If you're on the lookout for some new audio hardware, what better time to go hunting? The world's largest consumer tech event, CES 2021, is done and dusted. Even though this year's event was all-digital owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the major audio manufacturers brought their new headphones to the digital table.
So, here are the best headphones from CES 2021.
1. JBL Tour One
JBL was one of the busiest audio hardware companies at CES 2021, bringing a full roster of new headphones and earbuds.
The JBL Tour One wireless headphones are one of the best new releases from JBL, a pair of True Adaptive Noise Cancelling wireless headphones featuring 40mm dynamic drivers with a 40kHz frequency response.
The Tour One headphones also include Adaptive Ambient Aware, which allows you to adjust the ambient noise level dynamically, and TalkThru, with automatically adjusts the music level when a call comes in.
Battery life is important for wireless headphones, and the JBL Tour One's don't disappoint. The headphones feature 25 hours of playback with active noise cancellation (ANC) and Bluetooth switched on, which is reasonable. However, JBL indicates that you can double the battery life with ANC switched off, ramping up to 50 hours.
50 hours of playback is becoming the industry standard, but jumping from 25 hours to 50 is a substantial gain.
The JBL Tour One headphones are set to launch in May 2021 with an MSRP of $300.
2. Sennheiser HD 250BT
New Sennheiser hardware is always worth investigating, and the new HD 250BT wireless headphones don't disappoint.
The HD 250BT's are closed-back on-ear wireless headphones using the standard headband wearing style. The cans themselves feature Sennheiser's dynamic bass with a 20Hz to 22,000Hz frequency response. There's also the option to personalize your audio experience using Sennheiser's Smart Control app, which includes different equalizers and presets.
You can connect to devices using the AAC, aptX, and aptX Low Latency audio codecs, which will deliver crisp and clear audio in any situation.
In terms of playback, the HD 250BT's come with decent 25-hour battery life, taking three hours to achieve a full charge using the USB Type-C charger.
Finally, Sennheiser is marketing the HD 250BT headphones as an affordable option in the busy audio marketplace. The Sennheiser HD 250BT will be available in the US and Canada for $70, which is very reasonable given the impressive range of hardware.
3. V-Moda M-200 ANC
Moving on, you have the altogether flashier V-Moda M-200 ANC, a new pair of wireless headphones from the well-known high-end audio hardware manufacturers.
The M200 ANC is V-Moda's first set of wireless headphones featuring ANC, a welcome addition given how many competitors now feature this as standard. The headphones themselves feature competitively-sized 40mm neodymium drivers with a 10Hz to 40,000Hz range, extending further than many similar products. You can enhance your audio experience with the V-Moda app.
Connectivity comes from Bluetooth 5.0, and there is also support for the aptX HD, AAC, and SBC audio codecs. Battery-wise, the V-Moda M-200 ANC delivers up to 20 hours of playback, with a 10-minute charge delivering up to 1.5 hours of charge. There is no word on whether switching ANC off will increase the battery life, but this is often the case.
Now, one thing that sets the V-Moda M-200 ANC apart from its competitors is customization. You can swap out the external headphone shields for different designs, meaning you can completely customize the M-200's. While this is theoretically a small, almost gimmicky feature, it's a departure from the standard color schemes tech manufacturers so often levy upon users.
The headphones' build quality is notable, too, featuring an adjustable steel-core leather-wrapped headband along with magnetic leather ear cups.
There's one final thing that catches your eye when you consider the V-Moda M200 ANC wireless headphones: the price. If you want to get your hands on these stylish, customizable cans, you're going to have to part with $500.
4. JBL Live 660NC
Not content with launching one pair of wireless headphones, JBL also revealed the Live 660NC. This second pair of wireless headphones also feature ANC as well as a substantial battery life.
The JBL Live 660NC wireless headphones deliver up to 40 hours of playback with ANC switched on. This figure jumps to 50 hours of playback when you switch ANC off. As with the aforementioned JBL Tour One headphones, the Live 660NC has USB Type-C fast charging, gaining up to four hours of playback on a rapid 10-minute charge.
The battery life alone is a great feature, but the 660NC headset also includes multipoint Bluetooth, which allows you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. There is also Adaptive Ambient Aware for dynamic ambient noise adjustment and support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The JBL Live 660NC will launch in March 2021 for $200.
JBL Live 460NC
The JBL Live 460NC is a slightly smaller version of the 660NC, with very similar specs. The only major difference between the two is the battery life. The JBL Live 460NC packs in 50-hours ANC playback to the 660NC's 40-hours.
5. Urbanista Miami ANC
Rounding things up are the minimalistic Urbanista Miami ANC wireless headphones, which are easily one of the most stylish options currently on the market.
The latest wireless headphones from Swedish audio outfit Urbanista include updated ANC, now featuring Ambient Sound Mode to filter background noises while not completely isolating the user. One nice feature is the automatic stop and play mode, which will pause your music when you take the headphones off. Pop them back on, and the music restarts automatically.
The Urbanista Miami ANC wireless headphones offer 50 hours of playback with ANC disabled, dropping to 40 hours when you switch it on. The Urbanista Miami ANC headphones, then, are in-line with other industry-leading wireless headphones.
You can get your hands on the Urbanista Miami ANC wireless headphones in February 2021 for an MSRP of $150.
The Best New Headphones of CES 2021
Calling the best new headphones of CES 2021 is difficult, such is the quality on offer. For many, the answer lies in the budget. What is the most cost-effective or budget-friendly set of headphones? When you answer that question, you can always find something that suits you without destroying your wallet in the process.