280T delivers a surprisingly warm and balanced sound for just over $100 so that music lovers on any budget can enjoy a step up in sound. These powered speakers take up only 9.5 inches by 6.9 inches by 5.8 inches of space and come with cables for the two aux inputs, a remote control, and removable cloth grilles. The maximum output is 96dB with a frequency range of 75Hz-18kHz coming from the 4-inch woofer and 13mm (roughly a half-inch) silk dome tweeter. For only a few dollars more, you can score the R1280Ts with subwoofer output to boost that bass. And for a few hundred more, you can pick up the Edifier S1000W—some of our favorite powered workstation-friendly speakers—which for $449 is no longer “budget,” per se, but is still a bargain considering the performance:price it delivers.

What to consider when shopping for the best bookshelf speakers

Bookshelf speakers—sometimes called standmount speakers because they can be isolated and optimized on stands rather than shelves—are smaller and usually less expensive than floorstanding, aka tower, speakers (though there are certainly boutique exceptions). Their relative affordability is because bookshelf speakers may have a more narrow frequency range, less power, and less presence in the low-end than the best floor-standing speakers, but that doesn’t mean their sound quality is significantly less than that of floor-standers, which can be overkill and unimpressive if you don’t have a properly sized, optimized space or won’t play them loudly enough to make them necessary. 

For small to mid-sized rooms at middle-to-mildly loud volumes, bookshelf speakers stand at the locus between price, footprint, and performance, while also presenting an enormous amount of options in the price range, design, and features. That means there’s something for everyone, but also several factors to consider, including size, price, appearance, and compatibility with the devices and electronics you will use with the speakers. 

Bookshelf speakers are not standardized in size to all fit on, say, the average Ikea bookshelf. They vary in dimensions, so figure out where you will put them and measure the height, width, and depth you have available for the speakers. Also, settle on your target price range since bookshelf speakers can cost tens of dollars on the low side and thousands of dollars at the top. 

The devices from which you want to playback on the bookshelf speakers will also inform your decision. If you’re a vinyl lover, you’ll need phono inputs for a turntable with a built-in preamp or a jack for an external preamp. If you want the convenience of streaming from your phone, you’ll need Bluetooth or some other wireless capability, and so on.

The visual style of a bookshelf speaker set may be a priority for some and not as important for others. However, with all other factors being equal, you will still have a variety of speaker aesthetic designs from which to choose, so pick something you’ll be happy to see every day in what’s likely to be a prominent place in the space the speakers occupy. 

Finally, you have to know whether to purchase passive or active (powered) speakers. The last thing you want to do is to buy a set of passive speakers that you thought were active, or vice versa.

Passive vs. powered bookshelf speakers

Before shopping for bookshelf speakers, you must know the difference between passive and active—also known as powered—speakers. Passive speakers require external amplification from an audio/video receiver, digital audio converter (DAC), or amplifier component. Passive speakers tend only to have speaker wire hook-ups that connect to the amplifier, which has inputs for your audio devices and other electronics. 

On the other hand, active speakers are powered with internal amplification, thus the “powered” label. Active speakers also have all their connections for audio or even video devices. Still, the quantity and variety of those connections are features that differentiate sets of powered speakers and also can affect their price. 

Audiophiles often lean toward passive speakers because they allow the users to try out different amplifiers and DACs and upgrade components as their taste or budget dictates, all while keeping the same speakers. Passive speakers don’t have to plug into a power outlet, which may open up more placement options in your space (though they require speaker wire, which poses its own challenges). Without the internal amp electronics, passive speakers can be lighter and possibly smaller than active speakers while offering comparable sound.  

Active speakers’ advantages include simplicity of setup and fewer overall components and cables. Theoretically, the amplifier within a set of powered speakers should already match the speakers’ capability. 

Whether you opt for passive or active speakers, there are plenty of options at all price ranges to suit various needs. And both passive and powered bookshelf speakers can pump out the satisfyingly spacious stereo sound that single-unit WiFi and Bluetooth speakers, TVs, and laptops cannot match. 

Do you want more bass?

The smaller size of bookshelf speakers imposes some natural limitations on the bass that emanates from them. Woofer sizes in the speaker systems in this round-up range from 4 inches to 5.25 inches. Bookshelf speaker woofers don’t come much larger than that; adding to their challenges, they must take care of mid-range frequencies alongside the low end. Even though some bookshelf speakers exhibit impressive bass response, the physical size of a woofer within a speaker does matter for moving enough air to create the kind of low-end thump that shakes the room while you’re shaking your butt. Boosting the bass through EQ can have some effect but won’t let you exceed a speaker’s inherent limits. Too much EQ boosting in the low end can result in subtle-to-nasty distortions.

Larger floor-standing speakers have larger low-end drivers on average than bookshelf speakers to produce more rumbling responses. However, they also tend to cost more and take up more space. 

Bookshelf speaker users can instead add a subwoofer to their system. Subwoofers are dedicated to low frequencies, usually in the 20-200Hz range. When paired with a bookshelf speaker system, subwoofers almost always extend the system’s frequency range lower and relieve strained bookshelf speaker woofers of the burden of creating all the bass tones. With a subwoofer, you can crank the bass higher without distortion to experience the full power and presence of music, movies, and games that the artists originally intended. And the midrange and treble will benefit from the increased headroom that comes from offloading the lows.

Once you commit to expanding your frequency horizons with a subwoofer, any choice you make will let you enjoy the low-end of your music and other audio, not just in the auditory space but also in the physical space with a bass response you can feel.

FAQs

Final thoughts on choosing the best bookshelf speakers for you

• Best overall: KEF LS50 Meta
• Best powered speakers: PSB Alpha iQ
• Best for home theater: Klipsch The Fives
• Best for computers: Audioengine A2+ Wireless
• Best smart speakers: Sonos Era 300
• Best studio monitors: PreSonus Eris E4.5
• Best with a radio: Tivoli Audio Model One Digital (Gen. 2)
• Best budget: Edifier R1280T

Bookshelf speakers offer a relatively quick and painless way to improve your audio listening experience, beating built-in device speakers and single-unit wireless speakers without giving up the expense and real estate that floor-standing speakers require. Finding the best bookshelf speakers for you comes down to settling on your preferences for size, price, connectivity, and style and then narrowing down the wealth of options that exist as both passive and powered bookshelf speakers.

Why trust us

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

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

The post The best bookshelf speakers in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10		SEE IT	All the excellent sound and construction that you want out of DJ headphones, with nothing that you don’t.
Best Bluetooth		AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+		SEE IT	High-resolution, ultra-low-latency wireless audio finally makes DJ headphone cord-cutting possible.
Best budget		Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style Over-the-Ear Headphones		SEE IT	When you don’t have much to spend or need a cheap backup set of DJ headphones, look no further.

DJ headphones, at their core, don’t function much differently from the best headphones meant for everyday listening or music production. But beyond the basic concept of speakers pushing air, DJ headphones usually target their audience with isolating pads and high SPLs (sound pressure levels)—the maximum output volume—for blocking out and cutting through the din of crowded clubs with audible bass response. After all, that’s where you keep the beat. DJ headphones also feature build quality for constant putting on and taking off and earcups that swivel or detach from the headband for one-ear monitoring. Some also cater to busy DJs who wear out headphones quickly by making some or all of the parts easily replaceable. And wireless DJ headphones that actually have low enough audio latency to function properly for DJs are also now available. Considering all these options, here’s our spin on the best DJ headphones.

• Best overall: Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 
• Best Bluetooth: AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+
• Best for mixing music, not just tracks: Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
• Best lightweight: Sennheiser HD 25 Plus 
• Best mid-priced: V-Moda Crossfade LP2 
• Best budget: Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style Over-the-Ear Headphones 

How we chose the best DJ headphones

I have been a performing DJ for more than 15 years and have covered DJ gear for DJ Tech Tools, Electronic Musician, Remix, Popular Science, of course, and other outlets. I’ve personally used four of the six headphones on this list for public DJ sets, livestreams, or extensive reviews, and the remaining choices are based on thorough research, the feedback of fellow DJs, other expert reviews, and trusted user impressions. This selection includes the best DJ headphones at various price points for either dedicated DJ use, DJing plus music production, or DJing plus overall use. 

The best DJ headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

While it may not be as good as DJing itself, choosing DJ gear is part of the fun. There’s something extra satisfying about picking out a piece of tech that will serve a creative and productive purpose rather than just another toy for your amusement (although DJ headphones are that, too). So, let’s get down to the good part and examine the best DJ headphones available right now.

Best overall: Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10

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Why it made the cut: The flagship headphone from the biggest DJ gear company comes through with rugged durability, big full-spectrum sound, and lasting comfort. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.72 pounds (without cable)
• Driver Units: 50mm dome type high-definition drivers
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz
• Accessories: 48-inch coiled cable (extends to 118 inches), 63-inch straight cable, 1/4-inch stereo plug adapter (threaded), zippered hardshell case with handle

Pros

• Powerful yet clear and balanced high-resolution sound
• Reliably robust build for professional use
• Comfortable materials and fit

Cons 

• Comparatively high price
• Non-standard detachable cable connectors

If you had to boil down what’s important in DJ headphones to one word, it may be “dependability.” As one of the key elements to a live performance where mistakes can be catastrophic to your confidence and/or reputation, DJ headphones have to be dependable in the areas of sound reproduction and power, as well as physically dependable to take abuse yet not to dish it out to your head and ears. Perhaps that’s why the HDJ-X10—the top-of-the-line headphone from Pioneer DJ, the company that supplies clubs and consumers with mixers, monitors, and other DJ booth mainstays—does nothing it doesn’t need to do and does everything it does very, very well. 

First of all, its audio is not the loudest of all DJ headphones, but it’s loud enough at a 106 dB sound level, and its over-ear, closed-back design does a good job at isolating the headphone mix from outside noise. The high-resolution sound from the newly developed 50mm drivers delivers an extended frequency response and a very clear sound throughout the frequency range. The bass is very pronounced but not overly hyped or overpowering of midrange elements. 

Physically, Pioneer DJ built the HDJ-X10 meticulously for heavy DJ use. The moving parts—like the joints for swiveling the ears cups 90 degrees sideways and rotating them backward 180 degrees—are of trusty metal construction. The headband is also strong yet flexible. The headband and replaceable ear pads are covered in durable, cleanable polyurethane. While everyone’s head and ears are different shapes and sizes, so no headphones can ever please 100% of DJs, the HDJ-X10 fits comfortably enough on me for all-day use. Finally, the audio cable is an L-type locking mini-jack, so while it’s a little harder to find a replacement cable if you need one, you’re also protected from the potentially panic-inducing event of the audio cable disconnecting in the middle of a live set. 

Best Bluetooth: AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+

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Why it made the cut: AIAIAI has made DJing with wireless headphones tenable by creating a set using the low-latency W+ Link wireless format and its own wireless transmitter. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.5 pounds (headphones only)
• Driver Units: 40mm “bio-diaphragm” speakers
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Accessories: Bluetooth 5.0 headband that also supports a transmitter with W+ Link ultra-low latency wireless, USB-C charging cable, 60-inch coiled cable (extends to 126 inches), 1/4-inch stereo plug adapter (threaded), carrying pouch

Pros

• Low 16ms latency time suitable for DJ performances
• Modular parts for replaceability
• Light and compact enough for portability
• Includes both uncompressed wireless audio and Bluetooth compressed audio for longer battery life

Cons 

• Output level is more consistent with studio headphones than DJ headphones

For both DJing and music production, wireless headphones up to now have been riddled with too many caveats to make them worth consideration: lossy transmissions, burdensome wireless transmitters, signal interference, and, worst of all, latency between the audio source and the headphone output. In-ear monitors operating on dedicated channels are proven for live performances, but typically out of the price range and off the technical rider of most working DJs. By taking in the top concerns of working DJs and musicians, AIAIAI has made the TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ headphones the first wireless headphones I could recommend for DJing.

First and foremost, it uses a compact X01 transmitter to send ultra-low-latency (16ms) uncompressed audio (up to 16-bit/44.1kHz) using the dual-antenna W+ Link operating on a 2.4GHz frequency (the same as your home WiFi). That’s low enough latency not to notice the lag between manipulating your DJ gear and the audio in your cans since human brains start to notice audio latency at around 20-30ms. In comparison, traditional Bluetooth has a latency of about 100ms, which will drive you crazy if you try to DJ with that lag. Bluetooth 5.0 with the Qualcomm aptX codec is much better at 40ms, but still not fast enough to recommend for performance.

However, the TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ also includes Bluetooth 5.0 for longer battery life for casual listening, like when previewing possible tracks or setting cue points for tomorrow’s gig. Both the X01 transmitter and the H10 headband (which receives the wireless signal) are battery-powered and recharge over USB-C. Battery life for uncompressed W+ Link playback is advertised at 16 hours, while Bluetooth playback gets you 80 hours of battery life. A three-button array on the H10 headband controls play/pause/next and volume during Bluetooth playback, or just the volume during W+ Link playback. Wired operation is also possible to bypass battery power.

AIAIAI also builds the TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ with a modern aesthetic, both in terms of its minimalist looks and its sustainable aims. For instance, the headphones’ parts are modular so that you can replace the headband, ear pads, and driver units separately, and the over-ear memory foam ear pads are covered with CO2-neutral Alcantara material. 

While the TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ are fast enough in their latency for DJing, comfortable enough to wear for long DJ sets, and have detachable ear cups for one-ear monitoring—all features I put to the test while evaluating them in a Nevada desert during the Burning Man festival—in one aspect they are still optimal for musicians in a music studio. They have, for example, a volume level normal for studio headphones but a little lower than what DJs often like for live monitoring. Word has it that AIAIAI is working on wireless headphones customized specifically for DJs, including increased volume and other performance-centric features. Don’t want to wait and don’t mind being tethered? The wired AIAIAI TMA-2 Modular is a sturdy set that can challenge top favorites at a much more approachable price.

Best for mixing music: Audio-Technica ATH-M70x

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Why it made the cut: Audio-Technica is well-known for studio-grade sound at reasonable prices, and the ATH-M70 combines the needs of DJs and music producers. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.62 pounds (without cable)
• Driver Units: 45 mm neodymium magnet drivers
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz
• Accessories: 48-inch coiled cable (extends to 118 inches), 48-inch straight cable, 118-inch straight cable, 1/4-inch plug adapter (threaded), zippered hardshell case with cable pouch

Pros

• Flat, accurate, and clear audio across the audio range
• Extended frequency response
• Three detachable audio cables included

Cons 

• Built more for studio use than touring/live shows, in terms of output level and durability

Making your own music ranks as one of the best ways to stand out and promote yourself as a DJ. And it’s just a fun thing to do, as DJs are music lovers first and foremost. So when you need a set of DJ headphones that also double as your reference headphones for mixing and mastering music, the Audio-Technica ATH-M70x closed-back monitoring headphones fit the bill. They have an extended frequency range and a flat response across the audio spectrum so that you can hear every element of a mix evenly. Audio-Technica headphones, in general, are known for reliable audio quality at reasonable prices, and the ATH-M70x delivers excellent clarity and stereo imaging. Don’t have a perfect acoustically treated home studio? No problem. The over-ear, closed-back design isolates the audio with minimal bleed from outside noise. 

The ATH-M70x’s ear cups have metal yokes and swivel 90 degrees for one-ear monitoring, and its ear pads and headband padding are replaceable. If you’re looking for similar performance in a DJ headphone set that’s also appropriate for music production but for more than $100 less, the very popular Audio-Technica ATH-M50x—one of our perpetual favorite monitoring and tracking headphones—makes for a great choice. The rest of the line doesn’t have the extended frequency range or as much metal construction as the ATH-M70x, but offers a great price-performance ratio.

Best lightweight: Sennheiser HD 25 Plus

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Why it made the cut: Besides being very lightweight, the Sennheiser HD 25 Plus headphones have earned a long-standing reputation amongst DJs for powerful sound that cuts through the noise and replaceable parts that extend your investment. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.3 pounds (without cable)
• Driver Units: N/A
• Frequency Response: 16Hz-22kHz
• Accessories: Extra pair of soft ear pads, 39-inch coiled cable (extends to 118 inches), 60-inch straight cable, 1/4-inch plug adapter (threaded), carrying pouch

Pros

• Some of the loudest headphones around, with a maximum SPL of 120 dB
• Trademark split headband for finding a variety of fits
• Lightweight plastic construction is durable and tough, not brittle
• Flip-away ear cups enable one-ear monitoring

Cons 

• Tight on-ear fit can pinch ears painfully over time

The Sennheiser HD 25 Plus headphones occupy a special place in the hearts of touring DJs, mobile DJs, and any DJ who put their cans through a ton of use and abuse. This is because the essential parts of the HD 25 Plus headphones are all replaceable and easily available to purchase at retailers. The audio cable that feeds into the ear cup speaker drivers is completely detachable and replaceable; the driver units themselves are replaceable; and so are the headband, headband padding, and ear pads. Yet, regardless of replaceability, the lightweight, mostly plastic construction is built to last; it’s tough and malleable, rather than the brittle plastic of some cheaply made headphones. 

Pure loudness counts as another of the HD 25 Plus standout features. With a top SPL of 120 dB, they are some of the loudest DJ headphones you can find and their on-ear, closed-back design blocks outside sounds in loud environments so you can focus on your headphones mix. Unlike most DJ headphones with swiveling earcups, the driver units on the HD 25 Plus detach from the headband for one-ear monitoring. They also have a signature split headband meant to be a little more comfortable on the head over long periods of time.

If you’re looking to save $50, the HD 25 model is the same set of headphones minus the extra set of soft velour earpads, the coiled audio cable, and the carrying pouch.

Best mid-priced: V-Moda Crossfade LP2 

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Why it made the cut: The V-Moda Crossfade LP2 delivers a well-rounded mix of extreme durability, huge sound, and good looks for a mid-level price. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.57 pounds
• Driver Units: 50mm dual-diaphragm
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-30kHz
• Accessories: 52-inch cable with inline mic and 1-button controller, 78-inch audio-only cable, zippered carrying case with carabiner, 1/4-inch plug adapter, cleaning cloth, removable shield plate kit with extra screws and screwdriver

Pros

• Meticulous build quality
• Generous selection of accessories, including a hardshell case
• Sleek appearance with the option to customize the aluminum ear cup shields
• Very good sound quality with some spiked bass

Cons 

• Ear cups do not swivel
• Boost in the low-end doesn’t suit everyone’s needs for music production

V-Moda puts a lot of stock in the materials it uses and, as a result, they are known to be some of the most durable and comfortable headphones available. The Crossfade LP2, for example, has an extremely flexible metal-core headband and Aramid fiber (Kevlar) reinforced cables made for 1 million bends. The removable aluminum shields on the closed-back ear cups can also be customized with the laser engraving or color print of your choice (such as your DJ name/brand)—for an extra cost. A form-fitting “Exoskeleton” zippered carrying case is also excellent for peace of mind when transporting the headphones. 

The Crossfade LP2 is not just physically robust. It also has a big, beefy sound for everyday listening and DJ monitoring. The “LP” in the name stands for Live Play, and this series of V-Moda headphones has a more bass-hyped sound than its audiophile line. That extra low-end can be appealing to DJs based on personal preference but is not always ideal for producing music if that’s also a part of your DJ hustle. When listening, the Crossfade LP2 foam ear cushions are meant to fit tight to the head to provide passive noise isolation—good for focusing on the headphone mix in a loud environment. If they’re too tight to be comfortable, you can adjust the headband for relief. 

Priced nicely at around $150, the Crossfade LP2 headphones give DJs an attractive mix of sound quality, slick looks, and pristine construction that’s built to last. If you like the V-Moda aesthetic of industry-leading build quality and customizable shield plates but don’t want the LP sound and have deeper pockets, you could spring for the Crossfade M-100 Master, the M-200 studio headphones, or the mack-daddy M-200 ANC with active noise canceling and wireless connectivity.

Best budget: Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style Over-the-Ear Headphones 

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Why it made the cut: For more than 10 years, this unassuming set of Monoprice headphones has been the go-to budget pick for DJs. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.99 pounds
• Driver Units: 50mm
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Accessories: 48-inch cable with inline mic/controller, one 48-inch audio-only cable, 1/4-inch plug adapter

Pros

• Good swiveling and rotating flexibility of the ear cups. 
• Detachable audio cable for easy replacement
• Surprisingly long-lasting
• Excellent value for the price

Cons 

• No carrying case
• Plastic construction the swiveling and rotating earpieces feel a bit flimsy

The philosophy on choosing headphones for taking on DJ gigs can range from seeking out the most durable set—possibly with replaceable parts so that they can withstand the rigors of road trips—to picking up the best value for the money because if they break, they’ll be cheap to replace. The Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style Pro Headphones (that’s really the name, unless you want to call them Product #8323) are available for well under $50, which certainly falls under the “cheap replacement” banner. However, I can say from first-hand experience that these headphones can take abuse. I’ve shoved them in a disheveled gear bag and then yanked them out at what feels like 100 DJ sets without them breaking. And the detachable cable is easy to replace with a standard 1/8-inch audio cord. That’s why these Monoprice headphones are our pick if you want to drop the beat without dropping a Benjamin.

The plastic construction of the moving earcup joints doesn’t inspire the most confidence. Still, they do provide the convenient mobility of swiveling the cups 90 degrees and rotating them essentially backward 180 degrees, making one-ear monitoring easy. Neither the comfort level of the over-the-ear cups and the headband nor the sound quality are top-of-the-heap, but I’ve certainly felt and heard worse. With a sensitivity of 100 dB, they do get loud enough to do the job in a noisy club. That is essentially the appeal of these headphones for DJs. They aren’t amazing in any one aspect but sound good enough and are comfortable and flexible enough to function for professional work, while being cheap enough not to sting when they no longer function.

Things to consider before buying the best DJ headphones

This list does not include any in-ear monitors or true wireless earbuds. Although some DJs use these (in-ear monitors more than earbuds, for latency and customization reasons), that’s for a different working style where the in-ears are usually kept in throughout the DJ’s set, and they block out much or all of the sound from the venue. So, the DJ hears the main mix through the in-ears at all times and also monitors the next track before the audience hears it. There’s nothing wrong with that style of DJing, and it can be healthy on the ears if it blocks out overly loud club sound, allowing you to mix at lower decibels. However, DJing in a way where you’re not hearing any of the same main room sound as the crowd can make you feel a little disconnected. And in-ear DJ monitoring is still not all that common, so this guide covers only on-ear and over-ear full-size headphones. 

Will you use them only for DJing?

Oftentimes, DJs will have headphones they only use for DJing, while they use other headphones for mixing music, everyday listening, etc. That may be because they want to preserve their favorite DJ headphones for exclusive DJ use or because most DJ headphones are not meant to be the be-all-and-end-all of feature-laden headphones. Several key qualities of DJ headphones include a loud, accurate, but more energetic (some might call it V-shaped) sound for cutting through noisy surroundings like live venues with bass and treble. In addition, DJ headphones are more likely to have closed-back earcups with thicker foam pads for isolating sound and feature a way to monitor with one ear—usually earcups that either detach from the headband or swivel and rotate to create angles ideal for holding one cup to a single ear.

If those traits are the DJ headphone maker’s only focus, you may get something like the outstanding Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10. What you won’t get are other features that some people may want if they’re using headphones for more than just DJing: an inline mic/controller on the audio cable, wireless connectivity, and any other powered/microphone-focused/circuit-based features, like active noise cancellation or 3D/EQ sound modes. 

Regarding open-back headphones: Many at-home listeners like them because they can create a sense of a larger, airier soundstage, as well as let the earcup “breathe” to avoid the build-up of perspiration moisture. However, open-back headphones let in more noise from external sounds, so they’re not ideal for monitoring DJ mixes and aren’t featured here. 

Simplicity vs. complexity

You certainly can DJ with headphones that are a bit nontraditional. For example, the AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ in this guide finally makes wireless headphones viable for DJing because they send an ultra-low-latency audio signal. And consumer-oriented headphones like the Yamaha YH-L700A headphones have a big sound and swiveling ear cups that could make them suitable for DJing if you wish. However, the question is how complicated to use do you want your DJ headphones to be, and do you want them to include all kinds of expensive extra features that you don’t need for DJing? 

The $499 YH-L700 is loaded with technology—like active noise canceling, Bluetooth 5.0, several 3D sound processing modes, and onboard playback controls. Those features require charging the built-in battery, driving up the price, and are the kind of things you looks for in headphones for watching movies or working from home rather than for DJing. Some people may want to try DJing with active noise canceling, but that technology alters the sound from the headphones a little bit, which most DJs do not want to do. If you end up wearing out a pair of headphones like that while DJing or, worse, they get lost, damaged, or stolen while DJing, you would have spent a lot of money on features that you probably didn’t use to their fullest. 

On the other hand, the AIAIAI TMA-2 is very appropriate for DJing. Its liberating low-latency wireless technology lets you move about the DJ booth or studio without having to worry about getting the headphone cable caught on something or accidentally pulling it out. But just think about whether or not you want your DJ headphones to require a separate wireless transmitter unit that you have to remember to keep charged along with charging the headband battery as well. 

While the Yamaha, AIAIAI, and most other high-tech headphones with battery-powered features also operate as wired headphones without battery power, all their extra electronics create additional fail points and complicate their maintenance in ways that simpler wired DJ headphones do not. 

Price

If you’re the type of DJ who buys a new sports car after wrecking your last sports car, go ahead and buy two or three of everything on this list. Otherwise, the bottom line usually plays a role in any gear-buying decision. Audiophile and professional studio-grade reference headphones can cost well over $1,000, which makes the sub-$400 Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 headphones look like a real bargain. However, that’s still considerable money. For the most part, you get something in return for what you pay for DJ headphones, whether it’s in build quality, sound quality, comfort, or some combination of everything. Sometimes name recognition and reputation may play a small part in the price as well. 

When you take DJing seriously, it’s worth it to pay for headphones that have the sound and features you want, so that your headphones don’t frustrate you or distract you in any way from the job at hand. But you can also get by quite well on low-priced headphones, whether they are your only pair or you want a “burner” set as a backup or as something that won’t devastate you if it breaks, gets lost, or is stolen. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best DJ headphones

• Best overall: Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 
• Best Bluetooth: AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+
• Best for mixing music: Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
• Best lightweight: Sennheiser HD 25 Plus 
• Best mid-priced: V-Moda Crossfade LP2 
• Best budget: Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style Over-the-Ear Headphones 

In a pinch, any headphones could be DJ headphones. You could DJ with the junky earbuds that come with a bargain Android phone if you really needed to. Of course, that would be a stressful hassle, which is exactly what you don’t want out of DJ headphones. You want a set of cans that makes the job easier, which means great isolation and clarity so you can blow minds, not blow out your eardrums or blow your mix, as well as durability and the most DJ-friendly construction you can get within your budget. The models here are all fine options. The rest is up to you.

Why trust us

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

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

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Best overall		Yamaha YH-L700A		SEE IT	Super versatile with an excellent boost of layering and legibility to even low-quality audio.
Best budget		Soundcore by Anker Life Q30		SEE IT	These budget headphones offer noise-canceling features to keep you focused on your shows.
Best cinephile		JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System		SEE IT	A multi-layered, immersive soundscape designed for one thing: the ultimate movie-watching experience.

When it comes to gadgets for home theaters, picture quality gets most of the press, but even the best TVs don’t have good built-in audio, which is where wireless headphones for TV come in. Sound matters, so we’re going to talk about some sound matters. Once you experience a truly great soundscape with your favorite films, shows, or games, you’ll never want to go back. Multi-speaker systems replicate the theater experience best but can be harder to set up in smaller spaces and get very expensive very quickly. Plus, the ground-shaking T. rex steps that get your heart racing might also get your neighbors racing to file a noise complaint. So what’s the answer when space, wallet, or society conspire to deny you the sonic stimulation you so richly deserve? The best wireless headphones for TV, that’s what.

• Best overall: Yamaha YH-L700A
• Best with transmitter: Sennheiser RS 195 RF
• Best gaming: Astro A50 Wireless Gen 4
• Best cinephile: JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System
• Best earbuds: Sennheiser TV Clear Set 2
• Best budget: Anker Life Soundcore Q30

How we chose the best wireless headphones for TV

First of all, naturally, we removed all wired headsets from contention. Generally, wired headphones offer better sound than wireless, but that gap is not nearly as wide as it once was. We considered Bluetooth headsets and those that use their own base stations/wireless protocols. Options up and down the budget spectrum were assessed, though none of these headsets hit $1,000, and most are under $500. The list below is an amalgamation of first-hand reviews, recommendations by trusted colleagues, and the consensus of the audio-video press. These were then delineated into categories that can guide you toward cans that can.

The best wireless headphones for TV: Reviews & Recommendations

It’s unlikely you’ll be disappointed with any of the wireless headphones we’ve selected. Even the budget set is quite nice. And it’s certainly a huge upgrade if you’re only listening to the built-in sound of your TV’s speakers (no matter how amazing that new OLED display is, we promise the sound is lacking). The most important thing to note is the exclusive features of each headset, as the general sound and use of all these units are strong. Regardless of which wireless headphones for TV you choose, your ears will thank you for your service to their joy.

Best overall: Yamaha YH-L700A

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Why it made the cut: With features on features, the Yamaha YH-L700A pairs excellent quality sound with modes of listening that make it excellent for TV, gaming, music, and work.

Specs

• Format: Over-ear headphones
• Noise cancellation: Active noise canceling
• Connection: Bluetooth
• Battery life: 34 hours

Pros

• Clear, crisp sound
• Versatile 3D Sound Field mode sweetens stereo sound signals significantly
• Bluetooth and wired options allow use in the maximum number of set-ups
• Excellent noise-canceling

Cons

• Cinema audio settings aren’t as true-tuned as units rated for Dolby Atmos
• Cups can get quite warm around the ears
• Head-tracking feature doesn’t improve sound experience much

Yamaha is an old-school name in audio, but the company’s top-tier headphone is packed with the newest technology. What caused this set to edge out our others is its jack-of-all-trades mentality. That pairs with great sound and low latency from its high-quality Bluetooth 5.0 connection (featuring the advanced resolution aptX Adaptive codec for compatible Android devices, plus AAC for iPhones). Additionally, The YH-L700A’s seven selectable Sound Fields can transform any input into an approximation of 3D sound, improving any broadcast or stream even if higher-quality audio options aren’t available. 

The noise-canceling on this pair is quite adept, featuring a range of dynamic filtering modes that are easy to implement. In addition to active noise cancellation, which analyzes and counteracts environmental sound, Listening Optimizer adjusts equalization on the fly based on the noises around you, boosting levels when the environment would normally pierce through. This is great for rambunctious kids or city noises if you’re an urban dweller. Listening Care ensures that important sonic cues aren’t lost at lower volume levels by re-juggling the equalization to pop what needs to pop. It also differentiates between primary sound and background noise. The Yamaha YH-L700A ends up offering one of the most impressive low-volume listening experiences available.

The headset itself is comfortable, though the ear cups can make quite a warm seal. Its battery life is robust, reaching 34 hours at less taxing use. The Bluetooth connection does reduce what these earphones can achieve. But the use of aptX Adaptive, a next-gen codec for wireless audio, ensures the best quality sound with the lowest latency possible over the Bluetooth protocol. And Bluetooth does open up a ton of possible uses other than with your TV. You’ll also be able to use these while walking or exercising, in public transit, or at computer workstations.

Don’t forget that for the highest-quality sound settings, like those with Blu-ray or the best streams, you’ll need to use the wired connection option on these bad boys. Bluetooth simply doesn’t have the bandwidth necessary to give you those richest soundscapes. The nice thing about this set, though, is that even in lower-quality settings, like pure stereo, the 3D modes really add some space and area to the sound in your head, giving a “2.5D” experience. Taking below-average sound and making it sing—that’s the makings of a best-in-class. If you want to know even more about our favorite set, check out the in-depth review.

Best with transmitter: Sennheiser RS 195 RF

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Why it made the cut: Sennheiser is a name synonymous with quality headphones, and these are no exception, thanks to their clarity, comfort, and consistent signal via a dedicated transmitter.

Specs

• Format: Over-ear headphones
• Noise cancellation: None
• Connection: Transmitter
• Battery life: 18 hours

Pros

• Incredible clear sound
• Customizable
• Able to sweeten dialog or music
• Nearly no audio lag thanks to RF technology
• Long battery life with charging dock

Cons

• No Bluetooth compatibility / device-bound
• Somewhat bulky construction
• Not cheap

Sennheiser can be trusted. Some may quibble over what the very best headphones on the market are. But Sennheiser’s name is always in the conversation. And it will come as little surprise that a company that makes what we consider the best all-in-one soundbar on the market understands how to pair audio with video. So when it comes to headphones built to work with television, the venerable German brand also sets a gold standard. 

You won’t get Dolby Atmos, unlike in the company’s soundbars, but the sound quality is really strong, focusing on clarity rather than volume. Sennheiser often markets these particular headphones to customers with hearing issues because of their ability to isolate certain elements of sound. That includes clearer dialog, which helps listeners who otherwise would need to jack the volume up to hear the characters speaking. The benefit for users who don’t have hearing issues is that you can fully customize the sound levels of not just volume, bass, and treble, but the sweetening of certain elements and save those settings as a selectable preset.

However, while these are wireless headphones for TV, they’re not portable. The transmitter/dock that connects to the audio source isn’t meant to be taken on the go. And there’s no Bluetooth compatibility. The wireless is instead RF (a radio signal) created by the transmitter/dock.  While that limits the devices that it can be used with, it means there’s almost no latency (lag) between the source signal and the sound in your head. Every spoken word and dramatic sound will sync up with the screen. Additionally, there is up to 330 feet of range, even though this set is designed to live with your audio source. Those who want precise, impressive sound inside comfortable, noise-dampening headphones can rest assured that Sennheiser stands above the rest.

An important thing to note about the Sennheiser RS195 RF is that it’s not always easy to get. While there is new-in-box product out there, including on Amazon, the high quality and desirability of these now-discontinued headphones mean that there are times when their secondary-market price can be higher than their original MSRP. Despite this, they are still recommended due to their incredible performance. Just keep that price in mind. If you want a cheaper alternative, the step-down model, the Sennheiser RS 175 RF, is also sometimes available on Amazon, again with a potentially inflated cost.

Best gaming: Astro A50 Wireless Gen 4

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Why it made the cut: Game soundscapes have come a long way from 8-bit beeps and boops, and so have headsets like this specifically calibrated one that gives you 3D sound and maybe even a competitive advantage.

Specs

• Format: Over-ear headphones
• Noise cancellation: None
• Connection: Transmitter
• Battery life: 15 hours

Pros

• Nearly no lag on wireless sound
• Supports lower-end surround sound modes (5.1)
• Included mic is strong quality, for communication while gaming
• Dolby Atmos support with Xbox version

Cons

• No universal version
• Battery life could be longer
• Command Center software has some issues on Windows 11 (though this will probably get fixed)

Gamers know the power of great headsets. Competitive games test your eyes, your hand reflexes, and even your ears. The higher the quality of your sound, the more easily you can pinpoint the location of the enemy from his gunfire sounds. Then you can dominate him easily, and isn’t that what it’s all about? And you don’t have to spend hundreds (though you easily can if you snag Master & Dynamic MG20 or Audeze Penrose X).

The Astro A50 comes in two models. Both offer compatibility with PC and Mac, but you need separate versions for the next-gen. Xbox and PlayStation families. The Xbox version offers an advantage over the PlayStation with Dolby Atmos 3D sound support. That feature requires you to sign up for a subscription, but there’s a voucher included that gives you a free trial. Both Astro A50 headsets give you great clarity and placement and communicate quickly with the base station. That results in nearly no lag, a key for gaming.

The mic is a flip-down boom-type that auto-mutes when flipped up. You don’t have to stare at it if you’re using these headphones to listen to some streaming media through your console instead of playing a game. In a competitive gaming headset space, there are better wired options out there. But you won’t find better wireless options than the Astro A50.

Best cinephile: JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System

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Why it made the cut: Truly focused, the JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System is not just a set of headphones but also a sonic processor, meaning you get the truest cinema-spec sound beamed straight to your head.

Specs

• Format: Over-ear headphones with set-top processor
• Noise cancellation: None
• Connectivity: Transmitter
• Battery life: 12 hours

Pros

• Theater sound in headphones
• DTS:X and Dolby Atmos compatible
• Amazing range and dynamic sound
• Offers sound that is simply not attainable on other headphones
• App, once it works, offers amazing customization and calibration

Cons

• Most expensive item on our list
• Difficult to set up and optimize
• Difficult to connect components in a way that maximizes all of them

The JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System is designed to do only one thing, and it does that thing very well: producing a theater-style multichannel soundfield within headphones. The vast majority of the wireless headphones for TV on our list cannot process true object-based sound. Instead, they offer extremely high-quality stereo sound that, while lovely to listen to, is not going to have the depth or location that the Exofield offers. Using a 2.4GHz/5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi connection to transfer full-fidelity cinema sound between the set-top unit and headphones, the Exofield system brings realism and surrealism in the way it delivers a spacious, immersive experience through its 40mm drivers. The main drawback of this incredible piece of technology, other than it requiring space on or in your credenza, is that it is finicky to set up and to communicate with other devices. 

Set up is a bit arduous, involving taking measurements. And it can potentially error out, forcing you to restart the process. The choice of marrying many of the options to an app could backfire in the future if an update breaks the software or the app gets delisted, and you need to download it to a new device. Setting up the transmitter correctly—patching through the right inputs/outputs (don’t forget those HDMI cables) to ensure all your components work correctly on your screen—can be a difficult task. Though, usually, a unit like this assumes the end-user doesn’t need much handholding when it comes to A/V. It’s just important to consider how plug-and-play things truly are when buying a nearly $1,000 audio system.

The sound is amazing and near-flawless when optimized, offering a surreal experience of over a half-dozen points of sound inside headphones. But getting there may be a battle. It is a battle that’s absolutely worth it if you’re a cinephile. The bass kicks, the dialog sparkles, and you’ll hear elements within your movie soundscapes that were literally inaudible on TV speakers.

Best earbuds: Sennheiser TV Clear Set 2

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Why it made the cut: Lose the headband but keep the same high-quality Sennheiser sound with these TV-ready earbuds.

Specs

• Format: In-ear headphones
• Noise cancellation: Passive noise cancellation
• Connectivity: Bluetooth or TV transmitter connection
• Battery life: 15 hours

Pros

• Qi wireless charging compatible
• Great for people with glasses
• Speech clarity mode choices are unmatched
• Provides access to an app with customization options

Cons

• Expensive

Those with glasses—or those who hate the feeling of wearing headphones—can find over-ear headphones difficult to comfortably wear. The TV Clear set from Sennheiser solves that problem by packing high-quality sound into lightweight earbuds. And they are so lightweight that they are practically unnoticeable while you sport them. You can choose from five different speech clarity settings for clearer dialogue. It’s like turning up the brightness on a Game of Thrones episode but with sound.

True wireless earbuds, TV Clear 2 can connect with tablets, laptops, or smartphones and can be used to make and receive calls. But what sets these ‘buds apart is you can use the included pre-paired transmitter with your TV to set your own preferred earbud volume while family and/or guests watch at the sound level of their choice.

You can use an app to personalize your TV-watching experience with five listening profiles with speech clarity levels of up to 20 dB of high-frequency amplification. In addition, the app can help you find the earbuds if they fall into a couch, etc. And the transmitter’s low latency keeps audio and video in sync. The Ambient Awareness mode allows you to hear your surroundings while you watch, if you want, so you can hear if the popcorn’s done or your kid is trying to sneak back into the house.

And you can pair as many Bluetooth headphones to the connector as you like. The 15-hour battery life (with an additional 22 added by the case) means you can get through a quarter of a Love Island season without taking a pause. No headband, no problem.

Best budget: Anker Life Soundcore Q30

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Why it made the cut: While its sound can’t compare with its competitors, the Anker Soundcore Q30’s price blows them all away, making these headphones a great backup set or quick replacement.

Specs

• Format: Over-ear headphones
• Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Battery life: 40 hours battery life

Pros

• Low price
• Excellent battery life
• Features some noise-canceling via pre-sets
• Anker is known for good customer support

Cons

• Sound is budget-level
• Needs app for best calibration
• Ear cups are very small

Sometimes, the dollar is almighty. If you’re looking to get serviceable wireless headphones for TV under $100, the answer is the same as it often is in the budget tech space: Anker. Anker is known for low-price products that don’t feel low-price, coupled with helpful and hassle-free customer support. The Anker Life Soundcore Q30—a slightly older model than the current Q35 that saves you $50—is exactly what you expect from the company. It’s a solid, if unspectacular, headset that includes a few surprising features. But mostly, most importantly, it understands the assignment. 

The surprising feature here is a form of noise-canceling. While it isn’t groundbreaking, there are three presets that can determine how ambient sound is filtered. Fiddling through these can definitely improve your listening experience, making these the best cheap noise-canceling headphones we can recommend. Additional customization and equalization (EQ) are available by pairing the headphones with a phone or tablet and using an app. For TV, these headphones aren’t going to blow you away. They don’t support multichannel audio, so you’ll only be able to listen in stereo. But if $100 is your budgetary ceiling, the Anker Life Soundcore Q30 is a serviceable, portable option to listen to your TV’s audio solely between your own ears.

What to consider before buying the best wireless headphones for TV

If it were 10-20 years ago, it would have been silly to suggest headphones could give you an immersive sound experience with your TV. But now, technology has blessed us with a world of personal listening devices that are tech’d, tuned, and tested to bring the best out of Blu-ray, streaming devices, a gaming console, etc. Plus, isn’t versatility important? Nobody wants to be tethered to a device without the ability to walk to the kitchen to pop another bag of corn in the microwave while simultaneously staying in your program’s audioverse.

Why do you want wireless headphones for TV?

Before even considering wireless headphones for TV, you’ll want to think about your reasons for choosing them over other sound options. If you live alone in a home that shares no walls with other people, the pull of wireless headphones is more for their versatility outside of using them with your TV. In that case, you’ll likely want to get a pair that uses Bluetooth for its connection. It will allow you to pair the headphones with a phone or computer as well as with your TV. If this aspect of the headphones doesn’t appeal to you, you can achieve better sound with a multi-speaker system with wireless surround sound. Or you can get comparable audio with a high-quality soundbar, like one with Dolby Atmos capabilities.

However, if privacy for yourself or consideration for a coinhabitant or neighbor are chief considerations for your sound set-up, headphones are the best choice. Even headphones that are not considered “noise-canceling” will isolate your ears and allow you to experience blow-me-away booms without bothering anyone but those in close proximity. As for what is lost in the transition from multi-speaker/soundbar to headphones, the good news is that it isn’t much. The richness of the sound may falter a bit compared to a more powerful system. But multi-channel, deep soundscapes can be replicated within headphones quite adeptly, using multiple small speakers within the headphone earcup.

How do you use your TV?

The last thing to consider is what your most common TV uses are. If you’re into 4K content, cinema-quality sound spec compatibility is really key for a good pair of headphones. DTS (formerly Digital Theater Systems) has DTS:X—a sound setting that allows greater “location” within the soundscape. For example, let’s say a character in a movie on one side of the screen shoots a bullet toward a character on the other. DTS:X-compatible headphones receiving a DTS:X signal will do a much better job of placing the sound of the gun going off, moving the bullet sound across the headphones, and producing the impact in the correct place on the other side. 

Dolby Atmos, a competing sound spec, does essentially the same thing. It treats sounds as “objects” assigned a spot within a 360-degree sphere around the listener. Headphones that create these sorts of soundscapes will seem much more immersive than simple 5- or 7-channel speaker systems. Meanwhile, if you’re a gamer, very specific placement of sounds is useful for competitive 3D games. It gives you a better clue of where to move your avatar to mow down your enemies. Additionally, a quality microphone for communicating with online teammates, as well as good blending and delineation between game audio and voice channels, helps the gaming experience.

Can wireless headphones for TV replace a multi-speaker sound system?

Replace is a tough word to use. The truth is, if your living situation allows a high-end multi-speaker home theater system and you can afford one, that is what is going to produce the very best, most impressive sound experience. However, not everyone has the ideal circumstances that allow this. While they won’t stand up to the top of the line, a quality pair of headphones designed for TV viewing will be better than a mediocre multi-speaker system.

More importantly, you can use and enjoy a pair of headphones in literally any case. They’ll work in a small apartment, a busy family home, or by yourself in your gigantic mansion. The sound quality will be high and enveloping. Some people, especially those with hearing issues, may find headphones easier to calibrate for comfortable bass, treble, and volume levels without losing ambient or background sound. Headphones are not a replacement; they’re an alternate experience and one that may be better for your particular needs.

What else can I do with my wireless headphones?

Some of these wireless headphones use their wireless signals through a unit plugged into your wired inputs on your TV. Headphones that use their system rather than the more universal Bluetooth tend to have much lower latency. Latency is the delay between a signal being sent and received. When listening to music, latency can be annoying. It can make moving through tracks seem sluggish, for example. But it doesn’t really ruin the listening experience the way audio that doesn’t sync with a TV can. However, these plug-in receivers are not going to be as portable or adaptable to different listening situations as a Bluetooth unit will be.

With a Bluetooth headset, you can pair it with your phone or laptop and take it with you on the go. For the plug-in receiver sets, you’ll likely end up using the headphones almost exclusively with your TV. However, a good pair of headphones is going to be useful for movies, streaming, and gaming. While some features relevant to the specific use may not be available in all units, everything we reviewed performs “above average” in all of these categories, which will be the three most common signals coming out of your TV.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best wireless headphones for TV

• Best overall: Yamaha YH-L700A
• Best with transmitter: Sennheiser RS 195 RF
• Best gaming: Astro A50 Wireless Gen 4
• Best cinephile: JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System
• Best earbuds: Sennheiser TV Clear Set 2
• Best budget: Anker Life Soundcore Q30

There are a lot of choices to make once you’ve made the choice to get a set of the best wireless headphones for TV. Remember to adjust your headphones out of the box, both by changing the headphones’ settings and your TV or receiver’s settings to find the sweet spot for your ears. Everyone can be different, and the “default” settings—whether it be the picture on a screen or the sound emanating from it—are not always the ideal. Happy listening.

Why trust us

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

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

The post The best wireless headphones for TV in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		TZ Stellar X2		SEE IT	A low-noise transformerless circuit delivers clear, hi-fi recordings.
Best for on-the-go recording		Shure MV88		SEE IT	Studio-quality sound from a smartphone-compatible mic that fits in your pocket.
Best upgrade		AKG C414 XLII		SEE IT	The first big step toward a serious, but not obscenely expensive gear collection.

From the warm vocal performances of Pavarotti, Aretha Franklin, and the Beatles to the lush tones of Coltrane’s sax and Yo-Yo Ma’s cello, some of the most breathtakingly lifelike recordings throughout music history were made using condenser microphones. Manufactured using exactingly thin, conductive materials that can pick up even the most subtle variations in air pressure, condenser mics have an unparalleled sensitivity that allows them to capture every nuance of a performance, or just a podcast, and deliver smooth, detailed recordings. Whether you’re looking for a dedicated microphone for recording music or musings, the best condenser mic is an absolute must-have for any starter studio when sound quality and high fidelity are desired.

• Best overall: TZ Stellar X2
• Best for vocals: MXL V67G
• Best for recording on the go: Shure MV88
• Best to use with a laptop: Rode NT-USB
• Best upgrade: AKG C414 XLII
• Best for live recording: Shure Beta 87A
• Best budget: Samson C01

How we chose the best condenser mics

We built this list of the best condenser mics with a heavy emphasis on the microphones’ sound profiles, followed closely by versatility, price, and ease of use. Unlike dynamic microphones (such as the venerable Shure SM7B broadcast mic), which excel at capturing loud sources thanks to their rugged moving-coil designs, making them great for the SPL overload of live sound, condenser mics have a delicate internal design that translates vocal and instrumental performances at almost any volume into timeless recordings. Because condenser mics are inherently sensitive and fragile, however, we made sure to reflect the wide range of innovative design variations available on the market that aim to get around this limitation; the list features condenser mics for studio use, live use, and mobile use.

The best condenser mics: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you’re set on recording exclusively vocal tracks and voice-overs or gravitating toward a more versatile piece for all-around studio use, choosing the best condenser mic for your needs doesn’t have to be a struggle. Below, we’ve narrowed down the field and picked some of the top affordable condenser mics to expand your gear arsenal, whether you’re just starting out or more experienced at punching things in.

Best overall: Stellar X2

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Why it made the cut: The TZ Stellar X2 offers sound and performance similar to that of the most desirable vintage condenser mics at an affordable price point.

Specs

• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 18kHz
• Weight: 0.76 pounds
• Maximum SPL: 130 dB
• Power type: 48-volt phantom
• Accessories: Case, bag, windscreen, shock mount

Pros

• Balanced frequency response for natural recordings
• Versatile design sounds great on vocals and instruments
• Sought-after, vintage-style sound profile

Cons

• Limited to a single basic pickup pattern

The $200 Stellar X2 is the best condenser mic overall that features a balanced and flat frequency response, making it a flexible option for recording vocals, drum kits, and just about everything in between. Featuring a brass and mylar capsule modeled after Neumann’s legendary K67—an often-copied vintage design found in some of the most classic condenser mics—the X2 has a low-noise transformerless circuit for delivering clear, hi-fi recordings. While its neutral sound gives it major points in terms of versatility, its single-direction, cardioid-only design limits its ability to pick up sound in more complex spatial setups.

Best for vocals: MXL V67G

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Why it made the cut: The MXL V67G takes the guesswork out of mixing and post-processing with a unique frequency response that’s pre-tailored for vocal performances.

Specs

• Polar rattern: Cardioid
• Frequency response: 30Hz – 20kHz
• Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Maximum SPL: 130 dB
• Power type: 48-volt phantom power
• Accessories: Bag, mic clip

Pros

• Tube-style voicing at an affordable price
• Vocal-specific frequency response requires less mixing

Cons

• No proper shock mount
• Not ideal for instrumental use

If you’re looking for the best condenser mic for vocals for your studio, the $100 V67G promises to deliver all the mellow grit and smooth midrange of a classic tube microphone without the exorbitant cost (think several hundred to many thousands of dollars). Its distinct gold-and-green housing contains a gold-sputtered capsule, as well as a transformer output for added electrical warmth. The V67G has a frequency response custom-tailored for vocals, translating to less required mixing and post-processing, but it also means that it won’t work on every source out there. It’s solely a cardioid condenser microphone, which isn’t a big deal for a vocal mic but something to keep in mind if you need versatility.

Best for recording on the go: Shure MV88

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Why it made the cut: The Shure MV88 records directly to iOS devices and draws power from a Lightning port, making it a great option for portable recording.

Specs

• Polar pattern: Stereo, mono cardioid, mono bidirectional, mid-side
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Weight: 0.18 pounds
• Maximum SPL: 120 dB
• Power type: Lightning port
• Accessories: None

Pros

• Built-in AD conversion for recording directly to your iPhone
• 90-degree swiveling stereo pickup for spatial and situational flexibility
• Rugged metal design is great for field recording

Cons

• Occupies the iPhone charging port

Shure is a longtime manufacturer of studio microphones, and their $199 MV88 stereo condenser mic aims to bring durability and high-quality sound to your iOS device. Two free apps from Shure allow users to interface the mic with their phone for audio and video capture, and a built-in Lightning connector allows for easy setup and teardown. The microphone is rotatable up to 90 degrees and comes with a black foam windscreen, making it a good candidate for outdoor recording of concerts and environmental noise. Because it’s powered off of your device’s battery and occupies the Lightning port (now making it incompatible with the latest iPhone 15), this Shure condenser mic will have to be disconnected intermittently to recharge your phone, so it’s not ideal for longer stretches of uninterrupted recording. Still, this compact choice shows that phoning it in isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it’s one of the easiest ways to start building your own mobile recording rig.

Best to use with a laptop: Rode NT-USB

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Why it made the cut: The Rode NT-USB features a desk-ready design powered entirely via USB, making it a good option for compact or portable recording setups.

Specs

• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Weight: 1.15 pounds
• Maximum SPL: 110 dB
• Power type: USB
• Accessories: Desk stand, pop filter

Pros

• USB-powered design is easy to set up and put away
• Zero-latency headphone output for delay-free monitoring

Cons

• No XLR output

If you want all the perks of a portable condenser mic with the ability to connect and record to a laptop, the Rode NT-USB should be first on your list. Because it’s powered via USB, it doesn’t require phantom power or any other external audio interfaces to operate. It acts as its own recording interface, communicating directly with the recording software of your choice and offering analog-to-digital conversion and latency-free monitoring via a built-in 3.5mm audio output jack. While this is a great choice for mobile laptop recording and minimalist setups, this USB condenser mic doesn’t include an XLR output, making it a less-than-ideal choice for expanded, multimicrophone setups (though we’ve got some solid budget suggestions for that scenario). Its frequency response also has a presence boost, which is great for vocals and most musical sources but not the best for recording percussion and cymbals.

Best upgrade: AKG C414 XLII

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Why it made the cut: The AKG C414 XLII has found a home in many professional recording studios over the years thanks to a versatile sound profile that works on just about any source.

Specs

• Polar pattern: Cardioid, subcardioid, hypercardioid, omni, figure-8
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Weight: 0.66 pounds
• Maximum SPL: 140 dB (146, 152, or 158 dB with pad)
• Power type: 48-volt phantom
• Accessories: Case, windscreen, pop filter, shock mount, stand mount

Pros

• 5-way switchable polar pattern for a wide range of applications
• Extremely versatile frequency response
• High-quality construction can withstand the rigors of a busy studio

Cons

• High price

If you’re aiming for a pro sound and smooth workflow in the studio, AKG’s C414 XLII should be at the top of your equipment bucket list. This $1,319 multipattern mic’s large-diaphragm capsule and slight presence boost are modeled after the iconic AKG C12 studio condenser from the 1950s, offering clear and accurate sound reproduction and an incredibly versatile level of detail suited for recording any source. Its die-cast metal body features a toggle switch for selecting between five selectable polar patterns and four intermediate settings, plus a high-pass switch for bass-heavy sources and a built-in pad for louder sources like drums and guitar amps. While the C414 XLII is undoubtedly a Swiss Army knife of a microphone, its full feature set comes with a substantial learning curve, so it may not be the best first choice for beginners. Still, if you’re looking for longevity, reliable quality, and maximum versatility from your studio equipment, this is far and away the best condenser mic if you’re taking the first big step toward a serious, but not obscenely expensive gear collection.

Best for live recording: Shure Beta 87A

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Why it made the cut: The Shure Beta 87A features tough and durable construction combined with a stage-friendly pickup pattern, making it an ideal condenser mic for live use.

Specs

• Polar pattern: Supercardioid
• Frequency response: 50Hz – 20kHz
• Weight: 0.48 pounds
• Maximum SPL: 140 dB
• Power type: 48-volt phantom
• Accessories: Bag, mic clip

Pros

• Combines condenser mic sensitivity with dynamic mic durability
• Supercardioid polar pattern for great noise rejection

Cons

• Slightly bright sound profile

The Shure Beta 87A takes all the sensitivity for which condenser microphones are known and packs it into a tough and durable design designed specifically for stage use. Traditionally, dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58 are the go-to choice for stage applications due to their inherently durable internal mechanisms and resistance to handling noise, but they generally lack the sonic nuance and detail of more sensitive condenser-based designs. The Shure Beta 87A aims to change all of that, offering a vocal-tailored frequency profile and crisp, responsive performance in a sturdy chassis design that’s resistant to humidity, drops, and other live performance inevitabilities. Unlike non-stage condenser mics, the Beta 87A also features a tight supercardioid pickup pattern that is excellent at rejecting off-axis sounds and preventing feedback, along with a housing that aims to compensate for the mic’s increased sensitivity by offering low handling noise.

Best budget: Samson C01

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Why it made the cut: First on the market in 2001, the incredibly affordable Samson C01 remains one of the most popular budget condenser mics thanks to its neutral sound profile and sturdy construction.

Specs

• Polar pattern: Hypercardioid
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 18kHz
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Maximum SPL: 136 dB
• Power type: 48-volt phantom
• Accessories: Case, stand mount

Pros

• Durable, time-tested design at an affordable price point
• Flat frequency response suitable for capturing a variety of sources
• Swiveling stand mount offers flexible placement

Cons

• Sound profile leans a bit bright or harsh on certain sources

If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, look no further than the Samson C01. It may cost a paltry $40, but this condenser mic is built like a tank and features a medium-sized 19-millimeter capsule that delivers relatively accurate and uncolored audio from a range of sources, from drums and vocals to guitars and horns. Like most budget condenser mics, the Samson C01 does have a tendency to sound a bit brittle on more challenging sources like cymbals or exceptionally high-voiced singers, but its sound profile is otherwise quite flat and delivers plenty of smooth bass and mids. The mic itself is also unbelievably durable for its price point thanks to its rugged chassis, heavy-gauge mesh grill, and carrying case; I’ve personally owned one since the mic’s release in 2001, and it’s still going strong.

What to consider when shopping for the best condenser mics

From capturing fingerpicked guitars to the loudest amps, thundering drums to the dramatic swell of string quartets, heated discussions to the most subtle of sighs, condenser mics are versatile, and their ability to cover many duties has made them ubiquitous in studios worldwide. With thoughtful placement, they become instruments in their own right. Despite their relative flexibility, some of their many shapes and sizes are better suited for certain tasks than others. When choosing the best condenser mic for your collection of home recording studio equipment, keep in mind the source of your sound and the environment where you’ll be recording.

Will you use the condenser mic primarily for vocals?

If you’re looking at a condenser mic for mainly recording vocals, congratulations: you’re already 90% of the way to capturing a great sound. For decades, condenser mics have been the gold standard for capturing the complex and wide-ranged instrument of the human voice. If you’re looking to primarily record vocals, consider skipping over the more neutral, flat-response options on the market and opt instead for a condenser mic with a frequency response that’s custom-tailored to get a great vocal sound with minimal post-processing required.

Do you want to use the condenser mic on multiple sources?

Every microphone has a unique response pattern that makes it more or less sensitive to certain frequencies and thus more or less suited to capturing particular sources. For example, a microphone designed specifically for percussion and cymbals will likely sound very hollow and thin when used on acoustic guitars due to the different dominant frequencies produced by those sources. If your aim is to record a variety of sources with a single mic, a condenser mic with a flat and neutral frequency response is always going to be the right choice. The end result may necessitate some extra post-processing and mixing, but polishing a flat and neutral recording will almost always be easier than trying to tamp down a recording that’s overly skewed. 

Do you need the ability to record on the go?

Large condenser microphones may rule the recording studio, but durable miniature condenser mics are better suited for recording demos, podcasts, and even sampling while on the go. Some long-standing audio companies specialize in all-in-one mobile recording devices, like the Zoom H1n, but in terms of convenience, some of the best condenser mics for mobile use are standalone units that plug right into your smartphone. Smartphone-compatible condenser mics usually don’t need charging and are instead powered by the phone itself, and the phone’s internal memory eliminates the need for traveling with a computer, audio interface, and hard drive.

Do you need an adjustable, (multi)directional recording option? 

Microphone polar patterns simply dictate the region of three-dimensional space from which sound is “heard” by the microphone. Cardioid, the most common polar pattern, indicates sensitivity in only one direction; in other words, it rejects all sound entering the microphone from any direction but the front. In pro studio environments, it’s often helpful to use microphones with switchable polar patterns to adjust the microphone’s sensitivity in multiple directions on demand. For example, one might place a condenser microphone in the center of the room and set its pattern to be omnidirectional, letting in all of the environmental ambiance during a performance. Figure-8—a bidirectional polar pattern—is ideal for recording two performers situated opposite each other with a single microphone. If you’re looking to go the distance in the studio and get the most out of your condenser mic, this is absolutely an option to consider.

Will you have access to phantom power?

Unlike other types of microphones, condenser microphones typically run on 48-volt phantom power, which is often abbreviated on audio equipment as “48V.” Phantom power is a standard feature that’s usually provided by the mixer, audio interface, or another recording system to which the microphone is connected, but it’s still important to double-check that your gear can provide this for your condenser mic if you want it to function. Exceptions to this rule include mobile condenser mics that are powered by batteries or a phone, USB microphones, and tube condenser mics, which come with their own dedicated power supplies. If you’re unsure whether your system supports phantom power, it’s easy to pick up a standalone 48V supply like the $25 Pyle PS430 to get the job done.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best condenser mics

• Best overall: TZ Stellar X2
• Best for vocals: MXL V67G
• Best for recording on the go: Shure MV88
• Best to use with a laptop: Rode NT-USB
• Best upgrade: AKG C414 XLII
• Best for live recording: Shure Beta 87A
• Best budget: Samson C01

Through decades of music history, condenser mics have been the predominant studio microphones for vocal recordings thanks to their accuracy, sensitivity, and detailed response. Selecting the best condenser mic for your home recording studio equipment will ensure that what you record retains all the sonic nuance and spatial information required and leaves you with production-ready sound, whether you’re predominantly capturing voices or entire band performances.

Why trust us

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

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

The post The best condenser mics for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

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

Earplugs for concerts are the MVPs of personal accessories. They’re easy to use, comfortable, and, most importantly, protect your hearing while letting you enjoy shows in full, heart-pounding fidelity. If you spend time at concerts, work or play in noisy settings, or just want to block out the outside world and get a little peace and quiet, earplugs are essential.

When it comes to enjoying music at full volume, we’re biased by what audiologists call the “annoyance factor.” Your favorite song, cranked up in your earbuds, never really feels overly loud, but the pounding jackhammer across the street is unbearably noisy—when often, they’re equally dangerous. People adapt psychologically to loud sounds they like—like music—and assume that if sound doesn’t hurt, it’s not hurting them. But, as anyone who’s woken up after a show with ringing ears knows, nothing could be farther from the truth. Fortunately, hearing protection is a simple, affordable solution with the best earplugs for concerts.

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

Why you should already be wearing earplugs

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

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

How we chose the best earplugs for concerts

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

The best earplugs for concerts: Reviews & Recommendations

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

Best overall: Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs

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

Specs 

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

Pros

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

Cons

• Blue shell visibly protrudes from ear canal

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

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

Best aesthetic: Loop Experience Pro

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

Specs

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

Pros

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

Cons

• Case doesn’t include a keychain attachment

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

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

The Loop Experience Pro package includes four silicone ear tips, three foam ear tips, two sets of Loop Mute filters, and a plastic carry case. Models are available in a variety of colors and metallic finishes (such as silver, shown above) and can be washed with soap and water. A Quiet version, without adjustable filters and set at -27 dB (shown in red above), is just $20. If flash isn’t your thing, check out fully transparent Eardial earplugs, which virtually disappear inside your ears.

Best for musicians: Minuendo

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

Specs

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

Pros

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

Cons

• Stepless level control is easy to set incorrectly

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

Unlike many earplugs in this class that include switches or removable filters that increase or decrease volume attenuation in specific increments, Minuendo earplugs offer seamless, nuanced adjustment that slides the membrane from “open” (-7 dB) to “closed” ( -25 dB) and anywhere in between.

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

Looking for a more affordable solution? Check out Earos One High Fidelity Acoustic Filters ($40); developed by audiologists and engineers from MIT’s Acoustics Lab, these flat-response earplugs are modeled after the sound curve of your ear to provide optimal sonic clarity and hearing protection.

Best invisible: Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs

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

Specs

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

Pros

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

Cons

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

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

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

Best swappable filters: Sennheiser SoundProtex Plus Earplugs

SEE IT

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

Specs

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

Pros

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

Cons

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

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

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

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

Best electronic: Elgin Rebel

SEE IT

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

Specs

• Attenuation: 25 dB
• Material: Industrial-grade polymer
• Customizable fit: Yes
• Storage case: Industrial-grade polymer

Pros

• Multipurpose earbuds let you listen to music and make calls
• Bluetooth 5.1 functionality
• Case features a built-in flashlight

Cons

• You might be paying for features you don’t need

Elgin Rebel True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds are ideal for anyone looking for sound attenuation but also Bluetooth earbud functionality. These active earplugs combine Elgin’s advanced earplug design with earphone technology for immersive audio with 25 dB reduction in external sound. But that’s just the beginning.

When the music isn’t playing around you, you can pair these earplugs with your phone and listen to your favorite bands privately, just like the best true wireless earbuds. A built-in noise-isolating mic lets you make clear, uninterrupted phone calls. Rebel is compatible with Siri and Google Assistant, allowing you to control playback and volume with your voice. Battery life is impressive, with 12+ hours of continuous audio playback on a single charge. Weatherproof enclosures have an IP65 rating, which means they are resistant to sweat, dust, and dirt damage.

Earbuds and case are constructed with industrial-grade, impact-resistant polymer. This all-in package includes six pairs of foam and silicone tips and a rugged polymer storage case that provides three additional battery charges—and, in a first for earplugs, includes an integrated LED flashlight.

If you’re looking for rugged earplugs that also raise the level of sounds around you during quieter moments (in noisy work environments, or while hunting, for example), Caldwell E-Max Shadows Pro plugs provide even greater noise suppression while amplifying ambient sounds.

Best budget: Etymotic ER20XS

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: From trusted audiology experts, these simple silicone models offer balanced sound attenuation at an entry-level price.

Specs

• Attenuation: 20 dB
• Material: Silicone
• Customizable fit: No
• Storage case: Plastic

Pros

• Reduce sound evenly across spectrum
• Backed by decades of audiology research
• Low-profile, stemless design

Cons

• No extra eartips

With deep roots in acoustic and hearing aid research and more than 100 patents, Etymotic has been innovating earphones and earplugs for 40 years. I haven’t left the house without the company’s pro electronic earplugs in a decade—but if $300 sounds like a crazy amount of money to spend on hearing protection, Etymotic’s $20 ER20XS High-Fidelity Earplugs might be for you.

These flanged silicone earplugs reduce sound evenly across the hearing spectrum, which makes them great for enjoying concerts in balanced, natural sound. The ER20XS’ low-profile, stemless design fits snugly in the outer ear without protruding, for a discreet look and comfort under headgear. These silicone earplugs are reusable but may lose elasticity with repeated use, so Etymotic recommends replacing the eartips every three to six months. Standard and Large package options include a neck cord and carrying case that easily attaches to a keychain; a Universal Fit version ($25) includes extra foam and silicone tips.

Things to consider before buying the best earplugs for concerts

The best earplugs for concerts allow you to comfortably listen to music without compromising your hearing—or your experience. Then, it’s about matching features to your lifestyle.

What will you be using earplugs for?

There’s a difference between blocking sound you don’t want to hear and attenuating sound you do want to hear. If you’re in a factory or at a gun range and want to block out a continuous industrial din or potentially hazardous sudden noises, simple foam earplugs or earmuff protectors offer the most robust protection. For sleeping, it’s all about extended comfort. Simple, soft foam or silicone earplugs are ideal, and purpose-designed sleep models, like Loop Quiet, are so comfy you might even forget you’re wearing them. But if you want to safely enjoy music without feeling like there’s cement in your ears, your best option is to invest in a pair of high-quality, flat-response earplugs, which lower sound evenly across the frequency spectrum for a natural, high-fidelity sonic signature.

Types of earplugs

Earplugs run the gamut from cheap, no-frills off-the-shelf earbuds to balanced-response earplugs to electronic systems with adjustable attenuation to professional custom-fit models, which require a visit to an audiologist. Here, we’re focusing on universal, off-the-shelf models.

Expandable foam earplugs are made of pliant material designed to conform to the shape of the ear canal. They’re inserted by first rolling them into compressed cylinders, then placing in the ear canal, where they expand to form a seal. Foam earplugs are the cheapest option and, because they cannot be washed, are considered disposable.

Pre-molded earplugs, constructed from silicone, rubber, or plastic, retain their size and shape when inserted into the ear canal. Because they don’t expand, they’re available in various sizes and often include a range of custom tips to ensure a perfect fit. Pre-molded earplugs can be cleaned and reused.

Earmuffs completely cover the outer ear and are often available with electronic components that suppress sudden noises or let users communicate. If you hate sticking things inside your ear canal and you don’t mind a somewhat bulky profile, earmuff protection might be for you.

Earplug tech innovations

When it comes to off-the-shelf, universal earplugs, technology advancements lean toward expanded feature sets, including noise cancellation, Bluetooth functionality, and companion apps. Some earplugs, such as Loop Experience Pro, feature acoustic innovations, such as resonant chambers, that promise to improve sound quality. Earmuff manufacturers are developing high-tech materials that reduce weight and bulk yet still effectively block noise. These improvements add up to improved sound and a better experience, which is great incentive to wear your earplugs more. And, aesthetic improvements (see: Loop Experience Pro’s jewelry-inspired look) mean your kids might wear them longer, too.

Just like cameras, the best earplugs are the ones you actually have on you when you need them. So, no matter which models you prefer, it can’t hurt to pick up a huge vat of inexpensive, disposables such as Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs, which are effective and ridiculously cheap at $8.99 for a tub of 50. (Left yours at home? Some cities, such as San Francisco and Minneapolis, require large venues to make free earplugs available to concertgoers.)

Protecting your ears is all about exposure

Sound-induced hearing damage happens as a result of sudden acoustic trauma (like an explosion) or through chronic exposure to high sound levels. The general rule is the louder the sounds and the longer the length of exposure, the greater the risk of hearing loss. For example, eight hours of exposure to sound levels of 85 decibels (equivalent to heavy street noise) is considered safe according to decibel exposure time guidelines, but at 100 dB—the level of a typical rock concert—safe exposure is limited to 15 minutes. (Free sound-metering apps such as Decibel X can measure surrounding noise and help keep your exposure in check.)

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best earplugs for concerts

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

As musicians and music lovers, we know there’s nothing better than being front and center at your favorite concert, getting lost in the song, feeling every note in your bones. Ultimately, though, loud is loud, and every time you expose your ears to high volume levels, you’re putting your hearing at risk.

Luckily, today’s high-fidelity earplugs for concerts let you experience the full spectrum of sound while protecting your hearing: Highs are clear, lows are full, and the overall presentation is rich and detailed, just like without earplugs. All while preserving your precious hearing. Save your ears now; your future self will thank you.

Why trust us

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

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

The post The best earplugs for concerts in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		Anker Soundcore 3		SEE IT	The Soundcore 3 is a solid, standard Bluetooth speaker that will satisfy most listeners for just under $50.
Best waterproof		Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3		SEE IT	The UE WONDERBOOM has been topping our charts for multiple years now, and the new WONDERBOOM 3 model continues the tradition thanks to its portability, sound quality, and water resistance.
Best portable		JBL Clip 4		SEE IT	The JBL Clip 4 is designed to move with you thanks to its carabiner-like design.

If you want to listen to music outside, during some al fresco activity with friends, or even while you shower, etc., headphones aren’t always going to work, and you don’t want to rely on your phone’s unimpressive, built-in speakers. Instead, grab a great Bluetooth speaker designed to deliver solid, portable sound. Many are water-resistant, small enough to clip to a backpack, and/or loud enough to sustain a party. Whatever your listening needs, there’s a speaker to support them. Of course, buying new audio gear can get pretty expensive pretty quickly; from headphones to earbuds, speakers to adapters, we often spend well over $100 bucks. Luckily, a few solid options out there won’t leave you penniless or cringing at distorted audio. The best cheap Bluetooth speakers might not possess fancy features, but they can still deliver when it comes to everyday listening.

• Best overall: Anker Soundcore 3
• Best waterproof: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3
• Best portable: JBL Clip 4

The best cheap Bluetooth speakers: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Anker Soundcore 3

SEE IT

Specs

• Battery life: 24 hours
• IP rating: IPX7
• Bluetooth range: Up to 66 feet

Pros

• Impressive battery life
• Customizable EQ
• Optional bass boost

Cons

• Voice assistant feature is lacking
• A little distortion at top volume

The Souncore 3 is a stable, solid, inexpensive Bluetooth speaker with great sound from a compact form. Available in four colors, this unit packs a punch with a 16-watt output, driving dual 1.5-inch drivers housing titanium diaphragms, and dual passive radiators to support low-end. You’ll also get BassUp technology, which further lights the lows to try and tackle the problem most Bluetooth speakers have, i.e., flimsy bass. You’ll also be able to select from three EQ presets or customize your own via the Soundcore app. 

Bluetooth 5.0 isn’t the latest in connection technology (5.4 devices are starting to hit the market), but it is stable with a range of up to 66 feet. PartyCast compatibility means you can link up to 100 Soundcore speakers together for even more coverage, volume, and immersion. An IPX7 rating means it’s practically waterproof and can be submerged for up to 30 minutes in a meter of water. Finally, 24 hours of battery means you can quite literally rock out all day (and night). 

Best waterproof: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3

SEE IT

Specs

• Battery life: 14 hours
• IP rating: IP67
• Bluetooth range: 131 feet

Pros

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

Cons

• No microphone 
• No USB-C charging

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

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

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

Best portable: JBL Clip 4

SEE IT

Specs

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

Pros

• Excellent design
• USB-C charging
• Good volume

Cons

• No fast charge 
• No wired connectivity

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

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

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

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

• Best battery life: Tribit XSound Go
• Best compact: JBL GO 3
• Best smart speaker: Echo Dot (5th Gen)
• Best to strap on a bike: Tribit StormBox Micro 2
• Best for conference calls from a campsite: Sony SRS-XB100
• Best with RGB lights: TREBLAB HD-Mini

FAQs 

Final thoughts on the best cheap Bluetooth speakers

• Best overall: Anker Soundcore 3
• Best waterproof: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
• Best portable: JBL Clip 4

The best cheap Bluetooth speakers don’t have to sound dingy. In fact, many options provide solid sound for less. While shopping, consider your top priorities for your budget-friendly speaker. Do you emphasize battery life, portability, water resistance, or sound quality? Once you can answer this question, you can pick out an excellent speaker without spending a fortune.

Why trust us

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

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

The post The best cheap Bluetooth speakers for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best wireless		SteelSeries Arctis 7P		SEE IT	A great overall headset that’s made specifically for PlayStation consoles.
Best wired		Asus ROG Delta S		SEE IT	The Asus ROG Delta S sounds incredible and comes with loads of stellar features.
Best for esports		SteelSeries Arctis Prime		SEE IT	Everything about the Arctis Prime is simple and clean.

Killer audio is the unsung hero of the PlayStation 5, and a PS5 headset only enhances the experience. Sony’s latest console features a host of incredible upgrades—sharper visuals, improved framerates, an SSD that dramatically cuts down on load times, and a new DualSense controller with enhanced haptic feedback. One of my favorites, though, is the console’s Tempest audio technology, which imbues your headset with 3D spatial audio—virtual surround sound that can simulate sounds coming from above or below or all around you. Tempest started compatible only with headphones and headsets but now works to expand the soundstage of the stereo speakers in a flatscreen TV. However, you’ll want to play with headphones or a gaming headset to get the most out of your games, even single-player experiences. The fact is a headset is now only the best way to dig into the depths of a game’s soundtrack and directional cues, but it’s also the easiest way to chat with friends and other players, so finding the best PS5 headset for you is crucial to getting the most out of the experience.

• Best overall: SteelSeries Arctis 7P
• Best wired: Asus ROG Delta S
• Best for esports: SteelSeries Arctis Prime
• Best for audiophiles: Audeze Penrose
• Best for single-player experiences: Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D
• Best budget: Razer Barracuda X

How we chose the best PS5 headsets

As a longtime tech and gaming critic, I have a lot of experience using gaming headsets. I’ve reviewed dozens of them for sites like IGN, PC Gamer, and, of course, Popular Science. The majority of my recommendations are based on my own personal testing, playing all kinds of games on PlayStation 5 with the included DualSense controller. In a couple of cases, I deferred to the accounts of my colleagues past and present, while ensuring that the headsets offered high-quality specs and value.

The best PS5 headsets: Reviews & Recommendations

There is no single best PS5 headset for everyone, but I’ve winnowed down my experiences to a shortlist of candidates for most players, depending on a few key factors. All of them are very good, though, so you can’t go wrong with any of these picks.

Best overall: SteelSeries Arctis 7P

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: It is a great overall headset made specifically for PlayStation.

Specs

• Drivers: 40mm
• Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Microphone: Retractable wire boom, bi-directional
• Connection types: 2.4 GHz wireless via USB-C dongle, Analog (3.5mm)
• Estimated battery life: 24 hours

Pros

• Balanced sound
• Comfortable
• Great battery life

Cons

• Bluetooth is on a more expensive model
• microUSB charging port

SteelSeries Arctis’ line of headsets is incredibly well-rounded. They’re comfortable and deliver sharp sound and a solid connection. The PlayStation-specific Arctis 7P delivers the best bang for your buck if you’re looking specifically for a PS5 headset. (Technically, it also works on Nintendo Switch and Android phones with USB-C, too). If you also want to play on PC or Bluetooth support to pair with a phone, the more expensive Arctis 9 is also an excellent choice.

Best wired: Asus ROG Delta S

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Asus ROG Delta S sounds incredible and comes with loads of stellar features, including MQA audio codec support, customizable RGB lighting, and more. 

Specs

• Drivers: 50mm
• Frequency response: 20-40,000 Hz
• Microphone: Detachable, Unidirectional with Noise-Cancellation
• Connection types: USB-C, USB-A (with extension cable adapter)
• Estimated battery life: N/A

Pros

• Some of the most nuanced-sounding headsets I’ve tested
• USB-C or USB-A with an adapter that doubles as an extension cable
• Distinctive style, including RGB earcups

Cons

• Some features are primarily for PC, like MQA streaming audio support
• Expensive, especially for a wired headset

The Asus ROG Delta S is, if nothing, distinctive. A concentrated burst of flashy features, like an internal quad-DAC, triangular ear cups, RGB lighting, and support for Master Quality Authenticated (MQA), the high-fidelity legacy encoding format of streaming services like Tidal’s “master” quality audio. Normally, overloading a headset with showy bells and whistles is a red flag—a sign that maybe the headset underneath all the features isn’t so great. In this case, however, those features are all icing on the cake, so to speak. The Delta S delivers sharp audio across its range and a rare level of clarity among gaming headsets. It is a USB-wired headset, so you will need to have a cable running from the front of your PS5 to your head, but with a 5-foot cable and a 3.2-foot extension cable, it isn’t as restrictive as other wired models. Plus, you know … it sounds really good.

Best for esports: SteelSeries Arctis Prime

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Everything about the Arctis Prime is simple and clean. Simply put, it is the best analog-only headset I’ve ever used.

Specs

• Drivers: 40mm
• Frequency response: 10-40,000 Hz
• Microphone: Retractable, Bi-directional with noise-cancellation
• Connection types: Analog (3.5mm)
• Estimated battery life: N/A

Pros

• Suspended headband is very comfortable
• 3.5mm connection means it works with every platform
• “High fidelity” drivers sound better than most 3.5mm headsets

Cons

• Limited customization
• A bit expensive for limited feature-set

I’m continually surprised to find myself returning to the Arctis Prime over and over. As an esports headset, its simple design focuses on the basic functions of a headset: It needs to sound clear, and it needs to make you sound clear. It excels on both counts, thanks to “high-fidelity” drivers previously reserved for SteelSeries’ most expensive headset, the Arctis Pro, and a noise-canceling microphone.

Best for audiophiles: Audeze Penrose

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: A luxurious-sounding headset from an audiophile headphone brand? What’s not to love?

Specs

• Drivers: 100mm
• Frequency response: 10-50,000 Hz
• Microphone: Detachable, Wire boom
• Connection types: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, Analog (3.5mm)
• Estimated battery life: 15 hours

Pros

• Planar magnetic drivers
• 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth wireless

Cons

• Very expensive
• OK battery life

Audeze, a brand best known for its impressive audiophile-grade headphones, also makes some of the best gaming headsets on the market. Though it isn’t quite as feature-rich as the Audeze Mobius headset for PC, the PlayStation-specific Penrose and Xbox-specific Penrose X bring the company’s superior sound to consoles (as does the newer Audeze Maxwell). The secret, so far as we can tell, is the headset’s planar-magnetic drivers, which can achieve a bassy, but nuanced sound that pairs especially well with games. At $300, the Penrose is very pricey for a gaming headset. Then again, Audeze’s professional flagship headphones run from the MM-500, which costs $1,699, to the Audeze CRBN, costing $4,500 … and other audiophile-grade gaming headphones, like the Master & Dynamic MG20, cost $449 … so everything is relative.

Best for single-player experiences: Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Sony’s own headset is designed to take special advantage of the PS5’s spatial audio technology.

Specs

• Drivers: 40mm
• Frequency response: N/A
• Microphone: Dual internal microphones with noise-cancelling
• Connection types: 2.4 GHz wireless, analog (3.5mm)
• Estimated battery life: 12 hours

Pros

• Large ear cups pair great with spatial audio
• High quality for the price
• Light and comfortable

Cons

• Doesn’t work as well with other platforms
• So-so battery life

The Sony Pulse 3D, PlayStation’s own PS5 wireless headset, is a unique and, in some ways, perplexing device. Its cavernous ear cups create a great soundstage that gets the most out of the console’s spatial audio tech, Tempest, and makes games sound great, particularly when you compare it to other headsets at the same $99 price point. That said, it uses internal microphones, similar to what you’d find on a pair of wireless, productivity-focused noise-canceling headphones, rather than a boom mic. Even with noise-reduction tech, you can expect them to let in more ambient noise than other microphones. Hence, the caveat. The Pulse 3D is an excellent budget-conscious headset pick if you’re looking to get the full audio experience out of the PS5, but don’t care so much about chat quality. And if you do care? Check out the flagship Sony INZONE H9 wireless gaming headset, which adds active noise cancellation (like the consumer WH-1000XM4) and a flip-to-talk boom mic. Combined, the tech in the Inzone lets you zone in to the game.

Best budget: Razer Barracuda X

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Barracuda X offers solid sound and a versatile wireless connection thanks to its USB-C dongle.

Specs

• Drivers: 40mm 
• Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Microphone: Detachable, Unidirectional
• Connection types: 2.4 GHz wireless via USB-C dongle, Analog (3.5mm)
• Estimated battery life: 20 hours

Pros

• USB-C dongle works with almost every core gaming device
• Affordable
• Good battery life

Cons

• Sound is good, but not quite as impressive as other picks

The Barracuda X is the move for players who care about convenience above all else. With a USB-C wireless dongle, it easily pairs wirelessly with the PS5, Switch, PCs, and most modern Android phones. Its balanced sound profile doesn’t punch your eardrum with bass like lesser headsets, which narrowly puts it over much of the mid-to-budget wireless pack. That said, it doesn’t achieve the same level of nuance or audio isolation as the other headsets on this list. Even so, the Barracuda X is the closest thing to a one-size-fits-all wireless headset that I’ve tried, and that’s valuable for a lot of players.

What to consider when buying the best PS5 gaming headsets

Buying a headset using the information on the back of the box can be a crapshoot. There’s some useful information on there, but the most important qualities, like sound quality and comfort, cannot be gleaned from specs. Still, there’s a lot of useful information that can help you make a good purchasing decision in the moment.

Compatibility

The most important question is also the easiest to solve … Most of the time. Always check to make sure if a headset works with the platform(s) you own. For consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, the console is frequently referenced in the name of the product, or there’s a large sign on the box with a console logo. Worst case, you need to check a list on the box of compatible devices. Many wireless headsets for PC are also compatible with the PS5, so it never hurts to check their compatibility when you’re shopping.

Wired vs. wireless headsets

As with the PlayStation 4, the PS5 supports both wired and wireless headsets. Choosing between a wired and wireless headset is often a question of convenience versus cost. While the gap between the two isn’t gigantic, adding the extra tech to make a headset work untethered noticeably increases its price. 

That said, there are also good, non-financial reasons to consider a wired headset: Even the best wireless gaming headsets need to be charged frequently. Most premium headsets have an estimated max battery life of around 20 hours. (Often, you’ll get significantly less). If you play often enough, you may find yourself plugging the headset in to charge while you play. Some players will tell you that it’s worth it to use a wired headset to mitigate audio lag, but in my experience, that’s not an issue with a dedicated headset, especially if it connects to the console via a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle instead of the slightly slower Bluetooth option.

Weight

The weight of your headset matters more than you think. During a long play session, a heavy headset can start to feel heavy on your head. It doesn’t necessarily reveal whether or not a headset will be comfortable over time on its own: Padding, particularly a suspended or self-adjusting headband, can go a long way to easing the burden of a heavy headset. Ultimately, figuring out what’s comfortable is a personal decision, but if a headset looks big and bulky, chances are it’s going to be heavy. If that’s the case, look for thick memory foam padding and/or a suspended headband.

Microphones

Technically, a gaming headset is a combination of two devices—headphones and a microphone. The microphone is half of the equation, but most reviews spend significantly less time on it than the headphones. The fact is that most headsets reach a pretty high bar for quality across the board, and rarely deviate too far from it, so you don’t need to worry about specs too much. There are design qualities to keep in mind, like whether a mic is detachable or retractable. Some high-end headsets feature active noise-cancellation in the microphone to minimize ambient noise, which is always a nice touch but not necessarily a dealbreaker.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best PS5 headsets

• Best overall: SteelSeries Arctis 7P
• Best wired: Asus ROG Delta S
• Best for esports: SteelSeries Arctis Prime
• Best for audiophiles: Audeze Penrose
• Best for single-player experiences: Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D
• Best budget: Razer Barracuda X

Everyone has their own priorities when buying a gaming headset. Some people want the best sound. Others prioritize comfort, or price, or convenience. Though there’s a lot of variation as you explore the range from budget models to audiophile-grade gear, remember that there are great options at every price and that the idea of the “best PS5 headset” is different for every person.

Why trust us

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

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

The post The best PS5 headsets for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		Pangea Audio DS200		SEE IT	All-steel and delightfully sturdy, these stands deliver audiophile results at consumer-level prices.
Best desktop		IsoAcoustics Iso-Stand Series Speaker Isolation Stands		SEE IT	IsoAcoustics’ unique desktop stands raise and tilt your speakers while reducing vibrations, ensuring excellent sound quality.
Best budget		Perlesmith Universal Floor Speaker Stands		SEE IT	With a rotating top plate and metal and glass construction, these stands perform way above their pay grade.

A good set of speakers is only half the journey; to fully realize your quest for the ultimate sound, you need a great set of stands. There’s just no getting around it—stands can make the speakers. Think of a solid set of supports as the sturdy steed below the questing knight. No matter how heavenly their sonic intentions are, they won’t get far without a robust base. More than just being aesthetically pleasing (although that also counts when making your selection), the best speaker stands will actively improve the sound quality of your speakers. They can reduce resonances, bring the speakers to the correct height for optimal listening, provide a stable foundation, and even help keep untidy cables under control. They are, in a word, essential for your enjoyment of the music you prize so highly. Here are our selections for the best speaker stands of 2023.

• Best overall: Pangea Audio DS200
• Best floor: Echogear Premium Universal Floor Speaker Stands
• Best desktop: IsoAcoustics Iso-Stand Series Speaker Isolation Stands
• Best satellite: Sanus Adjustable Height Speaker Stand
• Best budget: Perlesmith Universal Floor Speaker Stands

How we chose the best speaker stands

To arrive at this list of the best speaker stands, we used our own experience as music lovers driven toward achieving perfection in audio quality. We then cross-referenced our personal picks with those of trusted experts from the larger hi-fi community. Public consensus was another touchpoint in our selection process. We then separated them into a variety of use cases.

Speakers come in all different sizes and weights; therefore, the best speaker stands will not be one-size-fits-all. We also considered factors such as material, load capacity, and sturdiness of the stands to arrive at our final selections. You can feel confident that all the choices here represent the best of the best when it comes to speaker stands.

The best speaker stands: Reviews & Recommendations

Everybody’s speaker stand needs will differ depending on your speaker type, speaker size, room size, and audio setup. Our recommendations considered all of these factors, so be sure to check them all out before making your choice.

Best overall: Pangea Audio DS200

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Specs

• Height: 20, 24, 28, 32, 36” 
• Material: Steel
• Load capacity: 100 lbs.

Pros

• All steel
• Heavy duty
• Choice of heights

Cons

• Some assembly required

Our pick for the best overall speaker stand of 2023 is Pangea Audio’s DS200. Extremely heavy-duty with an industrial, all-metal build, Pangea Audio designed these stands to reduce vibrations and improve speaker sound quality. Inspired by the construction industry, they feature a dual-column makeup with the two support piers placed at 90-degree angles to each other. This increases the stability of the top platform in two directions, creating excellent support. Indeed, these are rated to hold bookshelf speakers of up to 100 pounds, making them an excellent choice for owners of heavier speakers.

The features continue. Along with the all-steel construction, they have rubberized speaker supports on each top platform to reduce vibrations further. At the bottom, there are both adjustable carpet spikes to make sure that your stands stay put and padded feet for hardwood floors. If cable management is important to you (and why wouldn’t it be), DS200 also has you covered with a place to thread speaker wires and power cords. Not everyone has speakers of the same size, and accordingly, the DS200 is available in five different height configurations: 20, 24, 28, 32, and 36 inches. 

In use, Pangea’s DS200 stands reduce vibrations and thus distortion, contributing to tight bass and detailed highs, mids, and sound stage. Some assembly is required, although it’s not too complicated. They’re also fairly affordable, making them an excellent addition to your audiophile setup and our choice for best overall speaker stands.

Best floor: Echogear Premium Universal Floor Speaker Stands

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Specs

• Height: 28”
• Material: MDF
• Load capacity: 25 lbs.

Pros

• Solid MDF post design
• Generous weight limit
• Great price

Cons

• No speaker clamps

If you’re looking for a solid set of speaker stands for your bookshelf speakers at a great price, look no further than Echogear’s Premium Universal Floor Speaker Stands. With a solid MDF post design, these will remain sturdy throughout their lifetime while also reducing unwanted resonances and vibrations from your speakers. Rubber pads on the speaker plates reinforce this.

With a set height of 28 inches—ideal for most seated listening environments—these will support speakers of up to 25 pounds. They’re also equipped with a cable management space in the rear to ensure that eye-bothering wires stay tucked away. 

Some light assembly is required, and there are no clamps to hold your speakers to the plates, but the fantastic price more than makes up for this.

Best desktop: IsoAcoustics Iso-Stand Series Speaker Isolation Stands

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Specs

• Height: 210 mm maximum
• Material: Synthetic
• Load capacity: 20 lbs

Pros

• 14 variations of height and tilt
• Unique design
• Improves audio quality

Cons

• Price on the high side
• Prone to wobbling

Designed with recording studios and mix monitors in mind (shown with the Pioneer DJ VM-50 above), but applicable to hi-fi environments as well, IsoAcoustics’ Iso-Stand Series Speaker Isolation Stands are our picks for the best speaker stands in the desktop category. They have a unique design that not only lifts but angles the speakers as you need, providing 14 points of height and tilt. They also effectively reduce vibrations and clean up sound, necessary when mixing or even just listening.

IsoAcoustics offers a variety of different-sized stands, so you’re sure to find a set that suits your desktop needs. They are on the pricey side compared to other desktop stands, and some users report wobbling in heavy traffic areas, but for quiet rooms where listening is at a premium, they can’t be beat.

Best satellite: Sanus Adjustable Height Speaker Stand

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Specs

• Height: Adjustable from 28” to 38”
• Material: Alloy steel
• Load capacity: 3.5 lbs

Pros

• Adjustable height
• Configurable speaker mounts
• Excellent price

Cons

• Tube may be too narrow for cable routing

Standard bookshelf speaker stands just won’t cut it when it comes to mounting surround sound satellites from wireless surround sound systems, which can end up in odd and/or awkward places behind other furnishings. For these, you want a purpose-built set of stands, ideally something light and maneuverable with plenty of height. Sanus’ Adjustable Height Speaker Stands fit the bill perfectly, and they’re easy on the eyes to boot. 

Made from tough alloy steel with a load capacity of 3.5 pounds, these satellite stands will do a superb job of holding up your small speakers. You can vary the height from 28 inches to 38 inches, making finding the sweet spot for your home theater or listening environment no sweat. They’re excellently priced as well, although some users have reported issues with threading audio cables through the tubes.

Best budget: Perlesmith Universal Floor Speaker Stands

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Specs

• Height: 28”
• Material: Metal and glass
• Load capacity: 22 lbs.

Pros

• Top plate rotates 45°
• Sturdy
• Easy assembly
• Incredible price

Cons

• No speaker clamps

Perlesmith makes a variety of mounts and stands, so it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing. The American company’s Universal Floor Speaker Stands are sturdy, good-looking, and affordable, making them our choice for the best budget speaker stands.

A good speaker stand will reduce vibrations, and Perlesmith’s Universal Floor Speaker Stands do just that with a combination of a glass top plate and base connected by a metal pillar. The top plate swivels up to 45 degrees to adjust the direction of sound. It can support speakers weighing up to 22 pounds, which should be plenty for most bookshelf drivers. You can even tuck away cables inside the pillar for a clean appearance (shown here with Edifier speakers, some of our favorite affordable powered turntable speakers). Includes rubber feet and carpet spikes for hardwood or carpeted floors.

Being a universal model, the height is fixed at 28”. There are also no fasteners for the speakers themselves, which could be a downside if you plan to place your speakers in a room with a lot of activity. However, the price is excellent for the quality. The company also makes a small satellite speaker stand we can recommend, shown here with the rear speaker from the excellent Samsung HW-Q990C Dolby Atmos system:

What to consider when choosing the best speaker stands

You should consider many factors when choosing the best speaker stands for you. Below are the ones we considered most important when compiling this guide:

Speaker type

When choosing the best speaker stands, you’ll first want to consider what kinds of speakers you’ll be mounting, as weight and size could be determining factors. Large bookshelf speakers will require very different stands than satellite speakers because of their differences in weight, for example.

Speaker placement

Where you plan to place the stands will affect the outcome as well. You’ll ideally be placing your speakers about a foot away from the wall, so you’ll want to consider the width of the stand’s base and your molding—if applicable.

Speaker size

The height at which you plan to mount the speakers is also important. Many so-called universal speaker stands, have a fixed height, so you’ll have to continue getting speakers roughly the same size to continue using them.

FAQs

Final thoughts on shopping for the best speaker stands

• Best overall: Pangea Audio DS200
• Best floor: Echogear Premium Universal Floor Speaker Stands
• Best desktop: IsoAcoustics Iso-Stand Series Speaker Isolation Stands
• Best satellite: Sanus Adjustable Height Speaker Stand
• Best budget: Perlesmith Universal Floor Speaker Stands

Finding the best speaker stands for your listening environment can significantly improve your enjoyment of music. By reducing vibration and distortion, you’ll be gifted with a cleaner, clearer soundstage and tighter lows, mids, and highs. When you take height into account, you’ll also be projecting the audio directly toward your ears, ensuring that you’re sitting in the so-called sweet spot. You’ve already invested in a good set of speakers and high-quality audio equipment. It would be a shame to hobble the whole shebang with a subpar support system.

Why trust us

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

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

The post The best speaker stands of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Owning a pair of AirPods has become a meme, with photosets with greyhounds and Kris Jenner indicating the wearer has a certain level of wealth, class, and style to rock the small white earbuds. You, too, can join the elite thanks to this AirPod deal at Amazon, which knocks the price of the latest editions of the AirPods Pro and AirPods by 20%.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Wireless Earbuds (Lightning) $199 (Was $249)

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For dedicated iPhone users, the sound quality and connection simplicity of AirPods is practically unmatched. You simply slip them out of their sleek, white case, and bam: Bluetooth connected, ready to blast your favorite party jams. Apple’s H2 chips give smarter active noise cancellation and more immersive spatial audio. The custom-built driver provides crisp, clear high notes, and deep, rich bass. The company is now offering the earbuds in a MagSafe charging case with USB-C at the same price if you’re making the full port shift, just like Apple.

If you’ve lost your current pair or your first-generation AirPods have seen better days, we think this deal gives you a good excuse to finally make the upgrade.

Here are more AirPods deals:

• Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones $479.99 (Was $549)
• Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds with Lightning Charging Case $99 (Was $129)
• Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless Earbuds with Lightning Charging Case $149.99 (Was $169)

The post Save 20% on Apple AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

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

There are plenty of songs about the month of September that you can stream through your speakers: Green Day’s “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “September Gurls” by Big Star, and the GOAT “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire, to name a few. And all of them sound even better with a subwoofer from British hi-fi purveyor KEF to take over the bass and leave more headroom in your main drivers for all those classic melodies. Some additional low down on this great low-end: Act now, and you can take advantage of KEF’s SUBtember event—running until the end of the month, where you can snag the award-winning audio company’s Kube, KC62, or KF92 and get a free KW1 Wireless Kit—a $200 value—opening up not only your frequency reinforcement but where you can put your subwoofer without stringing cable(s) around the room. That leaves more space for the boom and to boogie.

If you’re looking for slappin’ bass in music, movies, and video game soundtracks, look no further than the Kube 10b, which features a custom-designed 10-inch woofer and 300-watt RMS amplifier to hit 24 Hz depths.

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The Kube 10b also includes an easy-to-use input and control panel on the back. Three placement settings—free-standing, in-cabinet, or corner—allow for peak-performing sound wherever they’re placed, and Intelligent Bass Extension (iBX) digital signaling gives you dynamic bass at any volume level. Recently experienced in a custom home theater by one of our editors, several Kube subwoofers working in tandem propagated wave after wave of bass, impressing him with the way each surge managed to be percussive, not just concussive.

If you’re looking to achieve rock concert-level sounds in your living room, check out the KEF KF92, which uses dual force-cancelling 9-inch woofers to achieve response down to 11 Hz and up to 110 dB. While that sounds like some intimidating rumble, this sub is designed for accurate, musical bass: each woofer is made up of an aluminum skin atop a paper cone for precise, dynamic tones.

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And if you’re looking for sonic depth without a deep footprint, choose the KEF KC62. You heard it here first: this is our top pick for a compact subwoofer. The dual 6-inch woofers in this easily integrated sealed compartment are a perfect complement to one of our top powered speakers, the LS50 Wireless II. Pair them (like in the almost realistically scaled photo above) and you have a customizable connected set-up that uses DSP to optimize enviable audio from any imaginable source in even the tightest spaces. Is overkill your big thrill? Add the KC62 to the LS60 wireless tower speakers and go full-on Maxell Man.

Speaking of September ending, the KEF SUBtember sale ends when spooky season begins, meaning you have five days to get your sound system ready for Halloween hits like Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me” or the 1977 “Suspiria” movie soundtrack by Goblin. The right sub will leave you shivering because everything sounds so frightfully good.

The post Wake up before the KEF SUBtember sale ends and get a free KW-1 Wireless Kit appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		1More SonoFlow		SEE IT	Their ability to play for 50 hours while using active noise cancellation (ANC), and a full 70 hours max without it, makes them among the top in the category.
Best noise canceling		Anker Soundcore Life Q30		SEE IT	Anker’s Soundcore Life Q30 serves up fantastic noise cancellation, good sound, and great battery life for well under $100.
Best budget		JLab Go Air Pop		SEE IT	JLab’s Go Air Pop offers solid features, long battery life, and accessible sound at an almost unbelievably low price.

You can easily spend a mint on a great pair of Bluetooth headphones, but you don’t have to. Today’s best cheap Bluetooth headphones feel more like the premium cans of yesteryear, sporting tons of tech, good sound, and boosted battery life that lets you stream music to your heart’s content. Whether you’re looking for a gift for your teen or college student or simply want to upgrade your life without downgrading your bank account, the best cheap Bluetooth headphones have the skills to pay the bills—while assuring you have enough cash left over that you can always pay yours.

• Best overall: 1More SonoFlow 
• Best in-ears: soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC
• Best for Android: Sony CH520
• Best sound quality: Sennheiser HD 250BT
• Best noise-canceling: soundcore by Anker Life Q30
• Best budget: JLab Go Air Pop

How we chose the best cheap Bluetooth headphones

We chose the best cheap Bluetooth headphones through a mixture of hands-on testing by the headphone connoisseurs on the PopSci staff, critical and user reviews, and personal experience. We analyzed the best premium and budget brands equally in an attempt to quantify high-value performance and design while keeping a tight eye on budgeting.

The best cheap Bluetooth headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

After weighing the top traits across multiple headphones, we chose the most balanced models we could find for each category. Each pair on our list provides a variety of key factors, including top features at their price point, but also less tangible virtues like ease of use and ergonomic controls. We also weighed sound quality and comfort, of course, as well as battery life—after all, what good are Bluetooth headphones if they’re always charging? With all that in mind, we’re confident each pair on this list offers stellar value for each and every dollar you spend.

Best overall: 1More SonoFlow 

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Specs 

• Battery Life: 50 hours with ANC (70 hours without)
• Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Price: $99.99 (or less)
  

Pros

• Excellent features
• Incredibly long battery life
• Clear and balanced sound
• Great noise canceling

Cons

•  Controls are just OK

1More has been a popular budget brand for years, and for good reason. The 1More SonoFlow headphones have it all: great noise-canceling, clear and accessible sound, and battery life for days, quite literally. Their ability to play for 50 hours while using active noise cancellation (ANC) and a full 70 hours max without it makes them among the top in the category. That all adds up to some of the very best Bluetooth headphones you can get for your money.

The SonoFlow set looks more like premium headphones than a budget set. Their design is foldable for a compact package that easily slips into their durable carrying case. The SonoFlow’s sound quality is admired for its clarity and good balance between registers—aided by 40mm DLC dynamic drivers, frequency response that can reach up to 40kHz, and the inclusion of the LDAC Bluetooth codec—a higher-resolution protocol that can benefit music lovers with flagship Android smartphones and dedicated digital audio players that support it (sorry, iPhone users, but at least you get native AAC). This gives them the best wireless and best Bluetooth connection of our picks, even if it’s only strongest with certain handsets. And the QuietMax noise-canceling ranks among the very best you’ll find at this price and even above. They also offer transparency mode, of course, which lets you stay aware of your environment to keep you safe in multiple scenarios.

The one minor issue we’ll take with the headphones is that the controls aren’t exactly intuitive, but we think most users will get used to them over time. Thanks to a loaded mobile app, you’ll be able to dig into the features and settings, with options like multiple EQ modes and soundscapes to let you get meditative on that daily commute.

The SonoFlow’s multi-point pairing lets you connect to two sources at once, like a phone and a laptop, for convenient multitasking. There’s even the option to use a 3.5mm cable, too, if you’re the hardwired type. If you’re on a budget and still want it all, you’ll be hard-pressed to beat the 1More SonoFlow Bluetooth headphones.

Best in-ears: soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC 

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Specs 

• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours with ANC (four charges in the case)
• Weight: .175 ounces (5 grams) per earbud
• Price: $99.99
  

Pros

• Very good noise-canceling
• Clear and detailed sound
• Loads of extras
• Premium look and feel

Cons

• Controls can be hit or miss
• EQ is necessary for best sound

The soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC’s standout feature is right there in the name: noise canceling, which fully exceeds what you’d expect at this price. It’s not just good, it’s great, competing with much pricier earbuds and even flagship options from a few years back. And that’s just part of what makes these earbuds great. 

The Liberty 4 NC earbuds are loaded to the hilt with features. You’ll get a Qi wireless charging case, autopause sensors in the earbuds themselves, multi-point pairing, and much more. You can customize the sound thanks to soundcore’s loaded app with a multi-band EQ, or use the built-in Hear ID Sound system to tune it to your individual hearing. Either way, discerning listeners will probably want to tune the sound to some degree; it’s quite good, but it can serve up too much bass and a bit of extra snap in the treble with some music.

The earbuds offer a comfy and stylish design to go with even more options like wind buffering to keep your ears from getting blown out when using the transparency mode and even a sound limiter to keep loud music in check. You can even fully customize the controls to get the perfect mix of playback options.

Speaking of the controls, they’re not always the most accurate, which is one of the few knocks against these buds. We also noticed that some features, like the 3D spatial audio, don’t really seem to change the sound quality much compared to the implementation by Apple in the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). Still, at this price, it’s hard to make much of a dust-up from any of these minor drawbacks.

With a design that feels more premium than budget, loads of extras, and excellent performance all around, these noise-canceling pros are a fabulous option at a very manageable price point.

Best for Android: Sony CH520

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Specs 

• Battery Life: 50 hours
• Weight: 5.19 ounces (147 grams)
• Price: $59.99

Pros

• Full and balanced sound
• Multi-point pairing and Google Fast Pair
• Concise yet stylish design
• Fantastic battery life
• Adjustable with Sony app

Cons

•  Not the best for commuting

If you’ve been eyeing Sony headphones but can’t quite commit to the priciest models, the WH-CH520 could be your perfect entry point. These headphones offer a rich and powerful sound profile, extremely generous battery life, and a professional-looking design that’s comfortable, all for well below $100.

The CH520’s battery playback may be their most notable asset. Without energy-draining features like active noise canceling, these budget cans sport hours of listening time to the point where you’ll probably forget you have to charge them for the first few weeks. Unless you’re on some sort of long-haul music-listening trial, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a way to drain these headphones in a week or more.

Thanks to Sony’s long-tenured sound expertise, the CH520 also sound clear and well-balanced, letting you explore all your favorite genres without the need to ramp down the bass or ramp up the treble. If you do want to play with the sound, it’s easy to do with Sony’s headphones app for mobile phones.

If you’ve got an Android phone, you’ll be happy to see these headphones offer Google Fast Pair, making them incredibly easy to get going right from the jump. And, in a surprise at a pair of headphones at this level, the CH520 also offer multi-point pairing so you can jump between your phone and laptop with ease during a busy workday.

One point to note is that, unsurprisingly at this price, there’s no active noise canceling (ANC) or transparency mode, nor do the on-ear pads provide much passive noise cancellation. That means these aren’t going to be a go-to pair for those who work in loud offices or deal with noisy commutes. Still, the CH520 headphones are a great way to get into Sony’s particular brand of wireless headphone alchemy without the need to spend hundreds of dollars.

Best sound quality: Sennheiser HD 250BT

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Specs 

• Battery Life: 25 hours
• Weight: 4.4 ounces (125 grams)
• Price: $69.95

Pros

• Fantastic sound quality
• aptX and AAC support for stable, higher-bitrate streaming
• Solid battery life
• App for EQ customization

Cons

• Budget build quality
• No padding on the headband

Sennheiser’s HD 250BT are no-nonsense, budget Bluetooth headphones with one trait you won’t often find at their price point: fabulous sound quality. You might expect nothing less from Sennheiser, but considering how affordable these headphones are, it’s impressive to see the band didn’t skimp on its notorious penchant for clear, balanced, and detailed sound that punches well above its weight.

Like the Sony WH-CH520, the Sennheiser HD 250BT skip fancy extras like active noise canceling, but also, like the Sony, they support a mobile app that lets you customize the sound and a few other features. They also offer the aptX codec for quality Bluetooth streaming with supported source devices.

When it comes to the build quality, the headphones look stylish enough (if a bit bland), but they feel a little budget and don’t offer as much padding along the top of the band as we’d like. That may make long listening sessions more of a challenge than more premium offerings.

Bass heads can ramp up the low end in EQ to get that extra groove in hip-hop and electronic tracks, because these are a cousin of DJ headphones, and they can take a beat and a beating. Sennheiser has cooked up some fabulous sound quality in the HD 250BT, which makes them a great choice for discerning listeners and/or the budding audiophile on your gift list. 

Best noise canceling: soundcore by Anker Life Q30

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Specs 

• Battery Life: 40 hours with ANC (60 hours without)
• Weight: 9.3 ounces (264 grams)
• Price: $79.99

Pros

• Excellent noise canceling
• Long battery life
• Customizable with the soundcore app
• Comfortable, compact design

Cons

• Rather heavy
• Bass needs some EQ

Anker’s soundcore headphones have built a reputation for fabulous noise cancellation for the money, and the Life Q30 Wireless headphones are a prime example. These headphones offer seriously impressive noise canceling, good sound, and fabulous battery life for a price that would have been unheard of in the early days of ANC.

Their big battery life is especially notable, considering noise canceling is notorious for draining the life out of Bluetooth headphones. With up to 40 hours on reserve with ANC and up to 60 hours without noise canceling, you won’t have to think twice about leaving the house with the Q30. 

Speaking of leaving the house, the headphones are easy to take along thanks to a foldable design and a solid carrying case. They’re a little bit heavy for headphones in this class, but extra padding to makes them relatively comfortable for long listening sessions. Anker’s mobile app for iOS and Android lets you customize features and sound quality, including an adjustable EQ to tweak the profile to your liking. That’s a good thing because the bass response can sometimes be a little overzealous on particularly heavy tracks.

The Q30’s noise canceling is the star of the show, of course, offering pleasant solace from frustrating exterior noise, especially low-frequency rumbles and drone sounds. Thanks to a firm fit, they also have effective passive noise canceling, making them a great noise-canceling commuting option. The Q30 headphones also offer some handy extras, like sleep modes and the ability to activate transparency mode by holding your hand on the right earcup.

It’s hard to beat what the Q30 headphones cook up at well below $100, making them an excellent choice when you need to quiet the world around you on a tight budget.

Best budget: JLab Go Air Pop

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