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Articles by Tim Gideon
This Deal Is Undefeated: Take 50% Off a Pair of Beats Headphones
I once walked right into a glass door, completely immersed in my Bollywood playlist, yet somehow still looked entirely unbothered. I could blame myself, but I'll put the onus on my tech instead. Whether you are throwing on your wireless headphones, firing up a powerhouse laptop, or casually tapping your smartwatch, sometimes your gadgets do such a good job immersing you in an experience that you can't quite pay attention to where you're going.
This Lenovo 2-in-1 Laptop Deal Will Put $500 Back In Your Pocket
Walking into your first day of college or stepping onto the office floor for that brand-new job is all about making a mark before you even say a word. Whether you are working with a sleek 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop, tuning out the constant chaos with your headphones, or tracking your hustle on a vibrant smartwatch, upgrading your everyday carry gives you that effortless edge to command any room.
Best Buy's "Techtober" Sale Is Here With Deals From Apple, Samsung, and More Top Brands
Not to be outdone by Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days (Oct. 6), Best Buy is running its own sale with Techtober, giving you discounts on tech. We've taken the time to gather some of the biggest deals from brands like Apple and Elgato. For example, the AirPods Max 2 are the latest headphones from Apple and deliver incredible sound that puts them out there as one of the best pairs to get your hands on.
Anker Is Already Going All In With Prime Day Deals on Chargers and Power Stations
Prime Big Deal Days is almost here (tomorrow, Oct. 6 to be exact), but in classic Amazon fashion, the sales are already creeping in. Anker, one of the biggest and most reliable names in tech is slashing prices on some of their most popular items right now. From portable power stations, to phone chargers, you can save now on awesome items well before the Big Deal Days.
We’ve Already Found the Best Early Prime Day Headphone and Earbud Deals on Apple, JBL, Sony, and More
I don't trust people who say all headphones sound the same. That's like saying all coffee tastes the same or all fries are equal. Absolutely not. A good pair makes you want to replay your favorite songs. A bad pair makes you appreciate good headphones very, very quickly. Whether you're looking for premium noise cancellation, earbuds that can survive your workouts, or headphones with enough battery life to outlast your attention span, the early Prime Day deals are already looking pretty solid.
The Best Kids' Headphones for 2026 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
Why Are Wireless Headphones Better for Kids? First, avoid headphones that don't offer volume limiting, no matter what colorful patterns or popular characters are on the headband. This is a requirement to make our list due to the hearing problems that continuous loud listening can cause. Onanoff BuddyPhone Pop Fun Not every model limits volume in the same way, but our most straightforward advice is to go with Bluetooth headphones.
The Best Cheap Bluetooth Speakers for 2026
Do Cheap Speakers Have Good Bass? Affordable portable speakers once relied only on the strength of tiny, powered drivers to produce sound. Thankfully, passive radiators are now the norm—they don't receive direct power like the drivers but vibrate in concert with them to create a greater sense of bass. Although they won't make you think there's a subwoofer inside, passive radiators handle the lows quite well.
The Best Apple AirPods to Buy in 2025 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
Apple's AirPods are typically the best option for your wireless audio needs if you have an iPhone, an iPad, or a Mac. PCMag's audio experts have reviewed every set of headphones Apple has released (all the way back to the wired EarPods), so you can trust our advice on which are worth buying. We follow an independent and ethical review process, which means you can trust us to steer you toward the same products we'd choose for ourselves.
The Best On-Ear/Over-Ear Headphones for 2025 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
What's the Difference Between Headphones and Earphones? There's an endless selection regarding headphone design, but you're essentially choosing between padded over-the-ear headphones and snug in-canal earphones. Although both have merits, this roundup focuses on the over-the-ear and around-the-ear designs of traditional headphones. Generally, headphones can reproduce richer low-end audio because they have larger drivers than earphones and don't rely on an in-ear seal to deliver sound.
The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for 2025 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
What's the Difference Between Active Noise Cancellation and Passive Noise Isolation? Plenty of headphones and earphones claim to isolate or reduce noise, but that doesn't mean they offer proper ANC. Passive noise isolation, sometimes called passive noise cancellation, is a fancy term for what earplugs do. Simply, when an object (such as a thick earpad with memory foam) blocks sound, it passively (without any battery power) reduces the ambient noise you hear.
The Best Wired Headphones for 2024 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
Do Headphone Drivers Matter? Between headphones and earphones, there's a range of driver styles. In headphones, the most common option is the dynamic driver-headphones typically only employ a single full-range driver in each earcup's enclosure. In recent years, audiophiles have gotten excited about planar magnetic drivers, which use a magnetic field to vibrate a large (compared with a dynamic driver) flat surface area.
The Best Earbuds (In-Ear Headphones) for 2024 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
What's the Difference Between Earphones and Earbuds? The terms earbuds and earphones might seem interchangeable but they usually indicate an important distinction. For our purposes, earbuds don't enter your ear canal and instead sit just outside of it. This design fits more loosely and can cause problems when it comes to accurate stereo imaging (in which both ears get the same amount of audio) and bass response.
The Best Waterproof Headphones for 2024 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
Pay Attention to IP Ratings Let's start here: Waterproof is a flexible term and water-resistant is even more so. To qualify as either, a product ostensibly has to go through standard testing to determine its level of protection against liquids. The resulting score is called an ingress protection (IP) rating. Our explainer on the IP rating system has more details and is a good read for those curious about the process.
The Best AirPods for 2024 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
The fourth-generation AirPods continue to sport an open design that doesn't seal off the ear canal. We're typically not fans of this style because it often leads to unbalanced audio, poor bass response, and a less secure fit. That said, Apple's latest are the first open earbuds we've tested with active noise cancellation (ANC). Additionally, they deliver rich sound, advanced adaptive audio features, and tight iPhone integration.
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
Pros Full-bodied bass and clear highs Impressive active noise cancellation Hands-free Siri with gesture-based interactions H2 chip enables multiple adaptive audio features Cons Open design can cause inconsistent ear-to-ear fit So-so battery life No user-adjustable EQ The $179 Apple AirPods 4 are among the first open earbuds we've seen with active noise cancellation (ANC).
Apple AirPods 4
Pros Impressive bass response and crisp highs Hands-free Siri with gesture-based interactions Work seamlessly with iOS Most affordable AirPods Cons Open design can cause inconsistent ear-to-ear fit Wireless charging isn't support No user-adjustable EQ The $129 AirPods 4 are Apple's entry-level true wireless earbuds.
We Salute the 5 Best Veterans’ Day Weekend Deals on Electronics
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Heading into a long weekend, it’s important to take advantage of your time off in as many ways as you can. If shopping is on the agenda, take a minute to scan the five deals below. They’re the best we unearthed from the many three-day sales going on right now, with deep discounts on stuff we love like iPads, fitness trackers, headphones and more.
Apple's AirPods 4 With Noise Cancellation Work Better Than You'd Expect
CUPERTINO-In addition to the iPhone 16 and the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple revamped its AirPods lineup at its Glowtime event on Monday. The biggest news comes in the form of two new pairs of AirPods: the $129 AirPods 4 and the $179 AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. In addition, the existing AirPods Pro 2 are to gain Hearing Aid capability later this year, and the AirPods Max have been refreshed with a new USB-C port for charging and a smattering of fresh colors.
LG Tone Free T80
Pros Balanced audio with deep bass and bright highs Good codec support Customizable EQ and controls Noise cancellation can sometimes be impressive Cons Laggy Dolby head tracking Outdated app Transparency mode isn't graceful LG's $199.99 Tone Free T80 noise-cancelling true wireless earphones deliver a pleasing combination of powerful bass and bright highs, feel comfortable to wear, and work with a range of Bluetooth codecs.
JLab JBuds ANC 3
Pros Affordable Powerful, sculpted sound Solid low-frequency noise cancellation for the price In-app EQ and control adjustments Cons App lacks polish Noise cancellation falters against mids and highs Supports just the SBC Bluetooth codec For a reasonable $59.99, the true wireless JLab JBuds ANC 3 deliver audio with notable thump, offer effective active noise cancellation (ANC) against low-frequency distractions, and provide an adjustable in-app EQ.
Urbanista Palo Alto
Although some of Urbanista's audio products have novel sustainability features like solar charging, its $99 Palo Alto noise-cancelling true wireless earphones merely have a recycled plastic design. On the one hand, we enjoy their powerful sub-bass and customizable in-app EQ. But on the other hand, the omission of a charging cable, the finicky wireless charging experience, and some operational quirks (the voice prompts are very loud) hinder the experience.
The Best Outdoor Speakers for 2024
Can You Submerge Outdoor Speakers Underwater? Manufacturers often claim a speaker is water-resistant or waterproof, but the only true measure of protection from liquid and other potential hazards is its IP rating. Every proper IP rating consists of either a two-digit score or an X (that acts as a placeholder) and a single digit. The first digit refers to a product's protection against solids (such as dust) and the second refers to protection against liquids.
Beats Pill (2024)
Pros Bright sound with rich bass Attractive design Dustproof and waterproof Flexible USB-C port Apple and Google Find My support Seamless iOS compatibility With angled drivers, hearty bass response, a capable speakerphone, and a waterproof build, the 2024 edition of the Beats Pill addresses the biggest shortcomings of its predecessor. Best of all, it comes in at a significantly lower price of $149.99.
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2
Pros Full-bodied bass and bright highs Excellent noise cancellation, especially against deep lows Dust-resistant and waterproof Case can charge wirelessly and stream audio to the earbuds The $279 Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds improve upon the successful $249 originals by offering class-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) against low frequencies and an advanced charging case that can transmit audio to the earphones from practically any source.
The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for 2024
What's the Difference Between Active Noise Cancellation and Passive Noise Isolation? Plenty of headphones and earphones claim to isolate or reduce noise, but that doesn't mean they offer proper ANC. Passive noise isolation, sometimes called passive noise cancellation, is basically a fancy term for what earplugs do. Simply, when an object (such as a thick earpad with memory foam) blocks sound, it is passively (without any battery power) reducing the ambient noise you hear.
Sonos Ace
Pros Balanced sound Effective noise cancellation Can swap audio with certain Sonos speakers via Bluetooth Intuitive controls Attractive design The $449 Sonos Ace wireless headphones are a change of pace for a company famous for its high-end speakers. They mostly impress thanks to their dynamic, balanced sound, excellent active noise cancellation (ANC), and upscale design. Whereas other Sonos audio products offer both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Sonos Ace headphones use Bluetooth only.
Sonos Roam 2
Pros Full-bodied sound for its size In-app EQ Audio can adapt to your environment Supports wireless charging Cons Expensive Hands-free Alexa doesn't extend to music control No Google Assistant support Outdated Bluetooth specs The $179 Sonos Roam 2 is difficult to distinguish from the original. It has the same drivers and wireless streaming options in a waterproof build, adding just a dedicated Bluetooth button, an updated charging cable, and various battery improvements.
Anker Soundcore Boom Plus 2
Pros Powerful sound with full bass Customizable LED lighting 9-band EQ Waterproof, floating design Cons Passive radiators can rattle at top volumes Plastic build Anker's $249.99 Soundcore Boom 2 Plus Bluetooth speaker is a bigger, more powerful version of the excellent Soundcore Boom 2 ($129.99). Its drivers accentuate bass and get quite loud, while built-in LED lights make for an entertaining party companion.
Nothing Ear (a)
Pros Bass-forward, relatively balanced audio Unique, transparent design Adjustable in-app EQ Good codec support Cons Top competitors have better noise cancellation The $99 Nothing Ear (a) true wireless earphones are quite different than the Ear (stick) they replace. For starters, they ditch the earbud-style design for an in-canal fit, add active noise cancellation (ANC), and come in more color options.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X LE
Pros Wonderful low-frequency response Bright, detailed highs Exceptionally comfortable Replaceable earpads and headband cover Detachable cable A commemoration of Beyerdynamic's 100th anniversary, the $199 DT 770 Pro X LE headphones are a special edition of the popular DT 770 Pro with upgraded Stellar.45mm dynamic drivers and a removable cable. All types of audio sound wonderful on them, from film soundtracks to jazz recordings to electronic music with intense sub-bass.
Marshall Major V
Pros Rich bass depth and sculpted highs Excellent battery life Support for wired, passive listening Spotify Tap integration With balanced audio, superb battery life, and an old-school aesthetic, the $149.99 Marshall Major V wireless on-ear headphones have several things going for them. Notably, they support an app that allows you to customize the on-ear controls, set up Spotify Tap, and tweak the sound signature.
Sennheiser Momentum Sport
Pros Biometric sensors measure your heart rate and body temperature Powerful audio Excellent fit security Versatile controls Customizable EQ Cons Expensive Noise cancellation isn't quite on par for the price At $329.95, Sennheiser's Momentum Sport true wireless earphones sound robust and provide capable active noise cancellation (ANC).
JBL Tune 770NC
Pros Sculpted sound signature with palpable bass Adjustable in-app EQ Comfortable fit Long battery life Cons Modest noise cancellation Controls are prone to misfires The $129.95 JBL Tune 770NC noise-cancelling headphones are ideal if you want boosted bass for a budget price. They produce a pleasing mix of low-end rumble and sculpted highs, and you can dial things up even further via the companion app's 10-band EQ.
Harman Kardon Aura Studio 4
Taking visual cues from Harman Kardon's iconic SoundSticks, the $299.95 Aura Studio 4 Bluetooth speaker combines spectacular looks with a dazzling array of LED lights. It produces satisfying bass and detailed highs at loud volumes, though a lack of both smart features and modern Bluetooth support make for a mixed experience.
JBL Soundgear Sense
Pros Open design allows for transparent listening Clear microphone Included neckband aids fit security Cons Light on sub-bass Lows thin out at higher volumes Easy to accidentally trigger on-ear controls For $149.95, the JBL Soundgear Sense true wireless earbuds deliver rich lows and detailed highs while allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings thanks to their open design.
JBL Live 670NC
JBL's Live 670NC noise-cancelling headphones are something of a rarity given their on-ear design. For $129.95, they offer rich, rumbling audio, wireless or wired listening, and hands-free Alexa voice control, as well as the ability to adjust sound via a 10-band EQ. Disappointingly, their active noise cancellation (ANC) isn't on the level of similarly priced competitors and their control layout can be confusing.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless
Pros Bright, bass-forward audio Effective noise cancellation for the price Comfortable, cool design Included cable allows for active or passive wired listening Cons In-app EQ can noticeably impact volume Can't fully turn off noise cancellation or transparency modes At $229.95, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless headphones cost $50 more than the standard Accentum version.
Skullcandy EcoBuds
Pros Affordable Eco-conscious build Bass-forward audio with Bass Boost mode for extra rumble Cons Docking cradle doesn't have an internal battery No companion app Skullcandy's true wireless EcoBuds claim to have a significantly lower carbon footprint than similarly priced alternatives thanks to their use of more recycled plastics and fewer heavy metals.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
Pros Powerful bass with clear highs Customizable in-app EQ Adjustable transparency mode Flexible on-ear controls Broad codec support Cons Expensive Merely decent noise cancellation On-ear controls are too sensitive Sennheiser's $299.95 Momentum True Wireless 4 noise-cancelling earphones cost more than their predecessors, but they don't do much to merit the price increase.
Klipsch Austin
Klipsch's $99 Austin is the smaller, more affordable counterpart to the $149 Nashville in its Music City series of Bluetooth speakers. It delivers rich low-mids and crisp highs from its single driver, and we're fans of its outdoor-ready build, clear speakerphone mic, and handy built-in strap.
JBL Boombox 3 Review
The JBL Boombox 3 is a great speaker to use outdoors mainly because of its IP67 rating (waterproof and dustproof) and its exceptional 29.7-hour battery life.
Tribit XSound Go Review
The Tribit XSound Go might be small in size, but it packs quite a punch thanks to a strong bass output courtesy of its built-in subwoofer and stereo sound. While there’s no companion app to fine-tune its rich, well-balanced sound performance down to your specific preferences, sound output is still pretty good out of the box, and its tested 19.25-hour battery life places it in the top 30% compared to how long other speakers in our certified, tested list last.
Tribit Stormbox Blast Review
True Score 76 69 76 77 Ranking Market Context The Tribit StormBox Blast is a mid-range wireless speaker that has been on the market since 2022, touting colorful RGB lighting and powerful sound. To… The Tribit StormBox Blast is a mid-range wireless speaker that has been on the market since 2022, touting colorful RGB lighting and powerful sound. To see how it compares to others, see best-ranked speakers today.
Soundcore Motion 300 Review
True Score 81 77 NR 76 Ranking Market Context The Anker Soundcore Motion 300 is a budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker that made it to the market in 2023. Featuring a graphic EQ and presets, this… The Anker Soundcore Motion 300 is a budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker that made it to the market in 2023. Featuring a graphic EQ and presets, this speaker is easy to customize, and you may wonder how it stacks against the highest-rated speakers retailing today.
Sonos Move 2 Review
True Score 82 84 70 76 86 Ranking Market Context The Sonos Move 2 is a high-end Bluetooth speaker released in 2023, offering a long battery life and powerful stereo sound. If you want to… The Sonos Move 2 is a high-end Bluetooth speaker released in 2023, offering a long battery life and powerful stereo sound. If you want to know how the Sonos Move compares to the highest-rated speakers, read on for details.
Marshall Woburn II Review
Marshall Woburn II Review Marshall Woburn III Review Morel Hogtalare Review True Score 73 NR 70 80 Ranking Market Context The Marshall Woburn II is a premium Bluetooth speaker first announced in late 2018. The speaker’s design heavily borrows from Marshall’s line of guitar amplifiers,… The Marshall Woburn II is a premium Bluetooth speaker first announced in late 2018. The speaker’s design heavily borrows from Marshall’s line of guitar amplifiers, with an array of control knobs on its top panel.
JBL Authentics 500 Review
The JBL Authentics 500 offers premium sound quality, well-balanced highs and mids, a strong bass output, and the opportunity to customize its sound output through the Equalizer on its user-friendly JBL One app. A max volume rating of 102.8 dB places it in the top 10% of speakers in its category, but it’ll have to be plugged into a main power source since it is not battery-powered. It also has no water or dust resistance but an AUX and USB port for playing from or charging other devices.
Apple Homepod 2nd Generation Review
Apple Homepod 2nd Generation Review Apple HomePod 1st Generation True Score 78 74 71 73 NR Ranking Market Context Released in 2023, the Apple HomePod 2nd Generation is a premium, high-fidelity speaker with two color options (midnight and white). Like the best speakers, it… Released in 2023, the Apple HomePod 2nd Generation is a premium, high-fidelity speaker with two color options (midnight and white).
Sonos Era 100 Review
True Score 82 84 78 73 89 Ranking Market Context Launched in 2023, the Sonos Era 100 is a premium, compact speaker with black and white color variants. Like the best speakers, it boasts dual-angled… Launched in 2023, the Sonos Era 100 is a premium, compact speaker with black and white color variants. Like the best speakers, it boasts dual-angled tweeters, a mid-woofer, and a far-field microphone array. You can adjust the bass, treble, and loudness through the Sonos app.
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