The Sony 1000X Collexion are the company’s most luxurious headphones to date — and an unexpected discount makes them worthy of an audition
The Sony 1000X Collexion are the company’s most luxurious headphones to date — and an unexpected discount makes them worthy of an audition

Sony’s flagship headphones are now 10 years old, with the 1000X Collexion being its most premium yet. They’re pricey though, which makes this discount very welcome indeed.

Shokz’ new OpenDots Air aren’t flashy, but after a month of testing I can confidently say they’re the best clip-style open earbuds for most people
Shokz’ new OpenDots Air aren’t flashy, but after a month of testing I can confidently say they’re the best clip-style open earbuds for most people

The Shokz OpenDots Air miss some flashy features of their flagship siblings, but the low price and reliability makes them a solid buy

‘Bose features at a non-Bose price, for the first time’: Skullcandy launches its most premium headphones ever, getting by with a little help from its friend
‘Bose features at a non-Bose price, for the first time’: Skullcandy launches its most premium headphones ever, getting by with a little help from its friend

The Skullcandy Crusher 1080 feature three Bose-made tools in a non-Bose headphone for the first time (and without the Bose price tag)

We’ve tested 28 pairs of headphones this year — these are our favorite over-ears, from budget to blowout
We’ve tested 28 pairs of headphones this year — these are our favorite over-ears, from budget to blowout

Including a standout budget pair that manages to be both better and cheaper than its predecessors.

I test headphones and earbuds for a living — these are the 8 standout releases of 2026 so far, from Apple, Marshall, Shokz, Sennheiser and more
I test headphones and earbuds for a living — these are the 8 standout releases of 2026 so far, from Apple, Marshall, Shokz, Sennheiser and more

Four sets of headphones; four pairs of earbuds: I look back at the best I’ve tested so far this year, and select my own antithesis to the ‘hateful eight’