#clip-style-earbuds

#clip-style-earbuds

Samsung polled its users and found that 58% of them use buds on a daily basis - and that sound quality is a top priority. That said, most people tend to use only one pair of headphones for everything, so the buds also had to be comfortable and easy to carry.

The ring-like portable speaker has a lanyard that lets users hook it onto a backpack or simply carry it around the wrist. Another option is to wear it around the neck, turning the device into a personal stereo system that surrounds the user with sound while remaining lightweight and portable.

While the dial is still present, it isn't functional and is only present as a signature CMF design element. The absence of the Smart Dial feature doesn't bother me since I seldom used it on the Pro model. The overall case build has a textured but slightly slippery finish. I've dropped it a couple of times because it keeps slipping out of my hands, but I haven't noticed any wear and tear due to my accidental drops.

In the fast-paced race to load AI into every smartphone, laptop, tablet, and earbud, the flashiest AI-powered features usually receive the most attention. When your earbuds use AI to perform real-time translation services or allow hands-free access to a gen AI chatbot, you'll know. There's another way your earbuds use AI that isn't as exciting to talk about, but when it's done well, it's incredibly valuable: AI-powered adaptive noise cancellation.

Soundcore by Anker's P20i wireless earbuds feature an ultra-compact in-ear design that fits inside a pocketable charging case and delivers powerful, enhanced bass. Utilizing oversized 10mm dynamic drivers that maintain strong low-frequency performance, these earbuds deliver an overall rich experience when listening to music, watching videos, or listening to podcasts for the price. The wireless connection to your smartphone or tablet is handled via Bluetooth 5.3, providing a consistent audio signal as you move about.

Unlike Apple's AirPods, the Beats Studio Buds Plus play well with both iOS and Android devices, which is why they're among our favorite wireless earbuds. You don't get every ecosystem perk, but you do get a lot of the essentials. Apple iPhone owners, for example, get hands-free Siri, Find My support, one-step pairing, and Control Center integration. You miss out on AirPods-exclusive features like automatic device switching and spatial audio head-tracking.

Wireless audio has become the industry standard, but there are still options out there for people who prefer a wired connection. Two new choices joining the market come from Sennheiser, which has released the CX 80U wired earbuds and HD 400U wired over-ear headphones. These new takes on the company's previous models for wired listening have replaced the 3.5mm audio jack connector with a USB-C cable.

It's rare for Sony's flagship headphones, even slightly outdated models, to receive a big discount. However, the WH-1000XM5 in black or silver is selling at its lowest-ever price today at Adorama when you enter the code JHCE9834 at checkout (it's the last step before placing the order). Originally $399, they're $204.56 - practically half price. According to historic pricing data from CamelCamelCamel, this handily beats the previous best-ever price of $248 near the end of 2025.