Mobile Audio Hub

An early sighting of Sony's next Walkman digital audio player points to significant changes from the NW-A306 and NW-ZX707. From software to hardware upgrades, it looks like the launch of the Sony Walkman NW-ZX900 series could finally be on the horizon.

The second-gen Fairbuds XL prove that headphones don’t have to end up as e-waste when their batteries or drivers fail. An iFixit teardown highlights just how easy they are to repair. Meanwhile, a wide range of replacement parts have been listed on Fairphone's online shop.

WiiM has introduced the Sound Lite, a compact display-free smart speaker positioned as a simpler alternative to the regular WiiM Sound. It supports hi-res playback, several wireless broadcasting standards and multi-room integration across the WiiM ecosystem.

The Teufel Cinebar 22, a soundbar delivering 5.1 channel surround sound, has been released in Europe. This Bluetooth model comes with a wireless subwoofer and can be expanded with optional wireless rear speakers. Plus, it is said to support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

The Fairbuds XL are perhaps the most modular over-ear headphones available today. Not only is the battery easily removable, but components such as the drivers are also replaceable. Fairphone has now released an updated version of the Fairbuds XL, promising significantly improved audio quality.

ONIX has officially announced the Tocata XM2, a compact Hi-Fi digital audio player priced at $439 and releasing in December 2025. It runs on an Ingenic X2000 platform, and features a Cirrus Logic CS4308P DAC, dual headphone outputs, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2.

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 feature superb ANC performance, excellent mics, and now heart rate sensing capabilities for fitness freaks. Thanks to an ongoing sale on Amazon, the commendable pair of wireless noise-cancelling earbuds is back at their Black Friday prices.

Astell & Kern has introduced the AK HC5, an ultra‑high‑resolution USB DAC supporting balanced and unbalanced headphones, featuring ultra-low distortion, high-resolution music playback coupled with Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology.

More than just a regular soundbar, the Skywave X70 is a new 7.1.4 sound system that promises straightforward installation and an immersive audio experience thanks to Dolby Atmos support. According to official specifications, it delivers a peak power of nearly 1,000 watts.

Boasting 24-bit DAC, a powerful 1,150 mW headphone amplifier and a balanced 4.4 mm headphone jack, FiiO's latest CD player is designed to deliver true hi-fi sound on the go. Further features include Bluetooth, USB-C and a desktop mode.

Amazon has dropped the price of the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation to their lowest price ever after a substantial 45 percent discount off the MSRP of $179. The AirPods 4 do not go inside the ear canal, providing a more comfortable fit.

Complete with MP3, DAC, and ALAC support, the TrimUI Brick Hammer is one of the latest handhelds to have a port of the highly customizable MustardOS firmware. Together with RockBox, this firmware transforms the handheld into a capable MP3 player full of retro charm.

A new leak has revealed the Snowsky Echo Nano, an ultra-compact music player with retro controls, a 3.5mm jack and microSD support. Smaller than the Echo Mini, it should be apt for simple offline listening and pocket-friendly portability.

The OnePlus Buds 3V is now also available to consumers outside China via direct import. These wireless earbuds aim to stand out with their long battery life and relatively large drivers.

The Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds are designed to reproduce high-resolution music with powerful, immersive sound while canceling out background noise. The earbuds are tuned to allow the natural essence of the music to emerge without excessive coloration.

US subscribers should prepare for a Spotify price hike, as reports indicate the streaming giant plans to raise fees in the first quarter of 2026. Pressure from major record labels and a push for sustained profitability appear to be driving this expected increase following similar moves in other markets.

The FreeBuds Pro 5 is a new pair of high-end wireless earbuds available in four colours. Equipped with NearLink support, the FreeBuds Pro 5 should deliver higher quality when paired with Huawei devices than rivals. L2HC and LDAC codecs are supported too with superior ANC than past FreeBuds Pro earbuds as well.

Alongside the Honor 500 series, the company has introduced the Earbuds S. It's a new pair of affordable wireless earbuds with up to 42.5 hours of rated battery life and a strong 49 dB ANC feature.

Ollo Audio has unveiled the R1 closed‑back studio headphones, featuring heavy sound isolation, American walnut earcups, and user-replaceable parts. They come with a U-shaped audio tuning to give singers a lively backing track to perform to.

Amazon has applied its largest discounts yet to the 2025 JBL Bar 500MK2 5.1, 700MK2 7.1, and 1300XMK2 11.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos soundbars. They use MultiBeam 3.0 and PureVoice 2.0 technologies to deliver immersive 3D audio and crisp dialogue.

Final has launched the UX1000 wireless over-ear headphones in Japan, featuring stain-resistant finishes, hybrid active noise cancellation, and special audio tuning to compensate for lower quality Bluetooth audio transmissions.

Xiaomi has started selling its budget-friendly and ultra-compact speaker in Europe. Available for ~$17 in the UK too, the Xiaomi Sound Pocket boasts up to 10 hours of battery life, Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity and hands-free calling support in a choice of three colours.

Amazon USA has price cuts right now on several top-rated Razer BlackShark and SteelSeries models, covering everything from serious budget performance to high-end wireless luxury.

The latest flagship headphones from British hi-fi specialist Bowers & Wilkins are now available in a stylish McLaren Edition. Featuring a dark-grey body with orange accents, McLaren branding and premium sound quality – including aptX Lossless support – this special edition doesn’t come cheap.

Panasonic Japan has announced the SC-GNW10S-FF SoundSlayer x Final Fantasy XIV wireless neck speaker. The wearable provides gamers with low-latency surround sound, along with unique FF sound and lighting effects.

The Xiaomi Soundbar Pro 2.0 ch has arrived in Europe, currently available in one country and on the way to more. This model can deliver 84W peak power, supporting Dolby Audio, and offers NFC fast pairing. It is a cheaper alternative to the brand’s recently released Soundbar Pro 2.1 ch.

The launch of Samsung's Galaxy Buds4 earbuds is likely still a few months off. Nonetheless, a reliable source has shared extensive details about the Galaxy Buds4 and Galaxy Buds4 Pro ahead of schedule. Contained within numerous leaked videos, the information suggests that the Galaxy Buds4 series will depart from Samsung's current Galaxy Buds3 earbuds.

The JBL Flip 7 portable speaker is now available at its best price ever on Amazon. Featuring AI Sound Boost and rugged IP68 protection, it delivers the JBL Sound for up to 16 hours.

The Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus 2 Bluetooth speaker delivers 360-degree sound, allowing podcast enthusiasts to wander their rooms without missing a word of their favorite shows. The speaker is roughly the size of a Stanley tumbler and has a carry strap.

JVC Kenwood has introduced the 100-watt TH-WD05 3.1 Dolby Atmos soundbar. It can emphasize dialogue for better intelligibility through the use of a flat center driver and Clear Voice mode. The soundbar can also play high-resolution music from a USB drive and doubles as a Bluetooth speaker for smartphones.

Amazon has cut the price of Bose QuietComfort Ultra wireless headphones by 30%, dropping the price to its lowest ever once again. Although the newer Ultra (2nd gen) model provides even better audio quality, the original Ultra remains a highly regarded model for its noise cancelling capability.

JVC Kenwood has introduced the SP‑WS10BT portable wireless TV speaker, designed to support the hard of hearing. Compact yet powerful, it emphasizes dialogue clarity, offers 15‑hour battery life, and doubles as a Bluetooth speaker.

The Danish audio specialist Bang & Olufsen is refreshing one of its best-known speakers by giving the Beolab 90 Titanium Edition a striking metal enclosure that showcases the total of 18 drivers.

Anker has released the soundcore P31i Wireless Earbuds in various markets worldwide. These wireless earbuds are powered by LDAC and offer adaptive noise cancelling (ANC) for immersive audio. Other features include a live AI translation tool and support for Multipoint Connection and Google Fast Pair.

Xiaomi has released the Soundbar Pro 2.1 ch in Europe. Currently available in one country and expected to arrive in more shortly, this model has three drivers, including an external wireless subwoofer. It supports Dolby Audio and DTS:Virtual X, with a range of listening modes and NFC pairing.

With an impressive battery life of up to 130 hours, adaptive ANC and a compact as well as foldable design, the new House of Marley Vibration Rebel ANC could be decent allround headphones.

WiiM is launching its first smart speaker that's simply named the WiiM Sound. This new gadget offers an extensive feature set including multi-room audio, voice controls and a circular touchscreen on the front.

JVC Kenwood has introduced the premium Wood Master wireless earphones in Japan, blending African rosewood drivers with AI noise cancellation and self‑healing finishes. Launching November 20, 2025, the IP55‑rated earbuds deliver Hi‑Res Audio, multipoint Bluetooth 6.0, and up to 21 hours of runtime.

The lightweight JVC Kenwood HA-S60W on-ear wireless headphones debut in Japan with a 50-hour battery life, multipoint Bluetooth connections, and comfort-focused design. Available in four matte colors, they feature heat-activated, shape-conforming foam earpads for a personalized fit.

For years, users of the Apple AirPods Max have complained about a problem called the "three amber lights of death". The LED on the expensive over-ear headphones flashes amber three times, but the headphones no longer work. As it turns out, the AirPods Max can sometimes be repaired by placing them in the freezer for about 60 minutes.

Japanese hi-fi audio brand Final Audio has introduced its new Tonalite wireless earbuds promising to push audio personalisation to the next level by combining a full three-dimensional scan of both your head and ears with a detailed acoustic measurement of your ear-canal response.

Xiaomi has released two new versions of the Sound Outdoor speaker in one European country, with a wider rollout expected in the near future. The original model was released in this market in 2024, having won a Red Dot Design Award. Features of the device include support for True Wireless Stereo and a woofer boosting mode.

Grell is launching open high-end headphones, the OAE2, that use innovative FSFM technology to deliver particularly authentic and precise sound quality.