The Edifier ES850NB wireless over-ear headphones combine sleek design with powerful performance, featuring Hi-Res Audio certification, 40mm titanium-coated drivers, and support for LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs.
With upgraded ANC up to -45dB, AI-powered call clarity, and up to 92 hours of battery life, they’re built for immersive, all-day listening. Lightweight and foldable with skin-friendly cushions and a travel case, the ES850NB offers comfort, portability, and smart features like touch-to-chat, multipoint connectivity, and seamless control via the Edifier ConneX app and TempoHub.
From rich leather-like textures to precision-engineered components, each product in the ES Series is designed to evoke a sense of timeless luxury while delivering the clarity, depth, and detail that audiophiles expect. “ES” also stands for “Edifier Sound”, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing dedication to high-fidelity audio and deeply immersive sound experiences.
Recently we checked out the Edifier ES60 Bluetooth speaker which sits nicely on my desk today so do check that out and if you have any questions on the new headphones drop em below.
Kali Audio HP-1, its first ever over-ear, DSP-powered headphone for mixing and QC that provides users with a neutral, accurate representation of their mix, as well as the ability to hear how their work will sound on the most popular headphones in use today and we have these in for review.
The HP-1 has 3 voicings:
Studio: transparent, accurate sound that will translate faithfully.
Bass-Heavy: replicates the sound of headphones that are popular with hip-hop and EDM creators and fans.
Consumer: replicates the sound of popular headphones sold alongside phones and computers.
Users can switch between the three voicings at the press of a button. The LED on the right earcup will change color to indicate the selected tuning, and a voice prompt will also let the user know exactly what they’re listening to.
Check out the first look at these headphones which we really look forward to testing out and if you have any questions drop em in the comments section on YouTube and stay tuned for a full hands on review soon.
A wired connection is available via a 3.5mm jack on the headphone and an included cable. While this will give the highest fidelity playback for serious studio use, Bluetooth pairing is also possible for casual listening on the go.
In addition to its merits as a studio tool, the DSP in the HP-1 allows it to be a fantastic all-around headphone. Features like active noise cancelling, wireless calling, and physical playback controls on the headphones let you take them along with you in your everyday life.
The HP-1 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone with 40mm drivers that support a frequency response of 18 Hz – 22 kHz. The battery supports at least 40 hours of playback on a full charge and can be recharged using the included USB-C cable. The headphones ship in a zippered carrying case that will protect them for travel.
The Kali Audio HP-1 is available globally now at kaliaudio.com, with an SRP of $199 / £199 / €199.
The Nearity Open Bluetooth Earbud MemPod Pro 2S are a neat pair of open-ear bluetooth transcription headphones that you can also listen to music on so these effectively are a hybrid product which would suit many people out there today. This works on device and can also transcribe phone calls if required.
The design is simple and there is a retractable mic which is handy and three buttons on the device itself all on one side keeping it all easy to use and there is a button on the mic to start and stop recording, the mic is not removable for those wondering.
The build quality is excellent and something akin to what you would find on open-ear sports earbuds and there is a cover on the charging port.
There is an app as you can see below and also the video review and again simple to use a nice simple UI and does not make life difficult at all and you can also switch between two devices.
One can argue our phones can now dictate but this device does it in a simple effective way with ease and with no real effort required some might argue that you are using another device which again true this acts more than just a dictation device and can be used for calls and music at home or on the go.
With the Nearify app you can get things done live in front of you and use ChatGPT to summarise again on the go or at home or in the office and me a useful gadget which I would use with the ability to connected to two devices which are always with me and that I work from..
The Nearify App
Features
Dual-Mode Recording: The MemPod Pro 2S works as a headset for calls, a music device, and a versatile recording device. It offers two modes: Phone Call and Normal recording. Start recording by easily controlling the Nearify application or long-press the mute button for 1 second. Designed for iPhone and Android users, it allows you to enable the recording function discreetly without notifying the other party. Perfect for clear audio during meetings, interviews, lectures, and note-taking.
Nearify — Your Smart Audio Recording Assistant: Nearify leverages the power of ChatGPT to bring you a next-level recording experience. Record, transcribe, and summarize effortlessly. Whether you’re on the go or offline, the app transcribes in English and Chinese, offering AI transcription and summarization for up to 480 minutes/month for free. With support for 97 languages, you can easily search, share, and manage your audio content. Recording and sharing are always free. Compatible with iPhone and Android.
Reliable Connection with Dongle: In addition to Bluetooth 5.3, our open-ear Bluetooth headphones now feature a Dongle for stable, low-latency audio on PC and Mac. The USB connection eliminates wireless interference, ensuring seamless meetings, gaming, and recording. It’s plug-and-play for quick setup and provides continuous power for extended use. With broad compatibility and reliable performance, it’s the perfect choice for dependable connectivity.
Crystal-Clear Calls with Advanced HiFi4 DSP： Experience superior noise cancellation with HiFi4 DSP and dual MEMS microphones. Whether you’re in a noisy office, bustling street, or crowded restaurant, our open ear headphones ensure crystal-clear voice pickup. ENC technology effectively filters background noise, so the person on the other end of the call hears you with exceptional clarity, as if you were speaking face-to-face.
Ultimate Comfort & Long Battery Life: With an open-ear design, our headphones provide comfort and safety while keeping you aware of your surroundings. Weighing just 31g and crafted from skin-friendly silicone, they offer a lightweight fit ideal for extended wear. Enjoy up to 15 hours of music playback or 12 hours of talk time on a single charge, combining all-day comfort with long-lasting battery life, so you stay connected without compromise.
Dual Connectivity: The MemPod Pro 2S open ear headphone can simultaneously connect to two devices. The multipoint connectivity allows for a seamless switching between two devices, like a phone and laptop, without the need to disconnect and reconnect. This boosts productivity by enabling multitasking, such as taking calls on one device while staying connected to another for media, and enhances convenience by eliminating the need for manual pairing.
Kali Audio has announced the HP-1, its first ever over-ear, DSP-powered headphone for mixing and QC that provides users with a neutral, accurate representation of their mix, as well as the ability to hear how their work will sound on the most popular headphones in use today.
The HP-1 has 3 voicings:
Studio: transparent, accurate sound that will translate faithfully.
Bass-Heavy: replicates the sound of headphones that are popular with hip-hop and EDM creators and fans.
Consumer: replicates the sound of popular headphones sold alongside phones and computers.
Users can switch between the three voicings at the press of a button. The LED on the right earcup will change color to indicate the selected tuning, and a voice prompt will also let the user know exactly what they’re listening to.
A wired connection is available via a 3.5mm jack on the headphone and an included cable. While this will give the highest fidelity playback for serious studio use, Bluetooth pairing is also possible for casual listening on the go.
In addition to its merits as a studio tool, the DSP in the HP-1 allows it to be a fantastic all-around headphone. Features like active noise cancelling, wireless calling, and physical playback controls on the headphones let you take them along with you in your everyday life.
The HP-1 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone with 40mm drivers that support a frequency response of 18 Hz – 22 kHz. The battery supports at least 40 hours of playback on a full charge and can be recharged using the included USB-C cable. The headphones ship in a zippered carrying case that will protect them for travel.
The Kali Audio HP-1 is available globally now at kaliaudio.com, with an SRP of $199 / £199 / €199.
The SuperEQ A200 Over Ear Headphones Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Hi-Res Audio 6-Mic AI ENC is their latest product to hit the market at an affordable price but do they drop out with how they sound and what is on offer?
These also come with a removable mic so for those on calls at home or the office or even gamers will be delighted keeping these true to form being hybrid as many folk today use their headphones for both office work and gaming along with enjoying movies and music etc from the smartphone or tablet.
The headphones themselves are comfortable to wear long term and the cups cover the ears giving some passive noise isolation out of the box the cups are plush and deep and the headband also offers comfort with a soft plush finish, the rest of the headphones is finished in a matt black and do not show fingerprints.
The cups twist and pivot so will sit nicely on your head with no clamping effect and the arms can be adjusted without the ratchet effect we are use to however they do not fold up for travel etc but this is fine.
On the left side we have all the controls and this time around not seen too often is a multifucntional wheel for several actions and another button and also the USB-C port for the mic we spoke about earlier.
There is an app however limited in functionality but does enough for the price point how you get it will vary as on Android but you can download directly on iOS. You can see the screenshots below and more in the video review after that.
The sound is decent to be fair and decently loud and there is several EQs in the app and you can create your own too and save them. ANC is more prevalent in a quieter environment and that is where you will get the full potential from these headphones
You have mode switch and hearing protection on board and a timed shutdown in the app and you can also reset the headphones if required to do so.
The sound overall is loud punchy and fine with highs lows and mids and there is nice bass in there too especially on bass drops, you have noise reduction and transparency mode there too, no lag latency noted or tinny sound when at full volume making them a decent pair of headphones for the money.
Battery life is also quite good here with fast charge on deck allowing you 7hrs for 5 mins charge and up to 100 hours with no ANC and around 60 with ANC though user settings will give a different time for everyone..
SuperEQ App
●Hybrid ANC Wireless Headphones
●38dB noise reduction depth
●Advanced Bluetooth 5.4
●100 hours long battery life
●Fast Charging: Charge 5 minute for 7 hour playtime
●6-Mic ENC
●Detachable extended microphone with mic mute button
●Multifunctional rotary button
●Multi-point Connection
The Shokz OpenFit 2 True Wireless Earbuds are a pair of open ear styled earbuds which look clean and fit well on the ears and are ideal for those into fitness and more.
Coming in a nicely presented package these are not only for those into sports but for any one else really as open-ear styled earbuds are a thing now and you will have noticed more wearing them.
The design is clean and they have a nice matt finish on the unit we reviewed they also come in Beige we tested the Black ones so there is a choice of colour and I would prefer the Beige over Black personally but hey.
The case itself is also nice and will protect the Shokz OpenFit 2 whilst not in use there is decent battery life here to with up to 48hrs all in though this will vary per user and their settings and ten minutes charge gives two hours extra which is great.
OpenFit 2 brings you bigger, better, more dynamic open-ear sound with DualBoost Technology, OpenBass 2.0 and Direct Pitch 2.0 and yes you seen the word bass which I am a fan of and clearly noted with these.
The App is also quite good with a simple UI and easy menu to follow to adjust your settings and try out the EQs or create your own and the sound overall is great for this style of earbud with decent volume no tinny sound when maxed out or lag latency all my test tracts played well overall and that is a long list of tracks from all types of genres.
The controls work well too with a button each side that is tactile and a touch area on the outer part of the main earbuds and no issues to report there we go through all this in the full video review below so do check that out.
Calls were fine on the few I took and you also have the feature of being aware due the design so you have the best of both worlds here and you have multi point pairing again a must have feature for me and in case you loose them at home or in the gym there is find my buds.
SHOKZ App
Flexible Ear Hook Design
Inspired by the concept of the golden spiral, the innovative flexible ear hook contours to the unique shape of your ear. The ear hook’s integrated nickel-titanium alloy ensures not only a secure fit but also a personalized experience that adapts to your movements, whether you’re in the midst of an intense workout or simply going about your daily activities.
Ultra-Soft Silicone™ 2.0
Ultra-Soft Silicone™ 2.0 is a state-of-the-art material that’s softer than ever, providing a cushioning effect that gently hugs your ears. Its secure fit keeps the earbuds in place, allowing you to enjoy your favourite tunes for hours without any discomfort, making it perfect for prolonged wear.
Physical Buttons for Intuitive Control
The OpenFit 2 features a thoughtfully upgraded design that includes tactile physical buttons, ensuring precise and intuitive operation. With a simple press, you can effortlessly adjust the volume to suit your environment, skip tracks to find your favourite tunes, answer calls seamlessly, and manage a variety of other functions—all at your convenience. This user-friendly interface transforms the way you interact with your music and calls, making every interaction smooth and hassle-free.
Shokz Signature Open-Ear Design
OpenFit 2 continues Shokz’s legacy of open-ear audio. This signature design offers numerous benefits, helping to keep you safer and healthier while delivering a more social listening experience:
Stay Safe
With OpenFit 2, you can immerse yourself in your favourite music and phone calls without losing awareness of your environment. This feature is particularly beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts engaging in activities like running or cycling, where being alert to your surroundings is crucial.
Protect Your Ears
The open-ear design is tailored to minimize the risk of ear damage and bacterial growth that often accompanies the prolonged use of traditional earbuds. OpenFit 2 prioritizes your ear health audio giving continuous airflow and sound to travel naturally.
From the creator of the groundbreaking Arctis Nova line of headsets, SteelSeries, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture and worldwide leader in premium gaming headsets, today expands the award-winning Arctics Nova family with the introduction of the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Series headsets and Arctis App.
As gaming continues to grow in popularity, SteelSeries has been leading the way in delivering industry-leading product and software innovations, solving problems for gamers, and defining a gaming lifestyle. In Q1 of 2025, Newzoo estimates the global gamer population to be around 2.9B players and console gaming is experiencing a resurgence with a projected continued steady growth through 2027. This popularity is being fueled by the anticipation of major titles and new console releases that deliver full immersion into different virtual worlds. Engineered from the ground up, the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Series headsets raise the bar for a new level of premium audio with real-time audio control for console gamers.
Next-gen consoles need next-gen audio and the newest member of the award-winning Arctis Nova line of headsets features the powerhouse combo of the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless headset and Arctis App for Real-Time Audio Control with over 200 audio presets, plus Quick Switch Wireless with high-speed 2.4GHz or Bluetooth 5.3, an extraordinary 15-minuteFast Charge for 9 hours of play time, and a lightweight, durable comfortable design – all at $109.99 price point.
Sound matters. The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Series is perfectly equipped for console gaming on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and other platforms.
Custom Nova Speaker Drivers – Specially designed powerful Neodymium Magnetic speaker drivers were customized in-house to provide the ultimate gaming audio, with rich bass and a unique custom design for maximum detail. Immerse in the soundscape, taking what’s already awesome to the next level with 360° Spatial Audio. (Fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 / Microsoft Spatial Sound and more)
The Mobile Arctis App –A revolutionary mobile app that allows gamers to control their audio in real-time with over 200+ game-specific audio presets meticulously crafted and custom-tailored to each game by audio engineers, esports pros, and game developers. Gamers can change their audio presets on the fly in real time and without leaving the game, providing a distinct competitive advantage. Hear what others don’t with precisely honed audio profiles for top games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, GTA, and more.
Quick-Switch Wireless –Switch instantly between high-speed 2.4GHz gaming wireless for gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 for everything else with the onboard quick-switch button. Mobile connections remain on standby when gaming, so players will receive call notifications, plus separate EQ profiles let gamers save 2.4GHz gaming and BT on-the-go settings independently.
Cross-Platform Gaming – Game on any platform, easily swapping the small USB-C dongle between all systems, supporting Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, Meta Quest, handhelds, as well as phones and tablets that support USB-C.
15-Minute Fast Charge = 9-Hour Play Time – Game all day. Optimized USB-C fast charge gives you up to 9 hours of use after just 15 minutes, which is up to 3x more than typical headsets. A standard single charge offers up to 30+ hours in 2.4G / 40+ hours in Bluetooth.
ClearCast 2.X Microphone – The new Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Series microphone with high bandwidth tech takes voice quality to the next level – 2X the bandwidth, 2X the comms with 32KHz/16bit audio.
Lightweight | Durable | Comfortable Design – Tough, flexible design with dual-hinged arms for durability, plus removable ear cushions with breathable memory foam for total comfort. The 260g lightweight Nova 3 Wireless Series design features height-adjustable arms, plus a stretchy secondary fabric headband to distribute pressure evenly for all-day comfort. Available in black, white, aqua, and lavender.
The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Series is available at SteelSeries.comand select retailers around the world for the following MSRP:
Arctis Nova 3P/3X Wireless – UK £99.99 | NA $109.99 | EMEA €109.99 | APAC $109.99
Skullcandy, the original lifestyle audio brand, unveils Crusher 540 Active(£169.99), the first in its iconic Crusher line of headphones to be purpose-built for the gym. Designed to help users find their zone and stay in it, this new model features Skullcandy’s patented Crusher bass technology, offering a multi-sensory bass experience that makes every beat hit deeper and every rep feel more powerful. Sweat and water resistant with a specialized nano coating, the Crusher 540 Active is designed to help people stay in the zone no matter where their workout is.
“Fans have been asking for Crusher’s signature bass in a purpose-built gym-ready headphone for years,” said Justin Reagan, VP of Marketing at Skullcandy. “Music is a motivator, and we created the Crusher 540 Active to be the perfect partner in the gym or during an outdoor workout when you want to tune out the rest of the world.”
Built for endurance, Crusher 540 Active packs up to 40 hours of battery life, and when time is tight, a 10-minute Rapid Charge delivers 4 hours of playtime.
With breathable fabric ear cushions, sweat-resistant nano-coating, and a secure fit headband designed to stay put, Crusher 540 Active is built to power through even your toughest workouts.
Alongside new active-ready updates, Crusher 540 Active retains the signature features fans love—like a fold-flat design for easy portability and an adjustable bass slider for personalized sound.
Skullcandy Crusher 540 Active is now available globally at Skullcandy.com and select retail locations.
Key Features Include:
Adjustable Sensory Bass powered by Skullcandy’s signature Crusher technology
Sweat and water resistant with a nano-coating and silicone TPU band for fearless workouts
Breathable fabric ear cushions and enhanced clamping force for a secure, comfortable fit
Up to 40 hours of battery life with Rapid Charge (10 minutes = 4 hours)
Noise-isolating over-ear design to block distractions and lock in focus
Personal Sound by Audiodo™ for a customized audio experience
Skullcandy App compatibility for deeper control
Built-in Tile™ Finding Technology to help you keep track of your gear
Bluetooth® 5.0 Auto Connect and integrated controls for convenience on the move
Two full-range 40mm drivers, plus additional dual bass drivers
Adjustable bass slider to let you dial in your perfect bass experience
The JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition Wireless Headphones have been the latest cans on my ears the last few weeks and being a massive headphone fan I could not wait to test these out.
The presentation to begin with was excellent and first impressions last and one like this could leave slight hints at others as to how it is done.
Inside the box we also get a carry case which is excellent as these fold up and will keep them safe when not in use, also we get a wireless charger, yes you seen that correctly a wireless charger for you headphones which for me is great as I have adopted it all over the house and office so no more cables for me here but of course you can charge the old fashioned way if you like
The build quality is also excellent with a nice matt finish and metal frame which does not squeak or make noise when extending the arms each side and feels really premium all round.
You have the usual i/os and one button and the rest is gestures#swipes giving them a clean look with no buttons protruding from the sides and this works well with the one button being an MFB (multi-function button) quite common to day to have less buttons in general.
Moreover all these can be controlled in the JLab app which is excellent and being my first time to try it I was impressed and the level of control you get here compared others and no fixed controls which are annoying and if you purchase these do spend time on the app and go through it we have done so in the video review down below and you can also get an idea in the screenshots provided.
There is 32 mm high-fidelity dynamic drivers on deck here and these do pack a serious punch and from testing many headphones during and year these are the best so far to date I have tried, the ANC to being with is excellent and impressive with stay aware also present but do delve into ANC and see for yourself how good it is.
The audio is what you want to know about and it is glorious you also have Spatial Audio here which if you have not tested before do so and this is also now coming the norm in headphones and earbuds like ANC was when it first came out it just takes things to a new level for the audio experience.
Highs lows and mids all great all genres tested where excellent with my test tracks and with the JLab app you only enhance the full audio experience and it is one to sit back and enjoy and forget about the world outside, no lag latency no tinny sound infact all round just perfect in my book and with the EQ settings it just gets better so do check them all out. Calls also for the few I took were excellent and also
used on teams and other sites like these for chats and no issues noted either end, also you have multipoint technology on board which like many today use their laptop and phone its another great feature to have and works flawlessly.
The headphones are also comfortable to wear all day and if you need a charge do no forget the wireless charging puck you get and besides that they have up to 90 hrs battery life which is great which will vary on your personal settings and if you are in the market for new headphones these should be on the list right now and you will thank me later. See the video review below for more.
Features of the JLab Lux Edition
JLab’s Best Sounding Over-ear Headphone Ever
The Epic Lux Lab Edition’s sound is powered by 32mm high-fidelity custom dynamic drivers that provide Hi-Res audio and a frequency response of 20 – 20 kHz for users to enjoy their music in stunning clarity. Enhanced by JLab’s Lab Spatial Audio algorithm with head-tracking technology, the Epic Lux Lab Edition creates an immersive 360-degree sound experience, resulting in highly dynamic and lifelike music and content experiences.
The First JLab Headphone with Adaptive Noise Cancelation
The Epic Lux Lab edition is the first from JLab to offer Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (AANC) technology that filters through various noise frequencies in real-time and Artificial intelligence (AI) automatically reduces environmental sounds up to 35 DB. Switch to Be Aware mode to hear outside sounds when desired, which is ideal for taking phone calls that feel natural or listening to music or podcasts in situations that require heightened awareness.
Enjoy Clear Calls with Environmental Noise Cancellation
Featuring 4-cutting-edge beamforming microphones (two on each earcup), combined with JLab’s advanced environmental noise cancelling algorithm, the Epic Lux Lab Edition offers crystal clear and uninterrupted communication during phone calls. Whether you’re on a call during a busy commute or speaking outside on a windy day, the microphones ensure professional and personal calls are handled with ease, no matter the environment.
Long Playtime and Convenient Charging
Boasting over 60+ hours (ANC on) to 90+ hours (ANC off) of playtime on a single charge, the Epic Lux Lab Edition is ideal for all-day and all-week use. Unique to this model, the headphones support wireless charging and include a magnetic wireless charging pad, offering 5 hours of playtime from just 5 minutes of charging. Additionally, the built-in USB-C port provides a quick and convenient option for traditional charging.
Unmatched Comfort, Connectivity, and Control
Crafted for comfort, the headphones feature Cloud Foam™ ear cups and padded headband, ensuring that they remain comfortable even during extended wear. Their foldable design maximises portability, making them perfect for travel, fitness, and work.
The Epic Lux Lab Edition prioritises connectivity with advanced Bluetooth Multipoint Technology, allowing users to seamlessly pair and switch between two devices at once. Plus, LabShare Mode enables users to share their audio with another LUX headphone user. Additionally, built-in Google Fast Pair enables quick pairing with compatible devices, while Find My functionality allows users to always keep track of the headphones on Android devices.
Easily control your media via multiple methods on the Epic Lux Lab Edition. Swipe on the earcup to control media playback, use the dedicated buttons for quick commands, or program the tap capability to further enhance your experience. Customise these controls directly through the JLab App to personalise your listening experience.
Personalise Your Audio with the JLab App
JLab empowers users to personalise their audio experience with the JLab app, offering customisable noise cancellation and Be Aware settings, touch and swipe controls, and sound preferences. Alternatively, users can use the app to choose from preset options like JLab Signature, Balance, or Bass Boost Sound.
Technical Specifications
32mm high-fidelity custom dynamic drivers and Spatial Audio
Adaptive Noise Cancelling and Be Aware mode
90+ hours of playtime (60+ hours with ANC on)
Customisable experience via JLab App
Bluetooth multi-point
Google Fast Pair and Find My Device Functionality
Wireless Charging Pad and Built-In USB-C Charging Port
