Mobile menu toggle

headphones

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on headphones:

8 best Sony headphones for iPhone users

By

Best Sony headphones for iPhone
Choose the best Sony headphones to use with iPhone.
AI image: Grok

Finding the perfect Sony headphones for iPhone might seem challenging when Apple pushes its own audio ecosystem so heavily. This comprehensive guide examines each model’s features, pros, cons and pricing to help you find the perfect match for your specific needs and budget. Let’s dive into what makes these Sony headphones exceptional companions for your iPhone.

Best Cyber Monday deals on Beats headphones and earbuds [Updated]

By

Beats Solo 4 headphones
Get Beats headphones and earbuds with big discounts this Cyber Monday.
Photo: Beats

The best Cyber Monday deals on Beats headphones and earbuds are now live. You can get many Beats headphones and earbuds at their lowest prices ever. A fresh price drop on Beats’ flagship headphones — the Beats Studio Pro — brings a whopping $190 discount. At just $159.99, they make a great alternative to other premium headphones.

Grab a pair of noise-canceling JBL Tune 770NC headphones for just $89.99

By

Woman dancing while wearing JBL Tune 770NC over-ear noise-canceling headphones.
These Red Dot Award-winning headphones deliver premium sound and comfort with cutting-edge features.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Do you need a pair of high-performance, noise-canceling headphones, but your head is spinning from the subpar options on the market? This offer cuts through all the nonsense. For a limited time, these new, open-box JBL Tune 770NC over-ear headphones are on sale for just $89.99 (regularly $129).

Save 35% on Beats Solo 4 headphones and immerse yourself in music

By

Man wearing Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones.
Pretend you're at a concert every time you listen to music with a pair of Beats Solo 4 headphones, now on sale for $129.99!
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

We’re not judging you for still using wired earbuds or headphones, but it’s 2024. You deserve audio accessories that free you up and make it feel like you’re enjoying a personal concert, like these Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones.

If you want an audio upgrade, these headphones’ ultra-plush ear cushions and custom 40mm transducers will do the trick. And while they list for $199, you can get a pair of Beats Solo 4 headphones for just for $129.99 with our new, open-box sale.

Affordable new gaming headset aims high on audio, comfort

By

OXS Storm G2 Wireless Gaming Headset on gamer
Whether you're gaming, taking a call or listening to tunes, this affordable headset might do the trick.
Photo: OXS

The new OXS Storm G2 Wireless Gaming Headset comes equipped with a 50mm full-range dynamic driver and 7.1 virtual surround sound technology for wired, wireless and dongle connectivity to Macs, PCs, consoles, tablets and more, OXS said Monday.

And despite aiming high on audio quality for gaming, music and calls, the new cans go low on price. You can buy them on Amazon for $59.99 (with 25% off coupon), or just $49.99 for Prime Day, July 16 and 17. The regular price is $79.99.

Sonos Ace vs. AirPods Max comparison: Which high-end headphones are better?

By

Sonos Ace vs. AirPods Max comparison
Sonos Ace or AirPods Max?
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Sonos/Rajesh Pandey/CultofMac

The Sonos Ace is the first pair of wireless headphones from the company renowned for its room-pounding wireless speakers. With premium features and a fat price tag to match, the Sonos headphones compete with Apple’s over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max. But in a Sonos Ace versus AirPods Max comparison, which pair of high-end headphones comes out on top?

If you have the money to spend, check out the specs, pros and cons of each model in our hands-on comparison.

You can wear these waterproof swim headphones in the pool

By

Swim with these headphones on, now just $64.
Splish splash! These bone-conduction headphones work in the water.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you like swimming — and you like listening to music, podcasts or training materials while you’re in the water — you need a solid pair of swim headphones. Swym bone-conduction headphones cling to the outside of your ear and play audio using vibrations through the bones in your ear.

And just in time for summer, you can snag a set of these IP68-rated waterproof swimming headphones for just $63.99 with coupon code SWYM15.

Snag the best Memorial Day deals on Apple gear and accessories [Updated]

By

Memorial Day deals on Apple gear
Memorial Day weekend is a great time to bag bargains on Apple gear, peripherals and accessories.
Photo: Apple

Memorial Day weekend has arrived in the United States, and you know what that means — widespread sales on Apple gear and accessories (and pretty much everything else you can buy). Memorial Day deals on Apple gear can be irresistible.

We’re building a list, below, of solid deals at major retailers for Apple deals on gear, peripherals and accessories. Check back, because you might find something new.

These bone-conduction headphones with LEDs boost your nighttime safety

By

These $64 bone conduction headphones have an LED neckband for safety.
These $64 bone-conduction headphones have an LED neckband for safety.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you like wearing earbuds outside at night, and you don’t like getting creamed by cars or aggro bicyclists, a pair of bone-conduction earphones with LED lights that wrap around your neck is a solid safety option. And these Dashlyte Bluetooth headphones check all the boxes.

They keep your earholes open so you can stay alert to sinister sounds around you. Plus, they light you up like a Christmas tree so you’re far more visible to jerks driving around while typing out text messages on their iPhones. They won’t kill your wallet, either. You can grab a pair of these bone-conduction headphones with LEDs for just $63.96 using coupon code: DASHLYTE (regularly $99).

Beats affordable Solo Buds and Solo 4 headphones go official

By

Beats Solo Buds and Solo 4 are here
Beats Solo Buds and Solo 4 are here!
Photo: Beats

Apple’s Beats lineup is expanding with two new products: Beats Solo Buds and Beats Solo 4. They offer long battery lives and attractive price points.

Both offerings won’t rival Apple’s AirPods in any way but price, but if you frequently switch between Android and iPhone, you might like Beats’ new options.

Belkin extends top Cyber Monday deals on Apple accessories all week

By

Belkin BoostCharge Pro charging pad with MagSafe
Belkin's BoostCharge Pro charging pad with MagSafe is an elegant (and portable) charging solution.
Photo: Belkin

Belkin, a big name in Apple accessories, is extending Cyber Monday deals on some of its best-selling products through Sunday, December 3, on Amazon.com (but note that some deals end Saturday. The company’s Amazon storefront showcases a diverse selection of tech accessories at discounts of up to 50% off.

So whether you need something for yourself or for someone on your holiday shopping list, check out Belkin’s sale. Everyone needs things like MagSafe chargers and iPhone mounts!

Beats Studio Pro review roundup: ‘Almost AirPods Max Light’ for less

By

Beats Studio Pro improve greatly upon Beats Studio3, released in 2017.
Beats Studio Pro improve greatly upon Beats Studio3, released in 2017.
Photo: Apple

Apple subsidiary Beats dropped its long-awaited flagship Beats Studio Pro headphones Wednesday to mostly positive reviews, including favorable comparisons to the pricier AirPods Max ($550).

Beats Studio Pro still look a lot like the 2017 Beats Studio3 cans they replace, but they’re chock full of improvements that should justify their $350 price for many despite some shortcomings.

Get an iPad Air with Beats headphones for just $99.97

By

Get a Grade A refurbished bundle featuring an iPad Air and Beats headphones for only $99.97 before Prime Day.
Save $50 ahead of Prime Day on a Grade A refurbished iPad Air and renewed Beats Flex headphones bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Why wait for Amazon Prime Day to score your next tech deal? During our Deal Days event, you can pick up a like-new original iPad Air and renewed Beats Flex headphones for just $99.97.

Yes, it’s a 10-year-old tablet that recently aged out onto Apple’s obsolete list. However, it’s still got a beautiful Retina screen that makes it great for many things, including watching videos. It’s great for kids, and you can’t beat the pricing on this bundle, which also includes some extra perks in addition to the two main items.

Don’t sit on this deal, though. There’s a limited quantity available. And even if the bundle doesn’t sell out, this limited-time offer expires July 14 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.

Score open-ear headphones with bone-conduction tech for just $25

By

Score pre-Prime Day savings on these open ear headphones with bone conduction technology, now only $25.
Get pre-Prime Day savings on these open-ear headphones, now just $24.97.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Everybody gets in the zone when it’s time to work out. Music is one great way to get there, but AirPods aren’t always the safest option if you’re biking or jogging on busy roadways. Audiophiles have been conditioned to think that earbuds are best when they drill sound waves directly into the ear, but these open-ear induction headphones are at the forefront of a new wave in personal audio.

During Deal Days, our version of Prime Day, Cult of Mac readers can get a pair of these innovative bone-conduction headphones for only $24.97 (regularly $79) with no coupon necessary. But you’ll have to move quickly, as this deal only lasts until July 14 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific!

Save up to 73% on refurbished JBL, AKG and Infinity headphones at Harman

By

Find out how you could save up to 73% on refurbished headphones from top brands.
Turn up the volume on these refurbished JBL, AKG, and Infinity refurbished Headphones for up to 73% off at Harman.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

AirPods aren’t the only top-notch headphones on the market. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pair of high-quality headphones from a brand you recognize, Harman Audio is a great option. You can score up to 73% off on factory-refurbished headphones and earbuds from JBL, Infinity, AKG and Harman Kardon in the company’s online store.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Harman.
Whether you want a pair of long-lasting Bluetooth earbuds or some comfortable on-ear headphones, Harman’s gear will give you a reliable way to listen to music and podcasts. Audiophiles and bargain hunters alike can get excited about the refurbished deals.

Keep your ears free with these $34 bone-conduction headphones

By

Keep your ears free with these $34 open-ear induction headphones.
Hear your music without shutting out the world with these open ear headphones.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether it’s your streaming service, podcasts or playlists, customizing your personal soundscape has never been easier. These open-ear bone-conduction headphones let you hear the world around you while mixing in the audio you want to hear. Even better, they’re now only $33.99 (regularly $109).

Free your earholes with these affordable bone-conduction headphones

By

Hear what you need and what you want with these headphones boasting bone conduction technology.
These open-ear headphones don't block out the real world.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

AirPods are great and all, but what if you don’t want earbuds jammed into your earholes? These open-ear headphones use increasingly popular bone-conduction tech to deliver audio without plugging up your ears.

These wireless bone-conduction earphones work with iPhones, Macs and iPads. And they let you mix your Apple Music playlist into your soundscape while keeping your ears open for what you need to hear.

You don’t need to pay a fortune for these fancy, futuristic headphones, either. Right now, they’re on sale for just $33.99.

New Logi webcams feature ‘Show Mode’ and a take on Center Stage

By

Logitech Brio 500 webcam series and Zone Vibe headphones series are designed for hybrid workers.
Logitech Brio 500 webcam series and Zone Vibe headphones series are designed for hybrid workers.
Photo: Logitech

Logitech unveiled its new Brio 500 webcam series and Zone Vibe headphones series for hybrid workers Thursday. The company said “they bring quality, style, affordability, and sustainability to today’s workers for ultramodern collaboration experiences.”

“Many remote and hybrid workers are still underequipped and grappling with pre-pandemic era solutions,” said Scott Wharton, Logitech Video Collaboration general manager. “Our innovative new genre of Brio webcams and Zone Vibe headphones answer the call of modern workers who need business-grade quality, style, and affordability for work and play.”

New Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones gun for AirPods Max

By

Sennheiser's new Momentum 4 ANC wireless headphones changed up their look and claim 60 hours of battery life.
Sennheiser's new Momentum 4 ANC wireless headphones changed up their look and claim 60 hours of battery life.
Photo: Sennheiser

Venerable audio brand Sennheiser rolled out its new Momentum 4 wireless over-ear headphones Tuesday. The successor to the much-liked Momentum 3 aims for the same high-end sound and comfort along with a more modern look.

The cans, which will compete with the likes of Sony’s top headphones and AirPods Max, also claim an impressive battery life of up to 60 hours.

Sony makes its flagship over-ear headphones even better

By

The new Sony flagship cans improve on their predecessors and cost about $50 more.
The new Sony flagship cans improve on their predecessors and cost about $50 more.
Photo: Sony

Few would dispute that Sony’s flagship wireless WH-1000XM4 active noise-canceling (ANC) headphones have been among the best on the market since they came out in August 2020. But Sony has improved upon them, offering its fifth-generation WH-1000XM5 headphones on Thursday.

The redesigned cans flaunt several impressive improvements over the previous model, making the XM5s an even worthier competitor to AirPods Max and other premium headphones.

Leak of Sony’s next flagship headphones shows sleek design, longer battery life

By

Sony's next top headphones may have a sleek new design.
Sony's next top headphones may have a sleek new design.
Photo: Nils Ahrensmeier/TechnikNews

Sony’s WH-1000XM4 over-ear noise-cancelling wireless headphones are considered one of the best sets of cans in the business. Now a new leak shows what may be in store for the audio giant’s next version, the WH-1000XM5, in terms of a sleek new design and key specs.

Blowing half your budget on headphones and Lego sets [Setups]

By

The college kid who owns this computer setup might be headed for an aerospace-related career.
The college kid who owns this computer setup might be headed for an aerospace-related career.
Photo: [email protected]

College students, often not exactly made of money (yet), usually feel obliged to be super-thrifty. Their setups might feature entry-level gear, hand-me-down equipment, doors on cinderblocks serving as desks — that sort of thing.

But today’s featured setup, owned by a college student, comes with some frills. They’re courtesy of a lucrative internship the computer science major completed last summer.

Bose adds customizable EQ to QuietComfort 45 headphones

By

A firmware update adds an equalizer so you can tweak the sound of your Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones.
A firmware update adds an equalizer so you can tweak the sound of your Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones.
Photo: Bose

Bose made a splash with its recent, long-awaited update to its popular QuietComfort 35 headphones. But while the company was probably smart not to change the QuietComfort formula much, that included not expanding the classic headphones’ limited customizability. Until now.

If you have a set of QC 45s, Bose said a new firmware update lets you access and adjust a new equalizer via the Bose Music app. So you can tweak the sound all you want with the new Adjustable EQ feature.

JBL has a new party in a box and lots of other big plans for your ears

By

The JBL PartyBox Encore is a 100W speaker with a Lightshow and two microphones.
The JBL PartyBox Encore is a 100W speaker with a Lightshow and two microphones.
Photo: JBL

Every year Samsung subsidiary JBL rolls out a tempting raft of updated or new audio products at CES, but you can’t get them right away. CES 2022, held in Las Vegas earlier this month, was no different. The company showed its new JBL PartyBox Encore and a slew of other Bluetooth speakers, earbuds and headphones. We’ll round them up below. Some are coming in spring and others in summer.