Spending more time working, exercising and watching television at home, many people have used their headphones and earphones more than ever this year. In 2020, wireless headphones allowed people to attend a Zoom meeting while cooking dinner (as long as they were off and the camera was off, of course). Noise-canceling headphones – like the newly launched Apple AirPods Max – loudly tuned in to family members and eager pets when you needed a moment for yourself. Some people have also taken advantage of staying home, improving their entertainment systems, preparing to host a party with friends when life returns to normal, and otherwise picking up streaming devices. We look back at some of the most purchased headphones and earphones we’ve covered this year, along with outstanding speakers and soundbars.
1. Apple AirPods Pro
Apple AirPods are by far the most purchased headphones I’ve ever covered and have been named the best wireless headphones for Apple users. The newest model, the Apple AirPods Pro, was recently on sale during Black Friday. They have an active noise canceling feature and a transparency mode to keep sound – and come with a wireless charging case that offers more than 24 hours of battery life. Apple AirPods Pro are sweat and water resistant, which makes many go for headphones to wear during exercise.
2. Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo True wireless headphones, updated 2019
While many wireless headphones can cost you more than $ 100, these Anker headphones come for less than $ 50. They’re waterproof and offer three and a half hours of wireless playback time on a single charge – but the charging case provides an additional nine hours of battery life. Readers have also shown a special interest this year for TaoTronics SoundLiberty 53 wireless headphones and Jaybird Vista True wireless headphones.
3. Sony WH1000XM3 headphones with noise cancellation
Active headphones with noise cancellation make you suddenly feel in a quiet room, reducing the outside sound, instead of muting it. Sony’s WH1000XM3 noise canceling headphones block more noise than many of its competitors, but still let a sound through their microphones if you want to hear it. The headphones have a bass sound and are equipped with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The headphones are also available in an updated version. Readers also especially liked the Mpow H19 IPO noise canceling headphones.
4. Apple AirPods (second generation)
Although they are one step lower than the Apple AirPods Pro, these AirPods remain in your ears as you move and remove the boring (often tangled) headphone cord. The AirPods have voice-activated Siri access and come with a wireless charging case. They are powered by the Apple H1 headset chip, so they provide a faster and more stable wireless connection to your devices as well.
5. Bluetooth Edifier R1280DB bookshelf speakers
When looking for shelf speakers, experts recommend that you go with others that have a higher bandwidth and a flatter frequency. Bluetooth Edifier powered library speakers have built-in volume and tone controls, as well as Bluetooth wireless compatibility. They are self-powered, so no amplifier is needed and pair with a smartphone or iPad, as well as a Blu-ray player or a self-powered turntable. Polk Audio T15 100 Watt Home Theater Shelf Speakers are also a popular choice.
6. Roku Streambar
Just in time for the holidays, Roku launched this year the Roku Streambar, a compact soundbar and the younger brother of the Roku Smart Soundbar. It equips four speakers in the body – two facing forward and two pivoted sideways – and can transmit 4K HDR content. It also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Roku Ultra 2020 Streaming Media Player was also recently released and is similarly appreciated by shopping readers.
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