2024: a good year for earbuds

The year 2024 was another very good one for wireless headphones. We’ve reached a point where every tech giant is firing on all cylinders. Apple AirPods ProSamsung Galaxy Buds 3 Proand Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 they are all great in their own right and quite comparable in the features they offer. Are there advantages depending on which one you choose? For sure. Samsung’s new voice controls are super convenient. Google wins on comfort. And Apple is new hearing health characteristics really level what we expect from consumer headphones. But in terms of daily performance, they are all within spitting distance of each other.

As for over-the-ear headphones, Sonos has introduced its long-range noise Ace headphones this year. His trademark trick, Audio TV Exchangeis the ability to receive audio from a Sonos soundbar for private listening – a good example of a brand trying to carve out a unique selling point in a competitive market, while Apple, Samsung and Google are laser-focused on the interplay in their respective. ecosystems. (Of course, the Sonos headset was almost forgotten in the avalanche of controversies powered by the company’s revised mobile app.)

But this year has reinforced that you don’t have to spend big to find great value. Apple has brought active noise cancellation to its Less expensive AirPods 4. With the Nothing Ear and the budget price Ear (a), Nothing proved once again that he can compete with long-standing headphone makers – and designs many of them. Style-wise, it is difficult to choose between the flashing yellow of the Ear (a) or Only candy red Beats BudsBut nothing gives you more for your money than the Apple brand.

2024 saw it too Jabra exits the consumer headset market. The company spent years producing worthy alternatives to AirPods and other products during the first waves of true wireless earbuds, but Jabra lost its momentum and failed to significantly stand out with its latest Elite earbuds. U Elite 10 Gen 2 they are excellent on all accounts, but hard to recommend when they represent the end of the line.

As for where the category is headed, headphones are rapidly evolving into devices with a purpose that extends far beyond audio consumption. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 now offer a powerful trifecta of hearing health features: you can wear them as hearing protection, take a test to assess your own hearing loss, or use the headphones such as clinical grade hearing aids. I expect we’ll see other industry heavyweights like Sony, Samsung, and Google bring similar capabilities to their own upcoming gems — perhaps as soon as next year.

Fitness tracking is another area where we’ll continue to see the headset offer new advantages. Heart rate tracking is becoming relatively commonand the new generation Powerbeats Pro, due in early 2025are rumored to include the useful function.

As for the new year, Sony’s long popular 1000X series it’s due for a refresher. The 1000XM6 headphones (and headphones) seem like a lock for 2025. I think the same is true of the upcoming AirPods Pro; Apple will release a redesigned third-generation pair next year. On the other hand, with Samsung and Google releasing new models in the last six months, I don’t expect much from them in the near future.

For you audiophiles, 2025 is likely to see the introduction of more headphones that can wirelessly transmit lossless audio such as Qualcomm’s most advanced chips are beginning to proliferate in new products from various brands, including Sennheiser, Bose and others. As for other features, I’m curious to see how well headset makers will leverage AI chatbots. Google’s Pixel Buds Pro lets you hold entire conversations with Gemini Live. Will other brands seek to provide a similar experience with different AI platforms?

The new year is sure to get off to a busy start right out of the gate, with headphones and earphones from dozens of brands expected at CES 2025. Hopefully there will be a real surprise among the bunch.

Photo by Chris Welch/The Verge