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Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Scotsman
We've tested these stylish sports headphones - and wangled a discount
The Nank Runner Air headphones are designed for outdoor and indoor sports | Nank This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. These headphones are lightweight, comfortable, and sound better than they should for the price - and we've got an exclusive discount code to make them even cheaper Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Nank is a company you might not have heard of before, but I've tested some of their flagship "Runner Diver" bone conduction headphones before, and they were mighty impressive. So when I was offered a chance to test a much cheaper pair of their new Runner Air headphones, I was keen to take the opportunity. Unlike the Runner Divers, these use air conduction. Air conduction transmits a sound directly into the ear, unlike the extremely clever bone conduction system which sends sound waves through the bones in your skull. The result, in theory, is a better quality sound, but often at the cost of a little comfort, as they have to sit much closer to your ear, rather than rest gently on the skin just in front of them. Also unlike the Runner Divers, the Runner Airs don't have noise cancelling, and they don't have the same level of waterproofing, but they are cheap. Seriously cheap. Air conduction works differently to bone conduction, but can deliver a much richer sound | Nank If you can catch a deal on Nank's website you'll save 40% off the £74.63 benchmark price, bringing the cost down to £44.78. However, Nank has offered our readers a code knocking a further 15% off at the checkout, which brings them down to about £38. Just enter Skimlinks15 at the checkout. It's a seriously tempting price, then, but are they any good? Fundamentally, air conduction should sound better. It should offer a deeper bass and more clarity to the high notes. There isn't a remarkable difference, truth be told, between these and the Runner Divers, but they do cost around a third of the price. So that's not surprising. Importantly, though, they don't sound bad. There's plenty of definition to the sound, and given that these are open ear headphones, they have more punch and volume than you might expect. Especially for the price. They fit securely and the battery life is good | Nank They fit nicely and securely, and they're able to cope with a few generous splashes, thanks to IPX5 waterproofing. Bluetooth 5.4 is a nice edition, and the battery life is very impressive, with up to 10 hours of playtime. Sports headphones predominantly need to feel secure and comfortable. Sound quality and functionality is a bonus beyond that, and these definitely tick the right boxes. I also really love the stylish red and blue colour, although a more sober white and grey is available too. For this price, especially after our exclusive discount, they really do punch above their weight. Of course, if you spend more you'll get a higher quality sound, or perhaps a better battery life, but it's hard to see why you'd bother. Unless you're a geeky audiophile, or you're into extreme sports, these will be absolutely fine for most people.
Stuff.tv
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Stuff.tv
These retro wireless headphones are hotter than Mr Motivator's lycra onesie
Unless you're wearing a shellsuit while watching a Betamax video of Roland Rat driving a Sinclair C5 to Woolworths to pick up a copy of No Jacket Required by Phil Collins, there are few things that look more '80s than these KM5 Lightwear Headphones Hp1. Originally crowdfunded in Japan last year, enough people wanted to look like Marty McFly that these retro headphones are now available to buy for £159/$189 – and they've had some important upgrades to make them fit for use in 2025 rather than 1985. For starters there's Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio support, so you don't need to worry about finding something with a 3.5mm port to plug them into, and even though they sit on your ears rather than fully covering them you get noise-cancelling with a transparency mode too. At 103g they're more than twice the weight of the original Sony Walkman headphones they mimic, but those didn't have a 120mAh battery attached on each side, plus they still make the new Sony WH-1000XM6 look like they're made out of lead. There are no wires to connect the two sides, so you need to charge both batteries independently. Fortunately there's a special split cable included in the box, and they should last up to 24 hours between charges, which is more than enough for the full discographies of both Phil Collins and Roland Rat. As well as those batteries, each earcup is also home to a 40mm driver and a set of controls. You can adjust the volume, skip through your tunes, and also summon your phone's voice assistant. The KM5 Lightwear Headphones Hp1 are available in two different colours, both with swappable magnetic ear cushions. The white ones come with gray and turquoise, while the black ones get black and dark red. Choose the pair that best matches your shellsuit.
Stuff.tv
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Stuff.tv
This retro-styled Bluetooth boombox makes me want to cancel my streaming subscription
Miss the days of shoving a cassette into a chunky boombox, pressing play, and hearing the sound crackle to life rather than scrolling through music streaming playlists? Then this modern take on the boombox from We Are Rewind might just be your new obsession. The GB-001 is a retro-styled boombox that marries the old with the new. That's not just in the design, but also in functionality with support for both Bluetooth and cassettes. Read more: Best cassette players and tape players in 2025 for a retro audio fix It's a full-blown stereo powerhouse, decked out with Bluetooth 5.4, a rechargeable battery, and a cassette deck that takes itself quite seriously. This boombox plays and records tapes, does Dolby B-style noise reduction, and makes me want to cancel my Apple Music subscription. Of course, it's also fully equipped for the modern world. Tap the Bluetooth pairing button to connect for wireless audio, or there's a 3.5mm jack for everything else. What's seriously impressive is just how far We Are Rewind has gone with the tech under boombox's retro hood. We're talking 104 watts of stereo output, with left and right woofers and tweeters that promise a full-spectrum audio experience. There's dynamic power control to rein in distortion, EQ tweaking knobs, and even a spatial audio mode. The GB-001 even comes with functional VU meters – gloriously backlit ones, at that. Throw in a microphone input with adjustable gain and a feature that lets it double as a guitar amp, and this thing is in retro territory. It even supports rap battles if you've got a spare wireless mic or two lying about. The GB-001 boombox is available to order now directly from We Are Rewind. It'll set you back £379/€449.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Under ₹2,500 with 70H Playtime and 4 EQ Modes: All you need to know before buying
When you see a pair of wireless headphones promising 70 hours of playtime, an ENC mic for clear calls, 4 EQ modes, and a lot more in a budget less than ₹2500, you're bound to pause and think, What's the catch? That's exactly what we thought when we got our hands on the newly launched Boult X Mustang. They look sleek, come with both Bluetooth 5.4 and AUX support, and claim to handle sweat, too, thanks to the IPX5 rating. But do they actually deliver where it matters? Sound, comfort, and everyday use? If you've been hunting for that can keep up with your playlists, calls, and daily commutes, this one might be worth a look. In this review, we break down the highs, lows, and everything in between to help you decide if the Boult X Mustang lives up to the hype. Check out the Boult X Mustang Newly Launched Q Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones here The Boult X Mustang Q Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones are designed to combine powerful audio with long-lasting performance. With up to 70 hours of playtime, 40mm bass-boosted drivers, and 4 EQ modes, they're built for music lovers. The Zen ENC mic ensures clear call quality, while Bluetooth 5.4 offers stable connectivity. Priced at ₹2,499, they also include IPX5 water resistance, AUX support, and Type-C fast charging. Boult X Mustang Newly Launched Q Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones with 70H Playtime, 40mm Bass Drivers, Zen™ ENC Mic, Type-C Fast Charging, 4 EQ Modes, Bluetooth 5.4, AUX Option, IPX5 Wireless Headphones The Boult X Mustang headphones have a fairly bulky look, especially if you have a smaller face or head, something I personally noticed during use. While they might not come across as very sleek, the matte finish and subtle detailing lend them a slightly premium feel. The headband is flexible and adjustable, offering a decent fit across different head sizes. The padding on the headband and earcups feels soft, but comfort can vary. In my case, they felt a bit too tight after 20–30 minutes of use, which caused slight discomfort. A short break of 10–15 minutes helped before I could continue wearing them again. Despite the size, they're fairly lightweight and fold inward, which adds to their portability. Boult also includes a small cloth pouch for storage. The IPX5 rating means they can handle light splashes or sweat, ideal for short workouts or daily commutes, though we might not recommend using it during rain. Boult has packed the X Mustang with 40mm drivers, and you can definitely hear the emphasis on bass. If you enjoy thumpy beats and bass-forward tracks like hip-hop or EDM, you'll find the low-end quite satisfying. That said, the bass sometimes overpowers the mids and highs, especially at higher volumes, where vocals and instruments can lose clarity. At moderate volume levels, the sound remains fairly balanced for most genres. The 4 EQ modes are easy to toggle through, but the difference between them isn't drastically noticeable. There's a slight shift in bass and treble with each mode, but nothing too dramatic. Sound isolation is decent enough to block out some background noise while commuting or working, but there's minor sound leakage at higher volumes. In quiet environments, people nearby might hear what you're listening to. Overall, the X Mustang delivers punchy audio that suits bass lovers, but audiophiles might find it lacking in refinement. The Boult X Mustang comes equipped with a Zen ENC mic, which performs reasonably well for its price. During indoor calls, voice clarity is decent and clear enough for casual chats and quick meetings. Background noise is reduced to an extent. Outdoors, the mic struggles a bit. Wind noise and traffic can easily seep through, especially if you're in a busy or open area. That said, the person on the other end could still hear me, just with some background fuzz. In addition, a major drawback I experienced was frequent disconnection during calls. This happened across multiple calls and was noticeable both on mobile networks and apps like WhatsApp. Check out more headphones from Boult Boult claims a massive 70-hour battery life, and while you won't be able to keep a track of the number of hours, it still delivers impressive performance. With a combination of music playback, a few calls, and some standby time, I guess I got close to 52–55 hours on a single charge, still solid for this segment. Charging is handled via Type-C, and it takes around 1-1.5 hours for a full charge. A quick 10–15 minute charge can give you roughly 6–8 hours of playtime, which is great for those in a rush. I didn't notice any rapid battery draining. Check out the best Boult earbuds The Boult X Mustang offers Bluetooth 5.4, which pairs quickly and stays stable while gaming and listening to music. However, there's no dual pairing, and the low-latency mode doesn't make a noticeable difference during gaming. The AUX option is handy when the battery dies, ensuring uninterrupted playback anytime. The Boult X Mustang headphones are a great pick for students, casual listeners, and budget-conscious buyers who want solid performance without breaking the bank. With long battery life, decent audio, and practical features like AUX support and water resistance, they offer good value at ₹2,499. However, if you're an audiophile or someone seeking premium build and sound quality, this may fall short of expectations. For everyday use, calls, and music, they strike a balanced value-for-money deal. Best Bluetooth headphones in 2025: Top picks for uninterrupted music Best wireless headphones under 500: Top picks for unbeatable sound quality, stylish designs and affordability Best JBL wireless headphones you can buy today: Top 8 picks for superior sound, comfort and seamless connectivity Best headphones under ₹3000: Top 10 affordable options for great sound quality Best wireless Bluetooth headphones for good sound quality, comfort: Top 8 picks Yes, it comes with an AUX port, so you can use it even when the battery runs out. While it claims 70 hours, you can expect around 50–55 hours with mixed usage like music, calls, and moderate volume. Yes, the Zen™ ENC mic offers decent call quality, but some users may experience occasional Bluetooth disconnection during longer calls. They include a low-latency mode, but the performance isn't ideal for competitive gaming. Casual mobile gaming is fine. No, these headphones do not support multipoint or dual Bluetooth pairing. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Daily Record
08-05-2025
- Daily Record
Amazon's 'exceptional' £19 wireless earbuds are 'far superior' to Apple and Samsung
Don't break the bank on a pair of AirPods as these Donerton Wireless Earbuds are getting glowing reviews. A pair of wireless headphones are a modern day must-have. From working out at the gym to commuting, they are handy for all walks of life. While there are many brands on the market, there is no denying the popularity of Apple's AirPods. However, since they retail at up to £229 for the Pro 2 Earbuds, we are always on the hunt for something a tad cheaper. Fortunately, tech aficionado's often rave over many other options available for less on Amazon, with these Donerton Wireless Earbuds being billed as "far superior" to many major brands - all for just £18.99 a pair. These wireless earbuds use the 2025 Bluetooth 5.4 chip technology to deliver high-quality data transmission speed, connection stability and power consumption on a variety of devices such as Android, iOs, tablets and more. Despite the humble price-tag, the 13mm speakers deliver "crystal clear" and "vivid" sound quality, while the Hi-Fi deep base audio and ENC noise cancellation technology blocks out background noise when listening to music, audiobooks or podcasts. The noise cancellation will also come in handy when you need to take a phone call when commuting or out and about, as there are four built-in mics for clearer call sound quality. Donerton Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds £18.99 Amazon SHOP Product Description The ergonomic design is suitable for everyone, with three silicone shaped tips available to provide a secure and long-lasting fit. As they are IP7 waterproof, the earbuds are prevented from any damage caused by sweat and raindrops. Meanwhile, the wireless charging case displays the remaining power of each earbud using dual LED technology and can provide up to 40-hours of playback, with a single fast 1.5-hour charge offering up to eight hours alone. However, if Samsung is your preferred brand, then it is worth knowing that they are on offer for £40 less at Currys, with the brand's Galaxy Buds3 Pro now £179. Alternatively, an affordable brand is Skullcandy, with the Smokin Buds costing under £30 at Argos. Tech deal of the week Looking to bag a pair of wireless headphones, but don't want to pay out for Apple's AirPods? Then look no further than Amazon, as the online giant has a selection of budget-friendly options that are said to deliver on quality. One such pair are the Donerton Wireless Earbuds. Priced at just £18.99, these earbuds use 2025 Bluetooth 5.4 to seamlessly connect to any device, while the 13mm speakers deliver "crystal clear" and "vivid" sound quality that is said to be on par with pricier brands. Using ENC noise cancellation technology and featuring four built-in microphones, they are ideal for taking phone calls when out and about, alongside listening to music, podcasts and audiobooks without interruption. The ergonomic design is suitable for everyone, with three silicone shaped tips available to provide a secure and long-lasting fit. As they are IP7 waterproof, they are prevented from any damage caused by sweat and raindrops. Meanwhile, the wireless charging case displays the remaining power of each earbud using dual LED technology and can provide up to 40-hours of playback, with a single fast 1.5-hour charge offering up to eight hours alone. Averaging a 4.4 rating on Amazon based on over 18,000 reviews, they have been compared to Apple and Samsung by tech fans who have praised them as "far superior" and "brilliant." One such review read: "These EarPods are brilliant ! The sound is great & everything you would expect from apple but so much cheaper. I've had apple EarPods from apple, these are on par. Highly recommended." Purchase the Donerton Wireless Earbuds on Amazon for £18.99 here. That being said, shoppers keen to save some money on the Donerton Wireless Earbuds will be pleased to hear they have earned a 4.4 rating on Amazon based on over 18,000 reviews, with praise hailing the "exceptional" quality as "on par" with the bigger brands. A positive shopper said: "I've had Apple and Samsung brands of ear buds and these in MY opinion are far superior especially when it comes to value for money. "Full charge lasts days, the case, in which you charge the buds, also doubles as a power bank for charging your phone in emergencies (doesn't fast charge but would give you time to make that emergency call). I cannot fault these at all. The sound quality is great." A similar review read: "These earbuds are brilliant! The sound is great & everything you would expect from Apple but so much cheaper. I've had Apple AirPods, these are on par. Highly recommended." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Not everyone found the noise cancellation to work, as one three-star review read: "The sound is ok for the money, in fact it's quite good. The noise counselling however is totally non-existent." However, someone else praising the noise cancellation responded: "These headphones are brilliant. The sound is crystal clear, and the noise cancelling is good. I don't really use the buttons on them and prefer to use my phone to skip songs or pause. For the price, these bad boys are unreal." And another five-star review read: "These buds are fantastic value for money, as they are beautifully made and packaged and the performance is exceptional. So far the battery life seems excellent and they pair to any Bluetooth equipment in seconds." Purchase the Donerton Wireless Earbuds on Amazon for £18.99 here.
