CES 2026 was light on new headphones yet heavy on open earbuds, signaling a move away from noise-isolating designs.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Technology journalist specializing in audio, computing and Apple Macs. The GoFree2 from SoundPEATS sit just outside the wearer's ...

The Sony LinkBuds Open are not like most wireless earbuds. Instead of creating a complete seal in your ear canal to block sound from entering, they have a physical hole in their ring-like design. This ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Technology journalist specializing in audio, computing and Apple Macs. When Sennheiser announced that it would be licensing the ...

Unlock to see our ratings and compare products side by side Closed headphones rest on or around the user's ears and rely on a seal between the user's ears and the headphone for proper bass response, ...

Closed headphones rest on or around the user's ears and rely on a seal between the user's ears and the headphone for proper bass response, and somewhat isolate the user from outside sounds. Open air ...

I’m not too proud to admit when I’m wrong. I’ve never been a big fan of open earbuds, often arguing that they’re no match for the convenience and versatility of more traditional noise-canceling ...