It’s Day 4 of Tech Guide’s 2024 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas we want to help you find the right gift for your family and friends in this busy shopping period.
Today we’re talking about one of the most popular tech category – headphones, earphones and speakers which will be on everyone’s shopping list.
Here are Tech Guide’s 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas:
DAY 8: Smart/IoT devices
DAY 9: Headphones/Speakers
DAY 10: TVs/Blu-Ray/4K
DAY 11: Appliances
DAY 12: Computers
DAY 9: HEADPHONES/SPEAKERS
JBL TOUR PRO 3 – $399.95
JBL, one of the leading audio brands, has released the JBL Tour PRO 3 earbuds – which includes dual drivers, Spatial 360 with head tracking, True Adaptive Noise Cancellation and the second generation smart charging case.
JBL says it is the most advanced true wireless stereo earphones it has ever produced.
The JBL Tour PRO 3 introduces the second generation smart charging case which includes a 30 per cent larger colour touch screen which not only offers full control of the onboard features but also doubles as a wireless audio transmitter so you can wirelessly link to any USB or analog source including inflight entertainment systems.
SOUNDBOKS 4 – $1,499
Bring unbeatable sound to your Christmas festivities with the SOUNDBOKS 4 – one of the loudest portable Bluetooth speakers on the market, delivering an incredible 126 dB of powerful sound. With a durable, splashproof design and customisable grill, it’s built to withstand any party. Plus, the 40-hour battery life means the music can last all night long.
Connecting is a breeze, thanks to Bluetooth and multiple inputs, allowing you to plug in your instrument or mixer directly. You can also link multiple SOUNDBOKS speakers for a surround sound experience with the TeamUP feature.
Perfect for both indoor and outdoor celebrations, it’s an impressive gift for any music or tech lovers this holiday season.
The SOUNDBOKS 4 is available for purchase via SOUNDBOKS.
SONOS ACE HEADPHONES – $699
Sonos has joined the big boys in the headphones game with its excellent new Sonos Ace noise cancelling headphones. It’s a departure from what the company usually produces but they’ve come up with a hit.
Up until now if you mentioned the big headphone brands you’d be talking about Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, Apple and JBL.
Sonos just wasn’t in the conversation. They were more focused on producing speakers and sound bars and multiroom systems to play music for everyone to enjoy.
LG TONE FREE T90S DOLBY ATMOS WIRELESS EARBUDS – $299
The TONE Free T90S earbuds are designed to be worn for extended periods and come with enhanced active noise cancellation that can adjust in real time depending on the level of noise around the user.
LG has again included Dolby head tracking technology that works across all entertainment and devices which provides a spatial audio experience that adjusts with the user’s head movements.
LG says the T90S earbuds don’t need Dolby-supported devices or content – the built in Dolby Atmos technology provides the immersive audio experience directly from the earbuds themselves.
JBL SOUNDGEAR FRAMES – $169.95
Leading audio brand JBL has released its first audio sunglasses – the JBL SoundGear Frames – which blends sleek design and style with high quality personal audio.
JBL has brought its iconic listening experience to the SoundGear Frames to make it even easier to add high-fidelity audio to your day – and to do it in style.
The JBL SoundGear Frames has integrated JBL’s proprietary OpenSound technology which is integrated into the arms of the glasses near your temples.
This offers rich audio quality but also provides awareness of your surroundings to ensure your safety but without compromising the clarity and detail.
AUDIO TECHNICA ATH-TWX7 – $369
The Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 earphones are sleek and light and deliver the signature impressive audio we’ve come to expect from the brand.
The wireless earbuds have 5.8mm high resolution drivers under the hood and support for 24-bit/96Khz audio files so you’re getting crisp and clear music.
On the design side the Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 have a slender design with a short stalk that rests outside your ear.
DYSON ONTRAC HEADPHONES – $799
Dyson products can vacuum your carpets, clean your floors, keep you cool, warm you up and help you style your hair but now they are taking on the big audio brands with its new OnTrac customisable noise-cancelling headphones.
In fact, Dyson says the OnTrac headphones have the best in-class noise cancellation and an impressive 55 hour runtime.
The headphones have been designed to offer high fidelity sound for a superior audio experience.
There are eight microphones that work to listen out for external sounds 384,000 times per second and block out up to 40dB of unwanted noise.
The Dyson OnTrac also has a remarkable sound range going all the way from the chest thumping bass to crystal clear highs, so every note and every word is heard with impressive clarity.
OPPO ENCO BUDS PRO – $99
For those that like to dance the night away, OPPO’s Enco Buds2 Pro true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds are the perfect companion. Combining high-quality sound with long-lasting battery life, durability and fresh styling – all for RRP $99.
The new Enco Buds2 Pro includes 12.4mm extra-large drivers to deliver big sound while improving the clarity at the same time.
TECHNICS EAH-AZ80 WIRELESS EARBUDS – $499
Provides high audio quality with a 10mm, free-edge aluminium diaphragm, extending high and low frequency response while reducing unwanted resonance and distortion. The AZ80 has a special acoustic structure, and noise cancellation, offering Technics sound in various environments.
It has a comfortable design, allows seamless device switching, and offers clear call clarity.
SAMSUNG MUSIC FRAME – $699
Combining artistic design with premium audio, there’s no better gift to level-up your festivities this Christmas.
With perfectly balanced sound through six 3-way speakers to sync your Christmas carols with your Samsung TV and mobile devices, the Music Frame delivers enhanced audio experience for any space.
The perfect companion to Samsung’s Frame TV, the Music Frame can also be connected to your phone for wireless control over your holiday playlist.
BELKIN SOUNDFORM CLEARFIT – $89.96
For the runners, gym-goers and podcast dog walkers, SoundForm ClearFit Open Ear Wireless Earbuds helps the consumer get a (good) grip on any physical activity.
With its ‘open ear’ design, these sweat-resistant earbuds will stay comfortably secured around the outer ear for great sound while allowing the user to stay aware of their surroundings. Available in Black & Sand.
APPLE AIRPODS 4 – From $219
Apple’s AirPods are the most popular earphones in the world and the latest version – the AirPods 4 – are even better and now include active noise cancellation.
These are open style earphones – there is no silicone tip like the AirPods Pro 2 – and they have been redesigned with shorter stalks with an improved fit after mapping tens of thousands of ears and collecting more than 50 million data points.
The bud has a new angle to direct audio into your ear while narrowing the width slightly so they rest inside your ear easier and stay in place.
For our review the AirPods 4 sat comfortably and didn’t come loose even when we were moving around and exercising.
SENNHEISER MOMENTUM SPORT – $529.95
Sennheiser are well known for straddling the line between mass consumer and audiophile-quality music. They have products that are purely audiophile-quality but then have products that aim to bring a similar quality sound to a more affordable mass consumer product.
The new Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport have a RRP of $549 and although they are not cheap, they produce a high quality sound while offering a myriad of sensors not normally seen in earbuds.
The MOMENTUM Sport house not just the usual audio sensors and ANC hardware but also a heart rate sensor and body temperature sensors. Not only do they do that, but they can connect these sensors to your favourite fitness monitoring devices.
LOGITECH UE MINIROLL – $99.95
Quality audio so you can hear your music wherever you want it. That’s what Logitech Ultimate Ears Miniroll provides despite its small and easily portable size.
The UE Miniroll Bluetooth speaker can fit in the palm of your hand and gets its design inspiration from a river rock.
It weighs just 279g and includes handy strap which makes it easy to attach to your bag, your bike or yourself.
And it’s also durable thanks to the IP67 rating which makes it waterproof, dustproof and drop proof so you can confidently take it with you to the beach, by the pool and anywhere in the great outdoors.
BELKIN SOUNDFORM MOTION 2 – $69.95
Make the most of your commute, workouts and free time with Motion 2 True Wireless Earbuds. Bluetooth 5.3 offers seamless pairing and multipoint two-device connection.
The 12mm drivers and three EQ presets deliver our Belkin Signature Sound for a high-fidelity, personal audio experience. All-day comfort with a sealed in-ear fit and up to 9 hours of non-stop playtime, plus another 24 hours of playtime with the charging case.
An IPX5 rating means they’re sweat and splash resistant. Clear Call Quality technology with two microphones in each bud allow for in-person sound on calls. Available in black, white, pink and blue.
BEATS SOLO 4 – $329
The Beats Solo headphones are popular on-ear wireless headphones and the latest version – the Beats Solo 4 – are a welcome update to enjoy your audio content in high quality on the move.
The Beat Solo 4 headphones, priced at $329, have maintained their minimal and slick design that has been extremely popular with customers.
For our review we received the black pair which have a nice matte finish with brushed metal styling on the headband.
The iconic Beats logo are on the outside of each ear cup so it’s clear to others what brand you’re wearing.
BLUEANT PUMP X ANC HEADPHONES – $299
Australian audio company BlueAnt has unveiled its latest over-ear active noise-canceling headphones, the Pump X. These headphones are designed to provide an enhanced audio experience, tailored specifically for workouts, fitness, and an active lifestyle.
The Pump X boasts a secure and comfortable fit, complemented by its rugged design. Additionally, it comes in three distinct color combinations to cater to a diverse range of users.
What truly sets the Pump X apart is its IP54 splashproof and sweatproof rating. This means it can withstand even the most intense workouts, ensuring uninterrupted audio enjoyment during your fitness journey.
UE EVERBOOM – $249
Ready to blast some tunes on your next adventure? Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM boasts 20 hours of big bassy sound and a rugged design built to withstand anything.
Not only is this powerhouse waterproof, but it also floats, making it the ultimate summer sidekick for pool parties, beach days, and beyond.
