The annual IFA tech conference always brings a slew of hot new consumer tech releases. Even though IFA 2020 isn't on the same scale as in previous years, there are still new releases to talk about.
The earbuds market is extremely competitive, with smartphone and other tech manufacturers moving into the space traditionally occupied by the well-known audio equipment manufacturers.
If you're looking for new earbuds or headphones, check out the latest releases from IFA 2020.
Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless Earbuds
Let's start with one of the most respected names in audio hardware: Sennheiser's CX 400BT True Wireless earbuds. Sennheiser's Momentum True Wireless is already established as top-tier in-earphones, and the CX 400BT True Wireless earbuds continue this fine form.
The CX 400BTs feature 7mm full-range dynamic drivers, though they do not feature Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology. You'll also find aptX Bluetooth connectivity, support for SBC and AAC codecs, and an EQ adjustment app. The earbuds themselves feature touch-controls that you can customize via the EQ app, and you can control the earbuds using Google Assistant or Siri.
The Sennheiser CX 400BT earbuds weigh 6g-per-bud. You can expect seven hours of battery life on a single charge, plus another 13 hours from the case.
Visually, the CX 400BTs are OK. I mean, they're not good or bad, they're just there, which is fine. If you want something flashier, you can look to other brands, of course. Some people might find the plastic-y look off-putting, too. Still, the aesthetic doesn't detract from the sound quality, which is the most important feature.
The Sennheiser CX 400BT earbuds are available from September 15 and cost $199.
JBL Live Free NC+ Wireless Earbuds
JBL brought a decent array of new hardware to IFA 2020, adding new wireless earbuds options to its existing product range.
One of the best new products on display was the JBL Live Free NC+ wireless earbuds. The new model includes ANC, a welcome addition. The bigger headline, however, is the introduction of Dual Connect + Sync technology, which connects the left and right earbuds to your device independently.
With each device using an independent connection, you can assign each earbud a different role. Want to keep your music playing in one earbud while the other side makes a phone call? You can! When you pair that with JBL's Smart Ambient technology, it makes blocking out the additional sound for music and calls even better.
JBL's Live Free NC+ earbuds offer 21-hours of battery time between the buds and the carry case. They're IPX7 rated, which means they will survive a small dip into the water (not a prolonged insertion), and have Google Assistant and Alexa integrations.
The JBL Live Free NC+ wireless earbuds are available from October 2020 and cost £139 ($185).
JVC XP-EXT1 Wireless Headphones
The JVC XP-EXT1 headphones have a singular goal: bringing multi-channel home cinema to your ears. To do that, the XP-EXT1's feature support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound, delivering them in 7.1.4 surround sound through the 40mm drivers.
The headphones include JVC's proprietary Exofield technology, which creates a "3D soundfield" between the two ear cups. The soundfield projects sound throughout the hearing area, allowing you hear sounds in different locations.
Along with the headphones, you also receive a 4K-capable wireless transmitter, which acts as a hub between your devices. The hub channels audio from all linked devices to your headset, making sure each device receives the soundfield treatment. The hub also includes several audio presets, as well as personalized audio calibrations.
While the JVC XP-EXT1 headphones were announced at CES 2020, they were released just before IFA 2020 and are available for $999.
TCL Move Audio S200 True Wireless Earbuds
TCL brought a host of new hardware to IFA 2020, dropping new tablets, new QLED TVs, a smartwatch, and of course, the TCL Move Audio S200 true wireless earbuds.
Stylistically, these earbuds are very similar to Apple's AirPods. They come in black or white, with the option of an eye-catching turquoise charging carry case. However, they're very much a budget earbud option, coming in at under $120.
The Move Audio S200's hold three hours battery life, extended to 23 hours with the earbud charging case. You'll find four beamforming mics with electronic noise reduction to help keep your conversations clear, though the earbuds lack advanced audio features such as ANC (though at the budget price, that is expected).
One major plus for the Move Audio S200s is the IP54 rating. IP54 means the earbuds protect against the ingress of dust and water splashes, making them decent for working out. They also have dual-Bluetooth transmission to keep latency low, as well as forming an instant connection with your device once removed from their case.
The TCL Move Audio S200 true wireless earbuds are available from late September 2020 and retail for €99 ($117).
Philips Fidelio L3 Wireless Headphones
The final headset to consider is the Philips Fidelio L3, a wireless headphone for Philips' premium Fidelio range.
The Fidelio L3's are noise-canceling over-ear headphones with 40mm drivers, with support for Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX HD. You'll also find an extensive active noise-canceling setup, with at least four internal microphones blocking external interference.
In terms of battery, Philips expects the Fidelio L3 headphones to provide up to 35 hours playback (dropping to 30 hours with ANC switched on continually). Also, the L3's can gain around six hours of playback from just a 15-minute charge, which is quite impressive. The Fidelio L3s look great, too, combining leather and metal with a sleek black finish, along with ultra-soft ear cup padding.
The Philips Fidelio L3 wireless headphones are available from December 2020, carrying a price of $350.
New Earbud and Headphone Treats at IFA 2020
The IFA 2020 earbud and headphone roster provided some excellent new hardware for consumers across the entire spectrum. The budget release from TCL will appeal to many as an entry-level earbud option, while the JBL Live Free NC+ will certainly catch the eye of those looking to upgrade to a new model.