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Editor-approved gear

Top Audio picks

Every Audio product our editors currently recommend, ranked — with the verdict, key specs, and where to buy.

Ranked by our editors · Updated August 30, 2026

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  1. Ranked number 1

    Google

    around $189 at the time of writing

    Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

    Google's flagship earbuds built around the custom Tensor A1 chip: twice the noise cancellation of the original Pixel Buds Pro, hands-free Gemini, and a smaller, more secure fit. The definitive audio companion for the Android ecosystem.

    • Audio chip:Google Tensor A1 (custom audio silicon)
    • Noise cancellation:Active Noise Cancellation, rated ~2x stronger than the original Pixel Buds Pro
    • Battery (earbuds):Up to 8 hours with ANC on
    • Battery (with case):Up to 30 hours total
    • Custom Tensor A1 chip powers markedly stronger ANC than the original Pixel Buds Pro
    • Compact, lightweight redesign with a secure, comfortable fit and IP54 resistance
    • Best-in-class hands-free Gemini assistant integration for Android users
    • Richest features are optimized for Pixel/Android and less complete on iOS
    • No higher-bitrate/hi-res codec support for audiophile listeners
    See price on amazon (opens in a new tab)See full details
  2. Ranked number 2

    Sony

    around $200

    Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

    Sony's flagship over-ear ANC headphones pair dual-processor, 8-mic noise cancellation with LDAC hi-res audio and 30-hour battery — a benchmark commuter set now selling well below its original $399.99 MSRP.

    • Driver:30 mm dynamic driver (one per ear cup)
    • Noise cancellation:Active, AI-powered — dual processors, 8 microphones
    • Battery life (ANC on):Up to 30 hours
    • Battery life (ANC off):Up to 40 hours
    • Class-leading active noise cancellation — dual processors and 8 mics that crush low-frequency commute rumble
    • Excellent microphone array (4 beamforming mics) for clear hands-free calls
    • LDAC hi-res wireless plus AAC/SBC and a wired 3.5 mm fallback
    • No IP water- or sweat-resistance rating — not suited to workouts
    • Non-folding hinge means a larger carry case than the XM4
    See price on amazon (opens in a new tab)See full details

Side by side

How the top Audio picks compare

The specs that matter most, next to each other — so the trade-offs are obvious before you click through.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Top pick
Brand
Google
Noise cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation, rated ~2x stronger than the original Pixel Buds Pro
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

Brand
Sony
Noise cancellation
Active, AI-powered — dual processors, 8 microphones
Bluetooth
5.2, multipoint (2 devices)

Keep browsing

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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4, 2025)

The M4 refresh makes 16GB memory the baseline at a $999 starting price — a fanless, 2.7-pound daily driver built for students and developers.

  • Brand:Apple
  • Model:MacBook Air 13-inch (M4, 2025)

See full details →

Google Nest Cam (Battery) wire-free smart home security camera on a dark studio background

Google Nest Cam (Battery)

Google's wire-free, indoor/outdoor security camera with 1080p HDR video, a 130° field of view, and person, vehicle, and animal alerts built in — no subscription required for the basics. A polished pick for anyone already living in the Google Home ecosystem.

  • Video resolution:1080p HDR
  • Field of view:130° diagonal

See full details →

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