The best headphones to look forward to in 2023

The new year is upon us. As always, our orbit around the sun is breathing new life into the headphone market. It’s true – 2022 was no exception to this rule. From Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones to Apple’s AirPods Pro (2022), we are spoiled for choice. But can the big headphone brands, with high expectations, deliver the goods in the next 12 months?

While there are no set dates yet, we’ve gathered some information about what to expect in the coming year. Here’s our shortlist of the best headphones to look forward to in 2023.

Apple usually releases its Airpods at the end of each year alongside its iPhones and iPads. Fall 2023 will mark two years since Apple released the original Airpods Max. Since Apple usually renews its Airpods brands every two years, a fall 2023 release date for the Airpods Max 2 looks promising.

Apple’s AirPods Max was a very welcome addition to the AirPods family. They also offer excellent sound quality superior ANC and transparency mode capabilities. They’re also home to some of the most comfortable earcups on the market. Their Spatial audio feature allows users to immerse themselves in a 3D audio atmosphere. Ideal for watching movies or immersing yourself in a layered soundscape. The AirPods Max also have a battery life of 21 hours. Considering they don’t technically turn off, that’s pretty good.

So where can the AirPods Max 2 improve on their predecessor? First, the carrying case. When you spend large sums of money on premium headphones, you expect the case to keep them protected. We’d also like these new headphones to be able to stream lossless music. However, the exclusion of a aptX connection suggests that this is not an urgent problem for Apple. Finally, L/R ear detection. While it’s understandable that Apple went with the Apple Watch-style Digital crown, reversibility would not be lacking. If Apple can combine these improvements with its superior sound quality, it could be a winner.

At the IFA 2022 convention, Bosch confirmed developing its new range of hardware, including soundbars, speakers, earphones and headphones. Since Bose tends to refresh its QC line every two to three years, a 2023 release seems likely. After securing Qualcomm’s new S5 Audio series chipsetsthe next-gen products from Bose seem to be on their way.

What this means in practice is that the Quietcomfort 55 headphones will likely host aptX lossless. That’s good news for audiophiles looking for a high-quality audio option. This is in addition to the latest in Bluetooth low energy (Audio) technology. That means we could see improved battery life to support features like adaptive ANC. That’s not to downplay battery life Quiet comfort 45, or. They can easily listen to more than 24 hours of music. Combined with their impressive noise cancellation and isolation, these make for excellent headphones.

The Bose Music app introduced an EQ feature in a later firmware update for the QC 45. This was a useful tool for adjusting the initial wobble of the headphones’ frequency response. Ideally, we’d like to see this standard with the QC 55. That way, users can get started right away and hone their music. Finally, the inclusion of a 2.5-to-3.5mm TRS cable slot for wired headphones was an admirable feature of the QC 45. While smartphones with headphone ports are an endangered species, audiophiles would welcome the QC 55 sticking to tradition.

As one of the few challengers to Apple AirPods ProSony WF-1000XM4 are among the best headphones out there. While there is no confirmed release date yet, the popularity of the WF-1000XM4 begs for a WF-1000XM5 Updating.

Sony is usually slow to refresh its WF-XM line of earbuds. However, the rapidly evolving high-end audio market means a 2023 update is likely. With this we can expect top-notch ANC and isolation capabilities. This was a benchmark for Sony’s flagship WF-1000XM4, in addition to their comfortable and secure fit. Connectivity was also a highlight of the WF-1000XM4, with SBC, AAC and LDAC Bluetooth codecs, which we fully expect to remain as options next time around.

Sony’s 360 Reality Audio feature is also a real competitor to Apple’s Spatial Audio and Samsung’s 360 Audio. Users can expect the WF-1000XM5 to have this feature at release. We would also like to see Bluetooth Multipoint out of the box, which seems likely after the WF-1000XM4 received it in a firmware update. That would allow simultaneous pairing of laptops and phones, which is incredibly useful if you’re streaming music from one device while keeping an eye on incoming calls, for example.

Finally, we envision Sony incorporating Bluetooth 5.3 into its ecosystem. While not the only thing, it could lead to better short-range, low-latency wireless connections. That is always a welcome improvement.

According to the leaks, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 could be equipped with 11mm and 6mm dual audio drivers. They also seem ready to host the LHDC 4.0 Bluetooth codec. However, not every OnePlus phone supports the LHDC Bluetooth codec, let alone users of other smartphone brands. Hosting the aptX or LDAC Bluetooth codecs can help these earbuds excel.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 may also offer up to 45 dB of active and adaptive noise cancellation. With the addition of three built-in microphones, voice isolation for phone calls can promise superior quality. Battery life looks good too, with over six hours of playback with ANC turned on and 22 hours with the cover on. With ANC turned off, users can watch nine hours of playback and 38 hours with the cover. Wireless charging could also be true, alongside fast charging that offers 10 hours of playback from a 10 minute charge. Google Fast Pair, Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and a IP55 rating also seem likely to appear.

The original OnePlus Buds Pro excelled in comfort and durability, inspired by the AirPod Pro-like shape. Hopefully the updated design will stay true to this. Plus, we’d like to see the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 use an adjustable EQ for manual fine-tuning. Their Audio ID ear tune test didn’t play particularly well, so more customization would be welcome. Finally, some extra small earplugs would be a useful addition, especially for those who often commute and enjoy exercise.

Apple has paid most attention to its own earbuds and Solo series in recent years. however, the semi-recent appointment of Scott Croyle, former head of hardware design at HTC, could change all that. Specifically, it appears he was recruited to look after Apple’s Beats division. Perhaps a sign that audio hardware is coming.

It’s been over five years since the release of the Beat Studio 3 – a lifetime in the audio world. Best suited for bass heads, they offered solid noise reductionand were powered by Apple’s W1 chip. For those already part of Apple’s ecosystem, connecting with these headphones is a breeze. Their battery life was also excellent. Listening at a moderate volume with ANC turned on, these headphones can easily last 20-22 hours.

These headphones have a 3.5mm jack input for wired listening. However, the micro USB charger may be a thing of the past. in particular Charging via USB-C will be mandatory for devices across Europe by 2024, which could have global implications for upcoming devices. Either way, the Beats Studio 4 should upgrade to a more modern connector. ANC capabilities will also have to compete with Sony and Bose if Beats is to keep pace. This was a shortcoming of the Studio 3 headphones compared to The WH-1000XM5 from Sonyfor example.

It’s also about time Beats gave up the proprietary nonsense and embraced Android users with open arms. That means better Bluetooth connectivity options and maybe even support for a wider range of codecs, including lossless audio over Bluetooth. We’d also like to see a more comfortable design, with a padded headband and larger earcups. While we wish Qi wireless charging would also be a welcome feature for these new headphones, in addition to fast charging.

There you have it; five key headphone releases to watch out for in 2023. Is there anything you’re looking for that’s not on the list? Let us know in the comments below.