HEADPHONES

AN AUDIOPHILE’S GUIDE TO GREAT SOUND

Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero ($149.95) This premium gaming headset combines high-quality surround sound with a comfortable fit. While clearly marketed to gamers, this headset is great for anyone who spends a lot of time on the phone or engaged in multimedia projects. Thanks to its built-in microphone, I can easily record voiceovers at work without having to set up a separate mic. The headset is comfortable enough to leave on for hours on end, and the wireless connection means my workflow isn’t slowed down by having to connect extra gear to my MacBook. Also, the surround sound function is impressive!

Monoprice Monolith M1060 ($269.99)

These headphones are a work of art. I’m in love with the look and feel of them, and the crystal-clear sound quality doesn’t disappoint. Upon opening the box, I was surprised by how large they are. The planar magnetic drivers are bigger than typical over-ear headphones and produce a clearer sound with less distortion and better bass response. Every detail of these headphones is thoughtfully designed, right down to the breakaway cable which can be easily replaced in case of damage. If you’re interested in some seriously high-end headphones, these are the best bang for your buck on the market this year.

1More ColorBuds True Wireless In Ear Headphones ($99.99)

Though less expensive than Apple’s AirPods, the audio quality of the ColorBuds is comparable and the design is just as pleasing. My fiancé has small ear canals and most wireless earbuds won’t stay in her ears, but these do! We found these to be the most comfortable of any earbuds we tested. The compact form factor is great for your pocket or purse and the battery life doesn’t suffer for it. Pairing via Bluetooth was quick and painless, and the built-in infrared sensors automatically pause music when the earbuds leave your ears. Like the name suggests, they come in a variety of fun colors.

Urbanista London True Wireless Earbuds ($149)

I’m a sucker for aesthetics, and Urbanista has created another beautifully designed, fashion-forward piece of audio tech that sounds as good as it looks. The 25-hour battery life eclipses that of the AirPods Pro, despite costing far less. The audio feels warm and organic, though the fact that high-end frequencies are slightly reduced may bother some audiophiles seeking a more neutral sound. The ear stems are touch-sensitive and control many aspects of playback without having to remove your phone from your pocket. If you want a stylish set of earbuds that will perform similarly to the AirPods Pro for a fraction of the cost, get these.

Jabra Elite 85H ($249.99)

These are hands down the best wireless headphones I have tried. The noise cancellation is remarkably effective, isolating what you want to hear and removing extra noise. This allows you to listen at a lower volume, which is better for your ear health. The 36-hour battery life is impressive. I reach for these headphones all the time when I go out on walks and only have to charge them about once a month. They’re comfortable enough to wear for hours on end, and especially great for phone conversations. I also recommend checking out the extensive EQ customization controls that are unlocked by downloading the Jabra Sound Plus companion app.