CES is a great place to get a taste of what 2021 will look like, as hundreds of companies show off their best and brightest new equipment before the release later this year. And in our experience, this is a particularly great place to see the latest new headphones in all their high-tech glory.
The program was only digital this year, but there were still a lot of interesting headphones to look at virtually or otherwise. While we obviously could not hear the vast majority of the latest audioware, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest headphones we’ve seen at the show, so you can jump in at the start of the latest audio bathing suit. the new year. Enjoy it!
V-Moda M-200 ANC
Credit: V-Moda
V-Moda has always gone its own way and adapted its distinctive, tough-as-nails headband and ear cushions with new and intriguing ways to get your tunes. The company’s new noise-canceling headphones are proof that the company is not kidding this year, offering ten levels of noise suppression, impressive battery life, high-resolution audio support and more, all rolled into a sleek and distinctive frame which you can customize to taste thanks to removable shields. At just under $ 500, the price is a bit shocking, and it comes just below Apple’s ultra-luxury AirPods Max. Could these well-armed cans be the best of Apple? We’ll find out somewhere this year.
Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro Soundproof Earplugs
Credit: Anchor / Soundcore
Anker’s Soundcore brand has been making impressive progress for several years now with affordable, fully wireless earbuds. The new Liberty Air 2 Pro (not to be confused with the Liberty Pro 2) offers an impressive list of features that include active noise cancellation, up to 26 hours of battery life with the case, IPX4 water resistance and more. If the specifications sound as familiar as the design seems, it’s with good reason. These buttons seem custom made to tackle Apple’s AirPods Pro, but at a very nice price. The big question is whether Soundcore can handle the sound suppression. If the company took a step up, these earplugs could claim serious value in just under $ 130 in the new year. What’s more, you can pick it up at Amazon and find out for yourself.
JBL Tour One over-the-ear noise-canceling headphones
Credit: JBL
As usual, JBL showed a true pair of headphones for the show, including three different pairs of true wireless earbuds at various price points and with multiple use cases. But the Tour One stands out of the bag, with a sound signature aimed at studio-style balance, along with customizable noise cancellation, up to 50 hours of claimed battery and other flagship features, all in a sleek and subtle design. They also offer Hi-res Audio certification with an ultra wide frequency response. We will not know if they can match our favorite travel cans, the Sony WH-1000XM4, until we try it out, but at almost $ 50 less, we expect them to fight a good battle from a value standpoint.
JLab JBuds Frames
Credit: JLab
JLab’s wild new Frames may not look like anything you’ve seen before, but they’s actually not that loosely based on a few more ‘Frames’ from none other than Bose. Although Bose’s Frames is a “sound-sunglasses” that is functional, the JBuds version is an alternative you can ask to provide your own pair. You seem to get less for your money, but the JLabs JBuds cost about a quarter of what your Bose would pay, for only $ 50. What’s more, their clip-on design means they wear sunglasses, reading glasses and regular glasses can work – all on the same day, if you will. We do not expect them to sound as good as Bose’s almost-magical sound colors, but they do claim a better battery life (8 hours per charge), and can be a fun sonic alternative for active types who want to pick up their shades.
Sennheiser IE 300
Credit: Sennheiser
Although the IE 300 is much more traditional than most pairs on our list, you should not count down the old ways – especially if you want to spend more of your money on audio as features. Sennheiser’s latest in-ears offer what the company calls a ‘refined version’ of its 7mm Extra Wide Band (XWB) transducers. Translation: they offer small drivers designed by Sennheiser, with the utmost care for clear, accurate and detailed sound. Sennheiser claims that they offer extremely low distortion and a housing that minimizes unwanted vibrations to remove obstacles between you and your favorite songs. Although we have not heard of it yet, you can make sure it looks as good as it looks, and their over-ear design curves to your ear for a good fit. At $ 299.95 it’s an expensive purchase, but we’ll bet you’ll be able to hear where your money’s going.
1More Comfo Buds
Credit: 1 More
In terms of pure design, few earbuds we saw at CES are as old as the latest from 1More. The maker of excellent value buttons like the Stylish and Colorbuds, 1More has a knack for fun design and the pointed Comfobuds are another great example. It was also the only pair at CES this year that we had to try before the show. Packed in an impossibly small, pill-shaped suitcase and offering an AirPods design for just under $ 60. There are not many features on board here and the sound is, to put it mildly, barking like hell, but if you like base solos and need an ultra-cheap earplugs that will turn heads, it might be right up your alley.
The Rated product experts cover all your shopping needs. Follow reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest offers, product reviews and more.
The prices were accurate when this article was published, but may change over time.