Tag: Headphones

SteelSeries Announce Flagship Audiophile Gaming Headset – Arctis Nova Elite

There comes a time when every brand looks within and asks, “How do we push the industry and culture forward?” Today, with revolutionary advancements in gaming audio technology and advanced features, SteelSeries, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture, debuts a groundbreaking headset that truly transcends the needs of a gamer who wants audiophile-grade performance. Introducing the Arctis Nova Elite, the world’s first Hi-Res Wireless Certified headphones for gaming.
At its core, SteelSeries is passionate about creating industry-defining products. For the brand’s newest innovation, the goal was simple: reinvent the best high-end gaming headset on the planet – and take it to an all-new level. Before today’s launch of the Arctis Nova Elite, Hi-Res wireless audio in a gaming headset just wasn’t possible – the technology was not available, and the ability to connect, mix, and play up to four sources on PC, Console, Bluetooth, and Line-In simultaneously was merely an idea on a sketch pad.
“SteelSeries exists to ignite possibility and elevate every gamer to their full potential,” said Ehtisham Rabbani, SteelSeries CEO. “Arctis Nova Elite is not just a new product—it is a statement of boundless imagination and the limitless capabilities of SteelSeries. With this new line, we are redefining premium gaming audio, infusing it with inspiration, aspiration, and the magic to transform every moment of gaming into something extraordinary.”
Pushing the envelope with innovation, design, and engineering, SteelSeries is introducing the first Hi-Res Wireless Certified headphones for gaming that deliver breakthrough performance with audiophile-grade sound through 24-Bit/96KHz transmission over 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, powered by a new GameHub and next-gen LC3+ codec. The ultimate clarity is achieved with custom 40mm Carbon Fiber Speaker Drivers, which provide incredible new levels of accuracy and performance, capable of reproducing frequencies from 10Hz to 40kHz. These two-piece drivers deliver stunningly realistic soundscapes, and a custom-designed brass ring adds rigidity, allowing for a truly ‘pistonic’ driver, much like a piston in a car engine.
Introducing an industry-first technology, the Arctis Nova Elite’s new GameHub has been purpose-built for a “gaming lifestyle.” Gamers can now go beyond standard simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio with OmniPlay – by connecting a PC, PlayStation, and Xbox simultaneously, and mixing audio from up to four sources (PC, Console, Bluetooth, and Aux) in perfect harmony without loss of clarity. The Arctis Nova Elite delivers seamless transitions between all connected devices for true audio multitasking with Triple USB-C inputs that allow gamers to connect any system. Players can chat on Discord, be in a game lobby, and watch a TikTok all at the same time.
Additional features include the Arctis App with 200+  game-specific audio presets that can be changed on-the-fly, the best Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in gaming*, 32kHz/16-bit Auto-Switching Microphones with AI Noise Rejection that can block up to 97% of background noise, and an Infinite Power System that provides unlimited battery life with a dual-battery system. *Independently lab tested against key competitors. (Aug 2025)*
Materials make the difference. A sleek and stylish Danish aesthetic has been co-designed with renowned designer Jacob Wagner, combining Scandinavian minimalism with functional elegance and exceptional comfort through premium materials and ergonomic features. With an all-metal frame, metal control wheel, and plush memory foam earcups, the Arctis Nova Elite enables gamers to immerse themselves in luxury.
With its innovative design, tech, and high-end materials, gamers can truly immerse themselves in their favorite games, entertainment, work, and play without limitations…  Now, that’s Elite. The Arctis Nova Elite is available at SteelSeries.com and select retailers around the world starting on September 30 for the following MSRP: NA $599.99 | UK £599.99 | EMEA €649.99 | APAC $649.99.

LYPERTEK Soundfree S30 bone conduction headphones Review

The Lypertek Soundfree S30 is a versatile pair of open-ear headphones designed for active lifestyles. Unlike traditional earbuds that sit in your ear canal, the S30 uses cartilage (bone) conduction technology, which delivers sound through the cartilage of your ear while leaving your ear canal open. This is a key feature for runners, cyclists, and anyone who needs to be aware of their surroundings and with the dark evenings closing in these are ideal and not only this there is a safety LED light to make others aware you are there especially for those joggers who still insist on wearing all Black in the dark

Going to the gym jogging or swimming these have an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating.  They also come with 32GB of built-in storage, allowing you to load over 8,000 songs and leave your phone behind when you work out. This dual-mode functionality, offering both Bluetooth and MP3 playback, is a huge convenience and with most gyms banning phones these days it again is ideal.

The audio clear with balanced audio with 10mm drivers, though they may not have the deep bass of traditional in-ear headphones Lypertek has included three EQ presets (Bass, Balance, and Vocal) that you can switch between with a simple tap and there is a notable difference between the EQs, I would of like to have seen an app but hey they are good as is out of the box. 

Overall, the Lypertek Soundfree S30 excels as a multi-functional sports headphone. It delivers a solid blend of open-ear safety, rugged durability, and the freedom of an on-board music player, making it a compelling choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts and general users with great sound.

Features 

  • 【IP68 Waterproof Swimming Headphones】TUV Rheinland Certified 10m IP68:Dust-tight & waterproof to 10m,waterproof earbuds for swimming, running, workouts & mores,swimming headphones underwater
  • 【Headphones Bone Conduction with Cartilage Conduction & EQ Presets】 bone conduction earbuds with tragus-based design for natural sound, safety, comfort; bone conduction headphones Bluetooth with 3 EQ modes & dual-mic ENC for clear calls
  • 【Sport Bluetooth Headphones with Bluetooth 6.0 & 32GB MP3】 our workout headphones Seamlessly switch between Bluetooth 6.0 streaming and 32GB MP3 storage (8,000+ songs) for phone-free listening,running headphones for men
  • 【Open Ear Earbuds with Patented Safety LED】running headphones with rear-facing LED boosts nighttime visibility for safe running and cycling, a unique feature for active lifestyles by our running earbuds for men
  • 【Comfortable Workout Headphones with Open-Ear Design】Ultra-Light 23g Comfort frame with titanium memory wire and silicone coating ensures secure, sport wireless headphones all-day comfort for sports and daily use,perfect running earbuds for women and men

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Video Review

Kali Audio HP-1 Multi-Reference Headphones Review

The Kali Audio HP-1 Multi-Reference Headphones been one of several pairs of headphones I have been testing the last while and in a crowded market this pair had quite the intro on what they had to offer and when I first began delving into them and seeing no app I went “HOLD ON THERE IS NO APP” well how did they fair out after some heavy testing..

The Kali Audio HP-1 Multi-Reference Headphones are a standout option for both studio professionals and casual listeners, offering a unique blend of high-quality sound and versatile features at an affordable price.

Design and Comfort

The HP-1 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone with a lightweight design, making it comfortable for extended listening sessions. It features a vegan leather headband and replaceable earcups. The headphones are also foldable and come with a zippered carrying case, enhancing their portability. They are great for long hours on music or gaming or whatever you are watching or listening to.

Connectivity and Features

In addition to its reference-grade wired performance, the HP-1 offers modern convenience with Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in microphone for wireless calls. It also includes active noise canceling (ANC) which is very good and even better indoors. The battery life is impressive, providing over 40 hours of playback on a single charge.

Overall Thoughts

The Kali Audio HP-1 is an excellent pair of headphones, The combination of studio-grade sound, multiple voicing modes, wireless features, and comfort makes it a versatile tool that can replace the need for multiple pairs of headphones. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who needs a single pair of headphones that can handle both professional work and everyday listening even for gamers and calls also clear too both ends on my testing

Features

Key Features:
  • Multi-Reference Tuning: The three DSP-controlled modes (Studio, Bass-Heavy, and Consumer) allow users to switch between neutral, bass-heavy, and consumer-friendly tuning, providing flexibility for different listening preferences and critical listening tasks. 
  • Studio Mode: Offers a transparent and accurate sound, ideal for mixing and critical listening, ensuring mixes translate well across different playback systems. 
  • Bass-Heavy Mode: Replicates the sound signature of popular headphones often used by hip-hop and EDM producers and listeners, providing a more impactful low-end. 
  • Consumer Mode: Mimics the sound of headphones commonly paired with phones and computers, offering a balanced and natural listening experience. 
  • Bluetooth and Wired Connectivity: Supports both Bluetooth for wireless convenience and a wired connection for higher fidelity audio, allowing users to switch between listening styles. 
  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Helps block out external noise, enhancing focus and immersion during listening sessions. 
  • Long Battery Life: Provides up to 40 hours of playback on a single charge. 
  • Comfortable Design: Features a vegan leather headband and earcups, with replaceable earcups for longevity. 
  • Built-in Microphone: Includes a microphone for calls and voice control. 
  • Physical Controls: Offers convenient playback controls on the headphones themselves

 

The Kali Audio HP-1 is  available now at kaliaudio.com, with an SRP of $199 / £199 / €199.

See our huge range of headphone reviews 

Video Review

Edifier ES850NB Hi-Res LDAC Headphones First Look

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.

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Unboxing Video

Kali Audio HP-1 Multi-Reference Headphones First Look

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:

  1. Studio: transparent, accurate sound that will translate faithfully.

  2. Bass-Heavy: replicates the sound of headphones that are popular with hip-hop and EDM creators and fans.

  3. 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.

See our huge range of headphone reviews 

Unboxing Video

Nearity Open Bluetooth Earbud MemPod Pro 2S Review

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.

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Other headset reviews 

Video Review

Kali Audio Announces HP-1 Multi-Reference Headphones

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:

  1. Studio: transparent, accurate sound that will translate faithfully.

  2. Bass-Heavy: replicates the sound of headphones that are popular with hip-hop and EDM creators and fans.

  3. 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.

See our huge range of headphone reviews 

SuperEQ A200 Hybrid ANC Hi-Res Headphones Review

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

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Video Review

Shokz OpenFit 2 True Wireless Earbuds Review

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.
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