Hear the difference!
The Stuff Gadget Awards 2024 shines a spotlight on the very best in audio technology, where design meets performance in the world of headphones. This year, we’ve curated a selection of true wireless earbuds and premium over-ear headphones that go beyond the ordinary. From affordable gems to premium masterpieces, these are the audio devices that are redefining what it means to listen in style.
Let’s look at the top picks that are setting the bar for personal audio tech!
Taking advice from human body researchers for the Pi8 buds really paid off for Bowers & Wilkins: these in-ears offer a secure and comfortable fit, much more so than their predecessors, for true all-day wearability. The redesign means they sit securely in a wider variety of ear shapes and sizes, and it’s all change on the inside too: B&W has ditched the dualdriver setup for a single speaker using carbon cone tech, as used in the excellent Px8 over-ears. As well as being impressed by the design, we were won over by just how clear these in-ears are. With three mics per bud and the same ANC algorithms as the PX8s, they do a great job of quietening the outside world without colouring the sound. You can expect to listen at moderate volumes without missing out on any of those luscious fine details.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Apple AirPods 4, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
OnePlus doesn’t price its true wireless headsets too high, but doesn’t really hold back on the features and specifications either. The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 continues to push this philosophy, offering decidedly premium-grade quality at a mid-tier price. There’s pretty much everything you want on a pair of true wireless earphones here; active noise cancellation, high-resolution Bluetooth codec support, convenient controls, good battery life, and Dynaudio tuning delivering decent sound and a fair degree of EQ customisability. Like most headsets from brands that also make smartphones, the Buds Pro 3 is optimised for use with a OnePlus smartphone, but don’t let that hold you back - it’s still great with any Android device.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
ALSO SHORTLISTED
Significantly undercutting the AirPods Max, the Dyson OnTrac is meant for the evolved listener. They combine cutting-edge noise cancellation and exceptional sound quality. Equipped with eight active noise-cancelling microphones, they effectively block out up to 40dB of ambient noise, delivering a truly immersive listening experience. The 40mm custom-tuned drivers produce rich, detailed sound with extended frequency range that goes down to 6Hz, instead of the usual 20Hz. With a battery life of up to 55 hours on a single charge, these headphones are built to go the distance. The adjustable design allows users to customize everything from the ear cushions to the outer caps, offering a level of personalisation rarely seen in high-end headphones.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
ALSO SHORTLISTED
The CMF brand has typically been focused on entry-level accessories and products, but the Buds Pro 2 pushes it in the right direction to really make a mark on the mid-range segments while retaining affordability. The case controls work well, sound is decent for the price thanks to a dual-driver setup and LDAC codec support, and the headset looks good. There’s very little to complain about with the CMF Buds Pro 2, especially at this price, and particularly so if you have an Android smartphone to be able to enjoy the benefits of advanced Bluetooth codec support. This is the kind of innovation the TWS segment needs, especially in the affordable space.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
HeadphoneZone x Kiwi Ears Cadenza
ALSO SHORTLISTED
