Audio

Headphones, earbuds and speakers, judged on measurements and real listening.

Headphones, earbuds and speakers are the most personal electronics most people buy — fit, comfort and tuning all matter as much as raw spec numbers. We look past marketing frequency-response claims at driver specs, codec support, battery behavior and warranty terms, and we flag the measurements manufacturers would rather you didn't ask about.

A pair of small wireless earbuds resting beside their charging case on a wooden desk

Earbuds that actually fit small ears

Why shell geometry beats spec sheets, and which designs tend to work.

Open-back over-ear headphones with visible mesh grilles on a light background

Open back vs closed back

The leak, the soundstage and the rooms each design belongs in.

Worn over-ear headphones with a frayed cable lying on a desk

How long headphones really last

Batteries, pads, hinges and cables — what fails first and when.

Black over-ear noise cancelling headphones resting on a table next to a laptop

Editor's pick

Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $200 (2026)

Mid-price ANC has quietly gotten very good. We pulled the spec sheets on nine models to find which ones earn their money.

October 18, 2026

Read the verdict

A pair of compact bookshelf speakers on stands in a bright room

Best Budget Bookshelf Speakers Under $500 (2026)

October 9, 2026

Smartphone playing music next to wireless over-ear headphones on a desk

Bluetooth Audio Codecs Explained: SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC and LC3

October 2, 2026