STACK #225 July 2023

FEATURE TECH

TOP TIP

Not all ears are created equal, so manufacturers provide

touchscreens on the case to control everything. Further control and customisation is often available via a companion app. Durability Earbuds are rated with the prefix IP followed by two digits. The first relates to protection from dust and sand, while the second indicates water resistance. An X

different-sized gel ear tips with new earbuds.

Experiment with the sizes by gently twisting the earbuds into the ear canal to achieve a better seal. Excellent ANC and deep bass are reliable indications that the fit is right. More and more apps are now including a feature

replacing either of the numbers (IPX5) means the buds haven’t been explicitly tested for dust/water resistance – the higher the second number, the greater protection from water

that will test the fit and relay feedback if adjustments are necessary.

if you’re caught in the rain, or working up a sweat at the gym.

Our picks for your new best buds

Jabra Elite 4 True Wireless Active Noise Cancelling

Sony WF-C700N True Wireless Noise Cancelling Sony knows sound, and these buds ensure you don’t have to trade quality for portability. A 5mm driver pumps out powerful bass, rich mid-range tones and clear vocals, while the 360 Reality Audio feature analyses the shape of your ears and optimises a personal listener profile. True Wireless / ANC / Spatial Sound / EQ settings / Personalised profile / Voice control / up to 15 hours battery

LG Tone Free T90 True Wireless Active Noise Cancelling

These reliable earbuds let you focus all day, thanks to their comfortable fit, durable design, and

Not only do these buds deliver killer sound with a graphene driver and Dolby Atmos support, they also pack in a bunch of unique features. UV Nano self-cleaning tech bathes the buds in ultraviolet light while in the case, to kill 99.9% of

22-hour battery life. Active noise cancelling will

block out distractions no matter where you are, or you can turn it off to squeeze even more

bacteria on them. And Plug & Play brings wireless connectivity to any device with an AUX jack – plug the case into it and it becomes a Bluetooth dongle that transmits the sound to your earbuds. True Wireless / ANC / Multipoint BT / Dolby Atmos / Spatial audio / UV sterilisation / Plug & Play / up to 29 hours battery

hours out of the battery. They connect quickly to devices and support multipoint pairing for seamless switching.

True Wireless / ANC / Multipoint BT / Voice control / up to 28 hours battery

JBL Tour Pro 2 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Touchscreens feel like the standard way

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II As quiet and comfy as you want them to be, the QC

Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 True Wireless Active Noise Cancelling

These stylish buds are serious about sound. They’re compatible with the Snapdragon Sound platform, which offers higher quality audio, and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio for spatial sound. Digital hybrid noise cancelling

to interact with the world nowadays, so JBL have put one on the earbuds’ case. This lets you adjust settings, control playback, tune the ANC, and check the battery level without pulling out your

IIs are equipped with the world’s

best noise-cancelling tech, so you can tune the outside world in or out as much as you like, from full immersion to full awareness. Custom Tune tech analyses your unique ear shape to provide a personalised listening experience, and if you find yourself running low on power while on the go, a quick 15-minute top-up can give you two hours of use. True Wireless / ANC / Custom Tune / EQ settings / Touch control / up to 24 hours battery

comes loaded with five preset modes, and one that automatically adapts to your environment. And for maximum comfort, 12 different eartip designs are

phone. Six mics ensure your voice is loud and clear for calls and voice commands, even when it’s loud or windy out. True Wireless / ANC / Touchscreen case / Spatial audio / EQ settings / Voice control / up to 40 hours battery

included so you can find the perfect fit. True Wireless / ANC / Spatial audio

/ Multipoint BT / EQ settings / Voice and touch control / UV sterilisation / up to 18.5 hours battery

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