It’s Day 9 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.
And because of their rising popularity we are also introducing mics as well.
Here are Tech Guide’s 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas:
DAY 9: Headphones/Speakers/Mics
DAY 10: TVs and Soundbars
DAY 11: Appliances
DAY 12: Computers
DAY 9: HEADPHONES/SPEAKERS/MICS
SONY ULT FIELD 5 – $449
Sony’s audio credentials are well known and it has brought that expertise to its new ULT Field 5 portable Bluetooth speaker so you can take high quality anywhere.
The Sony ULT Field 5 (SRS-ULT50) is the largest model in this portable speaker range is 32cm long with a weight of 3.3kg.
But don’t worry – it comes with a shoulder strap so it’s easy to take it with you.
This ULT Power Series provides dynamic sound 360-degree anywhere with outstanding clarity and a generous helping of bass that is sure to please users.
READ TECH GUIDE’S FULL REVIEW HERE
AIRPODS PRO 3 – $429
Apple says the AirPods Pro 3 has 2x better ANC than the AirPods Pro 2 and 4x more noise removed. It certainly sounds like it – or should we say DOESN’T sound like it.
What is helping the AirPods Pro 3 is the new foam-infused ear tips but it’s the ultra-low noise microphones and advanced computational audio that’s doing the heavy lifting.
But the ANC is but one part of the AirPods Pro 3 offerings which also include stunning improved audio quality, spatial audio and head tracking along with the newest feature – Live Translation. And it can also track your heart rate.
READ TECH GUIDE’S FULL REVIEW HERE
SAMSUNG GALAXY BUDS3 FE – $249
Samsung has released the Galaxy Buds3 FE – the latest member of the Galaxy Buds family – which have been designed to deliver top line features at a more affordable price.
The Galaxy Buds3 FE offer a more accessible path into the Galaxy ecosystem and now have incorporated the iconic blade design along with improved audio performance and Galaxy AI functionality.
The Galaxy Buds3 FE include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), improved call quality, longer battery life and a comfortable all-day fit so users can listen where and when they want.
READ TECH GUIDE’S FULL REPORT HERE
NOTHING HEADPHONES (1) – $549
There are two sides to the Nothing Headphones (1) – one is the unique look and design and the other side is the sound quality – and it’s impressive on both fronts.
Nothing, the UK tech company, is known for its unique design and style for its products and naturally it has brought that over to its first over-ear headphones.
Each ear cup is backed with rectangular aluminium panel which is topped with a transparent oval-shaped cap – a style that’s unique to the brand.
READ TECH GUIDE’S FULL REVIEW HERE
JBL TOUR ONE M3 – $549
The JBL Tour One M3 headphones deliver amazing sound, excellent noise cancellation along with a new feature that allows users stay wireless even when viewing an in-flight entertainment system.
Tech Guide tested this feature on our recent trips to Tokyo and New York.
Usually we download the content we want to watch on our long flights from our streaming services onto an iPad and connect the JBL Tour One M3 headphones wirelessly via Bluetooth.
You either need to use the supplied headphones – if there is one – to connect to the system or you need to drag out a cable and hope it fits.
READ TECH GUIDE’S FULL REVIEW HERE
SONY WH-1000XM6 – $699.95
It’s not often an already excellent product gets better. Sony can claim this with the release of the WH-1000XM6 noise cancelling headphones.
Tech Guide has been listening to the headphones for a little while and in that time has discovered the headphone’s comfort, craftmanship, engineering and design have gone to another level.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 come in three colours – Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Blue.
READ TECH GUIDE’S FULL REVIEW HERE
TECHNICS EAH-AZ100 EARPHONES – $499
Technics is a respected name in audio circles and its latest offering – the EAH-AZ100 wireless earphones maintain that reputation thanks to a proprietary magnetic fluid driver that creates a clear and crisp sound.
The company has poured six decades of experience into the EAH-AZ100 earphones so they not only produce excellent sound but also offer impressive active noise cancellation, transparency mode and clear voice calls.
The earphones and the case are quite small. The case is smaller than the palm of your hand so it’s no hassle to carry them around.
READ TECH GUIDE’S FULL REVIEW HERE
BELKIN SOUNDFORM ISOLATE – $89.95
In terms of value – it’s really hard to beat the SoundForm Isolate headphones which has Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) onboard.
Belkin’s ANC combines feedforward and feedback microphones to reduce noise by up to 25 decibels.
The result is surprising and noticeably reduces the ambient noise around you whether you’re on public transport, on a flight or in a busy office.
READ TECH GUIDE’S FULL REVIEW HERE
SONOS ACE HEADPHONES – $399
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.
READ TECH GUIDE’S FULL REPORT HERE
LG XBOOM STAGE 301 – $449
The LG xboom Stage 301 offers uninterrupted music all day thanks to its 12 hours of playtime.
Under the hood is a 6.5-inch woofer and 2.5-inch midranges, crafted by Peerless, that deliver a bold and detailed sound to power your party.
It has a unique wedge design and carry handle and can be placed upright or tilted to adapt to the space.
It’s also perfect for live performances and street busking
SHOKZ OPENFIT 2+ – $339
The Shokz Openfit 2+ have a bold design and upgraded audio technology and include two drivers instead of one and Dolby enhancement.
The headphones include earclips so they sit securely and comfortably.
Users can also take control of their music through the new physical buttons.
The OpenFit 2+ includes DualBoost technology with two individual speakers combining to deliver extra-large low frequency for thumping bass and crystal clear highs which comes together to form a dynamic sound.
READ TECH GUIDE’S FULL REPORT HERE
SKULLCANDY METHOD 360 – $189.99
When looking for earphones the challenge is finding a pair that offers quality and value. The Skullcandy Method 360 Active Noise Cancelling earphones offer just that.
The Skullcandy Method 360 Active Noise Cancelling earphones are priced at just $189.99 and are tuned by Bose who knows a thing or two about audio quality.
As is typical with Skullcandy products, they have a distinct design edge and come in an all-new slider charging case which has a built-in O-ring so you can clip it on to your bag, yourself or your key ring.
READ TECH GUIDE’S FULL REVIEW HERE
RODE WIRELESS MICRO CAMERA KIT – $250
Rode has released a new wireless microphone system – the Wireless Micro Camera Kit – which allows content creators to record pristine audio quality whether they’re using a camera or smartphone.
The new Wireless Micro Camera Kit builds on the success of Rode’s excellent wireless microphone range.
The kit includes two compact transmitters with built-in microphones and a sleek on-camera receiver with a 1.1-inch AMOLED display which makes it easy to configure settings on the go.
READ TECH GUIDE’S FULL REPORT HERE
DJI MIC 3 – From $369
DJI has released its latest OsmoAudio product, the DJI Mic 3, a compact and light solution to ensure high quality audio performance and versatility.
With the Mic 3, DJI has taken the product to another level with the capability of connecting up to four transmitters and eight receivers.
It’s also the first system to feature an adaptive gain control that automatically prevents clipping or dynamically balances the volume along with three voice tone presets and two-level noise cancelling.
Also included for the first time is dual-file 32-bit float internal recording with 32GB of storage.
Weighing just 16g, the DJI Mic 3 transmitter is small and discreet.
READ TECH GUIDE’S FULL REPORT HERE
SENNHEISER MOMENTUM 4 80TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION – $639.95
Sennheiser is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year and the premium audio brand will mark the occasion with a limited edition version of its MOMENTUM 4 Wireless headphones which have been decorated by German graffiti artist Bond Truluv.
Formed in 1945, Sennheiser has set a standard for audio quality and engineering excellence.
It has collaborated by Bond Truluv who fuses art and technology with his work to pay tribute to the culture of true sound.
The 80th Anniversary Edition of the MOMENTUM 4 wireless headphones feature different designs and linework inspired by flowing audio waveforms on each earcup.
READ TECH GUIDE’S FULL REPORT HERE
BOYA MINI 2 – $93
The BOYA mini 2 are the next generation of the world’s tiniest wireless microphone, the mini 2 keeps its ultra-light 5 g build and near-invisible design, now enhanced with pro-level specs — true AI-powered noise cancellation, 48 kHz/24-bit audio, 80 dB SNR, 120 dB max SPL, plus a built-in limiter and safety track for clean, reliable sound.
It’s ideal for travellers, vloggers, and content creators who want professional results in the smallest form.
AIRFLY PRO 2 – $89.95
The AirFly Pro 2 can connect your AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones to any headphone jack. It will work with aircraft entertainment systems so you can stay wireless in the air.
It will also work in the gym on treadmills, stationary bikes and with gaming devices.
Even an old iPod with a headphone jack can now be heard wirelessly.
KOGAN NC45 PRO NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES – $49.99
Enjoy crystal-clear audio and all-day comfort with the Kogan NC45 Pro Hybrid Noise Cancelling Headphones, offering powerful sound, long battery life and versatile listening modes for travel, work and everyday relaxation.
It has Hybrid noise cancelling to block out almost all outside noise.
It has a 30-hour playtime so you can listen longer, recharge less.
BLUESOUND PULSE M230 SPEAKER – $1,049
Holiday music always makes the home that much more festive. Fill the holidays with music using the Bluesound Pulse M230 wireless speaker.
This compact yet powerful speaker creates rich, 360-degree sound that can stream from all major services or connect seamlessly with other
Bluesound devices.
With its sleek design and intuitive app control, the Pulse M230 is the perfect festive upgrade for any modern music lover’s home.
LASER RETRO PORTABLE CASSETTE BOOMBOX – $99.95
Relive the golden age of mixtapes with the LASER Retro Series Portable Cassette Boombox.
Combining classic 70s and 80s design with modern technology, it plays cassettes, streams via Bluetooth, and supports USB, microSD, and AM/FM radio. Record your own mixes directly from Bluetooth or other sources, and fine-tune the sound with dedicated bass and treble controls.
Two-way stereo speakers deliver rich, room-filling audio, while authentic controls, a telescopic antenna, and a sturdy carry handle complete the retro experience.
Portable with battery or plug-in power, it’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern convenience for music lovers on the move.
Available from Laser.Co
BELKIN SOUNDFORM CLEARFIT OPEN EAR WIRELESS EARBUDS – $89.95
Immerse yourself in audio while staying aware of your surroundings with Soundform ClearFit. Perfect for sports, outdoor activities and workouts, these open-ear earbuds stay comfortably secured without going into the ear.
Clear Call Quality technology reduces ambient sounds in the background during calls. You’ll also be able to conveniently switch between audio on two devices with Bluetooth multipoint technology.
