五大顶级无线耳机设计盘点

Our design guide to wireless earbuds, with all the qualities you look for in a sound investment

We round up the latest and greatest wireless earbuds for high-fidelity, in-ear sound. Whether it’s long battery life, active noise cancelling, high-fidelity sound or simply the portability and convenience of a pocketable set of earphones that you are after, these five new devices have got your ears covered.

Google Pixel Buds A-Series

The world’s biggest software company continues its quest to cover all aspects of hardware (available in its first physical store, as well as online) with the new Pixel Buds A-Series. The most affordable Pixel Buds yet, the A-Series pack a host of offline technology into their compact form, including Google Assistant, real-time translation of more than 40 languages and sweat- and water-resistance. The addition of an olive colour wave makes a welcome change from white and black.

Sony WF-1000XM4

The little flashes of bronze trim let you know these are premium units, and Sony certainly has the pedigree and experience to create stunning portable sound. The WF-1000XM4s are built around a new noise-cancelling processor, which promises to isolate you and accentuate the music more than ever before, with an Ambient Sound mode that allows background noises through if need be.

Sony WF-1000XM4, £250, sony.co.uk

Nuratrue by Nura

Nura’s big selling point is personalisation. From the company’s very first product, the Nuraphones, the onus has been on its ability to create a unique listener profile that accommodates your ears’ capabilities to cope with high and low ranges. Now the tech is available in the Nuratrue wireless earbuds. Promising six hours of listening time (slightly less than rivals, no doubt due to the tech on offer), a neat charging case for an additional three charges, and a full range of ear sizes to ensure the sound and fit is perfectly in tune with your ears.

Beoplay EQ by Bang & Olufsen

B&O’s products can be relied on to deliver quality and simplicity, and the company’s first wireless adaptive active noise cancelling (ANC) earphones are no exception. Beoplay EQ have up to 20 hours of playtime if you’re using the aluminium charge case. The ANC uses six discreet microphones to work its noise reducing magic, and also delivers excellent sounding call and speech. The latest Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity helps with swift set-up and the earphones are available in Black Anthracite and Sand Gold Tone.

Gemini by Devialet

Devialet is best known for its elaborate but acoustically exceptional speaker designs. Now the know-how that goes into the award-winning Phantom has been condensed into the French company’s first in-ear product, the Gemini. With three-stage noise cancelling software, including a special ‘plane’ mode for those lucky enough to still be travelling, as well as a ‘transparency mode’ that’ll bring the outside world in without having to remove the devices.