Wallpaper* wants… five new earbuds for the best audio on the move
Five new earbuds with the very latest in noise-cancelling technology, comfort and sound
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We’ll help you keep up to date with the latest in-ear tech. These new earbuds offer the very latest in noise-cancelling technology, comfortable fit and excellent sound. You can find our earlier earbud guides here (opens in new tab) and here (opens in new tab).
1. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, £225, sennheiser-hearing.com (opens in new tab)
The Momentum True Wireless 3 from Sennheiser is pitched as a high-end competitor to the ubiquitous AirPods. For the third edition of the Momentums, the German brand has upped the quality of the automatic noise-cancelling and introduced wireless charging, allowing you to pop the cloth-clad case on a conductive pad as an alternative to plugging it in via USB-C. Better fit quality and up to 28 hours playing time when used in conjunction with a fully charged case make these a sound choice.
2. Sony LinkBuds S
Sony LinkBuds S, £179, sony.co.uk (opens in new tab)
Sony’s newest LinkBuds product is the ‘S’, billed as the world’s smallest and lightest noise-cancelling headphones. Made using recycled plastic materials from the auto industry, the LinkBuds S are designed to feel like they’re barely there, weighing just 4.8g. You can use them with the Endel soundscapes app, and they also feature Sony’s excellent ambient sound integration. They’ll run for six hours with noise-cancelling on, with the case offering another 14 hours of charge, and Sony has included support for the upcoming low-latency Bluetooth LE Audio, pitched at gamers and musicians.
3. Nocs NS1100
Nocs NS1100, $125, nocsdesign.com (opens in new tab)
Swedish audio brand Nocs has launched its latest earbuds, the NS1100 Air. Describing them as an ‘ode to the music lover’, Nocs has developed a pair of no-nonsense, ultra-functional earbuds that compete with the bigger brands without the premium price point. With Bluetooth 5.0, app-driven sound sculpting and four microphones for taking calls, the NS1100s are well worth a look.
4. KEF Mu3
KEF Mu3, £199, kef.com (opens in new tab)
KEF’s Mu3 Noise Cancelling headphones were designed in collaboration with Ross Lovegrove (opens in new tab). Featuring the British designer’s signature fluid, organic forms, the Mu3s are available in two shades of grey, with a total of 24 hours of use in conjunction with the travel case. A fast-charging mode allows an hour of listening to be added in just five minutes.
5. Google Pixel Buds Pro
Google Pixel Buds Pro, coming soon, store.google.com (opens in new tab)
Apple AirPods Pro, £239, apple.com (opens in new tab)
Google’s latest earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro, are eagerly awaited by those who want a new alternative to Apple’s flagship AirPods. Taking colours from Google’s current palette (opens in new tab) and with a new custom chipset powering the noise- cancelling, the Pros have the potential to be a new category leader.
Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.
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