The struggle to find appropriate audio devices is real, one: because the market is brimming with options and two: because they all are marketed as better than others. But we’ve done the research on your behalf, thoroughly evaluated a range of products and handpicked the best ones for you. So here are the best headphones, TWS and speaker of 2022.
Stuff Gadget Awards 2022: Best Audio devices of the Year
The top headphones, TWS and speaker from 2022
Headphones of the year
Sony WH- 1000XM5
Its design choices may have polarized reviewers and fans, but the Sony WH series of ANC on-ears have consistently improved on sound with every iteration. In its fifth- generation, the more slender and modern design gives up on folding earcups, which rattle some cages. But the 1000XM5 makes up for it with a neutral sonic signature that delivers on timing and rhythm, never missing a beat. The long-haul ready battery life, superb ANC and a 3.5mm wired option is a life saver even if you’re out of your comfort zone. Not the upgrade for 1000XM4 owners, but if you’re a new ANC buyer looking for the best value, the WH-1000XM5 still retain their crown as the best in the business
Best of the rest
Sennheiser HD400 Pro
Flexing its German roots and studio heritage, the HD400 Pro provide all the transparency and detail expected of a well-heeled open-back. If you can get an external amp and DAC, you’re in for a treat.
Bucking modern trends and sticking to the basics, the AT-BT version of its popular M20 has neutrality and battery life for days, or 60 hours! Wired or wireless, it gets the job done.
TWS of the Year
Apple struck gold with the AirPods Pro, which is probably why we had to wait a bit longer than we expected for a proper sequel. But it finally arrived this year, looking very similar to the OG model but boasting punchier sound and improved noise- cancelling. Battery life has had a boost too. The end result is headphones that earn the “2” at the end of their name, and rightly so. In many ways, it is the most heavily revised product in Apple’s line-up this year, but almost all the changes are internal. With a massive leap in sound quality, attenuation and desirability, it is a must-have for iPhone owners.
Nominees
Speaker of the Year
JBL Flip 6
JBL has always impressed us and the rest of the world when it comes to sound quality and its Flip series is no different so the latest Flip 6 had to be our pick as the best speaker for 2022. If you are a regular Stuff reader, you would already know the basic features of this speaker, its design and other details by now. So this is going to be about why the Flip 6 dazzled us, the best part is that it delivers appealing sound for a varied variety of genres, be it metal punk, soft blues or the regular mid-bpm bollywood tracks. Plus its design and built allow rugged handling, however, of course you can’t play catch with it.