Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

The best wireless headphones for 2024 from Bose, Sony, Sonos and more

bose quietcomfort ultra headphones review 00014
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Wireless headphones are the way to go if you’re looking for convenience and functionality. Unless you’re an audiophile who demands the highest possible hi-res sound quality that can only be achieved with wired headphones, wireless headphones are a must-have. These headphones sound great and come packed with features, including active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency modes that let you hear the outside world as much as you want, excellent call quality, Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, and more.

We are constantly searching for the finest wireless headphones, and we prioritize comfort, audio quality, and battery life. In this roundup, we will be concentrating on over-ear wireless headphones. We also have a list of the best wireless earbuds if you’re interested.

We think that Sony's latest WH-1000XM5 are so good that they currently take the top spot on not just this list, but also our list of the best headphones, period. They're light, very comfortable, have excellent noise cancellation and sound quality, and are packed with premium features.

But if you have something else in mind, like a set of earbuds or something a little more affordable, we have you covered with a variety of additional wireless headphones to compare.

Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5
The best wireless headphones overall
Jump to details
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Best noise canceling
Jump to details
Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max
Best for iPhone users
Jump to details
Urbanista Los Angeles
Urbanista Los Angeles
Best for the eco-minded music fan
Jump to details
1More SonoFlow
1More SonoFlow
Best budget wireless headphones
Jump to details
Sonos Ace Headphones
Sonos Ace
Supreme comfort, with perks for owning a Sonos soundbar
Jump to details
Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 4
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Best for sound quality
Jump to details
Master & Dynamic MH40 Gen 2
Master & Dynamic MH40
Best for the style-conscious buyer
Jump to details
DALI IO-12
Dali IO-12
Best price-is-no-object wireless headphones
Jump to details
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
Best for gaming
Jump to details
Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Plus Volume Limited On-Ear Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones– Lightweight Headphones for Kids with Built-in Microphone–Safer Sound Studio-Grade Quality (Teal)
PuroQuiet Plus ANC Headphones
Best wireless headphones for kids
Jump to details
sony wh 1000xm5 review
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Sony WH-1000XM5

Pros
  • Excellent sound
  • Very good comfort
  • Ultra-clear call quality
  • Best-in-class noise canceling
  • Very good battery life
  • Hi-res compatible (wired/wireless)
  • Hands-free voice assistant access
  • Classy, modern design
Cons
  • Fold-flat, but don’t fold up

The previous leader of this list was Sony's WH-1000XM4, and the WH-1000XM5 have everything that made those headphones amazing, plus a bit more.

Let's break them down, shall we? The design has gotten an update with smaller drivers and a slimmer, more elegant shape that also makes the headphones a little lighter to wear. The battery life of these new cans is almost unchanged, providing 30 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) on and 40 hours without (the XM4s were just a tad behind that last number with 38 hours). And while Sony says it has improved its software algorithms and hardware when it comes to active noise cancellation, the 1000XM5 are basically the same as the XM4 — excellent.

Like the XM4s, Sony's WH-1000XM5s include Bluetooth multipoint connection, allowing them to be connected to two different devices at the same time. The wear sensor continues to be a handy addition, automatically pausing content when you remove the headphones. Sony's Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) Extreme tech that upscales compressed digital sound sources using artificial intelligence continues to get the most out of your audio files, too.

In addition to the updated design and improved ANC, the headset now includes more mics to bump up the call and chat accuracy. Are they worth an extra $50 for the upgrades? Absolutely: We still haven't seen a contender that can beat this headset line.

Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5
The best wireless headphones overall
bose quietcomfort ultra headphones review 00015
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Pros
  • Premium materials and design
  • Excellent comfort
  • Best-in-class noise canceling
  • Natural-sounding transparency
  • Impressive spatial audio
  • Hi-res compatibility
Cons
  • Tricky volume control
  • ANC can't be turned off

If you head over to our best noise-canceling headphones post, you'll discover that the new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have recently stolen the top spot from this list's top dog, the Sony WH-1000XM5s. Yes, the Ultras are that good at shutting out the world around you. But let's get more specific.

Bose has always been one of the kings of ANC (active noise cancellation), and with its new flagship cans, they're back with a vengeance. Bose claims that they're the quietest over-ear headphones they've ever made, which has been corroborated in our review where they outperformed both the AirPods Max and the XM5s, effectively blocking out a wide range of common environments, including noisy city streets, busses and streetcars, noisy malls, cafe's and more. Transparency mode is also excellent and features a new Active Sense mode that listens for loud noises so it can activate ANC to keep your ears safe. Plus, a new Modes feature lets you tailor-make your own ANC and transparency presets (as many as you want) do dial in that perfect balance.

Sound quality on the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is, as expected, also still really good, and new for the Ultras, Bose has added spatial audio support for immersive 3D sound. Overall, the Ultras have a great sound signature that is super clear and defined in the highs and low (they've actually dialed this back from previous versions) and even more bass forward than ever; comparable to the much-praised Sony XM5s. But like with most headphones now, you can tune everything to your exact preferences with the Bose Music app.

The QC Ultra's earcups have kept their physical button controls, which many people prefer over touch controls, making them easy to use even with gloves on. Battery life on the Ultras maxes out at up to 24 hours without ANC and 18 with, which isn't great when compared to the likes of Sennheiser's 60-hour Momentum 4 Wireless, but, I mean, who really needs 60-hour battery life? A 15-minute quick charge on the Ultras will net you an extra 2.5 hours, too.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning the outgoing king of ANC form Bose, the fantastic Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which you still might be able to find for a song.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Best noise canceling
The Apple AirPods Max on a surface, viewed from the side.
Riley Young / Digital Trends

Apple AirPods Max

Pros
  • Best-in-class ANC
  • Amazing transparency mode
  • Excellent build quality
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Top-notch call quality
Cons
  • Charges via Lightning cable
  • Heavy on head

Yes, their price is high. In fact, at $549 (less elsewhere), they're the most expensive headphones on this list by a mile. But if you're willing to make that investment, Apple rewards you with a beautiful design, high-quality materials, and a feature set that will please the most discerning listener.

Where the AirPods Max truly shine is their ANC, transparency, and call quality, each of which is best-in-class for wireless headphones. That's saying something considering just how good the competition (Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700) is. The noise-canceling is sublime, and our reviewer believes their transparency mode is the closest thing you can get to not wearing headphones at all.

Apple has also done its usual "it just works" magic with the AirPods Max's controls. The digital crown knob may look a little unusual perched on top of the right earcup, but it's intuitive and even a little addictive. The dedicated button for ANC/transparency is also perfectly positioned and works like a charm.

The innovative mesh materials used on the headband and ear cushions are comfortable, but they can't quite make up for the AirPods Max's one major drawback: Their weight. Considerably heavier than any other models on this list, you may find that they're simply too weighty for long listening sessions.

Battery life is on the low end at 20 hours, but this number might be conservative. At lower volume levels, it could easily extend to 25. Pairing with and switching between Apple devices is a snap. The only thing we think Apple has to rethink with the AirPods Max is the protective travel case, which is neither very protective nor very useful for travelers. Thankfully, there's no shortage of AirPods Max accessories to remedy that fact.

It's been almost four years since Apple released the AirPods Max, and the rumor mill is spinning that a second-gen may be on the way, so you might want to wait — for the new tech and for the first-gen to go on sale. That said, here's what we'd like to see with a refreshed AirPods Max.

Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max
Best for iPhone users
urbanista los angeles review 00002
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Urbanista Los Angeles

Pros
  • Solar charging really works
  • Secure fit
  • Real-time power meter in app
  • Huge 80-hour battery
Cons
  • Only works under optimal conditions
  • No EQ adjustments

This Urbanista headset offers a fascinating proposition: Wear them out in the sun, and they'll recharge automatically thanks to the solar cells in the headband. Leave them out long enough, and they'll fill up an enormous 80-hour battery reserve you can use for days. While that's a very climate-dependent benefit (they're called "Los Angeles" for a reason), those in the right areas have plenty to benefit from.

Solar power is far from the only thing the Los Angeles offer. The headset also delivers competent ANC, with an ambient sound mode (aka transparency mode) so you can hear the outside world while you're moving around, plus complete app controls that allow you to monitor operation, adjust volume, and check on the solar sensor.

The headset supports Google Assistant, Siri, and Bluetooth 5.0 connections. The ear shell design uses vegan leather for sound-canceling foam for a comfortable (if simple) design. Of course, outdoor users will get a lot more out of the headset than others, but it's still an ambitious — and clever — result from Urbanista.

Urbanista Los Angeles
Urbanista Los Angeles
Best for the eco-minded music fan
1more sonoflow review side
Ted Kritsonis / Digital Trends / .

1More SonoFlow

Pros
  • Great sound quality
  • Very comfortable for long periods
  • Ridiculous battery life
  • Solid ANC performance
  • Great app support
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • No wear sensors
  • Wired mode disables extra features

When we list the best features of the SonoFlow, we know it sounds like a headset well over $100, especially with ANC and a transparency mode included. But no, these wireless headphones are incredibly affordable compared to other options and come packed with desirable features – including especially good sound quality at this price.

1More has also done miracles with the SonoFlow’s battery, which can last up to 50 hours with ANC turned on, making these headphones one of the best picks for those who want to go wireless for as long as possible before plugging in. We’re also impressed with the detailed app options included here, with a variety of different modes to choose from and plenty of EQ adjustments. Plus, the design is simple and comfortable to wear even for long periods.

The minor issues with SonoFlow don’t have a lot of impact on your listening experience: You lose some features when in wired mode, and there’s no wear sensor to automatically pause when you take the headphones up. That’s a small price to pay for, well, such a small price on these excellent headphones.

1More SonoFlow
1More SonoFlow
Best budget wireless headphones
sonos ace first impressions review 00024
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Sonos Ace

Pros
  • Excellent design and comfort
  • Intuitive tactile controls
  • Very good sound quality
  • Top-notch ANC and transparency
  • Fun Sonos soundbar integration
Cons
  • Lacks full Sonos system integration
  • No Wi-Fi streaming
  • TV Audio Swap needs improvement

Sonos' first wireless headphones are an impressive achievement, specifically as it relates to comfort and fit. The Ace may even be the most comfortable headphones you can buy, with a shape that feels like a warm hug when they're on your head.

They're no slouch when it comes to sound quality either. As you'd expect from Sonos, the deliver a warm tone with excellent detail, helping you get the most from your music.

Both noise cancellation and transparency modes are among the best you can get, and Sonos' decision to give the Ace physical buttons instead of touch controls means that you'll master these wireless cans in seconds.

Battery life, at 30 hours, is about average for this category, but what's less common is the Ace's support for both lossless audio via Bluetooth and lossless audio via USB-C, making the Ace one of the most versatile options at the moment.

Those who own a Sonos Arc soundbar will get to enjoy a somewhat unique and fun feature: fully rendered and head-tracked Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 sound for private and deeply immersive listening with any TV audio. The feature is set to come to Sonos' other soundbars in the future.

However, Sonos owner may feel a bit disappointed that the Sonos app can't be used to stream music to the Ace or control them like you would a Sonos speaker. You get EQ and ANC adjustments, but not much else.

Still, for a price that puts it on par with the leaders in this space, the highly comfortable Sonos Ace are a compelling new option.

Sonos Ace Headphones
Sonos Ace
Supreme comfort, with perks for owning a Sonos soundbar
sennheiser momentum 4 wireless review
Zeke Jones/Digital Trends / Digital Trends

Sennheiser Momentum 4

Pros
  • Amazing battery life
  • Outstanding sound
  • Effective wind noise reduction
  • Comfortable
  • Effective ANC
Cons
  • No auto-off function

We were amazed at the audio quality with the Momentum 3, but somehow Sennheiser found multiple ways to upgrade it with the 4. This is still the best wireless sound you can get for the money, suitable for every kind of audio but shining especially well when it comes to strong, accurate bass and detailed treble.

The Momentum 4 also comes with ANC that features specific modes to combat wind interference or switch to transparency options. And while the new over-ear design is undeniably large, Sennheiser has enough experience to make sure they’re comfortable for long periods of listening as well. Battery life is also excellent – in fact, our review found it lasted up to 60 hours with ANC on, something that no other headphones can manage yet (and far, far better than the Momentum 3 managed).

Some things are missing here, though, such as an automatic off function (although wear sensors are included), but you aren’t giving up much at all for the huge sound upgrade that undoubtedly makes these headphones worth it.

Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 4
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Best for sound quality
master and dynamic mh40 wireless 2023 review 00015
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Master & Dynamic MH40

Pros
  • Top-quality materials/build
  • Unique styling
  • Excellent sound
  • aptX Adaptive
  • USB-C digital audio
  • Good battery life
Cons
  • Pricey
  • No ANC/transparency
  • May not please bass fans
  • iPhones miss out on best wireless/digital sound quality

If you're the style-conscious type looking for a pair of wireless cans that look as good as they sound, then look no further. The Master & Dynamic MH40s are an updated version of their 2019 predecessor, but M&D has left its cool vintage aviator looks, with leather and metal stylings, untouched, instead focusing on some upgrades under the hood.

While the 2019 model sounded excellent, the new model ups the game further with redesigned titanium drivers that provide a wider soundstage, improved Bluetooth audio with the aptX Adaptive codec (for Android only, sorry iPhone users), and some great EQ presets to help you zero in on your perfect sound balance. The addition of direct digital USB-C connectivity opens up full-quality, lossless music (also Android only, or via a computer connection) through to the MH40 W’s internal digital-to-analog converter (DAC), capable of rendering up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution from the likes of Amazon Music, Apple Music, Tidal, or your own FLAC files.

All this is to say that while the Master & Dynamic MH40s don't have ANC or transparency mode, you might not miss them because they aren't just pretty to look at, they offer some serious sound. Some other improvements from the 2019 model include a longer battery life (up from 18 hours to 30 per charge), faster charging (6 hours of playtime with just 15 minutes of charging), and some improvements to the microphones for better call quality.

Master & Dynamic MH40 Gen 2
Master & Dynamic MH40
Best for the style-conscious buyer
dali io 12 review 00009
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Dali IO-12

Pros
  • Incredible sound quality
  • Supreme comfort
  • Top-notch build and materials
  • Wired, digital, and wireless hi-res connections
  • Very good battery life
  • Clear transparency mode
Cons
  • Very expensive
  • No companion app
  • No wear sensors

If you happen to have an extra $1,300 laying around, you could do much worse than the Dali IO-12 wireless headphones form the makers of some of the best hi-fi speakers you can buy. In our review, we observed that while the pricey Dali IO-12 headphones may be unaffordable for some, if you value superior sound quality above everything else, these headphones may be worth the price. As stated by our headphone expert, Simon Cohen, "I have yet to come across wireless headphones that sound better."

The Dali IO-12's are made using high-quality materials, are wrapped in gorgeous leather, and have a sturdy, durable build that will last for years to come. Thanks to their soft memory foam earcushions and adjustable headband, they provide excellent comfort for extended listening sessions.

Connectivity-wise, the IO-12's support Bluetooth aptX HD/aptX Adaptive for use with devices that support it, lossless hi-res audio up to 24bit/96kHz when connected using USB-C, and good old fashioned analog via the included analog cables. Read our review for specifics on how the OI-12's can handle your analog sources, it's pretty cool. These sound features make them a worthwhile investment for anyone passionate about their audio experience and wanting to enjoy their music to the fullest.

The Dali IO-12s also have excellent battery life at around 35 hours, which puts them in the ballpark of Sony's blockbuster cans, the WH-1000XM5 (up to 30 hours). The Dali IO-12 feature transparency mode, respectable ANC, and impeccably-tuned microphones for what Cohen calls "almost studio level of detail" during phone calls. All of these points make these headphones a winner, regardless of price.

If your pockets are deep but the Dali IO-12s don't do it for you, an honorable mention goes to the Mark Levinson No. 5909 wireless headphones. These luxurious $1,000 cans also sound amazing, feature ANC and transparency modes, and support for aptX Adaptive, LDAC, SBC, and AAC Bluetooth codecs.

DALI IO-12
Dali IO-12
Best price-is-no-object wireless headphones
steelseries arctis nova pro wireless review 10
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Pros
  • Top-tier audio quality
  • Expansive Sonar software
  • High-quality ANC
  • Comfortable fit with multiple adjustment points
  • Fully retractable microphone
  • Dual USB inputs
Cons
  • GameDAC doesn't fully integrate with Sonar
  • Microphone is prone to pick up noise
  • Spatial audio can have nasty interactions with EQ

SteelSeries has long known how to make a high-quality gaming headset, but the Arctis Nova Pro takes gaming audio to another level with its incredible redesign. The Sonar software allows for deep customization (and even title-specific suggestions), including a parametric EQ, but these headphones are tuned for accurate audio right of the box, so you don't have to worry about the details if you don't want to.

Other important features also make these headphones usable around the home, including great ANC, and a fit that's lightweight without feeling cheap, plus plenty of physical adjustments you can make. The retractable mic also works well (we found it sometimes picks up ambient noise, though) and won't ever get in the way.

The Arctis Nova Pros have a swappable battery design that's made for switching the actual battery on the fly — so you have one on deck charging at all times. But a USB-C port does allow for on-ear charging, albeit a bit awkwardly, as noted by our senior gaming writer, Jacob Roach, in his full review. Two battery packs are included with the headset — which is good, because battery life is lower than past SteelSeries headsets at 22 hours at only 2.4Ghz wireless, and 18 hours when using 2.4GHz and Bluetooth at the same time, with with ANC on.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
Best for gaming
A kid wearing a pair of red PuroQuiet Plus kids' headohones.
Puro Sound Labs

PuroQuiet Plus ANC Headphones

Pros
  • Volume limitation so music doesn't get too loud
  • Comfortable and durable design
  • 23-hour battery
  • Active Noice Cancelation
Cons
  • Can't compare to wireless headphones designed for sound quality

Puro Sound Labs' PuroQuiet kids headphones have gotten a new coat of paint and a rebranding recently, updating the model to PuroQuiet Plus. And while things haven't been fiddled with too much, there are a few improvements to the $140 ANC Bluetooth kids headphones.

USB-C has been added to the The PuroQuiet Plus and they are now available in two new colors — purple and teal that kids are sure to like. Otherwise, Puro Audio Labs has taken an "if it's not broken, don't fix it" approach to the new model.

Parents will be most interested in the PuroQuiet Plus' volume-limiting feature, which caps things at 85 decibels by default, the maximum safe volume that children should be exposed to, to prevent hearing damage over time.

Active noise cancelation is also a feature of the PuroQuiet Plus, which is something you don't see often in kids headphones and probably account for much of the higher price. While it might be easy to dismiss ANC as a feature that might not seem useful for kids, it does have its merits for helping to block out distracting daily noise and background sounds to help calm them or even concentrate better.

The previous generation of PuroQuiets sounded great for a set of kids headphones, and the same can be said of the Plus. Puro hasn't messed with the call quality either, making the headphones good for a range of communications uses such as remote learning, video calling with relatives, and, yes, online gaming with friends.

PuroQuiet Plus pair easily with phones, tablets, and computers over Bluetooth, but the option is also there to connect with the included 3.5mm volume-limiting cable. They also come with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable for daisy chaining to another set of PuroQuiet Plus headphones. A 3.5mm heapdhone splitter can also be purchased separately so two sets of headphones can connect to the same audio source. However, be sure to connect to the splitter with the PuroQuiet's included volume limiting cable to ensure the volume safety is still present.

The PuroQuiet Plus are comfortable for long periods of wear and have a decent (if unchanged) battery life — up to 35 hours of non-ANC playtime and up to 23 hours with ANC on.

Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Plus Volume Limited On-Ear Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones– Lightweight Headphones for Kids with Built-in Microphone–Safer Sound Studio-Grade Quality (Teal)
PuroQuiet Plus ANC Headphones
Best wireless headphones for kids

Frequently Asked Questions

Are wireless or wired headphones better?

Wired headphones will almost always offer better fidelity, longevity, and durability. For most folks, though, wireless headphones offer significantly more convenience and most let you use them as wired headphones too.

How long do wireless headphone batteries last?

This depends on many factors, but batteries last anywhere from three to 36 hours or more per charge (some models go up to 40 to 50 hours, but this is rare). Expect battery life on the lower end of that scale for wireless earbuds, while full-sized over-ear headphones typically last much longer. If the wireless headphones in question offer a decently fast quick-charge option, that can make up for a smaller battery capacity.

A bigger question is: How long will those rechargeable batteries continue to hold a full charge? As we've seen with Apple's AirPods, the answer isn't always great.

Can I make calls with wireless headphones?

As long as they have a built-in microphone, which the vast majority do, you can make calls with your wireless headphones.

Are any wireless headphones sweatproof?

Yes, if they have an IPX rating for water or sweat resistance.

How durable are wireless headphones?

This depends heavily upon the make and model. Look for aluminum frames and durable foam if you want your headphones to last. The good news is that you don't have to worry about cables ripping or tearing.

Can I use wireless headphones without battery power?

Yes, wireless headphones don't turn off or stop working while you charge them, and most do include a detachable cable for a 3.5mm jack as well. In some unusual cases, certain features or audio settings may not be available while headphones are charging. You also don't need to worry much about headphones overcharging, as modern headphone batteries come with protection against overcharging damage.

Do wireless headphones work well for TV?

Generally only with TVs that output Bluetooth audio, many of which do not. Otherwise, you’ll usually need an adapter or select soundbars with Bluetooth transmission.

How long do wireless headphones take to charge?

That can vary a lot based on the headphones. Full headphones may not have quick-charge features more often found on earbuds, where only 5 to 10 minutes can give you enough charge for an upcoming activity (although some, like the AirPods Max, do have quick charging). Most will fully charge in two to three hours, or slower if you are using them at the same time.

What are transparency modes?

This is a feature in many headphones with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) that allows some environmental sounds to enter the headphones instead of blocking off as much as possible. Transparency modes are useful while jogging or cycling to hear the world outside and avoid possible accidents, or if you need to keep an ear open for sounds from another room, timers going off, etc.

How do you test?

We test headphones and earbuds the way normal people live.

We run every pair of headphones through a rigorous process over several days. That includes playing them in all sorts of scenarios — be it on a bus, in the listening room, or at the office — and playing back from a wide array of sources. We know most people use their headphones with a smartphone, often with lower quality MP3 resolution tracks, so we do, too.

However, we also move up to high-resolution audio files, as well as a wide variety of sources, including plugging in directly to a PC or Mac, using USB DACs (digital-to-analog converters), and employing high-quality dedicated portable players and amplifiers. Finally, we compare the headphones to some of our go-to models, both in their class and price point, as well as a level or two above to find out if they can punch above their weight.

Do wireless headphones have latency issues?

Latency and lag are rarely noticeable on today's wireless headphones. It shouldn't be a problem when watching shows or games, for example, unless something is wrong with your internet connection. For the best results, use devices compatible with the latest standards like Bluetooth's aptX, which includes a low latency feature with excellent results. Even wireless gaming headsets are a common option, and when latency is measured in milliseconds there's not much to worry about.

All that said, there will technically be more latency on wireless headphones than with a wired connection.

Simon Cohen

Simon Cohen is a contributing editor to Digital Trends' Audio/Video section, where he obsesses over the latest wireless headphones, earbuds, soundbars, and all manner of related devices and technologies. Whether it's a review of a new Bluetooth speaker or a deep dive into the benefits of hi-res audio, his approach remains the same: speak as plainly as possible so that readers can learn and discover which products are worth buying.

Simon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film & English from Western University, which meant he was ill-prepared for a career in either field. Instead, he became a freelance teleprompter operator, with gigs working on commercials, industrial videos, corporate meetings, political speeches, and one very weird TV special with Buffy Sainte-Marie. However, when he discovered the web in 1993, he knew he had found his calling and began a journey that continues to this day.

Along the way, he became the ninth employee at AOL Canada, wrote about technology for Ozy.comMobilesyrupDriving.ca, and VentureBeat, put in 15 years at what was once Canada's biggest website, Sympatico.ca, and appeared as a guest tech expert on international TV and radio programs, including BBC Radio, CTV News Channel, and CBC Radio.

The most common question Simon gets is, "are you related to Leonard Cohen?" The second most common question is "which wireless earbuds are the best?" (Answers: no and, it depends).

Simon in based in Toronto, where he works from a home office with no door, at the top of a set of stairs. It's as bad as you're probably imagining. He lives with three cats, one goldfish, a few dozen snails, and his wife, who wishes his job involved fewer large boxes. Sometimes his two adult children live there as well, but the less said about that, the better.

When he's not writing, he enjoys motorcycles, scuba diving, skiing, and reading sci-fi. He once met Douglas Adams.

Derek Malcolm

Derek Malcolm is a contributing editor and evergreen lead for the A/V and Home Theater section of Digital Trends. Derek joined the DT team in 2020, spending his days wrangling the movie and TV streaming guides before getting the chance to nurture his obsession with the latest audio/video gear. A former musician and practicing vinyl nerd, his passion for sound can be found in his writing, whether it’s a guide to the best speakers and turntables, or a review of a party speaker that’ll blow your roof off.

Derek studied journalism at Toronto’s Humber College, graduating in 1999. He started his career writing about music, movies, and TV, back when people still read things on paper, working at such magazines as TV Guide and celebrity mag Hello! Canada. Derek counts Matt Damon, Britney Spears, and Coldplay among his favorite interviews.

From 2006 to 2018 Derek was the editor-in-chief of Canadian tech and entertainment magazine Connected, where he steered the publication through the invention of the iPhone and the rise of streaming to the demise of BlackBerry and the print industry.

One of two Canucks on the Digital Trends A/V team, Derek is based in Toronto where he lives with his wife, daughter, two cats, and his prized vintage Marantz stereo receivers.

When Derek isn’t cussing at the labyrinthine setup menus of the latest projectors, he can be found at home listening to records or counting the days to ski season.

You can find Derek on Threads and sharing his vinyl exploits on Instagram.

Best Bose deals: Save on soundbars, headphones, and earbuds
A woman in a park wearing Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth wireless noise canceling headphones.

Even though Bose is one of the more highly regarded audio brands it still manages to offer some affordability for its various lineups, with Bose often finding itself among the best headphone deals, best Bluetooth speaker deals, best soundbar deals, and best subwoofer deals. All of these kinds of devices are in play for a discount right now, which is why we’ve rounded up all of today’s Best Bose deals. Read onward to get a jump on all of the details, and if you need some additional tech to pair with any of these Bose deals be sure to check out today’s TV deals, phone deals, tablet deals, and laptop deals.
Bose QuietComfort II — $219 $279 22% off

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are often recognized as some of the best wireless earbuds on the market. They have great noise-cancellation capability, which makes getting your work done at the office a less distracting endeavor, and which makes taking in movies on your laptop or home theater a more immersive experience. They also have a feature known as Aware Mode, which allows you to hear both your music and your surroundings at the same time. This makes them a safe option for daily commuters, fitness nuts, and bicyclists as well. Along lasting battery and easy phone call controls round out the top features of the QuietComfort II wireless earbuds.

Read more
Best Bluetooth speaker deals: Save on Bose, Sonos, JBL, and more
The JBL Boombox 3 Bluetooth speaker, placed outdoors.

Shopping Bluetooth speaker deals can be a great way to take your music on the go with some savings. You could even consider a Bluetooth speaker for your home theater if the current soundbar deals and subwoofer deals aren’t dropping prices enough for you. Some of the best Bluetooth speakers can get the job done with a home theater while simultaneously making a great portable audio option, and we’re currently seeing Bluetooth speaker deals across all price points. We’ve pieced together all of the best Bluetooth speaker deals going on right now, so read onward for those details. And if you need a device to pair with a new Bluetooth speaker don’t miss out on today’s best phone deals, best tablet deals, best laptop deals, and best TV deals.
JBL Flip 6 — $110 $130 15% off

One of JBL’s most popular Bluetooth speaker options is the JBL Flip 6. It offers louder, more powerful sound than earlier versions of the Flip, as it has a two-way speaker system. This speaker system is designed to deliver loud, crystal clear, powerful sound. This Bluetooth speaker is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, so you can take it to the pool, park, beach, or trail without worry. It will reach up to 12 hours of life on a single battery charge, making it a great portable audio option for just about everyone.

Read more
Best Buy Prime Big Deal Days 2024: There are still some great deals
Cyberpunk 2077 running on the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14.

Update 10/10/24: Most of the TV deals from the sale are still live, but laptop sales dwindles considerably once the official "48-Hour Sale" ended.

With Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event over, Best Buy has a chance to head up the sales and get attention. If you're a Best Buy Plus or Total member, you also have a chance to get a $50 bonus reward whenever you spend $500 or more between now and October 20. So no matter what you want, including stuff like Dell Prime Big Deal Day deals, you might very well be best to check out Best Buy's sale if you're a member here. We're finding the best deals in the categories that matter the most to you, to keep your comparison shopping with Amazon at a minimum.
Best Buy's Big Deal Days TV deals
We're going to do a longer listing of more and more elsewhere (our dedicated Best Buy Big Deal Days TV deals article), where we'll cover a wider selection. But there's no reason to not start checking out a few of the best deals here, too.
Insignia 50-inch Class F30 Series 4K — $190 $300 37% off

Read more