Latest news with #WF-1000XM5
Engadget
an hour ago
- Engadget
Sony WF-C710N review: More than midrange
Sony's 1000X earbuds may get most of the attention in the company's lineup, but there are gems to be found on the roster for less money. The LinkBuds series offers some serious contenders for $100 less than the flagship WF-1000XM5. There have also been some compelling products under $150 from Sony, and the recently released WF-C710N ( $120 ) also fits the bill. A comfortable fit, a long list of features and above-average ANC performance lead the positives here, but there are a few caveats you'll need to consider before you commit. The WF-C710N outperforms similarly priced competitors in several areas, but don't expect flagship-quality audio at this price. $88 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $90 at Target$90 at Best Buy The WF-C710N is the successor to the WF-C700N that debuted in 2023. That set was a formidable mid-range contender in its own right, thanks to a compact design and handy features. Sony didn't change the overall look too much for the C710N, but the touch panels for the controls are easier to find since they're now concave circles. The company also introduced a transparent blue color option that allows you to see inside the earbuds and case. It's giving Beats Solo Buds and Studio Buds + vibes, but I'm all for it. In my opinion, the more transparent gadgets, the better. Compared to much of the competition, the C710N's smaller size also means it is more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The earbuds sit on the ridges of my ears nicely, and there isn't any unbalanced, excess weight projecting out from the side of my head. It's clear Sony fine-tuned the ergonomics for all-day use, and I had no trouble wearing them for the entirety of my battery tests. That's not always the case with larger, bulkier earbuds. The C710N might be a midrange set at $120, but the long list of features allows the earbuds to punch above their weight. Starting with the basics, there's active noise cancellation (ANC), adjustable ambient sound mode, customizable EQ (presets and sliders), multipoint connectivity, reconfigurable touch controls and automatic pausing when the buds are removed from your ears. On the more advanced end of the spec sheet, you get Adaptive Sound Control: Sony's trademark tool that automates changes to sound settings based on activity or location. There's also a personalized EQ, 360 Reality Audio support, DSEE upscaling and a Quick Attention feature that lowers the volume and activates ambient sound for any brief chats. The only notable omission here is Speak-to-Chat that does the same thing as Quick Attention automatically when you start talking, but I'm not surprised it was left off a pair of $120 earbuds. ANC performance is remarkably strong on the C710N, a feat that typically eludes the competition in this price range. In particular, I noticed these earbuds do an above average job of blocking human voices as I was able to greatly reduce the volume of nearby chatter in most instances. I'm not talking complete silence, but the amount of noise blocking is above average when you're in the vicinity of someone you'd rather not listen to at full volume. Constant distractions like loud fans are also reduced but not entirely thwarted, so that too is better than what you'll get from a lot of the similarly priced options. Billy Steele for Engadget Compared to other midrange earbuds, sound quality is slightly above average on the C710N, but it could be good enough to satisfy you at this price. The bass is tight and punchy, but oftentimes it overpowers the mix for hip-hop, rock and metal — basically any genre with a driving beat. And when you switch to something more mellow like bluegrass, the low-end tone still constrains the treble and mid range. Depending on the song, highs can cut through, but a boost in the middle of the EQ would do wonders for overall depth of sound here (you'll want to keep DSEE active). Is it good enough for someone looking to pick up a set of earbuds on a budget? Yes. Does the audio performance compete with flagship options like the WF-1000XM5 ? Not even close. In my tests, the C710N didn't last as long as Sony promised. The company says you'll get up to eight and a half hours on a charge with ANC active. But, using a mix of noise cancelling and ambient sound modes, I only managed between six and a half and seven hours. That's a respectable amount, but if you're looking to wear these for an entire work day, you might not make it. That's especially true if you need them to also stick around for your commute. Despite offering the option to 'Capture Voice During a Phone Call' in the Sound Connect app, the C710N doesn't pipe much of you back through the earbuds in that scenario. Even with ambient sound active, I still felt the need to speak up more than normal, so voice and video calls weren't as natural as they could be. Overall, Sony's assurance of 'crystal-clear calls' falls flat as you'll sound decent, but not pristine. The C710N will block most background noise from coming through, but in doing so the quality of your voice greatly suffers. All of that means these earbuds are usable for calls if you really need them, but if sounding comprehensible in calls is important , you'll want to look elsewhere. If comfort and handy features are your primary concern, the C710N will serve you well. Sound quality isn't the best, but it isn't bad either, so I have no doubt that many people will be pleased with it. If I had been able to hit (or even surpass) Sony's stated battery life, these earbuds would be easy to recommend. Despite that, they're still a solid option, especially at $120, since the company once again outpaces its midrange rivals with more convenient tools than you'll find anywhere else. The C710N is definitely a better choice than the slightly cheaper Beats Solo Buds , which are now $99.95 at full price ($80 at launch). The transparent option allows you to see the inner workings of the WF-C710N.
Mint
25-05-2025
- Mint
Noise Cancelling earbuds in 2025: Top 10 picks for superior sound and ultimate silence
Trying to find the right earbuds can be tricky, especially when there is so much noise around you. Whether you are on a busy street or in a loud office, it can be hard to focus or enjoy your music. That is why noise cancelling earbuds are so useful. They help block out the sounds around you so you can listen without distractions. With so many brands and models to choose from, picking the best earbuds can feel confusing. This guide will help you understand what makes some earbuds better than others. We will share the top options and explain what each one does well. That way, you can find earbuds that fit your lifestyle and budget. No matter if you want to concentrate at work, enjoy your commute, or just relax at home, the right noise cancelling earbuds can make a big difference. Let's explore the best choices and find the perfect pair for you. Sony's WF-1000XM5 are premium TWS earbuds known for their industry-leading noise cancellation and outstanding sound quality. Featuring the new Dynamic Driver X, these earbuds deliver deep bass, clear vocals, and a wide frequency response. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable, stable fit, and the memory foam ear tips enhance passive noise isolation. The earbuds are equipped with two high-performance processors (Integrated Processor V2 and HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e) and six microphones for superior ANC. They support hi-res audio, LDAC, and 360 Reality Audio with dynamic head tracking. With IPX4 water resistance and up to 36 hours of battery life. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers praise the earbuds' build quality and secure fit, but report mixed sound performance, comfort, battery life, poor call quality, and ANC issues. A well-built, snug-fitting option offering good value, though inconsistent audio, battery life, call performance and ANC may disappoint some. The Sony LinkBuds S WF-LS900N are lightweight TWS earbuds designed for all-day comfort and seamless integration into daily life. They offer effective active noise cancellation and adaptive sound control, automatically adjusting ambient sound based on your activity and location. The compact design and soft fit make them ideal for extended wear, while their sound profile is tuned for clarity and balance. These earbuds support LDAC and DSEE Extreme for high-resolution audio, plus multipoint connectivity for switching between devices. With IPX4 water resistance and up to 20 hours of battery life (with case), they are well-suited for commuting and workouts. The touch controls and voice assistant integration add to their convenience, though ANC performance is slightly below flagship models. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers find the earbuds comfortable and well-made, but report mixed sound quality, frequent disconnections, battery issues, and inconsistent noise cancellation and build. Comfortable for long wear with decent noise cancellation, but concerns about battery life, connectivity, and build quality may affect overall value. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 delivers audiophile-grade sound with deep bass, detailed mids, and sparkling highs. These earbuds feature Sennheiser's proprietary TrueResponse transducer and support aptX Adaptive for low-latency, high-resolution audio. The ergonomic design and multiple ear tip options ensure a secure, comfortable fit for most users. Active noise cancellation is robust, and the transparency mode is natural-sounding. The Momentum True Wireless 4 offers up to 28 hours of battery life (with case), IPX4 water resistance, and customizable touch controls. Multipoint connectivity and a companion app for EQ adjustments round out the feature set, though the case is bulkier than some competitors. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers enjoy the crisp sound, strong noise cancellation, and comfortable fit, but report mixed experiences with functionality, battery life, and connectivity. Great for immersive audio and comfort, though inconsistent performance and connectivity may affect its value for some users. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are designed for seamless integration with Samsung devices, offering excellent ANC, rich sound, and a comfortable fit. These earbuds feature dual dynamic drivers for improved audio clarity and bass response. The intelligent ANC adapts to your environment, and the ambient mode lets in outside sounds when needed. Battery life is solid, with up to 30 hours total (with case), and the earbuds support wireless charging. The Buds 3 Pro also offer IPX7 water resistance, making them suitable for workouts. Touch controls and voice assistant support are included, though some features work best within the Samsung ecosystem. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers love the sound quality and stylish design, but report mixed feedback on fit, connectivity, charging, and functionality, with some finding it overpriced. Offers impressive audio and sleek looks, though inconsistent performance and fit may not justify the price for every user. Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer class-leading noise cancellation and signature Bose sound with deep bass and clear highs. The earbuds feature CustomTune technology, which adapts sound and ANC to your ear shape. The fit is secure and comfortable, with multiple ear tip and stability band options. Battery life is up to 24 hours (with case), and the earbuds are IPX4 water-resistant. Touch controls and multipoint Bluetooth are included, and the Bose Music app allows for EQ customization. The case is on the larger side, and the price is at the premium end. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers appreciate the sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort, but report frequent disconnections, poor call quality, and mixed opinions on battery life and value. Excellent audio and comfort make it appealing, though connectivity issues and longevity concerns may affect long-term satisfaction. The Marshall Motif II ANC earbuds combine the brand's iconic design with solid audio performance and active noise cancellation. The earbuds deliver a punchy sound signature, with emphasis on bass and clear vocals. The fit is secure, and the earbuds are lightweight for comfortable wear. Battery life is up to 30 hours (with case), and the earbuds are IPX5 water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts. Touch controls are responsive, and the companion app allows for EQ adjustments. The ANC is effective but not class-leading, and the price is slightly high for the features offered. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers like the earbuds' look, but report mixed sound quality and poor noise cancellation, with many calling it the worst product they've used. Visually stylish, but major concerns around sound performance and overall quality make it a risky purchase. The Sennheiser ACCENTUM TWS earbuds deliver balanced sound with clear mids and highs, suitable for a wide range of music genres. They feature effective noise cancellation and a comfortable in-ear fit with multiple ear tip sizes. The earbuds are lightweight, making them ideal for long listening sessions. Battery life is up to 28 hours (with case), and the earbuds are IPX4 water-resistant. Touch controls and a companion app for EQ adjustments are included. While the sound quality is excellent, the ANC is not as strong as Sennheiser's flagship models, and the case is somewhat bulky. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers appreciate the sound and clear call quality, but report mixed feedback on functionality, fit, connectivity, and value for money. Strong audio and dual-mic clarity make it a good pick for calls, though fit and connection issues may affect user experience. JBL's Live Beam 3 earbuds offer a lively sound profile with strong bass and crisp highs, catering to bass lovers and pop music fans. The earbuds feature adaptive noise cancellation and a comfortable, secure fit. The unique smart case includes a display for battery and connectivity info. Battery life is up to 40 hours (with case), and the earbuds are IP54-rated for dust and water resistance. The touch controls are intuitive, and the JBL app allows for sound customization. The case is larger than most, and the sound signature may not appeal to those seeking a neutral profile. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers enjoy the sound quality and clear mic, but report mixed experiences with battery life, connectivity, ANC, and overall value for money. Offers clear audio and convenient controls, though inconsistent battery and connectivity may not meet all expectations. The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 offer impressive value with strong ANC, balanced sound, and a comfortable fit. The earbuds feature dual drivers for improved audio clarity and deep bass. The adaptive ANC effectively reduces ambient noise, and the transparency mode is natural-sounding. Battery life is up to 38 hours (with case), and the earbuds are IP55 water and dust resistant. Fast charging provides hours of playback in minutes. The earbuds support LHDC, AAC, and SBC codecs, though some features are optimized for OnePlus devices. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers praise the smooth bass, premium feel, and comfort. They highlight strong battery life, ANC, and seamless connectivity, though some report fitting issues. Ideal for immersive listening with reliable performance and premium comfort, offering good value despite potential fit concerns for some users. The Sennheiser Momentum Sport earbuds are designed for active lifestyles, offering a secure fit, robust sound, and advanced sensors for fitness tracking. The sound signature is energetic, with punchy bass and clear mids. Built-in sensors track heart rate and body temperature, integrating with fitness apps. Battery life is up to 24 hours (with case), and the earbuds are IP54-rated for sweat and water resistance. The ANC is effective, and the transparent mode is useful for outdoor activities. The price is high, and the charging case is relatively large due to the added sensors. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers praise the earbuds' deep sound and comfort for long use. However, many report software issues causing crackling and swooshing noises, poor call quality, and fit problems causing ear pain. Offers impressive audio and comfort but beware of software glitches, durability issues, and mixed user experience with fit and call clarity. Sound quality: Look for earbuds that deliver clear and balanced audio across all frequencies. Noise cancellation effectiveness: Choose earbuds with strong active noise cancellation to block out unwanted sounds. Comfort and fit: Ensure the earbuds fit well and feel comfortable for long periods of use. Battery life: Check how long the earbuds last on a single charge, especially with noise cancellation turned on. Additional features: Consider extras like water resistance, wireless charging, or touch controls for convenience. The best noise cancelling earbuds use advanced microphones and algorithms to reduce ambient noise significantly, allowing you to focus on audio without distractions, especially in noisy environments like public transport or busy streets. High-quality noise cancelling earbuds maintain clear and balanced sound by minimising external noise without distorting music. Top models balance effective noise cancellation with excellent audio performance for an immersive listening experience. Battery life is crucial as active noise cancellation consumes more power. The best noise cancelling earbuds offer several hours of playback with ANC on, ensuring you don't run out of charge during your daily commute or workouts. Noise cancelling earbuds in 2025 Drivers Battery Life (with case) Water Resistance Sony WF-1000XM5 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X Up to 36 hours IPX4 Sony LinkBuds S WF-LS900N 5mm Up to 20 hours IPX4 Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 7mm TrueResponse Up to 28 hours IPX4 Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Dual dynamic drivers Up to 30 hours IPX7 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds Custom high-efficiency Up to 24 hours IPX4 Marshall Motif II ANC 6mm dynamic drivers Up to 30 hours IPX5 Sennheiser ACCENTUM TWS 7mm dynamic drivers Up to 28 hours IPX4 JBL Live Beam 3 10mm dynamic drivers Up to 40 hours IP54 OnePlus Buds Pro 3 10.4mm + 6mm dual Up to 38 hours IP55 Sennheiser Momentum Sport 10mm dynamic drivers Up to 24 hours IP54 Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.
Tom's Guide
15-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I review headphones for a living, and even I'm confused about how they're named
I'm done. I can't take it anymore — my brain melts at the sheer variety of headphones, specifically the names given to them. Confusing product line naming, annoying product titles that consist of little more than numbers, letters, and dashes — It's all just a bit too much. Perhaps I'm not as clever as I once thought. But still, there should be some thought that goes into how headphones are named, to make it easier to decode for people like me. And maybe you. What's 'professional' about my earbuds? Why is this new pair of earbuds named the same as a product from a few years ago that's still on sale? If you're pulling your hair out at just how confusing the world of headphones can be right now, you're not alone. And if I struggle? I can only imagine what it's like for someone who doesn't literally live headphones. Here's a look at a few of the top headphone makers and their baffling naming conventions. Sony is the first culprit on my list. I get that the XM series headphones are the best wireless headphones you make, but why is there only a letter difference between the headphones and the earbuds? And what's with all the other numbers? The WF and the WH. The former are earbuds, the latter headphones. Ah, great, that works with some of the cheaper models as well — the WF-C710N. But unless I'm in the know, how am I supposed to know that they're not as good as the WF-1000XM5? I guess the price would give it away, but if I were going by name, I wouldn't know. But wait, it gets worse! Linkbuds — without press releases and people like me writing about them at length, how would you know where they sit in the Sony product line? At least they're named better than before, the Linkbuds Fit (which fit into your ears) and the Linkbuds Open (which sit on the outside of your ear). That at least gives you some idea of what they do and how they work without research. Then there's the ULT headphones, with different names again… The XM5s are Sony's premium noise-canceling headphones and our pick for the best headphones on the market. The large, over-ear cushions are incredibly comfortable and the active noise cancelation is excellent. Plus, these amazing headphones still give you up to 30 hours with ANC enabled. You can push that up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC turned check: $329 @ Walmart | $319 @ Best Buy Bose, you're not immune. Your current lineup isn't terribly named. The QuietComfort Ultra headphones and Earbuds are obviously at the top of the product line, while the QuietComfort headphones and earbuds are the cheaper option. Good. The issue is that you can still buy old models of the top-of-the-range models in some places, and they lack the Ultra moniker, despite looking the same. The QuietComfort headphones look identical to the older QC45, and you can still sometimes find the NC-700 headphones in some places. Look, you're trying to do better, but there's still confusion to be found here. The 4.5-star QuietComfort Ultra headphones are the best noise-canceling headphones that you can buy right now. That's thanks to Bose's excellent ANC algorithm, which manages to block more noise than any other pair of headphones we've tested. They sound great as well, boast a decent attempt at Spatial Audio, and while the 24-hour battery life isn't the best, they are still a solid pair of cans. Bowers & Wilkins! You're not getting off scott free. I love your headphones, but the naming is getting… interesting. Before I knew the ins and outs of the B&W headphones line, I thought that the Px8 was the successor to the Px7—but no. The Px7 is its own product line, with sequels and new models. Similarly, the Px8 is now a product line, with successors to the throne. There's the Px7 S2 and Px7 S3, although there was a Px7 S2e (an 'evolution' to the line) in between. Similarly, there's going to be a Px8 S2 at some point. Then there are the buds. The Pi8 — the top of the range buds, makes sense — and the cheaper option are called the… Pi6? Not the Pi7, following the headphones? Don't worry, though, there aren't any S2 or S3 models here. Yet. And what's with all the Pros? And why does it appear in different parts of the name? Apple AirPods Pro 2. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Am I going to be using these buds in a professional recording studio? I don't think so – it generally just means 'these are the best ones.' But why. If you're shopping for just a pair of Sony headphones, you could probably work out the names, feature sets and price points on your own and choose the right pair for you. The same for all the big brands, I'd imagine, is true. In a vacuum, the naming conventions in some way work so that you can tell them apart. But, when you are shopping amongst all the brands (and there are more with different naming conventions, like Apple, Sennheiser, and Samsung), it soon becomes a murky mire of names, price points, and feature sets. Choosing headphones is not easy at the best of times, and working out what you want when you can't decode endless product codes and names isn't helping matters at all. What can be done to solve the issue? I mean, some form of uniform naming convention would be nice, like what Bose is trying to do, but even then, it would get confusing if they're named too close to older models. As far as I'm concerned, it's an issue that's inherent to a long-running and well-filled product category — one that's not going to go away. At least it's not as bad as it is for laptops and computers. I'm sorry, computing team — you guys have it rough.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Sony's Best Earbuds Just Got a Massive Discount
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Sony's earbuds and headphones have long been a favorite among our audio-obsessed editors, and the brand's flagship noise-canceling WF-1000XM5 earbuds just got a major discount. Typically $300, the XM5 earbuds are 33% off, dropping the price to $200. The deal applies to the black, silver, and smoky pink colorways. More from Rolling Stone How to Watch the Allman Brothers Band Tribute Show at Madison Square Garden Online The Best Green Day Merch for Every Idiot Behind the Scenes 'Spinal Tap' Book Will Get Real About the Fake Band BEST DEAL $198.00 $299.99 34% off Buy Now On Amazon Buy Now at target The timeline of Sony's previous audio releases suggests that a successor to the XM5 headphones and earbuds may be coming soon, which might explain the discount. In the meantime, the XM5 earbuds are a great option thanks to their top-tier ANC performance and audio quality. Sony's XM5 earbuds are also impressively compact, thanks to the in-ear shape, making them a great option for taking on the go. The earbuds boast up to 8 hours of battery life and an extra 24 hours with the case, and a quick 3-minute charge can add an extra hour of listening time. Sony also utilizes its proprietary LDAC codec for high-res audio, improving the audio performance over a wireless connection. Sony claims LDAC transmits as much as three times more data than conventional Bluetooth audio for greater detail. The XM5 earbuds also utilize bone conduction technology for enhanced phone call performance; the sensors detect when the wearer is speaking, isolating vocals from ambient sound and background noise. We don't know whether or not this is a flash deal, so it's a good idea to act fast. Best of Rolling Stone The Best Audiophile Turntables for Your Home Audio System
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Yahoo
How to clean your AirPods
It didn't take long for wireless earbuds to become ubiquitous. Apple's AirPods launched back in September 2016, joining notable true wireless headphones from Jabra, Sony, Samsung, and others. Shortly after, they became the go-to choice for many of us when listening to music, podcasts and streaming services on our phones and tablets. But wireless earbuds can get very dirty very quickly, because not only are we using them a lot, but we take them everywhere: to work, on public transport, on flights and everywhere in between. This is especially true if you're using them to cancel out noise in a busy office – or are simply working from home at the same time as family or means they will come into contact with ear wax, oils and skin cells. Hygiene aside, you should clean your earbuds (and their charging case) because it may result in better-sounding, longer-lasting headphones. Here's how you can do that quickly and efficiently. If you're still a wired headphone holdout (or tempted by DAC-capable buds) most of our cleaning tips hold true – and you don't have to worry about refreshing a charging case. The cleaning process differs depending on what kind of buds you have. First, there are wireless earbuds with removable silicone (or plastic) buds, like Samsung's Galaxy Buds, Sony's WF-1000XM5 buds or most Beats buds, and several models with a single solid body, like Apple's AirPods. The main difference is that the detachable tips are easier to deep clean. They are also replaceable and spare tips often come in-box. You can also use soapy water or other mild cleaning products on particularly messy tips without fear of damaging the electrical parts of your headphones. Wipe down the earbuds and removable tips with a microfiber cloth. As most wireless buds are stored in a case, you may find that dirt from the tips has shifted to the headphones, too. Apple says you can use '70-percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75-percent ethyl alcohol wipe or disinfectant wipes' to clean the exterior of its wireless headphones, but advises that you shouldn't use wet wipes on the speaker mesh parts of the AirPods. Samsung's guidance sticks to soft dry cloths and cotton swabs. Remove the tips, and gently trace the inside of each bud with cotton swab, or a toothpick if you need something thinner. If any detritus sticks around, upgrade to a metal loop on the end of an earphone cleaning tool, but just go carefully. Metallic objects are more likely to scratch and pierce things. The cleaning tool also has a brush at the other end to pull out any loose dirt. Once clear, wipe the sides of the tips with a slightly damp cloth. The AirPods Pro tips each have a delicate mesh membrane, making it easier to clean than membranes on the headphones themselves, but they're also fragile. Apple itself advises that you can rinse the tips with water, adding you shouldn't use soap or other cleaning products on them. If you do use a damp cloth or rinse them, make sure to set them on a dry cloth and let them dry completely before reattaching them. Apple advises using cotton swabs or a dry cloth for the microphone and speaker mesh parts of the AirPods. You can also use a bulb air blower, which should provide a mild amount of force to dislodge dirt without harming electrics. However, while it might be stronger, don't use canned air. Sony says this can force dust further into the microphone or sound outlet holes. You might find that your charging case is in a worse state than your buds. With deep crevices to pick up dirt from your buds when they're charging, the case can also pick up pocket-lint from being in, well, pockets and your bag. These cases typically use metal contacts to connect to and charge the buds, so any build-up of dirt or earwax can actually affect recharging your headphones. It pays to keep those charging contacts clean. A soft cloth, or a cotton swab for more difficult-to-reach locations, should be able to capture anything blocking your buds from charging. You could also use a bit of air from a bulb air blower – I find the ones with a brush attached are perfect for this. For both the earbuds and the case, you can use a thin toothpick to pull away any grime or wax trapped in the seams of the device. Most earbuds are molded plastic, but some have edges and lines that collect dirt together. If you find your AirPods case or other buds' case is getting a little grubby – or picking up a blue hue from jeans – you could also invest in a case for your case. There are infinite themed and silicone cases for Apple's AirPod family, but plenty of options exist for buds made by Samsung, Sony, Google and other companies. The ubiquity of wireless buds has several companies now offering all-in-one cleaning kits, too. These include established peripheral companies like Belkin, which has a single-use kit that features cleaning fluid to loosen up any tough build-up of wax and grime, and Keybudz, which offers a reusable kit that includes different brush head attachments that can also be used to clean other devices. That said, you may not need an entire kit, but suitable tools will make things easier. You should always use the gentlest cleaning equipment before going ham with rubbing alcohol or a metallic tool. Doing so will reduce the chances of damaging your headphones' often glossy plastic casing and lessen the chances of damaging the delicate membranes that many buds (and some eartips) have. I speak from experience, having perforated two AirPod membranes due to over-enthusiastic cleaning. Even when removing the tips, take care: With Sony's WF-1000XM5, you need to twist and pull them off. Just follow the manufacturers' guidance (we list several guides below), along with our best tips below. Now your buds are looking pristine, try to keep them looking that way. If you're using your AirPods or Galaxy Buds during your workouts, wipe them down with a cloth afterward to reduce the chances of moisture getting inside. The more frequently you check on the state of your wireless earbuds, the easier they are to clean. We'll finish this guide with a little bit of digital hygiene: make sure any companion TWE apps are up-to-date. These updates can sometimes add notable new features or improve performance. Your smartphone will usually transmit firmware updates to your earbuds automatically after OS and app updates, so make sure you keep them nearby to your phone. This is especially true with iPhones and AirPods, which will not notify you when firmware updates are available. Check that you've got the latest version of the firmware in iOS settings (you probably do), and if it's not up-to-date, make sure both your iPhone and AirPods are plugged into power and (crucially) near each other. The update should be beamed to the AirPods pretty quickly, but you can also leave the devices next to each other overnight to ensure the update happens.
