Audio

If you want a surround sound system, but don't want to futz with wires, extra channels, or the possibility of having an outdated receiver: the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar is for you.

The Neumann U 87 Ai remains a gold standard for studio microphones. It delivers rich, detailed recordings with minimal effort, even in untreated spaces. While it’s a serious investment, the build quality, versatility, and proven sound make it worth the cost for professionals.

If you’re in the market for an instrumental microphone, the Shure SM57 is a great jumping-off point. For $100, you’re getting a die-cast steel mic with an integrated pneumatic shock mount for countering vibration-induced movement. It’s built to last a lifetime and is able to accompany you on a career’s worth of tours.

The Shure SM7B is beloved by professional musicians for its reliable performance, top-grade construction, and noise attenuating technology that lends itself to clear recordings. This isn’t a mic for those making their first foray into recording, rather it’s for aspiring professionals and industry veterans.

The HyperX Quadcast is an ultra-credible USB mic that takes aim at other units in the sub-$200 price range. Despite its technical limitations, it can credibly record a podcast, stream, or other vocal-centric application short of professional recording.

If you’re looking for an attractive bang-for-your-buck XLR microphone, Blue drives a hard bargain with its Ember microphone. This is one of the slimmest XLR microphones out there, and its sophisticated, muted design means it won’t be an eyesore to have it in frame while recording.

The HyperX QuadCast S is a sleek, clear-sounding USB gaming microphone with a mesmerizing light show. While its lack of portability and subpar internal pop filter detract a bit from its value, it is overall a very good microphone that comes with a two-year defective warranty.

The Meze Alba are an interesting pair of earbuds, especially if you're looking for a refined bass experience. It feels like a huge step up in terms of sound compared to general consumer earbuds. However, it doesn't have general consumer-facing features such as a microphone.

The Soundcore Boom Go 3i is an affordable, rugged portable speaker you can toss in your backpack without a worry. If you’re after a grab-and-go speaker for your next adventure, the Boom Go 3i makes an easy case for itself thanks to customizable sound, RGB lighting, and a handy battery display.

Much like its predecessor, the Charge 6 is sure to become a fan favorite. With better durability, a more customizable sound, and additional ways to connect, JBL has done an excellent job pushing the Charge series forward.

The Arctis Nova Pro Omni is one of the best lifestyle gaming headsets available. It connects to multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing sound quality, excels in competitive gaming, is comfortable, and the battery never runs out.

The Flip 7 may look familiar, but there’s more here than meets the eye. While upgraded durability, new connection options, and extra carrying attachments aren’t exactly game-changers, the added sound customization is definitely a welcome upgrade.

The inconvenience of wires is easily overlooked once you hear what a wonderful job these do at reproducing your favorite tracks. Construction isn’t at the expense of sound quality; the cans are made of leather, aluminum, and stainless steel and manage to feel lightweight on the head.

The Edifier M90 is a versatile speaker system that works just as well on a desk as it does beside a TV. With extensive connectivity, customizable sound, and a surprisingly handy remote, it’s an easy fit for movies, gaming, and everyday music listening.