14 Aug
Blog

Avantree Aria Pro Review: Functional, Affordable Headphones

Avantree Aria Pro headphones

"The Aria Pro has hit a sweet spot in terms of features and price, and is doing well as work-oriented headphones."

  • Flexible design

  • Decent active noise cancellation

  • Good codec support

  • Average battery life

  • Niche best use case

Avantree sails in uncharted waters with its Aria Pro wireless headphones. There just aren't a lot of headphone manufacturers willing to hover between budget models from brands like JLab Audio and more highly regarded cans from Sony and others.

By that definition, the $ 100 Aria Pro could be considered an ambitious headphone, with active noise cancellation and great codec support, aimed at stealing fans of products above and below them. Of course, it's how well Avantree's new cans – which the company doesn't specifically say are office lifestyle-focused but certainly based on the features they offer – live up to that definition that determines how they do cut off . I am here to find out.

Out of the box

The Aria Pro are delivered in simple packaging: a white box with headphones in the carrying case. The headphones and case come with a couple of accessories, including a detachable boom microphone, 3.5mm audio cable, micro-USB charging cable, and the usual documentation. The most notable part here is the boom microphone which gives these headphones an immediate advantage in workplace situations. I'll get back to that in a moment.

Avantree Aria Pro headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Turning on the headphones is as easy as flipping the power switch on the bottom of the right ear cup, which will automatically put the Aria Pro into Bluetooth pairing mode. The rest of the connection process is standard and after testing these headphones, the Aria Pro reconnected seamlessly every time it was turned on.

With modern headphones and earbuds, I expect to be able to move around my house or backyard for some quick chores while also having a strong connection to my phone which is on the charger. The Aria Pro and its Bluetooth 5 technology passed this test with flying colors, as do most newer hearing aids.

design

Especially for $ 100 headphones, I found the Aria Pro to be reliably built cans. They lack the elegance of more expensive models like the Razer Opus, but they are comfortable, flexible headphones. Even after considering a few nuances, if you can get these two design feats at this price, it's a win in my book.

Avantree Aria Pro headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The Aria Pro are equipped with what Avantree calls “protein leather” ear pads, and I admittedly had cups with a better feel over my ears. However, these offer good wearing comfort for longer periods of time. They swivel 90 degrees so the headphones lie flat on your collarbone and have a reasonable range of motion for tilting back and forth. The headband is a little sharper than you might want in some areas, but they feel durable to the touch, despite being fully adjustable. That's all to say that these headphones should fit most people and be reasonably comfortable using them.

These headphones should work well and feel reasonably comfortable for most people.

At the bottom of each Aria Pro mug is a small army of buttons, inputs, and switches. You have your power switch, volume control and track control, plus the USB port on the right cup and your ANC switch, call control, microphone control and the auxiliary port on the left. There are quite a few buttons available to you, but after a day or two I got used to the Aria Pro's complex control panel. I had some problems with phone calls that first day because I hadn't read the part of the setup guide on how to unmute the boom microphone when plugged in. Take this as a warning as it is a little embarrassing to leave your local dog daycare hanging out because they can't hear you frantically fiddling with your headphones trying to get your audio to work on the other end.

properties

The Aria Pro seems to land in an odd middle ground when it comes to features. On the one hand, they have some features that are more advanced than more expensive alternatives. On the other hand, cheaper headphones outperform them in a few other categories. In the end, of course, it comes down to what's most important to you, but it's worth figuring out where these cans position themselves in the competition.

Avantree Aria Pro headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

According to Avantree, the Aria Pro can play for up to 15 hours with active noise cancellation and up to 24 hours without activation. That's a good range until you find that the JLab Audio Studio ANC offers 28 hours of playback with ANC and 34 hours without. The JLab was $ 40 less than the Aria Pro, so its battery life is comparatively well below its value.

The Aria Pro has an impressive list of supported audio codecs for its price range, including aptX, aptX HD and SBC. That probably gives them a head start over products like the Sony WH-CH710N, which support SBC and AAC codecs, but have no aptX functions. Once again, it depends on your specific situation and which codecs are a better fit for you, but having that $ 100 support is without a doubt a solid selling point for the Aria Pro.

The Aria Pro has an impressive list of supported audio codecs for its price range, including aptX, aptX HD and SBC.

Finally, the Aria Pro supports Bluetooth with multipoint connectivity, so you can pair your headphones with your phone and a work laptop at the same time. It might not sound like the most groundbreaking feature, but the ability to place a call and then seamlessly go back to the content you've been watching on your laptop is a helpful feature that you should have in two office-oriented doses. In comparison, it took Sony until the newly released WH-1000XM4 to add this feature to its flagship headphones. You can get the same in the Aria Pro for $ 250 less. They just miss everything else that makes the XM4 amazing.

Audio quality

Once again, the Aria Pro lands between competitions. Before I wrap it up, here's a quick summary: The Aria Pro sounds better than budget cans like the JLab Audio Studio ANC, but it doesn't offer options like the Razer Opus and Sony WH-CH710N.

Avantree Aria Pro headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

That's not necessarily a bad thing for the Aria Pro, as they are half the price of Sony and Opus. It's forgivable that they lack the clarity of these high-end headphones, and it's understandable that they don't perform quite as well at either end of the frequency range. It's not a disappointment that you don't get remarkable fidelity for $ 100, but these headphones sound good, and they should sound just as good given their focus.

Call quality is now a somewhat capricious sub-category. With the boom microphone attached, the conversation was clear on both ends. When I took off the boom mic and leaned on the smaller mic on the headset itself and then went for a walk, conversations with the same people were easily infiltrated by my surroundings. They could still hear me, but they could also hear everything else, including the steps I was taking. I understand these headphones were more geared towards an office or professional setting, and I think they will serve that purpose well with the boom mic attached, but be careful as you step into the busy sounds of the world, submit your calls to the exact same sounds.

Active noise cancellation

I've described the JLab Audio Studio ANC's active noise cancellation as a "no-frills feature" and would probably use a similar description for the Aria Pro – with one caveat. Just like with these JLab headphones, the ANC in the Aria Pro is an on or off option without the ability to adjust the noise cancellation. The Aria Pro, however, do a significantly better job.

Avantree Aria Pro headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

I wouldn't call this a surprise, as more expensive headphones should traditionally be able to better implement a feature like ANC. The Aria Pro has a much more pronounced effect on attenuating ambient noise and removing the harsher outside noise that would otherwise enter a quiet work area. They have a slight white noise effect and neither do they when bumped into noisy situations like walking on a busy street. But for use in an office, in my opinion, these headphones are excellent, especially at their low price.

For better ANC capabilities, you'll have to expect something more essential like the Razer Opus or the top of the line Sony WH-1000XM4. The Aria Pro is pale in comparison to any of them. But as you can imagine, you will be paying a lot more to achieve this level of quality.

Our opinion

Avantree made a pair of work-conscious headphones in the Aria Pro that have the features needed to succeed in that role and just enough features to make them a suitable set of commuter cans – whenever the commuting back to an actual one Becomes part of society. However, their functions are best used in a work environment that puts them in that niche position. You can venture outside of this space, but your results may vary.

Are there any better alternatives?

Save money with the JLab Studio ANC for $ 60. It offers better battery life, but poorer audio quality and active noise cancellation. Or you can double up and get something like the $ 199 Razer Opus, which for $ 100 upgrades the Aria Pro in most regions – you'll only spend twice as much on the privilege.

How long will they last?

The Aria Pro is backed by a one year warranty with the option to use an additional 12 months when you register your headphones. In addition to the durable build quality, this should give you the confidence to wear these every day without fear of them stalling.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Avantree Aria Pro are only average in some areas. But when you look at the bigger picture, they pretty much offer a lot for a pretty affordable price. If I had to spend $ 100 on headphones both to increase productivity and enjoy a podcast after work, this would be my shortlist.

Editor's recommendations




01 Aug
Blog

Vanmoof S3 Review: Premium Style At An Affordable Price

vanmoof s3 rating rear profile 1

"The Vanmoof S3 is equipped with excellent technology at a medium price and absolutely great as a bonus."

  • Eye-catching design

  • Useful app

  • Integrated lights and fenders

  • Smooth automatic transmission

  • Excellent brakes

  • Lower power assist levels are not helpful

  • Feels bulky when driving

  • The battery cannot be removed for charging

Vanmoof was way ahead of the curve when its Dutch founders, the Carlier brothers, founded the company in 2009. Maybe ahead of the curve. Electric bicycles were treated as a novelty in 2009. However, their popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. I regularly ate the dust of a Vanmoof enthusiast on my evening walk out of the office – back when it was still that way.

Now Vanmoof has a couple of news bikes at his disposal, just like everyone is looking for a way to explore our new, socially distant, outdoor lifestyle. I tried the more conventional Vanmoof S3, which sells just under $ 2,000 for just one hair. It has a sibling, the Vanmoof X3, with smaller tires and a frame that is easier to step over, but most of the other components are identical between the two.

The start time of the S3 could hardly be better, but it has a lot of competition. Every major bicycle manufacturer is now represented in the e-bike arena, and some offer over a dozen models. Can Vanmoof keep his lead?

design

One thing is certain, a Vanmoof is unmistakable. The company's design revolves around a thick, straight center tube that extends across the wheels at each end of the frame. It is a look that is classic and modern at the same time.

This is a classic bike for modern life.

Vanmoof keeps an eye on this important property by minimizing all other distractions. Like the company's other motorcycles, the Vanmoof S3 is painted in either matt black or blue and has almost no branding. It's a snappy, sleek design that fits the purpose of the S3 directly. This is a classic bike for modern life.

That doesn't mean that the Vanmoof S3 is without peer. The Gazelle Ultimate T10 is a personal favorite thanks to its combination of ultra-modern sensitivity and easy passage practicality. The new Vado SL from Specialized is also very attractive. Nevertheless, Vanmoof absolutely has the Trek and Giant bicycles that look more like improved bicycles than like specially built e-bikes.

The S3 is equipped as standard with front and rear fenders as well as front and rear lights. It's a big deal, especially for an e-bike that sells for $ 2,000. It's not uncommon for e-bikes in the S3 price range to throw one or both fenders overboard. Although the lighting is usually standard, it is often not as attractive or bright as that of the Vanmoof. If you buy the Vanmoof X3, which has smaller wheels and a less conventional frame, you will also get a built-in luggage rack for carrying small items.

Assembly and initial setup

While Vanmoof has a few dealers, its network is tiny. You will probably order online. Bicycles are large, heavy objects and can be difficult to assemble.

The company does everything it can to alleviate this anger. Open the box and you will immediately find detailed assembly instructions next to a toolbox that contains everything you need to assemble the bike. There's even a handy pull cord that allows you to slide the bike out horizontally instead of lifting it out vertically.

This does not mean that assembly is child's play. I cut myself when my hand slipped as I tightened an uncomfortable plastic clip that holds the front motor cable securely to the frame. However, the overall difficulty is no greater than assembling an Ikea chest of drawers. If you can handle it, you can handle it.

After assembly, setting up the app is easy. Simply download it to your phone, create an account and the bike will automatically connect. It worked seamlessly and I never had a problem with the app connecting to the bike.

technology

The app is probably the actual heading function of Vanmoof. While many competitors technically have apps, they are often simple and buggy. Vanmoof's app, on the other hand, is great. It provides ride summaries, allows you to adjust bike settings, shows the current location of the bike, and provides access to support topics, among other things.

I found that the bike's Bluetooth range is not particularly good. If the app is kept in my garage, it will lose connection to the bike as soon as I leave the room. Other Bluetooth devices I own have no problem communicating across multiple walls. I think Vanmoof could do better.

The bike doesn't have an LCD display, and instead uses a sophisticated LED grid to show speed, battery life, and other information on the center tube. Vanmoof calls this a matrix display. It is a unique touch that makes the design of the bike more coherent. The matrix display is bright and always easy to read, even on a sunny summer afternoon at noon. Oh, and if you want a laptop to go with the bike, check out the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14.

It is the combination of the app with this matrix display that distinguishes this bike in everyday use. Most e-bikes have a small black and white LCD screen and are controlled via buttons or twist grips. This is effective, but simple. Instead, Vanmoof only uses the matrix display for important information and transfers the most control over the bike to the app.

This speaks for the focus of the bike on errands and the way to work. It is built so that you can drive with everything you normally carry and to places that you would otherwise reach by car or transit. Using the app is great in this regard, as your phone is always in your pocket and you stop frequently. Your phone's display is much brighter and easier to use than any LCD you find on an e-bike.

Anti-theft device

Vanmoof bicycles have built-in anti-theft technology. This includes a lock for the rear hub, an alarm, and an optional paid service that promises to track down and replace the stolen bike if it can't be found.

The lock is activated by aligning a mark on the hub with the same mark on the rear chain guard and then pressing a button near the dropout of the rear frame. After locking, an alarm sounds when the rear wheel of the bike moves.

It works as advertised, although I wouldn't trust it. The alarm could be louder and a thief could pick up and pull the bike away (although its sensitivity would make it difficult to do without triggering the alarm). You should always use a strong lock to secure your bike to a fixed attachment. Still, Vanmoof's alarm is reasonable support that could give opportunistic thieves a break.

Driving impressions

If the Vanmoof S3's commuter-friendly design isn't already obvious, you will surely feel it when you get on your bike for the first time. The relaxed frame and the retracted handlebars of the bike offer an upright feeling and excellent visibility. As is so often the case with an upright driving position, this comfort comes at the expense of agility. It's an easy bike to turn on a narrow road at low speeds, but it doesn't feel eager or nimble.

The S3 weighs 42 pounds. This is heavier than most conventional bikes, but light for an e-bike. The Specialized Como is 45 pounds, while the Gazelle T10 Ultimate is 51 pounds. The S3 doesn't feel light on the pedals, but your back will love the lightweight frame as you pull the bike up stairs or over a large curb.

Fat tires help the S3 deal with small bumps and potholes without any problems. It's a smooth ride over manicured sidewalks or tightly packed gravel. However, if you encounter large potholes, the rigid frame and lack of suspension on the bike can cause large bumps from the handlebars.

The electric motor of the S3 is attached to the front wheel and delivers power in four stages or can be switched off completely. The lowest power level is worthless, but higher settings are strong. I usually drove around at level three or maximized the performance on paved bike paths. The bike's engine switches off at 32 km / h. This is the maximum speed allowed for a class 1 e-bike like the S3. There are settings that comply with European and Japanese regulations, but as expected, this will make the top speed even lower.

Adrenaline junkies should, however, look elsewhere. The performance is tentative compared to racing options such as the Specialized Vado or the Giant ToughRoad GX E +. While the S3 has a "turbo" button, hitting is only a modest gear and is most useful when you need a little more juice on a steep hill.

While the S3 lacks the thrill, it's supple. The front hub motor pulls with a steady stance. Don't take that for granted. Many e-bikes in the Vanmoof price range, such as the Pedego City Commuter Lite, use a rear wheel hub motor. A rear hub can dramatically shift the balance of a bike backwards, making wheelies a little too easy. The balanced, sophisticated power transmission of the S3 is good for every e-bike and excellent for an e-bike with a price of $ 2,000.

The S3 brakes are activated with a soft, precise feel that creates trust.

The power is transmitted via a chic four-speed automatic transmission. That's right, you don't even have to switch for yourself. Four speeds are not many, and I felt that on steep hills. Nevertheless, I will bring this automatic transmission over the bargain six, seven or eight-speed transmission that can be found in most e-bikes in this price range.

The S3's deceleration is more impressive than its acceleration. The bike has hydraulic disc brakes at the front and rear. While almost all e-bikes have disc brakes, some mid-range bikes have mechanical disc brakes, a setup that can feel chunky or wooden. The S3 brakes are activated with a soft, precise feel that builds trust and prevents too much brake from being accidentally pressed.

Battery life and range

There is a 504 watt-hour battery in the large top tube of the Vanmoof S3. The range is indicated at 37 to 93 miles. In most situations, you are closer to 37 miles than 93 miles.

My most demanding trip was a 23-mile trip with maximum performance on a paved, flat bike path. As a result, almost half of the battery was used up, suggesting that in the mid-1940s I would see the total mileage if I kept going until the battery was empty. I have also made numerous short trips, approximately 10 miles each, at level three. .

These results are typical of a modern e-bike. Most commuters cover short distances (less than 16 km), so the range of the S3 should last for several days, if not a whole week.

You can't just remove the S3's battery (Vanmoof says it can only be removed for maintenance) and charge it away from the bike. This can be impractical if you have a small apartment and want to keep the S3 in a common room.

Our opinion

Vanmoof's S3 is a feature-rich commuter bike that sacrifices little despite a mid-range price of $ 2,000. This bike is an excellent choice if you need a bike for city errands or for daily commuting up to 32 km round trip.

Is there a better alternative?

While the price of $ 2,000 for the Vanmoof S3 appears very high next to the $ 600 you can buy on Amazon, I generally recommend avoiding them. They do their job, but use components that are as inexpensive as possible, which affects longevity. They also tend to have small batteries.

The Propella e-bike is the best affordable alternative. Starting at $ 1,100 for a single gear or $ 1,300 for a seven-gear, this is a less complicated option with a smaller battery and inferior brakes. Still, it's a nice entry-level bike with decent components, and works well for commuting 10 miles or less.

RadPower is another good choice. The brand manufactures a variety of electric bikes that offer excellent value for money, such as the affordable RadRover and its sturdy RadWagon. RadPower is all about function. So you prefer Vanmoof when design and technology are important to you.

The Vanmoof S3 has only a few strong rivals that come very close to its $ 2,000 price tag. Pedego's City Commuter Lite is nowhere near as sophisticated. Trek, Specialized, and Giant tend to go into a higher price range, so their motorcycles, which sell for around $ 2,000, can't usually compete with the Vanmoof.

Don't forget the sibling of the Vanmoof S3, the X3. The motorcycles are similar, but the X3 has smaller wheels, a lower top tube, and an integrated front rack. I would expect the X3 to be even better for short distances and errands in the city, while the S3 would be better for long distances and errands.

How long it will take?

A bike can last a very long time, although e-bikes are limited by the longevity of the battery and the durability of other electronic devices. You should also know that e-bikes require more maintenance than a standard bike. Still, I would expect at least five to ten years of operation, and that could be extended as long as replacement batteries are available.

The bike comes with a three-year warranty against defects, which is not particularly long for an electric bike. Vanmoof has a smaller dealer network than its larger competitors such as Specialized, Trek or Giant. This could make it difficult to find service if you are not near a dealer.

Should you buy it

Yes. The Vanmoof S3 is a mid-range commuter e-bike with an outstanding design and great technical features.

Editor's recommendations




24 Jul
Blog

LG SN7Y Soundbar Review: Affordable, Quality Dolby Atmos

LG SN7Y soundbar

"The LG SN7Y is nailing Dolby Atmos at an affordable price of $ 500."

  • Sleek design

  • Easy setup

  • Solid overall sound quality

  • Impressive Dolby Atmos

Of all the sound bars in LG's 2020 range, the SN7Y is possibly the most fascinating. It's a 3.1.2-channel soundbar system with support for a variety of audio formats – including Dolby Atmos and DTS: X Chief – that offers a much cheaper entry fee than the company's flagship models.

The system lacks the rear speakers for real surround sound and there is strong competition from Samsung, Vizio and Sony. After spending a lot of time with this bar, one thing is clear: without a doubt, the $ 500 SN7Y deserves a place at the table of the affordable Atmos soundbars.

design

After you've reviewed LG's premium SN11RG long before you received the SN7Y, the similarities between the two ends of the spectrum are hard to miss. One is of course much larger; The SN11RG is 57 inches wide compared to the 35-inch SN7Y, which closely matches competitors like the Sony HT-G700 (38.58-inch). Otherwise, the SN7Y is a miniature version of its relatively more expensive relative design with a sleek surface that resembles a much more expensive product.

LG SN7Y soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The bar itself contains drivers for the front left, middle and right channels as well as a pair of loudspeakers to provide the height channels of the 3.1.2 system. LG has gone into details about the actual drivers again, apart from the fact that they are each powered at 30 watts and the heights are 35 watts each. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean much.

The included wireless subwoofer has a rear opening and weighs around 17 pounds. Again, this is very close compared to Sony's 16-pound radio woofer. There are no rear speakers in this setup. This is a disappointment when you get a full 5.1.2 setup from Vizio for the same price. You can choose to purchase the LG rear speaker kit to complete the system. However, we are talking about another $ 180.

The remote control is almost identical to the accessories that come with the SN11RG, with the exception of a Google Assistant button, which is missing on the remote control for the SN7Y. That's because this bar doesn't have Wi-Fi, a sad fact we'll cover later.

configuration

Possibly the only advantage when there are no rear speakers or WiFi is the added simplicity of setting up this system. There are no cables to connect between rear speakers and subwoofers like a conventional Vizio system, and no app to download and configure the soundbar settings found in a product like the Sonos Beam. It's much slimmer with the SN7Y.

LG SN7Y soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The soundbar needs power, as does the subwoofer. Once powered on, they are paired wirelessly, as is standard with most wireless sub-setups. The soundbar must of course be connected to your display, and I will go into the various types of connections this bar offers in a moment. Once this connection is established, you can enjoy the system.

Since you don't have to worry about the rear speakers, you can place your subwoofer anywhere in your room. It's no secret that subwoofers have different reactions depending on where they're placed in a room. However, wired rear speaker setups always limit the position of your woofer. Without setbacks and even if you choose the wireless stern kit, LG puts you in the driver's seat to determine the best placement for your submarine.

links

The LG SN7Y has an HDMI HDCP 2.3 input and a corresponding HDMI output that supports 4K, Dolby Vision and HDR10 passages. The number of entries is limited, but not unexpected. The HT-G700 from Sony has the same setup, but supports eARC, while the LG is limited to ARC. The SN7Y also has an optical audio input and a USB input to round off an essentially uneventful series of physical connections. I can't knock LG for this, as many competitors have similar connection options at this price. I just wish we had more ways to connect for $ 500. But judging by general adversity that is changing in this regard (Polk Audio's new soundbar is one of the exceptions), my wishes may be in the minority here.

LG SN7Y soundbar remote controlNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Here's my legitimate concern about the SN7Y connection: Just like the Sony HT-G700, the SN7Y doesn't have Wi-Fi compatibility, which may have been a forgivable sin in the past few years. But it's 2020. It's problematic to bring out a $ 500 audio product that can't connect to Wi-Fi. This is illustrated by the fact that the Vizio and Samsung alternatives both support this.

A typical example: While you can stream to the SN7Y using Bluetooth 4.0 technology, you will inevitably find some connection problems. If you just chill on the couch and listen to music, you will probably be fine. For example, if you are having a dinner in the back yard and forget to leave your phone in the living room, the rest of the house has to endure noise that is constantly interrupted until you are within range. In comparison, Wi-Fi has long been the more reliable streaming option and should be included in all sound bars in this price range.

Sound quality

Like the SN11RG, LG has set up the SN7Y remarkably for most audio tasks. The bar supports high-resolution 24-bit / 192 kHz audio and a list of surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, DTS: X, Dolby Digital Plus, and more. The soundbar can also accept the formats FLAC, WAV and AAC via USB.

LG SN7Y soundbar subwooferNick Woodard / Digital Trends

There are also many preset sound modes to choose from, including AI Sound Pro, Standard, Music, Bass Blast, Bass Blast +, Film (Dolby Surround), DTS: X and Dolby Atmos. Simply put, there are a number of things this system supports and a number of ways to customize the sound of this system.

To be honest, none of this would matter if the bar didn't sound good. LG's partnership with Meridian Technology appears to have been fruitful as both music and movie content about both LG bars that I reviewed this year were exceptional. The SN11RG was far more comfortable, as the price would show, but the SN7Y has a lot to offer for the price.

Listening to music – with samples from Childish Gambinos Me and Your Mama to Midlands Burn Out – provided impressive clarity. Watching films effectively mixed lifelike action sequences and clear dialogues in films like Star Wars: Episode IX – Skywalker's Rise for a cinematic experience that I think most people would be fans of – even without rear speakers. I also appreciated the way different sound modes improved the audio rather than seemingly artificially increasing the frequencies. The film mode sounded better than the standard settings for films, and the same applies to music.

However, I am a little amazed by this LG subwoofer. The submarine for the SN7Y was generally not very convincing. Cult naval battles in the original Pirates of the Caribbean are said to have some weight behind these cannonball shots, and I missed that very much. For what it's worth, I thought the overall sound of the Sony HT-G700 and the LG SN7Y were equivalent, but the low-end detail in this Sony sub definitely outperformed the LG woofer.

Dolby Atmos

I had to assign Atmos a separate category in this test because LG's height channels in this system are more of a heading than a footnote in the audio area. I was already very impressed with the Dolby Atmos capabilities of the LG SN11RG, although it was entirely possible that the SN7Y could have been a completely different story. After all, we work with two channels with a lower height and overall less power.

LG SN7Y soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The rapid activation of the Dolby Atmos demo mode of the SN7Y, in which an Atmos demo is played by pressing the "F" key on the remote control for five seconds, eliminated all doubts, although I made some selections from our list of the best Have watched Dolby Atmos films for a good degree. The various effects of birds fluttering through the air, raindrops from above and thunder in the sky convinced me that this bar is following in the footsteps of its more expensive siblings in terms of Atmo's skill. Of course not to the same extent, since they are located at opposite ends of the Atmos spectrum. But what the SN7Y can do to add dimension to the sound at this price is impressive.

In this category, I preferred the SN7Y to the Sony HT-G700, which I honestly expected. The HT-G700 only has front-firing drivers and uses sound processing technology to achieve a sufficiently convincing virtual 7.1.2 effect. If you don't do anything unpredictable and have a product at a comparable price with drivers that fire noise towards the ceiling and then return to your listening position, virtual effects are almost certainly surpassed. The SN7Y worked as expected, just as a traditional home theater system with actual height or ceiling speakers would likely outperform the high-powered speakers in a sound bar. With a few exceptions (the Sennheiser Ambeo comes to mind) this is the general order of things.

Our opinion

The LG SN7Y has some flaws that its rivals don't have, but it is still a very good sounding sound bar that Dolby Atmos is nailing for $ 500. A balance between features and price is important, which is why I give this bar a slightly better score than the SN11RG at $ 1,600. The latter is undoubtedly the better system thanks to its superior sound and properties. But value is important, and I honestly believe that the SN7Y offers better value for money.

Is there a better alternative?

In a way yes. In another way, no. The $ 500 Vizio 5.1.2 system gives you Wi-Fi and two rear speakers at exactly the same price, and the $ 500 Sony HT-G700 has a more powerful subwoofer. But the LG has produced some of the best Atmos sounds in this price range. The $ 400 Sonos Beam also deserves to participate in this conversation due to all of its features. However, you'll have to pay significantly more to switch to a full surround setup with Sonos, or jump to $ 800 for the Arc to get Dolby Atmos support.

How long it will take?

The LG SN7Y has a typical one-year warranty, and while I don't necessarily want to drop this soundbar repeatedly or expose it to other forms of abuse, the build quality seems exceptional, and it has plenty of support for formats it should be kept in relevant years to come.

Should you buy it

Yes. Although I wasn't impressed with the subwoofer and I really wished this bar had Wi-Fi, the SN7Y is a bar that you should definitely consider if you want Atmos without breaking the bank.

Editor's recommendations




15 Jun
Blog

JLab Go Air Earbuds Review: Small, But Mighty Affordable

JLab Go Air earphones

"The Go Air are a valuable pair of real wireless commuter buds"

  • IP44 waterproof

  • Comfortable design

  • Affordable

  • Short charging cable

  • Mediocre sound quality

Granted, it's a little unusual to rate an audio product that is as conservative as the new JLab earphones. The circumstances have to be just right to justify this. This means that the product must come from a reputable brand that is filled with interesting functions and is in demand.

Allow JLab to tick off all three boxes with the real Go Air wireless earbuds for $ 30. The incredibly affordable buds offer a total lifespan of 20 hours with the included charging case, waterproof IP44 protection and excellent customer reviews on Amazon. Sure these buds are too good to be true, right?

Out of the box

The packaging of the Go Air is as compact as the buds itself and in JLabs standard light blue. The box opens like a book and shows a quick guide to the controls on the inside of the cover and the earphones, which are located on the right under a plastic housing.

JLab Go Air earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

In addition to the buds and casing, JLab throws in two additional pairs of gel pad tips. There is no separate charging cable here, since the housing has its own funny short cable. It's one that doesn't do much else than turn the case into an uncomfortable dongle for the USB port to which it is connected.

There is a pull tab on the charging case, which I have not seen since activating the remote control for my old car stereo. In addition, however, it is easy to connect to Go Air. JLab even provides a five-minute video that will take you through the entire process.

The connection of these buds was a delightful surprise. It is common not to expect much from cheap buds, but I have had no significant dropouts. The weather was a little too bad for extensive testing, but when I used my phone to move around my garden in the house, there was also a solid Bluetooth range.

design

The structure of the Go Air seems to be one of their biggest selling points. In a few words, they are light, small and comfortable.

Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

To give a bit more context, each bud weighs about 5 grams, which is equivalent to the Samsung Galaxy Buds + and is only one gram heavier than the Apple AirPods. At 50 grams, JLab's charging case is significantly bulkier than Apple's 38-gram featherweight, but that's hardly a problem worth holding against the Go Air.

They are available in four different colors: black, white, green and navy blue. My test device was the green, which was not remarkable in terms of aesthetics, but was helpful in preventing dust and dirt from becoming visible.

The included case has an open-air design, meaning there is no lid to protect the buds when you travel with them. The buds themselves are secure inside the case, but the open structure of the case makes me careful if they get worn or damaged in transit.

The Go Air have a design that reminds me of a Google Pixel Buds 2 bargain basket – that is, even though they're a bit bulky, these buds still fit snugly in your ear. I don't think they're completely impermeable to the classic hoodie test, but I appreciate their relative slenderness.

There are no buttons on the Go Air, just touchpads on the JLab logo of each bud – more on that below.

properties

Most of the features built into Go Air aren't stand-alone in themselves, but when you put it all together, the overall picture becomes a bit more impressive, especially for such inexpensive buds.

JLab Go Air earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Let's start with the battery life, which according to JLab is five hours of playback per charge, with three additional charges included in the Go Air case. According to JLab, you get an hour of playback after 15 minutes of charging. During my tests, I found that JLab's battery statistics are correct.

While these numbers are by no means incredible, they can still lead to much more expensive products like the AirPods (five hours) or Amazon Echo Buds (five hours). Apple offers you a bit more listening time at 24 hours overall, but the Echo Buds, like JLab, type at 20 for around $ 100 more.

The Go Air is waterproof to IP44 and protects the buds from splashing water at every angle. This is important for buds at this price because the Echo Buds have an IPX4 rating and the AirPods have no waterproof rating at all.

The Go Air touch controls are not as intuitive as I would have liked. There were a handful of cases where I touched the buds just to be greeted by them in return. For the most part, however, you can skip or pause tracks, adjust volume, call up a voice assistant, or switch between one of JLab's three EQ modes. They work, but the experience has been inconsistent.

Audio quality

The Achilles' heel of most headphones and earphones in this price range is sound. For some reason, audio companies seemed to have cracked the code for affordable features, but left a lot of room for improvements in audio quality.

JLab-go-air-5Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

Unfortunately, I have to report that the Go Air fits into this mediocre shape. On a positive note, these buds are well suited for easy listening to content such as podcasts or occasional TikTok videos. In addition, they have a usable call quality that made it possible to hear and be heard well enough while braving the windy conditions to take my dogs for a walk. They just lack the clarity and range that can often be found with higher-priced counterparts to be suitable for high-quality music listening sessions. On the other hand, that comes with the area of ​​$ 30 buds.

There are three different EQ settings available that allow you to set the 8mm drivers in the Go Air. With three fingertips on both buds you can switch between the sound modes JLab Signature, Balanced and Bass Boost. I found the JLab Signature mode to be the tastiest, but even this mode lacked the low end and it sounded generally distant. Bass Boost has helped this low end, but the deficit has not been fully addressed. The symmetrical mode has attenuated the entire frequency range, which is not always a bad thing. Unfortunately, if you don't start with great sound at the beginning, flattening the EQ won't magically improve things.

If you can accept that $ 30 earphones with great sound aren't realistic, this can mitigate the sting with the Go Air. You just can't compete with the sound of buds with better components, but the only way that should stop you from considering them is if you somehow expected it.

Our opinion

The JLab Go Air has the features and price tag to be a valuable pair of real wireless commuter buds. Unfortunately, they only lack the sound quality to be your main hearing aid for music.

Are there any better alternatives?

There aren't many buds in the Go Air weight class with such features, but there are options that are worth spending a little more on. The $ 120 Edifier TWS NB are our most affordable true wireless earbuds due to their active noise cancellation and solid battery life. If you can handle a cable, the $ 100 1More Triple Drivers are our favorite affordable earbuds.

How long will they last?

At this price, longevity is not a problem for most customers. However, JLab offers a two-year warranty on Go Air.

Should you buy them

Yes. They may not sound like a winner, but the JLab Go Air costs $ 30 and has a similar battery life and better water resistance than the Apple AirPods. Essentially, it's the low-risk, high-reward bud pair that you should take a risk.

Editor's recommendations




13 Jun
Blog

Edifier TWS6 Review: Affordable Audio For Athletes

Edifier tws6 earphones

"Edifier has successfully developed affordable real wireless earbuds for active listeners."

  • 8 hours of playback

  • IPX5 waterproof

  • Exceptional sound quality

  • Comfortable

  • Limited touch controls

  • Ear wings required for proper fit

Edifier is committed to taking the world of affordable real wireless earphones by storm this year by releasing two products with identical prices: the TWS NB and the TWS6.

The TWS NB impressed us enough to be called our new favorite budget e-wireless earbud. As a result, expectations were understandably high for the $ 120 TWS6, a pair of buds with similar functions and some important differences that target an active audience. After a week of keeping these earphones in my ears, you should consider that these expectations have been met.

Out of the box

With the last edifier buds I checked, I was impressed with the luxury of the packaging in which they were delivered. It seems that this is a trend in the brand as I came across the same takeaways when I opened the TWS6.

Edifier TWS6 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Both the charging case with the buds and the four (!) Pairs of additional earplugs waited patiently in foam pads. Directly under the earplugs was a small box with a USB-C charging cable, installation instructions and silicone ear wings, as Edifier calls them.

There is a pairing button on the housing itself that starts the connection process. Following the standard procedures for locating the buds in my phone's Bluetooth settings made setup quick and easy. The process is neither unusual nor unusual, but the ability to simply plug in a new pair of earphones is always appreciated.

However, I will point out that if you are looking for more detailed instructions on the functionality of the earbuds or the correct way to attach the ear wings to the buds, you will not find any in the compressed physical version of the manual. You must venture online for the full edition to receive this information.

design

I am fascinated by the way the TWS6 looks, but also a bit perplexed. Because I liked the initial aesthetics of the buds so much, I have some concerns about the methodology of the overall design.

First, the TWS6 are elegant and simple and present themselves as buttonless buds in black (white is also available). They're not heavy on your ears and don't stand out like other options like the Sony WF-XB700. But they're fat, something you should keep in mind when you're stuck against a "clogged ear". Regardless, it was pleasant to have them in my ears for longer test periods.

Edifier TWS6 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

There are both memory foam and silicone earplugs to choose from. In my tests, I chose a smaller silicone alternative to the one on the buds and found that it fits well. There are also the ear wings above that started my confusion. The TWS6 doesn't come with ear wings that are already attached to the buds, but part of me really thinks this should have been. This is because if you just took the buds out of their suitcase like I did, put them in your ears and wanted to start listening, you would have a completely different experience.

This is important to note as the buds would not fit my ears very well without these wings. Finding the right wing has completely changed this and made the TWS6 much more suitable for the intense workouts and activities that Edifier is targeting with this product. I accept the possibility that this is a user error and most buyers know how to attach the ear wings without referring to the instructions. But for those who have a similar attitude, I offer this advice: wrap the buds in your preferred ear wings and save yourself the hassle of constantly having to readjust yourself during a walk.

When we look at the case, it has the same black finish as the buds and essentially looks like a wider copy of the case for Apple's popular AirPods. I was initially worried about how the buds with the wings attached would fit in the case. I will say for the sake of clarity that they sit a little closer, but still sit tight and are charged without hiccups.

properties

When comparing the function sets between these buds and the TWS NB, it becomes clear that Edifier has taken two different demographic characteristics into account in these products. While the TWS NB was more geared towards the serious music listener, the TWS6 has features that suggest that it is much more geared towards lifestyle.

Edifier TWS6 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The TWS6 supports 8 hours of playback with a total of 32 hours of battery life with the charging case. Technically speaking, the TWS NB can last 11 hours at a time, but only without active noise reduction (ANC). With this coveted feature, playback drops to 5 hours.

The differences between the buds become clear when looking at the waterproof ratings. The TWS NB have IPX4 water resistance, which is reasonable but not special. Meanwhile, the TWS6 offers IPX5 resistance, which protects it from the continued use of moisture-like rain. Having gotten into a downpour the morning before completing this review, I can vouch for her ability to withstand harsh weather.

Both edifier buds we've discussed here support Bluetooth 5.0, and I've found similarly strong connections with each pair. Where the TWS6 falls behind significantly, however, are the controls. The TWS NB have multifunction buttons for a variety of applications. In contrast, the TWS6 has touchpads, which unfortunately lack a lot of functionality.

I can pause and resume tracks with a double tap on the right bud and call up my voice assistant with a double tap on the left side. There is no possibility to change tracks and to increase or decrease the volume. While asking Alexa to create a particular song or playlist helps, it still doesn't relieve the pain of missing a couple of what I categorize as both standard and crucial controls.

Audio quality

Edifier was not silent about promoting the Knowles Balanced Armature drivers built into the TWS6, and for good reason. With a diameter of only 12 mm for the entire bud, these drivers are rather small, but offer an exciting punch.

Edifier TWS6 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Based on my listening experience, the TWS6 has all the audio qualities required to create solid buds for workouts and other activities. I've heard a healthy dose of soca music lately (it's a long story), and the TWS6 has skilfully processed the bass-heavy Caribbean beats of Michael Montano's Toco Loco.

They also go well with more mainstream genres. One of my favorite test tracks, Blues Travelers & # 39; Hook, was once again a fun ride that demonstrated the TWS6's ability to dance through a range of frequencies. Other genres and tracks led to the same result: these earphones have a wonderfully pleasant sound that I think will satisfy most people looking for buds in this price range.

However, I would prefer the TWS NB to these buds in terms of sound quality. Although the TWS6 also supports aptX, the NB has an advantage in terms of definition and clarity, as well as ANC to support the listening experience. Thanks to its fit, the TWS6 has efficient passive noise suppression, but does not meet the advantages of ANC, e.g. B. listening to music or making phone calls without interruption.

Our opinion

Edifier did it again with the TWS6 and created an affordable pair of real wireless earphones with nice features and exceptional audio quality. This time they only did it for another listener.

Are there any better alternatives?

I would probably still choose the $ 120 TWS-NB for its audio quality and control benefits, though they're not ideal for active scenarios. Outside of the Edifier brand, the $ 130 Amazon Echo Buds or the $ 130 Sony WF-XB700 are solid competitors in this price range.

How long will they last?

The TWS6 has a build quality that feels solid and impressive waterproofness to protect it from nature. It is a safe bet that you will get your money's worth with these buds.

Should you buy them

Yes. Restricted touch controls are crap, but they don't interfere with what leads to a valuable pair of buds ready for training in the Edifier TWS6. Remember to attach these ear wings.

Editor's recommendations




08 Jun
Blog

Disney+ Review: An Affordable Ticket to the Magic Kingdom

Disney Plus lifestyle

"While the user interface is rough, it will be difficult to miss the allure of Disney's best films and shows."

  • Disney's best in one place

  • Every Simpsons episode

  • 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos

  • Impressive original series

  • Buggy interface

  • Wonky search

  • Not a recently watched list

It was easy to think for months before his debutDisney + than another streaming service. But as it got closer to the launch date, the opportunities became more enticing. Imagine: The splendor of ground-breaking properties worth a century, from Mickey to Marvel, everything on request. It's a fantastic idea, especially for $ 7 a month.

However, a streaming service is much more than an idea, and as the rocky start of Disney + reminded us, delivering huge files to millions of households via a pipeline scattershot is not easy. Whether it's a studio powerhouse or not, Disney competed against rivals that have been around for over a decade, and initially this type of delivery was pretty overwhelming.

In the months that followed, however, the Disney streamer evolved from a chunky, faulty, work in progress product to something closer to the polished perfection of many of Disney's other companies.

This is not a Netflix clone

Starting Disney + for the first time shows that surface-level design has a lot to like. An appealing layout of the panels above divides the content into five pillars: Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and (because Disney owns everything) National Geographic.

You can create your own avatar (and turn off background video in Settings), download titles to view offline, and stream on up to four devices at the same time.

Below the main window you will find shows and films, which are divided into helpful categories. These recommend what you should watch based on your viewing habits, display the latest additions to the library, and allow you to watch series or films that you have already seen. At the bottom of the home screen are curated collections that change regularly with topics like animals and nature, Disney Channel movies, beasts and monsters, Out of the Vault, and Disney Through the Decades, which, it sounds, titles from Categorize 1920s. A familiar control panel on the left contains search and start symbols as well as other navigation options. As expected, everything looks very similar to Netflix, but with a Disney touch.

In the early stages of the service, many users struggled to open the app or launch certain titles due to website overload (10 million subscribers signed up in the first few days), while slow loading times seemed taken for granted. There have also been bizarre pragmatic design errors, including the lack of a "Recently Watched" or "Continue Watching" section.

Fortunately, many of the early issues with the service have been resolved, from adding a Watch Next category to the ability for users to restart movies or TV episodes (another feature that was missing at launch).

However, there are still a few problems – including the Wonky search function. For example, if you want to see the original 101 Dalmatians, typing "101" in the search area will show some live action movies and a sequel animated directly on video, but not the original movie. This is because this particular film is called "one hundred one" in the library and the search system is not intelligent enough to find it. Some apps allow voice search directly in the Disney + search area, but finding a particular movie should be a lot easier.

A / V grade, with a hook

A driving force behind Disney's $ 7 value proposition is the inclusion of extras like 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos for select titles at no extra charge. Amazon does this too, but with Netflix you can choose the most expensive tier for this privilege. This option makes watching Disney gems like The Empire Strikes Back in 4K HDR with Atmos pretty epic, even if it's the “Extended Edition”.

(Note: As of June 2020, Dolby Atmos will be temporarily disabled on Disney + for all devices due to bandwidth issues during the coronavirus pandemic.)

But there are some strange obstacles here as well. For one thing, like most services, there are several device restrictions. Currently, the Apple TV 4K generally seems to be the preferred Disney + device for video and audio quality, with Roku's 4K streaming devices in second place (because they don't support Dolby Vision). Other devices like Chromecast, Roku TVs and surprisingly the new Nvidia Shield and Fire TV 4K sticks don't seem to support Atmos at the moment, but they do support HDR.

Disney +

It is more unexpected that the question of which titles will work as advertised still seems to be in question. Like the Star Wars collection, the original series The Mandalorian by Disney + 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos should support. But unlike Empire, I couldn't download The Mandalorian in Atmos on my Apple TV 4K. In the meantime, a colleague was able to download the Star Wars films and The Mandalorian in both 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos on a Roku Streaming Stick +. It is clear that there are still some problems to be solved.

(Note: At the time of publication. Disney has not released a comprehensive list of supported devices for each format. However, we assume that Atmos support will also be available for other devices in the future. Sequel follows …)

Content is indeed king

Access to most of the best Disney products of every generation is fantastic, although the user interface – and some aspects of the presentation – continues to cause problems.

If you grew up with Disney / Pixar, your brain will almost certainly fall into the nostalgically sunken place as you scroll through childhood titles. From sleeping beauty and the fox and the dog to the search for Nemo and Toy Story, everything is there. Mostly.

Your brain will fall into the nostalgically sunken place.

It is clear that Disney + is not exactly comprehensive even for older titles, probably due to licensing issues. I'm a big fan of those old 50s goofy shorts that "teach" you how to do things like driving or skiing – the latter is there, but the former is not. It's something like a pattern. A larger omission is the original Muppet Show, though most films are available.

It's not a big deal, but we hope that eventually everything will show up.

After an initial delay in collecting all Star Wars and Marvel content due to license agreements with Netflix or other terms, both brands are now essentially complete in the Disney + library. There remain one or two exceptions – like the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special, which may not see the light of day anywhere – but the service has practically become a focal point for fans of both franchisees.

In his honor, Disney even accelerated the arrival of some major releases to put them into service as quickly as possible in special circumstances. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Frozen 2 were launched into the coronavirus pandemic both months earlier than originally planned.

The library also contains many natural shows by Nat Geo, and there are plenty of Disney Channel series for millennials, from Hannah Montana to Boy Meets World.

New additions to the Disney + library have appeared relatively quickly since the service started. 5 to 10 tracks are added every week – usually on a Friday. This content includes everything from fresh episodes of the original series to classic films and TV shows that were first added to the Disney + library.

As for Disney + Originals, The Mandalorian is the flagship of the service, but there's also plenty of entertainment in the reality series The World, according to Jeff Goldblum and family-friendly competition shows like Shop Class and Be Our Chef series. On the film side, the Disney + original features Star Girl and Timmy Failure are clever, but not necessarily a must.

Disney knows its audience, and newer original series like Prop Culture and Disney Gallery take audiences behind the scenes of some of the studio's most popular franchises and add another level of entertainment to some of the service's most popular content.

Several new Star Wars and Marvel series are just around the corner, but most will be available in late 2020 at the earliest (and possibly later due to production delays due to the pandemic). In contrast, Netflix has hundreds of original series and thousands of films. So it is certainly a debate between quality and quantity.

Our opinion

Disney seems to have spent more time securing content for its new streaming service than designing its user interface, but it has come a long way since the early days of its launch. Disney managers know that the allure of all of these legendary shows and films is hard to miss for a monthly fee less than what you'd pay to rent two films for the evening.

Is there a better alternative?

There is much. They have Netflix, Hulu (which can be bundled with Disney +), Amazon, HBO Max, Apple TV + and the list goes on. What Disney brings is something nobody else has, and that's the real genius of Disney + (and the impetus behind the streaming wars). It is something of a hostage situation. You have it, we want it. And it's very affordable right now.

How long it will take?

The new Disney streamer is going nowhere – the mega-studio will be there in the long run. In addition, I expect this service to continue to improve as Disney finds its way into the streaming world. Expect more features and fewer errors over time.

Should you buy it

If you love Disney, you want Disney +. If you love even one or two of these franchise companies, Disney + makes sense for cost reasons. However, if you're only interested in The Mandalorian to see what all the fuss is about and what's not particularly related to one of the Disney franchise companies, you can sign up for a month at any time, sign up through the best Sneak a show and get started Back to your favorite streaming services until season 2 is available. The decision likely depends on how much you value access to the Disney vault.

Editor's recommendations




06 May
Blog

Sony WF-XB700 Earbuds Review: Affordable, Quirky Fun

Sony WF-XB700 earphones

"The Sony WF-XB700 is a fun, quirky earphone that offers tremendous value."

  • Great battery life

  • IPX4 water resistance

  • Solid low-end sound

  • Pushy design

  • Limited codec support

There are any number of words you can use to describe Sony's latest earphones, the WF-XB700. A few – like fun, bulky, powerful, or affordable – come to mind immediately.

However, one word resonates the most. Value.

You may not look like much, but for $ 130, the WF-XB700 offers a range of features that far exceed its cost. If you can accept that these buds are not a substitute for their bigger sibling, the WF-1000XM3, and learn to tolerate a few quirks, you will be pleasantly surprised with Sony's latest real wireless offering.

Out of the box

The packaging of the WF-XB700 is as standard as possible and the contents of the box correspond to what we expect from earphones. There is a charging case with the buds themselves, a USB-C charging cable, additional earplugs and documentation that contains a user manual and warranty information.

Sony WF-XB700 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

If you were previously connected to a pair of wireless earbuds, you may not need to read the manual before trying the WF-XB700. However, you may need to replace the earbuds for one of the three pairs of replacement options. Conveniently, the tips supplied with the earphones fit my ears well from the start.

Like most earphones these days, the WF-XB700 supports Bluetooth 5 technology. After more than a week, I have found no connection problems. For the reasons you might expect, I couldn't quite exceed the limits of the Bluetooth connection, but I didn't have to worry about any noticeable problems when I was moving around my house or garden.

design

I came into conflict over the design of the WF-XB700. To put it bluntly, it's a functional construction, even if at first glance they don't seem to be capable of such an achievement. Once I found the right fit in my ears, the buds stayed secure thanks to what Sony called a “tri-hold structure” based on contact with three different points on the ear. They created a good seal around my ear canals, which is good for the sound quality.

Sony WF-XB700 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

At the same time, the structure of these buds is problematic. It's a strange word for this type of product, but the WF-XB700 is what I can only call "layered" with a pronounced footprint that extends well beyond your ear. In other words, be careful with these hoodies. These massive buds have to get caught, a quirk that gets annoying every time.

Two buttons are built into the buds, one on each side, and they have proven to be reasonably appealing. Similar to the buds themselves, which are black with a blue border, the charging case is not noticeable. Compared to other cases, it has a considerable depth to accommodate the size of the buds.

Function over shape in earbuds is not a bad thing. I would have liked a slimmer profile overall, but for most people, given the capabilities of these buds, it's a worthwhile compromise.

properties

IPX4 water resistance. Integration of the language assistant. Nine hours of playback on a single charge, with a quick charge feature that gives you an extra hour of audio after just 10 minutes in the case.

Sony WF-XB700 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

A year ago, these functions could easily have been reserved for equipment in a much higher tax bracket. Since then, they have quickly dropped to a budget level for earphones that is much more palatable to the masses, i.e. H. The WF-XB700.

In the time I spent with these bulky buds, each of these features worked remarkably well. The buds would easily take me through a whole working day before I had to recharge. The earphone case only has an additional charge, which is less than ideal. However, if you can hear them all day and charge them at night, I don't see this as a major problem for most.

A couple of sweaty runs have proven that the IPX4 rating is correct. While the voice assistant isn't as easy as wake-word enabled products like Amazon Echo Buds or Google Pixel Buds 2, it still worked well when I called it up with the right earbud button.

The function I wanted for these buds, as simple as it is, would be the ability to automatically pause the sound when you take an earphone out of your ear. It's something I've gotten so used to with other earbuds, and that's why I've repeatedly missed parts of podcasts and music when I pulled out a bud to have a conversation.

Audio quality

If you think these buds are what they are, a pair of real $ 130 wireless earbuds that are supposed to be more fun than sophisticated, you will enjoy the new Sony product. If instead you're looking for excellent sound that matches Sony's flagship WF-1000XM3, the WF-XB700 may not be for you.

Sony WF-XB700 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Sony has hit its Extra Bass brand on the WF-XB700, and for me that's "fun". The bottom end has a lot of punch, but doesn't sound bloated. If you regularly stream top hit playlists on Spotify, the WF-XB700 is an excellent addition to this listening experience.

The big bass has some drawbacks, however. The rest of the frequency range takes a back seat. If you take into account the lack of support for audio codecs like aptX, more experienced listeners will likely look for definitions that are not fully available. However, if you're looking for reference level audio, these are simply not the buds you're looking for.

The WF-XB700 has no noise cancellation technology that is not expected outside of Amazon's earbuds at this price (though I suspect this will change soon). The call quality is solid and contributes to what I think is above-average sound for the cost of these buds.

Our opinion

For the money, the WF-XB700 from Sony are fun, quirky earphones that are a lot more fun than quirky ones. Despite their shortcomings, including the size boss, the new earphones from Sony are just as valuable as they have positioned themselves on paper.

Are there any better alternatives?

The Amazon Echo Buds, valued at $ 130, have active noise reduction, but sacrifice battery life. If you're heavily invested in the Apple or Android ecosystem, the Apple AirPods or Google Pixel Buds 2 may be better, if more expensive.

How long will they last?

In addition to Sony's general reputation as a company that manufactures durable products, the WF-XB700 comes with a one-year warranty. You shouldn't have to worry about getting your money's worth with these earphones.

Should you buy them

Yes. I'm still not convinced of their design, but given the affordable price, the pleasant sound and the wealth of functions, the WF-XB700 is a bargain.

Editor's recommendations




02 May
Blog

Xbox One S Review 2020: Affordable 4K Entertainment

best cheap xbox one games 2017 s rating 9

"The Xbox One S is more than a console – it's a great Ultra HD Blu-Ray player."

  • Chic new look

  • Strong input / output selection

  • Ultra HD Blu-ray support

  • Improved compatibility with Windows 10

  • Attractive pricing

  • Not as small as expected

  • Hardware still slower than PlayStation 4

  • Cortana is disappointing

Xbox One S is Microsoft's cheaper update to Xbox One during the cycle. It offers both 4K media support and a better name for Xbox. On the hardware side, the miniaturization is said to overtake the PlayStation 4, which is still smaller and more subtle than the original Xbox One. On the software side, Xbox One S is the standard Microsoft carrier for Windows 10. While older Xbox One consoles can upgrade to the same software, there is still a lot of confusion about how Windows 10 and Xbox work together. The updated console ensures clarity.

There is a heavy load on the shoulders of this console that is too heavy for an incremental upgrade. Sony has not only launched a "slim" PlayStation 4, but also a much improved version of its console, the PlayStation 4 Pro. Microsoft also has its own powerful Xbox One X, which is currently the most powerful console, but Xbox One S is the much cheaper alternative.

Despite its low price, with exciting new features like Game Pass that complement Microsoft's vision for Xbox One, the One S doesn't have the improvements you'd expect from a console upgrade, nor is it the beginning of a new generation .

Smaller, but not that small

We liked the look of the original Xbox One and found it to look better than the PlayStation 4, which never looks right with its awkward angles. In practice, however, the Xbox One had a big problem. It was big – the biggest thing most people put in a home entertainment cabinet next to an A / V receiver.

Microsoft fixed this by reducing the Xbox One S by 40 percent. Sounds great, doesn't it? Nevertheless, the number is deceptive. The box is only a few centimeters narrower and about one centimeter shorter than the original. The power supply is now also internal.

The less-than-expected miniaturization means that the new Xbox is just catching up with the slim PlayStation 4. The Xbox One S is wider and a hair bigger, but not quite as deep.

The new Xbox isn't as small as the numbers suggest, but it is undeniably attractive. It's minimalist, uniform, and simple, with clean, sharp lines. The two-sided design of the original returns here – half of the Xbox One S is flat, while the other half is littered with exhaust ports.

In contrast to the original, the ventilated half uses a pit grille instead of diagonal slats. This is reminiscent of pixels and feels like home on a game console. A large cutout for the fan pointing upwards slightly affects the appearance from above, but is hardly noticeable due to its position in an A / V housing. Most people will only look at the Xbox One S from the front, and from that point of view, it's definitely the best looking console of this generation.

Fun and functional

The original Xbox One can be difficult to use due to its touch-sensitive power button. Other buttons, such as the controller sync button, were physically but unfavorably arranged.

The new Xbox isn't as small as the numbers suggest, but it is undeniably attractive.

Fortunately, the Xbox One S solves these problems. On the front are a physical power switch, a controller sync button and a disc eject button. All are easy to find and use, even in a dark media room. There's also a USB 3.0 port in advance – a little disappointing. However, the PlayStation 4 has two. Finally, the lower right corner hides the IR blaster, which allows you to control other IR devices through your Xbox One S by repeating the IR signal detected by those devices.

On the back of the Xbox One S there are two HDMI ports (one on, one off), two additional USB 3.0 ports (one for Kinect), S / PDIF and Ethernet.

Overall, with a notable exception, the connectivity is almost identical to the original. The Xbox One S deletes the dedicated Kinect port. You will need a USB adapter to connect an earlier Kinect to the new console. Aside from the hassle of having to purchase an adapter (Microsoft distributes it for free, at least if you contact Xbox support), this change means that Kinect users are effectively one less USB than before.

Xbox One S.Bill Roberson / Digital Trends

Bill Roberson / Digital Trends

Still, Xbox One offers more connectivity than PlayStation 4. Microsoft has selected Xbox One as a one-stop solution for everything from games to television. While it's questionable whether its mainstream features have prevailed, they remain something that the PlayStation 4 doesn't even try to emulate.

Once again, a console undercuts Blu-ray players

While previous Xbox One consoles were limited to 1080p video output for both games and videos, the Xbox One S offers support for 4K video and a 4K Blu-ray player that is not found in either PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 4 is professional to find.

Of course, 4K resolution support doesn't affect games. They are rendered with the same frame buffer as before. Unlike the original system, the Xbox One S can do native 4K output for the user interface and media. You can play 4K and HDR Blu-rays on the new UltraHD TV you bought, or you can download Netflix for 4K streaming.

HDR, short for "High Dynamic Range", works against it and improves the picture quality if your TV supports HDR. Still, strangely, HDR mixes with this console's 1080p target, as TVS with HDR usually also offer 4K resolution. In this case, the Xbox One X would make more sense.

Support for 4K remains largely unnoticed after switching on – and that's a good thing. You can set the Xbox One S to 4K and leave it there without having to worry about your source content. 4K movies look as detailed as you'd expect, but games rendered in the resolution they were originally designed for look just as good as on a 1080p display. Even Hyper Light Drifter's pixel art style looked pin sharp.

Xbox One S.Bill Roberson / Digital Trends

Bill Roberson / Digital Trends

This makes the Xbox One incredibly attractive to anyone with a 4K display. There are few standalone Ultra HD Blu-ray players, and the ones available are expensive. Ultra 4K Blu-ray players can be sold for the cheapest models for $ 200 to $ 249. This suddenly makes the Xbox One S, which is regularly available for $ 200, an economical purchase.

Oddly enough, a full-fledged console has managed to undercut dedicated home media players, but that has happened before. Some players may remember that the PlayStation 3, the first console with a Blu-ray player, undercut most dedicated players at the time of its release. The Xbox One S does the same trick and should draw the attention of every home theater enthusiast for this reason alone.

It is still an Xbox One

The Xbox One S is a new design, but not a completely new console. Apart from what is above, everything else remains the same.

That's a problem. The Xbox One sold poorly compared to the PlayStation 4 for a simple reason. Most games are played on both consoles, but Sony's is more powerful and the games look a little better. Sony also has some premium exclusive products that the Xbox will never see.

The Xbox One S does nothing to fix that. It is slightly faster due to higher clock speeds on the GPU and the associated ESRAM. This is enough to get a few extra frames in titles that run at an unlocked frame rate, and it can make up for the tearing in some games, but the difference isn't usually noticeable in gameplay. We only know everything thanks to the Digital Foundry from Eurogamer, one of the few publications that are equipped for frame-by-frame analysis of a console. Microsoft said nothing about improved in-game performance in its official Xbox One S press release.

Xbox One S.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Microsoft has lost this generation of so-called "console wars". The Xbox One S hasn't changed a thing.

Our opinion

Most players are unlikely to find the Xbox One S more attractive than before. It remains less powerful than its Sony rival. Aside from the smaller footprint, which, as mentioned earlier, is less impressive than suggested when it was released, there is nothing on the Xbox One S that could draw an enthusiast's attention.

Although Xbox One S isn't the best game console today, it's a great home theater appliance. The Xbox One S has a 4K-enabled Blu-ray player – a feature not available on the PS4 or PS4 Pro – that alone may be worth the price of admission, provided you have a 4K TV.

Is there a better alternative?

The Xbox One S achieves parity with the standard PlayStation 4 in almost every respect. However, the omnipresence of this console among gamers can cause the PlayStation 4 versions of multiplatform games to get more attention from their developers.

How long it will take?

It depends on how often you want to update your console. The more powerful version of Microsoft's Xbox One, the "Xbox One X", is already available at relatively low prices. And the next generation will appear later this year with the release of the Xbox X series. While most games like Halo Infinite will stay compatible with the Xbox One S for at least a year, time is ticking for this generation.

Should you buy it

No. The Xbox One S is an aging console that doesn't make sense for most players with a new generation along the way.

This article was last updated on April 27, 2020 by Cody Perez, a Digital Trends employee.

Editor's recommendations




24 Mar
Blog

Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Review: Powerful, Affordable, Expandable

Dell Inspiron 15 7000 2020 review

"The Inspiron 15 7000 is nothing special, but its expandability makes this midrange laptop something special."

  • Practical expandability

  • Solid productivity performance

  • Good keyboard and touchpad

  • Attractive price

  • The color accuracy of the screen is deactivated

  • Uses older graphics card

Laptops are nowhere near as upgradeable as they used to be. Whether it's battery, storage, or storage, you stick with everything you buy.

There are some rare exceptions to this trend. One of them is the latest Inspiron 15 7000 model from Dell. This Inspiron is not soldered on, but has easily accessible RAM slots and additional connections for a second PCIe M.2 SSD and even a 2.5-inch drive.

It starts at just $ 800, although the 7591 we tested was a bit more powerful. This special configuration for $ 1,050 includes a Core i7-9750H, the GTX 1050, 8 GB RAM, a PCIe SSD with 512 GB and a full HD non-touch display (1,920 x 1,080). That's a very attractive price for a 15-inch laptop with so much performance.

Is the upgradeability of this laptop different from the crowded field of excellent 15 inch laptops?

Upgradeable internals

The Inspiron 15 7000 is a "midrange" laptop, but that doesn't mean it isn't built well. The model I checked is made from stamped aluminum. This is a nice improvement over the 7590, which uses a magnesium alloy. This means that the 7591 is solidly built for a laptop of this price, without the lid, the keyboard deck or the housing bending or bending significantly.

This is important for a laptop that you want to open. The option to expand is not just a function for hobbyists. You can save money by updating it yourself, and you can even extend the lifespan – as long as you're ready to dig a little.

Turn the laptop over and you will find standard Phillips screws (no hex screws that require special tools). Remove them (the back three can easily be detached and left in the case), and you can gently break the cover off and reveal the inside.

You can save money by updating it yourself, and you can even extend its lifespan.

There you will find two RAM slots, a second M.2 PCIe slot for an SSD and a 2.5-inch bay for a third drive. If you have installed a single RAM stick, you will be running in single-channel memory mode. This has a significant impact on performance. Connect a second customized module and switch to two-channel mode to significantly accelerate storage performance.

If you add a second M.2 SSD, you can configure RAID 0 (striping) or RAID 1 (mirroring) for either better performance and more storage space, or redundancy and more reliability. Finally, you can add a third 2.5-inch drive for additional storage.

As mentioned earlier, this is an unusual level of access and upgradeability for an Ultrabook. You'll need to switch to an expensive premium laptop like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2 to find a laptop that can add a second SSD with RAID support. With some other laptops like the Dell XPS 15, you can replace RAM and (single) SSD. However, the Inspiron is the only notebook in its class that allows you to add up to two additional drives.

Surprisingly, although the Inspiron 15 7000 is uniquely expandable, it's not overly large or heavy. It's 4.12 pounds, which is lighter than the 4.5 pounds of the XPS 15, but heavier than the 3.76 pounds of the ThinkPad. At 0.78 inches thick, the Inspiron is a bit thicker than some of the premium models, but not much. You don't have to lug around a bulky laptop to improve upgradeability.

The connectivity, which also affects how well you can equip a laptop, is very good. You get three USB-A ports, a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, a full-size HDMI 2.0 port and a microSD card reader. Connect it to a Thunderbolt 3 dock and you can connect to multiple 4K displays and a variety of other peripherals. However, wireless connectivity was a step back since only Wi-Fi 5 was used instead of the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard for Bluetooth 5.0.

performance

I ran our usual performance benchmarks before adding a second 8 GB RAM module and the performance was disappointing as expected.

Before adding the additional RAM, for example, the Inspiron achieved 1,071 in Geekbench 5 in single-core mode and 3,864 in multi-core mode. After adding the RAM, these numbers were shifted to 1,124 and 4,695. Compare that to the Lenovo Yoga C940 15 with the same CPU and the same two-channel RAM at 1,106 and 5,117.

The upgrade had less impact on our more realistic tests. In Handbrake I encoded a 420 MB video in H.265 to test the content creation performance. Before the upgrade, the Inspiron took a full 3 minutes to complete the test. After that it took two minutes and 50 seconds. The Lenovo C940 lasted 2 minutes and 17 seconds.

By adding the second RAM module and switching to two-channel mode, Geekbench performance was increased by 12% and the laptop was updated with the competition. The increase in the handbrake test was only around 6%. The memory I bought was from Crucial, a single stick with 8 GB of DDR4-2666 MHz RAM that only cost about $ 30. This is one of the more cost-effective performance improvements I've seen for some time.

I didn't notice any difference in the SSD performance compared to the RAM upgrade. The Western Digital PCIe offered an average performance that is lower than the much faster SSDs in the XPS 15 and ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2 in the Lenovo Yoga C940 equipped with Intel Optane.

However, if you add a second SSD and configure RAID 0, storage speeds will increase significantly. This is another performance boost that is quite unusual for ultrabooks and that only Lenovo matches.

Design and display

Upgradability is good, but the Inspiron still needs to work well as a laptop. The good news is that it is a solid offering in many ways.

The keyboard is comfortable, with plenty of travel and a snappy mechanism. It doesn't quite match the keyboard level of expensive laptops like the XPS 15 and HP Specter x360 15 or the Magic Keyboard of the new MacBook Pro 16, but is good enough for fast typing.

The touchpad is also above average and offers plenty of space for a Windows 10 touchpad (but not like the massive version on the MacBook) and support for Microsoft Precision touchpad drivers. Windows 10 multi-touch gestures work fine and it's a pleasure to use them.

Next is the ad. At 15.6 inches, Full HD is a little less sharp than I prefer. For me, 1440p or 4K is a very preferred resolution for these larger panels. The screen that Dell chose for the Inspiron doesn't bother you in everyday use. At 323 nits it is pretty bright, although the contrast only reaches 820: 1. That is below the 1000: 1 threshold that we like to see.

The color gamut was average at 74% of AdobeRGB and 98% of sRGB, but color accuracy was unsatisfactory at 4.52 (1.0 and below is considered excellent). You shouldn't rely on this laptop to make precise photo edits.

The Lenovo Yoga C940's panel was similar, with better contrast and color accuracy, but slightly less impressive color accuracy. If you want a fine-tuned swatch, you'll need to upgrade to a laptop like the Dell XPS 15 and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme.

After all, battery life also plays a role. Here you make a real compromise for the additional storage option. If you choose the 2.5-inch drive bay, you're limited to a 56-watt-hour battery – like in my test device. If you give up this slot, you can use a 97-watt-hour battery, similar to the XPS 15.

This had a negative impact on the battery life. For example, the Inspiron fell behind the Lenovo Yoga C940 by about 6 hours in our web browser test and by just under an hour in our video loop test. However, the Inspiron did surprisingly well in our demanding Basemark web benchmark test with 4 hours and 40 minutes, well over an hour longer than yoga.

Game performance

My test device was equipped with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 instead of the GTX 1650, which is an optional upgrade. The GTX 1050 was only very popular a year or two ago and offers a passable experience when playing casual games and modern titles with lower resolutions and graphic details.

I ran our usual set of gaming benchmarks and the Inspiron was run in accordance with other laptops running the GTX 1050. Fortnite displayed 52 frames per second (FPS) with 1080p and high graphic details, and Epic 41 FPS. In the meantime, the Inspiron managed 77 FPS in Civilization VI at 1080p and medium details and 40 FPS at Ultra.

This is not a dedicated gaming laptop. So be ready to reduce the resolution and graphic details.

In a heavier game like Assassin's Creed Odyssey, the Inspiron achieved 32 FPS at 1080p and High Detail and dropped to unplayable 17 FPS at Ultra High Detail. Overall, these results are on average 10-15 FPS lower than those of laptops equipped with the newer GTX 1650, including the Dell XPS 15 and Asus ZenBook 15 UX534. If you want to play more on this laptop, you want to upgrade to this faster card.

The Inspirion 15 7591 is suitable for casual games and even comes out in modern titles. However, this is not a dedicated gaming laptop. So be ready to reduce the resolution and graphical details to get the best experience possible.

Our opinion

The Inspiron 15 7000 is a unique upgradeable ultrabook. The ability to add two storage drives is more than almost any other laptop I've tested. Do-it-yourselfers will love it from a conceptual level, but it's a throwback to a time when laptops can last more than a few years.

Unfortunately, the configurations from Dell are confusing. The 7591 I tested only came with a single RAM module, and the older GTX 1050 is a bottleneck when gaming. You can opt for the 7590 with its GTX 1650, but you can only add one additional drive.

Whether you choose the $ 800 base model or something with discrete graphics, the Inspiron 15 7000 is a balanced mid-tier laptop.

Are there alternatives?

Yes, there are several 15-inch alternatives, although there aren't many in this price range. The HP Envy 15 is outdated, as is the ZenBook 15 from Asus. The 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 uses weaker quad-core processors, as does the LG Gram 15.

The XPS 15 from Dell offers a more stable case, faster performance options and a better screen. With the same specs, it's around $ 300 more expensive, although the XPS can be configured much higher. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2 almost corresponds to the expandability of the Inspiron and can also be a little faster, but is twice as expensive.

If you want to consider a 2-in-1 device, the Lenovo Yoga C940 15 is a good option. It's a bit faster to play than the Inspiron and around $ 500 more expensive. The expandability of Dell is also not possible.

How long it will take?

The Inspiron 15 7000 is well built and should last as long as you need it. With the ability to easily open the case and update components, you can add more RAM and memory as needed. That means the Inspiron lasts a little longer than your average laptop.

The 1-year warranty is industry standard and, as always, is disappointing.

Should you buy it

Yes. It's a solid laptop for the price, and the expandability features are a plus.

Editor's recommendations




18 Mar
Blog

1More Stylish Review: Affordable Apple AirPods Killers

1More stylish real wireless earbuds

1 MORE stylish real wireless in-ear headphones

"The perfect real wireless headphones for the masses."

  • Basic water resistance

  • Great battery life

  • Clear, aptX-capable sound

  • Compact charging case

  • Very convenient

  • No ability to introduce ambient noise

At just $ 100, 1More's stylish real wireless earbuds outperform Apple's industry-leading AirPods with longer battery life, more ergonomic design, and better overall sound. When we reviewed them in 2019, they were awarded the Editor & # 39; s Choice Award for their combination of price and performance. One of our only criticisms at that time was a lack of volume control.

As of March 2020, an app-based software update has resolved this problem: You can now also control the volume. Although we have not changed our rating, we can safely say that we are now more excited about the 1More Stylish.

Out of the box

With round rubber ear fins on the outside of the slim, oval earbuds, the second-generation Stylish model looks identical to the company's original real wireless offering, the Stylish TWS – a pair that ended last year mainly due to its low fanfare debuted deep battery life of 2.5 hours per charge.

1More stylish review

1More stylish review

1More stylish review

1More stylish review
Dan Baker / Digital Trends

The simple, ergonomic design was one of the few things the original Stylish TWS model had to offer. So it's really nice to see that it stays that way. The new buds are shockingly light and comfortable, and the ear fins (which are referred to as "o-hooks") mean they never feel like they're falling out of your ears. With four sets of earplugs and three different ear fin sizes, you are sure to get an excellent fit.

Another thing the headphones have for them is the variety of colors. The new model is available in four different colors – pink, gold, mint green and black (the color of our test device). So you can customize your earphones to your personal style.

No matter where I went – from long runs to long bike trails and beyond – the headphones stayed true to my Oneplus 6 middle-aged.

Speaking of appearance: The new Stylish is located in a slim, egg-shaped charging case that matches the color of the headphones and is charged with the included micro USB charging cable. One thing I particularly like about this model is that the company also includes a small drawstring bag made of thick plastic to keep the charging case and the cable between the inserts inside. This ensures that the headphones and their case always stay dry in wet sports bags or on rainy days, and means that you never need a micro USB cable in the USB-C era.

characteristics

These little earphones contain a lot of juice. The 1More Stylish offers six and a half hours of listening time on a single charge (at 50 percent volume). That's less than the expensive new Powerbeats Pro (which is one of our leading vendors), but it's about an hour and a half longer than Apple's AirPods and half an hour more than the original Samsung Galaxy Buds. although the new Galaxy Buds + are undoubtedly in a class of their own with an amazing 11 hours.

The charging case is very light, but it also offers three charging processes for a total of 26 hours of listening time on the move, which corresponds to or exceeds almost every large player. There's also a quick charge feature that gives you three hours of listening time with just 15 minutes of plug time.

1More stylish reviewDan Baker / Digital Trends

Getting started with the new 1More Stylish is easy. Simply open the case to put it into pairing mode, then pair it with your device's headphones. As with AirPods or the new Powerbeats Pro, you can pair each headphone individually if you want to use one at a time. Contrary to what we found with the Powerbeats Pro, I had no problems with the Bluetooth 5.0 of the 1More Stylish connection when testing. No matter where I went – from long runs to long bike trails and beyond – the headphones stayed true to my Oneplus 6 middle-aged.

In terms of connectivity, 1More is still committed to providing the best possible wireless listening experience for the money, so it has added aptX and AAC capabilities to the new Stylish so you can hear all your music in high quality.

1More Grammy winner Luca Bignardi hired to make sure these headphones reproduce the studio sound accurately.

Now that you can update the Stylish with volume controls via the 1More app – something you still can't do with AirPods – we are fully satisfied with the Stylish controls that let you play and pause music, and change tracks can (two forwards, one for back), answer calls or access Siri or Google Assistant.

The only thing missing is the ability to bring in the sounds of the outside world. With more expensive options like the Samsung Galaxy Buds and the Jabra Elite series, you can hear what's going on around you via external microphones on the headphones. This makes the Stylish less ideal for training environments where you may need to hear pedestrians or car horns, although I will say that I used them personally while commuting by bike because my music is so quiet that I have the world around me can hear around anyway through the thin rubber earplugs. As with the Powerbeats Pro, another solution is to connect only one earphone for heavy traffic.

Speaking of training: the headphones don't have an official IP rating for water or dust resistance, but 1More assured us that they are sweat and waterproof, and I didn't have any problems with the headphones even during my long – and very sweaty – runs.

1More stylish reviewDan Baker / Digital Trends

Audio performance

The sound is relatively clean and dynamic, with the added benefit that aptX gives a certain clarity that many real wireless headphones lack regardless of price – although iPhone users don't get this benefit.

Compared to the Jabra Elite Active 65t and Apple AirPods, the Stylish had a greater sense of musical energy and space in my ears, making it more fun to hear overall.

I've been a huge fan of 1Mores Tuning since I got to know the company's outstanding triple driver model, and although the individual 7mm titanium composite drivers in style don't offer the same clarity or vibrancy across the frequency spectrum still say 1More cares a lot about how they sound.

1More stylish review

In fact, the company commissioned Grammy-winning engineer Luca Bignardi to ensure that these headphones accurately reproduce the studio sound – a feat that I can personally say because I've checked some of my own home mixes for headphone accuracy.

With powerful bass and balanced mid and high frequency frequencies, the headphones sounded all the genres I listened to, from dynamic live jazz and country music to pop hits made in the studio, exactly as I expected. Sure, they don't have the same musicality as Sennheiser's $ 300 momentum radio model, but they sound more than decent at a third of the price (and they also offer better battery life and overall performance).

Warranty information

1More Stylish is guaranteed for one year from the date of the original retail purchase against defects in materials and workmanship.

Our opinion

With a sleek design, great battery life, and incredibly low price, the 1More Stylish are the best wireless earbuds you can buy right now.

Is there a better alternative?

The closest competitor in price is the Samsung Galaxy Buds with a battery life of six hours, an IPX2 rating, and a wireless charging case for $ 129. For $ 29 cheaper, we would still take the 1More model, whose charging case contains significantly more juice than the 7-hour case you get with the Galaxy buds, up to 30 minutes more battery life per charge, and with the same convenience Offer. For more options, check out our list of the best real wireless headphones.

How long it will take?

1More makes extremely solid products and we expect them to be no different. With regular use, they should last several years until the battery life deteriorates – as is the case with all real radio models.

Should you buy it

Yes. If you need a pair of wireless earbuds, be sure to add them to your shortlist. There are currently no products that come close to the 1More Stylish for $ 100, and very few that compete at higher prices themselves.

Editor's recommendations




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