Four years later, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are still my favorite headphones

Like the segway, the Sony WH-1000XM4 active noise canceling (ANC) headphones were ahead of their time. The difference — one of them became the preeminent standard among consumers, and the other is the segway. Despite being four years old, the Sony WH-1000XM4 keep pace with the best of them. Sony’s former flagship headphones are comfortable […]

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A new xMEMS micro speaker promises major audio upgrades for open earbuds, smart watches, and XR glasses

TL;DR xMEMS has announced it’s new micro speaker, known as Sycamore At only 1mm in thickness, Sycamore has the potential to revolutionize audio in open earbuds, smartwatches, XR glasses, and more. The silicon micro speaker promises improved low-frequency and high-frequency response over traditional dynamic driver systems. Here at SoundGuys, we’ve reviewed a lot of open […]

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Open earbuds are here to stay, and I couldn’t be happier

Dave Carr / SoundGuys Initially, I was skeptical of open earbuds. After all, nine out of 10 dentists agree that open earbuds offer poor sound quality and comfort compared to standard (closed) earbuds. Over the years, open-fit earbuds have matured quite a bit. Today, they appeal to an excited group of listeners who favor practicality […]

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The best free VSTs plugins for drummers

Since Steinberg developed the first Virtual Studio Technology standard in 1996, VSTs have become invaluable tools at home and in the studio. Musicians and producers can now record many different instruments without breaking the bank. This is especially handy for drums, given they usually require a large studio space and many microphones. Some of the […]

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Apple Music vs TIDAL: Which is right for your music?

In the ever-evolving world of music streaming, choosing the right service can significantly elevate your listening experience. Apple Music and TIDAL, both launched in 2015, have emerged as major players in the industry, each offering unique features and high-quality audio. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which service best suits your needs in 2024. […]

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Here’s how I landed my first Spotify editorial playlist

Spotify remains the best music streaming service for most people with over 626 million monthly users globally. In addition to a pleasing user experience, the platform is home to millions of user-generated and algorithmic playlists. It also operates thousands of Spotify editorial playlists with high engagement and millions of followers. These feature songs hand-picked by […]

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Nothing Ear (Open) vs Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: Best open earbuds?

Open-ear earbuds are gaining popularity among athletes and outdoor commuters who want to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying music. Two notable contenders in this space from 2024 are the Nothing Ear (Open) and the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. In this comparison, we’ll examine how these two models compare in terms of design, features, […]

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Don’t settle for the Pixel Buds Pro sale, get the Pixel Buds Pro 2

Google knocked it out of the park with its latest buds, the Pixel Buds Pro 2. To my surprise, Google improved upon almost every issue we had with the original Pixel Buds Pro. The newest buds fit, sound, and block out noise better than the originals. You might be tempted to save a buck and […]

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How social media has changed the landscape for budding musicians

The digital era has revolutionized just about everything we do, including within the music industry. Songwriters, composers, and musicians have unlimited opportunities to showcase creativity online. Nowadays, social media plays an integral role in promoting content and is the de facto way for artists to develop and connect with their fanbases. From X to TikTok […]

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AirPods 4 vs Beats Solo Buds: Apple’s budget buds go head to head

When it comes to wireless earbuds, Apple’s AirPods and Beats are two of the most recognizable names in the game. In this comparison, we’ll pit the latest AirPods 4 against the budget-friendly Beats Solo Buds to help you decide which pair of wireless earbuds is the right choice for your needs and budget. Editor’s note: […]

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Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024): Top-tier tussle

We’ve been absolutely slammed by new earbud releases in late 2024, so you could be forgiven for missing one. But when Bose and Google update their lineup, who wins when we pit the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)? Let’s listen to find out. Editor’s note: this article was published on […]

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Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3: Sealed or unsealed?

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 represent the latest standard offerings from the two audio giants. Both aim to deliver quality sound and features at a more accessible price point than their premium flagship counterparts. But how do these earbuds stack up against each other? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of […]

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We asked, you told us: Wired headphones are best for audio quality

Results In the poll, 154 participants answered the question, “Why do you use wired headphones and earbuds over wireless ones?” Well, 93 (61%) of you responded by saying, “They have better audio quality.” Given that this is a website for all things audio and generally attracts those already interested in sound quality, we arent’ too […]

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The Pixel Buds Pro 2 may have AI, but that’s hardly the best feature

Christian Thomas / SoundGuys The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are excellent noise canceling earbuds. Like the AirPods to Apple, the Pixel Buds series are the default for Google Pixel phone owners. While some Google fans love Gemini’s integration, I’m more excited about pedestrian features. The improved fit, battery life, and Bluetooth updates impact me […]

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Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) vs Sony WF-1000XM5: David meets Goliath

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and Sony WF-1000XM5 are two modern noise canceling earbuds on the market, offering premium features and sound quality for discerning listeners. Both aim to provide an exceptional audio experience with powerful ANC, but they take slightly different approaches in design and functionality. Should you buck up for Sony’s flagship earbuds […]

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Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5: In-ear excellence

If you’re in the market for active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, there’s a decent likelihood that you’ll find yourself pitting the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5. But which one is worth your dollar? Let’s take each product head-to-head and see who wins. Editor’s note: this article was published on September 26, 2024, […]

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Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2: Is newer better?

Battle of the Pro 2’s! The Pixel Buds Pro 2 is Google’s latest true wireless earbuds offering, with several improvements over their predecessor. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd Generation) received a few tweaks in 2023, like an updated H2 chip, but they still rely on their design from 2022. While your decision will most […]

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Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Pixel Buds Pro: Should you upgrade?

Google’s latest true wireless earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro 2, bring several improvements over their predecessor. But are the upgrades worth shelling out for a new pair? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and the original Pixel Buds Pro to help you decide if it’s time to upgrade. Editor’s […]

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